How can we discern spiritual truths taught by the Spirit in our lives? Setting the Verse in View 1 Corinthians 2:13: “And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.” What the Spirit Does That No One Else Can • Opens the believer’s understanding (John 16:13) • Brings Christ’s words to remembrance (John 14:26) • Anoints us so we “do not need anyone to teach” in the ultimate sense (1 John 2:27) • Supplies the very words that carry spiritual weight (1 Corinthians 2:13) Preparing a Heart the Spirit Can Teach • Receive the implanted word with humility (James 1:21) • Confess known sin quickly (Psalm 66:18) • Approach Scripture expecting God to speak—“Open my eyes to see wondrous things” (Psalm 119:18) Practical Discernment Steps 1. Read the passage repeatedly—listen for phrases the Spirit highlights. 2. Compare Scripture with Scripture (Acts 17:11); the Spirit never contradicts Himself. 3. Note impressions that draw you to worship Christ, not self (John 16:14). 4. Test every inward prompting by the written Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Confirmation Through Fellowship • Share insights with mature believers; Spirit-born truth resonates in the body (Ephesians 4:15-16). • Elders and teachers help safeguard from private interpretations (Hebrews 13:7). Guardrails Against Deception • Reject “new” insights that bypass the cross or diminish Christ’s deity (Galatians 1:8). • Hold fast what is good; abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21). • Practice by reason of use—constant application sharpens discernment (Hebrews 5:14). Marks That Spiritual Truth Has Been Received • Growing likeness to Jesus—love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22-23). • A steadier walk in holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Increased boldness to speak the gospel “not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). |
    |