Still Open to Instruction

Acts 18:24-26 “Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”

What a description that is given about Apollos. He was eloquent and mighty in the scriptures. Who better to have speaking the gospel to the community, especially when he was also fervent in spirit and accurately taught about Jesus? Oh that it could be said about all of us. If someone were to describe you, what would it sound like? “Well, he loves the Lord…” or “Well, she tries…” or maybe even, "Wow, that dude really says it well."

As a pastor, someone is always trying to tell me something. Something about what I recently taught, or things about myself that I may or may not want to hear. For Apollos, it was Priscilla and Aquila that felt it was necessary to take him aside and explain to him “more accurately the way of God.” Despite all that he was and was doing, he did not have it all together. He still had more to learn about Christ and the ways of God. Here is what Paul said of himself.

Phil 3:12 “Not that I have already obtained [it] or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.”

No matter where you are spiritually or in terms of maturity, are you still open to instruction? Do you believe you have something to learn still? Not some false humility stand like, “Oh, I know I do not know everything…” while inside you have some level of pride that makes it difficult to hear instruction or even correction from others. Apollos does not balk at hearing from this couple about the way of God more accurately. He was still open to instruction and correction. This is a place of heart we all need, and this, for the whole of our lives. It is not ignoring where you are, in fact, Paul said;

Phil 3:16 “…however, let us keep living by that same [standard] to which we have attained.”

So be where you are spiritually, mentally, in maturity, and in all other ways. Live up to that place you are at personally. But remain open to learn and be corrected if necessary because none of us has arrived… I need to do this and so do you. None of us has arrived.