of hostility.” Jesus Christ, the Greater Job, became the object of hostility from religious groups in his day. The modern-day remnant of spiritual Israel, because of their integrity to God, have come under similar reproach from religious enemies.​—Pp. 553, 554.

● In the modern-day fulfillment, who are pictured by Job’s three false comforters?

The religious clergy and leaders of Christendom who have misrepresented and opposed God’s servants.​—P. 557.

● Who bears the primary responsibility for making decisions as to activity in which minors may or may not engage?

God has assigned that responsibility to the father; if there is no father in the home, then the mother bears that load. Of course, what God’s Word says about right conduct should always be followed.​—P. 573.

● What fine results can come about when a Christian endures under persecution?

It can strengthen the individual spiritually, be a source of strength to fellow believers and serve to honor Jehovah’s name.​—Pp. 598, 599.

● What has God’s kingdom been doing since 1914?

It has taken action against its heavenly enemies, resulting in Satan’s ouster from heaven; it has caused worldwide proclamation of its installation to be made and protected the anointed ambassadors making that proclamation; it has gathered willing subjects who have joined in preaching the good news of the Kingdom.​—Pp. 620-625.

● What are the precious fire-resistant materials with which Jehovah’s witnesses endeavor to build true Christians?

They are godly qualities such as spiritual discernment, devotion to Bible principles, respect for Jehovah’s laws, and fearless willingness to witness about the Messianic kingdom.​—P. 661.

● What “truth” is it that Jesus meant when he said, “The truth will set you free,” and in what way could people be free?

It is not truth in general, but it is the truth that comes from Jehovah through Jesus. The freedom he spoke about was freedom from sin and death.​—Pp. 716, 717.

● What did Isaiah want to know when he asked, “How long, O Jehovah?”

He was not asking as to how long he must preach, but, rather, how long Jehovah would permit the bad spiritual condition of Israel to continue. The answer was, “Until the cities actually crash in ruins.”​—Pp. 750, 751.

Questions From Readers

● What qualifications should a person have in order to qualify as a book study conductor in a congregation of Jehovah’s witnesses?​—A. S., U.S.A.

The Bible sets the standard. Whenever a brother is being recommended by the congregation service committee as a servant, they ought to open the Bible and view the individual in the light of what it says. First Timothy chapter 3, verses 1 through 7, discusses the overseer; then, starting in 1 Ti 3 verse 8 is information about “ministerial servants,” who include the congregation book study conductors.

Notice what it says: “Ministerial servants should likewise be serious, not double-tongued, not giving themselves to a lot of wine, not greedy of dishonest gain, holding the sacred secret of the faith with a clean conscience.” If, as the apostle Paul says here, the man is “serious” and holds “the sacred secret of the faith with a clean conscience,” he will be a person who is conscientious about the ministry, one who manifests exemplary spirituality. This is important, because it is the responsibility of the book study conductor to help build up the spirituality of each one in the group to which he is assigned.

In 1 Ti 3 verse 10 the apostle Paul goes on to say: “Also, let these be tested as to fitness first, then let them serve as ministers, as they are free from accusation.” It is not wise to be in a hurry about recommending anyone about whom there is any doubt. Let him “be tested as to fitness first”; before he is appointed, let him show that his decisions are always firmly based on the Scriptures. If there is some doubt about whether his secular work sets a good example for others, or if there is some other situation that raises questions, it is not necessary to write to the Watch Tower Society to ask if it is permissible to recommend him. Just follow the Scriptural admonition that he should be “free from accusation.” If he is not, then he should not be recommended for appointment by the Society to shepherd the flock of God.

The next 1 Ti 3 verse 11 says: “Women should likewise be serious, not slanderous, moderate in habits, faithful in all things.” Not that they were the ones who would be appointed as ministerial servants, however; because in the 1 Ti 3 twelfth verse Paul says that the ministerial servants, if married, would be husbands. So this comment in 1 Ti 3 verse 11 is simply pointing out that the sisters in the congregation too should endeavor to measure up to this fine Bible standard. While sisters are not appointed as ministerial servants, they may be asked to serve as substitutes until such time as there are qualified men available in the congregation.

Continuing in 1 Ti 3 verses 12, 13, we read: “Let ministerial servants be husbands of one wife, presiding in a fine manner over children and their own households. For the men who minister in a fine manner are acquiring for themselves a fine standing and great freeness of speech in the faith in connection with Christ Jesus.”

So, you see, a high standard is set for these ministerial servants. When a brother is being recommended, then, it is evident that the committee is obligated to do more than simply review the report on his Publisher’s Record card and have a casual chat about the individual. God’s Word must light the way. It is a fine thing to keep the congregation book study groups moderate in size, but mere numbers in attendance are not the primary consideration in determining whether a new group should be formed. It is of far greater importance to be sure that there is a Scripturally qualified brother available to care for the new group. For a time the group may be larger than we might prefer, but the time can be well used to train as assistants those who show good potential until they meet the Bible’s standard. Though there are a variety of factors to consider in organizing the congregation book studies, what the Bible says about who is qualified to serve always outweighs other considerations.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

Jehovah’s witnesses carry on their ministry in an organized way, under the direction of their Fine Shepherd and Jehovah’s Principal Servant, Jesus Christ. In harmony with Jesus’ own instructions, those in the congregations of Jehovah’s witnesses who take the lead are not an exalted clergy class, but the servants of their Christian brothers. Together, as a united group, they cooperate in announcing Jehovah’s kingdom. During January they will be doing this from house to house by offering to interested persons this Bible magazine, The Watchtower, which, as its front cover shows, is devoted to “Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.” A year’s subscription, along with three Bible booklets, will be offered for $1.

ARE YOU GATHERED TO THE RIGHT HAND?

Did you know that Jehovah’s judgments are filling the earth in our day? All individuals are being gathered to the right hand of favor of his King-Son or are being abandoned at his left for destruction. Those who have received favorable estimate are commissioned to share in the program of proclaiming Jehovah’s judgment message. You will want to know how far this dividing work has progressed and what still lies ahead for us. Send for the report of worldwide activity of Jehovah’s witnesses as contained in the 1967 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Send for the 1967 calendar colorfully depicting the response to Jesus’ call for preachers. Yearbook, 50c; calendar, 25c. Send today.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

January 29: “They Followed Him,” ¶1-25. Page 5. Songs to Be Used: 3, 4.

February 5: “They Followed Him,” ¶26-29, and Modern Unwillingness to Hear God’s Message Leads to Calamity, ¶1-22. Page 11. Songs to Be Used: 10, 9.

February 12: Modern Unwillingness to Hear God’s Message Leads to Calamity, ¶23-34, and The Report of Those Sent to Harvest. Page 18. Songs to Be Used: 24, 11.