Page:The-higher-powers.pdf/9

JUNE 1, 1929

The WATCH TOWER

169

of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God." - Eph. 3:7,9,10.

⁴¹ These words of the apostle could hardly be construed to mean that "by the church" on earth the wisdom of God is being made known to the princely angelic powers in the literal heavens. The context shows that this is the meaning of the apostle's words, to wit: That by the divine arrangement God was using Paul as his minister to make known these truths to the principalities and powers throughout the church, the members of which are 'seated with Christ in heavenly places'. (Eph. 2:6) It was Paul who was given the privilege to disclose to others, the apostles and leaders, the mystery of God. The Scriptures therefore show that the apostles, and particularly Paul, occupied important positions as governors in the church; and this must be taken into consideration in determining the meaning of their words.

⁴² There are no successors to the apostles. There has long been in the world an organization called the "Christian church", or "Christianity". Because men in that organization have assumed to be successors to the apostles and individually to direct the affairs of the church and of the world, there has been much confusion of mind of those who have studied the Word of God. The apostle's words have been wofully misconstrued. It should always be kept in mind that Christ is the Head of the church, and that the apostles held special positions therein and that no men since the apostle's day have filled their places. They exercised certain governing powers in the church. The Lord Jesus, and the apostles, under his direction, laid down certain rules for the governing of the church; and the ecclesia, as a body, is clothed with certain power and authority to act, and every individual member of the church should be subject to that arrangement. - Eph. 2:18-21.

⁴³ Seeing, then, that the Society is made up or composed of God's anointed yet on earth, and that this body or company of Christians is diligently endeavoring to carry out the Lord's commandments, and knowing that the Lord Jesus is the Head thereof, even every member should diligently seek to be in harmony with the policy, course of action and work of such Society. If any are of the opinion that the Society is not pursuing the proper course, then commit the matter to the Lord and wait upon him to do the judging and to determine what is the proper course to be taken. Every member of Zion on earth is in the covenant with the Lord, and every one must be in harmony with the Lord; and, that being true, every one must be subject to the higher powers.

(To be continued)

QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY

1 State Jehovah's purpose in giving his Word to his people. Where only, then, will the child of God find true guidance?

2 Where did we get the doctrine of the "divine right of kings"? For whom was Romans 13 intended? Give scripture proving that it was not intended for any one else.

3 Give the substance of the apostle's statement, as recorded in our text. How should the laws of the land be regarded?

4 Show that all true power and authority come from Jehovah. How may we know whether a given law is right?

5-7 Prove, by illustration, that the governments of this world are not the "powers that be".

8 Quote scripture and show weather a child of God may engage in war.

9 What conclusion is logically reached as to the propriety of laws that vary in different countries and in different localities?

10-11 Show by illustration whether the various man-made laws and ordinances unposing restraint or compulsion are proper. To what power, therefore, does the apostle here refer?

12-14 Of whom does God's organization consist? What do the Scriptures say as to delegation of power to the members thereof? To what does the power here mentioned refer? Prove the identity of "the higher power" and of "the higher powers".

15-16 What does the Apostle Paul say concerning Christ and his relationship to the church?

17-18 What evidence have we that Christ Jesus conferred power upon his apostles, and that they exercised such power?

19-20 How does the rule of citizenship come into consideration here? What is the citizenship of body of Christ, and where, therefore, do the members thereof owe their allegiance?

21-24 Describe what is pictured in Ezekiel's prophetic vision of God's organization. Point out the lesson contained therein and in 1 Corinthians 14:33.

25 Explain how the anointed on earth, being imperfect, can be a part of God's holy organization Zion.

26 What arrangement has the Lord been using to represent him in the earth in this time of his second presence? Of whom does this company consist? How is this "servant" class related to Zion?

27 Explain whether infallibility is to be expected of those in positions of responsibility in the "Society" know whether the work is properly directed?

28 How may it be known whether the course of nation of any individual in the organization is pleasing to the Lord? How does the Lord deal with any mistakes made by individuals in his organization?

29-30 What is the status of elders and of deacons in the ecclesia? What provision has the Lord made for correcting disorder in the church?

31 Clearly, then, what did the Apostle Paul mean when he said, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers"?

32 Quote 1 Corinthians 12:18,28, and identify the "powers that be".

33-34 What is meant by "ordinance of man", referred to in 1 Peter 2:13? How do the words of Paul (Heb. 7:17) and of Peter (1 Pet. 2:13,14) show that the "human creation" referred to is the ordinances of the church?

35-36 Explain Peter's words referred to in verse 13, above "de adaugat".

37-38 What was Peter's argument, as indicated in 1 Peter 2:17? Quote scripture to prove to whom he was speaking. Prove, with scriptures, the correct application of Peter's words in verse 14, here under consideration.

39-40 Prove that the apostles were vested with authority in the church, and that they exercised that authority.