The Watchtower Study, «Article 35», Week of October 24-30, 2022, Keep “Building Up One Another”, Answers.

The Watchtower Study, «Article 35», 24-30 October 2022, Keep “Building Up One Another”, Answers.

“Keep encouraging one another and building one another up” (1 THES. 5:11).

1. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:11, in what work do we all participate?

If we have had the opportunity to participate in the construction or renovation of a Hall, or perhaps we remember the first day of meeting in our beautiful Kingdom Hall, there is no doubt that it is something very exciting, since our beautiful Kingdom Halls they give Glory to Jehovah, but there is another construction that produces more valuable results than any building, which gives more glory to Jehovah, we refer to the Spiritual Building that Paul mentioned in the text of 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Two types of works are mentioned here, one of them is the construction or renovation of our rooms, which we beautify when we contribute and this gives Glory to Jehovah, but another more important is mentioned in First Thessalonians 5:11, it says keep encouraging each other. others and building ourselves, this building that we do with our brothers is when we meet in our congregations throughout the world and in this way we give more glory and honor to Jehovah.

2. What will we see in this article?

In this article we will see how Paul helped his fellow Christians endure trials, be at peace with one another, and strengthen their faith in Jehovah. We will also learn how we can follow his example.

PAUL HELPED HIS BROTHERS TAKE THE TRIALS

3. What balanced viewpoint did Paul have?

The balanced point of view that Paul had is that he was always clear that the main thing in his life was to serve Jehovah, since he was a hard-working man who had the moral authority to encourage the brothers and advise them not to allow the pressures of life and the need to support the family will lead them to neglect the most important thing or everything that has to do with the worship of God.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Despite the fact that he went through a difficult economic situation, this allowed him to cultivate qualities such as compassion and empathy for those who were facing trials, therefore this also helped him to be very clear that the most important thing was to serve others. Jehovah, therefore this helped him to have the moral authority to be able to encourage the brothers because he had already lived it and therefore that allowed him to understand the brothers and at the same time encourage them.

Yes, he was also balanced in a material sense because it says here that his job was to make tents and we know from reading the Bible that he had an education he was a lawyer or had that training, but he chose to dedicate himself completely to preaching as Acts 18 says that he dedicated himself completely to preaching the word, so that was where he was most concerned, and the tents were to survive.

If he went to work to get what was necessary for him and his companions, however, the interesting thing is that on Saturday he dedicated it to preaching that day he took advantage of it and all day he rendered sacred service preaching.

And so he was always clear in his life that the main thing was to serve Jehovah but also because he worked as Acts 20:34 says to get what was necessary.

4. How did Paul and Timothy help their brothers endure persecution?

Paul and Timothy helped their brothers endure persecution and they did so by making sure that the new congregation was well cared for, that is why the apostle reminded the Thessalonians that they were sending Timothy to make them firm and comfort them for the good of their faith so that no one falters, due to the circumstances or difficulties that were happening at that time.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

To strengthen and comfort the brothers, Paul sent Timothy to make sure that the brothers felt obviously much better and Timothy, since he had already lived through the persecution and had seen how Jehovah had strengthened them, also encouraged through Paul, could transmit this security to the brothers from Thessaloniki that everything was going to turn out very well.

5. What good effect did the help he received from an elder have on Bryant?

Thanks to the elder's encouragement, he mentions that he later began serving Jehovah full-time, which has brought him great joy. This experience encourages all elders to be on the lookout for siblings who, like Bryant, need a good word of encouragement.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

He encouraged him to spend time with him and tell him about Bible stories of people who had experienced difficult trials, and these conversations allowed him to stay close to Jehovah and to have a desire to participate in new areas of service.

He managed to pass the tests without losing his happiness and with the psalm that the old man was reading that says that even if his father or his mother left him Jehovah would take care of him, then this gave him the strength to be able to continue enduring without losing his happiness.

We are noticing how we can encourage the faith of a brother just as Proverbs 12:25 says that anxiety crushes the heart, the good word of a brother revives and the effect is that their spirituality grows and that also bears fruit for the entire congregation

He comments that later he began to serve full time and that has given him more joy.

And the paragraph reminds the elders to our elders to be aware of the brothers.

6. How did Paul use the stories of God's servants of the past to encourage others?

Paul knew that the stories of the faithful servants of the past would help The Followers of Christ to be brave, that is why he reminded his brothers that a great cloud of Witnesses had managed to withstand all kinds of difficult situations and all that thanks to the strength that Jehovah gave them.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Chapter 11 of Hebrews we can see how it goes he highlights what helped all these faithful servants of God to overcome these difficulties that was through faith and it caught my attention that he writes specifically under what circumstances what they achieved and then this encourages us to understand that the rest of us can too.

And we see how that great cloud of witnesses keeps getting bigger because now we have biographies of faithful servants today and many brothers have written letters expressing how their faith has been strengthened by reading them.

PAUL SHOWED HIS BROTHERS HOW TO BE AT PEACE WITH EACH OTHER

7. What does Paul's counsel in Romans 14:19-21 teach us?

Paul's words mentioned in Romans 14:19-21. They make us see that conflicts could do a lot of damage to both Jehovah's servants and the entire congregation and that is why he himself was willing to change his way of acting so as not to stumble others. This teaches us that like Paul we can build others up and keep the peace by not fighting over matters of personal taste.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It teaches us that we should not allow differences of opinion to divide us and that we should not insist on our rights that we think we have when a biblical principle is not violated, in fact the apostle Paul himself was willing to change his way of acting and thinking perhaps so as not to stumble others according to what he himself mentions in first Corinthians chapter 9:19 to 22.

On the 19th I learn several things, mainly to promote peace, but that does not mean that I am going to remain calm peacefully, in fact there is also talk of some activity because it is to continue looking for it and we can also times, it is not a moment that I am going to to seek and that's it, to follow is with you, so we see a lot of learning here in this verse.

Yes this issue in the first century about what meat or food is, mentions the paragraph that some Jews felt comfortable eating whatever and while others did not feel so comfortable and it was a matter of conscience, but what What I liked a lot was the example of the apostle Paul, it is mentioned there how much with his words and he was also willing to change his way of acting and that is something very different, it is more difficult to change or be willing to change our way of acting only to please or not to stumble others, so we learn much from the apostle Paul's willingness to make peace.

Yes, I also learn how it is that the apostle Paul, for example, in First Corinthians 9:19 there are some references to when, for example, he tells Timothy to be circumcised because of the Jews or, for example, in another text he says that it is better to cleanse oneself ceremonially and even shaving his head so that he could win over other people, this shows me that he did things that he knew would be clear in his conscience that they would not go beyond any law or biblical principle so that people could be drawn to the truth.

8. What did Paul do when an important matter threatened the peace of the congregation?

Although Paul absolutely disagrees with that way of thinking, he did not impose his opinion, but humbly brought the matter before the Apostles and the elders of Jerusalem and by doing this he showed that he knew how to handle the situation, which He helped maintain the peace and happiness of the congregation.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Acts 15:30 and 31 mentions the conclusion of this matter, after saying goodbye to these men they went down to Antioch there they gathered the whole group and gave them the letter when they read it they felt happy because of the words of encouragement, with this we learn that the that the opinion is taken under a body of elders or at that time the governing body and no personal opinion was imposed is what comes to bring peace and tranquility to make spiritual decisions that affect the congregation. 

9. What can we do to follow Paul's example?

In the previous paragraph we saw that when a matter threatened the peace of the congregation, Paul took the matter before the Apostles and the elders of Jerusalem. And we, to imitate his example, when a serious disagreement arises, we can promote peace by seeking the guidance of the brothers that Jehovah has appointed to take care of the congregation.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Following his example of not imposing our own opinions we can see that there will always be disagreements in the congregation, however Jehovah has given us appointed brothers so that there is peace and take care of the congregation, he has also given us the guidance that we find in the Bible in our publications in the guidelines of the organization, when we follow these instructions and do not promote our own personal opinions we will promote peace in our congregation.

Following the theocratic order makes us really able to serve in a freer way in a way where we can concentrate more on our qualities, so we see how that example will help us all regardless of what responsibility we have in the congregation. so that peace continues to flow.

10. How else did Paul foster peace in the congregation?

Another way in which Paul promoted peace in the congregation is that instead of highlighting the faults of the brothers, he focused on their good qualities, such as before finishing his letter to the Romans he mentioned many Christian men and women and in most of the cases added a positive comment or some personal detail about them.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Well, he always did it by being attentive to the good qualities of his fellow servants, and for example, and in a certain biblical letter to the Romans, he mentions many Christian men and women and always speaks of their good qualities, speaking of a positive point , then we can follow his example instead of highlighting the faults of our brothers we are going to focus on their good qualities.

I am very struck by what is mentioned at the end that says we are going to contribute to the brothers loving each other more and being better friends if we talk openly about their qualities. 

11. How can we restore peace when disagreements arise?

We must resolve any differences we have with other brothers within the congregation. And just like Paul we should focus on his good qualities, in this way we will foster peace and unity within our congregation.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

If we do it when we resolve any differences we have with our brothers and focus on the good qualities they have, we are precisely looking at the example of Paul and Barnabas, we also analyzed it in the assembly and we saw that they did everything possible to keep the peace, The Bible mentions that they went through many things together and although they had their moments of tension and came to discuss that peace that they maintained prevented their friendship from being broken, then in the same way, although it is difficult, we must also put into practice the biblical advice to reap peace and be an example to others.

This is recorded in the same chapter in which Paul and Barnabas sought guidance and went to Jerusalem, but in this same chapter at the end it says that there was this disagreement, circumstances can change but as we see what was the root of the friendship between Paul and Barnabas and it was very deep because after Paul was blind he tries to go to Jerusalem and he does not say that they do not receive him kindly But the one who treats him well is Barnabas and he brings him closer to the apostles,then it had a good start and sometimes remembering with friends that we have had some difference not everything is the difference we have lived pleasant moments they lived moments of very important missionary preaching and they concentrated on those qualities that they may have had how that beautiful friendship began and time later it is seen that both what was involved was solved and the congregation was left in peace because there was no longer a point to point out in this regard.

Yes brother also to recover peace we can remember the words of Ephesians 4:3 where it says that we do everything possible to maintain spiritual unity through the bond of peace, then we really have to demonstrate it just as Paul and Barnabas did they showed that they wanted peace in the congregation we will also show it in the same way if we look for a way to resolve this difficult situation.

Focus on their good qualities because that will allow us to make peace in the best way. 

PAUL STRENGTHENED THE FAITH OF HIS BROTHERS

12. What are some of the difficulties that our brothers face?

Some of our brothers have to put up with ridicule from non-witness family members or coworkers or schoolmates, others are very sick or dealing with hurt feelings, and some may have been baptized for many years and are still waiting for the end to come. All of these situations can test a Christian's faith.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Well, some brothers have to put up with the ridicule of family members who are not witnesses and co-workers, the young people at school, others are very sick, they are dealing with hurt feelings, and others may have been baptized for many years and may wonder how long it will last. to come the end and the new world, then these are things or situations that can test our faith.

13. How did Paul help those who were mocked for being Christians?

Certainly Paul's letter, which he wrote to the Hebrews, must have strengthened them a lot, since thanks to this letter those Christians could use Paul's powerful reasoning to leave those who criticized them without arguments.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Well, the apostle Paul used the scriptures that were available to him at that time to edify them and at that time logically the relatives could make some tell them that Judaism was above Christians, but Paul with his arguments and his reasoning it helped, for example I use Hebrews 1:5 and 6 where it was shown that Jehovah used Christ and that the other had already been left behind, but that would be one of the ways that they could strengthen and help them at that time.

ILLUSTRATION

A father discusses a jw.org article with his young daughter. The girl holds a Christmas postcard in her hands.

How can we imitate the apostle Paul and edify others? (See paragraph 13). *

14. What did Paul do even though he was very busy preaching and teaching?

Although Paul was very busy preaching and teaching when the Christians in Judea went through a time of famine, Paul was one of those in charge of bringing help to them. In fact, even though he was very busy, he was always looking for ways to help Christians who were poor, in this way he strengthened the brothers' confidence that Jehovah would take care of them.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

He was the first to encourage his brothers to show love by doing good deeds, he not only helped them with his words but also with actions, when the Christians of Judea went through a time of famine Paul was one of those who took charge to bring them breakfast.

He did not simply help them with the word or try to help them spiritually, but as Hebrews 10:24 says, he showed love and did good deeds with them as the little sister commented because in times of hunger he helped many people who were poor.

ILLUSTRATION

A married couple helps a sister and her little daughter after a devastating fire.

How can we imitate the apostle Paul and edify others? (See paragraph 14). *

15, 16. How should we treat those who have become spiritually weak?

Paul's example gives us an idea of ​​how we should treat those who have weakened spiritually, because Paul in his letter to the Hebrews many times spoke of us, not of you. This expression shows that he included himself in that he should also improve and apply the advice that he himself gave. This example teaches us that, like Paul, we do not consider lost those who have weakened in a spiritual sense, on the contrary, we show them our interest to build them up and thus confirm our love for them.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

And then, just like Paul, who did not consider lost those who had weakened in a spiritual sense, but on the contrary, he wrote them a letter and comforted them many times, speaking of us, not of you, to indicate that he also had to apply the advice he gave , then we must not consider lost those who have weakened in the written sense, otherwise we must show our interest to build them up and encourage them with love.

And Hebrews 2:1 invites us to pay more attention than usual, and in order to help another, probably the first thing we have to do is identify that they need help, so there are many recommendations in both paragraphs, but the first point that Paul encourages us it is to be attentive so that we do not give up on anyone, to observe who comes to the meetings how our brothers are, to be attentive to make a call later, this implies more than just having the desire to help them.

A nice suggestion is to ask them to tell us how they learned the truth to help them remember the times they saw the hand of the Lord, then we can take advantage of those opportunities to assure them of what Hebrews 6:10 says that the Lord has not forgotten the love they showed him for so long and that they do not continue to be forgotten, rather that Jehovah, just as he did not abandon them in the past, will not abandon them in the future, then these conversations can help us to awaken in our brothers the desire to continue serving Jehovah.

We can remember when Jesus Christ was in his ministry here on earth the monster qualities such as compassion spoke positively and was very affectionate and we remember Hebrews 13 especially in verse 6 mentioning to our brothers that Jehovah is our helper and that we should not being afraid that is a very positive way of embracing and strengthening them that they are not alone and we have to be very observant.

ILLUSTRATION

How can we imitate the apostle Paul and edify others? (See paragraphs 15 and 16). *

“KEEP ENCOURAGING EACH OTHER”

17. How can we become more efficient in the work of building others?

One way to do this is to strengthen our brothers so that they can withstand trials by telling them about the example of endurance of other servants of Jehovah and in this way we will promote peace by telling him good things that we see in others.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Practice will be important since this will help us to be more skillful and without a doubt this will help us so that our way of expressing ourselves comes out more naturally, not that it shows that we are trying to scold our brothers or rather impose opinions. we want our tone of voice and our talks to promote peace, just like the apostle Paul who always had a positive aspect to talk about the brothers and always strive to build the faith of our brothers in the faith.

Just as with the passage of time a worker becomes more skilled in construction, we can also become more efficient in the work of building others, strengthening our brothers and sisters, whether they are spiritually weak or not, so that they can withstand the harsh tests of this world.

18. What are you determined to do?

I find the illustration shown in the paragraph very interesting, since we see that a building deteriorates over time, but the results of our work can last forever. That is why I am determined to do my best to put into practice the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:11 where it mentions that we should keep encouraging one another and building one another up.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

I want to cooperate with the spiritual edification of my brothers, to think that I should pay more attention to the qualities and tell them their qualities and comment on their qualities as well.

I am particularly determined to do my best to put into practice all that we have learned today to foster peace in the congregation.

In that building it also made me think that I should continue to better use that tool that is encouragement and be continuous, that also implies that we must always be active, not be there static. 

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

How can you help others endure trials?

Well, one way is by sharing our own personal experiences or helping our brothers to meditate on examples of faith from both the past and the present, and that will help them realize that they are not alone, that just like them there is a great cloud of Witnesses. who also went through trials and with the help of Jehovah they were able to overcome them and in the same way if we trust in Jehovah and leave things in his hands we can all overcome them.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Like Paul, we have to be aware of the brothers who need a good word of encouragement and for this, we have a lot of information and we have many biographies of servants from the past and present that help us to be brave.

How can you promote peace?

We can foster peace by seeking guidance from the brothers Jehovah has appointed to care for the congregation.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Pablo left us a very good example when he ceded all his rights always to keep the peace and not trip anyone up and also one of the things that I liked the most is that he always focused on the good qualities of the brothers and the fact that they did not look for faults, which is something that seems to be the first thing we see the speck in the other's eye, always seeing those good qualities will make others see them too and that spirit of peace is greatly encouraged in the congregation.

Imitating Paul and supporting the congregation promoting peace as mentioned in Romans 14:19 to 21 instead of being a stumbling block we can promote peace in what ways, we do not fight for personal taste issues, do not impose our opinion but act with humility and the best of everything instead of highlighting the faults of the brothers, focus on their good qualities.

And we learned that the use of the regular channels that Jehovah had established to resolve matters in this case the apostles and the elders, in our case we also have regular channels that Jehovah has established for us, we have the elders and the publications of the faithful and prudent slave. 

How can you strengthen those who have weakened spiritually?

Not giving them up for lost but taking an interest in them confirming our love for them and talking with them about important biblical truths.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Showing them that we want to build them up, telling them how important they are to us and to Jehovah, and reminding them of all that Jehovah has done for them during their lives.

We can ask him to tell us how he learned the truth or help him remember times when he saw the hand of Jehovah.

Let us remember that the words we say to them are important, but so are the tenderness and affection with which we speak.

Yes, maybe it can help if we ask him to tell us how he knew the truth and on the occasions in which they have seen the hand of Jehovah and what Hebrews 6:10 says to remind them that Jehovah does not forget the work they did in the past and also something very important is not just saying it but the way we do it with tenderness and affection. 

Let us strengthen our brothers so that they can endure trials by telling them about the example of endurance of other servants of Jehovah.