Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
– John 17:17
I was more than a little taken aback this morning after reading the “devotional” followed by the scripture in the group Bible study I am partaking in for the simple fact that the devotional was at least 3x longer than the portion of scripture given!
Isn’t that the norm though? Men and their opinions taking prominence over the life-giving Word of God?
What can a man possibly have to say that would trump what his Creator has to say?
It seems that most of our Bible studies in general need to be flipped in the other direction if we ever wish to grow in the knowledge and understanding of the TRUTH!
That is- More scripture and less commentary
Because “…faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17) and not by the “wisdom” of mans mouth!
Let us not be deceived into thinking that we are not just as capable of understanding and discerning the Word of God as the next man- no matter our level of degree or standing!
For if we truly believe on the Lord Jesus Christ then we will be taught of God through His Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us- just as the scriptures declare:
“These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (1 John 2:26-27)
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13)
The portion of knowledge we are given- the level of understanding- will be in direct correlation to our level of obedience to the Word! That is, when one truth is revealed to us from scripture and we accept it as the Truth that it is (not attempting to suppress that truth in unrighteousness) and we willingly seek to apply that truth to our lives God will lead us to more truth.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)
This not something that anyone else can do for us! For we all must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
If we are desirous of attaining that end we will hunger for the Words of Life (John 6:63), as the words of men will only serve to leave us hungry and unsatisfied!
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:35)
As You Rise 