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In Chapter 12, “Bible Teach” focuses on what the Watchtower considers to be the sovereignty challenge by Satan and points to the experience of Job.

Paragraphs 8-9 (p. 117) say, “Satan questioned Job’s motive for serving God. [He]…argued that Job served God just for what he got in return.”

To that statement, I would respond, “How are our own motives? For example, would you personally be going door-to-door as diligently if the Watchtower didn’t require you to turn in time reports? Would you serve Jehovah out of love even if he didn’t offer you any hope of a resurrection or of everlasting life on a paradise earth?”

Don’t expect them to admit anything to you, but pray that these questions will have an impact on them.

Make clear that you aren’t claiming perfection for yourself. You are pointing out that all of us have inherited a sinful nature from Adam that we aren’t capable of overcoming through dedication and self-effort.

The Watchtower often cites Job as an example of what we can do in maintaining and proving our integrity to God.

Paragraph 10 (p. 117) points out that Job 1:22 says that despite all the terrible occurrences which Satan inflicted on him, Job didn’t sin or accuse God of wrongdoing.

Ask, “Wasn’t Job accusing God of wrongdoing by Chapter 7?”

Have the Witnesses read aloud Job 7:17-20: “What is mortal man that you should concern yourself with him and fix your attention on him? 18 Why do you inspect him every morning and test him every moment? 19 Will you not look away from me and leave me alone long enough to swallow my saliva? 20 If I have sinned, how could I harm you, the Observer of mankind? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you?”

Paragraph 11 cites Job 27:5 as proof that Job maintained his integrity.

Point out to the Witnesses, the context of that statement, Job’s declaration in Job 27:2: “As surely as God lives, who has deprived me of justice…”

Ask, “At that stage, wasn’t Job accusing God of wrongdoing?”

Point out Jehovah’s reply to in Job 38:1-2: “Then Jehovah answered Job out of the windstorm: ‘Who is this who is obscuring my counsel and speaking without knowledge?’”

Have them also read Jehovah’s further statement in Job 40:1-2,8: “Jehovah continued to answer Job: ‘Should a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let the one who wants to reprove God answer’… 8 Will you call into question my justice? Will you condemn me so that you may be right?”

The point is that the book of Job isn’t really about Job and his integrity.

It’s about God and how far he is beyond our understanding.

In the end, Job confessed, “…I spoke, but without understanding about things too wonderful for me, which I do not know…My ears have heard about you, but now I do see you with my eyes. That is why I take back what I said, and I repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:2, 5-6)

Paragraph 16 (p. 120) says, “…Satan’s influence may be seen when friends, relatives, or others oppose your efforts to study the Bible and apply what you learn.” While that statement isn’t incorrect, the connotation is. This is really a warning against listening to people who try to dissuade you from studying to become a Jehovah’s Witness.

Paragraphs 16-17 (pp. 120-121) warn that Satan “can also use discouragement, perhaps causing you to feel that you are not good enough to please God,” but asserts that you can “answer his challenge and prove your integrity to God, as Job did… by living in a way that pleases God.”

Ask the Witnesses how this “you can do it” exhortation squares with Paul’s statement in Romans 7:18: “For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, there dwells nothing good; for I have the desire to do what is fine but not the ability to carry it out.”

Next week, we’ll look at specific things the Watchtower believes the Bible forbids.