Today I want to share from Rick Renner's "Sparkling Gems Volume II" devotional.
The Teaching Ministry of the Holy Spirit
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send
in my name, he shall teach you all things…. — John 14:26
As Jesus continued teaching the disciples about the various roles the
Holy Spirit would soon have in their lives, He told them that the Holy Spirit
would also “teach” them. Let’s look at that word “teach” in today’s Sparkling
Gem and see what Jesus meant when He chose this word.
This word “teach” is the Greek word didasko — a word that is
used approximately 200 times in both the Old and New Testaments. It is used so
often, in fact, that its meaning is very well established. But to
make sure we hit the target correctly, we will take our meaning of didasko from The NIV
Theological Dictionary of New Testament Words, which gives the primary meaning
of this word as “to teach, inform, instruct, demonstrate, and
prescribe.” It continues, “The word is used typically for the relationship
between teacher and pupil, instructor, and apprentice. What is taught may be
not only knowledge, opinions, or facts but also artistic and technical skills,
all of which are to be systematically and thoroughly acquired by the learner through
the activity of a teacher.”
Thus, in the context of John 14:26, we see that the word didasko means
the Holy Spirit has taken on the role of a Teacher, just as Jesus was a Teacher
to the disciples. The Holy Spirit has become our Teacher, and we are His
pupils. He is our Instructor, and we are the apprentices. Furthermore, the full
extent of the Holy Spirit’s teaching is deep and multifaceted. Not only was He
sent to us to impart knowledge and facts, lessons from Scripture, and
theological truths, but He also teaches us how to live our Christian lives with
divinely artistic skill. Instructed by the Teacher who lives within each of us
as believers, we receive lessons imparted as we spend time in the Word or
prayer or through any aspect of our innumerable life experiences. If we are
listening, the Holy Spirit is teaching us constantly. Our responsibility
is to listen, to obey, and to internalize and put into practice the truths He
is teaching us.
There are always people who claim that if you haven’t been to Bible
school, you are untaught and ignorant and therefore unable to be used
significantly by God. However, this is simply not the case. It’s true that
Bible school can be an immensely beneficial experience, and it’s good for you
to read every book that you can read. But if you never go to a Bible school or
read a teaching book, the Holy Spirit will still teach you, because He is
ordained by the Father to do just that. Teaching is a fundamental part of
the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus told His disciples that when the Holy Spirit came, He would teach
them, and today the Holy Spirit has been sent to teach you. If you’re
seeking the best Teacher in the world, look no further! If you are born again,
you have the Holy Spirit — the greatest Teacher in the history of the
world — living inside you. If you’ll see yourself as His apprentice and
cultivate your partnership together, He’ll teach you everything you need to
know to live successfully and victoriously for Christ!
MY PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord
Jesus, You said that when the Holy Spirit came, He would teach me all things I
need to know. I am thankful for my pastor, my church, my books, and my various
teaching materials — but there is nothing that could ever replace the teaching
ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life. I admit that I’ve leaned on my own
understanding on too many occasions, but starting today, I sincerely dedicate
myself as a pupil and apprentice to the Spirit of God. I pray this in Jesus’ name!
MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY:
I confess that I am in need of the Holy Spirit’s teaching in my life. I
am thankful that I don’t need to beg for it or work to earn this work of the
Holy Spirit. Jesus knew I needed divine instruction, and that is one reason why
He prayed for the Father to send the Holy Spirit into the world. He is my
Teacher, and I am His pupil. He is the Instructor, and I am the apprentice. I
am serious about learning, and I take it as my responsibility to internalize
and put into practice what He teaches me through diligent study and by
application of His words in my life experience. I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!
Shalom in Him!
