“Praise the Lord, all his angels” (Ps. 103:20).
1, 2. a) What distinguishes us from angels?
The things that differentiate us from angels include the fact that they were created long before humans. They are more powerful than we are and are holy and righteous to a degree unattainable for us, because we are imperfect.
1,2. b) What do we have in common with angels?
The things we have in common with angels are that both they and we can reflect Jehovah's beautiful qualities. We enjoy freedom of choice, we have our own names and personalities, different tasks in our service to Jehovah, and the need to worship our Creator.
3. What can we learn from faithful angels?
We can learn much from the example of faithful angels, such as their humility, their love for people, their endurance, and their efforts to keep the worship of Jehovah pure.
ANGELS ARE HUMBLE
4. a) In what ways do angels show that they are humble?
Angels demonstrate their humility by unhesitatingly obeying Jehovah's instructions. Despite their great power, wisdom, and experience, they perform the tasks assigned to them without boasting about their abilities or accomplishments. They rejoice in doing God's will, even if no one knows their name or recognizes their work. Furthermore, they refuse to accept the glory that belongs to Jehovah alone.
4. b) Why are angels humble? (Psalm 89:7)
Angels are humble because they love Jehovah and respect him deeply, recognizing his greatness and giving glory to him alone, as Psalm 89:7 indicates.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The angels' humility comes from their love and respect for Jehovah. The angels show us that, no matter how great our abilities or achievements, we must always maintain an attitude of obedience and modesty.
5. How did an angel demonstrate humility when he corrected the apostle John? (See also the image.)
The angel demonstrated humility by correcting the apostle John when he attempted to worship him after receiving a shocking vision. Instead of accepting the glory, the angel stopped him, saying, “Watch out! Don’t do that. I’m just a slave like you. Worship God.” He didn’t feel superior to John, despite his greater power and experience, and he corrected him kindly, directing all his attention to Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The angel's humility in saying, "I am a slave like you," to John, despite his greater power and experience, teaches us not to feel superior to others, regardless of our length of service or our responsibilities, and to serve with humility as true slaves of Jehovah.
ILLUSTRATION
An angel tells the apostle John not to bow down to him or worship him.
The angel was humble when he spoke to John and corrected him. (See paragraph 5.)
6. How can we imitate the humility of angels?
We can imitate the angels' humility by fulfilling our assignments without boasting or highlighting our abilities. We should not feel superior because we have served Jehovah longer or because we have responsibilities, but rather see ourselves as lesser than them. Like angels, we should serve others without making them feel more important, showing humility at all times.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This principle reminds us that true greatness before Jehovah is measured by our humility and willingness to serve. By rejecting pride and focusing on helping our fellow believers, we reflect the qualities of faithful angels.
7. How can we show humility when we correct or advise someone?
We show humility when correcting or advising if we do so with respect and affection, without feeling superior. Like the angel with John, we can be firm but kind, so that the person feels encouraged, not crushed.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This principle teaches us that the way we give advice or correction reveals our level of humility. By acting with kindness and empathy, we reflect the spirit of the faithful angels, who always seek to honor Jehovah by treating others with dignity.
ANGELS LOVE PEOPLES
8. a) According to Luke 15:10, how do angels show that they love people?
According to Luke 15:10, angels demonstrate their love for people by rejoicing when a sinner repents. They are happy when a lost sheep returns to Jehovah or when a person learns the truth and makes changes to serve God. They care deeply about people's spiritual well-being.
8. b) What role do angels play in preaching? (See also the image.)
Angels play an important role in preaching. Although they don't preach directly to people, they can guide us to those who want to learn about Jehovah. When we preach, we can be sure that they will be there to support us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Angels are not mere observers, but active participants in Jehovah's work. Their joy at people's response to the Kingdom message reflects their love for humanity. Furthermore, their role in preaching encourages us to trust in their support as we fulfill this important assignment.
ILLUSTRATION
A married couple is walking down the street with a preaching cart. Angels are above them, causing the sister to notice a young woman sitting on a bench with a sad face.
A couple who have finished preaching with their wagon are on their way back home. Then the sister sees a woman who looks sad. She understands that angels can direct us to people who are seeking spiritual help, and she feels compelled to speak with her and comfort her. (See paragraph 8.)
9. How can we imitate the love that angels feel for people?
We can imitate the angels' love by rejoicing when a brother is readmitted, welcoming him warmly and showing him our love. We can also imitate the angels' love by giving our all in preaching and supporting brothers in the ministry, such as going out to preach with a new publisher or helping an older or sick brother participate.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This passage teaches us that love is not just a feeling, but an action. Like the angels, we can show our love for people through concrete gestures, such as supporting those who have been readmitted, working hard in preaching, and helping our brothers and sisters in ministry.
10. What does Sara's experience teach us?
Sara's experience teaches us that even when our circumstances limit what we can do, there are always ways to collaborate with the angels in the preaching work. Despite being unable to get out of bed, Sara adapted her ministry and began preaching by telephone, resulting in 70 Bible studies. Her example shows that, with determination and support, we can find creative ways to continue in Jehovah's service.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Sarah's perseverance inspires us not to give up in the face of difficulties, but to seek creative ways to serve Jehovah, trusting in his support.
The Angels Show Resilience
11. In what ways do faithful angels give us an excellent example of endurance?
Faithful angels set an excellent example of endurance by enduring injustice and evil for thousands of years. They witnessed the rebellion of Satan and other angels. They faced direct opposition from powerful demons and watched as the majority of humanity rejected Jehovah. Despite all this, they have never ceased to serve him with joy and enthusiasm, fully trusting that Jehovah will fulfill his purpose.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This example of the angels teaches us that endurance is not just tolerating difficulties, but maintaining loyalty and joy while we await divine justice.
12. What will help us endure?
We can endure like faithful angels if we continue to do what is right. We trust Jehovah completely and ask for his spirit. He gives us the strength, patience, and joy we need to face opposition and stand firm.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This passage reminds us that endurance depends not only on our own strength, but also on divine help. By trusting in Jehovah and seeking his Spirit, we find the strength to overcome any challenge.
ANGELS HELP KEEP THE CONGREGATION CLEAN
13. What special work do angels perform during the last days? (Matthew 13:47-49)
During the last days, angels perform the special task of separating the wicked from the righteous, according to Matthew 13:47-49. Since the preaching attracts millions of people from all walks of life, and some take the necessary steps to become Christians while others do not, the angels are charged with making this separation to help protect the purity of the congregation.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This story teaches us that angels are not only observers, but also active collaborators in the spiritual protection of the congregation. Their work reflects Jehovah's love and care for his people. It reminds us of the importance of valuing and maintaining spiritual purity, knowing that we have the constant support of these powerful allies.
14, 15. How can we imitate the angels' concern for the spiritual and moral cleanliness of the congregation? (See also the images.)
We can imitate the angels' concern for spiritual cleanliness by remaining morally pure, choosing good company, and avoiding anything that might distance us from Jehovah. We also help when we lovingly encourage a brother who has sinned to seek the help of the elders. If someone is disfellowshipped, our firm stance can motivate him to reconsider and return to Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This reminds us that maintaining the spiritual purity of the congregation is everyone's responsibility. By acting with love and firmness, we not only protect the congregation, but also show kindness to those who may be spiritually weak.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. Two sisters are in a park, sitting on a bench drinking coffee. One of them is talking to the other, who is looking away. 2. Later, the sister who was talking is in the Kingdom Hall, telling something to two elderly people.
What should we do if we learn that a brother has committed a serious sin? (See paragraph 14.)
16. In what ways will you strive to imitate the angels?
I will strive to imitate the angels by being humble in my assignments, showing genuine love for others, enduring trials with faith, and contributing to the spiritual cleansing of the congregation. In this way, I will please Jehovah and be part of his family forever.
HOW CAN WE IMITATE THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES OF ANGELS?
His humility
We can imitate the humility of angels by fulfilling our assignments without seeking personal recognition or glory. We should not consider ourselves superior to others, even if we have more experience or responsibility, but rather serve with modesty and view others as equals. When we correct or counsel, we do so with kindness and respect, without judging or humiliating, just as the angel who gently corrected the apostle John.
His love for people
We can imitate the angels' love by rejoicing when someone is readmitted to the congregation and welcoming them warmly. We can also do our best to preach diligently and support our brothers and sisters in the ministry, such as accompanying new publishers or helping older or sick brothers and sisters preach.
His interest in the cleanliness of the congregation
We strive to remain morally and spiritually clean by choosing good company, rejecting what distances us from Jehovah, and lovingly helping those who make mistakes seek help from the elders. In this way, we protect the congregation.
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