Asking the Right Questions: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Applying the Bible

Simple Questions to Ask Every Time You Open Your Bible

We all know that we should read our Bibles—yet at times we struggle with knowing exactly how, no matter how long we’ve followed Jesus. In this empowering book, Professor Matthew Harmon walks us through two simple sets of questions to ask every time we open our Bibles:

Understanding the Bible:

1. What do we learn about God?
2. What do we learn about people?
3. What do we learn about relating to God?
4. What do we learn about relating to others?

Applying the Bible:

1. What does God want me to understand?
2. What does God want me to believe?
3. What does God want me to desire?
4. What does God want me to do?

Arming you with practical ways to get to the heart of any passage, this book will help position you to experience the joy that results from being transformed by God’s Word.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part 1: Laying the Foundation

1. The Story We Find Ourselves In
2. The Bible Is God’s Tool to Change Us

Part 2: Reading the Bible

3. Reading the Bible as Jesus Did
4. Written for Us but Not to Us
5. Four Foundational Questions

Part 3: Reading Our Lives

6. The Gospel Pattern of Life
7. The Fallen Condition
8. The Gospel Solution
9. Applying the Bible to Our Whole Lives
10. The Power to Obey

Conclusion

Additional Resources

Resource 1: Tips for Understanding and Applying Different Kinds of Passages

Resource 2: A Word to Pastors, Sunday School Teachers, and Small Group Leaders

Resource 3: At a Glance: Asking the Right Questions

General Index

Scripture Index

Matthew S. Harmon (PhD, Wheaton College) is professor of New Testament studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. He was previously on staff with Cru for eight years and is the author of several books. Matthew and his wife, Kate, live in Warsaw, Indiana, and have two sons.

Endorsements

“I love Matthew Harmon’s book Asking the Right Questions. That’s probably because Matt loves the Bible (and so do I). He has found a beautiful balance between Bible study skills and devotional depth. And he links all his insights to the gospel.”

Randy Newman, teaching fellow, C. S. Lewis Institute; author, Questioning Evangelism, Corner Conversations, and Bringing the Gospel Home

“I love this book on how to study and apply the Bible. Some books on interpreting Scripture are so complicated and have so many steps that we can become discouraged, but Harmon is simple and clear without being simplistic. He helps us see the big picture in studying the Bible by reminding us of the storyline of Scripture and by emphasizing that the story centers on Jesus himself. At the same time, we are given very practical advice on how to study and apply specific passages. An excellent resource for teachers, students, and all who desire to study the Scriptures.”

Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Professor of Biblical Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

“The guidance Harmon provides in Asking the Right Questions is simple enough for a teenager or new believer to follow, but deep enough to lead even mature Christians to a better grasp and deeper application of Scripture. I love this book and look forward to using it to disciple people in our church.”

Brian G. Hedges, lead pastor, Fulkerson Park Baptist Church, Niles, Michigan; author, Christ Formed in You