Daily Devotional for Thursday, June 5

The Message of the Cross Was Reserved

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God,” 1 Corinthians 2:12.

It is interesting and, at times, quite comical to read about the interactions between Jesus and His disciples in the gospels. In the early stages of their growth, the apostles of Christ were often not on the same page with Jesus at all. One such instance is in Matthew 16:5-12, when Jesus warned them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, speaking of sin. However, the disciples believed Jesus was referring to actual bread since they had forgotten to bring bread with them that day. We find this humorous because we can relate to such misunderstandings. It begs the question, how often is the Lord trying to tell us something and we miss the point?

The only way we can understand the deep things of God is by His Spirit. Those of the world who do not know Jesus as their Savior, are not able to discern spiritual things as they are not indwelt with the Spirit of God. That is why it is not profitable to argue doctrinal issues with unsaved people. They need to hear the gospel, plain and simple. But our Lord will reveal the wonderful riches of Christ and His Word to those who love Him and follow Him fully. The question is, are we listening?

As a disciple of Christ, you have the Holy Spirit actively working within you. But are you truly seeking after the deep truths found in His Word? Study the Bible with the intent to know Christ more deeply, and recognize it is the Spirit of God teaching you and that you can learn nothing apart from Him. Trust Him to open His Word to you as you seek Him with your whole heart.

REFLECTION

How much time do you give to spiritual things versus things of the world?

Darla Goodrum