Comments You Will Not Hear at the 03-29-09 WT Study (December 15, 2008, pages 21-25)(APPROVED SERVANT)Review comments will be in red
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LOOK! JEHOVAH'S APPROVED SERVANT
"Look! My servant...whom my soul has approved!"--ISA 42:1
OPENING COMMENTS It is Memorial time and the rank and file are being primed with this article and next week's for April 9. jws must be reminded that only "anointed" jws partake and only they are the servant. As this article emphasizes several times, non-anointed jws are only "companions."
How many times in 2007?
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*** w07 3/1 p. 29 par. 16 Enjoy Life in the Fear of Jehovah ***
In an extended application, Psalm 34:20 assures us that no matter what trials anointed Christians and their “other sheep” companions face, they
will never be permanently disadvantaged.
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*** w07 4/1 p. 23 par. 9 Loyal to Christ and His Faithful Slave ***
The preaching and teaching work has produced “a great crowd” of loyal companions of the anointed remnant.
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*** w07 5/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
Hence, anointed Christians along with their other sheep companions strive to stay spiritually strong, cultivating the fruitage of the spirit and working for the peace of the congregation.
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*** w07 6/1 p. 29 par. 16 Elderly Ones—A Blessing to the Young ***
Spirit-anointed ones have been eager to train their other sheep companions for increased responsibilities before leaving them to be glorified along with Jesus Christ.
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*** w07 12/15 p. 23 par. 9 No Weapon Formed Against You Will Succeed ***
A small remnant of these heirs of the Messianic Kingdom are still on earth. Along with their companions, the “other sheep,” they urge people to turn to God’s Kingdom while there is yet time.
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1. What are Jehovah's people encouraged to do, particularly as the Memorial approaches, and why?
As THE time to commemorate Christ's death approaches, God's people do well to follow the apostle Paul's counsel to "look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus." Paul added: "Indeed, consider closely the one who has endured such contrary talk by sinners against their own interests, that you may not get tired and give out in your souls." (Heb. 12:2, 3) Looking closely at Christ's course of faithfulness, which culminated in his sacrifice, will help both anointed Christians and their other sheep companions to continue serving Jehovah faithfully and to avoid 'giving out in their souls.' -Compare Galatians 6:9. God's people--only jws
Christ's course---then why does the WTS use OT examples much, much more than Christ's?
****anointed Christians and their other sheep companions--first mention****
Q 2. What can we learn from the prophecies of Isaiah that relate to God's Son?
2. Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah inspired a series of prophecies directly related to his Son. These prophecies will help us to "look intently
at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith," Christ Jesus. They shed light on his personality, his sufferings, and his exaltation as our King and Redeemer. They will enhance our understanding of the Memorial, which we will be commemorating this year on Thursday, April 9, after sundown. How many jws will actually look up these prophecies. At this time of the year the daily text focuses on events leading up to Jesus' death but how
many even read that? In my experience over 40 years, very, very few.
Did you know that the Bible Students are observing the memorial on 4/7 (or 8? Anyone know why?
The Servant Identified
Q 3, 4. a) In the book of Isaiah, what does the word “servant" designate? (b) How does the Bible itself identify the Servant mentioned in Isaiah chapters 42, 49, 50, 52, and 53?
3. The word "servant" occurs many times in the book of Isaiah. It occasionally designates the prophet himself. (Isa. 20:3; 44:26) Sometimes it is applied to the whole nation of Israel, or Jacob. (Isa. 41:8, 9; 44:1, 2, 21) But what of the outstanding prophecies regarding the Servant recorded in Isaiah chapters 42, 49, 50, 52, and 53? The Christian Greek Scriptures leave us in no doubt as to the identity of the Servant of Jehovah described
in those chapters. Interestingly, the Ethiopian official mentioned in the book of Acts was reading one of these prophecies when Philip the evangelizer was directed by the spirit to approach him. The official, having read the Bible passage that we now find at Isaiah 53:7,8, asked Philip: "I beg you, About whom does the prophet say this? About himself or about some other man?" Philip lost no time in explaining that Isaiah spoke about the Messiah, Jesus.-Acts 8:26-35. So occasionally Isaiah, sometimes Israel, but never non-anointed jws.
CGS = New Testament. Does it say "servant of Jehovah" in the NT reference Acts 8:26-35?
Philip lost no time............how much time do jws lose?
4. While Jesus was yet a babe, a righteous man named Simeon declared under the power of the holy spirit that "the young child Jesus" would become "a light for removing the veil from the nations," as foretold at Isaiah 42:6 and 49:6. (Luke 2:25-32) Furthermore, the humiliating treatment meted out to Jesus on the night of his trial was foretold in the prophecy of Isaiah 50: 6-9. (Matt. 26:67; Luke 22:63) After Pentecost 33 C.E., the apostle Peter clearly identified Jesus as Jehovah's "Servant." (Isa. 52:13; 53:11; read Acts 3:13,26.) What can we learn from these Messianic prophecies?
That only anointed jws are the faithful and discreet servant...............
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*** w65 3/1 p. 144 par. 32 Who Will Be Resurrected from the Dead? ***
These are dedicated and baptized Christians who have been begotten by God’s spirit to a heavenly hope and who have been associated with the
faithful Christian congregation whom Jesus called “a faithful and wise servant” or “faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47, AV; NW)
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*** w50 8/1 p. 232 par. 4 Servant’s Care of the Master’s Goods ***
Yes, these “goods” have been placed under the jurisdiction of the anointed remnant with its legal governing body operating through the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. No one else in the whole world has been given or made responsible for these possessions, nor given the authority to direct and handle such interests. To some readers this may seem a hard statement; but it is the truth, and is made for the protection of the Lord’s
“other sheep”, that they may recognize this “faithful and wise servant” and know the “master” has confidence in his discharging faithfully what has
been entrusted.
Jehovah Trains His Servant
Q. 5. What training did the Servant receive?
5. One of Isaiah's prophecies about God's Servant sheds light on the intimate relationship between Jehovah and his firstborn Son during the Son's prehuman existence. (Read Isaiah 50:4-9.) The Servant himself reveals that Jehovah continually trained him, saying: "He awakens my ear to hear like the taught ones ["disciples," ftn.]." (Isa. 50:4) During all that time, Jehovah's Servant listened to his Father and learned from him, becoming a submissive disciple. What a unique privilege to be taught by the Creator of the universe! So Isaiah 50:4-9 says that Jesus is God's firstborn and had a prehuman existence?
Keyword this article: SUBMISSIVE
Privilege to learn from God or from the FDS/GB/WTS?
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*** w00 5/15 p. 21 “Safeguard Your Heart” ***
We must not only regularly read the Bible and the Bible-based publications provided by “the faithful and discreet slave” but also endeavor to apply what we learn from them.—Matthew 24:45.
Q 6. How did the Servant indicate his perfect submission to his Father?
6. In this prophecy, the Servant speaks of his Father as "the Sovereign Lord Jehovah." This shows that the Servant had learned the fundamental truth of Jehovah's universal sovereignty. Indicating his perfect submission to his Father, he stated: "The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself has opened my ear, and I, for my part, was not rebellious. I did not turn in the opposite direction." (Isa. 50:5) He "came to be beside [Jehovah] as a master worker" in the creation of the material universe and man. This "master worker" was "glad before [Jehovah] all the time, being glad at the productive land of his earth, and the things [God's Son] was fond of were with the sons of men." -Prov. 8:22-31. Brackets...........adding to the Bible
SUBMISSION to the WTS?
NOT REBELLIOUS
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*** w07 4/1 p. 24 par. 12 Loyal to Christ and His Faithful Slave ***
Therefore, when we loyally submit to the direction of the faithful slave and its Governing Body, we are submitting to Christ, the slave’s Master.
Q. 7. What shows that the Servant had confidence in his Father's support during his trials?
7. This training received by the Servant and his fondness for mankind stood him in good stead when he came to earth and faced severe opposition. He continued to delight to do his Father's will, even in the face of bitter persecution. (Ps. 40:8; Matt. 26:42; John 6:38) Throughout his
trials on earth, Jesus was confident of his Father's approval and support. As was foretold in Isaiah's prophecy, Jesus was able to say: "The One declaring me righteous is near. Who can contend with me? ... Look! The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself will help me." (Isa. 50:8, 9) Jehovah certainly did help his faithful Servant throughout his ministry on earth, as another prophecy of Isaiah shows.
delight to do God's or WTS will?
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*** w93 1/15 p. 30 par. 21 Guard Against Idolatry of Every Sort ***
Being Jehovah’s servants, we do not idolatrously insist on our own way but joyfully do the divine will, accepting direction from “the faithful and discreet slave” and cooperating fully with Jehovah’s organization.—Matthew 24:45-47.
The Servant's Ministry on Earth
Q. 8. What proves that Jesus was Jehovah's "chosen one," as foretold at Isaiah 42:1?
8. The Bible record tells what happened when Jesus was baptized in 29 C.E.: "The holy spirit ... came down upon him, and a voice came out of heaven: 'You are my Son, the beloved; I have approved you.'" (Luke 3: 21, 22) Jehovah thus clearly identified his "chosen one," mentioned in
Isaiah's prophecy. (Read Isaiah 42:1-7.) During his earthly ministry, Jesus fulfilled this prophecy in a remarkable way. In his Gospel account, Matthew quoted the words found at Isaiah 42:1-4 and applied them to Jesus.--Matt. 12:15-21.
clearly identified--who are the chosen ones per the WTS? The "anointed" jws still alive on earth.
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*** w56 7/15 p. 440 par. 16 Community or Congregational Interests ***
Concerning the last days where we now are Jesus said: “Unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the chosen
ones [the merit of the anointed remnant of Jehovah’s witnesses who repented for their shortcomings in 1919] those days will be cut short.”—Matt. 24:22, NW.
Q. 9, 10. (a) How did Jesus fulfill Isaiah 42:3 during his ministry? (b) How did Christ "bring forth justice" while on earth, and when is it that he "sets justice in the earth"?
9. The common people among the Jews were despised by the Jewish religious leaders. (John 7:47-49) The people were treated roughly and could be compared to 'crushed reeds' or 'flaxen wicks' when they are at their last flicker. Jesus, however, showed compassion for the poor and
afflicted. (Matt. 9:35, 36) He offered such ones a kind invitation, saying: "Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you." (Matt. 11:28) Furthermore, Jesus 'brought forth justice' by teaching Jehovah's standards of right and wrong. (Isa. 42:3) He further showed that God's Law needed to be applied with reasonableness and mercy. (Matt. 23:23) Jesus also displayed justice by preaching without prejudice to both rich and poor. -Matt. 11:5; Luke 18:18-23.
So who are the "common people" despised by the jw religious leaders?
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*** w99 8/1 pp. 23-24 Peer Pressure—Can It Be to Your Advantage? ***
Even within the Christian congregation, we can come under the influence of unwholesome peer pressure if we choose spiritually weak individuals
as our close associates. (1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Thessalonians 3:14) Such ones often are not inclined to discuss spiritual matters; they may even
ridicule those who enjoy such discussions.
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*** w51 2/1 p. 79 par. 17 Pacifism and Conscientious Objection—Is There a Difference? ***
So now each and every witness who is under vow to Jehovah God through Christ must obey that prophetic command and fulfill his commission as an ordained minister of the good news of the Kingdom. There is no exemption to any consecrated minister. Those taking the lead among them must set the example, and the others must imitate them. (1 Pet. 5:1-3) These leading ministers do not engage in carnal warfare, but preach. The rank and file of Jehovah’s witnesses, being also ministers of God, copy their faithful example and peacefully preach.
Jehovah's or WTS standards?
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*** w75 6/15 p. 378 par. 14 Looking to the Future with Confidence ***
However, in order to have a confident outlook for the future we must also begin now to adjust our lives and thoughts to the standards that Jehovah God is revealing to us through his Word and organization
.
Without prejudice to both rich and poor--"green handshake" by wealthier jws to COs/DOs invite justice?
10. Isaiah's prophecy also predicts that Jehovah's "chosen one" "sets justice in the earth." (Isa. 42:4) This he will shortly do when as King of the Messianic Kingdom, he destroys all political kingdoms and replaces them with his own righteous rule. He will usher in a new world, where
"righteousness is to dwell."-2 Pet. 3:13; Dan. 2:44.
destroy all political kingdoms = killing all 6.5 billion non-jws, including men, women, and children. "A Light" and "a Covenant"
Q. 11 In what sense was Jesus "a light of the nations" in the first century, and how is he such up to the present day?
11. In fulfillment of Isaiah 42:6, Jesus did indeed prove to be "a light of the nations." During his earthly ministry, he brought spiritual light primarily to the Jews. (Matt. 15:24; Acts 3:26) But Jesus stated: "I am the light of the world." (John 8:12) He became a light both to the Jews and to the nations not only by bringing spiritual enlightenment but also by offering his perfect human life as a ransom for all mankind. (Matt. 20:28) After his resurrection, he commissioned his disciples to be witnesses of him "to the most distant part of the earth." (Acts 1:8 During their ministry, Paul and Barnabas quoted the expression "light of the nations" and applied it to the preaching work they were accomplishing among non-Jews. (Acts 13:46-48; compare Isaiah 49:6.) That work is still being pursued as Jesus' anointed brothers on earth and their companions spread spiritual light and help people to put faith in Jesus, the "light of the nations."
primarily to Jews--the WTS teaches primarily to anointed jws only.
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*** w06 6/1 p. 24 par. 12 Jehovah Tells “From the Beginning the Finale” ***
Indeed, the admonition in the Christian Greek Scriptures was written primarily to guide and strengthen anointed ones to maintain integrity and keep themselves worthy of their heavenly calling.
Acts 1:8--Witnesses of Jesus, not Jehovah............Christians are never referred to as jws in the NT, only witnesses of Jesus
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(Revelation 1:9) 9 I John, YOUR brother and a sharer with YOU in the tribulation and kingdom and endurance in company with Jesus, came to be
in the isle that is called Patmos for speaking about God and bearing witness to Jesus.
(Revelation 12:16-17) . . .. 17 And the dragon grew wrathful at the woman, and went off to wage war with the remaining ones of her seed, who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.
(Revelation 17:6) 6 And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the holy ones and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus.. . .
****anointed brothers on earth and their companions****
most distant part of the earth--China and India, talking to one or two?
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*** w00 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 “Keep on the Watch” ***
Fifth, we see a global preaching work being accomplished, which Jesus said would take place just before the end of this system. Jesus stated: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Today, that prophecy is in the course of fulfillment on an unprecedented scale. True, untouched territories still exist, and it may be that in Jehovah’s due time, a large door leading to greater activity will open. (1 Corinthians 16:9) Nevertheless, the Bible does not state that Jehovah will wait until every individual on earth has received a personal witness. Rather, the good news must be preached to Jehovah’s satisfaction. Then the end will come.—Compare Matthew 10:23.
Q. 12. How has Jehovah given his Servant "as a covenant of the people"?
12. In that same prophecy, Jehovah told his chosen Servant: "I shall safeguard you and give you as a covenant of the people." (Isa. 42:6) Satan put forth persistent efforts to destroy Jesus and prevent Jesus from completing his ministry on earth, but Jehovah safeguarded him until the
appointed time for him to die. (Matt. 2:13; John 7:30) Then Jehovah resurrected Jesus and gave him as "a covenant," or pledge, to people on earth. That solemn promise provided assurance that God's faithful Servant would continue as "a light of the nations, "liberating those in spiritual darkness.--Read Isaiah 49:8, 9.
Per the WTS, how does God safeguard jws? Does he protect them from destruction as individuals, or is it only "as a group"?
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*** 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!
13. In harmony with this pledge, Jehovah's chosen Servant would "open the blind eyes," "bring forth out of the dungeon the prisoner," and deliver "those sitting in darkness." (Isa. 42:7) During his earthly ministry, Jesus did this by exposing false religious traditions and preaching the good news of the Kingdom. (Matt. 15:3; Luke 8:1) He thus delivered from spiritual bondage Jews who became his disciples. (John 8:31, 32) In a similar way, Jesus has brought spiritual deliverance to millions of non-Jews. He has commissioned his followers to "go . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations," promising that he will be with his followers "until the conclusion of the system of things." (Matt. 28:19, 20) From his heavenly position, Christ Jesus is overseeing the global preaching work. exposing false religion--
what if a jw had pointed out that Jesus and God were not the superior authorities before 1962 and after 1929?
what if a jw had said that an organ transplant was fine between 1967 and 1980?
what if a jw had said in 1988 that the people who died in Sodom and Gomorrah died eternally?
what if a jw had said in 1993 that the generation of 1914 was unscriptural?
Jehovah Elevated the "Servant"
Q. 14, 15. Why and how did Jehovah elevate his Servant?
14. In yet another prophecy regarding his Messianic Servant, Jehovah states: "Look! My servant will act with insight. He will be in high station and will certainly be elevated and exalted very much." (Isa. 52:13) In view of his Son's loyal submission to His sovereignty and his faithfulness under the most extreme test, Jehovah elevated him.
LOYAL SUBMISSION
15. The apostle Peter wrote of Jesus: "He is at God's right hand, for he went his way to heaven; and angels and authorities and powers were made subject to him." (1 Pet. 3:22) Similarly, the apostle Paul wrote: "He humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a
torture stake. For this very reason also God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." -Phil. 2:8-11. BECOME OBEDIENT
Q. 16. How was Jesus "exalted very much" in 1914, and what has he accomplished since then?
16. In 1914, Jehovah elevated Jesus even further. He was "exalted very much" when Jehovah enthroned him as King of the Messianic Kingdom. (Ps. 2:6; Dan. 7:13, 14) Since then, Christ has gone forth "subduing in the midst of [his] enemies." (Ps. 110:2) He first subdued Satan and his demons, hurling them down to the vicinity of the earth. (Rev. 12:7-12) Then, acting as the Greater Cyrus, Christ delivered the remnant of his anointed brothers on earth from the grip of "Babylon the Great." (Rev. 18:2; Isa. 44:28) He has headed a worldwide preaching work that has resulted in the ingathering of "the remaining ones" of his spiritual brothers and then of millions of "other sheep," the loyal companions of the "little flock."-Rev. 12:17; John 10:16; Luke 12:32.
elevated in 1878 or 1914?
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*** jv chap. 28 p. 632 Testing and Sifting From Within ***
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.
That 1878 was a year of significance seemed to be fortified by reference to Jeremiah 16:18 (‘Jacob’s double,’ KJ) along with calculations indicating that 1,845 years had apparently elapsed from Jacob’s death down till 33 C.E., when natural Israel was cast off, and that the double, or duplicate, of this would extend from 33 C.E. down to 1878.
Extending the parallels further, it was stated that the desolation of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. (37 years after Jesus was hailed as king by his disciples when he rode into Jerusalem) might point to 1915 (37 years after 1878) for a culmination of anarchistic upheaval that they thought God would permit as a means for bringing existing institutions of the world to their end. This date appeared in reprints of Studies in the Scriptures. (See
Volume II, pages 99-101, 171, 221, 232, 246-7; compare reprint of 1914 with earlier printings, such as the 1902 printing of Millennial Dawn.) It seemed to them that this fitted well with what had been published regarding the year 1914 as marking the end of the Gentile Times.
Why is Jesus compared to a non-Jewish ruler who never worshiped Jehovah?
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*** w07 4/1 p. 26 par. 2 Humbly Submitting to Loving Shepherds ***
It was again fulfilled when the anointed remnant were delivered from “Babylon the Great” in 1919 by the Greater Cyrus, Jesus Christ
1919--when WTS says delivered from BTG although they were still celebrating birthdays and Christmas, using the cross, and using pyramids to determine bible chronology.
****the remaining ones" of his spiritual brothers and then of millions of "other sheep," the loyal companions of the "little flock."****
Q. 17. What have we learned thus far by studying Isaiah's prophecies regarding the "servant"?
17. The study of these remarkable prophecies in the book of Isaiah has surely increased our appreciation for our King and Redeemer, Christ Jesus. His final submission during his earthly ministry reflected the training he received at his Father's side before coming to earth. He has proved himself to be the "light of the nations" by his own ministry and by the preaching work he has overseen up until this very day. As we shall next see, another prophecy regarding the Messianic Servant reveals that he would suffer and pour out his life for our benefit, matters we should "consider closely" as the Memorial of his death approaches.-Heb. 12:2, 3.
SUBMISSION
• Who is the "servant" mentioned in Isaiah's prophecies, and how do we know?
• What training did the Servant receive from Jehovah?
• How is Jesus "a light of the nations"?
• How was the Servant elevated?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS Once again the "companions" will gather on April 9, to merely watch the bread and the wine go by. To realize that the only true brothers of Christ are the anointed. How many times a year are the "other sheep" referred to "companions"?
Next week, Jehovah's Servant--"Pierced For Our Transgression."
Love, Blondie