Taught by the Holy Spirit
Scripture Reading — John 16:12-15
“When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”
In the book A Testament of Devotion Thomas Kelly describes how a believer can live at two levels at once: “On one level we may be thinking, discussing . . . calculating . . . all the demands of external affairs, but deep within . . . we may also be in prayer and adoration . . . and [have] a gentle receptiveness to divine breathings.”
This enables us to be taught by the Holy Spirit. While I am speaking to another person, the Spirit can remind me to take a word that was said and turn the conversation in a spiritual direction. While I am figuring out my monthly budget, the Spirit can speak to me about giving to help in the work of God’s kingdom. While I am watching sports on TV, a divine breathing within me can suggest that my routine is more controlled by the sports calendar than by the church year.
The teachings of the Spirit are wonderfully simple and to the point. Watchman Nee, a Chinese church leader and Christian teacher, was taught by the Spirit when he gave a simple illustration explaining how to conquer sin and the desires of the flesh. We may suppose, he said, that removing a spider web from the basement will eliminate our problem. But, no, we have to remove the spider. Likewise, to ask for forgiveness for our sin is not enough. We need to have the old, sinful self within us crucified (Romans 6:6). And Jesus did that for us on the cross.
What has the Spirit been teaching you?
Holy Spirit, enlighten me to understand your teaching, and guide me in all my daily experiences to live for you. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
About the author — Dean Deppe
Dean Deppe has been a pastor in inner-city, suburban, and rural churches. Currently he teaches New Testament theology at Calvin Theological Seminary. His courses include one on the parables of Jesus. He and his wife have four grown children.
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