*** lv chap. 4 pp. 41-45 Why Respect Authority? ***
RESPECT IN THE FAMILY
Q12. What role does Jehovah assign to the husband and father in the family, and how may a man fulfill that role?
12 Jehovah himself designed the family arrangement. Ever the God of order, he has organized the family so that it can work well. (1 Corinthians 14:33) He gives the husband and father authority to act as family head. The husband shows respect for his Head, Christ Jesus, by imitating the way Jesus exercises headship over the congregation. (Ephesians 5:23) Thus, the husband is not to abdicate his responsibility but to shoulder it manfully; nor is he to be tyrannical or harsh but, rather, loving, reasonable, and kind. He keeps in mind that his authority is relative—it never overrules Jehovah’s authority.
Why does the WTS insert itself in-between Jesus and the husband when the Bible says that the head of the husband is Jesus himself?
Q13. How may a wife and mother fulfill her family role in a way that pleases Jehovah?
13 A wife and mother is to act as her husband’s helper, or complement. She too is vested with authority in the family, for the Bible speaks of “the law of your mother.” (Proverbs 1:8) Of course, her authority is subordinate to that of her husband. A Christian wife shows respect for her husband’s authority by helping him fulfill his role as family head. She does not belittle him, manipulate him, or usurp his position. Rather, she is supportive and cooperative. When his decisions are not to her liking, she may respectfully express her thoughts, but she remains submissive. If her husband is not a believer, she may face challenging situations, yet her submissive conduct may move her husband to seek Jehovah.—1 Peter 3:1.
The WTS is happy to see a wife “face challenging situations” as a result of being obedient to commands of men while living in a divided household because there is always the chance of the unbelieving mate becoming their follower
Q14. How may children bring joy to their parents and to Jehovah?
14 Children bring delight to Jehovah’s heart when they obey their father and mother. They also bring honor and joy to their parents. (Proverbs 10:1) In single-parent families, children apply the same principle of obedience, aware that their parent may have an even greater need for their support and cooperation. In families where all members fulfill the roles that God designed for them, a great deal of peace and joy results. This reflects well on the Originator of all families, Jehovah God.—Ephesians 3:14, 15.
They only talk about children out of necessity – Brooklyn views children as a distraction
*** w00 8/1 p. 21 Why Do They Have No Children? ***
While this does not imply that it is wrong to have children today, many Christian couples decline to have children so as to become more fully involved in the urgent work that Jehovah has given his people to do. Some couples have waited for a time before having children; others have decided to remain childless and consider the possibility of bearing children in Jehovah’s righteous new world. Is this shortsighted? Are they missing out on life? Are they to be pitied?
RESPECT IN THE CONGREGATION
Q15. (a) How may we show in the congregation that we respect Jehovah’s authority? (b) What principles may help us to be obedient to those taking the lead? (See the box on pages 48-9.)
15 Jehovah has appointed his Son as Ruler over the Christian congregation. (Colossians 1:13) Jesus, in turn, has assigned his “faithful and discreet slave” to look after the spiritual needs of God’s people on earth. (Matthew 24:45-47) The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses represents the slave class. As in the first-century Christian congregations, elders today receive instructions and counsel from the Governing Body, either directly or through its representatives, such as traveling overseers. When we as individuals respect the authority of Christian elders, we are obeying Jehovah.—Hebrews 13:17.
Where does the Bible indicate that “faithful and discreet slave” is anything but a parable?
Where does the Bible talk about the “slave class”?
Where is the proof that “the first-century Christian congregations” really operated under the direction of a “Governing Body”
How arrogant and presumptuous of them to equate obedience to God with obedience to a bunch of imperfect manipulative Pharisees
Q16. In what sense are elders appointed by holy spirit?
16 Elders and ministerial servants are not perfect. They have failings, as we do. Yet, the elders are “gifts in men,” provided to help the congregation remain spiritually strong. (Ephesians 4:8) Elders are appointed by holy spirit. (Acts 20:28) How so? In that such men must first meet the qualifications recorded in God’s spirit-inspired Word. (1 Timothy 3:1-7, 12; Titus 1:5-9) Further, the elders who evaluate a brother’s qualifications pray earnestly for the guidance of Jehovah’s holy spirit.
“Elders are appointed by holy spirit” what a load of rubbish. Its by networking and sucking up to other elders, not to mention some C/O ass kissing that one is “appointed”
If its true that “such men must first meet the qualifications recorded in God’s spirit-inspired Word”, then why such emphasis on them meeting/exceeding the national average in field service when the qualifications don’t even mention service?
Q17. In their congregation activity, why do Christian women at times wear head coverings?
17 In the congregation, there may be times when no elders and ministerial servants are available to perform a task normally assigned to them, such as conducting a meeting for field service. In such instances, other baptized brothers may fill in. If none are available, then qualified Christian sisters may fill such needs. However, when a woman fills a role normally assigned to a baptized male, she wears a head covering. (1 Corinthians 11:3-10) This requirement does not demean women. Rather, it provides an opportunity to show respect for Jehovah’s arrangement of headship, both in the family and in the congregation.
What does qualified mean?
Can a woman “show respect for Jehovah’s arrangement of headship” without wearing a “head covering”?
Doesn’t the Bible say: “but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? Because her hair is given her instead of a headdress”. 1Cor 11:15
RESPECT FOR SECULAR AUTHORITY
Q18, 19. (a) How would you explain the principles outlined at Romans 13:1-7? (b) How do we show respect for secular authorities?
18 True Christians conscientiously adhere to the principles stated at Romans 13:1-7. As you read over that passage, you can see that “the superior authorities” mentioned there are the secular governments. As long as Jehovah allows these human powers to exist, they perform important functions, maintaining a measure of order and providing needed services. We show our respect for these authorities by means of our law-abiding conduct. We are careful to pay whatever taxes we owe, to fill out properly any forms or documents that the government may require, and to comply with any laws that involve us, our family, business, or possessions. However, we do not submit to the secular authorities if they ask us to disobey God. Rather, we reply as did the apostles of old: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”—Acts 5:28, 29; see the box “Whose Authority Should I Obey?” on page 42.
Are they sure that “superior authorities” are the “secular governments”?
http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/superior.htm
Box “Whose Authority Should I Obey?”
Principle: “Jehovah is our Judge, Jehovah is our Statute-giver, Jehovah is our King.”—Isaiah 33:22.
Some questions to ask yourself
? What would I do if I were asked to violate Jehovah’s standards?—Matthew 22:37-39; 26:52; John 18:36.
? What would I do if I were ordered to refrain from carrying out Jehovah’s commands?—Acts 5:27-29; Hebrews 10:24, 25.
? What can help me to want to obey those in positions of authority?—Romans 13:1-4; 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 6:1-3.
19 We also show respect for secular authorities by our demeanor. At times, we may deal directly with government officials. The apostle Paul dealt with such rulers as King Herod Agrippa and Governor Festus. These men were seriously flawed, but Paul addressed them with respect. (Acts 26:2, 25) We imitate Paul’s example, whether the official we address is a powerful ruler or a local policeman. In school, young Christians endeavor to show similar respect for their teachers and for school officials and employees. Of course, we do not limit such respect to those who approve of our beliefs; we are also respectful when dealing with those who are antagonistic toward Jehovah’s Witnesses. Really, nonbelievers in general should be able to sense our respect.—Romans 12:17, 18; 1 Peter 3:15.
BOX “BE OBEDIENT TO THOSE WHO ARE TAKING THE LEAD”
In ancient Israel, there was an urgent need for organization. Moses alone could not oversee millions of people traveling together in a dangerous wilderness. What did he do? “Moses proceeded to choose capable men out of all Israel and to give them positions as heads over the people, as chiefs of thousands, chiefs of hundreds, chiefs of fifties and chiefs of tens.”—Exodus 18:25.
In the Christian congregation today, there is a similar need for organization. That is why a book study group has an overseer, a congregation has elders, a group of congregations has a circuit overseer, a group of circuits has a district overseer, and a country has a Country Committee or a Branch Committee. Because of this organization, each man acting as a shepherd is able to pay close attention to Jehovah’s sheep assigned to his care. Such shepherds are accountable to Jehovah and to Christ.—Acts 20:28.
“a book study group has an overseer” – Hasn’t the “book study” been discontinued?
Where does the bible speak that Christians are subject to any “organization”?
This organizational arrangement calls for each of us to be obedient and submissive. Never would we want to have the attitude of Diotrephes, who had no respect for those taking the lead in his day. (3 John 9, 10) Rather, we want to heed the words of the apostle Paul, who wrote: “Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you.” (Hebrews 13:17) Some obey when they agree with the direction coming from those taking the lead but refuse to submit when they disagree with the direction or cannot see the reason for it. Keep in mind, though, that being submissive can include the idea that we obey even when we are not inclined to do so. Each of us, then, does well to ask himself, ‘Am I obedient and submissive to those taking the lead over me?’
Obedient to Jesus as the head of the congregation or to imperfect men “appointed” by the WTS?
Of course, God’s Word does not spell out every arrangement or procedure needed to help the congregation function. Yet, the Bible does say: “Let all things take place decently and by arrangement.” (1 Corinthians 14:40) The Governing Body obeys this direction by putting in place various helpful procedures and guidelines that ensure the smooth and orderly operation of the congregation. Responsible Christian men do their part by setting an example of obedience as they put such arrangements into effect. They also show themselves “reasonable, ready to obey” those placed in oversight. (James 3:17) Thus, each book study, congregation, circuit, district, and country is blessed with a united, orderly body of believers who reflect well on the happy God.—1 Corinthians 14:33; 1 Timothy 1:11. What a twisting of scriptures to suit their agenda!
On the other hand, Paul’s words found at Hebrews 13:17 also highlight why a disobedient spirit is harmful. It may cause those in positions of responsibility to do their work “with sighing.” What should be considered a privilege of sacred service can feel like a burden when a brother must deal with an uncooperative, rebellious spirit in the flock. In turn, damage results “to you,” the entire congregation. Of course, there is yet another form of damage that results when a person refuses to submit to theocratic order. It hurts his spirituality if he is too proud to submit, putting distance between him and his heavenly Father. (Psalm 138:6) Let us all, then, be determined to remain obedient and submissive.
Seriously, was Paul in Hebrews really referring to WTS “appointed” elders who are governed by a centralized body in Brooklyn who are Gods mouthpiece on the earth?
What does Psalm 138:6 have to do with the Christian arrangement?
Q20, 21. What are some of the blessings that result from showing proper respect for authority?
20 Let us not be stingy when it comes to showing respect. The apostle Peter wrote: “Honor men of all sorts.” (1 Peter 2:17) When people sense that we view them with genuine respect, they may be deeply impressed. Remember, this quality is becoming ever rarer. Showing it, then, is one way in which we heed Jesus’ command: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.”—Matthew 5:16.
“…that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens” or to the WTS?
21 In this bedarkened world, good-hearted people are drawn to spiritual light. So our showing respect in the family, in the congregation, and in secular settings may attract some and move them to walk in the light with us. What a glorious prospect! Even if that does not happen, though, one thing is sure. Our respect for humans pleases Jehovah God and helps us to remain in his love. What reward could be greater than that?
Why is it always about them, always drawing attention to themselves!. They remind the membership that their conduct is important to “attract some and move them to walk in the light with us”…
