“I and my household will serve the Lord” (JOSH. 24:15).
1. To be truly happy, what must we do, and why? (Isaiah 48:17, 18)
The Bible and human experience demonstrate that attempting to live without Jehovah's guidance only leads to frustration and suffering. Throughout history, humanity has attempted to govern itself without success.
Jehovah created us with free will, but not with the complete ability to guide ourselves without consequences. Isaiah 48:17, 18 reminds us that Jehovah desires his children to listen and benefit from his teaching. If we obey his commandments, we will enjoy peace like a river—a constant tranquility.
Furthermore, Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13 shows that God wants us to enjoy life, but within the healthy boundaries He sets. When we choose to serve Him, we find purpose, emotional stability, and lasting happiness.
2. What does Satan want us to believe, and how has Jehovah responded to that lie?
From the beginning, Satan questioned Jehovah's right to rule, implying that his rules were unnecessary and limiting. What Satan proposed was total independence from God, something he continues to promote today. Jehovah responded to that lie with patience, wisdom, and love. By allowing human rule, he let the facts speak for themselves.
Furthermore, to show that one can indeed be happy serving Him, He gave us many faithful examples. Among them is Jesus Christ, the only perfect human being who not only obeyed God, but did so with joy and complete trust. Jesus found his happiness in doing Jehovah's will.
WHY JESUS CHOSE TO SERVE JEHOVAH
3. What did Satan offer Jesus, and what decision did Jesus make?
Jesus knew that what Satan was offering was a trap, not only because he had no legitimate right to give those kingdoms, but because accepting that proposal meant rejecting Jehovah.
Jesus had been educated in the Scriptures and had engraved in his heart the commandment of Deuteronomy 6:13, which says that we should worship Jehovah alone. He knew that the kingdoms of the world, however attractive, were temporary and under the control of the enemy. Therefore, he was not deceived.
Furthermore, Jesus' decision also reflects what he later taught in Matthew 6:24, when he said that one cannot serve two masters. Therefore, Jesus' loyalty was total. This example gives us strength today to resist the world's offers, which, even if they seem good, would lead us away from Jehovah.
4, 5. What are some reasons why Jesus chose to serve Jehovah?
Jesus didn't make his decision based solely on emotions or convenience, but on a deep understanding of Jehovah's love, justice, and faithfulness. In his teachings, Jesus constantly exalted his Father and gave him credit for everything. As James 1:17 says, "Every perfect gift comes from Jehovah," and Jesus knew this firsthand.
Furthermore, he recognized that serving God is not a burden, but a privilege that brings joy. He understood that his obedience would have an eternal impact and was fully aware that his sacrifice would be key to vindicating his Father's name and opening the door to eternal life for millions. In the face of Satan's arrogant and destructive attitude, Jesus showed the opposite example: humility and loyalty.
WHY JEHOVAH DESERVES TO BE WORSHIPPED
6, 7. Why don't many people serve Jehovah? Why does Jehovah deserve our worship?
Lack of true knowledge about Jehovah is one of the main reasons why many people do not worship him. Satan has filled the world with false ideas about God or has made him appear distant and cold.
As Paul explained in Athens, Jehovah is very close and has given clear proof of his love by giving us life and sustaining us daily. He even allowed people of all nations to come to know him.
Therefore, when someone truly knows Jehovah, they realize that no human being, idol, or philosophy compares to Him. He gives us purpose, inner peace, and a firm hope for the future. Therefore, worshiping Him is not a burden, but a privilege.
8. What would Jehovah never do?
The fact that Jehovah does not force anyone to serve him is further proof of his immense love and respect for human free will. Jehovah desires our relationship with him to be authentic, based on love, not fear or obligation.
Jehovah demonstrates his love by leaving clear traces of his existence in creation and by revealing himself through his word. He also empowers us through his Spirit to teach others what he will do for humanity, thus fulfilling the command of Matthew 10:11-13.
Additionally, your organization provides us with spiritual support, loving shepherding, and structure, which helps us stay strong.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Jehovah would never force anyone to serve him. Instead, he shows us love, gives us proof of his existence, and empowers us to teach others about him, in the hope that they will choose to serve him of their own free will.
9. How does Jehovah demonstrate his love?
Jehovah's love is neither elective nor selfish, unlike human rulers who favor only those on their side.
Jehovah shows his love universally; his kindness toward those who do not recognize him as their God is impressive proof of his patience, mercy, and desire to save all.
As Matthew 5:44 and 45 show, He deals impartially, benefiting both the just and the unjust with natural blessings such as sunshine and rain.
In Acts 14:16 and 17, Paul and Barnabas explained that God, although He allowed the nations to go their own way, never stopped doing good.
Jehovah's love extends to all, giving them what they need to enjoy life, raise families, have children, and work with satisfaction.
WHY WE CHOOSE TO SERVE JEHOVAH
10. (a) What is the main reason we serve Jehovah? (Matthew 22:37)
The main reason we serve Jehovah is because we love him with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind, just as Jesus commanded in Matthew 22:37. This deep love comes from knowing him well and appreciating his qualities, such as his patience, mercy, and compassion.
We serve Him not out of fear or mere duty, but out of a genuine love that grows as we meditate on all Jehovah has done for us. As the paragraph says, the more we know Him, the more we are drawn to Him and motivated to serve Him forever, just as Jesus Christ did, who also deeply loved his Heavenly Father.
10. (b) How has Jehovah’s patience helped you? (Psalm 103:13, 14)
Jehovah's patience has been a constant source of comfort and encouragement. As Psalm 103:13-14 shows, Jehovah acts like an understanding father who knows our limitations, remembers that we are dust, and treats us with tenderness.
Knowing that He doesn't expect immediate perfection, but rather a sincere effort, has helped me pick myself up after making mistakes and move forward with confidence.
His patience has taught me not to give up and inspires me to be more patient and compassionate with others as well. Meditating on his understanding attitude strengthens my desire to serve him faithfully, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude.
11. What are some reasons why we choose to serve our heavenly Father?
A powerful reason we choose to serve our Heavenly Father is that we recognize that doing so is the right thing to do, just as Jesus taught in Matthew 4:10. Serving Jehovah is not just an emotional decision, but also a choice based on truth, justice, and moral purpose.
By being loyal to Him, we help sanctify His name. Our actions demonstrate that Satan is a liar and that humans can indeed remain faithful to God under trial, which deeply rejoices Jehovah's heart.
Furthermore, we do not serve God only for what He can give us now, but with the living hope of continuing to serve Him for all eternity, as John 17:3 indicates.
12, 13. What do we learn from Jane and Pam's experience?
Jane and Pam's experience teaches us that it is possible to love Jehovah from a young age and maintain that love throughout the years. Although their parents refused to study the Bible, they valued what they learned so much that they were willing to attend meetings with the Witnesses, even though they also had to attend family religious services.
This decision strengthened their spirituality and protected them from common dangers in youth, such as drug use and sexual immorality.
Later, as teenagers, they became publishers and, years later, pioneers, all while caring for their aging parents. This loyalty was accompanied by Jehovah's constant care, as Jane expresses when she quotes 2 Timothy 2:19, reminding us that Jehovah always cares for those who belong to him.
14. How can we defend Jehovah's name? (See also the images.)
Defending Jehovah's name involves acting with the same loyalty and determination we would show when defending a friend who has been unjustly accused. Just as we would not hesitate to correct someone who slanders our friend, we do not hesitate to speak out courageously to clarify the truth about Jehovah.
As Isaiah 43:10 says, we are his witnesses, which means we have the responsibility to speak well of him and correct misconceptions about his character. Furthermore, our actions must back up our words. When we live by Jehovah's standards and demonstrate love, justice, and faithfulness, we are upholding his name.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
We uphold Jehovah's name when we courageously represent him, both in words and actions, demonstrating that we deeply love and respect him, since each of our actions can speak in favor of Jehovah's name.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. A woman sees a group of apostates protesting outside a regional assembly. 2. Next, the woman speaks with a couple preaching from a cart.
Will you defend Jehovah’s name? (See paragraph 14.)
15. What blessings did the apostle Paul experience after changing his life goals? (Philippians 3:7, 8)
The apostle Paul gives us a powerful example of someone who radically changed his life goals for love of Jehovah. Upon learning the truth about Jesus and Jehovah, he considered all of his past work worthless compared to the privilege of serving God.
According to Philippians 3:7, 8, Paul counted all those things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ. This decision was not a painful renunciation, but an investment with great spiritual benefits. He received tangible blessings, such as a purposeful life, Jehovah's guidance and approval, and the wonderful heavenly hope.
16. What does Julia's experience teach us? (See also the images.)
Julia's story is an example of faith and spiritual priorities. From a young age, she displayed a remarkable talent for music and sang in prestigious concert halls. However, her life changed when a classmate told her about Jehovah.
After beginning a Bible study, Julia decided to dedicate her life to serving God, even though it meant leaving behind a promising career as a professional singer.
Despite criticism from those who thought she was wasting her talent, she knew that the best use of her life was to serve Jehovah.
More than 30 years later, she says she is happy with her decision and fully trusts that Jehovah will fulfill the desires of her heart.
ILLUSTRATION
Images that represent Julia's decision. 1. She is singing on a stage in front of a crowd. 2. She is singing with her husband at a meeting at the Kingdom Hall.
There is no better life than focusing on serving Jehovah! (See paragraph 16.)
KEEP SERVING JEHOVAH
17. What does it mean for God's servants to live in the end times? And what about those who are not yet servants?
The fact that we are living in the end time has very serious implications for both God's servants and those who have not yet made a decision.
For true Christians, this time demands firmness and endurance, for although we face trials, the Bible promises they will only be for a very short time. On the other hand, this moment also affects those who have not yet begun to serve Jehovah, as the time to make the right decision is rapidly shortening.
Jehovah has shown great patience, but the opportunity for salvation will not be open forever. Therefore, it is vital that you take advantage of opportunities now to learn about God and make changes in your lives.
18. What do Jehovah and Jesus want us to do?
Jesus made it clear in Matthew 16:24 that following him was not a one-time action, but an ongoing commitment. Therefore, both Jehovah and his Son desire us to follow him constantly as loyal disciples. This involves striving daily to maintain our faith, overcome challenges, and continue to grow spiritually.
Perseverance is key to receiving God's approval, and this paragraph encourages us to stand firm, knowing that Jehovah's love and support never fail. Jehovah rejoices in our faithfulness, and Jesus is also proud of those who follow him day after day.
19. What do we learn from Gene’s experience?
Gene thought that serving Jehovah meant giving up many of the fun things his friends did. This perception led him to lead a double life, in which he experienced some temporary fun but no real happiness.
Over time, he began to reflect on the biblical truths he had learned and meditate on the benefits of applying them. From that moment on, Gene felt that Jehovah began to answer all his prayers.
This experience teaches us that, although the world tempts us with apparent freedoms, following Jehovah brings us true satisfaction, inner peace, and a close relationship with our Creator.
20. What are we determined to do?
The psalmist expressed in Psalm 65:4 what many of us feel: happiness in knowing that Jehovah has chosen us and brought us closer to Him. This close relationship with Jehovah is the source of our joy and peace.
Like Joshua, we are determined to follow his example and serve Jehovah with all our hearts. Joshua made a firm decision, not only for himself but also for his family, and we too want to follow his example, committing ourselves to serve Jehovah and live according to his principles.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why did Jesus choose to serve Jehovah?
Jesus chose to serve Jehovah because he loved him with all his heart and desired to do his Father's will. Like Jesus, we serve Jehovah out of love, which draws us to him and inspires us to follow his example of obedience and loyalty.
Why does Jehovah deserve to be worshipped?
Jehovah deserves our worship because he is the Creator and ruler of the universe, full of love, patience, and kindness. He has given us everything we need to enjoy life, and his love extends even to those who do not serve him.
Why do you choose to serve Jehovah?
I choose to serve Jehovah because I want to honor him for his love and goodness. Learning more about his qualities and promises motivates me to follow his path and live according to his will, seeking his blessing and everlasting love.
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