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Congregation Bible study (30 mins.): bt chap. 2 paras. 16-23.
“Indicate which one […] you have chosen” (Acts 1:13-26)
16-18. a) What details does Acts 1:13, 14 teach us about Christian meetings?
It teaches us what Christian meetings were like at that time. We can notice that they met in the upstairs room of a house, surely a simple and functional place. And in verse 14 we see that they all persevered in prayer, both men and women being there.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
These Meetings involved perseverance in prayer, suggesting a focus on worship and seeking Divine guidance.
While gathered there, they waited in expectation for the coming of the Holy Spirit, following the instructions of Jesus. Furthermore, as we see, these places served the purpose of meeting and talking about topics of worship.
16-18. b) What do we learn from the example of Jesus' mother?
We learn how good it is to develop the quality of humility, since the image we are left with is that of Acts 1:14, serving God together with our brothers without believing ourselves to be more important than them.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
What we learn from the example of Jesus' mother, Mary, is that although she had a special relationship with Jesus as his mother, the text does not show that she had more importance, but rather that she humbly participated in this meeting, without seeking prominence or perhaps some special recognition due to being a family member of Jesus.
This is a beautiful example of how we should serve God with humility and without seeking recognition or special position. Furthermore, we must remember that although Jesus' mother was an important figure in Jesus' life, she did not consider herself superior to her other disciples, and she demonstrated this by joining them in prayer and worship of God.
The example of Jesus' mother, Mary, highlights humility and willingness to serve in the worship of Jehovah. Despite her unique relationship with Jesus, she joins other believers without arrogance. This attitude shows the importance of letting go of any sense of superiority in worship and focusing on service and humility. The object lesson is that authentic worship is built on a foundation of humility and equality among worshipers.
It also shows us the importance of continuing to invite our non-believing relatives to meetings, since the text shows that Mary is with four of her children, who did not accept the truth while Jesus was on earth.
16-18. c) Why are our meetings essential?
Because in them we worship our father, Jehovah, and our prayers and songs make him very happy and are essential for us. Therefore, meetings are sacred and uplifting.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
According to Hebrews 10:24, 25, our meetings are essential because they help spur us on to love and works, and allow us to encourage each other in faith. Additionally, in our meetings we learn more about the word of God and receive advice and help from other brothers in the faith. It is also important to note that our prayers and songs in meetings are essential to worship our father Jehovah, and make him happy.
Meetings are fundamental in the life of Jehovah's servants and one of the reasons is shown in Acts chapter 1 verse 14, there we see that the disciples of Jesus met with a common purpose which was to persevere in prayer. So today, meetings provide us with a space to pray and worship Jehovah in unity.
Meetings, According to Acts 1 14, are essential because they serve as a means to persevere in prayer and maintain a common goal. Corporate worship provides a space where believers can encourage each other, learn, receive advice, and, above all, worship God in a unified way. The practical lesson is that our meetings not only strengthen our connection with God, but also our collaboration with our brothers.
These meetings are also beneficial because, it is there where we will find encouragement and strength, as the text mentions, We encourage each other, that is why when we go to the meeting we must participate in them, already through our comments. or mentioning some experience or some very encouraging Biblical text, since in this way we fulfill the purpose of the meeting.
19-21. a) What do we learn from Jehovah's continued use of Peter?
We learn that Jehovah is good and willing to forgive me, if we repent from the heart, and as Psalm 86:5 shows, His Loyal love for all who love Him is immense.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In Acts 1:15-26, we see that even though Peter had denied his lord a week earlier, Jehovah continued to use him to lead the disciples and make important decisions. This teaches us that Jehovah is merciful and forgives our mistakes if we repent and move forward in faith. It also shows us that Jehovah can use imperfect people to carry out his will and purpose.
The fact that Jehovah continued to use Peter despite his mistakes is a great lesson that he leaves us today, since each of us about God's mercy and forgiveness, Since despite our failures and weaknesses, And weaknesses. Our compassionate God is willing to forgive us, and Peter's story helps us be firmly convinced that Jehovah will genuinely forgive us.
We learn of Jehovah's mercy in continuing to use Peter even though Peter denied him three times. This act of continuity in service despite past mistakes demonstrates Jehovah's patience and willingness to forgive and restore those who sincerely repent.
What happened to Peter shows us that Jehovah can help us overcome failures and continue serving him with courage and faith.
19-21. b) Why did Judas have to be replaced?
Judas had to be replaced for two important reasons, and one of these is that Peter recognized that in the Old Testament scriptures, specifically in Psalm 109:8, the vacancy of Judas' position had been prophesied and this prophecy showed that someone was going. to occupy the place left by Judas, who had betrayed Jesus.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Peter understood that it was necessary to look for someone who had accompanied Jesus throughout his ministry and had witnessed his resurrection, to take his place as an apostle.
The need to replace Judas is based on the principle of maintaining the organizational structure established by Jesus. Matthew's selection, through prayer, reflects the search for Divine guidance in making important decisions. This way of approaching the problem demonstrates the importance of prayer and dependence on God when making crucial decisions. The practical lesson is that, in the Christian organization, prayer and trust in God must be fundamental when addressing critical issues.
19-21. What does the way this matter was handled teach us?
This teaches us the importance of maintaining proper organization and structure in the Christian congregation and making important decisions wisely and guided by the spirit.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It also shows us that Jehovah follows or has a purpose and plan for his people and that he can use difficult circumstances to carry out his will.
It teaches us that when we must make a very important decision, it is best to ask Jehovah to guide us. We see in Acts 1:23 that the apostles asked God to tell them who he has chosen to replace Judas.
What we learn is that, throughout history, ways of making decisions have evolved, moving from common methods such as casting lots as we see in Proverbs 16:33 to seeking divine guidance through prayer and trust in God. will of Jehovah. In fact, this is what the apostles did when they asked Jehovah to choose who would replace Judas, and who came out was Matthias.
Something that we learn on this occasion from what the apostles did is that they wanted Jehovah to choose who would occupy, since in their prayer they mention that he knew the hearts and it could be that by casting lots the lot would fall on the one Jehovah had chosen. . Furthermore, we see that the Bible mentions casting lots as the last time this was done, thus showing that the apostles later depended more on Jehovah's holy spirit to make decisions within the congregation.
Apparently, Jehovah wanted the 12 apostles who had followed Jesus during his ministry to be the 12 stones that would serve as the foundation for the new Jerusalem, so the apostles did well to leave the decision to Jehovah, and thus Matthias was chosen, since who was probably one of the 70 disciples that Jesus sent to preach.
22, 23. Why should we accept the authority of Christian overseers and obey their instructions?
As we have studied we see that Jehovah's organization has always been organized, so we must accept the authority of the Christian overseers, because in this way we accept the direction that Jehovah is giving to each of us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We must accept the authority of Christian overseers and obey their instructions, because they have been appointed by holy spirit and meet the biblical requirements to occupy that position of responsibility in the Christian congregation.
The body of elders, before recommending their appointment, seek divine guidance and ensure that they meet biblical requirements. By recognizing this spiritual designation, a spirit of collaboration is fostered in the congregation, promoting unity and harmony among members.
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