Knowing the scriptures without God’s power produces dry religion. Seeking power without understanding the bible produces deception.
The Sadducees knew the text intellectually but did not understand what God was saying through it. Jesus told them in John 5:39, _*“You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness of me.”*_ Jesus often asked the Pharisees and Sadducees, *“Have ye not read…?”* (Matthew 12:3, Matthew 19:4, Matthew 22:31). The issue was not reading but understanding.
So, how does one understand the scriptures? God told Joshua: _*“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night…”*_ (Joshua 1:8).
Careful, deliberate meditation on God’s Word, with intent, invites the spirit to transform knowledge into living encounters, revealing Christ more deeply and conforming us to his image.
Let me explain further. Studying the Word to show yourself approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15) gets the spirit involved. Jesus said: “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). But the natural man (carnal man) cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:14). Jesus emphasised, _*“Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out*_ whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own” John 7:17. Truth becomes clearer when obeyed. Many people want deeper revelation while ignoring what they already have.
I hear some saying, “But I am trying! I struggle with the truth I already know!” Listen: The Sadducees denied resurrection because they limited God to what they could explain. Jesus answered: “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Matthew 22:32). Their theology was too small because their view of God’s power was too small. They struggle because they do not know the power of God!
Daniel said: “The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32). Power flows from relationship, not mere information. Believe what God says. Abraham became the great example: by faith, “Being fully persuaded that what He had promised, He was able also to perform” (Romans 4:21). Faith connects us with God’s power. Paul wrote: “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power” (1 Corinthians 4:20). God’s power is not merely displayed in miracles. It is seen when sinners are transformed, addictions broken, fear replaced with peace, and ordinary people become bold witnesses for Christ.
The Bible is actually a record of God’s power. Creation reveals it. The Flood. The Exodus. David and Goliath. Elijah on Carmel. The Resurrection. Pentecost. Every page declares: God is able. The more you understand the scriptures, the more confidence you have in His power.
Imagine someone reading a car manual daily but never driving it. They may know every chapter, diagram, and specification, yet have never experienced the engine. That is knowing the scriptures without God’s power. Now imagine someone driving a car without ever reading the manual. Sooner or later they damage something because they don’t understand how it works. That is pursuing power without the scriptures. God wants both: believers who know what God has said and what he can do.
These are the challenges:
When last did a scripture passage change your thinking? When last did you trust God for something beyond your ability? When last did the Word move from a page into your daily life?
The Sadducees had a Bible problem and a God problem. They underestimated both the Word and the one who gave it. Jesus calls us higher. Know the scriptures until they renew your mind. Know God’s power until impossibility no longer intimidates you.
Read the Word. Meditate on it. Obey it. Pray it. Believe it. Then you will discover what the Sadducees missed: the God who speaks in the scriptures is the same God whose power still changes lives today.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk