Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 02-10-2013 WT Study (TRUSTED STEWARDS)

“You do not belong to yourselves”?! What thoughts come to mind based on your experience in the WTS? That jws belong to the organization, the WTS/FDS/GB, that their salvation depends on it.

*** w07 12/15 p. 14 par. 19 Are You Ready for Jehovah’s Day? ***

But Jehovah’s servants already belong to the only organization that will survive the end of this wicked system of things. So Christian youths should be encouraged to have “plenty to do in the work of the Lord.”

*** w06 7/15 p. 21 par. 7 Focus on the Goodness of Jehovah’s Organization ***

How does Birgit feel now? She says: “I am deeply grateful that I still belong to Jehovah’s wonderful organization.” A 17-year-old named Andreas states: “This is really Jehovah’s organization, the best organization in the world.” Should we not be grateful for the goodness of the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization?

*** km 11/90 p. 1 Directing Bible Students to Jehovah’s Organization ***

Bible students need to get acquainted with the organization of the “one flock” Jesus spoke about at John 10:16. They must appreciate that identifying themselves with Jehovah’s organization is essential to their salvation. (Rev. 7:9, 10, 15) Therefore, we should start directing our Bible students to the organization as soon as a Bible study is established.

Let’s look at the full scripture verse, even the verses around it. Why just a snippet?

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20) . . .. 19 What! Do YOU not know that the body of YOU people is [the] temple of the holy spirit within YOU, which YOU have from God? Also, YOU do not belong to yourselves, 20 for YOU were bought with a price. By all means, glorify God in the body of YOU people.

Previous applications of this scripture (note how they slide application to the other sheep/great crowd into this).

*** it-1 p. 349 Body ***

One who is a member of the body of Christ, as well as other dedicated persons who are associated with these spiritually begotten body members, must avoid not only physical fornication but also spiritual fornication.

*** w08 10/15 p. 27 par. 10 What Will You Give to Keep Living? ***

Your relationship with God will then be like that of those Christians to whom Paul wrote: “You do not belong to yourselves, for you were bought with a price.” (1 Cor. 6:19, 20) Whether our hope is heavenly or earthly, if we have dedicated ourselves to Jehovah, he is our Owner. How important, then, to suppress selfish desires and “stop becoming slaves of men”! (1 Cor. 7:23) What a privilege it is to be a loyal servant for Jehovah to use as he pleases!

Matthew 24:45-47 (why does the WTS use this one more than Luke? What is the difference?)

(Matthew 24:45-47) 45 “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?46 Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. 47 Truly I say to YOU, He will appoint him over all his belongings.

Or Luke, 12:42-44

(Luke 12:42-44) 42 And the Lord said: “Who really is the faithful steward, the discreet one, whom his master will appoint over his body of attendants to keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time? 43 Happy is that slave, if his master on arriving finds him doing so! 44 I tell YOU truthfully, He will appoint him over all his belongings.

START OF ARTICLE

1. The world in general has what view of independence?

SOME 2,500 years ago, a Greek playwright

wrote: “No one willingly wears the yoke of

slavery.” Many today would readily agree with

that statement. Slavery evokes images of people oppressed

and in bondage, whose work and sacrifices

bring benefits, not to themselves, but to those who

own and dominate them.

COMMENTS

Which Greek playwright, did it take too much ink to put in the paragraph?

Aeschylus (525–456 B.C.), Greek tragedian. Agamemnon, l. 953.

Would people willingly be slaves of God someone who is seen as perfect; or slaves of imperfect humans? Who cracks the whip at the KH?

Slavery in Israel

(Exodus 21:20, 21) 20 “And in case a man strikes his slave man or his slave girl with a stick and that one actually dies under his hand, that one is to be avenged without fail. 21 However, if he lingers for a day or two days, he is not to be avenged, because he is his money.

2, 3. (a) What position do willing slaves, or servants, of

Christ enjoy? (b) What questions about stewardship will we

consider?

2 Yet, Jesus indicated that his disciples would be

humble servants, or slaves. There is nothing demeaning

or oppressive, though, about this slavery

involving true Christians. These slaves enjoy

a position of honor, trust, and respect. Consider,

for example, the comments Jesus made about one

“slave” shortly before His death. Christ foretold that

he would assign duties to a “faithful and discreet

slave.”—Matt. 24:45-47.

COMMENTS

Demeaning—elders are called “princes” by the WTS and the rank and file are called “sheep; the elders are called overseers and the rank and file are called publishers.

Oppressive—how many “rules” are there in your congregation or area?

*** w96 9/1 p. 20 par. 3 Living by the Law of the Christ ***

Indeed, Christians are obligated to observe all commands in the Bible that are directed to followers of Christ. And there is more. Jehovah’s organization, as well as individual congregations, has to establish necessary rules and procedures in order to preserve good order. (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40) Why, Christians could not even meet together if they had no rules as to when, where, and how to hold such meetings! (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Cooperating with reasonable guidelines laid down by those given authority in the organization is also a part of fulfilling the law of the Christ.—Hebrews 13:17.

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/183859/1/Name-Some-Stupid-Watchtower-Rules-or-Ideas

3 It is significant that in a parallel account, that

slave is called a “steward.” (Read Luke 12:42-44.)

Most faithful Christians now alive are not members

of that faithful steward class. However, the Scriptures

show that all who serve God have a stewardship.

What responsibilities are involved? How

should those be viewed? To find out, let us examine

the role of stewards in ancient times.

COMMENTS

Most faithful Christians – only non-anointed jws

Members of “faithful steward class” (Not FDS) = only anointed jws?

Is this the first time the WTS has applied “steward” top non-anointed jws?

*** km 6/98 p. 3 pars. 3-4 Caring for the Master’s Belongings ***

Today, Jehovah’s Witnesses have a similar view of matters. They have dedicated themselves to Jehovah God and view all they have—their lives, their physical strength, their material belongings—as fruits of “God’s undeserved kindness expressed in various ways.” As fine stewards, they feel accountable to Jehovah God for the way they use these things. In addition, they have been given a knowledge of the good news. This too is a trust that they desire to use in the finest way possible: to magnify Jehovah’s name and to help others come to a knowledge of the truth.—Matt. 28:19, 20; 1 Tim. 2:3, 4; 2 Tim. 1:13, 14.

How are Jehovah’s Witnesses discharging their responsibilities as stewards? The annual report shows that last year alone, worldwide they spent more than one billion hours preaching the “good news of the kingdom” and conducted more than 4,500,000 home Bible studies with interested persons. (Matt. 24:14) Their faithfulness as Jehovah’s stewards was also shown by their generous contributions toward the worldwide work and in support of local Kingdom Halls, by their hospitality to traveling overseers and others, and by their extraordinary kindness to those in great need—such as victims of armed conflicts. As a group, true Christians are caring well for the Master’s belongings.

STEWARDS—THEIR ROLE

4, 5. What responsibilities did ancient stewards have? Give

Examples.

4 In ancient times, a steward was often a trusted

slave assigned to supervise the household or

business affairs of his master. Typically,

stewards had considerable authority

and were charged with managing

household belongings, money, and other

servants. We can see this in the case

of Eliezer, who was entrusted with the

care of Abraham’s extensive belongings.

It may have been Eliezer whom

Abraham sent to Mesopotamia to

choose a wife for his son Isaac. What an

important and far-reaching assignment!

—Gen. 13:2; 15:2; 24:2-4.

COMMENTS

Were stewards slave?

May have been—the bible does not say

5 Abraham’s great-grandson Joseph

looked after the household of Potiphar.

(Gen. 39:1, 2) In time, Joseph came to

have a steward of his own, who was

appointed “over Joseph’s house.” That

steward arranged hospitality for Joseph’s

ten brothers. And at Joseph’s

command, he orchestrated matters concerning

the “stolen” silver cup. Clearly,

stewards enjoyed positions of great

trust.—Gen. 43:19-25; 44:1-12.

COMMENTS

Stewards = not women

Positions of great trust = is that why no women qualify?

6. What stewardship do various Christian elders

have?

6 Centuries later, the apostle Paul

wrote that Christian overseers were

to be ‘God’s stewards.’ (Titus 1:7) Appointed

to shepherd “the flock of God,”

overseers give direction and take the

lead in the congregations. (1 Pet. 5:1, 2)

Of course, responsibilities vary. For example,

most Christian overseers today

serve one congregation. Traveling overseers

serve many congregations. And

Branch Committee members care for

congregations in entire countries. Still,

all are expected to carry out their duties

faithfully; all must “render an account”

to God.—Heb. 13:17.

7. How do we know that, in a sense, all Christians

are stewards?

7 What, though, of the many loyal

Christians who are not overseers? The

apostle Peter wrote a letter to Christians

in general, stating: “In proportion

as each one has received a gift, use it in

ministering to one another as fine stewards

of God’s undeserved kindness expressed

in various ways.” (1 Pet. 1:1; 4:10)

God has in his undeserved kindness

imparted to all of us gifts, assets, abilities,

or talents that we can use to benefit

fellow believers. Accordingly, all who

serve God are stewards, and with their

stewardship comes honor, trust, and responsibility.

COMMENTS

Loyal Christians who are not overseers = only men, never women?

What gifts are women viewed as having = cleaning, cooking, child raising?

WE BELONG TO GOD

8. What is one important principle that we

need to remember?

8 We will now focus on three principles

that we as stewards need to consider.

The first: We all belong to God

and are accountable to him. Paul wrote:

“You do not belong to yourselves, for

you were bought with a price,” the sacrificial

blood of the Christ. (1 Cor. 6:19, 20)

Since we belong to Jehovah, we

are obliged to obey his commandments,

which are not burdensome. (Rom. 14:8;

1 John 5:3) We also become slaves of

Christ. Like stewards of old, we are given

much freedom—but our freedom has

limits. We must handle our responsibilities

as instructed. No matter what privileges

of service we may enjoy, we are

still servants of God and of Christ.

COMMENTS

“we as stewards” = all jws evidently

Belong to God = but also the organization, the only path to salvation

See commands above that the WTS adds

As instructed by whom – elders, Cos, DOs, are they consistent?

Servants of Jesus – a JC mention

9. How did Jesus illustrate the relationship between

master and slave?

9 Jesus helps us to understand the relationship

between master and slave.

Once he spoke to his disciples about

a slave who came home after working

through the day. Does the master say:

“Come here at once and recline at the

table”? No. He says: “Get something

ready for me to have my evening meal,

and put on an apron and minister to me

until I am through eating and drinking,

and afterward you can eat and drink.”

How did Jesus apply the illustration?

“So you, also, when you have done all

the things assigned to you, say, ‘We are

good-for-nothing slaves. What we have

done is what we ought to have done.’ ”

—Luke 17:7-10.

COMMENTS

So does Jesus have a master-slave relationship with God?

So are all jws good-for-nothing slaves or only the rank and file?

The elders are princes and overseers, those worthy of double honor.

10. What shows that Jehovah appreciates our

efforts to serve him?

10 Of course, Jehovah appreciates our

efforts to serve him. The Bible assures

us: “God is not unrighteous so as to forget

your work and the love you showed

for his name.” (Heb. 6:10) Jehovah is

never unreasonable in what he asks of

us. Furthermore, whatever he asks is in

our best interests and is never unduly

burdensome. Still, in line with Jesus’

parable, a slave does not please himself,

putting personal interests first. The

point is, when we dedicate ourselves to

God, we choose to put his interests first

in our life. Do you not agree?

COMMENTS

When was the last time an elder truly thanked you specifically for what you do?

The elders have a hard time remembering your name, your address, your phone number, your child’s name….

God may not be unreasonable but his WTS representatives can be and are. They say the same, we represent God, we speak for him, thus nothing we say is unreasonable, we have your best interests in mind…I wonder why brothers cannot wear beards (and have privileges…except the least important one going door to door) at least in the US…in Europe it is different…

WHAT JEHOVAH REQUIRES OF ALL OF US

11, 12. As stewards, what quality must we display,

and what must we avoid?

11 A second principle is: As stewards,

we all adhere to the same basic standards.

True, some responsibilities are assigned

to a few within the Christian congregation.

However, most responsibilities are

common to all. For example, as disciples

of Christ and as Witnesses of Jehovah,

we are enjoined to love one another.

Jesus said that love is the identifying

mark of true Christians. (John 13:35)

Our love extends beyond the brotherhood,

though. We endeavor to show

love toward those who are not related to

us in the faith. This is something all of

us can and should do.

COMMENTS

Do jws adhere to the same standards…basic that is.

Disciples of Christ…Witnesses of Jehovah…if Isaiah 43:10-12 applies to Israelites…by extension only to spiritual Israelites…thus only to anointed jws…where do non-anointed jws fit in?

Love beyond jws = the door to door work, not real food, shelter, clothing…non-jw organizations do that.

12 Fine conduct is also required of us.

We want to avoid conduct and lifestyles

that are condemned in God’s Word.

Paul wrote: “Neither fornicators, nor

idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept

for unnatural purposes, nor men who

lie with men, nor thieves, nor greedy

persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers,

nor extortioners will inherit God’s

kingdom.” (1 Cor. 6:9, 10) Admittedly,

it takes effort to conform to God’s

righteous standards. Yet, such effort is

worthwhile, imparting to us many benefits,

including a lifestyle that contributes

to good health, fine relationships with

others, and an approved standing with

God.—Read Isaiah 48:17, 18.

COMMENTS

Conduct and lifestyles as the WTS interprets.

SIMPLE LIFESTYLE = who defines that?

*** w09 1/15 p. 4 par. 8 “Come Be My Follower” ***

We follow Jesus’ example by striving to keep a ‘simple eye’ and thus avoid weighing ourselves down with unnecessary things that consume our energy and attention. (Matt. 6:22) Many Christians have taken steps to simplify their lifestyle so that they can devote more time to the ministry. Some have been able to enter the pioneer service. If you are one of those, that is most commendable. “Seeking first the kingdom” brings great happiness and satisfaction.—Matt. 6:33.

*** w10 10/15 p. 13 Excuses—How Does Jehovah View Them? ***

“I am too busy.” If you do not share in the ministry because you feel that you are too busy, it is critically important that you reconsider your priorities. “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom,” Jesus stated. (Matt. 6:33) To follow that guiding principle, you may need to simplify your lifestyle or take time away from entertainment and use it for the ministry. Of course, entertainment and other personal pursuits have their place, but they are not a valid excuse for neglecting the ministry. A servant of God reserves the first place in his life for Kingdom interests.

*** w10 11/1 p. 4 Love People, Not Money and Possessions ***

Those who pursue money and possessions cause themselves pain and suffering . (1 Timothy 6:9, 10) On the other hand, true contentment comes from loving and being loved.

Why not evaluate whether you can simplify your lifestyle ? Can you decrease the number of possessions you have or are seeking to acquire? If you do, you may find that you have extra time and energy for the more important things in life—helping people and serving God, who gave you all that you have.—Matthew 6:24; Acts 17:28.

*** km 7/10 p. 1 pars. 3-4 Our Priority ***

Imitate Jesus: Maintaining the same focus Jesus had can be challenging because the world makes heavy demands on our time and offers many distractions. (Matt. 24:37-39; Luke 21:34) Therefore, we must make sure of the more important things, scheduling time to prepare for and engage in the preaching work regularly. (Phil. 1:10) We endeavor to maintain a simple lifestyle and avoid using the world to the full.—1 Cor. 7:31.

When time is limited, a wise person prioritizes. If he learned that a dangerous storm was approaching, for example, he would focus his time and energy on making arrangements for the safety of his family and warning his neighbors. Less important activities would wait. The time left before the storm of Armageddon arrives is reduced. (Zeph. 1:14-16; 1 Cor. 7:29) In order to save ourselves and those who listen to us, we must pay constant attention to ourselves and our teaching, be it inside or outside the congregation. (1 Tim. 4:16) Yes, our survival depends upon keeping the ministry our priority!

*** w11 3/15 p. 15 par. 13 Trust in Jehovah as the End Draws Near ***

Does your attitude toward “the world” and “the things in the world” reflect your complete trust in God? (1 John 2:15-17) Are spiritual riches and privileges of Kingdom service more desirable and important to you than the things the world offers? (Phil. 3:8) Do you strive to maintain a ‘simple eye’? (Matt. 6:22) Of course, God does not want you to be imprudent or irresponsible, especially if you have a family to care for. (1 Tim. 5:8) But he does expect his servants to trust fully in him—not in Satan’s dying world.—Heb. 13:5.

13, 14. What responsibility is given to all

Christians, and how should we view it?

13 Recall, too, that a steward had

work to do. So do we. We have been

given a precious gift—the knowledge of

the truth. God expects us to share that

knowledge with others. (Matt. 28:19,

20) Paul wrote: “Let a man so appraise

us as being subordinates of Christ and

stewards of sacred secrets of God.” (1 Cor.

4:1) Paul recognized that this stewardship

meant both scrupulously caring for

the “sacred secrets” and faithfully imparting

such to others as directed by the

Master, Jesus Christ.—1 Cor. 9:16.

COMMENTS

Knowledge of THE truth = the truth as preached by the WTS, one that keeps changing

Channel only the WTS/FDS/GB

*** w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible—A Book Meant to Be Understood ***

Even as Bible prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the “greatly diversified wisdom of God” can become known only through Jehovah’s channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/bible/183157/1/List-of-Watchtower-flip-flops-from-the-beginning

14 Sharing the truth is, after all, a loving

thing to do. Of course, circumstances

differ from Christian to Christian.

Not all can do the same in the ministry.

Jehovah understands that. The important

thing is to do all that we personally

can. Thus we display unselfish love

for God and for our neighbor.

COMMENTS

Sharing which truth? A changing, adjusting truth?

http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/changed-watchtower-teachings.php

When a judicial committee of elders judges a congregation member who may have committed a “serious sin,” what happens when that “sin” is no longer a “sin”?

Such as divorcing a homosexual husband and remarrying? In 1972 members could be df’d. But in 1983 divorcing a homosexual mate was permitted with danger of being df’d.

Watchtower 1972 Jan 1 pp.31,32 "While both homosexuality and bestiality are disgusting perversions, in the case of neither one is the marriage tie broken. It is broken only by acts that make an individual "one flesh" with a person of the opposite sex other than his or her legal marriage mate."

---and the light dawns in 1983 but if it was 1972 to 1982, the person who divorced and married on the grounds of homosexuality or bestiality would have been df’d and would continue as such, no release from “prison.” They disobeyed God’s organization right when they are wrong.

*** w83 3/15 p. 30 Honor Godly Marriage! ***

So, then, “fornication” in the broad sense, and as used at Matthew 5:32 and 19:9, evidently refers to a broad range of unlawful or illicit sex relations outside marriage. Porneia involves the grossly immoral use of the genital organ(s) of at least one human (whether in a natural or a perverted way); also, there must have been another party to the immorality—a human of either sex, or a beast.

*** w83 12/15 p. 27 When a Mate Is Unfaithful ***

In such a situation, Jesus’ words on the subject have to be taken into account: “I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication, and marries another commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:9) What does this mean? That fornication (which in the Bible sense includes adultery and gross sexual immorality such as homosexuality) can break up a marriage. Scripturally, the innocent partner has the right to divorce the guilty one and remarry without sin in God’s eyes.

And what book was the source of this revelation? The Bible, guess again. A book published in 1986….does this imply there was no earlier source of the understanding of the Greek word?

*** w83 3/15 p. 30 Honor Godly Marriage! ***

The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology states, for example, that porneia means “unchastity, harlotry, prostitution, fornication.” It also says: “The word-group [involving porneia] can describe various extra-marital sexual modes of behavior insofar as they deviate from accepted social and religious norms (e.g. homosexuality, promiscuity, paedophilia [sexual abuse of children], and especially prostitution).” Thus, porneia would include adultery (Greek, moikheia), and can cover a broader range of other immoral practices outside marriage, such as oral or anal sex and bestiality.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING FAITHFUL

15-17. (a) Why is it essential that a steward be

faithful? (b) How did Jesus illustrate the consequences

of unfaithfulness?

15 A third principle, closely related to

the preceding two, is: We must be faithful,

trustworthy. A steward may have

many fine qualities and abilities, yet

none of them would matter if he was

irresponsible or disloyal to his master.

Faithfulness is essential to be an effective,

successful steward. Recall that

Paul wrote: “What is looked for in stewards

is for a man to be found faithful.”

—1 Cor. 4:2.

COMMENTS

Faithful to whom, the organization, Jesus, God? What if the organization is not in line with the bible?

What if you were an Israelite during the time the temple was filled with idols and Israelites were tossing their children into the fire as sacrifice? Would you have gone to the temple still, would you have tossed your child into the fire?

Who does a Christian serve? Who is a Christian’s master? Faithful to whom or what? Can women be stewards “what is looked for in stewards is for a MAN to be found faithful”

Can stewards judge stewards?

(Romans 14:4) . . .Who are you to judge the house servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for Jehovah can make him stand.

16 If we are faithful, we will be rewarded;

that is certain. If we are not

faithful, we will suffer loss. We see this

principle in Jesus’ illustration of the talents.

The slaves that faithfully “did business”

with the master’s money received

commendation and were richly blessed.

The slave who acted irresponsibly with

what the master had entrusted to him

was judged “wicked,” “sluggish,” and

“good-for-nothing.” The talent he had

been given was taken away, and he was

thrown out.—Read Matthew 25:14-18,

23, 26, 28-30.

COMMENTS

And what reward is that……..everlasting life on a paradise earth

The WTS judges its members spirituality by the number of hours on a slip…

How many have never converted a single person outside their children?

How many never read the publications they offer let alone prepare an engaging presentation…

Or out of the time from 9:30 to 12:00 they spend time this way

20 minutes driving to the territory

10 minutes making assignments

30 minutes knocking on doors hoping no one is home and leaving old magazines in the door

15 minutes being picked up by the car captain who has spent all his time dropping and picking up

30 minutes on a coffee break (potty stop) with some leaving a tract instead of a tip for the staff

30 minutes breaking off to do rvs on people that weren’t home last Saturday

15 minutes going home and picking up the dry cleaning.

17 On another occasion, Jesus pointed

out the consequences of unfaithfulness.

He said: “A certain man was rich

and he had a steward, and this one was

accused to him as handling his goods

wastefully. So he called him and said

to him, ‘What is this I hear about you?

Hand in the account of your stewardship,

for you can no longer manage

the house.’ ” (Luke 16:1, 2) Because the

steward squandered the property of

his master, the master dismissed him.

What a powerful lesson for us! We

certainly never want to be unfaithful in

what is asked of us.

COMMENTS

So who is the master…Jesus…the jw members are all just slaves/stewards in the story

The WTS takes the role as the major steward, the right hand, Christ’s brothers. Yes, only the anointed have the privilege of being Christ’s brothers, the rest don’t get into the family until the end of the 1,000 year reign of Christ and are tested. The WTS anointed go straight to heaven at death and become part of the cosmic family. The rest need 1,000 years to become perfect, worthy of being tested. Thus the anointed become perfect instantly, with at most 100 years of life on earth being “tested.”

PICTURE: Let us faithfully handle what we are assigned to do

COMPARING OURSELVES

WITH OTHERS—IS THAT WISE?

18. Why should we not compare ourselves

with others?

18 Each of us can ask, ‘How do I view

my stewardship?’ Problems may arise

when we compare ourselves with others.

The Bible counsels us: “Let each one

prove what his own work is, and then

he will have cause for exultation in regard

to himself alone, and not in comparison

with the other person.” (Gal. 6:4)

Rather than compare what we do

with what others do, we should focus

on what we personally are able to do.

This will protect us not only from being

puffed up with pride but also from

being discouraged. In evaluating ourselves,

we should recognize that circumstances

change. Perhaps because of

poor health, age, or various responsibilities,

we cannot do all we used to. On

the other hand, we might be able to do

more than we are now doing. If so, why

not try to step up our activities?

COMMENTS

Did you compare yourselves with others or did other jws compare you with others, such as the elders?

DO MORE

19. If we do not receive a certain privilege, why

should we not become downhearted?

19 Another aspect to consider is what

responsibilities we have or yearn to

have. For example, a brother may desire

to serve as an elder in the congregation

or to be assigned parts at assemblies

and conventions. It is good

to work hard to qualify for such privileges,

yet we should not become downhearted

if they are not offered when we

might have hoped they would be. For

reasons we may not readily understand,

some privileges may be extended much

later than expected. Recall that Moses

seemed ready to lead the Israelites out

of Egypt, but he had to wait 40 years before

doing so. This allowed him enough

time to develop qualities he needed to

lead a stiff-necked and rebellious people.—

Acts 7:22-25, 30-34.

COMMENTS

So what is better than everlasting life…men who are not elders stand out as being wanting spiritually. Women don’t have such goals and don’t stand out unless they are single and not a regular pioneer…all single women should be, right?

Remember that Moses lived to be 120 years, so 40 years was just 1/3 of his life. So if men live to be 75 now, a prospective elder would only be 50 in comparison.

Based on the congregations in my area, they aren’t holding off appointing incompetent elders, one an alcoholic and another a wife abuser. The elders are aging as a group and dying off, the younger males in the congregation are leaving, not getting baptized. One or 2 MS per elder body so the elders have to do more demeaning paperwork.

20. We can draw what lesson from the experience

of Jonathan?

20 Sometimes a certain privilege may

not be given to us at all. That was so

with Jonathan. He was the son of Saul

and thus in line to be king over all Israel.

However, God chose David, a much

younger man, to be king. How did Jonathan

react to that development? He accepted

it and supported David even at

the risk of his own life. He said to David:

“You yourself will be king over Israel,

and I myself shall become second

to you.” (1 Sam. 23:17) Do you see the

point? Jonathan accepted his situation,

and unlike his father, he did not become

jealous of David. Rather than being envious

of what others may have been assigned

to do, all of us can concentrate

on handling the responsibilities we do

have. We can be sure that in the new

world, Jehovah will see to it that the

proper desires of all his servants are satisfied.

COMMENTS

Jonathan was not only not made king after his father Saul, but he died in a battle that God knew he would die in. Why had God made a Benjaminite king knowing he had promised that Shiloh (the Messiah) would come through the tribe of Judah. Was there any chance that Jonathan would inherit the kingship based on that?

Think of all David’s sons that did not become king. And although an adulterer and a murderer, he did not lose the kingship or his life like Saul. Instead by the time David’s grandson Rehoboam was king, 10 tribes were ripped away, and only 2 tribes remained to fulfill the promise to Judah.

Proper desires—what would those be, is there a list so we don’t make a mistake.

21. How should we view our stewardship?

21 Let us bear in mind that as trusted

stewards, we do not experience the abject

slavery characterized by oppression

and tears. Quite the opposite. We enjoy

positions of great honor, entrusted

as we are with the never-to-be-repeated

work of declaring the good news during

the last days of this system of things.

While doing that, we enjoy great freedom

as to how we will handle our responsibilities.

Let us, then, be faithful

stewards. And may we cherish the privilege

we have to serve the greatest One

in all the universe.

COMMENTS

Oppressed—how many jws are in fear of the changing rules in their congregation or the ones based on the personal opinions of a few

Fear and tears—being “counseled” about such subjective opinions, being labeled bad association officially and unofficially, freezing people out of the social community

Freedom on how to handle—can a man have a beard, can women wear makeup, slacks? What house, what car, how many children, too rich, not submissive enough, etc.

CONCLUDING COMMENTS

Is the WTS saying that there are over 7 million “stewards” in the congregation not just over 11,000?

NEXT WEEK, MAINTAINING OUR POSITION AS “TEMPORARY RESIDENTS.”

So what does that mean temporary residents? The 1 st century Christians hoped to go to heaven, earth was temporary but how does the WTS apply that to the ones they say will live on earth? And when is it permanent, only after 1,000 years on earth and passing a “final” test that does not end after either.

Love, Blondie

*** w06 8/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***

After the final test at the end of the Millennium, will it be possible for humans to sin and die?

Two scriptures found in Revelation bear on this: “Death and Hades were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:14) “He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”—Revelation 21:4.

Note the timing involved here. The hurling of “death and Hades” into the lake of fire takes place after the Armageddon survivors, the resurrected dead, and any born after Armageddon have been judged out of the “things written in the scrolls,” or Jehovah’s detailed requirements for mankind during the thousand years. (Revelation 20:12, 13) The apostle John records another vision, found in Revelation chapter 21, which will be fulfilled during the Millennial Reign of Christ Jesus. The complete fulfillment of that vision, however, awaits the end of the thousand-year Judgment Day. Jehovah will then reside with mankind in the fullest sense without any intercessors, Jesus having handed the Kingdom over to his Father. Jehovah will reside spiritually with “his peoples” in a permanent and direct way. “Death will be no more” in the complete sense when mankind will have gained perfection as a result of having the merit of Christ’s ransom sacrifice applied to the full.—Revelation 21:3, 4.

Thus, the death mentioned in the scriptures quoted above is the Adamic death, which will be nullified by Christ’s ransom. (Romans 5:12-21) With death that mankind inherited from the first man canceled, humans will be just like Adam when he was created. Adam was perfect, but that did not mean that there was no possibility of his dying. Jehovah told Adam not to eat from “the tree of the knowledge of good and bad” and said: “In the day you eat from it you will positively die.” (Genesis 2:17) That was death from deliberate sin. After the final test at the end of the Thousand Year Reign, humans will still be free moral agents. (Revelation 20:7-10) They will still be able to choose of their own free will whether to continue serving Jehovah or not. It cannot be said that no human will ever turn his back on God, as Adam did.

What would happen to the one who chose to rebel after the final test when there is no death or Hades? At that time, Adamic death is no more. And Hades, the common grave of mankind with the hope of resurrection, is no more. Still, Jehovah can annihilate any rebel in the lake of fire, denying him any hope of a resurrection. That death would be like the death that Adam and Eve experienced, not the death that humans inherited from Adam.

However, we have no reason to expect any such outcome. Those who pass the final test will differ from Adam in one crucial sense. They will have been fully tested. We can be confident of the thoroughness of the final test because Jehovah knows how to examine people inside and out. We can rest assured that the final test will eliminate any who would misuse their freedom of choice. Thus, although it is possible for those who pass the final test to rebel against God and hence be destroyed, it is very unlikely that such a thing will occur.

GoneAwol

Thankyou Blondie!

Loved the mention in para.7

"God has in his undeserved kindness
imparted to all of us gifts, assets, abilities,
or talents that we can use to benefit
fellow believers". Is that a back door mention of money?...

designs

Does the Society ever write about the status of Phoebe in Romans 16.

blondie

*** it-2 p. 1197 Woman ***

Although Phoebe is mentioned (Ro 16:1) as a “minister” (di·a′ko·nos, without the Greek definite article), it is evident that she was not an appointed female ministerial servant in the congregation, because the Scriptures make no provision for such. The apostle did not tell the congregation to receive instructions from her but, rather, to receive her well and to ‘assist her in any matter where she might need them.’ (Ro 16:2) Paul’s reference to her as a minister evidently has something to do with her activity in the spreading of the good news, and he was speaking of Phoebe as a female minister who was associated with the congregation in Cenchreae.—Compare Ac 2:17, 18.

*** it-2 p. 635 Phoebe ***

Paul refers to Phoebe as “a minister of the congregation that is in Cenchreae.” This raises the question as to the sense in which the term di·a′ko·nos (minister) is here used. Some translators view the term in an official sense and hence render it “deaconess” (RS, JB). But the Scriptures make no provision for female ministerial servants.Goodspeed’s translation views the term in a general sense and translates it “helper.” However, Paul’s reference is evidently to something having to do with the spreading of the good news, the Christian ministry, and he was speaking of Phoebe as a female minister who was associated with the congregation in Cenchreae.—Compare Ac 2:17, 18.

Qualified to do the most important thing, preach, but not to be an MS. Christians were given the mandate to preach, not do administrative work in the congregation.

What about Philip's four daughters that were prophets?

heathen

looks like another gag alert was in order here ... Now the GC are the stuard class.. Actually to me the only way anyone can prove they are in the LF is when they die a horrible humiliating death from the world governments opposed to the preaching work , how many GB members can even be counted in that ? Their version of truth changes all the time so what they want is people that are good at making excuses and will accept their lame excuses .

BlindersOff1

Great review. Blondie

Apognophos

Thanks, blondie. And there are not only prophetesses in the Bible but at least one female judge, Deborah, who led a successful battle against Canaan's king. So women could be chosen by God as his mouthpiece and even as a military leader, but HEAVEN FORBID we let them read the Watchtower on Sundays. Seen, not heard.

WTWizard

This article prepares people for the time when we are all enslaved. We do not belong to ourselves--this means no trying to develop your soul in any way, shape, or form. It also means joke-hova owns you, preventing you from even having your soul to dedicate to Father Satan when the time is right. Instead, joke-hova owns you. That monster owns your rights to every system you have--reproductive and all. And that thing will provide rules to prevent you from controlling energy or empowering yourself. That way, joke-hova can enslave the world.

No one would willingly wear the yoke of slavery. Yet, that is what you are doing when you serve joke-hova. Remember, right in the LIE-ble, it wasted no time revealing that joke-hova wanted us to wear this oppressive yoke of slavery. And who was it that extricated us from that yoke? None other than the most slandered-against, most blasphemed Being in existence--Satan! You were bought with a price--from what? Did Satan charge a price for His work in extricating us from joke-hova's tyranny? Or did joke-hova have to provide "a price" with which to extort slavery out of us now that Satan blew the whistle on joke-hova's original plan?

Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 02-10-2013 WT Study (TRUSTED STEWARDS)

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