1 Corinthians 2:11–13: For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Jesus promised that the Spirit would teach us and guide us into truth. But we must note carefully the sequence here: the Spirit taught Paul from the Word, and Paul then taught the believers. The truth of God is found in the Word of God. The successful Christian learns the vocabulary of the Spirit and makes use of it. He knows the meaning of justification, sanctification, adoption, propitiation, election, inspiration, and so forth. In understanding God’s vocabulary, we come to understand God’s Word and God’s will for our lives. Sermons must be based on doctrine. If they are not based on doctrine, they will accomplish nothing! Doctrine is exciting! What a thrill to be able to study the Bible and let the Spirit teach us “the deep things of God” (1 Cor. 2:10.) 1
Application
- Read John 14:26 and 16:13. How will the Holy Spirit help you each day?
- Since the Spirit of God uses the Word of God, will you spend more time in the Word?
Thought to Share
The Spirit of God makes the will of God known by using the Word of God. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, the gift of Your Holy Spirit is a most blessed gift. Thank You so much.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
