I learn so much from my wife. She really hungers for the Word of God and wants to know and learn more whenever possible. Sometimes I feel ashamed that I’m not that hungry and thirsty. 

She always longed for a Bible school where she could gather even more Bible knowledge in a structured way, but the right one just never turned up. 

And then, virtually, she met this man who had sat at the Lord’s feet for ten years before even opening his mouth. Now he teaches thousands of people around the world. 

Renata cannot speak highly enough of him. She cannot stop talking about all the simple truths he makes understandable to her. Even the difficult and incomprehensible now become as clear as daylight. 

And then I read this verse: 27You don’t need any of their so-called teaching. Christ’s anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. Live deeply in what you were taught. 

Is Renata now on the wrong path? Should she get rid of this guy and wait for the Holy Spirit to reveal all the truths to her? And actually, you shouldn’t be reading this either; you should only listen to what the Holy Spirit tells you. 

No, I suspect that’s not what John is saying here. He is a teacher himself and is writing a letter to people to whom he is explaining the Word of God. 

The people referring to here that we shouldn’t listen to are the people he warned against in the previous section. They were way off track and leading the people following them in the same wrong direction. 

For sure we need teachers. God gives insight and wisdom to many, especially about His Word. He gives them the ability to convey all this knowledge and teach the listeners more about God. 

I believe that is the gift God has given me as well. At times, I question my own suitability for this great task, but I am deeply grateful and strive to do my best. 

What is very important, however, is that we must be teachable. We must raise our hand and say we would like to learn more, and then, like Renata, we have to enrol. 

But we can’t do this on our own, because then it’s just a Bible study class where information is transmitted. It does not change one’s actions. 

The Holy Spirit must be part of the training. The Holy Spirit will change the mind’s knowledge into heavenly wisdom to ensure that it not only touches you but actually brings about a change in your behaviour. 

May you and your teacher be happy together about the change that the Holy Spirit works in you through the teachings you receive. 

Scripture
1 John 2:24-29 

Reflection
Are you learning?
Who is teaching you?
Is the Holy Spirit part of the team? 

Prayer
O, Spirit of God who lives in me, teach me to know more about You. Help me find the right teachers so that together we can be amazed by the work Your Spirit does in me. Amen.