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The Teacher’s Need Of The Holy Spirit’s Aid
The Holy Spirit has been given us as an aid in the study of
the Bible. Jesus promised, “The Comforter, which is the Holy
Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you
all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever
I have said unto you.”
John 14:26
. When the Bible is made the
study book, with earnest supplication for the Spirit’s guidance, and
with a full surrender of the heart to be sanctified through the truth,
all that Christ has promised will be accomplished. The result of
such Bible study will be well-balanced minds. The understanding
will be quickened, the sensibilities aroused. The conscience will
become sensitive; the sympathies and sentiments will be purified;
a better moral atmosphere will be created; and new power to resist
temptation will be imparted. Teachers and students will become
active and earnest in the work of God.
There is a disposition on the part of many teachers not to be
thorough in giving religious instruction. They are satisfied with
a halfhearted service themselves, serving the Lord only to escape
the punishment of sin. Their halfheartedness affects their teaching.
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The experience that they do not desire for themselves they are not
anxious to see their pupils gain. That which has been given them in
blessing has been cast aside as a dangerous element. The offered
visits of the Holy Spirit are met with the words of Felix to Paul,
“Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will
call for thee.”
Acts 24:25
. Other blessings they desire; but that
which God is more willing to give than a father is to give good gifts
to his children; that which is offered abundantly, according to the
infinite fullness of God, and which, if received, would bring all other
blessings in its train—what words shall I use sufficiently to express
what has been done with reference to it? The heavenly Messenger
has been repulsed by the determined will. Teachers have virtually
said, “Thus far shalt Thou go with my students, but no farther. We
need no enthusiasm in our school, no excitement. We are much
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