The True Teacher

In this chapter, we delve into the Holy Spirit's role as the Teacher, examining the curriculum and results that enable Disciples to excel beyond mere proficiency. Let’s begin with John 16:13-15 (Good News Bible). From these Scriptures, Kingdom Citizens learn from the Holy Spirit’s daily tasks to attain advanced knowledge, enabling natural application when needed:

The Holy Spirit’s Daily Tasks

1. Reveals the Truth About God
   The Holy Spirit unveils the truth about who God is—His character, will, and ways. This includes an understanding of God’s love, holiness, and redemptive plan for humanity.

2. Speaks About What Jesus Says
   The Holy Spirit communicates and reinforces the teachings of Jesus, ensuring that His words remain alive and impactful in the lives of Disciples.

3. Tells Things to Come
   The Holy Spirit provides insight into the future, preparing Disciples for what lies ahead by offering guidance in alignment with God’s will.

4. Gives Glory to Jesus
   The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus by taking what Jesus has said and making it known to His Disciples. This ensures that Jesus remains the focus and center of the Disciple’s faith and understanding.

Positioning Yourself to Receive Teaching

It’s vital to be in position to receive the Holy Spirit’s teaching. So take action to create the right mindset, attitude, and environment. Becoming teachable must become a natural part of the Disciple’s lifestyle. Consider the word "receive" that was referenced in Chapter 1:

• The prefix "re-" means “again.”

• The root "ceive" comes from the Latin word capere, meaning “to get.”

• Together, "receive" means “to get again.”

In this sense, we “get again” the Word of God—the very truth He breathed—for instruction and equipping, as emphasized in 2 Timothy 3:16 (Good News Bible):

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living.”

Understanding 2 Timothy 3:16

Let’s breakdown this Scripture for an in depth understanding as it emphasizes divine inspiration and outlines the curriculum taught by the Holy Spirit:

1. "All Scripture is God-breathed"

• Divine Origin: The term “God-breathed” (theopneustos) signifies that Scripture originates from God, inspired by His Spirit.

• Authority of Scripture: Scripture is reliable and trustworthy.

2. "And is useful for teaching"

• Teaching Truth: Scripture provides knowledge about who God is, His will, and how we are to live.

3. "Rebuking"

• Convicting of Sin: Scripture reveals areas where we fall short of God’s standards. Our sin is exposed, calling us to repentance.

4. "Correcting"

• Guiding Back to the Right Path: Correction restores and redirects us, encouraging realignment with God’s ways.

5. "Training in righteousness"

• Equipping for Godly Living: Scripture nurtures character and maturity, shaping Kingdom Citizens to reflect Jesus Christ daily.

Daily Practices to Learn From the True Teacher

To learn effectively from the Holy Spirit, intentional prayer, study, and application of Scripture are essential. Here’s how to position yourself:

1. Ask for Revelation and Understanding

During prayer, submit your requests to God, asking Him to reveal His truth through the Holy Spirit. Approach Scripture with humility and a genuine desire to understand His will and purpose.

2. Daily Prayer and Thanksgiving

Start your prayers by seeking God’s guidance. After studying Scripture, return to Him with a prayer of thanksgiving for His wisdom, provision, and presence.

3. Daily Study of Scripture

Scripture is the ultimate source of truth and spiritual nourishment. Dedicate time each day to study God’s Word. As Jesus said, “Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks” (Matthew 4:4, Good News Bible).

4. Practical Application of Truth

Knowledge without action is incomplete. Apply the truths you’ve learned to your daily life. As James 1:22 (Good News Bible) instructs, “Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice.”

5. Utilize Multiple Bible Translations

To deepen your understanding, read from multiple Bible translations. Different versions offer clarity and help unpack the meaning of complex passages.

The Truth and Peace Connection

When the Holy Spirit teaches and you receive the truth, it brings perfect peace. Truth anchors your heart and mind in God’s promises, eliminating fear, doubt, and confusion. As Isaiah 26:3 (Good News Bible) reminds us:

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you.”

By relying on the Holy Spirit as the True Teacher, you align yourself with God’s truth and will, gaining wisdom and peace for daily living.