2 Timothy 3:10–17 ‘But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.’ (vv14–15)
Our sources of learning all shape our understanding and create our bank of knowledge. This then drives the choices we make and the lives we choose to lead, including our view and treatment of others.
Adam and Eve revealed that the first sign of human corruption is self-preservation when seeking to hide from God (Gen. 3:8).
There is humour here, for how can God’s created beings hide from their creator in His creation? Rational logic directs their actions, yet rationality is insufficient to comprehend God.
Indeed, many of the questions that trouble us are in search of a rational answer, yet God remains beyond reason, given that reason itself is dependent upon God for its very existence.
It takes courage to agree with God that Scripture is indeed His revealed Word for our encouragement and direction.
It offers us a mystery in that it can only be understood through the mediation of God’s Spirit, who remains an integral member of our Trinitarian God. Much of what we do is born out of obedience alone, and this obedience operates from our own deliberate choices.
We are guided by our hearts and not our brains in pursuit of God. Often we discern God within the questions we are presented with, rather than in any specific answer.
Such answers tend to end our ongoing conversation with God on the basis that we have closed an issue which was helpfully provoking us towards a deeper exploration of God’s revelation. Questions are foundational to our learning.
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Deut. 18:13–25; Prov. 2:1–11; John 5:31–47; 1 Pet. 3:8–22.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: Does your faith depend on answers to life’s many questions? Or are you comfortable trusting God in the many questions you carry?
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, thank You that You remain a mystery to me, someone who lies beyond explanation. Amen.’
