In regards to Matthew 24:45-47 on the topic of ‘the faithful slave’, verse 45 is merely asking the question of ‘who is’, and verse 46 goes on to state that ‘the slave’ that is found doing so, ‘on the master’s arrival’(future arrival at Matt 24:30), ‘is who’ at that time be found to be ‘faithful’ and appointed over the master’s belongings.
In other words, ‘the slave’ is just a ‘slave’ prior to the master’s arrival and it is up to the master upon his arrival (future arrival at Matt 24:30) to determine what slave/s are ‘faithful or not. It is not up to the slave/s themselves to determine their own faithfulness.
To further demonstrate this, please consider the following scriptures. (Matthew 25:14,19,21,23,26-27 Luke 19:13,15,17,22-23) As can be seen, the master summoned ‘SLAVES’, not faithful ones, nor wicked ones, just ‘SLAVES’. But it is on the master’s arrival that he then determines which of those ‘SLAVES’ were faithful or wicked. The point being is that it is presumptuous for the ‘slave/s’ to consider/call themselves ‘faithful’ presently, when that is something that is for the master to determine/say when he arrives. In fact to the contrary ‘the slaves’ when calling themselves anything, the master himself said what is found at Luke 17:10…
Another point on this is that the terms ‘the faithful and discreet slave class/the faithful and discreet slave /the faithful slave class/the faithful slave/the slave class‘ or ‘Governing Body‘, should not be used as titles…
[12-1-19 WT- “Thousands of the readers of Pastor Russell’s writings believe that he filled the office of “that faithful and wise servant,” and that his great work was giving to the Household of Faith meat in due season. His modesty and humility precluded him from openly claiming this title,]
[6-1-01 WT- Jesus set out the principle: “Do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ. But the greatest one among you must be your minister.” (Matthew 23:8-11) A congregation of brothers precludes having a proud clergy class that honors itself with high-sounding titles and elevates itself above a laity.]
Just as Russell’s modesty and humility precluded him from openly claiming such a title, an angel of Jehovah’s that the apostle John fell down to the feet of to worship, and had to be warned not to do so, that angel himself referred to himself as being ‘only a fellow slave’…
Now speaking of the account that John had to be warned by the angel not to worship him (Revelation 22: 8,9) and given the account of the Israelite’s who desired to have a visible image made with the claim that it represented Jehovah, in which Jehovah viewed as idolatry… people today can be guilty of idolatry to an organization (or group of men) that claim to represent Jehovah, by giving it (them) undue devotion, praise, respect, adoration, love, worship, etc…
[9-15-95 WT- ‘The Golden Calf’ And the people said: “All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do and be obedient.”—Exodus 24:7. Nevertheless, the Israelites soon sinned against God. They were still encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai. Moses had been on the mountain many days, receiving further instruction from God, and the people pressured Moses’ brother, Aaron, to make a god for them. Aaron complied and made a calf out of gold that the people provided. It was claimed that this idol represented Jehovah. (Psalm 106:20) The next day they offered sacrifices and kept “bowing down to it.” Then they had “a good time.”—Exodus 32:1, 4, 6, 8, 17-19.]
[4-1-07 WT- ‘Showing Due Respect for the Faithful Slave‘ A fundamental reason for showing proper respect for the faithful slave class is that by so doing, we are in fact showing respect for the Master, Jesus Christ.…Therefore, when we loyally submit to the direction of the faithful slave and its Governing Body, we are submitting to Christ, the slave’s Master….For this reason, all in the congregation view it as their sacred duty to follow and uphold the direction coming from the faithful slave and its Governing Body]
[12-1-90 WT- We have the opportunity to show love for our brothers who take the lead in the congregation or in connection with Jehovah’s visible organization worldwide. This includes being loyal to “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matthew 24:45-47) Let us face the fact that no matter how much Bible reading we have done, we would never have learned the truth on our own.]
[11-1-90 WT- Further direction comes from “the faithful and discreet slave” class of anointed Christians. These have been helped by Jehovah’s spirit to understand his will progressively. (Matthew 24:45-47; Proverbs 4:18) Thus, when direction comes from Jehovah’s organization, we can wisely submit to it,]
[11-15-09 WT- By word or action, may we never challenge the channel of communication that Jehovah is using today. (Num. 16:1-3) On the contrary, we should cherish our privilege to cooperate with the slave class.]
[2-15-09 WT- Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ completely trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same?]
[4-15-13 WT- How do we demonstrate our support for the arrangements made by Jehovah’s organization? One important way is by always putting our confidence in the ones whom Jehovah and Jesus trusting]
[Psalm 146:3 Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs.]
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Venerate– a feeling of awe, respect; reverence-deep respect for someone or something
Adoration- the act of paying honor, as to a divine being; worship.
Sacred duty– worthy of religious worship: very holy, highly valued and important: deserving great respect
Devotion– love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause
Loyal– faithful to any leader, party, or cause, or to any person or thing conceived as deserving fidelity
Submit– to defer to another’s judgment, opinion, decision, etc.
Cherish– to hold or treat as dear; feel love for
Confidence– full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing
Trust– reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing;
[Insight Vol 1 IDOL, IDOLATRY- An idol is an image, a representation of anything, or a symbol that is an object of passionate devotion, whether material or imagined. Generally speaking, idolatry is the veneration, love, worship, or adoration of an idol. It is usually practiced toward a real or supposed higher power, whether such power is believed to have animate existence (as a human, an animal, or an organization) or is inanimate (as a force or lifeless object of nature).]
