Comparison of the Lord Jesus' Hidden Life and Apostle Paul's Deep Experiences
Matt. 14:22 And immediately He compelled the disciples to step into the boat and to go before Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away.
Matt. 14:23 And after He sent the crowds away, He went up to the mountain privately to pray. And when night fell, He was there alone.
2 Cor. 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago (whether in the body I do not know, or outside the body I do not know; God knows) was caught up to the third heaven.
2 Cor. 12:4 That he was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not allowed for a man to speak.
|
Aspect |
The Lord Jesus' Hidden Life |
Apostle Paul's Deep Experiences |
|---|---|---|
|
Meaning |
1. Maintaining perfect fellowship and oneness with God the Father 2. For establishing the kingdom of heavens 3. Expressing the Father's will on earth |
1. Having deep knowledge of Christ 2. Building profound spiritual foundation 3. Accumulating hidden spiritual reality |
|
Distinctions |
1. The perfect example and source 2. Active choice of hidden life 3. Perfect communion with the Father |
1. Experience as a follower 2. Special experience of being caught up to the third heaven 3. Humble attitude of sharing after fourteen years |
|
Description |
1. Withdrawing from crowds and ministry results 2. Praying alone on the mountain 3. Having private communion with the Father |
1. Deeply rooted hidden life 2. Not readily sharing deep experiences 3. Having deep calling unto deep |
|
Examples |
1. Withdrawing to the mountain after feeding five thousand 2. Sending disciples away to pray alone 3. Praying all night on the mountain |
1. Being caught up to the third heaven 2. Experience in Paradise 3. Fourteen years of hiding and waiting |
|
Application |
1. Not dwelling in ministry achievements 2. Finding time for solitary prayer 3. Building intimate relationship with the Father |
1. Preserving deep spiritual experiences 2. Not boasting of spiritual experiences 3. Letting life foundation take deep root |
|
Related Scriptures |
1. Matt. 14:23 "After dismissing the crowds, He went up to the mountain privately to pray" 2. Luke 6:12 "Praying to God through the whole night" 3. Matt. 14:14-23 Account of feeding five thousand 4. Matt. 6:6 Teaching on private prayer |
1. 2 Cor. 12:1-4 Being caught up to the third heaven 2. 2 Cor. 12:5-6 Not boasting readily 3. Isa. 39:2-8 Warning about hiding 4. Psa. 42:7 Deep calling unto deep |
|
Life Characteristics |
1. Perfect humility 2. Absolute obedience 3. Complete oneness with the Father |
1. Profound spiritual foundation 2. Humble life attitude 3. Powerful ministry source |
|
Relationship Between Both |
1. Lord's experience as source of Paul's experience 2. Paul's actualization of the Lord's hidden life 3. Both reveal riches of divine life 4. Paul's experience testifies of what the Lord is |
|
|
Results |
1. Fulfilling the Father's will 2. Establishing the kingdom of heavens 3. Becoming the believers' pattern |
1. Having a powerful ministry 2. Profound epistolary teachings 3. Nurturing the churches |
These tables emphasize several key points:
- * The perfect pattern of the Lord Jesus' hidden life
- * The following pattern of Paul's deep experiences
- * The revelation and teaching for subsequent believers
- * Practical principles for application
The tables particularly highlight two crucial principles:
- * The importance of hidden life
- * The necessity of not boasting of spiritual experiences
*Please refer to the International Training for Elders and Responsible Ones, October 2024 General Subject: Living in the Reality of the Kingdom of God Week 2: Living the Kingdom Life Through a Hidden Life
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