Wednesday // 18th December 2024
Work on your inner man!
But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and true circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the fulfillment of the letter of the Law. His praise is not from men, but from God. Romans 2:29 AMP
Jesus taught His disciples very little theology. Have you noticed that? He mostly spoke about character transformation, knowing God, the nature of God’s kingdom, and following the King (Himself).
You can know the Bible and not know God. Look at the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and elders in Jerusalem during Jesus’ day.These men knew more about theology than God does. Their knowledge of the Scriptures far exceeded that of most scholars today, yet they didn’t recognize the living God when He stood right in front of them. Interestingly, Jesus said that even though the Sadducees intellectually grasped the Scriptures, they didn’t understand them. Nor did they know God’s power. MATTHE W 22:29
It’s possible to get an A in Bible study but flunk Jesus. Using tools of intellectual knowledge and willpower are inadequate. Using them in God’s work is like trying to dig a canal with a plastic spoon. Nicodemus is not alone in the number of religious leaders, professors, and teachers who disseminate the things of God to the left or the right brain.
The human spirit is the deepest part of us. The Bible calls it “the lamp of the LORD” (Proverbs 20:27). It’s the dwelling place of God’s Spirit. The person who ministers to the mind, using heady concepts, lofty language, ponderous ideas, and philosophical jargon, operates on a completely different plane than the one who speaks by the Spirit of God and ministers to “the hidden person of the heart.”
Working on the intellect won’t get past your memory. Working to the emotions will last only so long as the emotional experience continues. But working over the heart produces transformation. Ministering to the human spirit empowers as well as educates the soul.
Your brother in Christ,
Apostles Ashok Martin