Galatians 5:16-26

"I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another."

{Romans 15:14}  (NIV1984)  

 

What a statement! The great apostle Paul is convinced that the Christians at Rome are competent to instruct each other. How could Paul be so confident about the Christians in Rome? Paul had never been to Rome, nor had he checked out their church services on the web.  Paul is convinced that they are competent to instruct one another because he is convinced they are full of goodness and complete in knowledge. Goodness – the attitude of kindness, generosity and benevolence. Knowledge- the fact of knowing something, apprehending truth, having information. 

Once again Paul hadn’t met them, he hadn’t quizzed them on their systematic theology. But he was convinced they had goodness, knowledge and were competent to instruct each other. Paul was convinced of these things because he knew that the Holy Spirit was inside each person in the Roman church. 

The church of Christ is the work of the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit is within us. We don’t need more training, we need more courage! Be encouraged this morning. Thank the Holy Spirit for His presence with you; for the goodness and knowledge that He brings. Ask Him for the opportunity and courage to add to someone else’s faith today.