Three Keys to Receiving Scripture as Spirit and Life
Orientation
Many approach the Bible as a fact-book or intellectual puzzle, which leaves them dry and unchanged.
- We often read Scripture looking to confirm our own ideas or solve our own problems.
- This filters God's thought through our personal concepts and biases.
- The result is spiritual dryness, not a living encounter with Christ.
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1 Peter 2:2)
— 1 Peter 2:2
Clarification
The goal is not to master information but to be nourished by Christ, who is the living Word.
- The Word is given as food for the inner man, not merely for information or discernment.
- Life comes from receiving the Word as Spirit and life, not from handling only its letter.
- This requires coming to Scripture poor and hungry, not with a full, 'rich' mind.
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63)
— John 6:63
Structure
A threefold approach helps us encounter God's thought and receive life from the Word.
- Read an epistle multiple times to transcend personal concepts and see God's flow of thought.
- Build a reservoir of recognition through broad familiarity, allowing the Spirit to bring truth to mind.
- Meditate on the Word prayerfully to receive it as life, nourishing the inner man.
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (Ephesians 5:26)
— Ephesians 5:26
Weight-Bearing Prose
The primary barrier to life in the Word is our own mind—our concepts, biases, and theological baggage. This filters Scripture, reinforcing our own thoughts instead of encountering God’s. Paul’s revelation presents the Word as the means by which Christ, our life, nourishes and renews the inner man. This is not an intellectual process but a spiritual one, dependent on the Holy Spirit’s ministry. The Spirit brings the Word to remembrance, but He works from a reservoir built by broad familiarity with Scripture’s context and flow. Without this, we are vulnerable to twisted interpretations and winds of doctrine. The alternative—an intellectual, fact-based approach—results in dryness, a lack of spiritual vitality, and ministry that handles only the letter. The goal is a living encounter with God through His Word, where the Word becomes Spirit and life, imparting peace, comfort, and transformation.
Integration
Your assurance in approaching Scripture is not based on your intellectual skill or effort, but on Christ Himself, who is the living Word. He is your life and your nourishment. Come to the Word simply, as a newborn, empty of your own concepts and hungry for Him. There is no pressure to advance or achieve a higher state of understanding. The Spirit is present to illuminate and give life. This is not a challenge to master, but a Person to receive. Rest in the certainty that Christ meets you in His Word, not because of your method, but because of His faithfulness. He is your peace and your portion.