Week Four Topic:
Literary Styles
This week’s outcome:
To understand that there are a variety of literary styles of writing in the Bible and be able to identify them.
Home
5 mins
Take the time to engage in the practice of meditating on scripture – read Psalm 1 out loud as a group, perhaps taking turns or picking a designated reader. Come to the scripture without agenda, with an open mind, not trying to analyse or seek meaning but simply let the words surround you and allow Holy Spirit to draw attention to whatever He may want to convey or impart. There is no pressure to have anything specific arise, simply enjoy the practice.
Watch
Video ► How to read the Bible – Literary Styles
Video ► How to read the Bible – Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature
Dig In
20 mins
The Bible is made up of three main literary styles:
43% Narrative
33% Poetry
24% Discourse
Question ► Which type of literary style are you most inclined towards? Why?
Tim said at the end of the second video, “As you let the Bible interpret itself, something remarkable happens…the Bible starts to read you. Because ultimately the writers of the Bible want you to adopt this story as your story”.
This may be a confronting statement, because it requires a certain level of vulnerability when approaching the scriptures. It invites us to sit in the posture of humility, to let go of trying to work it out, or pull-out morals to affirm our way of life, thinking or solve our problems. Instead, we can release all of that, creating space for the Word of Life, animated and revealed through Holy Spirit to speak truth into spaces that we have perhaps kept hidden. It may challenge preconceived ideas, perspectives, worldviews and alter the trajectory of our life but it is designed to, for through it, there is greater life.
Question ► What do you find most challenging about this?
Question ► What excites you about this?
Action
5 mins
“The Hebrew word meditation means to mutter or speak quietly.”
Question ► How can you incorporate or grow in the practice of meditating on scripture in your rhythms of reading the Bible?