The Divine Design

When we come to God’s Word, laying aside all preconceived ideas and depending entirely on the Holy Spirit to reveal its truth to us, we put ourselves in a position where the Holy Spirit can impress the truth of the Scriptures into our innermost being. There it takes root within us, and whenever we stand in need of a word with which to rebut the Devil, the Holy Spirit brings it to our remembrance.

And here’s the most wonderful thing—the Word of God on our lips will have the same effect upon the Devil as if he were hearing it from the lips of Jesus Himself! Every time we open the Bible, we must be careful to pray for the illumination of the Spirit so that we don’t finish up making the Bible say what we want it to say. When we receive that help, we are following the divine design—letting the Spirit bring home to our hearts the truth and meaning of His own Word.

This attitude of humility and receptivity gives the Holy Spirit the opportunity He needs to build the truth of the Word of God into our spirits. Approaching the Bible in this way, said the late J. B. Phillips, “is like rewiring a house where the electricity has not been turned off.” As we read the Scriptures, we are touching something that has a current of power flowing through its pages—a power not put there by any man. The Holy Spirit has gone into it, so is it any wonder that the Holy Spirit comes out of it?

Further Study

Jn 14:26; 15:18-27; Lk 12:11-12; Rm 8:14

What did Jesus declare about the Holy Spirit’s ministry?

What promise did Jesus give to His disciples?