Why We Read Scripture

Have you ever wondered why we intentionally include Scripture in our discussion guides? Maybe you've even been tempted to skip it when time is running short.

Reading Scripture together in our groups is a rhythm for our faith. You'll notice in our group discussion guides that we intentionally include moments to read Scripture together, and sometimes even whole passages.

At times, it may feel repetitive. Maybe you've already read the passage earlier in the week or heard it read out loud on Sunday to the congregation. Maybe it feels long, or you're wondering if the group really needs to read it again.

But there's a reason we do this.

Reading Scripture, especially together and out loud, is actually a deeply biblical practice that the people of God have done for generations.

In the Old Testament, leaders regularly read the Scriptures publicly so that the people could hear, understand, and respond.

In Deuteronomy, Moses encouraged the people to gather and hear God's Word so that men, women, children, and even foreigners among them could learn and follow the Lord.

One powerful moment happened in Nehemiah 8. Ezra stood before the assembly and read the Book of the Law aloud while the people listened attentively. As they heard the Word, they worshiped, they reflected, and their hearts were moved.

Jesus participated in this rhythm. In Luke 4, Jesus went into the synagogue, stood up, and read from the scroll of Isaiah before teaching about it. Jesus Himself participated in the practice of reading Scripture publicly with those who gathered.

God never intended His Word to be experienced only in quiet time. It was meant to be heard and lived out together. Scripture isn't just something we study privately, but it's something we engage with together as a community and people of God.

Scripture is not just a book full of information about God. Scripture is alive and active. His Word doesn't just give us knowledge — it transforms us. Through it, God reveals Himself and His Son, Jesus.

I have a memory from my childhood of my mom reading Psalm 91 to help me memorize it. I remember sitting in my room and hearing her voice as she recited the words across the hallway. To this day, I can still recite the whole chapter in Spanish, and it's been an anchor Scripture in my life for years since then.

God's Word was meant to be kept close to us because it guides us and reminds us of His ways.

In our groups, reading Scripture together is one of the ways we intentionally create space for God to speak. Something powerful happens when we slow down and read Scripture together. Sometimes we notice things we didn't see before. Sometimes someone in the group shares an insight that opens the passage in a new way. And most importantly, the Holy Spirit is always ready to highlight something in our hearts that we hadn't considered before. 

God's Word is like living water. It continues to flow and refresh us every time, even if we've heard the story before.

I remember a moment when my husband and I were pastoring a small church. In the earlier season of our time as ministers, I would sit with the non-Spanish-speaking members and help translate the message to them into English. One Sunday, I went to translate the message for someone, and they said, "It's ok, you don't need to translate. I already know this story."

The truth is, we never outgrow God's Word. You may know the story of Jonah. You may have heard the teachings of Jesus or read passages from John many times. But the question is not just, "Do I know this story?" The question is, "How is God making Himself known to me through His Word today?" His Word continues to speak, challenge, encourage, and transform us.

What if our groups were known to be places where the Word of God was treasured and explored together? 

 I love hearing what stood out to someone else in Scripture. I love the conversations that happen when we ask, "What jumped out to you?" or "What is the Holy Spirit highlighting in your life?" We are all on this journey of following Jesus together, and none of us knows it all. God continues to reveal Himself to us through His Word.

When we read Scripture together, we aren't just completing a step in a discussion guide. We're slowing down. We're listening. We're engaging with God's Word. And when we do, God continues to speak, encourage, challenge, and make Himself known among us. His Word does what it was meant to do in our lives.

So, when you see Scripture reading in your group guide, don't rush past it.

See it as an invitation to slow down, pause, and listen.

Whether in church, in our homes, or in our groups, when we open God's Word, we are making space for the living God to speak.

And that is always worth the time.

- Betsy Torres, Small Groups Pastor