In our journey of faith, we often encounter the challenge of truly understanding and living out the teachings of the Bible. Today, we explored the concept of reading the Bible supernaturally, a process that goes beyond mere intellectual engagement with the text. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their inability to truly "read" the Scriptures, not because they lacked knowledge, but because they lacked the spiritual insight to grasp the deeper truths intended by the authors. This inability was linked to their spiritual blindness and moral failings, such as their love for money and the praise of men, which clouded their spiritual vision.
The Pharisees' failure to recognize Jesus as the Messiah was not due to a lack of evidence but a love for darkness over light. This love for the world and its pleasures prevented them from seeing the divine glory in Jesus and the Scriptures. True understanding and appreciation of the Bible require a supernatural intervention, a miracle that opens our spiritual eyes to see the glory of Christ and the beauty of God's word.
This supernatural reading involves a transformation of our hearts and minds, enabling us to see, believe, and taste the goodness of God. It is a process that begins with the new birth, a miracle of the Spirit through the word, and continues as we grow in our faith. As we read the Bible, we are invited to experience the glory of Christ, to believe in Him with a faith that satisfies our deepest hungers, and to taste His goodness in a way that transforms our lives.
The aim of reading the Bible supernaturally is not just to gain knowledge but to encounter the living God, to be changed by His presence, and to live out His truths in our daily lives. This kind of reading leads to a life of worship, where our thoughts, feelings, and actions are aligned with God's will, bringing glory to Him in all that we do.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Spiritual Insight Over Intellectual Knowledge: True understanding of the Bible requires more than intellectual engagement; it demands spiritual insight. The Pharisees' failure to recognize Jesus was due to their spiritual blindness, not a lack of knowledge. This highlights the need for a supernatural work of God in our hearts to truly grasp the Scriptures. [06:23]
- 2. The Love of Darkness: The Pharisees loved darkness more than light, which prevented them from seeing the truth. This love for worldly pleasures and recognition can blind us to the divine glory in Jesus and the Scriptures. Our spiritual journey requires a shift from loving darkness to embracing the light of Christ. [12:27]
- 3. The Miracle of New Birth: The new birth is a supernatural event that transforms our hearts and minds, enabling us to see, believe, and taste the goodness of God. This miracle is initiated by the Spirit through the word, marking the beginning of our Christian life. [26:23]
- 4. Supernatural Seeing and Believing: As we read the Bible, we are invited to see the glory of Christ and believe in Him with a faith that satisfies our deepest hungers. This supernatural seeing and believing are essential for a vibrant and transformative faith. [29:15]
- 5. Tasting the Goodness of God: The biblical authors intend for us to experience the miracle of tasting God's goodness through their writings. This supernatural tasting is a foretaste of the eternal joy and satisfaction found in Christ, motivating us to live out our faith with passion and purpose. [41:30]
** [41:30]
Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Opening Prayer
- [01:12] - The Pharisees' Misreading
- [02:16] - Jesus' Counter to the Pharisees
- [03:28] - Understanding Hosea 6:6
- [05:09] - The Sadducees' Mockery
- [06:23] - Spiritual Blindness
- [08:02] - The Love of Money and Praise
- [10:47] - The Impact of Adultery on Spiritual Vision
- [12:27] - Love of Darkness Over Light
- [15:03] - Recognizing Jesus and the Bible
- [18:14] - The Meaning of Biblical Texts
- [23:26] - Supernatural Reading
- [26:23] - The Miracle of New Birth
- [29:15] - Supernatural Seeing and Believing
- [41:30] - Tasting the Goodness of God
- [47:40] - Living Out the Supernatural Reading