It is written by THE SPIRIT in Hebrews chapter 5:
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
The audience were those who were well acquainted of Old Testament principles but needed to get past the imperfect sacrifice and realize the infallible purpose in Christ becoming the High Priest for our sakes. Does this mean we need to become experts in the written Word? I think not. More importantly we need to be able to discern both good and evil by being taught according to FATHER’S Divine Intent of Love. Many Old Testament students would purpose to learn all 613 commandments and statutes in order to be esteemed by man. On the other hand, Jesus made it quite clear that the two Commandments of Love fulfilled the entire Law.
If you know FATHER’S Intent then you will be able to discern between good and evil. Out of HIS Love comes the word of righteousness and brings us toward full maturity. Memorizing the New Testament does not guarantee proper discernment. Knowing HIS ways does!
Are you saying not to study The Word? Absolutely not. Simply don’t make it more important than your personal relationship with FATHER. The Pharisees were experts on The Word given at the time yet they could not recognize the Savior of the world when He spoke to them. They were blinded by their own bias.
Those who tend to be legalistic try to get FATHER to do their bidding by quoting HIS Word to HIM. That can be a subtle form of manipulation when we try to get our way based on our understanding rather than on HIS Love for us. What if FATHER does not respond to our request? We must conclude HIS perfect will and purpose are allowing whatever perceived need we have to be left unfulfilled for the moment. We must place HIS unconditional Love for us above any need or personal request we have. Only FATHER can see the big picture and know the timing of HIS responses toward us.
The disciples resisted FATHER’S Will when it came time for Jesus to go to the cross. One moment Peter had a revelation and the next moment Jesus chastised him by saying “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Ouch!
Eternity requires a different outlook than a few short years in these physical bodies. While on this earth we must focus on maturing in Christ and walking in Love. If we do then The Holy Spirit is well able to provide us with the essence of The Word applicable to our situation. As we become “sensitive” to THE SPIRIT, we are exercising our senses.
Consider that Abraham did not have the Old or New Testament to refer to when FATHER was dealing with him. He only needed a relationship with FATHER and the bond of Trust. Abraham knew FATHER had his best interest at heart so he was able to fulfill his calling without reading a hundred books on faith. With that in mind we read Hebrews chapter 6:
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,
14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.”
15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute.
17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath,
18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Abraham had faith in FATHER’S oath to him. We too have an oath by FATHER sealed with HIS Divine Intent of Love. That is good enough for me.