Today we look at 1 Corinthians 2:13, “Which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.”(NASB) The Apostle Paul is explaining to the Corinthians how the Holy Spirit helps us. If we read beginning at verse 6, Paul is talking about how he teaches with wisdom, not the wisdom of man, but the wisdom that comes from God. Paul begins the chapter saying, He didn’t come to them as some high-power theological genius, but he preached simply and with the wisdom God gave Him as He taught about Jesus and His mission to be the sacrifice for all mankind. Paul says that the Holy Spirit teaches us.
Did you know that the Holy Spirit is a teacher? He teaches us wisdom, He teaches us endurance, and He teaches us how we can be strong, and/or gives us strength.
The Holy Spirit teaches us wisdom, His wisdom. We learn from Him by listening to His voice. Paul talks about how the “men of this age” (verses 6-9) do not understand Spiritual wisdom because they have the wisdom of this world and not the wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit. If they did, Paul says they would never have crucified Jesus (verse 8), but he goes on to remind them of Isaiah 64:4, “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.” (KJV) Telling them, “but just as it is written, ‘Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.’” The religious leaders of that day couldn’t understand who Jesus was or why He came. They had worldly wisdom, but not spiritual wisdom. Spiritual wisdom comes only through the Holy Spirit’s teaching, by way of His Word, and when He speaks to us in our hearts. We just need to be certain that we are listening.
The Holy Spirit also teaches us endurance. We learn about this in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (ESV) Hebrews 12:1-3 tells us to run the race with endurance. We are to keep our eyes on the goal of finishing our course and continuing until it is finished, not giving up when things get hard. The Holy Spirit encourages us to continue walking the walk, running the race, sticking it out when the way gets hard because there will be a reward when we finish this life. If we are listening to His whisper to keep our eyes on the prize, continue to run in a way that gives glory to God, we WILL receive our reward.
Lastly, the Holy Spirit teaches us strength or rather encourages us in how to be strong. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV) Not only does He encourage us to be strong, but He also promises to help us! That’s what a teacher does, they help their students! The Holy Spirit also gives instruction, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV) When we listen with the ears of our heart and follow Him, we can then say as Moses and the children of Israel, “The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will extol Him.” (Exodus 15:2 NASB)
The Holy Spirit teaches us many more things if we will only open our hearts, listen to His voice, and follow His instruction. He wants to see us succeed, and He will help us if we only ask Him by seeking His wisdom through His Word, look for encouragement through Bible Study and fellowship with Believers who are walking closely with the Lord, and gain strength by learning from Him every day.
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