Comments You Will Not Hear at the 09-11-11 WT Study (JULY 15, 2011, pages 15-19 )(CLEAR WARNINGS)
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WILL YOU HEED JEHOVAH’S
CLEAR WARNINGS?
“This is the way. Walk in it, you people.”—ISA. 30:21.
OPENING COMMENTS
I was an adult in 1980-1981, the years the “Great Apostasy” fear spread all over the WTS. Certain Bethelites had been studying informally, the Bible (NWT) and WTS publications such as the WT study article, book study material, etc. Just a few individuals, not a rival “book study” or internal “congregation.” Many rank and file did the same thing, got together for a meal and study of the WT study article on a Saturday night. In some congregations, single jws without jw families or families nearby would find this a way to socialize and be “upbuilt” spiritually.
But the rumors were flying around; that apostates had infiltrated Bethel and that it went as high as the top (some mentioned Ray Franz and Ed Dunlap, but mostly the “perpetrators” were nameless. The rumor was that some of the translators for the Spanish language publications had altered the words to reflect false teachings or deceive the rank and file (Ray Franz was an excellent Spanish speaker having served in many of those countries.) I had never heard of either men and certainly not the other people I learned of when reading Ray Franz’s books.
Suddenly all these informal study groups in the congregations had to end immediately. No “large” groups. But what was large? Only 2 family groups, then 2 single people would be 2 family groups yet 2 families of 5 people each (10 total) would be acceptable. 3 is bad but 10 is okay? These informal groups stopped studying any bible or WT literature, just watched “worldly” movies, played cards and board games (no bible games please) and kept it under 10 people (my congregation’s rule and people would stake out any events). It was a sad day for many single jws that otherwise had no social life and no informal discussion of scriptural questions or ideas.
Is it no wonder that many jws thought that Ray Franz was one of those disfellowshiped in 1980 for apostasy with these 2 items in the August 1980 Kingdom Ministry?
*** km 8/80 pp. 1-4 Branch Letter ***
We are saddened to report at this time that five members of the Bethel family, and a few others in the New York city area have recently been disfellowshiped. There has been some apostasy against the organization and the promoting of sectarian divisions in some of the congregations of God’s people. (Titus 3:9-11) Living as we are in times difficult to deal with, it should not be surprising that such things occur. The first-century congregation also experienced deviations as we well know from our reading of the Holy Scriptures.—1 Tim. 1:20; 4:1; 2 Tim. 2:17, 18; 1 Cor. 15:12, 13; Acts 20:29, 30. It is our hope that such ones will come to their senses, repent, and return to Jehovah’s organization which would be to their everlasting benefit.
*** km 8/80 p. 2 Announcements ***
This is a notification that Raymond Victor Franz is no longer a member of the Governing Body and of the Brooklyn Bethel family as of May 22, 1980.
START OF ARTICLE
1, 2. What is Satan bent on doing, and how does
God’s Word help us?
A ROAD sign that is pointing in the wrong
direction is not just misleading; it is potentially
dangerous. Imagine that a friend
warned you that an evil man had deliberately
changed a sign in order to cause harm to
unwary travelers. Would you not heed the
warning?
COMMENTS
Road sign leading in the wrong direction…were these signs from Satan?
End of the “time of trouble” (Great Tribulation) in 1914—Russell
1902 "In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the kingdom of God, will be accomplished by the end of A.D. 1914." (The Time Is At Hand, 1902 edition, p. 99)
"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. Zion's Watch Tower 1894 July 15 p.226
*** Paradise Restored pm chap. 21 p. 369 par. 11 ***
They ridiculed and scorned the anointed remnant of spiritual Israelites, who, as International Bible Students, were pointing to the Bible’s time schedule and declaring that the “times of the Gentiles” would end in 1914, to usher in an unprecedented “time of trouble” upon all the nations.
End in 1925---Rutherford
Rutherford wrote that these teachings were "of God" himself and 1925 was proclaimed a "fixed" date beyond doubt.
"The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures because it is fixed by the law God gave to Israel. Viewing the present situation in Europe, one wonders how it will be possible to hold back the explosion much longer; and that even before 1925 the great crisis will be reached and probably passed." Watch Tower 1922 Sep. 1 p.262
"... this chronology is not of man, but of God.... the addition of more proofs removes it entirely from the realm of chance into that of proven certainty.... the chronology of present truth [is]... not of human origin." Watch Tower 1922 July 1 p.217
"Our thought is, that 1925 is definitely settled by the Scriptures. As to Noah, the Christian now has much more upon which to base his faith then Noah had upon which to base his faith in a coming deluge." Watch Tower 1923 Apr. 1 p.106
2 To be sure, Satan is an evil foe who is
bent on misdirecting us. (Rev. 12:9) All the
bad influences discussed in the preceding article
originate with him and are aimed at
causing us to veer off the road that leads to
eternal life. (Matt. 7:13, 14) Thankfully, our
benevolent God warns us not to follow Satan’s
misleading ‘road signs.’ Let us now discuss
three more of Satan’s negative influences.
As we consider how God’s Word helps
us to avoid being misled, we might imagine
that Jehovah is walking behind us and is
pointing us in the right direction, saying:
“This is the way. Walk in it, you people.” (Isa.
30:21) Reflecting on Jehovah’s clear warnings
will strengthen our resolve to heed
them.
COMMENTS
Misdirecting only “us” jws because per the WTS, Satan already has all non-jws under his control.
***w09 3/15 p. 14 par. 17 ***
Satan controls this world, including its propaganda channels.
CARROT—road that leads to eternal life
Why did God not warn Bible Students about CTR and 1914 or JFR and 1925?
Walking behind us!!! Not ahead of us showing the way? To find the “bombs”?
Do Not Follow “False Teachers”
3, 4. (a) How are false teachers like dried-up wells?
(b) From where do false teachers often come, and
what do they want?
3 Picture yourself on a journey in an arid
land. You spot a well in the distance and
head for it, hoping to get some water to
quench your thirst. Upon arriving, however,
you see that the well is dry. How disappointed
you are! False teachers are like dried-up
wells. Anyone coming to them for waters of
truth will be bitterly disappointed. Jehovah
through the apostles Paul and Peter warns us
about false teachers. (Read Acts 20:29, 30;
2 Peter 2:1-3.) Who are such teachers? The
inspired words of these two apostles help us
to identify where false teachers come from
and how they operate.
COMMENTS
How many jws reached 1914 or 1925 and found that the WTS assertions were false…like a dried up well? Were people then bitterly disappointed?****
Were they false teachers? Where do they come from, in this case within those claiming to be the only true ones.
4 To elders of the Ephesus congregation,
Paul said: “From among you yourselves men
will rise and speak twisted things.” Addressing
fellow Christians, Peter wrote: “There
will also be false teachers among you.” So
from where do false teachers come? They
may arise from within the congregation.
Such ones are apostates.* What do they
want? They are not content just to leave the
organization that they perhaps once loved.
Their aim, Paul explained, is “to draw away
the disciples after themselves.” Note the definite
article in the expression “the disciples.”
Rather than going out and making their
own disciples, apostates seek to take Christ’s
disciples with them. Like “ravenous wolves,”
false teachers are out to devour trusting
members of the congregation, destroying
their faith and leading them away from the
truth.—Matt. 7:15; 2 Tim. 2:18.
*“Apostasy” is a standing away from true worship, a
falling away, defection, rebellion, abandonment.
COMMENTS
“from among you”
Does the word “apostate” appear in the original manuscripts? How many times does a form of the word “apostate” appear in the NT section of the NWT (only 2, only 2)?
Draw away disciples…now how many here on JWN have or want to start their own religion? I was told that Ray Franz had done that and never saw any evidence.
What is an apostate…was Jeremiah considered an apostate in his religious group? Is speaking out against the lies and hypocrisy of the WT organization then apostasy…then Jeremiah was an apostate.
(Jeremiah 7:28) And you must say to them, ‘This is the nation whose people have not obeyed the voice of Jehovah its God, and have not taken discipline. Faithfulness has perished, and it has been cut off from their mouth.’
(Jeremiah 26:8-11) . . .So it came about that when Jeremiah had completed speaking all that Jehovah had commanded [him] to speak to all the people, then the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold of him, saying: “You will positively die. 9 Why is it that you have prophesied in the name of Jehovah, saying, ‘Like that in Shi′loh is how this house will become, and this very city will be devastated so as to be without an inhabitant’?” And all the people kept congregating themselves about Jeremiah in the house of Jehovah. 10 In time the princes of Judah got to hear these words, and they proceeded to come up from the house of the king to the house of Jehovah and to sit down in the entrance of the new gate of Jehovah. 11 And the priests and the prophets began to say to the princes and to all the people: “To this man the judgment of death belongs, because he has prophesied concerning this city just as YOU have heard with YOUR own ears.”
Seeking to devour…or rather just wanting to leave quietly without making family members shun you?
5. What methods do false teachers use?
5 How do false teachers operate? Their
methods reveal a cunning spirit. Apostates
“quietly bring in” corruptive ideas. Like
smugglers, they operate in a clandestine
manner, subtly introducing apostate views.
And just as a clever forger tries to pass phony
documents, so apostates use “counterfeit
words,” or false arguments, trying to pass
their fabricated views as if they were true.
They spread “deceptive teachings,” “twisting
. . . the Scriptures” to fit their own ideas.
(2 Pet. 2:1, 3, 13; 3:16) Clearly, apostates do
not have our best interests at heart. Following
them would only divert us from the road
that leads to eternal life.
COMMENTS
Hang them by their own words…who needs fabricated information, the WTS own words condemn them.
Supposedly Russell with his 1914 teachings and Rutherford with his 1925 teachings were on the “right” road, leading to “eternal life.” Fred Franz’ 1975 teachings the same, did jws reach eternal life on 1914, 1925, 1975?
CARROT: road that leads to eternal life; how many got the carrot?
6. The Bible gives us what clear counsel regarding
false teachers?
6 How can we protect ourselves against
false teachers? The Bible’s counsel regarding
how to deal with them is clear. (Read Romans
16:17; 2 John 9-11.) “Avoid them,”
says God’s Word. Other translations render
that phrase “turn away from them,” “keep
away from them,” and “stay away from
them!” There is nothing ambiguous about
that inspired counsel. Suppose that a doctor
told you to avoid contact with someone who
is infected with a contagious, deadly disease.
You would know what the doctor means,
and you would strictly heed his warning.
Well, apostates are “mentally diseased,”
and they seek to infect others
with their disloyal teachings.
(1 Tim. 6:3, 4) Jehovah, the Great
Physician, tells us to avoid contact
with them. We know what he
means, but are we determined to
heed his warning in all respects?
COMMENTS
Notice it is as individuals that we protect ourselves, determining what is false, not some organization.
Avoid them—avoid who, who have been teaching false things; when was the end 1914, 1925, 1975?
What do other bible translations say about the scripture 1 Timothy 6:4? Mentally diseased? Obsessed, morbid fondness, unhealthy interest…no mention of being psychologically mentally unbalanced.
(1 Timothy 6:4) he is puffed up [with pride], not understanding anything, but being mentally diseased over questionings and debates about words. From these things spring envy, strife, abusive speeches, wicked suspicions,
1 Timothy 6:4 New King James Version (NKJV)
he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,
1 Timothy 6:4 Amplified Bible (AMP)
He is puffed up with pride and stupefied with conceit, [although he is] woefully ignorant. He has a [ a ] morbid fondness for controversy and disputes and strife about words, which result in (produce) envy and jealousy, quarrels and dissension, abuse and insults and slander, and base suspicions,
Footnotes:
a. 1 Timothy 6:4 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament.
1 Timothy 6:4 New International Version (NIV)
they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions
7, 8. (a) What is involved in avoiding false teachers?
(b)Why are you determined to take a firm stand
against false teachers?
7 What is involved in avoiding
false teachers? We do not receive
them into our homes or greet them.
We also refuse to read their literature,
watch TV programs that feature
them, examine their Web sites, or add
our comments to their blogs. Why do we
take such a firm stand? Because of love. We
love “the God of truth,” so we are not interested
in twisted teachings that contradict his
Word of truth. (Ps. 31:5; John 17:17) We also
love Jehovah’s organization, through which
we have been taught thrilling truths—including
Jehovah’s name and its meaning,
God’s purpose for the earth, the condition
of the dead, and the hope of the resurrection.
Can you recall how you felt when
you first learned these and other precious
truths? Why, then, allow yourself to be
soured by anyone who would denigrate the
organization through which you learned
these truths?—John 6:66-69.
COMMENTS
Notice that the WTS teaches that its followers love God and the organization; where is Jesus in this equation? Is it more important that the organization not be denigrated than God or Jesus…Whom not where as the WTS misquotes John 6:66-69.
So does this mean we should not read WT publications, of course, if we see lies have been taught.
Does this mean that we should not let jws into our homes or greet them outside our homes, of course, if see the lies that have been taught.
Should we listen or read anything they have to say……….
Are we interested in the twisted WT teachings, the ones where they taught one thing, changed it, then went back to what they taught before? Such as who are the superior authorities, can jws have organ transplants, will the people who died in Sodom and Gomorrah be resurrected…..
What the Watchtower said | What the Watchtower claims it said |
"The year A.D. 1878, ... clearly marks the time for the actual assuming of power as King of kings, by our present, spiritual, invisible Lord...." Studies in the Scriptures - Thy Kingdom Come (1911 ed) p.239 | "The Watchtower has consistently presented evidence to honesthearted students of Bible prophecy that Jesus’ presence in heavenly Kingdom power began in 1914." Watchtower 1993 January 15 p.5 |
"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. Zion's Watch Tower 1894 July 15 p.226 | "Jehovah's witnesses pointed to the year 1914, decades in advance, as marking the start of "the conclusion of the system of things." Awake! 1973 January 22 p.8 |
8 No matter what false teachers may say,
we will not follow them! Why go to such
dried-up wells only to be deceived and disappointed?
Instead, let us be determined to
remain loyal to Jehovah and to the organization
that has a long record of quenching our
thirst with the pure and refreshing waters of
truth from God’s inspired Word.—Isa. 55:
1-3; Matt. 24:45-47.
COMMENTS
Yes, we will not follow the WTS and its lies. We will no longer be “deceived and disappointed.” Our loyalty is first to ourselves and our family, and if we serve God, to him alone, not any imperfect human organization. The WTS has a long history of using their own reasoning. No longer will we be influenced like jws in the past were that God dwells in the Pleiades. The following quote shows that the WTS once did fix God’s throne there.
*** w53 11/15 Questions from Readers ***
Incidentally, Pleiades can no longer be considered the center of the universe and it would be unwise for us to try to fix God’s throne as being at a particular spot in the universe. Were we to think of the Pleiades as his throne we might improperly view with special veneration that cluster of stars.
J. F. Rutherford, Reconciliation , 1928, p. 14
The constellation of the seven stars forming the Pleiades appears to be the crowning center around which the known systems of the planets revolve.... It has been suggested, and with much weight, that one of the stars of that group is the dwelling place of Jehovah and the place of the highest heavens;....The constellation of the Pleiades is a small one compared with others which scientific instruments disclose to the wondering eyes of man. But the greatness in size of other stars or planets is small when compared to the Pleiades in importance, because the Pleiades is the place of the eternal throne of God.
How may some invite apostates into their homes?
Do Not Follow “False Stories”
9, 10. What warning did Paul give Timothy regarding
“false stories,” and what may Paul have had in
mind? (See also footnote.)
9 At times, it may be easy to discern that a
road sign has been tampered with and is
pointing the wrong way. At other times, it
may be difficult to detect the deception.
It is similar with Satan’s negative influences;
some are more obvious than others.
The apostle Paul warns us about one of
Satan’s insidious strategies—“false stories.”
(Read 1 Timothy 1:3, 4.) Lest we become
sidetracked from the road leading to life,
we need to know, What are false stories,
and how can we avoid paying attention to
them?
COMMENTS
Did the WTS deceive jws and still does regarding what the significance of earthquakes in the time of the end? Have they increased? No.
"The frequency of major earthquakes has increased about 20 times what it was on an average during the two thousand years before 1914." Survival into a New Earth (1984) p.23
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/earthquakes.php
10 Paul’s warning about false stories is part
of his first letter to Timothy, a Christian overseer
who was charged with preserving the
purity of the congregation and helping fellow
believers to remain faithful. (1 Tim. 1:
18, 19) Paul uses a Greek word that can refer
to fiction, myth, or falsehood. According to
The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia,
this word refers to “a (religious) story
that has no connection with reality.” Perhaps
Paul had in mind religious lies promoted
by sensational tales or fanciful legends.*
Such stories only “furnish questions for research”—
that is, raise frivolous questions
that lead to pointless research. False stories
are a ploy of the archdeceiver, Satan, who
uses religious lies and godless myths to sidetrack
unsuspecting ones. Paul’s counsel is
clear: Do not pay attention to false stories!
*For example, the apocryphal book of Tobit (Tobias),
written about the third century B.C.E. and thus extant
in Paul’s day, is full of superstition and absurd tales of
magic and sorcery presented as truth.—See Insight on the
Scriptures, Volume 1, page 122.
COMMENTS
At least the WTS mentioned the source…but does not expect jws to check it; after would the WTS tell a lie, yes to people who are not entitled to the truth per their opinion.
http://www.internationalstandardbible.com/F/fable.html
And what Greek word would that be? Why does the WTS fail to use it? I remember the days when agape, storge, philia, were tossed around freely.
It was an absurd tale that Rutherford told WT followers that they would see Abel, David, Abraham, and other “ancient worthies” resurrected as perfect humans instantly on earth, to rule as kings from earthly Jerusalem.
11. How has Satan made clever use of false religion
in misleading people, and heeding what warning
will help us to avoid being misled?
11 What are some false stories that could
lead astray the unwary? In principle, the expression
“false stories” can apply to any religious
lie or myth that could turn us “away
from the truth.” (2 Tim. 4:3, 4) Satan, who
pretends to be “an angel of light,” has made
clever use of false religion in misleading
people. (2 Cor. 11:14) Under the guise of
Christianity, Christendom teaches doctrines
—including the Trinity, hellfire, and immortality
of the soul—that are awash in
myths and falsehoods. Christendom also
promotes holidays, such as Christmas and
Easter, whose seemingly innocent customs
are actually rooted in mythology and paganism.
By heeding God’s warning to separate
ourselves and “quit touching the unclean
thing,” we will not be misled by false stories.
—2 Cor. 6:14-17.
COMMENTS
Notice when it comes to what are the “false stories” the WTS jumps to non-jws as examples, trinity, hellfire, immortal soul, holidays, etc.
No mention of the flipflop doctrines of the WTS that ex-jws can no longer support. No mention of the wrong and evil policies of the WTS that protect their organization and put the victims on the altar or toss them into the fire of a false god.
12, 13. (a) What lies has Satan promoted, and
what is the truth regarding each of those lies?
(b) How can we avoid being misled by Satan’s false
stories?
12 Satan has promoted other lies that
could mislead us if we are not careful. Consider
some examples. Anything goes—right or
wrong. It is determined by how you feel. This
idea is promoted in the media and in entertainment.
Such a distorted view of God’s
standards exerts pressure on us to cast aside
all moral restraint. The truth is that we have
a desperate need for moral guidance that
only God can fill. (Jer.10:23) God will not intervene
in earth’s affairs. Being influenced by
such a live-for-today spirit could cause us to
become “inactive or unfruitful.” (2 Pet. 1:8)
The truth is that Jehovah’s day is fast approaching,
and we must keep in expectation
of it. (Matt. 24:44) God does not care about
you as an individual. Believing this satanic
lie could cause us to give up, feeling that
we could never be worthy of God’s love.
The truth is that Jehovah loves and values
his worshippers as individuals.—Matt.
10:29-31.
COMMENTS
What kind of false reasoning is tarring every ex-jw as being someone who thinks anything goes?
What kind of reasoning is it to say everything and everyone outside the WTS is tainted, without moral restraint with a live-for-today spirit? Remember these are the ones that protect pedophiles and put the victims on the sacrificial altar to protect their precious reputation. Isn’t it the WTS that says that the bible says to pray only for this day’s bread, not to plan for a future in the system…..
And while God may care for you as an individual, the WTS does not and says that God doesn’t promise individual protection, that only “as a group” will jws survive Armageddon.
*** w09 3/15 p. 26 par. 8***
As a group, those with an earthly hope will be preserved through the coming “great tribulation” to form “a new earth” in which “righteousness is to dwell.”
*** w08 9/15 p. 9 par. 8***
As individuals, we know that our immediate physical protection is not guaranteed.
Does the WTS believe that God intervenes in earth’s affairs for their sake? If not, then why pray for rulers to be favorable in their decisions towards the WTS? Who would be influencing or “intervening” in that if not God, Satan?
*** w96 5/1 p. 20 par. 22***
We may even pray “concerning kings and all those who are in high station” when these men are called upon to make decisions that affect our Christian life and work. As a result of our paying back Caesar’s things to Caesar, we hope that “we may go on leading a calm and quiet life with full godly devotion and seriousness.” (1 Timothy 2:1, 2)
And who gives jws the feeling they can never do enough to please God or Jesus? Who promote the DO MORE philosophy?
*** w09 11/15 p. 15 par. 9 ***
What if we simply lack motivation to do more in Jehovah’s service and are inclined to coast along in the congregation?
*** w07 1/15 p. 19 ***
However, if you yourself are to remain steadfast in serving Jehovah and are to avoid becoming a victim of Satan, you must do more.
*** km 2/07 pp. 3-4 par. 5 ***
You can be sure that making an effort to do more in Jehovah’s service will bring joy and Jehovah’s blessing
*** w87 2/1 p. 15 par. 1 ***
“A FEW years ago, many of us thought that only those with special circumstances could pioneer,” wrote a pioneer, or full-time minister, in Japan. “It seems we were wrong. We are learning that only those with special circumstances cannot pioneer.”
13 We must keep up our guard, for the
thinking and attitudes of Satan’s world may
seem plausible on the surface. Remember,
though, that Satan is a master of deception.
Only by heeding the counsel and reminders
of God’s Word can we avoid being misled
by Satan’s “artfully contrived false stories
[“cleverly concocted myths,” The New American
Bible].”—2 Pet.1:16.
COMMENTS
Is it just “Satan’s world” that has “plausible” thinking and attitudes?
Wasn’t 1975 just a “plausible” date according to the WTS after the fact? Before that jws who did not jump on the “Stay Alive in ‘75” bandwagon were considered weak spiritually.
What happens when it is clear that the “counsel” is not from the Bible? Should jws just obey the WTS/FDS/GB if they are wrong?
Be loyal to visible org. even if you know they are wrong
Example 1: 1st century "governing body" told Paul to ceremonially cleanse self before talking to Jews. He must have known it wouldn't work, and in fact it didn't work, as they tried to kill him & he had to appeal to Caesar. But that opened the way for him to give a witness in Rome. The 1st century "governing body" weren't thinking "what's the best way to get Paul to Rome", but it worked out that way - Jehovah used them to accomplish his will.
Example 2: During World War I, the WT did not promote a strong neutrality position, told Bible Students to "follow conscience" with regard to supporting war efforts. Some Bible Students knew this was wrong, and broke away. But soon after breaking away, they "faded and came to nothing." Eventually, by 1939, the organization got it right and published a series of WT articles on the importance of strict neutrality.
Do Not “Follow Satan”
14. What warning did Paul give to certain younger
widows, and why do all of us need to take to heart
his words?
14 Imagine a road sign that says “This Way
to Follow Satan.” Who of us would heed
such a sign? Yet, Paul warns us about several
ways in which dedicated Christians might be
“turned aside to follow Satan.” (Read 1 Timothy
5:11-15.) Paul’s words are directed to
certain “younger widows,” but the principles
he mentions apply to all of us. Those
first-century Christian women may not have
thought that they were following Satan, but
their actions amounted to just that. How can
we guard against even unwittingly following
Satan? Let us examine Paul’s warning regarding
harmful gossip.
COMMENTS
Dedicated Christians—only jws
Have jws been turned aside from making good choice for their lives…is it any less damaging if it is not from Satan?
Harmful gossip? What gossip coming out of the mouths of imperfect men and women ever is good? Did you notice that the WTS paints women as the primary proponent of gossip in their artwork? Men gossip too, especially elders…who have the primary access to harmful but supposedly confidential information.
*** w55 8/15 p. 498 par. 7 ***
Though it may not be pleasant for women to hear, the Bible seems to indicate that women trespass with the tongue more often than men. This is not to say men do not gossip. They do. Some gossip more than women. But women as a group are guilty of gossip more than are men as a group.
*** w55 8/15 p. 498 par. 8 ***
Men are more interested in subjects, in science, world events, economics or their work, and when they talk about these things the danger of gossip is not so great as when discussing people.
15. What is Satan’s aim, and how does Paul identify
Satan’s tactics?
15 Satan’s aim is to silence the voice of our
faith—to get us to stop preaching the good
news. (Rev.12:17) To that end, he tries to get
us to pursue activities that waste time or
that cause division among us. Notice how
Paul identifies Satan’s tactics. “Unoccupied,
gadding about.” In this age of technology, it
is easy to waste our time and that of others
by, for example, forwarding nonessential or
even fallacious e-mails. “Gossipers.” Harmful
gossip may lead to slander, which often
causes contention. (Prov. 26:20) Whether
they realize it or not, malicious slanderers
imitate Satan the Devil.* “Meddlers in other
people’s affairs.” It is not our right to tell others
how to run their personal affairs. All
such idle and troublesome behavior can distract
us from the God-assigned work of
Kingdom preaching. If we stop actively supporting
Jehovah’s work, then we start following
Satan. There is no middle ground.
—Matt.12:30.
*The Greek word for “devil” is di·a_bo·los, which
means “slanderer.” This word is used as another title of
Satan, the foremost slanderer.—John 8:44; Rev. 12:9, 10.
COMMENTS
Do jws really preach the good news about the Kingdom? Do the suggested presentations in the Kingdom Ministry each month ever start out using Jehovah or God…No mention of Jehovah….don’t want to prejudice anyone. No mention of the kingdom…or Jesus unless it’s December.
So is the WTS saying that e-mails to friends are bad but letters to friends are okay? What’s the difference; it’s a waste of time to keep in contact with your friends, right? What would be “nonessential” or “fallacious” those from supposed Bethelites with tidbits from the Bethel table or Gilead missionaries with “special” info from their region, all 4 th or 5 th hand and unverifiable? Of course, experiences in the WT publications and platforms are also unverifiable.
Gossip and slander about the WTS, not individuals. Remember the WTS sacrifices sexual abuse victims on the altar of the WTS “good” reputation.
Meddlers in people’s affairs—not the elders who feel they can tell you what to drive, wear, do for entertainment, buy, etc.
AND HERE IS SOMETHING TO TAKE NOTE OF IF YOU ARE AN INACTIVE OR NOT ACTIVE ENOUGH JW:
IF WE STOP ACTIVELY SUPPORT JEHOVAH’S WORK (THE WTS), THEN WE START FOLLOWING SATAN. THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND.
Thus WTS/FDS/GB = GOD/JESUS
16. Heeding what advice can help us to avoid being
“turned aside to follow Satan”?
16 Heeding the Bible’s advice can help us
to avoid being “turned aside to follow Satan.”
Consider some of Paul’s wise counsel.
Have “plenty to do in the work of the Lord.”
(1 Cor. 15:58) Keeping busy in Kingdom activities
will protect us from the dangers of
idleness and time-wasting pursuits. (Matt. 6:
33) Speak what is “good for building up.”
(Eph. 4:29) Be determined not to listen to
harmful gossip and not to spread it.* Cultivate
trust in and respect for fellow believers.
We will thus be inclined to speak words that
build up rather than tear down. “Make it
your aim . . . to mind your own business.”
(1 Thess. 4:11) Show personal interest in
others, but do so in ways that respect their
privacy and that do not take away their dignity.
Remember, too, that we should not impose
our own views on others regarding
matters that they need to decide for themselves.—
Gal. 6:5.
* See the box “Scattering Feathers in the Wind.”
COMMENTS
Heeding the WTS slant on Bible scriptures—can lead is harmful life choices re blood transfusions, job choices, marriage and having children choices.
Plenty do in the work of the Lord—and who is the Lord here? The WTS references Romans 12:11
(1 Corinthians 9:1) . . .Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not YOU my work in [the] Lord?
Philippians 2:30 —Christ’s
So what is idle and what are time-wasting pursuits? Will meddlesome people in the congregation tell us, will the WTS “help” us what is wasteful as we see others held up a spiritual examples do the same things?
Are jws taught to “respect” other jws; or are they taught to examine them carefully to make sure they are not “diseased”? Do they respect their privacy or check their CDs while they are out of their or out of the living room; or stake out their house to catch them in some wrongdoing?
With the WTS policy re bowing to the wishes of everyone who has a weak conscience, how can anyone decide for him/herself?
17. (a) Why does Jehovah warn us about what not
to follow? (b)What is your determination regarding
the path that Jehovah wants us to take?
17 How grateful we are that Jehovah clearly
tells us what not to follow! Never forget,
though, that Jehovah’s warnings discussed
in this and the preceding article are motivated
by his great love for us. He wants to spare
us the misery and pain that result from following
Satan’s misleading ‘road signs.’ The
path that Jehovah wants us to take may be
cramped, but it leads to the best possible destination—
everlasting life. (Matt. 7:14) May
we never waver in our determination to
heed Jehovah’s admonition: “This is the
way. Walk in it.”—Isa. 30:21.
COMMENTS
Yes, God through the WTS/FDS/GB TELLS us and if we don’t listen to the WTS/FDS/GB it is the same as not listening to God.
CARROT—best possible destination—everlasting life.
What Is Your Answer?
How can you make personal application
of the warnings contained in the following
scriptures?
? 2 Peter 2:1-3
? 1 Timothy 1:3, 4
? 1 Timothy 5:11-15
Scattering Feathers in the Wind (Notice that ALL the gossipers are female, not a single male example) There are few in the WT publications over the last 132 years, maybe 2)
An old Jewish tale well illustrates the consequences
of spreading hurtful gossip. Told in various forms,
the gist of the story is as follows.
A man went about town slandering
the town’s wise man. Later, the malicious
gossiper realized his wrong and went to the
wise man to ask for forgiveness, offering to
do whatever was necessary to make amends.
The wise man had one request: The gossiper
was told to go and take a feather pillow
and cut it open, scattering the feathers to the
wind. Though puzzled by the request, the
gossiper did as he was instructed and then returned
to the wise man.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, GOD’S REST—WHAT IS IT? This was a big doctrinal issue 40 years ago. It tied into the 1975 teaching saying that we had not reached the end of the 7 th creative day, God’s rest day, that the 1,000 Year Reign had to occur within that 7,000 year period, so 1975 had to be the end of 6,000 years.
As to the change in the approach to “apostasy” in the WT organization. 1960 to 1969—144 references. 1980-1989—569 references.
Love, Blondie