what scriptures do the elders use that???

by Crazyguy 7 Replies latest jw friends

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  Crazyguy

  what scriptures do the elders use to say they are in a position over you and can judge you and can make you go to them for reinstatement etc???
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  blondie

  hahaha..........scriptures

  I remember an elder from my family told me that he pulled out the bible to bring some scriptures into the conversation at their meeting and an older elder pulled out the elders manual and said this was the source of their wisdom, and all the other elders agreed.
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  looter

  There are no scriptures that indicate that the Jw Elder has power over you. If they use any scripture that they claim to represent this reasoning, then they are just assuming. I assure you!
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  AllTimeJeff

  There is the scripture that Paul (the real Christ of modern Christianity) talks about being obedient to the ones keeping watch over your souls. Thats what the NWT says. I think its Hebrews. Happily, I haven't read that shit in years, so my memory is happily faulty.
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  Stand for Pure Worship

  Jeff beat me to it, but Heb 13:7 comes to mind, although I think its funny that this verse is used more to make the case for following the instructions by attendants than the counsel given by elders. I guess it's because it's already a given as to whom are the alpha dogs within the congregation are. 1 Tim 5:17 comes to mind as well as it mentions elders deserve double honor. This thread really emphasizes that elders only have as much power over you as you let them have.
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  quellycatface

  I know it's not quite the same BUT remember when Jesus had to tell the disciples off for squabbling about who was the greater?? Jesus never introduced a hierachy in his teachings, or at least I don't think he did??
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  Phizzy

  Is there a Scripture in the N.T that says there should be such things as Judicial Committees ? Not really.

  The whole system is more like when there were "Committees of Public Safety" in Revolutionary France than any procedure found explicitly in the N.T.

  It is s system of control, used by a High Control cult that shares little, if anything with the early Christians and there actions and attitudes.
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  Splash

  Heb 13:17: "Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among YOU and be submissive"
  This word 'obedient' in the greek is peithō which means 'to be convinced by argument'.

  It is very different to Eph 6:1 "Children, be obedient to YOUR parents"
  This word 'obedient' in the greek is hupakouō which means 'to be subordinate to, to conform to authority'

  Let's look at the context around Heb 13:17:

  Heb 12 gives examples that we should look to and 'consider closely'.
  Heb 13:7 "Remember those who are taking the lead among YOU, who have spoken the word of God to YOU, and as YOU contemplate how [their] conduct turns out imitate [their] faith. "

  This says we should 'contemplate' those taking the lead. In other words, also 'consider them closely' to see how their conduct turns out.
  Then if it meets with scriptural precedent we follow them (vs 17) because we are convinced.

  In simple terms, we obey our parents but we are persuaded by those taking the lead.

  The word 'Obey' does not correctly convey the meaning of Heb 13:17, as Barnes puts it:
  "They were to show them proper respect, and to submit to their authority in the church, so far as it was administered in accordance with the precepts of the Saviour."

  Splash