Exploring the Bible with Your Teenager: Tips and Strategies

We’ve been talking here for a couple weeks about building a strong foundation of faith for our kids. During those same weeks, we have been emphasizing spiritual disciplines with our students. But exploring the Bible with your teenager can be challenging, especially if you don't know where to start or how to motivate your child. Here at TRS, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for exploring the Bible with your teenager, supported by some key biblical references.

First and foremost, it's important to understand why exploring the Bible with your teenager is so important . By studying the Bible together, you can deepen your understanding of God's love and grace, and help your teenager to develop a lifelong relationship with Christ. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." When parents spend time exploring Scripture with their kids, it also develops bonds that last a lifetime and extend into the next generation.

Here is some tough truth though. Exploring the Bible with your teenager can also be challenging. Here are some of the most common challenges that parents face:

• Lack of time: In today's fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find the time to prioritize Bible study. righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

• Lack of knowledge: Many parents feel unsure of how to read and study the Bible themselves, let alone how to teach it to their teenager. This can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that you don't need to have all the answers. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

• Lack of motivation: It can be hard to motivate your teenager to engage in Bible study, especially if they don't see the value in it. We must first show how much we value our time with the Lord. Then, by making it a collaborative and interactive experience, you can help your teenager to see how much they can learn and grow. It is important that we help our kids understand that they will begin making a difference when their lives reflect Christ to others! 1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

So, how can you overcome these challenges and start exploring the Bible with your teenager? Here are some practical steps that you can take:

• Choose a readable translation: There are many translations of the Bible available, but not all of them are equally accessible or understandable. Choose a translation that is easy to read and understand for both you and your teenager. Here at TRS, we highly recommend the CSB version for students. This is what we teach with from the stage. Talk to us about getting a copy of the official TRS Bible. Other great versions are the ESV and the NLT.

• Use writing utensils: Encourage your teenager to mark up the text as they read, highlighting important passages or making notes in the margins . This can help them to engage with the text and retain what they have learned. Check out these pens and highlights made to not bleed through Bible pages - https://amzn.to/3nQO2xo

• Set aside intentional time: We always say that good times of Bible study won't randomly happen, so it's important to be intentional about setting aside time for this practice. This could mean setting aside a specific time each day or each week for Bible study, or it could mean incorporating Bible study into your existing family routines, like meals or bedtime. Plan it, schedule it, prioritize it. If it isn’t your priority, it won’t be theirs.

• Make it interactive: Engage your teenager in the process by asking them questions, encouraging them to share their thoughts and feelings, and making it a collaborative experience. This can help them to see the value in Bible study and develop a deeper understanding of the text. Plus they will get to see your faith even more.

Here is the deal…  Exploring the Bible with your teenager is not about having all the answers or being a Bible scholar. It's about creating a space where you can learn and grow together in your faith. By prioritizing this important spiritual practice, you can create a culture of faith formation in your home that will impact your family for generations to come. Take the first step today and start exploring the Bible with your student. 

As you explore the Bible with your teenager, remember that you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way, and there are many resources available to help you along the journey. Don't be afraid to reach out to other parents, pastors, or youth leaders for support and guidance.