How do we, as children of God, know when we are being presented a deeper revelation or a false teaching? Are those that are led by the Spirit to be met with mistrust? Paul said, "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? [Galatians 4:16] We are warned....
When presented with thoughts on the written Word, we, as students, shouldn't dismiss or accept them as truth or false doctrine simply because it is something we have never heard, is something in conflict with what we have previously learned, or is something those we study with and from have never taught...no matter how great or well known the teacher for....all are men. We are, after all, here to learn and we, as men, realize we don't know all things. We are given two paths.....
How do we tell the difference? There are those that are, "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." [11 Timothy 3:5] And, there are those that use scripture, the Word of God, that reveals His hidden wisdom.
Not all will hear, nor should they but because some cannot hear does that mean what is revealed shouldn't be taught?
That tells us that there are indeed things, many things, that need be taught but will be difficult because we are "dull of hearing." We are to reach a point, "the time," where we can be teachers and yet what is being taught? "The first principles of God"...baptism, salvation, etc. That is the milk and is considered being "unskilful" in teaching for it is the meat that takes us "on unto perfection."
There comes a time when we are expected to "bear it." The Holy Spirit will teach us all things but we must remain open to His direction and be willing to let go of man's teaching, even when it is that of a good man if the Spirit shows us another way. How? He tells us by His Word.
It is up to each of us to discern....We must listen, strive to see the spiritual meaning, not the letter for the "letter killeth" and test the fruit to see if it is man's wisdom or....God's wisdom.
When the time comes then it is the Spirit that teaches....all things! :amen
- Mark 13:5 And Jesus answering them began to say, "Take heed lest any man deceive you:
When presented with thoughts on the written Word, we, as students, shouldn't dismiss or accept them as truth or false doctrine simply because it is something we have never heard, is something in conflict with what we have previously learned, or is something those we study with and from have never taught...no matter how great or well known the teacher for....all are men. We are, after all, here to learn and we, as men, realize we don't know all things. We are given two paths.....
- 2 Timothy 4:2-3 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap up to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
John 7:16-18 Jesus answered them, and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His That sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but He That seeketh His glory That sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.
How do we tell the difference? There are those that are, "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." [11 Timothy 3:5] And, there are those that use scripture, the Word of God, that reveals His hidden wisdom.
- 11 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Not all will hear, nor should they but because some cannot hear does that mean what is revealed shouldn't be taught?
- Hebrews 5:11-14 Of Whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 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. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (6:1) Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
That tells us that there are indeed things, many things, that need be taught but will be difficult because we are "dull of hearing." We are to reach a point, "the time," where we can be teachers and yet what is being taught? "The first principles of God"...baptism, salvation, etc. That is the milk and is considered being "unskilful" in teaching for it is the meat that takes us "on unto perfection."
- 1 Corinthians 2:4-7 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. To him that overcometh will I give, to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receive it.'
1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
There comes a time when we are expected to "bear it." The Holy Spirit will teach us all things but we must remain open to His direction and be willing to let go of man's teaching, even when it is that of a good man if the Spirit shows us another way. How? He tells us by His Word.
- 1 Corinthians 2:13-14 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
It is up to each of us to discern....We must listen, strive to see the spiritual meaning, not the letter for the "letter killeth" and test the fruit to see if it is man's wisdom or....God's wisdom.
- Galatians 4:1-2 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
When the time comes then it is the Spirit that teaches....all things! :amen
