Watchtower Study, Helping Those Who Have Been Removed from the Congregation, Week of November 4-10, 2024, Comments and Answers.

Watchtower Study, Helping Those Who Have Been Removed from the Congregation, November 4-10, 2024, Commentary and Response.

“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 sin and do not repent? (b) What does Jehovah want?

Jehovah does not tolerate sin and rejects those who, without repentance, follow a path contrary to his standards. 

Psalm 130:3, 4 shows that although Jehovah recognizes our imperfections, he expects us to uphold his standards. He offers forgiveness, but he does not allow anyone to use his goodness as an excuse to sin blatantly.

God destroys the irreverent who reject His guidance (2 Peter 3:7). This attitude shows that God values ​​sincere obedience and humility in His servants.

1, 2. b) What does Jehovah want?

Jehovah desires that all come to repentance rather than be destroyed.

According to 2 Peter 3:9, God is patient and gives opportunities for people to change their course and gain His favor, showing His desire for all to be saved.

The elders imitate this desire by patiently trying to help those who have made a mistake, reflecting Jehovah’s love and mercy by extending them the opportunity to return.

“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 commits a serious sin and does not repent, according to the Bible, elders are to follow the command in 1 Corinthians 5:13, which says, “Remove the wicked person from among you.”

Elders are to “remove the evil person” from the congregation when he or she does not repent.

Taking this step helps protect the spiritual purity of the congregation and underscores that Jehovah expects all of us to live by his righteous standards.

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

The person himself chooses to be cast aside by refusing help and refusing to repent, reaping what he has sown.

Galatians 6:7 indicates that each person reaps what he sows, and by choosing the path of disobedience, the person exposes himself to the consequences of his decisions.

Lack of repentance reveals an attitude that rejects Jehovah's mercy and guidance, making it necessary to take measures to protect the spirituality of the congregation.

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

It is announced so that the congregation stops associating with the person, following biblical instructions.

In 1 Corinthians 5:6, the apostle Paul warns that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump,” which highlights the need to maintain moral and spiritual purity in the congregation.

The announcement helps to protect other brothers and to emphasize the importance of living according to Jehovah's standards, so that everyone will strive to maintain his favor.

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

We do not see him as a lost cause, but as a sheep that can return to the flock at any time.

Ezekiel 18:31 shows Jehovah's desire for people to repent and gain life, indicating that there is always hope for those who return to Him.

Although we do not socialize with those who have been disfellowshipped, we hold out hope that they will return to Jehovah and recover their relationship with Him.

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 remain available to meet with that person and encourage him or her to repent and return.

Just as Jehovah showed patience with the Israelites (Hosea 3:1), the elders do not abandon the person, but periodically try to help him get closer to God.

The elders imitate Jehovah's compassion by continuing their efforts periodically, hoping that at some point the person will decide to return.

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

Elders imitate Jehovah by taking the initiative to help, even if the person does not yet show signs of repentance.

 Jeremiah 3:12 demonstrates how Jehovah is compassionate and invites those who have strayed to return to Him, which the elders seek to reflect when offering help.

The elderly show willingness and empathy toward those who have strayed, seeking their spiritual recovery with patience and without imposing a burden on them.

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

The parable shows that Jehovah is like a loving father, who takes the initiative to welcome those who return repentant. This reflects Jehovah's attitude, who seeks out the disobedient and is willing to forgive them, showing that there is always hope of return and that there is great happiness in heaven and on earth when someone repents and returns to Him.

Luke 15:7 highlights the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, which shows Jehovah's compassion and willingness to welcome those who return.

This parable highlights that Jehovah's love is constant and that even if a sheep strays, He desires its return and lovingly welcomes those who return.

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

Jehovah invites the repentant to return and promises to heal their infidelity.

In Hosea 14:4, Jehovah shows his willingness to heal those who repent, revealing his mercy and constant love toward those who seek his forgiveness.

This verse gives solid hope for those who are willing to correct their course, encouraging them to trust in Jehovah's mercy and ability to forgive.

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

Elders try to locate and visit those who have been expelled, encouraging them with prayers and support.

2 Corinthians 2:6-8 shows that brothers are to encourage and forgive those who repent, something that elders also apply when seeking to help those who have strayed.

If someone wishes to return, the elders organize Bible classes to assist them, showing compassion and willingness to help them restore their relationship with Jehovah.

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

Elders must be careful about certain serious sins, such as child abuse or apostasy, ensuring sincere repentance.

Malachi 2:14 emphasizes that Jehovah values ​​loyalty and is offended by betrayal, so elders must ensure that repentance is genuine.

This precaution helps protect the integrity of the congregation, but always with the willingness to offer mercy to those who demonstrate sincere repentance.

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 have committed serious sins cannot receive Jehovah's mercy, because He is willing to forgive those who truly repent and abandon evil.

First Peter 2:10 reminds us that although some were not considered God’s people in the past, they can now receive mercy when they sincerely repent. This verse helps us understand that although elders must take precautions, no one should consider anyone as irredeemable. Jehovah always offers mercy to those who repent from the heart and change.

It is important to remember that the role of elders includes protecting the congregation, but also reflecting Jehovah's mercy. While there are serious sins that call for caution, the door of Jehovah's mercy remains open to those who sincerely seek to redeem themselves and improve their conduct.

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?

Those who have been censured can be encouraged and associated with, since they have shown repentance. However, those who have been removed from the congregation, we stop associating with them.

In Hebrews 10:24, 25 we are encouraged to “stir one another up to love and good works.” This instruction applies to those who have been censured, as they need the support of the congregation to continue to grow spiritually strong. In contrast, when someone has been removed from the congregation, as 1 Corinthians 5:11 points out, we stop socializing with them in order to maintain the purity of the congregation and promote their possible repentance.

The difference in treatment between those who are censured and those who are disfellowshipped reflects Jehovah's justice and mercy. While those who are censured have shown a willingness to repent, those outside the congregation need time and space to reflect and draw close to Jehovah again.

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, guided by his or her biblically educated conscience, can decide whether to greet or invite to a meeting someone who has been removed from the congregation, but without socializing or having a long conversation.

In 1 Corinthians 5:11 we are instructed not to socialize with those who have been removed from the congregation. However, each Christian is also expected to use his or her biblically educated conscience to decide whether it is appropriate to briefly greet or invite someone to a meeting. This allows each to act with empathy, but without compromising biblical principles.

Balance in this matter allows Christians to act with compassion while respecting Jehovah's instructions. Although a close relationship with those who have been disfellowshipped is not encouraged, each can decide how to act in order to reflect both Jehovah's justice and mercy.

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?”)

2 John 9-11 refers specifically to apostates and those who actively promote bad behavior, not those who have committed serious sins without inciting others to sin.

The passage at 2 John 10:11 advises against greeting or welcoming apostates into one's home, for greeting an apostate would make one complicit in his evil deeds. Unlike other sinners, apostates actively reject Jehovah's teachings and encourage others to do the same, making them a greater spiritual danger.

Both John and Paul referred to different situations: John to apostates and Paul to sinners who fall without encouraging others to sin. This shows that the treatment of each one must be adapted according to the severity of his negative influence on the congregation.

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

In his second letter, the apostle John was inspired to write: “If anyone comes to you and does not bring these teachings, do not welcome him into your homes or greet him. For whoever greets him becomes an accomplice in his wicked deeds” (2 John 10:11).

On the other hand, in 1 Corinthians 5:11, Paul said that Christians should stop associating with those who have been removed from the congregation. Now, were John and Paul talking about people who have committed the same kind of sin? All indications are that they are not.

Notice that each apostle was referring to a different situation. Paul was speaking of a man who had fallen into sexual immorality. However, some 43 years later, John was speaking of apostates and other people who actively teach false ideas and encourage others to do things the Bible condemns. For example, some were teaching that Jesus was not the Christ (1 John 2:22; 4:2, 3).

When John wrote his letters, apostasy was already widespread. Although he knew he could not stop it, as an apostle he fulfilled his responsibility to act as a “restraint” by holding it back for as long as possible (2 Thess. 2:7).

John warned the brothers not to be deceived by these false teachers. He told them never to let them into their homes or greet them. To greet an apostate would be to give him an opportunity to teach his twisted and corrupt ideas. The same would happen if we responded to what apostates posted on social media or on websites. If someone were to greet an apostate, he would be “an accomplice to his evil deeds.”

Instead, as seen in 1 Corinthians chapter 5, Paul spoke of removing from the congregation a man who had fallen into sexual immorality. All indications are that he was not an apostate nor was he actively encouraging others to break God’s laws (compare Revelation 2:20). So while Paul commanded Christians to stop associating with him or even eat with him, he did not tell them that they could never greet him briefly.

LET US IMITATE JEHOVAH'S COMPASSION AND MERCY

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

Jehovah desires that sinners repent and be reconciled to Him, rather than be destroyed.

In Ezekiel 18:32, Jehovah states that he takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but prefers that they change their ways and live. This verse clearly shows Jehovah’s love and patience in wanting everyone to repent and return to Him, rather than experience permanent negative consequences.

Jehovah's desire is for people to take the opportunity to repent and change their ways. Through the elders and Bible reminders, He offers everyone the chance to be reconciled to Him and enjoy His love and guidance.

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

Elders work with Jehovah by helping sinners repent and turn to Him.

At 2 Corinthians 5:20, elders are described as “ambassadors” who help sinners become reconciled to Jehovah. This privilege involves providing guidance and support to those seeking to change their lives and be at peace with God again.

Elders reflect Jehovah’s compassion by volunteering their time and effort to help sinners find their way back to the congregation. Their patience and support are a reflection of Jehovah’s love, which seeks reconciliation rather than punishment.

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 to protect the purity and spiritual security of the congregation.

1 Corinthians 5:6-7 reminds us that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump.” This implies that immoral behavior can influence others, so removing someone is a necessary measure to maintain the holiness of the congregation.

Biblical discipline helps those who are removed to reflect on their situation and gives them the opportunity to correct themselves, while the congregation remains spiritually protected.

How can elders imitate Jehovah’s compassion?

The elders imitate Jehovah’s compassion by offering loving help and guidance to those who wish to repent.

Romans 2:4 shows that Jehovah's kindness and patience are intended to help sinners repent. Elders follow this example by being patient and offering opportunities for others to find their way back.

By showing compassion, elders reflect Jehovah’s love, allowing those who have erred the opportunity to recover and restore their relationship with Him.

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

Each Christian should use his or her conscience to decide whether to briefly greet or invite a disfellowshipped person to a meeting, avoiding any type of extended socializing.

1 Corinthians 5:11 makes it clear that while we should not socialize with them, each Christian can decide with discretion and according to his or her Bible-educated conscience how to act to maintain the balance between justice and mercy.

This educated conscience enables each Christian to act according to his or her understanding of biblical principles, and can help maintain an atmosphere of respect for the decisions of others in the congregation.