Congregation Book Study, Week of September 23-29, 2024, Chapter 15, paragraphs 15-20, Answers.

Congregation Book Study, September 23-29, 2024, Chapter 15, paragraphs 15-20, Answers.

Congregation Bible Study (30 mins.) bt ch. 15 pars. 15-20.

15, 16. Why had Timothy earned such a good reputation?

Timothy earned an excellent reputation among two brothers, not because of his physical appearance or natural talent, but because of his qualities and exemplary behavior.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Timothy, despite his youth, demonstrated qualities that were highly appreciated by the congregation. Years later, the apostle Paul praised his positive attitude, his genuine love, his spirit of sacrifice and his dedication to working for his brothers.

Furthermore, Paul emphasized his faith without hypocrisy, an authentic and sincere faith that was not marked by falsehood.

This example clearly teaches us how internal qualities, such as sincere faith and genuine love, are what build a good reputation in the Christian congregation. These qualities are what God values ​​and can inspire others to follow the same path of dedication and service.

Timothy had earned a reputation not for his physical appearance or talents but for his spiritual qualities. Despite his youth, the brothers valued him for his good attitude, love, spirit of sacrifice, and his sincerity, which is described as faith without hypocrisy.

This shows that Jehovah sees the heart, not outward appearances, which highlights the importance of internal qualities in building a good reputation among others.

17. How can young people imitate Timothy?

Young people can imitate Timothy, cultivating qualities similar to those he demonstrated that earned him a good reputation before Jehovah and his people.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Proverbs 22:1 highlights the importance of having a good reputation, pointing out that a good reputation is more important than having much wealth. This underscores that good character and a solid reputation based on honesty are valuable in comparison to any material wealth. This implies that by dedicating themselves to developing qualities and serving with fervor, young people not only benefit personally, but also contribute significantly to the welfare of the congregation.

Also, we should see young people grow and serve faithfully, it brings joy to the congregation, especially when they become publishers and dedicate themselves to Jehovah culminating in baptism.

Young people can imitate Timothy by striving to develop similar spiritual qualities, such as a sincere and unhypocritical faith, as well as a good attitude and willingness to work hard for the benefit of the congregation. By doing so, they can earn a good reputation before Jehovah and his people, even from an early age.

They can also avoid leading a double life and fully commit to their faith, which allows them to contribute meaningfully to the congregation and be a positive example for others.

“They continued to become firm in the faith” (Acts 16:4, 5)

18. a) What did Paul and Timothy do as traveling overseers?

As traveling overseers, Paul and Timothy played a crucial role in building up and consolidating Christian congregations. Their responsibility included conveying the decisions and directives of the governing body in Jerusalem to the brothers in various capacities whom they visited.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In Acts 16:4, we see how as they traveled from city to city, they transmitted to the brothers the decisions made by the Apostles and the elders who were in Jerusalem, so that they would obey them. This task involved not only the transmission of instructions, but also the supervision and strengthening of the congregations in their respective regions.

As traveling overseers Paul and Timothy worked together for many years fulfilling the responsibilities as they had been entrusted by the governing body during their travels from city to city to convey to the brothers the decisions made by the Apostles and the elders of Jerusalem, ensuring that these instructions were obeyed by the congregations.

18. b) How did the congregations benefit?

The congregations benefited significantly from the work of Paul and Timothy. Obedience to the instructions they received helped them to continue to become firm in the faith and grow day by day.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The congregations benefited from the work of Paul and Timothy as traveling overseers, by receiving and obeying the instructions that were given to them. Thanks to this audience, the congregations continued to become firm in the faith and grow day after day. This indicates that the guidance and decisions of the Governing Body communicated by Paul and Timothy contributed to the strengthening and spiritual growth of the congregations.

Clarity and cohesion in the decisions made by the Governing Body helped to maintain unity and doctrinal stability in the congregations.

By obeying the directives and decisions made by the Apostles and elders, congregations were able to overcome challenges and strengthen their faith, resulting in continued spiritual and numerical growth. Thus, the work of Paul and Timothy not only supported obedience to the decisions they received, but also fostered robust and sustained growth in the Christian communities they visited.

19, 20. Why should we obey those who lead us?

We must obey those who lead us, as this obedience is aligned with Jehovah's will and contributes to our spiritual well-being.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In Hebrews 13:17, we are instructed to obey those who have the responsibility of leading us, because they watch over us and do so with the purpose of ensuring that we can have a strong faith and an upright Christian life.

In a world that is constantly changing, it is essential that we stay up to date with the spiritual nourishment provided by the faithful and prudent slave. James 1:27, exhorts us to take care of ourselves and others, not letting the influences of the world run us down. Therefore, this spiritual guidance helps us to keep our faith strong and remain unstained from the world.

We must obey those who lead us, for Jehovah blesses his servants when they follow the instructions of those who have responsibilities to guide us. In an ever-changing world, it is vital to keep up to date with the spiritual nourishment provided by the faithful and prudent slave, which helps keep our faith strong and remain unstained from the world.

Although Christian elders and members of the governing body are imperfect, they deserve our trust because they faithfully follow the instructions of the Bible and the example of the Apostles. As the congregations obey, they are strengthened and made firmer in the faith.

In Romans 5:12, it is mentioned that although Christian elders and the governing body are imperfect, their responsibility is to faithfully follow the instructions of the Bible and the example of the apostles.

Through this obedience and the support of the congregations, they are not only strengthened, but also consolidated in faith, allowing us to grow spiritually and remain united in the truth. Thus, our obedience to those who lead us not only reflects our loyalty to Jehovah, but also contributes to the strengthening and unity of the entire congregation.