A New Year, A New Me
- Dr. Rick Biesiadecki
- Jan 7
- 5 min read
Why Reading the Bible Four Days a Week Changes Everything
As we transition from Christmas into a new year, many of us find ourselves in a contemplative season - reflecting on the past year and looking ahead with intentionality. This is the perfect time to consider how we can draw closer to God in the coming year, because ultimately, you are only as close to God as you want to be.
The Foundation: All Scripture is God-Breathed
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the Apostle Paul gives us a foundational truth about Scripture: "All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
When Paul uses the word "inspired," he's using the Greek word theo-nestos - meaning God-breathed. This isn't just any book; it's breathed out by the mouth of God. Throughout Scripture, wherever we see God breathe, life happens. In creation, when God breathed, the universe came into existence. When He breathed on Adam, he became a living soul. The same life-giving power that created the world is contained within the pages of Scripture.
What Does "All Scripture" Mean?
Paul is referring to the complete collection of God's written revelation - all 66 books from Genesis to Revelation. This includes the 39 books of the Old Testament (5 books of law, 12 books of history, 5 books of poetry, 5 major prophets, and 12 minor prophets) and the 27 books of the New Testament. Everything we need for life and godliness is contained within these pages (2 Peter 1:3-12).
Four Ways Scripture Transforms Us
Paul tells us that Scripture is profitable for four specific purposes:
Teaching
Scripture provides the foundational knowledge we need about God, His character, and His ways. It's not primarily a history book or science book, but wherever it touches these subjects, it's accurate.
Rebuking
Sometimes we need to be called out when we're living contrary to God's will. Scripture has the power to convict us of sin and wrong attitudes.
Correcting
Beyond just pointing out what's wrong, Scripture shows us the right way to live. It provides the proper path forward.
Training in Righteousness
The word "training" comes from the Greek word "paideia," from which we get "pediatrics." It's like training up a child. Since our hearts are naturally bent away from God, we need ongoing training in how to live righteously.
Eight Powerful Pictures of God's Word
Scripture uses various metaphors to help us understand its power and purpose in our lives:
The Word is a Lamp
Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." It's not like headlights showing us everything ahead, but like a small flashlight giving us just enough light for the next few steps.
The Word is a Mirror
James 1:23-24 compares Scripture to a mirror that shows us who we really are. Just as we need a physical mirror to see if our appearance needs attention, we need God's Word to see our spiritual condition.
The Word is a Sword
Hebrews 4:12 describes God's Word as "living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword." It penetrates to the very core of our being, judging our thoughts and intentions.
The Word is a Hammer
Jeremiah 23:29 presents God's Word as a hammer that can pulverize rock. Sometimes we need the powerful impact of Scripture to break through our hardened hearts.
The Word is Fire
In the same verse, God's Word is compared to fire - it can purify, heal, and transform. Fire is powerful and can spread rapidly, which is why many governments try to restrict access to Scripture.
The Word is Water
Ephesians 5:26 speaks of "cleansing her with washing of water by the Word." Scripture cleanses and refreshes us, washing away impurities and bringing spiritual life.
The Word is Food
1 Peter 2:2 encourages us to "desire the pure milk of the Word so that by it you may grow up into your salvation." We need to move beyond spiritual junk food to the nourishing meal of God's Word.
The Word is Seed
1 Peter 1:23 tells us we've been "born again...through the living and enduring word of God." Scripture contains life and has the power to reproduce spiritual fruit in our lives.
The Research: Why Four Days Matters
Recent research involving 40,000 people reveals something remarkable about Bible reading frequency. People who read the Bible one to three days a week show no measurable behavioral change. However, those who read or listen to the Bible four or more days a week experience the largest percentage of life behavior change.
The benefits include:
Significant reduction in destructive behaviors
Less anxiety and loneliness
Greater sense of purpose
Increased awareness of God's care
Better emotional health during challenging circumstances
A Simple Method: SOAP
To make Bible reading more effective, try the SOAP method:
Scripture: Read a passage
Observation: What do you notice?
Application: How does this apply to your life?
Prayer: Talk to God about what you've read
Getting Started
There are several ways to begin reading Scripture regularly:
Join a church-wide Bible reading plan
Use a Bible app with reading plans
Try the "5x5x5" plan: 5 minutes a day, 5 times a week, reading through the New Testament
Start with just one chapter a day
Remember, you plant in one season and reap in another. The spiritual disciplines you establish now will bear fruit in the months ahead.
Life Application
This week, commit to reading God's Word at least four days. Don't just aim for the minimum - make 2026 the year you get serious about consuming Scripture. Choose a reading plan, download a Bible app, or pick up a physical Bible and begin.
Ask yourself these questions:
I am only as close to God as I want to be, and do I want to be closer?
What has kept me from consistent Bible reading in the past, and how can I overcome those obstacles?
If research shows that reading Scripture four days a week creates measurable life change, am I willing to put it to the test?
How might my life look different a year from now if I consistently feed on God's Word rather than spiritual junk food?
The Bible isn't meant to be a decoration on your coffee table - it's a tool designed to mold, shape, strengthen, and prepare you. God has chosen to reveal Himself primarily through His Word and His Spirit. Make 2026 the year you discover the life-transforming power of consistent time in Scripture.
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