Congregation Bible Study (30 min.): rr chap. 22 paras. 1-9 and video.
“Worship God”
MAIN IDEA: Review of the fundamental teachings of the book of Ezekiel and its value for us today and in the future
ANALYSIS OF THE VIDEO AND ANSWERS OF THE PARAGRAPHS
Isn't it true that it has been very exciting to study the prophecies and visions of Ezekiel? In the twenty-one chapters of the Pure Worship book that we have already discussed, we have learned many lessons about pure worship.
The last chapter of the book, chapter 22, is entitled "Worship to God" and is based on Revelation 22:9. Let's read it together. But he told me: “Watch out! Do not do that! I am just a slave like you and your brothers, the prophets, and like those who obey the words of this scroll. Worship God." In this chapter we will return to some of the fundamental teachings of the book of Ezekiel and how they can help us now and in the future.
Biblical prophecies will also allow us to peek into the future, at the end of Christ's Thousand Year Reign. Try to answer these questions: What final test will Jehovah's servants face? What will happen to those who do not pass the test? We sincerely hope that everything he has learned in the Pure Worship book will strengthen his determination to give Jehovah what he so richly deserves—exclusive worship.
We also wish you to be more determined than ever to seize the time and preach heartily to attract others to pure worship. How we long for the time when everyone, in heaven and on earth, will be united to give pure worship to Jehovah!
1, 2. (a) What decision must we all make?
We only have two alternatives, and we have to make a decision. We can worship Jehovah or we can worship Satan.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We must decide who we are going to worship, Jehovah or Satan. This is a very important decision that each of us must make.
b) How did a faithful angel react when John tried to worship him?
The angel did not want them to worship him, he only wanted them to worship God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When John wanted to worship this angel, the angel told him not to, but to worship God. So, here we see the difference between Satan, who wanted to tempt Jesus with an act of worship, and this angel who was humble and did not want worship, but asked that only God be worshipped.
3. a) What has been the objective of this book?
The objective is to strengthen what the angel said, that we have to worship only Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The goal has been precisely what the angel commanded John: to worship only Jehovah. As Jesus rightly said in Matthew 4:10, “worship the Lord your God and serve him”
b) What are we going to focus on now?
We are going to focus on briefly reviewing what Ezekiel's prophecies and visions have taught us about pure worship.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Now let's review what Ezekiel's prophecies and visions have taught us about pure worship. And we will look into the future, to the time when all who live on earth face a final test, and thus witness the complete restoration of the pure worship of Jehovah.
Three teachings that stand out in the book of Ezekiel
4. What three teachings stand out in the book of Ezekiel?
These three teachings are highlighted in the book of Ezekiel: 1) give Jehovah exclusive devotion, 2) remain united in the pure worship of Jehovah, and 3) show love to others. Let's see how the prophecies and visions we've discussed in this post highlight those three teachings.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It teaches us that pure worship involves giving Jehovah exclusive devotion, remaining united in pure worship of Jehovah, and showing love to others.
First Teaching: Give Jehovah Exclusive Devotion
5-9. What have we learned about giving Jehovah exclusive devotion?
Chapter 3. In this chapter we learn that only God deserves all our worship.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In chapter 3 we saw how Jehovah appears surrounded by a glorious rainbow and directing very powerful spiritual creatures. This reminds us that we serve the God of peace and that he alone deserves our worship.
Chapter 5. In this chapter we learn that God can see disloyalty, even when bad things are done on the sly.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In chapter 5 we saw how the Israelites polluted the temple with their acts and their idolatry. This teaches us that Jehovah sees everything we do and he will punish those who do bad things. We also saw that we must not mix with the customs of false religion.
And today, idolatry could really be anything that takes first place in our lives and replaces the exclusive devotion we owe to Jehovah. We have to protect ourselves well against idolatry, because Jehovah is the one who deserves to have first place in our hearts and to receive our worship.
Chapter 7. In this chapter we learn that we do not have to please our relatives, just to seek approval. We have to be loyal to God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In this chapter we saw that Jehovah condemned the nations that mistreated Israel and called them to account. This teaches us that it might seem that the enemies of pure worship sometimes get away with it. But Jehovah will not allow his people to disappear. Then his enemies will come to know who Jehovah is.
And it also teaches us that our loyalty to Jehovah is above anything else. We must never lower our standards to please relatives who do not worship Jehovah, nor trust money or human governments, because our trust and loyalty only deserves Jehovah.
Chapters 13 and 14. In this chapter he teaches us that we must live up to Jehovah's high standards.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In this chapter we saw that the temple was on the high mountain. This indicates to us that pure worship occupies a high place in itself, since it is a system established by the God who is "in a high position, far above all other gods." So we must live up to those high standards of Jehovah and recognize that he is above everything else.
Chapter 15. This chapter reminds us of the disgust that spiritual adultery gives Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In this chapter we saw that Israel and Judah are portrayed as prostitutes. This reminds us of Jehovah's disgust with spiritual adultery. So, it is logical that the servants of God are as far as possible from spiritual prostitution because Jehovah will only accept our worship if we give it exclusively to him.
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