“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts 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 understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.”  

Our scripture today from 1 Corinthians chapter 2 delves into the characteristic of the Holy Spirit as Revealer. The chapter begins with Paul explaining that he, himself, teaches “not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power” (verse 4). But Paul precedes that with “I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling”. Is this Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament letters? Paul fearful?

I mention this because it sets up the rest of the chapter, and we should take notice. The same spirit that Paul writes about is the same spirit that lives within each believer. Don’t skip past this. The mature believer acknowledges, in humility, that in our weakness, God’s Spirit moves mightily. It’s what strengthened Paul to step out in obedience and take on the daunting tasks set before him.

With that stage set, let’s move into what our scripture says about the Holy Spirit.

1. The Spirit searches all things – even the depths of God. The Holy Spirit is always active and knows completely and intimately the things of God. He is the channel through which God’s wisdom and plans for humanity are conveyed, most distinctly through the inspiration of Scripture and His help in understanding Scriptural truth.
2. The Spirit knows the thoughts of God. The Spirit of God who resides in the believer knows the thoughts of the Creator of the universe. Let that sink in.  
3. We have received the Spirit. Why? So that we may “understand what God freely gives”. You can only receive a gift. The scripture doesn’t say we earned the Holy Spirit. We were dead to God before Jesus but by His mercy we were made alive with Jesus (Ephesian 2:5). The Spirit reveals that truth to us.  
4. The Spirit as teacher. It makes sense that if the Spirit knows the things of God, then He is the ultimate and perfect Teacher.  
5. Spirit explains spiritual realities. He gives understanding that human wisdom cannot compete with because He speaks concerning spiritual things because we are spiritual beings. We sometimes forget that a spiritual realm exists, and it is the reality of eternity.

I remember great teachers in my life. People who I admired and respected. They truly cared for me and wanted me to learn from their experience and knowledge. But looking back, some stand out more than others because of their integrity, authenticity, and consistency. In other words, their character impacted me more than I realize. I have emulated some of their behaviors without even consciously thinking about it.

Today’s devotion has challenged me. I can regard the Holy Spirit as a teacher of good and perfect things but it’s also in knowing that He is truth, in and out every day, that will take my relationship with Jesus to a deeper level.  He is consistent in that He is always there and His gentle nudges (and sometimes not so subtle nudges!) are shaping me as I walk this path of sanctification. A path that God uses to make us look more and more like His Son, trusting Him in every aspect of life.

Dear Heavenly Father, reveal to me when I am allowing the spirit of the world to cloud my thinking. May I be attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and be prepared to respond. Embolden me to step out in obedience, even when I feel weak and hesitant. Show me areas of my life that I’m trying to control and have not handed over to you. Thank you for your mercy and boundless grace. In Jesus name, Amen!

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