QUESTION FROM READER:
Hello Mrs. Doxsey,
I always turn to the answers to the questions that people have written in, when I turn on my computer. I have always wanted to know: how you have become so knowledgeable? I've always wanted to ask you questions pertaining to various things in the Bible, but have chickened out at the last moment. Now I find myself writing to you and the reason; I have been asked by my Sunday school class to deliver a short and brief talk on, "The Superiority of divine education". All I know is what I think, and when I think of divine, I think of God. Does it have something to do with him or Jesus?
Many thanks Mrs. Doxsey, and I'm looking forward to your answer.
Yours truly,
Xxxx
ANSWER
Phil.3:8
Hello Xxxx,
First let me say that any Wisdom I may have at times is not my own, but is as a result of the subject of your question, "divine education". I am glad though, to hear that you do consider from me, what comes from the Bible combined with Holy Spirit.
Many other people can comment on the scriptures... their meaning, and their application. But without Holy Spirit and the use of scripture for interpretation, it is still darkness from men, and their ideas can even be used to mislead.
Please know that I feel it is my life's purpose, to do my best in answering the sincere questions of others. I hope the next time you have a question that is important to you, you won't hesitate to ask it of me. By doing so, you afford me the opportunity to prove faithful to my assignment.
By asking your good question, you have also helped others to learn. I publish the answers to such good questions at my blogspot (website) for the benefit of many others. I have many such articles there. If you would like to visit your answer and view the others, it is located at:
http://www.blogger.com/profile/13281232149590681155
http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/05/where-is-true-religion.html
As you might imagine, my mind thought of many ideas associated to your question. Which ideas should I go into? When you yourself thought of "divine education", you said:
"All I know is what I think, when I think of Divine, I think of God. Does it have something to do with Him or Jesus?"
So it seems your first question is.... What is divine education?
Without making this answer too long, I thought that perhaps I could take this approach...
You have asked WHAT divine education is. I thought that to fully cover your entire question, I would also try to briefly cover...
How this divine education occurs...from where does it come?...to whom is it given?...why do we need it?...and how it compares to other forms of education.
Many of the answers to those questions will overlap to answer others, so they may not be answered in order.
The full answer to this subject should receive a book to answer it fully. There are so many scriptures that teach us all about this subject.
But because of our present limitations, I will try to use single scriptures that give the fullest answer to each question.
"Divine Education": What is it?
I got a definition of "divine" from the internet. It reads:
di·vine (d-vn)
adj. di·vin·er, di·vin·est
1.
a. Having the nature of or being a deity.
b. Of, relating to, emanating from, or being the expression of a deity: sought divine guidance through meditation.
c. Being in the service or worship of a deity; sacred.
2. Superhuman; godlike.
3.
a. Supremely good or beautiful; magnificent: a divine performance of the concerto.
b. Extremely pleasant; delightful: had a divine time at the ball.
4. Heavenly; perfect.
The definitions that will help our question, are these:
"Having the nature of or being a deity (God)". "Emanating from (coming from), or being the expression of a deity (God)". "Superhuman". "Heavenly; perfect".
So, you are right. Divine education is, being taught by means of God.
Divine education: From Where?
Well, this is a big question, because the sources of education from God, occur in steps. Each step has it's own source.
First step: THE BIBLE
Divine education begins with the scriptures (the Bible).
Can the Bible really be the place where we are learning from God Himself?
2Tim.3:16,17 answers that:
"All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work."
Did you notice that "all scripture" is inspired (comes) from God?
How do we know that everything in the Bible is true?
See Numbers 23:19a & John17:17:
19 "God is not a man that he should tell lies,
Neither a son of mankind that he should feel regret."
17 Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth.
From these two scriptures we see that we can depend upon the BIBLE for divine
education, which is totally true.
These three scriptures from the Bible, show us that divine education starts with the
Bible. God only teaches truth. The only place to find that truth, is not with men, but
is in the Bible. Therefore, as you will notice, all my answers will come from there.
Without the Bible, "divine education" is not possible.
So to get back to our point..."Where". The first step to receiving divine education starts with the Bible.
Second step: PRAYER
Once we have the Bible, we need to ask God for the blessing of understanding it.
That blessing is delivered by His spirit. See Luke 11:9,10,13; Matt.16:17
Luke11:9 "Accordingly I say to YOU, Keep on asking, and it will be given YOU; keep on seeking, and YOU will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to YOU. 10 For everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking it will be opened. 13 Therefore, if YOU, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to YOUR children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!”
Matt.16:17 In response Jesus said to him: “Happy you are, Simon son of Jo´nah, because flesh and blood did not reveal [it] to you, but my Father who is in the heavens did."
Since we depend upon God to have the truth of the Bible revealed to us, we need to
ask Him for that understanding.
Third step: Finding the channel God is using to teach others.
Is it true that God uses those He chooses, that these will have greater understanding
of his truths, that they may teach others who seek it? Let's see what the Bible says
about this... 2Chron.16:9; Isa.43:10,21; Matt.5:14,15,16; Luke 8:10;
1Tim.4:16; 1John2:20,27; Isa.52:11; Matt.7:15,20; Mal.2:7.
Isa.43:10-12,21 “YOU are my witnesses,” is the utterance of Jehovah, “even my servant whom I have chosen, in order that YOU may know and have faith in me, and that YOU may understand that I am the same One. Before me there was no God formed, and after me there continued to be none. I—I am Jehovah, and besides me there is no savior.” I myself have told forth and have saved and have caused [it] to be heard, when there was among YOU no strange [god]. So YOU are my witnesses,” is the utterance of Jehovah, “and I am God. ...to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise."
Hello Mrs. Doxsey,
I always turn to the answers to the questions that people have written in, when I turn on my computer. I have always wanted to know: how you have become so knowledgeable? I've always wanted to ask you questions pertaining to various things in the Bible, but have chickened out at the last moment. Now I find myself writing to you and the reason; I have been asked by my Sunday school class to deliver a short and brief talk on, "The Superiority of divine education". All I know is what I think, and when I think of divine, I think of God. Does it have something to do with him or Jesus?
Many thanks Mrs. Doxsey, and I'm looking forward to your answer.
Yours truly,
Xxxx
ANSWER
Phil.3:8
Hello Xxxx,
First let me say that any Wisdom I may have at times is not my own, but is as a result of the subject of your question, "divine education". I am glad though, to hear that you do consider from me, what comes from the Bible combined with Holy Spirit.
Many other people can comment on the scriptures... their meaning, and their application. But without Holy Spirit and the use of scripture for interpretation, it is still darkness from men, and their ideas can even be used to mislead.
Please know that I feel it is my life's purpose, to do my best in answering the sincere questions of others. I hope the next time you have a question that is important to you, you won't hesitate to ask it of me. By doing so, you afford me the opportunity to prove faithful to my assignment.
By asking your good question, you have also helped others to learn. I publish the answers to such good questions at my blogspot (website) for the benefit of many others. I have many such articles there. If you would like to visit your answer and view the others, it is located at:
http://www.blogger.com/profile/13281232149590681155
http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/05/where-is-true-religion.html
As you might imagine, my mind thought of many ideas associated to your question. Which ideas should I go into? When you yourself thought of "divine education", you said:
"All I know is what I think, when I think of Divine, I think of God. Does it have something to do with Him or Jesus?"
So it seems your first question is.... What is divine education?
Without making this answer too long, I thought that perhaps I could take this approach...
You have asked WHAT divine education is. I thought that to fully cover your entire question, I would also try to briefly cover...
How this divine education occurs...from where does it come?...to whom is it given?...why do we need it?...and how it compares to other forms of education.
Many of the answers to those questions will overlap to answer others, so they may not be answered in order.
The full answer to this subject should receive a book to answer it fully. There are so many scriptures that teach us all about this subject.
But because of our present limitations, I will try to use single scriptures that give the fullest answer to each question.
"Divine Education": What is it?
I got a definition of "divine" from the internet. It reads:
di·vine (d-vn)
adj. di·vin·er, di·vin·est
1.
a. Having the nature of or being a deity.
b. Of, relating to, emanating from, or being the expression of a deity: sought divine guidance through meditation.
c. Being in the service or worship of a deity; sacred.
2. Superhuman; godlike.
3.
a. Supremely good or beautiful; magnificent: a divine performance of the concerto.
b. Extremely pleasant; delightful: had a divine time at the ball.
4. Heavenly; perfect.
The definitions that will help our question, are these:
"Having the nature of or being a deity (God)". "Emanating from (coming from), or being the expression of a deity (God)". "Superhuman". "Heavenly; perfect".
So, you are right. Divine education is, being taught by means of God.
Divine education: From Where?
Well, this is a big question, because the sources of education from God, occur in steps. Each step has it's own source.
First step: THE BIBLE
Divine education begins with the scriptures (the Bible).
Can the Bible really be the place where we are learning from God Himself?
2Tim.3:16,17 answers that:
"All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work."
Did you notice that "all scripture" is inspired (comes) from God?
How do we know that everything in the Bible is true?
See Numbers 23:19a & John17:17:
19 "God is not a man that he should tell lies,
Neither a son of mankind that he should feel regret."
17 Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth.
From these two scriptures we see that we can depend upon the BIBLE for divine
education, which is totally true.
These three scriptures from the Bible, show us that divine education starts with the
Bible. God only teaches truth. The only place to find that truth, is not with men, but
is in the Bible. Therefore, as you will notice, all my answers will come from there.
Without the Bible, "divine education" is not possible.
So to get back to our point..."Where". The first step to receiving divine education starts with the Bible.
Second step: PRAYER
Once we have the Bible, we need to ask God for the blessing of understanding it.
That blessing is delivered by His spirit. See Luke 11:9,10,13; Matt.16:17
Luke11:9 "Accordingly I say to YOU, Keep on asking, and it will be given YOU; keep on seeking, and YOU will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to YOU. 10 For everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking it will be opened. 13 Therefore, if YOU, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to YOUR children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!”
Matt.16:17 In response Jesus said to him: “Happy you are, Simon son of Jo´nah, because flesh and blood did not reveal [it] to you, but my Father who is in the heavens did."
Since we depend upon God to have the truth of the Bible revealed to us, we need to
ask Him for that understanding.
Third step: Finding the channel God is using to teach others.
Is it true that God uses those He chooses, that these will have greater understanding
of his truths, that they may teach others who seek it? Let's see what the Bible says
about this... 2Chron.16:9; Isa.43:10,21; Matt.5:14,15,16; Luke 8:10;
1Tim.4:16; 1John2:20,27; Isa.52:11; Matt.7:15,20; Mal.2:7.
Isa.43:10-12,21 “YOU are my witnesses,” is the utterance of Jehovah, “even my servant whom I have chosen, in order that YOU may know and have faith in me, and that YOU may understand that I am the same One. Before me there was no God formed, and after me there continued to be none. I—I am Jehovah, and besides me there is no savior.” I myself have told forth and have saved and have caused [it] to be heard, when there was among YOU no strange [god]. So YOU are my witnesses,” is the utterance of Jehovah, “and I am God. ...to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise."
From this scripture you may notice that God "chooses" witnesses for himself.
(see how 1Pet.2:9 compares to Isa.43:21)
To these who have faith, he gives understanding of who He is, and makes them,
His priests (Mal.2:7; Rev.5:10).
These ones understand that God is the only Saviour.
He causes these "chosen" ones to "hear" these truths,
as long as they are not busy worshiping any other god.
These ones become his "witnesses" and His priests.
When we think of that word "witness", we may think of a courtroom. Only the
"witnesses" in a trial really know the truth. This is the same. God hand picks these
witness servants of His, Himself. They are also called, "Chosen Ones", because they
are His Chosen Witnesses. As witnesses, they need to testify to the truth they know.
Matt.5:14 “YOU are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when situated upon a mountain. 15 People light a lamp and set it, not under the measuring basket, but upon the lampstand, and it shines upon all those in the house. 16 Likewise let YOUR light shine before men, that they may see YOUR fine works and give glory to YOUR Father who is in the heavens."
This is also speaking of God's chosen witnesses. Here we see that without them, the
world would not have the light of truth from God. These ones are to work to shine
that light.
At Luke8:10 Jesus said:
“To YOU it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the kingdom of God, but for the rest it is in illustrations, in order that, though looking, they may look in vain and, though hearing, they may not get the meaning."
Here, Jesus was talking to some of those chosen witnesses. We see again, that while
these are given understanding from God, others who try to understand, can not.
1Tim.4:16 reads:
"Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you."
We see that those chosen witnesses, need to take their job seriously. If they do,
they save themselves (because they are obeying God and doing their job), and they
also save others who "listen" to them. (Matt.10:40,41,42; John13:20; 7:38)
Yet, you may wonder how these chosen ones ("priests" -Rev.5:10; Mal.2:7)
get the knowledge and understanding, in
order to teach others. See 1John2:20,27:
1John.2:20,27 reads:
"And YOU have an anointing from the holy one; all of YOU have knowledge. 27 And as for YOU, the anointing that YOU received from him remains in YOU, and YOU do not need anyone to be teaching YOU; but, as the anointing from him is teaching YOU about all things, and is true and is no lie, and just as it has taught YOU, remain in union with him."
Here we see that an "anointing" happens for these chosen ones, and that "anointing"
is what "teaches" them about "all things". These chosen witnesses are therefore also
called, "anointed" ones. "Anointed" means "chosen" for a special job. In order to
keep doing that job, and keep learning truth, we also see that these ones need to
stay in union with that "holy one" (Jesus) who gave them their anointing.
This next scripture helps to see this need even clearer...
Jesus said:
"Remain in union in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
In John chapter 15, Jesus explains that the Chosen anointed priests, must remain
"in union with Jesus", just as the branches of a grapevine are attached to the root
and main stem. How else can a branch "produce fruit"? These chosen priests are
obligated to God to produce this fruit. Otherwise, they are being unfaithful
(John15:1,2,8; Matt.7:19). They can only produce fruit, if Jesus gives them
Holy Spirit....just like a vine gives sap to it's branches (Rom.11:16,17).
If you would like to learn about this fruit that is made to feed people's spirits,
you can read: (pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com)
But for holy spirit to continue to be given to these priestly branches, these Chosen
Ones must also remain clean and holy (1Pet.1:15,16).
This is why the Bible tells them:
Isa.52:11 "Turn away, turn away, get out of there, touch nothing unclean; get out from
the midst of HER, keep yourselves clean, YOU who are carrying the utensils of Jehovah."
Here we see that those who are "carrying the utensils of Jehovah"
(priests), must keep themselves spiritually clean, in order to keep working
with those utensils (tools of truth), and "stay in union with that holy one".
You may notice that being "in the midst of her", is what makes them dirty
(and makes them lose their gift of continuing knowledge). (1Cor.6:15,16,17)
Who is this dirty woman whose contact causes the anointed ones to fail?
That is a different subject. But if you revisit my articles, you will find out.
http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/12/here-is-earlier-post-with-updates.html
Next we need to ask this question....How can we find these chosen anointed witnesses?
Also, how can we tell them apart from those who claim to be these chosen priests, but
are not?
Matt.7:15 reads:
“Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to YOU in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 20 Really, then, by their fruits YOU will recognize those [men]".
Here we see Jesus telling us that the only way to tell the difference between the
true teachers and the false, is by their "fruits". To learn all about what this means
you can read that article, pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com
Notice that God never promised to direct a corporate organization or
a religious group by His spirit. Rather, Jesus spoke of these "trees" as being individual
anointed ones, who provide "fruit" as spiritual food. There is NO appointment of a religious corporation by God's spirit. This counterfeit priest and "mountain-like"
organization of "Jehovah's Witnesses", was prophesied about, but not in a good way
(Rev.8:8; Rev.6:16,14; Zech.4:7). If one remembers Isa.2:2 about God's true mountain,
then one must also consider Isa.2:3. This mountain is clearly identified as heavenly
Mt. Zion, consisting of Christ and the 144000 (Rev.14:1); not a man-made
organization or religion of this world, largely directed by and consisting of those
not chosen for the job of anointed priest.
The true Mt. Zion will be established, "in the final part of the days".
Mt. Zion (Heavenly Jerusalem Heb.12:22) will be revealed when the true manifestation
of the kingdom arrives (Rom.8:19; Rev.21:2). Plainly, the mountain-like organization
of "Jehovah's Witnesses", is not Heavenly Jerusalem! Therefore, it is not the mountain
spoken of at Isa.2:2,3,4.
(see pearl-holycity.blogspot.com )
So, now we have learned...
what divine teaching is (from God), and
where to find it (the Bible). We have also learned who God gives understanding to, and how he gives it (first to the chosen anointed priests, and then they give it to others ("fruit").
The "chosen witnesses" get it by being "anointed", and by staying attached to Jesus, so he will keep giving them Holy Spirit to make more fruit. He works with each of his Chosen branches....not with Churches, Religions, or Organizations.
Jesus also taught us how to tell the good, true anointed witnesses God Himself has chosen
to serve Him as priests,
from the false teachers who do not make good fruit from holy spirit.
These make rotten fruit that is made with lies
(Matt.7:15,16,17,18,19,20; 12:33,34,35,36,37; John7:16,17,18)
(see that article about the "fine trees").
So next let's learn, why divine teaching and learning is necessary for us.
Divine Education: Why Necessary?
Do you think we could ever learn what God wants of us, if we did not have divine teaching?
Could we ever enjoy all of God's blessings, if we didn't learn about Him?
Lets find out. We will be looking at 2Tim.3:15; John17:3; Isa.48:17,18; 1John2:17
2Tim3:14,15 You, however, continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe, knowing from what persons you learned them 15 and that from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through the faith in connection with Christ Jesus."
Here we see that by means of the "holy writings" (Bible), we can be made
"wise for salvation" (smart for being saved). Without learning the Bible, we will
not be smart for getting "saved". "Saved" is talking about saving our eternal life.
John17:3 "This means eternal life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ."
Notice here too, that in order to get "everlasting life", we need that divine
education. This means that if we don't get divine education so that we are "wise
for salvation", the only life we will get, is this life we have now. We will not
live eternally, or, forever. This helps answer "WHY" we need divine education.
But even now, divine education can help us have a better life.
See....
Isa.48:17 "This is what Jehovah has said, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit [yourself], the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk. 18 O if only you would actually pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea."
Divine education teaches us to "benefit ourselves". By means of it, we can greatly
increase our "peace" and "righteousness". That means we will not have to suffer from
making so many mistakes in life. Although divine education will make our present
happiness increase, notice something much greater...
1John2:17 reads:
"Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever."
Once again we see that divine education (if we use what we learn), results in
eternal life.
Where will that life be? What will that life be like? Who will be there? Ahhhh, all good questions.
But those answers belong to new questions.
Let's review.
By means of the Bible, the source of "divine education", we have learned...
What divine education is,
how we get it,
where we find it,
and why we need it.
Lastly, How does Divine Education compare to other forms of education?
At 1John2:17 we have already seen that those who learn and do God's will, remain forever. No other education can do that for us, can it?
Our final scripture was written by a very wise King who knew God well. He took a very wise look at life. He wrote about the ways we can spend our life, and the different kinds of knowledge and educations we can chase after, before we finally die. He compared them. Let's read what he had to say...
Ecc.12:6-14:
"before the silver cord is removed, and the golden bowl gets crushed, and the jar at the spring is broken, and the waterwheel for the cistern has been crushed. Then the dust returns to the earth just as it happened to be and the spirit itself returns to the [true] God who gave it.
“The greatest vanity!” said the congregator, “Everything is vanity.”
And besides the fact that the congregator had become wise, he also taught the people knowledge continually, and he pondered and made a thorough search, that he might arrange many proverbs in order. The congregator sought to find the delightful words and the writing of correct words of truth.
The words of the wise ones are like oxgoads, and just like nails driven in are those indulging in collections [of sentences]; they have been given from one shepherd.
As regards anything besides these, my son, take a warning: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion [to them] is wearisome to the flesh.
The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the [true] God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole [obligation] of man. For the [true] God himself will bring every sort of work into the judgment in relation to every hidden thing, as to whether it is good or bad."
So then dear one, I hope that with the help I have received from God's Holy Spirit, I have given you the Bible's answer to what you looked for. I hope you will check out my other articles also, at the link below. And I hope that if you ever need another answer, you won't be afraid to ask me. God gives wisdom to all who "keep on asking, that you may receive" Matt.7:7,8.
Thank you for your good question,
pearl
BACK TO DIRECTORY OF ARTICLES
(see how 1Pet.2:9 compares to Isa.43:21)
To these who have faith, he gives understanding of who He is, and makes them,
His priests (Mal.2:7; Rev.5:10).
These ones understand that God is the only Saviour.
He causes these "chosen" ones to "hear" these truths,
as long as they are not busy worshiping any other god.
These ones become his "witnesses" and His priests.
When we think of that word "witness", we may think of a courtroom. Only the
"witnesses" in a trial really know the truth. This is the same. God hand picks these
witness servants of His, Himself. They are also called, "Chosen Ones", because they
are His Chosen Witnesses. As witnesses, they need to testify to the truth they know.
Matt.5:14 “YOU are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when situated upon a mountain. 15 People light a lamp and set it, not under the measuring basket, but upon the lampstand, and it shines upon all those in the house. 16 Likewise let YOUR light shine before men, that they may see YOUR fine works and give glory to YOUR Father who is in the heavens."
This is also speaking of God's chosen witnesses. Here we see that without them, the
world would not have the light of truth from God. These ones are to work to shine
that light.
At Luke8:10 Jesus said:
“To YOU it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the kingdom of God, but for the rest it is in illustrations, in order that, though looking, they may look in vain and, though hearing, they may not get the meaning."
Here, Jesus was talking to some of those chosen witnesses. We see again, that while
these are given understanding from God, others who try to understand, can not.
1Tim.4:16 reads:
"Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you."
We see that those chosen witnesses, need to take their job seriously. If they do,
they save themselves (because they are obeying God and doing their job), and they
also save others who "listen" to them. (Matt.10:40,41,42; John13:20; 7:38)
Yet, you may wonder how these chosen ones ("priests" -Rev.5:10; Mal.2:7)
get the knowledge and understanding, in
order to teach others. See 1John2:20,27:
1John.2:20,27 reads:
"And YOU have an anointing from the holy one; all of YOU have knowledge. 27 And as for YOU, the anointing that YOU received from him remains in YOU, and YOU do not need anyone to be teaching YOU; but, as the anointing from him is teaching YOU about all things, and is true and is no lie, and just as it has taught YOU, remain in union with him."
Here we see that an "anointing" happens for these chosen ones, and that "anointing"
is what "teaches" them about "all things". These chosen witnesses are therefore also
called, "anointed" ones. "Anointed" means "chosen" for a special job. In order to
keep doing that job, and keep learning truth, we also see that these ones need to
stay in union with that "holy one" (Jesus) who gave them their anointing.
This next scripture helps to see this need even clearer...
Jesus said:
"Remain in union in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
In John chapter 15, Jesus explains that the Chosen anointed priests, must remain
"in union with Jesus", just as the branches of a grapevine are attached to the root
and main stem. How else can a branch "produce fruit"? These chosen priests are
obligated to God to produce this fruit. Otherwise, they are being unfaithful
(John15:1,2,8; Matt.7:19). They can only produce fruit, if Jesus gives them
Holy Spirit....just like a vine gives sap to it's branches (Rom.11:16,17).
If you would like to learn about this fruit that is made to feed people's spirits,
you can read: (pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com)
But for holy spirit to continue to be given to these priestly branches, these Chosen
Ones must also remain clean and holy (1Pet.1:15,16).
This is why the Bible tells them:
Isa.52:11 "Turn away, turn away, get out of there, touch nothing unclean; get out from
the midst of HER, keep yourselves clean, YOU who are carrying the utensils of Jehovah."
Here we see that those who are "carrying the utensils of Jehovah"
(priests), must keep themselves spiritually clean, in order to keep working
with those utensils (tools of truth), and "stay in union with that holy one".
You may notice that being "in the midst of her", is what makes them dirty
(and makes them lose their gift of continuing knowledge). (1Cor.6:15,16,17)
Who is this dirty woman whose contact causes the anointed ones to fail?
That is a different subject. But if you revisit my articles, you will find out.
http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/12/here-is-earlier-post-with-updates.html
Next we need to ask this question....How can we find these chosen anointed witnesses?
Also, how can we tell them apart from those who claim to be these chosen priests, but
are not?
Matt.7:15 reads:
“Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to YOU in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 20 Really, then, by their fruits YOU will recognize those [men]".
Here we see Jesus telling us that the only way to tell the difference between the
true teachers and the false, is by their "fruits". To learn all about what this means
you can read that article, pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com
Notice that God never promised to direct a corporate organization or
a religious group by His spirit. Rather, Jesus spoke of these "trees" as being individual
anointed ones, who provide "fruit" as spiritual food. There is NO appointment of a religious corporation by God's spirit. This counterfeit priest and "mountain-like"
organization of "Jehovah's Witnesses", was prophesied about, but not in a good way
(Rev.8:8; Rev.6:16,14; Zech.4:7). If one remembers Isa.2:2 about God's true mountain,
then one must also consider Isa.2:3. This mountain is clearly identified as heavenly
Mt. Zion, consisting of Christ and the 144000 (Rev.14:1); not a man-made
organization or religion of this world, largely directed by and consisting of those
not chosen for the job of anointed priest.
The true Mt. Zion will be established, "in the final part of the days".
Mt. Zion (Heavenly Jerusalem Heb.12:22) will be revealed when the true manifestation
of the kingdom arrives (Rom.8:19; Rev.21:2). Plainly, the mountain-like organization
of "Jehovah's Witnesses", is not Heavenly Jerusalem! Therefore, it is not the mountain
spoken of at Isa.2:2,3,4.
(see pearl-holycity.blogspot.com )
So, now we have learned...
what divine teaching is (from God), and
where to find it (the Bible). We have also learned who God gives understanding to, and how he gives it (first to the chosen anointed priests, and then they give it to others ("fruit").
The "chosen witnesses" get it by being "anointed", and by staying attached to Jesus, so he will keep giving them Holy Spirit to make more fruit. He works with each of his Chosen branches....not with Churches, Religions, or Organizations.
Jesus also taught us how to tell the good, true anointed witnesses God Himself has chosen
to serve Him as priests,
from the false teachers who do not make good fruit from holy spirit.
These make rotten fruit that is made with lies
(Matt.7:15,16,17,18,19,20; 12:33,34,35,36,37; John7:16,17,18)
(see that article about the "fine trees").
So next let's learn, why divine teaching and learning is necessary for us.
Divine Education: Why Necessary?
Do you think we could ever learn what God wants of us, if we did not have divine teaching?
Could we ever enjoy all of God's blessings, if we didn't learn about Him?
Lets find out. We will be looking at 2Tim.3:15; John17:3; Isa.48:17,18; 1John2:17
2Tim3:14,15 You, however, continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe, knowing from what persons you learned them 15 and that from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through the faith in connection with Christ Jesus."
Here we see that by means of the "holy writings" (Bible), we can be made
"wise for salvation" (smart for being saved). Without learning the Bible, we will
not be smart for getting "saved". "Saved" is talking about saving our eternal life.
John17:3 "This means eternal life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ."
Notice here too, that in order to get "everlasting life", we need that divine
education. This means that if we don't get divine education so that we are "wise
for salvation", the only life we will get, is this life we have now. We will not
live eternally, or, forever. This helps answer "WHY" we need divine education.
But even now, divine education can help us have a better life.
See....
Isa.48:17 "This is what Jehovah has said, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit [yourself], the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk. 18 O if only you would actually pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea."
Divine education teaches us to "benefit ourselves". By means of it, we can greatly
increase our "peace" and "righteousness". That means we will not have to suffer from
making so many mistakes in life. Although divine education will make our present
happiness increase, notice something much greater...
1John2:17 reads:
"Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever."
Once again we see that divine education (if we use what we learn), results in
eternal life.
Where will that life be? What will that life be like? Who will be there? Ahhhh, all good questions.
But those answers belong to new questions.
Let's review.
By means of the Bible, the source of "divine education", we have learned...
What divine education is,
how we get it,
where we find it,
and why we need it.
Lastly, How does Divine Education compare to other forms of education?
At 1John2:17 we have already seen that those who learn and do God's will, remain forever. No other education can do that for us, can it?
Our final scripture was written by a very wise King who knew God well. He took a very wise look at life. He wrote about the ways we can spend our life, and the different kinds of knowledge and educations we can chase after, before we finally die. He compared them. Let's read what he had to say...
Ecc.12:6-14:
"before the silver cord is removed, and the golden bowl gets crushed, and the jar at the spring is broken, and the waterwheel for the cistern has been crushed. Then the dust returns to the earth just as it happened to be and the spirit itself returns to the [true] God who gave it.
“The greatest vanity!” said the congregator, “Everything is vanity.”
And besides the fact that the congregator had become wise, he also taught the people knowledge continually, and he pondered and made a thorough search, that he might arrange many proverbs in order. The congregator sought to find the delightful words and the writing of correct words of truth.
The words of the wise ones are like oxgoads, and just like nails driven in are those indulging in collections [of sentences]; they have been given from one shepherd.
As regards anything besides these, my son, take a warning: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion [to them] is wearisome to the flesh.
The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the [true] God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole [obligation] of man. For the [true] God himself will bring every sort of work into the judgment in relation to every hidden thing, as to whether it is good or bad."
So then dear one, I hope that with the help I have received from God's Holy Spirit, I have given you the Bible's answer to what you looked for. I hope you will check out my other articles also, at the link below. And I hope that if you ever need another answer, you won't be afraid to ask me. God gives wisdom to all who "keep on asking, that you may receive" Matt.7:7,8.
Thank you for your good question,
pearl
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