- The danger of higher learning and placing people on pedestals is that it is easy to give institutions and mentors the final say or teaching in regards to Scripture.
It leaves no room for further personal instruction from the Holy Spirit; especially, if it seems to buck the system or contradict the teacher. Keep in mind, no one has the full council of God concerning every part of the doctrine of Christ. Some may know a great deal about a number of areas, but they do not know everything.
- You can limit the Holy Spirit by comparing yourself to someone else.
If you think in terms of not being as sharp as others, you are selling God short in relation to Him working in your life. You may sell yourself short, and make it difficult to receive from the Holy Spirit (i.e. “I am not smart enough to understand the Bible”). We can get it into our heads that the deeper things of God belong only to “scholars.” This is why some have a difficult time studying for themselves. They believe they cannot understand it. Thus, they ask everyone else for the answers of which they are seeking. They limit themselves from bringing something to the table, so to speak. That is carnal thinking. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Jesus said, “As your faith is, so be it unto you.”
- Are you saying you cannot be a scholar? By definition this is one who attends a school; one who learns of a teacher; one under the tuition of a preceptor; a pupil; a disciple; a learner; a student. It sounds like you should have no difficulty qualifying.
- Do you truly believe you do not have the ability to receive instruction from the Holy Spirit?
- You will be amazed at what you can learn, if you believe God.
Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
While we all have need of teachers, we all need to become teachers as well. Teachers teach others, so they can teach. A good teacher teaches others to rely on The Lord for instruction. How else do we hope to disciple others if we don’t learn to teach?
There is one doctrine of Christ which is made up of different parts. All the parts together make the whole. Likewise, the body of Christ has many parts, yet is is one body. Each make up the whole. That means each individual has a part in order to complete the entire picture. Have you ever put together a jigsaw puzzle?
- It takes all the pieces to make it complete.
- Even if it only has one piece missing, it obviously looks incomplete, doesn’t it?
When The Lord teaches each individual his or her part, then each combines it with the rest, we begin to see the whole picture together.
God wants to fellowship with us, and part of that takes place through His instruction to us. As a whole, we make up a community, or a family that learns together. Each of us gives and receives; otherwise, we would be unhealthy. We don’t have one section of givers and another section of receivers only.
- We pour into each other’s life and thereby, we grow together.
For those who know a great deal, remember, you do not know everything. Be prepared to receive instruction from others, including those you may be mentoring right now. Everyone has something to offer. Everyone must remain teachable.
- Sometime the Father uses children to teach adults.
- Think about that one.
If you believe you are teachable, you will be. With God, nothing is impossible. His grace is sufficient for you, regardless of your intellect, successes or failures. While it is appropriate to ask questions, remember to ask the Holy Spirit first. He may direct you to others, or He may show you directly, Himself. Humility is the key.
- It’s not humility to say He cannot teach you.
- Humility knows its source.
- Guess what, He is our Source,
Consider the following scriptures: Psalm 27:11; John 10:3-5; John 14:26; Ephesians 4:21; Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:9.
