Notes of Faith February 12, 2025
Being Teachable
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:21
Prior to his encounter with Jesus Christ, no one would have mistaken Saul of Tarsus, who became the apostle Paul, for a meek or humble person. His focus in life was his personal advancement as a Pharisee in Judaism (Philippians 3:4-6). He was not teachable; his heart and mind were closed to the Gospel.
Ps 119:9-16
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
10 With all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
11 Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O Lord;
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have told of
All the ordinances of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts
And regard Your ways.
16 I shall delight in Your statutes;
I shall not forget Your word.
Nicodemus was also a Pharisee, a “ruler of the Jews” (John 3:1), but he had a teachable heart. He met with Jesus at night to try to understand who Jesus was. He was not too proud to ask questions and consider that perhaps his understanding was limited. In fact, he accompanied Joseph of Arimathea to bury Jesus after the crucifixion (John 19:38-42). One of the marks of humility (meekness) is a teachable spirit, a willingness to learn from God and from others who know Him well. The psalmist prayed, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law” (Psalm 119:18).
A good way to practice meekness before the Lord is to pray that prayer when you open God’s Word. Ask Him to show you more of Himself and how to conform your life to His will.
Meekness is having a teachable spirit.
Ronald Dunn
I’ve heard about the woman (or man) that married a spouse named “Always Right.” Even when they are wrong, they are Right. Well, we know how that turns out. In the things of the world it has proven in my experience that I should always be teachable, able to listen and learn. Spiritually, if you do not have a teachable Spirit, you will not mature in faith and grow to be more and more like Jesus. Being “Always Right” is reserved for God. Only He is perfect, holy, and righteous. Let us endeavor to be meek, humble, and teachable, that God might use us for His glory each day that He gives us.
Pastor Dale