I’ve been reflecting on how often people claim to “know” the Bible, yet teach things that are completely out of line with what Scripture actually says. It’s made me think about something Jesus said in Matthew 11:25—that God hides truth from the so-called wise and reveals it to those with childlike hearts. It seems like understanding Scripture isn’t just about study or intellect, but about the posture of the heart.
Why do some people—especially false teachers—miss the meaning of the Word even when they quote it fluently? Could it be that without true obedience and submission to Christ, we remain blind to the deeper truths of His Word? I’d love to hear your thoughts: How do you see the link between obedience and understanding in your own walk with the Lord? Have you seen examples of people knowing the “letter” of the Bible but missing its Spirit?
Who defines what is completely out of line or in line with what Scripture says?
Knowledge and wisdom are not incompatible with knowing and/or worshiping God and His will. Do you really think that ignorance brings one closer to God?
There are many people who claim to know the “letter” of the Bible but miss its spirit. Jerry Falwell is a prime example.
Christians are guided by the Holy Spirit who is given to us by God to guide us through life. Having the written word to be our guide is the basis of the Old Covenant; having the Holy Spirit to be our guide is the basis of the New Covenant.
Recently I heard a program, spent 5 episodes, on deconstructing one’s faith.
Deconstruction isn’t just doubting and seeking Gods word but a choosing some more simplistic to fit one’s societal messages. In other words, topping God off.
Once I thot I was deconstructing, but hearing that program, I realized I was only doubting some points of my faith.
Who wants to be told that there “version” of Scripture isn’t Truth? Obedience to scriptural principles is difficult, to be honest. Why? Romans 8 tells us it’s because of sin. The woman I wish to be is not the woman I am, because of sin. Asking forgiveness and submitting to Gods way is not part of our DNA. We are of Adam’s DNA, choosing to go contrary to Gods Word.
Look for Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett’s book. When a Loved One Deconstructs.
One will understand why obedience is so hard to attain too. One would rather make their own feel good understanding of Scripture.
My POV is that obedience does lead to understanding of who God is and what He wants for us. (What He wants for us not necessarily from us.)
According to Scripture itself, God is the one who defines what is right and wrong. He is holy, just, and unchanging, and His character is the standard by which all morality is measured. The Bible is not simply a collection of human opinions, but is presented as the inspired Word of God, breathed out by Him (2 Timothy 3:16), revealing His will and truth. While people may have different interpretations or opinions, the ultimate authority is not individual perception but the consistent message of Scripture, which is meant to be studied in context and with humility.
Throughout history, God has made His standards known—not only through written law but also through the conscience He has placed in every human heart (Romans 2:14–15). When questions arise about what is in line with Scripture, believers are called to compare teachings, actions, and beliefs against the whole counsel of God’s Word, guided by prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the example of Christ. No one person has the right to redefine what God has already made clear; the role of believers is not to create truth, but to faithfully seek and live by the truth God has revealed.
It’s true that under the New Covenant, believers are given the Holy Spirit to dwell within them and guide them in truth, conviction, and daily living (John 14:26, Romans 8:14). However, the Holy Spirit never works independently of God’s written Word—He illuminates it, brings it to life, and helps believers understand and apply it rightly. Jesus Himself said that the Spirit would “guide you into all truth” (John 16:13), and that truth is grounded in the revelation already given. The Old Covenant was centered on the law written on stone; the New Covenant, as foretold in Jeremiah 31:33, involves God writing His law on our hearts, but not by removing His Word—instead, by fulfilling it through Christ and making it personal and internal by the Spirit.
The written Word and the Holy Spirit are not in conflict but work in perfect harmony. The Spirit leads, but never contrary to what Scripture teaches. In fact, the Bible warns that not every spirit is from God, so believers are called to test everything by the truth of Scripture (1 John 4:1). The Spirit brings clarity, conviction, and transformation, and He uses the Word as His primary tool. So both are essential—the Word as the foundation of truth, and the Spirit as the one who helps us live it out.
What you’ve shared reflects a deeply honest and biblically grounded understanding of the struggle many face today. True faith doesn’t shy away from questions or doubt—God invites us to seek, ask, and wrestle with hard truths—but there’s a difference between seeking clarity in God’s Word and reshaping it to fit personal comfort or cultural trends. That’s the heart of the concern with modern deconstruction: it often goes beyond sincere questioning and becomes a remodeling of truth into something more palatable. As you noted, it’s not just about doubt—it’s about replacing God’s authority with our own preferences.
Romans 8 is clear: the flesh is hostile to God, and we are naturally inclined to resist His ways. Obedience is hard because it runs against our inherited nature. Yet, it’s through obedience—even when it’s costly or uncomfortable—that we come to understand God more deeply. He doesn’t just want our actions; He wants our hearts aligned with His truth. And that alignment brings peace, purpose, and a deeper grasp of His grace.
You’re also right that God’s desires for us are rooted in love—what He wants for us is abundant life, freedom from sin, and closeness with Him. That doesn’t always align with what we feel or want in the moment, but it always leads to what is ultimately best. The temptation to soften or revise Scripture is strong, especially in a culture that values self-definition. But true transformation and understanding come through submitting to God’s Word, not editing it.