How to Read the Bible

Many of the Psalms speak openly about enemies, snares, and danger—language that can feel distant to modern readers. But when we widen our understanding of those “enemies,” the Psalms become deeply relevant. Our greatest threats are often not people, but the subtle forces that work against our faith: temptation, distraction, pride, and spiritual drift.

Psalm 119 reminds us that we live in a world full of snares, whether we recognize them or not. In such a world, God’s Word is not optional—it is essential. Scripture is described as both “a lamp to our feet” and “a light to our path,” guiding us in the moment while also helping us see what lies ahead.

This Psalm is a celebration of the fact that God has spoken. He has not left us silent, wandering, or alone in the dark. But the gift of Scripture only shapes us when we engage it intentionally. To help us do that, the sermon introduces the S.O.A.P. method of reading Scripture:

Scripture – reading the text carefully and attentively

Observation – noticing details, patterns, and questions

Application – asking how God’s Word speaks to our lives today

Prayer – responding to God with dependence and gratitude

By reading Scripture both widely and deeply, God’s Word becomes more than something we believe—it becomes a living guide that forms our wisdom, guards our hearts, and directs our steps.