What is the difference: Reading Plan vs Devotional vs Bible Study?

Most Christians know that reading and studying the Bible are important parts of our regular time with the Lord. However, what is the ‘right’ kind of time in the Bible?

We see words like reading plan, devotional, Bible study and they seem pretty similar if not interchangeable terms. How similar are these terms and what does each mean? What is the ‘right’ way to spend time in the Word?

Reading Plan

What is a Bible reading plan?

A Bible reading plan is a schedule of readings over a specified time. The plan may range from one week to the whole year or longer and include single verses or whole books each day. The variety is stunning. Some reading plans are theme-based, and others are Bible literature-based (ie: poetry, wisdom, epistles, etcetera).

When to use a reading plan

Reading plans are good for set objectives or consistent time in the word. Most are of similar length each day and therefore easy to integrate into personal schedules.

Benefits of Reading Plans

Reading plans offer a set of pre-chosen verses and passages that guide readers to submerge themselves in the Word. They may touch on objectives or issues in the person’s life without comment.

Limitations of Reading Plans

Bible reading plans do not always address the Bible in context. It is important to check that short passages are not misinterpreted when taken out of context. Reading plans also do not necessarily engage the mind, nor make connections to personal application.

Devotional

What is a devotional?

A devotional is generally a book, sometimes a reading plan, that lays out a passage and is accompanied by the author’s comments, examples, or explanations of the passage. The passage addressed in a devotional can be anything from one verse to several chapters of the Bible. Authors may express their opinions in a devotional or provide explanations that are based on their way of thinking. These types of books are written for a set period of time, 30 or 90 days up to one year.

When to use a devotional

Devotionals use a specific format and are written with a specific purpose. The format generally begins with scripture, followed by a reflection and prayer. This format is appropriate at any time, as your personal season may desire.

Benefits of a Devotional

Devotionals can be excellent guides into prayer time and spiritual encouragement. Because devotionals are written specifically to encourage the reader, they can be an excellent choice for specific situations, like as a new mom, when struggling with health, when in financial straits, and so on.

Devotionals are often written for a specific audience- individual, group, or family. The audience then may gain insight into the Bible according to the topic or season of life. There is a focus on personal application in devotionals.

Limitations of a devotional

The bulk of a devotional is the reflection. Therefore, there is less focus on the word that in other types of Bible reading time. This simply means that it should be balanced with the other types of reading.

As mentioned, devotionals may present explanations or ideas that are denomination specific. It is a good idea to check beforehand if this is of concern to you. Any time we read something other than the Bible, we need to filter it through the Bible, and doing so with a devotional is good practice.

Bible Study

What is bible study?

Bible Study engages the mind to understand the word and gain insight from it. It focuses on a single topic, character, or book for closer understanding. The objective is understanding Bible meaning and context. Bible study takes more time, and so may last several days for months to work through the topic or book.

When to use a study

Bible study is important in understanding what God has said about a topic or to a group of people. The study should result in applying the teachings to personal life.

Benefits of bible study

Bible study is systematic analysis of the word of God. Study broadens our cultural and historical understanding of the Bible accounts, guides us in knowing God’s thoughts toward us. If offers us a personal opportunity to know God’s word, without the filter of another person’s instruction and with the dedicated intention to gain understanding. Bible study engages the mind more than the other types of Bible time.

Limitations of bible study

Bible study can take 30-60 minutes per session, which is perhaps more than the other types of bible time described above.

Conclusion

All time spent in the Bible is valuable time. The Bible is our main tool for a closer relationship with God, learning his wisdom rather than the world’s wisdom, and defending against temptation and the enemy. All time in the Bible refreshes our spirits and offers time for the Holy Spirit to move and talk to our hearts.

Reading plans, devotionals and Bible study are all valuable for different times of our walk and should all be integrated into our time in the Word. Meditation and praying the Word are also valuable. The bottom line is that we all need time in the Word, seeking God.