Watchtower Study, Week of December 4-10, 2023, What lessons do the two letters of Peter teach us?, Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, December 4-10, 2023, What lessons do Peter's two letters teach us?, Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response.

Dark Yellow: Additional Response.

Light Blue: Additional Points.

“I intend to always remind you of these things” (2 PET. 1:12).

1. What commission did Jehovah give to the apostle Peter shortly before his death?

THE APOSTLE Peter served Jehovah faithfully for many years. He accompanied Jesus during his ministry, opened the doors to preaching in other fields, and was part of the governing body. Towards the end of his life, when he knew he had little left, he received another commission from Jehovah. Between the years 62 and 64 AD, God inspired him to write two letters: the biblical books of 1 and 2 Peter. The apostle wanted these letters to continue helping Christians after he died (2 Pet. 1:12-15).

2. Why were Peter's letters very timely?

2 Peter wrote these letters at a time when his fellow Christians were “distressed by various trials” (1 Pet. 1:6). There were evil men who spread false teachings among the brethren and sought to corrupt the moral purity of the congregation (2 Pet. 2:1, 2, 14). Christians living in Jerusalem would soon see “the end of all things,” that is, the destruction of the city and its temple at the hands of the armies of Rome (1 Pet. 4:7). Without a doubt, Peter's letters helped Christians of the time to endure the trials they were going through and to prepare for those to come.

3. Why should we study Peter's letters?

3 Although Peter wrote these letters to first-century Christians, Jehovah wanted them to be part of the Bible so that we could benefit from them. (Rom. 15:4) We also live in a world that promotes moral impurity and we go through difficulties that can make our service to Jehovah difficult. Furthermore, soon we will experience a tribulation much greater than the one that destroyed Jerusalem and its temple. So Peter's two letters teach us very important lessons that will help us stay in anticipation of the day of Jehovah, overcome fear of others, and develop intense love for our brothers. These ideas will also help the elders to take good care of the needs of the flock.

STAY ON EXPECTATION

4. What could weaken our faith? (2 Peter 3:3, 4).

4 People generally do not have faith in what the Bible says about the future. Because we have been enthusiastically announcing the end of this system for many years, some people who are against us may mock us and even claim that the end will never come. (Read 2 Peter 3:3, 4.) If someone in the ministry, a coworker, or a family member said something like that, our faith could be weakened. What can help us? Let's see what Pedro explained.

5. What will help us wait patiently for the end? (2 Peter 3:8, 9).

5 Perhaps some think that Jehovah is slow to put an end to this evil world. But Peter said something that makes us think. He reminded us that Jehovah sees time very differently from humans. (Read 2 Peter 3:8, 9.) For him, a thousand years are like one day. Furthermore, he is patient and does not want anyone to be destroyed. But his day will come..., and this world will come to an end. Isn't it an honor to take advantage of the time left to preach to people of all nations? 

6. How can we be very aware of the day of Jehovah? (2 Peter 3:11, 12).

6 Peter advises us to be “very attentive” to the day of Jehovah (read 2 Peter 3:11, 12). How can we achieve it? If possible, meditating every day on the wonderful life we ​​will have in the new world. Do you see yourself breathing real fresh air and eating healthy foods? Can you imagine receiving your loved ones at the resurrection and explaining the fulfillment of biblical prophecies to people who lived centuries ago? Meditating on these things will help him stay alert and remember that he is living in the last days. Because we know in advance what will happen in the future, we do not allow ourselves to be led astray by those who spread false teachings (2 Pet. 3:17).

OVERCOME THE FEAR OF OTHERS

7. How can fear of others affect us?

7 We know that the day of the Lord is near. That's why we want to give other people the opportunity to hear the good news of the Kingdom. But at times we may not dare to speak. Because? Because of fear of other people. This is what Peter felt the night Jesus was judged. He did not identify himself as one of his disciples and on several occasions denied knowing him (Matt. 26:69-75). But he overcame his fears, and was later able to say, “Do not fear what they fear, nor be troubled” (1 Pet. 3:14). His words confirm to us that it is possible to overcome fear of others.

8. What will help us overcome fear of others? (1 Peter 3:15).

 8 What will help us overcome fear of others? Peter advises us: “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts” (read 1 Peter 3:15). Doing this includes meditating on the position and power of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. If you feel nervous or afraid when an opportunity to preach arises, think of our King. For example, imagine him ruling in heaven surrounded by millions of angels. And remember that he received “all authority in heaven and on earth” and that he will be with you “always until the completion of the system” (Matt. 28:18-20). Peter tells us that we must be “always ready” to defend our faith. Would you like to preach informally at work, school, or somewhere else? So, think about when you might do it and prepare what you're going to say. Ask Jehovah for courage, and trust that he will help you overcome your fear of other people.​—Acts 4:29.

“FEEL INTENSE LOVE”

9. On what occasion did Peter not show love? (See also the image).

9 Peter learned what it means to show love. He was present when Jesus said: “I give you a new commandment: love one another; that, just as I have loved you, you may love one another” (John 13:34). Later, however, Peter gave in to pressure and refused to eat with non-Jewish Christians. The apostle Paul said that Peter had acted hypocritically (Gal. 2:11-14). Peter accepted Paul's correction and changed. In his two letters, he made it clear that you not only have to feel love for your brothers, but you also have to show it.

ILLUSTRATION

The apostle Peter eating with some Christians of non-Jewish origin. Peter accepted Paul's correction. His two letters teach us to show love to our brothers. (See paragraph 9).

10. What helps us demonstrate “brotherly affection without hypocrisy”? (1 Peter 1:22).

10 Peter said we should have “brotherly affection without hypocrisy” for our brothers (read 1 Peter 1:22). That affection is the result of our “obedience to the truth,” and within that truth is the teaching that “God is not partial” (Acts 10:34, 35). If we only show love to some brothers in the congregation, we are not obeying what Jesus said about love. Of course, we may have closer friendships with some of our brothers, just as Jesus did with some of his disciples (John 13:23; 20:2). But Peter reminds us that we must show all our brothers “brotherly affection,” that is, affection like that which exists between family members (1 Pet. 2:17).

11. What does it mean to love “intensely from the heart”?

11 Peter gave this advice: “Love one another intensely from the heart.” In this context, loving “intensely” conveys the idea of ​​expanding our love to reach those who, naturally, we would not love. For example, what would be the most humane reaction if a brother hurts us or offends us? It's probably not about showing him love, but rather paying him back in kind. But such a reaction would not please Jehovah, just as Jesus taught Peter. (John 18:10, 11) The apostle wrote: “Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult. Instead, return a blessing” (1 Pet. 3:9). If you love intensely, you will be kind and considerate even to those who hurt you.

12. a) If we feel intense love for our brothers, what else will we do? b) What motivates you to make the video Let's take care of our valuable unit?

12 In his first letter, Peter also used the expression “intense love.” a). That love covers not just a few sins, but “a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8). As Peter wrote this, he may have remembered what Jesus had taught him about forgiveness in a conversation they had years before. When Peter told him that he would be willing to forgive someone “up to 7 times,” he probably thought he was being very generous. But Jesus taught him that he would have to forgive “up to 77 times,” that is, without setting a limit. And that is a lesson for us too (Matt. 18:21, 22). Is it difficult for you to put this advice into practice? Don't give up. Because we are imperfect, all of Jehovah's servants have sometimes found it very difficult to forgive. So what can you do? b). The important thing is that you do everything possible to forgive his brother and make peace with him. 

ELDERS, SHEPHERD THE FLOCK

13. Why can it be difficult for elders to shepherd their brothers?

13 Peter surely never forgot what Jesus told him after he was resurrected: “Shepherd my sheep” (John 21:16). If you are elderly, you know that you must also follow this instruction. But it can be difficult to make time to fulfill this important responsibility. First, the elderly have to care for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of their family. In addition, they should lead by example in preaching and prepare well to teach in meetings and present talks at assemblies. Some also collaborate with Hospital Liaison Committees or the Local Design and Construction Department. Without a doubt, the elderly are very busy people.

14. Why do elders want to shepherd the flock, and what can help them? (1 Peter 5:1-4).

14 Peter told other Christians who were also elders, “Shepherd the flock of God” (read 1 Peter 5:1-4). We know that elders love their brothers and want to shepherd them. But sometimes you may feel like you can't fulfill that responsibility because you are too busy or tired. If that is your case, what can you do? Tell Jehovah how you feel. Peter wrote: “If anyone serves others, let him do so as one who depends on the strength that God gives” (1 Pet. 4:11). Maybe his brothers are going through problems that have no solution in this system. But remember that Jesus Christ, “the chief shepherd,” can do much more for them than you can, both now and in the new world. What Jehovah expects of elders is that they love their brothers, shepherd them, and be “examples to the flock.”

15. What does an elder do to shepherd the flock? (See also the image).

15 William, who is an experienced elder, places great importance on shepherding the flock. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, he and the other elders in his congregation found it extremely important to contact all the publishers in their preaching groups each week. Because? He explains: “Many brothers were alone in their homes, and they had no company other than their thoughts. It was easy for them to start thinking negatively.” When a brother has problems, William listens carefully to know exactly what he needs and what he is worried about. He then looks for something specific to help him , usually a video from our website. William adds: “Shepherding is more important now than ever. We work hard to help people come to know Jehovah. Well, we must do something similar to shepherd the flock, to help Jehovah's sheep to continue in the truth."

ILLUSTRATION

An elder pays a shepherding visit to a brother via video conference. The old man has the Bible open, and on his tablet he is watching the video “How to Have a Happy Family.” Although the elders are busy, they love God's flock and do their best to shepherd it. (See paragraphs 14 and 15).

LET US LET JEHOVAH FINISH OUR TRAINING

16. In what ways could we put into practice what we have learned in Peter's letters?

16 In this article we have only drawn a few lessons from Peter's two letters. Maybe you have seen that there are things you can improve on. For example, would you like to meditate more on the wonderful life we ​​will have in the new world ? Have you planned to preach informally at work, school, or elsewhere ? Have you thought about other ways to show intense love for your siblings ? And, if you are an elder, are you determined to shepherd Jehovah's sheep willingly and earnestly ? If when you do an honest self-examination you see that you are failing at something, don't be discouraged. Remember “how kind the Lord is” and that he will help you get better (1 Pet. 2:3). Peter assures us: “God […] will finish your training. He will make them firm, he will make them strong, he will put them on a solid foundation” (1 Pet. 5:10).

17. What reward will we receive if we persevere and let Jehovah train us?

17 On one occasion, Peter did not feel worthy to stand before the Son of God (Luke 5:8). But, with the support and love of Jehovah and Jesus, Peter followed Christ faithfully. As a result, he was allowed to enter “into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1:11). What an extraordinary prize! If you persevere like Peter and allow Jehovah to train you, you too will receive the reward of eternal life. He will achieve “the goal of his faith: his salvation” (1 Pet. 1:9).

WHAT ADVICE DID PETER GIVE ON THE FOLLOWING ISSUES?

Stay in expectation of the day of Jehovah.

Take care of doubts and mockers, maintain holiness and engage in acts of pious devotion.

Meditating and thanking what Jehovah has given us and promises us.

Overcome fear of others.

Sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts. This includes meditating on the position and power of our lord and King, Jesus Christ. If when an opportunity to preach arises we are afraid, let us think of our king. Let us imagine ourselves ruling in heaven surrounded by millions of angels. And let us remember that he received all authority in heaven and on earth, and that he will be with us "Every day until the conclusion of the system." Peter tells us that we must always be ready to defend our faith.

Show “intense love” to our brothers.

Avoid simulations or hypocritical actions.

Be inclusive instead of exclusive. that is, having partiality.

If a brother hurts or offends us, probably the first thing we would like to do is not show him love, but rather repay him in kind, but that reaction would not please Jehovah, just as Jesus taught Peter, As the apostle wrote in 1 Peter 3 9 where it says: Do not return evil for evil, insult for insult, but on the contrary return a blessing.