“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” —John 14:25-26 ESV

As a writer, I know words have an impact. Whether we read for amusement or enrichment, words have the potential to shape our thinking—if we understand them! This was humorously illustrated by a brief encounter I had with an electrician’s apprentice.

“Are you leaving?” I asked the young man, who was holding a ladder and standing outside our front door. He stared at me and said something in Spanish.

“Are you finished installing the fan?” I tried again. Nothing. Then I asked, “Vamonos?” because I’d heard that word before. His eyes widened, and he looked uncomfortable. (Later, I learned that “vamonos” means “let’s go.” Ha! Of course, that’s not what I meant!)

Fortunately, another young man heard me and asked, “What are you trying to say?” He then interpreted our conversation and assured me that the job was done. I thanked them and decided I needed to learn Spanish muy rapido.

As comical as this was, conversations about God and His Word have been equally misunderstood by those who don’t have “The Interpreter.” You see, no one can understand spiritual things without the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we still strive to communicate the Gospel with words and deeds—people understand being loved and cared for. Building a relationship can break down the barrier of misunderstanding, and God uses that to work in the heart of one He is pursuing. But the Holy Spirit interprets God’s Word, and no one can understand it apart from Him.

I heard a pastor say, “The Gospel is for the lost. The Bible is for the Church.” [Dr. Chip Bennett*]. This is because the Bible is spiritually discerned. Unlike learning Spanish, where I must try to comprehend and communicate, God’s language is a gift to me! When I entered into a relationship with God, I recognized and spoke the language of Jesus—Spirit and Truth!

To the Corinthians, Paul writes: “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit”  (1 Corinthians 2:14, NIV).

Since the Bible was written by the Holy Spirit and is discerned through the same Spirit, our understanding of God’s Word and the Trinity are inescapably linked to the Spirit of God. If we abide in the vine/walk in the Spirit, we can discern spiritual things, including God’s Word. For a person who doesn’t know God but approaches the Word with a willingness to learn, the Spirit helps, guides, and enlightens. But, if we walk in the flesh, whether we are born-again or not, we will be ignorant of what the Spirit says.

The Bible is infused with Christ from cover to cover. It is all about Jesus. It was written for His glory and our edification. But without the Holy Spirit interceding, the words fall flat, their meaning eludes us, and there is no transformation. (This is one reason Jesus taught in parables.)

But isn’t it by hearing the Word that people are saved? Yes. But it is like a chemical reaction—your heart must have a willingness to believe, and God’s Word enters your mind before it sinks into your heart. Then, boom! You are a new creation! Finally! You know it is true because you understand the language of God. The Bible comes alive because you now have the interpreter inside you!

It is no surprise that the enemy prompts people to write untruthful words. He always distorts and perverts what God calls good. Therefore, exercising spiritual discernment in what you read, watch, and listen to is crucial. Be mindful of arguments that set themselves up against God’s knowledge by equipping yourself with the discernment needed for your spiritual journey.

Father, please give me an understanding of Your Word. Help me appreciate what it means to love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me. Give me discernment about loving others as myself. Help me know what it means to love You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. In other words, make me more like Jesus.

*Dr. Chip Bennett is the founding and lead pastor of Grace Community Church in Sarasota, Florida.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
in peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV).

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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