Comments You Will Not Hear at the 10-21-2012 WT Study (AUGUST 15, 2012, pages 25-29)(TRAPS)
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Also posted on
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Research: excellent website www.jwfacts.com
STAND FIRM AND AVOID
SATAN’S TRAPS!
“Stand firm against the
machinations of the
Devil.”—EPH. 6:11.
PICTURE: Young black man crawling out of a hole/trap.
OPENING COMMENTS
The worst traps are set by those you trust, at the KH. Remember Jesus was betrayed by Judas and denied three times by Peter. Remember Paul talked about ‘false brothers.’ It is also amazing that the WTS does not talk about how many alcoholic elders there are, practicing alcoholics, who knows about it and does nothing. Just some of the things that can make you a NONE.
http://www.pewforum.org/Unaffiliated/nones-on-the-rise.aspx
HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?
How can a servant of Jehovah
avoid being caught in the trap
of materialism?
What can help a married
Christian not to fall into the
pit of adultery?
Why do you believe that it is
beneficial to take a firm stand
against materialism and sexual
immorality?
START OF ARTICLE
1, 2. (a) Why does Satan not have compassion for the
anointed and the “other sheep”? (b) What traps of Satan will
be discussed in this article?
SATAN THE DEVIL has no compassion for humans,
especially for those who serve Jehovah.
In fact, Satan is waging war on the anointed
remnant. (Rev. 12:17) Those stalwart Christians have
spearheaded the modern-day Kingdom-preaching
work and have exposed Satan as the ruler of this
world. The Devil also has no love for the “other
sheep,” who support the anointed and are in line for
everlasting life—a prospect that Satan no longer has.
(John 10:16) No wonder he is wrathful! Whether we
have the heavenly hope or the earthly hope, Satan
certainly has no interest in our welfare. His goal is
to make us his victims.—1 Pet. 5:8.
COMMENTS
So what proves that Satan is waging war on the “anointed remnant” (only jws) compared to other religious groups?
Going into new countries, why was it that the WTS targeted Christian converts in other religions rather than “pagans” to the point that those religions accused them of stealing their flock?
“other sheep” = why not “great crowd”?
What do the other sheep have to do to “support” the “anointed” jws?
CARROT = in line for everlasting life…only baptized jws…all 7 billion plus non-jws, men, women, children babies are in line for eternal destruction with no resurrection in view.
http://jwfacts.com/watchtower/salvation-only-for-jehovahs-witnesses.php
Proof? Heavenly hope or earthly hope in the bible?
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/144000.php
2 To accomplish his aim, Satan has set various
traps, or snares. Since he “has blinded the minds” of
unbelievers, they do not accept the good news and
cannot see these traps. However, the Devil also ensnares
some who have accepted the Kingdom message.
(2 Cor. 4:3, 4) The preceding article showed how we
can avoid three of Satan’s traps: (1) uncontrolled
speech, (2) fear and pressure, and (3) inordinate
guilt. Let us now consider how we can
stand firm against two other satanic traps or snares
—materialism and temptation to commit adultery.
COMMENTS
Unbelievers – all non-jws including other Christians, so-called Christians per the WTS.
It is the constantly changing “good news” of the WTS that these “unbelievers” don’t accept. Failed predictions………that have deceived and blinded the members/followers of the WTS.
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/1800s.php
MATERIALISM—THE TRAP THAT CHOKES
3, 4. How might the anxieties of this system of things lead to
materialism?
3 In one of his illustrations, Jesus mentioned seed
sown among thorns. He pointed out that a person
may hear the word, “but the anxiety of this system
of things and the deceptive power of riches choke
the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”
(Matt. 13:22) Yes, materialism is one
snare used by our enemy Satan.
COMMENTS
“deceptive power of riches” does this or “materialism” mean a person has to actually possess riches? So how does the WTS and the elders “judge” someone materialistic?
*** g03 4/8 p.20 What Is Materialism?***
Some Christians have an abundance of material riches. Is this in itself evidence of materialism and a lack of spirituality? By contrast, are those who are poor less likely to be materialistic and more likely to be spiritually inclined?
Surely you would agree that materialism involves much more than simply having abundant wealth or possessions.
Among faithful servants of God in Bible times were some who had riches and glory. For instance, Abraham “was heavily stocked with herds and silver and gold.” (Genesis 13:2) Job was known as “the greatest of all the Orientals” because of his accumulation of livestock and his large body of servants. (Job 1:3) Kings of Israel, such as David and Solomon, came to possess enormous wealth.—1 Chronicles 29:1-5; 2 Chronicles 1:11, 12; Ecclesiastes 2:4-9.
Wealthy Christians were part of the congregation in the first century. (1 Timothy 6:17) Lydia is called “a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira and a worshiper of God.” (Acts 16:14) Purple dye and garments colored with it were expensive and were usually reserved for individuals of position or wealth. Thus, Lydia may have had a degree of wealth herself.
It is the determination to be rich and the love of material things that cause problems.
Rich jws I knew were gone on cruises, 6 week long vacations in Florida (attending no meetings, drinking excessively, dancing to music they would never at home), no field service, justifying it because the group were all jws, as one couple traded spouses. These were the ones that could not attend meetings during the week because of their on-the-road work schedule. The ones with box seats to football and basketball leading to their missing Saturday and Sunday “spiritual” activities. As the bribed other elders and Cos with tickets, paid as a right off regarding their business.
4 When combined, two factors choke
the word. One factor is “the anxiety
of this system of things.” In these “critical
times hard to deal with,” there is
much that could make you anxious.
(2 Tim. 3:1) With the high cost of living
and rising unemployment rates, you
may find it difficult to make ends meet.
You may also be anxious about the future
and wonder, ‘Will I have enough
income after I retire?’ Because of such
anxiety, some have been led to pursue
riches, thinking that money will guarantee
security.
COMMENTS
So are the writers of this article anxious with a home provided for (nice digs at Patterson), no mortgage, tax, utilities, or rent; food provided three times daily; health services; monthly allowance; donations from jws in their local congregation; paid trips to faraway places to give public talks/conventions. Do they worry about unemployment or retirement?
5. In what way can the “power of riches” be deceptive?
5 Jesus spoke of the other factor—“the
deceptive power of riches.” That element
combined with anxiety can choke
the word. The Bible acknowledges that
“money is for a protection.” (Eccl. 7:12)
However, the pursuit of riches is not
wise. Many have found that the more
they struggle to acquire riches, the more
materialism entraps them. Some have
even become slaves to riches.—Matt.
6:24.
COMMENTS
So if jws put the meetings and field service first and can’t make the rent or put food on the table or gas in the car; will the congregation come forward to help them---or will they help them fill out the government application for help?
*** w87 6/1 pp.11-12 par.14 Keeping An Eye On the Interests of theElderly***
Money is a protection.’ (Ecclesiastes 7:12) Yet many an aged brother or sister is in dire financial straits and has no relatives willing to help out. Individuals in the congregation, though, are usually happy to assist when made aware of the need. (James 2:15-17) The elders can also look into what government or social services, insurance policies, pensions, and so forth, are available. In some lands, however, such services are hard to come by, and there may be no alternative but to follow the pattern at 1 Timothy chapter 5 and arrange for the congregation as a whole to provide relief.
*** w06 6/1 pp.6-7 God Cares for theElderly***
What, though, if an older brother or sister in the congregation is in dire straits, perhaps needing financial assistance? First, it would be good to find out if there are children or other relatives who can help. (NOT NECESSARILY JWS) This would be in line with what is stated at 1 Timothy 5:4: “If any widow has children or grandchildren, let these learn first to practice godly devotion in their own household and to keep paying a due compensation to their parents and grandparents, for this is acceptable in God’s sight.”
It may be that the elderly one needs assistance in determining if he or she is eligible for any provisions that the government makes available . Perhaps some in the congregation would be able to help. If none of these avenues are open, the elders could determine if the individual qualifies for assistance from the congregation.In some cases, this was permitted in the first-century congregation, for the apostle Paul wrote to his coworker Timothy: “Let a widow be put on the list who has become not less than sixty years old, a wife of one husband, having a witness borne to her for fine works, if she reared children, if she entertained strangers, if she washed the feet of holy ones, if she relieved those in tribulation, if she diligently followed every good work.”—1 Timothy 5:9, 10.
6, 7. (a) How might materialism prove to be a
danger at one’s place of employment? (b)What
concerns should a Christian consider when the
possibility of overtime work is presented to
him?
6 The desire for riches may begin innocently.
For example, consider this scenario.
Your employer approaches you
and says: “I have good news! The company
has won a huge contract. This will
mean working overtime quite often for
the next few months. But I can assure
you that the pay will make it well worth
your effort.” How would you react to
such an offer? Of course, the need to
provide materially for your family is a
serious responsibility, but it is not the
only responsibility you have. (1 Tim. 5:8)
There are several other concerns you
have to take into account. How much
overtime will be involved? Will your secular
work interfere with your spiritual
activities, including congregation meetings
and your Family Worship evening?
COMMENTS
The key word here is OVERTIME….NEXT FEW MONTHS. As I mentioned above, I knew elders that never made a weekday meeting because of their business or jobs. Yet were appointed elders and remained so.
So does a jw have to be homeless…I can remember the brother than applied for unemployment and/or disability fraudulently and excused it by “pioneering.”
I knew men who never studied with their family, as the Family Worship, “arrangement was called. Even with tempting the father and mother being able to count 4 hours each per month, has not stopped it. Note this change in terminology. Why is Family Worship capitalized and family bible study was not?
*** dx86-11 BibleStudies***Family Worship [Family Bible Study];
7 In weighing your decision, what
would you consider to be foremost
—how the overtime work would affect
your bank account or how it might affect
your spirituality? Would eagerness
to make more money cause you to stop
putting Kingdom interests first in life?
Can you see how materialism would affect
you if you were to neglect your own
spiritual health and that of your fami-
ly? If that is happening to you right now,
how can you stand firm and avoid being
choked by materialism?—Read 1 Timothy
6:9, 10.
COMMENTS
How would it affect your spirituality to go; to listen to the talks the elders give not knowing when they walked in that that they had one; the elders in the back of the room discussing anything but spiritual things; the ones that can’t remember the first names of the children in “divided” homes; the ones who never go to meetings or service on vacations or when working out of town, etc.
PICTURE: Black husband/white wife
Materialism can choke a person spiritually.
Do not let that happen to you
8. Considering what Scriptural examples can
help us to reappraise our lifestyle?
8 To avoid being strangled by materialism,
periodically reappraise your lifestyle.
Never would you want to be like
Esau, who showed by his actions that
he despised spiritual things! (Gen. 25:
34; Heb. 12:16) And surely you should
not be like the rich man who was invited
to sell his belongings, give to the
poor, and follow Jesus. Instead of doing
so, the man “went away grieved, for he
was holding many possessions.” (Matt.
19:21, 22) Ensnared by riches, that man
lost out on a great privilege—that of being
able to follow the greatest man who
ever lived! Be careful not to lose out on
the privilege of being a disciple of Jesus
Christ.
COMMENTS
And if you don’t reappraise it, the elders will “help” you and other “mature” jws.
Is the WTS suggesting this again?
"Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end." Kingdom Ministry May 1974 p.3 How Are You Using Your Life?
9, 10. What would you say is the Scriptural
view of material things?
9 To counteract undue worry about
material things, heed Jesus’ admonition:
“Never be anxious and say, ‘What are we
to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or,
‘What are we to put on?’ For all these are
the things the nations are eagerly pursuing.
For your heavenly Father knows you
need all these things.”—Matt. 6:31, 32;
Luke 21:34, 35.
COMMENTS
So how will the Father provide this? Through the government or the congregation?
(see paragraph 6 comments)
10 Rather than fall victim to the deceptive
power of riches, strive to adopt
the viewpoint of the Bible writer Agur,
who stated: “Don’t let me be too poor
or too rich. Give me just what I need.”
(Prov. 30:8, Contemporary English Version)
Clearly, Agur understood the protective
value of money as well as the deceptive
power of riches. Realize that the
anxieties of this system and the deceptive
power of riches can result in spiritual
ruin. Undue worry about material
things can consume your time, sap
your energy, and leave you with little or
no motivation to pursue Kingdom interests.
Therefore, make it your resolve not
to be caught in Satan’s trap of materialism!—
Read Hebrews 13:5.
COMMENTS
Once again the WTS uses a quote other than the NWT, why? Is the NWT not clear enough?
(Proverbs 30:8) Untruth and the lying word put far away from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Let me devour the food prescribed for me,
So what is “undue” worry….I believe that the WTS would rather the rank and file donate more money.
ADULTERY
—A CLEVERLY CONCEALED PIT
11, 12. How might a Christian fall victim to
adultery at his or her place of work?
11 Hunters who want to catch a strong
animal may dig a pit on a path often traveled
by the prey. The pit is usually camouflaged
with a thin covering of sticks and soil.
One of Satan’s most successful
temptations resembles that type of
trap. It is the sin of immorality. (Prov. 22:
14; 23:27) A number of Christians have
fallen into that pit by letting themselves
get into situations in which compromise
is all too easy. Some married Christians
have succumbed to committing adultery
after developing an improper romantic
relationship.
COMMENTS
Which is worse in the OT, fornication or adultery. Adultery was a capital crime, not fornication. Was God less moral back then? He even allowed polygamy.
So marriage doesn’t protect jws from committing sexual immorality.
(1 Corinthians7:2) yet, because of prevalence of fornication, let each man have his own wife and each woman have her own husband.
(1 Corinthians7:9) But if they do not have self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to be inflamed [with passion].
A new spiritual term = improper romantic relationship (does not mean sex has occurred…one of those lust in the heart situations)
(Matthew 5:27,28) 27YOU heard that it was said, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 I say to YOU that everyone that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
12 An improper romantic relationship
could develop at your place of employment.
In fact, a secular study revealed
that more than half of adulterous
women and nearly 3 out of 4 adulterous
men had illicit relations with a workmate.
Does your secular work require
that you associate with members
of the opposite sex? If so, what is the nature
of your relationship with them? Do
you have boundaries in place that keep
it professional and that do not allow
it to become something more? For example,
after repeated casual conversations
with a male coworker, a Christian
sister might make him her confidant,
even telling him about her marital problems.
In another situation, after becoming
friendly with a female coworker, a
Christian man might reason: “She values
my opinion and really listens when
I talk to her. And she appreciates me. I
wish I got more of this kind of treatment
at home!” Can you see how Christians
in such situations could be vulnerable
to committing adultery?
COMMENTS
I thought back to 44 years of employment, and all required working with men. Besides nuns, what jobs require only working with women?
I know female jws who were counseled to make the elders confidants. I wonder what their non-jw or jw husbands made of that? Why are jws making non-jws their confidants in the first place. There is always a sister who is dying to know your personal business to spread all over, even the elders tell their wives rather than be satisfied with making another elder their confidant.
So if these jws are married and access to sex is not the issue, what is driving the need to confide outside the WTS organization?
13. How could an improper romantic relationship
develop within the congregation?
13 An improper romantic relationship
could develop within the congregation.
Consider this true-life example.
Daniel and his wife, Sarah,* were regular
pioneers. Daniel was also “a never-say-no
elder,” as he puts it. He eagerly
accepted every privilege that came
his way. As part of his ministry, Daniel
conducted five Bible studies with young
men—three of whom got baptized.
These newly baptized brothers needed
considerable help. When Daniel was
busy with his various theocratic assignments,
Sarah often provided that help.
Soon this pattern developed: Daniel’s
former Bible students needed emotional
support, and they received it from Sarah.
She needed attention, and she got it
from Daniel’s Bible students. A deadly
trap had been set. “Months of my wife’s
giving of herself drained her spiritually
and emotionally,” says Daniel. “This,
coupled with the fact that I had been
neglecting her, led to a disastrous turn
of events. My wife committed adultery
with one of my former students. She
had become spiritually weak right under
my nose, and I was too concerned
about all my privileges even to notice
it.” How can you avoid such a tragedy?
*Names have been changed.
COMMENTS
I know of several cases of this; BUSY ELDER = NEGLECTED WIFE. And they were warned by their BOE but ignored it. The BOE let it go until the wife sought what her husband was withholding…They don’t mention if this couple stayed married. The cases I knew, the wife chose to be df’d and married the man. The eager to be elders but not husbands were finally removed….but even an ex-elder is a catch and they all re-married, and all those marriages ended within 3 years.
14, 15. What factors can help married Christians
to avoid the pit of adultery?
14 To avoid the pit of adultery, reflect
on the meaning of marital commitment.
Jesus said: “What God has yoked together
let no man put apart.” (Matt. 19:6)
Never think that your theocratic
privileges are more important than your
spouse. Moreover, be aware that frequently
spending time away from your
mate for nonessential activities may indicate
a weakness in your marriage and
can lead to temptation and possibly to
serious sin.
COMMENTS
So does the WTS cooperate with their advice to the elders, or do they pour responsibilities on them or hold out the lure of doing more to be raised to be mighty men, princes on earth?
What are “nonessential activities”? The WTS says the wife has to give permission for her husband to be a way for WTS build operations. So what wife would say no?
15 If you are an elder, though, what
about the flock? The apostle Peter wrote:
“Shepherd the flock of God in your care,
not under compulsion, but willingly;
neither for love of dishonest gain, but
eagerly.” (1 Pet. 5:2) Congregation members
in your care certainly should not be
ignored. However, you should not fulfill
your role as a shepherd at the expense
of your role as a husband. It would be
pointless—even dangerous—to focus all
your attention on feeding the congregation
while your mate is “starving” at
home. Daniel states, “There is much
more to life than struggling to care for
privileges to the detriment of your own
family.”
COMMENTS
After 45 years I have seen so many neglected elders’ wives and children. Usually the conscientious ones who get dumped on by the other elders who want the fame but not the work. Or the ones that don’t want to be around their family and hide behind their privileges. The ones that father 5 children but have no time to change diapers or take them back when they act up to quiet them (not spank). The ones that don’t sit with their family and are in the back of the hall talking a bout “important” things.
In 2011 and 2010 the WTS mentions reaching out over 160 times; 118 times in the KM.
PICTURE:
Asian woman pricing products being harassed, looming co-worker
Flirting—or responding to it—can lead
to becoming a victim of adultery (she caused it, she wanted it, it’s her fault)
16, 17. (a) What practical measures can married
Christians take at the workplace to send a
clear signal that they are not available romantically?
(b) Give an example of published material
that can help Christians to avoid adultery.
16 Much good counsel has appeared
in the pages of The Watchtower and
Awake! to help married Christians resist
falling into the trap of adultery. For
instance, The Watchtower of September
15, 2006, offered this advice: “In the
workplace and elsewhere, beware of situations
that might foster intimacy. For
example, spending extra hours working
closely with someone of the opposite
sex can set the stage for temptation.
As a married man or woman, you
should make it clear by your speech
and your demeanor that you are simply
not available. As one who pursues
godly devotion, you would certainly
not want to invite undue attention by
flirting or by being immodest in your
dress and grooming. . . . Having photos
of your marriage mate and children
around the workplace will serve as a visual
reminder to you and to others that
you have priorities. Be determined never
to encourage—or even tolerate—seductive
overtures from another.”
COMMENTS
So asking men to reach out continuously, saying they must not be materialistic but provide for their family, is not setting people up for a fall?
“immodest in your dress and grooming” = a female problem or are men’s minds in the gutter? Are women inviting undue attention; how do men do it? Tight pants, unbuttoned shirts?
What about touchy feely elders…we had a couple of those….will the other elders believe the accusations unless there are 2 eyewitnesses? They would do it before and after the meetings….
http://sp.life123.com/bm.pix/broken-finger1.s600x600.jpg
17 The article entitled “Marital Fidelity—
What Does It Really Mean?” in
Awake! of April 2009 warned against
sexual fantasies involving someone other
than your marriage mate. The article
indicated that engaging in sexual fantasies
will increase the likelihood of your
committing adultery. (Jas. 1:14, 15) If
you are married, it would be wise for
you and your spouse to review such information
together from time to time.
Marriage is an arrangement instituted
by Jehovah himself, and it is sacred.
Setting aside time to talk to your mate
about your marriage is a fine way to
show that you value sacred things.
—Gen. 2:21-24.
COMMENTS
So the WTS does allow sexual fantasies involving your marriage mate.
What if you pretend to be an imaginary person?
So the husband that is so busy with congregation activities who has no time for Family Worship will have time to read this article with his wife?
The WTS covers its rear by printing this but then when offending elders don’t apply it, nothing will happen to them; the wife and children will be expected to “wait” on God.
18, 19. (a) What are the consequences of
adultery? (b) Marital faithfulness results in
what benefits?
18 If you find yourself tempted to develop
an improper romantic relationship ,
meditate on the damaging consequences
of fornication and adultery.
(Prov. 7:22, 23; Gal. 6:7) Those who
commit immorality displease Jehovah
and hurt their spouse and themselves.
(Read Malachi 2:13, 14.) In contrast,
contemplate the benefits that come to
those who maintain chaste conduct.
Not only do they have the hope of living
forever but they also enjoy the best
life now, including a clean conscience.
—Read Proverbs 3:1, 2.
COMMENTS
Why not meditate on what positive steps to take and do it? So what happens when a wife goes to the elders? How will it be any different if she goes to them about her husband’s abuse? Endure and wait.
Living forever = with the same neglectful spouse?
19 The psalmist sang: “Abundant
peace belongs to those loving your
[God’s] law, and for them there is no
stumbling block.” (Ps. 119:165) So love
the truth, and “keep strict watch that
how you walk is not as unwise but as
wise persons” in these wicked times.
(Eph. 5:15, 16) The paths we follow
are rife with traps set by Satan to ensnare
true worshippers. But we are well equipped
to protect ourselves. Jehovah
has given us what we need to “stand
firm” and “quench all the wicked one’s
burning missiles”!—Eph. 6:11, 16.
COMMENTS
Watch yourself or will you be watched at the KH? And if you aren’t doing anything, someone will make up something. The worst traps are the ones set by the people you should be able to trust at the KH.
True worshippers = only jws per the WTS…watch your back.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, HOW THIS WORLD WILL COME TO AN END.
I wonder if they will mention the WTS teaches that all 7 billion plus non-jw men, women and children are SOON to be destroyed eternally, no resurrection?
Love, Blondie