Watchtower Study, Like Peter, Let's Move Forward, November 27-December 3, 2023, Comments and Responses.
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“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (LUK. 5:8).
1. How did Peter react when he miraculously caught many fish?
Peter reacted in amazement upon witnessing the miracle of the massive catch of fish, which is why he recognized his own unworthiness before the greatness of Jesus by exclaiming "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." This apparently because he did not feel worthy of even standing before Jesus.
History shows that even in times of doubt and failure, obeying Jesus' instructions can lead to surprising results. Peter's reaction highlights the importance of unity and how recognizing our limitations can lead us to a closer relationship with God.
2. How does analyzing Peter's example help us?
Peter's example teaches us to accept our imperfections, not to be discouraged by our mistakes and to persevere in our faith and personal struggle, always seeking to improve despite our weaknesses.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It can also help us, if we have been struggling for some time with a personality defect or a bad tendency, and when we analyze the stories about Peter, a man who had weaknesses and feelings like ours, we see that Jehovah does not expect us to be perfect, but rather May we continue fighting despite our weaknesses.
Peter, despite his imperfections, became an outstanding disciple of Christ. The Bible does not hide his flaws, which teaches us valuable lessons about perseverance. Peter often made mistakes and struggled with his weaknesses, but God decided to record his imperfections so that we could learn from them.
The fact that Peter's flaws are documented in the Bible suggests that God does not expect absolute perfection from his followers. Rather, he shows understanding toward our weaknesses and encourages us to persevere despite them. This example encourages us not to become discouraged because we are not without imperfections, but to continue striving to improve and grow spiritually.
If we have been struggling for a long time with a personality defect or a bad tendency, the example of Peter can help us greatly, since by analyzing the stories about Peter, a man who had weaknesses and feelings like ours, it helps us. to understand that Jehovah does not expect us to be perfect, but rather to continue fighting despite our weaknesses.
And we can also think that God could have kept the apostle's defects from being included in the Bible, but wanted them to be recorded to teach us valuable lessons, as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, so that we would be fully prepared to carry out all kinds of good works.
3. Why do we need to persevere?
Perseverance is crucial in our lives for several reasons. First, it allows us to improve and grow in whatever area we are working on. Like a musician who constantly practices to master an instrument, by persevering in our goals and efforts, we can progress and overcome obstacles.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because when we think we have overcome a weakness, we can suffer a relapse. But we continue fighting to improve ourselves. We all say or do things that we later regret. However, if we do not give up, Jehovah will help us continue to improve. If we continue to persevere, as 1 Peter 5:10 says, Jehovah will make us firm and strong.
Perseverance is crucial, because as the saying goes “Practice makes perfect.” Even if we manage to overcome a weakness, as already mentioned we can suffer relapses. The comparison with a musician's apprenticeship highlights that, despite making mistakes, constant practice leads to improvement. In our spiritual life, the same thing happens, persevering despite our weaknesses is essential, and Jehovah helps us to continue improving.
Furthermore, perseverance helps us face our weaknesses and mistakes. Although we may make mistakes or suffer relapses, perseverance drives us to move forward and not give up. Through persistence, we can learn from our mistakes, improve and advance on our spiritual and personal path.
PETER'S STRUGGLES AND BLESSINGS
4. How did Peter describe himself, and how did Jesus reassure him? (Luke 5:5-10).
Peter describes himself as "A sinful man" when he meets Jesus after a miraculous catch. Jesus in response told him not to be afraid, since from now on he would be a fisher of men.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jesus noticed that Peter was afraid, and perhaps because he lacked self-confidence. So he kindly told him not to be afraid. Seeing the trust that Jesus had in him left a deep mark on him.
The story highlights the importance of Jesus' trust in us, even as we acknowledge our imperfections. Jesus sees beyond our mistakes and is encouraged not to fear, but to trust in his transforming power.
Jesus reassured Peter, and by giving him the commission to fish for men, Peter and his brother Andrew dedicated themselves completely to following the Messiah. Thanks to this decision, they received wonderful blessings.
ILLUSTRATION
In the image we can see Pedro's reaction when he saw the nets completely full of fish, after having been working all night and not having caught anything and now having the nets about to break. It is undoubtedly a miracle, so many of us may have reacted the same as him.
The apostle Peter watches with fear and amazement as his boat begins to sink due to the weight of all the fish in the nets. Jesus listens to Peter carefully as another man tries to hold the nets. How would you react if you had an experience similar to Pedro's? (See paragraph 4).
5. What blessings did Peter receive for overcoming his fears and accepting Jesus' invitation?
As a disciple, Peter witnessed the amazing miracles performed by Jesus, from healing the sick to casting out demons and raising the dead. This close experience with the power and compassion of Jesus was an immense blessing to Peter.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
He also witnessed a vision of the glory Jesus would have in the Kingdom. Therefore, Peter saw things that he would never have imagined.
Peter, by overcoming his fears and following Jesus, experienced incredible blessings. He presented miracles, visions of the glory of Jesus and participated in significant events, such as Pentecost. By not giving in to his negative feelings, Peter lived a life full of experiences he would have otherwise missed.
Peter, as already mentioned, had the privilege of witnessing the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain, from where he saw the glory and majesty of the Messiah. This shocking vision deeply marked Peter's life and led him to reflect on the greatness of Jesus.
In addition to witnessing miracles, Peter also received direct teachings from Jesus, giving him a deeper understanding of spiritual truth and the Kingdom of God.
6. Did Pedro manage to overcome his weaknesses immediately?
Peter was not able to overcome his weaknesses immediately, despite the profound experiences he had with Jesus. Throughout his time as his disciple, Peter faced continual challenges and struggled with his weaknesses. For example, they still had disputes over who would be the greatest, showing a struggle for ambition and position. And at the death of Jesus, Peter reacted impulsively, even denying Jesus three times in the night, falling prey to fear and the pressure of the moment.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Of course not, since when Jesus explained that he would have to suffer and die to fulfill Bible prophecies, Peter rebuked him, and Jesus had to correct him by saying what he was not thinking like God. More than once, he and the other Apostles argued over who was the greatest. The night before Jesus died, Peter, in a fit of rage, cut off a man's ear, and that same night he let himself be overcome by fear and three times denied knowing his friend Jesus.
Despite the shocking experiences he experienced, Pedro continued to struggle with his weaknesses. He made many mistakes. However, his story shows that overcoming weaknesses is an ongoing process. The lesson here in Peter's story teaches us that overcoming weaknesses takes time and is a constant process. Although we experience progress, it is important to persevere and not become discouraged in the face of our struggles.
7. After being resurrected, what opportunity did Jesus give Peter?
After his resurrection, Jesus gave Peter a significant opportunity to confirm his love and commitment. In a special conversation, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jesus gave the apostle the opportunity to confirm his love for him. Since he invited him to humbly shepherd his sheep. And Pedro reacted with enthusiasm.
Despite Peter's denial, Jesus did not give him up and gave him a new opportunity to serve. The lesson is that the story highlights Jesus' mercy and his willingness to give second chances even after our mistakes. Jesus calls us to serve and demonstrate our love through obedience.
8. What serious mistake did Peter make in Antioch?
In Antioch, Peter made a serious mistake by giving in to pressure from some Christians of Jewish origin and stopped eating with the Gentile Brothers, despite having previously understood that God is no respecter of persons and that both Jews and Gentiles could be part of it. of the Christian community.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
For this reason Paul rebuked Peter in front of everyone for this hypocritical behavior. highlighting Peter's continued struggle against his weaknesses even after being anointed with the Holy Spirit.
The lesson is that history shows that even spiritually mature people can make mistakes, the key is to recognize and correct your mistakes, not give up and move on.
WHAT HELPED PEDRO TO MOVE FORWARD?
9. According to John 6:68, 69, how did Peter demonstrate his loyalty?
Peter demonstrated his unwavering loyalty to Jesus, during a time of difficulty, when Jesus spoke words that some of his disciples did not understand and that were difficult to accept, many became confused and chose to abandon Jesus. You found, Peter, in an act of deep loyalty, stood firm, without asking questions or doubting, he expressed his conviction in front of everyone, recognizing that only Jesus had "Words of eternal life."
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
After his resurrection, Jesus specifically appeared to Peter, this personal appearance may have been a powerful moment of restoration and encouragement for Peter, showing him that despite his mistakes, Jesus still trusted him and was present to support him.
The lesson is that Peter's loyalty highlights the importance of recognizing the truth and remaining faithful even when others may fall away, our loyalty to God being demonstrated by adhering to Jesus' teaching of eternal life.
10. How did Jesus show that he trusted Peter? (See also the image).
Jesus demonstrated his trust in Peter in several ways despite knowing that he would deny him before his death Jesus told Peter that although Satan had asked to shake him, he had prayed for him that his faith would not fail, and that once he regained strengthen his brothers. This statement shows Jesus' confidence in Peter's ability to overcome his mistakes and stand firm in his faith and then support others.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jesus, knowing that Peter and the other Apostles would abandon him, expressed his confidence that Peter would recover and remain faithful and understood that "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Even after the denial, Jesus appeared to Peter, demonstrating his confidence in the apostle's potential. The lesson is that Jesus trusts us despite our weaknesses, his willingness to provide second chances, the opportunity of his trust in our potential, should motivate us to overcome difficulties with the assurance that Jesus is at our side. .
ILLUSTRATION
We see Jesus after being resurrected consonant with Peter, thus demonstrating his trust in him, even when Peter denied knowing him. Surely this helped the apostle a lot to overcome discouragement.
After being resurrected, Jesus comforts Peter. Why are we encouraged that Jesus trusted Peter so much? (See paragraph 10).
11. How did Jesus assure Peter that Jehovah would take care of him?
Jesus assured Peter and the other Apostles of God's care in several ways, including a specific miracle after the resurrection. In John 2146, Jesus allowed them to experience a miraculous catch again. This event was significant to Peter, as he confirmed Jehovah's Divine provision by showing that God could easily provide for all of his material needs.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This miracle may have helped them remember Jesus' promise found in Matthew 8:33, that Jehovah will take care of those who are "seeking first the Kingdom."
Knowing that Jehovah would take care of him, Peter prioritized his ministry and not the fishing business. Thus on Pentecost of '33 he gave a very courageous testimony that helped thousands of people accept the good news and later helped many Samaritans and Gentiles become disciples of Christ. This makes it clear to us that Peter was a powerful instrument in Jehovah's hands to bring all types of people into the congregation.
The lesson is that the story underscores the importance of trusting Jehovah to take care of us by putting the need for materials in the background and prioritizing service to God, we receive Divine help and blessings.
LESSONS FOR US
12. How does Peter's example help us if we have been struggling with the same weakness for some time?
It's normal to feel overwhelmed by persistent weaknesses, but the key is not to give up. Just as Peter did and like the example mentioned in the paragraph, we must ask that Jehovah continue to give us his Holy Spirit to continue remaining loyal to Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It helps us not to give up and to lean on Jehovah, as he can give us the strength to move forward. We can see this today, in fact, the paragraph mentions the example of a brother who led an immoral life and who sometimes had bad desires. What helped him was the spirit of Jehovah, which strengthened him and helped him continue serving Him.
Peter's story encourages us not to give up, even if we struggle with the same weakness for a long time. Jehovah can strengthen us, as evidenced in the testimony of a brother who, despite his continuous struggles, has experienced the transforming power of God.
The lesson is that perseverance and trust in Jehovah are key when we struggle with persistent weaknesses. The brother's testimony shows that with the help of Jehovah's spirit it is possible to continue advancing on the path of truth.
13. How can we imitate Peter's example? (Acts 4:13, 29, 31; see also image).
Peter, despite his initial failures and fears, found the strength to act boldly when he sought help from Jehovah. For example, Horst, faced pressure in a difficult environment during the Nazi era, but found support in prayer and the help of his parents so he had the strength to stand firm despite his challenges.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can imitate his example by asking Jehovah for help to give us the courage not to give in to the fear of man. For example, the young brother mentioned in the experience, several times gave in to pressure from the school to give the Nazi salute. Instead of rebuking him, his parents prayed with him, asking Jehovah to give him courage. Thanks to the help of his parents and his reliance on Jehovah, Horst eventually had the strength to stand firm.
Peter, despite giving in to the fear of man, sometimes sought Jehovah's help and acted courageously. We can imitate his example by seeking divine help when we face fears and by remembering how Jehovah has strengthened us in the past.
Imitating Peter's example means trusting in Jehovah and acting courageously, even in times of pressure. Prayer and dependence on God are key to overcoming fear and standing firm in the truth.
We can imitate Peter's example as we seek Jehovah's help by praying for strength to face our fears and weaknesses. We can also remain firm in our principles and values if we also surround ourselves with the brothers of the congregation.
We see in the text how Peter realized that he had been with Jesus when the rulers and religious leaders of Jerusalem began to question him and he demonstrated courage by not giving in to the fear of the man. Later we see that Peter was blessed. Therefore, always trust in Jehovah, and pray to him so that he can give us courage when these types of situations happen.
14. How can pastors lovingly encourage those who are discouraged?
Pastors play a crucial role in encouraging those who are discouraged in their faith or facing difficult times. Just as Jesus did with Peter, pastors can provide comfort and encouragement by reminding them that Jehovah values them very much, which is why he has brought them into his organization.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Giving the encouragement that the brothers need to remain faithful. For example, Paul who has served as an elder for many years, he strives to comfort others. When he sees that a brother is about to give up, he encourages him to remember how Jehovah brought him the truth. He also assures him that Jehovah will never give him up because he loves him and is loyal.
The lesson is that patience, compassion, and remembering Jehovah's promises are essential in encouraging those who are discouraged. Pastors play a crucial role in reminding brothers of their connection with God and motivating us to persevere.
Pastors following the example of Jesus should never give up on those who are discouraged. Jesus expressed trust in Peter even when he denied knowing him. Shepherds like Jesus can comfort, remembering the faithfulness of those who are discouraged, reminding them of how God brought them the truth.
15. How do Peter's and Horst's experiences show that Matthew 6:33 is always fulfilled?
Peter and the apostles dedicated themselves to service and, despite the difficulties, saw how their material needs were met. This shows how, by prioritizing service to God, necessary supplies will arrive in some form or another.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We see in Horst's experience that after the Second World War, he considered being a pioneer. Although he was very poor and was not sure that he could support himself financially by serving Jehovah full-time, he devoted the entire week of the circuit overseer's visit to preaching. At the end of the week, he was shocked when the superintendent handed him an envelope with a donation someone had made anonymously.
The experiences of Peter and Horst highlight that, by putting the Kingdom of God first, Jehovah always takes care of our need for materials. Horst, By deciding to pioneer despite his financial situation, as already mentioned, experienced divine provision as confirmation of the promise to first seek the Kingdom.
Let us remember that Peter left the fishing business when he decided to follow Jesus. However, Jehovah provided for the material needs of Peter and the other apostles. The experiences of Peter and Brother Horst confirm that the promise of Jesus found in Matthew 6:33 is always fulfilled.
The lesson is that by prioritizing service to God we experience His care and provision. The story of Peter and Horst highlights Jehovah's faithfulness in keeping His promises and meeting our needs as we seek first the Kingdom.
ILLUSTRATION
We see the evolution of Brother Horst, although at the beginning there was pressure from his school, he did not give up. With the support of his parents and with the help of Jehovah he gained the courage he needed and put the work of the kingdom first. We also see his clear happiness in dedicating his life to Jehovah.
Images in which Horst Henschel as a child and his parents are recreated. 1. Horst timidly raises his right arm while other children raise their right arms high and do the “Heil Hitler” salute. 2. His parents pray with him. 3. A recent photo of Horst Henschel. Horst Henschel began serving full-time on January 1, 1950. Do you think he regretted dedicating his entire life to serving Jehovah? (See paragraphs 13 and 15).
16. Why is Peter's example and letters worth examining?
Despite his mistakes, Peter became an exemplary apostle. His transformation and his subsequent dedication to serving Christ are a powerful testimony of how personal change can be possible if we put in the effort.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
For the training he received contains many valuable lessons for all of us, and Peter mentioned some of them and other matters in the two inspired letters he sent to first-century congregations.
Examining Peter's example and letters is valuable, because they reveal fundamental lessons for our spiritual life. The training Peter received, his experiences, and the inspired letters he wrote contain teachings that help us understand God's mercy, the importance of perseverance, and how to apply biblical principles in our daily lives.
The lesson is that Peter's life and teaching offers us practical guidance to strengthen our relationship with God. By studying his example we can learn how to overcome challenges and remain faithful.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What weaknesses did Pedro have to overcome?
Pedro had to overcome several weaknesses throughout his life. Some of these weaknesses included doubt and lack of confidence, as shown when he initially doubted Jesus' suggestion to fish again. He also struggled with Impulsiveness, as evidenced when he cut off a man's ear during Jesus' arrest. Furthermore, his experience in Antioch highlights the struggle against the fear of offending others and the tendency to act hypocritically.
Also, Peter faced fear of man, as illustrated in his denial of knowing Jesus during the night he was arrested , displaying a momentary lack of firmness and loyalty.
What helped Pedro not to give up and keep going?
The constant presence and support of Jesus were essential for Peter not to give up and to continue moving forward despite his mistakes and moments of weakness. For example, Jesus expressed his confidence that he would recover and remain faithful. This anticipated confidence of Jesus could have been a powerful encouragement to Peter, showing him that someone believed in his ability to overcome difficulties.
Despite his weaknesses, what helped Peter not give up and keep going was the trust that Jesus placed in him. Jesus saw past Peter's mistakes and provided him with opportunities to serve even after his failures. The miraculous fishing experience after the resurrection confirmed to Peter that Jehovah could provide for all of his material needs, giving him confidence to prioritize serving God over material concerns. Furthermore, Peter's loyalty and his recognition that only Jesus had "Words of eternal life" demonstrated his commitment and contributed to his perseverance.
What lessons do we learn from Peter's example?
Despite his mistakes, Peter continued his spiritual journey. His story teaches us that falling does not mean definitive failure, but rather it is an opportunity to get up, learn and move forward with determination. Peter learned to depend on God's help, even in his weakest moments. Recognizing our limitations and seeking Divine help shows us that we are not alone in our struggles and that the strength to overcome difficulties comes from Jehovah.
From Peter's example we learned several important lessons. First, the importance of trust in Jesus despite our weaknesses. Jesus sees beyond our mistakes and gives us opportunities to serve and demonstrate our loyalty. Second, the need to persevere despite relapses. Although Peter made mistakes, he kept going, faced his weaknesses, and continued to serve Jehovah. Third, humility and the recognition of our limitations are fundamental to getting closer to God. Peter's story highlights how humility led him to recognize his sinful condition before Jesus.
In short, from Peter's example we learn about the importance of trust, perseverance and humility in our relationship with God.
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