“of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing” (Hebrews 5:11).
God’s word was written to be understood by all (Ephesians 3:4). The New Testament was written in the language spoken by the common person of the first century world. Contrary to the claims of some, the intended meaning of Scripture is not a riddle wrapped up in a conundrum and shrouded by an impenetrable mist of mystery. Scripture as it is can be understood by humans as they are.
The two most frequent reasons for why God’s word is mishandled and thus misunderstood are:
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The content is challenging. God’s word has both milk—which is easily understood—and meat—which is richer in content and more challenging (Hebrews 5:12). It also contains “some things hard to understand”; these places are notorious havens for spiritual charlatans who twist them as they do the rest of the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16). The fact that these portions of Scripture exist does not eliminate the truth that the vast majority of God’s word is quite capable of being rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15) and accurately understood (Ephesians 5:17).
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The student is dull of hearing. This was the situation identified by the writer of Hebrews. Like every other aspect in life, spiritual growth and success necessitate effort and persistence. “Sweat equity” is essential to being an unashamed Bible workman (2 Timothy 2:15). Laziness always results in spiritual failure.
Like the original recipients of Hebrews, we may find the Bible hard to understand because of our shortcomings, not God’s word.
