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RESISTING “THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD”
Q7,8. What is “the spirit of the world,” and how does that spirit “operate” in a person?
7 Another way that Christians keep separate from the world is by resisting its evil spirit. “We received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God,” wrote Paul. (1 Corinthians 2:12) To the Ephesians, he said: “You at one time walked according to ...this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit that now operates in the sons of disobedience.”—Ephesians 2:2, 3.
Are the “Christians” spoken of here only JW’s?
Can sincere “Christians” who are keeping separate from the world be found outside the JW religion?
8 The world’s “air,” or spirit, is an invisible, impelling force that incites disobedience to God and fosters “the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes.” (1 John 2:16; 1 Timothy 6:9, 10) The “authority” of this spirit lies in its appeal to the sinful flesh, its subtlety, its relentlessness and, like air, its pervasiveness. Moreover, it “operates” in a person by gradually nurturing in him ungodly traits, such as selfishness, haughtiness, greedy ambition, and the spirit of moral independence and rebellion. Simply put, the spirit of the world progressively causes the traits of the Devil to grow in the heart of a man.—John 8:44; Acts 13:10; 1 John 3:8, 10.
Does “disobedience to God” and “rebellion” involve legitimate questioning of the WTS and its interpretations and/or the withdrawal from the JW congregation?
Q9. In what ways can the world’s spirit enter our mind and heart?
9 Can the spirit of the world take root in your mind and heart? Yes, but only if you let it do so by lowering your guard. (Proverbs 4:23) Its influence often begins subtly, perhaps by way of associates who may appear to be good people but, in fact, have no love for Jehovah. (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33) You can also absorb that evil spirit through objectionable literature, pornographic or apostate Internet sites, unwholesome entertainment, and highly competitive sports—really, through anyone or anything that conveys the thinking of Satan or his system.
What exactly do they mean with the expression “no love for Jehovah”? Is it everyone who is not active in the JW religion?
What is “objectionable literature”?
Could it be that “apostate Internet sites” get a mention because they are the greatest threat to the authority of the boys in Brooklyn and the future growth of the religion? How many JW’s and interested parties can now examine evidence about the real truth about the “truth” in the privacy of their homes which is resulting in a greater attrition rate and 0% growth in many countries?
Why do they not qualify what “highly competitive sports” are! Is this another case of going ‘beyond the things written’ and burdening the membership with ‘traditions of men’?
Q10. How can we resist the spirit of the world?
10 How can we resist the insidious spirit of the world and keep ourselves in God’s love? Only by taking full advantage of Jehovah’s spiritual provisions and by praying constantly for holy spirit. Jehovah is far greater than the Devil or the wicked world under satanic control. (1 John 4:4) How important, then, that we stay close to Jehovah in prayer!
Does “Only by taking full advantage of Jehovah’s spiritual provisions…” mean being part of and active in the JW religion?
Why don’t they mention Jesus and what he taught Christians to do?
BEING MODEST IN OUR DRESS AND GROOMING
Q11. How has the world’s spirit influenced standards of dress?
11 An outward indication of the spirit that impels a person is his dress, grooming, and hygiene. In many lands, standards of dress have fallen so low that one television commentator suggested that soon there will be nothing left for prostitutes to wear. Even girls not yet in their teens have been caught up in this trend—“long on skin, short on modesty,” said one newspaper report . Another trend is to dress in a slovenly manner that reflects a spirit of rebellion as well as a lack of dignity and self-respect.
“…one television commentator…”. What commentator and where?
“…one newspaper report…” What report and where?
Why do they always list the extremes anyway?
Q12,13. What principles should govern our dress and grooming?
12 As servants of Jehovah, we rightly want to look our best, which means dressing in a way that is neat, clean, in good taste, and appropriate for the occasion. At all times, our appearance ought to reflect “modesty and soundness of mind,” which along with “good works” is fitting for anyone—male or female—“professing to reverence God.” Of course, our main concern is, not to draw attention to ourselves, but to “keep [ourselves] in God’s love.” (1 Timothy 2:9, 10; Jude 21) Yes, we want our most beautiful adornment to be “the secret person of the heart…, which is of great value in the eyes of God.”—1 Peter 3:3, 4.
“ought to”? Where is the appeal to the Christians conscience?
[ourselves] – adding to the Bible again!
13 Keep in mind, too, that our clothing styles and grooming can influence how others view true worship. The Greek word rendered “modesty,” when used in a moral sense, expresses the thought of reverence, awe, and respect for the feelings or opinion of others. Our goal, therefore, should be to subordinate our presumed rights to the consciences of others. Above all, we want to bring honor to Jehovah and his people and to recommend ourselves as God’s ministers, doing “all things for God’s glory.”—1 Corinthians 4:9; 10:31; 2 Corinthians 6:3, 4; 7:1.
Are JW’s the only ones practicing “true worship”?
Are “his people” only JW’s?
Why does the WTS not practice what it preaches here and “…subordinate [its] presumed rights” when shown from the Bible that it is wrong on a matter?
Q14. In regard to our appearance and hygiene, what questions should we ask ourselves?
14 Our dress, grooming, and cleanliness are even more important when we are engaging in the field ministry or attending a Christian meeting. Ask yourself: ‘Do my appearance and personal hygiene draw undue attention to me? Do they embarrass others? Do I consider my rights in these areas to be more important than qualifying for service privileges in the congregation?’—Psalm 68:6; Philippians 4:5; 1 Peter 5:6.
When they say “Do I consider my rights in these areas to be more important than qualifying for service privileges in the congregation” are they talking about polyester suits and beards?
Q15. Why does God’s Word not set out a list of rules on dress, grooming, and hygiene?
15 The Bible does not set out for Christians a list of rules on dress, grooming, and hygiene. Jehovah has no desire to deny us our freedom of choice or the use of our thinking faculties. Rather, he wants us to become mature people who reason on Bible principles and who “through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5:14) Above all, he wants us to be governed by love—love for God and neighbor. (Mark 12:30, 31) Within those boundaries, there is the potential for great variety in dress and grooming. Evidence of this can be seen in the colorfully dressed, joyful throngs of Jehovah’s people no matter where on earth they are gathered.
So if “Bible does not set out for Christians a list of rules on dress, grooming, and hygiene” and Christians have “freedom of choice” then why does the hierarchy impose rules and display a spirit of ‘lording it over’ the flock?
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