Comments You Will Not Hear at the 01-28-07 WT Study (December 15, 2006, pages 20-24)(GIVES HOLY SPIRIT)
Review comments will be in red
WT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible (various Bible translations online)
www.reexamine.org (WT publications online)
www.silentlambs.org (child abuse)
www.ajwrb.org (blood issue)
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm (United Nations issue)
JEHOVAH GIVES "HOLY SPIRIT TO THOSE ASKING HIM"
"If you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!"-LUKE 11:13.
Opening Comments
Notice how in the theme scripture Jesus addresses God as "the Father in heaven" not by name. What respectful child calls his/her father by their first name? Jesus always used the intimate term "father." Even in the Lord’s prayer, Jesus teaches his followers to address God as "father." How many prayers at gatherings of JWs have you heard God addressed as "father"?
Before reading this article, did you think about how the WTS says God gives holy spirit to individual JWs? Do you think that the nonanointed had holy spirit like Moses did and was inspired to write some of the scriptures, that those building KHs had spirit like Bezalel, that were physically strong like Samson, that resurrected people like Elijah and Elisha?
** w98 2/15 p. 21 par. 13 Glorious Freedom Soon for the Children of God ***
Jehovahimpartshisholyspiritasagifttohispeople. Christians given a heavenly hope are anointed with holy spirit. (1 John 2:20; 5:1-4, 18) Yet, God’s servants having earthly prospects have the spirit’s help and guidance. Among these was Moses, who had Jehovah’s spirit, as did the 70 men appointed to assist him. (Numbers 11:24, 25) Under the influence of holy spirit, Bezalel served as an expert craftsman in connection with Israel’s tabernacle. (Exodus 31:1-11) God’s spirit came upon Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, David, Elijah, Elisha, and others. Though these individuals of ancient times will never be brought to heavenly glory, they were guided and helped by holy spirit, as are Jesus’ other sheep today. So, then, possession of God’s spirit does not mean that we necessarily have the heavenly calling.
START OF ARTICLE
Q1) When do we especially need the help of the holy spirit?
1) 'I cannot face this on my own. Only with the help of the holy spirit will I be able to endure this trial!' Have you ever expressed such heartfelt sentiments? Most Christians have. Perhaps you did so after you learned that you had contracted a serious illness. Or perhaps it was at the time when your lifelong marriage mate fell asleep in death. Or it may have been when your once-sunny disposition was overshadowed by the dark clouds of depression. At painful times in life, you may have felt that you were surviving only because Jehovah's holy spirit provided you with "power beyond what is normal."-2 Corinthians 4:7-9; Psalm 40:1, 2.
Only with the help of the holy spirit will I be able to endure this trial
Do JWs expect some miraculous intervention by the holy spirit? When 2 individual JWs have a financial trial and one receives money and one does not, did the holy spirit intervene for one and not the other? Must JWs conclude that one was faithful and one was not? If 2 JWs have the same health problem and one recovers and one dies…..?
Most Christians
— only JWs2. (a) What challenges do true Christians face? (b) What questions will we consider in this article?
2) True Christians have to deal with increasing pressure and opposition from today's ungodly world. (1 John 5:19) In addition, followers of Christ are attacked by Satan the Devil himself, who is waging a vicious war against those who "observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus." (Revelation 12: 12, 17) It is no wonder, therefore, that we need the support of God's spirit now more than ever. What can we do to make sure that we continue to receive God's holy spirit in abundance? And why can we be certain that Jehovah is more than willing to give us the strength needed in times of trial? We find the answers to these questions in two of Jesus' illustrations.
True Christians…followers of Christ
— only JWsToday’s ungodly world
— all non-JWs are ungodlyBearing witness to Jesus
— then why called "Jehovah’s Witnesses" not "Jesus’ Witnesses"?Attacked by Satan the Devil himself, who is waging a vicious war against
(only JWs, specifically only spirit-anointed JWs, the 144,000)Times of trial
— are all problems in the lives of JWs caused directly by Satan?*** w04 6/1 p. 16 par. 7 Blessed Are Those Who Give Glory to God ***
We are also exposed to Satan’s direct attack. Satan is waging war with the remnant of anointed ones, "who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus." (Revelation 12:17) Jesus’ "other sheep" too experience Satan’s attack in the form of bans and persecutions.—John 10:16.
Continue to receive God’s holy spirit
— implies that JWs are already receiving HSPray Persistently
Q3, 4) What illustration did Jesus relate, and how did he apply it to prayer?
3) One of Jesus' disciples once requested: "Lord, teach us how to pray." (Luke 11:1) In answer, Jesus gave his disciples two related illustrations. The first is about a man who is hosting a guest, and the second is about a father who listens to his son. Let us consider each of these two illustrations.
Teach us how to pray:
(Luke 11:2) Then he said to them: "Whenever YOU pray, say, ‘Father, let your name be sanctified. . . .
4) Jesus said: "Who of you will have a friend and will go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, loan me three loaves, because a friend of mine has just come to me on a journey and I have nothing to set before him'? And that one from inside says in reply, `Quit making me trouble. The door is already locked, and my young children are with me in bed; I cannot rise up and give you anything.' I tell you, Although he will not rise up and give him anything because of being his friend, certainly because of his bold persistence he will get up and give him what things he needs." Jesus then explained how this illustration applies to the practice of prayer, saying: "Accordingly I say to you, Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking it will be opened."-Luke 11:5-10.
Certainly because of his bold persistence…keep on asking…keep on seeking…keep on knocking…receives…finds…will be opened.
How do you apply this to prayer without looking ahead at the WTS explanation?
Q5) What does the illustration about the persistent man teach us about our disposition when praying?
5) This vivid illustration of a persistent man shows what our disposition should be when we pray. Note that Jesus says that the man succeeds in obtaining what he needs "because of his bold persistence." (Luke 11:8) The expression "bold persistence" occurs only once in the Bible. It is translated from a Greek word that literally means "shamelessness." Often shamelessness indicates a bad trait. However, when shamelessness or persistence is shown for a good cause, it can be a commendable quality. That is the case with the host in the illustration. He does not feel any shame in asking persistently for what he needs. Since Jesus presents this host as an example for us, our prayers should likewise be persistent. Jehovah wants us to 'keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking.' In response, he will "give holy spirit to those asking him."
When shamelessness…is shown for a good cause, it can be a commendable quality
Are they referring to the situation where 2 elders sit outside some JWs house trying to catch them in wrongdoing?
Q6) In Jesus' day, how was the custom of showing hospitality viewed?
6) Jesus shows us not only how we should pray--with bold persistence--but also why we should do so. To discern that lesson clearly, we should consider how those who listened to Jesus' illustration about the persistent host viewed the custom of extending hospitality. Numerous passages in the Scriptures show that in Bible times, caring for visitors was a custom that was taken seriously, especially by God's servants. (Genesis 18: 2-5; Hebrews 13:2) Failing to show hospitality was a disgrace. (Luke 7:36-38, 44-46) With that in mind, let us look again at Jesus' story.
How those who listened…viewed the custom of hospitality…failing to show hospitality was a disgrace!!!!
Yes, Lot was willing to let his daughters be raped rather than be considered a bad host.
19 Now the two angels arrived at Sod´om by evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sod´om. When Lot caught sight of them, then he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the earth. 2 And he proceeded to say: "Please, now, my lords, turn aside, please, into the house of YOUR servant and stay overnight and have YOUR feet washed. Then YOU must get up early and travel on YOUR way." To this they said: "No, but in the public square is where we shall stay overnight." 3 But he was very insistent with them, so that they turned aside to him and came into his house. Then he made a feast for them, and he baked unfermented cakes, and they went to eating. 4 Before they could lie down, the men of the city, the men of Sod´om, surrounded the house, from boy to old man, all the people in one mob. 5 And they kept calling out to Lot and saying to him: "Where are the men who came in to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have intercourse with them." 6 Finally Lot went out to them to the entrance, but he shut the door behind him. 7 Then he said: "Please, my brothers, do not act badly. 8 Please, here I have two daughters who have never had intercourse with a man. Please, let me bring them out to YOU. Then do to them as is good in YOUR eyes. Only to these men do not do a thing, because that is why they have come under the shadow of my roof." Or the man who gave his concubine to a mob to be gang raped until she died. (Judges 19)(Genesis 19:1-8)
Q7) Why is the host in Jesus' illustration not ashamed to wake up his friend?
7) The host in the illustration receives a visitor in the middle of the night. The host feels compelled to serve food for his guest but has "nothing to set before him." This, in his view, is an emergency! He has to get some bread, no matter what it takes. So he goes to a friend of his and shamelessly wakes him up. "Friend, loan me three loaves," the host calls out. He persists with his request until he gets what he needs. Only then, with the loaves in his possession, can he be a proper host.
Yes, being a proper host is what compels JWs…………..
[Picture on page 21] What can we learn from Jesus' illustration about the persistent host?
The More Needed--The More Asked For
Q8) What will move us to pray persistently for holy spirit?
8) What does this illustration show about the reason why we pray persistently? The man kept asking for bread because he felt that having those loaves in his possession was absolutely necessary to carry out his duty as a host. (Isaiah 58:5-7) Without bread, he would fall short. Comparably, because we realize that having God's spirit is absolutely necessary to carry out our ministry as true Christians, we keep praying to God, asking for that spirit. (Zechariah 4:6) Without it, we will fail. (Matthew 26:41) Do you see the important conclusion that we can draw from this illustration? If we view God's spirit as something we urgently need, we are more likely to persist in asking for it.
Having God’s spirit is absolutely necessary to carry our our ministry
Can JWs have holy spirit apart from the WTS/FDS/GB?
*** w93 8/15 p. 11 Why You Need to Attend Christian Meetings ***
Holy spirit, working through God’s organization, will also help us to gain a wonderfully clear understanding of what Jehovah has in store for those who love him.
*** w91 9/15 p. 17 par. 12 "Help Me Out Where I Need Faith!" ***
To ensure their salvation, Noah and his family needed to exercise faith. This meant following instructions and the leadings of God’s holy spirit. During the great tribulation, it will be just as imperative that we follow the leadings of the holy spirit and obey Jehovah’s instructions through his organization.
Didn’t they say that JWs already have holy spirit in paragraph 2?
True Christians
— only JWs[Picture on page 22] Do you pray persistently for God's holy spirit?
Q9, 10) (a) Illustrate why we need to be persistent in asking God for his spirit. (b) What question should we ask ourselves, and why?
9) To put this lesson in a present-day setting, imagine that one of your family members becomes sick in the middle of the night. Would you awaken a doctor to ask him for help? Not if the patient has a minor complaint. However, if he is having a heart attack, you would not be ashamed to call a doctor. Why? Because you face an emergency. You realize that skilled help is absolutely necessary. Not asking for help could prove fatal. Similarly, true Christians face an ongoing emergency, so to speak. After all, Satan goes about like "a roaring lion," trying to devour us. (1 Peter 5:8) For us to stay alive spiritually, the help of God's spirit is absolutely necessary. Not asking for God's help could be fatal. Hence, with bold persistence we ask God for his holy spirit. (Ephesians 3:14-16) Only by doing so will we maintain the strength needed to `endure to the end.' -Matthew 10:22; 24:13.
Bad Analogy:
imagine that one of your family members becomes sick in the middle of the night. Would you awaken a doctor to ask him for help? Not if the patient has a minor complaint. However, if he is having a heart attack, you would not be ashamed to call a doctor.
So how would you diagnose a minor complaint from a heart attack…would you call a doctor or 911? You would not call a doctor (what idiot wrote this).
True Christians
— only JWsSatan is only after JWs because he has everyone else on earth in his control per the WTS.
10) It is therefore crucial for us to pause at times and ask ourselves, `Really, how persistent are my prayers?' Remember, when we fully realize that we need God's help, our prayers for holy spirit will be more persistent.
How persistent are my prayers?
Since God knows all things, will he only listen to those who are persistent?
How will God’s help manifest itself per the WTS?
What Moves Us to Pray With Confidence?
Q11) How did Jesus apply the illustration of a father and his son to prayer?
11) Jesus' illustration of the persistent host highlights the disposition of the one who prays--the believer. The next illustration highlights the disposition of the one who hears prayers--Jehovah God. Jesus asked: "Indeed, which father is there among you who, if his son asks for a fish, will perhaps hand him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he also asks for an egg, will hand him a scorpion?" Jesus went on to make the application, saying: "Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to, give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!"-Luke 11:11-13.
Disposition of the one who hears prayers
Does God hear prayers of those not associated with the WTS?
Q12) How does the illustration of the father hearing his son's request highlight Jehovah's willingness to respond to our prayers?
12) With this example of a father responding to his son, Jesus reveals how Jehovah feels about those who turn to him in prayer. (Luke 10:22) First, note the contrast. Unlike the man in the first illustration who was reluctant to respond to a call for help, Jehovah is like a caring human parent, who is eager to respond to a request from his child. (Psalm 50:15) Jesus further reveals Jehovah's willing disposition toward us by reasoning from the lesser to the greater. He says that if a human father, though "being wicked" because of inherited sinfulness, gives a good gift to his son, how much more so can we expect that our heavenly Father, being benevolent, will give holy spirit to his family of worshippers!-James 1:17.
Will God eagerly respond to non-JWs or are only JWs regarded as God’s children, specifically only anointed JWs?
*** w04 11/1 p. 13 par. 16 Happy Servants of Jehovah ***
Anointed Christiansare spirit-begotten and are adopted by Jehovah as "sons"while still on earth. (Romans 8:14-17)
The peaceable "other sheep" serve Jehovah under the Fine Shepherd, Christ Jesus, who becomes their "Eternal Father." (John 10:14, 16; Isaiah 9:6) Those who successfully pass the final test after the Millennial Reign of Christ will be adopted as Jehovah’s earthly sons and "have the glorious freedom of the children of God."
Q13. Of what can we be sure when we pray to Jehovah?
13) What is the lesson for us? We can be confident that when we ask our heavenly Father for holy spirit, he is more than willing to grant our request. (1 John 5:14) When we turn to him in prayer again and again, Jehovah will never say, as it were: "Quit making me trouble. The door is already locked." (Luke 11:7) On the contrary, Jesus stated: "Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you." (Luke 11:9, 10) Yes, Jehovah "will answer us in the day that we call."-Psalm 20:9; 145:18.
[God] will never say…the door is locked
Has the WTS and its representatives locked the door of prayer to certain JWs and all non-JWs?
Q14) (a) What erroneous idea troubles some who face trials? (b) When facing trials, why may we pray to Jehovah with confidence?
14) Jesus' illustration of the caring father also emphasizes that Jehovah's goodness is far greater than the goodness shown by any human parent. Hence, none of us should ever feel that the trials we may be facing must be an expression of God's displeasure with us. It is our archenemy, Satan, who wants us to think that way. (Job 4:1, 7, 8; John 8:44) There is no Scriptural basis for such self-condemnatory thoughts. Jehovah does not try us "with evil things." (James 1:13) He does not hand us a serpentlike trial or a scorpionlike test. Our heavenly Father gives "good things to those asking him." (Matthew 7:11; Luke 11:13) Indeed, the more we appreciate Jehovah's goodness and his willingness to help us, the more we will be moved to pray with confidence. As we do, we too will be able to express sentiments like those of the psalmist who wrote: "Truly God has heard; he has paid attention to the voice of my prayer."-Psalm 10:17; 66:19.
None of us should ever feel that the trials we may be facing must be an expression of God’s displeasure
The WTS always turns this around and makes the individual at fault. The scenario is that an elder or some "mature" JW tells them that the bad thing that happened was because they were missing meetings and not getting enough time in.
So remember that other JWs in the audience, God does not try us with evil things.
[Picture on page 23] What do we learn about Jehovah from the illustration of a caring father?
How the Holy Spirit Is Our Helper
Q15) (a) What promise did Jesus make regarding the holy spirit? (b) What is one way that the holy spirit helps us?
15) Shortly before his death, Jesus repeated the assurance he had given in his illustrations. Speaking about the holy spirit, he told his apostles: "I will request the Father and he will give you another helper to be with you forever." (John 14:16) Thus Jesus promised that the helper, or holy spirit, would be with his followers in times to come, including in our day. What is one significant way that we today experience such support? The holy spirit helps us to endure various trials. How so? The apostle Paul, who faced tests himself, described in a letter to the Christians in Corinth how God's spirit came to his aid. Let us briefly consider what he wrote.
His followers in time to come, including our day
Who were Jesus’ followers from 100 to 1879 AD?
*** w95 5/15 p. 16 par. 5 Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small ***
In this regard, the book God’sKingdomofaThousandYearsHasApproached stated: "As to just how the ‘faithful and discreet slave’ class existed and served down through the centuries after the death of the apostles of the Master Jesus Christ, we do not have a distinct historical picture. Apparently one generation of the ‘slave’ class fed the next succeeding generation thereof.
Who are Jesus’ followers today
— only JWsQ16) How may our situation be similar to that of Paul?
16) First, Paul openly told his fellow believers that he was dealing with "a thorn in the flesh," a trial of some sort. Then, he said: "I three times entreated the Lord [Jehovah] that it might depart from me." (2 Corinthians 12:7, 8) Even though Paul begged God to remove his affliction, it remained. Perhaps you face a similar situation today. Like Paul, you may have prayed with persistence and with confidence, asking Jehovah to remove a trial. Despite your repeated petitions, however, the problem still confronts you. Does that mean that Jehovah did not respond to your prayers and that his spirit is not helping you? Not at all! (Psalm 10:1, 17) Note what the apostle Paul said next.
A trial of some sort
The WTS has been more pointed in the interpretation of this trial in the past…why not here?
*** it-2 p. 589 Paul ***
Besides all of this and more in subsequent years, Paul had to contend with "a thorn in the flesh" (2Co 12:7), possibly an affliction of his eyes or of another sort.
w05 8/1 p. 21 par. 4 Jehovah Has Numbered "the Very Hairs of Your Head"
The Bible does not state just what Paul’s "thorn in the flesh" was. It might have been a physical affliction, such as poor eyesight. Or the expression "thorn in the flesh" might refer to false apostles and others who challenged Paul’s apostleship and ministry.—2 Corinthians 11:6, 13-15; Galatians 4:15; 6:11.
Even though Paul begged God to remove his affliction, it remained. Perhaps you face a similar situation today
So if it is removed, it is the holy spirit, and if it stays it is the holy spirit. A win-win situation.
Q17) How did Jehovah answer Paul's prayers?
17) In response to Paul's prayers, God told him: "My undeserved kindness is sufficient for you; for my power is being made perfect in weakness." Paul said: "Most gladly, therefore, will I rather boast as respects my weaknesses, that the power of the Christ may like a tent remain over me." (2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 147:5) Hence, Paul experienced that through Christ, God's powerful protection was spread over him like a tent. Today, Jehovah answers our prayers in a similar manner. He spreads his protection like a shelter over his servants.
Power of the Christ—
same as "holy spirit" from God?What does it mean to have God’s protection? Protection from what?
His servants
— only JWsPer the WTS, does God protect individuals or only groups?
*** w03 8/15 p. 23 par. 18 What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? ***
As we walk with God, he delivers us from Satan’s world, guides us by means of his Word and his organization, and protects us as a group when we are under attack by opposers.
*** w02 12/15 p. 15 par. 10 "He Will Draw Close to You" ***
How, though, does Jehovah guard his people? His promise of protection does not guarantee us a problem-free life in this system; nor does it mean that he is obligated to work miracles in our behalf. Nevertheless, Jehovah does provide physical protection for his people as a group. After all, he would never allow the Devil to efface true worshipers from the earth!
Q18) Why are we able to endure trials?
18) 0f course, a tent does not stop the rains from falling or the winds from blowing, but it does provide some protection from those elements. Likewise, the shelter provided by "the power of the Christ" does not stop trials from befalling us or hardships from being brought against us. Yet, it does give spiritual protection against the harmful elements of this world and the attacks of its ruler, Satan. (Revelation 7:9, 15, 16) Therefore, even if you are dealing with a trial that does not `depart from you,' you can be certain that Jehovah is aware of your struggle and that he has responded to "the sound of your outcry." (Isaiah 30:19; 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) Paul wrote: "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it."- 1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:6, 7.
Bad Analogy:
0f course, a tent does not stop the rains from falling or the winds from blowing, but it does provide some protection from those elements. Likewise, the shelter provided by "the power of the Christ" does not stop trials from befalling us or hardships from being brought against us.
The tents of Bible times are different than the camping tents of today…think about those that protect people in cold, snowy cllimates.
So what does it stop?
Q19) What are you determined to do, and why?
19) Granted, the present "last days" of this ungodly world are characterized by "critical times hard to deal with." (2 Timothy 3:1) Even so, for servants of God, these times are not impossible to deal with. Why not? Because of the support and protection of God's holy spirit, which Jehovah gives willingly and abundantly to all those who ask him for it with persistence and confidence. May we, therefore, be resolved to keep on praying for holy spirit every day.-Psalm 34:6; 1 John 5: 14,15.
Last days
— The WTS once taught that the last days started in 1799 and ended in 1914Creation; 1927; 2,175,000 ed.; pp. 293
"Napoleon began this Egyptian campaign in 1798, finished it, and then returned to France on October 1, 1799. The campaign is briefly, yet graphically described in the prophecy, verses 40-44; and its being completed in 1799 marks, according to the prophet's own words, the beginning of "the time of the end….Twelve hundred and sixty years from 539 A.D. brings us to 1799, which is another proof that 1799 definitely marks the beginning of "the time of the end." This also shows that it is from the date 539 A.D. that the other prophetic days of Daniel must be counted."
Watchtower 1894 July 15
"
But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble.
Servants of God—
only JWs
How Would You Answer?
- What do we need to do to receive God's holy spirit?
- Why can we be confident that Jehovah will respond to our prayers for holy spirit?
- How does the holy spirit help us to endure trials?
Concluding Comments
When does God answer prayers? After praying once, twice, ten, twenty times?
If you thought your mate was having a heart attack, would you call a doctor or 911?
What will you say when the next JW says your problems are caused by God?
Per the WTS, does God protect individuals or only groups?
If your trial is removed or remains, which is caused by holy spirit?
Snow has finally reached us. We came home to six inches and the lakes froze over. We enjoyed our visits with those that JWD and the ex-JW community have blessed us with. I just finished some wonderful pancakes cooked up by my hubbie along with coffee and cranberry juice. Death did not take a holiday…2 co-workers lost loved ones and I noted that a long-time JW died, one of the few kind ones. I wonder who will look after the older people now.
Can you believe that one month of the new year is almost gone! I have been planning my flower beds and garden and how to add a spa to the deck. Do you have any suggestions regarding perennials that are short, yellow and orange, and stand up to heat and wind?
Love, Blondie