1 John 2:27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit – just as it has taught you, remain in him.

John was present when Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as our teacher, (John 14:26) and that is what this is talking about. The only problem is, most believers aren’t taught how to listen to the Holy Spirit, and that has led to all sorts of aberrations. I remember one Japanese pastor who, when I asked him whether he was more familiar with the Bible or with Karl Barth, (a German theologian) responded, “Barth!” At least he was honest. Being taught by the Spirit as John is talking about here involves first of all opening yourself up to Him, which is why John uses the word anointing. Not every believer is going to have the same particular gifts of the Holy Spirit, (1 Corinthians 12) but all should be baptized and filled with the Spirit. We are exhorted to be filled with the Spirit, (Ephesians 5:18 and several more) so that means our wills are involved. If it were automatic, we wouldn’t need the exhortation. At the same time, it’s not something we can work up on our own. We can’t demand the Spirit, but He will respond to those who are open to Him. That said, the anointing of the Holy Spirit is going to create a hunger and thirst for the Word of God. We aren’t to go around following every impulse and blaming it on the Holy Spirit! (I’ve run into people who lived like that.) He will indeed teach us, but much of how He does that is by prompting us to dig into the Bible and plant its truth in our hearts. When that is the case, we really don’t need any other teachers, just as John says here.

This is particularly timely, when I’ve just heard that a young man in the church has received the baptism in the Holy Spirit and is experiencing some of the gifts. That’s particularly exciting for me because he was in a situation a few years ago when counterfeit tongues were being drummed up by suggestion and emotion, and he was quite turned off. Now he knows what the real thing is like! He is making some real life choices at this point, and they will serve him well, from now through eternity. On his return here, he will indeed be an example to all the believers, because the changes in him will be inescapable. I am to encourage and mentor him, for his sake and so that others will follow his example, and we become a church that overflows with the Spirit, power, and love of God, for His glory.

Father, You are indeed working in many people on many levels in this church. Thank You. Help me fulfill the role You have for me, not pushing my agenda but being fully available to You for however You want to use me, so that all of Your purposes may be accomplished on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!