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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

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1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Psalm 145:8-14
Luke 4:31-37

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the school of the spirit

"The natural man does not accept what is taught by the Spirit of God." —1 Corinthians 2:14

The Holy Spirit is our Teacher (see 1 Jn 2:27). He instructs us in everything and reminds us of all that Jesus taught us (Jn 14:26). "The Spirit scrutinizes all matters, even the deep things of God" (1 Cor 2:10). "No one knows what lies at the depths of God but the Spirit of God" (1 Cor 2:11). Moreover, the Spirit helps "us to recognize the gifts He has given us" (1 Cor 2:12). He even teaches us the words in which to speak of these gifts, "thus interpreting spiritual things in spiritual terms" (1 Cor 2:13). This results in our coming to have the heart of the Father, the mind of Christ (see 1 Cor 2:16), and the words of the Spirit (see Mt 10:20). In summary, the Spirit teaches us God's depths, our gifts, and even our spiritual vocabulary.

At this time of year, many people go to school. Some decide to go; others are forced. However, the Spirit does not force us to go to His school. We can refuse by not accepting Jesus, Who baptizes us in the Spirit (Mk 1:8). We can stifle the Spirit (1 Thes 5:19) by choosing the desires of the flesh rather than those of the Spirit (Gal 5:17). Let's drop out of the school of the flesh and enroll in the school of the Spirit. Jesus is the Way (see Jn 14:6) to do this. Accept Him as your Savior, Lord, and God, and ask Him to baptize you in the Holy Spirit. Then "live by the Spirit" and "follow the Spirit's lead" (Gal 5:25).

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, guide me to all truth (Jn 16:13).

Promise:  "He commands the unclean spirits with authority and power, and they leave." —Lk 4:36

Praise:  Although her brothers and sisters advised her to get out, Martha stayed in her marriage and prayed for her often-drunk husband. God answered Martha's prayers and he was converted.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Seek the Gifts of the Spirit, or our four series of tapes on Gifts of the Spirit starting with audio AV 3A-1 or video V-3A.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 30, 2012

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