Congregation Bible Study (30 min.): Rr section 4, ch. 15 paras. 1-7 and video.
"I will put an end to your prostitution"
MAIN IDEA: What we learn from the prostitutes described in the books of Ezekiel and Revelation
ANALYSIS OF THE VIDEO AND ANSWERS TO THE PARAGRAPHS
Jehovah loves us all, but he also holds us accountable for our actions. What does Jehovah think of those who say they worship him but betray him with their conduct? How do you decide who will survive the great tribulation? Why did Jehovah, a God of love, wipe out millions of people?
This is answered in section 4 of the book Pure Worship, based on Ezekiel 39:25. It is entitled "I will zealously defend my holy name." Chapter 15 describes very graphically how Jehovah feels. It is titled "I will put an end to your prostitution."
This title is taken from Ezekiel 16:41: “They will burn your houses with fire and execute my sentence on you in the eyes of many women; I will put an end to your prostitution, and you will no longer make payments.
As you study this chapter, think about this: Why does it make sense to compare false religion to a prostitute? What does Ezekiel 16 and 23's description of prostitutes teach us about Jehovah's feelings toward false religion? What awaits false religion? and what measures should we take? How encouraging we are to know that Jehovah is very fond of all those who serve him! But that very special relationship also carries a serious responsibility. We would never want to hurt your feelings! May this chapter strengthen your resolve to give Jehovah the pure worship that only he deserves.
1, 2. What kind of prostitute could cause us some disgust?
A woman who is a prostitute because she wants to. It doesn't seem humiliating to her; believes it is an opportunity to have power. You are looking forward to having a lot of money and being influential. And what is worse, imagine that you are married to a good and faithful man, and she cheekily betrays him to prostitute herself.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A prostitute who is because she wants to, does not see it as something degrading but as an opportunity to have power, money and be influential, and who is also married to a good good man, but she betrays him in this vile way, that is, a A person who has chosen this life out of pleasure would cause us repudiation. This is precisely what Jehovah feels about false religion.
3. What stories will we discuss in this chapter?
We will analyze two accounts in which prostitution is used to illustrate the unfaithfulness of God's servants in Israel and Judah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We will analyze the accounts mentioned in Ezekiel 16 and 23, in which the theme of prostitution is used to illustrate the great unfaithfulness committed by Jehovah's servants in Israel and Judah. But first we will analyze about another symbolic prostitute, who began her prostitution before Israel existed and is still active today.
"The mother of prostitutes"
4, 5. What does “Babylon the Great” represent? And how do we arrive at that conclusion? (See the drawing at the beginning).
He is represented by an unusual woman called "the great prostitute." But for many years Jehovah's Witnesses have known who really is "the great prostitute" is the world empire of false religion.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Although he has been given various identities, we know that he represents the world empire of false religion. Well, there are characteristics that show us, for example it is said that it has an illicit relationship with the political authorities, also that merchants will regret their loss. And who practices spiritism, idolatry and lies. Fitting in with the corrupt religions of this world.
And how do we arrive at that conclusion? (See the drawing at the beginning).
This prostitute has been sentenced for having immoral relations with "the kings of the earth", that is, the political authorities. So it is clear that she is not a political authority. She has been found guilty for her "spiritualistic practices", her idolatry and her lies.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Furthermore, it is mentioned that the prostitute is sitting on a wild beast, which shows that she has some influence on the political authorities, and ultimately she persecutes Jehovah's faithful servants.
6. Why do we say that Babylon the Great is “the mother of prostitutes”?
Because false religion is divided into an infinity of religious confessions, groups and sects. Satan many times uses these religions to draw people toward spiritism, idolatry, and other beliefs and customs that taint Jehovah's name.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We say it because precisely false religion is divided into infinity of religious groups and sects, and this began when Jehovah caused many languages to begin to be spoken in ancient Babel, therefore, people took their false beliefs and spread them in the world, so all these religions or sects are daughters of a great prostitute.
ILLUSTRATION
Babel's tower.
From ancient Babel - later called Babylon - all kinds of religious practices and teachings spread throughout the world, giving rise to many false religions. (See paragraph 6.)
7. Why should we heed Jehovah's warning?
Because we must get away from what Satan wants, he would love for us to fall into his trap of this type of prostitution. But the only adequate way to satisfy Jehovah is by giving him pure worship.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because the only way to satisfy our spiritual needs is by worshiping Jehovah in a pure way, we also know that Satan does everything possible to make us fall into his traps, so we must stay as far away as possible from spiritual prostitution, because in the past there were servants of God who fell into his trap.
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