Comments You Will Not Hear at the 03-22-09 WT Study (December 15, 2008, pages 12-16)(UNDESERVED KINDNESS)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
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ARE YOU A 'STEWARD OF GOD'S UNDESERVED KINDNESS'?
"In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another take the lead. "-ROM. 12:10.
OPENING COMMENTS
Outside the WTS, the term in the Bible that the WTS translates "undeserved kindness" is translated "grace." As a young person, I always thought that "undeserved" sounded so cruel whereas "grace" sounded so loving. What was your experience?
How many different euphemisms does the WTS use for jws (and how many times) in this article?
his people
his servants
God's servants (2)
fellow Christians (2)
fellow believers (11)
true Christians (2)
caring brothers and sisters
Christians
each Christian
evangelizers
Christ's disciples
brothers (2)
his earthly servants
Christian congregation (2)
preachers of God's kingdom
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1. What assurances do we find in God's Word?
GOD'S WORD repeatedly assures us that Jehovah will come to our aid when we are discouraged or brokenhearted. ote, for instance, these comforting words: "Jehovah is giving support to all who are falling, and is raising up all who are bowed down." "He is healing the brokenhearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots." (Ps. 145:14; 147:3) Moreover, our heavenly Father himself states: "I, Jehovah your God, am grasping
your right hand, the One saying to you, 'Do not be afraid. I myself will help you.'" --Isa.41:13.
Why doesn't Jesus come to our aid? Is it because the WTS uses 3 OT scriptures here?
Q. How does Jehovah provide support to his servants?
2. How, though, does Jehovah, who dwells in the invisible heavens, 'grasp our hand'? How does he 'raise us up when we are bowed down' by heartache? Jehovah God provides such support in various ways. For example, he gives his people "power beyond what is normal" by means of his holy spirit. (2 Cor. 4:7; John 14:16, 17) God's servants also feel the uplifting power that is exerted by the message found in God's inspired Word, the Bible. (Heb. 4:12) Is there still another way by which Jehovah fortifies us? We find an answer in the book of First Peter.
Why not Jesus who grasps our hand?
In what ways does God provide support per the WTS?
How do those who are not "spirit" anointed jws receive holy spirit? Can they receive it apart from the WTS organization?
Quote
*** w07 6/1 p. 7 The Source of Evil Exposed! ***
How can one receive holy spirit? Primarily through prayer, Bible study—the Bible itself being a product of holy spirit—and wholesome association with those who truly love God.
(Bible study--using WTS publications only)
(Those who truly love God--only JWs)
"God's Undeserved Kindness Expressed in Various Ways"
3. (a) What statement about trials is made by the apostle Peter? (b) What is discussed in the latter part of Peter's first letter?
3 Addressing spirit-anointed believers, the apostle Peter writes that they have good reason to be joyful because a rich reward awaits them. Then he adds: "Though for a little while at present, if it must be, you have been grieved by various trials." (1 Pet. 1:1-6) Note the word "various." It suggests that trials will be varied. However, Peter does not stop there, leaving his brothers to wonder if they will be able to cope with such a diversity of tests. Instead, Peter points out that Christians can be sure that Jehovah will help them to cope with each trial they encounter, no matter what its nature may be. That assurance is given in the latter part of Peter's letter, where the apostle discusses matters related to "the end of all things."--1 Pet. 4: 7.
spirit-anointed believers--only a subgroup of jws
CARROT--rich reward
IT suggests--so the WTS needs to be interpreting the Bible?
Q 4. Why are the words of 1 Peter 4: 10 comforting to us?
4. Peter states: "In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God's undeserved kindness expressed in various ways." (1 Pet. 4: 10) Peter again uses the word "various." He, in effect, says, 'Trials come in many different forms, but God's expressions of undeserved kindness come in many different forms as well.' Why is that statement comforting? It implies that whatever
the nature of our trial may be, there will always be an expression of God's undeserved kindness that will match it. Did you notice in Peter's statement, though, just how Jehovah's undeserved kindness is conveyed to us? By means of fellow Christians.
He, in effect, says--another interpretation
IT implies--what statement, Peter's or the "in effect" statement of the WTS?
When ill, economic challenged, depressed, did jws help you? Not in my experience; thanks though to my non-jw friends and relatives.
Ministering to One Another
Q 5 (a) What should each Christian do? (b) What questions arise?
5. In speaking to all members of the Christian congregation, Peter says: "Above all things, have intense love for one another." He then adds: "In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another." (1 Pet. 4:8, 10) Hence, each one in the congregation is to have a share in building fellow Christians up. We have been placed in charge of something valuable belonging to Jehovah, and we are responsible for distributing it to others. So, then, with what are we entrusted? Peter says that it is "a gift." What is the gift? How do we "use it in ministering to one another"?
Each share in building up---only just a small number, considered not part of the elect group?
belonging to Jehovah--where's Jesus?
Christian congregation--only spirit-anointed?
Quote
*** w60 11/15 p. 698 Distinguishing Between God’s Congregation and His Kingdom ***
Today there is but a small remnant, some 13,000, of those that profess to belong to the “congregation of God.” These are scattered among 20,000 congregations in 176 different lands, being associated with some 800,000 active Christians who make no profession to being of those “who have been enrolled in the heavens.” These were termed by Jesus as his “other sheep” that are not of his heavenly fold and are described as “a great crowd, which no man was able to number, . . . standing before the throne [of God] and before the Lamb.” Since these manifest the same faith and works as do those belonging to the heavenly fold, these have come to be associated with the present “Christian congregation” on earth.—John 10:16; Rev. 7:9.
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*** w07 4/15 p. 21 par. 7 Let the Congregation Praise Jehovah ***
What we read at Hebrews 2:12, 17 is significant. It shows that in an inclusive sense, Christ was a member of a congregation where he declared God’s name to his brothers. Who were those brothers? Those forming part of “Abraham’s seed,” the spirit-anointed brothers of Christ, “partakers of the heavenly calling.” (Hebrews 2:16–3:1; Matthew 25:40) Yes, the primary sense of “congregation” in the Christian Greek Scriptures is the composite group of spirit-anointed followers of Christ. These 144,000 anointed ones constitute “the congregation of the firstborn who have been enrolled in the heavens.”—Hebrews 12:23.
Q 6. What are some of the gifts with which Christians are entrusted?
6. God's Word states: "Every good gift and every perfect present is from above." (Jas. 1: 17) Indeed, all gifts with which Jehovah entrusts his people are expressions of his undeserved kindness. One outstanding gift Jehovah imparts to us is the holy spirit. That gift enables us to cultivate such godly qualities as love, goodness, and mildness. Such qualities move us, in turn, to show fellow believers heartfelt affection and give them
willing support. True wisdom and knowledge are also among the good gifts that we acquire with the help of the holy spirit. (1 Cor. 2:10-16; Gal. 5:22, 23) In fact, all our energies, abilities, and talents may be viewed as gifts to be used to bring praise and honor to our heavenly Father. We have the God-given responsibility to use our abilities and qualities as a means of conveying expressions of God's undeserved kindness to our
fellow believers.
UNDESERVED kindness--and who decides who is deserving, God or elders?
Quote
*** w86 10/15 pp. 17-18 par. 9 Do More Than Say: “Keep Warm and Well Fed” ***
For example, in 1 Timothy 5:3-10 Paul discussed deserving widows who had been “left destitute.” Their believing relatives were primarily responsible to help them; neglecting that duty could damage the relatives’ standing with God. If, though, a needy and deserving widow could not obtain help in this way, it was possible for the elders to arrange for some material aid from the congregation. In recent times, too, some
congregations have aided especially needy ones in their midst.
heartfelt affection...willing support--but only if they are turning in enough time and attending enough meetings.
all our energies...--unless that is better used by the organization.
Quote
(Mark 7:11) . . .But YOU men say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother: “Whatever I have by which you may get benefit from me is corban, (that is, a gift dedicated to God,)”’—
Quote
*** w88 12/1 pp. 4-5 Religious Traditions and the Bible ***
To illustrate: God’s Word specifically commanded that children honor their parents. (Exodus 20:12) This obviously included assisting parents who fell into dire financial straits. However, a Jewish tradition developed that provided a convenient way to evade this Biblical obligation. A selfish individual merely had to pledge that his personal property was later to be donated to the temple, setting the property aside by declaring it “corban.” This word meant “a gift dedicated to God.” Although the Jewish worshiper was evidently free to continue to use this corban for his own personal gain, he could piously deny it to his parents.—Mark 7:9-12.
"Use It in Ministering"-How?
Q 7. (a) What is indicated by the term "in proportion"? (b) What questions should we ask ourselves, and why?
7. Regarding gifts we have received, Peter also states: "In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it." The qualifying term "in proportion" indicates that qualities and abilities may vary not only in nature but also in extent. Even so, each one is urged to "use it [that is, any particular gift he has received] in ministering to one another." Moreover, the expression "use it ... as fine stewards" is a command. Hence, we should ask ourselves: 'Do I, indeed, use the gifts with which I am entrusted to fortify my fellow believers?' (Compare 1 Timothy 5:9, 10.) 'Or do I use the abilities that I received from Jehovah mainly to benefit myself--perhaps to acquire riches or to attain social status?' (1 Cor. 4:7) If we use our gifts "in ministering to one another," we will be pleasing Jehovah. -Prov.19:17; read Hebrews 13:16.
So using weasel words, the WTS gives an out to many jws.
Use it...command--where is the love?
How many jws use their resources to help jws they are not drawn to emotionally? Or they consider not up to their standard "spiritually"?
So how much money is "riches"? "Social status" within or outside the jw congregation?
pleasing Jehovah--Where's Jesus?
Q 8, 9. (a) What are some ways in which Christians worldwide serve in behalf of fellow believers? b) How do the brothers and sisters in your congregation help one another?
8. God's Word mentions various ways in which first-century Christians ministered to one another. (Read Romans 15:25, 26; 2 Timothy 1:16-18.) Similarly today, the command to use one's gift in behalf of fellow believers is '"wholeheartedly carried out by true Christians. Consider some of the ways in which that is being done.
9. Many brothers spend hours each month preparing meeting parts. At the meetings, when they convey some of the spiritual gems they have found during their Bible study, their insightful words motivate all in the congregation to endure. (1 Tim. 5:17) Numerous brothers and sisters are known for their warmth and compassion toward fellow believers. (Rom. 12:15) Some regularly visit those who are depressed and pray with them. (1 Thess. 5:14) Others thoughtfully write some heartfelt words of encouragement to fellow Christians who are coping with a trial. Still others kindly
help those with physical limitations to attend the congregation meetings. Thousands of Witnesses share in relief work, helping fellow believers rebuild homes that have been struck by disasters. The tender affection and practical assistance rendered by such caring brothers and sisters are all manifestations of "God's undeserved kindness expressed in various ways."-Read 1 Peter 4:11.
So did your elders spend "hours" preparing or did they fly in that night not realizing they even had a talk and run to the back room to prepare during the meeting? Or did they not even show up and some other elder was stuck with last minute preparation?
Love toward there close circle of friends....where is the Christlike personality in that?
Quote
(Matthew 5:44-47) 44 However, I say to YOU: Continue to love YOUR enemies and to pray for those persecuting YOU; 45 that YOU may prove yourselves sons of YOUR Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous. 46 For if YOU love those loving YOU, what reward do YOU have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? 47 And if YOU greet YOUR brothers only, what extraordinary thing are YOU doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing?
Some regularly visit those who are depressed--only a small number, usually women, or those "looked down upon" by the more "spiritual" in the congregation.
Others write heartfelt words--in 40 years as a jw, and suffering with a severe chronic illness, in 5 congregations, I never received a card. Hey, I never received a card when a family member died and it was announced at the congregation, and neither did anyone else I knew.
Help those with physical limitations--are they talking about "cripples" not people without transportation.
rebuild homes--of only jws
There were floods in our state and a small town was devastated. Who came to help?
Lutherans from a town 200 miles away
Prisoners from a nearby facility
and Baptists from a state 500 miles away (and there were no Baptists in town)
Money came in from the Methodists and Catholics for the Lutherans.
Which Is More Important?
10. a) Paul was concerned with what two aspects of his service to God? b) How do we imitate Paul today?
10. God's servants are entrusted not only with a gift to be used in behalf of their fellow believers but also with a message to be shared with their fellow man. The apostle Paul recognized these two aspects of his service to Jehovah. He wrote to the congregation in Ephesus regarding "the stewardship of the undeseryed kindness of God" that was given to him for their benefit. (Eph. 3:2) Yet, he also stated: “We have been proved by God as fit to be entrusted with the good news." (1 Thess. 2:4 like Paul, we too recognize that we are entrusted 'with the assignment of serving as preachers of God's Kingdom. By sharing zealously in the preaching work, we strive to imitate the example that Paul set as an untiring proclaimer of the good news. (Acts 20:20 21; 1 Cor. 11:1) We know that preaching a the Kingdom message can save lives. At the same time, however, we also strive to imitate Paul by looking for opportunities to "impart some spiritual gift" to fellow believers.--Read Romans 1:11, 12; 10:13-15.
sharing zealously--the pioneer shuffle; returning 4 weeks later not knowing the name of the individual; the limp wristed door knock
untiring--starting at 10:30 and quitting at 11:30, once a week
kingdom message can save lives--only WTS interpretation of the kingdom
Q 11. How should we view our assignments to preach and to build up our brothers?
11 Which of these two Christian activities is more important? Asking a question like that is somewhat similar to asking about a bird, which of his wings is more important? The answer is obvious. A bird needs to use both wings in order to fly properly. Similarly, we need to share in both aspects of our service to God in order to be complete as Christians. Thus, instead of regarding our assignments to preach the good news and to
build up fellow believers as unrelated, we view them just as the apostles Peter and Paul did--as responsibilities that complement each other. In what way?
which is more important....both?--but which one is counted on the time slip....not helping other jws.
Visiting baptized jws in the hospital or at home
Mowing the lawn of a disabled jw
Doing laundry, cleaning house of an older jw
Calling a baptized jw to encourage them
Time spent writing a letter to encourage
Fixing a flat tire on the car of a jw so they can get to the meetings
Studying with baptized minor child living at home
Doing house repairs on a financially poor sister's home
Q 12. How do we serve as an instrument in Jehovah's hand?
12 As evangelizers, we employ whatever teaching skills we may have in trying to touch the hearts of our fellow men with the uplifting message of God's Kingdom. In that way, we hope to help them to become Christ's disciples. However, we also use whatever abilities and other gifts we may have in trying to warm the hearts of our fellow believers with uplifting words and helpful deeds--expressions of God's undeserved kindness. (Prov. 3:27; 12:25) In that way, we hope to help them to remain Christ's disciples. In both activities-preaching to the public and "ministering to one another"--we have the wonderful privilege of serving as an instrument in Jehovah's hand.--Gal. 6:10.
So is the "kingdom" mentioned in the suggested presentations from the WTS? Only 6 times out of 272 times (48 x 4 years) (and Jehovah only once)
Quote
*** km 1/07 p. 4 What to Say About the Magazines ***
The Watchtower Jan. 15
“Where do you think married couples can go for reliable advice? [Allow for response.] Notice who originated marriage. [Read Genesis 2:22.] God also provided instructions on the dignified role of the husband and the wife. This magazine explains.”
Awake! Jan.
“Have you noticed that many professed Christians do not follow the teachings of Jesus? [Allow for response.] For example, many do not follow Jesus’ words here. [Read John 13:35.] This article examines the difference between what Jesus taught and the view of many professed Christians.” Feature the article that begins on page 18.
The Watchtower Feb. 1
“Do you think our community would be a better place if everyone lived by these words? [Read Ephesians 4:25. Then allow for response.] Many people think that lying is acceptable in some situations. This magazine explains the benefits of always telling the truth.”
Awake! Feb.
“Attitudes toward religion seem to be changing in some communities. Do you think the churches are losing their influence? [Allow for response.]
These words of the apostle Paul give a reason why some have lost confidence in religion. [Read Acts 20:29, 30.] This magazine shows what the Bible says about the future of Christianity.”
Instrument in Jesus' hand?
Warm the hearts...with uplifting words--women who have not talked to each other in years although in the same congregation
helpful deeds--never having them over for dinner even after 20 years in the same congregation
Help remain Christ's disciples--actually jws as all non-jws are not Christ's disciples
Quote
*** w97 1/15 p. 22 par. 22 What Does God Require of Us? ***
There is only one religious organization on this earth that has all these marks of true Christianity—Jehovah’s Witnesses!
"Have Tender Affection for One Another"
Q 13. What would happen if we held back in "ministering to one another"?
13. Paul urged his fellow believers: "In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another take the lead." (Rom. 12:10) Indeed, having affection for our brothers impels us to serve wholeheartedly as stewards of God's undeserved kindness. We realize that if Satan succeeded in holding us back from "ministering to one another," he would weaken our unity. (Col. 3:14) In turn, a lack of unity would lead to a lack of zeal in the preaching work. Satan well knows that he needs to harm only one of our wings, so to speak, in order to ground us.
The WTS is right when they say that if their members do not show real, practical love to each other it will be impossible for jws to tell others that Christian love is found in their own congregation.
It is not enough to say it; non-jws have to see it. Since the WTS teaches that the ineffective recruitment of their organization is proof of Christian love, non-jws don't see it.
BARF ALERT![/b]
Q 14. Who benefit from our "ministering to one another"? Give an example.
14. "Ministering to one another" benefits not only those who receive God's undeserved kindness but also those who convey it. (Prov. 11:25) Take, for example, Ryan and Roni, a couple in Illinois, U.SA When they learned that Hurricane Katrina had destroyed hundreds of homes of fellow Witnesses, brotherly love moved them to quit their jobs, give up' their apartment, buy a secondhand trailer, fix it up, and travel 1,400 kilometers to Louisiana. There they lived for over a year while giving of their time, strength, and resources to help their brothers. "Sharing in relief work drew me closer to God," says Ryan, age 29. "I saw how Jehovah takes care of his people." Ryan adds: "Working with older brothers taught me much about how to care for the brothers. I also learned that there is much for us younger ones to do in Jehovah's organization." Roni, age 25, notes: "I am grateful for having had a share in helping others. I feel happier than I have ever felt in my life. I know that in years to come, I will continue to reap benefits from this wonderful experience."
So how many jws over the years compared to the larger group have quit their jobs, given up their apartment, and travel to help strangers?
Did this guy not see how God cares for people in his own congregation?
Did this guy not work with the older brothers in his own congregation and learn that there is much to do?
Did Roni not have opportunities to help others in her own congregation.
Q 15. What good reasons do we have to continue to serve as stewards of God's undeserved kindness?
15. Indeed, obeying God's commands to preach the good news and to build up fellow believers brings blessings to all. The ones we help are spiritually strengthened, while we experience the heartfelt joy that only giving can bring. (Acts 20:35) The congregation as a whole grows in warmth as each member takes a loving interest in others. Furthermore, the love and affection that we show for one another clearly identifies us as
true Christians. Jesus said: "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." (John 13:35) Above all, honor goes to our caring Father, Jehovah, as his desire to strengthen those in need is reflected in his earthly servants. What good reasons we have, therefore, to use our gift "in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God's undeserved kindness"! Will you continue to do so? -Read
Hebrews 6:10.
congregation as a whole--so how many individuals don't take a loving interest; do the elders point to one or two who really help and take credit for
themselves and for the congregation?
So why did this couple have to go from Illinois to Louisiana to find opportunities to help?
Do You Remember?
• In what ways does Jehovah strengthen his servants?
• With what are we entrusted?
• What are some ways in which we can serve our fellow believers?
• What will move us to continue to use our gift "in ministering to one another"?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Page 13: I think that man should have taken the older man for a ride in his convertible.
Page15: Proof that only women do the encouraging in the congregation. Heavens, what a sin it would be if 2 elders had dropped by to comfort a woman who lost a child; and if they did, they'd be guaranteed to be in suits and ties.
Page 16: Everyone in hard hats (one woman) but no one doing any work.
Next week, Look! Jehovah's Approved Servant........
Other sheep companions
Their companions
Loyal companions of the "little flock"
Why does the WTS eliminate "Christians" from their description?
Love, Blondie