Comments You Will Not Hear at the 09-19-10 WT Study (JULY 15, 2010, pages 16-20)(HARVEST)
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H AVE A F ULL S HARE IN
THE G REAT S PIRITUAL H ARVEST
‘ Have plenty to do in the work of the Lord. ’ —1 COR. 15:58.
OPENING COMMENTS
What does the WTS mean by “full share”?
In Russell’s time, who were they harvesting and how long was that period (1874-1914, 40 years)?
START OF ARTICLE
1. What invitation did Jesus extend to his disciples?
WHILE traveling through the region of
Samaria at the close of 30 C.E., Jesus
paused to rest at a well near the town of Sychar.
There he said to his disciples: “Lift up
your eyes and view the fields, that they are
white for harvesting.” (John 4:35) Jesus was
referring, not to a literal harvest, but to a
spiritual ingathering of righthearted individuals
who would become his followers.
His words were, in effect, a call to action.
There was much work to be done and only a
brief space of time in which to accomplish
it!
COMMENTS
What does the WTS mean by “righthearted”? Another word not in the bible.
Jesus’ followers – no mention of being Jehovah’s witnesses
· Acts 1:8, Witnesses of Jesus
· 1 Cor. 1:6, even as the witness about the Christ has been rendered firm among YOU,
· Revelation 12:17 to wage war with the remaining ones of her seed, who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.
· Revelation 17:6 And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the holy ones and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus.
What was the brief space of time that Jesus had in mind for 1 st century Christians? 33 C.E. to 70 C.E., 37 years.
What has been the brief space of time for jws---1879 to 2010, almost 131 years.
Does the WTS teach that 144,000 were gathered by 100 A.D.? Professed Christians?
*** w521/15 p. 62 Questions From Readers***
? Accordingtothearticle“HatedforHisName”intheSeptember1,1951,Watchtower,hundredsofthousandsofChristiansdiedinthe“tenpersecutions”startinginNero’stime,144,000dyinginEgyptaloneduringoneofthepersecutions.HowcanthisbeharmonizedwiththeScripturallimitationof144,000placedonthenumberbeinginChrist’sbody,andwhichpositionwastheonlyoneopentoChristiansduringthosecenturies?—J.A.,DominicanRepublic.
The article did not class with any finality the individuals that died during these persecutions, but spoke of the results in a general way. Note that a key qualification was made in the case referred to in the question: “In the province of Egypt alone, 144,000 such professed Christians died by violence in the course of this persecution, in addition to another 700,000 who died as a result of fatigues encountered in banishment or under enforced public works.” The victims are identified as “professed Christians”, not Christians in fact. Many of those persons might have been caught in the wave of persecution, but may never have actually preached the truth or followed in Jesus’ footsteps, being only professed Christians. They knew the world they lived in was rotten and they were listening to the message of the Christians and willing to die for it even though not in line for the high calling in Christ Jesus. Many professed Christians todaymight be willing to die for their faith, but still not be Jesus’ footstep followers and meeting the Scriptural requirements for such.
2, 3. (a) What indicates that we are living in the
harvesttime? (b) What will this article consider?
2 Jesus’ words about a harvest have special
meaning for our day. We live at a time when
the world field of humanity is “white for
harvesting.” Yearly, millions of people receive
the invitation to take in life-giving
truths, and many thousands of new disciples
are baptized. Ours is the privilege to
take part in the greatest harvest of all time,
under the supervision of the Master of
the harvest, Jehovah God. Are you having
“plenty to do” in this harvest work?—1 Cor.
15:58.
COMMENTS
Did Russell expect there still to be harvesting today?
We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226
For instance, as we look back and note that the Scriptures marked 1873 as the end of six thousand years from Adam to the beginning of the seventh thousand, and the fall of 1874 as the beginning of the forty-year harvest of the Gospel age and day of wrath for the overthrow of all the institutions of "this present evil world [or order of affairs],"* we can see that facts have well borne out those predictions of Scripture. Ibid. p. 227
.the full end of the times of the Gentiles, i.e., the full end of their lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that date will be the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men . The Time Is At Hand 1889 p. 76-77.
What is the invitation, who gives it (only jws?), and in what baptism are these new disciples baptized?
3 During his three-and-a-half-year earthly
ministry, Jesus groomed his disciples for
their role as harvest workers. This article will
consider three of the many important lessons
that Jesus taught his disciples. Each lesson
highlights a quality that is of great value
to us as we strive to do our best in the
modern-day ingathering of disciples. Let us
consider these qualities one at a time.
COMMENTS
Who did the early Christians first “harvest”?
According to Russell the harvest ended in 1914….why does it continue today?
Humility Is Essential
4. How did Jesus illustrate the importance of humility?
4 Picture the scene: The disciples have just
argued about who is the greatest. Feelings of
distrust and ill will are likely still visible on
their faces. So Jesus calls a young child to
stand in their midst. Focusing attention on
the small figure, he says: “Whoever will
humble himself [or, “whoever makes himself
small,” Byington] like this young child is
the one that is the greatest in the kingdom
of the heavens.” (Read Matthew 18:1-4.) Instead
of thinking like the world, which measures
a person by his power, wealth, and position,
the disciples needed to understand
that their greatness depended on ‘making
themselves small’ in the eyes of others. Jehovah
would bless them and use them only if
they showed true humility.
COMMENTS
What does the WTS mean “make themselves small” (makes himself small)?
Why does the WTS bypass the NWT and use Byington’s translation? Is the NWT deficient? http://www.freeminds.org/doctrine/bible/who-was-steven-t.-byington.html
What does the scripture say in the NWT?
Matthew 18:4 whoever will humble himself like this young child (NWT)
http://205.134.162.24/downloads/1972_Byington_Bible_in_Living_English.pdf
Are the governing body members humble? Can you imagine them washing your feet?
5, 6. Why must you be humble in order to have a
full share in the harvest work? Illustrate .
5 To this day, many in the world dedicate
their lives to the pursuit of power, wealth,
and position. As a result, they have little or
no time for spiritual interests. (Matt. 13:22)
In contrast, Jehovah’s people are happy to
‘make themselves small’ in the eyes of others
in order to win the blessing and approval
of the Master of the harvest.—Matt. 6:24;
2 Cor.11:7; Phil. 3:8.
COMMENTS
“many in the world” = power, wealth, position; what about people at the KH? I remember the brother that had been an MS for ten years and no move was made to appoint him an elder. His wife was frustrated and quit her job and regular pioneered (something she had never done in her life). Hubbie was appointed an elder and she quit pioneering and went back to her lucrative job.
So many men at the KH when they met us for the first time had to let us know that they were an elder or MS, what their “privileges” were. Not one told us they were a pioneer. How many men are willing to make themselves small to be regular pioneers in congregations? The largest number I ever say was during the Vietnam era because they wanted to avoid being drafted or going to prison.
I know many non-jws that have spiritual interests, that have home bible study groups, go door to door inviting people to come to their church.
6 Consider the example of Francisco, who
serves as an elder in South America. As a
young man, he quit the university to become
a pioneer. “When I later got engaged
to be married,” he recalls, “I could have
found a job that would have brought my
wife and me greater financial security. Instead,
we decided to simplify our lives and
continue together in the full-time service.
Later, children came along, and the challenges
increased. But Jehovah helped us
stick to our decision.” Francisco concludes:
“For more than 30 years, I have enjoyed the
privilege of serving as an elder, in addition to
many other special assignments. Never for a
moment have we regretted living a simple
life.”
COMMENTS
Brownie point: quit the university to be a pioneer
Not so good: he married but
Brownie point: he and his wife BOTH pioneered
Not so good: children came along (never heard of birth control I guess)
???Did he and his continue as pioneers…stick to our decision…what was that?
Humble: 30 years “privilege” as an elder—many special assignments
I know 2 elders that did not quit the university and did not pioneer and still enjoy the “privilege” of being an elder and special assignments….what’s the point?
What does the WTS mean specifically to live a simple life? How little money can they earn, how big a house can they have, are cars out, no travel except to conventions…..?
7. How have you tried to apply the counsel found at
Romans 12:16?
7 If you say no to the “lofty things” of this
world and allow yourself to be “led along
with the lowly things,” you too can expect to
enjoy many additional blessings and privileges
in the harvest work.—Rom.12:16; Matt.
4:19, 20; Luke 18:28-30.
COMMENTS
What about the lofty things in the organization? Who are the lowly things in the congregation? How often do the elders associate with the “lowly”?
From 1975 onward the elders were no longer called servants (under) but overseers (over). Hmmmm…………..
I remember an elder giving a talk about the relationship of the elders to the congregation. He said that Christians were slaves of Christ and that the elders were then slaves of slaves. He was counseled privately for saying that.
***w89 9/15 p. 16 par. 6 Elders—Treat God’s Flock With Tenderness!***
those shouldering responsibility among Jesus’ followers must be their slaves, not their masters;
Diligence Brings Rewards
8, 9. (a) Summarize Jesus’ illustration
of the talents. (b) For whom especially
can this illustration be encouraging?
8 Another quality that we need in order to
have a full share in the harvest work is diligence.
Jesus illustrated this in the parable of
the talents.* That illustration is about a man
who, before traveling abroad, entrusted his
belongings to three slaves. The first and second
slave received five and two talents respectively;
the third, one talent. After their master left, the
first two slaves acted with diligence
and immediately “did business” with
their talents. In contrast, the third slave
was “sluggish.” He buried his talent in the
ground. Upon returning, the man rewarded
the first two slaves by appointing them
“over many things.”He took away the talent
that he had given to the third slave and expelled
that slave from his household.—Matt.
25:14-30.
COMMENTS
How many jws sit out there and think “I’m not doing enough.”
Who does the WTS teach is the third slave?
9 No doubt your heart’s desire is to imitate
the diligent slaves in Jesus’ parable and have
as full a share as possible in the disciple making
work. But what if circumstances severely
limit what you are currently
able to do? Perhaps harsh
economic conditions force you
to work long hours to provide
for your family. Or maybe you
no longer enjoy youthful vigor
and good health. If that is the
case, the parable of the talents
contains an encouraging message
for you.
* The parable of the talents is primarily
about how Jesus deals with his anointed
disciples, but it contains principles
that apply to all Christians.
COMMENTS
Full a share = who judges whether it is full?
Circumstances severely limit = note an “experience” later in this article
Force you to work long hours
No youthful vigor and good health =
Notice that the WTS admits that this applies specifically to anointed Christians but then goes beyond the scriptures and says it applies to all Christians (only jws)
Picture: Humility can help us to lead
a simple life that centers
on Kingdom interests
10. How did the master in the parable of the talents
show reasonableness, and why do you find this encouraging?
10 Note that the master in the parable recognized
that each of his slaves had different
potential. He indicated this when he assigned
talents to “each one according to his
own ability.” (Matt. 25:15) As expected, the
first slave produced significantly more than
the second slave. However, the master recognized
the diligent efforts of both of these
slaves by pronouncing the slaves “good and
faithful” and giving them identical rewards.
(Matt. 25:21, 23) Similarly, the Master of the
harvest, Jehovah God, knows that your circumstances
affect what you are able to do in
his service. He will not fail to recognize your
whole-souled efforts to serve him and reward
you accordingly.—Mark 14:3-9; read
Luke 21:1-4.
COMMENTS
Yes, I am willing to believe that Jesus can see we have different potentials.
But what about those lofty jws who will tell you that you need to live on less (while they live on more).
Identical rewards = yet how many jws have been told they cannot advance until their hours and their family’s hours are higher?
11. Illustrate how diligence in trying circumstances
can result in rich blessings.
11 The example of Selmira, a Christian sister
living in Brazil, shows that being diligent
in God’s service does not depend on having
favorable circumstances in life. Twenty years
ago, Selmira’s husband was gunned down in
a robbery, leaving her with three young children
to rear. Her job as a maid involved working
long hours and making tiring journeys in
packed urban transportation. Despite these
difficulties, she organized her affairs so that
she could serve as a regular pioneer. Two of
her three children later joined her in the pioneer
service. “Over the years, I have studied
the Bible with more than 20 people, and they
have become members of my ‘family,’” she
relates. “To this day, I enjoy their love and
friendship. It is a treasure that money cannot
buy.” The Master of the harvest has certainly
rewarded Selmira’s diligent efforts!
COMMENTS
So was your husband gunned down in a robbery?
Were you left alone to raise 3 small children?
Did you have to work long hours and travel far on public transportation?
So if you add in the meetings and nominal field service, when did she sleep?
How did she specifically and practically arrange her circumstances?
Experiences like this leave jws feeling they have no excuse. Does this woman exist, there is no way to confirm the truthfulness.
12. How can we show diligence in the preaching
work?
12 If current circumstances in life limit the
time that you have available to spend in the
ministry, you could still try to increase your
share in the harvest work by making your
ministry more productive. When you carefully
apply the practical suggestions presented
at the weekly Service Meeting, you will
hone your preaching skills and explore new
witnessing opportunities. (2 Tim. 2:15) Also,
if it is possible, you could reschedule or sacrifice
nonessential activities so that you can
regularly support congregation field service
arrangements.—Col. 4:5.
COMMENTS
Increase share by being more productive………!!!!
Was the second slave told he could have been more productive?
What are nonessential activities
Clean house
Keep car clean and repaired
Laundry
Grocery shopping/cooking/wash dishes
Vacuum, change sheets
Work in garden to save money on food
Keep house in repair
…………………….
So jws are not regularly supporting official meetings for service…I remember those days when people met with a partner and went out in their own territory, elders and MS that did the day’s text, made up car groups, and then disappeared on their own.
13. What is the key to cultivating and maintaining
diligence?
13 Keep in mind that diligence springs
from an appreciative heart. (Ps. 40:8) The
third slave mentioned in Jesus’ parable was
afraid of his master, viewing him as a demanding
and unreasonable person. As a result,
the man buried his talent instead of using
it to increase his master’s belongings. To
avoid a similar negligent attitude, we need to
cultivate and maintain a warm relationship
with the Master of the harvest, Jehovah. Set
aside time to study and meditate on his
appealing qualities—his love, patience, and
mercy. In that way, you will be moved from
the heart to do your best in his service.—Luke
6:45; Phil. 1:9-11.
COMMENTS
Appreciate of God and Jesus or the WTS/GB/FDS?
So the rank and file are not doing their best: doing the pioneer shuffle, the invisible door knock or doorbell ring, the 45 minute (3 hours on slip) morning in service, having not read the offer, not making return visits or coming back so long after you can remember where they live, what they look like, their name.
“You Must Be Holy”
14. What important requirement must be met by
those who want to be harvest workers?
14 Quoting from the Hebrew Scriptures,
the apostle Peter states God’s express will for
his earthly servants, saying: “In accord with
the Holy One who called you, do you also
become holy yourselves in all your conduct,
because it is written: ‘You must be holy, because
I am holy.’” (1 Pet. 1:15, 16; Lev. 19:2;
Deut. 18:13) This statement highlights that
harvest workers need to be morally and spiritually
clean. We can meet that important requirement
by taking steps to be washed clean, figuratively
speaking. How can that be
done? With the help of God’s word of truth.
COMMENTS
Does being holy also mean not gossiping or lying about fellow believers?
Does it mean treating pedophiles the same as murderers in the congregation?
Does it mean telling a wife that she has to forgive her husband because it is harder for men to be true sexually to their mate?
15. The truth of God’s word has the power to do
what in our behalf?
15 God’s word of truth is likened to water
that cleanses. For instance, the apostle
Paul wrote that the congregation of anointed
Christians is clean in the sight of God, like a
chaste bride for Christ, who cleansed it “with
the bath of water by means of the word . . . ,
that it should be holy and without blemish.”
(Eph. 5:25-27) Earlier, Jesus too had spoken
of the cleansing power of the word of God,
which he proclaimed. In speaking to his disciples,
Jesus stated: “You are already clean because
of the word that I have spoken to you.”
(John 15:3) Hence, the truth of God’s word
has power to carry out moral and spiritual
cleansing. Only if we allow God’s truth to
cleanse us in this way will our worship be acceptable
to him.
COMMENTS
God’s word of truth does not mean WT publications.
In 1972 women were told they could not scripturally divorce a husband who was gay or practiced bestiality. In 1983 they reversed that….was their an addition made to the bible?
*** w72 1/1 p.32 Questions From Readers***
While both homosexuality and bestiality are disgusting perversions, in the case of neither one is the marriage tie broken. It is broken only by acts that make an individual “one flesh” with a person of the opposite sex other than his or her legal marriage mate.
*** w83 3/15 p. 30 Honor Godly Marriage!***
So, then, “fornication” in the broad sense, and as used at Matthew 5:32 and 19:9, evidently refers to a broad range of unlawful or illicit sex relations outside marriage. Porneia involves the grossly immoral use of the genital organ(s) of at least one human (whether in a natural or a perverted way); also, there must have been another party to the immorality—a human of either sex, or a beast
*** w83 6/1 p. 25 Maintaining God’s View of Sex***
Surprisingly, some who have become involved in immoral conduct, such as bestiality, did not feel that what they did was really so bad. Yet having sexual connections with an animal is wrong. It is grounds for being disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation.
16. How can we keep ourselves spiritually and morally
clean?
16 Thus, to become workers in God’s harvest,
we first eliminate all morally and spiritually
defiling practices from our life. Yes, in
order to continue to qualify for the privilege
of being a harvest worker, we must be exemplary
in upholding Jehovah’s high moral
and spiritual standards. (Read 1 Peter 1:14-
16.) Just as we give constant attention to our
physical hygiene, so we must regularly submit
to the purifying influence of God’s word
of truth. This involves reading the Bible and
attending Christian meetings. It also means
making a sincere effort to apply God’s reminders
in our life. Doing so will enable us to
combat our own sinful tendencies and resist
the contaminating influences of this world.
(Ps. 119:9; Jas. 1:21-25) Yes, how comforting
it is to know that with the help of God’s word
of truth, we can be “washed clean” of even
serious sin!—1 Cor. 6:9-11.
COMMENTS
Notice how the WTS focuses on physical hygiene and then gets down to the real problems.
Reading bible
Attending jw meetings
Application = but we are all imperfect clause
Contaminated world = some jws never talk to their neighbors
Washed clean = but only if the elders deem you “repentant” but they say they don’t forgive sins
17. In order to remain clean, what Bible counsel
must we heed?
17 Do you welcome the cleansing influence
of God’s word of truth in your life? How
do you react, for example, when you are alerted
to the dangers of this world’s degrading
entertainment? (Ps. 101:3) Do you avoid unnecessary
fellowship with schoolmates and
fellow workers who do not share your beliefs?
(1Cor.15:33) Are you sincere in your efforts
to overcome personal weaknesses that
could make you impure in Jehovah’s eyes?
(Col. 3:5) Do you keep separate from this
world’s political disputes and the nationalistic
spirit that permeates many competitive
sports?—Jas. 4:4.
COMMENTS
How many jws realize that at 1 Corinthians 15:33 that Paul was talking about bad influences in the congregation?
“If I weren’t a witness, I would vote for ------------“
How many jws spent more time today watching football than at the meeting. How many jws know all the names of the teams, coaches, quarterbacks, etc., but cannot name the 12 apostles?
18. How will being morally and spiritually clean
help us to be productive harvest workers?
18 Your faithful compliance in such matters
will bring excellent results. Comparing
his anointed disciples to the branches of a
vine, Jesus stated: “Every branch in me not
bearing fruit [my Father] takes away, and
every one bearing fruit he cleans, that it may
bear more fruit.” (John 15:2) As you submit to
the cleansing water of Bible truth, you will
produce even more fruit.
COMMENTS
Compliance???
So once again the WTS is focusing on “more” fruit rather than take from the talent and see that the first and second produced different amounts but got the identical reward.
Blessings Now and in the Future
19. How were Jesus’ disciples blessed in their efforts
as harvest workers?
19 The faithful disciples who responded to
Jesus’ training were later empowered by holy
spirit at Pentecost 33 C.E. to be witnesses “to
the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
They went on to serve as members of the
governing body, as missionaries, and as traveling
elders, and they played a key role in
preaching the good news “in all creation
that is under heaven.” (Col. 1:23) What
blessings they reaped, and what joy they
brought to others!
COMMENTS
Notice how the WTS avoids saying that these would be witnesses of Jesus.
Not much room for important roles by women.
20. (a) What blessings have you received from having
a full share in the spiritual harvest? (b) What are
you determined to do?
20 Yes, by demonstrating humility, displaying
diligence, and upholding the high
standards of God’s Word, we will continue
to enjoy a full and meaningful share in
the great spiritual harvest now under way.
While many suffer the pain and frustration
that accompany this world’s materialistic
and pleasure-seeking lifestyle, we experience
genuine joy and contentment. (Ps.
126:6) Most important of all, our “labor is
not in vain in connection with the Lord.”
(1 Cor. 15:58) The Master of the harvest, Jehovah
God, will reward us eternally for ‘our
work and the love we show for his name.’
—Heb. 6:10-12.
COMMENTS
Full and meaningful = hour quota?
Is the great spiritual harvest underway or did it end in 1914 as Russell said?
WORLD = materialistic, pleasure-seeking = obviously never been to a hotel of jws at the end of a convention day
Did Jesus say that his followers would be known by the love they showed God’s name?
(John 13:34-35) 34 I am giving YOU a new commandment, that YOU love one another; just as I have loved YOU, that YOU also love one another. 35 By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves.”
Do You Recall?
As you strive to have a full share in the
harvest work . . .
· ? Why is it essential to display humility?
· ? How can you cultivate and maintain
· diligence?
· ? Why is it important to keep morally
· and spiritually clean?
OPENING COMMENTS
How many jws know that Russell taught that the harvest started in 1874 and was to end in 1914; or that they were only harvesting anointed; that it was the infrastructure of the world that would be destroyed but humans would survive to be taught and live on the earth?
Perhaps because they do not have the spirit, next week “THE SPIRIT SEARCHES INTO…THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD.”
Love Blondie