We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. But the unbeliever does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually.     1 Corinthians 2:13-14 HCSB

There was a time in my life when I would read the Bible, but not have a good understanding of it. Some see the Bible as this mysterious book. Our Scripture passage explains the reason for this.

Verse 13 says God’s word was not written by human wisdom. We are told in 2 Timothy 3:16 that all Scripture is God-breathed. The Bible is God’s word. It is not some work of fiction written by humans or human thoughts and wisdom. It is inspired by God Himself. He used men to write it out, but the words were inspired by God Himself.

He used those taught in the Spirit to write it for spiritual people. The Bible is written for God’s children. Many people like to say we are all God’s children, but this is not true. To be a child of God you must be a believer. You must surrender your life to Christ. You have to accept the adoption God offers.

It says the unbeliever does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit. At any point in my life had you asked me if I was a believer, I would have said yes. But there was a time when I didn’t truly believe in God’s sovereignty or his power. I honestly didn’t welcome what was written in God’s word. I wasn’t living according to His word and His word condemned my sinful ways. I didn’t like that. During that time, I rarely picked up a Bible to read, but when I did, it was more like skimming through. I didn’t study it and seek to rightly divide the truth in God’s word. Had I done that I would have had to confront all the things I was doing that went against God’s word.

I had to seek God. When I grew tired of my sinful ways and of living a life that displeased God, I sought Him. I begged for Him to be with me and forgive me for sinning against Him. I hungered for Him. I began to have a better understanding of His word. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that God’s word is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. I began to use God’s word to teach me, convict me, correct me, and train me.

I began to long to read God’s word. It connects me to Him. It’s how God speaks to us. I won’t profess to know everything that is in God’s word. It’s a constant process of learning. I’m still learning. I’m a work in progress. Believing and understanding what God is saying to us does not negate the need to be taught. I thank God for pastors who are still teaching God’s word and not some watered-down version.

I use study Bibles and commentaries so that those who have studied God’s word much more in-depth and for longer than I have can explain it better to me. Every time I read a passage of Scripture; I feel I learn more about what it has to say. God’s word is packed with so much meaning.

Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” When we seek God with our whole heart, He will give us understanding. We can ask for wisdom and discernment, and He will give us these things.

I often think of my Bible as an instruction manual. It may be boring and not make much sense when you think you know what you are doing. But when things aren’t working and falling apart, you want to read, understand, and do what the manual tells you to do.

Use God’s word to guide you in your everyday life. Dig deeper to gain a better understanding. Attend a good, Bible-teaching church. Most importantly, truly believe in Him with all your heart. Ask Him for wisdom, discernment, and understanding.

Have a great day!