DIFFICULTY WITH GOD'S WORD

DIFFICULTY WITH GOD'S WORD

Many of us have a hard time understanding God’s Word, the Bible. This is true. But let me share the observation  that the words that flow out of the lips of the Lord Jesus Christ are not complex, abstruse or pedantic. They speak to the heart and mind of the lettered and the unlettered equally well.

The first time I tried to read Scripture out of disdainful curiosity, and sadly with an unbelieving spirit, I did not comprehend anything. Eventually after coming to faith, the first time I undertook to have  a serious reading of Scripture,  I fell asleep. I think we’re not alone in this predicament.

The two un-named disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luk24:27) did not understand what was happening, until the Lord explained to them the truth concerning Himself.

The Ethiopian Eunuch, a high official, was reading the Scripture while riding in his carriage, and admitted to the evangelist Philip  his lack of understanding. (Acts 8:30-31)

The great Apostle Peter, gave an honest opinion about the teaching of his equally distinguished peer the great Apostle Paul, and came to the conclusion that some of Paul’s Letters were difficult to understand. (2 Peter 3:15-16)

So we are in the same company with these giants of faith.

I may hasten to add that some preachers are not effective communicators of the Gospel, which add to the problem of understanding.

The first step if we are to understand God’s word is to approach the Holy Bible reverently because it is God’s Message to us. No other source. Sola Scriptura. Reading God’s word with a rebellious, skeptical, or condescending attitude will shut the door of your mind to see the light of God’s truth. The Bible is no ordinary book. Scripture is mysterious, it is God breathed and only the mind illumined by the Spirit of God is able to know and understand and love the Word. And we are able to do this if we are BORN AGAIN. 

Second, we must be diligent in the reading and study of the Scriptures which requires the full utilization of interpretive tools. Our due diligence in the study of the Bible is strongly complemented by the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. This is hard to explain but many people of God share the wonderful  experiences of  suddenly receiving a flashing  idea, word  or message  which clarifies and explains Scripture. Remember God’s Word will never contradict itself.

Third, we need to approach God’s Word by prayer. Prayer opens the door because it shows our human inadequacy to know God.