The Lord told the Pharisees that they ought to have known the meaning of the words of Scripture. They had the letter of Scripture, but they did not comprehend its meaning or application.
This is an important consideration for us. We strongly maintain the value of the very words of Scripture, being inspired, and therefore a divine and unimpeachable foundation for faith. Yet, it is possible to have an intellectual acquaintance with the letter and not understand the things which are freely given to us of God.
Christ, not self, must be our object. If any desires to do God’s will, he will know of the doctrine (John 7:1717If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:17)). But God’s will (not ours) must be the motive spring. Thus, when there is a true desire to learn, God gives the wisdom and understanding needed, and the Scripture becomes daily more precious.
Christian Truth, March 1948