DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR WESLEY June 28, 2023
Understanding the Bible
When we live out the biblical principles we know, God reveals deeper truths.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16; And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
Sometimes the Bible seems difficult to understand. After all, it is a compilation of documents from different times and places, written in various styles. But you don’t need to attend seminary in order to read Scripture. Believers have the ultimate Teacher within them—the Holy Spirit, who not only helps us comprehend God’s Word but also enables us to obey it.
Obedience is a key part of truly understanding Scripture. When we apply what we read, the Bible comes alive and we begin to hear the voice of God more and more. Experience is an effective teacher, and living out God’s Word helps us move beyond simple recall to maturity in Christ.
Conversely, when we don’t act on biblical truths, we will not receive the awareness that comes from experience. Besides, if we haven’t obeyed what God has previously revealed to us, why would He share His deeper truths? The book of Psalms says, “The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him” (Psalm 25:14); it goes on to say that those who fear Him obey His commandments and are promised “a good understanding” (Psalm 111:10).
As you read the Bible, look for God’s instructions. Then, with the Holy Spirit’s help, commit to follow them. You’ll soon discover how applying divine truth leads to understanding and wisdom.
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