Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. John 7:17 NIV
Jesus spoke to people who were very much like people today. All through human history we have wanted to know God and His wisdom. Our search takes many and varied forms, and the “god” we think we are seeking to know is very different as well. Despite the religion or the type of seeker, however, the general conclusion is that knowing God and His wisdom is something to be earned. When we study hard, work hard, perform well, we will have access to God’s heart and mind.
Jesus flipped that table. He said the key to unlocking God’s truth is a heart that is willing to hear and obey. The knowledge of Truth comes from that stance. That explains why ordinary fishermen, homemakers, and children were able to walk into the Kingdom and follow Jesus with as deep an understanding of the Father and His will as some of the best educated people of the day. It’s the state of the heart that determines ability to comprehend and receive.
Understanding this and changing my process from intellectual debating, proof-texting, and pure “Bible Study” is vital. Jesus was not interested in anyone becoming proficient in knowing the Torah or quoting the law. He said to the religious scholars and leaders, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39 ESV). Then He reminds them that it does them no good because of the state of their heart. He is all over the pages, but they can’t see Him.
The same is true for us. The Bible is a gift, but ONLY as far as it is a tool to get to know God better and grow in our relationship with Jesus. God is not impressed with our biblical knowledge or debates we think we “win” on points of doctrine or difference in convictions. He is interested in us being transformed by the truth of Jesus; being transformed into His image.
I will know God’s truth and will increasingly when I have a willing heart to hear and obey, even if it’s not what I expected or wanted. Putting truth into practice is the goal. An intellectual, detached approach can miss the truth, but living out what God says authenticates the truth. There’s a big difference between those who debate doctrine and those who seek to live truth. God wants us to stop debating and start doing, even with the smallest actions like praying or treating others with kindness. He promises personal revelation for the obedient.
- We are in a culture of high-intensity debate. Instead of getting lost in those weeds, trying to prove your point, identify one small way God has shown you can do His will through kindness, being a light, and serving.