Paul's exhortation is challenging: "Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you" (Phil 3:15). Mind you, Paul is not writing to fellow Apostles! He is writing to a body of believers--just like us! The attitude of pressing toward the mark is to be possessed by all that are mature. However, if there are some that are not able to see the sense of this admonition, Paul does not give up on them! He says that God will "reveal that also to you." A person may choose to reject this reasoning, but that does not remove its power for those who receive it. If we will only be in earnest in our quest to be know and fellowship with Christ, engaging in a sustained effort for Him, God will correct our minor misconceptions. If that seems too good to be true, hear the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, your King. "If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself" (John 7:17). The NRSV reads, "Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own." The NIV translates the verse as follows: "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own."Mark it well, Paul teaches, but revelation comes from God! However well a teacher may teach, and however powerfully a preacher may preach, true wisdom comes "down from above" (James 3:17).

Those who "walk humbly" with their God, will soon be "taught" by Him! It makes little difference how this may impact upon personal or corporate theologies. God has spoken on this matter, and there is no room for varying opinions. That is why God will "reveal" the truth of a matter to those who walk according to the same "rule" or principle as Paul--seeking above all else to "know Christ!" If you are firmly anchored in the faith, the Lord will help you to understand otherwise troublesome matters. It is ever true, "They shall all be taught by God!"

A change of life

Spiritual growth is the result of Divine tutoring. There are people that "become callous," having"given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness" (Eph 4:19, NASV). Often, such individuals wear the name of Jesus, tragic though it is to consider. When speaking of this unfortunate consideration (being dominated by the flesh), Paul states, "But you did not learn Christ in this way" (Eph 4:20, NASV). There is a consistency in spiritual life forbids lapses into the flesh. Learning Christ is appropriating the Divine nature. It involves Divine instruction and human learning. Here are the words of the Spirit; "If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Eph 4:21-24, NASV). Here is an aspect of being taught by God that is exceeding precious! The Lord effectively teaches us to subordinate the sinful nature and give heed to the Divine nature--a most remarkable achievement! Because this comes to us through the channel of God's grace, it is written, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age" (Tit 2:11-12). Grace instructs us through a Person. We are "taught of God," and He does it through His grace. While a change in life involves the discipline and activity of the believer, it actually happens because of the teaching of the Lord! Christ teaches us to effectually say "NO" to the flesh and "YES" to the Spirit! In this way, we are "taught by God."