COMMENTS YOU WILL NOT HEAR AT THE 02-07-10 WT Study (December 15, 2009, pages 11-15)(ADVANCEMENT)
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MAKE YOUR ADVANCEMENT MANIFEST
"Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, that your advancement may be manifest to all persons."--1 TIM. 4:15.
OPENING COMMENTS Was Paul's advancement manifest to all?
*** it-2 p. 589 Paul ***in dangers among false brothers,
*** w05 4/15 p. 16 par. 4 Let God’s Word Light Your Roadway ***At Corinth, the apostle Paul was “in dangers among false brothers,” perhaps including “superfine apostles” seeking an accusation against him.
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1, 2. What do we know about Timothy's early life and the change that occurred when he was about 20 years old?
1. THE Roman province of Galatia, in what is now Turkey, was home to the boy Timothy. There, several Christian
congregations were established in the decades after Jesus' death. At some point, young Timothy, his mother, and his
grandmother embraced Christianity and became active in one of the congregations. (2 Tim. 1:5; 3: 14, 15) Timothy
surely enjoyed his life as a young Christian amid those familiar surroundings. Suddenly, however, things began to
change.
COMMENTSDo you remember any comment made about the advancement of Timothy's mother and grandmother.
Why does the WTS not mention that Timothy had a Greek, unbelieving rather?
Not just a member of the congregation but "active."
2. It all started with the apostle Paul's second visit to the area. At the time, Timothy may have been in his late teens or
early 20's. During Paul's visit, likely in Lystra, he took note of the fact that Timothy was "well reported on by the
brothers" in the local congregations. (Acts 16:2) Young Timothy must have displayed a maturity beyond his years.
Then, under the direction of the holy spirit, Paul and the local body of elders laid their hands upon Timothy, setting him
apart for special work in the congregation.--1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim.1:6.
COMMENTS "may have" -- the bible doesn't say
It doesn't matter that he was well-reportedon by the sisters?
Do elders lay hands on brothers today?
Q 3. What unusual privilege of service did Timothy receive?
3. Timothy was presented with an unusual invitation--to become the apostle Paul's traveling companion! (Acts 16:3)
Imagine how surprised and excited Timothy must have been! For years to come, Timothy would travel with Paul and at
times with others, carrying out various missions on behalf of the apostles and older men. Paul and Timothy engaged in
traveling work that contributed much to the spiritual upbuilding of the brothers. (Read Acts 16:4,5.) Hence, Timothy
became well-known to many Christians for his spiritual advancement. After some ten years of working with Timothy, the
apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians: "I have no one else of a disposition like [Timothy's] who will genuinely care for the
things pertaining to you .... You know the proof he gave of himself, that like a child with a father he slaved with me in
furtherance of the good news."--Phil. 2:20-22.
COMMENTS
Do COs today travel with young brothers?
Imagine--the WTS does a lot of that now with their "bible" dramas.
The WTS rotates COs and DOs every 3 years so that a strong friendship does not develop.
Q 4. (a) With what weighty responsibility was Timothy entrusted? (b) What questions can be asked about Paul's words
found at 1 Timothy 4:15?
4. About the time when Paul wrote to the Philippians, he entrusted Timothy with a weighty responsibility--that of
appointing elders and ministerial servants. (1 Tim. 3:1; 5:22) Clearly, Timothy had become a dependable and
trustworthy Christian overseer. Yet, in the same letter, Paul exhorted Timothy to 'make his advancement manifest to all
persons.' (1 Tim. 4:15) Had not Timothy already made his advancement manifest to an extraordinary degree? So, what
did Paul mean by these words, and how can we benefit from his counsel?
COMMENTSWere the first century Christians called Jehovah's witnesses?
How many elders/MS actually bring in new members? How many find people from door to door or get easy "studies" from people who call the congregation or have them turned over by women in the congregation?
SPIRITUAL QUALITIES MADE MANIFEST
Q 5, 6. How was the spiritual purity of the Ephesian congregation threatened, and how could Timothy counteract the
threat?
5. Let us examine the context of 1 Timothy 4:15. (Read 1 Timothy 4:11-16.) Prior to writing those words, Paul had
journeyed to Macedonia but had asked Timothy to remain in Ephesus. Why? Some in that city were becoming a
divisive influence in the congregation by introducing false teachings. Timothy was to protect the spiritual purity of the
congregation. How was he to accomplish this? In part, by setting a good example for others to imitate.
COMMENTSWhat were the false teachings?
6. Paul wrote to Timothy: "Become an example to the faithful ones in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in
chasteness." Paul added: "Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, that your advancement may be manifest to
all persons." (1 Tim. 4: 12, 15) This advancement had to do with Timothy's spiritual qualities rather than with any
position of authority. This is the kind of advancement that every Christian should want to manifest.
COMMENTS So are "privileges" the same as spiritual qualities or position of authority?
Q 7. What is expected of all in the congregation?
7. Today as in Timothy's day, there are various positions of responsibility within the congregation. Some serve as
elders or ministerial servants. Others engage in the pioneer service. Still others enjoy assignments in the traveling work,
in Bethel service, or in the missionary field. Elders share in various teaching programs, such as at assemblies and
conventions. However, all Christians--men, women, and young ones--have the potential for making their spiritual
advancement manifest. (Matt. 5:16) In fact, as in Timothy's case, even Christians who have special positions of
responsibility are expected to make their spiritual qualities manifest to all.
COMMENTSSo what positions of responsibility were there...PO (COBOE), Secretary, Field Overseer, WT Study Overseer, etc.?
Were there pioneers in Timothy's day? Did they have hour quotas, time slips, bethel service?
BECOME AN EXAMPLE IN SPEAKING
Q 8. What impact does our speech have on our worship?
8. One of the areas in which Timothy was to set an example was in his speaking. How can we make our advancement
manifest in that area? Our speech says much about us. Jesus aptly noted: "Out of the abundance of the heart the
mouth speaks." (Matt. 12:34) Jesus' half brother James also recognized the impact that our speech can have on our
worship. He wrote: "If any man seems to himself to be a formal worshiper and yet does not bridle his tongue, but goes
on deceiving his own heart, this man's form of worship is futile."--Jas.1:26.
COMMENTS
Actions speak louder than words......how many jws just speak but do not act like Christ's follower. What did James really say?
QUOTES
*** w98 6/1 p. 6 Wait Patiently ***The real servant of God acts in a way that pleases Him. The faith of such a true worshiper is reflected in his conduct. This distinguishes him from those who merely speak of belief in God and his promises.
*** w87 6/1 p. 13 par. 19 Keeping An Eye On the Interests of the Elderly ***One couple looking after aging parents reported: “Rather than encouraging us, some in the congregation have become
quite critical. One sister said: ‘If you keep missing meetings, you’ll get spiritually sick!’ But she wasn’t willing to do
anything to help us get to more meetings.” Equally discouraging are vague promises such as, If you ever need help, let
me know. These often amount to little more than saying, “Keep warm and well fed.” (James 2:16) How much better it is
to let your concern translate into action!
Q 9. In what ways should our speech be exemplary?
9. Our speech can reveal to others in the congregation the degree to which we have progressed spiritually.
Accordingly, instead of using speech that is undignified, negative, critical, or hurtful, mature Christians strive to build up,
comfort, console, and encourage. (Prov. 12:18; Eph. 4:29; 1 Tim. 6:3-5, 20) Our readiness to discuss our moral
convictions with others and to speak out in defense of God's lofty standards can reveal our devotion to God. (Rom.
1:15, 16) Right hearted ones will surely observe how we use the gift of speech and may follow our example.--Phil. 4:8,
9.
COMMENTS
Can you think of occasions where elders and other so-called mature jws have been negative, critical, hurtful? Is
speaking of God's lofty standards the same as living them?
Who are right hearted ones--only jws
QUOTE
*** w85 2/1 p. 7 Why Armageddon Must Be Fought ***But only God has the wisdom to fight a truly just war. Only he can fight a truly selective war where right-hearted
individuals, wherever they may be on earth, will be preserved.
*** w89 9/1 p. 19 par. 7 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium ***Only Jehovah’s Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the “great crowd,” as a united organization under the
protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system
dominated by Satan the Devil. (Revelation 7:9-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They will make up the “flesh” that Jesus Christ
said would be saved through the worst tribulation of all human history.
EXEMPLARY IN OUR CONDUCT AND CHASTENESS
Q 10. Why is faith without hypocrisy vital to our spiritual advancement?
10. More than upbuilding speech is needed for a Christian to be a good example. Saying the right things without doing
the right things would make one a hypocrite. Paul was well-acquainted with the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the
damaging result of their course. More than once, he cautioned Timothy against such insincerity and pretense. (1 Tim.
1:5; 4:1, 2) But Timothy was not a hypocrite. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul wrote: "I recollect the faith which is in
you without any hypocrisy." (2 Tim. 1:5) Still, Timothy needed to make his genuineness as a Christian manifest to
others. He was to be an example in conduct.
COMMENTSCan you think of jws who say the right thing but don't do it?
Are Christians to show their actions to God and Jesus rather than humans? Are jws to be men pleasers?
QUOTE(Ephesians 6:5-6) 5 YOU slaves, be obedient to those who are [YOUR] masters in a fleshly sense, with fear and
trembling in the sincerity of YOUR hearts, as to the Christ, 6 not by way of eye-service as men pleasers, but as Christ’s
slaves, doing the will of God whole-souled.
Q 11. What did Paul write to Timothy about riches?
11. In his two letters to Timothy, Paul provided exhortation on several areas of conduct. For instance, Timothy was to
avoid the pursuit of riches. Paul wrote: "The love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out
for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains." (1 Tim.
6:10) The love of riches is a sign of spiritual deficiency. In contrast, Christians who find contentment in a simple life,
"having sustenance and covering," manifest spiritual advancement.--1 Tim. 6:6-8; Phil. 4:11-13.
COMMENTSNotice that it is the "pursuit" of riches not being rich that the WTS condemns.
Do you know of jws that are "rich" and well-liked in the congregation?
Q 12. How can we make our advancement manifest in our personal life?
12. Paul mentioned to Timothy how important it was for Christian women to "adorn themselves in well-arranged dress,
with modesty and soundness of mind." (1 Tim. 2:9) Women who are modest and sound in mind in their choice of dress
and grooming, as well as in other areas of their personal life, set excellent examples. (1 Tim. 3:11) This principle
applies to Christian men too. Paul admonished overseers to be "moderate in habits, sound in mind, orderly." (1 Tim.
3:2) When we display these qualities in our daily activities, our advancement will be made manifest to all.
COMMENTS Did you know that jw women with parts on the podium are vetted by the chairman? I can remember the PO checking
the hems of sisters............
Q 13. Like Timothy, how can we be examples in chasteness?
13. Timothy was to be exemplary also in chasteness. In using this term, Paul was alluding to a very specific area of
conduct, that of sexual morality. Especially in Timothy's dealings with women was his conduct to be above reproach. He
was to treat" older women as mothers, younger women as sisters with all chasteness." (1 Tim. 4:12; 5:2) Even acts of
immorality that might seem to be secret are known to God and are certain to become known to fellow humans
eventually. But it is also true that a Christian's fine works cannot be kept hidden. (1 Tim. 5:24, 25) All in the congregation
have the opportunity to make their advancement manifest in conduct and chasteness.
COMMENTS I can remember the elder with the wandering hand; the one that had to share the latest sexual joke with the single
pioneer sisters; and of course the elders on the JC who need to hear the sexual details of a sister's transgression (but
not that of the men).
So why did the pedophiles in the congregation stay hidden for so long?
LOVE AND FAITH ESSENTIAL
Q 14. How do the Scriptures emphasize the need for having love among ourselves?
14. A major aspect of true Christianity is love. Jesus told his disciples: "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if
you have love among yourselves." (John 13:35) How do we manifest such love? God's Word entreats us to put up
"with one another in love," to "become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another," and
to be hospitable. (Eph. 4:2, 32; Heb. 13:1, 2) "In brotherly love have tender affection for one another," wrote the apostle
Paul.--Rom.12:10.
COMMENTSDo jws freely forgive or is there a price to pay?
Are these merely words...where are the actions?
Q 15. Why is love vital for all, especially Christian overseers?
15. If Timothy had been harsh or unkind in dealing with his fellow Christians, that could have neutralized the good he
accomplished as a teacher and an overseer. (Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.) On the other hand, Timothy's expressions of
genuine affection for his brothers, accompanied by acts of hospitality and good works in their behalf, surely highlighted
his spiritual advancement. It was fitting, then, that in his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul specifically mentioned love as
one of the qualities in which Timothy was to be exemplary.
COMMENTSHas an elder neutralized the "good" they accomplished?
When was the last time an elder had your family over for dinner?
Q 16. Why did Timothy need to display strong faith?
16. During his stay in Ephesus, Timothy's faith was put to the test. Certain ones were promoting doctrines that were not
in harmony with Christian truth. Others were spreading "false stories" or researching ideas that contributed nothing to
the congregation's spirituality. (Read 1 Timothy 1:3,4.) Paul described such individuals as being "puffed up with pride,
not understanding anything, but being mentally diseased over questionings and debates about words." (1 Tim. 6:3, 4)
Could Timothy risk toying with the harmful ideas that were infiltrating the congregation? No, for Paul urged Timothy to
"fight the fine fight of the faith" and turn away "from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from the
contradictions of the falsely called 'knowledge.'" (1 Tim. 6:12, 20, 21) There can be no doubt that Timothy followed
Paul's wise advice.--1 Cor. 10:12.
COMMENTS What were these doctrines, false ideas?
Notice how researching is condemned.
What are the "harmful ideas"?
Q 17. How may our faith be put to the test today?
17. Interestingly, Timothy was told that in "later periods of time some [would] fall away from the faith, paying attention to
misleading inspired utterances and teachings of demons." (1 Tim. 4:1) All in the congregation, including those in
positions of responsibility, need to be like Timothy in displaying strong, unwavering faith. By taking a strong stand and
decisive action against apostasy, we can make our advancement manifest and be an example in faith.
COMMENTS What are "teachings of demons"?
What is apostasy?
STRIVE TO MAKE YOUR ADVANCEMENT MANIFEST
Q 18, 19. (a) How can you make your advancement manifest to all? (b) What will be considered next?
18. Clearly, a true Christian's spiritual advancement is not connected to his personal appearance, natural abilities, or
prominence. And it may not necessarily be reflected in years of service in the congregation. Rather, true spiritual
advancement is made manifest by our being obedient to Jehovah in thought, speech, and conduct. (Rom. 16:19) We
should heed the mandate to love one another and to cultivate strong faith. Yes, let us ponder over Paul's words to
Timothy and be absorbed in them so that our advancement may be manifest to all.
COMMENTSNot connected to personal appearance...let a brother have a beard or a sister have a skirt 1/2 inch above the knee...
Years of service...how long must a person be a baptized jw to be appointed an MS or an elder, or be a CO/DO or on the GB?
Obedient to the GB as they interpret what God requires.
19. Another quality reflected in our spiritual advancement and Christian maturity is joy, part of the fruitage of God's holy
spirit. (Gal. 5:22, 23) The following article will discuss how we can cultivate and maintain joy during troublesome times.
COMMENTSIs there (or was there) joy in your congregation? In what ways was the joy squashed out of the rank and file?
How Would You Answer?
• What can others learn about us from our speech?
• How is our advancement manifest in our conduct and chasteness?
• Why are Christians to be exemplary in love and faith?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, Maintain Joy in Times of Trouble. Do you think Haiti will be on the tongue of the commenters?
Love, Blondie