Page 4: True Christians are foremost in acknowledging that respect for duly appointed authority is essential. But how far does such respect go? And in what areas of life is respect for authority called for?
Answer: Respect governmental authority even in the area of voting, but keep preaching Jesus.
Matthew 22:21 And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
Acts 5:28-29 saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men."
Page 5: An honest citizen, a Christian maintains a good conscience. He knows that by subjecting himself to the superior authorities and paying taxes, not only is he upholding the standard of the community in which he lives but he is also living in harmony with divine requirements.
Note: Respect governmental authority even in the area of voting, but keep preaching Jesus.
Acts 7:55-57 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord;
Page 5: Paul points out that just as Christ is Head of the congregation so the man is head of his wife. Paul then adds: "Husbands, continue loving your wives, just as the Christ also loved the congregation (his spiritual bride) and delivered up himself for it." (Ephesians 5:25)
Note: Paul also points out that Jesus Christ is "first place" with true Christians.
Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Page 5: Whether father or mother, they can appeal directly to the authority of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. Jesus always spoke with authority - that of his Father and that of the inspired Scriptures. - Matthew 4:1-10; 7:29; John 5:19, 30; 8:28.
Correction: Jesus Christ has ALL authority in the universe as you read this!
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."
Page 6: As Head of his congregation, not only did Jesus keep a watchful eye on his anointed footstep followers on earth but, since the outpouring of the holy spirit at Pentecost 33 C.E., he has also used them as a channel of truth, as a "faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47)
Note: Anointed Christians have been here on earth continuously since Pentecost.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Note: Anointed Christians now number in the millions and are not limited to just 144,000.
Acts 9:31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Page 6: What has he done to accomplish all of this in order to strengthen the Christian congregation? "When he ascended on high ..., he gave gifts in men." (Ephesians 4:8) These "gifts in men" are Christian elders, who are appointed by holy spirit and are given the authority to care for the spiritual interests of fellow believers. - Acts 20:28.
Correction: Elders represent a specific office in the congregation and are not gifts.
Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Page 6: Then Paul adds: "Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, ("continually recognizing their authority over you," The Amplified Bible) for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you." - Hebrews 13:7, 17.
Note: True Christians leaders are men willing to die for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 15:25-26 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 6: What happens when such direction is disregarded? Some members of the early Christian congregation did just that and became apostates. Hymenaeous and Philetus are mentioned as men who subverted the faith of some and whose empty speeches 'violated what is holy.'
Note: True Christians will not practice sin but will be associated with the name of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:17-19 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
Page 7: The same is true today in the Christian congregation, which is described as "a pillar and support of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15) Never will false teachings be allowed to despoil "the pattern of healthful words," preserved for us as a fine trust within the Bible's pages.
Note: "The pattern of healthful words" are centered upon Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.
Page 7: By accepting and respecting such God-given authority, we will be safe-guarded by the greatest authorities - Jehovah God and Jesus Christ - for our eternal good. - Hebrews 12:9.
Correction: True Christians are eternally safe-guarded through sincere belief in Jesus Christ
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Note: Do have Jesus Christ in your life?
Page 9: AN ENVIOUS Levite leads a rebellious mob against Jehovah's appointed authorities. An ambitious prince concocts a devious scheme to usurp his father's throne. An impatient king disregards the explicit instructions of God's prophet. These three Israelites share a common trait: presumptuousness.
Correction: They disobeyed the word of God.
Numbers 16:8-10 Then Moses said to Korah, "Hear now, you sons of Levi: Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to serve them; and that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking the priesthood also?
Page 11: Korah failed to realize that the greatest honor is serving Jehovah faithfully according to his arrangement - not the attaining of some special status or position. - Psalm 84:10.
Correction: True Christians will keep themselves in the love of God serving Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.
Jude 1:20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Page 11: Yes, whether publisher or pioneer, newly baptized or longtime integrity keeper - all who serve Jehovah whole-souled have a valuable place in his arrangement. (Luke 10:27; 12:6, 7; Galatians 3:28; Hebrews 6:10)
Note: True Christians are slaves of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant (slave) of Christ.
Page 11: It is truly a blessing to work shoulder to shoulder with millions who are striving to apply the Bible's counsel: "Gird yourselves with lowliness of mind toward one another."
Correction: True Christians don't strive to serve others in Christian liberty through love.
Galatians 5:13-14 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Page 12: Jehovah has no place in his organization for self-aggrandizing schemers who try to "search out their own glory." (Proverbs 25:27)
Correction: Jesus Christ has no place in his church for selfish people.
Revelation 3:17-20 "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'; and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Page 13: The account of Saul's presumptuous act has been recorded in God's Word for our benefit. (1 Corinthians 10:11)
Note: Have you presumptuously avoided the spiritual Rock of Jesus Christ?
1 Corinthians 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
Pages 13-14: Really, what holds a congregation of Christians together? Management skills? efficiency? depth of knowledge? Granted, these things are advantageous to the smooth operation of a congregation. (1 Corinthians 14:40; Philippians 3:16; 2 Peter 3:18) However, Jesus said that his followers would primarily be identified by their love. (John 13:35)
Note: True Christians will be abiding in the love of Jesus Christ.
John 15:9-10 "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love."
Page 14: Presumptuous disregard for such principles often results in contention. In contrast, godly order produces peace. - 1 Corinthians 14:33; Galatians 6:16.
Note: Godly order comes from being in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 6:15-18 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Page 14: A PROMINENT apostle refuses to draw attention to himself. A courageous Israelite judge calls himself the smallest in his father's house. The greatest man who ever lived acknowledges that he does not have unlimited authority. Each of these men displays modesty.
Correction: Jesus Christ was not limited in His authority.
Luke 10:19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
Page 15: As a former persecutor of Christians, Paul never forgot that it was only by undeserved kindness that he could have a relationship with God at all, much less enjoy special privileges of service. (John 6:44; Ephesians 2:8)
Note: Have you been saved by the grace of God in Jesus Christ?
Ephesians 2:4-7 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Page 15: No doubt it was Paul's modesty that helped to make him especially dear to the first - century Christian congregation. - Acts 20:36-38.
Correction: Paul spoke boldly about Jesus Christ and was concerned about the Christians.
Acts 20:24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of the grace of God."
Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears."
Acts 20:36-38 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.
Page 16: Yes, we should never forget that all of us have inherited sin and death from Adam. Special privileges do not elevate us from our lowly sinful condition. (Ecclesiastes 9:2) As was true in Paul's case, it is only by undeserved kindness that humans can come into a relationship with God at all, much less serve him in some privileged capacity. - Romans 3:12, 24.
Note: Have you been saved by the grace of God in Jesus Christ?
Romans 3:22-26 For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Page 16: The tests of integrity they face go largely unnoticed by others. Yet, they may be as "rich in faith" as those who have more prominence. (James 2:5) After all, in the end it is faithfulness that wins Jehovah's favor. - Matthew 10:22; 1 Corinthians 4:2.
Note: Are you serving Christ in the name of Jesus?
Mat 10:22 "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."
1 Cor 4:1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Page 18: We too should be modest in the manner in which we carry out our assignment. Gideon was discreet, and he strove not to anger his opposers unnecessarily. Similarly, in our preaching work, we should be modest and discreet about how we talk to others.
Correction: The apostle Paul preached boldly about Jesus Christ.
Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
Page 18: But we should not talk down to others or give them any valid cause for taking offense at our message. Instead, we should respect their views, emphasize what we may hold in common, and then focus on the positive aspects of our message. - Acts 22:1-3.
Note: True Christians focus in on Jesus Christ.
Acts 22:7-8 "And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' "So I answered, 'Who are You, Lord (Jehovah)?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'"
Page 19: The finest example of modesty is that of Jesus Christ. Despite his intimate relationship with his Father, Jesus did not hesitate to acknowledge that some matters were beyond the scope of his authority. (John 1:14) For instance, when the mother of James and John requested that her two sons sit beside Jesus in his kingdom, Jesus said: "This sitting down at my right hand and at my left is not mine to give." (Matthew 20:20-23)
Correction: In His humanity Jesus Christ was limited to teach humility.
Philippians 2:5-7 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
Page 19: On another occasion, Jesus freely admitted. "I cannot do a single thing of my own initiative ... I seek, not my own will, but the will of him that sent me." - John 5:30; 14:28.
Note: Jesus Christ proclaimed Himself as being "the will" of God for mankind.
John 6:40 "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."
Note: Do you want to be in the resurrection for eternal life with God? Turn to Jesus Christ!
Page 19: By imitating the faith of men like Paul, Gideon, and - above everyone else - Jesus Christ, we will personally come to experience the truth of the words: "Wisdom is with the modest ones." - Proverbs 11:2.
Correction: Jesus Christ does not need faith.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
John 6:46 "Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father."
Note: True Christians will place their faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life with God.
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Note: Will you imitate the apostle Paul?
Page 21: The task of rearing children is especially difficult in these "last days" of "critical times hard to deal with." (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Apart from worsening economic conditions, the increasing godlessness of society adds to the challenges of child rearing today.
Correction: Child rearing has never been easy.
1 Corinthians 7:26-27 I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress; that it is good for a man to remain as he is: Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife.
Page 21: Christian couples have taken up this challenge and are successfully rearing godly children "in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah." (Ephesians 6:4) Jehovah loves and blesses these parents for their hard work.
Note: Have you brought your children to Jesus Christ?
Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God."
Mark 10:16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.
Page 21: Such couples do not remain childless because they shirk responsibility or are afraid to meet the challenges of parenthood. Rather, they have determined to give their full attention to different avenues of the full-time ministry that the rearing of children would not allow. Some serve as missionaries. Others serve Jehovah in the traveling work or at Bethel.
Note: True Christians will be serving Jesus Christ not the Watch Tower.
Ephesians 6:5-6 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants (slaves) of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
Page 21: Like all Christians, they realize that there is an urgent work to do. Jesus said: "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." This work is being done today. It is a vital work, since "the end" will mean destruction for those who have not heeded the good news.
Note: Have you heeded the good news of Jesus Christ?
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the good news which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you; unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
Page 21: Ours is a period similar to the time when Noah and his family constructed the gigantic ark that preserved them through the great Flood. (Genesis 6:13-16; Matthew 24:37)
Note: It is better to be taken out before the flood like Enoch was.
Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.
Note: Jesus Christ will save you from the coming "great tribulation."
1 Thessalonians 1:10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
Revelation 3:10 "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth."
Page 21: Some couples have waited for a time before having children; others have decided to remain childless and consider the possibility of bearing children in Jehovah's righteous new world. Is this shortsighted? Are they missing out on life? Are they to be pitied?
Answer: YES! There will be no marriage in the resurrection.
Matthew 22:29-30 Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven."
Note: The Watch Tower is mistaken about Scripture.
Page 22: We always express appreciation for their consideration, but we tactfully explain that we are very happy in what we are doing. As to security, we point out that our trust is in Jehovah, who cares for the welfare of all those who remain faithful and loyal to him.
Note: True Christians will be faithful to Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:
Page 22: Dele and others like him confidently trust in Jehovah's promise to his faithful servants: "I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
Note: Jesus Christ will by no means leave you nor forsake you.
Matthew 28:20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Page 22: They also believe that "the hand of Jehovah has not become to short that it cannot save, nor has his ear become too heavy that it cannot hear." - Isaiah 59:1.
Note: The hand of the Father and the Son is the hand of Jehovah!
John 10:27-30 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one."
Note: The Father and the Son are one God.
Page 22: Rather than looking back with regret, those who have spent their life serving Jehovah and their fellow Christians reflect on it with satisfaction.
Note: True Christians are servants of others while preaching Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.
Page 22: The apostle John was about 100 years of age when he wrote: "No greater cause for thankfulness do I have than these things, that I should be hearing that my children go on walking in the truth." (3 John 4) The faithfulness of John's "children"- those he introduced to "the truth" - brought him great joy.
Note: Have you been introduced to Jesus Christ or the law of the Watch Tower?
John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Page 29: First, remember that Jehovah is reasonable and understanding. Psalm 103:14 reminds us: "He himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust." Knowing our capabilities and limitations, Jehovah expects from us only what we are able to give. And one thing he does ask of us is "to be modest in walking with (our) God." - Micah 6:8.
Note: Have you received Jesus Christ into your life? Are you walking in Jesus Christ?
Colossians 2:6-7 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Note: Are you established in the Christian faith? Are you thankful?
Page 30: Jehovah also urges us to turn to him in prayer. (Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) How, though, does that help us? Prayer stabilizes and balances our thinking. Fervent prayer is an acknowledgment that we need help - it is a mark of modesty and humility. Jehovah is eager to respond to our prayers by giving us his holy spirit, the fruitage of which includes love, kindness, goodness, and self-control. (Luke 11:13; Galatians 5:22, 23)
Note: Are you thankful in prayer? Are you praying for opportunities to preach Jesus Christ?
Colossians 4:2-4 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Page 30: Prayer also alleviates anxiety and frustration. Through prayer, "you derive comfort unknown from any other source," says Elizabeth. Kevin concurs: "I pray for a calm heart and a clear mind so that I can deal with a problem. Jehovah never lets me down."
Note: Are you praying in the name of Jesus Christ?
John 14:13-14 "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."
Page 30: The apostle Paul knew the precious value of prayer. That is why he recommended: "Let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6, 7) Yes, communicating with Jehovah really works to help us cultivate reasonable expectations of ourselves and of others.
Note: By means of Christ Jesus are you being spiritually strengthen?
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Page 30: How, then, can we determine whether our expectations are reasonable? Ask yourself, 'Do my expectations go hand in hand with God's expectations?' Galatians 6:4 states: "Let each one prove what his own work is, and then he will have cause for exultation in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person."
Note: Have you placed your sincere belief and faith in Jesus Christ?
Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
John 6:29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
Note: Are you doing the work of God?
Page 30: Remember, Jesus said: "My yoke is kindly and my load is light." Yes, as Christians, we do have a yoke to bear, but it is "kindly" and "light," and Jesus promised that it would be refreshing if we learn to carry it properly. - Matthew 11:28-30.
Note: Have you come to Jesus Christ for rest? The Watch Tower will never give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Page 31: Having reasonable expectations enables us to maintain spiritual stability. This too is a blessing. We can keep a clear focus on the more important things in life. (Philippians 1:10)
Note: Are you preaching Jesus Christ?
Philippians 1:18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
Note: Are you living for Jesus Christ?
Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.