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God’s Spirit Essential to MaturityThe Watchtower—1952 | August 15
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all those who recognize they have been brought into the “one flock”, under the “one shepherd” (though not all of the same fold), to unite in feeding together in the rich “green pastures”. Be refreshed by the living “waters of rest”, guided “in the paths of righteousness” to a mature understanding “for his name’s sake”, realizing we can render acceptable and genuine worship only if we are filled with his spirit and with his truth.—John 10:16, NW; Ps. 23:2, 3, AS, margin.
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A Mature View of DedicationThe Watchtower—1952 | August 15
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A Mature View of Dedication
1. If maturity is essential for all, what next calls for discussion?
PREVIOUSLY we expressed our intention to discuss the preliminary steps essential to setting our feet properly on the way to gain “the wisdom from above”. In this regard, too, God’s spirit is essential to maturity with respect to a Scriptural understanding in the matter of our dedication to God.
2. What is the first preliminary step, and does it apply in all cases?
2 The first necessary step toward dedicating ourselves is that there must be a “turning to Jehovah”. (2 Cor. 3:16, NW) That applies in the case of one who has formerly been a member of a religious system of Christendom, modern Babylon, like the Jews in the days of the early church who were bound to their system of Judaism. It applies also in the case of one who, like the Athenians, has made no profession of having belonged to God’s covenant people. The apostle Paul dealt with both cases, from which much can be learned.
3. How does Paul point to the root of the Jews’ trouble, and what important part does faith play in this regard?
3 Respecting the Jews, he explained that they were greatly favored in listening to Jehovah’s word contained in the writings of Moses, in that “old covenant” made with him. Yet as a nation they made no progress toward wisdom and understanding. Instead, as Paul says: “Their mental perceptions were dulled” and “a veil lies upon their hearts”. Ah, that was the root of their trouble. It was not that they lacked the mental ability, but they had not the proper heart desire, which would be manifested by a spirit of faith and humility. Elsewhere, the same apostle puts his finger on the root cause of the wrong heart attitude when warning his Hebrew brothers about “a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God”. So we cannot begin to make progress in the right direction unless we turn to Jehovah in faith. The rule stated by the apostle holds good for every person, without exception: “Without faith it is impossible to win his good pleasure, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.”—2 Cor. 3:14-16; Heb. 3:12; 11:6, NW.
4. Are there great blessings and privileges in prospect for those who sincerely turn to Jehovah?
4 Now observe the glorious prospect that opens up to one who turns to Jehovah in sincerity and truth and, as we see the direction his pathway takes, you will recognize the familiar landmarks noted in what we have just studied. For in 2 Corinthians 3:16 to 4:6 (NW) the apostle goes on to explain
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