Hope Compared to an Anchor
Paul pointed out that Jehovah had made a promise of blessings to come through Abraham. Then the apostle explained: "God . . .stepped in with an oath, in order that, through two unchangeable things [his word and his oath] in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to the refuge may have strong encouragement to lay hold on the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor for the soul, both sure and firm." (Hebrews 6:17-19; Genesis 22:16-18) The hope set before anointed Christians is that of immortal life in heaven. Today, the vast majority of Jehovah's servants have the splendid hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth. (Luke 23:43) Without such hope, one can have not faith.
An anchor is a powerful safety device indispensable for holding a ship in place and preventing it from drifting. No mariner would venture out of port without an anchor. Since Paul had been shipwrecked several times, he knew from experience that the lives of seafarers often depended on their ship's anchors. (Acts 27:29, 39, 40; 2 Corinthians 11:25) In the first century, a ship had no engine to enable the captain to maneuver as he wished. Except for oar driven warships, vessels depended primarily on the wind for movement. If his ship was in danger of being driven onto rocks, a captain's only recourse was to drop anchor and ride out the storm, trusting that the anchor would not lose its grip on the seabed. Paul therefore compared a Christian's hope to "an anchor for the soul, both sure and firm." (Hebrews 6:19) When we are assailed by storms of opposition or experience other trials, our wonderful hope is like an anchor that stabilizes us as living souls, so that our ship of faith does not drift onto the dangerous shoals of doubt or the disastrous rocks of apostasy. -Hebrews 2:1; Jude 8-13.
Paul warned Hebrew Christians: "Beware, brothers, for fear there should ever develop in any one of you a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God." (Hebrews 3:12) In the Greek text, "drawing away" literally means "to stand off," that is, to apostatize. But we can avoid such utter shipwreck. Faith and hope will enable us to stick to Jehovah even during the worst storms of testing. (Deuteronomy 4:4; 30:19, 20) Our faith will not be like a ship tossed about by winds of apostate teaching. (Ephesians 4:13, 14) And with hope as our anchor,we will be able to weather the storms of life as Jehovah's servants.
Next time: Impelled by Love and Holy Spirit
Watchtower, 2000
9.09.2011
ANCHORED BY HOPE, IMPELLED BY LOVE
Why Some Suffer Shipwreck
When Paul warned of experiencing "shipwreck," he had in mind some who had "thrust aside" their good conscience and had lost their faith. (1 Timothy 1:19) Among them were Hymenaeus and Alexander who fell into apostasy, deviating from the truth and speaking abusively. (1 Timothy 1:20 2 Timothy 2:17, 18) Today, apostates, who deviate from the truth, verbally beat "the faithful and discreet slave," in effect biting the hand that has been feeding them spiritually. Some resemble the "evil slave," implicitly saying "My master is delaying." (Matthew 24:44-49; 2 Timothy 4:14, 15) They deny that the end of this wicked system of things is near and criticize the spiritually alert slave class for maintaining a sense of urgency among Jehovah's people. (Isaiah 1:3) Such apostates succeed in "subverting the faith of some," inducing spiritual shipwreck. - 2 Timothy 2:18.
Other dedicated Christians have wrecked the ship of their faith by thrusting aside their conscience and indulging in this world's unbridled pleasure-seeking and its sexual immorality. (2 Peter 2:20-22) Still others scuttle their ship of faith because in their view the haven of the new system of things does not yet seem to be appearing on the horizon. Unable to make time calculations concerning this fulfillment of certain prophecies, and putting "Jehovah's day off in their minds, they abandon the true worship. ( 2 Peter 3:10-13; 1 Peter 1:9) They soon find themselves back in the murky, troubled waters of the present system of things. (Isaiah 17:12, 13; 57:20) Some who have stopped associating with the Christian congregation still believe that it practices the true religion. However, they evidently lack the patience and endurance required to wait for the new world that Jehovah God has promised. Life in Paradise has not come soon enough for them.
A few dedicated Christians in some parts of the world appear to have reefed the sails of their ship of faith. The ship is still afloat, but instead of forging ahead in full faith, they have adopted a cruising speed. Drawn by the hope of "Paradise soon," some were prepared to spare no efforts to attain it-zealous in the preaching work and regular in attendance at all meetings, assemblies and conventions. Now thinking that the realization of their hopes is farther off than they anticipated, they have lowered the price they are willing to pay. this is evident in reduced preaching activity, irregularity at meetings, and willingness to miss parts of the assembly or convention programs. Others are devoting more time to recreation and to obtaining material comforts. These facts lead us to consider what should be the driving force in our lives in line with our dedication to Jehovah. Should our zeal in his service be dependent on the hope of "Paradise soon"?
Next time: Hope Compared to an Anchor
Watchtower, 2000
When Paul warned of experiencing "shipwreck," he had in mind some who had "thrust aside" their good conscience and had lost their faith. (1 Timothy 1:19) Among them were Hymenaeus and Alexander who fell into apostasy, deviating from the truth and speaking abusively. (1 Timothy 1:20 2 Timothy 2:17, 18) Today, apostates, who deviate from the truth, verbally beat "the faithful and discreet slave," in effect biting the hand that has been feeding them spiritually. Some resemble the "evil slave," implicitly saying "My master is delaying." (Matthew 24:44-49; 2 Timothy 4:14, 15) They deny that the end of this wicked system of things is near and criticize the spiritually alert slave class for maintaining a sense of urgency among Jehovah's people. (Isaiah 1:3) Such apostates succeed in "subverting the faith of some," inducing spiritual shipwreck. - 2 Timothy 2:18.
Other dedicated Christians have wrecked the ship of their faith by thrusting aside their conscience and indulging in this world's unbridled pleasure-seeking and its sexual immorality. (2 Peter 2:20-22) Still others scuttle their ship of faith because in their view the haven of the new system of things does not yet seem to be appearing on the horizon. Unable to make time calculations concerning this fulfillment of certain prophecies, and putting "Jehovah's day off in their minds, they abandon the true worship. ( 2 Peter 3:10-13; 1 Peter 1:9) They soon find themselves back in the murky, troubled waters of the present system of things. (Isaiah 17:12, 13; 57:20) Some who have stopped associating with the Christian congregation still believe that it practices the true religion. However, they evidently lack the patience and endurance required to wait for the new world that Jehovah God has promised. Life in Paradise has not come soon enough for them.
A few dedicated Christians in some parts of the world appear to have reefed the sails of their ship of faith. The ship is still afloat, but instead of forging ahead in full faith, they have adopted a cruising speed. Drawn by the hope of "Paradise soon," some were prepared to spare no efforts to attain it-zealous in the preaching work and regular in attendance at all meetings, assemblies and conventions. Now thinking that the realization of their hopes is farther off than they anticipated, they have lowered the price they are willing to pay. this is evident in reduced preaching activity, irregularity at meetings, and willingness to miss parts of the assembly or convention programs. Others are devoting more time to recreation and to obtaining material comforts. These facts lead us to consider what should be the driving force in our lives in line with our dedication to Jehovah. Should our zeal in his service be dependent on the hope of "Paradise soon"?
Next time: Hope Compared to an Anchor
Watchtower, 2000
9.08.2011
ANCHORED BY HOPE, IMPELLED BY LOVE
Tribulation Produces Endurance
Christians can be sure of their endurance and of the stability of their faith only after weathering storms of tribulation. Our endurance will "have its work complete" in stormy seas only if we are "complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything," Including strong faith. Paul wrote: "In every way we recommend ourselves as God's ministers, by the endurance of much, by tribulations, by cases of need, by difficulties." - 2 Corinthians 6:4.
The gale-force winds of tribulation that we may experience at times should be considered opportunities to prove that our ship of faith is sound and stable. To Christians in Rome, Paul wrote: "Let us exult while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces endurance; endurance, in turn, an approved condition; the approved condition, in turn, hope, and the hope does not lead to disappointment." (Romans 5: 3-5) Steadfastness under trial brings us Jehovah's approval. This, in turn, strengthens our hope.
Next time: Why Some Suffer Shipwreck
Watchtower, 2000
Christians can be sure of their endurance and of the stability of their faith only after weathering storms of tribulation. Our endurance will "have its work complete" in stormy seas only if we are "complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything," Including strong faith. Paul wrote: "In every way we recommend ourselves as God's ministers, by the endurance of much, by tribulations, by cases of need, by difficulties." - 2 Corinthians 6:4.
The gale-force winds of tribulation that we may experience at times should be considered opportunities to prove that our ship of faith is sound and stable. To Christians in Rome, Paul wrote: "Let us exult while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces endurance; endurance, in turn, an approved condition; the approved condition, in turn, hope, and the hope does not lead to disappointment." (Romans 5: 3-5) Steadfastness under trial brings us Jehovah's approval. This, in turn, strengthens our hope.
Next time: Why Some Suffer Shipwreck
Watchtower, 2000
ANCHORED BY HOPE, IMPELLED BY LOVE
Weathering the "Sect Scare" Storm
In recent years, there have been several horrendous cases of mass suicides, murders, and terrorist attacks involving esoteric sects. Understandably, many individuals, including sincere political leaders, have shown concern about protecting innocent people, particularly minors, from such dangerous sects. "The god of this system of things," doubtless being behind these heinous crimes, has thus created what some call a sect scare, and he is using this against Jehovah's people. (2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:12) Some have exploited this situation to arouse opposition to our work. In certain countries, they have mounted a campaign aimed ostensibly at protecting people from "dangerous sects" but erroneously naming Jehovah's Witnesses and thus arousing us by innuendo. This has made house-to-house witnessing difficult in some European countries and has caused some people who were studying the Bible with us to stop their study. In turn, this has had a negative effect on some of our brothers.
Far from discouraging us, however, opposition should strengthen our conviction that we are practicing true Christianity. (Matthew 5:11, 12) The early Christians were accused of being a seditious sect, and they were "spoken against" everywhere. (Acts 24:5; 28:22) But the apostle Peter reassured his fellow believers, writing: "Beloved ones, do not be puzzled at the burning among you, which is happening to you for a trial, as though a very strange thing were befalling you. On the contrary, go on rejoicing forasmuch as you are sharers in the sufferings of Christ, that you may rejoice and be overjoyed, also during the revelation of his glory." (1 Peter 4:12, 13) Similarly, a member of the first-century governing body wrote: "Consider it all joy, by brothers, when you meet with various trials, knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith works out endurance. But let endurance have its work complete, that you
may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything." (James 1:2-4) Just as gale-force winds test the seaworthiness of a vessel, storms of opposition will reveal any weaknesses in our ship of faith.
Next time: Tribulation Produces Endurance
Watchtower, 2000
In recent years, there have been several horrendous cases of mass suicides, murders, and terrorist attacks involving esoteric sects. Understandably, many individuals, including sincere political leaders, have shown concern about protecting innocent people, particularly minors, from such dangerous sects. "The god of this system of things," doubtless being behind these heinous crimes, has thus created what some call a sect scare, and he is using this against Jehovah's people. (2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:12) Some have exploited this situation to arouse opposition to our work. In certain countries, they have mounted a campaign aimed ostensibly at protecting people from "dangerous sects" but erroneously naming Jehovah's Witnesses and thus arousing us by innuendo. This has made house-to-house witnessing difficult in some European countries and has caused some people who were studying the Bible with us to stop their study. In turn, this has had a negative effect on some of our brothers.
Far from discouraging us, however, opposition should strengthen our conviction that we are practicing true Christianity. (Matthew 5:11, 12) The early Christians were accused of being a seditious sect, and they were "spoken against" everywhere. (Acts 24:5; 28:22) But the apostle Peter reassured his fellow believers, writing: "Beloved ones, do not be puzzled at the burning among you, which is happening to you for a trial, as though a very strange thing were befalling you. On the contrary, go on rejoicing forasmuch as you are sharers in the sufferings of Christ, that you may rejoice and be overjoyed, also during the revelation of his glory." (1 Peter 4:12, 13) Similarly, a member of the first-century governing body wrote: "Consider it all joy, by brothers, when you meet with various trials, knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith works out endurance. But let endurance have its work complete, that you
may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything." (James 1:2-4) Just as gale-force winds test the seaworthiness of a vessel, storms of opposition will reveal any weaknesses in our ship of faith.
Next time: Tribulation Produces Endurance
Watchtower, 2000
9.07.2011
ANCHORED BY HOPE, IMPELLED BY LOVE
"There remain faith,hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." -1 Corinthians 13:13.
THE apostle Paul warns us that, like a ship, our faith can be wrecked. He speaks of "holding faith and a good conscience, which some have thrust aside and have experienced shipwreck concerning their faith." (1 Timothy 1:19) In the first century C.E., seagoing vessels were built of wood. Their seaworthiness depended on the quality of the timber and on skillful shipbuilding.
What might be called the ship of our faith must remain afloat amid the turbulent seas of humanity. (Isaiah 57:20; Revelation 17:15) So it must be well built, and this depends on us. When the "seas" of the Jewish and Roman worlds were becoming particularly rough for the early Christians, Jude wrote: "Beloved ones, by building up yourselves on your most holy faith, and praying with holy spirit, keep yourselves in God's love, while you are waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ with everlasting life in view." (Jude 20, 21) Since Jude also spoke of fighting for 'the faith delivered to the holy ones," the expression "most holy faith" may refer to the whole range of Christian teachings, including the good news of salvation. (Jude 3) Christ is the foundation of that faith. Strong faith is needed if we are to cling to true Christian faith.
Next time: Weathering the "Sect Scare" Storm
Watchtower, 2000
THE apostle Paul warns us that, like a ship, our faith can be wrecked. He speaks of "holding faith and a good conscience, which some have thrust aside and have experienced shipwreck concerning their faith." (1 Timothy 1:19) In the first century C.E., seagoing vessels were built of wood. Their seaworthiness depended on the quality of the timber and on skillful shipbuilding.
What might be called the ship of our faith must remain afloat amid the turbulent seas of humanity. (Isaiah 57:20; Revelation 17:15) So it must be well built, and this depends on us. When the "seas" of the Jewish and Roman worlds were becoming particularly rough for the early Christians, Jude wrote: "Beloved ones, by building up yourselves on your most holy faith, and praying with holy spirit, keep yourselves in God's love, while you are waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ with everlasting life in view." (Jude 20, 21) Since Jude also spoke of fighting for 'the faith delivered to the holy ones," the expression "most holy faith" may refer to the whole range of Christian teachings, including the good news of salvation. (Jude 3) Christ is the foundation of that faith. Strong faith is needed if we are to cling to true Christian faith.
Next time: Weathering the "Sect Scare" Storm
Watchtower, 2000
HELPING PEOPLE TO DRAW CLOSE TO JEHOVAH
Building Love for God and Christ
For faith to endure, it must be based on a personal relationship with Jehovah God through Jesus Christ. As imperfect humans, we can attain such a peaceful relationship with God only through his Son. (Romans 5:10) Remember that Jesus said: "No one comes to the Father except through me." To help others build faith, "no man can lay any other foundation than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ." What does this involve? -John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 3:11.
Building on Christ as the foundation means teaching in such a way that the Bible student develops a deep love for Jesus through full knowledge of His role as Redeemer, Head of the congregation, loving High Priest, and reigning King. (Daniel 7:13, 14; Matthew 20:28; Colossians 1:18-20; Hebrews 4:14-16) It means making Jesus so real to them that he virtually dwells in their hearts. Our prayer for them should be like Paul's petition in behalf of Christians in Ephesus. He wrote: "I bend my knees to the Father, . . . to the end that he may grant you . . .to have the Christ dwell through your faith in your hearts with love; that you may be rooted and established on the foundation." -Ephesians 3:14-17.
If we build in such a manner that love for Christ develops in the hearts of our students, this will logically result in building love for Jehovah God. Jesus' love, feeling, and compassion are a faithful reflection of Jehovah's qualities. (Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 6:30-34; John 15:13, 14; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3) So as people get to know and love Jesus, they will come to know and love Jehovah. (1 John 4:14, 16, 19) We need to teach Bible students that Jehovah is behind all that Christ has done for mankind and that we therefore owe Him thanks, praise and worship as the "God of our salvation." -Psalm 68:19, 20; Isaiah 12:2-5; John 3:16; 5:19.
As God's fellow workers, let us help people to draw close to him and his Son, helping them to develop love and faith in their hearts. Jehovah will thus become real to them. (John 7:28) Through Christ, they will be able to establish an intimate relationship with God, and they will love him and stick to him. They will set no time limit on their loving service, exercising faith that Jehovah's wonderful promises will be fulfilled in due time. (Lamentations 3:24-26; Hebrews 11:6) While helping others to develop faith, hope and love, however, we must build our own faith so that it is like a sturdy ship capable of weathering severe storms. This will be considered in the following article.
Next time: ANCHORED BY HOPE, IMPELLED BY LOVE
Watchtower, 2000
For faith to endure, it must be based on a personal relationship with Jehovah God through Jesus Christ. As imperfect humans, we can attain such a peaceful relationship with God only through his Son. (Romans 5:10) Remember that Jesus said: "No one comes to the Father except through me." To help others build faith, "no man can lay any other foundation than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ." What does this involve? -John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 3:11.
Building on Christ as the foundation means teaching in such a way that the Bible student develops a deep love for Jesus through full knowledge of His role as Redeemer, Head of the congregation, loving High Priest, and reigning King. (Daniel 7:13, 14; Matthew 20:28; Colossians 1:18-20; Hebrews 4:14-16) It means making Jesus so real to them that he virtually dwells in their hearts. Our prayer for them should be like Paul's petition in behalf of Christians in Ephesus. He wrote: "I bend my knees to the Father, . . . to the end that he may grant you . . .to have the Christ dwell through your faith in your hearts with love; that you may be rooted and established on the foundation." -Ephesians 3:14-17.
If we build in such a manner that love for Christ develops in the hearts of our students, this will logically result in building love for Jehovah God. Jesus' love, feeling, and compassion are a faithful reflection of Jehovah's qualities. (Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 6:30-34; John 15:13, 14; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3) So as people get to know and love Jesus, they will come to know and love Jehovah. (1 John 4:14, 16, 19) We need to teach Bible students that Jehovah is behind all that Christ has done for mankind and that we therefore owe Him thanks, praise and worship as the "God of our salvation." -Psalm 68:19, 20; Isaiah 12:2-5; John 3:16; 5:19.
As God's fellow workers, let us help people to draw close to him and his Son, helping them to develop love and faith in their hearts. Jehovah will thus become real to them. (John 7:28) Through Christ, they will be able to establish an intimate relationship with God, and they will love him and stick to him. They will set no time limit on their loving service, exercising faith that Jehovah's wonderful promises will be fulfilled in due time. (Lamentations 3:24-26; Hebrews 11:6) While helping others to develop faith, hope and love, however, we must build our own faith so that it is like a sturdy ship capable of weathering severe storms. This will be considered in the following article.
Next time: ANCHORED BY HOPE, IMPELLED BY LOVE
Watchtower, 2000
9.06.2011
HELPING PEOPLE TO DRAW CLOSE TO JEHOVAH
Building Work That Will Remain
While Rejoicing in the increase, we sincerely want to see people continue to love Jehovah, listen to his voice, and stick to him. We are sad when we see some cool off and fall away. Can we do anything to prevent this? In another illustration, Paul shows how we can help others to develop faith. He writes: "No man can lay any other foundation than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood materials, hay, stubble, each one's work will become manifest, for the day will show it up, because it will be revealed by means of fire; and the fire itself will prove what sort of work each one's is." -1 Corinthians 3:11-13/
In Paul's illustration of the field, growth depends on conscientious planting, regular watering and God's blessing. The apostle's other illustration highlights the Christian minister's responsibility for what becomes of his building work. Has he built on sure foundation with quality materials? Paul warns: "Let each one keep watching how he is building." (1 Corinthians 3:10) Having roused a person's interest by telling him or her about the hope of everlasting life in Paradise, do we focus our teaching on just the basics of Scriptural knowledge and then lay emphasis principally on what the person must do to get eternal life? Could our teaching consist solely of this: 'If you want to live forever in Paradise, you must study, go to meetings and share in the preaching work? if so, we are not building the person's faith on solid foundation, and what we build may not resist the fire of trials or stand the test of time. Trying to draw people to Jehovah just by the hope of life in Paradise in exchange for a few years spent serving him is like building with "wood materials, hay, and stubble."
Next time: Building Love for God and Christ
Watchtower, 2000
While Rejoicing in the increase, we sincerely want to see people continue to love Jehovah, listen to his voice, and stick to him. We are sad when we see some cool off and fall away. Can we do anything to prevent this? In another illustration, Paul shows how we can help others to develop faith. He writes: "No man can lay any other foundation than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood materials, hay, stubble, each one's work will become manifest, for the day will show it up, because it will be revealed by means of fire; and the fire itself will prove what sort of work each one's is." -1 Corinthians 3:11-13/
In Paul's illustration of the field, growth depends on conscientious planting, regular watering and God's blessing. The apostle's other illustration highlights the Christian minister's responsibility for what becomes of his building work. Has he built on sure foundation with quality materials? Paul warns: "Let each one keep watching how he is building." (1 Corinthians 3:10) Having roused a person's interest by telling him or her about the hope of everlasting life in Paradise, do we focus our teaching on just the basics of Scriptural knowledge and then lay emphasis principally on what the person must do to get eternal life? Could our teaching consist solely of this: 'If you want to live forever in Paradise, you must study, go to meetings and share in the preaching work? if so, we are not building the person's faith on solid foundation, and what we build may not resist the fire of trials or stand the test of time. Trying to draw people to Jehovah just by the hope of life in Paradise in exchange for a few years spent serving him is like building with "wood materials, hay, and stubble."
Next time: Building Love for God and Christ
Watchtower, 2000
HELPING PEOPLE TO DRAW CLOSE TO JEHOVAH
God's Fellow Workers
Paul illustrated collaboration with God by referring to the cultivating of a field. He wrote: "What, then, is Apollos? Yes, what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, even as the Lord granted each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow; so that neither is he that plants anything nor is he that waters, but God who makes it grow. Now he that plants and he that waters are one, but each person will receiver his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You people are God's field under cultivation." -1 Corinthians 3:5-9.
As God's fellow workers, we must faithfully plant "the word of the kingdom" in the hearts of people, then water any interest shown by well-thought-out return visits and Bible studies. If the soil, the heart, is good, Jehovah will do his part by making the seed of Bible truth grow into a productive plant. (Matthew 13:19, 23) He will draw the person to Himself and to His Son. In the final analysis, then, any increase in the number of Kingdom proclaimers is due to Jehovah's work on the hearts of people, making the seed of truth grow and drawing such ones to Himself and His Son.
Next time: Building Work That Will Remain
Watchtower, 2000
Paul illustrated collaboration with God by referring to the cultivating of a field. He wrote: "What, then, is Apollos? Yes, what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, even as the Lord granted each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow; so that neither is he that plants anything nor is he that waters, but God who makes it grow. Now he that plants and he that waters are one, but each person will receiver his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You people are God's field under cultivation." -1 Corinthians 3:5-9.
As God's fellow workers, we must faithfully plant "the word of the kingdom" in the hearts of people, then water any interest shown by well-thought-out return visits and Bible studies. If the soil, the heart, is good, Jehovah will do his part by making the seed of Bible truth grow into a productive plant. (Matthew 13:19, 23) He will draw the person to Himself and to His Son. In the final analysis, then, any increase in the number of Kingdom proclaimers is due to Jehovah's work on the hearts of people, making the seed of truth grow and drawing such ones to Himself and His Son.
Next time: Building Work That Will Remain
Watchtower, 2000
9.05.2011
HELPING PEOPLE TO DRAW CLOSE TO JEHOVAH
Whom Does Jehovah Draw?
Jehovah draws to himself and to his Son those seeking Him. (Acts 17:27) These include people who "are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done "in Christendom and, in fact, throughout the world. (Ezekiel 9:4) They are "conscious of their spiritual need." (Matthew 5:3) Indeed, they are the "meek ["humble,"] ones of the earth," who will reside on the paradise earth forever. -Zephaniah 2:3.
Jehovah can read a person's heart. King David told his son Solomon: "All hearts Jehovah is searching, and every inclination of the thoughts he is discerning. If you search for him, he will let himself be found by you." (1 Chronicles 28:9) Ont the basis of an individual's heart condition and spirit, or dominant attitude, Jehovah can see whether he or she is likely to respond to divine provisions for the forgiveness of sins and the hope of everlasting life in God's righteous new system. (2 Peter 3:13) By means of his Word, preached and taught by his Witnesses, Jehovah draws to himself and to his Son 'all those who are rightly disposed for everlasting life,' and these 'become believers.' -Acts 13:48.
Does Jehovah's drawing of some and not others involve a form of predestination? Absolutely not! God's drawing of people is contingent on their own aspirations. He respects their free will. Jehovah places before earth's inhabitants today the same choice that set before the Israelites over 3,000 years ago, when Moses said: "I do put before you today life and good, and death and bad . . . I do take the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you today, that I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the malediction; and you must choose life in order that you may keep alive, you and your offspring, by loving Jehovah your God, by listening to his voice and by sticking to him; for he is your life and the length of your days." -Deuteronomy 30:15-20.
Notice that the Israelites were to choose life 'by loving Jehovah, by listening to his voice, and by sticking to him.' When those words were spoken, the people of Israel had not yet taken possession of the Promised Land. They were poised on the Plains of Moab, readying themselves to cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan. While it was natural for them to turn their thoughts toward the "good and gracious" land "flowing with milk and honey" that they would soon receive, the realization of their dreams depended on their love for Jehovah, their listening to his voice, and their sticking to him. (Exodus 3:8) Moses made this clear, stating: 'If you will listen to the commandments of Jehovah your God, which I am commanding you today, so as to love Jehovah your God, to walk in his ways and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judicial decisions, then you will be bound to keep alive and to multiply, and Jehovah your God must bless you in the land to which you are going to take possession of it." -Deuteronomy 30:16.
Should the foregoing not teach us something about our preaching and teaching work in this time of the end? We think about the coming Paradise earth and talk about it in our ministry. But neither we nor the disciples we make will see the fulfillment of the promise if we or they are serving God for selfish reasons. Like the Israelites, we and those whom we teach must learn to 'love Jehovah, listen to his voice, and stick to him 'If we remember this when carrying out our ministry, we will actually be collaborating with God in drawing people to him.
Next time: God's Fellow Workers
Watchtower, 2000
Jehovah draws to himself and to his Son those seeking Him. (Acts 17:27) These include people who "are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done "in Christendom and, in fact, throughout the world. (Ezekiel 9:4) They are "conscious of their spiritual need." (Matthew 5:3) Indeed, they are the "meek ["humble,"] ones of the earth," who will reside on the paradise earth forever. -Zephaniah 2:3.
Jehovah can read a person's heart. King David told his son Solomon: "All hearts Jehovah is searching, and every inclination of the thoughts he is discerning. If you search for him, he will let himself be found by you." (1 Chronicles 28:9) Ont the basis of an individual's heart condition and spirit, or dominant attitude, Jehovah can see whether he or she is likely to respond to divine provisions for the forgiveness of sins and the hope of everlasting life in God's righteous new system. (2 Peter 3:13) By means of his Word, preached and taught by his Witnesses, Jehovah draws to himself and to his Son 'all those who are rightly disposed for everlasting life,' and these 'become believers.' -Acts 13:48.
Does Jehovah's drawing of some and not others involve a form of predestination? Absolutely not! God's drawing of people is contingent on their own aspirations. He respects their free will. Jehovah places before earth's inhabitants today the same choice that set before the Israelites over 3,000 years ago, when Moses said: "I do put before you today life and good, and death and bad . . . I do take the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you today, that I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the malediction; and you must choose life in order that you may keep alive, you and your offspring, by loving Jehovah your God, by listening to his voice and by sticking to him; for he is your life and the length of your days." -Deuteronomy 30:15-20.
Notice that the Israelites were to choose life 'by loving Jehovah, by listening to his voice, and by sticking to him.' When those words were spoken, the people of Israel had not yet taken possession of the Promised Land. They were poised on the Plains of Moab, readying themselves to cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan. While it was natural for them to turn their thoughts toward the "good and gracious" land "flowing with milk and honey" that they would soon receive, the realization of their dreams depended on their love for Jehovah, their listening to his voice, and their sticking to him. (Exodus 3:8) Moses made this clear, stating: 'If you will listen to the commandments of Jehovah your God, which I am commanding you today, so as to love Jehovah your God, to walk in his ways and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judicial decisions, then you will be bound to keep alive and to multiply, and Jehovah your God must bless you in the land to which you are going to take possession of it." -Deuteronomy 30:16.
Should the foregoing not teach us something about our preaching and teaching work in this time of the end? We think about the coming Paradise earth and talk about it in our ministry. But neither we nor the disciples we make will see the fulfillment of the promise if we or they are serving God for selfish reasons. Like the Israelites, we and those whom we teach must learn to 'love Jehovah, listen to his voice, and stick to him 'If we remember this when carrying out our ministry, we will actually be collaborating with God in drawing people to him.
Next time: God's Fellow Workers
Watchtower, 2000
HELPING PEOPLE TO DRAW CLOSE TO JEHOVAH
Our Role in Jehovah's Work
Writing to fellow anointed Christians, the apostle Paul speaks of "the ministry of the reconciliation" and says that God reconciles people to himself on the basis of Jesus Christ's ransom sacrifice. Paul says that it is "as though God were making entreaty through us" and that "as substitutes for Christ we beg: 'Become reconciled to God.' " What a heartwarming thought! Whether we are anointed "ambassadors substituting for Christ" or are envoys with earthly hopes, we should never forget that this is Jehovah's work, not ours. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) It is really God who draws people and teaches those who come to Christ. Jesus stated: "No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him; and I will resurrect him in the last day. It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by Jehovah.' Everyone that has heard from the Father has learned comes to me." -John 6:44, 45.
In these last days, how does Jehovah draw people and open to them the "door of faith?" (Acts 14:27; 2 Timothy 3:1) A key way is by having his Witnesses proclaim his messages of salvation and of judgment against this wicked system of t hings. (Isaiah 43:12; 61:1, 2) This worldwide proclamation is sending a tremor through the nations-a portent of the judgmental shattering soon to come. At the same time, people who are "precious in God's eyes are being drawn out of this system and are finding security in his "house" of true worship. Jehovah is thus fulfilling his prophetic words recorded by Haggai: "I will rock all the nations, and the desirable things of all the nations must come in; and I will fill this house with glory." -Haggai 2:6, 7; Revelation 7:9, 15.
Jehovah opens the hearts of these God-fearers-"the choicest things of all nations"-that they may "pay attention to the things being spoken" by his Witnesses. (Haggai 2:7, Jewish Publication Society; Acts 16:14) As in the first century, Jehovah at times uses his angels to direct his Witnesses to sincere people who have cried out to him for help. (Acts 8:26-31) As individuals learn about the wonderful provisions God has made for them through his Son, Jesus Christ, they are drawn to Jehovah by his love. (1 John 4:9, 10) Yes, God draws people to himself and to his Son by means of his "loving-kindness," or "loyal love." -Jeremiah 31:3.
Next time: Whom Does Jehovah Draw?
Watchtower, 2000
Writing to fellow anointed Christians, the apostle Paul speaks of "the ministry of the reconciliation" and says that God reconciles people to himself on the basis of Jesus Christ's ransom sacrifice. Paul says that it is "as though God were making entreaty through us" and that "as substitutes for Christ we beg: 'Become reconciled to God.' " What a heartwarming thought! Whether we are anointed "ambassadors substituting for Christ" or are envoys with earthly hopes, we should never forget that this is Jehovah's work, not ours. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) It is really God who draws people and teaches those who come to Christ. Jesus stated: "No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him; and I will resurrect him in the last day. It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by Jehovah.' Everyone that has heard from the Father has learned comes to me." -John 6:44, 45.
In these last days, how does Jehovah draw people and open to them the "door of faith?" (Acts 14:27; 2 Timothy 3:1) A key way is by having his Witnesses proclaim his messages of salvation and of judgment against this wicked system of t hings. (Isaiah 43:12; 61:1, 2) This worldwide proclamation is sending a tremor through the nations-a portent of the judgmental shattering soon to come. At the same time, people who are "precious in God's eyes are being drawn out of this system and are finding security in his "house" of true worship. Jehovah is thus fulfilling his prophetic words recorded by Haggai: "I will rock all the nations, and the desirable things of all the nations must come in; and I will fill this house with glory." -Haggai 2:6, 7; Revelation 7:9, 15.
Jehovah opens the hearts of these God-fearers-"the choicest things of all nations"-that they may "pay attention to the things being spoken" by his Witnesses. (Haggai 2:7, Jewish Publication Society; Acts 16:14) As in the first century, Jehovah at times uses his angels to direct his Witnesses to sincere people who have cried out to him for help. (Acts 8:26-31) As individuals learn about the wonderful provisions God has made for them through his Son, Jesus Christ, they are drawn to Jehovah by his love. (1 John 4:9, 10) Yes, God draws people to himself and to his Son by means of his "loving-kindness," or "loyal love." -Jeremiah 31:3.
Next time: Whom Does Jehovah Draw?
Watchtower, 2000
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