APR 24

2 Peter 3:14-18
Memorise 2 Peter 3:16
“The Spirit of truth...will guide you into all truth”

In this passage, Peter honestly writes that in the epistles of Paul, there are some things that are hard or difficult to understand. In his writings, he addresses many deep spiritual truths that can be challenging to comprehend, even for mature believers. These things are sometimes difficult to fully understand because of several reasons. The mind could perhaps be overwhelmed by the majesty and greatness of the thoughts or themes presented. Or it could be that we are unlearned (ignorant) and shaky in our understanding of certain truths of God. Sometimes it is because the mind is so prejudiced that we are unwilling to receive certain teachings. Furthermore, we know the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, and we are blinded to the simple truths of God’s Word.

Because of all that, God has given spiritually mature leaders to the church, for they are needed to teach, preach and expound God’s Word to God’s people. They can make difficult things plain and easy to understand. They have specialized training and the spiritual experience to know how to interpret Biblical passages in a systematic manner, so that the complex passages can be made clear. Just as Peter was humble enough to admit that certain of Paul’s writings were difficult to grasp, we too need to acknowledge the fact that we need the help and guidance from pastors and teachers in the church to help us to understand and interpret parts of the Bible.

This is not to say that we become reliant on them, or that without them we are completely lost. We must remember that from the seminary professor with multiple theological degrees to the newest convert to Christianity, we as believers all have the same Holy Spirit in us that can illumine our hearts and guide us into all truth. We are told in 2 Timothy 3:15 that the sacred Scriptures can indeed make us wise unto salvation, if only we have an open and teachable heart. A believer will also certainly find much milk and meat in the Bible to help him grow in his faith.

As you read your Bible daily and diligently, remember to pray before you read God’s Word, asking the Holy Spirit to illumine your mind and heart, to make His Word plain and clear to you. We need a humble heart and a submissive spirit so that the entrance of God’s Word can cleanse and bless us.

Thought: We have the spirit of God that we might know the things that are given to us.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, as I grow in the knowledge of God’s Word, teach me to be grateful to the many teachers who have taught me too.