Do you think that you’ll never “get it?”
Some days I just giggle at the thought that I’m a Bible teacher.
My resume is sadly lacking. I wasn’t raised in church. I was a teenager when I became a believer. I wasn’t steeped in theology.
All I had was a love for Jesus and desire to learn.
Oh, and the Holy Spirit.
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 (NIV)
That was my prayer in those early days.
Holy Spirit, open my heart to understanding.
I read books on theology. I studied the Bible. I read commentaries.
We read and study and are scholars of the Word, but the Holy Spirit brings it to life.
Did you know when we pray and ask the Holy Spirit to teach us, that our understanding can be deepened? Our eyes can be opened. Our hearts become sensitive to the gentle leading as we study.
Maybe you’ve compared yourselves to others.
They know more.
They got an earlier start.
They had examples of faith in action, and you didn’t.
Please don’t allow any of that to deter you from reading His word, or believing that somehow you’ll never be used in the same way as others.
Let’s pray for understanding together today.
Lord, thank you for my sister in Christ. Thank you that she’s hungry for your Word. Thank you that she longs for understanding. Together we pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and eyes to truth, to see your Word as you do and to remember it as we live it out. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Suzie
Today’s study:
- Read Chapter Five
- View the video
- Answer the discussion question at the end of the video
- Discuss or journal your answers found at the end of Chapter Five
- Share here what you are learning. Let’s take this deeper together!
Thank you for this simple message and prayer for those longing to learn more about God. My knowledge and understanding is growing daily. It’s super easy to compare myself
To others in the faith. Thank you for your encouraging words. I read and learn from so many amazing women but am always pointed back to God’s word through what I read. It really is amazing how much you learn when you make the time to open God’s word. Thankful for the Spirit in me giving me the desires of His heart.
Cassie, I’m still learning. I hope to be learning and growing until I am old and crooked and bent over, but my heart is supple and tender to God’s whisper of truth. I’m so glad you are here and it’s a privilege to walk with you through this study.
“He dug down deep and came up with assurance.” Thank you Jesus!!
Thank you Suzie for your encouraging words. The words you have penned are blessing many!! The Holy Spirit is working in my heart and many others. I am so grateful.
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This makes me think of the Apostle Paul. Before knowing Christ, he knew all there was to know about God’s word. He was, in his own words, “a Hebrew of Hebrews” and a Pharisee in regard to the law. But he knew NOTHING of his own Messiah! God opened his eyes — the Holy Spirit touched his heart and showed him truth. He was IMMEDIATELY changed – and the Holy Spirit taught him all he needed in order to be a great teacher and leader for the Church. Knowing God’s word gave him knowledge – which is good. But knowing the Holy Spirit gave him wisdom and discernment – which is vital!
Rebecca Lynn, what a great thought. I loved that he was immediately changed by his encounter with the Holy Spirit. I love that the Holy Spirit opens our eyes. That we are transformed when we are open to that wisdom and power and insight. Love that you shared this!
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 I love this chapter in the bible, the great hallmark of faith and yet you paint such a great picture of simple faith. I loved the question what is faith that is a habit and what is relational faith? In James 4:7-8,”Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. The verse tells us to submit, resist the devil, and draw near to God and God will draw near to us, this is relational faith. There is action on our part and God’s part. That’s relationship. Love you Suzi. Diana
I like your definition of relational faith–action on our part and on God’s part. It flows in both directions to us and from us back to God. It is not one-sided nor should it be. We should desire to love God as much as He loves us and show love to others in His name as well. That changes the relationship from a straight line back and forth into a never-ending circle.
I believed for a long time that being a believer was about the “rules of religion.” Being raised Catholic and then accepting Christ in my young adult life and not knowing any better was involved in a legalistic church where rules were difficult to follow. It changed how I viewed Christ. It wasn’t until years later, when I renewed my faith in Him that a relationship with Him was the key. Not about church, rules, what other believers thought, just my own personal relationship with Christ that mattered. This chapter had me thinking once again about why I believe and what I believer. Now I can say without a doubt how His grace has been so active in my relationship with Him and with others.
I grew up (after 11 y/o) in a church family so I remember the “check-off” list of good Christian habits: attending church, reading the daily Bible verses, giving, visiting, etc. I’m sure it established some good foundational things in my life, but there came a time when those were no longer a firm resting place for my faith. Life batters and bruises and it takes something more to withstand the bombardment. As a child of God, His Spirit dwells within and as we ASK in faith, we receive. “I found a resting place not in device nor creed. I trust the EVER-LIVING ONE — His wounds for me shall plead. I need no other argument! I need no other plea! It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me!” (Eliza Hewitt – 1851) That has been the solid ROCK relationship that leads me on in joy, peace, and security. That ROCK leads in loving relationships with others.
Beautiful!