Discernment of Doctrine

Final installment in our word-study of DOCTRINE. All references King James Version.

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

"Therefore" - because of the previous comments in chapter 5, about spiritual babies who can only digest milk.

"principles" - a different Greek word than the one used in 5:12, though the meaning isn't much different. This word is arche, and it means beginning, or first rule. We call it basic, as in foundational. For believers to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, we must start with Who and What He is, and what He has done for the human race (doctrine of the trinity, the essence of God, human good vs divine good, unlimited atonement, the faith-rest life, etc). Then we begin to build upon that foundation with doctrines of the Christian Way of Life and the mystery doctrines of the Church age as we progress toward maturity in our faith.

These Hebrew believers had been born Jews and raised in the ritual religion of the Mosaic Law. They were now Church. Jesus had ascended to heaven over 30 years prior to this writing. The temple had not yet been destroyed. These Jews had heard and believed the gospel of Jesus Christ. They had had ample time to become well versed in basic Bible doctrine, and in fact should now be evangelizing others, and discipling them in the Christian Way of Life. Apparently, though, they were stagnating at the point of salvation. The more advanced doctrines had been presented to them, but they really weren’t motivated to learn those truths and techniques of Christianity. They just wanted to keep hearing the gospel and basking in its sweetness and comfort.

They’d been taught repeatedly that human works are dead in God’s plan of grace, and that faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation. They knew by now that the ritual washings and laying on of hands in their former religion was not the same as Holy Spirit leadership. They knew that Holy Spirit baptism at the point of faith in Christ identified them forever with the plan of God, and that water baptism demonstrated that identification. They fully understood that those who have eternal life by faith in Jesus Christ will be resurrected unto life and those who die in their sins will be recipients of the second death, subject to eternal judgment because of their unbelief.

These all are foundational truths; basic doctrines of Christianity. A builder doesn’t keep building a foundation. Once the foundation is laid, he begins to build the edifice, or raised structure. It’s called going on to maturity. Doctrine is built upon doctrine. Precept upon precept. We learn the alphabet before we learn words; but once the abc’s are learned, and words are learned, we begin to read and write sentences and paragraphs.

I cannot move on from this foundational statement without pointing out that the thing the new believer repents is DEAD WORKS! I have never seen in the Bible the phrase “repent of your sins.” Repentance is a change of mental attitude. It is an about-face. One changes one’s mind about one’s works, realizing they cannot save. One begins to see human works from God’s perspective: something actually worthless to Him. Only HIS work is acceptable for eternal life. What we do about our sins is we realize we are born sinners who do commit sins and that Jesus paid for each and every one of them on the cross, so we are no longer under the burden of the debt of our sins. What we repent (change our attitude about) is our self-righteous arrogance that thought we could do something to gain favor from God. We repent (change our attitude) toward Jesus Christ by finally acknowledging His Finished Work, and its complete atonement for our lifetime of sins.

Having understood all this basic doctrine, we are prepared to move forward in the Christian Way of Life.

³ And this will we do, if God permits.

Hebrews 13:8-9 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

Jesus Christ IS God. He is the same today as He was in eternity past, before the foundation of the world. He will be the same in eternity future, after the destruction of the present universe. No matter what variations we encounter in earthly life, He is our constant. He is our solid hope. He is our perfect standard for doctrine. Therefore, we must remain steadfast in our orientation to Jesus and His Word.

What we are given in the written canon of scripture is the Mind of Christ. Every religion, every cult, every demonic and mystical “brotherhood” has its diverse teachings which deviate from God’s Word and God’s perfect plan of grace. Some of them are very attractive to human asceticism, human emotion, and even make seemingly good sense to human viewpoint. Be careful of your sources. All doctrine is not good doctrine. If it contradicts in any way the Word of God, it is strange teaching (false doctrine). If it goes beyond God’s written Word by embellishment or speculation, it is strange teaching. That’s why we who love the Bible are so critical of any artistic depictions of its story. There is no excuse for a born-again Bible believer to be led away by false doctrine. God’s Word is abundantly available to us and Pastors-Teachers are gifted by the Holy Spirit to lead us in our systematic study of it. The Holy Bible is inspired by God’s Spirit, it is well organized for systematic study and it is complete! No need to add or embellish. Such tactics do not increase understanding, they actually dilute the specific meaning and impact of God’s words.

God’s plan is grace. The law was an instructor to teach us that we are hopelessly lost without God’s grace. We Christians must focus our faith and our manner of life on God’s grace. God’s grace is our strength of character. There is no benefit in devoting our attention to maintenance of a strict diet for religious reasons. It is a distraction from the central truth of the Christian Way of Life, which is God’s grace. If we believe God and love God we will relax and appreciate the marvelous bounty of His grace.

The more we know God's Word, the less likely we can be fooled by false doctrine.

2 John 1:8-11 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

"transgresseth" - go beyond, overthink, embellish, add to the truth of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect God-Man who paid the penalty for the sins of the human race. He is not a mythical guru or genie. He is certainly not in the same category with the fictional heroes of world religions. Those who lump Jesus in with other "big name" religious leaders do not know Him or the Father. As sons of God, let us stick with the truth of the gospel message. He is the only Savior. He is the only way to the Father. He said it, and we know it to be true.

"abideth" - dwell. remain. stay. make it your home. The doctrine of Christ nourishes us, protects us, sustains us. It defines who and Whose we are.

¹⁰ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

We owe no hospitality to those who blaspheme our Lord Jesus Christ. To offer them hospitality is to encourage, even take part in their evil.

¹¹ For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Revelation 2:14-16 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

The church at Pergamum was established in a place of iniquity, “where Satan’s throne is.” Pergamum was once the capital of the Roman province of Asia and had housed a fine library. This community practiced worship of the Roman emperor and also was the location of an altar of Zeus in the local acropolis. "Satan’s throne" would indicate that it was headquarters for occult religion.

Even in the midst of all this evil, the church at Pergamum was holding fast the name of Jesus and remaining faithful, though they had seen the martyrdom of a faithful witness. Some, however, had apparently been enticed to compromise their faith in the manner of Balaam’s teaching. When Balaam couldn’t succeed in pronouncing a curse on God’s people in Numbers chapters 22-24, he convinced the pagan king to simply allow his women to walk in the presence of the sons of Israel. The Israelite men would thereby be enticed to consort with those women, and gradually be drawn into the idol worship which would lead to their destruction. Numbers 31 describes the outcome. This is the inevitable result of compromising the Word of God to suit one’s lust pattern. (Remember, we mustn’t judge the idolaters, so let’s just wallow with them. After all, God is love. If we demonstrate our faithfulness to God’s Word and God’s will, they will accuse us of being bigots, won’t they? What kind of witness is that?) Well, brethren, faithfulness to God’s Word and God’s will is exactly the witness He requires of His people, and is the quality He always honors.

 ¹⁵ So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Jesus had commended the church at Ephesus for their hatred of the deeds of the Nicolaitans, who distorted doctrine and practiced immoral behaviors (“God loves us all. He made us. He wants us to be happy”). Repentance is in order here. Adjust your attitude. Shape up, or I (Jesus) am coming soon to correct the problem. Are you listening? The Spirit is speaking! 

The hidden manna was what physically sustained the Jews in their wilderness journey. Jesus Christ is our hidden manna, Who sustains us spiritually in the devil’s world. We don’t live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. The white stone was a balloting system used in judicial decisions. The white stone was a vote of “not guilty.” All who have overcome by believing in Jesus Christ are identified by that white stone, and it bears our new name for all eternity.

Revelation 2:23-25 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

"This doctrine" that some in the congregation do not have, is Jezabel's evil religion.

Jezebel symbolizes a false religious system that mixes worldliness and occultism (esoteric “knowledge”) with the true worship of God. This is an abomination, of course, and is condemned throughout the scriptures.

We wonder why God doesn’t simply strike these evil infiltrators dead and be done with them. He tells us in verse 21: “I gave her time to repent.” Grace always comes before judgment. There will come a deadline, however, when the false teachers and those who have committed spiritual and physical adultery with them will be called to account. They may think they’ve had problems in life, but they have not seen anything yet.

There is always a remnant according to the election of grace. God knows their faithfulness. He urges them to preserve and protect what they know to be true. When He returns to set up His kingdom on the earth, these faithful ones will be given authority over nations. God’s system of authority is the issue in this message to Thyatira. His Word clearly defines His supreme authority and designates those humans who represent His authority, especially in the Church. In this case, as with all other examples of disobedience to the direct command of God, the humans involved consider themselves “good” and “intelligent” and think that just because “there’s a rule about that” doesn’t mean it applies to them.

That is the arrogance of human good. Our way is not better than God’s way. God knows us better than we know ourselves, and He has established the boundaries within which our lives will be most productive and most pleasing to Him. Plainly speaking: there are important reasons, known only to God (though we could probably think of a few) that He has given commands and limitations for His people to follow. In God’s system of worship, women were never allowed prominence. This Jezebel characterization of the female leader of false religion is a good clue, though we don’t know the particulars. God condemned her evil. That’s all we need to know.

Remember the definition of evil: anything that contradicts the direct Word of God. No matter how pretty it is, how beneficial it looks, how innocent-looking or how much fun; if God forbade it in His Word, it is evil. It must be rejected.

 

 

 

 

 

Ordered in the Church: Sound Doctrine

Continuing our study of the word "doctrine" as it is used in the KJV.

I'm not promoting the KJV, though I do love it personally. It's true as is said, that a great many of the terms used in the King James Version are anachronistic, and to teach today's young people, we need more modern translations. Also, there are some necessary corrections* in the newer versions, one of which will be found in these verses.

The purpose of this study of the word "doctrine" is to show the legitimacy of its usage even in our day, because it describes a method of teaching which was emphasized by Jesus Christ Himself and by the writers of scripture; categorical, exegetical, expository teaching of the inerrant Word of God. The word itself gets a bad rap from people who don't understand its true meaning and tend to confuse it with "dogma," which is often identified with harsh legalism and ritualistic religions. I know it certainly was a turn-off to me and my friends, when we first started learning the Bible from a systematic teacher. She soon made us understand that if doctrine was not our priority, we would spend the rest of our days in a religious rut.

In this study, we've come to the references in Titus. Titus was a young Greek whom Paul had evangelized and trained for ministry. He was apparently a straight-forward trouble-shooter on Paul's team, and in this epistle, we have Paul's instructions to Titus about how to "set in order" the proper conduct among Church leaders. Behavior was an issue for those who would lead, and doctrine was of utmost importance. The date of this writing is AD 65, between the two epistles to Timothy. This was over 10 years after the earliest epistles to the Church. She (the Church) had had ample time to set a proper course for growing in grace and doctrine. Paul sent someone he could trust, who had the skill to put that in motion.

 

Titus 1:5-11 King James Version (KJV)

⁵ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
⁶ If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
⁷ For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
⁸ But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
⁹ Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
¹⁰ For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
¹¹ Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.  

"Sound" - Greek hugiaino (hoogeeah'eeno). Safe, true, uncorrupt, whole, unadulterated.

"Doctrine" - didaskalia - (didaskalee'ah). Instruction. Systematic teaching. Scripture interpreting scripture from the original languages in which it is written.

Doctrine is not emotional do-goodism. Not myths, fables, some-says or ifs, ands and buts. These are the words. This is what they mean. Learn it. Apply it. Build on it.

In this and other epistles, Paul used this term to define the teaching he himself had learned directly from Jesus Christ in the dessert and had been teaching to the local Churches, as did Peter, James, John and the writer of Hebrews.

There were qualified believers in the Church. They just needed a system of authority under which to organize themselves for teaching, ministering, and spiritual growth. God's grace applies to all who believe, but certain gifts and characteristics are necessary for leaders, who must set the example. These characteristics indicate maturity: integrity, monogamy, command over his household, graciousness, generosity, sobriety, self-control, not greedy or grasping. 

Such a man will have taken seriously and stored up the sound doctrine (faithful word) he has been taught. It is firmly fixed in his soul. He will be capable of teaching it to others, and to refute those who are prone to contradict. The legalistic Jews (of the circumcision) will cause trouble in your Church. They are subverting your authority, distorting your doctrine and making money doing it. They must be stopped, by the Word of Truth. This is the job of a Pastor/Teacher (bishop) in the New Testament Church.

 Titus 2:1-5 (KJV)

Since Titus is the one being sent to see to these details, he himself must set the example of sound doctrine for the congregation, teaching them to cultivate the character of Christ; behaving with dignity and honor among themselves, and demonstrating integrity to the world. When we ignore Godly standards, our message loses its edge.

1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: ² That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. ³ The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; ⁴ That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵ To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Yes, it's true; old women have a responsibility to teach the younger women stability of mind and to love their husbands and children. It is important to keep that in mind when the young ones complain about their situations in life. There are great rewards in store for the woman who learns to be obedient to God's Word by honoring her marriage above all else. This is one of those mysterious truths that, if not protected vigilantly, can be lost and can never be regained in our earthly sojourn. Slovenly behavior and unfaithfulness to one's spouse dishonor not only the marriage, but also the very Word of God. You don't have to understand this right now, young matron, but do keep it in mind. Remember it. Someday you will realize its value. I am ordered to tell you that.

Titus 2:6-8 (KJV) ⁶ Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. ⁷ In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity ⁸ Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

(*In verse 7, the last word, "sincerity," seems to have been added after the writing of this epistle. It is probably left out in most later translations for that reason.)

Sobriety seems to have been a big issue among the population. Soundness of mind. Alertness. Wakefulness. Attention to duty. Awareness of Whom we represent. Integrity. Dignity. There are believers among us today who, in taking advantage of God's grace, seem to find it acceptable to be abrasive, abrupt and foul-mouthed, even in the presentation of God's perfect plan. Well, brethren, that most certainly does give the contrary ones evil to say about us. What can be our defense, in view of the clear command of scripture? Such disregard for the sensibilities of others is, at the very least, a distraction from the truth we want to share.

Titus 2:9-10 (KJV) ⁹ Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; ¹⁰ Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

The word "servants" is correctly translated "bond-slaves." Bond-slaves are responsible to God, also, for their obedience to their masters. Make that their own masters. Never mind the expectations of others. "To his own master he stands or falls." (Romans 14:4) The slave's job is to please his master, not quibble and quarrel; not steal from him. Show yourself trustworthy. Make the doctrine of God attractive to others by your honorable behavior.

So, in the study so far, we see that doctrine is something that was with God before the universe was formed, it was given to God's people down through the history of the human race, it was taught by Jesus to the Jews who rejected it, then to His disciples who loved it, then to His Church to cherish and perpetuate until His return. Bible Doctrine is the Mind of Christ, I Corinthians 2:16. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, 2 Corinthians 4:7.

Bible Doctrine teaches us Who God is, how and why we are here, why and how we must be saved. If we learn it properly and apply it in our lives, we will develop that stability of soul that Titus looked for and trained into the leaders of the local Church. We don't all have to be leaders, but we all need the confidence, assurance, contentment and sense of purpose that can only come by the learning, storing and practice of doctrine in our souls. We won't get those qualities any other way.

 God has provided it for us, and has prepared His men to lead us in it. We are without excuse.

 

True Doctrine, False Doctrine

We continue our study of the word doctrine as it is used in the King James Version of the Bible. The word means system of teaching, and there are many such systems. Anyone with something to teach imparts doctrine, though they don't always call it that. When we Bible-believing Christians use the word without modifiers, we usually mean it in a positive sense, as something true and very important to our spiritual well-being, synonymous with scripture itself. If we are talking about something other than sound scriptural teaching, we usually preface the term with the word false.

There are many New Testament references to the importance of true doctrine for the growing believer and also many warnings against false doctrines, and the need to know the difference.

Romans 6:17 (KJV) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

"that form of doctrine which was delivered" to the Church at Rome was the mystery doctrine of the Church age, beginning with the perfect atonement of Jesus Christ for any who will believe in Him. The individual believes in Jesus by faith alone and is positioned IN HIM, forever. That is immediate and is the work of God the Holy Spirit. Having been previously a servant of sin, there is now some reprogramming to do in the believer's soul. By learning and obeying (believing, practicing) the doctrine taught by the Church, he is launched into his journey of faith and equipped as a warrior in the Lord's army.

Romans 16:17 (KJV) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

The most subtle attack on the believer's assurance of salvation is contrary doctrines being brought into the Church by unbelieving religionists or carnal believers who teach legalism, Gnosticism, occultism. If they can get the attention of believers young in the faith, they sometimes can sway them with convincing arguments against our freedom in grace "which ye have learned." The warning is clear: notice who they are and avoid them. The growing believer does not need the distraction of arguing with evil.

1 Corinthians 14:6 (KJV) Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

1 Corinthians 14:26 (KJV) How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

By the time of the writing of I Corinthians, the apostolic spiritual gifts were diminishing, or gone, from the Church. Those temporary gifts were used to kick-start the Church age, by rapidly spreading the gospel message in all languages to the known world, and to give credibility to the message of salvation by faith in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ.

Now, the Church organization was well established, with a system of authority in place to teach Christians how to grow up in grace, how to evangelize, how to relax and trust the Lord for their eternal life and daily needs. Free-for-all meetings are not conducive to the edification of the saints.

Colossians 2:20-22 (KJV) Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

"if" and you are retroactively dead with Christ, there is no need for petty rules of daily conduct. Those are just details of life, each family has different ways of doing things, and only legalistic religion makes an issue of itemizing your dos and don'ts. Such regulations are doctrines of men.

False doctrine: "you must behave according to my rules, or you are not saved."

True doctrine: 1 Corinthians 1:4-8 (ESV)
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

We Wish To Know

As the earliest Christians began to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the region, their doctrine was sometimes received with joy, sometimes with hostility, and some were frankly just curious about this "new" thing happening in their midst. It gave them something to talk about.

Paul and Barnabas were directed by the Holy Spirit to go into certain cities and share their message. In one place, a government official wanted to know more, so he asked them to visit and explain. This was resisted by a demon-possessed man who apparently worked for the deputy. Those early preachers of the gospel were gifted with certain abilities to discern and certain methods to handle those who interfered.

Acts 13:5-11 KJV And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

This gift, like the gift of "other tongues" (current languages which had not been learned by the speakers) was used in the service of quick distribution of the gospel. With such gifts, their message was sure to receive attention. The result was often positive response.

Acts 13:12 - Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

Get the scoffers and distractions out of the way, and the Word of God will do its work. The temporary miraculous gifts were used to bring attention to the doctrine, and the doctrine got the credit.

The ministry team moved on to other cities with their message of Jesus, and met with similar reception; some were interested and some were not. In Thessalonica, many of the people believed, but the unbelieving Jews hated Paul and his company of preachers. They hated the grace he was teaching. They created a ruckus, dragging out a group who had befriended the preachers, accusing them of "turning the world upside down," by doing contrary to Caesar and offering another King, and "now they have come here also." Paul and Silas went by night to Berea, and there they taught in the synagogue, as was their practice.

The mob followed the team to Berea, intent on the same harassment. Because of the relentless aggression,  Paul moved on to Athens and awaited Timothy and Silas, who had become separated from him in the melee.
 
Acts 17:16-20  Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

Yes. we, who love God's perfect Word of Truth about God's perfect Plan of Grace will never tire of learning what all these things mean.

That's the purpose of teaching and studying Bible doctrine.

How Did He Learn This?

After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand. So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” For not even his brothers believed in him. Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil.  You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” After saying this, he remained in Galilee. John 7:1-9 ESV

After His discourse on His body and His blood as spiritual nourishment for believers, many of the thrill-seeking hangers-on left Jesus’ company. His perfect human flesh, untainted by sin, represents God’s perfect righteousness (+R) and His blood represents the Father’s Justice by Jesus’ atoning death for all human sins. They didn’t get the concept, as He knew they wouldn’t, so He was now down to just His closest disciples, most of whom would remain loyal to Him and His mission despite their limited human understanding. He stayed around home for about six months, in Galilee. There was no need just now to keep provoking the Jews, who were His enemies and were plotting His demise. There was an upcoming feast everyone was expected to attend, and Jesus’ half-brothers sarcastically challenged Him to make a public appearance there, and perform “works.” The brothers did not believe in His deity, and they apparently had some issues with their perfect elder brother. Rather than supporting Him, they seemed interested in subjecting Him to public criticism. “Go to Judea, Brother. Show them your stuff. They want to make you king.”

Jesus’ response: “you worldlings can go to the feast and enjoy yourselves. You are not under attack from the world, but because of my testimony against the world's evils I am under attack, and the time for the confrontation is not yet.” So He didn’t accompany His brothers to the feast.

There were seven Jewish feasts each year. Each one had two applications to Israel - historical and prophetic. This was the Feast of Booths, or Tabernacles:  the last and great harvest home festival of the Jewish year. It foreshadows Israel’s kingdom rest after regathering and spiritual conversion. It is commemorative of redemption out of Egypt, and prophetic of the restoration of the kingdom over Israel. It recalls historical blessing and prophesies future fulfillment, when Jesus Christ will Tabernacle on the earth with His restored people, Israel. It occurred at mid-October.

But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, “Where is he?”  And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.”  Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him. John 7:10-13

Jesus went alone to the feast, and the Jews were watching for Him in the crowds. There was a general undercurrent of talk and expectation about Him, with differing opinions of His character and His work, but they kept it quiet. Open discussion of Jesus was politically incorrect.

About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. John 7:14-16

Here's the King James Version of this passage. Emphasis: doctrine.

John 7:14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

He didn’t attend Rabbi School, so where did He learn to teach like this? We (The Jews) haven’t authorized this doctrine. They didn’t, but the Father who sent the Son did. It is the Father’s teaching.

And now, a special promise to anyone who really wants to know true doctrine:

If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. John 7:17

Do you want to practice religion or do you want to know God’s teaching? It is a matter of your own volition. You must be willing to do God’s will. If you are simply seeking to prove your own point, or verify a religious tenet, you will not recognize God’s teaching. God shows His truth to those who are willing to believe Him, no matter what their religion says, or what their superstitious grandma has always told them. Throughout the centuries, people have gone through life quoting holy sounding one-liners, pious platitudes and do-good self-help cliches` which cannot be substantiated by scripture. The worst ones are the incomplete or misquoted scriptures, which leave out important words and phrases, and which completely obscure the actual meaning of the Word of God. Such 'quotes' twist God’s Word into magic hocus-pocus, some feel-good fantasy, or blatant legalism. “Yea, hath God said?” There are professing Christians who, when cornered on a Biblical principle, have to admit they do not read the Bible and would have no clue where to look for a particular teaching.

By the way: this is another good reason for you to own an Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible; not just to check the original languages, but to see if a given word or phrase is even in the Bible, and if it is, in what context it appears. For instance: "God helps those who help themselves....Repent of your sins....Invite Jesus...we're all God's children..." So just check those references and decide; do you want to keep spouting human viewpoint, or are you willing to do God's will?

Willingness to do God’s will clears away the cobwebs and brings God’s Word into our understanding, so that we can know the source of the teaching. It is the Holy Spirit’s ministry to those who are willing to believe. No spiritual truth will ever contradict God’s written Word. If your “truth” is from some other source, it is a lie. When one knows God’s written Word and accurately quotes God’s written Word, those who hear will likely wonder how he learned that stuff. That was the reaction when Jesus spoke.

The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?” The crowd answered, “You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you?”  Jesus answered them, “I did one work, and you all marvel at it. Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well?  Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. John 7:18-24

Jesus came into humanity, representing His Father and bringing salvation. He wasn’t seeking His own glory, but carrying out the will of the One who sent Him. He spoke too authoritatively and knew too much about that crowd for their comfort. He must have a demon!

He exposed their hypocrisy by reminding them that in order to keep the Law of Moses, they would perform circumcisions on the Sabbath, yet they condemned Jesus for healing a man’s whole body on the Sabbath. How does that make sense? That is not righteous judgment.

That is phony religion.