The Study Watchtower, “Article 36,” Week of November 11-17, 2024, “Put the Word into Practice,” Answers.

The Study Watchtower, “Article 36,” “November 11-17, 2024, “Do the Word,” Answers.

“Do what the word says, and do not just hear it” (JAMES 1:22).

1, 2. Why are Jehovah's servants happy? (James 1:22-25)

We, Jehovah's servants, are happy because we wholeheartedly apply biblical principles in our lives. James 1:22-25, highlights that it is not enough to be hearers of the word of God; we must be doers of it. 

Furthermore, applying the word of God not only brings us closer to Him, but it also protects us from harmful decisions and gives us peace of mind. By studying and putting the scriptures into practice, we develop qualities such as patience, love, and wisdom that help us face challenges with a positive perspective. This distinguishes us as happy servants of Jehovah.

3. What benefits do we get from putting the Word of God into practice?

Ecclesiastes 12:13 reminds us that the fear of God and obedience are the essence of being human. This reminds us that our deepest purpose is to live in harmony with Jehovah's standards; following biblical principles improves our physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

For example, avoiding practices such as immorality or substance abuse protects our health and reduces stress in relationships. Biblical advice also promotes qualities such as patience, kindness, and respect, which helps us cultivate sincere friendships and resolve conflicts.

4. Why is it not always easy to put God’s Word into practice?

It is not always easy, but it is important to establish spiritual routines that help us set aside time for personal study, despite our busy daily lives. However, it is essential to make this effort to know Jehovah's will and strengthen our relationship with him. 

Regular reading and study of the scriptures helps us understand what Jehovah expects of us. In this article we will review different suggestions to maintain a consistent habit of reading, deep thinking about what we read, and applying biblical principles in our lives.

MAKE TIME TO READ THE WORD OF GOD

5. What responsibilities keep us very busy?

Normally we are very busy due to our family and spiritual responsibilities, according to First Timothy 5:8, it is essential to work to support ourselves and our families, even many brothers are also responsible for the care of sick or elderly relatives, in addition to this, each one of us has the responsibility to take care of our health.

Furthermore, in the congregation, one of our most important responsibilities is preaching, a task that requires time and dedication, so with all these activities it can be a challenge to set aside time to read, meditate on, and apply the Bible regularly, but we must look for ways to organize our time and give priority to our relationship with Jehovah.

6. What can you do to avoid neglecting Bible reading? (See also image.)

In order not to neglect Bible reading, Christians must recognize its importance and set aside specific time each day. Philippians 1:10 urges us to make sure of the most important things and among them Bible reading is fundamental for our spiritual growth.

In Psalm 1:2, the happiness of those who meditate on the law of Jehovah day and night is highlighted, which indicates the need to be constant in this habit. Some brothers use tools such as alarms or reminders to help them be regular in this habit. Others find it useful to follow reading plans that allow them to cover specific sections of the scriptures daily. The important thing is to read, understand, and put into practice the principles of the Bible in our lives.

ILLUSTRATION

A sister reads the Bible while her little daughter is sleeping in the next room. What time of day allows you to read the Bible regularly? (See paragraph 6.)

THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU READ

7, 8. Explain with an example what we should avoid when reading the Bible.

When reading the Bible, it is important to avoid doing so in a superficial way, as this could prevent us from truly absorbing and remembering what we are reading. If we read the Bible in a hurry or just to meet a reading goal, we might not retain what we read or apply it in our lives.

A useful example is that of rain on the earth. When too much water falls at once, the soil becomes saturated and cannot absorb water, which diminishes the benefit to the plants. On the other hand, when the rain falls gradually, the soil has time to absorb it, helping the plants to grow. Therefore, reading slowly and meditating on what we read allows us to grasp the meaning of the biblical principles and apply them, which encourages authentic spiritual growth.

ILLUSTRATION

A brother reads the Bible. Series of images: 1. The rain falls hard and floods the soil in which plants grow. As a result, the plants are damaged. 2. The rain falls slowly, and the soil in which plants grow absorbs it. As a result, the plants grow strong and healthy. Just as plants need time to absorb the rain and benefit from it, we need time to think about what we read in the Bible and put it into practice. (See paragraph 8.)

9. What should we do if we have the habit of reading the Bible in a hurry?

If we have the habit of reading the Bible quickly, we can try several methods to avoid that rush and fully benefit from reading. One option is to read at a slow pace that allows for reflection, since meditating simply involves thinking about what we read and how to apply it. We can also choose to read fewer verses or limit the reading to a single chapter, and then spend time meditating on its meaning and possible applications.

Our goal is not just to cover chapters, but to extract practical and profound lessons that strengthen our relationship with Jehovah. Some questions we can ask ourselves to make the most of reading the Bible are the following: What does this passage teach me about Jehovah? How does it relate to the central theme of the Bible? What can I realistically do to apply it in my life? And how can I use it to help others?

Questions to help you meditate

To get the most out of reading the Bible, as we read we can ask ourselves one or more of the following questions:

What does this passage teach me about Jehovah?

What relationship does it have with the central theme of the Bible?

What can I realistically do to apply it in my life?

How can I use it to help others?

10. Explain with an example how you can apply what you read in the Bible (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18).

To apply what we read in the Bible, we can follow the example described in 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, which encourages us to pray constantly and to give thanks in every situation. After reading this passage, we might reflect on the quality and frequency of our prayers and make specific adjustments. By reflecting on the specific things for which we are thankful, our prayers become deeper and more personal.

Gratitude also helps us face challenges because by remembering our blessings we gain a positive perspective. By developing this daily routine, we gradually cultivate an attitude of gratitude that is reflected in our relationships and in our willingness to serve Jehovah.

SET REASONABLE GOALS

11. Why might you sometimes feel discouraged when reading the Bible? Give an example.

It is normal to feel discouraged when reading the Bible, when one realizes the many aspects in which one must improve. James 2, 1 to 8, teaches us that we should not show favoritism. 

James 3:1-12 emphasizes the importance of controlling our tongue, and James 4:4-12 advises us to avoid friendship with the world. If a person reads these passages on consecutive days, he or she might feel overwhelmed by the changes needed in his or her life. However, recognizing where we need to improve is a good step, as it allows us to progress in our relationship with Jehovah. Beyond focusing on our limitations, we can see it as an opportunity to become stronger, since Jehovah does not expect immediate perfection, but rather sincerity and constant effort. This approach will help us move forward without becoming discouraged.

12. Why should you not be discouraged if you read the Bible and find that you need to make changes? (See also footnote.)

Recognizing that we need to make changes as we read the Bible shows a right and humble attitude. By acknowledging the areas where we need to improve, we demonstrate sincerity and a willingness to grow spiritually. The Bible compares this process to putting on a new personality, which requires time and constant effort.

The apostle Paul also mentions that our goal is to perfect our holiness with the fear of God. This implies that Jehovah understands that change is a continuous process and does not expect immediate perfection. Therefore, instead of becoming discouraged, we can see each change as a step toward a better relationship with Jehovah.

13. What suggestion might be helpful to you? (See also the images.)

A practical suggestion to apply the word of God in our lives without becoming discouraged is to be modest and not try to apply everything we learn at once.

Proverbs 11:2 says that with modesty comes wisdom, so rather than trying to take on too much, we can make a list of areas we want to improve and select one or two to focus on first. This approach allows us to work on changes gradually and steadily, which is more realistic and less overwhelming. Not only does this method help us keep our spirits up, but it also shows the wisdom and modesty that Jehovah values.

ILLUSTRATION

Picture Series: 1. A sister writes a note while doing her personal study. 2. She posts the note on her bulletin board. The note reads, “This week, kindness, Proverbs 15:1.” Rather than trying to apply everything you learn in your Bible reading at once, it is better to be modest and focus on one or two points. (See paragraphs 13 and 14.)

14. What goals can you focus on first?

Setting a spiritual goal, choosing one that is feasible or one in which we have the greatest need to improve, allows us to take firm steps and see concrete progress. For example, if our goal is to improve patience, we could look into our publications to better understand how to cultivate this trait. 

In addition, asking for Jehovah's help in prayer strengthens our commitment, since he can give us both the motivation and the energy to continue forward. Upon reaching this first goal, success and satisfaction can motivate us to work on other aspects, facilitating gradual and constant growth.

LET THE WORD OF GOD WORK IN YOU

15. What difference is there between Jehovah’s servants and many who read the Bible? (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

The difference between Jehovah's servants and many who simply read the Bible lies in the way we relate to the scriptures. Some people may have read the Bible numerous times, but that does not mean that they really believe in its content or that they are willing to be transformed by its teachings. In First Thessalonians 2:1-3 we see how the Christians of the first century accepted the Bible as what it truly is as the word of God.

Today, Jehovah's servants continue to act, so this belief drives us to not only read, but to act accordingly. As we strive to live according to these principles, we experience spiritual growth and transformation that goes beyond simple reading.

16. What will help us put God’s Word into practice?

Putting God's word into practice can be a challenge, due to obstacles such as lack of time, rushed reading, or discouragement, however, Jehovah is willing to help us overcome any difficulty if we turn to him and accept his support. An effective way to do this is to schedule time for Bible reading, creating a space, without distractions, where we can meditate on the scriptures.

Additionally, reading at a pace that allows us to absorb what we read and reflect on how we can apply those principles in everyday situations will make us happier and more satisfied with our relationship with Jehovah and with others.

WHAT WILL HELP US ACHIEVE NEXT?

Set aside time to read the Bible.

Since our purpose is to live in harmony with Jehovah's standards, we must set aside time to read the Bible, since doing so improves our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and protects our health. It also promotes qualities such as patience, kindness, and respect.

Meditate or think about what we read.

To meditate on what we read, it is important to read at a pace that allows us to reflect on the content. We can also ask ourselves questions about the passage, such as what it teaches us about Jehovah and how we can apply its teachings in our lives.

Apply what we read.

To apply what we read, it is essential to identify one or two specific areas in which we want to improve and focus on them. In addition, seeking support in publications and praying to Jehovah for the desire and strength to put his teachings into practice will help us implement the necessary changes.