Comments You Will Not Hear at the 07-11-10 WT Study (MAY 15, 2010, pages 12-16)(WOMEN SUBMIT)
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WOMEN, WHY SUBMIT TO HEADSHIP? "The head of a woman is the man." — 1 Cor. 11:3.
OPENING COMMENTS
With single, divorced, and widowed women, who were their heads? They had no husbands. Do the elders function as substitute husbands, making decisions for their personal lives in ways they do not for men in the congregation?
START OF ARTICLE 1, 2. (a) What did the apostle Paul write about Jehovah's arrangement of headship and subjection? (b) What questions will be considered in this article?
JEHOVAH has established the orderly sequence that the apostle Paul mentioned when he wrote that "the head of every man is the Christ" and "the head of the Christ is God." (1 Cor. 11:3) The preceding article noted that Jesus considered it a privilege and a joy to be in subjection to his Head, Jehovah God, and that Christian men have Christ as their head. Christ was kind, gentle, compassionate, and unselfish when dealing with people. Men in the congregation need to be that way toward others, especially their wives.
2 What, though, about women? Who is their head? "The head of a woman is the man," wrote Paul. How should women view this inspired statement? Does the principle still apply when the husband is an unbeliever? Does submission to man's headship require that the wife be a silent partner in marriage, having no say when decisions are made? In what way does a woman procure praise for herself?
COMMENTS
Why insert the adjective “orderly”? Does orderly = loving? Were Jesus’ followers to be known for their orderliness?
Remember that Jesus was in subjection to a perfect person….that could be considered a privilege and a joy…but subjection to an imperfect person is fraught with pain and reminders of being “weak” and below those demanding “double” honor.
The head of the woman = husband; but where does that place single, divorced, and widowed women in this “orderly” sequence. What man is their head?
What does the WTS mean by “silent partner”? Being able to speak when the husband allows it? Being able to make the decision ever? Isn’t it more like being treated like children with less intelligence and wisdom than the husband?
So women are not to reflect God’s glory?
Was woman created in God’s image?
*** w94 4/1 p. 25 How Can Man Be in God’s Image? ***
GOD proceeded to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.” So says the inspired record, but what does it mean? How were the first man and woman created in God’s image?—Genesis 1:27.
*** w86 9/15 p. 28 The God of the “Old Testament”—Is He a God of Love? ***
Later, when he created the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, he made them “in his image,” that is to say, he endowed them with such godly qualities as love, justice, wisdom, and power
*** w60 11/1 p. 652 par. 11 Marriage in Paradise ***
For this reason the paradise of Eden was the place of the perfect marriage, between the perfect man created in God’s image and likeness and the perfect woman who could faithfully reflect man’s perfect glory, to God’s praise.
*** w51 9/1 p. 543 Questions From Readers ***
If not a congregational meeting, does a husband-and-wife relationship exist for her to show recognition to his headship, if he is present? If yes, then she should have her head covered. She would not show this sign of subjection to another woman’s husband. Nor would a single sister or widow show this sign of subjection to another woman’s husband. Such unmarried sisters have no male head as does a married woman. The only time the single sister would concern herself about a head-covering is when she comes under congregational conditions calling for it.
*** it-2 p. 285 Lydia ***
Later, at Philippi in Macedonia, Lydia sold purple, either the dye or garments and fabrics colored therewith. It appears that she was the head of her household (this could include slaves and servants), and therefore, she was possibly widowed or single.—Ac 16:14, 15.
"I Am Going to Make a Helper for Him" 3, 4. Why is the headship arrangement in marriage beneficial? 3 The headship arrangement is of divine origin. After Adam was created, Jehovah God went on to say: "It is not good for the man to continue by himself. I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him." Following Eve's creation, Adam was so delighted at having a companion and helper that he said: "This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." (Gen. 2:18-24) Adam and Eve had the marvelous prospect of becoming the father and mother of an entire human race of perfect people, who would live forever in happiness in a global paradise.
4 Because of the rebellion of our first parents, the perfect situation in the garden of Eden was lost. (Read Romans 5:12.) But the headship arrangement remained in effect. When properly followed, it brings great benefit and happiness in marriage. The result becomes similar to how Jesus felt about being in subjection to his Head, Jehovah. In his prehuman existence, Jesus was "glad before [Jehovah] all the time." (Prov. 8:30) Because of imperfection, men are no longer capable of being perfect heads, nor are women able to demonstrate perfect subjection. When husbands and wives continue to work at doing the best they can, however, the arrangement results in the greatest possible contentment in marriage at this time.
COMMENTS
What does the word complement mean? To make complete; if so then Adam was incomplete. Without Eve how could he have fathered the human race? How then was Eve secondary or below Adam?
com·ple·ment n.
1. a. Something that completes, makes up a whole, or brings to perfection.
CARROT: Live forever…paradise
Rebellion included both Adam and Eve; have you ever heard jws blame Eve exclusively?
When properly followed….if Adam and Eve are now imperfect, how can anything be “properly” followed?
Best they can---comments like “they’re imperfect” meaning you can’t ask or expect changes.
But what are women told to do when husbands abuse them…to stay with them or risk congregation censure?
***w07 2/15 p. 20 par. 12 Wives—Deeply Respect Y our Husbands***
Similarly, Peter indicated that some unbelieving husbands—even those who are abusive—will become Christians after observing the submissive conduct of their wives.
***w71 4/1 p. 202 par. 8 Uniting the Divided Household***
I the unbeliever is opposed, the believer needs to endure even under abuse and persecution.
***w66 7/15 p. 434 par. 16 Be Long-suffering Toward All***
Some wives have suffered the abuse of their unbelieving husbands for ten, twelve, sixteen and more years, finally to have their husbands come into the way of life.
---------------------------------------------
And have you heard Malachi 2:16 misapplied---hated a divorcing---notice how the WTS finally “clarifies” their position.
***w08 4/15 p. 17 par. 3 Marriage and Parenthood in This Time of the End***
Since marriage is a sacred arrangement, divorce is not to be taken lightly. In fact, God’s Word states that Jehovah hates a divorce that has no Scriptural basis.—ReadMalachi2:13-16;3:6.
5. Why should marriage mates take to heart the counsel found at Romans 12:10?
5 Crucial to the success of a marriage is that the marriage mates apply this Scriptural counsel meant for all Christians: "In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another take the lead." (Rom. 12:10) Also, both husband and wife should work hard to "become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another." — Eph. 4:32.
COMMENTS
“counsel” meant for ALL “Christians”…in showing honor to one another take the lead
What a concept, a husband showing honor to his wife?
When the Mate Is Not a Believer
6, 7. What may be the result if a Christian wife is in subjection to an unbelieving husband?
6 What if your marriage mate is not a servant of Jehovah? Often, it is the husband who is not a believer. In this case, how should the wife treat him? The Bible answers: "You wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect." — 1 Pet. 3:1, 2.
7 God's Word tells the wife to maintain a submissive attitude toward the unbelieving husband. Her good conduct can influence him to consider what it is that motivates her to behave in such a fine manner. As a result, the husband may look into the beliefs of his Christian wife and eventually accept the truth himself.
COMMENTS
Not a believer = not a jw
Christian wife = jw, servant of Jehovah
Often husband not believer—why because it is mostly female jws going from door to door, during the day, and women more likely answer the door. What if more male jws went door to door, in the evenings, and asked for the “man of the house” when the women came to the door?
How many congregations have their elders cultivate friendships with non-jw husbands with the view of making converts?
Should jw wives stay with abusive husbands? What does the “slave” say?
*** w83 3/15 p. 28 Honor Godly Marriage! ***
In some cases there may be verbal and physical abuse, threats and beatings. But does this mean that the Christian marriage mate should leave the unbeliever? The apostle Paul counsels: “A wife should not depart from her husband; but if she should actually depart, let her remain unmarried or else make up again with her husband; and a husband should not leave his wife.” As Paul points out, preserving the marriage will be to the spiritual benefit of any children. In a practical way, also, it may be to the material benefit of the believing parent and children.
Prayer can help a Christian wife
to display Godly qualities
8, 9. What can a Christian wife do if her unbelieving husband does not respond favorably to her fineconduct? 8 What, though, if the unbelieving husband does not respond favorably? The Scriptures encourage the believing wife to display Christian qualities at all times, however difficult this may be. For example, we read at 1 Corinthians 13:4: "Love is long-suffering." The Christian wife does well, then, to continue to behave "with complete lowliness of mind and mildness, with long-suffering," putting up with the situation in love. (Eph. 4:2) With the help of God's active force — his holy spirit — it is possible to maintain Christian qualities even under difficult circumstances.
COMMENTS
Should all Christians strive to display Christian qualities at all times! This is presupposing she hasn’t already been doing this, that someone her actions are the cause.
I have know many elder bodies that cannot show this qualities and they are fighting with each other all the time, and they don’t live under the same roof.
9 "For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me," wrote Paul. (Phil. 4:13) God's spirit enables the Christian mate to do many things that would not be possible otherwise. For example, harsh treatment by one's spouse may make it tempting for one to retaliate. However, the Bible tells all Christians: "Return evil for evil to no one. . . . For it is written: 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.'" (Rom. 12:17-19) Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 5:15 counsels us: "See that no one renders injury for injury to anyone else, but always pursue what is good toward one another and to all others." With the backing of Jehovah's holy spirit, what is impossible in our own strength becomes possible. How appropriate that we pray for God's holy spirit to provide what we lack!
COMMENTS
Doesn’t God’s spirit enable all Christians at any time?
Harsh treatment by one’s husband—slapping, hitting, kicking, tossing to the ground, punching—some but few women would retaliate against a physically stronger spouse. How would she protect herself and her children that witness this?
How many people endure physical and verbal, even sexual abuse, in the same place, their home, that should be a place of safety?
10. How did Jesus handle the unkind words and actions of others?10 Jesus set an outstanding example in dealing with those who said or did unpleasant things to him. "When he was being reviled," states 1 Peter 2:23, "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." We are exhorted to follow his fine example. Do not be provoked by the bad behavior of others. As all Christians are admonished, be "tenderly compassionate, humble in mind, not paying back injury for injury or reviling for reviling." — 1 Pet. 3:8, 9.
COMMENTS
But Jesus had a place of safety to go to surrounded by people who loved and respected him. Jesus also knew he would only be the Messiah on earth for 3 ½ years, whereas women have a lifetime to face of being reviled.
But Jesus was not silent in talking to the Pharisees.
(Matthew 23:13-36) 13 “Woe to YOU, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because YOU shut up the kingdom of the heavens before men; for YOU yourselves do not go in, neither do YOU permit those on their way in to go in. 14 —— 15 “Woe to YOU, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because YOU traverse sea and dry land to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one YOU make him a subject for Ge·hen′na twice as much so as yourselves. 16 “Woe to YOU, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is under obligation.’ 17 Fools and blind ones! Which, in fact, is greater, the gold or the temple that has sanctified the gold? 18 Also, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is under obligation.’ 19 Blind ones! Which, in fact, is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? 20 Therefore he that swears by the altar is swearing by it and by all the things on it; 21 and he that swears by the temple is swearing by it and by him that is inhabiting it; 22 and he that swears by heaven is swearing by the throne of God and by him that is sitting on it. 23 “Woe to YOU, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because YOU give the tenth of the mint and the dill and the cumin, but YOU have disregarded the weightier matters of the Law, namely, justice and mercy and faithfulness. These things it was binding to do, yet not to disregard the other things. 24 Blind guides, who strain out the gnat but gulp down the camel! 25 “Woe to YOU, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because YOU cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of plunder and immoderateness. 26 Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the dish, that the outside of it also may become clean. 27 “Woe to YOU, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because YOU resemble whitewashed graves, which outwardly indeed appear beautiful but inside are full of dead men’s bones and of every sort of uncleanness. 28 In that way YOU also, outwardly indeed, appear righteous to men, but inside YOU are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 29 “Woe to YOU, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because YOU build the graves of the prophets and decorate the memorial tombs of the righteous ones, 30 and YOU say, ‘If we were in the days of our forefathers, we would not be sharers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ 31 Therefore YOU are bearing witness against yourselves that YOU are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Well, then, fill up the measure of YOUR forefathers. 33 “Serpents, offspring of vipers, how are YOU to flee from the judgment of Ge·hen′na?
Only Silent Partners? 11. In what great privilege will some Christian women have a share?
11 Does submission to a husband's headship mean that women are silent partners in marriage, having no voice in family matters or other subjects? Not at all. Women as well as men are given many privileges by Jehovah. Just think of the great honor that 144,000 individuals have in being kings and priests in heaven under Christ when he rules over this earth! That number includes women. (Gal. 3:26-29) Obviously, Jehovah has given women an active role in his arrangement of things.
COMMENTS
So the anointed, who will be kings and priests in heaven, include women. How many women? Look around the kingdom halls of jws, how many women are there compared to men? More than 50%. But is it as one elder told me that they will only rule over and help women on earth, not men? Or as one told me that they will no longer be women in heaven because there is no physical/sexual gender in heaven?
But they do sidestep whether women on earth will exercise similar privileges as they will in heaven.
12, 13. Give an example to show that women prophesied.12 In Bible times, for example, women prophesied. Joel 2:28, 29 foretold: "I shall pour out my spirit on every sort of flesh, and your sons and your daughters will certainly prophesy. . . . Even on the menservants and on the maidservants in those days I shall pour out my spirit."
COMMENTS
Women prophesied in the OT…but who? What is the WTS definition of prophesy?
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/jehovahs-prophet.php
All these women were not silent or second class worshippers but had a public and active part on earth.
Isaiah’s wife was called a prophetess.
(Isaiah 8:3) . . .Then I went near to the prophetess, and she came to be pregnant and in time gave birth to a son.. . .
Miriam prophesied and her words were recorded in the Bible…so did she write part of the bible?
(Exodus 15:20-21) . . .And Mir′i·am the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, proceeded to take a tambourine in her hand; and all the women began going out with her with tambourines and in dances. 21 And Mir′i·am kept responding to the men: “Sing to Jehovah, for he has become highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has pitched into the sea.”
Huldah prophesied.
***w02 12/15 p. 22 Are You Acquainted With Shaphan and His Family?***
Huldah—An Influential Prophetess
Upon hearing the reading of “the very book of the law” found in the temple, King Josiah ordered Shaphan and four other high-ranking officials to “inquire of Jehovah” about the book. (2 Kings 22:8-20) Where could the delegation find the answer? Jeremiah and possibly Nahum and Zephaniah, all prophets and Bible writers, lived in Judah at the time. The delegation, however, approached Huldah the prophetess.
The book Jerusalem—AnArchaeologicalBiography comments: “The remarkable thing about this episode is that the male-female aspect of the story was completely unremarked. No one considered it the least bit inappropriate that an all-male committee took the Scroll of the Law to a woman to determine its status. When she declared it the word of the Lord, no one questioned her authority to determine the issue. This episode is often overlooked by scholars assessing the role of women in ancient Israel.” Of course, the message received was from Jehovah.
Anna who met Jesus as a baby in the temple.
(Luke 2:36-37) . . .Now there was Anna a prophetess, Phan′u·el’s daughter, of Ash′er’s tribe (this woman was well along in years, and had lived with a husband for seven years from her virginity, 37 and she was a widow now eighty-four years old), who was never missing from the temple, rendering sacred service night and day with fastings and supplications.
In Nehemiah’s day, Noadiah.
(Nehemiah 6:14) . . .Do remember, O my God, To·bi′ah and San·bal′lat, according to these deeds of [each] one, and also No·a·di′ah the prophetess and the rest of the prophets that were continually trying to make me afraid.
Philip’s four daughters prophesied.
(Acts 21:8-9) . . .The next day we set out and arrived in Caes·a·re′a, and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelizer, who was one of the seven men, and we stayed with him. 9 This man had four daughters, virgins, that prophesied.
Deborah who judged Israel.
(Judges 4:4) . . .Now Deb′o·rah, a prophetess, the wife of Lap′pi·doth, was judging Israel at that particular time.
13 Some 120 disciples of Jesus who were gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost in 33 C.E. included women as well as men. God's spirit was poured out on this entire group. Peter could therefore quote what the prophet Joel had foretold and apply it to men and women alike. Peter stated: "This is what was said through the prophet Joel, 'And in the last days,' God says, 'I shall pour out some of my spirit upon every sort of flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy . . . ; and even upon my men slaves and upon my women slaves I will pour out some of my spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.'" — Acts 2:16-18.
COMMENTS
Some 120…. (Acts 1:15) . . .about one hundred and twenty). . .Did you know that in the bible they did not take a head count in an anal fashion…about was fine.
With the ratio of men to women today in most congregations, women were not only included but were possible more than 50%. Do you think that they received less holy spirit than the men?
Also, what was the timing of this scripture. There is a reason there is an ellipsis (…) in this paragraph. So it’s in the LAST DAYS, not the last days of the first century, so people today in the WT “last days” would prophesy.
(Acts 2:16-21) 16 On the contrary, this is what was said through the prophet Joel, 17 ‘“And in the last days,” God says, “I shall pour out some of my spirit upon every sort of flesh, and YOUR sons and YOUR daughters will prophesy and YOUR young men will see visions and YOUR old men will dream dreams; 18 and even upon my men slaves and upon my women slaves I will pour out some of my spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 And I will give portents in heaven above and signs on earth below, blood and fire and smoke mist; 20 the sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and illustrious day of Jehovah arrives. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”’
Jehovah values the part women play
in advancing Kingdom interests (how many women are allowed to do construction work except sweeping and cleaning…don’t tell me you did, so did I, but most were not allowed unless they had a real skill, and a father or husband who were elders)
14. What part did women play in the spread of early Christianity?14 In the first century, women played a significant part in spreading Christianity. They preached to others about God's Kingdom and did things related to that preaching work. (Luke 8:1-3) For example, the apostle Paul called Phoebe "a minister of the congregation that is in Cenchreae." And in sending greetings to fellow workers, Paul mentioned a number of faithful women, including "Tryphaena and Tryphosa, women who are working hard in the Lord." He also noted "Persis our beloved one, for she performed many labors in the Lord." — Rom. 16:1, 12.
COMMENTS
Women have always played a significant part because of numbers and the men are too busy in “administrative” duties. They cherry pick the male calls that the women find. Other men feel that giving talks is the same as having a one-on-one study.15. What part do women play in the spread of Christianity in our time?15 In our time, a large part of the more than seven million people preaching the good news of God's Kingdom throughout the world are women of all ages. (Matt. 24:14) Many of them are full-time ministers, missionaries, and members of Bethel families. The psalmist David sang: "Jehovah himself gives the saying; the women telling the good news are a large army." (Ps. 68:11) How true these words have proved to be! Jehovah values the part women play in declaring the good news and accomplishing his purposes. His requirement that Christian women be in submission surely does not mean silent subjection.
COMMENTS
Seven million people—only jws and at least ½ women
Large army—I wonder how many men will joke before, during, and after the meeting about the “ARMY OF LARGE WOMEN” hahaha, not. (I see that song doesn’t seem to be in the most recent songbook)
Christian women—only jws
So did Jesus commission his followers to be preachers/teachers or administrators?
Two Women Who Spoke Up
16, 17. How does Sarah's example show that women are not to be silent partners in marriage?16 If Jehovah grants women many privileges, should not husbands consult their wives before making serious decisions? It would be wisdom on their part to do so. The Scriptures mention several incidents in which wives spoke or acted even without their views being solicited by their husbands. Consider two cases.
COMMENTS
Consult their wives…serious decisions…but does that mean they have to listen?
17 Sarah, the wife of the patriarch Abraham, kept on telling him to dismiss his secondary wife and her son because of their lack of respect. "The thing proved to be very displeasing to Abraham" — but not to God. Jehovah told Abraham: "Do not let anything that Sarah keeps saying to you be displeasing to you about the boy and about your slave girl. Listen to her voice." (Gen. 21:8-12) Abraham obeyed Jehovah, listened to Sarah, and did what she requested.
COMMENTS
OT—Sarah “kept on telling him” she didn’t just ask once and Abraham ignored her request. It wasn’t until GOD told him to do it, he did. He was not listening to Sarah but God. Does God have to request a jw husband to do something his wife asks before he will do it?
18. What initiative did Abigail take?18 Think also of Abigail, the wife of Nabal. When David was fleeing from jealous King Saul, he spent time encamped near Nabal's flocks. Instead of taking any of this wealthy man's many possessions, David and his men protected his property. However, Nabal "was harsh and bad in his practices," and he "screamed rebukes" at David's men. He was a "good-for-nothing man," and 'senselessness was with him.' When David's men respectfully asked for some provisions, Nabal refused. How did Abigail respond when she heard what had happened? Without telling Nabal, she "hastened and took two hundred loaves of bread and two large jars of wine and five sheep dressed and five seah measures of roasted grain and a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs" and gave them to David and his men. Did Abigail do what was right? "Jehovah struck Nabal," states the Bible, "so that he died." David later married Abigail. — 1 Sam. 25:3, 14-19, 23-25, 38-42.
COMMENTS
OT—Abigail’s husband ‘SCREAMED REBUKES’. Good for nothing, senseless. WITHOUT TELLING NABAL.
Remember, Nabal was not an “unbeliever” but was from the tribe of Judah.
*** it-2 p. 457 Nabal ***
Nabal was also known as a Calebite, that is, a descendant of Caleb.
Now remember the previous paragraph saying that the solution was to be a thoroughly Christian wife and not to be a disobedient wife? If a jw wife did this today, how would the elders handle it…she’d be in the backroom being adjusted for disobeying her jw husband.
'The Woman Who Procures Praise'19, 20. What makes a woman truly praiseworthy?19 The Scriptures commend the wife who does things Jehovah's way. The Bible book of Proverbs praises "a capable wife," saying: "Her value is far more than that of corals. In her the heart of her owner has put trust, and there is no gain lacking. She has rewarded him with good, and not bad, all the days of her life." Moreover, "her mouth she has opened in wisdom, and the law of loving-kindness is upon her tongue. She is watching over the goings-on of her household, and the bread of laziness she does not eat. Her sons have risen up and proceeded to pronounce her happy; her owner rises up, and he praises her." — Prov. 31:10-12, 26-28.
COMMENTS
So were Sarah and Abigail wives, after all they nagged and disobeyed their husbands? Do men value the work women do and their intelligence.
20 What makes a woman truly praiseworthy? "Charm may be false, and prettiness may be vain," states Proverbs 31:30, "but the woman that fears Jehovah is the one that procures praise for herself." Included in the fear of Jehovah is the need to submit willingly to the divine arrangement of headship. "The head of a woman is the man," just as "the head of every man is the Christ," and "the head of the Christ is God." — 1 Cor. 11:3.
COMMENTS
The bible does not say that appearance is the key but how many single jw men look for women based on their appearance?
Submit willingly to headship, which should be true of men and women. Once again who is the head of a single, divorced, widowed woman?
Be Grateful for God's Gift 21, 22. (a) What reasons do wedded Christians have for being grateful for God's gift of marriage? (b) Why should we show respect for Jehovah's arrangements for authority and headship? (See box on page 17.)21 Christians joined in wedlock have so many reasons to express gratitude to God! They can walk hand in hand as a happily married couple. Especially can they be thankful for God's blessed gift of marriage because it affords them the opportunity to blend their lives and walk with Jehovah. (Ruth 1:9; Mic. 6:8) He — the Originator of marriage — knows exactly what is required for marital happiness. Always do things his way, and 'the joy of Jehovah will be your stronghold,' even in today's troubled world. — Neh. 8:10.
COMMENTS
Christians—only jws
How many jws in your age group are still married? Less than 40% in mine and adding to it every day.
22 A Christian husband who loves his wife as he does himself will exercise tender, considerate headship. His godly wife will be truly lovable, for she will be supportive and will show him deep respect. Most important of all, their exemplary marriage will honor our praiseworthy God, Jehovah.
COMMENTS
Is headship the same as rulership? Is it slavery, is it like this man? Remember the man could go free but not his wife and sons, they had to remain as slaves.
***w05 3/15 pp. 15-16 par. 2“You Were Bought With a Price”***
But the regulations concerning the treatment of slaves were so fair and humane that the Law of Moses made the following provision: “If the slave should insistently say, ‘I really love my master, my wife and my sons; I do not want to go out as one set free,’ then his master must bring him near to the true God and must bring him up against the door or the doorpost; and his master must pierce his ear through with an awl, and he must be his slave to time indefinite.”—Exodus 21:2-6; Leviticus 25:42, 43; Deuteronomy 15:12-18.
Why Show Respect for Authority?Jehovah has established among intelligent creatures arrangements for authority and headship. This has been done for the good both of spirit creatures and of humans. It affords them opportunities to exercise their free will and to honor God by serving him in a unified, harmonious way. — Ps. 133:1.The congregation of anointed Christians recognizes the authority and headship of Jesus Christ. (Eph. 1:22, 23) In recognition of Jehovah's authority, eventually "the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone." (1 Cor. 15:27, 28) How fitting it is, then, that humans dedicated to God cooperate with the headship arrangement within the congregation and in the family! (1 Cor. 11:3; Heb. 13:17) By doing so, we benefit ourselves as recipients of Jehovah's approval and blessing. — Isa. 48:17.
COMMENTS
So who is it more important to obey, Jesus and God, or the governing body, per the WTS.
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/directed-by-holy-spirit.php
Do You Recall? • What is Jehovah's arrangement of headship and subjection?
• Why should marriage mates honor each other?
• How should a believing wife treat her unbelieving mate?
• Why should husbands consult their wives before making serious decisions?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, July 18, 2010, “Brothers—Sow to the Spirit and Reach Out!” When my husband was an elder, the CO told him that the WTS was losing 25% of the elders every year. Do you think that they are getting that many new elders to replace them. What about your congregation, have they had to import elders, reinstate elders that are no more qualified then when they stepped down, appoint brothers they would not touched with a 10-foot pole 10 years ago?
Love, Blondie