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Maintaining Our Position as “Temporary Residents”The Watchtower—2012 | December 15
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“I exhort you as aliens and temporary residents to keep abstaining from fleshly desires.”—1 PET. 2:11.
1, 2. Whom did Peter refer to with the expression “the ones chosen,” and why did he call them “temporary residents”?
SOME 30 years after Jesus ascended to heaven, the apostle Peter addressed a letter to “the temporary residents scattered about in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, to the ones chosen.” (1 Pet. 1:1) Clearly, by the term “the ones chosen,” Peter referred to those who, like him, had been anointed by holy spirit and given “a new birth to a living hope” to rule with Christ in the heavens. (Read 1 Peter 1:3, 4.) But why did he thereafter call these chosen ones “aliens and temporary residents”? (1 Pet. 2:11) And what meaning does this have for us today when only about 1 in 650 active Witnesses throughout the world lays claim to being an anointed chosen one?
2 It was fitting to apply the term “temporary residents” to anointed ones in the first century. As is true of the remnant of this group alive today, their existence on earth was not permanent. The apostle Paul, himself a member of the anointed “little flock,” explained: “As for us, our citizenship exists in the heavens, from which place also we are eagerly waiting for a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Luke 12:32; Phil. 3:20) Given that their “citizenship exists in the heavens,” at death anointed ones will leave the earthly scene for something far better, immortal life in the heavens. (Read Philippians 1:21-23.) Thus, in a very literal way, they could be termed mere “temporary residents” of the earth under Satan’s control.
3. What question about the “other sheep” now arises?
3 But what about the “other sheep”? (John 10:16) Do they not have a Scripturally well-founded hope of becoming permanent residents of the earth? Indeed, that will be their home forever! Still, in a sense they too can at present be considered temporary residents. In what sense?
“ALL CREATION KEEPS ON GROANING”
4. What are world leaders helpless to prevent?
4 As long as Satan’s wicked system is allowed to exist, everyone, including Christians, will continue to suffer the consequences of Satan’s rebellion against Jehovah. We read at Romans 8:22: “We know that all creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together until now.” World leaders, scientists, and humanitarians, however sincere, are helpless to prevent this.
5. Since 1914, what step have millions taken, and why?
5 Since 1914, millions have therefore chosen to become willing subjects of God’s enthroned King, Christ Jesus. They have no desire to be a part of Satan’s world system. They refuse to be supporters of Satan’s world. Instead, they use their lives and assets in support of God’s Kingdom, serving its interests.—Rom. 14:7, 8.
6. In what sense can Jehovah’s Witnesses be called aliens?
6 Yes, Jehovah’s Witnesses are law-abiding citizens in over 200 countries, yet regardless of where they live, they are like aliens. They maintain a position of strict neutrality as regards the political and social issues of the day. Even now, they consider themselves to be citizens of a new world, one of God’s making. They rejoice to see their days of temporary residence in an imperfect world system rapidly drawing to a close.
7. How will servants of God become permanent residents, and of what?
7 Soon Christ will exercise his authority to destroy Satan’s wicked system. Christ’s perfect government will free the earth of sin and sorrow. It will remove all visible and invisible traces of rebellion against Jehovah’s rightful sovereignty. Loyal servants of God will be in a position to become permanent residents of the earthly Paradise. (Read Revelation 21:1-5.) In a full sense, creation will then have been “set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the children of God.”—Rom. 8:21.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF TRUE CHRISTIANS?
8, 9. Explain what Peter meant by “abstaining from fleshly desires.”
8 Peter explains what is expected of Christians when he goes on to say: “Beloved, I exhort you as aliens and temporary residents to keep abstaining from fleshly desires, which are the very ones that carry on a conflict against the soul.” (1 Pet. 2:11) That advice was first directed to anointed Christians, but it is equally valid for Jesus’ other sheep.
9 Some desires, when satisfied in the manner decreed by the Creator, are not wrong in themselves. Indeed, they add pleasure to life. For example, there are the normal desires to enjoy good food and drink, to participate in refreshing activities, and to find delight in wholesome companionship. Even the desire for sexual pleasure with one’s marriage mate is fitting and has its place. (1 Cor. 7:3-5) Peter, though, correctly limited the “fleshly desires” of which he was speaking to those that “carry on a conflict against the soul.” Making it obvious just what is meant, some Bible translations speak of “fleshly lusts” (King James Version) or “sinful desires” (New International Version). Clearly, any human desire that conflicts with Jehovah’s expressed purpose and that could negatively affect one’s good relationship with God must be kept in check. Otherwise a Christian’s hope of keeping his soul alive could be seriously endangered.
10. What are some methods that Satan uses to get Christians to become a part of his world?
10 Satan’s goal is to weaken the determination of true Christians to view themselves as “temporary residents” in the present system. The glamour of materialism, the seduction of immorality, the attractiveness of prominence, the flattering appeal of “me first,” and the magnetism of nationalism—these are all traps of Satan and must be identified as such. By our being determined to refrain from these negative fleshly desires, we show clearly that we do not want to be a part of Satan’s wicked world. We give evidence that we are living in it only temporarily. What we really want and are striving hard to achieve is permanent residency in God’s new world of righteousness.
FINE CONDUCT
11, 12. How are foreigners sometimes viewed, and what can be said about Jehovah’s Witnesses?
11 Peter continues his explanation of what is expected of Christian “temporary residents,” saying in verse 12: “Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers, they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for his inspection.” Foreigners, temporary residents in a land not their own, are at times criticized. Simply because they differ from their neighbors, they may even be viewed as if they were evildoers. Their speech, their actions, their dress, perhaps even their appearance may be somewhat different. But when they do good works, that is to say, when their conduct is fine, negative comments about their being different are proved groundless.
12 Similarly, true Christians differ from many of their neighbors in certain respects, as in conversation or choice of entertainment. Their dress and grooming often identify them as being different from most in the community. These differences have sometimes led misinformed individuals to accuse them of being, as it were, evildoers. However, other people may praise them for their way of life.
13, 14. How is wisdom “proved righteous by its works”? Illustrate.
13 Yes, fine conduct can work to counteract unjustified criticism. Even Jesus, the only man ever to live in perfect faithfulness to God, was falsely accused. Some called him “a man gluttonous and given to drinking wine, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” The fact was, though, that his course of wisdom in serving God disproved the claims that he was a wrongdoer. “Wisdom is proved righteous by its works,” Jesus said. (Matt. 11:19) That is so today too. As an example, some of their neighbors view as strange the brothers and sisters serving at the Bethel complex in Selters, Germany. But the mayor of the community spoke out in their behalf, reasoning: “The Witnesses who serve there have their own way of life, but one that in no way disturbs the lives of others in the community.”
14 A similar conclusion was recently reached in connection with Jehovah’s Witnesses living in Moscow, Russia. They had been falsely accused of a number of wrong acts. Then in June 2010, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, ruled: “The Court finds that [Moscow’s] interference with the applicants’ right to freedom of religion and association was not justified. The domestic courts did not adduce ‘relevant and sufficient’ reasons to show that the applicant community” was guilty, for instance, of breaking up families, inciting suicide, or refusing medical care. Thus, “the sanction pronounced by the domestic courts was excessively severe in view of the lack of flexibility in the domestic law and disproportionate to whatever legitimate aim was pursued.”
PROPER SUBJECTION
15. True Christians worldwide follow what Bible principle?
15 Jehovah’s Witnesses in Moscow—in fact, worldwide—fulfill a further requirement for Christians as outlined by Peter. He wrote: “For the Lord’s sake subject yourselves to every human creation: whether to a king as being superior or to governors.” (1 Pet. 2:13, 14) Although being no part of the wicked world, true Christians willingly subject themselves to government authorities “in their relative positions,” even as Paul instructed them.—Read Romans 13:1, 5-7.
16, 17. (a) What proves that we are not against governments? (b) What have some political leaders acknowledged?
16 When Jehovah’s Witnesses conduct themselves as “temporary residents” in the present system, they are not doing so as part of some silent civil protest; neither do they oppose or interfere with others who make their own political or social decisions. Unlike some other religious groups, Jehovah’s Witnesses refrain from meddling in politics. They never try to dictate policy matters to civil authorities. The idea that they would attempt to disrupt public order or undermine the government is completely without foundation!
17 By obeying public officials in accord with Peter’s counsel to “have honor for the king,” Christians show the respect and honor that accords with the positions of those officials. (1 Pet. 2:17) At times, officials have acknowledged that they have no valid reason for being concerned about Jehovah’s Witnesses. For example, German politician Steffen Reiche, former cabinet minister in the state of Brandenburg and later member of the German parliament, said: “The conduct of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the camps and prisons embodies virtues that are as essential today as they were in the past for the existence of a democratic constitutional state: namely, their steadfastness against the SS and their compassion toward their fellow prisoners. Given the increasing brutality against foreigners and against political or ideological dissenters, these virtues are a must for every citizen of our country.”
SHOWING LOVE
18. (a) Why is it natural for us to love the whole association of brothers? (b) What have some non-Witnesses noted?
18 The apostle Peter wrote: “Have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God.” (1 Pet. 2:17) Jehovah’s Witnesses have a healthy fear of displeasing God, and this provides them with added motivation to do his will. They are happy to be serving Jehovah as part of a worldwide association of brothers and sisters who have the same desire. Therefore, it is only natural for them to “have love for the whole association of brothers.” Such brotherly love, which is so rare in today’s selfish society, comes at times as a surprise to non-Witnesses. For example, a tour guide working with an American travel agency was amazed at the affection and assistance shown by the Witnesses to foreign delegates at an international convention in Germany in 2009. She said that in all her years of serving as a guide, she had never seen anything like it. Later, one of the Witnesses remarked: “Everything she said about us was expressed in a tone of amazement and enthusiasm.” Have you heard similar reactions of people who observed the Witnesses at a convention that you have attended?
19. What should we be determined to do, and why?
19 In all the above ways—and more—Jehovah’s Witnesses demonstrate that in a real sense, they are “temporary residents” in Satan’s present system. And they are joyfully determined to remain such. Their hope that they will shortly become permanent residents of God’s new world of righteousness is strong and well-founded. Are you not looking forward to that?
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“Temporary Residents” United in True WorshipThe Watchtower—2012 | December 15
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“Temporary Residents” United in True Worship
“Foreigners will be your farmers and your vinedressers. And as for you, the priests of Jehovah you will be called.”—ISA. 61:5, 6.
1. How do some people view foreigners, but why is that not justified?
AS INDICATED in the preceding article, people use the word “foreigner” in a derogatory way, indicating disdain, even outright contempt. It is disrespectful to consider those of another nation to be inferior to people in one’s own country. More than that, such an attitude indicates an ignorance of the facts. The publication The Races of Mankind states: “The races of mankind are what the Bible says they are—brothers.” Brothers are often quite different, but they are brothers nonetheless.
2, 3. What is Jehovah’s view of foreigners?
2 Of course, no matter where we reside, foreigners live among us. That was also the case with the ancient Israelites, who by means of the Law covenant were in a special relationship with Jehovah God. The rights of non-Israelites were somewhat limited, yet the Israelites were required to treat them respectfully and fairly. What a fine example for us to follow! There is no room for partiality or prejudice among true Christians. Why? The apostle Peter said: “For a certainty I perceive that God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.”—Acts 10:34, 35.
3 Foreigners in ancient Israel benefited from their close association with native Israelites. This reflected Jehovah’s thinking on the matter as expressed years later by the apostle Paul when he asked about Jehovah: “Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of people of the nations? Yes, of people of the nations also.”—Rom. 3:29; Joel 2:32.
4. Why can it be said that there are no foreigners in “the Israel of God”?
4 By means of the new covenant, the congregation of anointed Christians replaced literal Israel as the nation with whom God was to have a special relationship. It is therefore called “the Israel of God.” (Gal. 6:16) And as Paul explained, in this new nation, “there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythian, slave, freeman, but Christ is all things and in all.” (Col. 3:11) In that sense, then, there were to be no foreigners in the Christian congregation.
5, 6. (a) What question regarding Isaiah 61:5, 6 might arise? (b) Who are “the priests of Jehovah” and “the foreigners” mentioned by Isaiah? (c) What do the two groups have in common?
5 On the other hand, someone may point to chapter 61 of the book of Isaiah, which contains a prophecy finding fulfillment in the Christian congregation. Verse 6 of that chapter mentions those who will serve as “priests of Jehovah.” Verse 5, though, mentions “foreigners” who would cooperate with and work with those “priests.” How is this to be understood?
6 We understand those “priests of Jehovah” to be anointed Christians who have a share “in the first resurrection” and who “will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years.” (Rev. 20:6) In addition, there are many loyal Christians who have an earthly hope. These, though working with and associating closely with those who will serve in heaven, are foreigners, figuratively speaking. They happily support and work along with “the priests of Jehovah,” serving as their “farmers” and “vinedressers,” as it were. Yes, they help cultivate spiritual fruitage to God’s glory, nurturing and harvesting people. Indeed, both the anointed and the “other sheep” find and then lovingly shepherd honest individuals who are desirous of serving God forever.—John 10:16.
“TEMPORARY RESIDENTS” LIKE ABRAHAM
7. How are Christians today like Abraham and other faithful men of old?
7 As noted in the preceding article, true Christians are like foreigners, or temporary residents, in Satan’s wicked world. In this, they are similar to faithful men of old—including Abraham—of whom it is said that “they were strangers and temporary residents in the land.” (Heb. 11:13) Whatever is our hope for the future, we have the privilege of enjoying the kind of relationship with Jehovah that Abraham had. James explains that “‘Abraham put faith in Jehovah, and it was counted to him as righteousness,’ and he came to be called ‘Jehovah’s friend.’”—Jas. 2:23.
8. What promise was given to Abraham, and how did he feel about its fulfillment?
8 God promised that through Abraham and his descendants, all families of the earth—not just one nation—were to be blessed. (Read Genesis 22:15-18.) Although the fulfillment of this God-given promise lay in the distant future, Abraham maintained his confidence in that fulfillment. For over half of his life, he and his family wandered from place to place. All the while, Abraham maintained his friendship with Jehovah.
9, 10. (a) We can copy Abraham’s example in what ways? (b) What invitation can we extend to others?
9 Despite not knowing how long he would have to wait to see his hope realized, Abraham’s love for and devotion to Jehovah never wavered. He kept his eyes focused, not settling down to become a permanent resident in some nation. (Heb. 11:14, 15) How wise it is for us to follow Abraham’s example by living a simple life and not letting ourselves become overly concerned about material possessions, social positions, or career goals! Why strive to lead a so-called normal life in a system that is soon to end? Why become overly attached to what is only temporary? As was true of Abraham, we are headed for something far better. We are willing to show a patient, waiting attitude until our hope is realized.—Read Romans 8:25.
10 Jehovah is still inviting people of all nations to be blessed through Abraham’s seed. And the anointed “priests of Jehovah,” as well as the other sheep “foreigners,” are passing on this invitation to people worldwide in over 600 languages.
LOOK BEYOND NATIONAL BORDERS
11. Solomon expressed what view that extended beyond the Israelites?
11 At the inauguration of the temple in 1026 B.C.E., and in harmony with the promise Jehovah made to Abraham, Solomon observed that people of all nations would join in praising Jehovah. In a heartfelt prayer, he said: “Also to the foreigner, who is no part of your people Israel and who actually comes from a distant land by reason of your name (for they shall hear of your great name and of your strong hand and of your stretched-out arm), and he actually comes and prays toward this house, may you yourself listen from the heavens, your established place of dwelling, and you must do according to all that for which the foreigner calls to you; in order that all the peoples of the earth may get to know your name so as to fear you the same as your people Israel do.”—1 Ki. 8:41-43.
12. Why might some people view Jehovah’s Witnesses as strange or as “foreigners”?
12 A foreigner is basically someone who is in a land that is not his own or is a person who comes into a community or group from outside of it. This well describes Jehovah’s Witnesses. They owe their primary allegiance to a heavenly government, God’s Kingdom under Christ. Thus, they maintain strict neutrality in political matters, even if some people view them as strangely out of place in today’s society.
13. (a) In what sense is the concept of “foreigner” often just a matter of viewpoint? (b) Did Jehovah’s original purpose include the idea of foreigners? Explain.
13 Foreigners are often recognized by characteristics common to their minority group. It may be the language they speak, their customs, their physical characteristics, even their style or manner of dress. Still, the things they have in common with all other humans, regardless of nationality, are more significant than any of those characteristics. Thus, in actuality a foreigner is simply a person viewed as such because he is different in certain ways. When we learn to look beyond these actual or imagined differences, then the word “foreigner” loses much of its meaning. If all on earth were living under the same political entity or government, no one would be a foreigner in the political sense of the word. In fact, Jehovah originally purposed that all humans be united as one family under one rulership—his rulership. Could anything approaching that be possible now for people in all nations around the globe?
14, 15. What have Jehovah’s Witnesses as a group come to appreciate?
14 In a selfish and nationalistic world, it is refreshing to find individuals who can and do look beyond national borders. Granted, overcoming prejudices can be difficult. The founder of the television network CNN, Ted Turner, comments about his work with a number of talented individuals from various nations: “Meeting with these people was an incredible experience. I came to see those from other countries not as ‘foreigners,’ but as fellow citizens of the planet. I began to view the word ‘foreign’ as pejorative and created a rule within CNN that the word could not be used either on air or in conversation around the office. Instead, the word ‘international’ was to be used.”
15 In lands around the globe, only Jehovah’s Witnesses have adopted God’s way of thinking as a group. By learning to see things as Jehovah does, they have been able mentally and emotionally to break down national barriers. Instead of treating members of differing national groups with distrust, suspicion, or even outright hatred, they have learned to cherish the variety of characteristics and abilities of these groups as something beautiful. Have you reflected on this accomplishment and how it has benefited you personally in dealing with others?
A WORLD WITHOUT FOREIGNERS
16, 17. What can the fulfillment of Revelation 16:16 and Daniel 2:44 mean for you personally?
16 Soon all present-day nations will face Jesus Christ and his heavenly forces in the final battle against God’s rulership, which battle is “called in Hebrew Har–Magedon.” (Rev. 16:14, 16; 19:11-16) Over 2,500 years ago, the prophet Daniel was inspired to foretell the outcome for human governments in conflict with God’s purpose, writing: “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”—Dan. 2:44.
17 Can you imagine what the fulfillment of that will mean for you personally? Man-made national boundaries, which today in some sense mark every human as a foreigner, will no longer exist. Any possible differences in appearance or any remaining normal physical characteristics will simply illustrate the marvelous variety found in God’s creation. Such a thrilling prospect should motivate all of us to continue praising and honoring our Creator, Jehovah God, as best we can.
Do you look forward to the time when there will be no man-made national boundaries, when the concept of “foreigner” will be a thing of the past?
18. What recent developments show that the concept of “foreigner” can be overcome?
18 Is it unrealistic to believe that such a global change can happen? No, it really is not. On the contrary, it is totally reasonable to believe that it will happen. The very concept of “foreigner” has already lost much of its meaning among Jehovah’s Witnesses, who pay little attention to the nationality of those in their midst. Recently, for example, several of their smaller branch offices were merged to simplify the work of oversight and to improve efficiency in accomplishing the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom. (Matt. 24:14) As far as legal requirements permitted, national barriers were ignored when such consolidations were made. That is yet another visible proof that Jesus Christ as Jehovah’s rightfully enthroned Ruler is breaking down human barriers, and he is the one who will soon “complete his conquest”!—Rev. 6:2.
19. What has the pure language of truth made possible?
19 Coming from many nations and therefore speaking many different languages, Jehovah’s Witnesses strive to uphold the pure language of truth. This creates a bond of unity impossible to break. (Read Zephaniah 3:9.) This is an international family standing in the midst of but separate from the present wicked system. This united family now is but a foretaste of the world to come—a world without foreigners. Then everyone alive, without exception, will happily acknowledge the truthfulness of what the publication quoted earlier said: “The races of mankind are what the Bible says they are—brothers.”—The Races of Mankind.
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