Rom 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (KJV)
The process of understanding is a series of steps. The most important is the first. You must see, you must come to believe, that you do not know. This concept goes against our human nature. We must humble ourselves. I have had many examples of this in my life. I will share with you the most important.As far back as I can remember in my childhood I always had a quest for knowledge. During my teenage years I thought I could learn anything. When I got in college I was convinced I could. Life's experiences brought me to a quest for increased spirituality. My background as a Christian led me to study the Bible. I read it every which way possible and yet it's meaning would not come. I struggled over all the stories, I searched for guidance. I was willing and I wanted my God to lead me. I had the word of God but it lacked meaning.
Circumstances increased my quest for knowledge of the spiritual side of life. I was squeezed until I was ready to take step one and admit I did not understand. The second step required help from another who had been in my shoes. Someone to come along side and guide me. This required a man of God. He told me that I had to pray and ask for understanding. I had to have spiritual help in understanding. At last I had enough humility to accept this. This person opened the word of God to me and provided insight. He taught me that the word explains itself. But only when accepted in it's entirety. I stopped searching for my meaning and started looking for God's purpose. Suddenly the word became clear. I began to realize that all God wanted was my undivided attention. My relationship with Him grew. I found a deeper love than I ever expected. I became serene in all circumstances. As I continued to study the Word of God the realization came that I had taken step three. I had turned by entire life over to the God of my understanding.
The voyage does not stop here. There are many more steps along the way. My study continues with excitement. Every time I open the Bible my understanding of God's will for me increases. I am learning that all He expects of me is to stay in His will. His will is revealed in His word. My study of His word I draws me nearer to Him. Someday I am assured that I will meet Him face-to-face. Until then I will listen to Him through His word.
In summary it required three things for God to get my attention. The work of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the man of God. The Bible reveals this process in several places. One of the best examples is found in Acts Chapter Eight. The Holy Spirit arranged a meeting with Philip and the man of Ethiopia. The word of God reached North Africa. The Ethiopian desired the word of God, he could not understand it. The Spirit of God sent Philip to open his eyes.
Acts 8:26-35
26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. (KJV)
The rest of the story... The person who guided me in my study, my personal sponsor, has been dead for several years. He left a legacy which speaks to millions today. His name is Dr. J. Vernon McGee. His five year series of popular messages on the Bible are still being broadcast around the globe in many languages. They are recorded in a five volume set of books, available to anyone. These messages present the Bible from a very practical view. They help you use the Bible in your daily living. Like McGee says, "It's where the rubber meets the road."References:
"Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee"; Thru The Bible Radio, Pasadena, California; Vol. 4, pages 545-547.
Background Midi...
"To God Be The Glory"This page was created on 8/3/02.
By: Dean Christensen
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