What is the Bible (and what does it do)?

Tim Davis

Everything that happens—everything you do—you interpret through a story.[1]

Let’s use this article as example. If you’ve benefitted from my teaching, you’re reading this eagerly and expecting to learn something. My previous teachings—that background story—is shaping the way you interpret article. Suppose, however, you’re skeptical of what I’m going to say. You’re eager to critique my words or let me know how you would say it better. (Either way is ok with me!). But the point is…

You interpret everything through a story. 

But what does this have to do with the Bible? I’ll answer that question at the end.

THOSE FAMILIAR “ACADEMIC” WORDS

But first, here’s what I think is fascinating: the Bible is a story.

If you grew up in the church, you’ve probably heard statements like, “The Bible is God’s Word.” Or that it’s “inspired” and “authoritative.” All these “academic” sounding descriptions are important and deserve their own treatment. 

But isn’t it remarkable…

God’s authoritative, inspired, Word… is a story. At its core, the Bible isn’t a list of proverbs (though it has those); the Bible isn’t a series of propositional truth claims about God (though it has those as well). No, the Bible is a story with characters, a plot and struggles along the way.

So that’s what it is. This leads us to the next step.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE DO?

What something does follows from what it is.

So if the Bible is a story, then that should leave us wondering, what does this story do? What’s its purpose? 

In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul writes, “All Scripture… is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 

There it is. The story of Scripture equips you and me for every good work. Do you want to know how to live wisely in this world? The Scripture’s story helps you do that.

But how?

THE INVITATION

This brings me back to the beginning. 

You and I interpret everything through the lens of a story or set of stories. The invitation, then, is to meditate on Scripture’s story so thoughtfully that it becomes the governing story that you use to make sense of everything in life.

In fact, this seems to be the wisdom offered in the Old Testament. God commissioned the Israelites to feast and to feast often! When they did, they were invited to meditate on God’s saving acts. And they did so as a community. In fact, parents, not just the “preachers” of the day, were instructed to teach their children the story of God’s saving work. For example, Moses tells the people, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You [parents] shall teach them diligently to your children.” (Deut. 5:6-7)

Moreover, the Psalms begin by highlighting what we might call, “the ideal Bible reader.” Psalm 1 reads, “Blessed is the man who… delights in the Torah of the LORD, and on his Torah he meditates day and night.” (Ps. 1:1-2) 

The Bible is God’s authoritative and inspired Word; and it’s a story.  

You won’t be equipped for every good work by approaching the Bible solely as a reference book or as a series of morality plays. You will, however, be equipped for every good work as you meditate deeply upon the story.

This is your invitation.

So what are you waiting for? I say we joyfully embrace this invitation together.