Understanding Spiritual Things.

“A natural man does not accept the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” 1 Cor.  2:14.

A young man was eager to grow in His spiritual life. He got a piece of paper and made a list of all the things he would do for God. He wrote down the things he would give up, the places he would go to minister and the areas of ministry he would enter. He was excited. He took that list to the church and put it on the altar. He thought he would feel joy, but instead he felt empty. So he went home and started adding to his list. He wrote down more things he would do and wouldn’t do. He took the longer list and put it on the altar, but still he felt nothing but emptiness, now he was still wondering what he must do to please God.

Like our text says, natural men are quite limited in their thinking and are quite predictable in how they pursue spiritual things. They understand the world and themselves by what they can see, feel, and know through education and experience. Consequently, even when they become believers their thinking is still clouded with natural ways of pursuing spiritual things. The young man was writing out for God what he thinks will please God rather, then sitting down to empty himself and let God fill him afresh with wisdom, grace and knowledge that will take away his emptiness and fill him up with virtue.

There’s so much we don’t understand about  spiritual things such that humility is quite necessary in being able to access them. There is no doubt a major limitation being natural places on you, no matter how intelligent you are. Nicodemus was a ruler of the people, yet didn't understand the concept of being born again. Hear him spew out his ignorance. “Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?” John. 3:4. Nicodemus was known as a “leader among the Jews,” which means he was probably a member of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was the high priests' political council. Yet lack basic knowledge of spiritual matters. Don't come to God bearing things, he owns all things. Come to Him empty, willing to be filled and taught, that is the way to go shalom!

FURTHER READING:

“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” Rom. 8:5. 

“These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” Jude. 1:19.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, thank You for all your mercies, grace and truth bestowed upon me. I ask today that You grant me greater access to Your spiritual realities more and more. I break free from the ephemeral that keeps me away from new realities in God. I step out of the natural and press into the supernatural, my spirit, soul and body is ready to walk with You to a new level in the mighty name of Jesus, amen!

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:   

Mark. 9:1-50.

Mark. 10:1-52.

Mark. 11:1-33.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“Without The Word, You Are Worthless. Without The Spirit You Experience Emptiness. Without God You Become Useless. Don't Chase Shadows."