09/20/2026
It is no accident that the first two verses of the very first Psalm speak to studying God’s Law, or Word, over that of men. We are told to take our counsel from scripture, and not from the ungodly amongst us. It is obvious from these words that we are being told that reading God’s Holy Word should be the foundation and basis for our study of God. Are we listening to His voice in this, or do we prefer to read from other sources as various men attempt to interpret scripture for us? How should we conduct our study of God’s Word?
“Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.”
Psalms 1:1-2 ESV
As I read God’s Word I often go to commentary and various other writings to see what men and women have thought about the passages I am studying. It is good for us to do this, but it is not good to listen first and foremost to these sources over the scripture itself... or to supplant what has been revealed to us directly by the Holy Spirit with human interpretation. There is no substitute for reading God’s inspired Word.
Today we have the internet, and it makes researching very easy, but it also makes it possible for anyone with a computer to present false doctrine as if it were the truth, and bring it right into our homes, and place it on our virtual bookshelf immediately next to God’s Holy Word and legitimate trusted sources. Our society has come to a point where warnings abound regarding these dangers, and we are told to watch what we read, and the sites where our children go. We are also quickly being educated in such terms as fake news, urban slang, spam, phishing, and told that foreign countries are trying to influence how we think and act. An uneducated person, or anyone with an agenda, can present their opinion as fact and make us think it is mainstream thinking with no one to vet them. This is equally true of religious thought, and scriptural revelation. So how do we defend ourselves against such attempts to influence us? How do we protect our spiritual study? We do this by leaning on God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit...
“these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”
1 Corinthians 2:10-11 ESV
As we study God’s Holy Word, there will be attempts via external influences to lead our understanding astray. This has always been true, but is especially so today due to the ease with which ideas can be presented to us. This makes it even more imperative that as we seek God we should do so by going first to His Word, and then by looking to the Holy Spirit for His guidance. Afterward, we can listen to sermons, read what others are saying, and weigh their thoughts against what the Spirit has revealed to us... always being cognizant of the sources we are hearing and reading. Listen to Pastor Andrew Murray’s warning...
“God’s Word is our only authentic revelation of God’s will. All human statements of divine truth, however correct they may be, are defective and carry a measure of human authority. In the Word, the voice of God speaks to us directly.” - Andrew Murray
We don’t judge or interpret scripture by man’s opinions... we judge man’s opinions by what is contained in scripture, and, once again, this is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
Romans 8:14 ESV
We are proven right, and made righteous by the Word of God, because it is His Word that is founded in truth, and His character that is our greatest desire. This is the rule by which we are measured.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
In conclusion, we should lean on scripture as we seek out our faith, and we should look to the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth that is contained there for us. This is our gold standard by which everything in our physical and spiritual lives should be guided and judged.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Word, and the Holy Spirit which leads me in my understanding of it. I also thank you for righteous men and women who write and speak of their studies, and understanding of scripture, but as I listen to their instruction, and interpretation, I realize that it is up to me to weigh those things against your truth as revealed in your Word, and by your Holy Spirit. No man will be held accountable for my soul except me, and no man will achieve either righteousness, or damnation from my actions save me. My faith is mine alone to advance, and I have faith that you will help me, and lead me in it. You alone are my God, and in you my trust is rooted. I look to your Son Jesus Christ as the vine that springs from you, and I find myself to be a branch that gains its nourishment through Him. Guide me Holy Spirit as I seek out my faith in fear and trembling. Father, keep my feet firm on solid ground as I study your Word, and help me to open my ears to your Spirit and all that he reveals through your Holy Word. Praised be you my God who reaches out to me through your Word. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you... the God of Power and truth! Steadfast are you Lord and your Holy Spirit tests all things against your Word, as he shields me from lies, and deceit. All Glory is yours Father, now and forevermore.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 ESV
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Amen
Rich Forbes