Paul seems to sum up what he has been writing, saying:

“Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, ‘Do not go beyond what is written,’” 1 Corinthians 4:6.

The words found in scripture should be enough for us, to sustain us, to inspire us, to give us hope, and to instruct us on the road of life that we are upon.

And yet many find that the word of God is not enough for them. They think that this ancient book has no bearing for us today. Surely, there is more to be found in the writings of modern men, and yet, this is not so.

Some may have perhaps wondered why Paul would have inserted this short excerpt here in his writings to the Corinthians, but it seems plain that one shouldn’t go beyond the written page of scripture to find truth. And yet, we have the Holy Spirit, and this same Holy Spirit teaches us all the things that are written down in these pages, but He also speaks of what is to come.

So in hearing the words of the Holy Spirit as they speak to us, these words echoed from the throne of God, do go beyond the written page. They are alive and active, and very much like the words written down that say,

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” Hebrews 4:12.

For the word of God is living and active, it is God-breathed. It is more than just black ink that has been written down on pages throughout the ages. And yet, as well, it is compiled by men and is now available in countless editions, with some being good ones and others perhaps not as good. Many of course do go beyond the written page in their understanding of the text, but when the presence of the Holy Spirit infuses those words for us, then they are alive and not just “words.”

So, read those words written down. Read the parables, read the prophets, and the psalms, and all of the books found within the pages of the Holy Scriptures, but go beyond the written page of just the “words.” Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through them, and not just through them, but come to the word made flesh; the one who is the living word. Then you will have truly gone beyond the written page, and you will have found what is written there is truth eternal.

~ Stephen Hanson

Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the Lord is a special way in 1975 and has been prophesying regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are to be reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?