Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 09-14-2014 WT Study (UNRIGHTEOUSNESS)

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    blondie

    Comments You Will Not Hear at the 09-14-2014 WT Study (JULY 15, 2014, pages 12-16 (RENOUNCE UNRIGHTEOUSNESS)

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    Jehovah’s People

    “Renounce Unrighteousness”

    “Let everyone calling on the name of Jehovah

    renounce unrighteousness.”

    —2 TIM. 2:19.

    OPENING COMMENTS

    So how does the WTS justify inserting “Jehovah” into 2 Timothy 2:19? I used to think that the WTS was only inserting it where the writer/speaker had quoted from the OT but the WTS takes it farther and says they interpret where the text calls for the restoration. Yet the WTS still adds in Jehovah at this scripture where there is no OT confirmation. It is worth reading Appendix 1D in the NWT.

    *** Rbi8 p. 1565 1D The Divine Name in the Christian Greek Scriptures ***

    there is only one instance where we have no agreement from the Hebrew versions. But in this one instance, namely, 1Co 7:17, the context and related texts strongly support rendering the divine name.—See 1Co 7:17 ftn, “Jehovah.”

    *** Rbi8 p. 1564 1D The Divine Name in the Christian Greek Scriptures ***

    They have restored the divine name not only when coming upon quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures but also in other places where the texts called for such restoration.

    HOW WOULD YOU

    ANSWER?

    What can give rise to “foolish and ignorant debates,” and how can we avoid them?

    How do we “renounce unrighteousness” when it comes to bad associations?

    How can we display decisiveness when ‘renouncing unrighteousness’?

    1. What occupies a special place in our worship?

    HAVE you ever seen the name Jehovah inscribed on a public

    building or on a museum artifact? Surely your reaction was

    one of keen interest and excitement. After all, God’s personal

    name occupies a special place in our worship—we are Jehovah’s

    Witnesses! On a global scale, no other group of people

    today is as closely associated with the divine name as we

    are. Yet, we know that the privilege of bearing God’s name

    comes with responsibility.

    COMMENTS

    Yes, the WTS is arrogant enough to think that only they plaster “Jehovah” now jw.org on their buildings. Or that they invented the word.

    But Jesus said his disciples would be witnesses of him, not God, and never in the NT can you find the phrase “Jehovah’s Witnesses” or “witnesses of Jehovah” only witnesses of Jesus.

    Yet the WTS directed their congregations to take Jesus’ name off of their building signs. If the WTS wanted uniformity, why not have every KH sign say “Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Christian Witnesses” instead?

    And if you search the WT-CD you will see the WTS s tops using the phrase “Jehovah’s Christian Witnesses” by 1990.

    *** km 4/79 p. 4 Announcements ***

    Is it appropriate to have a Kingdom Hall sign saying: “Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Christian Witnesses”? So there will be uniformity, the Society encourages all to make their signs read: “Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (See October 1978 Our Kingdom Service, page 3, paragraph 5.)

    Originally, on spiritually anointed members of the WTS were considered jws, as the only spiritual Israelites in light of Isaiah 43:20 and Galatians 6:16. The great crowd/other sheep were not even invited to the Memorial until 1938 3 years after 1935 when the great crowd were said not to be anointed. So for 3 years the great crowd/other sheep did not have to attend; were not invited.

    *** jv chap. 16 p. 243 Meetings for Worship, Instruction, and Encouragement ***

    Particularly beginning in the 1930’s, prospective members of the “great multitude,” or “great crowd” of other sheep, began to manifest themselves. (Rev. 7:9, 10, KJ; John 10:16) These were at that time referred to as Jonadabs. For the first time, in its issue of February 15, 1938, The Watchtower specifically invited them to be present at the Memorial, saying: “After six p.m. on April 15 let each company of the anointed assemble and celebrate the Memorial, their companions the Jonadabs also being present.” They did attend, not as partakers, but as observers.

    Why are jws not proud of bearing the name of Jesus, be known as witnesses of his?

    Except for Matthew 28:19, Christians speak only of baptizing in the name of Jesus.

    (Acts 2:37, 38) 37 Now when they heard this they were stabbed to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Men, brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter [said] to them: “Repent, and let each one of YOU be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of YOUR sins, and YOU will receive the free gift of the holy spirit.

    (Acts 3:6, 7) 6 However, Peter said: “Silver and gold I do not possess, but what I do have is what I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Naz·a·rene′, walk!” 7 . . .

    (Acts 4:8-12) . . .Rulers of the people and older men, 9 if we are this day being examined, on the basis of a good deed to an ailing man, as to by whom this man has been made well, 10 let it be known to all of YOU and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ the Naz·a·rene′, whom YOU impaled but whom God raised up from the dead, by this one does this man stand here sound in front of YOU. 11 This is ‘the stone that was treated by YOU builders as of no account that has become the head of the corner.’ 12 Furthermore, there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.”

    2. Our privilege of bearing God’s name comes with what responsibility?

    2 Using the divine name does not in itself bring us Jehovah’s

    favor. We must live in harmony with his moral standards.

    For that reason the Bible reminds us that Jehovah’s

    people must “turn away from what is bad.” (Ps. 34:14) The

    apostle Paul clearly stated this principle when he wrote: “Let

    everyone calling on the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness.”

    (Read 2 Timothy 2:19.) As his Witnesses, we are

    indeed renowned for calling on Jehovah’s name. But how are

    we to renounce unrighteousness?

    COMMENTS

    Yes, the WTS was to write out any non-jws that might use “Jehovah” or put it on their buildings. And if they happen to live moral lives, they are not supporting the Kingdom found only in the WTS organization.

    When then do none of their “sample presentations,” introductory or later use the name Jehovah? A look at the WT-CD in the KMs is enlightening.

    Whose witnesses are Christians said to be by Jesus himself? (Acts 1:8)

    Except for Matthew 28:19 in whose name are Christians baptized?

    (Acts 2:38) . . .Peter [said] to them: “Repent, and let each one of YOU be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of YOUR sins, and YOU will receive the free gift of the holy spirit.

    (Acts 10:48) . . .With that he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. . . .

    Even here the WTS does not dare insert “Jehovah” into the scripture.

    *** w10 8/15 p. 16 par. 16 How the Ransom Saves Us ***

    These anointed followers of Christ immediately began to urge their fellow men to escape God’s wrath by getting baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of their sins. (Read Acts 2:38-40.)

    Why did not Peter use the triad of baptism Jesus gave in Matthew 28:19, why did no Christian writer?

    “MOVE AWAY” FROM BADNESS

    3, 4. What scripture has long intrigued Bible scholars, and why?

    3 Consider the Scriptural background

    of Paul’s words found at 2 Timothy 2:19.

    This text refers to “the solid foundation

    of God” and then mentions two proclamations

    imprinted on it. The first proclamation,

    “Jehovah knows those who

    belong to him,” is evidently a quote from

    Numbers 16:5. (See preceding article.)

    The second proclamation, “Let everyone

    calling on the name of Jehovah renounce

    unrighteousness,” has long intrigued

    Bible scholars. Why?

    COMMENTS

    So what Bible scholars is the WTS talking about? The ones they approve of, do they pick and choose? They circumvent this by naming few if any of these scholars just “certain” “some” bible scholars.

    4 Paul’s wording suggests that he was

    quoting from another source. Yet, there

    appears to be no text in the Hebrew

    Scriptures that matches Paul’s quote.

    So, what was the apostle referring to

    when he said: “Let everyone calling on

    the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness”?

    Immediately preceding this

    statement, Paul quoted from Numbers

    chapter 16, which relates the account

    of Korah’s rebellion. Could the second

    proclamation likewise be related to the

    events surrounding that rebellion?

    COMMENTS

    No text in the Hebrew Scriptures yet the WTS inserts “Jehovah.” Now back to Korah’s rebellion.

    5-7. What events in Moses’ day provide the

    background for Paul’s words recorded at 2 Timothy

    2:19? (See opening image.)

    5 The Bible says that Dathan and Abiram,

    sons of Eliab, joined Korah as leaders

    of the rebellion against Moses and

    Aaron. (Num. 16:1-5) They were openly

    disrespectful to Moses and rejected his

    God-given authority. Those rebels continued

    to dwell among Jehovah’s people,

    endangering the spiritual health of

    faithful ones. When the day came for Jehovah

    to make a distinction between his

    loyal worshippers and the rebels, he

    gave a clear command.

    COMMENTS

    Remember that Aaron and Miriam rebelled too; did they die? Actually, Miriam was struck with leprosy but not Aaron (already having escaped death when he made the golden calf). The WTS says that Miriam was the APPARENT instigator….no scripture no proof.

    *** w09 8/1 p. 26 Jehovah Values Meekness ***Miriam, the apparent instigator, was stricken with leprosy.

    *** it-1 p. 11 Aaron ***

    The fact that only Miriam was stricken with leprosy may mark her as the instigator of the action and may indicate that Aaron again had shown weakness by being induced to join her.

    (Numbers 12:1-16) . . .Now Mir′i·am and Aaron began to speak against Moses on account of the Cush′ite wife whom he had taken, because it was a Cush′ite wife he had taken. 2 And they kept saying: “Is it just by Moses alone that Jehovah has spoken? Is it not by us also that he has spoken?” And Jehovah was listening. 3 And the man Moses was by far the meekest of all the men who were upon the surface of the ground. 4 Then Jehovah suddenly said to Moses and Aaron and Mir′i·am: “Go out, the three of YOU, to the tent of meeting.” So the three of them went out. 5 After that Jehovah came down in the pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Mir′i·am. At this both of them went out. 6 And he went on to say: “Hear my words, please. If there came to be a prophet of YOURS for Jehovah, it would be in a vision I would make myself known to him. In a dream I would speak to him. 7 Not so my servant Moses! He is being entrusted with all my house. 8 Mouth to mouth I speak to him, thus showing him, and not by riddles; and the appearance of Jehovah is what he beholds. Why, then, did YOU not fear to speak against my servant, against Moses?” 9 And Jehovah’s anger got to be hot against them, and he went his way. 10 And the cloud turned away from over the tent, and, look! Mir′i·am was struck with leprosy as white as snow. Then Aaron turned toward Mir′i·am, and, look! she was struck with leprosy. 11 Immediately Aaron said to Moses: “Excuse me, my lord! Do not, please, attribute to us the sin in which we have acted foolishly and which we have committed! 12 Please, do not let her continue like someone dead, whose flesh at the time of his coming out of his mother’s womb is half eaten off!” 13 And Moses began to cry out to Jehovah, saying: “O God, please! Heal her, please!” 14 Then Jehovah said to Moses: “Were her father to spit directly in her face, would she not be humiliated seven days? Let her be quarantined seven days outside the camp, and afterward let her be received in.” 15 Accordingly Mir′i·am was quarantined outside the camp seven days, and the people did not pull away until Mir′i·am was received in. 16 And afterward the people pulled away from Ha·ze′roth and took up camping in the wilderness of Pa′ran.

    6 The account reads: “Jehovah then

    said to Moses: ‘Speak to the assembly

    and tell them, “Get away from around

    the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram!”’

    Then Moses got up and went to

    Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of

    Israel went with him. He told the assembly:

    ‘Move away, please, from the tents

    of these wicked men and do not touch

    anything that belongs to them, so that

    you may not be swept away in all their

    sin.’ They immediately moved away

    from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and

    Abiram, from every side.” (Num. 16:23-

    27) Jehovah then put to death all who

    had rebelled. Conversely, loyal worshippers—who

    by moving away renounced unrighteousness—

    were preserved alive.

    COMMENTS

    What about the wives and minor children of these men? Did they die like the family of Achan did?

    Moving away from unrighteousness or unrighteousness? Wicked or wickedness? The WTS teaches that all non-jws are wicked and unrighteousness.

    So will these men be resurrected?

    7 Jehovah reads hearts! He perceives

    the loyalty of those who belong to him.

    Still, his loyal ones had to take decisive

    action, separating themselves from unrighteous

    ones. It is possible, then, that

    Paul was referring to the account at

    Numbers 16:5, 23-27 when he wrote:

    “Let everyone calling on the name of Jehovah

    renounce unrighteousness.” Such

    a conclusion would be in harmony with

    Paul’s words: “Jehovah knows those

    who belong to him.”—2 Tim. 2:19.

    COMMENTS

    “loyal ones” separating themselves from unrighteous ones….df’ing? again? What about the illegal and cruel things the organization has done and knowingly allowed behind the words “imperfect men” and “wait on Jehovah”?

    “is it possible” adding to the Bible, eh, WTS?

    “REJECT FOOLISH AND IGNORANT DEBATES”

    8. Why is using the name of Jehovah or belonging

    to the Christian congregation not enough?

    8 By referring to those events of Moses’

    day, Paul was reminding Timothy of

    the need to take decisive action in order

    to protect his precious relationship

    with Jehovah. In itself, belonging to the

    Christian congregation was not enough,

    just as merely calling on the name of Jehovah

    was not enough in Moses’ day.

    Faithful worshippers must decisively renounce

    unrighteousness. What did this

    mean for Timothy? And what lessons

    can Jehovah’s people today derive from

    Paul’s inspired counsel?

    COMMENTS

    Is the WTS saying that within their congregation are members who have not renounced unrighteousness and have fooled the spirit anointed GB and spirit appointed elders?

    9. How did “foolish and ignorant debates” affect

    the early Christian congregation?

    9 God’s Word gives specific advice

    concerning the types of unrighteousness

    that Christians must renounce or reject.

    For instance, in the immediate context of

    2 Timothy 2:19, we find that Paul tells

    Timothy “not to fight about words” and

    to “reject empty speeches.” (Read 2 Timothy

    2:14, 16, 23.) Some members of

    the congregation were promoting apostate

    teachings. Also, it appears that others

    were introducing controversial ideas.

    Even if the latter were not directly unscriptural,

    they were divisive. They resulted

    in bickering and arguing over

    words, creating a spiritually unhealthy

    atmosphere. Hence, Paul stressed the

    need to “reject foolish and ignorant debates.”

    COMMENTS

    Specific “advice”? Suggestions, a choice, free will?

    What were these apostate teachings, controversial ideas?

    What do the mean not unscriptural but divisive? If adhering to the Bible is divisive why is that wrong, weren’t the Israelites divided into 2 groups over a disagreement? Shouldn’t Moses have let it go rather than cause division?

    What words are apostates bickering over and what is considered a spiritually unhealthy atmosphere?

    10. How should we respond when confronted

    with apostasy?

    10 Today, Jehovah’s people are not often

    confronted with apostasy within the

    congregation. Still, when exposed to unscriptural

    teachings, regardless of the

    source, we must decisively reject them.

    It would be unwise to engage in debates

    with apostates, whether in person, by

    responding to their blogs, or by any other

    form of communication. Even when

    the intention is to help the individual,

    such conversation would be contrary to

    the Scriptural direction we just considered.

    Rather, as Jehovah’s people, we

    completely avoid, yes reject, apostasy.

    COMMENTS

    Based on the comments in paragraph 9, do jws know what topics are apostate? What if 2 years later the WTS adjusts/clarifies their teaching to match what was considered “apostate”?

    In Isaiah’s time the Jews were worshipping false idols in the temple itself. Did Isaiah go down to the temple to worship?

    11. What could give rise to ‘foolish debates,’

    and how can Christian elders set a good example?

    11 There are other things besides

    apostasy that have the potential for

    disrupting the peace of the congregation.

    For instance, dierences of opinion

    regarding entertainment can result

    in “foolish and ignorant debates.” Of

    course, when individuals promote entertainment

    that violates Jehovah’s moral

    standards, Christian elders should

    not tolerate such behavior simply to

    avoid controversy. (Ps. 11:5; Eph. 5:3-5)

    Still, elders are careful not to promote

    their personal views. They loyally adhere

    to the Scriptural admonition given

    to Christian overseers: “Shepherd the

    flock of God under your care, . . . not

    lording it over those who are God’s inheritance,

    but becoming examples to

    the flock.”—1 Pet. 5:2, 3; read 2 Corinthians

    1:24.

    COMMENTS

    More likely the debates are over overly scrupulous elders making rules that bible never discusses and rules you can’t find being followed in any congregation in the circuit. I remember an argument between congregation BOEs over whether sisters could have 2 piercings in each ear, that it could be only one in each ear. Finally one elder called the branch and got the ruling that the BOE could decide…..4 months of “discussion” over that.

    12, 13. (a) What is the position of Jehovah’s

    Witnesses regarding choice of entertainment,

    and what Bible principles apply? (b) How do

    the principles discussed in paragraph 12 apply

    to various personal matters?

    12 In the matter of entertainment, our

    organization does not review specific

    movies, video games, books, or songs in

    order to rule on what we should avoid.

    Why not? The Bible encourages each individual

    to train his “powers of discernment

    . . . to distinguish both right

    and wrong.” (Heb. 5:14) The Scriptures

    set forth basic principles that a Christian

    can weigh when selecting entertainment.

    In all areas of life, our goal should

    be to “keep on making sure of what is

    acceptable to the Lord.” (Eph. 5:10) The

    Bible teaches that family heads have

    a measure of authority, so they may

    choose not to allow certain entertainment

    in their household*.—1 Cor. 11:3;

    Eph. 6:1-4.

    COMMENTS

    No the WTS may not but instead have circuit and district overseers make comments from the platform that are adopted and enforced at the congregation level. Or elders on “shepherding” calls check what DVDs, CDs, etc., brothers and sisters have. When my husband was a new elder he was instructed by the training elder to check to see what this family had for entertainment and was disappointed when he found it w as locked up and then judged this family without seeing as having bad stuff. My husband was shocked and said this was bad to be so nosy and the training elder told him that was how he was trained.

    And who has all the porn problems…family heads are the chief viewers of that.

    *See the jw.org article “Do You Ban Certain

    Movies, Books, or Songs?” under ABOUT US >

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

    13 The Bible principles discussed

    above do not apply only to our choice

    of entertainment. Opinions about dress

    and grooming, health and nutrition, and

    other personal matters may also trigger

    controversy. Accordingly, if no Scriptural

    principle is being violated, Jehovah’s

    people wisely abstain from arguing over

    such matters, “for a slave of the Lord

    does not need to fight, but needs to be

    gentle [tactful, ftn.] toward all.”—2 Tim.

    2:24.

    COMMENTS

    Dress—in some areas brothers can wear no time or suitcoat

    Health—I was told by a sister that if I didn’t buy her vitamins I really did not want to stay in the pioneer service

    Scriptural principle = specific advice, conscience matter unless one person could be stumbled

    AVOID BAD ASSOCIATIONS!

    14. What illustration did Paul use to highlight

    the need to avoid bad associations?

    14 In what other way may those “calling

    on the name of Jehovah renounce

    unrighteousness”? By avoiding close association

    with people who practice unrighteousness.

    It is noteworthy that Paul

    followed his illustration of “the solid

    foundation of God” with another illustration.

    He wrote about “a large house”

    with “utensils not only of gold and silver

    but also of wood and earthenware, and

    some for an honorable use but others for

    a use lacking honor.” (2 Tim. 2:20, 21)

    He then admonished Christians to ‘keep

    clear of,’ or separate themselves from,

    the utensils that are used for a purpose

    “lacking honor.”

    COMMENTS

    What does it mean to “practice” unrighteousness; do it once, twice, etc. What about murder, doing it once not practicing.

    *** g05 8/22 pp. 26-27 How Can I Avoid Getting Involved With the Wrong People? ***Friendships Among Fellow Christians

    What, though, about friendships inside the Christian congregation? When writing to the young man Timothy, Paul warned: “In a large house there are vessels not only of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for an honorable purpose but others for a purpose lacking honor. If, therefore, anyone keeps clear of the latter ones, he will be a vessel for an honorable purpose, sanctified, useful to his owner, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:20, 21) So Paul did not gloss over the reality that even among Christians, there may be some who do not conduct themselves honorably. And he was just as frank in exhorting Timothy to keep clear of such ones.

    Does this mean you should be suspicious of your fellow Christians? No. Nor does it mean that you should expect your friends to be flawless. (Ecclesiastes 7:16-18) However, the mere fact that a young person attends Christian meetings or has parents who are zealous in the congregation does not of itself mean that this one is a good choice for a close friend.

    “Even by his practices a boy [or girl] makes himself recognized as to whether his activity

    15, 16. What can we learn from the illustration

    of “a large house”?

    15 What is the meaning of this illustration?

    Paul’s metaphor compares

    the Christian congregation to “a large

    house” and individual members of the

    congregation to “utensils,” or household

    implements. In a house, some utensils

    may become contaminated by dangerous

    substances or unsanitary conditions.

    The householder will keep such

    implements separate from clean utensils,

    such as those used for cooking.

    PICTURE: Avoid engaging in debates with apostates

    (See paragraph 10)

    (for jw posters on JWN: Think about this)

    16 Likewise, Jehovah’s people today,

    striving to live clean lives, should avoid

    intimacy with individuals in the congregation

    who persistently disregard

    Jehovah’s principles. (Read 1 Corinthians

    15:33.) If this is true of some inside

    the congregation, how much more

    should we “turn away” from having close

    association with those outside the congregation,

    many of whom are ‘lovers of

    money, disobedient to parents, disloyal,

    slanderers, fierce, without love of goodness,

    betrayers, and lovers of pleasures

    rather than lovers of God’!—2 Tim. 3:1-5.

    COMMENTS

    So what principles do they mean? Doesn’t this open up judgmental conclusions about others in the congregation and sharing those with others?

    So you can have some association with those outside the congregation, just not CLOSE, whatever that means.

    JEHOVAH BLESSES OUR DECISIVENESS

    17. How thorough were loyal Israelites when

    taking their stand against unrighteousness?

    17 The Bible makes specific mention

    of how decisively the Israelites acted

    when told to “get away from around the

    tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.”

    The account says that “they immediately

    moved away.” (Num. 16:24, 27) There

    was no hesitation or procrastination.

    The scripture also alludes to the thoroughness

    with which they complied.

    They “moved away . . . from every side.”

    Loyal ones were not about to take any

    risks. Their obedience was not partial or

    halfhearted. They took a clear stand

    for Jehovah and against unrighteousness.

    What lessons can we learn from this example?

    COMMENTS

    DF alert: immediately moved away..no hesitation or procrastination

    Alludes==just in case you did not get the WTS point.

    18. What was the spirit behind Paul’s words

    when he admonished Timothy to “flee from

    youthful desires”?

    18 When it comes to protecting our

    friendship with Jehovah, we must act

    swiftly and decisively. This is the spirit

    behind Paul’s words when he admonished

    Timothy to “flee from youthful desires.”

    (2 Tim. 2:22) At the time, Timothy

    was already a grown man, possibly in

    his 30’s. Still, foolish “youthful desires”

    are not always restricted by age. When

    confronted with such desires, Timothy

    was to “flee” from them. In other words,

    Timothy was to “renounce unrighteousness.”

    Jesus conveyed a similar message

    when he said: “If your eye makes you

    stumble, tear it out and throw it away

    from you.” (Matt. 18:9) Today, Christians

    who take this counsel to heart deal decisively

    with spiritual threats, without hesitation or procrastination.

    COMMENTS

    Foolishness not restricted by age, e.g., porn

    Do BOEs deal decisively with pedophiles???

    19. How have some today acted with decisiveness

    to protect themselves from spiritual dangers?

    19 Some who had problems with alcohol

    before becoming Witnesses have

    made the personal choice to abstain

    from alcoholic beverages altogether.

    Others avoid certain types of entertainment

    that are not in themselves wrong

    but that can fuel personal moral weaknesses.

    (Ps. 101:3) For example, before

    becoming a Witness, one brother enjoyed

    the immoral atmosphere of the

    dance parties he frequented. But after

    learning the truth, he has completely

    avoided dancing even at Witness gatherings

    for fear of awakening improper

    desires or thoughts from his past. Of

    course, Christians are not required to

    abstain totally from alcohol, dancing, or

    other things that are not wrong in themselves.

    We are all expected, however,

    to take decisive and thorough action

    to protect ourselves from spiritual dangers.

    COMMENTS

    So what are types of entertainment not wrong in themselves? Jws will be running to the elders to get rules.

    Dance, how many jws realize that waltzing was a wild dance in its day…touching other dancers; the bouncing around of square dancing. What dancing is allowed nowadays that doesn’t requiring touching your partner or dancing and being viewed?

    So what is the WTS saying?

    20. Although it might not be easy to “renounce

    unrighteousness,” what gives us confidence

    and comfort?

    20 The privilege of bearing God’s

    name comes with responsibility. We

    must “renounce unrighteousness” and

    “turn away from what is bad.” (Ps. 34:14)

    True, doing so is not always easy. But

    how comforting it is to know that Jehovah

    will always love “those who belong

    to him” and who adhere to his righteous

    ways.—2 Tim. 2:19; read 2 Chronicles

    16:9a.

    COMMENTS

    Jehovah will always love the WTS say belong to him.

    CONCLUDING COMMENTS

    I think the WTS is not getting the obedient response they want from either elders, MS, pioneers, and all other jws. Young jws see the lack of obedience in older jws and follow along. Older jws know how to get around the eagle eye of the WTS spies.

    I knew of male Bethelites who easily obtained alcohol when they were not legally old enough and did not hide it that much. I watched Bethelites have parties and get so bombed I was stunned. Or the hidden alcoholics in the congregation that were almost always elders, protected by the other elders.

    (BTW: you have access to WTS publications, magazines, books, KMs, at this site.

    www.jw.org )

    Love Blondie

  • Ding
    Ding

    "Avoid debates with apostates."

    Especially since they have all sorts of information that the WT forbids you to know about...

  • 88JM
    88JM

    I really had to laugh at the picture of the supposed "apostates" waving banners outside a convention - comments in the meeting were actually analysing it as if it was an accurate presentation of an "apostate".

    If it really did happen, at least one of those banners would say "jwfacts.com"!

  • Bobcat
    Bobcat

    From Par.4:

    "Yet, there appears to be no text in the Hebrew Scriptures that matches Paul’s quote."

    The Commentary on the OT Use of the NT (G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, 2007) has a very lengthy writeup on 2 Tim 2:19 (covering pages 903-906). On page 905 it says (in regard to the origins of the phrase, “Let everyone calling on the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness.”):

    • Most interpreters regard the reference as an echo of Isa. 26:13 LXX, where a positive acknowledgment of God is implied: Isa. 26:13 LXX: O Lord our God, take possession of us: O Lord, we know no other beside you: we name your name [to onoma sou onomazomen].

    [End quote]

    I wonder if the paragraph was being a bit tricky with its wording by saying "no text in the Hebrew Scriptures . . .," given the fact that the reference I quote above cites the (Greek) LXX as a considered point of view of "most interpreters"?

    Other than that, the discussion in the WT (pars. 3-7) does follow the suggested origins of 2 Tim 2:19 as discussed in the commentary I cited above. Of course, no acknowledgment of where they got this bit of understanding.

    Par. 17

    The account says that “they immediately moved away.” (Num. 16:24, 27) . . . They “moved away . . . from every side.”

    Check these translations of Numbers 16:27. There is no "immediately" in the Hebrew text (see also here for Hebrew of verse).

    The 'moving away from every side' is due to the fact that there would have been tents all around these families because of the way the Israelites camped. The paragraph seems to be trying to apply "from every side" as if to mean 'personally in every way.'

    Bobcat

  • WTWizard
    WTWizard

    So, what is "unrighteousness"? Anything that might hamper joke-hova's bid to enslave the whole human race. Independent thinking, developing oneself spiritually (as in your soul, not as in serving joke-hova), being self reliant, having gold and silver for when the dollar becomes toilet paper and the knowledge on earning more, and any kind of independent thinking all hamper joke-hova from doing this, and are therefore "unrighteousness" to that thing.

    This could be taken to the extreme, and I am expecting more on it during the period between 2015 and 2018. What about marriage? According to Paul, it is supposed to be only for those who cannot control their sexual desire (hence, lacking self control), beyond the bloom of youth, and "this is the way things should take place" (when is it "the way things should take place" when joke-hova merely wants to enslave us?). Paul grudgingly makes the concession, but would rather us remain single. Now, since one is supposed to display great self control to be a xian, would it be unrighteousness to be in this position where "marriage" is permitted? And, if one marries despite not being that absolutely unable to control one's desire, wouldn't that be "But it is better to remain single" and hence not doing all one could possibly do for joke-hova? Using this logic, and I bet the Filthful and Disgraceful Slavebugger will be coming up with a Kool-Aid or Grand Boasting Session on it soon, marriage would be "unrighteousness". Granted the lesser between that and fornication, but still unrighteousness.

    And what about joke-hova? Is that thing really righteous in enslaving the whole human race in the first place?

  • blondie
  • frankiespeakin
    frankiespeakin

    They should have titled this watchtower lesson: 'Everything You Need To Know About Being A Religious Fanatic But Were Afraid To Ask'. The whole lesson reeks of religious fanaticism while trying to give the impression of clear thinking to please the Deity.

  • Jeannette
    Jeannette

    Thank you, Blondie. You're a genius. And I admire your "stick-to-itiveness" as it almost makes me sick to read that stuff now.

    WTWizard, not only is He enslaving, but he's a bonefide baby killer, and little animal killer. He's blood thirsty, what a God to follow. And WE'RE supposed to reject unrighteousness, even things that are natural to a human.

  • OUTLAW
    OUTLAW

    Good Morning Blondie!..

    .

    A Blondie Thread and a cup of tea are a good way to start a Sunday morning..

    2. Our privilege of bearing God’s name comes with what responsibility?

    2 Using the divine name does not in itself bring us Jehovah’s favor.

    The correct answer would be.. "To find out what Gods Name is First"..

    .

    The name Jehovah is a 13th century Catholic Translation Mistake Made by a Catholic Monk..

    JW`s are Kept Stupid by being Discouraged to Read anything but WBT$ Propaganda..

    .

    ....................

    ........................................

    ......................................................................................... Image...OUTLAW

  • darth frosty
    darth frosty

    This was a FB comment from a friend who still attends:

    Watchtower lesson today was very good. I gotta do better and make better "decisive decisions". Especially where my spirituality is in danger. My Father is speaking to me!

    Sadly they still getting the message of personal failure accross to the R&F

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