Objective and Subjective Learning

.... You may not be aware of this, but each passage in Scripture contains two distinct types of lessons. This also means there are two ways to study the Scriptures and to benefit from them. Both ways are good, but one is frequently overlooked. To explain this concept more fully, let’s focus on the teachings of Jesus Himself:

..... During His time on the earth, Jesus discussed many topics. Each time He did so we could learn of those topics, and by applying those lessons we could display good conduct in our lives. This is called the objective lesson. It adds to our knowledge and provides basic instruction in righteousness:

.

.... "The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD."

(Isaiah 11:2)

.... The second type of lesson is found within the very same words. For a little deeper down is the living fountain from which they spring, the well of Divine character, motivation and perspective that brought them forth: the spirit and life of the Scriptures as they reflect the Lord's personality. This is called the subjective lesson (meaning His subjectivity, not ours).

.... "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."

(Matthew 11:29-30 KJV)

.... In fact, the Holy Spirit teaches us in both of these same ways. For in the objective sense, He brings to our remembrance the things Jesus taught us and uses this knowledge to guide us into all truth (John 14:26; 16:13). But in all of our learning, He also testifies of Jesus Himself in a deeper, much more personal way that demonstrates His familiarity with Him. This is the subjective lesson, and He uses this sort of insight to promote the same relationship within us:

.... "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning."

(John 15:27)

.... The lessons of Jesus' subjectivity require some meditation. One must discern this perspective and muse upon it to truly appreciate it, so at first it may seem intuitive. We must develop a ‘feel’ for it, as they say. Yet the same precise knowledge contained in the passage, especially when compared with similar passages, will guide our insights and help us define them correctly:

.... "These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual."

(1 Corinthans 2:13)

....

We will discuss this perspective further in our next posting. See also the special example in the ‘comments’ section.
To proceed to the next lesson, click here
Daily Bible Reading: John 11