Scripture Study Course Reflections by Don Schwager.

Isaiah 50:4b-5 (ESV translation)

A disciple’s ear

4 Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. 5 The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.

1. What do you think the prophet Isaiah meant when he said, the Lord GOD opens my ear to hear as those who are taught (Isaiah 50:4-5)? 

 
2. When you read the Scriptures do you expect to hear the Lord speak to you through his word in the Bible? 

 
3. What is a rebellious ear or a backward disciple of God’s word (Isaiah 50:5b)? The word disciple literally means a learner or one who is taught. Do I approach the word of God in Scripture as a disciple who is ready to be taught?
   
   

“The Holy Spirit will teach you all things”

John 14:25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit,whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

• What do you think Jesus means when he says the Holy Spirit will teach you all things? (John 14:26)? What things is he referring to here?

 
• When I read the word of God in Scripture, do I expect the Holy Spirit to guide and teach me (John 16:13)? Do I believe the promise of Jesus that the Holy Spirit will teach me everything I need to know about God’s word and his will for my life (John 14:25)?

 
• If I don’t experience the Holy Spirit helping me in my daily reading of Scripture, what obstacle might be blocking me? Maybe distractions, wandering thoughts, anxiety, preoccupation with something else? How can I ask the Holy Spirit to help me put these aside and grow in freedom and discipline so I can be more attentive to his teaching and help?