“Those Who Cover the Root, God Protects VS Those Who Expose the Root, God Does Not Protect”

 

“Those Who Cover the Root, God Protects VS Those Who Expose the Root, God Does Not Protect”

Mark 1:44 “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest…”

Mark 5:19 “Go home to your friends and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.”

Mark 5:43 “He strictly charged them that no one should know this…” 

Category	Those Who Cover the Root  — God Protects	Those Who Expose the Root  — God Does Not Protect
Meaning	Keeping spiritual experiences, power, revelation, and hidden life with God inwardly; preserving the spiritual root.	Making spiritual experiences, revelations, and abilities public prematurely; exposing the root.
Reason	God protects what is hidden in Him—real spiritual roots and inner life. Covering prevents satanic touch.	Exposure invites pride, the flesh, and satanic attacks, producing dryness and loss of protection.
Distinction	Covering = preserving depth; sharing only under God’s leading.	Exposing = sharing for self-glory, curiosity, or without divine guidance.
Explanation	- Paul hid his heavenly vision for 14 years and only spoke “out of necessity” (2 Cor 12:1). - Hiddenness produces depth; the deeper the root, the safer the life.	- Exposure turns testimony into “news,” losing the treasure (Nee). - The more one exposes, the more death enters the work.
Examples  (Biblical)	- Paul: 14-year vision hidden until necessary (2 Cor 12:1,5). - Jesus repeatedly charged those healed not to tell others (Mk 1:44; 5:43; 7:36).	- David numbered the people, exposing self-strength; plague came (2 Sam 24). - People testify to glorify their own “faith,” losing healing (Nee).
Examples  (Spiritual Lessons)	- True roots are always hidden before God (Watchman Nee).	- Using experiences as advertisement brings spiritual death (Nee).
Application	- Guard inward experiences; share only for others’ benefit. - Maintain hidden life in secret with the Father (Matt 6:6).	- Avoid boasting or publicizing spiritual achievements. - Never share everything—only what God allows.
Interrelationship	Covering → Protection → Deeper Life → Effective Testimony	Exposure → Attack → Dryness → Death in the Work
Burden	Preserve hidden life so God can continually work in us.	Warning: Exposure opens doors to satanic attacks and loss.
Prophetic Speaking Guidance	- Speak from spirit, not from self-promotion. - Testify only for building others.	- Avoid turning testimony into performance. - Never use God’s work as advertisement.
Scripture  References	2 Corinthians 12:1 “It is necessary to boast, though it is not profitable; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 12:5 “Of such a one I will boast, but of myself I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.” Mark 7:36 “The more He charged them, the more widely they proclaimed it.” 2 Samuel 24 (Summary) David numbered the people; judgment came upon Israel and seventy thousand died. Matthew 6:6 “When you pray, enter into your inner room… your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Key Points Summary:

1.      True spiritual “roots” must remain hidden.

2.      Testimony is proper only under God’s leading.

3.      Exposure invites satanic attacks.

4.      Hiddenness preserves life, depth, and divine protection.

5.      God protects those who hide themselves in Him.

 

Conclusion: 

Covering is divine protection; hiddenness preserves life and depth in God.

Exposure removes protection; the root becomes vulnerable and attacked.

  

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training: General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7 - Extremely Important Aspects - Week 5: The Kingdom's People Have Personal Prayer Experiences, Contacting Their Heavenly Father in Secret, and Experiencing the Secret Enjoyment of the Father.