I hope
you can read this. I’m having trouble
with my cut and paste.
*** w06
7/15 pp. 22-23 The Creator progressively reveals the truth to his people.
Hence, our understanding of the Scriptures is bound to be refined from time to
time. The vast majority of Jehovah’s people rejoice over such refinements. A
few become “righteous overmuch” and resent the changes. (Ecclesiastes 7:16)
Pride may play a role, and some fall into the trap of independent thinking.
Whatever the reason, such murmuring is hazardous, since it can draw us back
into the world and its ways.
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1/15 p. 27 Armed for the Fight Against Wicked Spirits ***
Fight Against Independent Thinking
19 As we study the Bible we learn that Jehovah has always guided his servants
in an organized way. And just as in the first century there was only one true
Christian organization, so today Jehovah is using only one organization.
(Ephesians 4:4, 5; Matthew 24:45-47) Yet there are some who point out that the
organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they argue: “This shows
that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe.” This is independent
thinking. Why is it so dangerous?
20 Such thinking is an evidence of pride. And the Bible says: “Pride is before
a crash, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” (Proverbs 16:18) If we get to
thinking that we know better than the organization, we should ask ourselves:
“Where did we learn Bible truth in the first place? Would we know the way of
the truth if it had not been for guidance from the organization? Really, can we
get along without the direction of God’s organization?” No, we cannot!—Compare
Acts 15:2, 28, 29; 16:4, 5.
21
*** w83
1/15 p. 22 Exposing the Devil’s Subtle Designs ***
Avoid Independent Thinking
20 From the very outset of his rebellion Satan called into question God’s way
of doing things. He promoted independent thinking. ‘You can decide for yourself
what is good and bad,’ Satan told Eve. ‘You don’t have to listen to God. He is
not really telling you the truth.’ (Genesis 3:1-5) To this day, it has been
Satan’s subtle design to infect God’s people with this type of thinking.—2 Timothy 3:1, 13