From the desk of Pastor Ben

The Disciples Are Taught By Christ – Part 1

“Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”         (Matthew 16:12)

Jesus’ brief teaching session with the apostles concluded positively, and they understood the difference between physical leaven and the evil spiritual leaven of the religious leaders. During His earthly ministry our Lord always wanted to bring to greater maturity those who believed, especially the Twelve. Even after His resurrection, He taught them for another 40 days until His ascension (Acts 1:3). And He provided for continued teaching after that: “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26).

Believers today primarily receive God’s teachings through His Word, whether they study it or hear it proclaimed; and the indwelling Spirit is the agent to make Scripture clear and understandable. After this, He graciously applies the Word to the hearts, minds, and lives of all who believe. The apostle John says this: “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know. . . . As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him” (1 John 2:20, 27).

In the same way, Paul knew his message came not “in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

Ask Yourself:
What would be different about your Bible reading experience if not for the influence of the Holy Spirit? What are some of the clear ways He has drawn your attention to certain Scriptures, or how He has brought them to mind at the most uncanny, appropriate times?