November 15, 2014 WT Study Issue
January 18, 2015 To Be Studied
OPENING COMMENTS
Not much new….SOC. The WTS has to constantly repeat it because the rank and file see so many other jws, especially elders, apply different rules to themselves, their families, their friends, and come up with excuses. We saw an elder having constant social contact with a df'd adult child who did not live a home. We were told the other elders were aware of it and it was all right. But when we asked if a sister with a df'd son in the same circumstances could do the same, they said no, that the elder was more spiritual and was protected from any danger.!!!
We Must Be Holy in All Our Conduct
“Become holy yourselves in all your conduct.”—1 Peter 1:15.
How Would You Respond?
Why is avoiding compromise a serious issue for true Christians?
What is the connection between Jehovah’s sovereignty and Christian neutrality?
In view of Hebrews 5:7, 11-14, how should we approach our study of God’s Word?
question1,2. (a) What is expected of God’s people when it comes to conduct? (b) This article answers what questions?
1 Jehovah inspired the apostle Peter to link the holiness emphasized in the book of Leviticus with the need to be holy in our conduct as Christians. (Read 1 Peter 1:14-16.) “The Holy One,” Jehovah, expects anointed ones and the “other sheep” to do their utmost to become holy in all their conduct—not just some of their conduct.—John 10:16.
Comments: Are jws Christians or Jehovah's Witnesses per the bible. Why does the WTS switch back and forth (see Acts 1:8) Are there exceptions for more spiritual jws (anointed) as the elders said above?
2 Further examination of spiritual gems found in Leviticus will be highly beneficial, and applying what we learn will help us to prove ourselves holy in all our conduct. We will consider such questions as: How should we view compromise? What does Leviticus teach us about upholding Jehovah’s sovereignty? What can we learn from the offering of sacrifices?
Comments: Note how often the WTS uses the phrase "spiritual gems" in this series of articles…and continues to use OT examples for Christians not Israelites.
BEWARE OF COMPROMISE
question3,4. (a) Why must Christians avoid compromising on Bible laws and principles? (b) Why should we not take vengeance or hold a grudge?
3 If we are to please Jehovah, we must hold firmly to his laws and principles, never adopting an unholy, compromising attitude toward them. Although we are not under the Mosaic Law, its requirements give us insight into what is acceptable or unacceptable in God’s sight. For example, the Israelites were commanded: “You must not take vengeance nor hold a grudge against the sons of your people, and you must love your fellow man as yourself. I am Jehovah.”—Leviticus 19:18.
Comments: So how many laws are their for Christians? Two. How many principles, as many as the WTS needs when there are no scriptures supporting their opinions.
4 Jehovah expects us to refrain from taking vengeance, and he wants us to avoid harboring a grudge. (Romans 12:19) Were we to ignore divine laws and principles, the Devil would be delighted, and we might bring reproach on Jehovah. Even if someone has deliberately hurt us, let us not allow ourselves to be vessels in which resentment is stored. God has given us the privilege of being “earthen vessels” containing the treasure of the ministry. (2 Corinthians 4:1, 7) Acidlike resentment does not belong in such vessels!
Comments: Grudges, I can remember so many and they lasted until the people died…they would not sit on the same side of the KH, would not go to the same book study or in the same car group let alone talk to each other.
"deliberately hurt us" like molesting us or our children, stealing from us so we could not pay our bills, ruining our reputation in the congregation…even alcoholics go and make amends to those they have hurt, do most jws? No.
Matthew 5:23-24 English Standard Version (ESV)23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
question5. What can we learn from the account of Aaron and the death of his sons? (See opening image.)
5 A heartrending experience for Aaron’s family is recorded at Leviticus 10:1-11. They must have been devastated when fire from heaven consumed Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu at the tabernacle. What a test of faith it was for Aaron and his family not to mourn their dead relatives! Are you personally proving yourself holy with regard to not associating with family members or others who have been disfellowshipped?—Read 1 Corinthians 5:11.
Comments: OT/remember Aaron who had made the golden calf and was forgiven by God by the other Jews died. Later Aaron spoke against Moses along with his sister Miriam but she was punished with leprosy. Do you think Aaron expected his sons to have special treatment?
Here the WTS says that df'd are as dead people and not to mourn them? Doesn't the WTS give some jws an out with "necessary family business"?
question6,7. (a) When deciding whether to participate in a church wedding, what serious points merit our consideration? (See footnote.) (b) How might we reason with non-Witness relatives as to our stand regarding a church wedding?
6 We may not face as severe a test as that experienced by Aaron and his family. But what if we were invited to attend and participate in a church wedding of a non-Witness relative? No explicit Scriptural command forbids us to attend, but are there Bible principles involved in making such a decision? *
[Footnote.] * See “Questions From Readers” in The Watchtower of May 15, 2002. [End of Footnote]
Comments: Did Aaron know about his sons sins; if so, did he try to correct the problem. Could Nadab and Abihu had a high opinion of themselves because they saw that their own father had not been punished?
"no explicit Scriptural command" here the WTS pulls out "principles." Have you had occasions where elders in one congregation interpret it differently from another congregation? Same principles but 2 outcomes.
7 Our determination to prove ourselves holy to Jehovah under the circumstances just mentioned may puzzle our non-Witness relatives. (1 Peter 4:3, 4) Of course, we try to avoid offending them, but it is usually best to speak with them in a kind, though straightforward, way. Perhaps this could be done well in advance of the event. We could thank them and say that we are pleased that they invited us to participate in the wedding. Then we might say that because of the religious issues involved, our participation could interfere with the happiness of their special day and might be a source of embarrassment to them and others attending. This is one way that we could avoid compromising our beliefs and faith.
Comments: non-Witness (capitalized?) not "worldly"
Avoid offending, speak kindly, well in advance, than them….the WTS trying to teach jws to be diplomatic not condemning?
UPHOLD JEHOVAH’S SOVEREIGNTY
question8. How does the book of Leviticus highlight Jehovah’s sovereignty?
8 The book of Leviticus highlights Jehovah’s sovereignty. More than 30 times, the laws found in Leviticus are credited to Jehovah. Moses acknowledged this and did what Jehovah commanded him to do. (Leviticus 8:4, 5) Likewise, we should always do what our Sovereign, Jehovah, wants us to do. In this regard, we have the support of God’s organization. But a test of faith may come when we are alone, as it did when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. (Luke 4:1-13) If we are focused on God’s sovereignty and we trust in him, nobody can cause us to compromise and be ensnared by cowardly fear.—Proverbs 29:25.
Comments:
We would hope that in the OT that God is credited, but we are talking to Christians…what about the words of Christ?
Always do that the WTS/GB says God wants us to do; not using our own brains to read the bible.
question9. Why are God’s people hated in all nations?
9 As followers of Christ and Witnesses of Jehovah, we are persecuted in nations around the world. This is to be expected, for Jesus told his disciples: “People will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name.” (Matthew 24:9) In the face of such hatred, however, we endure in the Kingdom-preaching work and continue to prove ourselves holy before Jehovah. Although we are honest, clean-living, and law-abiding citizens, why are we so hated? (Romans 13:1-7) Because we have made Jehovah our Sovereign Lord! We render sacred service to “him alone” and will never compromise on his righteous laws and principles.—Matthew 4:10.
Comments: both at once (followers of Christ and Witnesses of Jehovah)….but "witnesses of Jehovah" never appears in the NT, never. So jw pedophiles are law-abiding, jws that speed then lie to the court, clean-living, dirty cars in field service, honest, the ones that cheat other jws financially knowing these jws cannot sue them.
question10. What happened on one occasion when a brother compromised his neutrality?
10 We are also “no part of the world.” Therefore, we are neutral with regard to the world’s wars and political affairs. (Read John 15:18-21; Isaiah 2:4.) Some who made a dedication to God have compromised their neutrality. Many of these individuals have repented and have regained their relationship with our merciful heavenly Father. (Psalms 51:17) A few did not repent. During World War II, for instance, officials gathered 160 of our unjustly incarcerated brothers under 45 years of age from all the prisons in Hungary and assembled them in one town. There they ordered them to take up military service. The faithful brothers remained firm in their refusal, but nine of the group took the military oath and accepted uniforms. Two years later, one who compromised found himself part of a firing squad assigned to execute the faithful Witnesses. His own fleshly brother was among them! As matters turned out, the threatened executions never took place.
Comments: "no part of the world" but take charity from the government, accept retirement pay from the military, (add your own). So what happened to the bad brother? Are the bad jws always punished or are the good jws told to wait on God?
OFFER JEHOVAH YOUR BEST
question11,12. How does the way that Jehovah had sacrifices handled in ancient Israel have meaning for Christians today?
11 According to the Mosaic Law, the Israelites were to offer specific sacrifices. (Leviticus 9:1-4, 15-21) The sacrifices were to be unblemished because they pointed to Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. Moreover, with each type of offering, or sacrifice, a specific procedure was to be followed. For example, consider what was required of the mother of a newborn child. Leviticus 12:6 states: “When the days of her purification for a son or a daughter are completed, she will bring a young ram in its first year for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering to the entrance of the tent of meeting, to the priest.” God’s requirements were specific, but his loving reasonableness shines radiantly in the Law. If the mother could not afford a sheep, she was allowed to offer two turtledoves or two young pigeons. (Leviticus 12:8) Though poor, this worshipper was loved and appreciated just as much as the one bringing a more costly offering. What can we learn from this?
Comments: Did the Jews sacrifices keep them faithful? Do jws today give good sacrifices or do they give the semblance of it, spending only 45 minutes out of 3 hours actually trying to talk to non-jws? If they mother could afford a sheep and give 2 birds, would she be found out, what would happen to her?
12 The apostle Paul urged fellow believers to offer to God “a sacrifice of praise.” (Hebrews 13:15) Our lips should make public declaration to Jehovah’s holy name. Deaf brothers and sisters use sign language to render such praise to God. Housebound Christians praise him by letter writing, telephone witnessing, and preaching to attendants and visitors. Our sacrifice of praise—our giving praise to Jehovah by making known his name and proclaiming the good news—should be commensurate with our health and ability. It ought to be our best.—Romans 12:1; 2 Timothy 2:15.
Comments: Where is Jesus' name in this scenario; Jesus told his followers at Acts 1:8 that they would be followers of him. So how many jws are housebound? Aren't most healthy…do they make the suggested 10 hour monthly goal?
question13. Why should we report our field service activity?
13 Our sacrifices of praise are personal offerings voluntarily made to God because we love him. (Matthew 22:37, 38) But we have been asked to report our activity in the ministry. So, what attitude should we have toward this arrangement? The report we submit each month is connected with our godly devotion. (2 Peter 1:7) Of course, none of us should feel pressured to devote many hours to the ministry just to be able to turn in a larger report of our share in the field service. That is precisely why a Kingdom publisher who is in a nursing home or who is somehow incapacitated may report field service in 15-minute increments rather than full hours. Jehovah appreciates those minutes as the Kingdom publisher’s best offering and as an expression of love for Him and appreciation for the inestimable privilege of serving as one of His Witnesses. Just like those Israelites whose circumstances did not allow them to offer some of the more expensive sacrifices, Jehovah’s precious servants who have certain limitations can still submit a report. And our individual reports become part of the total world report, which helps the organization to plan ahead for future Kingdom-preaching activity. So, then, is it really asking too much of us that we report our share in the preaching work?
Comments: voluntarily? What happens if no time is turned in? A call from an elder…usually one who hasn't talked to you for months at the KH. But those that do turn in a larger report get praised from the platform. 15-minute jws, who even knows who they are, visits them, and encourages them? Why no record in the NT of Christians turning individual reports?
OUR STUDY HABITS AND SACRIFICES OF PRAISE
question14. Explain why we should examine our study habits.
14 After considering a few spiritual treasures from Leviticus, you may be thinking, ‘I now have a better understanding of reasons why this book has been included in God’s inspired Word.’ (2 Timothy 3:16) You may now be more determined to prove yourself holy, not only because Jehovah requires it but because he deserves your earnest effort to please him. Perhaps what you have learned about Leviticus in these two articles has increased your desire to dig more deeply into the Scriptures in general. (Read Proverbs 2:1-5.) Examine your study habits prayerfully. You surely want your sacrifices of praise to be acceptable to Jehovah. Do you find that you are allowing television programs, video games, sports activities, or hobbies to distract you and interfere with your spiritual progress? If so, you may find it very beneficial to meditate on certain statements of the apostle Paul that have been recorded in the book of Hebrews.
Comments: So have they read the book of Leviticus?
"increased your desire to dig more deeply into the Scriptures in general" haven't jws been told not to go beyond the material in the study article, not the dig into the bible languages?
Picture on page 16: Are you giving Bible study and Family Worship sessions priority in your life?
question15,16. Why was Paul so direct when he wrote to the Hebrew Christians?
15 Paul was very frank when he wrote to his fellow Hebrew Christians. (Read Hebrews 5:7, 11-14.) The apostle did not mince words! He told them that they had “become dull” in their hearing. Why was Paul so forceful, so direct? He was reflecting Jehovah’s love and concern for those Christians who were trying to survive on spiritual milk. Knowing the fundamental doctrines of Christianity is vital. However, “solid food” is needed to promote spiritual growth toward Christian maturity.
Comments: Remember Paul was a Pharisee, taught in the interpretation of the Law per the Jews. Were they to be like him? Yet all of Paul's earlier learning led him to persecute the Christians; it took a vision from Jesus to wake him up.
What is solid food per the GB; the pablum they serve up in this magazine?
16 Instead of progressing to the point of teaching others, the Hebrews needed to have someone teach them. Why? Because they avoided “solid food.” Ask yourself: ‘Do I have the right attitude toward solid spiritual food? Am I taking it in? Or do I shy away from praying and engaging in deep Bible study? If so, might my study habits be part of the problem?’ Not only are we to preach to people but we are to teach them and make disciples.—Matthew 28:19, 20.
question17,18. (a) Why should we regularly take in solid spiritual food? (b) With regard to Christian meetings, how may we view the use of alcoholic beverages?
17 Bible study may not be easy for many of us. Of course, Jehovah does not try to motivate his people to study by causing them to have feelings of guilt. Yet, whether we have been dedicated servants of God for years or for a comparatively short time, we should continually take in solid spiritual food. Doing so is essential if we are to pursue a course of holiness.
Comments: Is it matter of being easy or interesting? God may not use guilt but the GB does. Do you have a favorite quote?
18 To be holy, we must weigh the Scriptures carefully and do what God asks of us. Consider Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu, who were executed for offering “unauthorized fire,” perhaps while inebriated. (Leviticus 10:1, 2) Note what God then told Aaron. (Read Leviticus 10:8-11.) Does that passage mean that we must not drink anything alcoholic before going to a Christian meeting? Think about these points: We are not under the Law. (Romans 10:4) In some lands, our fellow believers use alcoholic beverages in moderation at meals before attending meetings. Four cups of wine were used at the Passover. When instituting the Memorial, Jesus had his apostles drink wine that represented his blood. (Matthew 26:27) The Bible condemns heavy drinking and drunkenness. (1 Corinthians 6:10; 1 Timothy 3:8) And many Christians would feel impelled by their conscience to abstain completely from alcoholic beverages before engaging in any form of sacred service. However, circumstances vary from one country to another, and the important thing is for Christians to “distinguish between the holy thing and the profane” so as to conduct themselves with holiness that pleases God.
Comments: Can we weigh the Scriptures carefully by ourselves or can only the GB have that insight?
PERHAPS being inebriated…how the WTS adds to the bible
So in some countries you can drink before going to the meeting or out in field service? I had 2 studies come to the KH and were offended, they were recovering alcoholics. The GB is so concerned about the consciences of others, why not here. What is moderation….4 cups of wine? How much is drinking heavily….what is drunkeness?
question19. (a) What should we keep in mind when it comes to family worship and personal study? (b) What are you determined to do when it comes to proving yourself holy?
19 Many spiritual gems await discovery if you dig for them in God’s Word. Use available research tools to enhance your family worship and your personal study. Increase your knowledge of Jehovah and his purposes. Draw ever closer to him. (James 4:8) Pray to God as did the psalmist who sang: “Open my eyes so that I may see clearly the wonderful things from your law.” (Psalms 119:18) Never compromise on Bible laws and principles. Willingly comply with the supreme law of “the Holy One,” Jehovah, and zealously participate in “the holy work of the good news of God.” (1 Peter 1:15; Romans 15:16) Prove yourself holy during these turbulent last days. May all of us be holy in our conduct and thus uphold the sovereignty of our holy God, Jehovah.
Comments: "spiritual gems" are jws encouraged to dig or stick to what the GB says the bible says. At one WT study the conductor asked "and what is the greatest tool we have" as he grabbed his WT to hold it up. The COBOE quickly grabbed the mike and said "the bible" as the conductor lowered the WT.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
The WTS talks out of both sides of its mouth in this article. Holiness is not hiding pedophiles in the congregation, not believing their victims, and recognizing pedophiles are committing a crime not just sinning.
Love, Blondie