The power of divine teaching

(J. C. Philpot "Meditations on Ephesians")

"Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but
 also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep
 conviction." 1 Thes. 1:5

The main reason why men boggle to understanding the
Scriptures, is from lack of an experience of the truths
set forth in them. They lack the right key which fits this
intricate lock, and therefore uselessly poke at it with
false keys, which, though they cannot spoil the lock,
plainly show the ignorance of the workmen.

Unless, by the power of divine teaching, we can enter
in some good measure spiritually and experimentally into
the grand and glorious truths of the everlasting gospel,
we can neither see their peculiar beauty, nor feel their
peculiar sweetness and blessedness.