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“How will I repay Jehovah for all the good he has done to me?” (PSA. 116:12).
1, 2. What must be done before being baptized?
Before taking the step of baptism, it is important to understand what dedication to Jehovah entails. In 2 Timothy Chapter 3 verse 14 and 15 we see that from a young age he learned the truth and committed to following God.
Dedication requires a serious and sincere commitment; it involves recognizing Jehovah as our creator and lord, committing ourselves to obey his commandments and follow the example of Jesus Christ.
In Matthew chapter 28 verses 19 and 20, Jesus instructed his followers to baptize those who have become disciples. Which means teaching them to obey everything he has commanded. Baptism symbolizes dedication to God and commitment to live according to his principles.
WHAT IS DEDICATION?
3. Name some people who were dedicated to God in biblical times.
In the Bible we find several examples of people dedicated to God in biblical times. Aaron was chosen by Jehovah to be the high priest of the people of Israel.
Leviticus chapter 8 verse 9 we see that his clothing included a gold plate on his turban as the holy sign of dedication.
The Nazarites were people who committed themselves to a special dedication to Jehovah. The word Nazarite comes from the Hebrew born, which means separated or dedicated. They followed certain specific rules such as abstaining from wine and not cutting their hair for a certain period.
These examples show us the importance and variety of ways in which people can be dedicated to God in different times and circumstances.
4. a) What does it mean for us to dedicate ourselves to Jehovah?
Dedicating ourselves to Jehovah means making the decision to be disciples of Jesus and prioritizing God's will in our lives.
It involves committing ourselves to following the commandments and teachings of Jesus Christ, putting his principles into practice in all our actions and decisions.
4. b) What does it mean to renounce oneself? (See also the drawing).
Renouncing oneself means saying no to our own inclinations and desires when they conflict with God's commandments.
In Galatians chapter 5 verses 19 to 21, Jesus taught that those who wish to follow him must deny themselves, which means rejecting the works of the flesh and living according to the spirit.
While it may seem like a burden, those who love Jehovah and trust that his standards are for our benefit will find that living by his principles brings true happiness and spiritual protection.
ILLUSTRATION
Do you see Jehovah's rules as the bars of a cell, which do not allow you to do whatever you want, or as the bars of a zoo, which protect you from the attack of lions? (See paragraph 4).
5. a) How does someone dedicate themselves to Jehovah?
By dedicating oneself to Jehovah one makes a promise in prayer committing to worship him alone and to make his will the highest priority in his life, as we see in Mark chapter 12 verse 30.
This promise involves loving Jehovah with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Dedication is a personal and private act between the person and God where this commitment is formalized in direct communication with him.
5. b) What is the difference between dedication and baptism? (See also images).
The difference between dedication and baptism lies in its nature and its public scope. The dedication is done privately in a personal prayer between the person and Jehovah. While baptism is a public act, it testifies before others that one has dedicated himself to Jehovah.
Dedication is a personal commitment to God, while baptism is the visible manifestation of that dedication before the congregation. Both are important steps in a person's spiritual life, marking the beginning of a deeper relationship with Jehovah and a dedicated life. at your service.
ILLUSTRATION
Devoting yourself to Jehovah means promising that you will worship him alone and that the most important thing in your life will be to do his will. (See paragraph 5).
WHAT WILL MOTIVATE YOU TO DEDICATE YOURSELF TO JEHOVAH?
6. What motivates someone to dedicate themselves to Jehovah?
The main motivation that drives someone to dedicate themselves to Jehovah is genuine love for him. This love is not simply a passing emotion, but as we see in Colossians Chapter 1 verse 9, it develops as the person acquires more knowledge. deep and spiritual understanding.
By studying the scriptures, one becomes convinced of the reality of Jehovah who inspired the Bible with his Spirit and that he has an organization that he uses to carry out his will.
7. What is expected of someone who is going to dedicate themselves to Jehovah?
Someone who is going to dedicate himself to Jehovah is expected to have acquired a basic knowledge of the teachings of the Bible, and to be obeying God's standards.
As we see in Matthew chapter 28 verse 19 and 20 you are also expected to share your beliefs with others as circumstances allow. However, beyond simply meeting these external requirements, dedication is expected to be the result of a deep love for Jehovah and a sincere desire to worship him exclusively.
It is essential that those preparing for the dedication feel an intense love for Jehovah and sincerely desire to worship him alone. This love should be the motive behind his decision and should not be influenced by the desire to please other people whether they are his Bible instructors, parents or friends.
8. What is the relationship between gratitude and dedication? (Psalm 116:12-14).
In the text we have just read we see that when one recognizes and reflects on all the blessings and gifts that Jehovah has given him in his life, gratitude arises naturally in the heart.
This gratitude manifests itself in the desire to respond in some way to the love and goodness of God. In James chapter 1 verse 17, we read that the most extraordinary gift that Jehovah has given us is the sacrifice of his son Jesus Christ, which offers us the opportunity to be reconciled to God and have eternal life. As we reflect on this immense and incomparable gift, dedication emerges as a natural response to this gratitude.
ARE YOU READY TO DEDICATE YOURSELF AND BE BAPTIZED?
9. Why should no one feel pressured to dedicate themselves to Jehovah?
No one should feel pressured to dedicate themselves to Jehovah, because the process of dedication is a personal decision that must arise from the heart and individual conviction. In Galatians chapter 6 verses 4 and 5 we see that it is essential for each person to analyze their own situation and circumstances realistically and without comparing themselves to others.
Some people may need more time to strengthen their faith, make changes in their lives to obey Jehovah, or mature spiritually before making the decision to dedicate themselves and be baptized. This process of spiritual growth is unique to each person and should not be rushed or forced.
10. What can you do if you see that you are not ready to dedicate yourself and be baptized? (See also the box “If your parents are Witnesses”).
If you realize that you are not ready to dedicate yourself and be baptized, the most important thing is to continue striving toward that goal.
In Philippians chapter 2 verse 13, we see that we can ask Jehovah for help in prayer to make the necessary changes in our lives and strengthen our faith, we can be sure that God hears and answers the prayers of those who sincerely seek him.
If our parent witnesses can provide additional guidance, you can access helpful resources such as the articles in the “Should I Get Baptized” series in the Young People Ask section on jw.org.
Additionally, you can consult the March 2016 Watchtower study articles “Are You Prepared to Be Baptized” and “How You Can Prepare for Baptism.”
If your parents are Witnesses
If your parents are teaching you the truth, it will help you to read the three articles in the “Should I Get Baptized?” series in the “Young People Ask” section of jw.org.
You will also find more practical information in these two Watchtower study articles from March 2016: “Are You Ready to Be Baptized?” and “How can you prepare for baptism?”
Without a doubt, you will benefit if you take time to analyze all this information and meditate on it.
WHY SOME DO NOT DECIDE TO TAKE THE STEP
11. What will Jehovah do to help us be faithful?
Jehovah will provide everything necessary to help us be faithful and please him in everything. Although some people may be afraid of making serious mistakes and being expelled.
The Bible in Colossians chapter 1 verse 10 assures that Jehovah will give his servants the necessary strength to behave worthily and please him in everything. This promise assures us that we are not alone in our struggle for faithfulness. Jehovah will strengthen us and guide us on the right path.
With the support and strength that Jehovah gives us, it is possible to remain faithful to him, resisting temptations and maintaining our commitment to his teachings and commandments.
12. What will help us avoid committing a serious sin?
To avoid falling into serious sin, it is important to remember what we see in James chapter 1 verse 14, where we read that because of our imperfect nature we all face temptation to do wrong things. However, we are not defenseless against temptation, although our actions and decisions are our responsibility.
Although some believe that they cannot control their impulses, the reality is that we can learn to manage what we feel and what we do.
There are several measures that can help us resist temptation and remain faithful to Jehovah, these include praying to God daily, maintaining a solid personal study program, regularly attending meetings, and actively participating in Kingdom preaching.
13. What good example did Joseph give us?
Joseph was faced with a difficult situation, when Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him, he maintained his integrity and steadfastly refused to give in to the pressure, his response reflecting a deep awareness of his relationship with God and a firm commitment not to sin against him.
Joseph demonstrated a previously established determination to resist temptation, allowing him to remain true to his principles even in difficult circumstances.
This example teaches us the importance of being prepared and having a firm resolve before facing trials, which will facilitate our ability to resist temptation and remain faithful to Jehovah.
14. How can we learn to reject everything that Jehovah hates?
Like Joseph, we must have firm resolution and clarity in our convictions to resist temptation. When this prior determination arrives, it will allow us to act with determination and spiritual strength in times of trial.
By reflecting on God's word and strengthening our relationship with him through prayer and study, we will be better equipped to make decisions that reflect our devotion to Jehovah and help us remain faithful in all circumstances.
15. How can you demonstrate that you are one of those who “earnestly seek” Jehovah? (Hebrews 11:6).
In the text we have just read, we see that Jehovah blesses those who sincerely seek to do his will. Therefore, demonstrating that we earnestly seek Jehovah implies an active and sincere commitment in our quest to serve Him.
If we know that we have found the truth and want to give ourselves completely to Jehovah, but something is holding us back from taking the step of dedication and baptism, we can follow the example of King David and ask God to search our hearts and guide us through it. correct road.
KEEP COMING CLOSER TO JEHOVAH
16, 17. How does Jehovah bring the children of the Witnesses into the congregation? (John 6:44).
In this text we see that Jehovah brings the children of the Witnesses into the congregation through his divine intervention. This idea reflects Jehovah's view of each individual as his special property.
Even for young people whose parents have taught them the truth, the Bible teaches that if they draw near to God, he will also draw near to them. This teaching emphasizes that Jehovah does not see young people as simple followers of his parents, but as individuals whom he has personally called into his congregation; each member of the congregation is there because Jehovah has guided them and brought them closer to him. .
18. What will we see in the next article? (Psalm 40:8).
In the following article we will explore how, like Jesus, by dedicating our lives to Jehovah and being baptized, we are imitating his attitude of obedience and submission.
The article will guide us on the path to continue faithfully serving Jehovah after baptism. We will analyze how we can apply this principle in our daily lives, and how to remain firm in our commitment to God, following the example of Jesus Christ.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What does it mean to be dedicated to Jehovah?
Being dedicated to Jehovah means being set apart for God's service and putting his will first in our lives.
What is the relationship between gratitude and dedication?
Gratitude toward Jehovah also plays a vital role in dedication, for as we reflect on his blessings and gifts we are naturally moved to dedicate our lives to Jehovah.
What will help you avoid committing a serious sin?
Prayer, personal study, attendance at meetings and preaching will help us avoid committing serious sin.
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