Understanding
the Bible
1 Corinthians 2:12-16
12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but
the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us
by God.
13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but
taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are
spiritual.
14The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit
of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand
them because they are spiritually discerned.
15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to
be judged by no one.
16 "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to
instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
“I just don’t understand the
Bible.” That’s a comment I hear quite often, even from believers. We can
understand why those without Christ are unable to comprehend biblical concepts,
but why do those who know Him struggle? Some people think that a seminary
education is the answer, but I have met several trained pastors and teachers
who didn’t really understand the Word of God. They knew facts, but they had no
excitement for the Scriptures or for the Lord.
The key is not 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 for those who fear Him” (Ps. 25:14), and those who fear
Him are the ones who obey His commandments and are promised “a good
understanding” (Ps. 111:10).
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.