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Here is today's Watchtower Study article titled "Holy Spirit's Role In The Outworking Of Jehovah's Purpose".


HOLY SPIRIT’S ROLE IN THE OUTWORKING OF JEHOVAH’S PURPOSE
“My word that goes forth from my mouth . . . will have certain success in that for which I have sent it.” — Isa. 55:11.


IMAGINE that two men are each preparing to take a trip by car. One maps out a specific, detailed path to his destination. The other has his destination clearly in mind, but he also knows many alternate routes. He is prepared to adjust his course as necessary to deal with any contingency. In some respects, the different approaches of these two men illustrates the distinction between a plan and a purpose. A plan might be compared to mapping out a detailed path, whereas a purpose may involve having in mind a goal but not necessarily one specific manner of reaching it.


2 When it comes to carrying out his will, Jehovah has, not a fixed plan, but an unfolding purpose. (Eph. 3:11) This purpose involves what he originally intended for mankind and the earth — that this globe be turned into a paradise home, where perfect humans can live in peace and happiness forever. (Gen. 1:28) When Adam and Eve sinned, Jehovah met that situation and made arrangements to ensure that his purpose would be accomplished. (Read Genesis 3:15.) Jehovah determined that his symbolic woman would bring forth a “seed,” or Son, who would eventually destroy the instigator, Satan, and undo all the harm he has caused. — Heb. 2:14; 1 John 3:8.


3 No power in heaven or on earth can prevent God’s expressed purpose from being realized. (Isa. 46:9-11) Why can we say that? Because Jehovah’s holy spirit is involved. That irresistible force guarantees that God’s purpose “will have certain success.” (Isa. 55:10, 11) We do well to keep fully attuned to the unfolding of God’s purpose. Our future life prospects depend on its fulfillment. In addition, it is faith-strengthening to see how Jehovah uses holy spirit. Let us, then, consider the spirit’s role — in the past, at present, and in the future — in the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose.


Holy Spirit’s Role in the Past


4 In Bible times, Jehovah gradually revealed his purpose. At first, the identity of the promised Seed was “a sacred secret.” (1 Cor. 2:7) Not until some 2,000 years later did Jehovah again make reference to a seed. (Read Genesis 12:7; 22:15-18.) To Abraham, Jehovah gave an expanded promise. The words “by means of your seed” were a clear indication that the Seed would come as a human, a descendant of Abraham. We can be sure that Satan was watching with great interest as this detail was unveiled. That Adversary no doubt wanted nothing more than to destroy or corrupt Abraham’s line of descent and thus frustrate God’s purpose. But such an outcome was impossible, for God’s unseen spirit was at work. In what ways?


5 Jehovah used his spirit to protect individuals in the line of descent leading up to the Seed. To Abram (Abraham), Jehovah said: “I am a shield for you.” (Gen. 15:1) Those were not empty words. Consider, for example, what happened about 1919 B.C.E. when Abraham and Sarah took up temporary residence in Gerar. Not knowing that Sarah was Abraham’s wife, Abimelech, the king of Gerar, took Sarah with the intention of making her his wife. Was Satan manipulating matters behind the scenes, trying to prevent Sarah from bearing Abraham’s seed? The Bible does not say. What it does tell us is that Jehovah intervened. In a dream, he warned Abimelech not to touch Sarah. — Gen. 20:1-18.

6 That was not just an isolated incident. Jehovah delivered Abraham and his family members on a number of occasions. (Gen. 12:14-20; 14:13-20; 26:26-29) Regarding Abraham and his descendants, the psalmist could therefore say: “He [Jehovah] did not allow any human to defraud them, but on their account he reproved kings, saying: ‘Do not you men touch my anointed ones, and to my prophets do nothing bad.’” — Ps. 105:14, 15.

7 By means of his spirit, Jehovah protected the ancient nation of Israel, into which the promised Seed would be born. Through his spirit, Jehovah gave Israel his Law, which preserved true worship and protected the Jews from spiritual, moral, and physical contamination. (Ex. 31:18; 2 Cor. 3:3) In the time of the Judges, Jehovah’s spirit empowered certain men to deliver Israel from its enemies. (Judg. 3:9, 10) During the centuries leading up to the birth of Jesus, the primary part of Abraham’s seed, holy spirit must have been involved in protecting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the temple — all of which would play a part in the fulfillment of the prophecies about Jesus.


8 Holy spirit was directly involved in the life and ministry of Jesus. Operating in the womb of the virgin Mary, holy spirit accomplished something never done before or since. It caused an imperfect woman to conceive and give birth to a perfect Son, who was not under the penalty of death. (Luke 1:26-31, 34, 35) The spirit later protected the infant Jesus from premature death. (Matt. 2:7, 8, 12, 13) When Jesus was about 30, God anointed him with holy spirit, appointing him to be the heir to David’s throne and commissioning him to preach. (Luke 1:32, 33; 4:16-21) Holy spirit empowered Jesus to perform miracles, including healing the sick, feeding the crowds, and raising the dead. Such mighty acts were foregleams of the blessings we can expect under Jesus’ kingly rule.


9 Starting at Pentecost 33 C.E., Jehovah used his spirit to anoint the secondary part of the seed of Abraham, many of whom were not descendants of Abraham. (Rom. 8:15-17; Gal. 3:29) Holy spirit was in evidence upon Jesus’ first-century disciples, enabling them to preach with zeal and empowering them to perform powerful works. (Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; 1 Cor. 12:7-11) By means of those miraculous gifts, holy spirit revealed a striking development in the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose. Jehovah was no longer using the centuries-old arrangement for worship that centered on the temple in Jerusalem. His favor had shifted to the newly formed Christian congregation. Ever since, Jehovah has been using that anointed congregation to serve his purpose.


10 Protecting, empowering, anointing — these are just a few of the ways that Jehovah used the holy spirit in Bible times to keep his purpose moving ever forward toward its fulfillment. What, though, about our day? How is Jehovah now using his spirit in support of his purpose? We need to know, for we want to work in harmony with the spirit. Let us, then, consider four of the ways in which Jehovah is using his spirit at present.


Holy Spirit’s Role at Present

11 First, holy spirit is a force for cleanness among God’s people. Those who play a part in Jehovah’s purpose must be morally clean. (Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.) Some who become true Christians formerly engaged in such immoral practices as fornication, adultery, and homosexuality. The desires that give birth to sinful acts can be deeply entrenched. (Jas. 1:14, 15) Yet, such individuals have been “washed clean,” indicating that they have made the changes in their life needed to please God. What enables a lover of God to resist successfully the impulse to act on wrong desires? “The spirit of our God,” says 1 Corinthians 6:11. By keeping morally clean, you show that you are letting that spirit be a dominant force in your life.

12 Second, Jehovah uses his spirit to lead his organization in the direction that he wants it to go. In Ezekiel’s vision, the heavenly part of Jehovah’s organization is depicted as a celestial chariot that is irresistibly on the move to fulfill Jehovah’s purpose. What impels the chariot to move in a certain direction? Holy spirit. (Ezek. 1:20, 21) Let us remember that Jehovah’s organization is made up of two parts, one in heaven and the other on earth. If the heavenly part is directed by holy spirit, the same must be true of the earthly part. By being obedient and loyal to the direction received from the earthly part of God’s organization, you show that you are keeping pace with Jehovah’s celestial chariot and are working in harmony with his holy spirit. — Heb. 13:17.

13 Third, holy spirit is at work in bringing Bible truths to light. (Prov. 4:18) This magazine has long been used by “the faithful and discreet slave” as the primary channel for dispensing increased light. (Matt. 24:45) For example, consider our understanding of those who make up “this generation” mentioned by Jesus. (Read Matthew 24:32-34.) To what generation did Jesus refer? The article “Christ’s Presence — What Does It Mean to You?” explained that Jesus was referring, not to the wicked, but to his disciples, who were soon to be anointed with holy spirit.* Jesus’ anointed followers, both in the first century and in our day, would be the ones who would not only see the sign but also discern its meaning — that Jesus “is near at the doors.”

14 What does this explanation mean to us? Although we cannot measure the exact length of “this generation,” we do well to keep in mind several things about the word “generation”: It usually refers to people of varying ages whose lives overlap during a particular time period; it is not excessively long; and it has an end. (Ex. 1:6) How, then, are we to understand Jesus’ words about “this generation”? He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation. That generation had a beginning, and it surely will have an end. The fulfillment of the various features of the sign clearly indicate that the tribulation must be near. By maintaining your sense of urgency and keeping on the watch, you show that you are keeping up with advancing light and following the leadings of holy spirit. — Mark 13:37.


15 Fourth, holy spirit empowers us to declare the good news. (Acts 1:8) What else could explain how the good news has been preached earth wide? Think about it. You may be among those who, perhaps because of extreme shyness or apprehension, once thought, ‘I could never go preaching from house to house!’ Yet, you now have a zealous share in that work.# Many faithful Witnesses of Jehovah have continued preaching in the face of opposition or persecution. Only God’s holy spirit can empower us to overcome daunting obstacles and to do things that would be impossible in our own strength. (Mic. 3:8; Matt. 17:20) By having a full share in the preaching work, you show that you are cooperating with that spirit.


Holy Spirit’s Role in the Future

16 In the future, Jehovah will employ his holy spirit in remarkable ways to accomplish the fulfillment of his purpose. Consider first the matter of protection. As we have seen, Jehovah used his spirit in the past to protect individuals as well as the nation of Israel as a whole. Hence, we have every reason to believe that he will use that same powerful spirit to protect his people during the approaching great tribulation. We need not speculate about exactly how Jehovah will care for us then. Rather, we can look to the future with confidence, knowing that lovers of Jehovah will never be hidden from his view or beyond the reach of his holy spirit. — 2 Chron. 16:9; Ps. 139:7-12.

17 How will Jehovah use his holy spirit in the coming new world? That spirit will be the force behind the new scrolls that will be opened at that time. (Rev. 20:12) What will these contain? Evidently, Jehovah’s detailed requirements for us during the thousand years. Do you look forward to examining the contents of those scrolls? With eager anticipation, we await that new world. We cannot begin to imagine what it will be like to be living at that blessed time when Jehovah will use his holy spirit to fulfill his purpose for the earth and humankind upon it.


18 Let us never forget that Jehovah’s unfolding purpose is certain to succeed, for he uses his holy spirit — the most powerful force in the universe — to carry it out. That purpose involves you. Therefore, let it be your firm determination to supplicate Jehovah for his spirit and work in harmony with its leadings. (Luke 11:13) Thus you may have the prospect of living as Jehovah purposed humans to live — forever in Paradise on earth.

Warm Christian Love
Bangalore

Hi bro e-m: :hibye:

here you go!
sis

My thoughts.... :dontknow::crybaby::thinking:



12 Second, Jehovah uses his spirit to lead his organization in the direction that he wants it to go. [Translation = You must listen to us, because we said so] In Ezekiel’s vision, the heavenly part of Jehovah’s organization is depicted as a celestial chariot that is irresistibly on the move to fulfill Jehovah’s purpose. What impels the chariot to move in a certain direction? Holy spirit. (Ezek. 1:20, 21) Let us remember that Jehovah’s organization is made up of two parts, one in heaven and the other on earth. If the heavenly part is directed by holy spirit, the same must be true of the earthly part. [Translation = If the sky is blue during the day time, the same must be true during the night time] By being obedient and loyal to the direction received from the earthly part of God’s organization, you show that you are keeping pace with Jehovah’s celestial chariot and are working in harmony with his holy spirit. — Heb. 13:17. [Translation = By being obedient, subservient slaves to our every demand, you show that you are willing to worship men and we thank you for keeping pace with, and perpetuating the existence of, the earthly part of Jehovahs Corporation.]

13 Third, holy spirit is at work in bringing Bible truths to light. (Prov. 4:18) [Translation = We really hope you dont "get" the fact that we full of it] This magazine has long been used by “the faithful and discreet slave” as the primary channel for dispensing increased light. (Matt. 24:45) [Translation = This propaganda tool has long been used buy ourselves, "the self-appointed slave masters" as the primary channel for dispensing increased Corporate agenda] For example, consider our understanding of those who make up “this generation” mentioned by Jesus. (Read Matthew 24:32-34.) [Translation = Just to show you how deep our understanding is and how we are the rightful rulers of your faith, lets bring up a contentious issue and dismantle it, by associating a Visual and Kineasthetic Synastheisa to the embedded presuppositions of the increase of information over time, to, the embedded complex equivalence of truth and spiritual insight, and then proceed to show inherent falsehood as "this is above your paygrade-style" complexity] To what generation did Jesus refer? The article “Christ’s Presence — What Does It Mean to You?” explained that Jesus was referring, not to the wicked, but to his disciples, who were soon to be anointed with holy spirit.* Jesus’ anointed followers, both in the first century and in our day, would be the ones who would not only see the sign but also discern its meaning — that Jesus “is near at the doors.” [Oh...is that what "this generation" means!...I wonder why the Holy Spirit couldnt have said this years ago.....maybe there is a time delay between the Holy Spirit and the Corporate minions running the show?]

14 What does this explanation mean to us? [Translation = See how confused you are? Thats because we have a direct line to Truth -- AND YOU DONT!!!!] Although we cannot measure the exact length of “this generation,” [Translation = Although we are "full of it"] we do well to keep in mind several things about the word “generation”: [Translation = we do well to see things according to these parameters, so as to reach the conclusion we want you to reach] It usually refers to people of varying ages whose lives overlap during a particular time period; it is not excessively long; and it has an end. (Ex. 1:6) How, then, are we to understand Jesus’ words about “this generation”? He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation. [BING!! THE TRUTH!! The "self-appointed slave masters are awesome!! How wonderful to be drip-fed such salvation issue doctrine!] That generation had a beginning, and it surely will have an end. [Translation = If this doesnt work out, we can always make up some more rubbish about new light...Mwuuuwaahaahaa] The fulfillment of the various features of the sign clearly indicate that the tribulation must be near. [Translation = Stop slacking off and start putting in those hours!! This Corporation doesnt pay for itself, ya know?!!] By maintaining your sense of urgency and keeping on the watch, you show that you are keeping up with advancing light and following the leadings of holy spirit. — Mark 13:37. [Translation = By maintaining your sense of urgency with our diet of brainwashing with fear and desperation, you show that you are keeping up with our program of subbordination through our advanced techniques of Corporate slavery and the repetitive induction of fear-based Peptides throughout your nervous system....the leadings of the Holy Spirit...Mwuuwaahhaaahaaa!!]

RANT OVER!! :D:D:D:D:D:D

Ahh... if only digital_punk worked in the Publishing Department.

Imagine sneaking THAT version out in the magazine :ok:

***** POP QUIZ *****

(1) "All the generations, then, from Abraham until David were fourteen generations, and from David until the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon until the Christ fourteen generations." (Mathew 1:17)

For 20 points. Mathew here refers to 42 generations, spread out over about 2,000 years. Calculate the average length of a generation, according to Mathew.

Clue: Calculate about 2,000 divided by 42.

(2) "So Jehovah’s anger blazed against Israel and he made them wander about in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation that was doing evil in the eyes of Jehovah came to their end." (Numbers 32:13)

For 10 points... In the above scripture, how long did it take for the "generation" that was doing evil in Jehovah's eyes to come to an end?

(3) For forty years I kept feeling a loathing toward [that] generation,
And I proceeded to say:
“They are a people wayward at heart,
And they themselves have not come to know my ways”; (Psalm 95:10)

For 10 points... For how long did God have a loathing towards that generation?

(4) On this account the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send forth to them prophets and apostles, and they will kill and persecute some of them, so that the blood of all the prophets spilled from the founding of the world may be required from this generation, from the blood of Abel down to the blood of Zech·a·ri´ah, who was slain between the altar and the house.’ Yes, I tell YOU, it will be required from this generation. Woe to YOU who are versed in the Law, because YOU took away the key of knowledge; YOU yourselves did not go in, and those going in YOU hindered!”

For 20 points... what was the "generation" to whom Jesus was speaking? Which generation had the blod from Abel to Zechariah required from them, and how long did that generation last?

(For an additional 10 bonus points, what is the condemnatory word used by Jesus to describe those who took away the "key of knowledge"?)

(5) For 50 points... yes, 50 points, folks... what can we conclude from these scriptures about the length of Jesus' "this generation" comment?









.

Answers:

(1) About 47 and a half years.
(2) 40 years.
(3) 40 years.
(4) The generation of Jews to which he was speaking. It lasted from when Jesus spoke (around 33AD) to around 70AD when Jerusalem was destroyed (i.e. about 37 years), or until 73AD when Masada was captured (i.e. 40 years).

(5) We can reasonably conclude that a "generation" is a contemporary group of people, and that in Jesus' day it was about 40-50 years.

Simples.




So How Did You Do???

0 - 20. You must be a Governing Body member!

20 - 50. Congratulations. You can read scriptures, but you don't yet seem to be able to apply them effectively. Please apply to the Writing Department ASAP.

50 - 100. Your logical thinking and ability to draw sensible conclusions from scriptures is a cause for concern and should be reported to the elders immediately.

100+ . Instant disfellowshipping. You're pushin' ahead. Stop it. :P

Good morning all ... :hibye::friends::drinking:

Before I take my friend off to a doctor's appointment I wanted to make a quick comment on this paragraph ... :giverose:

14 What does this explanation mean to us? Although we cannot measure the exact length of “this generation,” we do well to keep in mind several things about the word “generation”: It usually refers to people of varying ages whose lives overlap during a particular time period; it is not excessively long; and it has an end. (Ex. 1:6) How, then, are we to understand Jesus’ words about “this generation”? He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation. That generation had a beginning, and it surely will have an end. The fulfillment of the various features of the sign clearly indicate that the tribulation must be near. By maintaining your sense of urgency and keeping on the watch, you show that you are keeping up with advancing light and following the leadings of holy spirit. — Mark 13:37.

In particular this part of the paragraph ...

He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation. That generation had a beginning, and it surely will have an end. The fulfillment of the various features of the sign clearly indicate that the tribulation must be near. By maintaining your sense of urgency and keeping on the watch, you show that you are keeping up with advancing light and following the leadings of holy spirit. — Mark 13:37.

Okaaaaa ... :shocked::huh:

I see some interesting thought processes here in these couple of paragraphs ... :thinking: :scratchhead:

First of all by saying the that the 'ANOINTED we were ON HAND would make us go back to an older type of thinking wouldn't it ... or perhaps a newer revised/older thinking ...

For originally was it not those who were of the 'age of understanding' (and didn't they 'narrow' it down to maybe those of early teenage years) ... but this statement would seem to indicate (at least me) that it would have to be ADULTS ... for isn't one of the 'criteria' for becoming 'anointed' that one would have had to have been 'in the truth' for a number of years PROVING their faithfulness, loyalty and obedience to God and the EARTHLY part of His organization?

And isn't this part of the sentence an even more DEFINED 'refining' of WHO is part of the 'generation' ...? :dontknow:

1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones

hmmmmm

I'm kind a confused right about now ... :shocked::confused:

So the 'generation' is ONLY FOR THE ANOINTED ONES??

So the 'great crowd' are only a part of it by 'extension'???? :grouphug::dontknow:

Have I totally misunderstood what this paragraph is saying ...? I could be in a wee bit of hurry to get ready ... so I would value some added input for you who have a wee bit more time to think these thoughts through if that is ok with ya'll ... :love:

I would say more but I just don't have the time right now ... :jogging:

Luv as always and forever ... BR :sheepy: :bouncyhearts:

quote: " He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation."

What "sign" began to become evident in 1914?

It seems to me....Bible Students continued to teach Jesus arrived invisibly in 1874 for many years after 1914 (and still do). Rutherford continued were Russell left off and concluded Armageddon would happen in 1925 (and promoted this teaching via the talk "Millions Now Living Will Never Die"). The "sign" that Jesus began his invisible rule in 1914 could not have began to become evident in 1914, but could only have began to become evident when time proved Russell's/Rutherford's prophesies false (Armageddon did not happen in 1914 or 1925 ,imo) years later.....early 1930's?

So.....Would the quoted paragraph be more accurate if it read this way:

" He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in the 1930's would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation."

(edited to include question...How does one tell when something begins to become evident?)


:coffeeread:

Here is the most important role in the outworking of Jehovah's purpose in regard to Holy Spirit from another Watchtower Magazine:

Their hypocrisy is unbelievable and Jehovah's Witnesses love it this way!


So that is why God lets an operation of error go to them, that they may get to believing the lie, 12 in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness.


In Christ

abe