Comments You Will Not Hear at the 08-17-08 WT Study (June 15, 2008, pages 11-15)(PURSUE)
Review comments will be in red
WT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
Bible translations www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
WT publications www.strictlygenteel.co.uk
WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org
Blood issue www.ajwrb.org
United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
QUALITIES WE MUST PURSUE
"Pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance, [and] mildness of temper. "-1 TIM. 6:11.
When reading WT material do you note the great number of scriptural snippet quotes and citations and ellipses? How does the WTS manipulate
the scripture by not presenting it in context knowing the rank and file don't have and won't take the time to look them up? What about brackets [] and the quotes from non-NWT translations. Is the WTS encouraging them to research outside the WTS library? No at all.
The WTS writes and talks a great deal of the qualities above but does the rank and file see it applied by those they are supposed to follow, and I don't mean Jesus, but the elders, COs, DOs? I can remember one congregation that had 3 elders shipped in and put in the controlling positions on the committee because the elders had long, loud fights every time they met and the rank and file knew it. After 3 years and a new
congregation set up splitting up the fighting elders, was the problem solved? No, now the 2 congregation BOEs fought instead of just the one.
Watch to see how outward appearance is downplayed and then made important in the same article.
START ARTICLE
Q 1. Illustrate what the word "pursue" means.
WHAT comes to mind when you hear the word "pursue"? Perhaps you think of Moses' day when the Egyptian army "took up the pursuit" of Israel, only to suffer disaster in the Red Sea. (Ex. 14:23) Or you may recall the danger faced by an accidental manslayer in ancient Israel. He quickly had to get to one of six designated cities of refuge. Otherwise "the blood-avenger, pursuing the manslayer in hot anger, [might] overtake him and kill him." -Deut. 19:6, Tanakh.
OT examples--Notice the WTS starts out with Moses and the cities of refuge. No examples in Christian times?
The WTS has used the cities of refuge many times to represent WT congregations. Do you think this is a subtle way of saying that jws need to
"pursue" meeting attendance?
*** w67 8/15 p. 499 par. 4 The Way to Security ***
Quote
The unintentional manslayer in Israel did not flee abroad, leaving his country, but headed for the city of refuge, which belonged to the nonpriestly Levites; the city of Hebron belonged to the Aaronic priests. This signifies that the provision of salvation is closely connected with Jehovah’s organization. A remnant of the spiritual priestly class is still on earth today, forming the nucleus of the congregation of Jehovah’s people. We cannot ignore the role the visible congregation of Jehovah’s witnesses plays in this provision of salvation. In Acts 2:47 we read: “At the same time Jehovah continued to join to them daily those being saved.” That means that those “being saved” were added to the visible body of the early Christian congregation. They were gathered together into one united family of faith. So the visible congregation of God’s people has something to do with the provision of salvation today. Indeed, it has an important place in that provision. Every congregation forms a small part of God’s people. We cannot remain outside the organization of God’s people, separated from it, if we want to have Jehovah’s protection. Jehovah’s spirit and his angels all tend to a bringing together in unity of thought, aim and action. So there is a vital connection between Jehovah’s protection in the antitypical city of refuge and His visible congregation of spiritual Israelites, supervised by the “faithful and discreet slave.”—Eph. 4:3-6; Matt.
24:45-47.
That is the Tanakh? Why does the WTS give no explanation tempting the rank and file to do research outside the WTS publications?
The complete Jewish holy writings
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Bible/jpstoc.html
Q 2. (a) What prize has God invited some Christians to pursue? (b) What prospect does Jehovah hold out to most Christians today?
2. In contrast to the above Biblical examples, consider the positive attitude that the apostle Paul had: "I am pursuing down toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God by means of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:14) The Bible shows that a total of 144,000 anointed Christians, Paul included, receive that prize of heavenly life. They will share with Jesus Christ in his Millennial Reign over the earth. What a wonderful goal such ones have been invited by God to pursue! The vast majority of true Christians today, however, have a different prospect, or goal. Jehovah lovingly holds out
to them what Adam and Eve lost, namely, the prospect of everlasting life in perfect health on a paradise earth. -Rev. 7:4, 9; 21:1-4.
Christians--only jws
attitude--WTS manipulation
*** w07 4/1 pp. 28-29 par. 12 Humbly Submitting to Loving Shepherds ***
Quote
A second reason for cooperating with Christian overseers is that “they are keeping watch over [our] souls.” If they detect anything in our attitude
or behavior that might endanger our spirituality, they are quick to give us needed counsel with a view to our readjustment.
144,000--only jws by WTS definition
Did Paul have any concept of the 144,000? When did Paul die (65 CE) and when did John write Revelation (96 CE)?
Invited by God or by Jesus?
*** w02 2/1 p. 20 par. 5 Have You Received “the Spirit of the Truth”? ***
Quote
“In the house of my Father there are many abodes. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going my way to prepare a place for you. Also, if I go my way and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you home to myself, that where I am you also may be.” (John
13:36; 14:2, 3)
The invitation to heaven has been flipflopped by the WTS.
*** w07 5/1 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers ***
Quote
From the late 1800’s until 1931, the main thrust of the preaching work was the gathering of the remaining members of the body of Christ. In 1931 the Bible Students took the Bible-based name Jehovah’s Witnesses, and in the November 15, 1933, issue of The Watchtower, the thought was expressed that this unique name was The “denarius” referred to in Jesus’ parable recorded at Matthew 20:1-16. The 12 hours mentioned in the parable were thought to correspond to the 12 years from 1919 to 1931. For many years after that, it was believed that the call to the heavenly
Kingdom had ended in 1931 and that those called to be joint heirs with Christ in 1930 and 1931 were “the last” called. (Matthew 20:6-8) However, in 1966 an adjusted understanding of that parable was presented, and it became clear that it had nothing to do with the end of the
calling of the anointed.
In 1935 the “great crowd” of Revelation 7:9-15 was understood to be made up of “other sheep,” Christians with an earthly hope, who would appear on the world scene in “the last days” and who as a group would survive Armageddon. (John 10:16; 2 Timothy 3:1; Revelation 21:3, 4) After that year, the thrust of the disciple-making work turned to the gathering in of the great crowd. Hence, especially after 1966 it was believed that the heavenly call ceased in 1935. This seemed to be confirmed when almost all who were baptized after 1935 felt that they had the earthly hope. Thereafter, any called to the heavenly hope were believed to be replacements for anointed Christians who had proved unfaithful.
Without a doubt, if one of the anointed unrepentantly falls away, Jehovah does call another individual to take his place. (Romans 11:17-22) However, the number of genuine anointed ones who have become unfaithful is likely not large. On the other hand, as time has gone by, some Christians baptized after 1935 have had witness borne to them that they have the heavenly hope. (Romans 8:16, 17) Thus, it appears that we cannot set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends.
CARROT: everlasting life in perfect health on a paradise earth
The phrase "paradise earth" never appears on the Bible and "paradise" only 3 times, none of which reference an earthly realm.
http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/earthforever.htm
Q 3. How can we show appreciation for God's undeserved kindness?
3. Sinful humans cannot earn everlasting life by their imperfect efforts to do what is right. (lsa. 64:6) Gaining everlasting life is possible only by putting faith in God's loving provision of salvation through Jesus Christ. What can we do to show our appreciation for that undeserved kindness of God? For one thing, we can obey this command: "Pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance, [and] mildness of temper." (1 Tim. 6:11) Considering these qualities may help each of us to be more determined to go on pursuing them "more fully." -1 Thess. 4: 1.
Cannot earn everlasting life--can heavenly life be earned.
Only for jws
http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/salvation.htm
Works according to the WTS............
more fully...........DO MORE in WTS language
Pursue Righteousness"
Q 4. Why can we be sure that the pursuit of "righteousness" is important, and what initial steps must a person take?
4. In both of his letters to Timothy, the apostle Paul listed qualities to be pursued, and each time, he mentioned "righteousness" first. (I Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22) Moreover, in other passages the Bible repeatedly encourages us to pursue righteousness. (Prov. 15:9; 21:21; Isa. 51:1) A way to start to do so is by "taking in knowledge of ... the only true God, and of the one whom [he] sent forth, Jesus Christ." John 17:3) Pursuing righteousness will move a person to action--to repent of past sins and "turn around" so as to do God's will.-Acts 3:19.
OT--other passages
John 17:3--no mention of "Jehovah"; why did Jesus not use this opportunity to say God's name?
Do God's will--as interpreted by the WTS
Q 5. What must we do to gain and maintain a righteous standing with God?
5. Millions who are genuinely pursuing righteousness have dedicated their life to Jehovah and symbolized such dedication by water baptism. If you are now a baptized Christian, have you thought about the fact that your life course should, and likely does, reveal your ongoing pursuit of righteousness? One aspect of that is your discerning from the Bible what is "right and wrong" when faced with life's decisions. (Read Hebrews 5:14.) For example, if you are a single Christian of marriageable age, are you completely resolved to avoid forming any romantic attachment to
someone who is not a baptized Christian? You are if you are pursuing righteousness.-1 Cor. 7:39.
millions--only 7 million jws
mark--baptism as jw
*** w82 2/15 p. 31 par. 18 “What Prevents Me from Getting Baptized?” ***
Quote
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.
baptized Christians--only jws
discerning from the Bible--not without WTS publications
*** w81 12/1 p. 27 par. 4 The Path of the Righteous Does Keep Getting Brighter ***
Quote
But Jehovah God has also provided his visible organization, his “faithful and discreet slave,” made up of spirit-anointed ones, to help Christians in all nations to understand and apply properly the Bible in their lives. Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do.
not a baptized Christian--really cannot marry anyone but a baptized jw
Q 6. Truly pursuing righteousness involves what?
6. Being righteous is different from being self-righteous or "righteous overmuch." (Eccl. 7:16) Jesus warned against making a show of that sort of righteousness so as to appear better than others. (Matt. 6: 1) Truly pursuing righteousness involves the heart-the correcting of wrong thoughts, attitudes, motives, and desires. If we keep working at doing this, we are unlikely to commit serious sins. (Read Proverbs 4:23; compare James 1:14, IS.) Furthermore, Jehovah will bless us and help us in our pursuit of other important Christian qualities.
show..of righteousness--what many jws do, advocating WTS doctrine and policy and practicing the opposite out of sight
serious sins--what they are saying is sins the WTS disfellowships for: they once reasoned a jw could be df'd for bestiality but their spouse could
not divorce them.
"Pursue ... Godly Devotion"
Q 7. What is "godly devotion"?
7. Devotion involves being ardently dedicated and loyal. One Bible dictionary notes that the Greek word translated" godly devotion" describes "the good and careful cherishing of the fear of God." The Israelites often failed to manifest such devotion, as seen by their disobedient acts even after God freed them from Egypt.
loyal--to the WTS
OT example--Israelites
One Bible dictionary--which one (Bullinger)?
http://books.google.com/books?id=Ux_OSJP2OgcC&pg=PA380&lpg=PA380&dq=%22the+good+and+careful+cherishing+of+the+fear+of+God%22&source=web&ots=L_20lU9kC5&sig=anSktYSkyBCQE_FXz7hxi8B6Edk&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result
Q 8. (a) Adam's sin raised what question? (b) How was the answer to this "sacred secret" revealed?
8. For thousands of years after the perfect man Adam sinned, the question could be raised, "Can any human display perfect godly devotion?" Over the centuries, no sinful human was able to live a life of perfect godly devotion. But in his own due time, Jehovah revealed the answer to this "sacred secret." He transferred the life of his only-begotten heavenly Son to Mary's womb to be born as a perfect human. Throughout his earthly life and including his humiliating death, Jesus showed what it means to be ardently dedicated and fully loyal to the true God. His prayers revealed his reverence for his loving heavenly Father. (Matt. 11 :25; John 12:27, 28) Thus, Jehovah inspired Paul to speak of "godly devotion" in describing Jesus' exemplary life course.-Read 1 Timothy 3:16.
OT--Adam and Job
transferred life--what is WTS definition?
*** it-2 p. 56 Jesus Christ ***
Quote
Since actual conception took place, it appears that Jehovah God caused an ovum, or egg cell, in Mary’s womb to become fertile, accomplishing
this by the transferal of the life of his firstborn Son from the spirit realm to earth.
Was Jesus loyal to God or an organization....?
Q 9. How can we pursue godly devotion?
9. In our sinful state, we cannot manifest perfect godly devotion. But we can pursue it. This calls on us to follow Christ's model as closely as possible. (1 Pet. 2:21) Thus, we will not be like the hypocrites who 'have a form of godly devotion but prove false to its power.' (2 Tim. 3:5) This does not mean that true godly devotion has nothing to do with outward appearances. It certainly does. For instance, whether we are choosing a
wedding dress or deciding what to wear while shopping, our appearance should always harmonize with our claim "to reverence God." (1 Tim. 2:9, 10) Yes, the pursuit of godly devotion requires that we take God's righteous standards into consideration in our daily lives.
Outward appearance is now important.
Wedding dress--so what style is WTS approved?
*** km 4/07 p. 4 par. 5 Follow the Christ by Manifesting Dignity ***
Quote
Should we manifest a dignified appearance only when attending the program? Remember that many will observe us wearing our convention badges while in the convention city. Our appearance should make us stand out from the general public. Therefore, even during leisure time, such as when going out to eat after the program, we should dress as befits ministers who are in the city for the purpose of attending a Christian convention and should not wear such clothing as jeans, shorts, or T-shirts. What a witness this will give to the community! Jehovah is pleased when our appearance bespeaks our role as ministers.
So the WTS dictates to jw women what is appropriate to wear shopping? Why not they dictate what to wear when not at a district convention.
Pursue ... Faith"
Q 10. What must we do to keep our faith strong?
10. Read Romans 10:17. To attain and maintain strong faith, a Christian must keep meditating on the precious truths found in God's Word. "The faithful and discreet slave" has provided many fine publications. Three exceptional books are The Greatest Mall Who Ever Lived, Leam From the Great Teacher, and "Come Be My Follower," volumes that are designed to help us get to know Christ better and thus be in a position to imitate him. (Matt. 24:45-47) The slave class also arranges for meetings, assemblies, and conventions, many of which highlight "the word about Christ."
Do you see any ways in which you could take greater advantage of these as you pay "more than the usual attention" to what God provides?-Heb.
2:1.
precious truths as defined by the WTS
Once every article at least the WTS references the FDS and Matthew 24:45,47
Isn't the Bible superior to WT publications in getting to know Christ?
Now most of the work of writing WT articles and arranging conventions is done by the non-anointed.
Q 11. Prayer and obedience play what roles in our pursuing faith?
11. Prayer is another aid in building strong faith. Jesus' followers once pleaded with him: "Give us more faith." We can humbly beg God to do the same. (Luke 17:5) To that end, we should pray for the help of God's holy spirit; faith is one aspect of "the fruitage of the spirit." (Gal. 5:22) Further, obeying God's commands strengthens our faith. For instance, we might apply ourselves to having an increased share in the preaching work. That will likely produce in us a deep happiness. And as we reflect on the blessings that come from "seeking first the kingdom and [God's]
righteousness," our faith will grow. -Matt. 6:33.
Jesus is not the mediator of prayer at 1 Timothy 2:5? Yet the WTS teaches that Jesus is not the mediator for the non-anointed.
http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/mediator.htm
Increase share means DO MORE.
likely means that there is no guarantee of happiness.
"Pursue ... Love"
Q 12, 13. (a) What is Jesus' new commandment'! (b) In what important ways must we pursue Christlike love?
12. Read 1 Timothy 5:1,2. Paul gave practical counsel on how Christians can show love for one another. Our godly devotion must include obedience to Jesus' new commandment to ((love one another!! as he loved us. (John 13:34) The apostle John pointed out: "Whoever has this world's means for supporting life and beholds his brother having need and yet shuts the door of his tender compassions upon him, in what way does the love of God remain in him?" (1 John 3: 17) Can you think of occasions when you have displayed love in a practical way?
Can you command love? Did Jesus disfellowship Peter for denying him 3 times, put him on restrictions for a year?
What practical ways does the WTS encourage, helping non-jws, but only by "preaching"?
13. Another way in which we pursue love is by being forgiving, not nursing grudges against our brothers. (Read 1 John 4:20.) Rather, we want to follow this inspired counsel: "Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also." (Col. 3:13) Is there someone in the congregation toward whom you could apply this counsel? Will you forgive him or her?
Is it forgiving to disfellowship some and not others for the same "sin"? Can the elders read minds or hearts?
Colossians 3:13--was "Jehovah" in the original Greek manuscript? Paul was not quoting from the OT.
"Pursue ... Endurance"
Q 14. 'What can we learn from the congregation in Philadelphia?
14. It is one thing to exert ourselves toward a short-term goal but quite another matter when the goal is difficult to reach or further away than we expected. Clearly, pursuing the goal of everlasting life requires endurance. "Because you kept what I said about endurance, I will also keep you from the hour of test:' the Lord Jesus told the congregation in Philadelphia. (Rev. 3:10; ftn.) Indeed, Jesus taught about the need for endurance-a quality that heips us not to give up when facing trials and temptations. The brothers in the first-century congregation in Philadelphia must have shown exemplary endurance through many tests of faith. Thus, Jesus assured them of further help during a greater test to come.-Luke 16:10.
CARROT--everlasting life
Is the "goal...further away than we (WTS or rank and file) expected? 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940's, 1975, 1984, 1994, to be yanked away in
1995 and replaced with promises of "soon."?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah's_Witnesses
http://www.towerwatch.com/Witnesses/Prophecies/failed_prophecies.htm
Q 15. What did Jesus teach about endurance?
15. Jesus knew that his followers would face hatred from unbelieving relatives and the world in general, so on at least two occasions, he encouraged them in this way: "He that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved." (Matt. 10:22; 24:13) Jesus also showed how at that time his disciples could get the needed strength to endure. In one illustration, he likened rocky soil to individuals who "receive [God's] word with
joy" but fall away when faced with tests of faith. However, he likened his faithful followers to fine soil in that they "retain" the word of God and "bear
fruit with endurance." -Luke 8:13,15.
What is hatred? jws are taught to expect resistance from their relatives. But is that hatred?
Unbelieving means everyone who is not a jw, including people who read the Bible, follow Christ.
The WTS is telling the rank and file that the end is not soon by focusing on endurance. If a member of the WTS had been alive in 1879, they
would have been enduring for 129 years, and would have been told that 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925.............was the end.
Q 16. What loving provision has helped millions to endure?
16 Did you notice the secret to endurance? We must "retain" God's word, keeping it alive in our hearts and minds. Having the New World
Translation of the Holy Scriptures -an accurate, easy-to-read translation of the Bible-available in more and more languages has made it convenient and possible to do so. Our meditating on a portion of God's Word every day will help us to find the needed strength to keep on bearing fruit "with endurance."-Ps.1:1,2.
In a not too subtle way, the WTS is saying that the NWT is the only "true" Bible and really the only one the rank and file should read. Try taking
another translation to a jw meeting and see the elders talk to you about it.
So what is more valuable, the bible or WTS publications? What would a jw prefer having in their prison cell?
"Pursue ... Mildness of Temper" and Peace
Q 17. (a) Why is "mildness of temper" so important? (b) How did Jesus show that he was mild-tempered? [/b]
17. No one enjoys being accused of something he has not said or done. Angry denial is a common way for humans to react to unjust criticism. How much better it is to show "mildness of temper"! (Read Proverbs 15:1.) It takes great strength to be mild when dealing with unjust criticism. Jesus Christ set a perfect example in this. "When he was being reviled, he did not go reviling in return. When he was suffering, he did not go threatening, but kept on committing himself to the one who judges righteously." (1Pet. 2:23) We cannot expect to do as well as Jesus did in this
regard, but can we work at improving the extent to which we show mildness of temper?
Do "apostates" unjustly criticize the WTS?
child abuse
association with the UN
allowing the use of blood products made with stored blood (hemoglobin-based)
Q 18. (a) What good does mildness of temper accomplish? (b) What other quality are we urged to pursue?
18. In imitation of Jesus, may we be "always ready to make a defence" of our beliefs, "doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect." (1 Pet. 3:15) Yes, our having mildness of temper can prevent differences of opinion from escalating into heated arguments, both with people we meet in our ministry and with fellow believers. (2 Tim. 2:24, 25) Mildness is conducive to our enjoyment of peace. Perhaps that is why Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, listed "peace" among qualities to pursue. (2 Tim. 2: 22; compare 1 Timothy 6:11.) Yes, "peace" is another quality that the Scriptures encourage us to pursue.-Ps. 34:14; Heb. 12:14.
Only jws are fellow believers and some of those are "questionable."
Q 19. After considering seven Christian qualities, what are you determined to pursue, and why?
19 We have touched on seven Christian qualities that we are encouraged to pursue -righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance, mildness of temper, and peace. What a blessing it is in every congregation when brothers and sisters exert themselves to display even more fully these precious qualities! This will honor Jehovah and allow him to mold each of us to his praise.
Only other jws are to be considered brothers and sisters.
Thoughts for Meditation
·What is involved in pursuing righteousness and godly devotion?
·What will help us to pursue faith and endurance?
·How should love affect our dealings with one another?
·Why do we need to pursue mildness and peace?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Is the end near? How much longer can jws "endure"? Do jws show any more love to their fellow jws than Lutherans, LDS, Catholics show to fellow members? If disaster strikes will a jw be coming to help you? Next week, ACCEPT JEHOVAH'S AUTHORITY, which really means accept the WTS authority.
Love, Blondie