Topical Bible: Children: Good: Illustrative of a Teachable Spirit

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In the Scriptures, children are often depicted as embodying a teachable spirit, a quality that is highly valued and encouraged throughout the Bible. This characteristic is seen as a model for believers, illustrating the openness and humility required to receive divine wisdom and instruction.

Biblical Examples:

1. Jesus and the Little Children:
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself highlights the importance of a childlike disposition. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls a little child to Him and says, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). Here, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of humility and openness, qualities inherent in children, as essential for spiritual growth and entry into the kingdom of heaven.

2. Samuel:
The account of Samuel in the Old Testament serves as a profound example of a child with a teachable spirit. From a young age, Samuel was dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, and served under Eli the priest. When God called Samuel, he responded with readiness and obedience, saying, "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10). Samuel's willingness to listen and learn from God set the foundation for his future role as a prophet and leader in Israel.

3. Timothy:
Timothy, a young disciple mentored by the Apostle Paul, is another example of a teachable spirit. Paul acknowledges Timothy's sincere faith, which first lived in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy's upbringing in the Scriptures from childhood (2 Timothy 3:15) illustrates the importance of nurturing a teachable spirit from a young age, enabling him to grow into a faithful servant of Christ.

Teachings and Parables:

1. The Parable of the Sower:
Jesus' Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9) underscores the importance of a receptive heart, akin to the fertile soil that allows seeds to grow. A teachable spirit, like good soil, is open to receiving the Word of God, allowing it to take root and bear fruit in one's life.

2. Proverbs on Instruction:
The Book of Proverbs frequently extols the virtues of wisdom and instruction, encouraging a teachable spirit. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse highlights the long-lasting impact of instilling a teachable spirit in children, guiding them in the path of righteousness.

Theological Implications:

A teachable spirit, as exemplified by children, is crucial for spiritual development and maturity. It requires humility, openness, and a willingness to learn from God and others. This disposition is not only beneficial for personal growth but also for fostering a deeper relationship with God. By adopting a childlike attitude, believers can more fully embrace the teachings of Christ and live out their faith with sincerity and devotion.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 18:4
Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
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After the War.
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