Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

The first principles of the oracles of God, the primer. The original definition of primer has fallen out of use in most of today’s vocabulary. It was a small book introducing children to the first opportunities of learning to read. This after they had already learned by example how to speak.

As I first said, the gospel is our primer in faith speech, our first opportunity to understand this faith language. Let me however step into the modern vernacular of primer, in relationship to painting.

A primer coating is used to prevent the bleeding through of a previous color that has been placed on a surface. Its purpose is not to detract from the final color but to keep the old color from contaminating the new appearance.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

When I was a new Christian the old man kept on showing through. I had to apply another coat of gospel to prevent him from contaminating the appearance of this new creature that I am now.

Is there something in you right now that say “Yes, I can see that is true.” Not with your mind but in your heart of hearts, can you relate to that comment? If you can, that is the Holy Spirit says “Yes and Amen.” The Holy Spirit witnessing truth to you.

2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

If you heard yes, amen to that it is because you just used faith to hear it.

Galatians 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

What is the tenure of the Holy Spirit as our tutor? What is this appointed time?

Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

God only knows.

I am sixty-nine years old, have been walking with the Lord for decades and I am in more need of Him today than ever before. If His role were but to teach me only the language of faith, we would have parted a long time ago. This faith language gives me the ability to hear and see God through the power of the Holy Spirit. What good does the knowledge of language do any of us if we have no one to talk with?

Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

While I consider myself lucky to have soared to some heights, I am breathless on the side of the mountain and the heavens are yet so much higher above me. I have a long way to grow. We never grow so old as to not need our tutor. His tenure is everlasting.

Have you noticed we have spent eighteen days this year endeavoring to discover this God speech, this language of faith, our ability to hear and see God, and have learned nothing yet but the primer?

I’ve used this term a few times now in relationship to our learning this God speech, perhaps it would be helpful to examine this primer.