Impact Magazine

ARE YOU A LEARNER?

3 Marks of the Teachable Christian

By ‘Muyiwa Omole

Are you a learner?

This question could well be phrased: Are you teachable? All believers are called to be students of the most important school—the study of the Word of God—our success as learners will be determined by how teachable we are.

Every believer should ask himself: Am I a learner? Am I teachable? Am I in tune with the Spirit of God? The Bible is like no other course of study. It is impossible for the Christian in his natural ability to understand the things of God—they are foolishness to Him. Consequently, God has graciously equipped every child of His with this built-in tutor. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things” (Jn. 14:26).

Although this is a privilege afforded to every believer, not every believer is teachable.  We have all known Christians who fail to advance in their walk with the Lord because they are not teachable. And if we are honest, we realize that there are many times when we approach the Word of God or sit under its ministry and our hearts similarly are not receptive.

The Scriptures provide us with several criteria that should characterize every student of God’s Word who desires to be taught. Let us examine three of them.

1.     Eagerness

Are you eager to learn? Do you approach the Scriptures with an attitude of eagerness and enthusiasm?

Notice how Acts: 17:11 describes the Bereans as those who “received the Word with great eagerness.”  We have all met new-born Christians who seem to just explode in their faith and understanding. Even in a short period of time they seem to surpass other believers who have been in the faith far longer. Why is that? A teachable spirit is hungry! They cannot get enough. Like new-born babes, they long for the pure milk of the Word (1 Pet. 2:2). We can learn from their example. If I am to be teachable, I need to rekindle this attitude as I approach God’s Word.

2.     Humility

Do I come to the Word of God with a humble attitude and submissive spirit? Young Samuel responded to the divine call in 1 Samuel 3:10 with the words, “Speak, for your Servant is listening.” How vital to emulate Samuel’s attitude as we open God’s Word with this same prayer.

Throughout the Gospels, Mary is often described at the feet of the Lord Jesus. In John 11, she is weeping. In John 12, she is worshiping. But in Luke 10:39, while her sister was

“cumbered about much serving,” we notice Mary “listening to the Lord’s words, seated at His feet.” Her posture reflects her heart, the attitude of the servant with an open ear, listening to the Master’s instructions. Lacking this spirit is a great impediment to being taught by God.

The Holy Spirit desires to do business with the student of God’s Word and teach us some things about ourselves that we are not going to appreciate. We must pray that we will have the attitude of Mary and young Samuel as we open the Book.

3.     Action

There is at least one other criterion to determine whether or not we are teachable. That is:

How do we respond to God’s Word?

The Lord tells His disciples in John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me.” It is not only that we have an ear for the Shepherd’s voice, but also that it affects our conduct—it leads to obedience.

The Lord’s commendation in Luke 6:47 is not to those who “hear His words” but to the one who also “acts upon them.” To be teachable is far more than to acquire knowledge. The study of the Word of God needs to be translated into a changed life.

Furthermore, it is difficult to imagine that God will continue to unfold the great mysteries of His Word if we have regularly failed to act on the revelation He has already shown.

Why Learn?

I do not believe it is possible to come to the Word of God with eagerness, the humble heart of a servant and willingness to obey and not leave forever changed. Therefore as we ask the question of ourselves, “Am I teachable?” we also need to answer the question, “What is the ultimate purpose in being taught?” Christ Himself needs to be the subject and motivation for our study. Paul wrote of putting off, renewing and putting on the new self “which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” To learn Christ is to become like Him. To be teachable, ultimately, is to be made like Him. “Am I a learner?” can really be rephrased, “Am I becoming like Christ?”