Watchtower Study, Week of September 1-7, 2025, Modestly Accepting the Things We Do Not Know, Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, September 1-7, 2025, Modestly Accepting the Things We Do Not Know, Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Response

Celeste: Additional Points

“It is not within our power to understand the Almighty” (JOB 37:23).

1. What ability did Jehovah give us, and why?

Jehovah created us with the ability to think, to learn, and to understand how to apply what we learn. Why did he make us like this? Because he wants us to find “the knowledge of God” and use our reasoning ability to make good decisions in serving him. (Prov. 2:1-5; Rom. 12:1).

2. a) What should we acknowledge? (Job 37:23, 24; see also the image.) b) How does it benefit us to be modest and acknowledge that we don't know everything?

2 Although Jehovah created us with the ability to learn, the truth is that we do not know everything. (Job 37:23, 24). Let's consider Job's example. Jehovah asked him a series of questions that showed he had much he didn't know. This helped him correct his perspective and understand his need to be humble. (Job 42:3-6). It also benefits us to be modest and accept that there are things we don't know. This modesty helps us to humbly trust that Jehovah will always reveal to us what we truly need to know to make good decisions. (Prov. 2:6).

ILLUSTRATION

Rays of light emerge from the clouds and illuminate Job as Jehovah speaks to him. Elihu and the three false friends are nearby, watching.

Like Job, we too benefit from accepting that there are things we don't know. (See paragraph 2.)

3. What will we analyze in this article?

3 In this article, we'll explore some of the things we don't know and why they can sometimes be a challenge. We'll also see why it's ultimately a good thing not to know certain things. What we learn will help us trust more deeply that Jehovah, "who is perfect in knowledge," will tell us what we really need to know. (Job 37:16).

WE DON'T KNOW WHEN THE END WILL COME

4. According to Matthew 24:36, What do we not know?

4 (Read Matthew 24:36). We don't know when the end of this system will come. Even Jesus, while on Earth, didn't know "the day and the hour." He then told the apostles that Jehovah, who is the Lord of Time, uses “his own authority” to decide when certain things will occur. (Acts 1:6, 7) Jehovah has already set the date on which the end of this system will come, and we cannot find out.

5. How can not knowing exactly when the end will come affect us?

5 Given what Jesus said, we do not know how long we will have to wait until the end comes. This is why we may become impatient or discouraged, especially if we have been serving Jehovah for years.  Or perhaps we find it difficult to bear the teasing of family and others because the end has not yet arrived. (2 Ped. 3:3, 4). We might even think, “If I knew the exact date, I’d have a much easier time being patient and putting up with the teasing.”

6. Why is it good that we don't know the date of the end?

6 By not telling us the date on which the end will come, Jehovah gives us the opportunity to show that we serve him because we love him and trust him. We want to serve Him forever, not until a specific day, as if our faith had an expiration date. When we think about the “day of Jehovah,” we don’t want to focus on when it will come, but on what it will accomplish. Thinking about what God is going to do will help us draw closer to him and do our best to please him. (2 Ped. 3:11, 12).

7. What do we know?

7 We're right to focus on what we do know. And what do we know? Since 1914, we have been living in the last days. In the Bible, Jehovah has given us prophecies that prove this and also give us details of what life would be like during that time period. Therefore, we know with absolute certainty that "the great day of Jehovah is near." (Sof. 1:14). We also know that Jehovah wants us to do something: preach “the good news of the Kingdom” to as many people as possible. (Matt. 24:14). And we are proclaiming this message in some 240 countries and territories, and in more than 1,000 languages. Surely we don't need to know the "day and time" to participate enthusiastically in this important work?

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT JEHOVAH CAN DO TO HELP US

8. What does the expression “the activity of the true God” refer to? (Ecclesiastes 11:5)

8 We don’t always know “the activity of the true God” (read Ecclesiastes 11:5). What is that activity? It is everything that Jehovah does—or allows—to happen so that his will is fulfilled. We can't know for sure why he allows certain things to happen or what exactly he will do to help us. (Ps. 37:5). The Bible says that, for us, knowing this is as unattainable as understanding the development of a baby in its mother's womb, something that scientists still don't fully understand today.

9. What challenges might we face by not knowing what Jehovah will do to help us?

9 Not knowing what Jehovah will do to help us can be a challenge. On the one hand, we may become indecisive and hesitant to make certain decisions, such as simplifying our lives to preach more or moving to a place where more publishers are needed. On the other hand, if things don't go as we expected, we may wonder if Jehovah is happy with us. Maybe we have a goal, but we can't achieve it. Or we're trying so hard to preach, but no one responds. Or we're involved in a construction project and encounter obstacles. As a result, we may think, "Is Jehovah not helping me?"

10. Since we do not know how Jehovah will act, what qualities can we develop?

10 However, not knowing how Jehovah will act helps us develop indispensable qualities such as humility and modesty. He reminds us that His thoughts and ways are above ours (Is. 55:8, 9). We also learn to completely trust that things will always turn out better if we lean on Him. If we do well in preaching or an organizational project, we don't hesitate to give Him all the credit. (Ps. 127:1; 1 Cor. 3:7). But if things don't go as we expected, we can rest assured knowing that Jehovah sees everything and has it under control. (Is. 26:12). We do what is in our hands and leave the rest in Jehovah's hands. Although we don't expect him to perform miracles to show us the way, as he sometimes did in the past, we are confident that he will give us the guidance we need. (Num. 16:6-10).

11. What important things do we know?

11 Remembering the things we do know helps us. And what do we know? That Jehovah is always loving, just and wise, that he greatly values ​​what we do for him and for our brothers, and that he always rewards those who are loyal to him. (Heb. 11:6).

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN TOMORROW

12. According to James 4:13, 14, What do we not know?

12 (Read James 4:13, 14). A fundamental truth is that we don't know what our lives will be like tomorrow. "Some bad time and some unexpected event" can happen to all of us. (Ecl. 9:11). That's why it's impossible to know if what we plan will work out or if we'll even be alive to carry it out.

13. Why can it be a challenge not knowing what will happen tomorrow?

13 Not knowing what will happen tomorrow can be a challenge. We may become anxious about things we fear might happen, and end up losing our joy. Perhaps some unforeseen event or tragedy fills us with pain and frustration. Or, if some expectation is not met, we may become disappointed and discouraged. (Prov. 13:12).

14. What does true happiness depend on? (See also the images.)

14 When we endure difficulties, we are demonstrating that, no matter what comes, we serve our heavenly Father out of love and not out of selfishness. In the Bible, we find stories that show that we shouldn't expect Jehovah to protect us from every problem, and that he doesn't write our destiny. He knows that our happiness doesn't depend on knowing every detail about our future, but on seeking his guidance and obeying him. (Jer. 10:23). When we rely on Jehovah to make decisions, it is as if we were saying, “If Jehovah wills, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:15).

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. A brother and his son packing a Bible and other items into their emergency backpack. 2. In an emergency, the brother, his wife, and their son take shelter from the rain under a tarp and use the items in the backpack.

What truly protects us is seeking Jehovah's guidance and obeying him. (See paragraphs 14 and 15.)

15. What do we know about the future?

15 Although we don't know what will happen tomorrow, we do know that Jehovah has promised us eternal life, whether in heaven or on Earth. We know that he cannot lie and that nothing can prevent him from fulfilling all his promises. (Titus 1:2) Only he can say, “I foretell the end, and from long ago things that have not yet been done.” All the things he has predicted have come true and will continue to come true. (Is. 46:10). We are confident that nothing can prevent Jehovah from loving us. (Rom. 8:35-39). He will give us the wisdom, comfort, and strength we need to endure whatever comes. We are certain that He will help us and bless us. (Jer. 17:7, 8).

WE CAN'T FULLY UNDERSTAND HOW WELL JEHOVAH KNOWS US

16. Though it may seem astonishing to us, what does Jehovah know about us? (Psalm 139:1-6)

16 (See Psalm 139:1-6). Our Creator knows how we are made physically, emotionally and mentally. He's always watching us. He knows what we say and what we mean, what we do and why we do it. King David said that Jehovah surrounds and protects us like a watchman, and that we are never out of his reach. It's incredible that the Sovereign Lord of the universe, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Almighty, pays such close attention to us. David said, “Such knowledge is too amazing for me. It’s more than I can comprehend.” (Ps. 139:6, notes).

17. Why might we find it difficult to accept that Jehovah knows us so well?

17 Because of our upbringing, culture, or past beliefs, we may find it difficult to see Jehovah as a loving, caring father. Or perhaps we feel so bad about past mistakes that we think Jehovah doesn't want anything to do with us and is far from us. Even David felt this way at times (Ps. 38:18, 21). Or maybe someone is earnestly trying to change their lifestyle to do things God's way, but wonders, "Why is God asking me to reject something that is so natural to me? Isn't He supposed to understand?"

18. Why is it good to accept that Jehovah knows us better than we know ourselves? (See also the pictures.)

18 We can learn to accept that Jehovah knows us better than we know ourselves and sees the good things we have even when we don't. He sees our flaws, but he also understands why we feel the way we feel and do the things we do, and he loves us. (Rom. 7:15) When we come to understand that Jehovah knows the kind of person we can become, it gives us the confidence we need to serve him faithfully and joyfully.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. On a dark, rainy day, a brother looks out a window with a dejected expression. 2. In Paradise, the brother walks along a mountain enjoying the beautiful scenery with some friends.

Although there are many things we don't know in this life, we do know that Jehovah has promised us a wonderful future, and that helps us endure challenges. (See paragraphs 18 and 19.)

19. What do we know about Jehovah?

19 We know that Jehovah is love; we have no doubt (1 Juan 4:8). We know that his fair rules show that he loves us very much and always wants the best for us. We also know that He wants us to live forever, and that's why He gave the ransom. Thanks to that gift, we are confident that we can please Him despite our imperfections. (Rom. 7:24, 25). And we know that “God is bigger than our heart and knows everything” (1 Juan 3:19, 20). Jehovah knows us well and is confident that we are capable of doing his will.

20. What will help us not to worry unnecessarily?

20 As we've seen, Jehovah gives us all the information we need to know. Modestly accepting this fact helps us avoid worrying unnecessarily about things we don't know, but rather focus on the things that are important. In this way we demonstrate that we trust completely in Jehovah, “who is perfect in knowledge” (Job 36:4). Although there are many things we don't know now, we are excited to know that we will have a future in which we will not stop learning from our great God for all eternity. (Ecl. 3:11).

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER??

Why is it good not knowing when the end will come?

By not telling us the date on which the end will come, Jehovah gives us the opportunity to show that we serve him because we love him and trust him. When we think about the “day of Jehovah,” we don’t want to focus on when it will come, but on what it will accomplish. Thinking about what God will do will help us draw closer to him and do our best to please him.

Why don't we need to know what will happen tomorrow to be happy?

When we endure difficulties, we are demonstrating that, no matter what comes, we serve our heavenly Father out of love, not selfishness. Our happiness doesn't depend on knowing every detail about our future, but on seeking His guidance and obeying Him.

Why is it good to accept that Jehovah knows us better than we know ourselves?

When we come to understand that Jehovah knows the kind of person we can become, it gives us the confidence we need to serve him faithfully and joyfully. He sees our flaws, but he also understands why we feel the way we feel and do the things we do, and he loves us.