Source of Understanding

So often I hear Christians credit other people (mostly famous theologians or writers) for their deeper understanding of Scripture or more meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.

"It was ________ who really opened my eyes to who I am in God's eyes."

"In his book __________, ________ showed me the extent of Jesus' sacrifice for me."

I love reading Lewis, Bonhoffer, Tozer, Spurgeon, Swindoll, McDowell, Strobel, Laubach and other great Christian writers as much as anyone else. They are people who have great understanding of Scripture and who can communicate effectively, otherwise they wouldn't be successful.

These people and many others, however, are merely instruments. They are neither the source nor the cause. They are but a medium by which we come to greater understanding of who God is in comparison to who we are. It is the Holy Spirit who is the source of this understanding, and His power which is the cause.

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26 NIV

One of the most effective preachers in the Bible, said it plainly in 1 Corinthians 2:4 -

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

Great theologians speak pearls of wisdom and write beautiful words that express the loveliness of Christ and what He did for us. But as Paul explains in 1 Corinthians chapter 2, this is a message of wisdom that only some understand. If it was truly up to man alone, then many more would understand, agree and comply. But it's not. The Holy Spirit is the source of this wisdom as well as the source of the understanding.

None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" - but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. (verse 8-10)

The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. (verse 14)

The next time the light bulb pops on over your head about something related to the truth of God's Word, don't give credit to the writer you're reading or the person to whom you're listening. Give credit where credit is due. Give thanks to the Holy Spirit!