There are some things that no pastor or Bible teacher can teach you; they can only be imparted by the Holy Spirit. By our own natures, we can be stunningly ignorant. There are three things you cannot learn in school, that only the Holy Spirit can teach you.

First, is the conception of sin. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” We are sinners by nature. The problem comes from within, not primarily because of what we do, but because of what we are.

Our nature is a poisoned well. Our sins are the poisoned water that comes out of that well. And perhaps our worst sin is not believing in Jesus Christ. Unbelief is the parent sin, out of which all other sins grow. Adrian Rogers says, “A courtroom may convict you of crimes; conscience will convict you of wrongdoing; but only the Holy Spirit of God will truly convict you of sin.”

The second truth only the Holy Spirit can teach is the completion of salvation. Man is ignorant concerning both sin and righteousness. The Holy Spirit of God teaches us that our only hope is Jesus Christ. And when you receive Jesus Christ and His righteousness, He deals with what we are.

Christians are not just reformed, nicer people; they have received a new nature as a result of a “new birth.” He changes what we are and then He forgives what we’ve done. He also gives us what we need, which is righteousness. Adrian Rogers says, “He took our sin that we might take His righteousness. You’re as righteous as Jesus Christ because you have His righteousness.”

Lastly, the Holy Spirit teaches us the truth concerning judgment. Only the Holy Spirit can teach us that Satan’s cause is a lost cause. There’s no contest out there: truth is mightier than error, love is stronger than hate, holiness is higher than sin. And our Lord has won the victory.

Apply it to your life
Have you learned these three things you cannot learn in school? Let the Holy Spirit minister to you and impart these things in your heart.