Understanding Spiritual Truths Through the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 2:13

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1 Corinthians 2:13 explains that spiritual truths are communicated through words taught by the Holy Spirit, rather than through human wisdom, by comparing spiritual things with spiritual 1 Corinthians 2:13PC 73.2+1. This process of interpretation is a divine science where the Holy Spirit serves as the teacher to enlighten the human understanding20LtMs, Ms 106, 1905, par. 14+2.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Teaching 🕊️

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, sent to guide believers into all truth and recall the precious jewels of truth to the mind1SM 404.1+2. Human wisdom is essentially foolishness because it misses the depths of God’s providences and cannot explain divine mysteries unaided6T 150.2+1. True understanding is not something we can work out ourselves; it is a constant, flowing stream of wisdom that God gives liberally to those who ask Him in faith James 1:5GCB February 13, 1895, page 120.3.

• Divine Instruction: The Spirit of truth searches the deep things of God and makes them known to the human mind 1 Corinthians 2:10ARSH April 8, 1902, page 9.1.

• A Sound Mind: Those who recognize the leadings of the Holy Spirit are granted a spirit of wisdom and a sound mind to discern truth from error1SM 54.3+1.

• A Living Connection: To understand deep spiritual truths, a man must be taught of God, for spiritual things are only spiritually discerned 1 Corinthians 2:14ST April 25, 1895, par. 11+1.

The Method of Interpretation 📖

The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious and literal meaning unless a symbol or figure is clearly employedDD 38.4+1. Relying on "mystical" or "secret" spiritual meanings that contradict the plain language of Scripture is the work of false teachers who confuse the mindDD 38.4+1.

• Comparing Spiritual with Spiritual: This involves using the Bible as its own interpreter, where one portion of Scripture serves as a divine commentary on another 1 Corinthians 2:13NSLRLL 17.2+1.

• Avoiding Human Theories: When men place their own maxims and traditions above the requirements of God, the treasures of His word remain hidden from themCOL 106.1+1.

• Simple Utterance: The truths of the Bible are conveyed in a simple manner so that even the illiterate or a child can comprehend the way of life7BC 945.1+1.

Conditions for Receiving Spiritual Knowledge ✨

The enlightenement of the understanding is conditional upon the possession of an obedient and humble heart13LtMs, Ms 43a, 1898, par. 45. Those who are willing to do His will shall know of the doctrine and be saved from the snares of the enemy John 7:17DD 38.4+1.

• Humility: We must become as little children, conscious of our own weakness, to learn from the Divine TeacherGW92 469.3+1.

• Earnest Search: Finding the treasures of truth requires as much earnest effort and "digging" as a miner searching for gold Proverbs 2:4-6ST June 6, 1906, par. 12.

• Sanctification through Truth: There is no sanctification aside from the Word; therefore, it is essential that every soul understands it correctly to be ennobled and transformed21MR 428.3+2.

If we remain teachable and depend entirely on the wisdom of God, the Great Teacher will reveal the perfections of the divine Model and open the mysteries of the plan of redemption to our understanding1SM 338.1+2.