"Searching Into 'The Deep Things Of God'".

This is going to get messy for the Society.

Paragraph 1 Most of us in the Christian congregation can recall the joy we felt when we first learned the truth. We discovered why Jehovah's name is important, why he permits suffering, why some people go to heaven, and what the future holds for faithful mankind in general. We may have looked into the Bible before that, but these things were hidden from us, as they are from most of mankind. We were like a man peering through the water at a coral reef. Unaided, he sees little of the beautiful things below the surface. But with the aid of diving goggles or a glass-bottomed boat, he is thrilled to see for the first time brilliantly colored corals, fish, sea anemones, and other fascinating creatures. Similarly, when someone began to help us to understand the Scriptures, we had our first glimpse of "the deep things of God."-1 Corinthians 2:8-10.

Paragraph 2 Should we be satisfied with only a glimpse of Bible truth? The expression "the deep things of God" includes the understanding of God's wisdom that is revealed to Christians by holy spirit but is obscured to others. (1 Corinthians 2:7) What a limitless field of exploration the wisdom of God provides for our enjoyment! We will never know everything about the wisdom of God's ways. The joy we experienced when we first learned the primary Bible teachings can remain with us indefinitely if we continue without letup searching into "the deep things of God."

Are they allowed to "continue without letup" searching and exploring the "limitless field' of the deep things of God?

Our Kingdom Ministry September 2007 Question Box

"Does "the faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?–Matt. 24:45, 47.

No, it does not. And yet, in various parts of the world, a few associates of our organization have formed groups to do independent research on Bible-related subjects. Some have pursued an independent group study of Biblical Hebrew and Greek so as to analyze the accuracy of the New World Translation. Others explore scientific subjects related to the Bible. They have created Web sites and chat rooms for the purpose of exchanging and debating their views. They have also held conferences and produced publications to present their findings and to supplement what is provided"

"Thus, 'the faithful and discreet slave' does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight.–Matt. 24:45-47."

That is the last thing the society wants.

Paragraph 3 Why do we need to understand those "deep things"? Understanding not only what we believe but why we believe it–the underlying reasons for our beliefs–strengthens our faith and confidence. The Scriptures tell us to use our "power of reason" to "prove to [ourselves] the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1, 2) Understanding why Jehovah asks us to live in a certain way fortifies our resolve to obey him. Therefore, knowledge of "the deep things" can give us strength to resist temptation to engage in lawless acts and can move us to be "zealous for fine works."-Titus 2:14.

Just as long as you don't you use the God given "power of reason" on the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society.

Paragraph 4 Understanding deep things requires study. However, study is not the same as reading something superficially. It involves carefully examining information to see how it fits the pattern of what we already know. (2 Timothy 1:13) It entails perceiving the reasons for what is said. Bible study should include meditating on how we can use what we learn in making wise decisions and in helping others. Also, since "all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial," our study should include "every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth." (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Matthew 4:4) Bible study can be hard work! But it can also be delightful, and understanding "the deep things of God" is not too difficult.

Only if...

Our Kingdom Ministry September 2007 Question Box For those who wish to do extra Bible study and research, we recommend that they explore Insight on the Scriptures, "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial," and our other publications, such as those that discuss the prophecies found in the Bible books of Daniel, Isaiah, and Revelation.

...you use their literature.

Paragraph 6 How does God's spirit search "into all things, even the deep things of God"? Rather than give each Christian a separate revelation, Jehovah uses his spirit to direct his organization, which provides God's unified people with an understanding of the Bible. (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:3-6) Worldwide, all congregations enjoy a similar program of Bible study. Over a period of years, they cover the entire range of Bible teachings. Holy spirit acts through the congregation to help people adopt the attitude needed to understand "the deep things of God."-Acts 5:32.

I guess someone should have informed Jesus what the Society expects Him to do.

Luke 24 records the Master interacting with two who were going to the village of Emmaus and "beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." Notice the power of His Word when it says, "They asked each other, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?'". The result was "they got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." How great is God!

Paragraph 7 We should not think that "deep things" are necessarily difficult things. Knowledge of "the deep things of God" is obscured from most people, not because the wisdom of God is too difficult to acquire, but because Satan deceives people into rejecting the help that Jehovah provides through His organization.-2 Corinthians 4:3, 4.

So if people rejected the Society's teaching that God would usher in His Kingdom before the generation of 1914 died out, it was because of Satan?

Paragraph 8 The third chapter of Paul's letter to the Ephesians shows that "the deep things of God" include many truths that most of Jehovah's people understand quite well, such as the identity of the promised Seed, the selection from among mankind of individuals with a heavenly hope, and the Messianic Kingdom. Paul wrote: "In other generations this secret was not made known to the sons of men as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by spirit, namely, that people of the nations should be joint heirs and fellow members of the body and partakers with us of the promise in union with Christ Jesus." Paul said that he had been assigned to "make men see how the sacred secret is administered which has from the indefinite past been hidden in God." -Ephesians 3:5-9."

Brace for the following.

Paragraph 12 A second example of deep things that have been revealed to us concerns God's purpose to select 144,000 from among mankind.(Revelation 14:1, 4) We accept the teaching that all of the anointed ones living on earth at any given time constitute "the faithful and discreet slave" that Jesus said would provide timely "food" for his domestics. (Matthew 24:45) What Bible texts prove that this understanding is correct? Might Jesus have referred in a general sense to any Christian who builds up his brothers with spiritual nourishment?

Paragraph 13 God told the nation of Israel: "You are my witnesses ... even my servant whom I have chosen." (Isaiah 43:10) But on Nisan 11 of the year 33 C.E., Jesus told the leaders of Israel that God had rejected their nation from being His servant. He said: "The kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits." Jesus said to the crowds: "Look! Your house is abandoned to you." (Matthew 21:43; 23:38) As Jehovah's slave, the house of Israel was neither faithful nor discreet. (Isaiah 29:13, 14) Later that same day, when Jesus asked: "Who really is the faithful and discreet slave?" he was in effect asking, `What discreet nation will replace Israel to be God's faithful slave?' The apostle Peter gave the answer when he told the congregation of anointed Christians: "You are ...'a holy nation, a people for special possession.'" (1 Peter 1:4; 2:9) That spiritual nation, "the Israel of God," became Jehovah's new slave. (Galatians 6:16) Just as all members of ancient Israel formed one "servant," so also all anointed Christians on earth at any one time form one "faithful and discreet slave." What a privilege it is for us to receive "food" through God's slave!

From a JW viewpoint, this is not only senseless, it is mistaken. For if "all of the anointed ones living on earth at any given time constitute 'the faithful and discreet slave' that Jesus said would provide timely 'food' for his domestics, then does this mean that the anointed sister in my congregation is providing her own cooking recipes to the congregations worldwide? What of the other 8,000 or so (according to their figures)?

The Watchtower May 1, 2007 page 31“However, genuine anointed Christians do not demand special attention. They do not believe that their being of the anointed gives them special “insights,” beyond what even some experienced members of the great crowd may have. They do not believe that they necessarily have more holy spirit than their companions of the other sheep have; nor do they expect special treatment or claim that their partaking of the emblem places them above the appointed elders in the congregation. They humbly remember that some anointed men in the first century did not qualify to serve as elders or ministerial servants.”

It would follow that the Society also has no special insight. Why do they have a "GOVERNING BODY"?

Paragraph 14 When fresh understanding of the Scriptures is opened to us, do we not feel happy because of the way it strengthens our faith? That is why Bible study, more so than mere reading, can be such a joy. Therefore, when you read Christian publications, ask yourself: `How does this explanation compare with what I previously understood about the subject? What additional Scripture texts or arguments can I think of that would provide further support for the conclusions being presented in this article?' If further research is required, make a note of the question you would like to have answered, and make it the subject of a future study project.

A classic example of putting the cart before the horse. They go into their publications and expect the Scriptures to mold to the Society's conclusions.

Paragraph 17 Personal Bible study projects can be fascinating and faith strengthening, but be careful not to allow them to overshadowyour preparation for congregation meetings. The meetings are another way that Jehovah instructs us through "the faithful and discreet slave." However, additional research may contribute to your making meaningful comments at meetings–for example, at the Congregation Book Study or during highlights from the weekly Bible reading for the Theocratic Ministry School.

Contrast this to the letter addressed to the body of elders from April 2007

"Extensive research has already been involved in producing the study article, and the points to be emphasized are those included in the paragraphs under consideration. When outside material is introduced, if often detracts from what "the faithful and discreet slave" has prepared for the congregation."

Please my JW brother and sister, upon your death or when Christ returns YOU will render an account to Him.

Romans 14:12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

John 5:22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.