Watchtower Study, Young Man, What Do You Want Your Life to Be Like?, Week of November 13-19, 2023, Comments and Practical Responses.

Watchtower Study, Young Man, what do you want your life to be like?, November 13-19, 2023, Comments and Responses.

“Discernment will protect you” (PROV. 2:11).

1. What did Jehoash, Uzziah and Josiah face?

They faced the difficult task of being king of God's people when they were very young. Although their situation was very complicated, they had the help they needed to overcome difficulties and use their lives well in favor of the people whom each of them individually reigned

All of these characters were faced with very great responsibilities, for example they had to reign at a young age, which meant leading a people and maintaining their loyalty to Jehovah, and at the same time dealing with difficulties.

2. Why is it good to study the stories of Jehoash, Uzziah and Josiah?

It is good to study their stories because it teaches us the importance of choosing friends well even within the people of God, and to always be humble and constantly seek Jehovah's guidance.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The stories of Jehoash, Uzziah, and Josiah offer practical and spiritual lessons that can be applied in our daily lives, helping us make more informed decisions, live with integrity, and seek a deeper connection with Jehovah.

Furthermore, the relationships that these kings had with key people in their lives highlight the importance of choosing wise and loyal friends. The influences around us can have a significant impact on our decisions in our spiritual lives.

CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDSHIPS WELL

3. What did Jehoash do thanks to Jehoiada's influence?

Thanks to his good influence he decided to serve God and help people do the same. In fact he organized the repairs of the temple, as shown in Chapter 24 of the Second Book of Chronicles. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jehovah proved to be a wise leader by following the advice and direction of Jehoiada, the high priest. This obedience contributed to positive decision-making and the successful implementation of religious reforms and the restoration of Jehovah's temple. 

In 2 Chronicles 24:13,14, we see that Jehovah organized the renovation of the temple to return it to its original state and reinforced it, and with the remaining money he ordered utensils to be made for the house of Jehovah, and during all that time burnt sacrifices were offered. regularly at home. 

4. How does treasuring Jehovah's commandments help us? (Proverbs 2:1, 10-12).

Treasuring Jehovah's commandments helps us make good decisions and have wisdom, insight, and discernment, as shown in Proverbs 2:10-12. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It helps us because in this way Jehovah acts as a safeguard against evil. Verse 11 points out that discernment and understanding will protect us. By following divine standards, we are less exposed to the pitfalls and dangers that can arise in life.

In fact, when our parents teach us to love Jehovah and follow his rules, they are giving us a wonderful gift. For example, Sister Katia's parents took the opportunity to discuss the daily text with her daughter on the way to school and she remembers that these conversations helped her face the difficult situations that arose during the day.

The testimony of those who have been taught Jehovah's commandments shows how these rules serve not only as restrictions, but as a valuable gift that provides guidance, protection, and love.

5. What effect can your decisions have on your parents and Jehovah? (Proverbs 22:6; 23:15, 24, 25).

If we show them with our decisions that we follow the advice of our parents and Jehovah, we will make them very happy and our friendship with God can last forever, as shown in the texts of Proverbs in chapters 22 and 23.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Proverbs 23:15, 24,25 highlights the joy and rejoicing that parents feel when their children follow the path of wisdom. By following Biblical advice and making wise decisions we can make parents feel happy and proud of their children.

Also Proverbs 22 6 highlights the importance of educating children in the right path, and when they grow up, they will follow their path. By following biblical teachings and advice, we make Jehovah happy. Our choices reflect love and obedience to God, strengthening our relationship with him.

6. Who did Jehoash listen to, and what was the result of this decision? (2 Chronicles 24:17, 18).

Jehoash listened to the princes of Judah, who did not love Jehovah. As a result we see in 2 Chronicles 24:18 that he abandoned his worship of Jehovah to begin serving pagan gods. As a result he lost Jehovah's approval and was later killed by his own servants.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Instead of surrounding himself with pious and loyal counselors, Jehoash chose the company of those who did not share his faith or his commitment to God.

He also became a murderer, because as 2 chronicles 24:20,21 says, when his cousin Zechariah the prophet tried to correct him, Jehoash ordered his execution. As we have seen, if he had listened to Jehovah and those who loved God, his life would have been different.

The story of Jehoash ends tragically. Although he had started his life and his reign well, his wrong decisions led them down a path of apostasy and violence. Finally, his own servants killed him.

7. Which friends should you choose? (See also the image).

We should choose friends who will be a positive influence on us, that is, friends who love Jehovah and want to gladden his heart. Otherwise, to be honest, we don't need them in our lives.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The lesson we can learn from Jehoash's poor decision is the importance of selecting friends who will be a positive influence in our lives. Therefore, it is essential to choose friends who love Jehovah and seek to gladden his heart. Since there are no restrictions on the age of friends, we can have friendships of various ages, as seen in the case of Jehoash and Jehoiadá. 

To evaluate our friendships, it is helpful to ask reflective questions, such as: Do my friends help me strengthen my faith in Jehovah? Do they encourage me to follow divine rules and teachings? Do you enjoy talking about spiritual topics and sharing what you study in the Bible? Do they respect Jehovah's standards and dare to correct me when necessary, instead of simply saying what I want to hear? 

If the answers to the questions already mentioned are yes, we must take great care of those friendships because they are good for us.

ILLUSTRATION

We see in the image a sister with more experience advising a younger sister, perhaps advising her to dress modestly. This illustration teaches us that if we look for good friendships, They will help us make good decisions and make us wiser.

A mature sister gives advice to a younger sister about the clothes they see displayed in a store. One mannequin is wearing a miniskirt, and another is wearing a long skirt. If we keep in mind the example of Jehoash, we will listen to the advice of good friends. (See paragraphs 3 and 7).

8. What should you keep in mind if you use social networks?

I must take into account the intentions I have when using social networks, for example, if they are to impress others, to receive praise, or if I allow myself to be negatively influenced by other people. Hence the importance of analyzing our intentions before using any social network.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

When using social networks, it is important to consider what our purposes and motivations are. If our objective is to encourage sharing positive experiences, we must ensure that if we use social networks that they are aligned with our values ​​and principles. 

Instead of seeking fame, we can use social networks to communicate with our family and friends or even encourage others. An example given to us by Brother Nathan Knorr, who was a member of the governing body, is that we should not try to please men, because in the end we are not going to please anyone. But rather, let us seek the pleasure of Jehovah, so we will please all those who love him.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ALWAYS BEING HUMBLE

9. What did Uzziah do with Jehovah's help? (2 Chronicles 26:1-5).

As we see in 2 Chronicles 26:1-5, Uzziah did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah and because he sought God he defeated many enemy nations and ensured that Jerusalem was well protected. 

Uzziah successfully led military campaigns against enemy nations, achieving the defeat of various adversaries. His strategic skill and bravery in war were manifestations of divine blessing upon his reign.

10. How did Uzziah end?

Uzziah became arrogant, possibly because he was used to giving orders. One day he entered the temple of Jehovah and dared to burn incense on the altar, something that kings could not do. Although he was corrected by the high priest Azariah, he ignored it and as we read in 2 Chronicles 26:18, he stopped receiving glory from Jehovah God for what he had done.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

As a result of his disobedience, Jehovah punished him with leprosy. This punishment was more than a physical affliction, it also featured the loss of his position and the disgrace that accompanied his disobedience. 

As we read in 2 Chronicles 26:19, due to his lack of humility he ended up having leprosy and living in a separate house, because he had been excluded from the house of Jehovah. Therefore, how different his life would have been if he had remained humble as he was in the past. 

11. What does a humble person do? (See also the images).

As 1 Corinthians 4:7 says, the humble person does not boast of his achievements to others and does not forget that the good things that happen to him in life and in ministry come from Jehovah.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

A humble person does not take full credit for his successes, but rather recognizes that all good things in his life and service to Jehovah come from God. He attributes glory and thanks to Jehovah rather than boasting about his own accomplishments.

Also, to be humble we must admit that we are imperfect and need others to correct us, as shown by a brother who is over 60 years old, who says that when someone corrects him it is because he has made mistakes that reflect immaturity, for which he strives. to improve and move forward.

The humble person allows one to accept the correction of others with gratitude and willingness to improve. And she doesn't feel offended or threatened by constructive criticism, but instead uses them as opportunities to grow and learn.

In the article “Is it really that important to be popular on social media?” There is a box that gives us practical help to avoid false modesty, which includes the question: "Have you noticed that there are people who, when they boast about their achievements, hide it with complaints?" Analyzing this box helps us to be humble on social networks, and to follow the advice of Proverbs 27:2.

ILLUSTRATION

We see in the image a sister participating in the program of an assembly. She asks Jehovah for help in prayer. After her participation she gives all the credit to him. This illustration teaches us that, instead of boasting about our achievements, we should give all the credit to Jehovah.

Series of images: 1. A sister prays before stepping onto the platform at a circuit assembly. 2. A brother interviews his sister and another sister. 3. At the end of the program, they congratulate the first sister, and she gives all the credit to Jehovah. Instead of boasting about our achievements, we should give all the credit to Jehovah. (See paragraph 11).

DON'T STOP SEEKING JEHOVAH

12. When Josiah was young, what did he do to seek Jehovah? (2 Chronicles 34:1-3).

As we read in 2 Chronicles 34 13 we see that while he was still a boy, he began to take away from the country everything that had to do with the worship of false gods, removing the sculpted images and pagan statues. In this way it would be easier for him to seek Jehovah

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Josiah, from an early age, made the decision to seek Jehovah and learn more about his God. Despite the challenges he faced as king, especially in a time when most worshiped false gods, Josiah demonstrated courage and determination in defending the true religion. 

Even as a young man of less than 20 years, he undertook significant actions with the aim of purifying the earth from the worship of false gods. His courage was manifested in eliminating everything related to idolatry and restoring true service to Jehovah.

13. What effect will dedicating yourself to Jehovah have on your life?

The effect that dedication will have on my life will be a positive effect, but that will be possible only if I seek Jehovah and learn more and more of his precious qualities, since if I do so I will receive many blessings from him. This was shown by a young boy named Luke, who was baptized at the age of 14. He explains that he has a strong desire to serve Jehovah and strive to make him happy.

As mentioned by Luke, who was baptized at a young age, he illustrates how dedication to Jehovah can become the driving force of life, providing purpose, direction, and fulfillment. The decision to dedicate yourself to Jehovah promises significant blessings and a close relationship with our creator.

14. How do some young people imitate King Josiah?

For example, Brother Johan, who was baptized at age 12, had to endure pressure from his classmates to smoke electronic cigarettes. In order not to give in to the pressure, he thinks about the effects that vaping could have on his health and on his friendship with Jehovah. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Like Johan, some young people may face peer pressure urging them to engage in harmful behaviors, such as smoking e-cigarettes or vaping. Feed Josiah, these young people resist pressure by cutting back on the negative effects of such practices on their health and in his relationship with Jehovah. 

Another case was that of a young sister named Rachel, who says that she always tries to relate what she sees with something spiritual. For example, the stories that she learns in history class with some prophetic story from the Bible and when she is in a conversation, she remembers some biblical text that she can share with someone. In this way, she overcomes the difficulties that arise in the place where she studies.

Following Rachel's example, some young people may face difficulties in their educational or social environments. And to overcome these difficulties, they imitate Josiah by relating what they experience to spiritual aspects. This may involve looking for connections between academic choices and biblical teachings or sharing relevant biblical texts in your conversations. 

15. What helped Josiah to serve Jehovah faithfully? (2 Chronicles 34:14, 18-21).

Reading the Bible and meditating on it, since when they gave him the book of Jehovah's law, he not only read it but immediately made changes to obey Jehovah's law. In this way, Josiah demonstrated that he was humble and that God's word motivated him to do what is right.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Josiah experienced a spiritual renewal and faithfully served Jehovah to discover “The Book of the Law of Jehovah” during the renovation of the temple. Upon learning the content of the law, Josiah took immediate steps to obey Jehovah's commandments. This encounter with the word of God had a profound impact on his life and his service to God.  

We can imitate King Josiah if we have the habit of reading the Bible. Something we can do is what Luke did, have a notebook in which we write down the interesting things we find, as this would help us remember the texts or ideas we liked. And so we can apply it and share them with other people.

What we learn is that we must cultivate the habit of reading the Bible. Keeping track of interesting things in a notebook, as Luke did, can be a useful tool for remembering verses or ideas that are significant. The more one knows and loves the Bible, the stronger the motivation will be to serve Jehovah and follow his ways.

16. Why did Josiah make a serious mistake, and what is the lesson?

Josiah made the mistake of not seeking Jehovah's guidance and relying more on himself, perhaps because of his record of achievements. As we see in 2 Chronicles 35:20-25, Josiah got involved in a war that was not his and although Jehovah advised him through King Neko, he ignored it and disguised himself to fight. As a result, the archers shot Josiah and he died. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The lesson of Josiah's poor decisions is clear: Even those who have studied the Bible for a long time and have spiritual experience can make serious mistakes if they stop depending on Jehovah.

From this story we also learn that, no matter how old we are or how long we have been studying the Bible, we must continue seeking Jehovah's guidance. To do this, we must study his word and listen to the advice of mature Christians. This way we will be less likely to make big mistakes and more likely to have a happy life.

YOUNG MAN, YOU CAN DO WELL IN LIFE

17. What do the stories of three kings of Judah teach us?

They teach us that children and adolescents can make good decisions and live lives that make Jehovah happy, and if we copy the good things they did and try not to make the same mistakes, we can do well in life.

We learn that young people have the ability to make wise decisions, follow the right path, and lead a life that is pleasing to God. The importance of learning from the mistakes they made and striving to imitate the positive actions of these Kings to be successful in life is emphasized. 

18. What biblical examples show that we can do well in life? (See also the image).

Biblical examples, such as David, Mark, and Timothy, show us that approaching Jehovah and making decisions based on faithfulness can lead to a successful and God-approved life.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

And looking especially at the example of David, we see that when he was young he decided to be a friend of Jehovah and in time he became a loyal king. In fact, with the help of him he was able to defeat great and dangerous enemies such as the Philistines, as seen in the image. Although it is true that he made some mistakes, Jehovah considered him his faithful servant, as mentioned in 1 Kings 3:6. 

Other biblical examples include Mark and Timothy, both of whom decided to serve Jehovah when they were young and built a record of faithful service. Thanks to that decision, they made Jehovah happy and did well in life.

ILLUSTRATION

David spins the sling hard, preparing to throw a stone at Goliath in the middle of the battlefield. When he was young, David approached Jehovah. Thus he got his approval and did well in life. (See paragraph 18).

19. What can your life be like?

If I trust in Jehovah, and not in my own way of seeing things, Jehovah will help me make good decisions and I can have a wonderful, happy life, both now and in the new world.

WHAT LESSONS DO WE DRAW FROM THE LIFE OF THESE KINGS?

Jehoash

From the bad decision that Jehoash made, we can draw a valuable lesson: We must choose friends who are a positive influence on us, that is, friends who love Jehovah and who want to gladden his heart. And of course, we can have friends of all ages.

Uzziah

When Uzziah became a powerful king, he forgot that all his achievements came from Jehovah. From this we learn a very important lesson, that we must not forget that the good things that happen in our lives and in our service to Jehovah come from. For this reason, instead of boasting about our achievements, we should give all the credit to Jehovah.

Josiah

At 39 years old, Josiah made a mistake that would cost him his life. Instead of asking Jehovah to guide him, he relies on himself. The lesson is that no matter how old we are or how long we have been studying the Bible, we must continue seeking Jehovah. And, to seek Jehovah, we must always ask for his guidance, study his word and listen to the advice of mature Christians. If we act this way, we will be less likely to make big mistakes and more likely to have a happy life.