Congregation Book Study, Week of June 5-11, 2023, Review | Section 3, Answers.

Congregation Book Study, 5-11-June-2023, Review | Section 3, Answers.

Congregation Bible study (30 min.): lff section 3 review.

Discuss the following questions with your teacher:

Read Proverbs 27:11.

Why do you want to be loyal to Jehovah?

Because when we obey him and make wise decisions, and best of all, in this way we respond to the challenge that Satan has imposed on Jehovah.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

I want to be Loyal to Jehovah because I love him and because I want to demonstrate my loyalty by supporting the legitimacy and justice of his universal sovereignty, AND also to disprove Satan's slander that humans serve God only for self-interest. In this way, as Proverb 27:11 shows, Jehovah will not only be able to answer Satan's taunted challenge but also prove that he is a liar.

It is mentioned, it makes my heart happy, so the student, as he has progressed in his study, has to learn to love Jehovah and that love drives him to be loyal to Jehovah.

And through loyalty I can prove that Satan's claim that each human only thinks of himself is a lie.

It is also a way of showing Jehovah that we love him.

He also mentioned that the love we have for Jehovah will encourage us to talk about our faith to others even if it is not easy and above all our loyalty will motivate us even in difficult situations to see what Jehovah thinks and does what he wants.

(See lesson 34).

How can you make good decisions when the Bible does not give a specific mandate?

What we must do in these cases is train our conscience, in order to make a decision that pleases Jehovah, since conscience is like a map that can help us to know where to go in life, we must also ask Jehovah to help us decide what to do, look for information about it and think about what this decision can cause both in us and in others.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

That can be a difficulty so we have to pray to Jehovah to help us in this situation, we can look for information in the society's literature on similar cases and surely we will find something and when we make our decision we have to think about the effect that it will give our conduct in our conscience and also in the conscience of the brothers.

Well, in the Bible we can find biblical principles that can help us make good decisions, if we base ourselves on them it is how to let ourselves be guided by a map to guide our way and then if we discover through our reading stories that these principles can give us, we will to perceive what Jehovah thinks about the matter and so we will be able to make good decisions that please him.

Our conscience has to be well educated to be able to make good decisions and for example this lesson 35 talks about the biblical principles that guide us in life, for example in the Bible Jehovah does not tell us not to smoke but he does tell us not to pollute our body, then if our conscience is well educated we will know what is correct.

And also the book of Hebrews 5:14 mentions solid food that is for mature people, so it is important to have this solid food, deep knowledge and this will give us the ability to discern what is good and what is bad and also be able to distinguish the wrong principles. only the laws directly. 

(See lesson 35).

What can you do to be honest in everything?

To be honest in everything, I have to always tell the truth, as Zechariah 8:16-17 shows. Therefore, I will not lie or give misleading information to relatives, co-workers, authorities or brothers in the congregation. I will also pay my taxes without cheating. And as Hebrews 13:18 says, I will apply honesty in all fields of my life so as not to steal, cheat, lie or commit fraud or any crime of corruption.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Keep in mind that Jehovah knows our thoughts, our actions and if we want to be honest we have to love him and respect his rules and his law.

Always tell the truth keep the promise you make and Jehovah will bless you.

That we have to be honest in small things so that later in big things the same too. 

(See lesson 36).

Read Matthew 6:33.

How can you continue to “seek first the Kingdom” in matters related to work and money?

I can do this by keeping a balanced perspective focused on spiritual priorities and serving Jehovah, while being prudent and diligent in managing material resources and time devoted to work. From there, I avoided unnecessary or excessive debts, and I strive to live modestly and simply, also avoiding jobs that interfere with my service to Jehovah, that steal a lot of my time, or that go against Biblical laws and principles.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We know very well that money and work are very necessary but this cannot affect our service to Jehovah, that is why we have to keep work in its place and be satisfied with what we have since it is impossible to focus on two things at once. time, so let's not allow material things to distract us and serve Jehovah with all our souls.

The brothers are also generous and willing to share helping another brother who is in need. 

Another way to continue seeking the kingdom first in matters related to work and money is to use that resource to contribute generously to the work of the kingdom and to support brothers and neighbors in general according to my possibilities and circumstances.

(See lesson 37).

How can you show that you value life as much as Jehovah?

I demonstrate it by considering human life as something sacred and a gift or where it leaves from Jehovah. I also show it by respecting my life and the lives of others by treating them with love and passion avoiding causing them any harm. From there, I have seen violence and destructive behaviors such as smoking, excessive drinking, drug use or anything else that contaminates or damages my body and that by extension can harm those close to me.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Another way to demonstrate it is by promoting life in all its forms. From there, I do not practice extreme or risky sports, I am responsible for the use and preventive maintenance of the vehicle, electrical appliances and power tools. We also demonstrate this by obeying Jehovah's laws that protect unborn babies and pregnant women, among other protective laws, and I do nothing that puts my physical safety or the safety of others at risk.

Taking care of our health, monitoring safety at home when driving or passenger, respecting the life of an unborn baby.

Psalms says that Jehovah is the source of life, that is, by saying that it means that he values ​​our life and all people very much, so how should we see the Christian and show that we value, as well as Jehovah, one way would be, for example, to be cautious not because of the danger to our lives or if we drive to see that the car has no problems for us to have serious problems or cause problems or damage to another person, that is, we show that we value life as Jehovah values.

(See lesson 38).

Read Acts 15:29.

If you want to obey God's law about blood, what should you do?

I must avoid any inappropriate use of blood.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

According to Acts 15:29, if I want to obey Jehovah's law on blood, I must refrain from receiving transfusions of whole blood or one or more of its four main components, and rather in cases of medical necessity or eventuality, I must use of the medical alternatives that are available and that do not involve the use of blood.

The verse says abstain from blood also the blood of strangled animals.

Another thing I must do to obey Jehovah's law on blood is to take steps to prevent blood loss. Therefore, the practice of extreme or risky sports is not recommended. Rather, a healthy lifestyle should be followed to strengthen the immune system and prevent disease, and in unavoidable cases of surgery, opt for those that minimize blood loss. Great care should also be taken to avoid any kind of accidents.

Also to obey God's law on blood, we must take into account that Jehovah also commanded us not to eat or drink anything that contains blood, nor where blood has been used as a binder. Similarly, meat from strangled animals or animals that have not been properly bled should not be consumed.

In addition, another way to obey Jehovah's law on blood is by being careful with the use of cosmetic products and treatments or medical procedures that currently exist that contain main components of blood, or where it is the patient's own.

For example, also for some doctors the four main components of blood are already fractions for him, therefore we have to know how to explain our personal decision not to accept whole blood transfusions of red white blood cells, platelets and plasma.

Do you think what Jehovah asks is reasonable?

Of course it is reasonable. Jehovah teaches us that life is Sacred and as blood presents life and we must respect it and respect the laws on its use, just as Jehovah has commanded us. It is also reasonable because the laws on blood protect our health and well-being, since through transfusions or by eating or drinking blood there is a risk of contagion of diseases and of suffering allergic reactions or side effects. So it's not just a matter of obedience, it's also a matter of health and life protection.

It is certainly reasonable to follow Jehovah's teachings regarding the sanctification of life and respect for the laws related to the use of blood. These teachings are intended to protect our health and well-being, since the use of blood transfusions or the consumption of blood carries risks of disease and possible allergic reactions or side effects. Therefore, it is not only about obeying, but also about safeguarding our health and life.

(See lesson 39).

Read 2 Corinthians 7:1.

What does it mean to be clean physically and morally?

Being physically clean means leading a healthy lifestyle that avoids anything that pollutes or harms the body such as excessive eating or drinking, smoking, drug use, drug abuse AND anything else that causes addiction. It also means collaborating with the cleaning of the Kingdom hall, having good personal hygiene and all our things. such as clothing, footwear, our house, the vehicle and the things we use in the Field Ministry.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Chapter 40 speaks in a physical sense, it speaks from taking a bath, keeping the house tidy and clean, and everything one has as a vehicle, and in a moral sense, it is taking care of our minds and our hearts, also with what we see and what we hear.

In this way, it also tells us what we must avoid to contaminate ourselves because in first Corinthians 7:1 it says that we cleanse ourselves of everything that contaminates the body and spirit, therefore we also have to avoid those things that would contaminate us or hinder our relationship with our creator Jehovah.

And being clean in a moral sense means avoiding anything that dirtyes or contaminates our feelings, thoughts and intentions of the heart. Such as masturbation, pornography, adultery, fornication or any dirty habit within the sexual relations of marriage. It also means avoiding impure thoughts, undue sexual desires, and manifestations of envy, greed, pride, among others.

(See lesson 40).

Read 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.

What does the Bible say about sex? Do you agree with that?

It is a special gift from Jehovah but it is reserved only between two people who are married.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In 1 Corinthians 6:9,10, the Bible specifically mentions certain behaviors that should not be practiced by Christians. In these verses the apostle Paul lists a series of sinful behaviors that we should all avoid. Such as sexual immorality, homosexuality, adultery, fornication, among others. On the other hand, the Bible teaches the importance of sexual purity, fidelity, and mutual respect in marriage and in sexual relationships.

Those questions, how do you agree and also, above, do you think that what Jehovah asks is reasonable? Those questions are very good for our students because at this moment they can say that it is in their heart and if they do not agree, they will say something and that This is how we know that we can review some points, perhaps because what Jehovah asks of us is always for our own good. 

Yes I agree, because 1 Corinthians 6:9,10, It does not make specific reference to the sexual act itself, but it does mention sexual immorality as a behavior that should not be practiced. Also, it is important to note that the Bible teaches that sex is a blessing from Jehovah within a marriage between a man and a woman. Therefore, it must be enjoyed only within that context as Genesis 2:24 and Hebrews 13:4 teach.

What does the Bible say about alcoholic beverages?

About alcoholic beverages, the Bible does not say that it is bad to drink them, as long as it is done in moderation. In fact, the Bible includes wine among the gifts that Jehovah has given us as shown in Psalms 104:14,15. The Bible even speaks of men and women who drank alcoholic beverages and also mentions the medicinal use given to wine. But on the other hand, the Bible in 1 Corinthians 6:10, warns that drunkenness is a serious sin and that drunkards will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The Bible does not say that drinking alcohol is bad but it does not say that we have to drink excessively since for man, wine makes the heart of man happy.

Although the Bible does not say that consuming alcoholic beverages is bad, it does strongly condemn excessive drinking because this clouds judgment and one can sin with words and actions. Also because it is harmful to health and a bad example for others. Hence, the Bible encourages us to be responsible and moderate in the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

He advises us to also respect when another person decides not to drink any kind of drink and to do so with balance in order to honor Jehovah.

(See Lessons 41 and 43.)

Read Matthew 19:4-6, 9.

What are Jehovah's regulations on marriage?

In Matthew 19:4-6,9 Jesus makes it very clear what Jehovah's rules on marriage are. There we see that marriage should be the union of a man and a woman until death do them part. It is also clear that Christians should only marry in the Lord. That is, we must only marry a person who has the same beliefs as us, in order to avoid an unequal yoke that makes both spouses suffer.

Marriage is a very serious commitment that is valid for a lifetime, and it only breaks marriage commitments if one commits adultery, the other is released from their marriage commitment.

Why must both marriages and divorces be legally registered?

Marriages must be legally registered, because Jehovah commands to obey the authorities. So getting married legally is a demonstration of respect for the laws that regulate marriage, for the authorities that Jehovah has designated, and mainly for Jehovah. On the other hand, the legal registration of marriage provides legal protection to the couple and their descendants in matters such as inheritance, assets, social security and tax benefits. It must also be taken into account that in some countries marriage is only recognized if has been legally registered.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

To comply with the law of Caesar as Jesus said, then if in a country it is part of the law to register your marriage legalize it before the laws we do it, then it is a mandate from Jehovah to respect the authorities.

Regarding divorce, this must also be legally registered because it is a protection for the spouses and their descendants, since it allows to officially establish the dissolution of the marriage, define child custody agreements, the division of assets and obligations financial, as well as obtaining some tax benefits.

(See lesson 42).

What are some festivals and celebrations that Jehovah does not accept? Because?

Some parties and celebrations that Jehovah does not accept are those where there is excessive drinking, where human beings are always honored, where political ideologies and social movements are promoted, those that have to do with the symbols, dates and heroes of the homeland or with rulers or public figures, those in which Jehovah and his just rules are disrespected, and those where people get out of control and commit immoral acts.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Some of these parties and celebrations are birthdays, Christmas, New Year, Three Kings, carnivals, the celebration of the Independence Day of a country, the Day of the Dead, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Worker's Day. or of some virgin or saint that is usually celebrated.

Jehovah does not accept many celebrations and parties because they have pagan roots, they are based on teachings that the Bible does not support, since they have to do with false religions or the occult. He also does not accept those that promote the belief in the immortality of the soul, those that are related to luck, politics, nationalism, superstitions and popular traditions.

Jehovah does not accept pagan festivals based on false teachings and that the Bible does not support or false religious celebrations related to the occult that promote the belief that the soul is immortal.

(See lesson 44).

Read John 17:16 and Acts 5:29.

How can you show that you are neutral?

As Jesus teaches in John 17:16, I can demonstrate my neutrality by not participating in politics or wars, refusing to perform military service and military training, respecting the patriotic symbols but without paying honors or worship, not being in favor or against any party or political figure, avoiding the fanaticism that sports events and competitions can generate, by not allowing myself to be influenced by the opinions of others or by the media, among others.

We do not get involved in anything that has to do with politics, for which we do not go to war, we do not honor any patriotic symbol and we are not for or against any political party.

What would you do if a human law contradicts God's law?

Acts 5:29, teaches me that in the event that a human law contradicts a law of Jehovah, I must obey God before men. So if I find myself in this situation, I would obey Jehovah. Although that does not mean only disobeying, but also going against the authorities, human laws and social norms.

We follow the example of facts 5:29 that we obey Jehovah rather than men, for example in case the government of our country says it should not preach and we have to think that it is already against Jehovah's law, then we obey Jehovah more than men.

(See lesson 45).

Read Mark 12:30.

What will you do to show that you love Jehovah?

To show Jehovah that I love him, I will continue studying the Bible in depth to get to know him better every day and also to better understand his will and thus be able to fully comply with his commandments. I will continue to pray regularly and trust him at all times. I will tell others about my faith by preaching and teaching the Bible, I will attend meetings. I will take this into account before making my decisions and, of course, I will maintain an upright conduct that honors him and reflects my love for him and for my neighbor, and I will strive to do my best in the Ministry throughout my life.

Those sections were designed to invite us to dedicate ourselves and be baptized, so to understand well what Jehovah expects of us is to make changes in our lives without waiting for the perfect moment but understanding that it has to come from the bottom of our being, be it through actions or under prayer. 

(See Lessons 46 and 47.)