How can we ensure our understanding of Scripture aligns with God's truth? Scripture Spotlight: A Teachable Heart Meets Faithful Guides “[Apollos] began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.” (Acts 18:26) What Jumps Out in This Moment • Apollos knew and loved Scripture, yet his grasp was incomplete. • Priscilla and Aquila recognized the gap and quietly offered fuller truth. • Apollos received their correction without resistance. • God used this humble exchange to sharpen a gifted teacher and strengthen the church. Living Principles for Aligned Understanding • Seek Accurate Knowledge – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God…accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) – Regular, careful study guards us from drifting into error. • Maintain a Teachable Spirit – “Give instruction to a wise man and he will be wiser still.” (Proverbs 9:9) – “Receive with meekness the implanted word.” (James 1:21) – Humility keeps the heart open when God sends correction. • Invite Faithful Mentors – “Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you.” (Hebrews 13:7) – Solid believers can spot blind spots we miss and guide us back to clarity. • Examine Everything by the Whole Counsel of Scripture – “They examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” (Acts 17:11) – One passage never contradicts another; Scripture interprets Scripture. • Depend on the Holy Spirit’s Illumination – “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) – “We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:12) • Obey What You Already Know – “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know whether My teaching comes from God.” (John 7:17) – Truth grows clearer as we walk in it. • Stay Rooted in Community – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another.” (Colossians 3:16) – Shared study and loving correction keep us aligned with God’s revealed Word. Putting It into Practice 1. Read broadly and deeply—whole books, not isolated verses. 2. Keep a humble notebook: “Truths I’ve learned” and “Areas still fuzzy.” 3. Meet with trusted believers to compare insights. 4. Pray for the Spirit’s light before, during, and after every study session. 5. Act on the truths you see; obedience clarifies, while disobedience clouds. Aligning with God’s truth isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifelong rhythm of study, humility, community, and Spirit-led obedience—just like Apollos learned in Ephesus. |
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