Comments You Will Not Hear at the 01-13-2013 WT Study (NOVEMBER 15, 2012, pages 15-19)(LESSER ONE)
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CULTIVATE THE SPIRIT OF A
LESSER ONE
“He that conducts himself as a lesser one
among all of you is the one that is great.”
—LUKE 9:48.
CAN YOU FIND THE ANSWERS?
What can help us to cultivate
the spirit of a lesser one?
In what ways is a lesser one
“great”?
How can we manifest humility
within marriage, within the
congregation, and in our relationships
with others?
OPENING COMMENTS
“lesser” implies being “below” not as “qualified”
of lower rank, degree, or importance
So are all jws lesser ones or only some?
Elders are “princes” that rule per the WTS based on Isa. 32:1,2
(Isaiah 32:1) . . .they will rule as princes. . .
But notice how the WTS does a switch in vocabulary.
*** cl chap. 16 p. 164 par. 16 “Exercise Justice” in Walking With God ***
Notice the prophetic description of “princes,” or elders, recorded by Isaiah: “Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes, they will rule as princes for justice itself.” (Isaiah 32:1) Yes, Jehovah expects elders to serve …
*** w99 2/1 p. 19 par. 22 Our Treasure in Earthen Vessels ***
As the number of the spirit-anointed remnant on earth has decreased, mature brothers of the great crowd have been given spiritual oversight of almost all the congregations worldwide. And as the last aged anointed Witnesses finish their earthly course, princely sa·rim′ of the other sheep will have been well trained to carry out administrative duties as the chieftain class on earth.—Ezekiel 44:3; Isaiah 32:1.
START OF ARTICLE
1, 2. Jesus gave his apostles what admonition, and why did
he do so?
THE year was 32 C.E. Jesus was in the district
of Galilee when difficulties arose. A few of
his apostles were arguing about who was the
greatest among them. The Gospel writer Luke reports:
“A reasoning entered among them as to who
would be the greatest of them. Jesus, knowing the
reasoning of their hearts, took a young child, set it
beside him and said to them: ‘Whoever receives this
young child on the basis of my name receives me
too, and whoever receives me receives him also that
sent me forth. For he that conducts himself as a lesser
one among all of you is the one that is great.’ ”
(Luke 9:46-48) Patiently but firmly, Jesus helped the
apostles to see the need for humility.
COMMENTS
How do jws make themselves the “greatest”?
By marking some as “bad association.”
*** w80 6/15 p. 19 par. 15 Harvesting Fruit Suitable for God’s Kingdom ***
Today, in the congregation, do we gravitate toward members who still smack of worldliness? They regularly indulge in it and want to have the company of other members so as to feel a measure of justification for their frequent indulgence. Do we let our social environment or association inside the congregation hinder us in running well in the race for everlasting life? Do we allow congregation members who still incline to worldliness to persuade us into taking the same direction that they are taking, because it is so pleasing to our fallen flesh?
Labeling others as inactive
Or spiritually weak……..only one group of elders?
*** w88 11/15 pp. 21-22 “Spiritual Words” for the Mentally Distressed ***
Failing to grasp the nature of a certain brother’s depressive disorder, one group of elderspassed him off as spiritually weak. “Pray more,” they told him—instruction he found hard to apply because of his depressed state of mind.
Being given “privileges” that aren’t given to others; where in the bible does
Congregation SERVants becoming elders in the 1970’s
Defining themselves and others by names of positions, elders, MS, their wives and children, pioneer, born in jws, administrative positions at assemblies and conventions, or some you with think of.
Yet the WTS says that Jesus did make the 12 the greatest by making them the 12 foundation stones. And the remaining 144,000 would rule as kings over the earth as immortal, only 144,002 making them special, superior, to the ones on earth.
*** it-1 p. 867 Foundation ***
Most appropriately, the 12 symbolic foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, bearing the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb, are precious stones. (Re 21:14, 19, 20)
2 Was Jesus’ admonition to behave as a lesser one
in accord with the values of the first-century Jews?
Or was it the opposite of their general spirit? Commenting
on the social conditions of that time, the
Theological Dictionary of the New Testament explains:
“In every affair, the question constantly arose who
was the greater, and according to each his due honor
was an important matter which caused constant
concern.” Jesus was admonishing his apostles to be
different from people in general.
COMMENTS
Who wrote the Theological Dictionary, and when, and why that source by the WTS?
(Gerhard Kittel) (could not find this quote online)
3. (a) Behaving as a lesser one means what, and why might
it be challenging for us to act in that way? (b) What questions
arise about cultivating the spirit of a lesser one?
3 The Greek word translated “lesser one” means
someone who is modest, humble, lowly, insignificant,
or of little esteem and influence. Jesus used a
young child to make clear to his apostles that they
should be humble and modest. That admonition
is as applicable to true Christians today
as it was in the first century. We may
find it challenging to conduct ourselves
as lesser ones—at least in some circumstances.
The human tendency toward
pride may motivate us to seek prominence.
The competitive environment
in which we live and the spirit of the
world might influence us to be egotistical,
combative, or manipulative. What
can help us to cultivate the spirit of a
lesser one? How is ‘a lesser one among
us the one that is great’? In what areas
of life should we strive to manifest the
spirit of humility?
COMMENTS
OR of little esteem and influence – so someone who considers themselves lowly OR one who is considered by others as of little esteem…
How are children consider in jw congregations? When the WTS depicts this event with Jesus and a child, is the child male or female, male if I remember, but why assume that.
True Christians today = only jws
The competitive environment in which we live and the spirit of the world might influence us to be egotistical, combative, or manipulative—and that is just at the KH.
“O THE DEPTH OF GOD’S RICHES AND WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE!”
4, 5. What can move us to cultivate humility?
Illustrate.
4 One way to cultivate humility is to
ponder over the greatness of Jehovah
in comparison to us. Actually, “there
is no searching out of his understanding.”
(Isa. 40:28) Commenting on certain
aspects of Jehovah’s magnificence,
the apostle Paul wrote: “O the depth of
God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge!
How unsearchable his judgments
are and past tracing out his
ways are!” (Rom. 11:33) Although mankind’s
knowledge of many things has
increased greatly since Paul wrote those
words some 2,000 years ago, that statement
still holds true. No matter how
much we know, it should humble us to
realize that there is no limit to what can
be learned about Jehovah, his works,
and his ways.
COMMENTS
Greatness of Jehovah – why not Jesus?
Learned only through the governing body of the WTS
*** w07 11/1 p. 29 par. 7 Searching Into “the Deep Things of God” ***
We should not think that “deep things” are necessarily difficult things. Knowledge of “the deep things of God” is obscured from most people, not because the wisdom of God is too difficult to acquire, but because Satan deceives people into rejecting the help that Jehovah provides through His organization.—2 Corinthians 4:3, 4.
5 Appreciating that it is beyond our
ability to search out God’s ways helped
Leo* to view himself as a lesser one.
As a young man, Leo was fascinated
by science. Desiring to understand as
much as possible about the physical
universe, he studied astrophysics and
came to an important conclusion. He
says: “Based on my studies, I came
to realize that current scientific theories
alone are not likely to enable mankind
to understand the universe completely.
So I switched to studying law.”
In time, Leo became a district attorney
and later a court judge. Eventually,
he and his wife studied the Bible with
Jehovah’s Witnesses, embraced the
truth, and became dedicated servants
of God. Despite his background, what
has helped Leo to conduct himself as a
lesser one? Unhesitatingly, he answers,
“It is the realization that no matter how
much we learn about Jehovah and the
universe, there is still much more to discover.”
* Names have been changed.
PICTURE: Jehovah dignifies us with the privilege
of preaching the good news
COMMENTS
“Desiring to understand as
much as possible about the physical
universe, he studied astrophysics and
came to an important conclusion. He
says: “Based on my studies, I came
to realize that current scientific theories
alone are not likely to enable mankind
to understand the universe completely .
So I switched to studying law.”
In time, Leo became a district attorney
and later a court judge .”
Obviously Leo was not a jw…not a faithful one. Do current scientific “theories” claim to be able to help mankind understand the universe completely? Not what I have read.
So do you think Leo was treated as a lesser one when he became a jw or was his background held up as something to admire, that his education put him above others in the congregation, that the elders “sucked up” to him?
6, 7. (a) Jehovah provides what astonishing
example of humility? (b) How can God’s humility
make one “great”?
6 Another factor that helps us to be
humble is that Jehovah himself displays
humility. Consider this: “We are God’s
fellow workers.” (1 Cor. 3:9) Imagine
that! Jehovah, the God of unmatched
greatness, dignifies us in this way by giving
us an opportunity to carry out our
ministry using his Word, the Bible. Although
Jehovah is the one who makes
the seeds that we plant and water grow,
he bestows upon us an honorable position
of working with him. (1 Cor. 3:6, 7)
Is that not an astonishing example of humility
on God’s part? Surely Jehovah’s
example of humility should be of great
encouragement to each of us to behave
as a lesser one.
COMMENTS
God’s fellow workers—where is Jesus in this picture?
(Acts 1:7, 8) . . .; 8 but YOU will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon YOU, and YOU will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Ju·de′a and Sa·mar′i·a and to the most distant part of the earth.”
(Romans 16:3) . . .Give my greetings to Pris′ca and Aq′ui·la my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
But in the KH some are lesser than others……
7 God’s example of humility had a tremendous
effect on the psalmist David.
He sang to Jehovah: “You will give me
your shield of salvation, and it is your
humility that makes me great.” (2 Sam.
22:36) David attributed any greatness he
had in Israel to Jehovah’s humility—to
God’s condescending, or humbling himself,
to pay attention to him. (Ps. 113:5-7)
Is it any different with us? In the way of
qualities, abilities, and privileges, what
do any of us have that we “did not receive”
from Jehovah? (1 Cor. 4:7) The
person who conducts himself as a lesser
one is “great” in that he becomes more
valuable as a servant of Jehovah. (Luke
9:48, ftn.) Let us reflect on how this is so.
COMMENTS
David should be glad that God pardoned his crime of adultery and murder, and conducting a census and choosing the deaths of 70,000 people to pay for his disobedience. What about other Israelites who committed adultery and murder, did God humble himself to pay attention to them, pardoning them of capital crimes?
How many jws have attributed what they have as special attention from God that others were/are not privileged to receive?
It is one thing to humble oneself before God knowing but to humble oneself before another imperfect individual.
‘A LESSER ONE AMONG YOU IS GREAT’
8. How does humility affect our attitude toward
Jehovah’s organization?
8 Humility is essential to our being
content in God’s theocratic organization
and being supportive of the congregational
arrangement. For example,
consider Petra, a young woman raised
in a family of Witnesses. Wanting to do
things her own way, Petra distanced herself
from the congregation. Years later,
she started to associate with the congregation
once again. She is now happy
to be in Jehovah’s organization and is
eager to support the congregational arrangement.
What has made the difference
this time? “For me to feel at home
in God’s organization,” she writes, “the
two most important qualities I needed to
understand and to cultivate were humility
and modesty.”
COMMENTS
Being content = obeying the GB even when they are wrong
Wanting to do things her own way…distanced herself from the congregation—the WTS is implying that all jws that “leave” are rebellious
Jehovah’s arrangement = only the WTS/GB
Are men encouraged to be modest and humble in their dealings with women in the congregation?
What is the congregation arrangement as defined by the WTS?
9. What attitude does a humble person have
toward the spiritual food we receive, and why
does that make him more valuable?
9 A humble person has heartfelt gratitude
for Jehovah’s provisions, including
spiritual food. Hence, such an individual
is a diligent student of the Bible
and an avid reader of the Watchtower
and Awake! magazines. Like many other
faithful servants of Jehovah, he may
make it a practice to read each new publication
before putting it away on a bookshelf
in his personal library. When we
manifest humble appreciation by reading
and studying our Bible-based publications,
we make spiritual advancement,
and Jehovah is able to use us more
fully in his service.—Heb. 5:13, 14.
COMMENTS
Gratitude for Jehovah’s (WTS/GB/organization) provisions
Diligent student of the Bible – how many cited scriptures in each WT are read or commented in each article? Why does the WTS choose which ones are read (and by a separate brother from the reader at the meeting in some congregations)
Avid reader of WT/Awake = after 40 years of door to door, few jws ever read the magazine they were placing (let alone before when it came in the mail).
Faithful servants of Jehovah = where is Jesus in this picture?
Jws put new publications on the bookshelf right away (assuming they get one), and don’t pull it out until the book study at the KH, and don’t read it because the paragraphs will be read right? In wonder how many in the congregation get an opportunity to answer since fewer paragraphs and the whole congregation meets not just small groups?
Humble appreciation = only for bible-based publications?
Make advancement only by reading human publications, what about the bible?
10. How can we manifest the attitude of a lesser
one within the congregation?
10 He who conducts himself as a lesser
one is “great” in another way. Every
congregation has qualified men appointed
under the guidance of Jehovah’s holy
spirit to serve as elders. They make arrangements
for such spiritual matters as congregation
meetings, field service, and shepherding.
When we manifest the attitude of a lesser one by willingly
supporting these arrangements, we
contribute to the joy, peace, and unity of
the congregation. (Read Hebrews 13:7,
17.) If you are serving as an elder or a
ministerial servant, are you not humbly
grateful to Jehovah for entrusting you
with such a privilege of service?
COMMENTS
Other than prayer and using the bible to define the qualifications, what answer or message is sent through the holy spirit that the person is qualified? How do a group of imperfect men know? What about pedophiles, practicing alcoholics, wife/child abusers, adulterers, etc., that are appointed? Where was the holy spirit then?
Elders make arrangements – but assign others to actually go out in service, sticking some MS with the chore; assigning junior elders or unqualified elders; as the go out with their family in a separate car doing return visits. I saw many an elder picking up dry cleaning, his wife doing grocery shopping, meeting up at a coffee shop at 11 a.m.
Willingly supporting – see elders above and the older couple that would suddenly want to work alone in their own territory (found out we were doing a black territory), the jws that always scheduled a bible study Saturday morning, the jws we never saw at the book study they were assigned to because their friends and family we at another one or the conductor was better than at the one they were assigned to.
Privilege = does that sound like a humble concept?
Privileged/Adjective :
1. Having special rights, advantages, or immunities. |
11, 12. What attitude will make us more valuable
to Jehovah’s organization, and why is that
the case?
11 The one behaving as a lesser one
is “great,” or more valuable to Jehovah’s
organization, because his humility
makes him a good and useful servant
of God. Jesus had to admonish his disciples
to behave as lesser ones because
some of them were influenced by the
prevailing spirit of the day. “A reasoning
entered among them as to who would be
the greatest of them,” states Luke 9:46.
Might we also begin to reason that we in
some way are better than our fellow believers
or are superior to people in general?
Many in the world around us are
motivated by pride and selfishness. Let
us distance ourselves from the proud by
acting humbly. When we do so and put
Jehovah’s will to the fore, we become
more refreshing associates of our brothers
and sisters.
COMMENTS
More valuable to the organization = where’s God in this, does God = organization?
But just above they said that the “lesser” one is more valuable.
Distance ourselves from the proud = does that include the elders?
12 Jesus’ admonition to conduct ourselves
as lesser ones truly is motivating.
Should we not strive to manifest the
spirit of a lesser one in all aspects of life?
Let us give particular attention to three
areas.
COMMENTS
So what example do the princes give?
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples; he showed them what to do. Would the elders in the congregation wash your feet?
STRIVE TO BE A LESSER ONE
13, 14. How should a husband or a wife behave
as a lesser one, and how can this affect a
marriage?
13 Within marriage. Many people today
are so concerned about their personal
rights that they demand them even if
doing so means infringing on the rights
of others. A lesser one, though, is guided
by the attitude that Paul encourages us
to have. In his letter to the Romans, he
writes: “Let us pursue the things making
for peace and the things that are upbuilding
to one another.” (Rom. 14:19) A
person who behaves as a lesser one pursues
peace with everyone and especially
with his or her own cherished marriage
mate.
COMMENTS
Personal rights = the right not to be verbally, emotionally, mentally, and physically abused?
Do the married men in the congregation recognize their standing before God depends on how they treat their wives and how all brothers treat the sisters?
Do jw men feel they must conduct themselves as “lesser” in regards to women?
14 Consider the area of recreation. A
couple may differ in their preferences
when it comes to entertainment. Perhaps
the husband likes to stay quietly
at home during leisure time and
read a book. On the other hand, the
wife may prefer going out for a meal or
visiting friends. Would it not be easier
for the wife to respect her husband
when she sees that he manifests humility
and gives sincere consideration to her
likes and dislikes rather than being concerned
only about his own preferences?
And how the husband loves and appreciates
his wife when he sees that she
does not just try to get her own way
but considers his wishes! The marriage
bond is strengthened when each partner
behaves as a lesser one.—Read Philippians
2:1-4.
COMMENTS
So do you think the choice of recreation is the worst problem in a marriage?
Get her own way….that swings both ways except in the publications. They give details about the wife and throw a bone about recreation.
*** w66 2/15 p. 100 Do You Limit Cooperation to Your Terms? ***
For example, a wife might prevail upon her husband to go visiting her relatives, but if he is not particularly fond of them he may do little, if anything, to make the visit a truly enjoyable one. Then, again, a husband might want to bring some friends home for supper, or he might want a certain food. But if his wife does not particularly like those friends or that food, she may go about preparing the meal in an indifferent, routine way, refusing to give wholehearted cooperation, to underscore how she feels about it.
*** w81 6/1 p. 24 par. 12 Aids in Conducting Ourselves as Lesser Ones ***
Practical wisdom that makes us conduct ourselves as lesser ones also applies within the family circle. For example, the wise wife will be content to play the complementary, submissive role in relation to her husband, knowing that this makes for peace in the family and is conducive to happiness. Being willing to play such a role wins her husband’s affection and love, and makes him want to do things for her. And what could make a wife happier than to have her husband so well disposed toward her that he is always giving her tokens of appreciation and affection, by words and deeds? In this regard, it is also practical wisdom for a husband to acknowledge wherein his wife excels and be content to play the lesser role, granting her such recognition under his headship. This will have a similar fine effect on her.
Lesser role woman excels at – cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, looking after children?
15, 16. What attitude did David recommend
in Psalm 131, and how should this affect our behavior
within the congregation?
15 Within the congregation. In the
world, many individuals live for the immediate
gratification of their desires.
For them, patience is in short supply
and waiting is a trial. Cultivating the
spirit of a lesser one helps us to wait on
Jehovah. (Read Psalm 131:1-3.) The benefits
of being humble and waiting on Jehovah
are security and blessings, solace
and satisfaction. No wonder David encouraged
his fellow Israelites to wait patiently
for their God!
COMMENTS
In the world =many live for immediate gratification = proof?
Patience at the conventions; waiting at the door opening, pushing, running, having workers inside the building with closer access grab up all the good seats
David was a good role model of patience; could not “wait” for Bathsheba to be free
David didn’t wait for God but conducted a census
I always wondered if David knew his son Amnon raped his half sister Tamar; or if he waited in the dark?
16 You can experience similar comfort
when you humbly wait on Jehovah. (Ps.
42:5) Perhaps you are “desirous of a fine
work” and, therefore, are “reaching out
for an office of overseer.” (1 Tim. 3:1-7)
Of course, you should do all that you
reasonably can to allow the holy spirit
to develop in you the qualities needed
by an overseer. But what if the process
seems to take longer in your case than in
the case of others? The lesser one, who
waits patiently for a privilege of service,
will continue to serve Jehovah joyfully
and will rejoice in whatever assignment
he is given.
COMMENTS
Wait on Jehovah = translation: wait but we never named a date
Bible students from 1879 to 1914 waited = end did not come
Some of the same ones waited till 1925 = end did not come
Most had died from 1925 and 1975 was “suggested” = end did not come
VERY SOON NOW
*** w11 7/1 pp. 5-6 Why Does Life Seem Meaningless? ***
Very soon now, he will begin bringing the earth back to the perfect state he originally purposed.
*** w08 5/15 p. 15 par. 16 Deliverance by God’s Kingdom Is at Hand! ***
This world has been in the last days, or “the conclusion of the system of things,” since the year 1914. (Matt. 24:3) Very soon now, what Jesus called the “great tribulation” will occur. (Read Matthew 24:21.) That unparalleled tribulation will bring Satan’s entire world to its end.
*** w07 3/15 p. 25 par. 18 Angels—How They Affect Mankind ***
Angels will serve as God’s executioner forces in the near future. Very soon now, Jesus will come “with his powerful angels in a flaming fire.” Their mission will be to bring “vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8) What an effect this action will have on mankind! Those who refuse to respond to the good news of God’s Kingdom now being declared earth wide will suffer destruction. Only those who seek Jehovah, righteousness, and meekness will be “concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger” and be unharmed.—Zephaniah 2:3.
17, 18. (a) What benefits result when we seek
forgiveness and are willing to grant it to others?
(b)What course is recommended at Proverbs 6:
1-5?
17 In our relationships with others. To
apologize is difficult for most people.
However, servants of God cultivate the
spirit of a lesser one by admitting their
mistakes and asking for forgiveness.
They are also ready to forgive others
for their transgressions. Whereas pride
fosters division and contention, forgiveness
promotes peace within the congregation.
COMMENTS
Servants of God = only jws = where’s Jesus, Christian?
Have you ever had an elder admit a mistake to you?
How quickly did God “forgive” David; how quickly does a congregation forgive, or individuals?
*** w96 9/15 p. 24 Do You Really Need to Apologize? ***
Should you apologize if you think that you are not at fault? When deep feelings are involved, it is hard to be objective about where the blame lies. But the important thing is peace in the marriage. Consider Abigail, an Israelite woman whose husband mistreated David. Though she could not be blamed for her husband’s stupidity, she apologized.
*** w02 11/1 p. 6 Apologizing—A Key to Making Peace ***
Peace among fellow believers is more important than proving who is right and who is wrong. Keeping this principle in mind makes it easier to apologize for a wrong that someone thinks we have committed against him or her.
18 We may need to ‘humble ourselves’
by sincerely apologizing to another person
if we are unable to honor an agreement
because of circumstances beyond
our control. Although he may be able to
assign a measure of blame to the other
party, the humble Christian concerns
himself with his own failings and is willing
to admit them.—Read Proverbs 6:
1-5.
COMMENTS
What?! They can’t even come up with $5 a week?
Don’t do business with jws…….you will not be repaid.
19. For what reasons should each of us be
grateful for the Biblical counsel to behave as a
lesser one?
19 How grateful we are for the Scriptural
encouragement to cultivate the
spirit of a lesser one! Although we may
at times find it challenging to manifest
such a spirit, having the correct view
of our position in relation to our Creator
and appreciating his humility can
motivate us to cultivate that fine quality.
By doing so, we will indeed prove to
be more valuable as Jehovah’s servants.
May each of us, therefore, conduct himself
as a lesser one.
COMMENTS
Lesser than who…aren’t all Christians equal?
Correct view of our position = don’t worry the elders will let you know what that is.
Conduct yourself as a lesser one = obey the elders and the organization
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Sorry this is late…things have been hectic at work as I try to be 3 people and have been running to the doctor and setting up a new specialist, I guess it was time they retired, in their 80’s.
Next Sunday, WHAT DOES JEHOVAH’S FORGIVENESS MEAN FOR YOU? Makes me think the WTS reads my comments about David…this is a damage control article.
Since humans cannot read hearts and minds, not even the elders, how can they possibly determine genuine repentance? David did not meet with the judges in the gates as the Law provided for but had a private “JC” with Nathan the prophet and was not executed as any other Israelite would have been. Remember David and Manasseh were kings through which the Messiah was to come.
Love, Blondie