Divine Teaching Triumphs

“Your eyes must become eyes seeing your Grand Instructor. And your own ears will hear a word behind you saying: ‘This is the way. Walk in it, you people.’”​—ISAIAH 30:20, 21.

1. Why can Jehovah’s instruction rightly be called divine teaching?

JEHOVAH GOD is the Source of the best teaching anyone can receive. If we listen when he speaks, especially through his Sacred Word, he will be our Grand Instructor. (Isaiah 30:20) The Hebrew Bible text also calls him “the Divine One.” (Psalm 50:1) Hence, Jehovah’s instruction is divine teaching.

2. In what sense is it true that God alone is wise?

² The world is proud of its many educational institutions, but not one of them imparts divine teaching. Why, all the worldly wisdom of the ages amounts to little when compared with divine instruction based on Jehovah’s infinite wisdom. Romans 16:27 says that God alone is wise, and this is true in the sense that only Jehovah possesses absolute wisdom.

3. Why is Jesus Christ the greatest teacher ever to walk the earth?

³ God’s Son, Jesus Christ, is a paragon of wisdom and is the greatest teacher ever to walk the earth. No wonder! For ages Jehovah had been his Teacher in the heavens. In fact, divine teaching began when God started to instruct his first creation, his only-begotten Son. Jesus could therefore say: “Just as the Father taught me I speak these things.” (John 8:28; Proverbs 8:22, 30) Christ’s own words recorded in the Bible add much to our knowledge of divine teaching. By teaching what Jesus taught, anointed Christians obey their Grand Instructor, whose will it is that “the greatly diversified wisdom of God” be made known through the congregation.​—Ephesians 3:10, 11; 5:1; Luke 6:40.

The Quest for Wisdom

4. What has been said about the capacity of the brain?

⁴ Gaining the wisdom that results from divine teaching calls for diligent use of our God-given thinking faculties. This is possible because the human brain has tremendous potential. Says the book The Incredible Machine: “Even the most sophisticated computers that we can envision are crude compared to the almost infinite complexity and flexibility of the human brain​—qualities made possible by its intricate, calibrated system of electrochemical signals. . . . The millions of signals flashing through your brain at any moment carry an extraordinary load of information. They bring news about your body’s inner and outer environments: about a cramp in your toe, or the aroma of coffee, or a friend’s funny comment. As other signals process and analyze information, they produce certain emotions, memories, thoughts, or plans which lead to a decision. Almost immediately, signals from your brain tell other parts of your body what to do: wiggle your toe, drink the coffee, laugh, or perhaps make a witty reply. Meanwhile your brain is also monitoring your breathing, blood chemistry, temperature, and other essential processes outside your awareness. It sends out commands that keep your body on an even keel despite constant changes in your environment. It also prepares for future demands.”​—Page 326.

5. In the Scriptural sense, what is wisdom?

⁵ Though the human brain unquestionably has wonderful capacity, how can we use the mind in the best way? Not by immersing ourselves solely in arduous study of language, history, science, or comparative religion. We should use our thinking faculties primarily to receive divine teaching. It alone results in genuine wisdom. But what is true wisdom? In the Scriptural sense, wisdom lays emphasis on sound judgment based on accurate knowledge and real understanding. Wisdom enables us to use knowledge and understanding successfully to solve problems, to avoid or avert dangers, to help others, and to achieve goals. Interestingly, the Bible contrasts wisdom with foolishness and stupidity​—traits we surely want to avoid.​—Deuteronomy 32:6; Proverbs 11:29; Ecclesiastes 6:8.

Jehovah’s Great Textbook

6. If we are to display true wisdom, what must be put to good use?

⁶ There is plenty of worldly wisdom around us. (1 Corinthians 3:18, 19) Why, this world abounds with schools and libraries containing millions of books! Many of these are textbooks that impart instruction in language, mathematics, science, and other fields of knowledge. But the Grand Instructor has provided the textbook that outstrips all others​—his inspired Word, the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) It is accurate not only when touching on such subjects as history, geography, and botany but also when foretelling the future. Moreover, it helps us to live the happiest and most productive life right now. Of course, just as students in a worldly school need to use their books, we must become well acquainted with and use God’s great Textbook if we are to display true wisdom as those “taught by Jehovah.”​—John 6:45.

7. Why would you say that intellectual acquaintance with the Bible’s contents is not enough?

⁷ Yet, intellectual acquaintance with the Bible is not the same as true wisdom and compliance with divine teaching. To illustrate: In the 17th century C.E., a Catholic man named Cornelius van der Steen sought to become a Jesuit but was rejected because he was too short. Says Manfred Barthel in his book The Jesuits​—History & Legend of the Society of Jesus: “The committee informed van der Steen that they were prepared to waive the height requirement, but only with the proviso that he would learn to recite the entire Bible by heart. The story would hardly be worth telling if van der Steen had not complied with this rather presumptuous request.” What effort it took to memorize the whole Bible! Surely, however, it is far more important to understand God’s Word than it is to memorize it.

8. What will help us to benefit from divine teaching and display true wisdom?

⁸ If we are to benefit fully from divine teaching and are to display true wisdom, we need accurate knowledge of the Scriptures. We must also be guided by Jehovah’s holy spirit, or active force. This will enable us to learn profound truths, “the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10) Hence, let us diligently study Jehovah’s great Textbook and pray for his guidance by holy spirit. In harmony with Proverbs 2:1-6, let us pay attention to wisdom, incline our heart to discernment, and call out for understanding. We need to do this as though we were searching for hidden treasures, for only then will we ‘understand the fear of Jehovah and find the very knowledge of God.’ Consideration of some triumphs and benefits of divine teaching will enhance our appreciation for God-given wisdom.

Progressive Understanding

9, 10. What did God say, as recorded at Genesis 3:15, and what is the proper understanding of those words?

⁹ Divine teaching triumphs by imparting to Jehovah’s people a progressive understanding of the Scriptures. For instance, we have learned that it was Satan the Devil who spoke through a serpent in Eden and falsely charged that God lied when He said that death would be the penalty for eating the forbidden fruit. Nevertheless, we see that disobedience to Jehovah God did bring death upon the human race. (Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 5:12) Yet, God gave mankind hope when he told the serpent, and thus Satan: “I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.”​—Genesis 3:15.

¹⁰ Those words embodied a secret that has been progressively revealed through divine teaching. Jehovah has taught his people that the Bible’s foremost theme is the vindication of his sovereignty by means of the Seed, a descendant of Abraham and David having the legal right to Kingdom rulership. (Genesis 22:15-18; 2 Samuel 7:12, 13; Ezekiel 21:25-27) Our Grand Instructor has taught us that Jesus Christ is the primary Seed of the “woman,” God’s universal organization. (Galatians 3:16) Despite every test that Satan brought upon him, Jesus maintained integrity​—even to death, the bruising of the Seed in the heel. We have also learned that 144,000 Kingdom joint heirs from among mankind will share with Christ in crushing the head of Satan, “the original serpent.” (Revelation 14:1-4; 20:2; Romans 16:20; Galatians 3:29; Ephesians 3:4-6) How we appreciate such knowledge of God’s Word!

Into God’s Wonderful Light

11. Why can it be said that divine teaching triumphs by bringing people into spiritual light?

¹¹ Divine teaching triumphs by bringing people into spiritual light. Anointed Christians have had that experience in fulfillment of 1 Peter 2:9: “You are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies’ of the one that called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Today, God-given light is also enjoyed by “a great crowd” that will live forever on a paradise earth. (Revelation 7:9; Luke 23:43) As God teaches his people, Proverbs 4:18 proves true: “The path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established.” This progressive learning process refines our understanding of divine teaching, even as students make advancement because of a teacher’s fine help while they study grammar, history, or some other subject.

12, 13. Against what doctrinal dangers has divine teaching protected Jehovah’s people?

¹² Another triumph of divine teaching is that it protects its humble recipients from the “teachings of demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1) On the other hand, look at Christendom! Back in 1878, Roman Catholic prelate John Henry Newman wrote: “Confiding then in the power of Christianity to resist the infection of evil, and to transmute the very instruments and appendages of demon-worship to an evangelical use, . . . the rulers of the Church from early times were prepared, should the occasion arise, to adopt, or imitate, or sanction the existing rites and customs of the populace, as well as the philosophy of the educated class.” Newman added that such things as holy water, sacerdotal vestments, and images were “all of pagan origin, and sanctified by their adoption into the Church.” God’s people are grateful indeed that divine teaching protects them from such apostasy. It prevails over all forms of demonism.​—Acts 19:20.

¹³ Divine teaching triumphs over religious error in every way. As those taught by God, for instance, we do not believe in the Trinity but acknowledge that Jehovah is the Most High, Jesus is his Son, and the holy spirit is God’s active force. We do not fear hellfire, for we realize that the Bible hell is mankind’s common grave. And whereas false religionists say that the human soul is immortal, we know that the dead are conscious of nothing at all. On and on goes the list of truths acquired through divine teaching. What a blessing it is to be free of spiritual bondage to Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion!​—John 8:31, 32; Revelation 18:2, 4, 5.

14. Why can God’s servants go on walking in spiritual light?

¹⁴ Because divine teaching triumphs over religious error, it enables God’s servants to walk in spiritual light. In effect, they hear a word behind them saying: “This is the way. Walk in it, you people.” (Isaiah 30:21) God’s teaching also protects his servants from false reasoning. When “false apostles” were causing trouble in the congregation in Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote: “The weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful by God for overturning strongly entrenched things. For we are overturning reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God; and we are bringing every thought into captivity to make it obedient to the Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5; 11:13-15) Reasonings contrary to divine teaching are overturned by the instruction given with mildness in the congregation and by the preaching of the good news to those outside.​—2 Timothy 2:24-26.

Worship With Spirit and Truth

15, 16. What does it mean to worship Jehovah with spirit and truth?

¹⁵ As the Kingdom-preaching work forges ahead, divine teaching triumphs in showing the meek how to worship God “with spirit and truth.” At Jacob’s well near the city of Sychar, Jesus told a Samaritan woman that he could provide water that imparted everlasting life. Referring to the Samaritans, he added: “You worship what you do not know . . . The hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for, indeed, the Father is looking for suchlike ones to worship him.” (John 4:7-15, 21-23) Jesus then identified himself as the Messiah.

¹⁶ But how can we worship God with spirit? By rendering pure worship from grateful hearts filled with love of God based on accurate knowledge of his Word. We can worship him with truth by rejecting religious falsehoods and by doing the divine will, as revealed in Jehovah’s great Textbook.

Triumphant Over Trials and the World

17. How could you prove that divine teaching has helped Jehovah’s servants to face trials?

¹⁷ When God’s people face trials, divine teaching triumphs again and again. Consider this: At the start of World War II, in September 1939, Jehovah’s servants needed special insight into his great Textbook. Of great help was an article in The Watchtower, November 1, 1939, that clearly presented divine teaching on the matter of Christian neutrality. (John 17:16) Similarly, in the early 1960’s, Watchtower articles on relative subjection to governmental “superior authorities” helped God’s people to comply with divine teaching in the face of social unrest.​—Romans 13:1-7; Acts 5:29.

18. How did professed Christians in the second and third centuries C.E. view debased entertainment, and what help does divine teaching provide in that regard today?

¹⁸ Divine teaching helps us to triumph over temptations, such as enticements to seek debased entertainment. Note what was said by professed Christians of the second and third centuries of our Common Era. Tertullian wrote: “We have nothing to do, in speech, sight or hearing, with the madness of the circus, the shamelessness of the theatre, the savagery of the arena.” Another writer of that period asked: “What does a faithful Christian do among these things, since he may not even think upon wickedness? Why does he find pleasure in the representations of lust?” Even though these writers lived some years after the first-century Christians, they condemned debased amusements. Today, divine teaching gives us wisdom to shun obscene, immoral, and violent entertainment.

19. How does divine teaching help us to triumph over the world?

¹⁹ Complying with divine teaching enables us to triumph over the world itself. Yes, applying the teaching of our Grand Instructor makes us victorious over the evil influences of this world lying in Satan’s power. (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19) Ephesians 2:1-3 says that God has made us alive though we were dead in our trespasses and sins when we walked according to the ruler of the authority of the air. We thank Jehovah that divine teaching helps us to triumph over worldly desires and the spirit emanating from his enemy and ours​—the archdeceiver, Satan the Devil!

20. What questions merit further consideration?

²⁰ Clearly, then, divine teaching is triumphant in many ways. In fact, it would seem impossible to cite all its triumphs. It affects people around the world. But what is it doing for you? How is divine teaching affecting your life?

Enjoy the Benefits of Divine Teaching

“I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself.”​—ISAIAH 48:17.

1. How will we fare if we apply divine teaching in our lives?

JEHOVAH GOD knows best. Nobody surpasses him in thought, word, or action. As our Creator, he is aware of our needs and supplies them abundantly. He certainly knows how to instruct us. And if we apply divine teaching, we benefit ourselves and enjoy true happiness.

2, 3. (a) How would God’s ancient people have benefited themselves if they had obeyed his commandments? (b) What will happen if we apply divine teaching in our lives today?

² Divine teaching reveals God’s earnest desire that his servants avoid calamity and enjoy life by complying with his laws and principles. If Jehovah’s ancient people had listened to him, they would have enjoyed rich blessings, for he had told them: “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. 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.”​—Isaiah 48:17, 18.

³ God’s ancient people would have benefited themselves if they had paid attention to his commandments and instructions. Instead of suffering calamity at Babylonian hands, they would have enjoyed peace and prosperity as full, deep, and perennial as a river. Moreover, their righteous deeds would have been as innumerable as the sea’s waves. Similarly, if we apply divine teaching in our lives, we can enjoy its many benefits. What are some of these?

It Changes Lives

4. How has divine teaching been affecting the lives of many people?

⁴ Divine teaching has been benefiting many people by changing their lives for the good. Those who apply Jehovah’s instruction abandon “works of the flesh,” such as loose conduct, idolatry, spiritism, strife, and jealousy. Instead, they display the spirit’s fruitage of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:19-23) They also heed the counsel of Ephesians 4:17-24, where Paul urges fellow believers not to walk as the nations do, in the unprofitableness of their minds and in mental darkness, alienated from the life that belongs to God. Not being led by insensible hearts, Christlike individuals ‘put away the old personality that conforms to their former course of conduct and are made new in the force actuating their mind.’ They ‘put on the new personality created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.’

5. How does divine teaching affect the way people walk?

⁵ A fine benefit of applying divine teaching is that it shows us how to walk with God. If we walk with Jehovah, as Noah did, we follow the life course outlined by our Grand Instructor. (Genesis 6:9; Isaiah 30:20, 21) People of the nations “walk in the unprofitableness of their minds,” as the apostle Paul said. And how unprofitable some writings of those minds can be! Noting the writings of others on a wall in Pompeii, one observer himself wrote: “It is a wonder, O wall, that thou hast not yet crumbled under the weight of so much written nonsense.” But there is no nonsense in “the teaching of Jehovah” and the Kingdom-preaching work it makes possible. (Acts 13:12) By means of that work, truth-loving people are brought to their senses. They are taught how to stop walking in their sinful way, in ignorance of God’s purposes. No longer are they in darkness mentally, nor are they motivated by insensible hearts seeking unprofitable goals.

6. What relationship is there between our obedience to Jehovah’s teaching and our happiness?

⁶ Divine teaching also benefits us in that it acquaints us with Jehovah and his dealings. Such knowledge draws us closer to God, increases our love for him, and heightens our desire to obey him. Says 1 John 5:3: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” We also comply with Jesus’ commandments because we know that his teaching is from God. (John 7:16-18) Such obedience protects us from spiritual harm and promotes our happiness.

A Real Purpose in Life

7, 8. (a) How are we to understand Psalm 90:12? (b) How can we bring in a heart of wisdom?

⁷ The teaching of Jehovah is beneficial in showing us how to use our life in a purposeful manner. In fact, divine teaching shows us how to count our days in a special way. A life expectancy of 70 years holds promise of some 25,550 days. A person 50 years old has already spent 18,250 of them, and his 7,300 remaining hoped-for days seem few indeed. Especially then may he appreciate more fully why the prophet Moses prayed to God at Psalm 90:12: “Show us just how to count our days in such a way that we may bring a heart of wisdom in.” But what did Moses mean by that?

⁸ Moses did not mean that God would reveal the exact number of days there would be in the lifetime of each Israelite. According to Psalm 90, verses 9 and 10, that Hebrew prophet recognized that a life span might be some 70 or 80 years​—brief indeed. So the words of Psalm 90:12 evidently expressed Moses’ prayerful desire that Jehovah show, or teach, him and His people to exercise wisdom in valuing ‘the days of their years’ and using them in a God-approved way. Well, then, what about us? Do we appreciate each precious day? Are we bringing in a heart of wisdom by seeking to spend every day in a worthwhile way to the glory of our Grand Instructor, Jehovah God? Divine teaching helps us to do just that.

9. What can be expected if we learn to count our days to Jehovah’s glory?

⁹ If we learn to count our days to Jehovah’s glory, we may be able to keep right on counting, for divine teaching imparts knowledge for life eternal. “This means everlasting life,” said Jesus, “their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3) Of course, if we acquired all the worldly knowledge available, it would not bring us life eternal. But everlasting life can be ours if we gain and apply accurate knowledge of the two most important persons in the universe and really exercise faith.

10. What does one encyclopedia say about education, and how does this compare with the benefits of divine teaching?

¹⁰ No matter how long we have already lived, let us remember this notable benefit of divine teaching: It gives those applying it a real purpose in life. The World Book Encyclopedia states: “Education should help people become useful members of society. It should also help them develop an appreciation of their cultural heritage and live more satisfying lives.” Divine teaching is beneficial in helping us to live satisfying lives. It develops within us keen appreciation for our spiritual heritage as God’s people. And it surely makes us useful members of society, for it enables us to play a vital role in meeting the needs of people earth wide. Why can that be said?

Worldwide Teaching Program

11. How did Thomas Jefferson highlight the need for proper education?

¹¹ Like no other program of instruction, divine teaching meets the educational needs of the people. The need to teach people was noted by Thomas Jefferson, who became the third president of the United States. In a letter of August 13, 1786, to George Wythe, a friend and a cosigner of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote: “I think by far the most important bill in our whole code is that for the diffusion of knowledge among the people. No other sure foundation can be devised, for the preservation of freedom and happiness. . . . Preach, my dear sir, a crusade against ignorance; establish and improve the law for educating the common people. Let our countrymen know . . . that the tax which will be paid for the purpose [of education] is not more than the thousandth part of what will be paid to kings, priests, and nobles who will rise up among us if we leave the people in ignorance.”

12. Why can it be said that divine teaching is the most successful and beneficial program for global education?

¹² Far from leaving righteously disposed people in ignorance, Jehovah’s teaching provides the best program for global education for their benefit. While World War II was still raging 50 years ago, the U.S. Committee on Educational Reconstruction saw an urgent need for “global education.” That need still exists, but divine teaching is the only successful program for global education. It is also the most beneficial because it raises people out of despair, uplifts them morally and spiritually, saves them from the world’s pride and prejudice, and imparts knowledge for eternal life. Above all, this program is benefiting people everywhere by teaching them to serve Jehovah God.

13. How is Isaiah 2:2-4 being fulfilled today?

¹³ The benefits of divine teaching are being enjoyed by the multitudes now becoming God’s servants. They are conscious of their spiritual need and are fully aware that Jehovah’s day is near. (Matthew 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6) Right now, “in the final part of the days,” these people of all nations are streaming to Jehovah’s mountain, his pure worship. It is firmly established and is exalted high above all worship that is contrary to God’s will. (Isaiah 2:2-4) If you are a dedicated Witness of Jehovah, are you not delighted to be among the ever-increasing throngs worshiping him and benefiting from divine teaching? How wonderful it is to be among those who exclaim: “Praise Jah, you people!”​—Psalm 150:6.

Beneficial Effect on Our Spirit

14. Of what benefit is it to follow Paul’s counsel at 1 Corinthians 14:20?

¹⁴ Among the many benefits of divine teaching is the fine effect it can have on our thinking and spirit. It prompts us to think on righteous, chaste, virtuous, and praiseworthy things. (Philippians 4:8) Jehovah’s teaching helps us to follow Paul’s counsel: “Be babes as to badness; yet become full-grown in powers of understanding.” (1 Corinthians 14:20) If we apply this admonition, we will not seek knowledge in wickedness. Paul also wrote: “Let all malicious bitterness and anger and wrath and screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you along with all badness.” (Ephesians 4:31) Heeding such counsel will help us to avoid immorality and other gross sins. While this can be beneficial physically and mentally, it will especially bring us the joy of knowing that we are pleasing God.

15. What can help us to remain virtuous in thought?

¹⁵ If we are to remain virtuous in thought, one help is to avoid ‘bad associations that spoil useful habits.’ (1 Corinthians 15:33) As Christians, we would not keep company with fornicators, adulterers, and other wrongdoers. Logically, then, we must not associate with such individuals by reading about them for sensual pleasure or by viewing them on television or in motion pictures. The heart is treacherous, can easily acquire a desire for bad things, and can be tempted to do them. (Jeremiah 17:9) Let us therefore avoid such temptations by adhering to divine teaching. It can affect the thinking of “lovers of Jehovah” to such a beneficial extent that they “hate what is bad.”​—Psalm 97:10.

16. How can God’s teaching affect the spirit we display?

¹⁶ Paul told his coworker Timothy: “The Lord be with the spirit you show. His undeserved kindness be with you people.” (2 Timothy 4:22) The apostle desired that God, by the Lord Jesus Christ, approve the actuating force motivating Timothy and other Christians. God’s teaching helps us to display a loving, kind, mild spirit. (Colossians 3:9-14) And how it differs from that of many in these last days! They are haughty, unthankful, lacking in natural affection, not open to any agreement, headstrong, pleasure-loving, and bereft of true godly devotion. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) As we continue to apply the benefits of divine teaching in our lives, however, we display a spirit that endears us to God and fellow humans.

Beneficial in Human Relations

17. Why is humble cooperation so important?

¹⁷ Jehovah’s teaching helps us to see the benefits of humble cooperation with fellow worshipers. (Psalm 138:6) Unlike many people today, we do not violate righteous principles but are open to agreement. For example, much good results because appointed overseers are open to agreement during meetings of elders. These men can speak calmly in the interest of truth, while not allowing emotion to overshadow logic or cause disunity. All members of the congregation will benefit from the spirit of unity we enjoy if all of us keep on applying divine teaching.​—Psalm 133:1-3.

18. Divine teaching helps us to have what view of fellow believers?

¹⁸ Divine teaching is also beneficial in helping us to have a proper view of fellow believers. Jesus said: “No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him.” (John 6:44) Since 1919 in particular, Jehovah has had his servants proclaim his judgments, and Satan’s world system has been rocked and shaken by this global warning. At the same time, God-fearing humans​—“the desirable things”—​have been drawn by God to separate themselves from the nations and share with anointed Christians in filling Jehovah’s house of worship with glory. (Haggai 2:7) Surely, we should view such desirable ones drawn by God as beloved associates.

19. What does God’s teaching reveal about settling personal difficulties with fellow Christians?

¹⁹ Because all of us are imperfect, of course, things will not always go smoothly. When Paul was about to set out on his second missionary trip, Barnabas was determined to take Mark along. Paul did not agree because Mark “had departed from them from Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.” At that, “a sharp burst of anger” ensued. Barnabas took Mark with him to Cyprus, whereas Paul had Silas accompany him through Syria and Cilicia. (Acts 15:36-41) Later, this breach was evidently healed, for Mark was with Paul in Rome, and the apostle spoke well of him. (Colossians 4:10) One benefit of divine teaching is that it shows us how to settle personal difficulties between Christians by following such counsel as that of Jesus at Matthew 5:23, 24 and Matthew 18:15-17.

Ever Beneficial and Triumphant

20, 21. Our consideration of divine teaching should move us to do what?

²⁰ Even from our brief consideration of some benefits and triumphs of divine teaching, doubtless all of us can see the need to persevere in applying it in our lives. With a prayerful spirit, then, let us continue to learn from our Grand Instructor. Soon, divine teaching will triumph as never before. It will be triumphant when this world’s intellectual ones have drawn their last breath. (Compare 1 Corinthians 1:19.) Moreover, as millions more learn and do God’s will, the knowledge of Jehovah will fill the earth as the waters cover the very sea. (Isaiah 11:9) How grandly this will benefit obedient mankind and vindicate Jehovah as the Universal Sovereign!

²¹ The teaching of Jehovah will always be beneficial and triumphant. Will you continue to benefit from it as an ardent student of God’s great Textbook? Are you living in harmony with the Bible and sharing its truths with others? If so, you can look forward to seeing the complete triumph of divine teaching, to the glory of our Grand Instructor, the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.