Let us examine the scriptures every day 2025
Tuesday January 7, 2025
Jehovah is our Lawgiver (Isa. 33:22).
Jehovah has always given his people very clear rules. For example, the governing body of the first century pointed out three areas in which Christians must stand firm. He indicated that we should 1) reject idolatry and worship Jehovah alone, 2) respect blood as sacred, and 3) faithfully adhere to the high standards of sexual morality found in the Bible (Acts 15:28, 29). How can we maintain a firm stance in these three fields today? Worshiping and obeying Jehovah. He commanded the Israelites to give Him exclusive devotion (Deut. 5:6-10). And, when Jesus was tempted by the Devil, he made it clear that we should worship Jehovah alone (Matt. 4:8-10). Therefore, we do not venerate religious images. Nor do we idolize any human being; We do not treat religious leaders, politicians or sports and entertainment stars as if they were gods. We worship only the Creator of all things (Rev. 4:11). w23.07 14, 15 paras. 3, 4
What does it mean to give exclusive devotion to Jehovah? (Revelation 4:11).
We reject idolatry and worship Jehovah alone. He commanded the Israelites to give him exclusive devotion (Deut. 5:6-10). And, when Jesus was tempted by the Devil, he made it clear that we should worship Jehovah alone (Matt. 4:8-10). Therefore, we do not venerate religious images. Nor do we idolize any human being; We do not treat religious leaders, politicians or sports and entertainment stars as if they were gods. Rather, we take sides with Jehovah, the Creator of all things, and worship him alone. (Read Revelation 4:11.)
Why do we respect life and blood as something sacred?
We respect life and blood as something sacred. Because? Because Jehovah says that blood represents life, and life is a precious gift from him (Lev. 17:14). When Jehovah first allowed humans to eat the flesh of animals, he forbade them to eat blood (Gen. 9:4). He then repeated this prohibition when he gave the Mosaic Law to Israel (Lev. 17:10). And, in the first century, he had the governing body give all Christians a mandate to abstain from blood (Acts 15:28, 29). We firmly follow this mandate when we have to make decisions about medical matters.b
What measures will help us obey Jehovah’s high moral standards?
We strive to faithfully live up to Jehovah’s high standards of sexual morality (Heb. 13:4). The apostle Paul gives us this advice: “Put to death the members of your body.” With this powerful phrase he encourages us to act firmly to eliminate our bad desires. For example, we avoid looking at or doing anything that could lead to sexual immorality (Col. 3:5; Job 31:1). And, when we are faced with temptation, we immediately reject any thought or action that could harm our friendship with God.
What should we be determined to do, and why?
Jehovah wants us to be “obedient from the heart” (Rom. 6:17). His rules and laws are always for our good and are not negotiable (Isa. 48:17, 18; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10). We want to do everything we can to please Jehovah and have the same attitude as the psalmist who said: “I am determined to obey your rules all the time, to the end” (Ps. 119:112). Of course, we know that Satan will try to weaken our resolve to stand firm. What tactics do you use?
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