Can the Governing Body claim the title of "Faithful and Discreet Slave" at this time?

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by marshroanoke, Jun 25, 2017.

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    marshroanoke

    marshroanoke Member

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    According to the 2013 WT, the Governing Body is the exclusively the prophesied "faithful and discreet slave" discussed in Matthew 24.

    Who, then, is the faithful and discreet slave? That slave is made up of a small group of anointed brothers who directly prepare and give out spiritual food during Christ’s presence. This is similar to how Jesus fed many through the hands of a few in the first century. Throughout the last days, the anointed brothers who make up the faithful slave have served together at headquarters. In recent decades, that slave has been closely identified with the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. (w13 7/15 p. 22)​

    But does the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses have the authority to make this claim at this time? Let's examine the scripture it's based off of.

    Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on coming finds him doing so! Truly I say to you, he will appoint him over all his belongings. (Matthew 24: 45-47)​

    According to this scripture, there will be a "faithful and discreet slave" on the earth when the master (Jesus Christ) returns to the earth at a future time. That means that the faithful slave will already be at work on the earth before Jesus Christ returns. Therefore, the faithful slave could be on the earth currently, and that could be the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses!

    So, if it is possible that the Governing Body is the prophesied faithful slave, do they have the right to take on that title? No. It is presumptuous and dishonest for the Governing Body to proclaim itself the faithful slave. Why? Because the Governing Body would only be a faithful and discreet slave on the condition it continues to give the domestics their "food at the proper time" when Jesus Christ returns. Notice the scripture says the master "...on coming finds him doing so!" Therefore, it's not possible for imperfect men to give themselves that title at this time, because Jesus Christ has not yet returned. Jesus even warned that the slave could turn wayward: "But if ever that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying,’ and he starts to beat his fellow slaves and to eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards...he [Jesus Christ] will punish him with the greatest severity and will assign him his place with the hypocrites. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be" (Matthew 24:48-51).

    There is no telling what will happen from now till the Great Tribulation. The Governing Body cannot foresee the future to know with certainty that the Governing Body will continue to faithfully give spiritual food to the domestics. For the Governing Body to suggest so adamantly that it is the faithful slave, is dishonest and gives JWs a false sense of security. They assume that the organization as it is will coast smoothly into the new system. It reminds me of a runner claiming he has won the race before it is completed. Yet, Jesus Christ suggests that an evil slave is a potential possibility. Nothing is set in stone.

    Moreover, does the Governing Body at present demonstrate discreet qualities by giving itself that title? It's like bragging about humility...it's an oxymoron! The Governing Body is far from low-key. The Governing Body is in the forefront of this religion and have become somewhat-celebrities through JW.org. Does the Governing Body really need to put into its literature that it is the faithful slave? Wouldn't their actions speak for itself?

    Although I hope for the sake of all JWs that those taking the lead in the organization will continue to act as God's slave, I cannot put my full confidence in imperfect men. I have to remain vigilant to any possibility. JWs have been lulled into a false sense of security by giving full trust in imperfect, fallible men.
     
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    BreakTheWalls

    BreakTheWalls Guest

    "Discreet? Who's face is plastered all over JW Library?"

    Anyways, Josh brought up a good point, anyone can be a slave, I don't think the term was to apply to a sole group of people.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 26, 2017
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    BreakTheWalls

    BreakTheWalls Guest

    FYI, they say they were selected by Jesus when Rutherford and friends were released from jail in 1918-19.

    Truly delusional if you think about it. Jesus appeared to Paul when he was appointed. You don't think Jesus would do the same if these men were to truly lead 8 million people to the promised Land? There were only a few thousand Christians during Paul's ministry.
     
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    marshroanoke

    marshroanoke Member

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    They say they were appointed over the domestics at the time, but to suggest that it's a done deal till Jesus comes is a lie that JWs continue to believe.
     
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    marshroanoke

    marshroanoke Member

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    Even Brother Jackson stated: "“That I think would seem to be quite presumptuous to say that we are the only spokesperson that God is using. The scriptures clearly show that someone can act in harmony with God’s spirit in giving comfort and help in the congregations, but if I could just clarify a little, going back to Matthew 24, clearly, Jesus said that in the last days ‐ and Jehovah’s Witnesses believe these are the last days ‐ there would be a slave, a group of persons who would have responsibility to care for the spiritual food. So in that respect, we view ourselves as trying to fulfill that role.”

    So much for sole channel...
     
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    Tsaphah

    Tsaphah Experienced Member

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    Here is the point which I use to debunk the claim of anyone that they are “the faithful slave”.

    For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.
    ‘Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions
    .’” ( Mt 24:44-47 NASB )

    Number 1: It is incumbent on the return of the Son of Man (Jesus Christ). He has not returned in kingly power, at the present time.

    Number 2: The master (Jesus Christ), is the only one to title the slave as being faithful, and putting that slave “in charge of all his possessions.” He did this before he leaves on his journey. It is not up to the slave to make that claim of being faithful! Period!
     
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    Joshuastone7

    Joshuastone7 Administrator Staff Member

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    Amen brother...
     
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    Barry

    Barry New Member

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    This text does show that Jesus appointed a slave to be in charge. And that slave will be appointed over all when Jesus comes. The parallel account tells that that slave will be considered as faithful and discreet when Jesus finds him doing what he was asked to do. The other will be be considered as evil and be thrown out.

    So for sure the GB is not in charge over all Jesus' possessions and is not declared faithful and discreet yet, since Jesus didn't return yet. But as i said before I think part of them might be considered as faithful and discreet when Jesus returns, since Jesus appointed a slave to provide the food. And if not for the GB now, who is doing that worldwide?
     
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    belongingtojah

    belongingtojah Member

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    Here is a interesting scripture on this subject.

    Isaiah 5:

    21. Woe to those wise in their own eyes and discreet even in front of their own faces.

    This thought is echoed at the first part of Romans 11: 25:

    For I do not want , you , brothers to be ignorant of this sacred secret, in order for you not to be discreet in your own eyes:

    In light of these scriptures it would not be wise for anyone to call themselves the "Faithful and Discreet Slave".

    Jesus will put all of these things straight when He actually for reals returns.

    Have a blessed day.

    Joe
     
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    marshroanoke

    marshroanoke Member

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    Yes and why is it necessary for the GB to proclaim it is the FDS? Not only do they not have that authority to make such a claim, but their actions would speak for itself.
     
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    Tsaphah

    Tsaphah Experienced Member

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    One thing to remember about this scripture and several others. Jesus used many examples which were not specific to his disciples. They were teaching tools. It is a parable/illustration. “Now learn this illustration.” “For just as the days of Noah were,” It is like the example of the good Samaritan. (Lu 10:30-37)
     
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    marshroanoke

    marshroanoke Member

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    so are you in support or against the interpretation that this parable has prophetic significance in our day?
     

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