Devotion for June 17, 2009: “Guided into Truth”

John 16:13

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all 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. ^“

 

The Holy Spirit has several descriptive names in the New Testament:  Spirit of God, Spirit of truth, the Spirit, etc.  Each name is descriptive of a work or a character trait of the Holy Spirit.  In this study we will primarily use the terms “the Spirit” and “the Holy Spirit.”

In John 16:13, Jesus says, “when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.”

Jesus also says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

Everyone shares in the search for truth.  The search for truth is based on our source of authority.  For some the highest authority is themselves.  For others authority is in science, critical thinking, or philosophy.  For most Christians ultimate authority is found in God, especially through Jesus Christ, and in His written word the Bible.  How then does the Spirit guide us into all truth?  He constantly points us to Jesus and helps us understand what we read in the Bible.  One name for the Spirit in Greek is Paraclete, which refers to one who walks alongside another.  The term is translated as Comforter or Counsel in different translations.  I still prefer the word picture of the one who walks beside us.  No matter what our circumstances, the Spirit is right beside us guiding us into all truth.

In our search for truth we must remember that all human opinions must be tested by the Word of God and guided by the Holy Spirit.  God is “consistent.”  We may have differing customs, but His truth is unchanging.  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) 

QUESTIONS:

     1.  Do you ever find yourself questioning God?  Do you ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth?

     2.  What Bible study plan do you use to learn God’s truth?