Good morning. Today’s Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 2:10: “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”
It is not uncommon to hear someone say they have read the Bible many times, from Genesis to Revelation, but still cannot grasp its message for them. The Bible covers a wide range of themes, including creation, sin, judgment, sacrifice, demons, angels, Jews, Gentiles, and the story of Jesus. With so many diverse and complex elements, it can be challenging to make sense of it all from a human perspective. I invite you to take a moment to read and reflect on 1 Corinthians 2:9-16.
To truly understand God’s purposes for the biblical record, one must recognize and apply a few foundational principles:
1. Recognize the Spiritual Nature of the Bible:
o The Bible is a spiritual book. This does not mean it is mystical, but it does mean that it goes beyond the natural world and reveals the supernatural. Understanding its message requires accepting that, while the Bible references the physical world, it transcends ordinary earthly experience.
2. Understand the Context:
o It is crucial to consider the writer, the audience, the historical context, and the purpose of the writing. While the Bible offers universal lessons, not every part is intended specifically for those in the Body of Christ. Distinguishing between the writings for this age of grace and those for other dispensations is crucial for proper understanding.
3. Seek the Guidance of the Holy Spirit:
o Having a personal relationship with God is essential to understanding the Bible. By having a personal relationship, one can seek guidance from God and the Holy Spirit, the author of the Bible. Through this guidance, individuals can gain true insight into God's teachings for our time.
Dear brothers and sisters, as you read God’s Word, believe that His message for you goes beyond physical reality. Diligently seek to rightly divide the word of truth for this present dispensation of grace and be attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By embracing these principles, you can truly understand God’s Word and live according to His distinctives for this age.
Reflection: How careful are you in applying these fundamental principles when reading your Bible, and how accurately do you convey this to those outside of the Body of believers?
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), 1 Co 2:10.