Approaching Scripture as Worship: Reading the Word in Spirit and in Truth


January 21,2026

There are ways of reading the Scriptures that will always be counterproductive if they shape our approach to God’s Word. Scripture is not merely a text to be analyzed; it is the Word of God and must be approached as an act of worship. Since true worship must be offered in spirit and in truth, our engagement with the Scriptures must also follow this divine order (John 4:23–24).

We must not read the Scriptures with wrong motives, such as the following:

Reading to Find Fault in the Scriptures

When a person approaches God’s Word with the intention of finding errors or contradictions, they unknowingly invite the spirit of error. Such a posture breeds doubt and opens the door for lies against the truth of God. The Scriptures are not to be judged by human wisdom; rather, they judge us (Hebrews 4:12; Romans 3:4).

Reading to Justify or Defend a Wicked Lifestyle

Some read the Bible to find arguments that excuse a life contrary to God’s will. Remember, even the devil knows the Scriptures and can twist them to deceive (Matthew 4:6; 2 Peter 3:16). Many so-called “revelational errors” are born from this posture—seeking self-justification instead of repentance.

Reading to Look for Demons Everywhere

When Scripture is read only to identify demons and spiritual enemies, one may indeed find many, yet remain trapped in continuous struggle. Jesus taught that the first priority in every challenge is to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). When we surrender all at the cross, abandoning our own ideas and understanding, the Lord Himself takes over. Even if it feels like dying in the process, God is faithful to raise us up (Luke 9:23–24; Galatians 2:20).

Reading Only to Preach to Others

When Scripture is read solely to gather material for preaching, it may inform others but fail to transform the reader. The Word must first be received, eaten, and lived. Only then can it become a true testimony flowing from personal experience (Jeremiah 15:16; Ezekiel 3:1–3; James 1:22).

There are certainly many other wrong approaches. My prayer is that the Spirit of God will reveal them to you and grant you the grace to reposition your heart before the Lord.

As emphasized earlier, reading the Scriptures must move from ritual to worship. Many believers struggle to stay consistent because Bible reading has been reduced to ritual, incantation, or religious routine. However, when you approach the Scriptures in fellowship with the One who authored them through many men across centuries—the Holy Spirit—you encounter true worship in spirit and in truth.

Therefore:
Be truthful before the Lord and honest with yourself as you face the Scriptures (Psalm 51:6).

Let Scripture reading be an act of worship in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit has never ceased His work; He interprets the Word in simple, practical ways—addressing your personal situation, environment, and context (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:12–13).

Conclusion
Reading the Scriptures is a partnership with the Holy Spirit. Always invite Him. Be ready to be corrected, rebuked, comforted, and sometimes called to repentance and a new direction. As you do, may the Lord grant you the grace to remain focused on Christ through His Word and by the ministry of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name (Hebrews 12:2).

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