Comments You Will Not Hear at the 04-11-10 WT Study (February 15, 2010 pages 5-9)(BOLDNESS)
Review comments will be in red or COMMENTS heading
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'SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD WITH BOLDNESS' "They were ... filled with the Holy Spirit and were speaking the word of God with boldness.”--ACTS 4:31.
OPENING COMMENTS
Are jws, the rank and file, the non-anointed, every said to be filled with holy spirit? If as the WTS says below
the anointed do not have special insight, how does the FDS/GB prepare the "spiritual" food; does the WTS believe
that the GB has special insight although they too are only anointed?
*** w07 5/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
However, genuine anointed Christians do not demand special attention. They do not believe that their being of the
anointed gives them special “insights,” beyond what even some experienced members of the great crowd may have.
They do not believe that they necessarily have more holy spirit than their companions of the other sheep have; nor
do they expect special treatment or claim that their partaking of the emblems places them above the appointed
elders in the congregation.
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1, 2. Why should we strive to be effective in our ministry?
THREE days before his death, Jesus told his disciples: "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." Before his ascension to heaven, the
resurrected Jesus commissioned his followers to 'make disciples of people of all the nations, teaching them to
observe all the things he had commanded them.' He promised them that he would be with them "all the days until the
conclusion of the system of things."--Matt. 24:14; 26: 1,2; 28:19, 20.
COMMENTS
So when the early Christians were told that "the end will come" were they thinking 2,000 years in the future or
were they expecting it in their lifetime? Did they expect the "conclusion" to be years in the future.
So how Jesus with them between 100 and 1879 C.E.? Which group of Christians was he with?
2. As Jehovah's Witnesses, we have an active share in a work that had its beginning in the first century. No
other work is equal in importance to the lifesaving work of Kingdom preaching and disciple making. How vital it
is, then, that we be effective in our ministry! In this article, we will see how being directed by Holy Spirit
helps us to speak with boldness when we engage in the ministry. The two following articles will show how Jehovah's
spirit can direct us to teach with skill and preach with constancy.
COMMENTS
So they are jws rather than Christians? What would an INACTIVE share be? Did the early Christians study with
people using information provided by the "governing body," a term that the Bible never uses? Did they even have
access to the scriptures except pieces of scrolls at the most?
So what is the WTS definition of "effective"?
How does the holy spirit direct jws? Through the bible, through prayer, or only in association with the WTS?
WE NEED BOLDNESS
Q 3. Why does sharing in the Kingdom-preaching work require boldness?
3. Our God-given work of Kingdom proclamation is a privilege beyond compare. However, it is not without
challenges. While some people readily accept the good news of God's Kingdom, many prove to be like those living in
the days of Noah. They "took no note until the flood came and swept them all away," said Jesus. (Matt. 24:38, 39)
Then there are those who ridicule or oppose us. (2 Pet. 3:3) Opposition may come from those in authority, from
schoolmates or workmates, or even from close family members. Add to this our own personal weaknesses, such as
shyness and fear of being rejected. A multitude of factors can make it difficult for us to exercise "freeness of
speech" and speak the word of God with "boldness." (Eph. 6:19, 20) Perseverance in speaking the word of God
requires boldness. What can help us to acquire it?
COMMENTS
OUR = only jws = like no other religion sincerely preaches about Christ and HIS kingdom?
OT = Noah
What would it mean to "take note"? Be baptized as a jw?
IF jws are not being "persecuted" does that mean they are not faithful? Are only jws persecuted for preaching about the kingdom?
The WTS sets up schoolmates, workmates, close (non-jw) family members, government authority as enemies, all of
them.
QUOTES
*** w06 1/15 p. 28 par. 8 Oppose Satan, and He Will Flee! ***As enmity between the two ‘seeds’ continues, those faithfully serving Jehovah can expect to be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12)
Q 4. (a) What is boldness? (b) How did the apostle Paul muster up boldness to speak to the Thessalonians?
4. The Greek word translated "boldness" means "outspokenness, frankness, plainness." That word conveys the idea
of "courage, confidence, ... fearlessness." Boldness does not mean bluntness or rudeness. (Col. 4:6) While being
bold, we also want to be peaceable with all. (Rom. 12: 18) Moreover, as we preach the good news of God's Kingdom,
we need to maintain balance between boldness and tactfulness so that we do not offend someone unintentionally.
Indeed, boldness calls for qualities that require much effort to cultivate. This type of boldness does not come
from within or from self-reliance. After the apostle Paul and his companions had been 'insolently treated in
Philippi,' how did they 'muster up boldness' to speak to those in Thessalonica? "By means of our God," wrote Paul.
(Read 1 Thessalonians 2:2.) Jehovah God can dispel our fears and give us similar boldness.
COMMENTSBoldness does not mean bluntness rudeness---have you known jws like that? I can remember one who was so bad that
after the 2nd time someone tried to toss us off their property, I refused to go with them to another door.
Do jws truly say they are preaching the good news of God's Kingdom? Is that what 20 non-jws would say they
remember about jws? Not only do the sample presentations not use "Jehovah" in them, may be 1 out of 48
presentations yearly, mention kingdom.
Not offend unintentionally--many jws do it intentionally, with the idea that this is a warning work and that no
one will listen.
QUOTES
*** km 11/07 p. 4 What to Say About the Magazines ***The Watchtower Nov. 15
“All of us want to have a happy, meaningful life. Do you agree with what Jesus said here about the key to
happiness? [Read Matthew 5:3. Then allow for response.] This magazine explains how the satisfying of our inborn,
fundamental need to worship God gives meaning to our life.”
Awake! Nov.
“In our age of science and skepticism, many people think that the Bible is out-of-date. How do you feel about
that? [Allow for response.] Did you know that every statement in the Bible that touches on science is accurate?
[Read Job 26:7.] This special issue of Awake! gives compelling reasons why the Bible can be trusted.”
The Watchtower Dec. 1
“How would you answer this question? [Read question on cover. Then allow for response.] It is God’s purpose to
unify the human race. [Read Psalm 46:8, 9.] This magazine shows what the Bible says about how unity will be
achieved.”
Awake! Dec.
“Some feel that death is a passage to an afterlife; others believe that it is the end. Do you personally think
that death is something to fear? [Allow for response.] Notice how Job felt about the prospect of his death. [Read
Job 14:14, 15.] This magazine gives the Bible’s clear explanation on what happens to us when we die.”
Q 5. How did Jehovah grant boldness to Peter, John, and other disciples?
5. When challenged by "rulers [of the people] and older men and scribes," the apostles Peter and John said:
"Whether it is righteous in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves. But as for
us, we cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard." Rather than praying to God for persecution
to stop, they and fellow believers made supplication, saying: "Jehovah, give attention to their threats, and grant
your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness." (Acts 4:5, 19, 20, 29) How did Jehovah respond to their
request? (Read Acts 4:31.) Jehovah helped them muster up boldness by means of his spirit. God's spirit can do the
same for us. How, then, can we receive God's spirit and be directed by it in our ministry?
COMMENTS
So when was the last time you were challenged by "rulers"? The jws I would be with would be confrontational with
landlords, police, householders getting us banned from apartment complexes, etc.
jws are told not to pray for the persecution to stop; remember their identification as jws depends on being
persecution even if they provoked it.
How then do jws receive holy spirit and are directed by it? Would others outside the WTS believe the same of
their group?
ACQUIRE BOLDNESS
Q 6, 7. What is the most direct way to receive God's holy spirit? Give examples.
6. The most direct way to receive God's holy spirit is to ask for it. Jesus told his listeners: "If you, although
being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy
spirit to those asking him!" (Luke 11:13) Indeed, we should constantly pray for holy spirit. If certain aspects of
the ministry--doing street witnessing, preaching informally, or working business territory--intimidate us, we can
pray to Jehovah for his spirit and ask him to help us muster up the needed boldness.--1 Thess. 5:17.
COMMENTS
Does the WTS teach that people outside their organization can receive holy spirit?
Did Jesus say that children had to CONSTANTLY as their parents before they would receive anything?
How many jws do street witnessing, informally, or businesses....few, very few.
7. That is what a Christian woman named Rosa did.* One day when Rosa was at her place of work, a schoolteacher
she works with was reading a report from another school about the mistreatment of children. The teacher was so
disturbed by what she read that she cried out, "What is this world coming to?" Rosa could not pass up such an
opportunity to give a witness. What did she do to get the courage to speak up? "I prayed to Jehovah and asked for
his spirit to help me," says Rosa. She was able to give a fine witness and make a follow-up arrangement. Consider
also the case of a five-year-old girl named Milane, who lives in New York City. Milane says: "Before I go to
school, my mommy and I always pray to Jehovah." What do they pray for? Courage for Milane to take her stand and
speak up about her God! "This has helped Milane to explain her position on birthdays and holidays and refrain from
joining in when those occasions are observed," says her mother. Do these examples not show that when it comes to
mustering up boldness, prayer works?
*Names have been changed.
COMMENTSSo what is the WTS protecting...children? Do they give first and last names at the conventions when they have
families up on the stage?
Christian woman = only jw
I'm sure Rosa did not tell the teacher about abused children in the WTS, physically and sexually.
Notice no mention of Christ.
So was the worst thing Christians had to face was birthdays and holidays?
Q 8. What can we learn from the prophet Jeremiah about acquiring boldness?
8. Reflect also on what helped the prophet Jeremiah to acquire boldness. When Jehovah appointed him as a prophet
to the nations, Jeremiah replied: "Here I actually do not know how to speak, for I am but a boy." (Jer. 1:4-6) In
time, though, Jeremiah became so persistent and forceful in his preaching activity that many viewed him as a
calamity howler. (Jer. 38:4) For over 65 years, he boldly proclaimed Jehovah's judgments. So well-known was he in
Israel for his fearless and courageous preaching that some 600 years later when Jesus spoke with boldness, some
believed that he was Jeremiah returned to life. (Matt. 16:13, 14) How did the initially reluctant prophet Jeremiah
overcome his shyness? He states: "In my heart [the word of God] proved to be like a burning fire shut up in my
bones; and I got tired of holding in." (Jer. 20:9) Yes, Jehovah's word exerted power on Jeremiah and impelled him
to speak.
COMMENTS
OT = Jeremiah
Jeremiah was appointed as a prophet; the WTS/FDS/GB compares themselves to Jeremiah but will protest they are not
a prophet. Jehovah's witnesses have been seen as calamity howlers predicting Armageddon or the end would come in
1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940's, 1975, 1984 or 1994 (the generation of 1914, 70 or 80 years). Jeremiah preached
for 65 years, the WTS from 1879 to 2010 and counting, 131 years. 600 years later, Jeremiah = WTS/FDS/GB?
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/1800s.php
QUOTES
*** Reasoning From the Scriptures (rs) p. 136 par. 2 False Prophets ***Jehovah’s Witnesses do not claim to be inspired prophets. They have made mistakes. Like the apostles of Jesus
Christ, they have at times had some wrong expectations.—Luke 19:11; Acts 1:6.
*** w82 10/1 p. 27 par. 8 Be as Men Who Are Facing Har–Magedon Unafraid ***In behalf of such individuals who at heart seek God’s rule instead of man’s rule, the “prophet” whom Jehovah has
raised up has been, not an individual man as in the case of Jeremiah, but a class. The members of this class are,
like the prophet-priest Jeremiah, wholly dedicated to Jehovah God through Christ and, by the begettal of Jehovah’s
holy spirit, they have been made part of “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special
possession.” (1 Peter 2:9) At this late date there is a mere remnant of this “prophet” class yet on earth. The
“war of the great day of God the Almighty” at Har–Magedon could not start before this composite “prophet” ends his
work.
Q 9. Why can the word of God affect us the way it affected Jeremiah?
9. In his letter to the Hebrews, the apostle Paul wrote: "The word of God is alive and exerts power and is
sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and their
marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Heb. 4:12) The message, or word, of God can
affect us the way it affected Jeremiah. Remember that although men were used to write the Bible, it is not a
compilation of human wisdom, for it was inspired by God. At 2 Peter 1:21, we read: "Prophecy was at no time
brought by man's will, but men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit." When we take time to
engage in meaningful personal study of the Bible, our minds become filled with the message inspired by holy
spirit. (Read 1 Corinthians 2:10.) That message can prove to be "like a burning fire" inside us, so that we will
be unable to keep it in.
COMMENTSOnly the WORD OF GOD is said to be able to "discern thoughts and intentions of the heart" not humans.
What is more important in the WT organization, the bible or their publications?
1910 "If the 6 volumes of 'Scripture Studies' are practically the Bible topically arranged, with Bible proof-texts
given, we might not improperly name the volumes- 'The Bible' in an arranged form. That is to say, they are not
merely comments on the Bible, but they are practically the Bible itself...Furthermore, not only do we find that
people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible itself, but we see also that if anyone lays the 'Scripture
Studies' ... after he has read them for 10 years-if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible
alone...out experience shows that within 2 years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he has merely read
the 'S.S.' with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the
end of the two years." (Watchtower, Sept 15, 1910)
1932 "Until you have read Judge Rutherford's explanation of these questions, and of hundreds of others which in
the east have been just as puzzling you simply cannot understand the Bible." (Liberty 1932)
1951 But if each of us were left to himself just because he has a copy of the Bible and were to direct his
movements independently as he thought he understood the Word, what? It is likely, or possible, that there would be
a great deal of confusion or working in competition among us. Hence, besides individually possessing God's Word,
we need a theocratic organization. Yes, besides having God's spirit of illumination, a Christian needs Jehovah's
theocratic organization in order to understand the Bible. (Watchtower; June 15, 1951; p. 375)
1981 "We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the scriptural guidance we need outside the
'faithful and discreet slave' organization.'" (Watchtower, February 15, 1981, p.19)
1994 Channel to understanding the Bible... All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the
"greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful
and discreet slave. (Watchtower; Oct. 1, 1994; p. 8)
Q 10, 11. (a) What should be true of our study habits if we are to acquire boldness ill speaking? (b) Name at least one step you plan on taking ill order to improve the quality of your personal study.
10. For personal Bible study to have a powerful impact on us, it should be done in such a way that the Bible's
message reaches deep inside us, affecting our inner person. For example, the prophet Ezekiel was given a vision in
which he was asked to eat the roll of a book containing a strong message to be delivered to an unreceptive people.
Ezekiel was to absorb the message fully and make it part of him. Doing so would make the task of delivering that
message pleasant-like the taste of honey.--Read Ezekiel 2:8-3:4, 7-9.
COMMENTS
OT = Ezekiel, the WTS also compares themselves to Ezekiel, "Ezekiel class." How many jws know that Bethelites
were tossed out in 1980 because of doing "independent" personal bible study?
QUOTES
*** w91 3/15 p. 11 par. 14 Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot on the Move ***But who is pictured by the prophet Ezekiel? From the facts of history, it is evident that the body of spirit-
anointed Witnesses of Jehovah has been associated with the celestial chariot. Thus, Ezekiel well pictures the
anointed remnant of Jehovah’s Witnesses since 1919. Spiritually, God’s heavenly organization got in touch with the
anointed remnant in that year, to revive them as Witnesses of Jehovah to all the world.
11. We are in a situation similar to that of Ezekiel. Today, many simply do not want to hear what the Bible says.
If we are to persevere in speaking the word of God, it is important that we study the Scriptures in a manner that
allows us to absorb their message fully. Regularity--not a hit-or-miss approach--should mark our study habits. Our
desire should be like that of the psalmist who sang: "Let the sayings of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
become pleasurable before you, O Jehovah my Rock and my Redeemer." (Ps. 19:14) How important it is that we take
time to meditate on what we read, so that Bible truths sink deep down into the heart! Surely, we should strive to
improve the quality of our personal study.
COMMENTS
Is it that people do not want to hear what the Bible says or what jws say?
Study the scriptures in a way that WE can absorb the WTS message more fully...
Bible truths?
1879 to 1929 Romans 13--Superior authorities are secular governments
1929 to 1962 Romans 13--Superior authorities are God and Jesus
1962 to 2010 Romans 13--Superior authorities are secular governments
Q 12. Why do Christian meetings help us to be guided by holy spirit?
12. Another way to benefit from Jehovah’s holy spirit is to “consider one another to incite to love and fine
works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together.” (Heb. 10:24, 25) Exerting ourselves to be in regular
attendance at Christian meetings, listening carefully, and applying what we learn are fine ways to be guided by
the spirit. After all, does not Jehovah’s spirit give direction through the congregation?--Read Revelation 3:6.
COMMENTS Does Revelation 3:6 say congregation or congregationS?
"Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations." The WTS teaches that THE
congregation are anointed jws. There was no governing body in the 1st century; try even finding that word in the
bible.
How many meetings can a jw miss and be considered irregular? Christian meetings means only those sponsored by
jws. How does God give holy spirit through today's jw congregation of anointed people? Guided by the holy spirit
or the WTS as it "explains" what the spirit is saying?
BENEFITS OF ACQUIRING BOLDNESS
Q 13. What can we learn from what the first-century Christians accomplished in the preaching work?
13. Holy spirit is the most powerful force in the universe, and it can empower humans to do Jehovah's will. Under
its influence, the first-century Christians accomplished a tremendous preaching work. They preached the good news
"in all creation that is under heaven." (Col. 1:23) When we consider that most of them were "unlettered and
ordinary," it becomes obvious that they were motivated by a stronger force.--Acts 4:13.
COMMENTS
How did first-century Christians preach to fulfill Col. 1:23? How was that when they did not go beyond the area
around the Mediterranean?
How do jws explain doing the same if everyone will not receive an individual witness? If Christian were
unlettered, then they had no WT publications, not even a bible.
QUOTES
*** 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 14. What can help us to be "aglow with the spirit"?
14. Living in a way that allows holy spirit to direct our lives can also motivate us to carry out our ministry
courageously. The combined benefits of constantly praying for the spirit, diligently engaging in meaningful
personal study, prayerfully meditating on what we read, and regularly attending Christian meetings can help us to
be "aglow with the spirit." (Rom. 12:11) Concerning "a certain Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an
eloquent man, [who] arrived in Ephesus," the Bible says: "As he was aglow with the spirit, he went speaking and
teaching with correctness the things about Jesus." (Acts 18:24, 25) By being "on fire with the Spirit," we can
demonstrate increased boldness in our house-to-house ministry and when witnessing informally.--Rom. 12:11, The
Bible--An American Translation.
COMMENTS
Living in a way that allows the WTS to direct our lives...?
MEANINGFUL personal study
PRAYERFULLY meditation (and who is their mediator?)
REGULARLY attending JW meetings
Does not seem that the rank and file jws are very bold or effective in presenting the WTS message.
Q 15. How does speaking with increased boldness benefit us?
15. Increased boldness in witnessing has a positive effect on us. Our attitude is improved because we appreciate
more fully the importance and benefit of our work. Our enthusiasm is enhanced because we find greater joy when we
are effective in the ministry. And our zeal is fortified because we have a greater awareness of the urgency of the
preaching work.
COMMENTS
OUR attitude
OUR enthusiasm
GREATER joy
EFFECTIVE
FORTIFIED ZEAL
URGENCY--the end is NEAR
How many jws make return visits effectively, preparing, and coming back soon not 2 months later?
Q 16. What should we do if our zeal for the ministry has diminished?
16. What if we have lost our zeal for the ministry or our fervor for it is not what it used to be? Then an honest
self-examination is in order. Paul wrote: "Keep testing whether you are in the faith, keep proving what you
yourselves are." (2 Cor. 13:5) Ask yourself: 'Am I still aglow with the spirit? Do I pray to Jehovah for his
spirit? Do my prayers show that I rely upon him to do his will? Do they contain words of appreciation for the
ministry entrusted to us? How are my personal study habits? How much time do I take to meditate on what I read and
hear? How involved am I in congregation meetings?' Reflecting on questions such as these can help you identify
areas of weakness and take corrective measures.
COMMENTS
What zeal? Wasting 2 hours Saturday mornings, maybe twice a month...is evening witnessing organized and attended
much any more? Keep testing self or hear weekly from the platform that you should DO MORE? How involved can a jw
be in the meetings when they are only allowed to comment on the material directly in the article and not bring in
any side information?
LET GOD'S SPIRIT MAKE YOU BOLD
Q 17, 18. (a) On what scale is the preaching work being done today? (b) How can we display "the greatest freeness of speech" in declaring the good news of God's Kingdom?
17. The resurrected Jesus told his disciples: "You will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you, and
you will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the
earth." (Acts 1:8) The work that began then is being done on an unprecedented scale today. Close to seven million
Witnesses of Jehovah are declaring the Kingdom message in over 230 lands, spending nearly 1.5 billion hours a year
in the ministry. How thrilling it is to have a zealous share in this never to-be-repeated work!
COMMENTS
Who did Jesus say his followers would be witnesses of...Jehovah...or Jesus at Acts 1:8. If the phrase "witnesses
of Jehovah" found in the NT or just "witnesses of Jesus"? Unprecedented by jws perhaps but there are many, many
vigorous evangelistic groups. How many jws have ever had someone they studied with become a baptized member (not
including family members)?
18. As in the first century, the global preaching work today is done under the direction of God's spirit. If we
respond to the spirit's direction, we will display "the greatest freeness of speech" in our ministry. (Acts 28:31)
By all means, then, let us be guided by the spirit as we declare the good news of God's Kingdom!
COMMENTS
How many jws actually talk about God's kingdom or mention "Jehovah"? Rather they are "shy" about identifying
themselves as jws...how many prepare....how many followup on "interest," how many want the responsibility of a
weekly study?
What Did You Learn?
• Why do we need to be bold in speaking the word of God?
• What helped the early disciples to speak with boldness?
• How may we acquire boldness?
• How does acquiring boldness benefit us?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, "Skillfully Wield 'the Sword of the Spirit.'" How many jws actually take their bible out of their bags
and share a scripture? How many even take a bible with them; how many even look up the scriptures in the WTS
publications relying only on quoted snippets. Next Sunday, the special talk too....
Love, Blondie
