"Faithful slave" and the "Publishers."

[Micah Ong]

Be Loyal to Jesus only do not put your trust in man to whom no salvation belongs.

It's interesting that they are called the "Faithful slave" and the rest are called "Publishers."

Isn't it the other way around when you think about it?

[Witness]

On 4/16/2017 at 10:33 PM, Micah Ong said:

Be Loyal to Jesus only do not put your trust in man to whom no salvation belongs.

It's interesting that they are called the "Faithful slave" and the rest are called "Publishers."

Isn't it the other way around when you think about it?

These are some thought-provoking quote from the Wt. 3/17 pp. 8-12

"However, Jehovah’s Witnesses refrain from treating religious leaders as ones who merit extraordinary honor, even though those leaders may expect it. False religion misrepresents God and distorts the teachings of his Word. Thus, we show religious leaders regard as fellow humans, but we do not show them special honor. We recall that Jesus denounced such men of his day as hypocrites and blind guides. (Matt. 23:23, 24"

"Such elders are recognized as humble spiritual shepherds. As evidence of their humility, they refuse to let themselves be treated as celebrities. In this they differ from many modern-day religious leaders and from those of the first century about whom Jesus said: “They like the most prominent place at evening meals and the front seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces.”—Matt. 23:6, 7."

I can’t say I agree with the second paragraph.  Their word rules no different than the words of a Catholic priest. Both hear confessions, both judge.  And what about the “faithful and discreet slave”?  I have seen pictures on this forum easily depicting the GB as prominent figures.  Does this not also distort the teachings of God’s word?

When Jesus said, “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?”  (Matt 24:45), he is essentially saying, among all his faithful and wise servants, (whom he already has judged as such)  who will the master put in charge of the household?  He is not saying that the one in charge is the only faithful and wise servant.  At one time the Wt. taught that every anointed one was the “faithful and wise” slave.  Recently, it has boiled down to just the GB with no scriptural reason, except that it fulfills prophesy.  Rev 13:11,15; 16:13,14  But there is evidence in scripture that a “steward” over God’s household (which is all anointed ones, 1 Pet 4:17; Eph 2:21; 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17) can begin to “beat” his fellow slaves, by selfishly insisting on their own announcement as faithful and discreet prematurely, by insisting that the Lord returns also prematurely, (Matt 24:48) by judging them without cause.  (Matt 24:48)

 Each anointed one must be found “faithful and wise” upon Jesus’ return.  Matt 25:21

“When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable:  “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.  If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.  For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”  Luke 14:7-11

It is also true that each one of us is to slave for Christ and not for men. Rom 14:4; James 4:12  The title of “publisher”, along with unbaptized publisher, circuit overseer, district overseer, pioneer, special pioneer, etc, all categorize the sheep by bestowing certain characteristics that one must take note of.  What is the difference between the Wt. doing this and Christendom “meriting certain honor” on individuals? 

Jesus said, "Why do you call me good?"  "No one is good--except God alone."  Mark 10:18

If Jesus never accepted honor, why would any man seek his own glory, expecting obedience from others because of his self-proclaimed title? 

The scenario of both a faithful steward as well as an evil steward present during the end time is evident in the scriptures.  One must discern who they both are by analyzing their “fruits”, their teachings.    Matt 24:48-51; Matt 7:15-20; John 15:4,5,8,16; Heb 13:15; Jude 1:12  Because we are all to be slaves of Christ, we are all responsible for our loyalty to pure truth.  Phil 1:9,10  The responsibility doesn’t just fall on the teacher, but on the student as well.  Jer 23:16-30; 5:30-31

On 4/16/2017 at 10:53 PM, Queen Esther said:

Better  waiting  of  Jehovah's  plan, very  interesting  how  HE  all  will  make it,

Prov 2:1-15; Matt 7:7,8;  Zeph 2:3; Ps 26:4-7; 2 Cor 6:17; Rev 3:18