“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)
To be truly happy, we must serve and obey Jehovah, as Isaiah 48:17, 18 indicates. This is necessary because, although Jehovah created us with impressive abilities, he did not give us the ability to govern ourselves or to decide what is right or wrong.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
As Jeremiah 10:23 says, it is not for man to direct his own steps. Therefore, we were not created with the ability to govern ourselves or to decide for ourselves what is good and what is evil. Therefore, if we want to be happy, we must serve Jehovah; and if we do so, He promises to guide our paths.
To be happy, we must serve Jehovah and obey Him. Especially since we know what He thinks about our lives. In Ecclesiastes 12:13, we are told that Jehovah values our eating, drinking, and being happy. In fact, everything He has made on earth has been for our enjoyment.
True peace and happiness come from living in harmony with Jehovah's will. Why? Because his rules and commandments are meant to protect us and bless us.
2. What does Satan want us to believe, and how has Jehovah responded to that lie?
Satan wants us to believe the lie that we can be happy without Jehovah and that we have the ability to govern ourselves. To respond to this falsehood, Jehovah has allowed humanity to experience the consequences of self-rule for a time. The bad results of human rule are evident: suffering, inequality, and chaos in the world.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
That was the deceptive reasoning Satan gave Eve. In Genesis 3:4, we see him tell her that God knew that the very day they ate from the tree, their eyes would be opened and they would be like God, implying that they would have no need for Him.
Satan wants us to believe that we can be happy without Jehovah and that we can govern ourselves. To respond to this falsehood, Jehovah has allowed humanity to experience, for a time, the consequences of self-rule. The negative results of human rule are evident: suffering, inequality, and chaos in the world.
All the results of human rule are evident, and this is what they have brought us. As Solomon said and wrote: "Man has dominated man for his own harm."
We know that there is happiness in serving Jehovah, and that the Bible contains examples of people who did so. The best example of all was Jesus. So, what we're going to look at now are the reasons why He chose to serve Jehovah, why He deserves our worship, and also some of the reasons we may have been given for making that decision.
WHY JESUS CHOSE TO SERVE JEHOVAH
3. What did Satan offer Jesus, and what decision did Jesus make?
Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for a single act of worship. Jesus, however, decided to reject the offer and replied, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
He offered him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory in exchange for a single act of worship. We can see this in the words of Matthew 4:8, 9. We know that Satan, by doing this, intended for Jesus to turn his back on his Father and see him as his God.
We might think this was an easy decision, but we also have to keep in mind that not only was he offering him all the kingdoms, but he was also sparing him from going through everything that would happen later.
We see how Jesus didn't hesitate; he was very clear about it and automatically rejected it. He didn't fantasize or wish for these things, but instead said, "Get away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"
This also teaches us that a single act of worship can cause us to lose our relationship with Jehovah, and Jesus was not willing to do that.
4, 5. What are some reasons why Jesus chose to serve Jehovah?
Jesus chose to serve Jehovah because he loves him deeply and knows that only he deserves our worship. He also recognized that Jehovah is generous, trustworthy, and always tells the truth. Furthermore, Jesus understood that his loyalty would bring great benefits: it would sanctify his Father's name and help end the suffering caused by Satan.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The most important reason is because he loves him with all his heart and unconditionally. This is demonstrated by the words of John 14:31, where he said, "Let the world know that I love the Father and that I do exactly what the Father has commanded me."
Another very important reason is cited in Hebrews 12:2: Jesus knew that, thanks to their sacrifices and loyalty, much would be achieved. He also knew that it was a way to sanctify Jehovah's name and end the suffering caused by Satan.
Another very important reason is that Jesus served Jehovah because he knew what was right. Revelation 4:11 says: "Jehovah our God, you deserve to receive glory and honor and power, because you created all things, and by your will they came into being and were created."
Because Jesus knew that Jehovah is very generous, since he gave us life. Therefore, it never occurred to him to become like Satan and rebel against Jehovah.
One powerful reason is that Jehovah always tells the truth. Christ was an eyewitness to Satan's defiance of his Father and lying, and he has a clear view of both Jehovah's and Satan's attitudes; therefore, he always clung to his Father.
The distinction between how Satan behaved and what Jesus Christ did was highlighted. Philippians 2:5-8 is cited, which mentions how Jesus Christ was so humble that he was willing to leave his position in heaven, come to Earth as a man, and suffer and be humbled as such, even to the point of giving his life for us.
When Satan presented Jesus with the decision of whether he wanted to worship him or Jehovah, Jesus had already made his decision long before. Jesus had seen all the things his Father had given him, all that he gives us, how he treats all of us, and that had already led him to make a decision long before he faced that question.
Another reason Jesus chose to serve Jehovah is that if he remained faithful, his Father's name would be sanctified and an end to all the suffering Satan had caused would be made possible.
WHY JEHOVAH DESERVES TO BE WORSHIPPED
6, 7. Why don't many people serve Jehovah? Why does Jehovah deserve our worship?
Many people don't serve Jehovah simply because they don't know him. As the apostle Paul explained in Athens, Jehovah is the one who gives us life, breath, and everything. As our Creator, he is the only one who truly deserves our worship.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It's simply because they don't know Him, they don't know what Jehovah is like, and they don't know what He has done and continues to do for them every day. It's like in Paul's time, when in Acts 17:30 he says that God had overlooked those times of ignorance, but was now telling everyone, everywhere, to repent.
On the contrary, we know Jehovah and we know that we owe everything to Him, as the text in Acts 17:28 says: “For in Him we have life, we move and we have our being.”
8. What would Jehovah never do?
Jehovah would never force anyone to serve him. Although he has the power to do so, he wants us to serve him out of love, and he has given many proofs of his love for us. He even empowers us to help others come to know him and cares for us through the organization and loving overseers.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
He would never force anyone to serve him; on the contrary, he honors and dignifies us, and once we know him, we make the decision to serve him. As 1 Timothy 2:4 says, accurate knowledge enables us to make a decision.
We see that He empowers all of us to carry out this worldwide work of preaching: to teach others the great things Jehovah is going to do for us. To do this, there is an organization, the congregations, and people who help us, such as the elders.
As Acts 20:28 says, Jehovah did not pay a small price. It says there that he bought with the blood of his own Son. So, without a doubt, all these people, all the overseers he appoints to care for the flock and the congregation, have a very great responsibility. Therefore, we want to imitate Jehovah and do so with affection and love, as He teaches us.
Another interesting idea is that, as the almighty, Jehovah could force us to serve him, but he doesn't want that. He wants us to serve him wholeheartedly, which is why he has given us the freedom to choose to serve him.
9. How does Jehovah demonstrate his love?
Jehovah demonstrates his love even for those who don't believe in him, giving them the necessities of life and enjoyment, such as family, friends, and the fruits of their labor. This shows that he is a kind and loving God who cares for all humanity without exception.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
He demonstrates this by the way He treats human beings who don't believe in Him—that He exists. Throughout history, millions of people have decided to live by their own standards, but as we read in Acts 14:17, Jehovah has given them rain from heaven, abundant harvests, given them enough food, and filled their hearts with joy. So, He has given them everything they need to enjoy life.
Jehovah gives all people the privilege of having a family, enjoying friends, and seeing the rewards of their hard work. So it's proof that Jehovah God loves all human beings, regardless of whether they want to serve him or not.
It is therefore not surprising that Exodus 34:6 describes Jehovah as a merciful, compassionate, patient, loving, loyal, and truthful God.
In Exodus 34:6, Jehovah didn't first introduce himself by saying he was wise or powerful, but rather the first thing he mentioned was that he was merciful and compassionate. He didn't say he had love, but that he was full of love. So, in a world where we're accustomed to authorities being cruel, harsh, or brusque, it's a joy to know that Jehovah, even though he is the supreme authority, does everything he does for us out of love.
All of this makes us see that Jehovah deserves our worship. Jehovah gives so many good things to people who don't even remember Him, who don't even serve Him. The truth is that our hearts should be filled with gratitude and worship, because He is such a good God.
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 hearts, as Jesus said in Matthew 22:37. The more we know him, the more we are drawn to his beautiful qualities.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Like Jesus, the main reason we serve him is because of the deep unconditional love we have for him.
The more we know Jehovah, the more we are drawn to his wonderful qualities. On the other hand, those who don't want to know him logically cannot come to love him. However, we do want to love and serve him.
10. (b) How has Jehovah’s patience helped you? (Psalm 103:13, 14)
Jehovah's patience has helped me greatly, because it shows me that He understands my limitations and is willing to give me time to improve. This motivates me to continue striving to serve Him with a sincere heart.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In the world we live in right now, patience is a quality that's conspicuously lacking. Bosses, family members, and even ourselves are very impatient. Seeing how Jehovah has that patience with us and doesn't get frustrated when something doesn't work out and we have to keep working is something that helps us a lot.
Because it shows us that He understands our limitations, He is willing to give us time to improve, and that motivates us to continue striving to serve Him with a sincere heart.
Jehovah's patience makes us know Him better and see His beautiful qualities, which reaffirms to us that serving Him is the only and best option.
In the past, Jehovah demonstrated his patience in many ways, and this makes us say, "How wonderful Jehovah is!" Jeremiah 18:11 says: "He pleaded with you, please turn from your wicked ways." This and many other examples make us think of Jehovah as a God who is close, worth serving.
11. What are some reasons why we choose to serve our heavenly Father?
We choose to serve Jehovah because it is the right thing to do, and because our loyalty produces valuable results: we sanctify his name, prove Satan a liar, and bring joy to our Father. Furthermore, we have the wonderful hope of serving him forever.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Knowing that with our fear and obedience we make Jehovah happy and that with our loyalty we also help sanctify his name and prove Satan a liar.
Another reason we are motivated to serve Jehovah is that we know it is the right thing to do, just as Jesus knew when he quoted Matthew 4:10, where he said: "Away with you, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship Jehovah your God and serve him only.'" And because we know it is the right thing to do, when we do it we remember the good results our loyalty produces.
We know it's the right thing to do, just as Jesus did, and in doing so we rejoice in Jehovah's heart. Knowing all He has done for us, serving Him is the only real choice we have.
What will give us eternal life is knowing Jehovah and his Son, Jesus. So, if we choose to serve Jehovah today, we know we have all eternity ahead of us to continue doing so.
12, 13. What do we learn from Jane and Pam's experience?
Jane and Pam's experience teaches us that it is possible to develop a deep love for Jehovah from an early age, a love that endures over time. Despite difficulties, such as peer pressure, these sisters remained steadfast in their decision to serve Jehovah. Thanks to what they learned from the Bible, they avoided falling into harmful practices such as drugs or sexual immorality. Both dedicated themselves more fully to service, becoming pioneers while caring for their aging parents.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When we choose to serve Jehovah, we are making the best possible decision. For example, the case of these girls is mentioned, who achieved very good results: from a very young age, they avoided falling into drugs and sexual immorality. Later, when they were older, they saw how Jehovah never fails and how he helped them in every way. They pioneered, cared for their parents, and were happy with the decision they had made.
The experience of these sisters shows how, despite peer pressure, they endured, stood firm, and became publishers thanks to what they learned from the Bible.
We learn that Jehovah never fails to care for his friends, and as 2 Timothy 2:19 says, Jehovah knows very well those who belong to him. So Jehovah never fails; He takes very good care of all of us and has not only the power but also the desire to do so, and he demonstrates it daily.
14. How can we defend Jehovah's name? (See also the images.)
We can defend Jehovah's name by speaking well of Him and respectfully correcting the lies others tell, just as we would defend a dear friend. We too want to honor Jehovah with our words and actions, showing that we serve Him wholeheartedly.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Through our actions and our words we defend Jehovah from the lies that Satan tells against Him, and for that reason we defend Him with our preaching.
In the image, we see a group of people trying to rebuke the brothers, saying things against the organization and Jehovah. A passerby sees the difference between these people's attitude and the calm and peaceful attitude of the brothers, and it seems as if it's the same day, because she's wearing the same clothing as when, later on, she sees a cart and is drawn to the brothers' actions.
We have the example of a good friend we know and we hear someone say something bad about that person, and we wouldn't like it. What we would try to do is defend them and tell the truth. The same thing happens with Jehovah: if we hear someone say something bad about Him, our reaction should be to tell the truth and defend Him at all times.
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 changed his life goals to please Jehovah, and this brought him many blessings. Although he left a prominent position, he gained something far greater: a happy life and the hope of ruling with Christ. Like him, we will never regret putting Jehovah first.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We know he had a happy life and was given the opportunity to rule with Christ in heaven, but we also know it surely wouldn't be easy, because he had to give up a lot. It seems he was a prominent person in his community, and he left all that knowing it would lead a somewhat more complicated life, but he knew he would be happy serving Jehovah.
Thanks to the changes Paul made, he had the opportunity to rule with Christ in heaven, so he never regretted the decisions he made to serve Jehovah.
Like Paul, we will never regret putting Jehovah first.
All the things Paul had to leave, as Philippians says, which at first seemed like gain or important to him, he came to consider as loss and even considered a pile of trash. This complete change helped him not to look back with regret or miss what he left behind. That's what we too must do.
16. What does Julia's experience teach us? (See also the images.)
Julia's experience teaches us that centering our lives on serving Jehovah, even when it means sacrificing personal goals or talents, brings blessings and happiness both now and in the future. Although she left behind a promising career in music, she has no regrets. After more than 30 years, she feels happy and confident that Jehovah will fulfill the desires of her heart.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
She left a promising opera career to choose to serve Jehovah, and it was the best thing for her. After 30 years, she has no regrets and is happy because she trusts that Jehovah will fulfill her heart's desires.
It teaches us that if we focus on serving Jehovah, we can have a life full of blessings now and in the future. In this sister's case, although from a non-theocratic perspective she had a prominent life—as was also the case with Paul—she renounced all of that when she came to know Jehovah and dedicated her life to serving him.
In the image, we see her singing; people are watching and listening. In the next image, she's also singing, but she's doing it in a meeting. So she's using all the talent she has to serve Jehovah, and she's not sad, she's happy.
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?
Living in the time of the end means that there is little time left for people to make the decision to serve Jehovah. For those of us who already do so, it means that even though we may face trials, they will be temporary because the fulfillment of Jehovah's promises will soon arrive.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Living in the time of the end means that there is little time left for people to make the decision to serve Jehovah, and here we have a great responsibility. For those of us who already do so, it means that, although we may face trials, they will be temporary, because the fulfillment of Jehovah's promises will soon arrive. And that should fill us all with great satisfaction.
Knowing that we are in the end time encourages us to continue trying to know and serve Jehovah, because, although we know we will have to overcome some trials, it will only be for a very short time.
For Jehovah's servants, today is a time of faithfulness, preaching, and hope. We know there are still problems, but they will be short-lived. And for those who are not yet servants, they must listen and seek God, because ignoring Jehovah means losing the opportunity for eternal life.
Hebrews 10:37 says, "He who is coming will not delay." That is, Jehovah will never let us down. He never fails, he will never be late. Because we are friends with Him and know Him so well, we know that no matter what we have to face, no matter what trials may come, we have complete and absolute confidence that Jehovah will be there to take care of us.
18. What do Jehovah and Jesus want us to do?
Jehovah and Jesus desire that we follow them constantly and strive to be their faithful disciples. If we have been serving Jehovah for years, He wants us not to give up, but to continue forward with determination. Although serving God requires effort, it also brings great joy and blessings in the present, and the promise of eternal life in the future.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah and Jesus want us to serve them loyally, to follow them steadfastly, and not to give up, even though we know we will face difficult trials and that serving Jehovah will not always be easy. But we also know that we can enjoy many blessings, now and in the future.
They want us to follow them consistently, and consistency makes us fight even when it's hard. We already have many blessings from Jehovah, and that leads us to look forward to the great blessing of eternal life. Those are incredible blessings, so we want to leverage these blessings to help us serve Jehovah consistently.
19. What do we learn from Gene’s experience?
Gene's experience teaches us that, although serving Jehovah may initially seem like missing out on certain things, it actually brings true happiness. He realized that living a double life wasn't fulfilling, and when he decided to serve Jehovah wholeheartedly, he began to see answers to his prayers and feel truly satisfied.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn that we should never stray from Jehovah by leading a double life; rather, we should analyze the benefits of Bible truths and apply them in our lives, always praying to Jehovah for help.
We learn that many people think serving Jehovah is a great sacrifice and that there are many restrictions, but over time it is shown that the opposite is true. When one doesn't do things right, one suffers much more, and when one puts one's life in harmony with Jehovah, one is much happier and doesn't have to go through many difficulties or suffer.
One thing Gene shares is that he had fun for a while, but he wasn't happy. In other words, another important lesson is that having fun and being happy may not be compatible, and it's very important for anyone drawn to that world to remember this.
At some point in our lives, we have to decide whom we want to serve, because if we try to do both, we won't be happy. So, we have to decide, and it's best to choose Jehovah, because He can make us happy.
We also learn how good Jehovah is. He doesn't expect us to learn from ourselves, but gives us all these experiences, in addition to many others we find in the Bible, which show that living a double life never works out. We won't be happy unless we do His will. That's what will truly fulfill us, and Jehovah is so good that He leaves it written down for us to see again and again.
20. What are we determined to do?
We are determined to serve Jehovah with all our hearts, just as Joshua expressed when he said: “I and my household will serve Jehovah.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Let us hold dear the words of Joshua: that we will serve Jehovah for all eternity.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why did Jesus choose to serve Jehovah?
Jesus chose to serve Jehovah because he loved him deeply and knew that only he deserved worship. He also understood that his faithfulness would help sanctify his Father's name and end the suffering caused by Satan.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In John 14, we read that his primary motivation was his love for Jehovah. Jesus has known Jehovah for millions of years, and that's why he has such a deep love for his Father, and that's why he chose to serve Jehovah.
Jesus showed us that faithfulness and love for Jehovah are more valuable than any riches the earth can give.
This is a very good example for us, because Jesus spent thousands and thousands of years with Jehovah at the creation. Knowing that Jesus knew Jehovah so well, was loyal to Him, and didn't accept what Satan offered him, convinces us even more that the best option is always to serve Jehovah.
Jesus also knew Satan. John 8:44 says that he, in his early days, was a murderer and did not stand by the truth, because there is no truth in him. Knowing Satan caused Jesus to reject him outright.
Why does Jehovah deserve to be worshipped?
Jehovah deserves our worship because he is our Creator, gives us life, everything we need, and shows us love, even when many do not believe in him. His beautiful qualities and generosity make him worthy of all our devotion.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
As you mention, Acts 17:28 and Revelation 4:11, He is our creator and is the only one who deserves our worship.
Because we love him, we've also come to know him and appreciate his excellent qualities, how he demonstrates them to us, and how patient he is. And also, like Jesus, we recognize the implications of our loyalty: serving him sanctifies his name.
Why do you choose to serve Jehovah?
This question is a bit more personal. Answer as you see fit. Here's a guideline:
I choose to serve Jehovah because I love him with all my heart and know that serving him is the right thing to do. It also makes me happy to know that my loyalty sanctifies his name, brings joy to his heart, and brings me closer to him every day.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Just like Jesus, because we love him with all our hearts, and serving him is what gives meaning to our lives. Also because he is the one who loves us.
Also because we've seen firsthand that, in the difficult moments of our lives, he has never let us down. He has always been by our side, and we are grateful for that.
For he gave his Son out of love for all mankind, so that whoever believes in him will not be destroyed but have eternal life. How much love he had, giving his Son for us all!
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