Doing God's Work

[rizen1]

Neil Anderson

June 11


DOING GOD'S WORK
References:--Isaiah 58:11
The LORD will continually guide you

An important concept of God's will is that God can only guide a moving ship. He is the rudder, but if the ship isn't under way, it can't be directed. Willingness to obey His will gets the ship moving.

In Acts 15:36, Paul had decided to revisit the churches he helped establish on his first missionary trip. The churches were being strengthened and increasing in number (Acts 16:5). Luke reports:

And they passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and when they had come to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a certain man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us" (Acts 16:6-9).

Sometimes God's leading does not make sense. If God wanted Paul to go to Macedonia in the first place, why didn't He make it easier and faster by having Paul travel by land to Caesarea and sail to Macedonia? Because God starts us out on a life course to fulfill a certain purpose and then, only when we are ready, He gives us course corrections. Like a good river pilot, He steers us away from troubled waters, and like a good coach, He never puts us in the game until we are ready.

I believe in divine guidance as described in Isaiah 58:11. But the context reveals that there are prerequisites that have to be satisfied. We are sometimes like a person who seeks to be an athlete by simply suiting up for the race. That's not how the skills are gained. It's in the course of dedication, training, and the contest itself that one gains the skill of an athlete.

It's in the doing of God's work that His will becomes known.

Prayer:

Thank You, Father, that You oversee every turn in the road of my life. I want to faithfully heed Your guidance today.

 

[charrot551]

God gives and teach me goodness in my heart to follow his will..........and i will really do the right thing to bring also goodness to everyone...!!! yeahh God knows whats best for us and he knows when is the right time for us to be ready and make his plans be perfected....!!!!

may God bless us all...!!!!

 

[jiggyfly]

Please don't be offended Rizen1, but I laugh when I see this kind of thinking. Why do we need to do God's work? Is He a slacker or lazy? If it is really God's work, how can we train and develop the skills to do His work? This to me is just religious speak and carnal thinking. Kinda falls in there with clergy/laity false doctrine/teaching.

 

[rizen1]

Actually I'm not offended.

To God be the glory.

 

[charrot551]

its God's will!!!!!!thats okey rizen!!!! we do made mistakes!!!!

Bless you brother....!!!!

 

[rizen1]

Now..I'm lost...??????

But to God be the glory.

 

[By His Grace]

Thank you sister Rizen1 for this awesome post,

May the Lord continue to increase you in this field

as many are inspired by your posts through God's Grace
and power.

God bless you.xxxx

 

[Br. Bear]

Thank you for this Rizen1,

We are members of the Body of Christ. So do we do God's work? If not, who's work is it?

We are to do all things as unto the Lord. So the things we do for Him, are they work?
If not, what do we call those things?

Faith without works is dead. So what are those works? Surely they are God's work.

Now all these things are actions for God to be glorified in. Is it true that we are ever learning, ever growing, ever discovering more, even being chastised at times ? Why, if we do not do anything for God? Surely we live for Him, we die for Him to our selves?

What of bringing ourselves daily into subjection to Him? And what of earnest prayer... is this work... or do we just happen to do it, no questions asked, never learning a thing and just being robots for God?

Does God do any missionary work? Does He feed the hungry or clothe the naked, visit the sick or those in prison, or does He work through us? And if He does work through us, is He lazy...? NO!

Surely the Lord enables each one of us to work His work by His Spirit. Do we have a say in if we do do it, or not? Is there ever anything that will give us a greater ability to do God's work.

Yes. To love one another. For some, this needs no help. For others, they need all the help they can get to build up the courage to love others.
And what of broken lives? Do Christians ever have to do anything in order to minister life to them, or do they just sit around at home, or stay in bed, reading the newspaper or comic books?

Can we in any way develop any aspect of our Christian life. If so , do we need to put any effort in to doing so, or do we sit back and let God do it all?

We are exhorted to do things for God, for His glory, for others. Is this work? Or, is it idle time? Do we run the race? How, by sitting around talking and gossiping?

Now, what about putting away childish things?
How about learning to use meat instead of milk?
And moving on, is this not doing something to be better stewards of the grace we have been given?

Just a few thoughts on the subject.
Thank you again Rizen1.

Bless you ....><>

Br. Bear

 

[jiggyfly]

So which is it Br. Bear is it God working in and through us or is it us working with Him or us working for Him???

 

[Br. Bear]

Greetings jiggyfly,

good question.

I know that when I work, I am working for the Lord, and he is my boss, and if I ever do less than my duty as his servant, He quickly reminds me. Now before anyone jumps up and down about this, let me add that I know, too, that it is only because He has done His finished work, and has given me of His Spirit and life, transforming me to be now a Christain, that I could ever do any thing that I could ever do and say that I do it as unto the Lord.

So, He does what?

We could split hairs on this, but Jesus has given us all we need, and it is up to us to do with what He has given and blessed us with.... if we will.

Actually, at times I wonder just how much the Lord is asked to do.... when He specifically has done everything that He can for us, and given us all we need to do His will here on earth.

We are given authority to do His work, we are given each other to work with, as one body, we are given hope, faith, and joy, and I am sure also, His love. So should we keep asking Him to do the work of the body? And then, when the head does not do the body's work, what do the members do? Sit around devising doctrines to explain away their own idleness, saying that the folks that are not healed must need to repent, or they don't repent and become Christians because they are set on sinning? Or perhaps it is not God's will?

So, yes, I work for the Lord, He has supplied all my need to do so, by His grace, not by anything I can do, and I can do all things only because He strengthens me with His life, and that I received from Him once. Now, the work I do, is it hard and burdensome? No. He said take up my yoke, did He not? Did He say take my yoke, and then when you have finished with it, come back because I have another one for you?

By the way, jiggyfly, please tell me why you ask? Honestly.

He who is not with me is against me.... does that mean I become a co-worker in His Kingdom? Does He not say we become one? So, by the Holy Ghost, am I not able to do His will? And, can I not say no if I feel like saying no?

Here is a story to illustrate some of this, not all that different from many of my days...

A man comes to me while I am busy sleeping, knocks on the door and asks for help. I have to drive him two hundred miles to his sick daughter who asked for prayer, and the man is adamant that I must come immediately .....

..... I do as he asks, the daughter settles and claims she is feeling better so I give thanks and glory to the Lord and leave, then, on my return trip, as the sun rises, I stop to get a drink at a roadhouse, where a woman is in tears, and on approaching find she is crying because her husband just died, and so I spend time comforting her and offering prayer, which she accepts, telling me that just before he died, he told her he had accepted Christ, so after an hour and a half, I get on my way, and come across two people needing a lift, and so pick them up and get talking.

They explain their situation, and it is apparent they have no money for food, although they do not ask me for any money. I detour to another town where they are living, and drop them off. They ask me to please stop and accept a cup of tea, as their only way of thanking me. I go in and as they make a cup of tea, I notice they have nothing in their cupboards. I know I have money in my pocket.

I don't feel like just giving them money, so when I leave, I go back into the town and buy some basic groceries, and take them back to the poor folks, who burst into tears and thank me profusely, to which I explain that it is the Lord they ought thank... giving them a summary of my last few hours and how we met not by chance, but so they could receive a better gift of Living food, Jesus the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. They decide then and there to accept Christ.

So I spend a little more time with them and get a Bible I bought with me out of my car, and give it to them, and after prayer and thanksgiving, continue on my way, though not home, because I am already late for work, at the hospital where clean toilets and sweep floors........ and when I get there, there is only one parking space left, and another car enters looking for somewhere to park... so I drive off, leaving it for them, and park a few hundred down the street, needing to walk back to the hospital entrance, where I open the door for an elderly man with a walking frame.

When I get to my position and go to start my job, the supervisor calls me over and threatens me with the sack because I am late, but also because he is strongly anti-Christian and always mocking me for my faith........ all in a days work...no, all before a days work..... so, please tell me, if that is working for God, or God working through me, or me and He working together?

I really don't know.

Maybe a bit of each? I mean, I didn't do anything that involved any effort or took up any of my time, did I? And I could have said to them all, why don't you ask God to help you? Surely He could do anything, like do His work by Himself, and let me sleep? In fact He could even convert my boss so I didn't have to put up with mild persecution... I mean, that is what His will is isn't it? So why can't He do it without me?

Do you understand why I put forth those thoughts in my last post, jiggyfly?

Bless you ....><>

Br. Bear

 

[jiggyfly]

so, please tell me, if that is working for God, or God working through me, or me and He working together?

I really don't know.

Maybe a bit of each? I mean, I didn't do anything that involved any effort or took up any of my time, did I? And I could have said to them all, why don't you ask God to help you? Surely He could do anything, like do His work by Himself, and let me sleep? In fact He could even convert my boss so I didn't have to put up with mild persecution... I mean, that is what His will is isn't it? So why can't He do it without me?

Do you understand why I put forth those thoughts in my last post, jiggyfly?

Bless you ....><>

Br. Bear

We are called to be His witnesses for a reason, don't you think? Let me give you an example.

Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.


So in Acts 2 we read that HolySpirit comes and endues them with this power. Then in Acts 3 we read the results of this indwelling power.

Acts 3:1-8
1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength.
8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 and they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Acts 4:8-12
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:18-22
18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.


Jesus is still touching and changing lives and we are fortunate to get to witness these miracles.

Ephesians 3:20&21
20 Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

 

[Br. Bear]

Yes Jiggyfly,

to answer your question:
We are called to be His witnesses for a reason, don't you think? Let me give you an example., I do think so.

Thank you for sharing those blessed Scriptures brother.

Jesus is still touching and changing lives and we are fortunate to get to witness these miracles.

And how amazingly wonderful it is to be the steward who's hands the Lord works through to bless others with.

Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
Luke 12:41-44

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:31-40

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:27

He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:16

And regarding miracles, brother jiggyfly, Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 1 Corinthians 12:29

And my brother, We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 2Corinthians 6:1-10

We are so blessed to have each other, to know His love and care and to be able to share His Holy word to uplift each other in faith and strengthen what remains that we can work together by His grace for His glory. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 1Timothy 5:17+18

Yes, we are called for a reason brother... Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Luke 10:2

Bless you ....><>

Br. Bear

 

[jiggyfly]

I guess we must disagree then Br. because I see all work through me or anyone else, that amounts to anything of value, is God working. So I fail to see how man can train and develop skills to do God's work unless of course it is not God doing the work and then I would have to call it purely carnal.

"Not by power, not by might, but by My Spirit".

 

[Br. Bear]

Dear brother,

I certainly do not disagree with any of the Scripture you have presented. No, far from it! In fact, we can do nothing with out the Lord. There is no life either here or when we go to be with Him , for He is the sustainer of all, as you know.

I think, brother, it is how one chooses to see things that can cause them to not see it all.

The classic case of sitting in a room and looking around the room... unless we do many awkward moves, we will not see as if we were on the other side of the room, looking in our direction. Perhaps, a better analogy would be a gemstone, with many facets.

While everything we ever do we can only give thanks to God for, and so much more so as Christians, knowing that He works in us with power, we also must do something, too.

Yes, it is only by God's grace in Jesus Christ the Lord, that we are called to do anything, but what of the Scriptures I presented... do you agree with them?

Ok, let us look at a dad... the Scriptures tell us that a man who does not provide for his household is worse than an infidel. So, is this man working for God, this Christian man. Sure, he only has a job, only has a family even, and only is able bodied, and can get out of bed each day to go to work... in fact can only breathe and stay alive and safe to return to his family, by God's grace and life. If not for the Lord's great patience, we wouldn't even be here! Remember Noah. It repenteth God that He had made man.

But, it is this dad who still must do things. If he did not do things, of his own, he would be a robot or something, and if he has no say in it, neither could he ever sin, or do wrong at all. But most men do make mistakes. Is that the power of God working in them? Can men learn from mistakes? Can men learn anything? Or are we all just atoms being shuffled around for God's good pleasure? As far as I know, we have a soul and are more than just elements with breath.
So, jiggyfly, what of learning? Can it be called training? The Bible says "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

The Apostle Paul said, as an Apostle of Jesus Christ, by grace, 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.
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:12-14, and also, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2Timothy 2:15, where we see both study AND work being done, well, being instructed by the Lord to be done, by men... not God.
Now, Study is much the same as training, is it not? And work.... well, work is work, and there are many differing workings within the Body, yes, all divinely appointed, and empowered by God to be done, but nevertheless, they must be done, not by God, but by man.
And I agree with you... well, I agree with the Scriptures, as you understand, we are not called to be agreeing with each others idea's but together to agree on Scripture, being one Body to the glory of God in Jesus Christ the Lord, and we can not claim to ourselves any achievement or glory. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1Corinthians 3:7-11

Brother, as you know, there are too many who consider themselves something because they have trained in some 'ministry' or another and oh so many who are on big paychecks, living in comfort while the congregation struggles or even starves, and these we can not include in the Body, for they are not of God, having decided to rob Him and deny the faith.

But there are many 'little' things done by 'little' people which they have trained themselves to do, and have acquired skills to perform better what they do, and they quietly, without boasting, use every bit of their lives to give glory to the Lord.
They work, and they work hard, asking nothing for themselves, and are happy to sit in lesser seats, to humble themselves, often wishing they could have done more in fulfilling the commandment to love one another... not in mere words, but in action, requiring effort on their part. These same folks, at the close of each day, thank God that He has enabled them to do what little they have done.. for Him.

Training and developing skills does not have to be for vain glory, but rather, for God's glory!

Bless you ....><>

Br. Bear

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:11-13

 

[jiggyfly]

We simple see things much differently Br and so we don't agree, thats all.

 

[Br. Bear]

Dear jiggyfly,

please help me see how differently we see things, if in fact we do?

Every Scripture you have presented is truth and can only declare the manifestation of the power of God in Jesus Christ the Lord, working in and through us. Likewise, every Scripture I presented declares the truth, as only Scripture can, and I wholeheartedly agree with every bit of Scripture both you and I have presented.

So how do we not agree? Is it that we can only serve the Lord only by His power? If so, then what of the fact that He empowers us according to His will, to do His work here on earth as His Body?
And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 1Peter 1:17

And what of the Scriptures that quite plainly state that we are to study, to learn, to grow and, to labour, to work. Can we deny that He has given us each, according to His will, a task, a part in the Body to perform His will, that He requires of us to be doers of the word, and not just hearers? And what of that great day, when He separates the sheep from the goats, do you also not agree that this will happen? What will the Lord say to the sheep?
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:34-40


And, jiggyfly, Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Matthew 24:25+26
What will they be doing? Can it not be that they are doing a work for the Lord... or perhaps that word, work, is better just said that they were living for Him, perhaps doing as unto Him.... but whichever way we might like to say it, the Word says, doing.

A wise servant.... To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:2-7

And, if we are not to learn anything then why would we be thus instructed:

My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. Proverbs 3:11-18
And, would we be too far fetched to call learning, training?

It appears that there are numerous references to us working, to learning and developing skills. Just casting out devils or raising the dead.... is that all we can do for the Lord... or can we do everyday things, like go the extra mile for another, which is working for those who serve with humility as working men..... do they get thanks? Not usually, but they do get scorned and mocked.... now that does not appear to be a worldly or carnal thing to do.... willingly get persecuted for doing good... and even rejoice in it?

And mothers, is their life all play and no effort on their part? Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 1Timothy 5:10

Yes, it is the Lord who gives us strength and joy.... when we are doing, not just thinking it.

The Apostle Paul taught Timothy and said.... But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2Timothy 4:5

What do we say to pastors in Peru, say, who having to fill the place of the pastor before them, attend training so as to be able to teach others about Jesus Christ? The pastors who's shoes they fill, who were martyred for Christ, likewise attended training.... and as Paul said to Timothy, And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2 I could not bring myself to go to the wives and children of those who were faithful to death, and tell them that their husband and father was carnal. This may be more the truth.... But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Hebrews 6:9+10

Let's look at Chenaniah, a man who these days would be considered a member of the 'worship team' .... And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful. 1Chronicles 15:22 who did he teach, and why? I know that he lived in Old testament times but can we learn nothing from then?

Speaking of learning, or training, it requires a teacher, or trainer. So, what does the Lord say regarding learning and teaching?

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19 Would you call them carnal to be caught in the act of teaching jiggyfly?

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26

It is the Lord who teaches and trains and develops in each of us according to His wisdom and will, all that we know and can do, and we therefore have been trained by Him to do His will, that He may be known by many, and glorified.

Jiggyfly, you said: I see all work through me or anyone else, that amounts to anything of value, is God working. So I fail to see how man can train and develop skills to do God's work unless of course it is not God doing the work and then I would have to call it purely carnal.

Is it me you don't agree with, perhaps. Or the Scripture that I declare? Please don't be offended, brother.

Bless you,

Br. Bear

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:9

Matthew 28:19+20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.