PART III – SUBNISSION TO JEHOVAH’S ARRANGEMENT OF THINGS
While still in Eden the first man and woman joined the rebellion led by “the original serpent,” Satan the Devil. They ceased being submissive to Jehovah’s arrangement of things. Having been introduced to a course of independence from God, they set out on their own. From that time forward the course taken by mankind has only served to confirm the truthfulness of Jeremiah’s words recorded at Jeremiah 10:23, where we read: “I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.”
Through your study of the Bible you have learned about Jehovah’s purpose to bring all things back into subjection to himself, just as they were in the beginning. Having reached this point in your study you are also desirous of finding your place in Jehovah’s arrangement of things and of being submissive to his rule. The following questions and related Scripture references will help you to examine your own understanding of submission to Jehovah’s arrangements as regards congregation organization, Christian family life and the political rulers of the day.
Submission in the Congregation Arrangement
(157) What is the basic principle underlying Jehovah’s arrangement of things within the Christian congregation?
(158) Why is there a particular need for submitting to Jehovah’s arrangement of things in the Christian congregation?
(159) What are some of the examples of Jesus’ disciples submitting to his instructions in order to carry out their ministry in an orderly way?
(160) How does Jesus exercise headship over the Christian congregation today?
(161) By what visible means is Christ’s headship represented in the congregation?
(162) How do members of the congregation demonstrate submission to the headship of Christ in the congregation?
Optional questions
(163) Are you able to identify “the faithful and discreet slave” today?(164) How?(165) What is the Governing Body of the Christian congregation?
(166) What purpose does it serve?
(167) What legal agencies are used by the Governing Body today to accomplish the publishing of the good news worldwide?
(168) Why would submitting to Jehovah’s arrangement in the congregation include giving material support to the work of the congregation to the extent of your ability?
Submission in Christian Family Life
(169) In God’s arrangement of things, who is the head of the married woman?
(170) How should a husband exercise headship over his wife?
(171) Whose example does he have to follow as a pattern?
(172) If the wife whose husband is not a believer freed from his headship?
(173) Who is responsible before God for the training and the disciplining of children?
(174) What responsibility do children have in the family arrangement?
Optional questions
(175) If you are a married woman, in what way can you demonstrate your submission to your husband?
(176) Does this seem to be righteous and just to you?
(177) If your husband does not appreciate your cooperation in this regard, how do you still benefit?
(178) If you are a man with family responsibilities, what worldly attitudes must you avoid if you are to exercise your headship in a Christlike manner?
(179) If you are a minor child, what benefits will come to you and your family as a result of your being submissive to your parents?
(180) What factors may make it difficult for you to be submissive at times?
Submission to Civil Authorities
(181) What is the proper attitude for Christians to maintain toward worldly rulers?
(182) Must a Christian pay all taxes and assessments demanded by law?
(183) Are there any circumstances under which a Christian would refuse to obey the worldly rulers?
(184) Should Christians comply with legal requirements such as the registering of marriages and births, respond to census inquiries or obtain required licenses and permits that do not conflict with God’s laws?
Optional questions
(185) Why is it important for you to be submissive to the civil authorities even when their rule may seem oppressive?
(186) How can you be submissive to the political rulers without violating Christian neutrality?
PART IV – WORKS THAT DEMONSTRATE CHRISTIAN FAITH
[There is some discussion, but I will add it in later]
Relationship Between Works and Faith
(187) Why must approved works accompany our Christian faith?
Optional questions
(188) In what way are Christian works different from works of the Law?
(189) Why would it not be proper for us to compare our works of faith with those of fellow believers?
Christian Meetings
(190) Why is it beneficial to attend the meetings arranged by the congregation?
(191) What is the proper attitude for us to have toward opportunities to meet together with our spiritual brothers and sisters?
(192) What information beneficial to Jehovah’s people is considered at congregation meetings?
(193) Whose teaching and instruction is given at the congregation meetings?(194) Why should you endeavor to participate in congregation meetings by commenting and otherwise, as you have opportunity?
(195) Who should attend the congregation meetings in order to be instructed in righteousness?
Optional questions
(196) What effort have you personally put forth in order to be in regular attendance at congregation meetings?
(197) How have you benefited from regular association with Jehovah’s Witnesses at congregation meetings?
(198) Why is it beneficial for you to prepare well for each congregation meeting?
(199) How do you find time to do so?
Our Kingdom Ministry
(200) What urgent work does the Bible set out for all Christians as this time?
(201) According to the following scriptures, what are some of the various ways in which our ministry may be accomplished?
(202) Is this work done in our own strength?
(203) Why should you be willing to preach the good news to all kinds people in your assigned territory?
(204) Why should you take most seriously your responsibility to share the good news with others?
Optional questions
(205) Are you at present having a regular share each month in Kingdom service, preaching the good news to others?
(206) Is someone helping you and training you to be effective in the field ministry?
(207) Why is working from house to house in the field ministry so important?
(208) When you find a person who manifests genuine interest in the good news, what further assistance should you endeavor to give that person?
(209) While exerting yourself in the field ministry, why would it be wrong for you to make comparisons between your ministry and that of others?
Honoring Jehovah With Your Valuable Things?
(210) What pattern set in ancient Israel serves as a model for giving material support to the Kingdom work today?
(211) What lesson did Jesus teach about generous giving?
(212) What example of giving in support of the congregation was set by first-century Christians?
(213) Why must we be concerned about our brothers and sisters who come to be in need of material assistance?
(214) In addition to any material contributions to advance the good news, what should we offer that is even more important?
(215) What should be our attitude toward giving of ourselves and of our material possessions in Jehovah’s service?
Optional questions
(216) What are some of the needs of the local congregation that are taken care of by the voluntary contributions of the members of the congregation?
(217) How do contributions made directly to the nearest branch office of the Watch Tower Bible and tract Society assist in the advancement of the good news?
(218) Why should all contributions be made on a voluntary basis and not solicited or assessed?