Unlocking Spiritual Understanding: Why Intellectualism Bears No Fruit in the Christian Life
In a world that values intelligence and knowledge, we often forget the importance of understanding. Understanding is not just knowing facts and figures but rather the ability to apply knowledge in a way that benefits oneself and others. As believers, our understanding of the Scriptures is paramount. True understanding comes from the Lord, specifically, the Holy Spirit. We can seek His wisdom by immersing ourselves in Scripture, asking the Holy Spirit, and applying biblical principles to our lives. Let us explore some definitions and the true source of understanding and its implications in the Christian life.
Every believer was once lost before they were saved. I am sure you can testify to the fact that before you gave your life to Jesus, you did not read the bible nor understand its Truth and final authority. In fact, it may have seemed like nonsense to you! However, the bible tells us that without the understanding given to us by the Holy Spirit, the things of God are foolish or undiscerned. Apostle Paul says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Many people, even Christians today, default to the world’s process of gaining understanding, which still applies to the believer in part, but not exclusively. The world’s process of understanding is based on intellectual ability, tireless study, and experience. The world views people with advanced degrees and accreditations as those who surely possess understanding. And perhaps they do, in their respective field of study. However, these same people who possess understanding in their fields will not be able to understand the things of God, or the Spirit, unless they are born-again believers of Jesus Christ.
There are many “theologians” who have no understanding of the things of God. This is because they do not have the Holy Spirit. Perhaps they did once, but grieved Him, so He left. Simply put, they cannot understand the things of the Spirit because these things are discerned ONLY through the Holy Spirit. Every born-again believer of Jesus Christ receives the Holy Spirit by faith. You cannot understand God without His Holy Spirit. For the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:10-13:
“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.”
When theologians try to intellectualize the deep, mysterious things of God, they fail. Their intellectual study proves to be unfruitful and/or invalid. This explains why there is confusion today amongst those who are immature in Christ, boasting primarily in an individual’s theological position, which is man-made and philosophical. Paul references this folly in 1 Corinthians 1:12,18-25 and 1 Corinthians 3:1-4.
If you are having trouble understanding the Word of God, ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding. Sadly, many people who do not have the Holy Spirit are unaware of their need of Him. This is due to spiritual blindness (John 12:40). It takes a softened heart and humility to receive Jesus and His Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:18 says,
“They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts.”
Pride can also prevent someone from receiving the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Humility is required for one to even consider if he needs understanding or to admit that he is in error, without proper understanding.
The Bible also tells us when an individual is truly spiritual, having the mind of Christ, he judges all things, yet is not subject to anyone’s judgment (1 Corinthians 2:15).
In conclusion, while the world's process of understanding is based on intellectual ability, tireless study, and experience, this process is not enough for the Christian. Understanding God requires the Holy Spirit, and without Him, one cannot fully comprehend the deep and mysterious things of God. It is essential to ask the Holy Spirit for understanding and to have a softened heart and humility to receive Him. Understanding God and His Word is a supernatural gift and experience, which is essential for every believer to persevere in the Faith and fulfill the calling God has placed on his or her life.