Comments You Will Not Hear at the 02-09-2014 WT Study (DECEMBER 15, 2013, pages 6-10)(QUICKLY SHAKEN)
http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20131215/avoid-being-shaken-from-reason/
Review comments will be after the WT material (in quote box)
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
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OPENING COMMENTS
What deceptions are more important to watch out for? The WTS?
Avoid Being “Quickly Shaken From Your Reason”!
“Brothers, . . . we request of you not to be quickly shaken from your reason.”— 2 THESS. 2:1, 2.
POINTS TO CONSIDER
- What timely warnings did Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians contain?
- What can help us avoid being deceived?
- How is zealous Kingdom preaching a protection for us?
1, 2. Why is deception so prevalent today, and what form may it take? (See opening image.)
HOAXES, scams, and deception are all too common in the present system of things. This should not surprise us. The Bible makes it plain that Satan the Devil is an accomplished deceiver, and he is the ruler of this system. (1 Tim. 2:14; 1 John 5:19) As we approach the end of this wicked system, Satan’s anger grows because he has only “a short period of time” left. (Rev. 12:12) So we can expect increased duplicity on the part of those who are influenced by the Devil, especially toward those who promote true worship.
Deception = WT definition. So was the WTS lying/deceiving when it gave people the impression that the end was coming in 1975l It took 5 years before the WTS took responsibility for date setting instead of blaming the rank and file. Were the rank file entitled to the truth? Were the rank and file entitled to the truth from the WTS?
*** w92 12/15 p. 22 Why Is It So Easy to Lie? ***
A lie is defined as “1. a false statement or action, especially one made with intent to deceive . . . 2. anything that gives or is meant to give a false impression.” The intention is to cause others to believe something that the liar knows is not the truth. By lies or half-truths, he strives to deceive those who are entitled to know the truth.
*** w09 6/15 p. 17 par. 7 Speak Truth With Your Neighbor ***
Paul likewise indicated that some people may not be entitled to receive a full or complete answer. He said that “gossipers and meddlers in other people’s affairs” are “talking of things they ought not.” (1 Tim. 5:13) Yes, those who pry into the affairs of others or those who cannot be trusted to keep a confidence may find that others are reluctant to share personal information with them.
*** w07 2/1 p. 6 Why Be Truthful? ***
Every lie is an untruth, but not every untruth is a lie. Why not? A dictionary defines a lie as “an assertion of something known or believed by the speaker to be untrue with intent to deceive.” Yes, lying includes the intention to deceive someone. Hence, to speak an untruth unwittingly—such as giving someone incorrect facts or figures by mistake—is not the same as to tell a lie.
*** w80 3/15 pp. 17-18 pars. 5-6 Choosing the Best Way of Life ***
In modern times such eagerness, commendable in itself, has led to attempts at setting dates for the desired liberation from the suffering and troubles that are the lot of persons throughout the earth. With the appearance of the book Life Everlasting—in Freedom of the Sons of God, and its comments as to how appropriate it would be for the millennial reign of Christ to parallel the seventh millennium of man’s existence, considerable expectation was aroused regarding the year 1975. There were statements made then, and thereafter, stressing that this was only a possibility. Unfortunately, however, along with such cautionary information, there were other statements published that implied that such realization of hopes by that year was more of a probability than a mere possibility. It is to be regretted that these latter statements apparently overshadowed the cautionary ones and contributed to a buildup of the expectation already initiated.
6 In its issue of July 15, 1976, The Watchtower, commenting on the inadvisability of setting our sights on a certain date, stated: “If anyone has been disappointed through not following this line of thought, he should now concentrate on adjusting his viewpoint, seeing that it was not the word of God that failed or deceived him and brought disappointment, but that his own understanding was based on wrong premises.” In saying “anyone,” The Watchtower included all disappointed ones of Jehovah’s Witnesses, hence including persons having to do with the publication of the information that contributed to the buildup of hopes centered on that date.
2 Misleading statements and outright lies about Jehovah’s servants and their beliefs are sometimes featured in the media. Newspaper headlines, television documentaries, and Internet Web pages are used to propagate untruths. As a result, some people become disturbed, gullibly believing such lies.
Is it a lie if they quote from the WT publications? What about 1914, do jws know that the WTS has not consistently taught that Christ’s presence did not start in 1914 but also in 1874? Taught consistently?
*** w93 1/15 p. 5 ‘Caught Away to Meet the Lord’—How? ***
The Watchtower has consistently presented evidence to honesthearted students of Bible prophecy that Jesus’ presence in heavenly Kingdom power began in 1914. Events since that year testify to Jesus’ invisible presence. (Matthew 24:3-14)
*** w74 8/15 p. 507 No Spiritual “Energy Crisis” for Discreet Ones ***
Hence, when C. T. Russell began publishing a new religious magazine in July 1879, it was called “Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.” It was heralding Christ’s presence as having begun in 1874. This invisible presence was expected to continue until the Gentile Times ended in 1914, when the Gentile nations would be destroyed and the remnant of the “chaste virgin” class would be glorified with their Bridegroom in heaven by death and resurrection to live in the spirit. (1 Cor. 15:42-44)
3. What can help us to counteract deception?
3 To counteract this demoralizing tactic of our enemy, we are grateful that we have God’s Word, which is “beneficial . . . for setting things straight.” (2 Tim. 3:16) It is significant that we learn from the apostle Paul’s writings that some Christians in first-century Thessalonica had been misled, accepting what was untrue. He exhorted them “not to be quickly shaken from [their] reason.” (2 Thess. 2:1, 2) What lessons can be learned from Paul’s loving admonition, and how can we apply these to our situation?
Should jws be worried about Satan’s deceptions or the WTS deceptions?
TIMELY WARNINGS
4. How were Christians in Thessalonica alerted to the coming of “Jehovah’s day,” and how are we alerted?
4 In his first letter to the congregation in Thessalonica, Paul called attention to the coming of “Jehovah’s day.” He did not want his brothers to be in darkness and unprepared. Instead, he urged them as “sons of light” to ‘stay awake and keep their senses.’ (Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6.) Today, we await the destruction of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion. This will mark the beginning of the great day of Jehovah. Thankfully, we have an increased understanding of the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose. Also, through the congregation, we regularly receive timely reminders that help us to keep our senses. Taking note of these repeated warnings can strengthen our resolve to render to God ‘sacred service with our power of reason.’—Rom. 12:1.
Did Jehovah’s day come in the first century per the WTS? Was 1 Thess. 5:3, the cry of peace and security fulfilled then? Was the destruction of false religion achieved in the first century? When the WTS preaches that all religion but the WTS and all nations will be destroyed, should they be surprised that those governments get concerned about jws?
How many jws tell non-jws that they will all die soon, including their children, even babies, if they are not baptized jws? Is it deception if they don’t?
*** w89 9/1 p. 19 par. 7 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium ***
Only Jehovah’s Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the “great crowd,” as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil. (Revelation 7:9-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They will make up the “flesh” that Jesus Christ said would be saved through the worst tribulation of all human history.
*** w82 2/15 p. 31 par. 18 “What Prevents Me from Getting Baptized?” ***
Just ahead the separating of the “sheep” from the “goats” will come to a conclusion. None will be left on middle ground when God brings the “great tribulation” to sweep away “those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.” (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9) Only those ‘marked’ for salvation will survive into his new order. (Revelation 7:3, 4, 9, 14; Ezekiel 9:2-6) How happy will be those who have submitted to this ‘marking’ for survival because of being accepted into a dedicated relationship with Jehovah God, as symbolized by water baptism, and continuing in integrity on the narrow road that leads to life!—Matthew 7:13, 14.
*** w60 1/15 p. 55 This Is a Time of Judgment ***
Parents who reject the good news of the Kingdom and who ignore the good principles and wonderful purposes of Jehovah God cannot expect their minor children to survive the execution of divine judgment. Until a child reaches the age where it can be held responsible for its actions, it is under family responsibility. Divine punishment or blessing that comes to its parents automatically falls upon it. This principle is seen at Ezekiel 9:6, where God’s command was to “slay utterly the old man, the young man and the virgin, and little children and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark.”—AS.
Picture: Paul wrote letters that gave Christians timely warnings (See paragraphs 4, 5) (where are the congregations scrolls as the WTS has shown in the past?)
5, 6. (a) In his second letter to the Thessalonians, what did Paul address? (b) What will God soon do by means of Jesus, and what should we ask ourselves?
5 Shortly after sending his first letter to the Thessalonian Christians, Paul sent them a second letter. In this he called attention to the coming tribulation when the Lord Jesus will carry out divine judgment on “those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news.” (2 Thess. 1:6-8) What is now chapter 2 of this letter reveals that some in that congregation had become “excited” about Jehovah’s day to the point that they believed that its arrival was then imminent. (Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2.) Those early Christians had only a limited understanding of the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose, even as Paul later acknowledged regarding prophecy: “We have partial knowledge and we prophesy partially; but when that which is complete arrives, that which is partial will be done away with.” (1 Cor. 13:9, 10) But the inspired warnings penned by Paul, the apostle Peter, and other faithful anointed brothers of that time could equip them to maintain their faith.
Was the coming tribulation in the first century? Was the arrival imminent? How long has the WTS said it is imminent? 1914, 1925, 1975, any time soon now? The WTS has been saying it is imminent for 140 years.
6 To set matters straight, Paul under inspiration explained that a great apostasy and “the man of lawlessness” were to appear before Jehovah’s day. * Thereafter, in his due time, the Lord Jesus would “bring to nothing” all those who had been deceived. The apostle pinpointed the reason for this judgment on them; it was that “they did not accept the love of the truth.” (2 Thess. 2:3, 8-10) We do well to ask ourselves: ‘How much do I love the truth? Do I keep up-to-date with our present understanding as set out in the pages of this magazine and other Bible-based publications provided for the worldwide congregation of God’s people?’
*As we read at Acts 20:29, 30, Paul pointed out that from within the Christian congregations, “men [would] rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” History confirms that in time a clergy/laity distinction developed. By the third century C.E., “the man of lawlessness” was manifest, recognizable in the composite group of the clergy of Christendom.—See The Watchtower, February 1, 1990, pages 10-14. (what do non-jw sources say?)
Was there a great apostasy in the first century?
Up-to-date (blinking light)
PRESENT understanding (PRESENT TRUTH) as set out in THE BIBLE or bible-based publications?
CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY
7, 8. (a) With what dangers did early Christians have to contend? (b) What is a special danger for true Christians today?
7 Admittedly, Christians would face dangers other than those from apostates and their teachings. Paul wrote to Timothy that “the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things.” The apostle pointed out that “by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.” (1 Tim. 6:10) “The works of the flesh” would also be ever-present dangers.—Gal. 5:19-21.
Yes, apostates are not the prime bugabears…how many people are df’d for that but rather sexual morality.
*** w02 10/1 p. 21 par. 16 Cultivate Obedience as the End Draws Near ***
But what about our time—“the Lord’s day”? Are the same evil influences evident? Yes, for immorality is by far the leading cause for disfellowshipping among God’s people. How important, therefore, that we avoid association with all individuals—inside and outside the congregation—who are a morally corrupting influence! (1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 15:33)
8 You can appreciate, though, why Paul would emphatically warn the Thessalonians about the serious threat posed by such men as those whom he elsewhere called “false apostles.” Among them were men who spoke “twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (2 Cor. 11:4, 13; Acts 20:30) Jesus later commended the congregation in Ephesus because they could not “bear bad men.” Those Ephesians ‘put to the test’ individuals who were in actuality false apostles, in fact, liars. (Rev. 2:2) Interestingly, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul gave this exhortation: “Now we are giving you orders, brothers, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from every brother walking disorderly.” He then specifically mentioned Christians who did “not want to work.” (2 Thess. 3:6, 10) But if those were considered disorderly, how much more would that be true of ones who were veering toward apostasy! Yes, close association with such individuals back then was especially dangerous and was to be avoided—and that is also true today.—Prov. 13:20.
Is an apostate in the WTS someone who just stops coming, do they try to get people to be their followers, are they layabouts who don’t work?
9. Why should we be on guard if someone begins to speculate or to speak critically?
9 We are nearing the outbreak of the great tribulation and the end of this wicked system, so those inspired warnings given in the first century take on greater significance. We definitely do not want to ‘miss the purpose’ of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness and lose out on the promise of everlasting life, be that in heaven or on earth. (2 Cor. 6:1) If ever someone attending our congregation meetings would try to entice us into discussions of personal speculations or critical conversations, we should definitely be on guard.—2 Thess. 3:13-15.
NEARING.,..great tribulation for the last 140 years…
Personal speculations—that was the entertainment out in service, speculation about the new system and the motives and actions of people in the congregation, even making up something.
Critical conversations—“Sister Black is not going to enough meetings, I think I should avoid her.”
“MAINTAIN YOUR HOLD ON THE TRADITIONS”
10. The Christians in Thessalonica were urged to adhere to what traditions?
10 Paul urged his brothers in Thessalonica to “stand firm” and stick to what they had learned. (Read 2 Thessalonians 2:15.) What were “the traditions” that they had been taught? Certainly not those held by false religion and promoted as if they were as valuable as what is found in the Scriptures. Rather, Paul was referring to the teachings that he and others had received from Jesus as well as what God moved the apostle to transmit, much of which became part of the inspired Scriptures. Paul commended his brothers in the congregation in Corinth because, as he wrote, “in all things you have me in mind and you are holding fast the traditions just as I handed them on to you.” (1 Cor. 11:2) Such teachings came from a reliable source and could indeed be trusted.
Only brothers?
Traditions: Like Peter not associating with the Gentile Christians?
Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised but not Titus? Was Jewish tradition (false religion) being held here?
The teachings of Paul, were they inspired? Which ones; how do we know? Are the WTS/GB writings inspired of God?
*** w81 2/15 p. 19 Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? ***
We can benefit from this consideration. If we have once established what instrument God is using as his “slave” to dispense spiritual food to his people, surely Jehovah is not pleased if we receive that food as though it might contain something harmful. We should have confidence in the channel God is using. At the Brooklyn headquarters from which the Bible publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses emanate there are more mature Christian elders, both of the “remnant” and of the “other sheep,” than anywhere else upon earth.
True, the brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18) However, this has resulted in a continual refining of the body of Bible-based truth to which Jehovah’s Witnesses subscribe. Over the years, as adjustments have been made to that body of truth, it has become ever more wonderful and applicable to our lives in these “last days.” Bible commentators of Christendom are not inspired either. Despite their claims to great knowledge, they have failed to highlight even basic Bible truths—such as the coming Paradise earth, the importance of God’s name, and the condition of the dead.
11. In what ways might some be affected by deception?
11 When writing to the Hebrews, Paul drew attention to two ways that a Christian might lose faith and fail to stand firm. (Read Hebrews 2:1;3:12.) He spoke of ‘drifting away’ and of ‘drawing away.’ A boat that drifts away from the riverbank may do so imperceptibly at first. Gradually, the gap increases. On the other hand, the man who pushes his boat away from the bank distances it from the shore by his own actions. Both courses well illustrate the situation of some who fall prey to deception, allowing their confidence in the truth to weaken.
Drifting………imperceptibly…by his own actions…deception, right, at the KH and in the organization! Where is the truth found in the man-made publication and organization or in the Bible? What did Paul use, scrolls, publications?
(Acts 17:2, 3) . . .So according to Paul’s custom he went inside to them, and for three sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving by references that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and [saying]: “This is the Christ, this Jesus whom I am publishing to YOU.”
12. What modern-day pursuits can damage our spirituality?
12 That may have been the case with some of the Thessalonians. And what of today? Time-wasting pursuits abound. Think about how many hours are spent keeping in contact through social networks, reading and answering electronic messages, avidly pursuing hobbies, or constantly keeping abreast of sports events. Any one of these activities could distract a Christian and weaken his zeal. The result? Heartfelt prayer, study of God’s Word, meeting attendance, and preaching the good news might suffer. What can we do to avoid thus being quickly shaken from our reason?
TIME-WASTING PURSUITS = anything not related to preaching, teaching and meetings.
Texting, facebook, e-mails, hobbies, sports………………How many jws are going to toss their electronic devices?
PROTECTION AGAINST BEING SHAKEN
13. As foretold, what is the attitude of many, and what will prevent our faith from being undermined?
13 One thing that we definitely need to do is remain aware of the time we are living in and the potential effect of association with those who refuse to acknowledge that these are “the last days.” The apostle Peter wrote regarding this period: “There will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires and saying: ‘Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as from creation’s beginning.’” (2 Pet. 3:3, 4) Our daily reading and regular study of God’s Word will help us to focus on where we are in the stream of time—keeping us aware that we are in “the last days.” The foretold apostasy manifested itself long ago and persists to this day. “The man of lawlessness” continues to exist and to oppose God’s servants. Accordingly, we need to remain ever vigilant to the nearness of Jehovah’s day.—Zeph. 1:7.
ASSOCIATION WITH THOSE WHO REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THESE ARE THE LAST DAYS = all non-jws and even some so-called jws perhaps being allowed to preach to them.
Who is the man of lawlessness today per the WTS?
*** w08 9/15 p. 30 par. 5 Highlights From the Letters to the Thessalonians and to Timothy ***
2:3, 8—Who is “the man of lawlessness,” and how will he be done away with? This composite “man” is the clergy class of Christendom. The one authorized to declare God’s judgments against the wicked and to give orders to execute them is “the Word”—God’s Chief Spokesman, Jesus Christ. (John 1:1) Hence, it can be said that Jesus will do away with the man of lawlessness “by the spirit [activating force] of his mouth.”
PICTURE: Good preparation and a share in the ministry can help us to avoid being quickly shaken from our reason (See paragraphs 14, 15)
14. How is keeping busy in God’s service a protection?
14 Experience has proved that a prime way to keep alert and avoid being shaken from one’s reason is to be regularly involved in preaching the Kingdom good news. Thus, when Christ Jesus, the Head of the congregation, commanded his followers to make disciples of people of all the nations, teaching them to observe the things he had taught, he was giving advice that would protect his followers. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Acting on his direction calls on us to be zealous in the preaching work. Can you imagine that your brothers in Thessalonica would have been content to preach and teach in a perfunctory manner, as if it were a mere duty to be performed listlessly? Recall Paul’s words to them: “Do not put out the fire of the spirit. Do not treat prophesyings with contempt.” (1 Thess. 5:19, 20) And what exciting prophecies we study and share with other people!
What is regularly, once a week, once a month, 1 hour, 10 hours, more? I suppose you could do more if you get rid of facebook, texting, e-mails, hobbies, sports and other time-wasting things.
What does it mean to be zealous? Preparing to be effective, have a sermon in mind, have read the publications you are presenting, use the bible, call when people are likely to be home. Does the GB realize that many jws are “perfunctory” a “mere duty” “performed listlessly”? Do people make return visits timely and prepared, with the view you are trying to save their lives?
15. What helpful things can we consider during family worship?
15 Understandably, we want to help our families develop their abilities in the field service. Many brothers and sisters have found that one way to accomplish that is to focus part of their family worship on the ministry. You might find it helpful to discuss how members of the family will follow up on the interest they have found. What will they speak of on the next visit? What topics will most likely stimulate continued interest in those visited? When is it best to make the calls? Many also devote some of the time during family worship to congregation meetings so that they will be aware of what will be considered at those meetings. Can you do more to prepare to participate? Your participation will strengthen your faith and thus help you to avoid being shaken from your reason. (Ps. 35:18) Yes, sharing in family worship will provide a safeguard against speculation and doubts.
*** w11 6/15 p. 25 par. 6 “Have Regard for Those Who Are Working Hard Among You” ***
The older men in Thessalonica remembered the fine example that Paul set in shepherding the flock. It was not a matter of his making calls in a mechanical or perfunctory way. As discussed in the preceding article, Paul “became gentle . . . , as when a nursing mother cherishes her own children.” (Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8.) He was even willing ‘to impart his own soul’! When shepherding, the older men were to be like him.
16. Anointed Christians have what incentive to maintain their power of reason?
16 When we reflect on the way Jehovah has blessed his people over the years with increased understanding of Bible prophecy, we can appreciate what a wonderful reward lies ahead. The anointed have the prospect of joining Christ in heaven. What an incentive for them to maintain their power of reason! We can certainly apply to them Paul’s words written to the Thessalonians: “We are obligated to thank God always for you, brothers loved by Jehovah, because God selected you . . . by sanctifying you with spirit and by your faith in the truth.”—2 Thess. 2:13.
INCREASED UNDERSTANDING OF BIBLE PROPHECY as well as changing it back to the original. (2 examples)
Superior authorities
Till 1929 = secular governments
1929-1962 = God and Jesus
1962 to today = secular governments
People who died at Sodom and Gomorrah resurrected
The men of Sodom will be resurrected (WT, July 1879, 8).
The men of Sodom will not be resurrected (ibid., 1 June 1952, 338).
The men of Sodom will be resurrected (Ibid., 1 August 1965, 479).
The men of Sodom will not be resurrected (ibid., 1 June 1988, 31).
The men of Sodom will be resurrected (You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth, early ed. 179).
The men of Sodom will not be resurrected (ibid., later ed. 179).
The men of Sodom will be resurrected (Insight On The Scriptures, vol. 2, 985).
The men of Sodom will not be resurrected (Revelation- Its Grand Climax at Hand, 273).
17. What encouragement do you find in the words at 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5?
17 And those who look forward to everlasting life on earth should likewise strive to avoid being quickly shaken from their reason. If you have the earthly hope, take to heart the loving encouragement that Paul wrote to fellow anointed ones in Thessalonica. (Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5.) Each of us should deeply appreciate those loving sentiments. Yes, the letters to the Thessalonians provide vital warnings about speculation or questionable ideas. Living as close to the end as we do, these are warnings that Christians today greatly appreciate.
Shouldn’t those who look forward to life in heaven likewise keep their reason? SPECULATION AND QUESTIONABLE IDEAS—why no examples of what they mean?
*** w00 5/1 p. 12 par. 19 Firmly Uphold Godly Teaching ***
Discernment is also vital on the part of elders when called upon to assist those who speak unwisely. (2 Timothy 2:7) At times, congregation members may get caught up in disputes about trifles and speculative arguments. To protect the unity of the congregation, elders should be quick to address such problems. At the same time, they avoid imputing wrong motives to their brothers and are not overhasty to view them as apostates.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, WILL YOU MAKE SACRIFICES FOR THE KINGDOM? Translation: not enough jws are giving money to the WTS.
Love, Blondie