The Watchtower Study, “Article 35,” Week of November 4-10, 2024, How to Help Those Who Have Been Removed from the Congregation, Answers.

The Watchtower Study, “Article 35,” November 4-10, 2024, Helping Those Who Have Been Removed from the Congregation, Answers.

“There will be more happiness in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7).

1, 2. (a) How does Jehovah view those who commit a sin and do not repent?

Jehovah loves justice and does not accept sin that is practiced shamelessly and without repentance, although he understands our limitations, he rejects those who, as we read in Jude 4, turn undeserved kindness into an excuse for their behavior.

In 2 Peter 3:7 and Revelation 16:1 we read that those who choose this path without repenting will face very serious consequences at Armageddon. In 2 Peter 3:9 we see that Jehovah's main desire is not destruction but that all come to repentance.

1, 2. b) What does Jehovah want?

In 2 Peter 3:9 we see that Jehovah's main desire is not destruction but that all come to repentance. This compassionate attitude is reflected by the elders in the congregation who, as representatives of Jehovah, patiently strive to help those who have committed serious sins so that they can once again have a close relationship with Jehovah. Even so, some persist in their rebellion, not repenting and rejecting the change that would allow them to benefit from Jehovah's goodness.

“GET THE EVIL PERSON OUT”

3. a) According to the Bible, what should be done when someone commits a serious sin and does not repent?

When someone who has sinned does not show repentance, biblical discipline protects the congregation; therefore, the expulsion of someone who does not repent is an unnecessary biblical measure to preserve the integrity of the congregation. The main purpose of this measure is not punishment but the protection of the congregation and the opportunity for the individual to reconsider.

When someone rejects the help that has been offered to them as mentioned in 2 Kings 17:12-15, it is evident that they have decided not to align themselves with Jehovah's principles, therefore if someone who has committed a sin does not repent, they must be removed from the congregation following the mandate of 1 Corinthians 5:13.

3. b) If a person does not repent, why can we say that he or she has chosen to be removed from the congregation?

Galatians 6:7 indicates that what one sows is what one will reap, showing that each person faces the consequences of their decisions. This is complemented by Deuteronomy 30, 19 and 20 where the Israelites are exhorted to choose life by obeying God.

Jehovah does not force anyone to obey, but he makes it clear that every choice has consequences, so whoever deviates from divine standards is ultimately choosing his own path even if this leads him to be expelled from the congregation.

4. When a person is removed from the congregation, why is an announcement made?

The announcement of a disfellowshipping follows the command of 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 where Christians are advised to avoid association with those who persist in serious sins. This announcement is not an act of humiliation but a protective measure that helps the congregation maintain its integrity and holiness.

Paul compares the influence of unrepentant sin to leaven, since a small portion ferments the whole dough. Proverbs 13:20 and 1 Corinthians 15:33 point out how bad influences can lead to spiritual deviation of those who do follow Jehovah's standards. In this way, the announcement protects members of the congregation by reminding them of the importance of divine standards and fosters an environment where biblical values ​​are appreciated.

5. How should we view someone who is no longer a Jehovah's Witness, and why?

Discipline does not imply rejection, but rather that the person returns to the right path. Even if we do not socialize with those who have been apostles, we do not see them as irremediably lost. The Bible reminds us that the purpose of discipline is to help the sinner to reconsider and that the love of Jehovah is the engine of restoration.

Ezekiel 18:31 illustrates God's desire for people to turn away from evil and adopt a new heart and a new spirit, so while there is still time, let us reflect Jehovah's love and give an opportunity for those who have been expelled to consider returning to the flock.

HOW ELDERS HELP PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE CONGREGATION

6. What steps do elders take to help someone who has been removed from the congregation?

The elders act as loving shepherds interested in the spiritual restoration of those who have been set apart in a first meeting after the expulsion. The elders explain to the individual how he can demonstrate repentance if there is no initial change. The elders continue making efforts to meet with him in the future, thus showing the same patience that Jehovah has with those who have made a mistake.

These regular meetings serve to remind the person that he or she can always return and that the congregation expects his or her sincere repentance, which reflects Jehovah's love and patience.

7. How do the elders imitate Jehovah’s compassion in treating the person who has been removed from the congregation? (Jeremiah 3:12)

Seeing the model of Jehovah who showed compassion to the people of Israel even when they persisted in their disobedience, the elders today apply what we read in Jeremiah 3:12. They do not act harshly or show disdain toward the expelled person, but rather they facilitate the way of return without making that person feel judged, making periodic efforts to encourage him or her to repent.

This loving treatment helps the person feel that they can always return and be welcomed back into the congregation.

8. How does the parable of the lost son help us better understand Jehovah’s compassion? (Luke 15:7)

The parable of the lost son offers a moving picture of Jehovah's compassion. Just as the father in the parable runs to welcome his lost son, Jehovah takes the initiative to accept back those who show sincere repentance, therefore the elders must act with this same compassion, showing patience and love to those who have stumbled.

According to the verse from Luke that we have read, there is more joy in heaven over a sinner who repents than over those who have never fallen, which highlights the unique value that Jehovah gives to genuine repentance and mercy.

9. What loving invitation does Jehovah give to those who have committed a serious sin?

Jehovah's invitation to those who have strayed shows the depth of his compassion. Jehovah does not want any of his sheep to be lost but wants to restore them and heal them from the influence of sin if they are truly willing to return.

Hosea 14:4 reveals that sincere repentance opens the door to a renewed relationship with Jehovah who erases past guilt. The role of the elders is also fundamental in being attentive to any sign of repentance. They imitate Jehovah's attitude and provide support at crucial moments. The brothers who wish to return can feel encouraged knowing that Jehovah and the elders will receive them with love and without conditions.

10, 11. How do the elders try to help people who were removed from the congregation in the past?

The elders' approach toward those who were taken out of the congregation in the past is based on the principle of divine compassion. Just as Jehovah searches for lost sheep, the elders make a deliberate effort to locate such people.

Their visits not only seek to rekindle the relationship with the congregation but also to provide spiritual support through prayer and encouragement. This is vital as many may have experienced a significant spiritual decline during their time away. In addition, the elders can organize Bible classes to help rebuild their faith even before they are readmitted.

12. a) In what situations should the elderly take special care?

Elders should take special caution before re-admitting someone in situations where the person has been involved in serious conduct such as child abuse, apostasy, or attempting to end a marriage unlawfully. In these cases, it is critical for the elders to verify that the person is truly repentant.

Their responsibility includes the protection of the congregation, so it is essential that they take the time to evaluate the sincerity of the person's repentance and willingness to follow Jehovah's ways before considering their readmission.

12. b) Why should we not assert that those who commit certain types of sins can never receive Jehovah's mercy? (See also footnote.)

We should not say that those who commit certain types of sins will never be able to receive Jehovah's mercy because although some sins are serious, Jehovah is always willing to accept anyone who repents from the heart and stops committing those sins.

It is important to remember that the unforgivable sin refers to the attitude of a person who has hardened himself and permanently opposed God. Only Jehovah and Jesus have the authority to judge those who have committed a sin that will never be forgiven. Therefore, we must always maintain the hope that Jehovah's mercy is available to those who truly seek to return to him.

WHAT THE CONGREGATION CAN DO

13. How do we treat someone who is censured, but how do we treat someone who is removed from the congregation?

When someone is censured, it means that he has shown repentance and has stopped committing the sin. In these cases, we can continue to interact with him since he is still part of the congregation and needs the encouragement of his brothers to remain firm in his decision to do the right thing.

However, the situation is very different when someone is removed from the congregation. In First Corinthians 5:11 we are told to stop associating with him or her and not even eat with that person. This measure seeks to protect the congregation and help the person recognize the seriousness of his or her conduct and the need to repent.

14. What should each Christian decide, based on his or her biblically educated conscience, regarding people who have been removed from the congregation? (See also images.)

Each Christian must decide according to his or her biblically educated conscience how to act in relation to a person who has been removed from the congregation. Although Christians are not expected to socialize with that person, they can decide whether to invite that person to attend a congregation meeting, especially if that person is a relative or someone who was a close friend. If that person attends, each person can use his or her own conscience to decide whether to greet or welcome that person. 

However, although some people feel comfortable with a brief greeting, they would not engage in a long conversation or socialize with her.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. A sister calls a woman who was taken out of the congregation and invites her to a congregation meeting. 2. The sister and her husband warmly greet the woman at the Kingdom Hall. Each Christian can use his or her Bible-trained conscience to decide whether to invite someone who was taken out of the congregation to a meeting or to welcome him or her with a brief greeting when he or she attends a meeting. (See paragraph 14.)

15. Who is referred to in 2 John 9–11? (See also the box “Were John and Paul Talking About the Same Kind of Sin?”)

The passage we just read refers specifically to apostates and those who actively promote bad conduct. John warns Christians not to greet or receive into their homes people who teach ideas contrary to the teachings of Christ, since doing so would be equivalent to becoming an accomplice to their evil actions.

For example, if a person promotes apostate teachings or other sins, the elders would not arrange visits for that person or invite him or her to congregation meetings while he or she persists in his or her stance.

Were John and Paul talking about the same kind of sin?

In the box we see how John and Paul referred to different situations. Paul in First Corinthians 5:11 speaks of avoiding relationships with someone immoral within the congregation, so Paul does not refer to apostates. John writes about people who actively promote false teachings. And we must not associate with these people in any way.

Here the balance between discipline and mercy is shown. In the treatment of those who have been censured or expelled from the congregation, when a Christian is censured, he is given support so that he continues to grow stronger since he has shown repentance and has stopped practicing sin. In these cases, the brothers in the congregation can relate to him, giving him the necessary encouragement so that he continues to progress spiritually.

However, when someone has been disfellowshipped, the situation is different and the congregation must refrain from socializing or sharing with that person. This separation is a measure that protects the congregation and in turn helps the disfellowshipped person to reflect on their actions. Christians must also use their Bible-educated conscience to decide how to handle specific situations, such as greeting an disfellowshipped person who attends meetings. In this regard, the decision of a brief greeting is at the discretion of each Christian while maintaining respect for the congregation's norms.

Finally, the text of 2 John verses 9 to 11 emphasizes the caution of not associating with or greeting apostates or those who actively promote sin, since doing so would be like becoming an accomplice to their evil actions.

Unlike those who have committed a serious sin but do not promote apostasy, these people represent an active spiritual danger. This approach protects the congregation and reaffirms its commitment to the principles of Jehovah, who wants his people to remain spiritually clean and stay on the path of truth.

LET US IMITATE JEHOVAH'S COMPASSION AND MERCY

16, 17. (a) What does Jehovah want sinners to do? (Ezekiel 18:32)

As we see in this verse, Jehovah wants sinners to repent and return to him so that they can live. This desire shows his great compassion and patience because he does not want anyone to be lost but for everyone to be reconciled to him, as mentioned in Second Corinthians 5:20.

16, 17. (b) How can elders cooperate with Jehovah?

Elders can collaborate with Jehovah by being instruments of his love and mercy, helping those who have committed serious sins to repent and return to the congregation. This role involves patiently and encouragingly guiding them in their repentance in harmony with Romans 24 and 1 Corinthians 39.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

Why is it necessary to remove some people from the congregation?

It is necessary to remove some people from the congregation. The purity and spirituality of the congregation. This measure helps to demonstrate that sin is not tolerated and at the same time motivates the sinner to repent and correct his conduct.

How can elders imitate Jehovah’s compassion?

Elders can imitate Jehovah’s compassion by seeking out those who have strayed and offering help even before they show repentance, earnestly desire their return, and make the way back accessible and encouraging.

What should each Christian decide, based on his or her biblically educated conscience, regarding people who have been removed from the congregation?

Each Christian, based on his or her Bible-educated conscience, can decide whether to greet or welcome a disfellowshipped person who attends meetings, even if not socializing, as some may feel comfortable with a brief and respectful greeting.