Watchtower
1957 May 1 p.284 Trust Your Proved, Faithful Brothers We
will realize that Jehovah knows what is going on in his organization, and if he
is willing to permit it, who are we to insist it
should be different? If we really have faith, we will know that if it is wrong
he will straighten it out eventually, and we are far
safer inside his organization even with these minor difficulties than we
would be on the outside where only chaos and
destruction await us. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1957326&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=19
Watchtower
1967 June 1 p.338 Move Ahead with Jehovah's Organization 12
How will we put these four things into effect? First, study: We may think of
study as hard work, as involving heavy research. But in Jehovah's organization it is not necessary to spend a lot of time and
energy in research, for there are brothers in the organization who are assigned
to do that very thing, to help you who do not have so much time for
this, these preparing the good material in The Watchtower and other
publications of the Society. But you do not study enough? Take this suggestion:
Often the very best and most beneficial studying you do
is that done when you read a new Watchtower or Awake! or a new book with
the joy of getting the new truths and a fresh view. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1967403&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=16
Watchtower
1973 August 1 p.460 Cultivating Friendship with God 14
Yes, we should be deeply appreciative of all the
fine spiritual food that "the faithful and discreet slave" class has
been providing through The Watchtower, now for ninety-four years. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1973563&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=18
Watchtower
2/15/1981 p.19 Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? OUR
VIEW OF THE "SLAVE"
Watchtower
1983 January 15 p.22 Exposing the Devil's Subtle Designs
Avoid
Independent Thinking
20
From the very outset of his rebellion Satan called into question God's way of
doing things. He promoted independent thinking.
'You can decide for yourself what is good and bad,' Satan told Eve. 'You don't
have to listen to God. He is not really telling you the truth.' (Genesis 3:1-5)
To this day, it has been Satan's subtle design to infect God's people with this
type of thinking.-2 Timothy 3:1, 13. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1983046&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=26
21
How is such independent thinking manifested? A common
way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible
organization. For example, God's organization has from time to time
given warnings about listening to certain types of immoral and suggestive
music, and about frequenting discos and other types of worldly dance halls
where such music is played and people are known to engage in immoral conduct.
(1 Corinthians 15:33) Yet certain ones have professed to know better. They have
rebelled against such counsel and have done what is right in their own eyes.
With what result? Very often they have become involved in sexual immorality and
have suffered severe spiritual harm. But even if they have not been so
affected, are they not reprehensible if others follow their example and suffer
bad consequences?-Matthew 18:6. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1983046&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=27
22
This fact cannot be overemphasized: We are in a war
with superhuman foes, and we constantly need to be aware of this. Satan
and his demons are real; they are not mere figments of the imagination. They
are "the world rulers of this darkness," and we have a spiritual
fight against them. (Ephesians 6:12) It is absolutely vital that we recognize
their subtle designs and not allow ourselves to be overreached by them. Very
appropriately, then, we will next consider how we can arm ourselves to fight
against these wicked spirits. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1983046&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=28
Watchtower
1983 January 15 p.27 Armed for the Fight Against Wicked Spirits Fight
Against Independent Thinking
19
As we study the Bible we learn that Jehovah has always guided his servants in
an organized way. And just as in the first century there was only one true
Christian organization, so today Jehovah is using only one organization.
(Ephesians 4:4, 5; Matthew 24:45-47) Yet there are some who point out that the
organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they argue: "This
shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe." This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous? https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1983047&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=24
20
Such thinking is an evidence of pride. And the
Bible says: "Pride is before a crash, and a haughty spirit before
stumbling." (Proverbs 16:18) If we get to thinking that we know better
than the organization, we should ask ourselves: "Where did we learn Bible
truth in the first place? Would we know the way of the
truth if it had not been for guidance from the organization? Really, can we get
along without the direction of God's organization?" No, we cannot!-Compare
Acts 15:2, 28, 29; 16:4, 5. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1983047&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=25
21
When we consider the mighty spirit forces who are fighting against us, we must acknowledge that on our own we could not possibly
win. Yet with God's backing, and with the help and support of his
organization-our worldwide association of brothers-we cannot lose.
(Psalm 118:6-12; 1 Peter 5:9) However, we must never forget that we are in a
spiritual war, and that wartime is no time to be relaxing, enjoying only
leisure and the pleasures of life. Rather, it is the time for vigorous
training, alertness and self-sacrifice. The enemy has been able to get some
from among us to relax their guard, and these have become battle casualties.
May this never happen to us! It will not if we keep on "the complete suit
of armor from God" and "stand firm against the [crafty acts] of the
Devil."-Ephesians 6:11, 12. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1983047&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=26
Watchtower
1986 March 15 pp.15-20 Allow No Place for the Devil!
"Let
the sun not set with you in a provoked state, neither allow place for the
Devil."-EPHESIANS 4:26, 27.
A
VICIOUS wild beast is on the prowl. He has an insatiable desire to devour
Christians. Peter warns: "Keep your senses, be watchful. Your adversary,
the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. But take
your stand against him, solid in the faith . . . But, after you have suffered a
little while, the God of all undeserved kindness . . . will make you firm, he
will make you strong."-1 Peter 5:8-10. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=3
2
We can be sure that the Devil and his agents, both demon and human, stand ready
to exploit any gnawing doubt, any serious flaw of personality, any negligence
on our part to keep spiritually strong in the faith. But Jehovah's Word assures
us that the Devil will not devour us if we take a firm stand against him.
(James 4:7) For instance, no one falls victim to apostasy because it just could
not be avoided. No one is predestined to abandon the faith. Motives of the
heart are involved. True, John said that some "went out from us, but they
were not of our sort." (1 John 2:19) But this happened because they either
chose apostasy or came into Jehovah's organization with a bad motive at the
start. Judas Iscariot had a good heart when called as one of Jesus' 12
apostles, but the Devil worked on Judas' weakness of greed. Even before the
night of Jesus' betrayal, "the Devil [had] already put it into the heart
of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray him."-John 13:2. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=4
3
A person goes bad because he lets his own selfish
reasoning, his own ambitions and desires, his chosen associates and
surroundings, mold his thinking and determine the direction of his will. Paul
spoke of some who were 'once enlightened, had tasted the heavenly free gift,
but had fallen away.' (Hebrews 6:4-6) If we are not
continually on guard, the Devil can by his sly propaganda make our hearts
receptive to apostate thinking. But how does the Devil, in effect, set a
person up as a likely casualty, a victim of apostasy? https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=5
4
Common attitudes that Satan looks for are bitterness, resentment, and
faultfinding. Such feelings can grow so strong that there is very little room
left for love and appreciation. Perhaps some unresolved problem festers,
causing a person to feel angry and justified in staying away from vital
Christian meetings. By remaining provoked for an extended period of time, he
'allows place for the Devil.' (Ephesians 4:27) The disturbed individual sees
only his brother's human weaknesses, rather than forgiving him "seventy-seven
times," and he fails to use the trying circumstances as opportunities to
be perfecting Christian qualities. (Matthew 18:22) While
in this state of mind, if someone comes along and suggests that Jehovah's
organization is oppressive or restrictive, or even wrong in certain vital
teachings, the embittered Christian's heart may be receptive to such unfounded
claims. How necessary it is, then, to avoid letting bitterness and
resentment build up! Do not let the sun set on your anger. Instead, let love
have its full expression in your life. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=6
5
What other conditions of heart and mind is the Devil looking for? Well, there
are pride, a feeling of self-importance, resentment at not getting the
prominence one feels one should have. These are all pitfalls used by the Devil.
(Romans 12:3) If you are counseled or even reproved for
some wrong practice or attitude, this, too, may prove to be an ideal time for
the Devil to prompt you to ask yourself if you are in the right organization.
So keep humble. Be content to conduct yourself as "a lesser
one." Do not let pride or a feeling of self-importance ever cause you to
totter from standing solidly in the faith.-Luke 9:48; 1 Peter 5:9. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=7
6
Impatience is another thing looked for by the Devil. We may sometimes feel that
changes should be made; we want quick action, immediate answers. 'This problem
must be cleared up now, or I quit. I've got to have the answer to this question
right now, or I'm not going any further. Armageddon and the new system have
been "right around the corner" for years now. I'm tired of waiting.'
Be assured that the Devil is ready to sow seeds of doubt and revolt in such
fields of impatience. Endurance and faith are needed.-Hebrews 10:36, 39. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=8
7
James said: "Let endurance have its work complete, that you may be
complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything. So, if any one of
you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously
to all and without reproaching; and it will be given him. But let him keep on
asking in faith, not doubting at all, for he who doubts is like a wave of the
sea driven by the wind and blown about. In fact, let not that man suppose that
he will receive anything from Jehovah; he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all
his ways." (James 1:4-8) Do not let the Devil make
you a candidate for apostasy because you have become demandingly impatient,
doubtful about the promises of God! Be patient, be thankful. Wait upon
Jehovah. Palms 42:5 https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=9
8
What else does the Devil use in trying to turn us away?
Has he not always tried to stir up rebellion, to cause Jehovah's servants to
become critical of those taking the lead? 'The elders just do not
understand. They are too critical, too demanding,' some may say. A person may
go further and claim that the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses or other
responsible brothers interfere with freedom of conscience and the individual's
"right" to interpret the Scriptures. But remember Joseph's humble
words: "Do not interpretations belong to God?" (Genesis 40:8) And did
not Jesus foretell that in these final days an organization of anointed ones,
"the faithful and discreet slave," would be entrusted with providing
spiritual food at the proper time? (Matthew 24:45-47) Beware
of those who try to put forward their own contrary opinions. Also beware of
those who want to throw off all restraints or who promise freedom, claiming
that Jehovah's Witnesses are slaves! Peter said of false teachers:
"While they are promising them freedom, they themselves are existing as
slaves of corruption. For whoever is overcome by another is enslaved by this
one."-2 Peter 2:1, 19. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=10
9
What is often the motive of those who criticize the Society or those taking the
lead? Is it not often that some application of Scripture affects them
personally? Rather than conform to sound doctrine and direction, they want the
organization to change. Let us illustrate this with a few examples: https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=11
10
A brother insists on some extreme clothing or grooming style. The elders feel
that he is not a good example and do not extend to him certain privileges, such
as appearing on the platform to give instruction. He becomes resentful,
claiming that others are trying to take away his Christian freedom. But what is behind such reasoning? Is it not usually pride,
an independent attitude, or a rather childish desire to have one's own way?
While this seemingly is a small thing, a person reasoning in that way could
"allow place for the Devil." But love and humility will cause us to
dress and groom ourselves in a modest, acceptable way. We should want to do all
things for the advancement of the good news and not to be pleasing ourselves.-Romans
15:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 10:23, 24. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=11
11
Let us take another example. Occasionally you may hear someone question whether
the Scriptural prohibition against eating blood really applies to transfusions.
But what is behind that reasoning? Is it fear-fear of possibly losing one's
present life or the life of a loved one? Is hope in the resurrection fading?
Faithful Christians do not compromise on God's law or look for ways to water it
down. Abstaining from blood to nourish the body is just as necessary as
abstaining from fornication and idolatry, all condemned in the same
spirit-directed decree of the apostles and older men at Jerusalem.-Acts 15:19,
20, 28, 29. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=13
12
Some who have a critical attitude claim that Jehovah's organization is too
strict about cutting off social contacts with disfellowshipped persons. (2 John
10, 11) But why do such critics feel that way? Do they have a close family tie
or mistaken loyalty to a friend that they are putting ahead of loyalty to
Jehovah and his standards and requirements? Consider, too, that continuing to
accord social fellowship to an expelled person, even one as close as a
relative, may lead the erring one to conclude that his course is not so
serious, and this to his further harm. However, withholding such association
may create in him a craving for what he has lost and a desire to regain it. Jehovah's way is always best, and it is for our own
protection.-Proverbs 3:5. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=14
13
Still another person may incorrectly claim that the Scriptures do not support
public preaching from house to house. But is this because he already dislikes
this important work and is looking for an excuse to abstain? Love of God and
neighbor should motivate us to see the urgency of this lifesaving work. Again,
endurance is needed. The apostle Paul spoke of his own endurance in 'thoroughly
bearing witness to Jews and Greeks' as he taught publicly and from house to
house. (Acts 20:18-21) Rather than complain, should we not loyally follow his
fine example? Look at the thousands who have been gathered into the "one
flock" because of Jehovah's blessing upon the house-to-house work! (John
10:16) And do not forget the fine benefits we receive in training and
discipline, in strengthening our faith, by going from door to door so as to
reach people with the good news.-Compare Acts 5:42; 1 Timothy 4:16. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=15
14
Finally, we might consider what the Society has published in the past on
chronology. Some opposers claim that Jehovah's Witnesses are false prophets.
These opponents say that dates have been set, but nothing has happened. Again
we ask, What is the motive of these critics? Are they encouraging wakefulness
on the part of God's people, or are they, rather, trying to justify themselves
for falling back into sleepy inactivity? (1 Thessalonians 5:4-9) More
importantly, what will you do if you hear such criticism? If a person is questioning whether we are living in "the
last days" of this system, or perhaps is entertaining ideas that God is so
merciful that he surely will not cause the death of so many millions of people
during the "great tribulation," then this individual already has
prepared his heart to listen to such criticisms.-2 Timothy 3:1; Matthew 24:21. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=16
15
Yes, Jehovah's people have had to revise expectations from time to time.
Because of our eagerness, we have hoped for the new system earlier than
Jehovah's timetable has called for it. But we display our faith in God's Word
and its sure promises by declaring its message to others. Moreover, the need to
revise our understanding somewhat does not make us false prophets or change the
fact that we are living in "the last days," soon to experience the
"great tribulation" that will pave the way for the earthly Paradise. How foolish to take the view that expectations needing some
adjustment should call into question the whole body of truth! The evidence is
clear that Jehovah has used and is continuing to use his one organization, with
"the faithful and discreet slave" taking the lead. Hence, we feel
like Peter, who said: "Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of
everlasting life."-John 6:68. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=17
16
Only in the spiritual paradise, among Jehovah's Witnesses, can we find the
self-sacrificing love Jesus said would identify his true disciples. (John
13:34, 35) By their bad fruits, false prophets are exposed for what they really
are. But Jesus indicated that the good trees would be identified by their fine
fruits. (Matthew 7:15-20) And what fine fruitage we have in the spiritual
paradise! Amazing increases are taking place in practically every country. Over
3,000,000 happy subjects of God's Kingdom around the globe are living proof
that Jehovah has a people on the earth. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=18
17
Because they are taught by God, Jehovah's Witnesses really produce the fruits
of Christianity in their lives. (Isaiah 54:13) Only Jehovah's people have
completely broken free from Babylonish superstitions. Only they have an
organization that completely abides by what God's Word has to say on sexual
immorality, abortions, drunkenness, stealing, idolatry, racial prejudice, and
other worldly pursuits and practices. And they alone are the ones obeying the
command to preach the good news of Jehovah's Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14) God's own
Word unquestionably points to Jehovah's Witnesses as the one organized people
that have his blessing! https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=19
18
Yes, to all who are faithfully and loyally enduring in the Christian way, we
are sure that Jehovah's truth is still beautiful, satisfying-even more so than
when they first heard it. Therefore, resolve in your
heart that you will never even touch the poison that apostates want you to sip.
Heed the wise but firm commands of Jehovah to avoid completely those who would
deceive you, mislead you, turn you aside into the ways of death. If we love
Jehovah with our whole heart, soul, and mind, while loving our neighbor as we
love ourselves, we will leave no room for penetration by apostate thinking.
(Matthew 22:37-39) We will not "allow place for the Devil" and will
have no desire to look elsewhere. We will not 'be quickly shaken from our
reason' by some counterfeit teaching.- 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=20
19
Let us always appreciate our privilege of being in Jehovah's spiritual
paradise, where we are enjoying so many rich blessings. We know who are holding
faithfully to the sayings of everlasting life. So
maintain close association with them, knowing that they are our genuine, loyal
brothers and sisters in the faith. May we continue to have the same joy
and satisfaction that we had when we first learned the truth, with the
assurance of the grand prize of everlasting life in Jehovah's new system of
things. As Paul so aptly said: "Let no man deprive you of the
prize"!-Colossians 2:18. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986204&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=21
Watchtower
1986 April 1 pp.30-31 Questions From Readers
•
Why have Jehovah's Witnesses disfellowshipped (excommunicated) for apostasy
some who still profess belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ?
That
the great issue before humankind is the rightfulness of Jehovah's sovereignty,
which is why he has allowed wickedness so long. (Ezekiel 25:17) That Jesus
Christ had a prehuman existence and is subordinate to his heavenly Father.
(John 14:28) That there is a "faithful and
discreet slave" upon earth today 'entrusted with all of Jesus' earthly
interests,' which slave is associated with the Governing Body of Jehovah's
Witnesses. (Matthew 24:45-47) That 1914 marked
the end of the Gentile Times and the establishment of the Kingdom of God in
the heavens, as well as the time for Christ's foretold presence. (Luke 21:7-24;
Revelation 11:15-12:10) That only 144,000 Christians
will receive the heavenly reward. (Revelation 14:1, 3) That Armageddon,
referring to the battle of the great day of God the Almighty, is near.
(Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:11-21) That it will be followed by Christ's Millennial
Reign, which will restore an earth-wide paradise. That the first to enjoy it
will be the present "great crowd" of Jesus' "other
sheep."-John 10:16; Revelation 7:9-17; 21:3, 4. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1986249&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=10
1988
Yearbook, p.100 Ireland However,
the antipathy toward Jehovah's people and the resistance to their work was
still deep-seated. Later that same year in a local Limerick newspaper, the
following appeal was made to Catholic readers:
"We
appeal most earnestly to any person who may be accosted by representatives of
the Society [Jehovah's Witnesses] to have nothing to do
with their propaganda and to refuse firmly to enter into any discussions
with them. Any copies of their publications which
readers may have acquired should be destroyed immediately. So strongly
does the Church wish us to shun their evil doctrines that any Catholic who
reads publications of the Society leaves himself open to excommunication.
Ireland's heritage of Faith, retained through centuries of persecution, is not
to be bartered for a mess of Brooklyn pottage." https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/1988-Yearbook-of-Jehovahs-Witnesses/Ireland/?fbclid=IwAR2v2gl_yd5dHbkxfIh1sEOhHubsWEt-JWwhNkOdddWMjS4mJqUdDgy2ZAA
Watchtower
August 1, 2001, p. 14, par. 8, Make Your Advancement Manifest 8
First, since "oneness" is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as
far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on
personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding.
Rather, he has complete confidence in the
truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and "the faithful and discreet slave." By
regularly taking in the spiritual food provided "at the proper time"
— through Christian publications, meetings, assemblies, and conventions — we
can be sure that we maintain "oneness" with
fellow Christians in faith and knowledge. — Matthew 24:45. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=2001563&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=11
