Comments You Will Not Hear at the February 6, 2005 WT Study (January 1, 2005 issue) Review comments will be in black and parentheses ()
WT quotes from today?s WT
will be in red and quotes ""Quotes from other sources
will be in blueHOLD TO THE PATTERN JESUS SET
"I set the pattern for you, that, just as I did to you, you should do also."?John 13:15 (NWT)
I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you.?John 13:15 (CEV)
www.biblegateway.com /cgi-bin/bibleOpening Comments
How well does the average JW know Jesus? How often is he featured in the WT articles or the WT songs? Did Jesus preach door to door? Did Jesus associate with "sinners"? Can you imagine the elders in your congregation washing your feet?
START OF ARTICLE
Paragraph 1
In all the history of mankind (humankind), only one person has lived his whole life without sinning. That is Jesus. Apart from Jesus, "there is no man that does not sin." (1 Kings 8:46; Romans 3:23)
Note how the WTS highlights an OT scripture in the snippet rather than finding an NT scripture.
For that reason, genuine Christians (only JWs are genuine Christians) view Jesus as a perfect model to be imitated.
w03
3/1 p. 7 They Triumphed Over Persecution ***What, though, do experiences such as theirs reveal about religious persecution? That such persecution is unsuccessful?at least when inflicted upon genuine Christians. While persecuting Jehovah?s Witnesses consumed a lot of resources and caused cruel suffering, it failed to achieve its objective. Today, Jehovah?s Witnesses are flourishing in Europe where the two great dictatorships once held sway.
w53
3/1 p. 133 The World?s Integrity on the Wane ***The churches of America?and they do exercise considerable influence among the people?claim the responsibility for upholding the morals of the people, teaching them the principles of God, of righteousness. But the program they have followed and are even now pursuing is not producing true Christians.
Indeed, on Nisan 14, 33 C.E?Jesus mentioned a number of ways in which Christians (only JWs) should strive to be like him.
The Need for Humility
Paragraphs 2,3
When Jesus urged his disciples to follow the pattern he set, he was specifically speaking of humility.He demonstrated his own humility by washing the feet of his apostles."If I, although Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash the feet of one another." (John 13:14)He emptied himself and became a lowly human?the second-highest person in the universe, consented to become lower than the angels, to be born a helpless baby, to grow up subject to imperfect parents, and finally to die like a despised criminal. (Colossians 1:15,16; Hebrews 2:6,7)Is it possible to imitate that "mental attitude" and cultivate such "lowliness of mind"? (Philippians 2:3-5) Yes, but it is not easy.Note that it is someone with authority that is being used as an example of one who shows humility. Do those in authority in the congregation/organization show true humility? Would they "wash your feet"?
The opposite of humility is pride. (Proverbs 6:16-19) Pride led to Satan?s downfall. (1 Timothy 3:6)People are prideful because of their country, their race, their possessions, their education, their secular achievements, their social standing, their looks, their sporting abilities, and many other things.What are people at the KH "proud" of? Their status as elders, MS, CO, DO, Bethelite, pioneer or having a family member who is, number of hours/studies in the field ministry, or literature placed, quickbuilds worked on, international quick builds, temporary workers at Bethel, frequency of giving public talks, not just an elder but the PO, not just the PO but the city overseer, giving talks at the assemblies/conventions, etc., etc.
Humble Among Our BrothersParagraphs 4-8
Even our contributions to and achievements in Jehovah?s service should not make us proud; neither should responsibilities in the congregation. (1 Chronicles 29:14; 1 Timothy 6:17,18)In fact, the weightier our responsibilities, the more humble we need to be.The apostle Peter urged elders not to be "lording it over those who are God?s inheritance, but [to become] examples to the flock." (1 Peter 5:3)Elders are appointed to be servants and examples, not lords and masters.?Luke 22:24-26; 2 Corinthians 1:24.Once the elders were known as "servants," congregation servants, assistant congregation servants, bible study servants. With the elder arrangement in the early 1970?s that title changed to "overseers." So from being "lowly" servants, they changed to those who "over" see.
Elders are not alone in needing humility. To younger men, who may be proud of their quicker minds and stronger bodies compared with those of older ones (speculation), Peter wrote: "Gird yourselves with lowliness of mind toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones." (1 Peter 5:5).It takes humility to preach the good news, especially in the face of indifference or hostility.That?s why so many congregations see the elders out so often and spending time working with the rank and file. What I saw were elders jumping into the car together and driving off leaving the rank and file in charge of the MS.
It takes humility to accept counsel or to simply our life in order to enlarge our share in the ministry.Prideful people = low service hours
In addition, we need humility as well as courageous faith when enduring bad publicity, legal attacks, or violent persecution.Bad publicity because of sexual abuse of children in their ranks that they have hidden, punishing those who report it and the victims/survivors.
Legal attacks because of the lies and lack of love in those cases.
Violent persecution that many Christians (not JWs) are suffering as well.How can a person overcome pride and conduct himself "with lowliness of mind considering that the others are superior" to him? (Philippians 2:3) He needs to view himself as Jehovah does.Jesus explained the right attitude, when he said: "You, also, when you have done all the tings assigned to you, say, ?We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.?" (Luke 17:10) Nothing we can do compares with what Jesus did. Yet, Jesus was humble.Have you ever heard the elders refer to themselves as "good-for-nothing slaves?" Just once I heard an elder say that the elders were slaves of slaves. He was dragged into the backroom after that meeting and "adjusted."
So who is more likely to take pride in their privileges, their position, their standing in the congregation? Who has the privileges, standing?
A Proper View of Right and WrongParagraphs 9,10
Not only to they (Christians?only JWs) know right from wrong; they hate what is wrong, and love what is right.Yet, Jesus said that if we practice "vile things"?things that are wrong unacceptable to God (as defined by the WTS)?we hate the light. Can you imagine hating Jesus and what he stands for?Then it is important to examine the Bible individually to see what Jesus stands for. Don?t study a publication, study the Bible.
How to Cultivate Jesus? View of Right and WrongParagraphs 11-15
We need a clear understanding of what is right and what is wrong from Jehovah?s WTS viewpoint.We gain that understanding only from a study of God?s Word, the BibleBut can you do that without the WTS?
w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible?A Book Meant to Be Understood ***Even as Bible prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah?s channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.?John 6:68.Remember, however, that Satan is deceptive. (2 Corinthians 11:14) He can disguise wrong and make it appear acceptable to an unwary Christian (JW). Hence, we need to meditate deeply on what we learn and closely need the counsel of "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47)Yes, in 2005, the WTS confirms the statements made on 10/1/94 that you can only understand the Bible with their help.
Some might reason that not everything in the world is wrong. Even so, the world and its attractions can easily distract us from serving Jehovah.And nothing the world provides is designed to draw us closer to God.Hence, if we grow to love the things in the world, even things that may not in themselves be wrong, we are on a dangerous course. (1 Timothy 6:9,10)If we watch movies or television programs that highlight (but not contain?) violence, materialism, or sexual immorality, those things can become acceptable?and then tempting.What do they mean by "highlight"? Does it mean that out of 2 hours, 10 minutes or more would be highlighting?
If we mix with people who main (but secondary is all right) interest is in improve their life-style or cultivating business opportunities, those things can become of chief importance to us too.Oh, oh, too many JWs are getting involved in conferences and meetings to sell products and services, perhaps missing Christian meetings???
If we associate with those who put the interests of God?s Kingdom first, we will become like them, loving what they love and avoiding what they avoid. Carrot Because Jesus did God?s will (and was called a blasphemer by the religious leaders because of it), he opened the way for humans to gain everlasting life. (1 John 5:13) Facing PersecutionParagraphs 16-29
There are many reasons why Christians (only JWs) love their brothers (and sisters?)Yes, even in being persecuted, Christians (only JWs) are like Jesus. They need to develop a strong, loving bond to help them withstand that hatred.But how can you depend on the people in your congregation during persecution if these same people rarely talk to you, can?t remember your name or the names or your children, don?t know what your phone number or address is, never invite you to their homes for a meal and association, worse yet, tell others you are "spiritually weak"?
The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much. LUKE 16:10Why would the world hate Christians Jehovah?s Witnesses?They are neutral in military and political matters,What about their 10 years as a nongovernmental organization associated with the UN ending only when someone revealed to the news media?
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
and they observe Bible principles, respecting the sanctity of life and keeping to a high moral code. (Acts 15:28,29; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)Did you know that it is now a conscience matter for JWs to accept products made out of blood fractions, such as Polyheme, made out of hemoglobin from outdated stored blood?
http://www.ajwrb.org/index.shtml
Did you know that elders are not required to report child sexual abuse to the secular authorities unless they live in a state/province that requires it? Why, because they consider it part of the clergy-penitent laws that says the clergy do not have to reveal the "confidences" of their members.
w94 2/15 p. 7 Are Jehovah?s Witnesses a Cult? ***They reject the concept of a clergy-laity distinction. The Encyclopedia of Religion aptly states about Jehovah?s Witnesses: "A clergy class and distinctive titles are prohibited."Is that true in practice? Yes, JWs don?t say Elder So-and-So, but don?t they say, Brother So-and-So, he?s an elder.
Jehovah?s Witnesses do not make compromises to seek admiration or acceptance.What compromising with the government of Bulgaria regarding the blood issue?
http://www.pnc.com.au/~fichrist/bulgaria.html
In a press communique from the Commission, hearing no.28626/95 dated 3 July 1997, it states :-In respect of the refusal of blood transfusion, the applicant association submits that there are no religious sanctions for a Jehovah's Witness who chooses to accept blood transfusion and that, therefore, the fact that the religious doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses is against blood transfusions cannot amount to a threat to "public health"In earlier times, Israelites fought with the sword against enemies. Now, though, things were different. God?s Kingdom was "no part of this world." And had no national boundaries to protect.
They would confidently leave the outcome of matters in Jehovah?s hands.
Just as Jesus warned, Christians (but only JWs) have experienced harsh persecution over the years.
While acknowledging that other religions suffer persecution, the WTS says it is for the wrong reasons.
w74 4/1 p. 217 Persecuted Christians?"A Theatrical Spectacle to the World"
Do any of the churches of Christendom represent true Christianity? Well, are they made up of spiritual men and do they therefore suffer hatred and persecution for the same reason as first-century Christians? Many churches of Christendom today are hurting. They are losing members and money. Their influence is waning. But it is not because they are suffering for righteousness? sake as did the apostles. (Compare 1 Peter 2:19-21.)"Put On the Lord Jesus Christ"
Paragraphs 20-22
Christians (only JWs) wear Jesus, as it were, like a garment.We do not make our chief purpose in life the reaching of secular goals or the satisfying of fleshly desires.Rather, when make a decision or handling a problem we ask: ?What would Jesus do in this situation??WWJD
More like what do the elders and the FDS/WTS/GB/CO/DO want me to do. JWs run to the elders first. Prayer?..right!
Concluding Comments
We can deduce that humility is on the wane, publishers are forming their own standards of right and wrong in the congregation. and people are not asking what Jesus would do but what would Brother Elder do.
The picture on page 10 is obviously staged.We see two brothers one black and one white, greeting a middle-aged black sister.
Two chunky single sisters are hugging each other.
And a young black boy is talking to an older white man who is seated.
What?s wrong with this picture?Next Week:Trained to Give a Thorough Witness?Acts 1:8Pre-study questions
Is there anywhere in the NT where Jesus? followers are called witnesses of God (Jehovah)?
Whose witnesses are Christians?
Love, Blondie