794.
CAN YOU BE TAUGHT WITHOUT ANNOYANCE?
(Matthew 13:15).
THE TEACHING OF 1
CORINTHIANS 12:12-26.
Our Father's Word is often misunderstood or
taught incorrectly. Jesus had to correct many, even his own disciples. Sometimes
he taught by way of illustrations. When asked why, he said: "This is why I
speak to them by the use of illustrations, because, looking, they look in vain,
and hearing, they hear in vain, neither do they get the sense of it".
The reason for this was: "For the heart of this people has grown thick,
and with their ears they have heard with annoyance, and they have shut
their eyes; that they might never see with their eyes and hear with their ears
and get the sense of it with their hearts and turn back, and I heal them."
(From Matt 13:13 15). Because their hearts had grown thick, Jesus knew he
could not speak to them directly as it was likely to offend rather than benefit
them. So that is why he spoke to them by way of an illustration to explain the
principle.
There was an occasion when Jesus spoke in a more direct way, and even his
disciples refused to listen. (John 6:60). On that occasion, Jesus said:
"He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life."
(See John 6:53-58). He was referring to his body of followers who would inherit
everlasting life if they fed on his spiritual
"body"
and were called to heavenly life. In their ignorance they murmured, and so
failed to learn a very important teaching because he was speaking figuratively.
Because some spiritual matters are difficult to explain directly, a certain
depth of spiritual thought is required. Hopefully you will now understand the
following scriptural teaching correctly, and benefit from it, rather than hear
with annoyance.
"SO THAT THERE
SHOULD BE NO DIVISION IN
THE BODY,
BUT THAT ITS
MEMBERS SHOULD
HAVE THE SAME CARE
FOR ONE ANOTHER." (12:25).
The erroneous teachings sanctioned by JW members claiming to be the governing
body over the
"little flock"
and "other sheep"
of God's people during the
"Lord's day"
have been many.
(Luke 12:32. John 10:16) (Rev 1:10).
But this does not mean that each of the
"little flock"
endorse them.
"Division in the body"
is not with reference to human imperfection or varying levels of understanding
of our Father's inspired Word. In any case, true understandings are only given
to those who are truly obedient.
"Division in the body"
is caused by those who are not caring for other anointed members of the
"body"
of our Lord Jesus. Of course, that means loving care. Otherwise they are
divided, with some showing a lack of service to other members. (1 Cor 12:25).
Those of the
"body"
of The Christ alive today are reported to be in their thousands, not twelve or
eighteen members calling themselves
the governing body of JWs. 1 Corinthians 12:22-25
conveys that among the members of the
"body"
there would be those who would appear weaker or less honourable than others. But
the
"body"
suffers as a whole when its members are not functioning harmoniously together
with each giving their due measure of Spirit contributions.
(12:26).
So that is why the apostle Paul said: "and the parts of the body which we
think to be less honourable these we surround with more abundant honour, and so
our unseemly parts have the more abundant comeliness". (12:23).
(Cont. on Page 795).
14/1/77.
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