Module 4 · Reading Each Genre · Week 10

Reading Bible Stories — Narrative

Almost half the Bible is narrative — stories. But biblical stories are not just entertaining tales. They are carefully crafted accounts that teach theology through plot, character, and dialogue.

~20 min watch + read Video + podcast companion Optional companion book Taught by Andrew Ramirez Completed

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Section 01

Key Terms

Narrative — A story — an account of events with characters, settings, and a plot. Biblical narratives are true historical accounts told with literary artistry to make a theological point.

Descriptive vs. Prescriptive — The difference between what the Bible describes happening and what it commands you to do. Not every action in a Bible story is an example to follow.

Theological Point — The truth about God that the story is designed to communicate — the reason the author told this story in this way.

Section 02

Key Concepts

01Teaching

Narrative teaches through story, not direct command.

The lesson is in the plot, the characters, the dialogue — not a bullet list. Read slowly.

02Example?

Descriptive vs. prescriptive.

Just because someone in the Bible did something doesn't mean you should. The Bible often shows us what happened without endorsing it.

03God First

Ask what the author is showing you about God.

Not what did this person do? but what does this story reveal about who God is? Every time.

Section 03

Scripture Focus

Anchor passages for this lesson.

Genesis 22:1–19Judges 6–7Acts 2:42–47

Section 04

By the End, You Will…

Read biblical narratives for their theological point — what the author is revealing about God — not just for moral lessons or life hacks.

Distinguish between descriptive and prescriptive passages: just because someone in the Bible did something does not mean God wants you to do it.

Identify the literary techniques (repetition, dialogue, contrast, plot structure) that biblical authors use to make their point.

Section 05

Take It With You

Optional Companion Book

Preview the contents and Chapter 1, or order the printed workbook.

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Old Testament Law — What Applies and What Doesn't?

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Start Week 11