*** lv chap. 4 pp. 36-41 Why Respect Authority? ***Why Respect Authority?"Honor men of all sorts."-1 PETER 2:17.1, 2. (a) What struggle do we face when it comes to authority? (b) What questions will we consider?HAVE you ever watched a small child react when he is asked to do something he really does not want to do? You may see quite a conflict written plainly on that little boy's face. He hears his parent's voice, and he knows that he is supposed to respect his parent's authority. But in this case, he just does not want to obey. His struggle illustrates a truth we all face.
How is this a valid illustration given that the child lacks the maturity of an adult in making sound decisions?
2 Respect for authority does not always come easily to us. Do you sometimes find it difficult to respect those who have a measure of authority over you? If so, you are not alone in this struggle. We live at a time when respect for authority seems to be at an all-time low. Yet, the Bible says that we need to show respect for those who hold positions of authority over us. (Proverbs 24:21) In fact, doing so is essential if we want to remain in God's love. Naturally, then, some questions arise. Why can it be so difficult for us to respect authority? Why does Jehovah ask this of us, and what will help us to comply? Finally, in what ways can we show respect for authority?Proverbs 24:12 "My son, fear Jehovah and the king. With those who are for a change, do not intermeddleHow does Proverbs show "that we need to show respect for those who hold positions of authority over us" given that it refers to the Davidic kings - unless the WTS think that they are the "king" or royalty spoken of here...
WHY IT IS A CHALLENGE3, 4. How did sin and imperfection begin, and why does our sinful nature make it a challenge for us to respect authority?3 Let us briefly consider two reasons why it can be such a challenge for us to show respect for those in authority. First, imperfection afflicts us; second, it afflicts those humans in authority over us. Human sin and imperfection got their start a long time ago, back in the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve rebelled against God's authority. So sin began with rebellion. To this day, we have an inborn tendency to rebel.-Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12.
4 Because of our sinful nature, pride and haughtiness arise easily in most of us, whereas humility is a rare quality that we need to work hard to cultivate and maintain. Even after years of faithful service to God, we may give in to stubbornness and pride. For example, consider Korah, who faithfully stuck with Jehovah's people through many hardships. Still, he craved more authority and brazenly led a rebellion against Moses, the meekest man alive at that time. (Numbers 12:3; 16:1-3) Think, too, of King Uzziah, whose pride led him to enter Jehovah's temple and carry out a sacred duty reserved for the priests. (2 Chronicles 26:16-21) Such men paid dearly for their rebellion. Yet, their negative examples are useful reminders for all of us. We need to combat the pride that makes it difficult for us to respect authority.
What do these Old Testament examples of "pride and haughtiness" have to do with the Christian arrangement Jesus instituted?5. How have imperfect humans misused their authority?5 On the other hand, imperfect humans in positions of power have done much to undermine respect for authority. Many have been cruel, abusive, or tyrannical. In fact, human history is largely a record of the abuse of power. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) For example, Saul was a good, humble man when Jehovah chose him to be king. However, he succumbed to pride and jealousy; he then persecuted the faithful man David. (1 Samuel 9:20, 21; 10:20-22; 18:7-11) David later became one of the best kings Israel ever had, yet he misused his power when he stole the wife of Uriah the Hittite and sent that innocent man to the front lines to be killed in battle. (2 Samuel 11:1-17) Yes, imperfection makes it hard for people to handle power well. And when those in power do not respect Jehovah, they do even worse. After describing the way that some Catholic popes instituted widespread persecution, a British statesman wrote: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." With such a record in mind, let us consider the question: Why should we respect authority?
Can you believe this "Catholic" bashing when they themselves have a disgusting record of abuse of power:w81 9/15 p.23: "Persons who make themselves "not of our sort" by deliberately rejecting the faith and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses should appropriately be viewed and treated as are those who have been disfellowshiped for wrongdoing."w72 1/1 p.31:...While both homosexuality and bestiality are disgusting perversions, in the case of neither one is the marriage tie broken. It is broken only by acts that make an individual "one flesh" with a person of the opposite sex other than his or her legal marriage mate.w86 9/1 p.20:These Christians continued to pay back Caesar's things to Caesar. They obeyed the laws of the land as upright citizens. (Matthew 22:17-21; Romans 13:1-7) But more importantly, they paid back to God the things that belonged to him, including their dedicated lives and Christian worship. Hence, when Caesar demanded to have God's things, they acted in harmony with the principles stated at Acts 4:19 and 5:29. Whether the issue was shedding blood, noncombatant military work, alternative service, or saluting an image such as a national flag, faithful Christians took the position that there was no middle ground. In some cases they were executed because of this stand.-Matthew 24:9; Revelation 2:10.w67 11/15 p.702When there is a diseased or defective organ, the usual way health is restored is by taking in nutrients. The body uses the food eaten to repair or heal the organ, gradually replacing the cells. When men of science conclude that this normal process will no longer work and they suggest removing the organ and replacing it directly with an organ from another human, this is simply a shortcut. Those who submit to such operations are thus living off the flesh of another human. That is cannibalistic. However, in allowing man to eat animal flesh Jehovah God did not grant permission for humans to try to perpetuate their lives by cannibalistically taking into their bodies human flesh, whether chewed or in the form of whole organs or body parts taken from others.
WHY RESPECT AUTHORITY?6, 7. (a) What does our love for Jehovah move us to do, and why? (b) What attitude does submission involve, and how may we show it?6 The best reasons to respect authority spring from love-our love for Jehovah, for our fellow man, and even for ourselves. Because we love Jehovah above all else, we want to make his heart rejoice. (Proverbs 27:11; Mark 12:29, 30) We know that his sovereignty, his right to rule the universe, has been challenged on earth ever since the rebellion in Eden and that the majority of mankind have sided with Satan and rejected Jehovah's rule. We are thrilled to take the opposite stand. When we read the majestic words of Revelation 4:11, they strike a chord in our heart. How clear it is to us that Jehovah is the rightful Ruler of the universe! We embrace Jehovah's sovereignty, accepting his rule in our day-to-day life.
Is it sufficient for a JW to respect Jehovah's authority?
Why is Jesus not mentioned?
Should not Christians accept the authority of Jesus?
7 Such respect means obedience and more. We obey Jehovah readily because we love him. However, there are bound to be times when obedience will be very difficult for us. At such times we, like that little boy described at the outset, will need to learn submission. We recall that Jesus submitted to his Father's will even when doing so could seem very challenging. "Let, not my will, but yours take place," he said to his Father.-Luke 22:42.
Showing respect and obedience for God is fine - but notice "Such respect means obedience and more". I wonder where this is going....8. (a) Submission to Jehovah's authority today often involves what, and what reveals Jehovah's feelings in this regard? (b) What can help us to listen to counsel and accept discipline? (See the box on pages 46-7.)8 Of course, Jehovah does not speak to us individually today; he uses his Word and human representatives on earth. Most often, then, we show submission to Jehovah's authority by respecting those humans he has placed, or has allowed to continue, in positions of authority over us. If we were to rebel against those humans-for example, by refusing to accept their Scriptural counsel and correction-we would offend our God. When the Israelites murmured and rebelled against Moses, Jehovah took their actions personally as directed against him.-Numbers 14:26, 27.
"he uses his Word and human representatives on earth" - Which scripture talks about "human representatives" God has set up for Christians?
Where does the Bible say that the authority God gave to Moses in any way compares to a bunch of self appointed men in Brooklyn?
[Box on page 46, 47]"LISTEN TO COUNSEL AND ACCEPT DISCIPLINE"
Satan's spirit-his rebellious, contentious attitude-fills today's world. The Bible thus refers to Satan as "the ruler of the authority of the air" and mentions the resulting "spirit that now operates in the sons of disobedience." (Ephesians 2:2) Many today want to be completely independent of the authority of others. Sadly, that spirit of independence has even infected some in the Christian congregation. For example, an elder may offer some kindly counsel on the dangers of immoral or violent entertainment, but some may resist or even resent the counsel. Each of us needs to apply the words of Proverbs 19:20: "Listen to counsel and accept discipline, in order that you may become wise in your future."
What can help us in this regard? Consider three common reasons why people resist counsel or discipline, and then note the Scriptural viewpoint.
? "I don't think the counsel was appropriate." We may feel that the counsel does not really fit our circumstances or that the one giving it did not grasp the whole picture. Our immediate reaction might even be to belittle the counsel. (Hebrews 12:5) Since we are all imperfect, is it not possible that our own view of the matter is what needs adjusting? (Proverbs 19:3) Was there not some valid reason for the counsel to be given? Then that is what we need to focus on. God's Word advises us: "Take hold on discipline; do not let go. Safeguard it, for it itself is your life."-Proverbs 4:13.
? "I don't like the way the counsel was given." Granted, God's Word sets a high standard for the way counsel should be given. (Galatians 6:1) However, the Bible also says: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) The only way that we can ever receive perfect counsel delivered in just the right way is to receive it from a perfect person. (James 3:2) Jehovah uses imperfect humans to counsel us, so it is wise to avoid focusing on the way the counsel is given. Look, rather, to the content of the counsel, and prayerfully consider how to apply it.
? "He is in no position to counsel me!" If we think that personal faults in the counselor invalidate his counsel, we need to remember the points noted above. Likewise, if we think that our age, experience, or responsibilities in the congregation somehow put us above counsel, we need to readjust our thinking. In ancient Israel, the king had great responsibilities, yet he had to accept counsel from prophets, priests, and others who were among his subjects. (2 Samuel 12:1-13; 2 Chronicles 26:16-20) Today, Jehovah's organization appoints imperfect men to offer counsel, and mature Christians gladly accept it and apply it. If we have greater responsibilities or experience than others do, we should be even more conscious of the need to set an example in reasonableness and humility by accepting counsel and applying it.-1 Timothy 3:2, 3; Titus 3:2.
Clearly, none of us is above counsel. So let us be resolved to accept counsel readily, apply it obediently, and thank Jehovah heartily for this lifesaving gift. Counsel really is an expression of Jehovah's love for us, and we want to remain in God's love.-Hebrews 12:6-11.9. Why will our love for our fellow man move us to respect authority? Illustrate.9 We also show respect for authority out of love for our fellow man. How so? Well, imagine that you are a soldier in an army. The success, even the very survival of the army, likely depends on each soldier's cooperation with, obedience to, and respect for the chain of command. If you were to undermine that organization by rebelling, all your fellow soldiers might well be placed in danger. Granted, human armies wreak terrible havoc in the world today. However, Jehovah has armies that do only good. The Bible refers to God hundreds of times as "Jehovah of armies." (1 Samuel 1:3) He is the Commander of a vast array of mighty spirit creatures. At times, Jehovah likens his earthly servants to an army. (Psalm 68:11; Ezekiel 37:1-10) If we were to rebel against the humans that Jehovah has put in authority over us, might we not be putting our fellow spiritual soldiers at risk? When a Christian rebels against appointed elders, others in the congregation may suffer as well. (1 Corinthians 12:14, 25, 26) When a child rebels, the whole family may suffer. So we show our love for our fellow man by developing a respectful and cooperative spirit.
Agh, after 9 paragraphs we get to the ones they want their members submissive to - the "appointed elders"
What does the thought and context of 1 Corinthians 12:14, 25, 26 have to do with rebelling "against appointed elders"?10, 11. How does a proper desire to benefit ourselves move us to be obedient to authority?10 We also respect authority because it is in our own best interests to do so. When Jehovah asks us to respect authority, he often mentions the benefits that will come to us for doing so. For instance, he tells children to obey their parents in order to live a long and good life. (Deuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 6:2, 3) He tells us to respect congregation elders because failure to do so will cause us spiritual harm. (Hebrews 13:7, 17) And he tells us to obey secular authorities for our own protection.-Romans 13:4.
So Paul in Hebrews had in mind a group of men in each congregation being controlled by a centralised, legalistic, authoritarian and pharisaic hierarchy such as we see evident in the JW congregation?
11 Would you not agree that knowing why Jehovah wants us to obey helps us to respect authority? Let us, then, consider how we can show respect for authority in three principal areas of life.
Congregation Bible Study Comments - Week Commencing 20 April 2009
by LUKEWARM 15 Replies latest jw friends
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LUKEWARM
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LUKEWARM
oops - somehow this has been duplicated and am unsure how to delete one of them...
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yadda yadda 2
Gagworthy stuff by the Watchtower but great comments by you.
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Luo bou to
Clearly, none of us is above counsel.
My question Who counsels the Governing Body?
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Amazing
The WTS has been steadily losing hold over its members starting with the failure of 1975, the great apostasy at its headquarters in the early 1980s, and the subsequent failure of its 'last days and last generation' theories in the 1990s. This seems to be followed up by a younger generation that is even more disconnected to its JW parents and organizational leaders. Combined with abundant information on the Internet by former JWs, and the Watchtower Society is facing an uphill losing battle. The Watchtower leadership does not know how to act differently ... they see it as more evidence of the Devil messing with them d'eep in this time of the end' ... so, they tighten down in an effort to gain the respect and cooperation that they desperately crave, yet keeps eluding them. The Watchtower leadership is too proud, arrogant, and uneducated to understand the vicious cycle they have created, much less any way to end it.
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WTWizard
That has to be among the worst ever advice. Telling people that personal authority amounts to worshiping the Devil--without personal authority, all you are ever going to be is something that everyone is going to exploit, and you will never get anything good. What they are telling us that everything we do is supposed to be what we are told to; yet who tells that Almighty Lowlife Scumbag Jehovah what to do? No one.
If everything anyone does is what Jehovah tells us to do, then why the f*** did He make anything or anyone with any intelligence?
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Gayle
Did Jesus respect the Pharisees? How did he show that????
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yourmomma
now, i may have just been blind but i do not remember comments as blatant as the following
"we show submission to Jehovah's authority by respecting those humans he has placed, or has allowed to continue, in positions of authority over us. If we were to rebel against those humans-for example, by refusing to accept their Scriptural counsel and correction-we would offend our God."
and also the comment about how we can put the congregation in jepardy if we dont allow the elders to control everything we do, including what entertainment we watch, etc
maybe i was just so indoctronated, but it seems like these comments are much more blatant and in your face than they used to be.
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Amazing
yourmomma,
maybe i was just so indoctronated, but it seems like these comments are much more blatant and in your face than they used to be.
You are correct; the WTS has become increasingly blatant. They have always emphasized a certain degree of obedience to congregational authority. Since the great apostasy of the early 1980s, however, they have steadily increased their emphasis on submission to authority. This is all a part of their battle against dissent within the organization.
How is this a valid illustration given that the child lacks the maturity of an adult in making sound decisions?
The WTS loves for the JWs to be like their children ... kind of similar to how some politicians consider the people as their children. Just as children lack maturity, experience, and knowledge, the WTS sees their flock the same way. This is why Ray Franz was able to report in his book, "Crisis of Conscience" that the Governing Body feels that they cannot 'allow' the 'brothers' to do this or that activity using their own consciences, as they would be bound to do things incorrectly. It is arrogance, pride, and a love of power, authority, control, and being one of the elite. It is corruption of the first order.
In the Jim Jones cult, Jones insisted on being called "Father," effectively making him a parent figure, and thus implying that the members were his children ... and even when mature, seasoned adults, in their 40s, would commit some infraction, he would insist that they submit to being spanked in front of the congregatioin by Jones. I don't know if the WTS will ever get that bad ... but they are clearly on the same road.
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Billy the Ex-Bethelite
Thanks Lukewarm and others. Good comments on a terrible lesson.
I think David was disrespectful of authority and rebellious for running away from King Saul. If he would have obediently stayed still when Saul threw the spear, Jehovah could have used anti-matter to destroy the weapon in mid-air. Of course, using those examples, particularly of King Saul, proves that Jehovah can't really read hearts. If good, humble Saul became a tyrant after sitting on the throne, what prevents all of the hundred forty-fart thousand from turning wicked once they get perched in heaven?
And it really is blaphemy to call this a "Bible Study". Not only do they carefully chose a very few texts to support their despotism, they don't even refer to "scriptural counsel", only counsel from the "elders". Dubs really don't need to bother with the Bible, not when they have the Botchtower publications and "elders" appointed by the "Governing Badly". Talk about giving a bunch of janitors authority to run everybody's lives into the ground.
As mentioned, "Where's Jesus?" Didn't he have something to say about letting hypocrites run the show?
B the X