Sprint: The surprising benefits of fast Bible reading

Tom Harper Nov. 18, 2024

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I recently wrote about "dwelling" on passages of Scripture—sticking in one area for a while to really soak it in. But did you know there is also great benefit if you do the exact opposite?

Over the years, I've done many "Bible sprints." Like wind sprints, moving fast through the Bible builds up different muscles and skills.

And it reveals unique insights.

For example, when you quickly traverse large swathes of Scripture, you understand context so much better. Themes emerge that you could never see before when you focused on smaller sections.

If you read the letters (epistles) in the New Testament as if you were among the original recipients, you realize these really are like letters addressing specific people and issues.

In fact, as you go at a good clip, you don't have time to study. You're forced to read on the surface. But that's a good thing—the plain meaning of a text is the best place to start!

You also see how different books of the Bible connect, especially how much of the Old Testament is quoted in the New.

Overall, moving faster allows you to take in more of the Word, like eating a full, nutritious meal.

And finally, when you add up all these wonderful benefits, you get to the one that rules them all: Reading more of the Word opens us up to understand God's heart, desire and will.

It helps us get to know him better!

If you want to try this method of Bible reading, find short books like Titus, Philemon or Jude, or if you'd rather visit the Old Testament, start in Psalm 120 and go through 134. They're short enough to read one after the other.

As you sprint through Scripture, remember it's OK to stop and rest as you ponder what you've just read.

And if you want a real adventure, alternate between dwelling and sprinting. The benefits will multiply.

Running with you,

Tom Harper
Founder, BiblicalLeadership.com
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Tom Harper is publisher of BiblicalLeadership.com and executive chairman of Networld Media Group, a business-to-business publisher and event producer. He has written five books, including Servant Leader Strong: Uniting Biblical Wisdom and High-Performance Leadership (DeepWater Books, 2019) as well as the Christian business fable Through Colored Glasses and its sequel Inner Threat (DeepWater, 2022). Learn More »

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