Comments You Will Not Hear at the 06-23-2013 WT Study (APRIL 15, 2013, pages 22-26)(MAKE SURE)
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“MAKE SURE OF THE
MORE IMPORTANT
THINGS”
“Make sure of the more
important things.”
—PHIL. 1:10.
(Philippians 1:9-11) 9 And this is what I continue praying, that YOUR love may abound yet more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment; 10 that YOU may make sure of the more important things, so that YOU may be flawless and not be stumbling others up to the day of Christ, 11 and may be filled with righteous fruit, which is through Jesus Christ, to God’s glory and praise.
POINTS FOR MEDITATION
What confidence do the visions
of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel
give us?
What lesson do we learn by
considering the clear focus of
the earthly part of Jehovah’s
organization?
What determination has this
article given you?
OPENING COMMENTS
Based on the above extended quote from Philippians, did the WTS make sure of the more important things and not stumble others?
START OF ARTICLE
1, 2. What prophecy regarding the last days must have intrigued
Jesus’ disciples, and why?
PETER, James, John, and Andrew were finally alone
with their Master. Jesus’ earlier comments regarding
the destruction of the temple weighed heavily
on their minds. (Mark 13:1-4) Thus, they asked:
“Tell us, When will these things be, and what will
be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion
of the system of things?” (Matt. 24:1-3) Jesus began
to tell them about events, or conditions, that would
not only result in great changes to life but also identify
the last days of Satan’s wicked system of things.
One particular event must have intrigued Jesus’ disciples.
After telling of such distressing matters as
wars, food shortages, and an increase of lawlessness,
Jesus foretold that something positive would
also mark the last days. He said: “This good news of
the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited
earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the
end will come.”—Matt. 24:7-14.
COMMENTS
End of Satan’s wicked system of things: 1914 or yet in the future SOON?
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/failed-1914-predictions.php
So did they think Jesus was talking about a time 2,000 years in the future? Did a system of things conclude in the first century?
Did they think that the preaching was far in the future or did it start in 33 C.E. for first century Christians?
How does the WTS interpret “preached in all the inhabited earth” for 1 st century Christians? Was the land from Spain to Rome to Asia Minor to Ethiopia “all the inhabited earth”?
2 Jesus’ disciples had enjoyed preaching the good
news of the Kingdom along with Christ. (Luke 8:1;
9:1, 2) They may have recalled that he said: “The
harvest, indeed, is great, but the workers are few.
Therefore beg the Master of the harvest to send
out workers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2) But how
would they preach “in all the inhabited earth” and
give “a witness to all the nations”? Where would the
workers come from? If only they could have looked
into the future while sitting with Jesus that day!
They would no doubt have been amazed to see the
fulfillment of those few words that we now read at
Matthew 24:14.
COMMENTS
So did they preach in all the inhabited earth, or as the WTS explains, throughout the Roman Empire was enough to fulfill this?
Was this fulfilled in the first century or not or was it a “miniature” fulfillment as the WTS likes to say?
3. How is Luke 21:34 being fulfilled today, and
what self-examination should we make?
3 We are living in the time of the fulfillment
of Jesus’ prophecy. Millions
have joined together to fill the earth
with the preaching of the good news of
the Kingdom. (Isa. 60:22) Jesus indicated,
though, that some would find it challenging
to maintain their focus in these
last days. They would be distracted and
become “weighed down.” (Read Luke
21:34.) We are seeing the fulfillment of
those words as well. Some among God’s
people are getting sidetracked. This
may be seen in the decisions they make
with regard to secular work, higher education,
and acquisition of material possessions,
as well as the amount of time
spent in sports and entertainment. Others
are tiring out because of the pressures
and anxieties of everyday life. Ask
yourself: ‘How am I doing? What do my
decisions say about my focus in life?’
COMMENTS
Was Isaiah talking about preaching at Isaiah 60:22?
Distracted, sidetracked….from what?
Secular work, higher education, material possessions
How many jws quit jobs, sold homes, and went pioneering shortly before 1975? Should most jws be doing the same today?
*** km 5/74 p. 3 How Are You Using Your Life? ***
Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world’s end.—1 John 2:17.
Quit school?
Awake! 1969 May 22 p.15 - "If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. ... Therefore, as a young person, you will never fulfill any career that this system offers. If you are in high school and thinking about a college education, it means at least four, perhaps even six or eight more years to graduate into a specialized career. But where will this system of things be by that time? It will be well on the way toward its finish, if not actually gone!" Click here for scan
4. (a) What did Paul pray about for the Christians
in Philippi, and why? (b) What will we
consider in this and the following article, and
with what objective?
4 Christians living in the first century
had to put forth effort to maintain their
spiritual priorities. The apostle Paul saw
the need for praying that those in Philippi
would “make sure of the more important
things.” (Read Philippians 1:9-11.)
Like the apostle Paul, most back
then were “showing all the more courage
to speak the word of God fearlessly.”
(Phil. 1:12-14) In a similar manner,
by far most of us today courageously
preach God’s Word. Still, can a consideration
of what is now being accomplished
in Jehovah’s organization
help us to focus even more on the all-important
preaching work? Indeed it
can! In this article, let us reflect on the
arrangement that Jehovah has in place
to facilitate the fulfillment of Matthew
24:14. What is the focus of his organization,
and how can knowing this motivate
us and our families? In the article
that follows, we will consider what can
help us to endure and to remain in step
with Jehovah’s organization.
COMMENTS
“by far most of us today courageously preach” = so who is not doing it, eh?
Jehovah’s organization = WTS (where is Jesus, the king of the Kingdom in their picture?)
Of what importance is preaching if jws do not call back to teach people?
Why is the saving of lives not enough of a motivation?
THE HEAVENLY PART OF JEHOVAH’S
ORGANIZATION IS ON THE MOVE
5, 6. (a) Why did Jehovah provide visions of
the heavenly part of his organization? (b) What
did Ezekiel see in vision?
5 There are many things that Jehovah
chose not to include in his written
Word. For example, he did not provide
details about how the brain works
or how the universe functions, even
though such information would have
been very fascinating! Rather, Jehovah
provided information that we
need in order to understand his purposes
and to live our lives in harmony
with them. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) How interesting,
then, that the Bible does provide
glimpses of the invisible part of Jehovah’s
organization! We thrill at reading
the descriptions of Jehovah’s heavenly
arrangement written by Isaiah, Ezekiel,
and Daniel and in John’s Revelation account.
(Isa. 6:1-4; Ezek. 1:4-14, 22-24;
Dan. 7:9-14; Rev. 4:1-11) It is as if Jehovah
pulled back a curtain and allowed
us to peer into the heavens. Why did he
provide this information?
COMMENTS
There are many things that Jehovah chose not to include in his written word because he knew the WTS was directed by holy spirit and could fill in the blanks.
Did not provide details about how the brain works = because the WTS would filter out the proper information for imperfect men and put in their publications
*** g88 6/8 p. 9 The Brain—“More Than a Computer” ***
*** g 5/11 p. 6 Appreciate Your Special Gifts ***The Human Brain
With astonishing efficiency, the brain decodes the streams of signals pouring in through the nerves from the sense organs. Moreover, it links these signals with details stored in its memory. Thus, a certain smell may immediately trigger the brain to retrieve a long-forgotten experience or event. And if you see just a small part of something familiar—the tip of your cat’s tail, for example—your brain will fill in the missing details so that you know your cat is nearby.
How the universe functions
*** g 8/09 p. 16 A Universe Full of Surprises ***
Understand his purposes
WT = end in 1914, no yet future
WT = all anointed going to heaven in 1914, no 1918, no just those already dead…
Invisible part of Jehovah’s organization…but only through earthly part
What is more important understanding prophecy or treating each other in love? What is the true identification mark of Christians?
(John 13:34, 35) 34 I am giving YOU a new commandment, that YOU love one another; just as I have loved YOU, that YOU also love one another. 35 By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves.”
Is peering into the heavens or peering into how we can help each other more important. The fallen angels have seen God but it did not make them love him.
(James 2:19) 19 You believe there is one God, do you? You are doing quite well. And yet the demons believe and shudder.
6 Jehovah wanted us never to forget
that we are part of a universal organization.
There is much more going on
in support of Jehovah’s purposes than
what we can see. For example, Ezekiel
saw the invisible part of Jehovah’s organization
depicted by a colossal celestial
chariot. This chariot could move swiftly
and change direction in an instant.
(Ezek. 1:15-21) With each revolution of
its wheels, the chariot could cover great
distances. In vision, Ezekiel was also
able to get a glimpse of the Rider of the
chariot. He said: “I got to see something
like the glow of electrum, like the appearance
of fire all around . . . It was the
appearance of the likeness of the glory
of Jehovah.” (Ezek. 1:25-28) How awe-inspiring
it must have been for Ezekiel
to see this vision! He saw Jehovah in full
control of his organization, directing its
movement through his holy spirit. What
an amazing representation of the heavenly
part of Jehovah’s organization on
the move!
COMMENTS
So what connection to heaven can the WTS prove by what it has said and done; have they been consistent? Has their communication with God been faulty?
Is that how Ezekiel interpreted that vision or the WTS?
Is the WTS part of that organization? Or do they resemble the Jewish priests of Ezekiel’s time?
7. How does the vision given to Daniel fill us
with confidence?
7 Daniel too saw much to give us confidence.
He was allowed to see Jehovah
depicted as “the Ancient of Days” sitting
on a throne with flames of fire. The
throne was on wheels. (Dan. 7:9) Jehovah
wanted Daniel to see that His organization
is in motion, accomplishing
His purpose. Daniel also saw “someone
like a son of man,” Jesus, being given
oversight of the earthly part of Jehovah’s
organization. Christ’s perfect rule
does not exist for just a few short years.
Rather, it is “an indefinitely lasting rulership
that will not pass away, and his
kingdom one that will not be brought to
ruin.” (Dan. 7:13, 14) We are moved to
trust in Jehovah and to recognize what
he is accomplishing. He gave “rulership
and dignity and kingdom” to his tried
and proven Son, Jesus. Jehovah puts
trust in his Son. Thus, we can have confidence
in Jesus’ leadership as well.
COMMENTS
I always wondered why Daniel and others were given visions. Was their faith based on sight?
(2 Corinthians 5:7) 7 for we are walking by faith, not by sight.
How much did Daniel understand?
*** w05 5/1 p. 12 par. 18 The Resurrection—A Teaching That Affects You ***
Some time during that third year of Cyrus, Daniel received a vision of the march of world powers that culminates in the coming great tribulation. (Daniel 11:1–12:13) As he could not fully understand the vision, Daniel asked the angelic messenger who delivered it: “O my lord, what will be the final part of these things?” In answer the angel called attention to “the time of the end,” during which “the ones having insight will understand.” As for Daniel himself, what were his prospects? The angel acknowledged: “You will rest, but you will stand up for your lot at the end of the days.” (Daniel 12:8-10, 13)
The WTS says prophecy is not understood until it has been fulfilled!!!
*** w04 2/1 p. 21 pars. 12-13 “The Scene of This World Is Changing” ***
In recent years, politicians have often used the phrase “peace and security” to describe various human schemes. They even dubbed 1986 the International Year of Peace, although that year did not live up to its name. Do such efforts by world leaders constitute the complete fulfillment of 1 Thessalonians 5:3, or was Paul referring to a specific event of such dramatic proportions as to claim world attention?
Since Bible prophecies are often fully understood only after they are fulfilled or are in the process of fulfillment, we will have to wait and see.
8. What impact did visions from Jehovah have
on Ezekiel and Isaiah, and how should we be
affected?
8 How should this view of the invisible
part of Jehovah’s organization impact
us? Like Ezekiel, we are surely
awed and humbled by what Jehovah is
accomplishing. (Ezek. 1:28) Meditating
on Jehovah’s organization can move us
to action, just as it did Isaiah. When the
opportunity arose for him to tell others
about what Jehovah is doing, he seized it
without hesitation. (Read Isaiah 6:5, 8.)
Isaiah was confident that with Jehovah’s
backing, he could successfully face any
challenge. Similarly, this glimpse of the
invisible part of Jehovah’s organization
should fill us with awe and spur us to
action. How motivating to contemplate
that organization, ever on the move and
completely focused on accomplishing
Jehovah’s purposes!
COMMENTS
Remember Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah, saw visions of God’s “heavenly” organization not an earthly organization like the WTS.
What was going on in Israel in their time? Were they a nation any more; were they worshiping God according to his law?
THE EARTHLY PART OF
JEHOVAH’S ORGANIZATION
9, 10. Why is there a need for a visible part of
Jehovah’s organization?
9 Through his Son, Jehovah established
an arrangement here on earth
that works in harmony with the invisible
part of the organization. Why is a
visible arrangement needed to accomplish
the work described at Matthew 24:14?
Consider three reasons.
COMMENTS
If through his Son, why don’t jws not have “Christian” or some form in their name?
Do they work in harmony with heaven? Did heaven tell them that Jesus’ presence would come in 1874 or 1914; that the end would come in 1914, 1925, 1975, or yet a future time? Sounds like there was static on the line.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1paHu-cfuWI
10 First, Jesus stated that this preaching
work would take his disciples “to
the most distant part of the earth.”
(Acts 1:8) Second, arrangements would
be needed to provide spiritual food and
to care for those engaged in this work.
(John 21:15-17) Third, provisions would
have to be made so that those preaching
the good news could gather together
to worship Jehovah and be taught how
to carry out the work. (Heb. 10:24, 25)
Accomplishing these goals could not be
done by accident. For Christ’s followers
to be successful, the work would need
to be well-organized.
COMMENTS
Not only that, Acts 1:8 says that his disciples would be Witnesses of Jesus, not Jehovah.
So how widespread does the WTS say the preaching work would go?
*** km 1/02 p. 1 par. 5 ‘How Will They Hear?’ ***
On how much greater a scale the witness work is yet to be done, we do not know. Jehovah is responsible for this work and is using his angels to oversee it. (Rev. 14:6, 7) He is the one to determine to what extent the witness is to be given to all the nations. If Jehovah chooses, he can see that the Kingdom message is spread in ways that we cannot yet imagine so that many more people may “hear the word of the good news and believe.” (Acts 15:7) What Jehovah does will be in full harmony with who he is—a loving, wise, and just God.
*** w00 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 “Keep on the Watch” ***
Today, that prophecy is in the course of fulfillment on an unprecedented scale. True, untouched territories still exist, and it may be that in Jehovah’s due time, a large door leading to greater activity will open. (1 Corinthians 16:9) Nevertheless, the Bible does not state that Jehovah will wait until every individual on earth has received a personal witness. Rather, the good news must be preached to Jehovah’s satisfaction. Then the end will come.—Compare Matthew 10:23.
*** w95 11/15 p. 16 par. 5 Stay in the “City of Refuge” and Live! ***
Some people have caused human death willfully or through carelessness. Others have taken part in collective killing, perhaps persuaded by religious leaders that this was God’s will. Still others have persecuted and killed servants of God. Even if we have not done such things, though, we share community responsibility for the loss of human life because we did not know God’s law and will. We are like the unintentional manslayer ‘who killed his fellowman without knowing it and who did not hate him formerly.’ (Deuteronomy 19:4) Such individuals ought to implore God for mercy and should run into the antitypical city of refuge. Otherwise they will have a fatal meeting with the Avenger of blood.
11. How do we demonstrate our support for
the arrangements made by Jehovah’s organization?
11 How do we demonstrate our support
for the arrangements made by Jehovah’s
organization? One important
way is by always putting our confidence
in the ones whom Jehovah and Jesus
are trusting to lead us in our preaching
work. There are many activities or causes
in the world today that could vie for
the attention of those taking the lead
among us. Yet, what has consistently
been the focus of the visible part of Jehovah’s
organization?
COMMENTS
Did Isaiah support the wicked religious leaders of his time?
Did Elijah or Elisha?
What proof is there that God or Jesus trusts in them?
Activities: a job that pays to feed you and your family, medical care, transportation, education to get even the basics, or is it preaching etc. 24/7?
FOCUSED ON “THE MORE
IMPORTANT THINGS”
12, 13. How do Christian elders carry out their
assignment, and why is that encouraging to
you?
12 Experienced Christian elders
around the world have been appointed
to oversee and give impetus to the
Kingdom-preaching work in the lands
where they serve. As these brothers
make decisions, they seek direction
from God’s Word, making it ‘a lamp to
their foot and a light to their roadway,’
and they earnestly pray for Jehovah’s
guidance.—Ps. 119:105; Matt. 7:7, 8.
COMMENTS
So that means there are inexperienced elders…with the lives of jws in their hands?
So how many elders did you see actually going door to door, making return visits, conducting studies with their family and others? Not much in my experience…more important things to do; let the army of large women do the actual preaching.
13 Like those who took the lead in the
first century, Christian elders who oversee
the preaching work today are devoted
“to the ministry of the word.” (Acts
6:4) They rejoice greatly at the progress
that is being made in the preaching of
the good news locally and throughout
the world. (Acts 21:19, 20) They do not
set out endless rules and procedures.
Instead, they follow the Scriptures and
the leadings of God’s holy spirit as they
make arrangements that are needed to
help the preaching work go forward.
(Read Acts 15:28.) By doing so, these
responsible brothers set a fine example
for all in the local congregations.—Eph.
4:11, 12.
COMMENTS
Devoted? Hmm….
Progress…the COBOE told the congregation at the service meeting that no one except children of jws had been baptized in the last 10 years. Why was that? Of course he had no children. What about your congregation, are non-jws flooding in?
14, 15. (a) What arrangements are in place for
supporting the preaching work earth wide?
(b) How do you feel about the share you have in
supporting the Kingdom-preaching work?
14 Unseen to many are the constant
labors of preparing the spiritual food
for our publications, meetings, and conventions.
Thousands of volunteers work
tirelessly to translate this spiritual food
into some 600 languages so that as
many as possible can learn about “the
magnificent things of God” in their own
language. (Acts 2:7-11) Young brothers
and sisters work at producing our literature
on high-speed printing presses and
bindery equipment. This literature is
then distributed to congregations even
in the remotest regions of the earth.
COMMENTS
So how many hours did early Christians devote to the production of scrolls, books, letters?
So as many as possible – but an individual witness is not necessary.
What is more important, the bible or a WTS publication? Yet jws today will find that jw bibles are on back order, not available. So do jws offer bibles to non-jws any more?
15 Numerous arrangements are in
place so that we can focus on preaching
the good news with our local congregation.
For example, thousands volunteer
to assist with Kingdom Hall and Assembly
Hall construction, to help those affected
by natural disasters or who are
facing medical emergencies, to organize
our assemblies and conventions, and to
teach theocratic schools, just to name
a few activities that go on behind the
scenes. What is the purpose of all this
work? To facilitate the preaching of the
good news, to enhance the spiritual welfare
of those carrying out this work,
and to advance true worship. Has the
earthly part of Jehovah’s organization
remained focused on the more important
things? Indeed it has!
COMMENTS
Preaching or wasting time…..coffee breaks, return visits from one end of the territory and then across to the other, taking 45 minutes to get to the first door and it was just a block away, quitting at 11:30 and going home.
Assist only other jws (and perhaps their non-jw spouses) during disasters
Advance true worship = yes all you non-jws are false worshippers
FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE
OF JEHOVAH’S ORGANIZATION
16. What would be a good Bible study project
for you or your family?
16 Do we periodically take the time
to reflect on the workings of Jehovah’s
organization? Some have chosen to include
time in their family worship or
personal study to do research on these
matters and to meditate on them. The
visions given to Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel,
and John make an exciting study. The
book Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of
God’s Kingdom and other publications or
DVDs available in your language provide
intriguing insight into the organization.
COMMENTS
Reflect on God and Jesus might be more productive.
Family Worship = a concept borrowed from the Mormons.
Now do jw fathers and mothers conduct a study with their children more today than before that procedure? Be honest.
Did the early Christians need more than the scriptures? Perhaps there was a book of letters from the apostles and Paul that did not make the canon.
17, 18. (a) How has this discussion benefited
you? (b) What questions should we consider?
17 Meditating on what Jehovah is accomplishing
through his organization is
good for us. Along with this wonderful
organization, may we be resolved
to keep focused on the more important
things. Doing so will fortify us to have
the same determination as Paul, who
wrote: “Since we have this ministry according
to the mercy that was shown us,
we do not give up.” (2 Cor. 4:1) He also
encouraged his fellow workers: “Let us
not give up in doing what is fine, for in
due season we shall reap if we do not
tire out.”—Gal. 6:9.
COMMENTS
Meditating on what the WTS was not accomplishing that God wants made me leave so that my blows would not be striking the air.
18 Are there adjustments that we
need to make as individuals or as families
so as to make sure of the more
important things in our daily routine?
Can we simplify our lives or reduce distractions
so that we can give more attention
to the all-important preaching
work? In the next article, we will consider
five things that will assist us to keep
in step with Jehovah’s organization.
COMMENTS
Adjustments = a word the WTS uses to explain it changes in doctrine, sometimes even 360 degrees.
Distractions: higher education, a house, a car, a tv, entertainment, eating, drinking, sleeping…..
The drum is beating every article: the “faithful” are not putting in enough time
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Sorry for the last 2 weeks….I have been in a lot of pain. Going to see a surgeon on Friday.
Next Sunday, “DO NOT TIRE OUT”
Daily text every day; bible reading
Monday: study for bible study part; family worship
Tuesday: family worship
Wednesday: evening witnessing
Thursday: 3 meetings
Friday: prepare for Saturday preaching
Saturday: Saturday am preaching; pm study for WT Study
Sunday: 2 meetings; Sunday afternoon preaching
I’m really tired now….don’t know how I ever did it.
Love, Blondie