“Depend On The Teaching Of The Holy Spirit!”

“Depend On The Teaching Of The Holy Spirit!”(I Jn.2:26-29).
I am privileged to be one of those who opt for a contextual reading and application of the Bible in the African context. I opt for a liberal stance in matters of faith. I consider a liberal stance to be appropriate on two biblical convictions – amidst many. The word “liberal” in theology often attracts stiff opposition even before the whole context is reasoned out.
Liberalism is defined as “a political and moral philosophy based on the rights of the individual, liberty, consent of the governed and equality before the law…”
A liberal approach in theologizing in my usage is guided by the fact of “freewill” and that the greatest teacher of mankind is the “Holy Spirit.”
Consider any theological imposition as from those “who are trying to lead you astray.”
Freewill was given to humans through our first ancestor (Gen.2:16-17).
Yes,with freewill, the choice is yours; to be or not to be; to do or not to do! But choices have consequences!
Secondly, Jesus assures us, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all the things and will remind you of everything I have said to you”(Jn.14:26). Furthermore he said, “When he the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come…”(Jn.16:7-14).
In other to guide us against those who may want to lead us astray, John insists,“the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as the anointing is real, not counterfeit – just as it has tsught you, remain in him.”
John is not saying we should ignore human teachers. Rather, he is saying that what we are taught under the Spirit’s ministry supercedes any philosophy and logic. What the Holy Spirit teaches us from the scriptures is above human knowledge.
The teaching of the Holy Spirit illuminates in the sense that he enables us to develop the capacity to appreciate and appropriate God’s truth that has already been revealed. By this the Bible becomes meaningful in our thoughts and daily living.
Any teaching that insists on the revelation of new truths or the ability of explaining difficult passages to our satisfaction may be taken with a pinch of salt.
Bottom line: Be careful of those who want to lead you astray with false teaching. Depend on the teaching of the Holy Spirit who leads you into all truth, so that you remain in Christ. When you remain in him, you will be confident and unashamed of him on the day of his appearing.
Prayer: Holy Spirit help me to remain faithful to your teaching so that I am not led astray by false teachings. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.