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Congregation Bible study (30 mins.): lff lesson 59 points 1-5
1. Why are we not surprised that they persecute us?
We are not surprised because the Bible warns us that those who wish to live in devotion to God will face difficulties and opposition. Furthermore, Jesus himself was persecuted due to his separation from Satan's world, and those who follow his teachings can expect challenges similar to those Jesus faced.
The reason why we are not surprised that he does not pursue is based on the teaching of the Bible, specifically in verse such as 2 Timothy 3:12 and John 15 18 and 19 in the mentioned texts, we are reminded that those who desire to live devoutly to God in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Jesus was persecuted in his time, because he was not part of Satan's world. And as Followers of Christ we also consider ourselves not to be part of this evil world, therefore we are not surprised that governments and religious organizations of this world persecute us, since this is in line with biblical teaching and the experience of Jesus.
2. How can we prepare for persecution?
To prepare for persecution, we are encouraged to strengthen our relationship with God through prayer, reading the Bible, and attending meetings. We do this in order to have the strength to face possible challenges and persecutions, even if they come from members of our own family.
Something that helps us be braver is to preach regularly. Preaching teaches us to trust in Jehovah and overcome fear of human beings. If we now fill ourselves with courage we will be well prepared to continue preaching, even if the government wants to stop our work. So to prepare for persecution, it is essential to strengthen our trust in Jehovah. This is achieved by setting aside time daily to pray and read God's word, because it allows us to strengthen our relationship with Jehovah and increase our trust in him.
Regular preaching can strengthen our confidence in Jehovah and overcome fear of the human position. This way we fill ourselves with courage and confidence, one will be better prepared to continue preaching, even in situations where the government or authorities try to stop our activity.
This will give us the spiritual strength necessary to face persecution with courage, in addition to attendance at the Congregation Meetings. Participating in it strengthens us spiritually and keeps our faith firm. Thus, by sharing our faith with others, we strengthen our relationship with Jehovah and prepare us to continue preaching even in situations of persecution. And mainly remember the example of the apostle Paul who faced persecution in his life, so this strengthens our determination.
3. Does enduring persecution benefit us in any way?
Facing persecution can test a person's faith, and overcoming it will strengthen their trust in God and his teachings. Overcoming difficulties and challenges can lead us to become stronger to endure and have a stronger faith.
Enduring persecution benefits us, as it strengthens our faith, brings us closer to Jehovah, and allows us to see Jehovah's promises fulfilled, including being able to live forever, if we endure to the end.
LET'S DEEPER INTO THE TOPIC
4. You can withstand opposition from family members
Jesus was realistic and said that some of our relatives might be against our worshiping Jehovah. Read Matthew 10:34-36 and discuss the following:
When someone decides to serve Jehovah, how might his or her family react?
Family reaction to someone's decision to serve Jehovah or follow the Christian faith can vary widely. Some families may support and respect the religious choice of their members, while in other cases they may have difficulty accepting it and may experience conflict. And this can depend on factors such as culture, the family's previous religion and personal beliefs.
The passage from Matthew 10:34-36 shows that when deciding to serve Jehovah, this can cause divisions and tensions in the family, as some members may react negatively or adversely, those who decide to serve Jehovah may face challenges and difficulties. , including the lack of support from his family.
To meet some people who went through this, watch the VIDEO. Then talk about the following:
VIDEO: Jehovah has taken care of us (5:13)
What would you do if a family member or friend tried to convince you to stop serving Jehovah?
Well, it is better to listen carefully to the concerns and reasons of our family or friends, that way we can understand their points of view and feelings. Respecting their opinions can help keep communication open. Then we can try to show you how studying the Bible has helped us.
Although they may do so with good intentions depending on their point of view, if we love Jehovah, that love will be greater and will help us to be firm with our decisions. We must not allow them to change our minds.
If we feel it is appropriate, we can explain our own religious beliefs and the reasons why we have chosen to serve Jehovah. Since communicating our motivations calmly and clearly can help the other person understand our perspective.
Read Psalm 27:10 and Mark 10:29, 30. After reading each text, talk about the following:
How can this promise help you face opposition from family or friends?
This biblical promise can help us maintain our faith and loyalty to Jehovah despite the opposition of our loved ones, as it reminds us that God is willing to receive us and reward us spiritually for our faithfulness. This also gives us comfort and strength, knowing that we are not alone in difficult times.
This promise suggests that even if loved ones abandon us, Jehovah will be by our side, this can strengthen faith and confidence that no matter what happens, we will always have divine support, and we can face challenges with serenity knowing that we are not alone. , this promise also highlights that the sacrifices made by following Jesus and by faith will be richly rewarded, both now and in the future. This can provide comfort and motivation to those facing opposition from loved ones.
5. May persecution not prevent you from continuing to worship Jehovah
We must be brave to serve Jehovah when others try to prevent us. Watch the VIDEO and talk about the following:
VIDEO: Brave in the face of persecution (6:27)
What details from the video give you strength to be brave?
A detail is seeing brothers who bravely face persecution and maintain their faith in difficult times, this is inspiring for each of us. This shows that it is possible to remain firm in one's beliefs even in adverse circumstances.
Another detail is the love for the truth and the show of firm faith, they can be a powerful engine for courage. For when one deeply values one's relationship with Jehovah, one may be willing to face challenges and persecution in order to maintain one's relationship with Jehovah.
Also another detail is the testimony of how Jehovah has helped people endure persecution can instill hope and confidence in God that he will also be present in difficult times.
Details such as the fact that many of our brothers have had to go through difficult situations such as opposition, and yet they have trusted in Jehovah and have been able to find peace of mind despite what they have experienced. See how they have taken advantage of the circumstances to bear witness to Jehovah and have learned to be brave and this has allowed them to leave fear behind because they feel and trust that Jehovah is with them. This helps us develop trust in Jehovah. If we do this, like our brothers, we will also be able to gain courage and confidence that Jehovah will give us the strength to endure, and at the same time be able to leave a good message that awakens interest in others to know Jehovah.
Read Acts 5:27-29 and Hebrews 10:24, 25. After reading each text, discuss the following:
Why is it extremely important that we continue serving Jehovah even if the authorities prohibit us from preaching or meeting?
The passage from Acts 5:27-29 illustrates that the apostles refused to stop preaching despite the opposition of the authorities, because they considered that obeying God took priority over obeying human commands. This teaching emphasizes the importance of following our convictions and obeying God, even if he faces prohibition from the authorities.
Hebrews 10:24 and 25 emphasizes the importance of meeting regularly with the congregation, to encourage each other and strengthen faith. Despite the restrictions imposed by the authorities. The importance of maintaining the union between brothers keeps us strong in the face of difficulties.
When we are prohibited from preaching or meeting, it is important to continue obeying Jehovah, because he promises us that if we do so he will not leave us, he will support us. On the other hand, he deserves our obedience, for being the almighty, and as a sister mentioned in the video, Jehovah can become whatever he wants because of his Name.
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