How the Holy Spirit Teaches and Illumines
When I started this blog five years ago, I discovered a newfound joy in studying scripture. When I write a post, I do my best to make sure I’m interpreting scripture with accuracy.
Since I’m not a Ph.D. and don’t have a Master’s or theology degree, sometimes I second guess the value of my words. But when I disqualify myself, I underestimate the power God gives me to understand the Bible.
One of the six ways the Holy Spirit reveals Himself is to help teach us the truth about God and help us understand scripture.
How the Holy Spirit Teaches and Illumines
The word illumines means to enlighten.
The Holy Spirit lights up the truth of God so you understand Him with your mind and heart. Share on X
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the 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” (John 16:13).
The Holy Spirit guides us into truth in many ways. He may bring people into your life to help you understand. God may use a pastor, friend, song, or the Bible.
God wants us to discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives. Sometimes when the Holy Spirit gets my attention, I doubt his voice. I love it when the Lord encourages me or confirms his will through another believer. While it’s affirming to receive affirmation from others, God wants me to trust his voice without depending on others for confirmation.
God will use other people to help teach and guide us, but we can’t let other people take the place of the Holy Spirit’s role. Share on X
I learned this lesson when I attended a writing conference a few years back. I prayed for the Lord to speak his will for my writing during the meetings I had with agents and editors. But they all had different feedback. I learned I needed to listen and obey what the Holy Spirit was leading me to do. When I did that, I realized God wasn’t asking me to use all of the advice from one person. God used each person’s suggestions to help guide my thinking towards the direction He wanted it to go.
When people give us counsel, we must pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal what he wants us to hear. It’s also important to make sure counsel aligns with scripture.
“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us” (1 Corinthians 2:12).
The Holy Spirit Reminds Us
My kids need a lot of “reminding” to do their chores. And the truth is, I need a lot of reminding to remember my purpose for living and the power available to me to live my life with joy and peace.
When my negative self-talk becomes louder than the voice of truth, then a spiritual battle wages.
Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit nudging your spirit to open his Word or go to church? The Holy Spirit wants to remind us of who we are. He speaks truth and defends us against the attacks of Satan. He champions us before the Father. Pleads for us. Comforts us. Protects us. Guards us. And even prays for us!
When we actively seek the truth found in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will help fill our minds with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Share on X
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” John 14:26).
The Holy Spirit Gives us Knowledge
God wants us to know, believe, and understand him on a personal level. Knowing God means we experience the truth of his attributes in our daily life. This is the same kind of relational knowing Paul is referring to in his letter to the Ephesians.
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come”(Ephesians 1:17-23).
When inadequacy causes you to fear your capability, remember the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that qualifies you for his service.
Dear Lord,
Enlighten my mind and heart so that I may know who you are and experience your incomparable power in my life. You give me the power to learn, grow, and change. You equip me to live with purpose. Because of you, I am adequate to accomplish your will for my life.
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Hello there! I'm Valerie, a mom of four and wife of 27 years. My writing inspires others to cultivate courageous faith and find solace in trusting God, especially in moments of fear and uncertainty. Join me on this adventure as we explore the beauty of trusting God when we are afraid. 
