DAILY TEXT, Today Wednesday November 2, Paul reasoned with them using the Scriptures, explaining and proving with references (Acts 17:2, 3).

DAILY TEXT, Tuesday November 1,  Paul reasoned with them using the Scriptures, explaining and proving with references (Acts 17:2, 3).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022

Wednesday, November 2

Paul reasoned with them using the Scriptures, explaining and proving by reference (Acts 17:2, 3).

First-century disciples accepted Christian teachings and sought the help of the holy spirit to understand God's Word. They investigated to make sure such teachings were based on the Scriptures (Acts 17:11, 12; Heb. 5:14). Their faith was not based on feelings and emotions alone, and they were not serving Jehovah just because they enjoyed being with other Christians. Rather, they based their faith on “the exact knowledge of God” (Col. 1:9, 10). The truths of God's Word never change (Ps. 119:160). For example, they do not change if a brother offends us or commits a serious sin. And they don't change when we have problems either. So we must thoroughly know the biblical teachings and be convinced that they are true. Just as an anchor keeps a ship afloat during a storm, our faith based on biblical truths will sustain us in difficult times. w20.07 9 paras. 6, 7.8. 

According to 2 Timothy 3:14, 15, how did Timothy become convinced that he had the truth?

Timothy was sure he had the truth. How did he come to that conclusion? (Read 2 Timothy 3:14, 15). His mother and his grandmother were the first to teach him "the holy writings." But no doubt he himself devoted his time and energy to studying them. As a result, he became convinced that the truth was found in them. Then he, his mother and his grandmother learned the Christian teachings. No doubt he was impressed by the love shown by Jesus' disciples, and he had a sincere desire to be with his godbrothers and care for them (Phil. 2:19, 20). But his faith was not based on what he felt for others, but on facts that strengthened his friendship with God. We too must study what the Bible says about Jehovah and reason to reach logical conclusions.

Of what three fundamental truths must we convince ourselves?

To begin, we must convince ourselves of at least three fundamental truths. First, that Jehovah is the Creator of all things (Ex. 3:14, 15; Heb. 3:4; Rev. 4:11). Second, that the Bible contains God's message to mankind (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). And, third, that Jehovah has an organized group of people who worship him under the guidance of Christ: Jehovah's Witnesses (Isa. 43:10-12; John 14:6; Acts 15:14). To convince ourselves of these foundational truths, we don't have to be a walking encyclopedia of biblical knowledge. Our goal should be to use our "ability to reason" to be more convinced that we have the truth (Rom. 12:1).

Besides knowing the truth, what should we be able to do?

Once we are clear about these fundamental truths about Jehovah, the Bible, and God's people, we should be able to use the Scriptures to demonstrate them to others. Why? Because Christians have a responsibility to teach the truths we learn to those who will listen (1 Tim. 4:16).b And, when we try to convince others that the Bible teaches the truth, our own faith is strengthened.

What example did Paul set for us in teaching others?

When the apostle Paul taught others, he tried to “convince them to accept Jesus using the Law of Moses and the Prophets” (Acts 28:23). How can we follow his example in teaching someone the truth of the Bible? Let us not limit ourselves to repeating facts from memory. We must help him to reason about what he learns, for he will draw closer to Jehovah. We don't want him to accept the truth because he admires us, but because he has convinced himself that what he has learned about our loving God is true.

What can parents do to help their children stay true?

Parents, you certainly want your children to stay true. They may think that if they have good friends in the congregation, their faith will become strong. Now, for your children to be convinced that they have the truth, they need more than just good friends. They need to have a personal friendship with God and to be sure that the Bible contains the truth.

If you want to teach your children the truth about God, you must set an example by being good Bible students. Take time to reflect on what you study. Then, they will be able to teach their children to do the same. Show them how to use our study tools, just like you do with your Bible students. In this way, they will help their children to love Jehovah and trust in the means he uses to give us spiritual food: “the faithful and wise slave” (Matt. 24:45-47). Don't just teach them the fundamental truths of the Bible. Help them to know “the deep things of God” taking into account their age and his ability, and thus they will come to have a strong faith (1 Cor. 2:10).