“UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE”
12). Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13). Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things
with spiritual. 14). But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them,
because they are spiritually discerned. 15). But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16). For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
1 CORINTHIANS 2:12-16
We recently heard a tremendous message from the Lord, that concerned relying, more deeply, on the Bible for all we do! It occurred to me that as we increase our reliance, we certainly must be able to understand all that it tells us! (click HERE for a link to that message)
The key to understanding the Bible is not necessarily education, but obedience. As we act on what we read, the Holy Book “comes alive,” and we begin to hear and understand the voice of God. However, if we have not obeyed what He’s previously revealed to us, why would He give us His deeper truths? “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him” (Psalms 25:14), and those who fear Him are the ones who obey His commandments and are promised “a good understanding” (Psalms 11:10).
Living a fleshly lifestyle of disobedience to the Lord clouds our eyes, diminishes our ability to hear, and fogs our thinking. Although we have full access to the mind of Christ, our attachment to our own sinful ways keeps us from tapping into the rich treasures of wisdom that are found in His Word.
As you read the Scriptures each day, look for God’s instructions. Then with reliance upon the Holy Spirit, commit to do what He tells you. When you obey His voice, He’ll reveal deeper truths, and your understanding will grow. Soon your time in the Word will become a delight instead of a duty.
-IBC
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