God's Word is freely given to us ALL. The Holy Spirit is given to ALL believers. It was through the Holy Spirit that the Word is given. If God's Word that is given by the Holy Spirit (which is ALSO given to us all) to teach us, then why do we even need teachers (which is also a gift of God)?
The natural man (who is not of God) cannot nor will not study NOR recieve the Word of God because he relies on himself.
The Spiritual discernment that is in scripture speaks of discerning of spirits. This is in reference to testing very spirit. If the Word of God, which is given by God through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to believers so that we would have HIS Word for our teaching, then why would God only reveal it to the very few who claim to have a ''more spiritual'' understanding than most others (if not all others)?
In this, as the gift of teaching is given to some (so as to teach those who need it), why, then, would God give his Word to ALL so that they might LEARN. Instead of JUST relying on GOD to simply reveal something that he gave to us ALL?
these two subjects are being tangled together.
1. God reveals what He wants to everyone when they need it. it is not because anyone is "more spiritual" but because everyone is unique and different and need different messages in their lives at different points in their lives.
For example , I have a friend whose baby just died. One wonders what you would say?
I have found that different psalms speak to my heart depending on the life circumstances. I understand what you are trying to refer to. those "super" Christians and "super" apostles you see on TV or on the internet who get "prophecies", but you should not compare those to true teachers of God's word.
there is a BIG difference between a wolf and a true shepherd of the flock. One is about the glory and money and power for themselves and the other is humble, meek. patient, kind, loving, self sacrificing for the good of the flock God has entrusted them with.
2. The gift of teaching and any ministry is a big responsibility. Most true pastors and teachers don't seek it but are called to it. They understand the cross and burden it entitles and do it willing for God.
so why did God not just give us a book and leave it at that?
Because He loves us and it is about relationships and loving each other. Not a set of rules to follow.
He gave us teachers to help guide us and help us grow into maturity. the same reason we are entrusted to parents when we are babies. we are given spiritual guidance from our teachers in the same way we were given physical nourishment from our parents, in order that we grow.
yes when we are mature and no longer swayed by false doctrine and able to discern good and evil then it is true all we need is God and His Holy Spirit and His word, but God places people in our lives to teach us to care about others, to tear down strongholds that would keep us from obeying God, to help us desire the things of God and bear the fruits of walking with the Spirit: Love,peace, kindness, patience, long suffering, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
This is in order that we may in turn teach others God's ways and help them mature into the people God intends for us to be.
what keeps people from claiming to have had it revealed to them by God?
nothing.
why should you believe a person who says such things?
because your heart and spirit and God's Holy words agree with the person's statements. Because it causes you to become less like this world and more like your Heavenly Father. Because the words help you to display the fruits of the Spirit and bring comfort, exhortation or repentance and lead you into a closer walk with God.
that is how I discern between good and evil, how do you go about it?
PS. I believe the message of scripture is JESUS CHRIST, His work on the cross for the remission of sins, and how God wants to enable us through His Holy Spirit to cry out Abba, Father.
