Paranoia
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
[www.m-w.com:
paranoia]
Main Entry: para·noia
Pronunciation: "par-&-'noi-&
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek, madness, from paranous demented, from
para- + nous mind
Date: circa 1811
1 : a psychosis characterized by systematized delusions of persecution or grandeur usually without
hallucinations
2 : a tendency on the part of an individual or
group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of
others
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 2002 October 1, p.18 Jehovah Blesses and Protects Those Who are Obedient ***
No doubt prior to and during that time, Gods people will experience major tests
of their faith and obedience.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 2002 October 1, p.9 Cultivate Obedience as the End Draws Near ***
In fact, the main target of Satan's spiritual warfare consists of Jehovahs anointed ones… [Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 2002 October 15, p.1 Oppose the Devil ***
In these "last days", however, Satan is concentrating his efforts on Gods
dedicated servants, waging war with anointed Christians…
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 2002 October 15, p.18 Jehovah Cares for You ***
Satan is doing all in his power to bring persecution, opposition, and pressure
from all quarters upon Jehovah's people. He tries to disrupt our peace and
destroy our fine standing with our God.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 2002 October 1, p.18 Jehovah Blesses and Protects Those Who are Obedient***
No doubt prior to and during that time, Gods people will experience major tests
of their faith and obedience.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 2002 November 1, p.17 Maintain your Conduct Fine Among the Nations ***
Unfortunately, some "unreasonable men" in authority persecute us or oppose us in
other ways - such as by promoting smear campaigns against us. Still, in Jehovah's
due time, their lies are always exposed, and their "ignorant talk" is
effectively muzzled.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 2002 Novermber 1, p.19 Christian Neutrality in the Last Days ***
First, we remember that we must expect opposition. We should not be shocked or
even surprised if we meet up with it. Paul warned Timothy: "All those desiring
to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesis will also be
persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:13; 1Peter 4:12).
In a world where Satan's influence
reigns, why would we not meet opposition? (Revelation 12:17) As long as we are
faithful, there will always be some who are 'puzzled and go on speaking
abusively of us.' - 1 Peter 4:4 […] It may be that Jehovah, for his own good
purpose, allows pressure from opposers to continue for a while.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1983 January 15 p.22 Exposing the Devil's Subtle Designs ***
Avoid Independent Thinking
20 From the very outset of his rebellion Satan called into question God's way of
doing things. He promoted independent thinking. 'You can decide for yourself what
is good and bad,' Satan told Eve. 'You don't have to listen to God. He is not really
telling you the truth.' (Genesis 3:1-5) To this day, it has been Satan's subtle design
to infect God's people with this type of thinking.-2 Timothy 3:1, 13.
21 How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the
counsel that is provided by God's visible organization. For example, God's organization
has from time to time given warnings about listening to certain types of immoral and
suggestive music, and about frequenting discos and other types of worldly dance halls
where such music is played and people are known to engage in immoral conduct. (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Yet certain ones have professed to know better. They have rebelled against such counsel and
have done what is right in their own eyes. With what result? Very often they have become
involved in sexual immorality and have suffered severe spiritual harm. But even if they
have not been so affected, are they not reprehensible if others follow their example and
suffer bad consequences?-Matthew 18:6.
22 This fact cannot be overemphasized: We are in a war with superhuman foes,
and we constantly need to be aware of this. Satan and his demons are real; they
are not mere figments of the imagination. They are "the world rulers of this darkness,"
and we have a spiritual fight against them. (Ephesians 6:12) It is absolutely vital that
we recognize their subtle designs and not allow ourselves to be overreached by them. Very
appropriately, then, we will next consider how we can arm ourselves to fight against these wicked spirits.
[Emphasis Added]
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