Author: Stephen Weller
Contributors: ChatGPT & Bible Gateway
Lesson Index
Lesson: sls05
3,912 words, 21 minutes read time

Logos and Rhema

In lesson sls04, we looked at the tension between sacrifice and obedience. Now, in this lesson, we turn our attention to the profound truth found in the statement “Get into the logos until the rhema gets into you.” 

During a recent life group session, we explored two Greek words: “Logos” and “Rhema.” We concluded that “Logos” refers to a word from God intended for everyone, while “Rhema” signifies a word from God directed at an individual. As our discussion progressed, the phrase “Get into the logos until the rhema gets into you” emerged. This prompted me to delve deeper and understand its meaning. Here are the findings from my research.

The phrase “Get into the logos until the rhema gets into you” is a statement that draws from two key Greek words often used in Christian theology: logos and rhema. These terms are typically associated with God’s Word, but they have distinct meanings:

• Logos (λόγος) refers to the written Word of God, Scripture. It encompasses the entire body of truth revealed in the Bible, often considered the objective, authoritative Word of God. Logos is the consistent, foundational, and eternal message of God to humanity.
• Rhema (ῥῆμα), on the other hand, refers to the spoken Word or the personal, timely Word from God. It is the specific, living, and active application of God’s Word that is spoken into a particular situation or to an individual. Rhema can also imply the dynamic Word that speaks directly to one’s heart and transforms life in a personal and powerful way.

Meaning of the Phrase:

• “Get into the logos” means to immerse oneself in the written Word of God, studying and meditating on the Scriptures. It emphasizes the importance of knowing the Bible, understanding its teachings, and aligning one’s life with the Word.
• “Until the rhema gets into me” suggests that the ultimate goal is not just intellectual knowledge but personal transformation. It means allowing the Scriptures (logos) to move beyond theory and into practical, personal application. The rhema represents the moment when the Word of God speaks specifically to you, bringing conviction, direction, or encouragement in a deeply personal way.

Practical Application:

This phrase can be seen as an encouragement to diligently study the Bible (logos) so that it becomes living and active in your life, speaking to you personally and powerfully (rhema). It implies a dynamic relationship with Scripture where it doesn’t just remain a set of teachings but becomes the very means by which God speaks to and transforms the believer’s heart and actions.

In other words, one should delve into the written Word with the expectation that it will lead to personal revelation and spiritual growth, allowing God’s Word to deeply impact and guide their life.

Biblical Examples:

To help us understand this concept, we need to look at some biblical examples where a logos (the written Word) becomes a rhema (a spoken, personal Word) to individuals:

1. Jesus in the Wilderness – Matthew 4:1-11

Context (Logos):
In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. During his temptation, he responds to each of the devil’s challenges by quoting Scripture (from Deuteronomy). The logos here are the written words of the Old Testament law.

Rhema Moment:
When Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God,” it’s not just a general reference to Scripture but becomes a rhema, a timely, personal application of God’s Word in a moment of testing. In this context, it’s not just a historical command to Israel but a direct Word of God to Jesus for his situation.

Rhema in Action:

Jesus is not just quoting a passage he knows; he’s using it as a living, active word for his immediate circumstance. The written word (logos) becomes a personal, life-giving Word (rhema) that equips him to overcome temptation.

2. The Call of Samuel – 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Context (Logos):
Samuel, as a child, is serving under Eli the priest. He hears a voice calling his name three times, thinking it’s Eli, but Eli eventually realizes it’s the Lord calling Samuel. The logos would have been the knowledge of God’s Word that Samuel had heard through Eli’s teaching, but it was not yet alive to him in a personal way.

Rhema Moment:
In 1 Samuel 3:10, Samuel responds to God’s call with, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” The written Word (logos) about God’s communication with his people becomes a rhema in this moment. God speaks directly to Samuel, and he gives him a personal Word that will shape his destiny.

Rhema in Action:
This was a pivotal moment for Samuel, where the written principles about God’s communication (logos) turned into a personal, specific call (rhema). Samuel’s life is changed as he hears God’s voice for himself, and from then on, he is a prophet who speaks God’s rhema Word to Israel.

3. The Promise to Mary – Luke 1:26-38

Context (Logos):
Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel, who tells her that she will conceive the Son of God. The promise is based on Old Testament Scriptures that foretold the coming Messiah, such as Isaiah 7:14: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Rhema Moment:
In Luke 1:38, after hearing Gabriel’s message, Mary responds, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Here, the logos of the Old Testament prophecy becomes a rhema as it is applied personally to her. She embraces God’s Word spoken to her and steps into a transformative, divine calling.

Rhema in Action:
For Mary, the rhema was not just a general promise from Scripture; it was a personal and direct Word spoken to her by God. It’s the moment when the logos becomes alive and personal, marking the beginning of a new chapter in salvation history.

4. Paul’s Conversion – Acts 9:1-9

Context (Logos):
Saul (Paul) was a Pharisee who was well-versed in the Scriptures (the logos). He had studied the Torah and was zealous in persecuting Christians, whom he believed were misinterpreting the Scriptures.

Rhema Moment:
On the road to Damascus, Saul is blinded by a light and hears Jesus say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4). In that moment, the logos that Saul had studied all his life (God’s law and the Messiah’s coming) becomes rhema, a direct, personal Word from Jesus himself. Jesus reveals that Saul is persecuting the very Christ he has been reading about, and this encounter transforms Saul into Paul.

Rhema in Action:
Saul’s entire understanding of the Scriptures and his life’s mission is changed. The logos (the written Word) becomes a rhema (God’s spoken Word) that leads him to repentance and a complete change of direction, from persecutor to apostle.

5. Peter’s Revelation of Christ – Matthew 16:13-20

Context (Logos):
Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They respond with various ideas, including some saying that he is a prophet or John the Baptist. However, the logos includes God’s promise of a Messiah and the various Old Testament prophecies that pointed to the coming Savior.

Rhema Moment:
In Matthew 16:16, Peter says, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus responds, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17). The logos about the Messiah becomes a rhema, God the Father directly reveals the truth of Christ’s identity to Peter.

Rhema in Action:
Peter’s declaration is not based on human understanding or speculation; it is a personal revelation from God. This moment marks a turning point where Peter receives not just factual knowledge (logos) but divine insight (rhema) that leads to a deeper understanding of Christ’s mission and his role in it.

6. My Call to Serve in China – Matthew 28:18-20

Context (Logos):

Jesus said to his disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Rhema Moment:

A teaching team invited me to go with them to China to teach Bible to students in an underground school. At that invitation Matthew 28:18-20 became “rhema” to me and from then on, I knew God had spoken to me.

Rhema in Action:

I had to respond to God’s rhema to me and as a member of the team, I was so touched that I returned four more times over a two year period, and then God spoke again to me and I returned twelve more times over the next six years for a total of six months each year to teach a Bible Class and to help students speak English. Since then, God has spoken “rhema” to me again and again, but the space of a book would be required to speak of what he has led me to do.

In these examples, the logos (the written Word or general biblical truth) became a rhema (a personal, direct Word) that had a life-changing impact on the individuals, including me. These rhema words are specific, timely, and often have a transformative effect, pushing people into a new understanding, mission, or calling.

Is what you hear truly rhema of something else?

Determining whether what we are hearing is rhema (a personal, living Word from God) or something else requires careful discernment. Not every thought, feeling, or message that comes to our mind is from God. Here are several principles and guidelines to help determine whether a word or impression is rhema or something else:

1. Alignment with Scripture (Logos)

• Rhema is always in harmony with the written Word of God.
  • The logos (the Bible) serves as the standard and guide for truth. If what you’re hearing or sensing contradicts Scripture, it is not rhema. God will never give a rhema word that goes against the clear teaching of the Bible.
  • Example: If someone feels they are being told to act in a way that goes against the moral or doctrinal teachings of Scripture, this would not be rhema.

2. Confirmation through Prayer and Holy Spirit Guidance

• Rhema is confirmed through prayer and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
  • When God speaks, his Spirit will often bear witness to it in your heart. This inner confirmation can bring peace, conviction, and clarity.
  • Example: If you are unsure about a word or leading, pray for confirmation, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you peace or warning if it is truly from God.

3. Consistency with God’s Character

• Rhema will always reflect God’s character: love, holiness, goodness, and faithfulness.
  • The Word of God, whether logos or rhema, reflects the nature of God. If what you hear leads you to greater love, holiness, humility, or truth, it is likely rhema. On the other hand, if it leads to confusion, selfishness, fear, or rebellion, it may not be.
  • Example: If you feel led to do something that brings about division, fear, or selfish gain, it is unlikely to be rhema.

4. The Fruit of the Word

• Rhema brings life and fruit.
  • John 6:63 says, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” Rhema brings spiritual vitality and clarity, producing good fruit in your life, such as a deeper relationship with God, peace, and an increased desire to obey him.
  • Example: If the word or impression brings peace and clarity in a situation, encouraging you to take godly action, it is likely a rhema. If it causes anxiety or confusion without peace, it may be something else.

5. Godly Counsel and Accountability

• Rhema is often confirmed through godly counsel.
  • When you receive what you believe to be a rhema word, it’s wise to seek the counsel of spiritually mature people in your life. They can help provide perspective and discernment, especially in situations that might be emotionally charged or uncertain.
  • Example: You might hear something from God but seek advice from a trusted pastor or Christian mentor to ensure it is truly from him.

6. The Timing and Purpose of the Word

• Rhema has a specific purpose and is timely.
  • God’s rhema word will often come in the right moment and be tailored to your current situation or need. It’s not random; it has a purpose. Whether it’s a specific word of encouragement, correction, direction, or comfort, it will be timely and relevant.
  • Example: If you receive a word that addresses something you’ve been praying about or is relevant to your immediate circumstances, it may be rhema. If it feels out of context or disconnected from where you are in life, it may not be.

7. It Leads to Action or Change

• Rhema often calls for a response or action.
  • A rhema word isn’t just an idea, it often leads to some form of action, whether it’s a change in behavior, a deeper step in faith, or an attitude adjustment. It compels you to respond.
  • Example: If you hear a word that urges you to forgive someone, step out in faith, or trust God in a difficult situation, it is likely rhema. If it doesn’t lead to any action or deeper relationship with God, it may just be a passing thought or idea.

8. It Brings Glorification of Jesus

• Rhema always points to Christ.
  • Jesus said in John 16:13-14 that the Holy Spirit will glorify him. If what you are hearing magnifies Christ, his works, or his character, it is likely a rhema word. If it brings attention to yourself or leads you away from Jesus, it is not from God.
  • Example: If the word encourages you to trust in Christ, honor him, or surrender to him more fully, it is likely rhema. If it causes you to focus on your own abilities, desires, or self-glory, it is not.

Summary Checklist for Discernment:

1. Does it align with Scripture?
2. Is there peace or confirmation from the Holy Spirit?
3. Does it reflect God’s character?
4. Does it bring life and bear fruit?
5. Have you sought godly counsel?
6. Is it timely and purposeful?
7. Does it lead to action or change?
8. Does it glorify Christ?

By following these principles, you can more confidently discern whether a word you hear is a rhema word from God or something else. It’s important to test everything with Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel to ensure it aligns with God’s truth and his will for your life.

I had originally planned to conclude the lesson here, but after further reflection I realized we should also consider how to pray and read the Bible in a way that invites rhema to rise out of logos. In other words, how do we move from simply reading Scripture (logos) to truly hearing God speak personally (rhema)? Scripture itself provides patterns to guide us, so let us explore some prayerful and practical ways to engage the Bible so that the written Word becomes a living, personal Word.

1. Begin with Prayer for Illumination

• Before opening your Bible, pray something like:
• “Lord, open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Psalm 119:18).
• Ask the Holy Spirit to take the written Word (logos) and make it living and personal (rhema).
• Posture: humility and expectancy—believing God wants to speak through His Word.

2. Read Slowly and Reflectively (Meditation)

• Don’t rush. Rhema often rises when you linger over a verse or phrase.
• Read a passage, then pause: “Lord, what are You saying to me through this?”
• Example: When Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27), ask: “Lord, how do You want me to experience this peace right now?”

3. Look for Words or Phrases That Stand Out

• Sometimes the Spirit highlights a single word, sentence, or story in a fresh way.
• Don’t dismiss this, stop and ask: “Lord, why is this verse standing out to me today?”
• Logos becomes rhema when it pierces the heart or directly applies to your current situation (Hebrews 4:12).

4. Pray the Scriptures Back to God

• Turn what you read into a personal prayer.
• Example: Reading Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything…”
  • Pray: “Lord, I bring You my anxiety about [specific situation]. I receive Your peace that passes understanding.”
• This transforms logos into a lived, relational word (rhema).

5. Connect Logos to Your Life Circumstances

• Ask: “How does this apply to what I’m facing today?”
• The Spirit often takes a timeless truth and makes it timely in your personal context.
• Example: Reading Isaiah 41:10 about God’s presence might suddenly bring comfort before a difficult meeting, rhema in action.

6. Wait in Silence for God’s Whisper

• After reading, sit quietly for a few moments. Rhema often comes when we stop talking and allow space for God to press His Word into our hearts.
• Journaling can help capture these impressions.

7. Stay Rooted in Obedience

• Rhema often comes to those willing to obey it. If we only want knowledge without action, the Spirit’s voice may feel distant.
• Jesus said, “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God” (John 7:17).
• A heart ready to obey invites rhema.

8. Test the Word You Receive

Use the discernment checklist: Does it align with Scripture? Does it glorify Christ? Does it produce peace and godly fruit? (John 16:13-14).
This ensures rhema is truly from God and not just emotion or distraction.

Questions and Answers:

The following questions and answers will lengthen this lesson, which is already too long for some readers, but they will help facilitate a deeper understanding of logos and rhema, and how they relate to personal spiritual growth and discernment.

Q1. What is the difference between Logos and Rhema?

Answer:

• Logos refers to the written Word of God, the entire body of truth revealed in the Bible. It is objective, authoritative, and intended for everyone.
• Rhema, on the other hand, is the spoken Word or a personal, timely Word from God. It’s the specific application of God’s Word to an individual’s life in a particular moment. While logos is universal, rhema is personal.

Q2. How does the phrase “Get into the logos until the rhema gets into you” reflect the relationship between logos and rhema?

Answer:

• The phrase suggests that by immersing ourselves in the written Word (logos), we position ourselves to receive personal, transformative words from God (rhema). Logos is the foundation upon which rhema can become real and active in our lives, turning Scripture into a dynamic, living message that speaks directly to us.

Q3. Can the logos be considered sufficient on its own? Why or why not?

Answer:

• While the logos is foundational and authoritative, it is not enough on its own. We need the rhema to bring the logos alive in our daily lives. Logos provides the truth and wisdom, but rhema makes that truth personal and actionable. The logos sets the standard, while rhema brings conviction and specific guidance for how to live out that truth in our current circumstances.

Q4. Why is it important to discern whether what we are hearing is a rhema or something else?

Answer:

• It’s important because not every thought or message we hear is from God. By discerning whether it’s rhema (a personal word from God) or something else, we ensure we are following God’s will, aligning with his Word, and responding in a way that promotes spiritual growth, obedience, and transformation. Discernment keeps us from being misled by false messages or emotions.

Q5. How do we ensure that what we are hearing is truly rhema and not just our own thoughts?

Answer:

• Alignment with Scripture: A rhema word will never contradict the written Word of God.
• Confirmation through prayer: The Holy Spirit will often confirm rhema in our hearts, giving peace or conviction.
• Consistency with God’s character: Rhema will reflect God’s love, holiness, and faithfulness.
• Seeking godly counsel: Spiritual mentors can help confirm whether something is truly from God.
• The fruit of the Word: Rhema will produce good fruit, like peace, spiritual growth, and a deeper relationship with God.

Q6. Can you share an example of a biblical moment where the logos became rhema for an individual?

Answer:

• One example is Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This passage from the Old Testament (logos) was not just a historical quote to Jesus; it became a rhema, a specific, timely Word that He applied to His situation in the wilderness, empowering Him to resist temptation.

Q7. How can studying the logos lead to personal transformation through rhema?

Answer:

• When we study the logos (Scripture), we allow God’s truth to shape our minds and hearts. Over time, as we meditate on his Word, we become more attuned to his voice. Eventually, specific passages of Scripture can speak directly to our current circumstances, bringing direction, correction, encouragement, or conviction. This is when the logos transforms into rhema, and we experience personal growth and transformation.

Q8. What role does the Holy Spirit play in discerning rhema?

Answer:

• The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping us recognize rhema. He gives us an inner witness when a word is from God, bringing peace, clarity, and conviction. The Holy Spirit illuminates Scripture, making it come alive and applicable to our lives. Without his guidance, it can be difficult to distinguish rhema from other thoughts or voices.

Q9. How do you know when a rhema word is meant for immediate action?

Answer:

• A rhema word will often bring a sense of urgency or a clear directive for action. It may prompt you to step out in faith, change your behavior, forgive someone, or take specific action that aligns with God’s will. When you receive a rhema, it often feels like God is leading you to respond, and it typically brings peace and confidence in taking that next step.

Q10. Why should we seek godly counsel when discerning rhema?

Answer:

• Godly counsel helps provide perspective and accountability. When we believe we’ve received a rhema word, it’s important to verify it through wise, spiritually mature individuals. Sometimes our emotions can cloud our judgment, or we may misinterpret the Word. Seeking counsel ensures we’re aligning with God’s will and that the rhema is consistent with the character of God and his Word.

Q11. How does rhema help us in our personal spiritual growth?

Answer:

Rhema is transformative because it speaks directly to our heart, often at a specific time when we need direction, encouragement, or correction. It takes the foundational truths of Scripture and applies them to our unique circumstances. This dynamic, personal interaction with God’s Word deepens our relationship with Him and encourages us to walk in obedience, fostering spiritual growth.ommands, not just ritual acts.