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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