Rightly Divided, Fully Centered on Jesus
Choosing the right key for the right door, a simple picture of rightly dividing the word with Jesus at the center.
Devotional Credit: Abide Above by Miles Stanford
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Colossians 1:19 says that all fullness dwells in Christ. Miles Stanford reminds us that the point of Bible study is not to collect theories. The point is to know the Lord Jesus and to see our life in Him. When Scripture is handled without careful context, we can chase promises that were not written to us, then feel disappointed. When Scripture is handled in step with the Spirit, we see Jesus, we see our union with Him, and the heart rests.
This reading speaks to a gentle course correction. We do not ignore the Old Testament. We honor it as God’s word, yet we read it through the finished work of Jesus and the teaching of the apostles. We also resist a shortcut that treats the Bible like a vending machine. The goal is a Person. The Father gives the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.
Stanford presses a simple truth. Rightly dividing the word does not make us cold. It makes us clear. We learn what God has said to Israel for a future day, and what God has given the church right now in His Son. That clarity keeps us from chasing a prosperity that Scripture does not promise to the body of Christ. It also keeps us from living on rule keeping that cannot produce life.
So we take our seat as students who are also sons and daughters. We handle the word with care. We look for Jesus on every page. We ask the Spirit to apply the right passage to the right moment. Then we walk out what He shows, not from pressure, but from union with Him.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know the Lord. Study to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. I open the Scriptures as I did on the road to Emmaus, showing the things concerning Jesus. I write My truth on your heart. I lead you into all truth.
You are in Christ, and Christ is in you. You died with Him, you were raised with Him, and your life is hidden with Him in God. I fill you in Him. I make you able to discern what applies to you now as My church, and what I will fulfill for Israel in its time. I teach you to let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. I train your senses by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Abide in Me. Let the Scriptures equip you for every good work. Let your boast be in the Lord. Walk by the Spirit. Set your mind on things above. As you keep Me as your object, I shape your steps and I form the life of Jesus in you.
Scripture references: Ephesians 1:17, 2 Timothy 2:15, Luke 24:27, Jeremiah 31:31 to 34, John 16:13, Colossians 1:27, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6 to 11, Colossians 3:1 to 4, Colossians 2:9 to 10, Romans 11:25 to 29, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 5:14, John 15:4 to 5, 2 Timothy 3:16 to 17, 1 Corinthians 1:31, Galatians 5:16, Colossians 3:2.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a key ring with several similar keys. If I try to force the wrong key, the door will not open, and the handle might bend. When I choose the right key, the lock turns with ease. Reading the Bible with Jesus at the center works like that. The Holy Spirit knows which passage fits the moment. He guides me to the right key, and the door of understanding opens without strain.
Try this today. Before you read or make a decision, pause for a quiet moment and say, Lord, I trust You to guide me to the right key in Your word and to live this truth through me. Then move forward expecting the Spirit of Jesus to apply Scripture with clarity and gentleness in a real situation, like how you handle a tense email or a budgeting choice.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You for giving me Your Son as my fullness. Thank You for the Scriptures that point me to Him. Thank You for the Spirit who teaches me to handle Your word with care. I receive this day as a place to walk from union with Jesus, with a clear mind and a restful heart. Lord, I trust You to keep my gaze on Your Son and to express His life through me as I study, decide, and serve.