Readers not realizing that the Holy Bible is my favorite book are new here. I am so glad that I’m not alone in how I regard the Bible as God’s word – and it’s importance to those who follow Christ. A recent In Touch devotional focus on how we understand it.
The writer asks a question that does require an answer:
One of the reasons that many people—including believers—don’t read the Bible is because they can’t understand it. We would expect that to be the case for those who don’t know Christ, but why do so many believers fail to comprehend the truths of Scripture? Maybe it’s because they haven’t asked for help from their divine Teacher.The scripture referenced is:
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10 KJV)
I’ve used that before discussing how much we have to learn. I don’t remember focusing on the Holy Spirit’s importance in our educational process. We know material, secular things that are available to all mankind without even considering a spiritual aspect to life. Once we acknowledge a spiritual existence, we need to heed our spirit:
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. (1 Corinthians 2:13 KJV)
We’re back to our ways are not God’s ways (Isaiah 55:8). His are totally unselfish. We have never been able to reach that point, but accepting God’s plan for our lives offers us spiritual help in obtaining that knowledge:
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. (1 Corinthians 2:12 KJV)
This is the Comforter Jesus described:
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26 KJV)
Without learning through prayer and listening for God’s teaching, His word is nothing more than a history or poetry:
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. (1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV)
When someone asks where they should begin, I suggest the book of John. Read the first three verses, pray for understanding and open your heart to God’s word for your life. Grow from there. Feel free to ask questions!
Great post here, I remembering reading John 14 about the comforter coming when Jesus would leave, I pondered on it for days, and filled my soul with such strength knowing that the Holy Spirit of God was living in me, oh my it sure makes a difference in what you say, what you do, and every way of your life. Thank you this is such an important lesson for new Christians to learn.
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