Reject Worldly Fantasies, Pursue Kingdumb Realities? (page 2)

MochaLatte

Wasn't this also the name of a district convention talk a few years ago? It sounds familiar.

Billy the Ex-Bethelite

Right you are MochaLatte !!!! You win the PRIZE !!

I think it would have been 1991, because the Botchtower study of that title was in the 7/15/1992 issue.

Here's your prize MochaLatte... the text of that article. I hope it won't spoil the surpise when the CO recycles this pre-chewed "spiritual food"!

*** w92 7/15 pp.13-18 ***

Reject Worldly Fantasies, Pursue Kingdom Realities

"Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you."—MATTHEW 6:33.

"MORE than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life." (Proverbs 4:23) Why was it necessary for wise King Solomon to give this warning? Because "the heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate." (Jeremiah 17:9) One of the chief ways in which our figurative heart can deceive us is by causing us to indulge in worldly fantasies. But what are fantasies? They are unrealistic imaginations, daydreams, idle mind wanderings. When these daydreams become worldly fantasies, they are not merely a waste of time but are also very harmful. Hence, we must reject them completely. In fact, if we hate lawlessness as Jesus did, we will guard our heart against indulging in worldly fantasies.—Hebrews 1:8, 9.

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But what are worldly fantasies? They are fantasies characteristic of this world lying in Satan’s power. Concerning it, the apostle John wrote: "Everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world." (1 John 2:16; 5:19) Why must Christians reject worldly fantasies? Because such fantasies stir up selfish desires in mind and heart. Daydreaming about doing what is wrong can in fact be a rehearsal in the mind of what a person will actually do. The disciple James warns us: "Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death."—James 1:14, 15.

Warning

Examples

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Let us consider examples showing why worldly fantasies must be rejected. Satan the Devil’s case provides the foremost example of the harm that can result from indulging in selfish fantasies. He allowed feelings of self-importance to develop in his heart to the extent that he envied Jehovah’s unique position as the Universal Sovereign and wanted to be worshiped. (Luke 4:5-8) An unrealistic fantasy? It certainly was! That will be proved beyond question when Satan is bound for a thousand years and especially when he is hurled into "the lake of fire," the second death.—Revelation 20:1-3, 10.

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We have another warning example in the case of the first woman, Eve. In Satan’s efforts to realize his ambition, he seduced Eve by presenting to her mind the fantasy that if she ate of the forbidden fruit, she would not die but would be like God, knowing good and bad. Was that fantasy unrealistic, selfish? Indeed it was, as we can see from Jehovah’s condemnation of Eve and her husband, Adam, when holding court. As a result, they lost the right to life in Paradise for themselves and for all their imperfect offspring.—Genesis 3:1-19; Romans 5:12.

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We also have the warning example of certain angelic sons of God. (Genesis 6:1-4) Instead of being satisfied with the blessings they enjoyed in the heavenly presence of Jehovah, they fantasized about women on the earth and how pleasurable it would be to have sexual relations with them. Because of acting on these fantasies, the disobedient angels are now confined to the spiritual darkness of Tartarus, awaiting their annihilation at the end of the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ.—2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Revelation 20:10.

Reject

WorldlyFantasies

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Let us now consider one of the most common and dangerous fantasies promoted by Satan. Through every form of the media, we are tempted to indulge in worldly fantasies. These are often caused by a craving for riches. In itself, there is nothing wrong with possessing wealth. Godly Abraham, Job, and King David were very rich, but they did not crave material riches. Materialistic fantasies motivate people to work laboriously for years to acquire wealth. Such fantasies also prompt them to indulge in all kinds of gambling, such as betting on horses and buying lottery tickets. Let us not entertain any illusions about wealth. If we think that material riches will provide security, consider this realistic proverb: "Valuable things will be of no benefit on the day of fury, but righteousness itself will deliver from death." (Proverbs 11:4) Indeed, material riches will be of no avail in surviving the "great tribulation."—Matthew 24:21; Revelation 7:9, 14.

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Material riches can easily deceive us. That is why we are told: "The valuable things of the rich are his strong town, and they are like a protective wall in his imagination." (Proverbs 18:11) Yes, only "in his imagination," for material wealth offers little protection in times of runaway inflation, economic collapse, political upheaval, or terminal illness. Jesus Christ warned against the folly of putting our trust in material riches. (Luke 12:13-21) We also have the apostle Paul’s warning words: "The love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains."—1 Timothy 6:10.

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Other fantasies relate to illicit sex. The extent to which sinful human nature likes to dwell on sexual fantasies can be seen from the popularity of the verbal filth available by dialing certain telephone numbers and listening to pornographic messages. In the United States, dial-a-porn is a multibillion-dollar business. If we were to let our minds dwell on illicit sex, would we not be hypocrites, only appearing to be clean Christians? And is there not the danger that such fantasies may lead to immoral intimacies? This has happened and has resulted in some being disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation for committing fornication or adultery. In view of Jesus’ words at Matthew 5:27, 28, are not all who persistently indulge in such fantasies guilty of committing adultery in their hearts?

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To counteract the tendency of our sinful hearts to indulge in such fantasies, we need to bear in mind Paul’s warning: "There is not a creation that is not manifest to [God’s] sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of him with whom we have an accounting." (Hebrews 4:13) We should at all times want to be like Moses, who "continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:27) Yes, we must keep telling ourselves that worldly fantasies are displeasing to Jehovah and can only result in harm to ourselves. We must be concerned about cultivating all the fruits of God’s spirit, particularly self-control, for we cannot escape the fact that if we sow to the flesh, we will reap corruption from the flesh.—Galatians 5:22, 23; 6:7, 8.

The

RealitiesoftheKingdom

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The best way to reject worldly fantasies is to keep pursuing Kingdom realities. The realities of the Kingdom that are produced by God stand in striking contrast to worldly fantasies. Is God a reality? There is no question about his existence. Visible creation testifies to that fact. (Romans 1:20) We are reminded of what was said more than a hundred years ago in the book TheDivinePlanoftheAges, published by the Watch Tower Society. It stated: "He who can look into the sky with a telescope, or even with his natural eye alone, and see there the immensity of creation, its symmetry, beauty, order, harmony and diversity, and yet doubt that the Creator of these is vastly his superior both in wisdom and power, or who can suppose for a moment that such order came by chance, without a Creator, has so far lost or ignored the faculty of reason as to be properly considered what the Bible terms him, a fool (one who ignores or lacks reason)."—Psalm 14:1.

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We learn all about the Kingdom in the Holy Bible. Is the Bible in reality thewrittenWordofGod? It most certainly is, as can be seen from its harmony, its scientific accuracy, and its power to change people’s lives and especially by the fulfillment of its prophecies. What about the King of God’s Kingdom, JesusChrist? Did he really exist? The Gospel accounts and the divinely inspired letters of the Christian Greek Scriptures unequivocally and eloquently testify to the historicity of Jesus Christ. As to Jesus’ historicity, there is also the testimony of the Jewish Talmud, which refers to him as a person. So do Jewish and Roman historians of the first century C.E.

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What about the reality of the Kingdom itself? It is largely ignored by Christendom, as shown in this complaint by a prominent Presbyterian: "It has certainly been more than thirty years since I have listened to a minister attempt to explain to his people the reality of the Kingdom for them." Yet, the sanctification of Jehovah’s name by means of the Kingdom is the theme of his Word. God himself made the first Kingdom promise, saying: "I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel." (Genesis 3:15) The Kingdom was foreshadowed by the nation of Israel, especially during King Solomon’s reign. (Psalm 72) Further, the Kingdom was the theme of Jesus’ preaching. (Matthew 4:17) He featured it in many of his illustrations, such as those in Matthew chapter 13. Jesus told us to pray for the Kingdom and to keep on seeking it first. (Matthew 6:9, 10, 33) In fact, God’s Kingdom is mentioned close to 150 times in the Christian Greek Scriptures.

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The Kingdom is a real government, with power and authority, and it will fulfill all rightful expectations. It has a set of laws, found in the Bible. The Kingdom has already brought many things to reality. It has loyal subjects—over 4,000,000 Witnesses of Jehovah. In 211 lands they are preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom, in fulfillment of Matthew 24:14. During their 1991 service year, they spent 951,870,021 hours preaching the Kingdom message. This activity is producing tangible, lasting results as multitudes learn the "pure language" of Bible truth.—Zephaniah 3:9.

Pursuing

KingdomRealities

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How, then, can we pursue Kingdom realities? Our hope must be securely based on strong conviction. God’s promised new world must be real to us. (2 Peter 3:13) And we must have faith in the promise that God "will wipe out every tear from [our] eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore." (Revelation 21:4) How can we be sure that this is no fantasy? It is bound to be realized in God’s due time, for it is impossible for him to lie. (Titus 1:1, 2; Hebrews 6:18) We need to meditate on those promises. Picturing ourselves in God’s new world and enjoying its blessings is not an unrealistic fantasy but gives evidence of faith. As Paul defined it, "faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld." (Hebrews 11:1) Let us strengthen our faith by regularly feeding on God’s Word and Christian publications that help us to understand and apply it. And the more time we devote to telling others about the Kingdom, formally and informally, the more we strengthen our faith and brighten our hope in it.

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We also need to work in harmony with Kingdom realities by improving the quality of our ministry. Since there is still much to be done, how can we do this? (Matthew 9:37, 38) The saying is true that one is never too old to learn. No matter how many years we have been sharing in the witness work, we can improve. By becoming more effective in handling the Word of God, we are better able to help others to hear the voice of the King, Jesus Christ. (Compare John 10:16.) When we consider that the everlasting destinies of people are involved, we should want to cover our territory thoroughly so as to give them repeated opportunity to demonstrate where they stand, either as "sheep" or as "goats." (Matthew 25:31-46) Of course, that means keeping careful records of those not at home and especially of those interested in the Kingdom message.

Keep

PursuingtheKingdom

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Earnest effort is required to keep on pursuing Kingdom realities. Are we not encouraged by the zealous example of the remaining anointed Christians? They have been pursuing Kingdom realities for decades. This pursuit was described in Jesus’ words: "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of the heavens is the goal toward which men press, and those pressing forward are seizing it." (Matthew 11:12) Here the thought is not that of enemies seizing the Kingdom. Rather, this pertains to the activity of those in line for the Kingdom. One Bible scholar said: "In this way is described that eager, irresistible striving and struggling after the approaching Messianic kingdom." Anointed ones have spared no effort in making the Kingdom their own. Similar vigorous efforts are required of the "other sheep" in order for them to qualify as earthly subjects of God’s heavenly Kingdom.—John 10:16.

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Truly, we are living in a special period of opportunity. Those who pursue worldly fantasies will someday awaken to stark reality. Their lot is well described in these words: "It must occur just as when someone hungry dreams and here he is eating, and he actually awakes and his soul is empty; and just as when someone thirsty dreams and here he is drinking, and he actually awakes and here he is tired and his soul is dried out." (Isaiah 29:8) For a certainty, the fantasies of the world will never make anyone satisfied and happy.

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Jehovah’s Kingdom is a reality. It is actively ruling, whereas this wicked system of things faces an imminent, permanent destruction. Therefore, take to heart Paul’s counsel: "Let us not sleep on as the rest do, but let us stay awake and keep our senses." (1 Thessalonians 5:6) May we keep our hearts and minds focused on Kingdom realities and thus enjoy eternal blessings. And may it be our lot to hear the King of that Kingdom say to us: "Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world."—Matthew 25:34.

hamsterbait

BXB -

That was too much like a horrific flashback. My cocoa came back up.

HB

Billy the Ex-Bethelite

Hammy B,

I had the taste of convention burrito come back on me!

B the X

heathen

I don't get the skirting around the issue that God does condemn the rich when they write these articles they always make it sound like the rich can get away with their riches as long as they comply to the WTBTS in their form of worship . Jesus was very clear that the rich had no chance of inheriting the kingdom with the passage of, "easier to pass a camel through the eye of sewing needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of the heavens". He tells his little flock to sell all they own and give gifts of mercy to the poor . How else can he put the situation that the WTBTS can understand, being rich in itself is cause for being black listed in the kingdom of the heavens . They like to pervert the teachings to cater to the rich who want the best of both worlds ,it can't be done. The message is for the poor in order to give them the hope of salvation and eternal happiness despite the unfair play in this world .IMO

truthsetsonefree

The recycling gets better. That WT article was a talk at a District Convention several years ago, probably 1989 or 1990, judging by the article date. Its amazing how much cut and paste their writers do. They have nothing new to offer. Same s**t, different day.

Isaac

truthsetsonefree

I just noticed you guys mentioned that. Sorry.

Isaac

mcsemike

I wonder how much that CO would tell people to make field service their career if he knew he was going to be let go from Bethel at the age of 55 or 60 with no skills (except spreading manure on farms), no pension, and no medical.

After decades of failed prophecies and poor families growing old with no help, you'd think they would learn. If not the GB, at least the publishers.

"JW's are just like mushrooms. Keep them in the dark and feed them manure."

I rest my case.

mary stewart

and don't forget college! they see geting a good education and a well-paid job as 'worldly fantasy' too. eve when i was in i never 100% agreed with them. i hated that one hounder said mrriage is bad and pioneering is better! UGH!

cameo-d

Materialistic fantasies motivate people to work laboriously for years to acquire wealth. Such fantasies also prompt them to indulge in all kinds of gambling, such as betting on horses and buying lottery tickets. Let us not entertain any illusions about wealth. If we think that material riches will provide security, consider this realistic proverb: "Valuable things will be of no benefit on the day of fury, but righteousness itself will deliver from death." (Proverbs 11:4) Indeed, material riches will be of no avail in surviving the "great tribulation."—Matthew 24:21; Revelation 7:9, 14.

They will be throwing this in everyone's face soon enough.

It is the goal of the illuminati to overthrow both the crown and the cross. They established them to begin with. But now there is a new plan of action because the age of information has awakened the masses.

How will they do it? Once 'critical mass' has been reached....and the great majority realized that religion is a sham and that they have been duped...then this Brotherhood will reveal themselves. They will tell you that the conspiracy has been the church itself, intending to rob you of your right to think freely. And they will destroy the "crown" by the obvious realization that you have already come to...that the state robs your wealth to fund war. They will also reveal that the "true brotherhood of Christ" went "underground" : thus the need for 'secret societies' to protect the Truth until the world was ready for it and the oppressive powers could be overthrown. They have been working steadily all these years to prepare for the world's transformation. How? Well, like seed banks for one thing.

Don't believe what they say! You will just be trading one lie for another! Papal Rome, Mystery Babylon Mother and all of her 501c3 daughters are all of the same cloth!!!

What are exactly the Kinkdumb Realities?

Well, Jesus gave you fair warning about it. He said 'all shall not sleep. Some shall be transformed...changed in the twinkling of an eye.'

But he never said this was a good thing, did he? As a matter of fact, he said 'it is appointed to a man once to die'.

Transhumanism is the future.

When you can open a door without a key, simply by waving your hand or peering into an eye scanner...that is transhuman.

Yes, there will come a time when man will live forever....but he will no longer be a man. He will be a cyborg.

Revelation 9:6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.

Reject Worldly Fantasies, Pursue Kingdumb Realities?

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