Can Reading the Scriptures Lead to Destruction?
Charles Spurgeon Sermon Summary
The Pharisees were renowned for their knowledge of the Scriptures. But when they criticized the disciples for violating the Sabbath by picking grain heads to eat, Christ attacked them twice for not knowing the law, because they did not understand what they read (Matthew 12:3-7).
Christ corrected the Pharisees’ failure to understand the Scriptures with a verse from Hosea: “I desire mercy.” God prefers that we love others rather than just strictly observe the law. Sabbath was made for us; we weren’t made for Sabbath (Matthew 12:7).
Salvation is from faith, which comes from God’s word. We need to earnestly strive to understand the inner meaning of His word. We must meditate on the Scriptures with all our mental faculties and resources to understand as much as we can. But dwelling on the letters alone breeds pride and destruction.
Christ reminded them how David unlawfully ate the consecrated bread. Sometimes history can help us understand spiritual truths better than just hearing the concepts behind them. For example, Christ described how the snake-bitten Israelites survived by looking up at a bronze snake, and how the priest’s temple duty superseded the prohibitions against work on the Sabbath. Then Christ told them that they had Him, who was much greater than the temple (Matthew 12:3, 5-6).
We must find Christ in what we read because He is the One who fulfills the word and gives life. We want to feel Christ’s presence when reading the Scriptures (John 5:39-40).
Keep in mind that God may wish to teach us through someone else. Since God gives more insight to some, let us joyfully accept what God chooses to reveal to us and humbly learn from others.
Do not be discouraged: Every soul that has ever sincerely sought for Christ in the word did, in time, find the precious truth that Christ was near at hand. We are born again by His word, and no one can snatch us out of His hand. His word will help us grow strong in the Lord, in the power of His might.
So, love God’s word. Cling to the Scriptures. Pray that He cleanses your soul and grants you the wisdom to truly understand and find Christ in the Scriptures (John 10:28).
Summary of a sermon by Charles Spurgeon, “How to read the Bible.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdn_7SfBgio
Christ corrected the Pharisees’ failure to understand the Scriptures with a verse from Hosea: “I desire mercy.” God prefers that we love others rather than just strictly observe the law. Sabbath was made for us; we weren’t made for Sabbath (Matthew 12:7).
Salvation is from faith, which comes from God’s word. We need to earnestly strive to understand the inner meaning of His word. We must meditate on the Scriptures with all our mental faculties and resources to understand as much as we can. But dwelling on the letters alone breeds pride and destruction.
Christ reminded them how David unlawfully ate the consecrated bread. Sometimes history can help us understand spiritual truths better than just hearing the concepts behind them. For example, Christ described how the snake-bitten Israelites survived by looking up at a bronze snake, and how the priest’s temple duty superseded the prohibitions against work on the Sabbath. Then Christ told them that they had Him, who was much greater than the temple (Matthew 12:3, 5-6).
We must find Christ in what we read because He is the One who fulfills the word and gives life. We want to feel Christ’s presence when reading the Scriptures (John 5:39-40).
Keep in mind that God may wish to teach us through someone else. Since God gives more insight to some, let us joyfully accept what God chooses to reveal to us and humbly learn from others.
Do not be discouraged: Every soul that has ever sincerely sought for Christ in the word did, in time, find the precious truth that Christ was near at hand. We are born again by His word, and no one can snatch us out of His hand. His word will help us grow strong in the Lord, in the power of His might.
So, love God’s word. Cling to the Scriptures. Pray that He cleanses your soul and grants you the wisdom to truly understand and find Christ in the Scriptures (John 10:28).
Summary of a sermon by Charles Spurgeon, “How to read the Bible.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdn_7SfBgio