THE TEACHING MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
We would know nothing of God or of the Word of God if it were not for the Holy Spirit’s teaching. Human teachers mean a lot to us. However, human teachers are but instruments used by God, the Holy Spirit. Anything we learn about spiritual truth ultimately comes from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches only those whom He indwells. He indwells only those who have believed in Jesus Christ as Savior.
Lets define teaching. Teaching is the ability to bring truth into perspective in order that the individual can see and understand the meaning.
1. The Need for His Teaching Ministry (Isaiah 55:8, 9)
Isaiah says that God’s ways and thoughts are not our ways and thoughts. The extent of that difference is higher than the heavens are above the earth. Therefore, for finite beings to know infinite truth, it requires infinite knowledge and the ability to communicate that truth.
2. The Essence and Nature of His Teaching Ministry
a. Jesus Christ carried on an extensive teaching ministry.
b. The Holy Spirit would replace Him in the lives of His people (John 14:26; 16:12-15).
c. These verses also teach the pre-authentication of the writing of the New Testament.
d. In I John 2:20, 27 we learn three very important truths:
>we have an indwelling teacher
>we have a teacher who teaches the truth of God
>He teaches us how to apply the truth to our life.
e. While reading what has been written we are taught the same things the writers were taught – (Ephesians 3:3,4).
In I Corinthians 2:9-13 we have a summary of our need for the teacher and the nature of His teaching. Verse 9 tells us it is not within the boundaries of the human makeup to perceive nor understand the truths of God. However, in verse 10 Paul tells us that God, through the Holy Spirit, has revealed these things to us – even the depths of God. In verse 11 he tells us the obvious: Only the spirit of a man can know the thoughts of himself. Even so, only the Spirit of God knows and understands the thoughts of God. In order for us to know and perceive the truths of God which has been freely given to us, we have received the Spirit of God in order that we might know the things freely given to us from God. So beloved, anything you truly learn from God’s Word is from the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit.
So, stay in the book and allow the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the truth of God. God bless.
Love to you all,