24 Now a Jew named Apollos . . .was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24)
In Acts 18 we are introduced to this man Apollos who genuinely loves the Lord. And while he was “competent” in the Bible, he was far from the end of his need for Christian learning. he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John (v.25). We all have holes in our theology. None of us see God all that clearly yet we rely on His Spirit to guide and mature our faith. Sometimes He uses others to teach us: when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately (v.26). There are a few things we need to examine in this exchange.
First, we all need education. I fear a modern Church that has abandoned simple teaching and worship for something more flashy. A well rounded faith needs lessons in the whole of God and not just the trite phrases that many craft to be “relevant”. We can never exhaust the depths of the character and call of Christ, therefore our faith is never complete and your need for a deep intellect is not necessary. We all have different learning styles in which our Lord speaks. We can never simply say “I hate to read”. This is inexcusable. For God speaks just as often in the trees and wind or through coffee with a friend as He does in the written Word.
Second, we need others. If you are a Christ follower, you are no longer a lone ranger but part of a designed community of saints. Of course, this is messy. But the desire of our Lord is for our connection to Him and others. Scripture reminds us of His presence amidst two or more. While Christ spend refreshing times in solitude, He also lived and engaged in a thriving community. A relational education is needed for a well rounded faith.
Today, examine if you are a student of Christ. If your faith doesn’t match your level of devotion then something must change. Where are you lacking and what must be done? His Spirit has you. Lean into Him.
Matt simon blog 