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Men are ‘Seizing God’s Kingdom’—How?The Watchtower—1972 | February 1
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As noted by Jesus in one of his illustrations, it began with their hearing the “word of the kingdom.” The “seed” or “word of the kingdom” took root in their heart. They got the ‘sense of the word,’ that is, a real appreciation of the priceless value of membership in the Kingdom developed in their hearts. (Matt. 13:19-23) The Kingdom came to mean more to them than anything else, motivating them to do what was necessary to ‘seize’ it. (Matt. 13:45, 46) Therefore they repented of their transgressions against God’s law, turned around from a wrong course and submitted themselves to water baptism in symbol of their repentance and conversion. Genuine heart appreciation caused them to keep on exerting themselves to make their calling for the heavenly kingdom sure.—2 Pet. 1:10.
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Men are ‘Seizing God’s Kingdom’—How?The Watchtower—1972 | February 1
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Regarding those who get the ‘sense of the word,’ Jesus Christ said: “As for the one sown upon the fine soil, this is the one hearing the word and getting the sense of it, who really does bear fruit and produces, this one a hundredfold, that one sixty, the other thirty.” (Matt. 13:23) But what is this fruitage? Is it the result obtained in assisting others to become disciples of Jesus Christ? Or, is it the fruitage of God’s spirit, the fine qualities of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness and self-control?
The fruitage in this case is neither new disciples nor fine Christian qualities. The seed that is sown is the “word of the kingdom.” Accordingly, the fruitage must be a manyfold duplication of that seed. Yes, the bearing of fruitage refers to making expressions about the Kingdom. Such expressions stem from an appreciative heart. (Luke 6:45)
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