THE HOLY SPIRIT OUR TEACHER

STUDIES ON THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (II)

THE HOLY SPIRIT OUR TEACHER

SCRIPTURE:

He (David) gave him (Solomon) the plans of all that the Spirit had put in his mind for the courts of the temple of the Lord and all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the temple of God and for the treasuries for the dedicated things. 1 Chronicles 28:12

 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” John 16:14-15

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord Isaiah 11:2

OBSERVATION:

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was already active as teacher, giving clear instruction to Moses concerning the tabernacle and later to David concerning the temple to be built to God.

In the New Testament, Jesus also described the role of the Holy Spirit as teacher. While He walked the earth, Jesus was the Great Teacher, but after He went back to Heaven, He sent His Holy Spirit to be our Great Teacher. Specifically, the Holy Spirit will teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus has said.

Focusing on the characteristic of the Holy Spirit described in Isaiah, we see that He is the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel, of knowledge. God the Holy Spirit is Omniscient. He knows everything that there is to know. In everything branch of science and learning, the Holy Spirit knows everything perfectly. Whatever problem we have, whatever difficulties we face, the Holy Spirit knows the perfect solution, and He dispenses His knowledge carefully as He sees fit. To let us know too much at this time may not be good for us. He also knows what knowledge He needs to reveal to us for that particular moment of need. Our part is to trust Him, and believe that He is able and willing to teach us what we need to know for a given situation. After all, as the Scripture writes, anyone who lacks wisdom should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault.

The Holy Spirit also plays an important role in reminding us of everything Jesus has said. The Holy Spirit does not take away from or supersedes the Lord’s teaching. Instead He brings us back to it, always highlighting to our minds the specific portion of teaching that is relevant for a particular situation. Again, there is that reminder for us to be well versed with the Word, especially the gospels, for it is from the Word that the Holy Spirit teaches us. The more the Word dwells in our minds, the more effectively the Holy Spirit comes alive in teaching us as we live life.

Besides that, the Holy Spirit also teaches us from Lord Jesus in Heaven. What Jesus tells the Spirit, He will tell us. The Holy Spirit does not tell us anything that He does not hear from the Son. Again, whatever the Holy Spirit tells us must be consistent with the Word. Otherwise, we must beware lest we are hearing from another spirit….

APPLICATION:

Remember that our Holy Spirit can be our teacher in all things. There is nothing that He does not know. Whatever specialization we are in, the Holy Spirit knows even more than us. Just like Jesus who knew far better than the fishermen the best place and time to fish, the Holy Spirit knows far better than us whatever job we are doing or need to do.

Remember that the Holy Spirit teaches us from the Word that He inspired. Particularly, we need to read the Gospels and be thoroughly familiar with them as the more effectively we do this, the more real the Holy Spirit will bring to our remembrance the relevant Scripture we need to know in time of need. For example, when beset by hunger, the Holy Spirit may bring to our remembrance “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of the Lord!”

Remember too, that our Holy Spirit teaches us from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Whatever we learn, whatever help we receive, comes from our Lord Jesus by the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus is still our Great Teacher. In Him we can learn all things.

PRAYER:-

Thank You, Heavenly Abba Father, precious Lord Jesus, precious Holy Spirit. You are our Great Teacher, bringing Your perfect wisdom and knowledge to us in time of need. Help us learn to be good and attentive students, to listen for Your teaching, and to ask of Your wisdom in different situations, believing that as we ask You will answer and show us the way. We thank You and worship You and praise You, precious Lord.