What does "I will teach them" imply about God's role as a teacher? Setting the Scene “I will teach them” (Jeremiah 16:21) “Therefore behold, I will make them know—this time I will make them know My power and My might; then they will know that My name is the LORD.” What “I Will Teach Them” Reveals about God • Personal involvement – God Himself pledges to instruct. Teaching is not outsourced; the Creator steps into the classroom. • Divine initiative – He does the pursuing (“I will…”). Learners are summoned by grace, not left to stumble into truth on their own. • Authoritative content – What He teaches carries the full weight of His character (“My power and My might”; cf. Psalm 25:4–5). • Comprehensive scope – “Them” includes the whole covenant community (Jeremiah 31:34; Isaiah 54:13). His instruction is never restricted to an elite few. • Redemptive aim – The lesson plan leads to relationship: “then they will know that My name is the LORD.” Knowledge of God’s identity and saving acts is the goal (John 17:3). Supporting Threads Across Scripture • Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” • Isaiah 54:13 – “Then all your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.” • John 14:26 – The Spirit continues the tutoring ministry, “teaching you all things.” • 2 Timothy 3:16 – Scripture, breathed out by God, is profitable “for teaching,” showing that His Word remains the primary textbook. • James 1:5 – He invites those lacking wisdom to “ask of God, who gives generously,” underscoring His readiness to keep teaching. How God Carries Out His Teaching Today 1. Scripture – His infallible, living Word (Hebrews 4:12). 2. Holy Spirit – The resident Teacher who illuminates truth (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). 3. Providential circumstances – Life experiences shaped to reinforce biblical lessons (Romans 8:28). 4. The church – Spirit-gifted teachers and mutual exhortation (Ephesians 4:11-12). 5. Creation – A continual lecture on His glory and order (Psalm 19:1-4). Our Needed Response • Listen attentively – Cultivate a heart like Samuel: “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). • Obey promptly – Knowledge blossoms into wisdom only when applied (Matthew 7:24-25). • Seek continually – Regular time in the Word, prayer, and fellowship keeps the classroom open (Proverbs 2:1-6). • Trust confidently – Because the Teacher is perfect, His lessons are always for our good (Psalm 119:68). God is not a distant lecturer; He is the ever-present Teacher committed to guiding His people into truth, shaping them for His glory, and ensuring they truly know His name. |
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