Comments You Will Not Hear at the 03-11-2012 WT Study (JANUARY 15, 201, pages 9-13 )(WATCHFULNESS)
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LEARN WATCHFULNESS
FROM JESUS’ APOSTLES
“Keep on the watch
with me.”—MATT. 26:38.
WHAT CAN YOU LEARN
ABOUT :
Watching for direction on
where to preach?
Being vigilant with a view to
prayers?
Bearing thorough witness
despite obstacles?
OPENING COMMENTS
Just brief comments today. Life is crowding up at home.
What really were Jesus’ apostles watching for? Were told it was going to be over 2,000 years before the Kingdom would appear in heaven, let alone on earth? They died not seeing the fulfillment in their life time. What “new light” were they told?
START OF ARTICLE
1-3. How did the apostles fail to keep on the watch during Jesus’
final night on earth, and what shows that they learned
from their mistake?
IMAGINE the scene on the final night of Jesus’
earthly life. Jesus has come to one of his favorite
places, the garden of Gethsemane, just east of Jerusalem.
He has come here with his faithful apostles.
With much weighing on his mind and heart, Jesus
needs to find solitude so that he can pray.—Matt. 26:
36; John 18:1, 2.
COMMENTS
“faithful” a dig a Judas? What about Peter’s denying Jesus 3 times?
How many prayers do jws make in private or it is it just a show at the meetings or public meals?
2 Three of the apostles—Peter, James, and John—accompany
Jesus to a spot deeper in the garden. “Stay
here and keep on the watch with me,” he tells them,
and then he goes off to pray. When he comes back,
he finds his friends fast asleep. Again he implores
them: “Keep on the watch.” Yet, they fall asleep two
more times! Later that same night, all the apostles fail
to keep spiritually alert. Why, they even abandon Jesus
and flee!—Matt. 26:38, 41, 56.
COMMENTS
I can remember “privileged” men sleeping at the conventions, the meetings…
The WTS had young men watch the equipment and food…that was important…but did they watch over the elderly, sick, depressed, poor?
Many jws were sleeping when the WTS put for the dates of 1914, 1925, 1975 as dates the end would come.
3 Surely the apostles regretted their failure to keep
on the watch. Those faithful men quickly learned
from their mistake. The Bible book of Acts shows
that they went on to set an outstanding example in
keeping watchful. Their faithful course must have influenced
their fellow Christians to do the same. Now
more than ever, we need to keep on the watch. (Matt.
24:42) Let us discuss three lessons about keeping
on the watch that we can learn from the book of
Acts.
COMMENTS
Surely….no mention in the bible?
Where were the women?
Must have…no mention in the bible?
Watch for what?
WATCHFUL FOR DIRECTION ON WHERE TO PREACH
4, 5. How did Paul and his traveling companions experience
the direction of the holy spirit?
4 To begin with, the apostles were watchful for
direction on where to preach. In one account, we
learn how Jesus used the holy spirit,
which Jehovah put at his disposal, to
guide the apostle Paul and his traveling
companions during a most unusual journey.
(Acts 2:33) Let us join them.— Read
Acts 16: 6-10.
COMMENTS
So who does the bible say was directing—the GB?
How did Jesus do this—with a vision only to Paul…so do jws get visions today?
5 Paul, Silas, and Timothy had left the
city of Lystra in southern Galatia. Days
later they reached a Roman highway
leading westward to the most populated
region of the district of Asia. They
wanted to take that road so as to visit
cities where thousands of people needed
to hear about Christ. But something
stopped them in their tracks.
Verse 6 says: “They went through Phrygia
and the country of Galatia, because
they were forbidden by the holy spirit
to speak the word in the district of
Asia .” In some undisclosed manner, the
holy spirit prevented the travelers from
preaching in the province of Asia. Evidently
Jesus—by means of God’s spirit—
wanted to guide Paul and his companions
in a different direction.
COMMENTS
“something stopped them in their tracks” all of them or just Paul? How did they know it was from God?
“in some undisclosed manner” why undisclosed, didn’t Paul want other Christians to know if it was from God or Satan?
EVIDENTLY Jesus—means the bible does not say and the WTS is guessing, because they aren’t getting any visions from God.
Is this how the men in charge of the service groups decide what territory to do, they throw them in the air and the one that does not fall on the ground is the one to do?
6, 7. (a) What happened to Paul and the other
travelers near Bithynia? (b) What decision did
the disciples make, and with what result?
6 Where did the eager travelers go?
Verse 7 explains: “Further, when getting
down to Mysia they made efforts to go
into Bithynia, but the spirit of Jesus did
not permit them.” Prevented from
preaching in Asia, Paul and his companions
turned northward, intending to
preach in the cities of Bithynia. However,
when they neared Bithynia, Jesus
again used the holy spirit to block them.
By then, the men must have been puzzled.
They knew what to preach and how
to preach, but they did not know where
to preach. We might put it this way:
They had knocked on the door leading
to Asia—but in vain. They had knocked
on the door leading to Bithynia—again in
vain. Did they stop knocking? Not those
zealous preachers!
COMMENTS
“prevented from preaching” still no explanation to know how they knew and who told them not to go
“Jesus again used the holy spirit to block them” HOW?
So was this how Christians knew where to go…visions, holy spirit, blocked….today?
Is the holy spirit telling the GB where to preach? Do they tell the DO, CO, and elders with special letters?
7 At this point, the men made a decision
that might have appeared a bit
strange. Verse 8 tells us: “They passed
Mysia by and came down to Troas.” So
the travelers turned west and walked
350 miles (563 km), bypassing city after
city until they reached the port of
Troas, the natural gateway to Macedonia.
There, for the third time, Paul and
his companions knocked on a door, but
this time it swung wide open! Verse 9 reports
what happened next: “During the
night a vision appeared to Paul: a certain
Macedonian man was standing and
entreating him and saying: ‘Step over
into Macedonia and help us.’ ” Finally,
Paul knew where to preach. Without delay,
the men sailed for Macedonia.
COMMENTS
Did they know or were they guessing? If no one answers at any doors in a territory, does that mean God wants jws to go somewhere else….how many people even knew Christians then…and despite 133 years of so-called door to door, how many non-jws even know who jws are let alone what they preach?
So do the GB get visions from God?
8, 9. What can we learn from the account of
Paul’s journey?
8 What can we learn from this account?
Note that only after Paul set
out for Asia did God’s spirit intervene.
Then, only after Paul neared Bithynia
did Jesus step in. And finally, only after
Paul reached Troas did Jesus direct him
to Macedonia. As Head of the congregation,
Jesus may deal with us in a similar
way. (Col. 1:18) For example, you may
have been thinking about serving as a
pioneer or moving to an area where the
need is greater. But it may be only after
you take steps to reach your goal that Jesus,
by means of God’s spirit, will guide
you. To illustrate: A driver can direct his
car to turn left or right but only if the car
is moving. Likewise, Jesus may direct us
in expanding our ministry but only if we
are moving—if we are putting forth effort
to reach our goal.
COMMENTS
How did Paul know all this was from Jesus and the holy spirit? Did Jesus appear to him?
With this unclear “direction” how would any jw today know how and what the spirit is guiding them to do? Does Jesus direct INDIVIDUALS only only through an organization?
I guess jws are not “moving” enough. It reminds me of how the WTS says other religions are wrong when they say people are physically healed only if they have enough faith.
In contrast with modern-day faith healers, who often blame the sick for lack of faith when no healing occurs, Jesus healed even some who had not yet put faith in him. For example, once Jesus approached a blind man uninvited and cured him. Later, Jesus asked him: “Are you putting faith in the Son of man?” The man replied: “Who is he, sir, that I may put faith in him?” Jesus told him: “He that is speaking with you is that one.”— John 9:1-7 , 35-38 .
9 What, though, if your efforts do not
bear fruit right away? Should you give
up, concluding that God’s spirit is not
guiding you? Well, remember that Paul
too encountered setbacks. Yet, he kept
on searching and knocking until he
found a door that opened. Similarly, if
you persevere in searching for “a large
door that leads to activity,” you too may
be rewarded.—1 Cor. 16:9.
COMMENTS
Seems that jws need to be encouraged because not many non-jws are responding and are giving up. But if jws only spend at most 45 minutes d2d on Saturday, rarely make return visits, and sidestep the responsibility of studying with an individual, is it surprising that few non-family members become official members?
VIGILANT WITH A VIEW TO PRAYERS
10. What shows that being vigilant in prayer is
essential to keeping on the watch?
10 Consider, now, a second lesson
about watchfulness that we can learn
from our first-century Christian brothers:
They were vigilant with a view
to prayers. (1 Pet. 4:7) Persevering in
prayer is essential to keeping on the
watch. Recall that in the garden of Gethsemane
just before his arrest, Jesus told
three of his apostles: “Keep on the watch
and pray continually.”—Matt. 26:41.
COMMENTS
What are the prayers like at the KH today, the assemblies, the conventions? A repetition of words and phrases? They were in my day. Of course, many men found out 1 minute before they were the one…
And when some old-time brother or the concluding talk brother goes on and on reviewing the program, is that persevering? Is that what Jesus meant to pray continually. If jws were to add up the time they spend daily praying compared to watching TV, what do you think they spend more time on?
11, 12. Why and how did Herod mistreat the
Christians, including Peter?
11 Peter, who was present on that occasion,
later experienced firsthand the
power of fervent prayers. (Read Acts 12:
1-6.) In the opening verses of this account,
we learn that in order to win favor
with the Jews, Herod mistreated the
Christians. He likely knew that James
was an apostle who had been especially
close to Jesus. Hence, Herod had James
killed “by the sword.” (Verse 2) The congregation
thus lost a beloved apostle.
What a test for the brothers!
COMMENTS
What is a fervent prayer? Have you heard any in your career as a jw?
Herod LIKELY (nothing in the bible but the WTS will say so without a shred of proof)
So when was the last GB member that was killed by the sword?
Not a test for the sisters?
12 What did Herod do next? Verse 3
explains: “As he saw it was pleasing
to the Jews, he went on to arrest Peter
also.” But prisons had not always
managed to contain the apostles, including
Peter. (Acts 5:17-20) Herod may well
have known that. The canny politician
took no chances. He turned Peter over to
“four shifts of four soldiers each to guard
him, as he intended to produce him for
the people after the passover.” (Verse 4)
Imagine that! Herod had Peter chained
between 2 guards, with 16 guards working
in shifts day and night to make sure
that this apostle did not escape. Herod’s
intention was to present Peter to the
people after the Passover, his death sentence
a gift to delight the crowds. Under
such dire circumstances, what could Peter’s
fellow Christians do?
COMMENTS
James beheaded but
Peter gets an angel to break him out of prison
Herod MAY WELL HAVE known---proof?
Christians prayed….did Peter late give the angel story, would some have wondered why no angel was sent to save James?
13, 14. (a) How did the congregation react to
Peter’s imprisonment? (b) What can we learn
from the example set by Peter’s fellow Christians
in the matter of prayer?
13 The congregation knew exactly
what to do. Verse 5 reads: “Consequently
Peter was being kept in the prison;
but prayer to God for him was being
carried on intensely by the congregation.”
Yes, their prayers in behalf of their
beloved brother were intense, heartfelt
pleas. So the death of James had not
plunged them into despair; nor had it
caused them to view prayer as ineffective.
On the contrary, they knew that the
prayers of faithful worshippers mean a
great deal to Jehovah. If such prayers are
in harmony with his will, he answers
them.—Heb. 13:18, 19; Jas. 5:16.
COMMENTS
Since God makes his decisions on his own and not under the direction of the congregation’s prayerful requests (James vs. Peter), what was the point?
EVIDENTLY it was not in harmony with God’s will to pray for James to be safe, but it was for Peter to be saved.
14 What can we learn from the response
of Peter’s fellow Christians?
Keeping on the watch involves praying
not just for ourselves but for our brothers
and sisters as well. (Eph. 6:18) Do
you know of fellow believers who are beset
by trials? Some may be enduring persecution,
governmental bans, or natural
disasters. Why not make them the subject
of your heartfelt prayers? You may
know of others who are undergoing
less noticeable hardships. They may be
struggling to cope with family troubles,
discouragement, or ill health. Why not
think of specific individuals whom you
can mention by name as you speak to Jehovah,
the “Hearer of prayer”?—Ps. 65:2.
COMMENTS
Did you know that the WTS has an unclear rule about praying for individuals during KH meetings? It has to be pre-approved by the COBOE. It has to be someone in “good standing.” jws under pressure might be having problems and really need help but not be spiritual enough for the COBOE. Can you pray for sick people, people who lost a family member, facing an operation? Are words enough?
James 1:15,16
If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, ] be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?
15, 16. (a) Describe how Jehovah’s angel delivered
Peter from prison. (See the picture below.)
(b) Why is it comforting to contemplate
the way that Jehovah rescued Peter?
15 How, though, did things turn out
for Peter? During his final night in the
prison while he was fast asleep between
his two guards, Peter experienced a series
of amazing events. (Read Acts 12:7-
11.) Picture what happened: Suddenly, a
bright light filled his cell. An angel stood
there, evidently unseen by the guards,
and urgently woke Peter up. And those
chains binding his hands simply fell
off! The angel then led Peter out of the
cell, right by the guards stationed outside,
and through the massive iron gate,
which opened “of its own accord.” Once
they were outside the prison, the angel
vanished. Peter was free!
COMMENTS
Angel…EVIDENTLY unseen?
So why save Peter and not James?
16 Is it not faith-strengthening to contemplate
Jehovah’s power to rescue his
servants? Of course, we do not expect
Jehovah to deliver us miraculously at
this time. However, we have full faith
that he uses his power in behalf of his
people today. (2 Chron. 16:9) By means
of his powerful holy spirit, he can make
us equal to any trial we may face. (2 Cor.
4:7; 2 Pet. 2:9) And Jehovah will soon
empower his Son to free countless millions
from that most unyielding of prisons,
death. (John 5:28, 29) Our faith in
God’s promises can give us tremendous
courage when we face trials today.
COMMENTS
OF COURSE, WE DO NOT EXPECT JEHOVAH TO DELIVER US MIRACULOUSLY AT THIS TIME….then why pray, is this a lottery?
FULL FAITH that he uses his power in behalf of SOME of his people today.
SOON—the WTS teaches that the earthly resurrection will not start until about 500 years after Armageddon giving the survivors time to clean up the earth and prepare for the millions.
But no resurrection the 7 billion, men, women, and CHILDREN that will be executed at Armageddon, to descend into eternal destruction.
BEARING THOROUGH WITNESS
DESPITE OBSTACLES
17. How did Paul set an outstanding example
in preaching with zeal and urgency?
17 Here is a third lesson about watchfulness
that we can learn from the apostles:
They kept on bearing thorough witness
despite obstacles. Preaching with
zeal and urgency is vital to keeping
on the watch. The apostle Paul was an
outstanding example in this regard. He
exerted himself zealously, traveling extensively
and establishing many congregations.
He endured many hardships,
yet he never lost his zeal or his sense of
urgency.—2 Cor. 11:23-29.
COMMENTS
Obstacles…zeal…urgency
Without a date as in the past 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940’s, 1975, 1984, 1994, jws find it hard to keep things urgent…the emphasis of “bad” events on earth might keep it going a month or two but not with the energy of pre-1975 days.
So when did Paul think the end was coming?
18. How did Paul continue to bear witness
when he was in custody in Rome?
18 Consider our last glimpse of Paul
in the book of Acts, as recorded in Acts
chapter 28. Paul arrived in Rome, where
he was to appear before Nero. He was
kept in custody, perhaps chained to his
guard. Yet, no chain could silence the
zealous apostle! Paul continued to find
ways to bear witness. (Read Acts 28:
17, 23, 24.) After three days, Paul summoned
the principal men of the Jews in
order to give them a witness. Then, on
a chosen day, he gave an even greater
witness. Verse 23 states: “They [the local
Jews] now arranged for a day with
him, and they came in greater numbers
to him in his lodging place. And he explained
the matter to them by bearing
thorough witness concerning the kingdom
of God and by using persuasion
with them concerning Jesus from both
the law of Moses and the Prophets, from
morning till evening.”
COMMENTS
PERHAPS…nothing in the bible…proof?
19, 20. (a) Why was Paul effective in bearing
witness? (b) How did Paul respond when not
everyone accepted the good news?
19 Why was Paul so effective in bearing
witness? Notice that verse 23 really
highlights a number of reasons. (1) He
focused on God’s Kingdom and on Jesus
Christ. (2) He tried to appeal to his
listeners “by using persuasion.” (3) He
reasoned from the Scriptures. (4) He
showed a selfless attitude, bearing witness
“from morning till evening.” Paul
gave a powerful witness, but not everyone
responded. “Some began to believe
the things said; others would not believe,”
notes verse 24. Dissension ensued,
and the people departed.
COMMENTS
What is persuasion? Why was it necessary? Did Jesus use persuasion?
Do jws reason from the scriptures or WTS publications?
Can you imagine the rank and file witnessing from morning till evening?
Selfless or only because they know their everlasting life on the paradise earth depends on their giving a semblance of “witnessing.”?
20 Was Paul disheartened because not
everyone accepted the good news? By
no means! Acts 28:30, 31 tells us: “He
remained for an entire two years in his
own hired house, and he would kindly
receive all those who came in to him,
preaching the kingdom of God to them
and teaching the things concerning the
Lord Jesus Christ with the greatest freeness
of speech, without hindrance.” On
that truly warm note, the inspired book
of Acts concludes.
COMMENTS
NOT EVERYONE—hardly anyone today among jws and their so-called god-assigned territory
21. What can we learn from Paul’s example
when he was under house arrest?
21 What can we learn from Paul’s ex-
ample? While under house arrest, Paul
was not free to witness from house to
house. Yet, he maintained a positive outlook,
witnessing to all who came to him.
Likewise, many of God’s people today
maintain their joy and keep preaching
despite being unjustly imprisoned because
of their faith. Some of our dear
brothers and sisters are housebound,
perhaps even living in nursing homes
because of advanced age or illness. As
they are able, they preach to doctors and
staff, visitors, and others who come in
to them. Their heart’s desire is to bear
thorough witness about God’s Kingdom.
How we appreciate the example
they set!
COMMENTS
See Paul could be more effective not going d2d.
God’s people = only jws
So how many jws in your area are imprisoned for preaching (not for crimes)
Yes, old jws preach in nursing homes, but do jws come to visit them? Also they get a 15 minute a month dispension so they stay active and keep the numbers up at the WTS.
22. (a) What provision is helping us to benefit
from the Bible book of Acts? (See box above.)
(b)What is your determination as you await the
end of this old system of things?
22 Clearly, there is much to learn
about watchfulness from the apostles
and other first-century Christians mentioned
in the Bible book of Acts. As
we await the end of this old system of
things, let us be determined to imitate
those first-century Christians in giving a
bold and zealous witness. There is now
no greater privilege we can have than
to share in “bearing thorough witness”
about God’s Kingdom!—Acts 28:23.
COMMENTS
Remember that soon 7 billion non-jws, men, women, and CHILDREN, will be destroyed forever. Are jws giving them that witness?
“THE BOOK OF ACTS WILL
NEVER BE THE SAME FOR ME”
After reading the book “Bearing Thorough Witness”
About God’s Kingdom, a traveling overseer expressed
his feelings as follows: “The book of Acts will
never be the same for me. I have ‘walked’ through
the account of Acts on many occasions but only as if
holding a candle and wearing dirty glasses. Now I
feel as if I have been blessed to see its glory in the
brightness of the sun.”
So how is it that this “glory” never shown through when he read the God-inspired words of the Bible?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, “LEARN FROM ‘THE FRAMEWORK OF TRUTH’”.
What is WTS truth?
Love, Blondie
