The Words and the Spirit in the written Word

The Words and the Spirit in the written Word

Rom 2:25-29  For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.  (26)  Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?  (27)  And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?  (28)  For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:  (29)  But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Studying the written Word is more than just reading scripture to learn about the message in the words themselves. Yes, there is important truth in the message delivered by the words, but one should also learn and partake of the spirit of God in the passage, which is found behind the words.

Let’s have a look at the above passage and, as an example, extract a basic learning and understanding from the words in the passage, but also learn something about God’s character and will from the spirit behind the words.

The message in the words:

We learn from the passage that a Jew, who has access to the law and counsel of God, can profit much from learning it and actively keeping it. However, that same Jew, if they ignore the law and counsel of God, they are no better than the uncircumcised Gentiles. Similarly, the opposite is also true. If the uncircumcised Gentile, who does not have the law, keeps the righteousness of the law by staying true to their conscience, Rom.2:14-15, would he not be accepted, in the eyes of God, in the same standing as one who is circumcised and keeps the law? Yes. The scripture clearly affirms this. Thus, the point that we learn is that it is not really circumcision or uncircumcision that gives peace and confidence before God, but rather, it is the person who is true to their heart and sincere in their faith towards what God has revealed to them, which is Jesus Christ and Him crucified and resurrected. Circumcision, or the lack thereof, is just a symbol, a means to identify one to their doctrine, just like a wedding ring is a symbol to identify a married person, but it is not marriage itself. God looks at the heart, the sincerity, and attitude of the inner man. That which pleases God is tender faith that originates from deep inside of the person and permeates their outward actions, motivated by love for God; not the shallow faith, which is stale and seared, that stems from religious creed and from traditions, where the motive for outward action is to please men and get praise from them.

The spirit behind the words:

Reading the words in our key passage allows us to understand the lesson that the words deliver. But, as mentioned, we can learn from this passage if we look deeper than just the words. Our motive would be to learn about the person that wrote this passage. We can connect with the spirit of God behind these words. We can learn and understand the character of the One who authored them. We can learn the language He speaks and reasons in, we can gain insights into His will, His judgements, His values and qualities. Practicing the words we read results in a temporary outward expression of life in this world, but searching for the spirit of God results in an inward connection of eternal value. To do what God says in word is good and expected in this life, but to learn to know God’s Spirit, His desires, the essence of His judgements, that you might prove what is His good, and acceptable, and perfect will, is of far greater value, even into the ages to come. Surely this is what Paul was writing about when he penned his desire to know Christ more,

Php 3:7-11  But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  (8)  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  (9)  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  (10)  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  (11)  If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Studying the Bible involves two things. Understanding and obedience to the words we read, which is our reasonable service and our expression of faith to Him, but we should also be seeking the character of God behind His words too, which is our spiritual connection to Him and expression of love.