Context really helps, especially when trying to understand a word like anointing. And the Apostle John brings up this particular word in his second chapter:
And as for you, the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone teach you; but as His anointing teaches you concerning all things and is true and is not a lie, and even as it has taught you, abide in Him. 1 John 2:27
Witness Lee often said that you need the entire Bible to understand the Bible, and if this word is unusual to you, you can find it way back in Exodus 30. When God told Moses how to build the tabernacle, He gave him specific directions for how to make the holy anointing oil. All the things that were put in the tabernacle were anointed with this oil, even the right ear, thumb, and toe of the priests. It consecrated everything that was used in serving God in the tabernacle. (I would encourage you to read the extensive and enlightening Life-Study of Exodus!)
As New Testament believers though, this anointing is no longer outward but inward. Many times brother Lee would use the illustration of painting to explain what this anointing does within us. He talks about this illustration in chapter 21, pages 179 and 181:
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| I took this spectacular sunset picture last week. |
Witness Lee often said that you need the entire Bible to understand the Bible, and if this word is unusual to you, you can find it way back in Exodus 30. When God told Moses how to build the tabernacle, He gave him specific directions for how to make the holy anointing oil. All the things that were put in the tabernacle were anointed with this oil, even the right ear, thumb, and toe of the priests. It consecrated everything that was used in serving God in the tabernacle. (I would encourage you to read the extensive and enlightening Life-Study of Exodus!)
As New Testament believers though, this anointing is no longer outward but inward. Many times brother Lee would use the illustration of painting to explain what this anointing does within us. He talks about this illustration in chapter 21, pages 179 and 181:
"Paint is the best illustration of the compound ointment. What is the best way to know the elements of a particular paint? The best way is to buy a can of paint and apply some paint to a piece of furniture….In a similar way, it is by applying Himself to us as the "paint" that the compound Spirit teaches us concerning the Triune God and His activities [His incarnation, human living, death, resurrection, and ascension]….The Triune God who is now organically one with us, is teaching us concerning Himself….This knowledge is not doctrinal; it is experiential. In a similar way, we come to know the Triune God by enjoying and experiencing Him….When the Triune God becomes our enjoyment and experience, His moving is the anointing within us" (Lee, Witness. Life-Study of 1 John. Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry,1983, Print).
He mentions in this chapter (on page 183) that because there were so many heretical teachings bombarding the believers at that time, John reminded the believers that through the Lord's anointing they would be able to know the truth concerning the Trinity from the lies. Probably what touches me the most about what I read is that whenever we contact the Lord through prayer, singing, or fellowshipping with others, God is painting us layer upon layer. And through that painting we are getting saturated with all the elements of this heavenly paint. One time a brother encouraged us that we should always have the sign "wet paint" on our being so that when people touch us, they get some of that paint on them, too. I really like the footnotes on this verse in the Recovery Version of the New Testament, and if you don't have one, you can click on this link and order one for free!
I enjoy listening to live excerpts and the commentary on these Life-Studies on the Life Study of the Bible with Witness Lee while I'm cooking, cleaning, and typing.
Other Posts on 1, 2, 3 John and Jude:
What Does the Greek Word for Fellowship Mean in 1 John 1:3?
What Does 1 John 1:8 Show Us About Sin?
The Promise in 1 John 1:9
What is the Anointing in 1 John 2:27?
Taking a Closer Look at Abiding in 1 John 2:26
God's Love in 1 John 4 Seen in the Life of John Newton
What is the Key to Overcoming in 1 John 5:4?
Touching Account From Church History on the Apostle John
Other Posts on 1, 2, 3 John and Jude:
What Does the Greek Word for Fellowship Mean in 1 John 1:3?
What Does 1 John 1:8 Show Us About Sin?
The Promise in 1 John 1:9
What is the Anointing in 1 John 2:27?
Taking a Closer Look at Abiding in 1 John 2:26
God's Love in 1 John 4 Seen in the Life of John Newton
What is the Key to Overcoming in 1 John 5:4?
Touching Account From Church History on the Apostle John
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