You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. I do not receive honor from men. But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. ... How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? —John 5:39-42, 44, NKJV
Jesus directly addresses the root problems of self-satisfaction and religious pride. The religious Jews were deceived by equating their knowledge of Scripture and their association with the religious community with the knowledge of God. Yet, truthfully, they were stubbornly refusing to enter into a personal relationship with God through His personal representative, Jesus. They boasted in their knowledge of Scripture while rejecting the author of Scripture. God puts before us strategic stumbling blocks in the gospel and in our walks with the Holy Spirit to test our hearts. If we become hungry for God and humble in heart, these stumbling blocks actually become the stepping stones that lead us forward in His purposes for our lives.
{ PRAYER STARTER }
Father, rid my life of self-satisfaction and religious pride. Test my heart, and strengthen me in humility to be prepared to fulfill Your purposes.
Any of us should welcome whatever it
takes to enter into and enjoy a more
intimate relationship with the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
