This post was last updated on July 7, 2026
Day 86 (Year 2)
Diligently Understanding God’s Word
(Jesus said,) “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road.” (Matthew 13:19 NASB)
The “evil one” in today’s scripture is identified as “Satan” in Mark chapter 4, verse 15. Believers must first counteract Satan’s scheme of snatching God’s word from our hearts by understanding it well so as to enter His kingdom. In truth, except for Jesus, no one is born understanding God’s word. So, we must persistently and diligently study His word before we can know it well and thoroughly break free from Satan’s dominion to enter the kingdom of God. Without God’s words, it is difficult for anyone to be saved. Thus, we must hold fast to the truth of the kingdom and seek Jesus’ salvation.
First, some portions of Scripture are less directly related to the truths of God’s kingdom. This is not to categorize passages as useful or useless, but rather to view them on two levels: foundational and deeper. Generally speaking, the foundational texts are found in the New Testament. We should therefore read the New Testament first, then use the Old Testament to help us understand difficult passages in the New Testament. After gaining an overall understanding of the Bible, we can focus on the truth related to God’s kingdom. Conversely, if someone starts with the Old Testament, they may end up developing a faith in Judaism.
In the pursuit of truths of God’s kingdom, we should be aware of both helpful and harmful consequences. Indeed, some people distort God’s word for personal gain (2 Corinthians 2:17). Conversely, we should value what in God’s word cleanses and transforms the heart, reveals His work, and draws us closer to Him, rather than using His word merely to affirm ourselves. Furthermore, Jesus’ invitation for believers to understand the truths of the kingdom may well include the wisdom and understanding that connects to the kingdom in the Old Testament, too. For some, resolving their unwillingness to know the truth of God’s kingdom is the starting point for resisting Satan’s work. Additionally, some feel satisfied with the lives they control and have no desire to know the truths of God’s kingdom in depth. Conversely, we need to be set free first from the deceptions and bondages from material things and wrong beliefs before we have a lasting desire to understand God’s word.
Reflection questions:
1) Have you noticed how Satan’s work attempts to snatch away God’s word from your heart? If so, how will you combat it?
2) Are you determined to understand all the truth of the kingdom of heaven? If so, are you willing to pay the greatest cost to pursue that understanding diligently?