How can we rely on the Holy Spirit for understanding Scripture today? Setting the Scene: John 14:25 in Context “ ‘All this I have spoken to you while I am still with you.’ ” (John 14:25) • Jesus anticipates His physical departure. • He pivots to the promise of supernatural help that will continue His teaching ministry (v. 26). Who the Helper Is • “ ‘But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.’ ” (John 14:26) • The Spirit is: – Advocate—stands beside believers with personal assistance. – Teacher—imparts truth, clarifies meaning, exposes error. – Reminder—brings Jesus’ words to the forefront of memory and conscience. How the Spirit Illuminates Scripture Today • Opens spiritual eyes: “The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God… but we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:14, 16) • Guides into all truth: “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) • Writes truth on the heart: “The anointing you received from Him remains in you… His anointing teaches you about all things.” (1 John 2:27) • Illuminates Jesus as the central focus: “He will glorify Me, for He will take from what is Mine and disclose it to you.” (John 16:14) Conditions for Spirit-Led Understanding • New birth: “We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:12) • Humble posture: “He leads the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” (Psalm 25:9) • Obedient heart: “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know whether My teaching comes from God.” (John 7:17) Practical Steps to Depend on the Spirit • Begin each reading by consciously acknowledging your need for His insight (Psalm 119:18). • Read attentively, trusting the Spirit to highlight words, phrases, or themes. • Compare Scripture with Scripture; the Spirit never contradicts Himself. • Meditate—linger over key texts, allowing the Spirit time to press truth into the heart. • Apply immediately; illumination deepens where obedience follows. • Share insights with other believers; the Spirit edifies the body through mutual encouragement. Cautions and Safeguards • Personal impressions must align with the written Word (2 Timothy 3:16). • Avoid pride; illumination is a gift, not a personal achievement (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Test every insight within the fellowship of mature believers (Acts 17:11). Promises We Can Hold Onto • The Spirit will continue Christ’s teaching ministry in us (John 14:26). • Scripture will never return empty when illuminated by the Spirit (Isaiah 55:11). • God delights to give wisdom generously when asked in faith (James 1:5). |
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