1 Peter 1:22-25 Believers must be discipline to read Logos while being sensitive to discern Rhema

1 Peter 1:22-25

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word (logos) of God. For,

“ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS,
AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS.
THE GRASS WITHERS,
AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF,
BUT THE WORD (rhema) OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER.”
And this is the word (rhema) which was preached to you.

Background

The Word of God, or logos, is a living and enduring seed that produces faith and transforms lives. It originates from the spoken word, rhema, through which the Holy Spirit inspired scripture. Logos grounds believers in truth and doctrine, while rhema delivers daily guidance and divine impressions. Both are essential: logos builds faith and sets boundaries, and rhema brings personal direction and conviction. Neglecting either results in spiritual immaturity. Proper engagement with logos requires contextual study, while rhema is discerned through divine peace. Together, they cultivate maturity, love, and deeper relationship with God through reason and spiritual sensitivity. Today’s devotion reminds us that we must be discipline to read logos while being sensitive to discern rhema.

Observation

• for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word (logos) of God. 

The word of God is a seed that regenerates and saves those who read it. The word comes from the Greek term logos. Logos is scripture from which truth is derived. The logos is living as it causes the reader to grow in faith to bear fruit. The logos is also enduring for its truth that leads to salvation never changes. 

Indeed, logos has been proven powerful to purify the souls of the hearers, transforming them to love one another fervently.

• “… But the word (rhema) of the Lord endures forever.”

That said, the logos or scripture is authored by holy men as the Holy Spirit speaks to them. Hence, the word or rhema, which was first spoken to them, served as the basis for the writing of the logos. This spoken word is known as rhema in the Greek language. Without rhema, there is no logos. 

Christ, by His blood has redeemed us to rule with Him to bring forth the new heavens and new earth. The evidence of this redemption is the transformation of the soul to love one another. 

While the rhema represents the spoken word, which may appear transient, it remains both lasting and impactful. 

Therefore, logos is what we read from scripture and rhema is the impressions and convictions we receive from God on a daily basis.

Truth

Believers must be discipline to read logos while being sensitive to discern rhema.

There appears to be two distinct groups of people: one group is discipline in their reading of the word, concentrating on grasping doctrine and theology. The other group prioritizes being sensitive to what God communicates on a moment-to-moment basis. They favour worship and prayer over the systematic study of scripture.

Both logos and rhema are essential for the believer’s growth. While logos refers to scripture that conveys the truth which fosters faith, rhema delivers God’s promises and guidance to individuals on a daily basis. A person who neglects to read the logos will lack the faith necessary to apply the rhema they receive. And they may deviate from the truth, being misled by the errant desires of their heart. Conversely, an individual who does not learn to discern rhema may miss out on specific instructions and promises that enable them to experience God to the fullest extent. Logos provide divine principles but do not offer discernment particularly regarding the condition of a person’s heart.

Indeed, logos serves as foundation and boundary through which rhema is received, interpreted and applied. As proper training is essential for reading and interpreting logos, likewise training is needed to receive and apply rhema. When one engages with logos, the emphasis is on reasoning; however, when one engages with rhema, the emphasis shifts to human senses and the capture of divine intuition. Spiritual maturity is achieved by being rooted in reason-based logos while also being attuned to rhema.

Application

Examine the logos through entire books rather than isolated verses. By doing so, you will be able to comprehend the context and consequently uncover a more profound truth that extends beyond what can be gleaned from a solitary verse.

Learn to recognize rhema through the thoughts that are accompanied by divine peace. Rhema is unmistakably characterised by a conviction in the truth and a sense of security.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your living Word logos that grounds us in truth and grows our faith. Teach us to study it with discipline and reverence. Help us also to hear Your rhema; Your personal, guiding voice through divine peace and conviction. May both logos and rhema shape our hearts, deepen our love, and draw us closer to You each day. Make us mature and sensitive to Your Spirit. In Jesus’s name I pray, amen.