UNIT 6 (a)

# Jehovah's People
Theocratically organized for
His Name

Jehovah has an earthly household, or organization, to
accomplish his work, an organization that appreciates the
importance of his name and in every way seeks to honor it.
(Acts 15:14; Eph. 2:19; 1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:4-6) As he did
in the case of natural Israel, so today Jehovah brings his
people together as an organization. (Ex. 19:5, 6) They are
directed by a "faithful steward" appointed to administer
organizational matters in accord with God's will. (Luke 12:
42) Ancient Israel served as a pattern of how the worldwide
Christian brotherhood of Jehovah's Witnesses in these last
days would be organized as a God-governed people. (Heb.
10: 1) It requires an orderly arrangement to gather the "great
crowd" out of all nations so that they may declare unitedly:
"Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne,
and to the Lamb." (Rev. 7:9, l0; rs pp. 326-8) Today, this
involves a "stewardship from God," an arrangement adminis-
tered through a "faithful and discreet slave."--Col. 1:25;
Matt. 24:45-47; it-2 p. l035.

## Worldwide organization Is God-Governed

### Jehovah's Witnesses, a distinct people, are gathered
from all nations.

  They are unified as one flock. (John l0:16)

  They form an international association of brothers. (1 Pet.
  2:17; 5:9)

  They have learned to speak the pure language of truth,
  thereby calling on the name of Jehovah. (Zeph. 3:9, 13)

  They recognize God's authority and his way of doing
  things. (Deut. 32:4; Isa. 33:22)

  144

  ### The Christian congregation of anointed ones on earth
  has been entrusted with a stewardship as God's house-
  hold, supported by a great crowd of helpers.

    As members of a loving household, they serve together as
    a cooperative organization.

    Local congregations throughout the earth are not orga-
    nized according to democratic principles but are under
    God-governed, theocratic control.

  ### All congregations are directed by Christ Jesus under one
  stewardship arrangement, or administration. (Heb. 3:6)

    At Ephesians 1: 10, "administration" translates the Greek
    word oi.ko.no.mi'an, which basically means "household
    (organizational) management" of affairs. (w74 l0/15
    pp. 616-17; it-1 pp. 48-9)

    Congregations receive guidance from Jehovah through
    Jesus Christ, his appointed Administrator. (Heb. 1:1,2)

      As Jehovah's Chief Servant, Jesus sees to it that justice is
      carried out. (Matt. 12: 18)

      Jesus ensures that love prevails among all those who
      follow his steps closely. (John 15:12, 13; 1 Pet. 2:21)

  ## Holy People Must Be
  Guided by God-Given Standards

  ### All members of the household, as well as those who
  work closely with it, must be holy. (Eph. 2:19; 1 Pet. 1:
  14-16)

    Holiness includes cleanness, purity, separateness, both
    physically and spiritually.

  ### Jehovah's people must love justice and mercy. (Ps. 33:5;
  Jas. 2:13; 3:17)

  As Statute-Giver, Jehovah sets righteous standards and,
  at times, delegates the authority necessary to enforce
  them. (Isa. 33:22)

    His laws are stated in our guidebook, the Bible. (2 Tim.
    3:16)

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    We must recognize and submit to this theocratic ruler-
    ship. (Isa. 2:3)

  ### Administration of laws is entrusted to God's anointed
  King. (Isa. 32:1)

    Since his invisible enthronement in 1914 C.E., Jesus has
    been ruling in the midst of his earthly enemies. (Ps.
    110:2; Dan. 7:13, 14)

    Invisible control is exercised from heaven.

    Use of a visible earthly agency is evidenced by millions of
    subjects now submitting to Christ's kingship. (Prov. 14:
    28a; Phil. 2:9-11)

  ### Invisible rule requires visible representatives.

    The anointed remnant has been entrusted with all of the
    Master's belongings. (Luke 12:42-44)

    The steward class is faithful in dispensing spiritual food.

    Overseers serve as earthly representatives under the direc-
    tion of the steward class. (Isa. 32: 1, 2)

      Theocratic submission requires recognition of this or-
      derly arrangement. (Zech. 8:23)

      We are assured of proper guidance through the conclu-
      sion of the system of things. (Dan. 12:1; Matt. 28:20)

  ## Governing in Righteousness
  Requires Observance of Jehovah's
  Laws and Principles

  ### Laws are defined as rules of conduct that are necessary
  for good order. (Compare Galatians 6:16.)

    Jehovah is a God of order, and his laws are perfect. (Ps.
    19:7; 1 Cor. 14:33)

    God's laws are based on righteous principles, and they are
    enforceable by an organization or an agency.

  ### Principles are settled guidelines based on fundamental
  truths. (w57 9/1 p. 524; w52 7/1 p. 407)

  146 - "Pay Attenhon to Yourselves and to All the Flock

    Example of principles based on a fundamental truth:

      Fundamental truth: Jehovah God is the Sovereign Lord
      of heaven and earth. (Acts 4:24)

        Principles based on this fundamental truth:

          We owe Jehovah total obedience in everything.
          (1 Sam. 15:22; Jer. 7:23)

          When there is a conflict, we must obey God as
          Ruler rather than men. (Acts 5:29)

  ### Principles are eternal, whereas rules may apply to limit-
  ed times or conditions.

  Laws, judicial decisions, and instructions from Jehovah
  are transmitted through various levels of household (or-
  ganizational ) management. (Eph. 1: l0, Ref. Bi., ftn. )

    Jesus Christ, the King and High Priest. (Heb. 3 :1,6)

    "The faithful and discreet slave" and its Governing Body
    and traveling representatives. (Matt. 24:45-47; Acts 15:
    23, 28, 29; 16:4)

    Congregation elders. (Heb. 13 :17 )

    Husbands, fathers, and mothers. (Prov. 1:8; Eph. 5:22,
    23; 6:1, 4)

  ### Human overseers must be careful that their instructions
  do not violate God's Word.

    They must imitate Jesus. (John 5:30; 12:49)

    If God's Word is violated, lawlessness results. (2 Pet. 2:
    1-3; l John 3:4)

  ## Administering Jehovah's Laws With Justice and Mercy

  ### Justice is the administration of what is right in a fair and
  impartial way. (Lev. 19:15)

    Jehovah manifests justice in all of his dealings. (Deut.
    32:4; Heb. 2:2-4)

  UNIT 6 (a) - 147

    Illustration: A plumb line must he carefully used if a
    building is to be erected properly. (Amos 7:7, 8; compare
    Zechariah 4:10. )

      If any of Jehovah's people do not meet the test of
      uprightness in a spiritual way, Jehovah will mete out
      discipline with justice.

    Decisions of elders must reflect justice in imitation of
    Jehovah's ways. (Isa. 32:1 )

  ### Jehovah tempers justice with mercy when this is war-
  ranted. (Ezek. 33:14-16)

  Mercy is not limited to the withholding of measured
  punishment when justly due; it also expresses kind con-
  sideration or pity that brings relief to those who are
  disadvantaged and in need of help. (it-2 p. 376)

    Mercy lightens judgment, or punishment, and brings
    relief when circumstances allow for it. (Ps. l03 :8-l0; Jas.
    2: 13)

    Mercy also involves the way in which needed correction
    and discipline are given.

    Mercy takes into consideration such matters as motive,
    provocation, willingness to confess, temptation, mental
    and emotional condition, degree of spiritual progress
    made, past conduct, and present attitude of the offender.

      Elders must guard against automatic or letter-of-the-law
      application of punishment for breaking God's laws.

  ### Administering Christian law in justice and with mercy
  requires:

    Decisions that are fair and appropriate to the need. (Isa.
    28:24-28; w76 12/1 p. 719; w75 9/1 pp. 517-18)

      Applying punishment to fit the violation.

    Allowance for mercy when there are extenuating circum-
    stances.

    Enforcing with impartiality the laws that carry sanctions.
    (Deut. 1:16, 17)

    Getting all the facts before making a decision. (Prov. 18:
    13, 17)

  148 - "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"

    Avoiding becoming unnecessarily involved in personal
    disputes. (Prov. 26:17; see Unit 5 (b), page l08.)

    Expelling (by disfellowshipping) those who flout God's
    household law and unrepentantly contaminate the con-
    gregation. (1 Cor. 5:9, 13; Titus 3:10)

    Making clear to disfellowshipped ones that upon display-
    ing works befitting repentance and turning around, they
    may apply for reinstatement. (2 Cor. 2:6-8)

  ### Each judicial case is different and must be judged on its
  own merits.

    Some people have inherited or acquired stronger faulty
    inclinations than others have and may therefore need
    more than the usual direction or counsel to correct their
    course. (Jonah 4:11; Mark 6:34)

  ## Need for a Righteous Judiciary

  ### Elders should make serious efforts to expand their abili-
  ty to be righteous judges.

    Use direction provided by the Society.

    Be sure all decisions are solidly based on the Scriptures.

      Before handling any judicial matter, wisely make a
      practice of carefully reviewing Units 5 (a), 5 (b), and
      5 (c), taking special note of the cited scriptures.

        When elders rely primarily on past experience or
        fail to review this material before handling a judicial
        matter, they frequently overlook important points.

        Since the lives of all Christians are precious to
        Jehovah, the elders cannot afford to be careless or
        indifferent. You must "render an account." (Heb.
        13:17)

  ### Elders selected to serve on judicial or appeal commit-
  tees should be outstandingly discerning and trustwor-
  thy men.

    If the wrongdoer or one accused is known to have strong
    feelings respecting an elder being considered to serve, it
    would be better that the elder not serve.

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    An elder who is related to the accused person, has been in
    business with him, or has had a special friendship with
    him should not normally serve on the committee. (km
    9/77 p. 6)

    The judicial committee needs to be consistent, firm, and
    loving in its dealings and decisions.

      Work interdependently as a committee. (1 Cor. 12:
      21-25)

      Listen to fellow members on the judicial committee;
      benefit from one another's observations.

      God's spirit can direct any one of the elders to make a
      valuable contribution to the thinking of the judicial
      committee. (Prov. 27:17; Eccl. 4:9)

    When questions arise, do not be hasty in deciding the
    matter. Do research in the Society's publications. If an-
    swers cannot be found and further direction is really
    needed, write to the Society; if the matter is urgent,
    telephone during business hours.

    Elders serving as a committee of judges should imitate the
    example of Jehovah and Jesus, dealing impartially and
    justly with all persons. (Lev. 19: 15; John 5:30; 8:28)

  ### By your conscientiously exercising justice tempered by
  mercy, you give evidence that Jehovah's organization is
  governed by him. His theocratically organized people
  will therefore continue to grow in righteousness. (1 Sam.
  12:22)

  150 - "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"

  UNIT 6 (b)

  # Under "the
  Law of the Christ"

  "The law of the Christ" is not the body of laws that
  formed the Mosaic Law of ancient Israel. (Gal. 6:2; Col. 2:
  13, 14) Since Pentecost 33 C.E., Christians have been "un-
  der law toward Christ." This control is called "the perfect
  law that belongs to freedom."--1 Cor. 9:21; Jas. 1:25; it-2
  p. 221.

  Jesus did not personally write down a set of laws. Further-
  more, his disciples did not set down laws in the form of a
  code for Christians, using categories and subheadings. Never-
  theless, the Christian Greek Scriptures abound in laws, com-
  mands, and decrees that the Christian is obligated to observe.

  Some rules of conduct in the Law of Moses have been
  restated in the law of the Christ and are enforceable upon
  Christians. (Acts 15:19-21) other rules of conduct from the
  Law of Moses with their underlying principles, though not
  enforceable in the Christian congregation, are useful to
  Christians as they walk in the way of holiness.--Jas. 2:8, 9.

  Elders must always seriously consider the guidelines that
  serve to protect the congregation and keep it clean in Jeho-
  vah's sight. They must also treat God's flock with tenderness.
  --Acts 20:28-30; Eph. 5 :25-27.

  ## Law of the Christian Congregation

  ### Christians are under the law of the Christ, not the
  Mosaic Law. (1 Cor. 9:21)

    The law of the Christ consists of a body of rules for
    Christian conduct. (Gal. 6:16)

    This law embraces the whole scope of a Christian's life
    and work and focuses attention on:

      Our relationship with Jehovah. (Matt. 4:10; 22:37;
      (1 John 5:3)

  152

      Our faith in Jesus Christ and submission to him. ( Col.
      1:18; 1 John 3:23)

      Our relationship with fellow Christians. (John 13:
      34,35; 1 John 3:16-18)

      Our obligations toward unbelievers. (Matt. 24:14; Gal.
      6:10; 1 Pet. 2:13, 14)

      Our moral conduct and manner of life. (Gal. 5:23, 24)

  ### The law of the Christian system of things involves the
  heart. (Jer. 31:33; Heb. l0:16)

  For our protection and spiritual security, it is essential
  that we he obedient to the law of the Christ.

    Only in this manner can those who desire to be guided by
    Jehovah's Word walk unitedly and harmoniously in the
    path of righteousness.

    This makes it incumbent upon us to lay aside personal or
    preconceived ideas of what is right and wrong and whole-
    heartedly accept Jehovah's direction.

    In this way, we are kept separate from the world and
    prove ourselves loyal to the Sovereign Lord Jehovah and
    his King, Jesus Christ.

  ## Elders, Guard Your
  Trust of Shepherding God's Flock

  ### How elders can guard their trust of shepherding God's
  flock. (1 Pet. 5:1-4; w89 9/15 pp. l0-15)

    Be positive and diligent in caring for your duties. (Prov.
    10:4)

    Maintain a good, productive schedule of personal study.
    (1 Tim. 4:13-15)

      As an elder, you are rightly expected to give sound
      Scriptural counsel.

        Reading the entire Bible meditatively, perhaps sev-
        eral times, will help to equip you for such responsi-
        bility. (Prov. 15:28)

  UNIT 6 (b) - 153

    "Preach the word," both inside and outside the congrega-
    tion. (2 Tim. 4:2,5)

    Work hard to increase your capability as a teacher. (Rom.
    12:7; Jas. 3:1)

  ### Treat God's flock with tenderness. (Acts 20:28, 29;
  1 Thess. 2:7, 8; w89 9/15 pp. 15-20)

    Be a humble slave of your fellow Christians, not 'lording
    it over them.' (Matt. 20:25-28; Gal. 5:13; 1 Pet. 5:3)

    Be a source of relief and refreshment. ( Isa. 32:1, 2)

    Be just, righteous, and tender when judging sheep in
    God's flock. (Compare Ezekiel 34:7-14.)

  ### Serving loyally as an elder under the law of the Christ
  honors Jehovah and brings many benefits to the congre-
  gation, God's flock.

    May Jehovah and his Son, in effect, tell you: "Well done,
    good slave!" (Luke 19:17)

  l54 - "Pay Attention lo Yourselves and to All the Flock"