How To Write a Strong, Relatable Bible Teaching

What we write says a lot about us. But when we write a biblical teaching, it says a lot about God. This is holy ground we want to tread carefully upon, and we want to be faithful to God’s Word. We also want to carefully write words that heal pain points people might have due to not understanding where God is in their pain.

Writing a strong, relatable Bible teaching requires scriptural insight, personal connection and practical application. Below are steps to help you faithfully write a message that resonates with your audience while remaining true to God’s Word.

1. Make it inspirational.

Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance before you begin writing. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you as you study and meditate on God’s Word. Journal the thoughts that come to mind. Choose a passage that the Holy Spirit has been speaking to you about. If it is relevant to you, it is likely relevant to others. I find that the Holy Spirit will speak to me from my daily Bible reading plan with fresh insights on relevant issues. Pick a key verse from this passage as the backbone of your teaching that will guide your message. 

2. Make it biblical. 

We cannot write words that reflect the true meaning of Scripture if we have not first studied to find the intention of God’s Word, even as it was originally spoken to a specific time, space and people. Context is king. Words taken out of context can misrepresent God and lead people astray. Study the passage in its original context, digging deep with study tools, commentaries and other methods to help you determine the historical background, cultural significance and author’s intent. Understanding context leads to faithful interpretation so we can share the true meaning of the Bible.

3. Make it relatable.

Stories help us to connect with others. How has the selected scripture impacted your life and met you in your time of need? Be real. Share where you have failed and where God has met you with His grace. Connect the scripture to everyday life. Use personal anecdotes, current events or relatable scenarios to illustrate your points. When your message is personal to you, it will become personal and relevant to your readers. 

4. Make it memorable.

We live in a time of information overload. Keep your message simple, and identify key takeaways from the passage you’re writing about. Summarize your points, and use “sticky statements” that help your reader to relate and remember. This makes your message easy to apply.

5. Make it doable.

End with a call to action or reflection questions that prompt your audience to make it personal so they can consider how God’s Word applies to their lives. Encourage them to pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to them about your lesson and to help them obey what they’ve learned about Him.

A greater goal than relatability is faithfulness to God’s Word. The goal as we write strong, relatable Bible teachings is not just to impart knowledge but to inspire transformation.

All for Jesus,
Denise

What biblical teaching has impacted you in your relationship with God? Consider the elements in that teaching that moved you and how you might use similar elements to move others.