Comments You Will Not Hear at the 05-05-2013 WT Study (MARCH 15, 2013, pages 3-7)(STUMBLING)
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FOR THOSE
LOVING JEHOVAH,
“THERE IS NO
STUMBLING BLOCK”
“Abundant peace belongs
to those loving
your law, and for
them there is no
stumbling block.” —PS. 119:165.
HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?
How are Christians in a race,
and what is the prize?
What stones could stumble a
Christian?
In what sense is there no stumbling
block for those loving
Jehovah’s law?
OPENING COMMENTS
Being deliberately tripped or stumbling?
*** w07 10/15 p. 29 par. 15 Responding to Your Conscience ***
“Make this your decision, not to put before a brother a stumbling block or a cause for tripping.” (Romans 14:13)
START OF ARTICLE
1. How can the attitude of a certain runner illustrate our determination
not to give up?
FROM her early teens, Mary Decker was renowned
as a world-class runner. She was the favorite to win
the gold medal in the 3,000-meter final at the 1984
Summer Olympics. However, her track shoes never
crossed the finish line. She tripped on the leg of
another runner and fell headlong off the course. Injured
and in tears, she had to be carried off the track.
Mary was no quitter, though. In less than a year, she
was back in racing form and set a new world record
for the women’s mile in 1985.
COMMENTS
So is a race for glory (WTS definition) to be compared to a race for everlasting life? In the race for life, a person must only finish to win, they don’t have to finish first.
2. In what sense are true Christians in a race, and on what
must our focus be?
2 As Christians, we are in a race—a symbolic footrace.
Our focus must be on running to win. Our race
is not a sprint in which speed is the key to victory.
And it definitely is not a mere jog with frequent
idle moments. Rather, it can be likened to a marathon
wherein endurance is necessary for victory. The
apostle Paul used the metaphor of a runner in a race
in his letter to Christians living in Corinth, a city renowned
for athletic contests. He wrote: “Do you not
know that the runners in a race all run, but only one
receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may
attain it.”—1 Cor. 9:24.
COMMENTS
Race not a sprint…how many years have many jws been running? When did the race end for Paul? How many years had he raced? 10, 20, 40, 50?
Does only one receive the prize of everlasting life? Is it a competition with everyone at the KH?
3. How is it that all runners can win the race for everlasting
life?
3 The Bible tells us to run in this figurative race.
(Read 1 Corinthians 9:25-27.) The prize is everlasting
life, either in heaven for anointed Christians
or on earth for the rest of the participants. Unlike
most athletic contests, this race allows for all who
enter and who endure to the end to win the prize.
(Matt. 24:13) Contestants lose only if
they fail to run according to the rules or
do not cross the finish line. Furthermore,
this is the only race that offers the prize
of everlasting life.
COMMENTS
The WTS emphasizes that the prize is better for the anointed, they will have immortality and reign in heaven with Christ and be priests…not so those on earth.
The covenant God makes with the anointed is “better”…..
*** w92 2/15 p. 29 Questions From Readers ***
Yes, Jesus evidently did know that John would not survive to become an anointed Christian, for Jesus commented: “Truly I say to you people, Among those born of women there has not been raised up a greater than John the Baptist; but a person that is a lesser one in the kingdom of the heavens is greater than he is.”—Matthew 11:11.
4. What makes our race to gain everlasting life
challenging?
4 Crossing the finish line is not easy. It
takes discipline and certainty of purpose.
Only one person—Jesus Christ—has ever
been able to cross the finish line without
stumbling even once. But his disciple
James wrote that followers of Christ
“all stumble many times.” (Jas. 3:2) How
true! All of us are subject to our own
imperfections and those of others. So at
times we may trip, then stagger and lose
our momentum. We may even fall; but
we get up and continue running. Some
have fallen so hard that they had to be
helped to get up and resume the race
toward the finish line. Thus, it is possible
that we could, momentarily or even
repeatedly, stumble or fall down.—1 Ki.
8:46.
COMMENTS
Yes, crossing the finish line is not easy when the ones overseeing the race are constantly adjusting the rules, clarifying the “light.” Tripping the runners so to speak.
Changes in WT prophecies and doctrines
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/questionable-watchtower-doctrine.php
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/revelation-daniel-prophetic-interpretation.php
IF YOU STUMBLE, STAY IN THE RACE
5, 6. (a) How is there “no stumbling block” for
a Christian, and what will help him to “get up”?
(b) Why do some not recover after stumbling?
5 Perhaps you have used the words
“stumble” and “fall” interchangeably to
describe a spiritual condition. These Bible
expressions can, but do not always,
have the same sense. For instance, notice
the wording of Proverbs 24:16: “The
righteous one may fall even seven times,
and he will certainly get up; but the
wicked ones will be made to stumble by
calamity.”
COMMENTS
So God see these falls/stumbles and allows it to happen? Rather the WTS says it is our fault. Would you watch your 4-year-old stick his hand in the fire and not intervene, but rather use it as a teaching event about not touching fire?
Where does James fit in?
(James 1:13, 14) 13 When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone. 14 But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire.
*** w07 8/15 p. 18 You Can Deal With Injustice! ***
Of course, ‘with evil things God does not try anyone.’ (James 1:13) Still, he may allow a situation to develop without his intervention, and he can sustain those who respond to such training.
6 Jehovah will not allow those trusting
in him to stumble or to experience
a fall—an adversity or a setback in their
worship—from which they cannot recover.
We are assured that Jehovah will
help us “get up” so that we can continue
giving him our utmost devotion. How
comforting that is for all who love Jehovah
deeply from the heart! The wicked
do not have the same desire to get
up. They do not seek the help of God’s
holy spirit and his people, or they refuse
such help when offered to them. In
contrast, for those ‘loving Jehovah’s law,’
no stumbling block exists that can permanently
knock them out of the race for
life.—Read Psalm 119:165.
COMMENTS
He won’t allow it but how far does it mean “from which they cannot recover”? Until death with the resurrection as a fix-all?
Who are the wicked—all non-jws, men, women, and children doomed to eternal death at Armageddon.
His people—only jws and their organization, WTS
God’s holy spirit can only be found through the WTS
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/directed-by-holy-spirit.php
What about the “stumbling blocks” deliberate ones with the WTS, the congregation at the KH?
Picture: If you happen to fall,
accept help and get up! (unless the helper is that one that tripped you, pushed you)
7, 8. How can one “fall” and yet have God’s favor?
7 Some lapse into minor sin—even repeatedly—
because of some weakness.
But they are still righteous in Jehovah’s
eyes if they continue to “get up,” that is,
sincerely repent and strive to resume a
course of loyal service. We can see that
from the way God dealt with ancient Israel.
(Isa. 41:9, 10) Proverbs 24:16, quoted
earlier, rather than emphasizing the
negative—our ‘falling’—focuses on the
positive, our ‘getting up’ with the help of
our merciful God. (Read Isaiah 55:7.) Expressing
their confidence in us, Jehovah
God and Jesus Christ kindly encourage
us to “get up.”—Ps. 86:5; John 5:19.
COMMENTS
What is a “minor” sin?
How many times can a person smoke and be reinstated?
How many times can a person commit adultery and be reinstated?
How many times can a person molest a child and be reinstated?
When is it evident that “sincere” repentance is not in play?
How well do the elders, the appointed shepherds, help people up? Or rather have judged them not worthy? How many follow the directive to visit once a year? Done with the view of success or CYAing?
8 Even if a runner stumbles or falls in
a marathon, he may have time to recover
and finish the course if he acts with urgency.
In our race for everlasting life, we
do not know the “day and hour” when
the end of the race will come. (Matt. 24:
36) Still, the less we stumble, the more
likely we are to keep a steady pace, stay
in the race, and finish it successfully. So
how can we avoid stumbling?
COMMENTS
What is the end of the race, when you can no longer win…Armageddon per the WTS…then non-jws will die eternally, losing the race, including their children.
Matthew 24:36: no one knows the day and the hour except the WTS which has “stumbled” many by date setting:
1914
What the Watchtower said | What the Watchtower claims it said |
"The year A.D. 1878 … clearly marks the time for the actual assuming of power as King of kings, by our present, spiritual, invisible Lord - …" The Time is At Hand (1911 ed) p.239 | "The Watchtower has consistently presented evidence to honesthearted students of Bible prophecy that Jesus’ presence in heavenly Kingdom power began in 1914." Watchtower 1993 Jan 15 p.5 |
"But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. Zion's Watch Tower 1894 Jul 15 p.226 | "Jehovah's witnesses pointed to the year 1914, decades in advance, as marking the start of "the conclusion of the system of things." Awake! 1973 Jan 22 p.8 |
1925
1975
1914 generation
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/failed-1914-predictions.php
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/1800s.php
"He said: "Look out that YOU are not misled; for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, 'I am he,' and, 'The due time has approached.' Do not go after them." Luke 21:8 (This scripture is quoted only a handful of times on the WT-CD and never mentioned in regard to their timely mistakes)
If they die before the destruction, they will be resurrected into the new system. (accept true Christianity = only jws/WTS).
*** w93 5/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
Will people be resurrected if they do not accept true Christianity now and die before the start of the great tribulation?
It is good for all of us to resist any inclination to act as judges, recognizing that in the final analysis, Jehovah’s judgment by means of Jesus Christ is what counts. (John 5:22; Acts 10:42; 2 Timothy 4:1) But the Scriptures do provide some helpful information in answer to the foregoing question.
Worldwide preaching of the good news of God’s Kingdom is a vital aspect of ‘the sign of Jesus’ presence.’ This sign has been in evidence since early in this century. The preaching work is resulting in a dividing of the people of all nations in fulfillment of Jesus’ illustration of “the sheep” and “the goats.” With the completion of this preaching and dividing activity, the “great tribulation” will bring the present wicked system of things to an end.—Matthew 24:3, 21, 22; 25:31-46.
Jehovah, along with his Son, will judge whether any who reject the Kingdom message and die prior to the outbreak of the great tribulation are classed as goats. Jesus said that the goats “will depart into everlasting cutting-off.” Therefore, we can conclude that those who are determined by God to be goats will not receive a resurrection. They have a judgment similar to that of those who “undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction” at the time of the great tribulation.—2 Thessalonians 1:9.
But what about those who may not seem to have been sufficiently exposed to the Kingdom message so as to have been able to make an intelligent choice for or against the truth before they died during these “last days”?—2 Timothy 3:1.
Many who die while the preaching work is in progress prior to the great tribulation will evidently receive a resurrection. This is indicated by what we read at Revelation 6:7, 8 concerning the ride of the symbolic horsemen. Many people have died as victims of wars, food shortages, and deadly plagues. Since it is “Hades” that claims these victims of “Death,” they will be resurrected during Christ’s Millennial Reign, when Hades gives up all the dead in it. (Revelation 20:13) A number of those raised to life may have had some contact with the Kingdom message before they died.
How grateful we can be that Jesus did not leave it up to humans to determine who are like sheep and who are like goats! Imperfect humans cannot properly evaluate how much of an opportunity a certain person had to hear and accept the good news. Can we know what his heart condition was or whether he truly loved righteousness? Can we measure how much his response might have been affected by his family, his religious background, or other influences? Obviously not. Yet, we can be sure that Jehovah God and Jesus Christ can evaluate such matters and then reach judgments that are perfect, just, and righteous.—Deuteronomy 32:4; Isaiah 11:1-5.
Hence, there is no reason for us to speculate about who among those who have died recently may or may not be resurrected. This is something we have not been authorized to do. (Compare Luke 12:13, 14.) It is far wiser for us to wait on the decisions of the righteous Judges, Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. This will give us more peace of mind as Jehovah’s servants. It will also help us to give better attention to what we have been assigned to do—‘go and make disciples of people of all the nations, teaching them to observe all the things Jesus commanded.’—Matthew 28:19, 20.
STUMBLING THAT IMPEDES PROGRESS
9. What potential stumbling blocks will we discuss?
9 Let us consider five potential stumbling
blocks—personal weaknesses, desires
of the flesh, injustices on the part of
fellow believers, tribulation or persecution,
and the imperfections of others. Remember,
though, if we have stumbled,
Jehovah is very patient. He is not quick
to label us as being disloyal.
COMMENTS
Personal weaknesses (Murder?)
Desires of the flesh
Injustices on the part of fellow believers
Imperfections of others
God may not be impatient or quick to label us, but jws love judging others and labeling them….inactive, irregular, weak, bad association, lacking spirituality, materialistic….
10, 11. With what personal weakness did David
struggle?
10 Personal weaknesses may be likened
to loose stones lying on a racetrack.
Looking at events in the lives of
King David and the apostle Peter, we
can note two such weaknesses—lack of
self-control and fear of man.
COMMENTS
So David was afraid of men finding out about the adultery and putting him to death? He covered up his capital crime by having an innocent man put to death. A man who by WTS doctrine will never have his own children because there is no mention of Bathsheba and Uriah having children.
Why does the WTS ignore the more serious “weakness” of murdering an innocent man to cover up a capital crime?
11 King David manifested a weakness
as to exercising self-control, as was evidenced
in his actions involving Bathsheba.
And when faced with the insults
of Nabal, David was about to react rashly.
Yes, his self-control faltered, but he
never gave up trying to please Jehovah.
With the help of others, he was able to
regain his spiritual balance.—1 Sam. 25:
5-13, 32, 33; 2 Sam. 12:1-13.
COMMENTS
Is murder a “weakness”? What was the procedure in Israel to maintain balance regarding adultery and murder?
David was ready to murder Nabal’s whole male household for the actions of Nabal. (I wonder what he planned for the women? At least he did not kill Nabal, but he did marry Abigail).
(1 Samuel 25:21, 22) 21 As for David, he had said: “It was altogether for disappointment that I guarded everything that belongs to this fellow in the wilderness and not a single thing of all that belongs to him showed up missing, and yet he repays me evil in return for good. 22 So may God do to the enemies of David and so may he add to it if I shall let anyone of all who are his that urinates against the wall remain until the morning.”
*** w12 4/15 p. 29 par. 9 Jehovah Safeguards Us for Salvation ***
When Nabal responded with insults, David became enraged and set out to avenge himself on the men of Nabal’s entire household, failing to discern that killing innocent people would make him bloodguilty before God. Only the timely intervention of Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saved David from making a calamitous mistake.
12. How did Peter stay in the race despite
stumbling?
12 Peter manifested fear of man, stumbling
badly at times; yet, he remained
loyal to Jesus and Jehovah. For example,
he publicly denied his Master, not just
once, but three times. (Luke 22:54-62)
Later, Peter failed to act in a Christian
manner, treating Gentile believers as if
they were somehow not as good as circumcised
Jewish Christians. The apostle
Paul, however, saw the matter clearly
—there was no room for class distinctions
in the congregation. Peter’s attitude
was wrong. Before Peter’s conduct
could sour the brotherhood, Paul acted
by counseling Peter directly, face-to-face.
(Gal. 2:11-14) Was Peter’s pride so
wounded that he quit the race for life?
No. He seriously considered Paul’s counsel,
applied it, and kept on in the race.
COMMENTS
Remember Peter was the one that God sent visions that Gentiles were acceptable as Christians…visions from God! He also saw the holy spirit come down on Cornelius and his household BEFORE they were baptized so he would get the point that God approved of them. So did Peter suddenly not believe God had personally educated him that Gentiles were as good as Jewish Christians? Or did he once again fear what people would think at the same time setting an example that it was correct (remember he was one of the original 12 apostles, knew Jesus intimately). Did Peter lose his position as apostle and elder? I think not.
Was pride Peter’s problem or fear of humans? Do you know of any GB, district or circuit overseers, elders, MS, counseled in front of the whole congregation?
(Galatians 2:14) . . .I said to Ce′phas before them all: “If you, though you are a Jew, live as the nations do, and not as Jews do, how is it that you are compelling people of the nations to live according to Jewish practice?”
13. How may physical weakness cause stumbling?
13 Sometimes a personal weakness is
a health issue. This too can loom as a
stumbling block. It may interfere with
our spiritual pace and even cause us to
stagger and tire out. For example, a Japanese
sister suffered a health crisis 17
years after her baptism. She became preoccupied
with her health to the point of
becoming spiritually weak. In time, she
became inactive. Two elders visited her.
Encouraged by their kind words, she began
attending meetings again. She reflects,
“I was moved to tears because the
brothers greeted me so warmly.” Our sister
is now back in the race.
COMMENTS
What does the WTS mean to say someone has become “preoccupied with her health.” Was does the point about the health crisis happening 17 years after her baptism mean? That being baptized that long would make the illness less important, that faith alone would make her well, that increasing her door to door time would alleviate her symptoms? What kind of health was she given by the congregation? How long was she allowed to be inactive? What were the “encouraging” words and did it take her illness away?
*** w08 11/15 p. 24 par. 7 Maintain a Scriptural View of Health Care ***
We avoid excessive concern over our health for another reason. Being inordinately concerned about our health could lead to our becoming self-centered. Paul warned against this danger when he urged the Philippians to be “keeping an eye, not in personal interest upon just [their] own matters, but also in personal interest upon those of the others.” (Phil. 2:4) It is proper to take reasonable care of ourselves, but the keen interest we show in our brothers and in the people to whom we bring “this good news of the kingdom” will prevent us from being preoccupied with our physical well-being.—Matt. 24:14.
*** w06 3/1 p. 25 par. 13 “Keep Your Senses Completely” ***
Reasonableness is needed in all areas of life, including the care of our physical health. (Philippians 4:5) Giving balanced attention to our health shows appreciation for the precious gift of life. When we face health problems, these rightly demand our attention. However, perfect health will not be attainable until God’s time arrives for “the curing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:1, 2) We must guard against becoming so preoccupied with physical health that our more important spiritual needs get pushed aside.—Matthew 5:3; Philippians 1:10.
14, 15. What strong action is needed when
wrong desires arise? Illustrate.
14 The desires of the flesh have stumbled
many. When tempted in this way,
we need to take strong action to keep
mentally, morally, and spiritually clean.
Recall Jesus’ counsel to ‘throw away’ in
the figurative sense anything that might
stumble us, even our eye or our hand.
Would that not include immoral thinking
and actions that have caused some
to drop out of the race?—Read Matthew
5:29, 30.
COMMENTS
Desires of the flesh = sex
Pornography is most mentioned and in regard to men in the congregation.
*** w10 6/15 p. 28 par. 17 Find Refreshment in Spiritual Things ***
For example, some people have turned to drug and alcohol abuse, pornography, extreme sports, or various illicit activities in an effort to excite their senses
15 One brother who was raised in a
Christian household wrote that for as
long as he could remember, he struggled
with homosexual tendencies. He
said: “I always felt awkward. It seemed
that I didn’t fit in anywhere.” By age 20,
he had become a regular pioneer and
was a ministerial servant in the congregation.
Then he stumbled badly, was
Scripturally disciplined, and received
help from the elders. By praying, studying
God’s Word, and focusing on helping
others, he picked himself up and resumed
his spiritual pace. Years later, he
admits: “At times I still have those feelings,
but I don’t let them overtake me.
I have learned that Jehovah will not let
you be tempted beyond what you can
handle. So I believe that God thinks I
can make it.” This brother concludes:
“All the struggles I have endured will
pay off in the new world. I want that! Until
then, I will continue to fight.” He is
determined to stay in the race.
COMMENTS
“raised in a Christian household” – both parents were jws (not divided household, many jws raised in these families are considered less strong spiritually (Timothy?))
Homosexual tendencies – even pioneering and being an MS did not “cure” him (any mention of sisters battling lesbian tendencies in the WT publications? Only one in the 1993 Yearbook)
Notice no mention of his being “cured” enough to marry a sister.
16, 17. (a) What helped one brother who felt
that he had suffered an injustice? (b) To avoid
stumbling, on what do we need to be focused?
16 Injustices on the part of fellow believers
can be stumbling blocks. In France, a
former elder believed that he had been
the victim of an injustice, and he became
bitter. As a result, he stopped associating
with the congregation and
became inactive. Two elders visited
him and listened sympathetically, without
interrupting while he related his story,
as he perceived it. They encouraged
him to throw his burden on Jehovah and
stressed that the most important thing
was to please God. He responded well
and soon was back in the race, active in
congregation matters again.
COMMENTS
What was the injustice? Was it minor? Had he been defrauded by a brother who was not disciplined or required to repay? Was it a brother who had molested this man when he was younger or had molested his child?
Related his story “as he perceived it” – have you had the experience, being told that you had only a “perception” not provable facts?
17 All Christians need to keep focused
on the appointed Head of the congregation,
Jesus Christ, not on imperfect humans.
Jesus, whose eyes are “as a fiery
flame,” views everything in proper perspective
and thus sees much more than
we ever could. (Rev. 1:13-16) For example,
he recognizes that what seems to be
an injustice to us may be a misinterpretation
or a misunderstanding on our part.
Jesus will handle congregation needs
perfectly and at the right time. Thus, we
should not allow the actions or decisions
of any fellow Christian to become stumbling
blocks to us.
COMMENTS
All Christians = only jws
So now the focus is on Jesus not God…
Misinterpretation or misunderstanding on our part – not on the part of the elders or the offender of course
At the right time = so now it is wait of Jesus not wait on God.
Not allow the actions…of any fellow Christian = even if he is a practicing pedophile and harmed us or our child?
Ananias and Sapphira received their punishment instantly or lying and cheating financially…when should pedophile die?
18. How can we withstand trials or troubling
situations?
18 Two other stumbling blocks are tribulation
or persecution and the imperfections
of others in the congregation. In his
parable of the sower, Jesus said that
“tribulation or persecution” on account
of the word would cause some individuals
to stumble. Whatever the source of
that persecution—family, neighbors, or
governmental authorities—it may particularly
affect one who “has no root in himself,”
who lacks spiritual depth. (Matt.
13:21) However, if we maintain an upright
heart condition, the Kingdom
seed will help us develop deep stabilizing
roots to our faith. When beset with
trials, endeavor to meditate prayerfully
on praiseworthy things. (Read Philippians
4:6-9.) In Jehovah’s strength, we will
withstand trials, not allowing troubling
situations to be stumbling blocks.
COMMENTS
Should jws have higher expectations of other jws in regard to their terrible actions? If it affects you, are you the one who is flawed, lacking in “spiritual depth”? Was Paul the one lacking “spiritual depth” when he counseled Peter in front of them all, the congregation of Jewish and Gentile Christians, men, women and children?
Is being able to trust other jws not to steal from you, molest your children, become only a personal right?
Who judges in the congregation based on personal preferences? The elders. Who are given the authority by the WTS to enforce their preferences? The elders.
*** 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 organizationis also a part of fulfilling the law of the Christ.—Hebrews 13:17.
19. How can we prevent an offense from becoming
a stumbling block?
19 Sadly, over the years some have let
the imperfections of others knock them
out of the race. Differences in viewpoints
in matters of conscience have become
stumbling blocks for them. (1 Cor. 8:12,
13) If someone offends us, will we allow
this to become a major issue? The Bible
admonishes Christians to stop judging,
to forgive others, and to avoid insisting
on personal rights. (Luke 6:37) When
you face a possible stumbling stone, ask
yourself: ‘Am I judging others based on
my own preferences? Knowing that my
brothers are imperfect, will I let someone’s
lack of perfection take me out of
the race for life?’ Love for Jehovah can
help us be resolved not to allow anything
another human does hinder us from
crossing the finish line.
COMMENTS
One sister once asked 2 elders, “how many times do I have to let someone at the hall “slap” me in the face? One, ten, 100 times, before I learn to stay out of slapping range? At what point do I stop seeing the action as an imperfection but as deliberate? Should I have to change congregations to protect myself or will I find other deliberate slappers at the new congregation? Shouldn’t you be approaching the slappers and telling them to stop, that they are the ones with a serious problem?”
They had no answer….except…to endure. It did not become a problem until one of the “slappers” started attacking one of the elders wives.
RUN WITH ENDURANCE
—AVOID STUMBLING
20, 21. What are you determined to do in the
race for life?
20 Are you determined to “run the
course to the finish”? (2 Tim. 4:7, 8) Then
personal study is a must. Use the Bible
and our theocratic publications to help
you do research, meditate, and identify
potential stumbling blocks. Beg for
holy spirit to give you the spiritual stamina
you need. Remember, no runner is
doomed to fail in the race for life just
because he stumbles or falls on occasion.
He can get up and get back into the
race. He may even use potential stumbling
stones as stepping stones, learning
valuable lessons from any challenge to
his faith.
COMMENTS
Are people at the KH determined to help you reach the finish? Do they take responsibility for their deliberate actions that hurt and hinder others? You can bet that Mary Decker was more careful about people who could stumble her in her races.
So is the WTS saying that we need to experience bad to learn valuable lessons?
Does God try us with evil?
21 The Bible describes participation in
the race for everlasting life as active, not
passive. It is not like getting on a bus
that simply carries those on board to victory.
We must run the race for life ourselves.
As we do, “abundant peace” from
Jehovah will be like wind at our back.
(Ps. 119:165) We can be confident of his
continued blessings now and unending
blessings to come for all who finish the
race.—Jas. 1:12.
COMMENTS
Active not passive = so jws that put down 3 hours and have spent only 45 minutes actually knocking on doors, are they passive or active. What about jws that have been coming to the hall and even auxiliary pioneering yet never studied with anyone except their children, passive or active. Is the elder that drops off or picks up his dry cleaning, gets a part put on his car, does his shopping, all on a Saturday morning, passive or active? What about the jw that says their salvation does not depend on whether anyone listens to them, but then has used the same trite presentation for 30 years, active or passive?
Not like getting on a bus = but the WTS says that salvation only comes in a group setting, being in an organization, in a congregation.
*** w09 5/15 p. 8 Where Should You Be When the End Comes? ***
“Enter Into Your Interior Rooms”
“Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you,” states Isaiah 26:20. “Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over.” This prophecy may have had its first fulfillment in 539 B.C.E. when the Medes and the Persians conquered Babylon. Upon entering Babylon, Cyrus the Persian apparently commanded everyone to stay indoors because his soldiers were ordered to execute any found out-of-doors.
In our day, the “interior rooms” of this prophecy could be closely associated with the more than 100,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world. Such congregations play an important role in our lives. They will continue to do so through “the great tribulation.” (Rev. 7:14) God’s people are commanded to go into their “interior rooms” and hide themselves “until the denunciation passes over.” It is vital that we develop and maintain a wholesome attitude toward the congregation and be firmly resolved to stay in close association with it. We can take to heart Paul’s exhortation: “Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as [we] behold the day drawing near.”—Heb. 10:24, 25.
*** w12 7/15 pp. 25-26 par. 14 “Of Whom Shall I Be in Dread?” ***
Jehovah has promised to help, protect, and deliver his people, as a group , physically and spiritually, and we trust in him. (Ps. 37:28; 91:1-3) The crowd that survive “the great tribulation” must indeed be great. (Rev. 7:9, 14) Thus that crowd, as a group, will be shielded from extinction throughout the remainder of the last days.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
(Matthew 18:6) . . .. 6 But whoever stumbles one of these little ones who put faith in me, it is more beneficial for him to have hung around his neck a millstone such as is turned by an ass and to be sunk in the wide, open sea.
Next week, DO YOU HAVE “A HEART TO KNOW” JEHOVAH?
An OT scripture, Jeremiah 24:7 which shuts Jesus out.
Love, Blondie