Comments You Will Not Hear at the 7-17-05 WT Study (Complete/Sacred Service

Comments You Will Not Hear at the July 17, 2005 WT Study (June 1, 2005 issue date)

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 blue

SAVED, NOT BY WORKS ALONE, BUT BY UNDESERVED KINDNESS

"You have been saved through faith . . . It is not owing to works, in order

that no man should have ground for boasting."—EPHESIANS 2:8, 9.

Looking up scriptures in other Bibles

http://www.biblegateway.com/

Things to Watch For

Buzzwords

Christ’s role if any

How does this topic indicate what is going on in the WTS world?

How much do you know about the flipflop doctrine Sacred Service?

START OF ARTICLE

PEOPLE today take great pride in personal accomplishments, and they are

often quick to boast about them. Christians are different. They refrain from

overemphasizing their own accomplishments, even those having to do with true

worship. While they rejoice over what Jehovah's people accomplish as a

whole, they keep their individual contribution in the background. They

realize that in Jehovah's service, right motives are more important than

personal accomplishments. Anyone who is eventually given the gift of eternal

life will have gained it, not by personal accomplishments , but through faith

and by God's undeserved kindness.—Luke 17:10; John 3:16.

Pride, boast, overemphasizing

Can you think of JWs who are quick to let you know what their status is in the congregation; elder, MS, pioneer, etc.?

God may not judge people based on their personal accomplishments but the elders do; brother, sorry, until your monthly hours are closer to the national average, we can’t consider appointing you.

Christians, Jehovah’s people = only JWs

Keep individual contribution in the background = have you been to a DC lately where they trot out an INDIVIDUAL and publicize their “individual contribution”?

2 The apostle Paul was well-aware of this fact. After having prayed three

times for relief from "a thorn in the flesh ," he received Jehovah's reply:

"My undeserved kindness is sufficient for you; for my power is being made

perfect in weakness." Humbly accepting Jehovah's decision, Paul said: "Most

gladly, therefore, will I rather boast as respects my weaknesses, that the

power of the Christ may like a tent remain over me." Paul's humble attitude

is one that we should want to imitate.-2 Corinthians 12:7-9.

So if a sister has no husband and 3 children and can only get in 5 hours a month; will the elders “boast as respects” her “weaknesses”? Will she be held up as one to imitate?

3 Even though Paul was outstanding in performing Christian works, he

recognized that his achievements were not owing to any particular abilities

of his own. With modesty, he noted: "To me, a man less than the least of all

holy ones, this undeserved kindness was given, that I should declare to the

nations the good news about the unfathomable riches of the Christ."

(Ephesians 3:8) No boastful attitude here nor holier-than-thou haughtiness.

"God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the

humble ones." (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5) Do we follow Paul's example, humbly

considering ourselves to be less than the least of our brothers?

Least of all the holy ones

Do you know of JWs that fawn over someone who says they are of the anointed? Perhaps a visiting Bethelite, CO or DO?

Do these react the way Paul did, considering themselves the least one?

Were you the elder who heard the CO say to him, “Brother, I think you have forgotten your place. I’m the one who calls the shots in this organization.”

Or the new elder who heard the PO tell the body that it was his way or the highway?

"Considering That the Others Are Superior"

4 The apostle Paul counseled Christians: " [Do] nothing out of

contentiousness or out of egotism, but with lowliness of mind considering

that the others are superior to you." (Philippians 2:3) This may be a

challenge, especially if we happen to be in a position of responsibility .

Perhaps the difficulty arises because we have been influenced, to a certain

extent, by the spirit of competition so prevalent in the world today.

Possibly, as children we were taught to compete, either with our siblings at

home or with our classmates at school. We were perhaps constantly urged to

reach out for the honor of being the school's star athlete or its top

student. Of course, giving our best in any proper undertaking is

commendable. However, Christians do so, not to call undue attention to

themselves, but to benefit fully from the activity and perhaps to benefit

others as well. However, aspiring always to be praised as number one can be

dangerous. How so?

How many elders were raised as JWs in your congregation? At least half or more.

Then how did this spirit of competition enter into them since JWs are not to be part of competitive sports or competitive education.

Blurb on page 15: "My undeserved kindness is sufficient for you"

5 If left unchecked, a competitive or egotistical spirit can cause a person

to become disrespectful and arrogant . He may become envious of the abilities

and privileges of others. Proverbs 28:22 says: "A man of envious eye is

bestirring himself after valuable things, but he does not know that want

itself will come upon him." He might even presumptuously reach out for

positions to which he is not entitled. To justify his actions, he may start

to murmur and become critical of others—tendencies that Christians should

shun. (James 3:14-16) At any rate, he is running the risk of developing a

me-first attitude.

So who are the problem people? The elders.

Envious of the abilities and privileges of others

Worried that the new elder will outshine him; worried that the eager, sincere elder will make their lazy ways more clear; worried that he will get to give that talk on the circuit assembly he has been buttering up the CO for the last 2 years.

6 The Bible, therefore, urges Christians: "Let us not become egotistical,

stirring up competition with one another, envying one another." (Galatians

5:26) The apostle John spoke of a fellow Christian who evidently fell victim

to this kind of spirit. "I wrote something to the congregation," said John,

"but Diotrephes, who likes to have the first place among them, does not

receive anything from us with respect. That is why, if I come, I will call

to remembrance his works which he goes on doing, chattering about us with

wicked words." What a sad situation for a Christian to fall into! -3 John

9,10.

Likes to have the first place

Can you think of some ways certain JWs you knew had to be first?

I can remember being told about a congregation where the BOE decided that they deserved an exclusive dinner with the visiting GB member. After all, they worked so hard for the congregation. Not inviting any pioneers (except elders wives) or any of the older ones that had worked so hard for over 50 years.

Or the elders who work back in administration or other departments who used to send someone to get their food by cutting to the front of the line?

Or the elders and their families in the skyboxes at the conventions or who had access to private restrooms while old people and young children did the shuffle in line.

7 Of course, it is unrealistic to think that a Christian can completely

avoid all competitive pursuits . His secular work, for example, may involve

economic competition with other individuals or businesses producing similar

products or offering similar services. Even in such instances, however, a

Christian will want to carry on his business in a spirit of respect, love,

and consideration. He will rule out illegal or unchristian practices and

avoid becoming a person known primarily for a competitive, dog-eat-dog

attitude. He will not feel that being number one—in whatever pursuit—is the

most important thing in life. If that is true of secular pursuits, how much

more it is true in the realm of worship!

Economic competition is okay

That is what happens when you have 15 JWs in the same congregation selling Shaklee.

That is what happens when you have 5 people doing cleaning in a town that already has 5 cleaning businesses too many.

Not talking little old sisters into trusting you with their life savings to invest. If you lose their money, it’s not fraud, it just means you are an incompetent business person.

"Not in Comparison With the Other Person"

8 The attitude Christians should have in their worship is set out in these

inspired words: "Let each one prove what his own work is, and then he will

have cause for exultation in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison

with the other person ." (Galatians 6:4) Elders in the congregation, knowing

that they are not in competition with one another, cooperate and work

closely together as a body . They rejoice in the contribution each one can

make to the overall welfare of the congregation. They thus ward off

disruptive competition and set a fine example in unity for the rest of the

congregation.

Definitely targeting the elders again.

Elders in the congregation should quit competing with one another for parts on the assembly/convention, to get the assignments that require the least amount of work, and quit stabbing each other in the back. They should quit jealously downgrading they efforts of another elder, holding them up for ridicule.

9 Because of age, experience, or natural abilities, some elders may be more

efficient than others, or they may be endowed with greater insight. As a

result, elders have different responsibilities in Jehovah's organization.

Instead of making comparisons , they bear in mind the counsel: "In proportion

as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as

fine stewards of God's undeserved kindness expressed in various ways." (1

Peter 4:10) In reality, this text applies to all of Jehovah's servants, for

to some extent all have received the gift of accurate knowledge and all

enjoy the privilege of sharing in the Christian ministry .

Blurb on page 17: Elders rejoice in the contribution each one can make to

the welfare of the congregation

Some elders may be more efficient than others

But more effective?

Greater insight? hahahahaha

10 Our sacred service is pleasing to Jehovah only when it is rendered out of

love and devotion, not for the sake of elevating ourselves over others . It

is therefore vital to have a balanced view of our activity in support of

true worship. While no one can accurately judge another's motives, Jehovah

"is making an estimate of hearts." (Proverbs 24:12; 1 Samuel 16:7) Thus, we

do well to ask ourselves from time to time, 'What is my motive for

performing works of faith? '—Psalm 24:3, 4; Matthew 5:8.

Motives for performing works of faith

Works seen only by the WTS and its representatives. Service hours determine whether a brother becomes or stays an elder or MS or gets a “privilege” such as handling the microphones. Service hours determine whether a brother or sister are safe spiritually to associate with socially. Service hours determine whether you will be used in a demonstration at the KH or at an assembly/convention.

Sacred service = another flipflop doctrine

In 1976 a new idea of sacred service was developed. (the only reference to this article in the index is under “sacred service” and no other reference mentions it.

w76 10/1 p. 597 Rendering Sacred Service Night and Day ***

Paul the apostle of Christ Jesus shows us at Hebrews 13:15, 16. After speaking of the “sacred service” at the tabernacle by the priest of Israel and how this was fulfilled in Jesus, Paul says: “Through him let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name.”

What does that mean for us? It means that we should want to be speaking out the truth about Jehovah God and about the good news of his Kingdom. And we should be doing this not just now and then, once in a while, on weekends or meeting nights only, but, as the apostle says, “always”—every day, night and day, being on the alert for opportunities to do this.

Does that mean that our “sacred service” is entirely a matter of talking? No, for after speaking of the “sacrifice of praise,” the apostle goes on to describe other sacrifices God wants of us. He says, in verse 16: “Moreover, do not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Yes, our “sacred service” needs to be a balanced one, one that balances words of praise to God with deeds, with the “doing of good and the sharing of things with others.”

So, like Jesus we want our whole life to be a witness to the truth.

All of us today can be showing ourselves to be among those rendering “sacred service” to God day and night. Jehovah God has not set out for us any legal code as to just how much time we are to spend in giving the sacrifice of praise (except to say “always”) or how much in the other sacrifices with which God is well pleased. We must balance this out ourselves. But all these sacrifices—the fruit of our lips in making public declaration to his name and the doing of good and the sharing of things with others—these must all be there and find a place in our lives, in the daylight hours and in the evening hours.—Compare Acts 26:7.

OUR WHOLE LIFE COURSE A “SACRED SERVICE”

“Sacred service,” then, is not something that occupies only a portion of our lives. It is not limited to just one activity or a certain number of activities but it takes in every aspect of our daily living. It can be summed up by these words: ‘Keep doing all things as unto Jehovah, whether eating or drinking or doing any other thing.’ (1 Cor. 10:31) Showing how all-embracing this service should be, the apostle says at Romans 12:1, 2: “I entreat you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason. And quit being fashioned after this system of things.”

Husbands and wives can render “sacred service” by making their marriage successful and an honor to God’s institution of marriage.

Housewives have a fine opportunity to perform acceptable “sacred service” to God. Their fine works that others can see would certainly include keeping a neat, clean house, taking care of the cooking and the clothing needs of the family. For what is more on display to others than one’s home? A wife’s hospitality, her readiness to help her neighbors, particularly her willingness to ‘put herself out’ to assist other sisters in the congregation in whatever their needs may be—these are sacrifices in which God is well pleased. When people know these things about her, then her public declaration of the good news in the congregation territory will have a more powerful influence

If children in the household are concerned with rendering “sacred service” to Jehovah they can show respect for their father and help their mother in bringing honor to God by helping them to keep the house in good, clean order. And where parents are not in the truth the children can do much in this way to cause the parents to honor God. Their conduct before schoolmates, respect for teachers, telling others about the good news when opportunity affords and working closely with the congregation in things done at the Kingdom Hall and sharing in the field service, certainly are things God counts as “sacred service” to him. (Prov. 20:11; Titus 2:6-8) A good test of your service, as to whether it is true “sacred service” or not, is the question you might ask yourself: ‘Do I go in the field service, perhaps carrying Bible literature to others?’ That is commendable. But, now, also ask yourself: ‘At school and elsewhere, what is my conduct? Do I do what worldly youths do? Or do I remember that I am to render “sacred service” to Jehovah night and day?

Christian elders are also called on to serve night and day . Part of your “sacred service” is on behalf of your brothers, caring for their spiritual needs. To the elders of the Ephesus congregation, the apostle Paul could say: “Therefore keep awake, and bear in mind that for three years, night and day, I did not quit admonishing each one with tears.” (Acts 20:31) Your brothers today need your help no less than the brothers in Ephesus needed help back in the first century.

Can you do what Paul did, serving day and night? Paul’s words do not necessarily mean that he spent every minute in talking or preaching. No, for in Acts 20:34 he goes on to mention how he worked with his own hands doing secular work so as to attend to the material needs of himself and of those laboring with him. In fact, in writing to the Thessalonians, he said: “Certainly you bear in mind, brothers, our labor and toil. It was with working night and day, so as not to put an expensive burden upon any one of you, that we preached the good news of God to you.”—1 Thess. 2:9.

Yes, Paul sometimes was occupied not only in the day but also in the evening in secular work, such as tentmaking. But it is important for us to ask: Why did he do this? Was it for materialistic reasons or due to a desire for luxuries? No, but as he himself says, it was “so as not to put an expensive burden” on his brothers. He set an example in this so that no one could accuse him of leading a soft life through the financial support of those to whom he was serving the good news. Because his motive and aim were to advance the truth and eliminate any stumbling blocks in the minds of those he served he could be said to be engaging in God’s service even during those secular working hours. But what if his motive had been selfish, if he had not been doing all things as unto Jehovah and for the advancement of the Kingdom interests? Then his work would have been no different from that of any other secular work. It would not have been a “sacred service.”

But four years later in 1980

w80 8/15 pp. 30-31 Questions from Readers

• At Colossians 3:23 Christians are counseled to serve their masters “whole-souled as to Jehovah, and not to men.” Does this mean that secular work done as to Jehovah is part of our sacred service?

The Greek word la·trei´a, translated “sacred service” in the New World Translation, refers to dedicated worship or service to God. (Rom. 12:1) Jesus himself showed that it involves giving one’s primary allegiance to Jehovah. (Matt. 4:8-10; Luke 4:5-8) It is service directed toward advancing the interests of Jehovah’s kingdom.

In ancient times, God’s dedicated nation of Israel rendered “sacred service” in obedience to the requirements of the Law covenant, in order to become to Jehovah “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Ex. 19:5, 6) This service provided types and shadows of realities to appear later under the New Covenant arrangement, in connection with God’s kingdom by Christ Jesus. (Heb. 8:5; 9:9, 14) Thus anointed Christians are told: “Seeing that we are to receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us continue to have undeserved kindness, through which we may acceptably render God sacred service with godly fear and awe.” (Heb. 12:28) Their companions, the “great crowd,” who look forward to everlasting life on earth, must likewise show godly fear as they perform their assigned “sacred service” in the earthly courtyard of Jehovah’s temple.—Rev. 7:9, 15.

Does this “sacred service” mean simply ‘living a good life,’ being a fine example in raising and providing for one’s family, keeping the house clean, applying oneself at school, and so forth? Hardly , for the Israelites did such things over and above the sacred service that Jehovah commanded them to perform. (Ex. 7:16; 12:25, 26 [la·trei´a, Greek Septuagint Version]) And though the Sabbath law required them to ‘render service, and do all their work six days,’ certain sacred services were carried on even during the seventh day, such as at festivals and in giving instruction in the synagogues.—Ex. 13:5, 6; 20:9; Acts 13:14, 15; 18:4.

Today, there are people who live clean, moral lives, but who have no interest at all in God or his purposes. Surely their lives cannot be described as “sacred service.” Obviously, this has to do specifically with service to God, done out of appreciation for sacred things—something out of the ordinary that calls for the sacrifice of time and energy. It is different from secular work or everyday living, though with Christians this also should be done “for God’s glory.”—1 Cor. 10:31; Rom. 1:9.

Outstandingly, in this time preceding the “great tribulation” our “sacred service” requires obedience to Jesus’ commands to preach and to teach “this good news of the kingdom,” warning the people and making disciples. (Matt. 24:14, 21; 28:19, 20) It also embraces our assembling for worship, our family studies of the Bible and discussions of the text for each day. It extends to special service in the pioneer and missionary fields, and at Bethel homes operated for supplying spiritual food and providing good organization for the worldwide work of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It includes the services performed by traveling and congregational overseers and ministerial servants, as they care for the spiritual interests of their brothers. (Deut. 31:12, 13; 6:4-9; Eph. 6:4; Acts 1:8; 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2, 3; 1 Tim. 3:1, 12, 13) This “sacred service” of all of God’s organized people is rendered from dedicated hearts, and with the help of Jehovah’s spirit and his holy angels. (Phil. 3:3; Acts 27:23) If we by such service ‘keep on seeking first the kingdom and [God’s] righteousness,’ Jehovah will see to it that the daily necessities of life are “added” to us.—Matt. 6:33; Luke 12:31.

Our “sacred service” must be modeled after the kind of service that Jesus did on earth. (1 Pet. 2:21-23) It is performed out of love for God and love for neighbor, the kind of self-sacrificing love in which Jesus set the example. (Mark 12:30, 31; John 13:34; 15:13) This service places emphasis on our public preaching, for we are told: “Let us always [through Jesus] offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name.” At the same time, we must “not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others”—no, not as mere charitable works, but from the heart in behalf of fellow worshipers. Thus when our brothers are in need, suffer calamity or are in distress, we will render loving assistance, so that all may be encouraged to hold fast the public declaration of their hope without wavering. “With such sacrifices God is well pleased.”—Heb. 10:23-25; 13:15, 16; Rom. 10:10-15; Jas. 1:27.

Do you have to readjust your viewpoint on “sacred service”? If so, may you do so in the spirit expressed at Second Corinthians 13:11: “Finally, brothers, continue to rejoice, to be readjusted, to be comforted, to think in agreement, to live peaceably; and the God of love and of peace will be with you.”

Alarmed at the drop in publishers by 1978 and 1979, the WTS attributed it to the 1976 explanation of “sacred service.” It was really fallout from the 1975 “predictions.”

Proper View of Our Work

11 If motive is all-important in gaining Jehovah's approval, then to what

extent should we be concerned about our works of faith? As long as we

perform our ministry with the right motive, is it really necessary to keep

account of what we do or how much? These are reasonable questions, since we

do not want to put numbers ahead of acts of faith or let having a good

report become a major concern regarding our Christian activity.

A perfect example of the WTS talking out of both sides of their mouth

As long as we perform our ministry with the right motive, is it really necessary to keep account of what we do or how much?

We do not want to put numbers ahead of acts of faith or let having a good report become a major concern.

12 Notice what the book Organized to Do Jehovah's Will says: "Early

followers of Jesus Christ took an interest in reports of progress in the

preaching work. (Mark 6:30) The Bible book of Acts tells us that there were

about 120 persons present when holy spirit was poured out on the disciples

at Pentecost. Soon the number of disciples grew to 3,000 and then to 5,000.

. . . (Acts 1:15; 2:5-11. 41, 47; 4:4; 6:7) What fine encouragement the news

of these increases must have brought to the disciples!" For the same reason,

Jehovah's Witnesses today endeavor to keep accurate records of what is

accomplished worldwide in fulfillment of Jesus' words: "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." (Matthew 24:14) Such reports

provide a realistic picture of what is done in the world field. They show

where help is needed and which kind of literature and how much of it is

required to advance the preaching work.

About 120 and 3,000 and 5,000 = accurate records

So 3 times they mentioned how many people were present at a meeting and were baptized. Sound like estimates to me. No mention of keeping track of hours spent preaching. No indication that they continued this practice sending reports back to the GB in Jerusalem. Nothing like the anal-retentive reporting of the WTS announcing 3,128 people in attendance, spending 1,005,602,123 hours in the ministry.

Which kind of literature and how much of it is required

Where is the Bible in this equation? Did the early Christians need literature to advance the preaching work?

13 Thus, reporting our preaching activity enables us to carry out our

commission to preach the Kingdom good news more effectively . Besides, are we

not encouraged when we hear about the work that our brothers are doing in

other parts of the world? News of growth and expansion earth wide fills us

with joy, moves us to greater activity, and assures us of Jehovah's

blessing. And how gratifying to know that our personal report is included in

that worldwide report! Ours is small in comparison with the grand total , but

it does not go unnoticed by Jehovah . (Mark 12:42, 43) Remember, without your

report, the overall report would be incomplete.

So because the early Christians did not keep reporting their activity, was their preaching ineffective?

Our personal report, small in comparison, not unnoticed by Jehovah

Not unnoticed by the elders either who tell you to do more and let you know your spirituality is measured by your service report.

14 Of course, much of what every Witness does in fulfilling his

responsibility as a dedicated servant of Jehovah does not appear on his

report. For instance, the report does not include regular personal Bible

study, attendance and participation at Christian meetings, congregational

duties, assistance to fellow believers as needed, financial support of the

worldwide Kingdom work, and so on. Thus, while our field service report

plays its part, helping us to maintain our zeal in preaching and to avoid

slacking off, we must keep it in proper perspective . It is not to be viewed

as a spiritual license or passport, determining our eligibility for

everlasting life.

Avoid slacking off = hidden message, many JWs are slacking off.

Not to be viewed as a spiritual license or passport, determining our eligibility for everlasting life.

Not but does determine our eligibility for congregation privileges.

"Zealous for Fine Works"

15 Clearly, even though works alone cannot save us, they are necessary. That

is why Christians are called "a people peculiarly his own, zealous for fine

works" and why they are encouraged to "consider one another to incite to

love and fine works." (Titus 2:14; Hebrews 10:24) More to the point, another

Bible writer, James, simply says: "As the body without spirit is dead, so

also faith without works is dead."—James 2:26.

Clearly, even though works alone cannot save us, they are necessary.

Free gift

Undeserved kindness

and it is as a free gift that they are being declared righteous by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom [paid] by Christ Jesus. . . ROMANS 3:24

But it is not with the gift as it was with the trespass. For if by one man’s trespass many died, the undeserved kindness of God and his free gift with the undeserved kindness by the one man Jesus Christ abounded much more to many. ROMANS 5:15

Here is an interesting examination of the Bible versus the WTS requirements for salvation.

http://www.watchman.org/jw/workingoutsalvation.htm

or this question:

But since faith without works is dead, when it comes to paying off our sin debt, when it comes to paying off our sin debt, do you think that it would be accurate to say that Christ made the down payment by his sacrifice but that it's up to us to keep up the installments by our good works?

If the Witness knows his doctrine well, he eventually tells me that salvation comes purely by our faith in Christ's sacrifice but that the evidence of our faith is our good works. At that point I say, "How much is enough so we know we will be forgiven and accepted by God? For example, I suppose there are JWs who do the door-to-door ministry full time and I suppose there are some JWs who do very little. Most are probably somewhere in the middle. If I were a Witness, how could I know I had enough faith that, if I died in the middle of the night, God would find my faith acceptable?"

http://www.cephasministry.com/jw_about_salvation.html

16 Important though the good works themselves may be, the motives for doing

them are even more important. It is therefore wise for us to check our

motives from time to time . Since no human can accurately know the motives of

others, however, we must beware of judging others. "Who are you to judge the

house servant of another?" we are asked, with the obvious answer: "To his

own master he stands or falls." (Romans 14:4) Jehovah, the Master of all,

and his appointed Judge, Christ Jesus, will judge us, not on the basis of

our works alone but also on the basis of our motives , our opportunities, our

love, and our devotion. Only Jehovah and Christ Jesus can accurately judge

whether we have done what Christians are admonished to do, in the words of

the apostle Paul: "Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a

workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth

aright."-2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 1:10; 3:14.

Blurb on page 19: Without your report, the overall report would be

incomplete

Now human can accurately know the motives of others

Beware of judging others

Only Jehovah and Christ Jesus can accurately judge

But that doesn’t stop the elders and other JWs from judging your spirituality based on your meeting attending and service report.

Letting you now that you should be pioneering, making the national average, etc.

17 Jehovah is reasonable in what he expects of us. According to James 3:17,

"the wisdom from above is," among other things, "reasonable." Would it not

be the course of wisdom, as well as a true accomplishment, for us to imitate

Jehovah in this regard? Thus, we should not try to set unreasonable and

unreachable expectations for ourselves or for our brothers.

We should not try to set unreasonable and unreachable expectations for ourselves or for our brothers (and sisters)

We = WTS = elders = COs/DOs

That’s right, they are only making “suggestions.”

18 As long as we keep a balanced view of our works of faith and Jehovah's

undeserved kindness , we will maintain the joy that is a distinguishing mark

of true servants of Jehovah. (Isaiah 65:13, 14) We can rejoice in the

blessings that Jehovah is pouring out on his people as a whole, regardless

of how much we personally may be able to do. Continuing in "prayer and

supplication along with thanksgiving," we will petition God to help us do

our utmost. Then, beyond all doubt, "the peace of God that excels all

thought will guard [our] hearts and [our] mental powers by means of Christ

Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7) Yes, we can draw comfort and encouragement from

knowing that we can be saved, not by works alone, but by Jehovah's

undeserved kindness!

Balanced view, regardless of how much we personally may be able to do, do our utmost

Well, folks, the rank and file don’t have a balanced view, they aren’t doing their utmost and the reports coming into the WTS are of great concern. Time to whip the slaves.

Concluding Comments

Combine this article with the last and the message is that Jehovah safeguards those who go out in service and turn in a report. (Suggestion: just turn in a report and not go out.)

So how many/much works does a JW have to do? Didn’t Jesus’ ransom sacrifice pay the full price? How much is enough to assure getting everlasting life? Who sets the goals? Where in the Bible does it talk about the early Christians making the national average, or spending 50 hours/month to be an auxiliary pioneer or 70 hours to be a regular pioneer?

Love, Blondie

Questions

1. How do Christians differ from people in general as regards personal

accomplishments, and why?

2, 3. Of what did Paul boast, and why?

4. Why may we sometimes find it difficult to consider others to be superior

to us?

5. If left unchecked, to what can a competitive spirit lead?

6. How does the Bible warn against a competitive spirit?

7. What will a Christian want to avoid in today's competitive workplace?

8. 9. (a) Why do Christian elders have no reason to compete with one

another? (b) Why does 1 Peter 4:10 apply to all of God's servants?

10. In what way only will our sacred service be acceptable to Jehovah?

11. What questions about our activity in the ministry can reasonably be

considered?

12. 13. (a) What are some reasons why we keep a record of our field service?

(b) What reasons do we have for joy when viewing the overall report of our

preaching activity?

14. Besides preaching and teaching, what is included in our worship of

Jehovah?

15. Though works alone cannot save us, why are they necessary?

16. What is even more important than works, but of what should we beware?

17. While striving to do our utmost, why should we keep James 3:17 in mind?

18. What can we look forward to when we have a balanced view of our works

and Jehovah's undeserved kindness?

Can You Explain Why Christians

- refrain from boasting about personal accomplishments?

- avoid showing a competitive spirit?

- report their Christian activity in the field ministry?

- avoid judging fellow Christians?

Comments You Will Not Hear at the 7-17-05 WT Study (Complete/Sacred Service

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