The blogosphere is filled with theological debates and diatribes based on biased and dogmatic positions. They are not true discussions. It reminds me of the religious leaders in Jesus' time who asked questions to test Jesus, not because they sought the truth.
Reading through the devotional book Daily Light, by Samuel Bagster, I came across this verse for the evening devotion for December 16—
The deep things of God. (I Cor. 2:10 KJV)
What's deep? The love of God. It's far deeper than we'll ever comprehend.
Can it really be that simple?
The famous theologian, Karl Barth, when asked (in 1962) to summarize all his writings reportedly said, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."
Here is the last Scripture selection for the evening devotion mentioned above—
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19)
Notice it says, "...the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge...."
Seekers and believers often make the simple complicated, and the deep shallow—far too often.
Why do we complicate things? Simple truths are often much deeper than we realize.
What's the key to the deeper things of God?
Let's take a closer look at 1 Cor 2:10—
...these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
Truth is revealed by and through God's Spirit. We see the role of the Holy Spirit here as Jesus told His followers it would be (John 14:26; 16:13).
[bctt tweet="Truth is revealed by and through God's Spirit."]
It is not gained from God because of intelligence, experience, or education. Those things are helpful, but are not requirements. What is required? Relationship with God. Intimate relationship with Him.
Intimacy with God
If you want to know the deep things of God, then your relationship with God needs to deepen.
Various spiritual disciplines are valuable, but the more important thing is intimacy with God. This involves spending concentrated, focused time with the Lord.
[bctt tweet="If you want to know the deep things of God, then your relationship with God needs to deepen"]
Looking at the second part of this verse, we get a glimpse of the intimate relationship of the Triune Godhead—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
The relationship of the Triune God is our gateway to the deep things of God. Consider their relationship with one another—
- The Father— God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:6)
- The Son— Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me. If you have known me, you will also know my Father. (John 14:6, 7)
- The Holy Spirit— “The helper whom I will send to you from the Father will come. This helper, the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father, will declare the truth about me. (John 15:26)
[bctt tweet="The relationship of the Triune God is our gateway to the deep things of God"]
Going deeper
In what way can we go deeper and more intimate in our relationship with God?
It's simple, don't complicate it or spiritualize it.
How would you deepen your relationship with another person? Yes, spend more time with them, but it's also the quality of the time. King David gives us a word-picture of what His relationship with God looks like—
Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;all your waves and breakers have swept over me. (Psalm 42:7 NIV)
Do you see the picture?
As we become immersed in our relationship with the Lord, it will deepen, and God will reveal both Himself and His truth to us.
Have you experienced a time of immersion in your intimacy with God?
Have you pursued God to gain a more intimate relationship with Him?