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“The wisdom from above […] is ready to obey” (James 3:17).
1. Why can we find it difficult to obey?
Human beings are not perfect and we often struggle with our own desires and motivations that may conflict with what we are asked to do. That is why it is difficult for us to obey
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In addition, there is the influence of external forces, such as the social and cultural pressure that surrounds us. The world in which we live can promote rebellious attitudes or attitudes contrary to what we are asked to obey. Added to this is the influence of Satan, who seeks to tempt us towards rebellion and disobedience.
That is why, as pointed out at the end of the paragraph, to obey Jehovah and the people who have given him authority we need to fight against these three things that have been mentioned, imperfection, Satan and the world around us.
2. What does it mean to be ready to obey? (James 3:17).
As mentioned in James 3:17, it implies an internal disposition or desire towards obedience. It means being prepared and having the right attitude to follow instructions, especially those that are aligned with just and correct principles. This disposition includes having a heart willing to follow those to whom Jehovah has given certain authority as long as their requests are in harmony with the ethical and moral standards established by higher principles.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Well, we must be able to obey those whom Jehovah has given authority and we must not only obey but we must also have the desire to do so.
And as we have read in James 3:17, if we obey we will be wise, as it said that the wisdom from above, among other things, is ready to obey.
Of course, the paragraph says a certain authority because there may be authorities who ask us for things that go against what Jehovah wants, so we obey Jehovah, it is like when the apostles, as reflected in Acts 4, were asked to stop preach and then John and Peter said that they were not going to stop speaking the things they had seen and heard.
So this is what Jehovah expects of all of us who are obedient.
3. Why is it important to Jehovah that we obey those in authority?
Obeying parents, authorities and elders is a manifestation of obedience to God himself. Although human beings in authority are not perfect and can make mistakes, following their instructions when they do not conflict with higher principles is a way to demonstrate respect for the authority structure that Jehovah has established.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In the case of people to whom Jehovah has given a certain degree of authority, there are parents, for example, and in the Bible he himself says that we obey the commandments of our parents and not abandon the teachings of our mother, that is, he is not. asking him.
If another person to whom Jehovah has given certain authority is the elders, we can see it clearly in 1 Thessalonians 5:12 where it says that we ask you to show respect to those who work hard among you.
Yes, Jehovah also asks us that we have to obey the authorities and as shown here in First Peter 2:13 and 14, he says to submit to every human creation, whether it is the king or someone superior, so we also have to obey them.
And that is where the previous paragraph said that we would be wise people Why Because obeying Jehovah a direct command is very simple because we know that he has the authority and it is a perfect law now Jehovah has delegated certain authority to certain people that we could consider equal and there This is where the proof is, there is this group of parents, authorities and elders who may find it difficult to accept what they tell us.
OBEY YOUR PARENTS
4. Why are there so many young people who disobey their parents?
Because the Bible predicted it not in Second Timothy 3:1 and 2, it says that in the last days a series of events would occur and one of them is that the children saw their parents as disobedient.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Young people can disobey their parents because they feel that they ask them for things that they themselves do not do, which seems hypocritical to them.
Also, some may think their parents' advice is outdated or too strict. This can make it difficult for them to fulfill the command to be obedient to their parents, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:1.
5. According to Luke 2:46-52, why is Jesus the best example of obedience to parents?
Jesus is an example of obedience to his parents despite their perfection and superior understanding. At age 12, after being found by his parents in the temple, despite being treated unfairly, he responded with respect and humility, remaining subject to them, honoring them despite their lack of understanding.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Well, because Jesus was perfect and he saw very well the defects of his parents, but he always honored them and never disrespected them even when they made mistakes or did not understand the reasons why Jesus did certain things.-
What happened in this story has happened to us, some mothers have lost sight of the child for a moment and instead of blaming ourselves who had to be attentive to them, we blame them for where you were or where you have gotten yourself, so this happened with María and Jesus and Jesus, instead of saying it's your fault that you haven't missed me, he didn't respond but said those beautiful words that although Mary and Joseph didn't understand it, they meant a lot but he always honored them and obeyed them.
And it makes you think that Jesus tells them he had to be in my father's house, obviously the physical father of Jesus, we would say the adoptive father was Joseph, so or linking that he was talking about the temple and that Jehovah was his father would seem a little strange but The Bible says that Joseph and Mary did not understand anything and yet Jesus was very clear about it, that is, there was a fairly important lack of mental understanding but it did not prevent Jesus from continuing to be subject to them.
And this story tells us a lot about obedience at this time Jesus still did not remember his previous life, therefore what he was showing at 12 years old was a knowledge of the scriptures somewhat superior even to that of his parents, thus the obedience that Jesus showed Later it did not depend on him knowing less that his parents could have greater understanding and that he was perfect, as we are going to see in the Watchtower, what is involved in obedience is the heart.
And Jesus in every aspect of his life perfectly fulfilled the law of Jehovah and one of those aspects of the law in Exodus 20:12 was to honor his father and his mother and this is something that we also have to take into account to honor. and respect our father and mother at all times.
6, 7. What can help young people obey their parents?
Recognize that obedience to parents pleases Jehovah: The Bible mentions that obeying parents pleases the Lord. Although parents may make mistakes or not fully understand, by obeying them, they are pleasing God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Considering parents' feelings, obedience makes parents happy and strengthens mutual trust. Improves the relationship and strengthens family ties.
Preparing for the Future, Learning to obey parents lays the foundation for obeying Jehovah and other authority figures in life. Furthermore, the Bible promises blessings for obedience to parents, with the prospect that things will go well and one will remain on earth for a long time.
Well, they must take into account how Jehovah feels and the Bible says that children should obey their parents because that pleases the Lord.
The second reason that young people have to obey their parents is that when they obey them, it logically makes them happy and also earns their trust and this will surely make them feel more united to them as well.
In the text of Proverbs 23 it is clearly explained that it says that not to despise fathers or mothers simply because they have grown old. Sometimes they may give us certain instructions or set certain rules that, as has already been mentioned, we consider outdated, but if As the paragraph says here, we obey our parents despite all this, it will also be something that generates a greater union with them and as the text of Proverbs also says, we will make our parents feel happy for us.
I like one that talks about the result of willingly accepting our parents' decision if it results in more freedom in the future, it generates that trust on the part of both the parents and the child and everything turns out better.
Also think carefully before speaking because there are words that are like lunges and we do not want to hurt our parents and also maintain respect for them and listen to them when they speak.
Yes, I also like the suggestions of putting ourselves in their shoes, thinking about what worries them because they set those rules and then having the young people offer solutions, things that can satisfy and make them happy.
And finally we also have to keep in mind that if we are now obedient to our parents, this will help us later since, as Ephesians 6:2 and 3 says, if we are obedient to them, it will be good for us.
And the beginning of this same text says to honor your father and your mother, it says because it is the first command accompanied by a promise, that is, this commandment has good benefits, it will go well for us and it is what Paulo said, it says learn to obey My parents have helped me obey Jehovah and others who have bone authority. This also prepares us to be obedient in cases where we may not have clear instructions.
8. Why have many young people decided to obey their parents?
Many young people have chosen to obey their parents because of the positive experiences they have had following their guidelines. Some have noted that by obeying, they have experienced protection and safety, like Luiza from Brazil, who understood that the restrictions imposed by her parents were for her own safety, similar to putting on a seat belt that can save lives.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Elizabeth, from the United States, also acknowledges that, although she sometimes finds it difficult to obey, she reflects on how her parents' rules have protected her in the past. And Monica, from Armenia, has noticed that her life goes better when she obeys her parents compared to when she doesn't.
Because although at first it may be difficult for them, later they have realized the benefits and the example of this sister is given, that her parents did not let her have a mobile phone when she was young and she did not understand it because the other classmates her age did. They had it but then he realized that the parents had done it for their benefit due to the number of dangers that come with having access to the Internet with mobile phones, for example.
If you also give a very nice example when you say that it is not as if my parents had put me in a straitjacket if it was not like a belt, it was like a restraint and it was not like an oppressive restriction without any justification and that is difficult when We are too young to see it.
Well, Elizabeth says that when her parents set a rule for her, she always remembers all the rules they have set for her and she has done well and then she will also do well in that one.
Yes, she says that she always does better when she obeys her parents than when she doesn't.
OBEY “THE HIGHER AUTHORITIES”
9. What do many think about obeying government laws?
Many people recognize the importance of obeying the laws established by governments, considering them necessary for the functioning of society. However, when they perceive a law to be unfair or too demanding, their willingness to obey it decreases.
Well, they think that when things are going well or when they agree, everything is fine, there is no problem in obeying, but it is interesting that many think that when a law is unfair or demands too much of them, they are no longer so willing to do it and it is mentioned here The case of taxes is not that it is very common to hear today that if you do not think that the payment is fair, then it is okay not to pay it and that is widespread and we as Christians have to be careful with this so that it does not hit us because Jehovah demands something totally different from us.
10. Why do we obey laws, even the ones we don't like?
Although human governments may be imperfect and under the influence of Satan, the Bible teaches that opposing constituted authority is defiant of God's established order.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Obeying the laws helps maintain stability and social order. This contributes to peaceful coexistence and prevents things from getting out of control.
It is Jehovah who allows there to be governments so that things do not get out of control and therefore we as Christians also have to respect or Jehovah expects us to respect those laws from the governments that are established by him.
Yes, Jehovah knew that sometimes this was not going to be easy because in Ecclesiastes he says that man dominates man over his own evil but you have to have a balance which is mentioned in the paragraph you have to obey as long as it is not against some Jehovah's rule even though sometimes it doesn't go very well for us.
And this thought that we obey to obey Jehovah in the first place will always serve us, because there will always be things against us or we do not understand how we see, we will see it not only before the parents and the authorities, even in the congregation. But if our goal is to obey Jehovah above all, it will be easier for us.
And according to the texts mentioned here from Psalm 110:5 or Ecclesiastes 8:9 and Luke 4:5 and 6 they show us that Jehovah knows that governments are not going to do things well that they are going to make us suffer that they are dominated by Satan, but with everything and with that, tells us to obey because the fact that there is an authority in some way there is a control so that there is order.
11, 12. According to Luke 2:1-6, what did Joseph and Mary do to comply with a decree that was difficult to obey? And what were the results? (See also images).
Joseph and Mary complied with the decree of the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus, even though it was difficult to obey. The census required them to travel to Bethlehem, a journey of about 150 kilometers through mountainous terrain, and Mary was heavily pregnant. Despite the difficulties and concerns about the well-being of Mary and the baby, they did not use these concerns as an excuse to disobey the law. They decided to obey and began the journey.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Her obedience was rewarded by Jehovah: Mary arrived in Bethlehem in good condition, gave birth to a healthy baby, and her obedience contributed to the fulfillment of a Bible prophecy about the birth of the Messiah. This example highlights her willingness to obey higher authorities, even in difficult circumstances, and how that obedience resulted in blessings and the fulfillment of divine plans.
Well, she had a good excuse for not obeying due to the circumstances of how she was already so advanced, but that was not the case; they complied, that is, they obeyed and went to register as the emperor had said and as you were told by the law.
And the trip was not easy because she was 9 months old and it really seems that they had an apparently valid excuse because the one she was taking was the one who was the Messiah and she had to take care of him, so José like her could have been worried that the two would meet. well, but it did not serve as an excuse, they went and as a consequence, because Jehovah blessed them, they arrived safely and were able to fulfill Micah's prophecy where he says that the Messiah would have to be born.
ILLUSTRATION
Well, we want to have the attitude of being obedient to the authorities regarding traffic laws, paying taxes and obeying the health authorities.
Mary and Joseph on the way to Bethlehem; Mary is riding a donkey and Joseph is in front. Series of images: 1. A brother looks at the speedometer of his car when he sees a speed limit sign. 2. A brother fills out a tax form. 3. A sister is wearing a mask and keeping her distance while she talks to a doctor at the hospital. What do we learn from the obedience of Joseph and Mary? (See paragraphs 10 to 12).
13. How could our obedience help other brothers?
By obeying the laws, we are freed from the punishment that the authorities impose on those who disobey. Furthermore, our personal obedience protects us from negative consequences and allows us to live in peace.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Our behavior as Jehovah's Witnesses can influence how authorities view us as a group. For example, in Nigeria, witnesses' obedience to tax laws helped an official recognize the peaceful nature of the group, thereby protecting those present at a Kingdom Hall.
Every time we obey the laws, we contribute to a better perception and reputation of Jehovah's people. This good reputation can be protective in the future and gives glory to Jehovah for our good deeds.
Because of course we are Jehovah's Witnesses individually but we are part of a group so the reputation that we build for ourselves will depend a lot on whether the authorities consider us as law-abiding and respectful people, so we always have to think that when we do not obey something individually it can have repercussions. on the collective reputation of the Witnesses.
Yes, that is why Matthew 5:16 is cited here and says that the fact that we make our light shine and that our good works are seen will result in glory being given to Jehovah, so when we think about the laws, we make sure that not only our reputation but that of Jehovah's people and above all the name of Jehovah is spoken well of and it is clear that we are people who comply with the law.
What is clear is that as Jehovah's Witnesses it is our way of life not to be Christians and in our way of life we deal with all kinds of people with our brothers and those who are not our brothers neighbors doctors anyone and the best testimony we can Giving is what others see in us as Jehovah's Witnesses, so that is where the importance of obeying Jehovah and his laws is.
14. How did a sister become “ready to obey” higher authorities?
Joanna, a sister from the United States, found the willingness to obey higher authorities despite difficulties. To achieve this, he did three things: he stopped reading negative messages on social media about authorities, he sought Jehovah's help to trust him instead of waiting for changes in human governments, and he read articles about neutrality in his congregation's publications. . This gave him “an indescribable peace.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Bueno says that it was very difficult for her to obey higher authorities because she had suffered many injustices from them, but she decided to change this way of thinking and the first thing she did was stop seeing things on social networks that could feed those feelings. negative feelings against the authorities.
And another aspect that he says helped him a lot, which is why he implies that the solution to all the problems in the world in general will come from Jehovah, not from any government, no matter how hard they try to do so, and then this is a way. to trust in Jehovah.
And also not only that, but he also acted, we saw that in the first part he says that he stopped reading on social networks what caused him concern, so he changed what he says by reading articles in our publications about neutrality and with this way, what he managed to do is change the thoughts and says that this gave him inner peace thanks to trusting in Jehovah and his food.
And this case shows what we have been saying that you must also have the desire but also the effort because you already took measures and those efforts that you demonstrated in the end gave good results.
OBEY THE INSTRUCTIONS OF JEHOVAH'S ORGANIZATION
15. Why can we sometimes find it difficult to obey the instructions of Jehovah's organization?
Sometimes we find it difficult to obey the instructions of Jehovah's organization because, although Jesus is perfect, the people he has appointed to lead us on earth are not. Perhaps they may ask us to do something that we don't want to do or that we don't fully understand. As happened with the apostle Peter, who three times refused to obey an angel's instruction to eat unclean animals, since this went against what he considered logical and what he was accustomed to doing according to the Law of Moses.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Peter's story shows us that even someone as close to Jesus as an apostle had difficulty obeying an instruction that seemed contradictory to his beliefs or customs. Therefore, it is understandable that we, being imperfect as well, sometimes find it difficult to follow the instructions of those who are designated to take the lead in the congregation.
Well, because our leader is Jesus and his institutions are perfect, but those that reach us are through brothers who are imperfect.
And sometimes, these imperfect brothers like us can ask us for things to do that we don't want to do.
This is what happened to Peter when the Angel told him that he had to eat animals that were impure. According to the law of Moses, he refused because for him it was not logical, he was not used to doing it up to three times, the story says, so The paragraph makes us reflect if Peter found it difficult to obey a perfect angel, we can also find it difficult to follow the instructions of imperfect men.
That is why we also have the text of Hebrews 13:17 where Jehovah encourages us to be obedient and submissive to the brothers who take care of the congregation because that way they will do it happily and not with sighs and what we want to do is promote peace in the congregation. congregation.
And something that can also help us is to remember that Jehovah always has authority and responsibility. This authority is not unlimited as mentioned in the text of Hebrews 13:17. The elders and those in charge will be held accountable, so they too. They are very responsible, attentive to what they ask of us, in harmony with Jehovah.
16. What did the apostle Paul do when he received instructions that perhaps did not seem very reasonable to him? (Acts 21:23, 24, 26).
The apostle Paul, even though the instructions he received may not have seemed very reasonable to him, demonstrated his willingness to obey. Even though Paul knew that Christians were not under the Law and that he had done nothing wrong, he decided to obey immediately. This contributed to unity among the brothers, following the principle of seeking peace and mutual edification.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Well, it continued because it was also involved in the unity of the congregation and of the brothers, so they cleansed themselves as the elders of Jerusalem asked them to do.
And of course Paul clearly knew that we were not under the law, he understood it perfectly, but he agreed to this and he was obedient, he was obedient because he discerned that the peace and unity of the congregation was involved and this is very important, this is more important than getting away with one another. his Paul could have said but this is not necessary, but Paul demonstrated with his attitude that he was ready to obey.
17. What does Stephanie's experience teach you?
This experience showed that obedience not only brings peace of conscience, but can also provide new and meaningful opportunities to serve and help others in the congregation. Despite her initial difficulties, Stephanie found renewed purpose and more time for personal study, thus demonstrating the fruits of obedience in her spiritual life.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Well, for example, when perhaps some decisions are made or we see that Jehovah's organization is taking a path and we, perhaps due to our limited knowledge of things, may think that this is not the most correct or even going to harm us and others. people, but if we remember what we have said that we have limited knowledge of things because we think that Jehovah has a much broader vision and therefore his organization, then by making us obedient we will benefit in the long run.
The sister says that with time I understood that it had been a wise decision, so sometimes we may not understand some instructions at first but we must give time to understand the wisdom.
18. How does being obedient benefit us?
During difficult times, like at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, obedience protects us. Following safety instructions protects us and preserves our physical and spiritual health. Furthermore, our obedience unites us with our brothers. By adhering to the same guidelines, we strengthen unity in the congregation and stay connected despite the circumstances.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Our obedience makes God happy. When we follow His commandments and the instructions given from Him, we demonstrate our trust and faith in Him. And we learn to be obedient in difficult situations such as during the Great Tribulation. This preparation can be crucial to our safety and future survival.
We all understood when the faithful and prudent slave directed us and advised us in the case of when the covid 19 pandemic told us to stop attending the preaching so much momentarily until it passed and we were obedient and the obedience that we did learn is that Jehovah protects us and the slave up to date on these matters.
And this paragraph also gives us a very nice reason to learn to obey and that is that we learn to obey in good times when everything is going right and we accept the decisions. It is easy to obey but when we really learn to obey is when we suffer like As happened to Christ Jesus, he learned a lot about obedience when he was on earth and had to suffer as a human being and it is inevitable that we do so and it is essential because learning obedience will save our lives so we do well now to be obedient. .
19. Why do you want to be obedient?
Obedience has special value to me because, first of all, it is a way of expressing my love and gratitude toward Jehovah. Obedience is a way of demonstrating my genuine desire to please him and reciprocate his unconditional love for me.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Well, to please Jehovah, because I care about his feelings, I don't want to hurt his feelings with my disobedience and I also want to contribute to the peace of the congregation.
Yes because we all want more people to be saved and know Jehovah. And as Psalm 116:12 says, how will I repay Jehovah for all the good he has done to me? Well, just by obeying.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why should young people obey their parents?
Well, because it is the first command with a promise that Jehovah gives and it is for the good of the children.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Obedience to parents is an act that pleases God. Even if parents are not perfect, obeying them shows respect and gratitude toward Jehovah.
Strengthening relationships: Obedience builds strong and happy relationships between parents and children. Improves mutual trust, strengthens family ties and promotes a harmonious environment at home.
Preparation and Teaching: Learning to obey parents is crucial preparation for obeying Jehovah and other authorities in life. Additionally, the Bible promises blessings for obedience to parents, such as well-being and permanence on earth.
Why should we obey “higher authorities”?
Although human governments may be imperfect and under the influence of Satan, the Bible teaches that opposing constituted authority is defiant of God's established order.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Obeying the laws helps maintain stability and social order. This contributes to peaceful coexistence and prevents things from getting out of control.
Well, because Jehovah had set it that way, it is the order that he has established and although he knows that governments are imperfect and that they are controlled by Satan, he wants us to obey him as long as they do not go against his rules.
Why should we follow the instructions of Jehovah's organization?
Our obedience makes God happy. When we follow His commandments and the instructions given from Him, we demonstrate our trust and faith in Him. And we learn to be obedient in difficult situations such as during the Great Tribulation. This preparation can be crucial to our safety and future survival.
Well, because now we have many benefits from obeying and in the future obeying will save our lives.
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