Experience is NOT the best teacher

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the statement “Experience is the best teacher”. Experience can teach us – sometimes. We don’t always remember the lesson, and other times the only lesson we have is “don’t do that” – not what does work. Adversity can teach us, as well. Learning to overcome challenges builds strength and character.

What is God’s way for the church to learn?

First, He’s sent the Holy Spirit to teach us.

John 14:26 (NKJV) But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

John 14:26 (AMP) But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.

The Holy Spirit will remind us of Jesus’ teachings. He is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17) and will guide us into truth (John 16:13), and help us recognize truth and error in other teachings. He will give us wise words when accused or testifying (Matthew 10:19-20). He will give us wisdom, revelation and understanding (Ephesians 1:17-18), if we allow Him to lead us and listen to His instruction. Other references to His instructor role may be found in 1 John 2.

The other guide that God has given to us is church leaders. In Ephesians 4:11-15, we find that apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are given to equip the saints, build up the church, and help us move into Christian maturity, “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (verse 14). We also see the teaching responsibility in overseers (some translations read this “bishops”) and deacons (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1).

With the assistance of the Holy Spirit and godly church leaders, we can grow up into a glorious Church!

Doug