The World's Secret Ruler
Satan, the Bible tells us, offered Jesus "all the kingdoms of the world and their glory" in exchange for one act of worship. (Matthew 4:8-10) Essentially, Jesus was offered world rulership-but on the Devil's terms. Jesus did not fall prey to this temptation. Was it really a temptation, though? Could Satan actually make such a grandiose offer? Yes, for Jesus imself called the Devil "the ruler of the world," and the apostle Paul described him as "the god of this system of things." - John 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 6:12.
Of course, Jesus knew that the Devil does not have a kind heart. He described Satan as a "murderer" and as "the father of lies and of all that is false." (John 8:44, The Amplified Bible) Obviously, a world "lying in power" of such a wicked spirit can never be truly happy. (1John 5:19) But the Devil will not have this authority indefinitely. Jesus, now a mighty spirit creature, will shortly depose Satan and completely eliminate his influence.- Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 20:1-3.
Satan himself knows that his days as world ruler are fast running out. Hence, he is making a desperate, all-out effort to corrupt humans beyond reform, just as he did prior to the flood of Noah's day. (Genesis 6:1-5; Jude 6) "Woe for the earth and for the sea," says Revelation 12:12, "because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time." Bible prophecy and world events indicate that we are living near the conclusion of this "short period of time." (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Relief is now in sight.
Next time: A Government To Bring Happiness
4.29.2006
4.21.2006
The Key To A Happy World
Jesus' response was based on at least three factors: his Father's view of expressions of human self-determination, which include human rule; Jesus' awareness that there are powerful, hidden forces working against even the best human efforts at rulership; and God's purpose to establish a heavenly government to rule over the entire earth. As we examine these three points more closely, we will see why mankind's efforts to make the world a better place have failed. We will also see how success will be achieved.
Can Humans Govern Themselves?
When God created humans, he gave them authority over the animal kingdom. (Genesis 1:26) But humankind was under God's sovereignty. The first man and woman were to confirm their submission to God by obediently abstaining from the fruit of one particular tree, " the tree of the knowledge of good and bad." (Genesis 2:17) Sadly, Adam and Eve abused their free moral agency and disobeyed God. Taking the forbidden fruit was not simply an act of theft. It constituted rebellion against God's sovereignty. A footnote to Genesis 2:17 in the New Jerusalem Bible states that Adam and Eve laid claim " to complete moral independance by which man refuses to recognize his status as a created being....The first sin was attack on God's sovereignty."
Becauses of the serious moral issues involved, God allowed Adam and Eve and their descendants to choose their own way of life, and they established their own standards of right and wrong. (Psalm 147:19, 20; Romans 2:14) In essence, the human experiment with self-determination then began. Has it been successful? With the advantage of thousands of years of hindsight, we can say no! Ecclesiastes 8:9 states: " Man has dominated man to his injury." This lamentable record of human self-rule confirms the truthfulness of Jeremiah 10:23: " I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step." History has proved that human do not have the capacity to rule successfully without their Creator.
Jesus fully concurred. Independance from God was anathema to him. "I do nothing of my own initiative," he said. "I always to the things pleasing to [God]." (John 4:34; 8:28, 29) Hence, with no divine authorization to receive kingship from humans, Jesus did not even consider accepting it.. This does not mean, however, that he was reluctant to help his fellowman. On the contrary, he did all in his power to assist people to find the greatest happiness then and in the future. He even gave his life for mankind. (Matthew 5:3-11; 7:24-27;John 3:16)
But Jesus knew that "for everything there is an appointed time," including God's time to assert his sovereignty over mankind. (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Matthew 24:14, 21,22, 36-39)Recall, though that in Eden our original parents submitted to the will of a wicked spirit creature who spoke through a visible serpent. This brings us to a second reason why Jesus kept out of politics.
Next time: The World's Secret Ruler
Jesus' response was based on at least three factors: his Father's view of expressions of human self-determination, which include human rule; Jesus' awareness that there are powerful, hidden forces working against even the best human efforts at rulership; and God's purpose to establish a heavenly government to rule over the entire earth. As we examine these three points more closely, we will see why mankind's efforts to make the world a better place have failed. We will also see how success will be achieved.
Can Humans Govern Themselves?
When God created humans, he gave them authority over the animal kingdom. (Genesis 1:26) But humankind was under God's sovereignty. The first man and woman were to confirm their submission to God by obediently abstaining from the fruit of one particular tree, " the tree of the knowledge of good and bad." (Genesis 2:17) Sadly, Adam and Eve abused their free moral agency and disobeyed God. Taking the forbidden fruit was not simply an act of theft. It constituted rebellion against God's sovereignty. A footnote to Genesis 2:17 in the New Jerusalem Bible states that Adam and Eve laid claim " to complete moral independance by which man refuses to recognize his status as a created being....The first sin was attack on God's sovereignty."
Becauses of the serious moral issues involved, God allowed Adam and Eve and their descendants to choose their own way of life, and they established their own standards of right and wrong. (Psalm 147:19, 20; Romans 2:14) In essence, the human experiment with self-determination then began. Has it been successful? With the advantage of thousands of years of hindsight, we can say no! Ecclesiastes 8:9 states: " Man has dominated man to his injury." This lamentable record of human self-rule confirms the truthfulness of Jeremiah 10:23: " I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step." History has proved that human do not have the capacity to rule successfully without their Creator.
Jesus fully concurred. Independance from God was anathema to him. "I do nothing of my own initiative," he said. "I always to the things pleasing to [God]." (John 4:34; 8:28, 29) Hence, with no divine authorization to receive kingship from humans, Jesus did not even consider accepting it.. This does not mean, however, that he was reluctant to help his fellowman. On the contrary, he did all in his power to assist people to find the greatest happiness then and in the future. He even gave his life for mankind. (Matthew 5:3-11; 7:24-27;John 3:16)
But Jesus knew that "for everything there is an appointed time," including God's time to assert his sovereignty over mankind. (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Matthew 24:14, 21,22, 36-39)Recall, though that in Eden our original parents submitted to the will of a wicked spirit creature who spoke through a visible serpent. This brings us to a second reason why Jesus kept out of politics.
Next time: The World's Secret Ruler
4.17.2006
Cleansed For Fine Works
It is certainly a blessing and a protection that, with Jehovah's help, we can enjoy a clean standing before him. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Yet, we also appreciate that Jehovah has brought his people into a clean state for a specific purpose. Paul told Titus that Christ Jesus "gave himself for us that he might deliver us from every sort of lawlessness and cleanse for himself a people peculiarly his own, zealous for fine works." (Titus 2:14) As a cleansed people, for what works should we be zealous?
First and foremost, we should exert ourselves in declaring publicly the good news of God's Kingdom (Matthew 24:14) By so doing, we hold out to people everywhere the hope of living forever on an earth that will be free from pollution of any kind. (2 Peter 3:13) Our fine works also include manifesting the fruitage of God's spirit in our everyday life, thus glorifying our heavenly Father. (Galatians 5:22, 23; 1 Peter 2:12) and we do not forget those not in the truth who may be ravaged by natural disasters or human tragedies.
We keep in mind Paul's admonition: "Really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith." (Galatians 6:10) All such services, rendered from a clean heart and with a pure motive, are well pleasing to God.- 1Timothy 1:5.
As servants of the Most High, we take to heart Paul's words: " I entreat you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason." (Romans 12:1) May we continue to appreciate the privilege of being cleansed by Jehovah and do our utmost to maintain a high standard of physical, moral and spiritual cleanness. Doing so will bring us not only self-respect and satisfaction now but also the prospect of seeing "the former things" -the present wicked and defiled system- pass away when God 'makes all things new.' - Revelations 21:4, 5.
It is certainly a blessing and a protection that, with Jehovah's help, we can enjoy a clean standing before him. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Yet, we also appreciate that Jehovah has brought his people into a clean state for a specific purpose. Paul told Titus that Christ Jesus "gave himself for us that he might deliver us from every sort of lawlessness and cleanse for himself a people peculiarly his own, zealous for fine works." (Titus 2:14) As a cleansed people, for what works should we be zealous?
First and foremost, we should exert ourselves in declaring publicly the good news of God's Kingdom (Matthew 24:14) By so doing, we hold out to people everywhere the hope of living forever on an earth that will be free from pollution of any kind. (2 Peter 3:13) Our fine works also include manifesting the fruitage of God's spirit in our everyday life, thus glorifying our heavenly Father. (Galatians 5:22, 23; 1 Peter 2:12) and we do not forget those not in the truth who may be ravaged by natural disasters or human tragedies.
We keep in mind Paul's admonition: "Really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith." (Galatians 6:10) All such services, rendered from a clean heart and with a pure motive, are well pleasing to God.- 1Timothy 1:5.
As servants of the Most High, we take to heart Paul's words: " I entreat you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason." (Romans 12:1) May we continue to appreciate the privilege of being cleansed by Jehovah and do our utmost to maintain a high standard of physical, moral and spiritual cleanness. Doing so will bring us not only self-respect and satisfaction now but also the prospect of seeing "the former things" -the present wicked and defiled system- pass away when God 'makes all things new.' - Revelations 21:4, 5.
4.13.2006
A Heart That Is Undefiled
As important as it is to give attention to physical cleanness, it is even more important to be concerned with moral and spiritual cleanness.
We come to this conclusion by recalling that the nation of Israel was rejected by Jehovah, not because they were physically unclean, but because they became morally and spiritually corrupt.
Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah told them that on account of their being a "sinful nation,the people heavy with error," their sacrifices, their observance of the new moon and sabbath, yes, even their prayers had become a burden to him.
What should they do to gain God's favor again? Jehovah said: "Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the badness of your dealings from in front of my eyes; cease to do bad." - Isaiah 1:4, 11-16.
To appreciate further the importance of moral and spiritual cleanness, consider what Jesus said when the Pharisees and scribes asserted that his disciples were unclean because they did not wash their hands before taking a meal. Jesus set matters straight by stating: " Not what enters into his mouth defiles a man." Jesus explained: "The things proceeding out of the mouth come out of the heart, and those things defile a man. For example, out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, fornications, thievieries, false testimonies, blasphemies. These are the things defiling a man; but to take a meal with unwashed hands does not defile a man." - Matthew 15:11, 18-20.
What can we learn from Jesus' words? Jesus was pointing out that wicked, immoral and unclean acts are preceded by wicked , immoral and uncleand leanings in the heart. As the Disciple James put it, "each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire." (James 1:14,15)
Thus if we do not want to fall into grievous sins that Jesus described, we must root out and keep out of our heart any tendencies toward such things. That means we must be careful about what we read, watch and listen to.
Today, in the name of free speech and artistic license, the entertainment and advertising industries are turning out an endless barrage of sounds and images that cater to the cravings of the fallen flesh. We should be determined not to allow any such ideas to take root in our heart. The key point is that to be pleasing and acceptable to God, we must constantly be on guard so as to maintain a clean and undefiled heart. - Proverbs 4:23
Next time: Cleansed For Fine Works
As important as it is to give attention to physical cleanness, it is even more important to be concerned with moral and spiritual cleanness.
We come to this conclusion by recalling that the nation of Israel was rejected by Jehovah, not because they were physically unclean, but because they became morally and spiritually corrupt.
Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah told them that on account of their being a "sinful nation,the people heavy with error," their sacrifices, their observance of the new moon and sabbath, yes, even their prayers had become a burden to him.
What should they do to gain God's favor again? Jehovah said: "Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the badness of your dealings from in front of my eyes; cease to do bad." - Isaiah 1:4, 11-16.
To appreciate further the importance of moral and spiritual cleanness, consider what Jesus said when the Pharisees and scribes asserted that his disciples were unclean because they did not wash their hands before taking a meal. Jesus set matters straight by stating: " Not what enters into his mouth defiles a man." Jesus explained: "The things proceeding out of the mouth come out of the heart, and those things defile a man. For example, out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, fornications, thievieries, false testimonies, blasphemies. These are the things defiling a man; but to take a meal with unwashed hands does not defile a man." - Matthew 15:11, 18-20.
What can we learn from Jesus' words? Jesus was pointing out that wicked, immoral and unclean acts are preceded by wicked , immoral and uncleand leanings in the heart. As the Disciple James put it, "each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire." (James 1:14,15)
Thus if we do not want to fall into grievous sins that Jesus described, we must root out and keep out of our heart any tendencies toward such things. That means we must be careful about what we read, watch and listen to.
Today, in the name of free speech and artistic license, the entertainment and advertising industries are turning out an endless barrage of sounds and images that cater to the cravings of the fallen flesh. We should be determined not to allow any such ideas to take root in our heart. The key point is that to be pleasing and acceptable to God, we must constantly be on guard so as to maintain a clean and undefiled heart. - Proverbs 4:23
Next time: Cleansed For Fine Works
4.08.2006
Physical Cleanness Recommends Us
Is physical cleanness still an important element of true worship? While physical cleanness alone does not make one a true worshipper of God, it is certainly fitting that a true worshipper be physically clean as far as his circumstances permit.
Especially today, when many people pay a little attention to keeping themselves, their attire, or their surroundings clean, those who do, are often noticed by people around them.
This can lead to positive results. Just as Paul told the Corinthian Christians:" In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, that our ministry might not be found fault with; but in every way we recommend ourselves as God's ministers." 2 Corinthians 6:3, 4.
Time and again, Jehovah's Witnesses have been commended by public officials for their clean, orderly and respectful conducty and habits, seen particularly at their large conventions.
For example, about a convention held in the province of Savona, Italy, the newspaper La Stampa commented: "What immediately stands out when one walks through the facilities is the cleanliness and orderliness of the people who use them."
Is physical cleanness still an important element of true worship? While physical cleanness alone does not make one a true worshipper of God, it is certainly fitting that a true worshipper be physically clean as far as his circumstances permit.
Especially today, when many people pay a little attention to keeping themselves, their attire, or their surroundings clean, those who do, are often noticed by people around them.
This can lead to positive results. Just as Paul told the Corinthian Christians:" In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, that our ministry might not be found fault with; but in every way we recommend ourselves as God's ministers." 2 Corinthians 6:3, 4.
Time and again, Jehovah's Witnesses have been commended by public officials for their clean, orderly and respectful conducty and habits, seen particularly at their large conventions.
For example, about a convention held in the province of Savona, Italy, the newspaper La Stampa commented: "What immediately stands out when one walks through the facilities is the cleanliness and orderliness of the people who use them."
Continued: Physical Cleanness Recommends Us
If cleanness and orderliness in our place of worship can be a source of praise to the God we worship, certainly manifesting these qualities in our personal life is equally important. However, in the privacy of our home, we may feel that we have the right to let go and act as we wish. And as far as dress and grooming are concerned, surely we have the freedom to choose what we feel is comfortable and appealing! Yet, to a large degree, all of this is only relative. Recall that in discussing one's choices to eat certain foods, Paul cautioned his fellow Christians: "Keep watching that this authority of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to those who are weak." Then he stated a valuable principle: " All these things build up." (1 Corinthians 8:9; 10:23) How does Paul's counsel apply to us in the matter of cleanness?
It is reasonable that people should expect a minister of God to be clean and orderly in his way of life. We should, therefore, be certain that the appearance of our home and its surroundings does not detract from what we profess to be, namely, ministers of God's Word. What kind of witness, or testimony, does our home give about us andour beliefs? Does it show that we genuinely long to live a clean and orderly new world of righteousness, which we so strongly recommend to others? (2Peter 3:13) Likewise, our personal appearance - whether during leisure time or in the ministry - can either enhance or diminish the appeal of the message we preach. For example, note this comment by a newspaper reporter in Mexico: "Truly, young people are a large part of the members of Jehovah's Witnesses, and what stand out are their haircuts, cleanliness, and proper dress." What a joy to have such young people in our midst!
Of course, making sure that our person, our belongings, and our home are always clean and orderly is easier said than done. What is needed is, not complicated and expensive equipment or gadgets, but good planning and consistent effort. Time must be set aside for cleani
If cleanness and orderliness in our place of worship can be a source of praise to the God we worship, certainly manifesting these qualities in our personal life is equally important. However, in the privacy of our home, we may feel that we have the right to let go and act as we wish. And as far as dress and grooming are concerned, surely we have the freedom to choose what we feel is comfortable and appealing! Yet, to a large degree, all of this is only relative. Recall that in discussing one's choices to eat certain foods, Paul cautioned his fellow Christians: "Keep watching that this authority of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to those who are weak." Then he stated a valuable principle: " All these things build up." (1 Corinthians 8:9; 10:23) How does Paul's counsel apply to us in the matter of cleanness?
It is reasonable that people should expect a minister of God to be clean and orderly in his way of life. We should, therefore, be certain that the appearance of our home and its surroundings does not detract from what we profess to be, namely, ministers of God's Word. What kind of witness, or testimony, does our home give about us andour beliefs? Does it show that we genuinely long to live a clean and orderly new world of righteousness, which we so strongly recommend to others? (2Peter 3:13) Likewise, our personal appearance - whether during leisure time or in the ministry - can either enhance or diminish the appeal of the message we preach. For example, note this comment by a newspaper reporter in Mexico: "Truly, young people are a large part of the members of Jehovah's Witnesses, and what stand out are their haircuts, cleanliness, and proper dress." What a joy to have such young people in our midst!
Of course, making sure that our person, our belongings, and our home are always clean and orderly is easier said than done. What is needed is, not complicated and expensive equipment or gadgets, but good planning and consistent effort. Time must be set aside for cleani
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