Study of the Book of the congregation, Week of July 31 to August 6, 2023, Lesson 52, Why our way of grooming matters, Answers.

Study of the Book of the congregation, 31-July-6-August-2023, Lesson 52, Answers.

Congregation Bible study (30 min.): lff lesson 52.

1. What principles should influence how we groom ourselves?

Principles such as those that we extract from 1 Timothy 2:9,10, which teach us that our clothing and hairstyle must be appropriate and dignified so that beyond the particular taste of each one, avoid provocative and sexy styles, which can attract too much attention. attention to ourselves

Another principle that should influence our way of grooming is that of 1 Corinthians 10:31, which teaches us that everything we do should be done in a way that honors Jehovah. Consequently, our way of grooming ourselves, our clothes and hairstyle must demonstrate good judgment and good sense regarding fashion trends, since with our appearance we must reflect devotion to God and transmit to others the respect we feel for the only true God, Jehovah. 

2. What effect can our appearance have on other Christians?

With our appearance we can please or offend other Christians. Romans 15:1,2 teaches us that we should try to dress up in a way that is pleasing to others and avoid appearances that may unnecessarily offend them or make them feel inferior because of their own appearance. Although we have the right to choose what we wear, we must use that right well so that our appearance is not a problem for others.

3. How can our appearance encourage others to know Jehovah?

Titus 2:1 shows us that as long as we apply the related Biblical principles to our grooming, clothing and hairstyle, we can encourage people with our appearance to feel inclined to want to know Jehovah and respect his teachings. Hence, we must always wear the right clothes for each occasion. Especially when we preach and attend congregation meetings, as we don't want our appearance to negatively affect the important message we carry through preaching and Bible study. 

LET'S DEEPER INTO THE SUBJECT

Let's see how we can make sure that our clothing and grooming are appropriate for a Christian.

ILLUSTRATION

Two men standing before a judge. One is well dressed in a suit and tie, and the other is dressed too casually, with ripped pants and a backwards cap.

Our image can indicate whether we respect people in authority. Although it is true that Jehovah pays attention to the heart, our image should also indicate that we respect him.

4. A good appearance shows respect for Jehovah

What is the most important reason to worry about the image we give? Read Psalm 47:2 and discuss the following:

How should knowing that we represent Jehovah influence how we dress?

Psalm 47:2 teaches us how knowing that we respect Jehovah should influence our way of dressing. There it says that Jehovah is the most high and imposing king of all the Earth. Consequently, we, as his representatives, must say ourselves with dignity on all occasions. In the Illustration we see two people before a judge. One is appropriately dressed for the occasion, thereby showing that he respects the authority of the Judge. While the other man proves the opposite. Hence, Jehovah's Witnesses must take care of our image in order to indicate that we respect Jehovah and all that he represents.

Do you think it is reasonable to pay attention to how we manage to attend the meetings and participate in the preaching work? Why do you think so?

If it is reasonable. We have already learned that we must dress according to the occasion and the place. In the Illustration we see that someone who goes to a courtroom dresses correctly out of respect for the judge and other authorities, so with much more reason the servants of Jehovah must do so when we do not represent in preaching and when we visit his house to worship.

Another reason that makes us see that it is very reasonable to pay attention to our arrangement, we have it in Titus 2:10. There we are reminded that we are observers and that the way we dress and groom ourselves can influence the way people will react to the message we carry. It also teaches us that our appearance can encourage people to draw closer to Jehovah. So it is very reasonable to pay attention to how we arrange ourselves for the service and for the meetings.

5. How to choose our clothes well and our way of grooming ourselves

Watch the video.

VIDEO: “Do everything for the glory of God” (10:18)

It doesn't matter how much money our clothes cost. The important thing is that it is clean and that it is suitable for the occasion. Read 1 Corinthians 10:24 and 1 Timothy 2:9, 10. Then discuss why we would not wear clothes that are…

… too casual or sloppy.

We would not wear too casual or sloppy clothing so that no one has anything bad to say about us. Nor would we do it because we would not be setting a good example or representing Jehovah worthily. And not only would we avoid wearing these clothes for service and meetings, we would also avoid them in our daily lives, since we are Jehovah's Witnesses 24 hours a day.

Philippians 3:17 helps us avoid dressing too casually or sloppily. And if we have doubts about it, the text encourages us to observe how the spiritually mature brothers in the congregation manage. And another thing that we can do is perceive what the congregation thinks of the way in which we are managing in order to make the necessary changes.

…fitting, revealing or otherwise provocative.

We would not wear this type of clothing because we do not want to draw attention to ourselves and have it deviate from Jehovah and the message we carry. Also, 1 Timothy 2:9,10, We are taught that it is not appropriate and does not show good sense and judgment.

We would not use it because it would give the wrong impression of the kind of life Jehovah's Witnesses lead. Nor would we use it to avoid doing anything that will stumble others inside or outside the congregation, or so that no one can find fault with our ministry, as we have learned in 2 Corinthians 6:3.

We would not use it because as 2 Corinthians 6:3 says, we could make someone stumble by awakening their impure thoughts and desires, and thus we could offend the consciences of others. Without a doubt we must do the opposite, we must choose well what we are going to wear.

Numbers 15 39, teaches us that Jehovah gave the Israelites strict laws about how to dress, so that they would be different from the people of the nations that surrounded them. Today we are not under the Mosaic Law, but Jehovah's principles are eternal and universal to us. So we must apply it to our way of dressing and fixing ourselves so that our eyes are not negatively influenced by the fashions and trends of this world.

Although Christians no longer have to obey the Law given to Moses, this law gives us an idea of ​​what Jehovah thinks. Read Deuteronomy 22:5 and discuss the following:

Why isn't it okay to groom and dress so that a woman looks like a man or a man looks like a woman?

Deuteronomy 22:5, indicates that it is not right to do that, because Jehovah does not like the type of clothing that makes men feminine or that makes women look masculine. Nor is it the type of clothing that makes it difficult to distinguish between the two sexes, since that creates confusion regarding sexual identity and can lead to homosexuality. Hence, obeying principles like Deuteronomy 22:5 protects us against deceit and possible immorality.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:32, 33 and 1 John 2:15, 16, and discuss the following:

If our appearance makes people where we live or in the congregation uncomfortable, should that matter to us? Because?

1 Corinthians 10:32,33, teaches us that we should care a lot, because we do not want to make anyone stumble within the congregation or outside of it. And because we do not try to seek only our own benefit, but also the benefit of others so that many can be saved. 

What styles of clothing and ways of grooming are common where you live?

Nowadays, the use of frayed clothing is very widespread in women, with holes, transparencies and very tight that mark the intimate areas. In the case of men, ripped and frayed pants are also worn, some are extremely tight, and what can we say about fashion that reveals part of the underwear to demonstrate the designer's brand.

Do you think that some of those styles are not appropriate for a Christian? Why do you think so?

None of these styles is appropriate for a Christian, because they violate biblical principles, they do not give dignity or respect to Jehovah, because they draw too much attention to the person who does not wear it, either because it is very informal and careless or because it is very revealing. and provocative. As we saw in the video, Christians can dress and groom ourselves in many ways, but as long as it is in a way that pleases Jehovah. An example of this, we have it in the Illustration

ILLUSTRATION

We can dress and groom ourselves in many ways and still please Jehovah. Men and women of different ages, races, and nationalities dressed up in proper styles for a Christian. They wear their hair in different ways and wear a variety of clothing styles.

WHAT SOME SAY: “I wear what I want”.

Do you agree with that way of thinking? Because?

No, because as we have learned we harm ourselves and we can also make others stumble inside or outside the congregation. Furthermore, some may imitate us, some may criticize us, some may reject the message we carry, and some may get the wrong idea of ​​the kind of life Jehovah's Witnesses lead. Also, we could hurt the consciences of others or incite someone to immorality. But above all, because we do not want to disrespect Jehovah and his fair standards or dishonor the privilege of bearing his holy name.

When we choose the way we dress and groom ourselves well, we show that we respect Jehovah and others.

SUMMARY

When we choose the way we dress and groom ourselves well, we show that we respect Jehovah and others.

Review

Why does Jehovah care about our grooming?

He cares because how we look says a lot about us and the God we represent, since people get an idea from what they see. He also cares because he wants people to be attracted to the message we carry and to recognize us as his servants so that we can give him honor and glory.

What are some of the principles that should influence how we groom ourselves?

Some are Deuteronomy 22:5 that help us avoid appearing to be the opposite sex from who we really are.

Philippians 2:4 encourages us to think about the effect our clothes have on others.

1 Corinthians 10:32,33 makes us see the importance of taking into account the consciences of others, whether they are brothers or not.

1 Timothy 2:9,10 Invites us to show good judgment and good judgment when it comes to our personal grooming.

2 Corinthians 6:3 teaches us that we should not make anyone stumble.

Philippians 3:17 warns us that our way of dressing does not divert attention from the message we carry.

Can our appearance influence what others think of true worship? How?

Of course, it can undoubtedly influence for good or bad. From there, we must be obedient to the biblical principles related to this matter, since our way of dressing and grooming ourselves must lead people to conclude that we are children of Jehovah and that we live in accordance with the biblical principles and their fair norms, that our worship is pure in every way and that we are not focused on our appearance, but on the message we carry.