Bible Reading Plan for January 1: Genesis 1-2, Psalm 1, Proverbs 1:1-7, Matthew 1

 

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Introduction:

Welcome to Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul daily Bible reading plan for the new year! As you begin your journey through God’s Word in 2025, this guide will help you study Genesis 1-2, Psalm 1, Proverbs 1:1-7, and Matthew 1. We’ll follow the inductive Bible study method to help you dive deep into Scripture and apply it to your spiritual life.

Step 1: Inductive Bible Study Method Overview

The Inductive Bible Study method involves three main steps: Observation, Interpretation, and Application. This method helps you discover the meaning of the Bible for yourself, rather than relying on someone else’s interpretation.

1. Observation: What does the passage say? Look for key words, repeated phrases, and important events.
2. Interpretation: What did the passage mean to its original audience? How do historical and cultural contexts influence the meaning?
3. Application: How can this passage be applied to your life today? Consider how God’s Word challenges, encourages, and teaches you in your current context.

Reading Plan for January 1

Genesis 1-2: The Creation of the World and Humanity

• Observation: In Genesis 1, God creates the world in six days. Each creation is described as “good,” with the creation of humanity being “very good.” Genesis 2 provides a detailed account of the creation of man and woman, highlighting their relationship with God and one another.
• Interpretation: Genesis 1-2 gives us insight into the nature of God as Creator. It also establishes the foundational truths about the creation of humanity, marriage, and the divine purpose for life on earth. The creation of man and woman shows God’s intention for relational harmony with Him and with one another.
• Application: Reflect on the beauty and intentionality of God's creation. Consider how you are called to steward God’s creation, care for relationships, and live in harmony with God's original design for the world and humanity.

Key Passage for Spiritual Application: Genesis 1:27 – "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." Reflect on how being made in God’s image influences your identity, purpose, and relationships.

Psalm 1: The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked

• Observation: Psalm 1 contrasts the life of the righteous with the wicked. The righteous person delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night, while the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind.
• Interpretation: The psalm provides a clear picture of the blessings that come from living according to God’s Word and the consequences of choosing a life of wickedness. The righteous are firmly planted, fruitful, and secure, while the wicked face instability and destruction.
• Application: Evaluate your own life in light of Psalm 1. Are you delighting in God’s Word and allowing it to shape your thoughts and actions? Consider how you can cultivate a deeper commitment to God’s Word in the new year.

Key Passage for Spiritual Application: Psalm 1:2 – “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” Ask yourself: How can I more intentionally meditate on and delight in God's Word this year?

Proverbs 1:1-7: The Beginning of Knowledge

• Observation: Proverbs 1:1-7 introduces the purpose of Proverbs: to impart wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. It emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and fools despise wisdom and instruction.
• Interpretation: Wisdom in Proverbs is not just intellectual knowledge, but a way of living that aligns with God’s design for life. Fearing the Lord, or having reverence and awe for God, is the foundation for true wisdom and understanding.
• Application: As you begin this year, reflect on how you can grow in wisdom by acknowledging God’s sovereignty and learning from His Word. Are there areas in your life where you need to seek wisdom or where you’ve been ignoring godly instruction?

Key Passage for Spiritual Application: Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Take time to consider how your relationship with God impacts your approach to wisdom in everyday life.

Matthew 1: The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus

• Observation: Matthew 1 opens with the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage back to David and Abraham. It then describes the birth of Jesus and His divine conception by the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
• Interpretation: Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ royal and prophetic lineage, showing that He is the promised Messiah. The virgin birth and divine nature of Jesus underscore His unique role in salvation history.
• Application: Reflect on the significance of Jesus’ birth and His role as Savior. How does the truth of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us deepen your faith and trust in God’s plan of redemption?

Key Passage for Spiritual Application: Matthew 1:23 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Consider the implications of God being with us in Jesus. How does this truth impact your daily life and relationship with God?

Conclusion:

By following the inductive Bible study method in today’s reading, you have begun the new year by laying a strong foundation in Scripture. As you meditate on the creation story, the righteous path, the beginning of wisdom, and the birth of Jesus, reflect on how God is calling you to grow spiritually and to live out your faith more fully in 2024. May this year be marked by greater devotion to God’s Word and a deeper understanding of His will for your life.