Comments You Will Not Hear at the 06-01-08 WT Study (April 15, 2008, pages 3-7)(VALUELESS)Review comments will be in redWT 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
Bible translations www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
WT publications www.strictlygenteel.co.uk
WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org
Blood issue www.ajwrb.org
United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
REPUDIATE "VALUELESS THINGS" "The one pursuing valueless things is in want of heart."-PROV. 12:11.
OPENING COMMENTS
The message I see in this article is that many jws are not donating to the WTS and are conspicuously buying material things beyond their daily needs. Do I think that they will soon stop buying video games, flat screen tvs, SUVs, new homes, etc.? Not likely. Combine that with the fact the WTS discourages its members from getting an education that leads to a better paying job, even less the rank and file will have money to donate.
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1. What are some of our valuable things, and what is the best way to use them?
As Christians, we all possess valuable things of one kind or another. They might include a measure of health and strength, inborn mental abilities, or financial resources. Because we love Jehovah, we are happy to use those things in his service and thus respond to the inspired exhortation: "Honor Jehovah with your valuable things." - Prov. 3:9.
Christians = only jws
in his service = remember the confusion about "sacred service"?
*** w76 10/1 pp. 598-600 pars. 9-19 Rendering Sacred Service Night and Day ***
Sacred service,” then, is not something that occupies only a portion of our lives. It is not limited to just one activity or a certain number of activities but it takes in every aspect of our daily living. It can be summed up by these words: ‘Keep doing all things as unto Jehovah, whether eating or drinking or doing any other thing.’ (1 Cor. 10:31) Showing how all-embracing this service should be, the apostle says at Romans 12:1, 2: “I entreat you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason. And quit being fashioned after this system of things.”
Many things are involved, but your aim, your goal and your heart motivation are key factors in determining whether what you do is really “sacred service” or not. For example, among us are many parents. Part, in fact, a large part, of your “sacred service” to God involves your children. Psalm 127:3 says that they are “an inheritance from Jehovah.” Are you caring for that inheritance as unto him and for his glory? This too is a “night and day” feature of your service, for God’s Word points out that parents should be instilling God’s fine principles into their children from the time they get up until the time they lie down. (Deut. 6:4-9) To do this, a basic thing is to study the Bible with them. But a parent should not say to himself, ‘I have a Bible study once a week with my children, just as I have with other people. Therefore that is enough for them to know what is right and to follow Bible principles.’ This is just not true. Remember, the Bible says that children of a believing parent are viewed by God as “holy” or sacred. (1 Cor. 7:14) How would you treat something left in your care that you knew was sacred to God? Would you not guard it most carefully every day, day and night?
What you do now to teach and discipline your children could well save them. On the other hand, if you are lax now, you may lose them. That is, the time may suddenly come—before you know it—when your words to them fall on deaf ears. The world will have more influence over them than you will have. Then, how will God view the way you have handled property sacred to him?
To instill God’s Word in the children all day long does not mean constant preaching to them. It calls for your exemplifying what God’s truth is all about by your daily life and conversation. On every occasion, either by your loving, close relationship with them and your friendly, intimate association and free communication, you can help them to appreciate Jehovah God, his wisdom, his love and the rightness of his ways. Listen to them, reason with them. When giving instructions or jobs for them to do, or in disciplining, show why, and explain the good results of obeying you as a parent and, consequently, of obeying God as Head over all.
You cannot simply try to have a “good child” in the sense that the world uses that term. Of course, you want your child to be well-mannered, respectful, honest, and considerate of others. But you want him or her to be that way because, above all, your child has come to know and to love Jehovah God. For your upbringing of your child to be different from the world’s youth, and to be truly a “sacred service,” the child’s mind and heart must be directed toward Jehovah, so that he or she becomes a praiser of Jehovah.—Ps. 148:12, 13.
Husbands and wives can render “sacred service” by making their marriage successful and an honor to God’s institution of marriage. A man or a woman may be very kind and pleasant to others, patiently putting up with mistakes or even suffering indignities and injuries from them without retaliation. But when it comes to the marriage mate, a husband or a wife may be quick to anger, ‘reading between the lines’ of what the mate says, with a ‘chip-on-the-shoulder’ attitude, looking for an occasion to find fault. Or the couple may cut off communication with each other.
No matter what other things a married person may do, he or she is not fully rendering acceptable “sacred service” to God if he or she ignores the sacred marriage covenant.—Eph. 5:22-25, 29.
Housewives have a fine opportunity to perform acceptable “sacred service” to God. Their fine works that others can see would certainly include keeping a neat, clean house, taking care of the cooking and the clothing needs of the family. For what is more on display to others than one’s home? A wife’s hospitality, her readiness to help her neighbors, particularly her willingness to ‘put herself out’ to assist other sisters in the congregation in whatever their needs may be—these are sacrifices in which God is well pleased. When people know these things about her, then her public declaration of the good news in the congregation territory will have a more powerful influence.—Acts 9:36-41; Titus 2:4, 5.
If children in the household are concerned with rendering “sacred service” to Jehovah they can show respect for their father and help their mother in bringing honor to God by helping them to keep the house in good, clean order. And where parents are not in the truth the children can do much in this way to cause the parents to honor God. Their conduct before schoolmates, respect for teachers, telling others about the good news when opportunity affords and working closely with the congregation in things done at the Kingdom Hall and sharing in the field service, certainly are things God counts as “sacred service” to him. (Prov. 20:11; Titus 2:6-8) A good test of your service, as to whether it is true “sacred service” or not, is the question you might ask yourself: ‘Do I go in the field service, perhaps carrying Bible literature to others?’ That is commendable. But, now, also ask yourself: ‘At school and elsewhere, what is my conduct? Do I do what worldly youths do? Or do I remember that I am to render “sacred service” to Jehovah night and day?’ You, like others, can do much to interest people in the good news by your daily conduct and fine attitude.
Christian elders are also called on to serve night and day. Part of your “sacred service” is on behalf of your brothers, caring for their spiritual needs. To the elders of the Ephesus congregation, the apostle Paul could say: “Therefore keep awake, and bear in mind that for three years, night and day, I did not quit admonishing each one with tears.” (Acts 20:31) Your brothers today need your help no less than the brothers in Ephesus needed help back in the first century.
Can you do what Paul did, serving day and night? Paul’s words do not necessarily mean that he spent every minute in talking or preaching. No, for in Acts 20:34 he goes on to mention how he worked with his own hands doing secular work so as to attend to the material needs of himself and of those laboring with him. In fact, in writing to the Thessalonians, he said: “Certainly you bear in mind, brothers, our labor and toil. It was with working night and day, so as not to put an expensive burden upon any one of you, that we preached the good news of God to you.”—1 Thess. 2:9.
Yes, Paul sometimes was occupied not only in the day but also in the evening in secular work, such as tentmaking. But it is important for us to ask: Why did he do this? Was it for materialistic reasons or due to a desire for luxuries? No, but as he himself says, it was “so as not to put an expensive burden” on his brothers. He set an example in this so that no one could accuse him of leading a soft life through the financial support of those to whom he was serving the good news. Because his motive and aim were to advance the truth and eliminate any stumbling blocks in the minds of those he served he could be said to be engaging in God’s service even during those secular working hours. But what if his motive had been selfish, if he had not been doing all things as unto Jehovah and for the advancement of the Kingdom
interests? Then his work would have been no different from that of any other secular work. It would not have been a “sacred service.”
BUT BY 1980:
*** w80 8/15 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers ***
At Colossians 3:23 Christians are counseled to serve their masters “whole-souled as to Jehovah, and not to men.” Does this mean that secular work done as to Jehovah is part of our sacred service?
The Greek word latreia, translated “sacred service” in the New World Translation, refers to dedicated worship or service to God. (Rom. 12:1) Jesus himself showed that it involves giving one’s primary allegiance to Jehovah. (Matt. 4:8-10; Luke 4:5-8) It is service directed toward advancing the interests of Jehovah’s kingdom.
In ancient times, God’s dedicated nation of Israel rendered “sacred service” in obedience to the requirements of the Law covenant, in order to become to Jehovah “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Ex. 19:5, 6) This service provided types and shadows of realities to appear later under the New Covenant arrangement, in connection with God’s kingdom by Christ Jesus. (Heb. 8:5; 9:9, 14) Thus anointed Christians are told: “Seeing that we are to receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us continue to have undeserved kindness, through which we may acceptably render God sacred service with godly fear and awe.” (Heb. 12:28) Their companions, the “great crowd,” who look forward to everlasting life on earth, must likewise show godly fear as they perform their assigned “sacred service” in the earthly courtyard of Jehovah’s temple.—Rev. 7:9, 15.
Does this “sacred service” mean simply ‘living a good life,’ being a fine example in raising and providing for one’s family, keeping the house clean, applying oneself at school, and so forth? Hardly, for the Israelites did such things over and above the sacred service that Jehovah commanded them to perform. (Ex. 7:16; 12:25, 26 [latreia, Greek Septuagint Version]) And though the Sabbath law required them to ‘render service, and do all their work six days,’ certain sacred services were carried on even during the seventh day, such as at festivals and in giving instruction in the synagogues.—Ex. 13:5, 6; 20:9; Acts 13:14, 15; 18:4.
Today, there are people who live clean, moral lives, but who have no interest at all in God or his purposes. Surely their lives cannot be described as “sacred service.” Obviously, this has to do specifically with service to God, done out of appreciation for sacred things—something out of the ordinary that calls for the sacrifice of time and energy. It is different from secular work or everyday living, though with Christians this also should be done “for God’s glory.”—1 Cor. 10:31; Rom. 1:9.
Outstandingly, in this time preceding the “great tribulation” our “sacred service” requires obedience to Jesus’ commands to preach and to teach “this good news of the kingdom,” warning the people and making disciples. (Matt. 24:14, 21; 28:19, 20) It also embraces our assembling for worship, our family studies of the Bible and discussions of the text for each day. It extends to special service in the pioneer and missionary fields, and at Bethel homes operated for supplying spiritual food and providing good organization for the worldwide work of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It includes the services performed by traveling and congregational overseers and ministerial servants, as they care for the spiritual interests of their brothers. (Deut. 31:12, 13; 6:4-9; Eph. 6:4; Acts 1:8; 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2, 3; 1 Tim. 3:1, 12, 13) This “sacred service” of all of God’s organized people is rendered from dedicated hearts, and with the help of Jehovah’s spirit and his holy angels. (Phil. 3:3; Acts 27:23) If we by such service ‘keep on seeking first the kingdom and [God’s] righteousness,’ Jehovah will see to it that the daily necessities of life are “added” to us.—Matt. 6:33; Luke 12:31.
Our “sacred service” must be modeled after the kind of service that Jesus did on earth. (1 Pet. 2:21-23) It is performed out of love for God and love for neighbor, the kind of self-sacrificing love in which Jesus set the example. (Mark 12:30, 31; John 13:34; 15:13) This service places emphasis on our public preaching, for we are told: “Let us always [through Jesus] offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name.” At the same time, we must “not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others”—no, not as mere charitable works, but from the heart in behalf of fellow worshipers. Thus when our brothers are in need, suffer calamity or are in distress, we will render loving assistance, so that all may be encouraged to hold fast the public declaration of their hope without wavering. “With such sacrifices God is well pleased.”—Heb. 10:23-25; 13:15, 16; Rom. 10:10-15; Jas. 1:27.
Do you have to readjust your viewpoint on “sacred service”? If so, may you do so in the spirit expressed at Second Corinthians 13:11: “Finally, brothers, continue to rejoice, to be readjusted, to be comforted, to think in agreement, to live peaceably; and the God of love and of peace will be with you.”
Q 2. What warning does the Bible give about valueless things, and how does this warning apply in a literal sense?
2. On the other hand, the Bible also speaks of valueless things and warns against wasting our resources in pursuit of them. In this regard, consider the words of Proverbs 12:11: "The one cultivating his ground will himself be satisfied with bread, but the one pursuing valueless things is in want of heart." It is not difficult to see how that proverb applies in a literal sense, If a man spends his time and energy working hard to support his family, he stands a good chance of achieving relative security. (1 Tim. 5:8) If, however, he wastes his resources pursuing valueless things, he demonstrates "want of heart," a lack of balanced judgment and good motivation. Very likely, such a man will find himself in need.
Has the WTS defined specifically what they consider valueless things?
Aren't there women who support their family? What has been the WTS position about women working outside the family? How and why did they "adjust" it?
*** w68 10/1 pp. 607-608 Questions From Readers ***
give him oversight of the family’s finances without a corresponding obligation. Rather, he also bears the principal responsibility to provide for the family’s support. Under normal circumstances, it is not his wife who is expected to hold a job and earn a living for the family—he is! He should feel the primary weight of the Biblical principle: “If anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.”—1 Tim. 5:8.
What, though, if the wife does hold a secular job and so earns money? Does this affect things? Well, let us examine just why a Christian wife would be in such a position.
Surely a mature Christian wife would not be holding a secular job because of the glamour of it, or out of independence and so as to compete with her husband, or to escape her primary responsibilities, or because of a desire for excessive possessions. Women in the world who do not really need to hold a secular job, but who do so because of such reasons, have often wound up with emotional problems and severe difficulties in their marriages. How wise, then, is the Bible’s counsel that a married woman concentrate on the vital role of caring for the home and family. (Proverbs chap. 31; 1 Tim. 5:14) Also, this will probably allow the wife more time to devote to spiritual interests. So in many ways she will be able to make a valuable contribution to the happiness of the entire family.—Prov. 6:20-22.
Possibly, though, the husband, because of some adversity, is not able to earn enough to cover the family’s basic needs (not desires) in life. After discussing the matter, it might be decided that the wife will take on secular employment for a time. Does the fact that she will be earning money change the husband’s position in regard to family finances? No! In fact, if both husband and wife needed to hold secular jobs, it should be obvious what the money they earn is for—food, clothing and shelter. As a submissive Christian wife she should recognize her husband’s Scriptural obligation to direct the family in regard to such things, even though she might be contributing some of the money.
Q 3. How does the Bible's warning about valueless things apply to our worship?
3. What, though, if we apply the principle of the proverb to our worship? Then we see that a Christian who diligently and faithfully serves Jehovah enjoys real security. He can be confident of God’s blessing now and has an unshakable hope for the future. (Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 4:10) However, a Christian who is distracted by valueless things puts his relationship with Jehovah and his prospects for everlasting life in danger. How can we avoid that? We have to discern the things in our lives that are "valueless" and cultivate a determination to reject them.–read Titus 2: 11,12.
Q 4. In a general sense, what are valueless things?
4. What then are valueless things? In a general sense, they can be anything that distracts us from serving Jehovah whole-souled. They could, for example, include various forms of relaxation. Of course, relaxation has its place. But when we spend too much time on "fun" things at the expense of activities connected with our worship, relaxation becomes a valueless thing, adversely affecting our spiritual well-being. (Eccl. 2: 24; 4:6) To avoid that, a Christian cultivates balance, carefully watching how he spends his valuable time (Read Colossians 4:5) There are, though, valueless things that are much more dangerous than relaxation. Among these are false gods.
So does the WTS get specific about valueless things: "in a general sense" "anything that distracts us from serving Jehovah
whole-souled...various forms of relaxation...'fun' things." Does that mean field service and meetings are not "fun" and relaxing?
Distractions:
*** w07 10/15 p. 12 Move Toward the Light ***
Some Christians, though, have allowed distractions to lure them away from Jehovah’s light so that their faith has been shipwrecked on what we might liken to treacherous rocks—materialism, immorality, or even apostasy.
*** w05 2/15 p. 18 par. 3 Safeguarding Our Christian Identity ***
Some, while sincerely desiring to serve Jehovah, might be distracted by intense peer pressure, worldly influences, and sinful tendencies.
a Christian: only jws
false gods: Is the WTS making itself into a false God when they say humans can only approach God through their organization?
*** w05 9/1 p. 22 par. 17 We Shall Walk in the Name of Jehovah Our God ***
The only reliable guidance by which to direct our steps is spiritual guidance, which comes through Jehovah’s Word, his spirit, and his organization.
*** w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible—A Book Meant to Be Understood ***
Even as Bible prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the “greatly diversified wisdom of God” can become known only through Jehovah’s channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.—John 6:68.
Repudiate Valueless Gods
Q 5. How does the Bible often apply the world "valueless"?
5. It is interesting in most Bible verses where the word "valueless" appears, it is applied to false gods. For example, Jehovah said to Israel: "You must not make valueless gods for yourselves, and you must not set up a carved image or a sacred pillar for yourselves, and you must not put a stone as a showpiece in your land in order to bow down toward it." (Lev. 26:1) KIng David wrote: "Jehovah is great and very much to be praised, and he is to be feared more than all other gods. For all the gods of the peoples are valueless gods. As for Jehovah, he made the heavens." -1 Chron. 16:25, 26.
Notice though that the WTS has recently said that "generation" is not always negative as well as "leaven."
The Israelites then were approaching God through a wrong "channel." What does that mean when the WTS sets itself up as the only approach on earth to God?
Q 6. Why are false gods valueless?
6. As David indicated, we are surrounded by evidence of Jehovah's greatness. (Ps. 139:14; 148:1-10) What a privilege it was for the Israelites to be in a covenant relationship withJehovah! How foolish they were to turn away from him and bow down before carved images and sacred pillars! In times of crisis, their false gods proved to be truly valueless, powerless to save themselves let alone their worshippers.-Judg. 10:14, 15; lsa. 46:5-7.
So again the WTS refers to an OT example of advice, an adulterer and a murderer.
According to the WTS who only are in a covenant relationship with God? Only anointed jws, less than 10,000 out of almost 7 million jws. Where does the 7 million fit into this picture?
*** w03 2/15 p. 22 par. 19 What Does the Lord’s Evening Meal Mean to You? ***
Anointed Christians are certain of their heavenly hope, of their having been taken into the new covenant. Jesus mentioned it when he instituted the Memorial and said: “This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf.” (Luke 22:20) The parties to the new covenant are God and anointed ones. (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 12:22-24) Jesus is the mediator. Made operative by Christ’s shed blood, the new covenant took out not only from the Jews but also from the nations a people for Jehovah’s name and made them part of Abraham’s “seed.” (Galatians 3:26-29; Acts 15:14) This “everlasting covenant” provides for all spiritual Israelites to be resurrected to immortal life in heaven.—Hebrews 13:20.
Q 7, 8. How can "Riches" become like a god?
7. In many lands today, people still bow down to man-made images, and such gods are just as useless now as they were in the past. (1 John 5:21) However, the Bible describes things other than images as gods. Consider, for example, these words of Jesus: "No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot slave for God and for Riches." -Matt. 6:24.
Two masters? God and the scarlet-colored wild beast, the UN per the WTS?
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
8. How can "Riches" become like a god? Well, as an example, think of a stone lying in a field in ancient Israel. Such a stone could be useful for the construction of a house or a wall. On the other hand, if it was set up as "a sacred pillar" or as "a showpiece," it became a stumbling block to Jehovah's people. (Lev. 26:1) Similarly, money has its place. We need it just to survive, and we can use it well in Jehovah's service. (Eccl. 7:12; Luke 16:9) But if we place the pursuit of money ahead of our Christian service, money becomes, in effect, a god to us. (Read 1 Timothy 6:9, 10.) in this world, where the pursuit of financial gain is so important to people, we have to make sure that we keep a balanced view in this matter.-l Tim. 6:17-19.
"money has its place"
So the WTS thinks that somehow money comes without effort? Think of how many times donating money to the WTS is mentioned at the conventions, assemblies, meetings. Why then has the WTS combined the book (bible) study on the same night as the other 2 weeknight meetings? Why not expect the rank and file to eat the cost?
Q 9, 10. (a) How docs a Christian view education? (b) What is a danger of higher education?
9. Another example of something useful that can become a valueless thing is secular education. We want our children to be well-educated so that they can make their way in life. Even more important, a well-educated Christian is better able to read the Bible with understanding, reason on problems and come to sound conclusions, and teach Bible truths in a clear and persuasive way. Getting a good education takes time, but it is time well spent.
Christian - only jws
"valueless thing...secular education"
"read the Bible with understanding" with the WTS understanding
"reason on problems" with the WTS understanding
"come to sound conclusions" WTS conclusions
"teach Bible truths" teach WTS "truths"
Q 10. What, though, of higher education, received in a college or a university! This is widely viewed as vital to success. Yet, many who pursue such education end up with their minds filled with harmful propaganda. Such education wastes valuable youthful years that could best be used in Jehovah's service. (Eccl. 12: 1) Perhaps it is not surprising that in lands where many have received such an education, belief in God is at an all-time low. Rather than looking to the advanced educational systems of this world for security, a Christian trusts in Jehovah. -Prov.3:5.
"higher education, received in a college or a university" "minds filled with harmful propaganda.
So education in a vocational school or union training doesn't expose one to "harmful propaganda" or waste "valuable youthful years"?
Do Not Let Fleshly Desire Become a God
Q 11, 12, Why did Paul say of some: "Their god is their belly"?
11. In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul points to something else that can become a god. He speaks of some who used to be fellow worshippers and says: "There are many, I used to mention them often but now I mention them also with weeping, who are walking as the enemies of the torture stake of the Christ, and their finish is destruction, and their god is their belly, ... and they have their minds upon things on the earth." (Phil. 3:18, 19) How can a person's stomach, or belly, be a god?
I have heard that the WTS screens speakers for the conventions, not letting obese ones give talks. Does the WTS use overweight people in the photos in the publications?
Q 12. It appears that for those acquaintances of Paul, a desire to indulge in fleshly desires became more important than serving Jehovah along with Paul. Some may literally have overindulged in food or drink to the point of gluttony or drunkenness. (Prov. 23:20, 21; compare Deuteronomy 21:18-21.) Others may have chosen to make the most of the opportunities available in the first-century world and were thus distracted from serving Jehovah. May we never allow a desire for the so-called good life to cause us to slow down in our whole-souled service to Jehovah.-Col. 3:23, 24.
Can the WTS harass overweight jws? Note this statement:
*** w04 11/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
For example, obesity may be a sign of gluttony, but that is not always the case. One’s being overweight may be the result of an ailment. Hereditary factors may also contribute to obesity. We should also keep in mind that obesity is a physical condition, while gluttony is a mental attitude. Obesity is defined as “a condition characterized by excessive bodily fat,” whereas gluttony is “greedy or excessive indulgence.” Thus, gluttony is not determined by someone’s size but by his attitude toward food. A person may be of normal size or may even be thin and yet be a glutton. Furthermore, what is viewed as the ideal weight or shape varies considerably from place to place.
What about drunkenness? I have known many jws, including elders, that are never counseled or confronted about their drunkenness. I studied with a couple of recovering alcoholics who came to several KH meetings and told me that many jws were there with alcohol on their breath. That was the last time they came. In one congregation, the PO drank to excess for 40 years, and was finally removed only when his name appeared in the local paper for being arrested for several DUIs.
Q 13. (a) What is covetousness, and how did Paul describe it? (b) How can we avoid covetousness?
13. Paul also mentioned false worship in another context. He wrote: "Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." (Col. 3:5) Covetousness is a strong desire for something we do not possess. It can be for material things. It can even include illicit sexual desire. (Ex. 20:17) Is it not sobering to think that such desires amount to idolatry, worship of a false god? Jesus used a vivid word picture to show how important it is to control such wrong desires at any cost.–Read Mark 9:47; 1 John 2:16.
"covetousness" "material things... illicit sexual desire" Where does pedophilia, sexual harassment, pornography figure into this? Yet I have known brothers to be "guilty" of all three, yet nothing be done.
Beware of Words That Are Valueless
Q 14, 15. (a) What "valueless thing" stumbled many in Jeremiah's day? (b) Why were the words of Moses valuable?
14. Valueless things can include words. For example, Jehovah said to Jeremiah: "Falsehood is what the prophets are prophesying in my name. I have not sent them, nor have I commanded them or spoken to them. A false vision and divination and a valueless thing and the trickiness of their heart they are speaking prophetically to you people." (Jer. 14: 14) Those false prophets claimed to speak in Jehovah's name, but they were promoting their own ideas, their own wisdom. Thus, their words were "a valueless thing." They were worthless and posed a real spiritual threat. In 607 B.C.E., many who heeded such valueless words met an untimely death at the hands of Babylonian soldiers.
OT example--Jeremiah
"false prophets claimed to speak in [God's] name, but they were promoting their own ideas"
Superior authorities
1879 to 1929--secular governments
1929 to 1962--God and Jesus
1962 to present--secular governments
Whose ideas were the WTS promoting from 1929 to 1962?
Jesus began reigning in 1874 or 1914
*** jv chap. 28 pp. 631-632 Testing and Sifting From Within ***
Something else that was seen as a possible time indicator involved the arrangement that God instituted in ancient Israel for a Jubilee, a year of release, every 50th year. This came after a series of seven 7-year periods, each of which ended with a sabbath year. During the Jubilee year, Hebrew slaves were freed and hereditary land possessions that had been sold were restored. (Lev. 25:8-10) Calculations based on this cycle of years led to the conclusion that perhaps a greater Jubilee for all the earth had begun in the autumn of 1874, that evidently the Lord had returned in that year and was invisibly present, and that “the times of restitution of all things” had arrived.—Acts 3:19-21, KJ.
Based on the premise that events of the first century might find parallels in related events later, they also concluded that if Jesus’ baptism and anointing in the autumn of 29 C.E. paralleled the beginning of an invisible presence in 1874, then his riding into Jerusalem as King in the spring of 33 C.E. would point to the spring of 1878 as the time when he would assume his power as heavenly King. They also thought they would be given their heavenly reward at that time. When that did not occur, they concluded that since Jesus’ anointed followers were to share with him in the Kingdom, the resurrection to spirit life of those already sleeping in death began then. It was also reasoned that the end of God’s special favor to natural Israel down to 36 C.E. might point to 1881 as the time when the special opportunity to become part of spiritual Israel would close.
*** w74 8/15 p. 507 No Spiritual “Energy Crisis” for Discreet Ones ***
In 1943 the Watch Tower Society’s book “The Truth Shall Make You Free” did away with the nonexistent extra 100 years in the period of the Judges and placed the end of 6,000 years of man’s existence in the 1970’s. It also fixed the beginning of Christ’s presence, not in 1874, but in 1914 C.E.
607 or 587 BCE?
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/55372/807441/post.ashx#807441
15. In contrast, Moses said to the Israelites: "Apply your hearts to all the words that I am speaking in warning to you today ... For it is no valueless word for you, but it means your life, and by this word you may lengthen your days upon the soil to which you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of it." (Deut. 32:46,47) Yes, Moses' words were inspired by God. Thus, they were valuable, indeed vital, for the well-being of the nation. Those who heeded them enjoyed long life and prosperity. May we always repudiate valueless words and cling to valuable words of truth.
OT example--Moses
How many "valueless words" of the WTS have had to be discarded?
http://www.bible.ca/Jw-changes.htm
http://www.cftf.com/booklets/jwslisten/flipflops.htm
Q 16. How do we view statements by scientists that contradict God's word?
16. Do we hear valueless things being uttered today? Yes. for example, some scientists say that evolutionary theory and scientific discoveries in other fields demonstrate that there is no longer any need to believe in God, that everything can be explained by natural processes. Should such proud statements concern us? Of course notl Human wisdom differs from divine wisdom. (1 Cor. 2:6, 7) However, we know that when human teachings contradict what God has revealed, it is always the human teachings that are wrong. (Read Romans 3:4.) Despite the progress of science in some fields, the Bible's assessment of human wisdom remains true: "The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." Compared with the infinite wisdom of God, human reasoning is futile.-l Cor. 3: 18-20.
Then is what the WTS teaches "divine wisdom"? What about the 1914 generation, changed to a general wicked generation, changed to a generation of only anointed jws?
http://www.zimbio.com/Jehovah's+Witnesses/articles/10/Jehovah+Witnesses+Generation+Teaching+Changed
Is WTS wisdom foolishness with God?
Q 17. How should the words of Christendom's leaders and of apostates be viewed?
17 Another example of valueless words is found among the religious leaders of Christendom. These claim to speak in God's name, but most of their utterances are not based on the Scriptures, and what they say is basically worthless. Apostates too speak valueless words, claiming to have greater wisdom than the appointed "faithful and discreet slave." (Matt. 24:45-47) However, apostates speak their own wisdom, and their words are valueless, a stumbling block to any who might listen. (Luke 17:1, 2) How can we avoid being misled by them?
So can you think of WTS doctrines that are not based on the Scriptures? What about the ban on organ transplants from 1967 to 1980 or vaccinations?
http://www.adam.com.au/bstett/JWVaccination33.htm
So who are these apostates? Anyone who disagrees with the WTS? Weren't Jeremiah and Jesus viewed as apostates because they disagreed with the religious leaders of their time? Did that make their words valueless?
How to Repudiate Valueless Words
Q 18. In what ways can we apply the counsel found at 1 John 4:1?
18. The aged apostle John gave fine counsel in this regard. (Read 1 John 4:1.) In harmony with John's counsel, we always encourage those we meet in the preaching work to test what they have been taught by comparing it with the Bible. That is a good rule for us too. lf any statements come to our ears that are critical of the truth or that cast aspersions on the congregation, the elders, or any of our brothers, we do not accept them at face value. Rather, we ask: "Is the one spreading this story acting in harmony with what the Bible says? Do these stories or allegations further Jehovah’s purpose? Do they promote the peace of the congregation?" Anything we hear that tears down the brotherhood rather than builds it up is a worthless thing.-2 Cor. 13:10, 11.
1 John 4:1 Does the WTS invite its members to test what they have been taught?
*** w81 2/15 p. 18 Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? ***
How shall we view the spiritual food provided by this “faithful and discreet slave”? Should it be viewed critically—‘Oh, well, it might be true but then again it might not be and so we have to scrutinize it very critically’? Some apparently have felt that way about it. To support their way of thinking they have quoted Acts 17:11, which says of newly interested persons at Beroea: “Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.”
But does this mean that those Beroeans were looking for flaws in the message they were hearing, or that their attitude was one of doubting? Does this set a precedent for regarding critically the publications brought forth by the “faithful and discreet slave,” with a view to finding fault? Not at all!
(Note that this is the only time the WTS applies Acts 17:11 this way and it is shortly after the "Great Apostasy" at Bethel and the booting of Ray Franz and several others.)
Q 19. How do elders make sure that their words are not valueless?
19. When it comes to valueless words, elders too learn an important lesson. Whenever they are called upon to give counsel, they bear in mind their limitations and do not presume to offer counsel solely from their own personal store of knowledge. They should always point to what the Bible says. A sound rule is found in the words of the apostle Paul: "Do not go beyond the things that are written." (1 Cor. 4:6) Elders do not go beyond the things that are written in the Bible. And by extension, they do not go beyond the Bible-based counsel written in the publications of the faithful and discreet slave.
So where does the counsel come that regulates dress, grooming (sideburn length for example), car type, no beards, etc.?
Which is more important the Bible or the WTS publications?
Q 20. In what ways are we helped to repudiate valueless things?
20. Valueless things-be they "gods," words, or something else-are very harmful. For that reason, we always pray for Jehovah's help to recognize them for what they are, and we seek his guidance in how to repudiate them. When we do so, we in effect say with the psalmist: "Make my eyes pass on from seeing what is worthless; preserve me alive in your own way." (Ps. 119:37) In the following article, we will further discuss the value of accepting Jehovah's guidance.
So is it God's guidance or the WTS guidance that matters?
Can You Explain?
·In a general sense, what "valueless things" should we repudiate?
·How can we avoid letting money become like a god?
·In what way can fleshly desires become idolatry?
·How can we repudiate valueless words?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, "Seek God's Guidance in All Things" translated to really mean, do whatever the WTS says even if you can't see the "scriptural"
reason. Disobeying the WTS = disobeying God.
Love, Blondie