This post was last updated on July 9, 2026
Day 87 (Year 2)
Seeking to Understand God’s Word
“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it. …” (Matthew 13:19a NASB)
We must work out to know difficult truths. First, the more crucial but less familiar a passage is, the more it should be committed to heart in us—lest the devil snatch it away. We must diligently seek reasonable explanations for the difficult passages from various channels, such as books or online resources. In doing so, we pay attention to the different outcomes that different interpretations produce. For instance, interpretations that accommodate human weakness or make passages abstract and difficult to apply are often poor. This devotional has consistently used BibleWorks software and various dictionaries to verify word meanings. As we seek correct interpretations of the scriptures, we develop sound discernment.
When we seek accurate interpretations of difficult passages, we should note whether those interpretations are reasonable and fitting and whether they are consistent with God’s truth and kingdom. In this process, we should be open to non-contradictory, possible interpretations, as it is quite common for a single passage to have multiple valid meanings. The method of interpreting Scripture with Scripture—especially using clearer passages to explain more difficult ones—can resolve many difficult texts. However, applying this principle to a small number of passages may lead to distortions. But these distortions can ultimately be resolved one by one through rigorous biblical interpretation, including through logic, semantics, and grammatical analysis. Thus, being well-versed in the entire Bible as well as understanding isolated difficult passages is necessary for us all. After all, we should keep a heart that seeks the truth until a reasonable interpretation is reached, then practice it with faith and experience the resulting fruit.
In the process of understanding God’s truth, we likely go through a stage of learning much but receiving little. This is God testing whether we have an enduring longing for Him. Thus, we must strive to clarify the meaning of all difficult passages and seek God’s teaching in prayers with persevering faith. When we obey the truth we already know, it becomes easier to understand difficult passages, because obeying God’s truth always leads to a better understanding. When we feel spiritually dry, we may look for spiritual teachings or testimonies to help us, as a way of resisting Satan’s attempt to extinguish God’s word in our hearts.
Reflection questions:
1) Do you have the perseverance that causes you to want to understand God’s truth all the more when you do not know it well? If this quality is lacking, how will you address it?
2) Do you accept that there will be a period of studying God’s word during which you give much but receive little? Why?