My mother is a devout JW. She believes, and as a “born-in,” raised me and my siblings to believe that God and Jesus have chosen the Watchtower organization to be the religious institution of their choice for their representation and that the “governing body,” the leaders of WT teach “truth.” My mother’s loyalty to WT and their teachings is firm, despite her knowledge of WT’s association with the United Nations from 1992 to 2001 [official United Nations website confirming their association: https://www.un.org/en/civil-society/watchtowerletter], and; despite her admittance that the WT organization has significant problems with CSA. My mother acknowledged listening to governing body member Geoffrey Jackson testify under oath at the Australian Royal Commission public hearing, Case 29, and remains loyal despite hearing Jackson state that it “would seem to be quite presumptuous to say that we are the only spokesperson that God is using” [https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/file-list/Case%20Study%2029%20-%20Transcript%20-%20Jehovahs%20Witnesses%20-%20Day%20155%20-%2014082015.pdf]
A few months ago, my mother accepted a wedding invite to our adult child’s wedding. After her invitation acceptance, I reached out to my mother and offered to buy her a dress, which she was very grateful for, picked out a dress, and I bought it. The day after, she text me to relay that she is under scriptural obligation not to speak to me. Another few weeks go by and it is a week before the wedding. She text my adult child who was getting married and said she is retracting her invite acceptance. She expressed her fearfulness of potential photos of her being taken with me and put “on the internet.” She is worried that other JW’s may see she attended the wedding I was hosting and would think she agrees with an “apostate” [she claims is me].
Is the WT shunning/disfellowshipping policy that JWs practice toward family members and friends who express disagreement with the teachings of the “governing body” leaders of WT, correct according to scripture? It is quite easy to locate numerous WT publications on the JW website and find which scriptures they have used to formulate their rules on shunning. One such WT publication is entitled, “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love”: How to Treat a Disfellowshipped Person [See: “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love,” p.207-209] Within this publication, the first scripture they reference is 1 Cor.5:11. This scripture is cited in another WT publication recently studied (9/2023) by JWs to support their shunning policy regarding those they label “apostate”:
“Some people will try to prevent us from serving Jehovah. Who would do such a thing? Some who have left the truth tell lies about God’s organization in order to destroy our faith. They are called apostates. What if someone we know has decided that he no longer wants to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?... That person may force us to choose between him and Jehovah. We must be determined to remain loyal to God above all else. (Matthew 10:37). So we obey Jehovah’s command not to associate with such individuals. —Read 1 Corinthians 5:11. [Enjoy Life Forever! – An Interactive Bible Course, Lesson 58, p.241, para.1].”
The WT uses 1 Cor.5:11 as proof text to support their policy of not associating with (aka, shunning/abolishing) persons who have left the Watchtower organization (they equate WT with “truth”) who they say “tell lies about God’s organization.” So we need to read 1 Cor.5:11 and see what the apostle Paul said in that passage. “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Cor.5:11).
Those who are or who at one time were JWs will read the word “brother” and automatically associate that word used in scripture with members of the WT organization. The WT organization is well known for claiming their loyal members, in entirety, are a “worldwide brotherhood.” What does the word, “brother” in scripture refer to? We see in scripture that “brother” can describe kindred, persons who share a human parent(s), or figuratively, share a resemblance (Gen.24:29; 14:14; 13:8; Prov.18:9; Joel 2:8). In 1 Corinthians, Paul was writing specifically “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, the “brothers and sisters,” those who do the will of God (1 Cor.1:2-10; Heb.2:10-18; Psalm 22:22-23; Matt.12:48-50). In scripture, we find that brothers and sisters are the household of God, spiritual kindred by the same Spirit God poured in their hearts, the same Spirit of God that lives in them (Exod.19:3-6; 1 Pet.2:5,9; Mal.2:7; Jer.31:31-34; Rom.2:28-29; 5:5; John 6:63; 2 Cor.1:21-22; 1 Thess.1:4; Heb.3:1; 2:11-17; Psalm 22:22-23; Eph.2:11-22; 1 John 2:27; 1 Cor.3:16; Rom.8:9-11,16; Rev.5:8-10). The brethren of Spirit are to dwell in harmony, be at peace and submissive to one another, and to speak the truth to one another, edifying one another (Psalm 133:1; 122:1-8; Luke 22:14,22-27; James 4:1-6; 1 Pet.5:5; 1 Thess.5:11-13; Rom.14:19; 1 Cor.14:3-4,12; Eph.2:20-22; 4:14-16; Zech.8:16). Brothers and sisters of Spirit are “the body of Christ” who individually and together as a body submit to their head, Jesus…they are God’s spiritual temple, holy, blameless, testing and proving what pleases Him, having no fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness but rather exposing them (Exod.19:3-6; 1 Pet.2:5,9; 1 Cor.3:16; 12:12-27; Col.1:15-18; Eph.4:11-16,25; 5:5-7,11; Col.2:8; Phil.2:15; Matt.5:14-16; 1 Pet.1:13-17; Lev.19:2; 11:44; Zech.8:16; 2 Cor.3:1-3,17-18). The anointing by Spirit that is poured in their hearts dwells in them and will teach them truth if they remain attached to Jesus and do not turn away, apostatize, from him (John 14:6; Eph.4:11-16; 2 Cor.1:21-22; Rom.5:5; 1 John 2:27; John 6:63; 4:24; 14:15-21,23-24,26; 15:1-5; 1 Cor.6:15-20; Nahum 2:2; Jer.11:2-3,16-17).
This scriptural identification of “brothers and sisters” helps us to understand Paul’s words in 1 Cor.5:11. Divine wisdom, the hidden wisdom of God, is taught by faithful holy ones who do the will of God by the Spirit of God, who produce expressions of spiritual truths perceived by Jesus’ disciples, yet considered foolish by those in the realm of the flesh, human reasoning (1 Pet.2:5,9; Mal.2:7; John 15:1-5; 1 John 2:27-28; 1 Cor.2:6,9-16; Ezek.12:2; Isa.6:9; Matt.13:11-17; Mark 4:11-12; Luke 8:9-10; Acts 28:23-27; Rom.11:7-10; 8:5-8). Paul said not to associate or “keep company with” anyone who professes to be a brother, but who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolator, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner (1 Cor.5:11; Heb.3:1; 2:17; 2 Tim.1:9; Mark 3:34-35; Rev.7:11). Were the “deep things of God” revealed by Spirit that Paul was steward concerning warnings against mere physical fleshly acts (1 Cor.4:1-2; 2:1,10; 5:9,11; 2 Thess.3:14; 1 Cor.5:11)?
Paul wrote to the Corinthian brethren, brothers and sisters, because there were problems within. Their behaviors were showing they were not living by the Spirit but were immature, behaving like men, carnal, using human thoughts and reasoning to interpret God’s word, and so were as children, unskillful in God’s thoughts through the Spirit about divine approval (1 Cor.3:1-6; 14:20; Titus 3:1-7,9-10; Rom.12:3-4; 1 Pet.4:10; John 3:27). They were not united in mind and thought - they did not have the mind of the Spirit, they had not crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, but their minds were set on the flesh, human reasoning (Matt.15:19; Rom.8:5-8; 6:1-2; Gal.5:24-25,18; 1 Cor.1:10-13; 2:10-16; 2 Tim.3:5-7; Titus 3:1-3; 1:16). Living according to the flesh and not the Spirit, is worldly, thinking human thoughts not spiritual things taught by the Spirit (John 4:24; 14:6,23-26; Prov.3:7,5; 1 Cor.1:20; 3:1; 2:1,4-5,13-14; 3:19; Jude 1:18-19; Col.2:8; Jer.8:9; 2 Pet.1:20). Paul expounded upon these “works of the flesh,” explaining that those who fulfilled the cravings of flesh and indulged its desires and thoughts were wrongdoers, dead in transgression, sin, but those who walked by the Spirit would yield to the Spirit and not carry out the desires of the flesh, fleshly thinking (Rom.2:28-29; 8:6-10; 1 Cor.3:16; 6:18-20; 1 Cor.2:10-16; Gal.5:16-21; Col.3:5; Eph.2:1-3; Gal.3:1-3).
Let’s see what Paul was speaking about when he said not to keep company with brothers who claim to be holy, anointed by Spirit, doing the will of God but who are sexually immoral, covetous, an idolater, a reviler, a drunkard, or an extortioner (1 Cor.5:11). In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul directed the brethren’s attention to the examples of Israel’s past written down as warnings of God’s displeasure when indulging in carnal desires, human thinking (1 Cor.10:1-12). These carnal, human thoughts, desires, were an evil thing that came from within the heart of human reasoning and then spoken out of the mouth out of men, human commands…this is what defiles (Mark 7:17-23; Matt.15:9,17-19; Gal.5:19-21; Rom.8:7-8; 7:7; ). We also will expand our learning of the spiritual nature of Paul’s words when we read the written record of Israel’s past (1 Cor.10:11; 4:6; 14:21; 2 Tim.3:16-17; Rom.15:4; 1:17; John 6:45).
“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Cor.5:11).
The Greek word “sexually immoral” [G4205] means fornicator, a man who prostitutes himself, whoremonger, a word akin to G4204, which means a prostitute, or metaphorically, an idolatrous community (1 Cor.5:11). Were God’s people ever sexually immoral, acting like a prostitute, figurative of an idolatrous community? Yes. Their unfaithfulness to God is likened to prostitution, adultery (Lev.19:29; Exod.34:14-17; Jer.3:20,6-10; Hos.2:2; 1:2; 4:1,10-12; Isa.1:21,8; 42:8; Psalm 96:5; Jer.10:8; Ezek.16:2,15; 28:7; Isa.2:6-8; Ezek.14:1-8; 23:7; 1 Sam.15:23; Zech.10:2). Israel was God’s nation and congregation, the house of God, and the spiritual descendants of Israel are the spiritual temple, the “congregation.,” the dwelling of God in Spirit (Lev.19:2; Psalm 74:2; 132:12-14; 68:16-17; Dan.7:9-10,27; Rev.5:6-14; 1:4-7; Rev.22:1-5; Heb.12:18-24; 1 Pet.2:5,9-10; 1 Cor.3:16; Eph.2:20-22; Rev.7:3-4; 14:1). The physical nation of Israel and their behavior is an example, recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures, and as a warning for spiritual Israel - a warning to spiritual Israel, God’s people set apart as sacred who are to keep God’s commandments; to look to physical Israel’s example and beware of hardening their hearts in rebellion (Lev.18:1-5; Psalm 78:1-8; Neh.9:16; Prov.16:18; Ezek.14:3; 20:21; Hos.7:10,13; Rom.10:1-3; 2 Pet.3:17; Heb.3:1-19). God has not changed His law regarding His people, those set apart as sacred are to be holy, to obey and teach His commandments - the commandments given by Jesus, the Word (Exod.19:5-6; Lev.19:2; 1 Pet.2:5,9; Mal.2:7; John 1:1,14; 14:6,15; 9:31; 1 Pet.1:15-16; Rev.1:5-6; 5:8-10). God has yoked those whom He has chosen, anointed with the Spirit poured in their hearts, with His son, Jesus and each and all anointed by Spirit are to be united in the Spirit and one with their head and “husband,” Jesus (1 Cor.1:9-10; Eph.5:25-27,32; John 17:22-23; Heb.13:4; 1 Cor.12:12-14; 2 Tim.1:8-9; Rom.12:5; Eph.4:3-6,13,25; 1 Cor.6:15-16,18; Mark 10:7-9; Rom.8:9; 5:5; 1 Cor.3:16; 2 Cor.1:21-22; Mark 10:7-9; Rom.8:9; 5:5; 1 Cor.3:16; 2 Cor.1:21-22; Eph.4:15-16). The body members of Christ are not to join themselves with anyone who is sexually immoral, a prostitute, figuratively, an idolator (John 17:20-23; 1 Cor.12:12-14; Rom.12:5; Eph.4:3-6,13,25; 1 Cor.6:15-16,18). The body of Christ in love and faithfulness obey Jesus’ commandments and teachings, which are God’s thoughts by the Spirit (Ezek.19:10; Hos.10:1; 2 Kings 23:27; Gal.4:26; Rev.3:7-12; 19:7-8; 21:2; John 14:15,21,23; 8:28-31; 12:49-50; 5:19). They teach spiritual things by means of the Spirit, not teaching Jesus’ words according to their own human reasoning, thinking (1 Cor.2:10-16). Spiritual Israel must heed the warning examples of Israel’s past and avoid a spirit of harlotry, becoming rebellious and hard-headed - idolatrous – falling away by worshiping what they have created, human ideas, teaching as doctrine human commands (Hos.5:4; 4:12; Jer.13:27; Matt.15:9; Judges 10:13-14; Acts 4:11-12; Jer.2:1-8,11-14; 17:13; John 4:14; Psalm 36:9). If a self-professed brother is sexually immoral, the brethren are not to associate with them, and are not even to take “food” in company with them for their bread is wickedness (1 Pet.2:4-5,9; Eph.2:19-22; 1 Cor.6:19-20; 12:12-27; Matt.18:8-9; Mark 9:43-47; 1 Cor.6:9-10; 5:10-11; Matt.26:26; 1 Cor.10:16-17; Prov.4:13-17; Psalm 141:4; 1 Cor.15:33).
“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Cor.5:11).
Is the divine wisdom warning against covetousness speaking about desiring another person’s physical tangible belongings? The Greek word, covetous means eager for gain, a defrauder, unjust gain (1 Cor.5:11; 6:10; Eph.5:5). We find additional understanding on what covetousness/greed means in the Hebrew Scriptures. Notice in the Hebrew Scriptures, “greedy for gain” is a practice of deceit, lies, which was an act of subversion by the prophet and priest of God’s people by their making crooked the ordinances of God (Psalm 119:33-36; Prov.1:8-19; Isa.57:17,10-13; Jer.18:12; 6:6-7,13-15; 8:10; Psalm 31:18; 101:7; 119:1-4,78-80; Lev.20:22; 26:14-15,38-39). No covetous/greedy man has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God - a covetous person is an idolater (Eph.5:5; 1 Cor.6:9-10; Rev.22:15). An idolater is a worshipper of false gods, a server/worshipper of an image, an idol (1 Cor.5:11; Eph.5:5; Exod.20:3-6; 1 John 5:21; Isa.44:9-11; 45:20; Judges 10:10-14; Psalm 135:15-18; Col.3:5; Acts 7:41,48; Isa.2:6-8,18,22; Jer.10:11,8; Matt.15:9). As clay is molded by the Father, the “Potter’s hand,” faithful spiritual priests are spiritually transformed, their hearts and minds renewed and molded into the image of Jesus, who is the firstborn, the preeminent, of many brothers (Isa.64:8; Jer.18:6; 1 Pet.3:18-22; John 10:29; 1:1-4; Heb.1:3; Rom.8:34; 1 Pet.2:5,9; 1 John 2:27; 1 Cor.3:16; Rom.5:5; 8:29; Eph.4:17-24; 2 Cor.3:3,18; Col.1:15; 3:9-11; Rom.12:2). The “brothers” are to be in his image as shepherds, instructing in truth, Jesus’ commands, and are to be examples to the flock who do not control others, but are to care for them (1 Pet.5:2-3; Matt.20:21-28; Mark 10:42-45; John 14:6; 1 Pet.5:1-6; Titus 2:11-15). Using the example of the forefathers, Paul reminded the brothers, “And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play” (1 Cor.10:1-7). Paul was referencing when the Hebrews corrupted themselves in their idolatrous worship of an emblem they used to worship God (Exodus 20:1-3; 32:1-9). The spiritual congregation, the brethren were to pay close attention to these warning examples because they must be holy and unblemished instructing in the knowledge of God; this is their acceptable sacrifice they are consecrated to offer (Mark 3:35; Matt.12:50; 7:21; Rom.8:28-30; 1 Pet.2:5,9; Mal.2:7; Heb.13:15; Rom.12:1). They must worship in Spirit and truth, speaking Jesus’ words of truth - “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63; 4:24; 14:6; 15:1-5,16-17; 14:15-17; 13:34-35; 1 Cor.8:4-6; Eph.4:14-16,25; 5:1-3; 1 Pet.1:3-25). It is evil, wickedness, and an abomination to exchange the truth for a lie, to depart from Jesus (he is the truth and head of the body) and become a mouthpiece for Satan teaching lies (Prov.12:22; Rev.22:15; Matt.24:11,24; Rom.1:25-26; 2 Pet.2:1-3; 2 Cor.11:13-15; John 8:44; Jer.6:9,13-15; Deut.7:25-26). A teacher of lies is lifeless internally, dead, because God’s Spirit does not dwell within their hearts, and so they are not in the assembly of God’s people because they are “dead,” without Spirit, because of their unfaithfulness, instructing according to their own spirit, mere human ideas, a worthless doctrine (Prov.8:12-21; Psalm 119:162-163; John 1:1,14; 14:6; 135:15; Rev.19:13; 3:14; 1:5; 3:18-21; Col.1:3,9-18; Eph.2:20-22; 1 Pet.2:5,9; 1 Cor.3:16; 6:15-20; 2 Cor.6:14-16; 1 John 4:12-13; Hab.2:18-19; Jer.10:8; Deut.7:25-26; 2 Pet.2:1-3; Ezek.13:9-11; Num.15:30-31).
God’s chosen people, his holy nation of spiritual priests are to guard themselves against idols because there is no agreement, no alliance in company, between teachers of lies and the “living stones,” the faithful Spirit-anointed who are the temple of God who are to instruct in truth (Prov.8:12-21; Psalm 119:162-163; John 1:1,14; 14:6; 135:15; Rev.19:13; 3:14; 1:5; 3:18-21; Col.1:3,9-18; Eph.2:20-22; 1 Pet.2:5,9; 1 Cor.3:16; 6:15-20; 2 Cor.6:6,19; Hab.2:18-19; ). If a person professes to be a brother but is covetous and an idolator, then the Spirit-anointed brethren are not to associate with them and are not even to take “food” in company with them for their bread is wickedness (1 Pet.2:4-5,9; Eph.2:19-22; 1 Cor.6:19-20; 12:12-27; Matt.18:8-9; Mark 9:43-47; 1 Cor.6:9-10; 5:10-11; Matt.26:26; 1 Cor.10:16-17; Prov.4:13-17; Psalm 141:4; 1 Cor.15:33).
“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Cor.5:11).
What is a reviler (1 Cor.5:11; 6:10)? The word “reviler,” according to scripture, means an abuser, injuring another person’s reputation through denigration, abusive insults. We see Paul was reviled, or railed at, and so was the man who expressed belief in Jesus (Acts 13:45; 1 Cor.4:12-13; John 9:24-30). In scripture, reviling is speaking evil, defaming, blaspheming, slandering or vilifying sacred things. We see Jesus, the Son of God, was reviled (Matt.9:1-4; 26:63-65; 27:37-42; Luke 23:39). Abusive speech is not loving or kind, but forgivable, however those who slander, defame, treat lightly, or disparage teachings of Holy Spirit will not be forgiven (1 Cor.13:4; Eph.4:29-32; 1 Sam.2:25; John 6:63; Matt.12:31-32; Luke 12:10; Heb.6:4-6; Jer.7:16). If a person who professes to be a brother reviles Spirit-anointed brethren who are giving correction on false teachings, then the Spirit-anointed brethren are not to associate with them and are not even to take “food” in company with them for their bread is wickedness (1 Pet.2:4-5,9; Eph.2:19-22; 1 Cor.6:19-20; 12:12-27; Matt.18:8-9; Mark 9:43-47; 1 Cor.6:9-10; 5:10-11; Matt.26:26; 1 Cor.10:16-17; Prov.4:13-17; Psalm 141:4; 1 Cor.15:33).
“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Cor.5:11).
Naturally, when you read the word “drunkard,” the association is made with a person who is intoxicated with liquor/alcohol (1 Cor.5:11; 6:10). When looking in the Hebrew, we find scriptures that use a simile for liquor (“drink”).
Hos.4:18, “Their drink (H5435, liquor) is rebellion (H5493, to turn aside, behead, depart), They commit harlotry (H2181, to commit fornication, play the harlot, unfaithful to God) continually. Her rulers dearly love dishonor.” [Hos.4:1,6-12]
The spirit of harlotry causes God’s people to stagger, wander, err, go astray.
Hos.4:12, “My people ask counsel from their wooden idols,
And their staff informs them.
For the spirit of harlotry has caused them to stray [H8582, stagger, err]
And they have played the harlot against their God.”
Take heed that God can blind the eyes of the disobedient so that they cannot perceive or understand His words and so they will figuratively grope in the dark without light, stagger as a drunkard (Job 12:24-25; Isa.29:13-16,9-10; Matt.15:7-20; Psalm 107:10-11,40; Zeph.1:14-17). If a person who professes to be a brother is a drunkard then the Spirit-anointed brethren are not to associate with them and are not even to take “food” in company with them for their bread is wickedness (1 Pet.2:4-5,9; Eph.2:19-22; 1 Cor.6:19-20; 12:12-27; Matt.18:8-9; Mark 9:43-47; 1 Cor.6:9-10; 5:10-11; Matt.26:26; 1 Cor.10:16-17; Prov.4:13-17; Psalm 141:4; 1 Cor.15:33).
“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Cor.5:11).
What is an extortioner/swindler (1 Cor.5:11)? The Greek word, extortioner means ravenous. Jesus described the Pharisees as being inside full of extortion (Luke 18:11; Matt.23:25; 1 Cor.5:11; 6:10). An extortioner is a robber, ravenous, and extortion is oppression and robbery - fraud (Lev.19:11; 25:17; Psalm 52:5-12; Isa.61:1-8; Ezek.22:6,12). Matt.7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” The written record of the nation of Israel is filled with metaphors that help develop spiritual understanding. Notice how the princes (spokesmen) of Israel were described as young lions, their law-givers were wolves, the prophets reckless and the priests defiled the sanctuary…they stole treasures - salvation, wisdom, and knowledge - and precious things, lips of knowledge (Mal.2:7; Zeph.3:1-4; Ezek.22:18,25; Isa.33:6; Prov.20:15; Zech.11:13; Matt.27:3-10; 24:10; Psalm 62:1-10). Robbery is injustice, a refusal to do what is right, not walking in the statutes of life (Prov.21:7; Ezek.33:14-19; Psalm 62:1-10). Oppression led by those lacking judgment (Isa.3:4-6,12; Eccl.10:16-17; Prov.20:11; Matt.7:15-20; Psalm 1:1-6). The judgments, opinions, intercessions, prayers… lying words - fraudulent (Psalm 17:1-15; Psalm 55:1-3,11-12,21,16-19; Isa.56:7; Matt.21:13; Jer.7:2-11; Prov.20:17). Micah 2:1, “Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand. 2 They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.” Those who listen to lying lips will eat the fruit it produces, death, and so be robbed of their inheritance (Prov.18:20-21; Matt.7:15-20; Psalm 135:4,12; 2 Sam.7:10; Exod.15:17; Psalm 2:6; Rev.14:1; Psalm 43:1-3; 3:3-8; Job 5:13-15; Prov.30:14; Matt.12:37; 1 Pet.1:3-5,22-25). If a person who professes to be a brother is an extortioner then the Spirit-anointed brethren are not to associate with them and are not even to take “food” in company with them for their bread is wickedness (1 Pet.2:4-5,9; Eph.2:19-22; 1 Cor.6:19-20; 12:12-27; Matt.18:8-9; Mark 9:43-47; 1 Cor.6:9-10; 5:10-11; Matt.26:26; 1 Cor.10:16-17; Prov.4:13-17; Psalm 141:4; 1 Cor.15:33).
If you were going to be exploited by false words, deceptive teachings that would appear as “light,” how will you distinguish between truth/light and lies/darkness (John 8:12; 14:6; 1 Tim.4:1; 2 Cor.11:13-15; Rom.1:25-26; John 8:44; Eph.5:5-10)? By using the word, Jesus' recorded words - he is the Word, he is light, his word is a lamp (John 7:16; 8:12; 1:1-5,14; Psalm 119:105; 1 John 1:5-6). Use the Word to test all things - ensure the "brethren" whom you associate with and eat their "food," are not walking in darkness teaching human rules, producing bad fruit, teachings that come from demons but appear as light (1 Thess.5:21; 5:5; Eph.5:10-11,6-9,15-17; Matt.15:9; John 15:1-5; 1 Cor.2:10-16; 2 Cor.11:13-15).
God is light, His son, Jesus is light, and the brethren are to be light (1 John 1:5; John 7:16; 8:12; Matt.5:14-16; 1 Thess.5:4-5). Satan masquerades as a messenger of light and his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness (Matt.6:23; Eph.5:6-11; Rom.12:1-2: 1 Pet.2:5; a Cor.2:10-17; 1 Tim.4:1; 1 John 4:1; 2 Cor.11:13-15). Many will be deceived, deceived by empty words, deceitful teachings (Matt.24:11; Acts 20:29-30; Col.2:8; Matt.15:9). Not all anointed who claim to be faithful and discreet, are faithful and discreet (Matt.24:45-51; 1 John 4:1). By their fruit you will recognize those who are in darkness, who are unfaithful, whose company we are not to keep, whose "food" we are not to eat (Matt.7:15-20; 1 Thess.5:21; Heb.4:12; 1 John 4:1; 2 Pet.2:1-3; 2 Cor.11:13-15). Separate yourselves and do not be joint partakers with the worthless servant who is cast into the outer darkness, the dominion of Satan, never to see the light, to perceive and understand the words Jesus spoke (1 John 1:1-8; 2 Cor.6:17; John 8:12; Psalm 97:11; 37:6; 27:1; 112:4-10; 1 Sam.2:9; Matt.25:30; 8:12; 7:21-23).
If you are a JW, or once were a JW, you know very well that the JW anointed leadership consider it impossible for them to be unfaithful, stubborn, rebellious (Deut.9:24; Exod.32:9; Deut.31:27; Jer.2:14-15,19,23,26; 2 Thess.2:3; Psalm 78:1,8,10; Hos.14:1; Jer.51:57). Yet, these professed brothers in Christ are not attached to the vine, Jesus, and have deceived many into eating of their bad fruit, teachings that do not offer life (John 15:1-5; Luke 6:43-45; Mark 13:5-6; Matt.24:4-5; 7:15-20; 1 Tim.4:1; Rom.16:17-18; Prov.18:20-21). They are stubborn and rebellious, sexually immoral...not by acts of physical copulation, but by spiritual apostasy, unfaithfulness to Jesus (John 15:5; 2 Thess.2:3; Jer.8:5; 1 Cor.5:10-11).
"Come out of her my people!" - Rev.18:4.
You may also find this post (by an anointed partner of mine) helpful in understanding the great tribulation:
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-greatest-tribulation-why.html?m=0
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