Yellow: Direct Response
Light Yellow: Additional Response
Celeste: Additional Points
“Praise the Lord, all his angels” (Ps. 103:20).
1, 2. a) What distinguishes us from angels? b) What do we have in common with angels?
When Jehovah brought him to the truth, he invited him to become part of his family of worshipers. That family is loving and diverse, consisting not only of our brothers and sisters from around the world but also of millions of angels. (Dan. 7:9, 10) When we think of angels, we may be reminded of all that makes us different from them. For example, they were created long before humans (Job 38:4, 7). They are more powerful and are also holy and righteous to a degree unattainable for us because we are imperfect. (Luc. 9:26).
2 Now, despite these differences, we have much in common with angels. For example, both they and we can reflect Jehovah's beautiful qualities, enjoy freedom of choice, and have our own name, personality, and different tasks in our service to Jehovah. Also, like the angels, we have the need to worship our Creator. (1 Ped. 1:12).
3. What can we learn from faithful angels?
3 Since we have so much in common with the angels, His good example encourages us and teaches us many valuable lessons. In this article we are going to analyze how We can imitate his humility, his love for people, his endurance, and his hard work to keep the congregation clean.
ANGELS ARE HUMBLE
4. a) In what ways do angels demonstrate their humility? b) Why are angels humble? (Psalm 89:7)
4 Faithful angels are humble. Although they have much experience and are very powerful and wise, they obey Jehovah's instructions. (Ps. 103:20). They carry out the tasks Jehovah assigns them without boasting about what they do or their superhuman powers. They feel happy doing God's will, even if others never know their name. (Gen. 32:24, 29; 2 Kings 19:35). They refuse to accept the glory that belongs to Jehovah. Why are angels so humble? Because they love Jehovah and respect him deeply (it’s Psalm 89:7).
5. How did an angel demonstrate humility when he corrected the apostle John? (See also the image.)
5 Let's review a story that clearly shows the humility of angels. Around the year 96, an angel whose name we don't know gave the apostle John a terrifying vision (Rev. 1:1). How did John react to seeing these extraordinary things? He bowed down to worship the angel. But the angel immediately stopped him and said, "Be careful! Don't do this! I am only a slave like you and your brothers [...]. Worship God!" (Rev. 19:10). What a humble response! The angel didn't want to receive glory or praise. He immediately directed John's attention to Jehovah. Furthermore, he didn't consider himself more important than John. Although he had served Jehovah much longer and was far more powerful than the apostle, he humbled himself and said, "I am a slave like you." And even though he had to correct John, he didn't rebuke or treat the elderly apostle harshly. Instead, he spoke to him kindly. He probably realized that Juan's reaction was due to his being so shocked.
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?
6 How can we imitate the humility of the angels? Carrying out our assignments without boasting or giving the impression that we have special abilities (1 Cor. 4:7). Nor should we think that we are superior to others simply because we have served Jehovah longer or because we have certain responsibilities. In fact, the more responsibilities we have, the more we should see ourselves as one of the least (Luc. 9:48). Following the example of the angels, we want to serve others; we don't want to make them feel more important than them.
7. How can we show humility when we correct or advise someone?
7 We can also show humility if we have to correct or advise someone, whether it be a brother or our children. We may sometimes need to give firm and direct advice. But, just as the angel kindly corrected John, we can be firm without making the person feel crushed. If we do not believe ourselves superior to others, we will give advice based on the Bible with respect and love. (Col. 4:6).
ANGELS LOVE PEOPLES
8. a) According to Luke 15:10, how do angels show they love people? b) What role do angels play in preaching? (See also the image.)
8 Angels are not indifferent to what happens to people. On the contrary, they love them. They rejoice when a sinner repents, that is, when a lost sheep returns to Jehovah or when a person knows the truth and makes changes to serve God. (it’s Luke 15:10). Angels also have an important role in preaching. (Apoc. 14:6). Although they do not preach directly to people, they can direct us to a person who wants to learn about Jehovah. Of course, we can't be sure that angels intervened in a specific case. After all, Jehovah can use other means—such as his holy spirit—to help people or to guide his servants. (Acts 16:6, 7) But Jehovah uses his angels a lot. So when we preach, we can be sure that they will be there to support us. (See the box "Their Prayers Were Answered.")
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?
9 How can we imitate the love that angels feel for people? When the congregation announces that someone has been readmitted, we can rejoice like the angels. Let us welcome the brother with affection and let him know that we care for him. (Luc. 15:4-7; 2 Cor. 2:6-8). Another way to imitate the angels is to do our best in preaching. (Ecl. 11:6). And, just as angels support us when we preach, we can look for ways to support our brothers in the ministry. For example, what if we go out to preach with a new publisher or help an older or sick brother participate in the ministry?
10. What does Sara's experience teach us?
10 What if our circumstances don't allow us to do as much as we'd like? Still, we can find new ways to collaborate with the angels in preaching. Let's look at the experience of a sister from India named Sara. After about 20 years of pioneering, she became so ill that she could no longer get out of bed. Naturally, she felt very depressed. However, thanks to the support and love of the brothers and sisters and her regular Bible reading, she gradually regained her spirits. Of course, she had to adapt her way of preaching. Since she couldn't even sit down to write letters, she could only preach by phone. So she called the people she used to visit, and they told her about others who might like to study the Bible. What was the result? Within months, Sara had 70 Bible courses. There were so many that she couldn't attend them all! So she passed some of those courses on to other brothers in the congregation. Many of those students attend our meetings. Without a doubt, the angels must be very happy to be able to work shoulder to shoulder with brothers like Sara, who give their all in preaching.
The Angels Show Resilience
11. In what ways do faithful angels give us an excellent example of endurance?
11 The faithful angels give us an excellent example of endurance. They have endured injustice and evil for thousands of years. They have seen Satan and many angels who once served God alongside them rebel against Jehovah. (Gen. 3:1; 6:1, 2; Jud. 6). The Bible speaks of an angel who had to face opposition from a powerful demon. (Dan. 10:13). Furthermore, throughout human history, angels have seen that very few people choose to serve Jehovah. Despite all this, they remain loyal and continue serving Jehovah with joy and enthusiasm. They know that in due time God will put an end to all injustice.
12. What will help us endure?
12 How can we imitate the endurance of angels? We too may see injustice or suffer opposition, but we are as convinced as they are that in due time God will put an end to all evil. Therefore, like the faithful angels, “let us not fail to do what is right.” (Gal. 6:9). Furthermore, Jehovah promises to help us endure (1 Cor. 10:13). We can ask him to give us his spirit, which helps us to have patience and happiness. (Gal. 5:22; Col. 1:11) What can you do if you experience opposition? Trust completely in Jehovah and do not be afraid. He will always be by your side and give you strength. (Heb. 13:6).
ANGELS HELP KEEP THE CONGREGATION CLEAN
13. What special work do angels perform during the last days? (Matthew 13:47-49)
13 During the last days, Jehovah has assigned the angels a special task. (Read Matthew 13:47-49.) The preaching work attracts millions of people from all walks of life. Some take the necessary steps to become Christians, but others do not. Angels are charged with separating "the wicked from the righteous." In this way, they help protect the purity of the congregation. That doesn't mean that if someone for any reason stops associating with us, they will never be able to return, nor that there won't be any problems in the congregation. In any case, we can be sure that angels are working hard to help keep congregations clean.
14, 15. How can we imitate the angels' concern for the spiritual and moral cleanliness of the congregation? (See also the images.)
14 How can we imitate the angels' concern for the cleanliness of the congregation? We strive to remain morally and spiritually clean. Each of us must protect our hearts by choosing good companions and rejecting anything that might lead us away from Jehovah. In this way we contribute to keeping our congregation clean (Ps. 101:3). We can also help our brothers and sisters to be faithful to Jehovah. For example, what should we do if we learned that a brother had committed a serious sin? Because of our love for that brother, we would encourage him to speak to the elders. If he didn't, we would be the ones who would have to inform the elders. We want our brother who is spiritually weak to receive the help he needs as soon as possible. (James 5:14, 15).
15 Unfortunately, some who commit serious sins have to be removed from the congregation. In those cases, we stop associating with them. (1 Cor. 5:9-13) This measure contributes to the cleanliness of the congregation. Furthermore, not associating with those who have been removed from the congregation is actually a sign of kindness toward them. Our firm stance may motivate them to reconsider. If they do, we rejoice, as do Jehovah and the angels (Luke 15:7).
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?
16 It is a great honor to see with the eyes of faith everything the angels do and to work side by side with them. Let us strive to imitate his humility, his love for people, his endurance, and his concern for the moral and spiritual cleanliness of the congregation. If we copy the faithful angels, we too can be part of Jehovah's family of worshipers for all eternity.
HOW CAN WE IMITATE THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES OF ANGELS?
His humility
By fulfilling our assignments without boasting or giving the impression that we have special abilities. Nor should we think we are superior to others simply because we have served Jehovah longer or because we have certain responsibilities.
His love for people
When the congregation announces that someone has been readmitted, we can rejoice like the angels. Let us warmly welcome the brother and let him know we care. Another way to imitate the angels is to do our best in preaching. And, just as the angels support us when we preach, we can look for ways to support our brothers in the ministry.
His interest in the cleanliness of the congregation
Striving to remain morally and spiritually clean. Each of us must protect our hearts by choosing good company and rejecting anything that might distance us from Jehovah. In this way, we help keep our congregation clean. We can also help our fellow believers remain faithful to Jehovah.
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