6 Simple Steps in Guiding Your Teen through Studying Scripture

We hear this all the time in connection to academic studies but not so much in connection to studying the Word. In general, people tend to lean toward one of three learning styles:

• Active and hands-on approach
• Audio focus
• Visual focus

A combination of the three is the best approach if possible, but there will be one in particular that is your teen’s dominant learning style, according to Christian Parenting. 

This can influence what kind of Bible will help your teen to be more engaged. Maybe something is needed that allows for sketching pictures or journaling, an audio version of the Bible, or something that has vivid illustrations.

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Teens don’t typically need something aimed at their specific demographic, according to The Gospel Coalition, but finding something that resonates with their personal interests can add meaningfulness to their study.

For example, if your teen has an interest in hiking, music, sports, animals, carpentry, cars, or some other area, consider providing a devotional that uses their area of interest as a springboard to provide insights into God’s Word. Not only will this make studying more meaningful, but it will also make the truths being studied more memorable.  

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Many teens enjoy a good challenge and something that makes them think a little. Suggest characters or books in the Bible with which they may be less familiar and have them do a character study or guide them in how a book is still relevant today. 

For Example:

• Deborah, and how God moved through her to motivate Gideon - Judges chapters 4:4-14 and chapter 5.
• Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite and her bold move to help bring Israel victory – Judges chapter 4:15-24
• Song of Solomon – Sex is God’s idea, and there is a right time and context for it. However, the way a couple flirts does vary from culture to culture and generation to generation. 
• Book of Ruth, Deuteronomy chapter 24:19-22, Exodus chapter 22:22-23, James chapter 1:27 – God’s mandate to the church care for widows, orphans, and the poor. 

For more on what it means for the church to care for widows and orphans, click here.

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Part of being consistent in studying the scripture is discipline and predictability. Often, when we weave an activity into the pattern of our week, that predictability makes it easier to remember to do it consistently. So, whatever time is going to be least likely to be interrupted and whatever location is going to assist with the best focus, that is the right time and location. Maybe there might even be a particular chair that gets designated as the study and prayer chair. Some people are morning people, and others are evening people. Encourage teens to do what works best for their schedule. If they make the choice, they will be more likely to stick with it. 

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Kids are rather keen on picking up on sincerity versus hypocrisy. Don’t be afraid to let them see you in your own studies of the Word, and even engage with them in a discussion about what God is showing you and how He’s been active in your life. Enthusiasm is contagious. Encourage them to share what God is showing them, too, but don’t force them. It’s important that they’re not studying out of guilt, according to Revive Our Hearts.

One of the best ways to strengthen any relationship is to pray together. There’s something calming and confidence-building about praying together, especially for a teen who knows they have their parents’ blessing. We can ask the Holy Spirit to impress what He teaches us on our hearts and how to apply it to our lives. In addition, we can ask Him to make it take root and grow so that we can recall it and get strengthened during life’s challenges. This is one of many great blessings that comes with knowing Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior.  

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