Where Do We Get Discernment?

John reminds us that the Spirit abides in us in order that we might be empowered to distinguish truth from error.

"And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him (in context referring to the Holy Spirit) abides in you, and you have no need to have anyone teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him" I John 2:27

John teaches that the Spirit of God, Who lives in each believer, is our personal, private tutor.

To be sure, God has given us pastors and teachers for our edification
I Corinthians 12:28 but remember that they are in addition to and not a substitute for the Holy Spirit.

This allows the humblest believer in Christ may be taught of God through His Word, even when human teachers are lacking.

The Lord Jesus makes it abundantly clear in these words,

"When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak and He will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take what is Mine and declare it to you"
John 16:13-14

The apostle John quoted Isaiah 54:13 recording Jesus' promise that
"THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD”

The Holy Spirit has inspired the Word and He alone can bring illumination as we read the Word. When we devote ourselves to the study of His Word, with a keen awareness of our need to continually depend on our Teacher, the Holy Spirit, we will experience the joy of self, Spirit led discovery of God's Truth, Truth that will set us free so that we might be free indeed!