Comments You Will Not Hear at the 11-06-2011 WT Study (SEPTEMBER 15, 2011, pages 11-15)(YOUR SHARE)
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ARE YOU LETTING
JEHOVAH BE YOUR SHARE?
“Keep on . . . seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and
all these other things will be added to you.”—MATT. 6:33.
OPENING COMMMENTS
Where is Jesus in this question? Acts says “by divine providence” Jesus followers came to be known as Christians not Jehovah’s witnesses. How do Paul, James, Peter, Jude, and John identify themselves?
(Romans 1:1) . . .Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ and called to be an apostle. . .
(James 1:1) . . .James, a slave of God and of [the] Lord Jesus Christ. . .
(1 Peter 1:1) . . .Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. . .
(Jude 1) . . .Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ. . .
(Revelation 1:1) . . .A revelation by Jesus Christ,…to his slave John,
No mention of Jehovah….why did they not identify themselves as Jehovah’s witnesses?
The real problem is that once again the WTS is using the OT to talk to self-proclaimed Jehovah’s witnesses and incidentally some may identify themselves as Christians with prompting.
Jehovah’s witnesses are not even allowed by the WTS to put the word “Christian” on the signs over their Kingdom Halls.
*** km 4/79 p.4***
Is it appropriate to have a Kingdom Hall sign saying: “Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Christian Witnesses”? So there will be uniformity, the Society encourages all to make their signs read: “Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (See October 1978 Our Kingdom Service, page 3, paragraph 5.)
At one point the WTS did use the phrase “Jehovah’s Christian Witnesses” but eliminated that by 1986 with 2 brief mentions. By 1987, the WTS did not use the phrase except in direct quotes from previous publications. Why?
START OF ARTICLE
1, 2. (a) “The Israel of God” mentioned at Galatians
6:16 represents whom? (b) At Matthew 19:28,
whom do “the twelve tribes of Israel” represent?
WHEN you read the name Israel in the
Bible, what comes to your mind? Do
you think of Isaac’s son Jacob, who was renamed
Israel ? Or do you think of his descendants,
the ancient nation of Israel? What of
spiritual Israel? When Israel is referred to in
a figurative sense, it usually applies to “the
Israel of God,” the 144,000, who are anointed
with holy spirit to become kings and
priests in heaven. (Gal. 6:16; Rev. 7:4; 21:
12) But consider the special reference to
Israel ’s 12 tribes that is found at Matthew
19:28.
COMMENTS
Isaiah 43:10-12 = literal Israelites are called Jehovah’s witnesses
If only the 144,000 are “spiritual Israelites” only they can truly be called “Jehovah’s witnesses.”
*** w50 3/1 p.70 par.12***
Jehovah’s witnesses and their companions testify to the people concerning the Kingdom and its blessings. They call upon the people to join in praising God
*** w53 4/1p.214par.21***
Only Jehovah’s witnesses and their associates are bearing the fruits of the Kingdom by public proclamation. (Heb. 13:15) They alone are heralding forth the good news that God’s kingdom under Christ is man’s only hope.
*** w56 2/1 p.96***
To be sure, all of Jehovah’s witnesses and their good-will companions will be active this month presenting from house to house
*** w68 3/15 p.174 par.24***
And today the anointed remnant of Jehovah’s witnesses and their companions, who serve under the Greater-than-Hezekiah, Christ, find strength and comfort in times of stress in zealous service to God and association together as his temple worshipers.
2 Jesus said: “In the re-creation, when the
Son of man sits down upon his glorious
throne, you who have followed me will also
yourselves sit upon twelve thrones, judging
the twelve tribes of Israel.” In this verse, “the
twelve tribes of Israel” are those who will be
judged by Jesus’ anointed disciples and who
are in line to receive eternal life in Paradise
on earth. They will benefit from the priestly
services of the 144,000.
COMMENTS
Note that the WTS says the anointed will not judge until they are resurrected to heaven or be priests until then.
*** w09 1/1 p.10***
The Bible book of Revelation says that 144,000 individuals would be resurrected to heavenly glory to serve alongside Jesus as priests, judges, and kings. (Revelation 14:1, 4; 20:4, 6)
3, 4. What fine example have faithful anointed
ones set?
3 Like the priests and Levites of old,
anointed ones today view their service as a
privilege. (Num. 18:20) The anointed do not
expect to be given some territory or location
on earth as a possession. Instead, they look
forward to being kings and priests in heaven
with Jesus Christ. They will continue to
serve Jehovah in that assignment, as indicated
by what we read at Revelation 4:10, 11
concerning the anointed in their heavenly
position.—Ezek. 44:28.
COMMENTS
Even female anointed will be kings…though one elder said that they would only judge women….
4 While on earth, anointed ones live in a
way that gives evidence that Jehovah is their
share. Their privilege of serving God is of
primary importance to them. They exercise
faith in Christ’s ransom sacrifice and follow
him continually, thus ‘making their calling
and choosing sure.’ (2 Pet. 1:10) Their individual
circumstances and abilities differ.
Yet, they do not use any limitations as an excuse
to do only a small amount in God’s service.
On the contrary, they give high priority
to God’s service, doing all they can. And
they set a good example for those who hope
to live on a paradise earth.
COMMENTS
Paradise earth
Do anointed jws set a good example? Do the governing body and people at Bethel put their personal preaching first?
Did Paul, Peter, James, John, and Jude say “Jehovah” was their share or that they were slaves of Christ?
So what limitations would not be an excuse for a small amount in God’s service (translation: time on a slip)
I remember a story of a brother in a coma whose family put WT publications by his bedside in the hospital and counted time each month for him.
by ill health or the limitations of old age
have challenging circumstances, such as advancing age, poor health, family or other obligations. We can find comfort in knowing that Jehovah God is pleased when we do all that is within our reach.
opposition, apathy, or ill health
*** w08/15 p.29***
On the other hand, we should be careful not to become too lenient with ourselves, using our perceived limitations as an excuse for slowing down more than is necessary in the Christian ministry.
God may be pleased but the WTS is not.
5. How can all Christians have Jehovah as their
share, and why might that be challenging?
5 Whether we have the heavenly hope or
an earthly one, we must ‘disown ourselves
and pick up our torture stake and continually
follow Christ.’ (Matt. 16:24) Millions who
look forward to life in Paradise on earth are
worshipping God and following Christ in
that way. They are not content to do just a little
when they sense that they can do more.
Many have been impelled to simplify their
life and have become pioneers. Others manage
to pioneer some months each year. Still
others, while unable to pioneer, exert themselves
in the ministry. Such ones are like devoted Mary,
who poured perfumed oil on Jesus. He said:
“She did a fine deed toward me.
. . . She did what she could.” (Mark 14:6-8)
Our doing all we can may not be easy, for we
live in a world dominated by Satan. Yet, we
exert ourselves vigorously and put our trust
in Jehovah. Consider how we do so in four
specific areas.
COMMENTS
Christians = only jws although they seem ashamed to name themselves that but rather jws
Slaves of Christ mentioned only 28 times on the 2009 WT-CD; slaves of God/Jehovah over 150 times
Who decides what is “all we can do”?
The elder with millions, does his pioneering mean much when he gives his “surplus.”
Or the sister whose non-jw husband takes her on cruises and trips to Europe, who has no children and has never worked secularly?
Or should all jws be pioneering based on this statement? And where is Japan now, decreasing in numbers in jws, hours, bible studies.
*** w87 2/1 p.15 par.1***
“A FEW years ago, many of us thought that only those with special circumstances could pioneer,” wrote a pioneer, or full-time minister, in Japan. “It seems we were wrong. We are learning that only those with special circumstances cannot pioneer.”
Seeking First God’s Kingdom
6. (a) How do people in general show that their
share is in this life only? (b)Why is it better to have
David’s outlook?
6 Jesus taught his followers to seek first
the Kingdom and God’s righteousness. People
of the world tend to seek personal interests
first as “men of this system of things,
whose share is in this life.” (Read Psalm 17:
1, 13-15.) With no regard for their Creator,
many devote themselves to making a comfortable
living, raising a family, and leaving
behind an inheritance. Their share is in this
life only. David, on the other hand, was interested
in making “a good name” with Jehovah,
as his son later recommended that
all do. (Eccl. 7:1, ftn.) Just like Asaph, David
saw that having Jehovah as his Friend was
far better than putting his own interests
foremost in life. He rejoiced in walking with
God. In our time, many Christians have put
spiritual activities ahead of their secular employment.
COMMENTS
Look around the congregation, who have nice cars, nice homes, take vacations, have nice clothes, etc. Are the elders and their families seeking personal interests. Should people beggar themselves, not have children….like priests and nuns do?
I’m sure David felt that God should be his friend, after all didn’t he protect David from facing the elders in his time to answer for his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband?
I remember an elder that was late for every meeting, never prepared because of his employment, yet the elder body gave him a pass. It didn’t hurt that he donated quite a bit of money to the congregation.
7. What blessing did one brother receive for putting
the Kingdom first?
7 Consider Jean-Claude, in the Central African
Republic. He is a married elder with
three children. In that land, finding work is
hard, and most people will do almost anything
to keep their job. One day, the production
manager told Jean-Claude to begin
working nights—starting at 6:30 p.m., seven
days a week. Jean-Claude explained that in
addition to supporting his family materially,
he needed to care for their spiritual welfare.
He also stated that he had a responsibility
to help the congregation. The manager’s
response? “If you are fortunate enough to
have a job, you must forget all other things,
including your wife, your children, and
your problems. You must devote your life to
your work—nothing but your work. Make
your choice: your religion or your work.”
What would you have done? Well, Jean-
Claude realized that if he lost his job, God
would look after him. He would still have
plenty to do in God’s service, and Jehovah
would help care for his family’s material
needs. Thus, he attended the next midweek
meeting. After that, he got ready to go to
work, not sure if he would even have a job.
Just then, he got a phone call. The manager
had been fired, but our brother still had his
job.
COMMENTS
So why did Jean-Claude go over his immediate supervisor’s head. The WTS never says why the manager was fired? Could it be that others were being treated the same way and had the courage to go over the manager’s head?
I can’t think of one US jw that ever quite their job because of this…probably there are a few. In a town south of me many brothers have jobs on the second shift…to accommodate them a congregation was started that adjusted to their work schedule…too bad Jean-Claude didn’t live in the US. I remember a brother that drove 70 miles one way to attend another congregation who had meetings that accommodated his work schedule.
8, 9. In what sense can we imitate the priests and
Levites in having Jehovah as our share?
8 Some who have been in a situation
where their job seemed at risk may have
wondered, ‘Howell I fulfill my responsibility
to provide for my family?’ (1 Tim. 5:8)
Whether you have faced a similar challenge
or not, from your own experience you are
likely sure that you will never be disappointed
if God is your share and you highly treasure
the privilege of serving him. When Jesus
told his disciples to keep on seeking first
the kingdom, he assured them: “All these
other things”—such as what to eat, drink, or
put on—“will be added to you.”—Matt. 6:33.
COMMENTS
You can rest assured that the congregation will not help out a brother or sister who quit their job to go to meetings. They will be told to get government aid.
9 Think of the Levites, who did not receive
a land inheritance. Since pure worship
was their primary concern, for sustenance
they had to rely on Jehovah, who told them:
“I am your share.” (Num. 18:20) Although
we are not serving at a literal temple as the
priests and Levites did, we can imitate their
spirit, having confidence that Jehovah will
provide for us. Our trust in God’s power to
provide becomes more and more important
as we move deeper into the last days.—Rev.
13:17.
COMMENTS
The Levites were helped materially by their fellow believers…it was part of the Law; there is no such law in the WT organization.
Seeking First God’s Righteousness
10, 11. How have some put their trust in Jehovah
in connection with their employment? Give an example.
10 Jesus also urged his disciples to ‘keep on
seeking first God’s righteousness.’ (Matt. 6:
33) This means putting Jehovah’s standard
of what is right and what is wrong ahead of
human norms. (Read Isaiah 55:8, 9.) You
may recall that in the past, a number of people
were involved in growing tobacco or
selling tobacco products, training others in
warfare, or producing and selling weapons
of war. After coming to a knowledge of the
truth, most chose to change their employment
and qualify for baptism.—Isa. 2:4;
2 Cor. 7:1; Gal. 5:14.
COMMENTS
Notice how the WTS makes a distinction from being the employer rather than the employee.
*** w06 3/15 p.24 pars.12-13***
For example, would a Christian who is a self-employed contractor bid on a job that involves painting one of the churches of Christendom and thereby share in helping to promote false religion?—2 Corinthians 6:14-16. What if on one occasion our employer accepts a contract to beautify a place of false worship? In this case, we would need to consider such factors as the extent of our having authority over what is being done and the degree of our involvement.
11 Andrew is an example. When he and
his wife learned about Jehovah, they resolved
to serve him. Andrew took much
pride in his job but left it. Why? Because he
was working for a nonneutral organization
and was determined to put first God’s righteousness.
When Andrew left that job, he
had two children, no income, and enough
money to last just a few months. From a human
standpoint, it may have seemed that
he had no ‘inheritance.’ He searched for a
job, trusting in God. Looking back, he and
his family can confirm that Jehovah’s hand
Jehovah becomes our share when we make his service our
primary concern is not short. (Isa. 59:1) By keeping their life
simple, Andrew and his wife have even had
the privilege of being in full-time service.
“There have been times when finances,
housing, health, and just growing older
have made us anxious,” he says. “But Jehovah
has always stood by us. . . . We can say
without a hint of doubt that serving Jehovah
is, without question, the most noble
and rewarding human endeavor.”*—Eccl.
12:13.
*See Awake! November 2009, pages 12-14.
COMMENTS
Notice how the WTS avoids saying he left a military organization and get in trouble with governments over that.
So Andrew got a job that allowed him to support a wife, 2 children, and regular pioneer…I wonder what kind of job he got.
12. What quality is needed to put God’s standards
foremost? Cite local examples.
12 Jesus told his disciples: “If you have
faith the size of a mustard grain, you will say
to this mountain, ‘Transfer from here to
there,’ and it will transfer, and nothing will
be impossible for you.” (Matt. 17:20) Would
you be able to put God’s standards foremost
if that would result in difficulties? If you are
uncertain whether you could do so, speak
with other members of the congregation.
You will no doubt find it spiritually refreshing
to hear their experiences.
COMMENTS
What difficulties is the WTS thinking of? So do jws have that intimate a knowledge of members financial circumstances or past?
Appreciating Jehovah’s Spiritual Provisions
13. When we exert ourselves in Jehovah’s service,
what can we expect as to spiritual provisions?
13 If you treasure your privilege of serving
Jehovah, you can be sure that he will supply
your physical and spiritual needs, just as he
provided sustenance for the Levites. Think
about David. Though he was in a cave, he
could count on God to provide for him. We
too can rely on Jehovah even when we
see no way out. Recall that when Asaph
came “into the grand sanctuary of God,” he
gained insight into what was distressing
him. (Ps. 73:17) Similarly, we need to turn to
the divine Source of our spiritual nourishment.
Thus we show appreciation for our
privilege of serving God no matter what our
circumstances may be. We are thereby letting
Jehovah be our share.
COMMENTS
What about serving Christ? Or being a “slave of Christ”?
David so no way out of his adultery becoming known except to kill the woman’s husband.
Turn to God or the WTS for spiritual food? Is that why the presence of Christ was said to be 1874 until 1943 when the WTS changed it to 1914, but said in 1993 that they had consistently said it was 1914. I wonder what other things weren’t quite so accurate?
14, 15. How should we respond when there is increased
light on certain scriptures, and why?
14 How do you react when Jehovah, the
Source of spiritual enlightenment, sheds
light on “the deep things of God” found in
the Bible? (1 Cor. 2:10-13) We have an excellent
example in the apostle Peter’s reaction
when Jesus told His listeners: “Unless you
eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his
blood, you have no life in yourselves.” Taking
those words literally, many disciples
said: “This speech is shocking; who can listen
to it?” They “went off to the things behind.”
But Peter said: “Lord, whom shall we
go away to? You have sayings of everlasting
life.”—John 6:53, 60, 66, 68.
COMMENTS
WHOM shall we go away to, not WHERE
How many times has the WTS been “enlightened” as to “generation”?
http://jwfacts.com/watchtower/generation.php
15 Peter did not fully understand what Jesus
said about eating His flesh and drinking
His blood. But the apostle relied on God
for spiritual enlightenment. When spiritual
light on some matter gets brighter, do you
try to understand the underlying Scriptural
reasons for the adjustment? (Prov. 4:18) The
first-century Beroeans received the word
“with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully
examining the Scriptures daily.” (Acts
17:11) Imitating them will deepen your appreciation
for your privilege to serve Jehovah,
to have him be your share.
COMMENTS
Where is this light coming from, God? Why does he get it wrong so many times?
Are jws invited to examine the WTS? (This is the only time uses Acts 17:11 this way)
*** w81 2/15 p.18***
How shall we view the spiritual food provided by this “faithful and discreet slave”? Should it be viewed critically—‘Oh, well, it might be true but then again it might not be and so we have to scrutinize it very critically’? Some apparently have felt that way about it. To support their way of thinking they have quoted Acts 17:11, which says of newly interested persons at Beroea: “Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.”
But does this mean that those Beroeans were looking for flaws in the message they were hearing, or that their attitude was one of doubting? Does this set a precedent for regarding critically the publications brought forth by the “faithful and discreet slave,” with a view to finding fault? Not at all!
We can benefit from this consideration. If we have once established what instrument God is using as his “slave” to dispense spiritual food to his people, surely Jehovah is not pleased if we receive that food as though it might contain something harmful. We should have confidence in the channel God is using.
Marrying Only in the Lord
16. How can God be our share regarding the command
found at 1 Corinthians 7:39?
16 Another area in which Christians need
to keep God’s purposes in mind is in applying
the Bible’s direction to marry “only in
the Lord.” (1 Cor. 7:39) Many have chosen to
remain single rather than disregard this divine
counsel. God kindly takes in such ones.
What did David do when he felt lonesome
and seemingly lacked any help? “Before
[God] I kept pouring out my concern,” he
said. “Before him I continued to tell about
my own distress, when my spirit fainted
away within me.” (Ps. 142:1-3) Similar feelings
may have surfaced in the prophet Jeremiah,
who served God faithfully for decades
as a single person. You may want to study
his example as discussed in chapter 8 of
the book God’s Word for Us Through Jeremiah.
COMMENTS
So did Jewish men remain single rather than marry a non-Jew? (Of course Jewish men could have more than one wife)
There was no law or expectation that Jewish men would stay single. They were expected to get married, in fact there is no word in Hebrew for “bachelor.”
(Deuteronomy 21:10-13) 10 “In case you go out to the battle against your enemies and Jehovah your God has given them into your hand and you have carried them away captive; 11 and you have seen among the captives a woman beautiful in form, and you have got attached to her and taken her for your wife, 12you must then bring her into the midst of your house. She must now shave her head and attend to her nails, 13 and remove the mantle of her captivity from off her and dwell in your house and weep for her father and her mother a whole lunar month; and after that you should have relations with her, and you must take possession of her as your bride, and she must become your wife.
Naomi’s sons married 2 Moabite women. Not a word of censure.
(Deuteronomy 23:3) . . .No Am′mon·ite or Mo′ab·ite may come into the congregation of Jehovah. Even to the tenth generation none of theirs may come into the congregation of Jehovah to time indefinite,
17. How does one single sister cope with occasional
loneliness?
17 “I have never resolved to remain single,”
says a sister in the United States. “I am
open to getting married when I meet the
right person. My unbelieving mother tried
to convince me to marry just about anyone
who came along. I asked her if she wanted to
be responsible if my marriage turned out
badly. In time, she saw that I had a stable job,
was taking care of myself, and was happy.
She stopped pressuring me.” This sister at
times feels some loneliness. “Then,” she
says, “I try to make Jehovah my confidence.
He never forsakes me.” What has helped her to trust
in Jehovah? “Prayer helps me sense that God is real
and that I am never alone. The Most High of the universe
is listening, so how could I not feel dignified
and joyful?” Confident that “there is more happiness in
giving than there is in receiving,”
she says: “I try to give of myself to help others,
not expecting anything in return. When I am thinking,
‘What can I do to help this person?’ I
have inner joy.” (Acts 20:35) Yes, she has Jehovah
as her share, and she is enjoying her
privilege of serving him.
COMMENTS
Did her mother really think being married to drunken womanizer was better than being single?
18. In what sense can Jehovah make you his share?
18 No matter what situation you find yourself
in, you can let God be your share. As you
do, you will be counted among his happy
people. (2 Cor. 6:16, 17) That can result in
your being Jehovah’s share, as was true of
others in the past. (Read Deuteronomy 32:
9, 10.) Just as Israel became God’s share
among the nations, he can mark you as his
and lovingly care for you.—Ps. 17:8.
COMMENTS
Happy people?
So where are the happy Christians from the first century?
Jeremiah’s example is encouraging
How Would You Answer?
How can you let Jehovah be your share
? by seeking first God’s Kingdom and
his righteousness?
? by showing appreciation for spiritual
food?
? by observing God’s command to
marry only in the Lord?
CLOSING COMMENTS
“Yet, they do not use any limitations as an excuse
to do only a small amount in God’s service.”
Does this mean that the time slips are lagging? Maybe the WTS is cooking the books.
Next week, RAN THE RACE WITH ENDURANCE. A race that has been in the making since 1879 to today, 132 years and no end in sight.
Love, Blondie
