“I intend to remind you of these things always, even though you already know them and are well established in the truth” (2 Pet. 1:12).
1. How did you feel when you learned the truth?
When I began learning about the Bible, I felt something very special, as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. For example, when I learned that God's name is Jehovah, I understood that I could have a close relationship with him, not as someone distant or anonymous, but as a father with his own name, just as Isaiah 42:8 says.
It also gave me great peace to discover that the dead don't suffer, they are simply unconscious, as Ecclesiastes 9:10 says. That was a relief, because I was no longer distressed by thinking about them. And when I understood the promise that the Earth will be a paradise, I stopped worrying so much about the future. It was like starting a new life.
2. Why do we know that even mature Christians can benefit from the basic teachings of the Bible? (2 Peter 1:12, 13)
This paragraph reminds us that we should never take the basics for granted. Even mature Christians need to review them, because they are what keeps us strong.
The apostle Peter, in 2 Peter 1:12 and 13, wrote to brothers who were already well established in the truth, but he still encouraged them to continue remembering those teachings. Why? Because it would protect them from dangers like false teachers or people who could cause harm within the congregation.
So, even if we've been serving Jehovah for many years, reviewing the basics strengthens us and helps us remain faithful. It's like daily food: we always need it, even if we're already familiar with it.
3. Explain with an example why all Christians should continue to meditate on the basic teachings of the Bible.
This paragraph gives us the example of a cook. Even though the ingredients are the same, an experienced cook can prepare more varied and flavorful dishes than a beginner. The same is true of truth. A Bible student learns the basics, but someone who has spent years in the truth can discover new applications of those same texts.
For example, when you're single and read about trusting in Jehovah, you apply it to your personal decisions. But later, if you get married or take on more responsibilities in the congregation, those same basic teachings give you new insights into how to act. That's why it's important to continue meditating on the basics, because we always find different ways to apply them.
JEHOVAH IS THE CREATOR
4. How has learning that Jehovah is the Creator changed our lives?
One striking thing about learning the Bible is what Hebrews 3:4 says: that the one who built all things is God. Knowing that everything we see—nature, the heavens, even ourselves—is Jehovah's work completely changes our way of looking at life.
We no longer believe we're here by chance, but rather that we have a purpose. And since He created us, He knows us better than anyone and knows what we need to be happy.
This gives us great confidence that if we follow his advice, we will be fine. This basic truth gives meaning to our existence and helps us appreciate even more the friendship we can have with our Creator.
5. What lesson does it teach us to know that Jehovah is the Creator? (Isaiah 45:9-12)
A very important lesson from knowing that Jehovah is the Creator is that it teaches us much about humility. When we remember that Jehovah is the Creator, we understand that we are like clay in the potter's hands, just as Isaiah 45:9-12 says.
Sometimes, like Job, we can become so focused on our own problems or on defending ourselves that we even question what Jehovah allows. But Jehovah reminded Job that he is the almighty Creator, and that everything he does is always just and good.
This helps us avoid falling into the trap of thinking we know better than God. Instead, we learn to accept His decisions with humility and trust that He always seeks our best interests.
6. Why is it good for us to meditate on the greatness of the Creator? (See also the images.)
It's very good for us to meditate on Jehovah's greatness, because it helps us avoid relying too heavily on our own ideas. Sometimes, over the years, we can fall into thinking we already know enough or that our opinion is sufficient, but the Bible reminds us that Jehovah is much greater and wiser than we are.
Isaiah 40:22 speaks of how great He is, and Isaiah 55:8, 9 tells us that His thoughts are far above ours. When we think of this, we remain humble and always seek His guidance in the Bible. This protects us from error and gives us security, because we know His way of seeing things is always the best.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. An elder makes a suggestion at a meeting of elders, but the others disagree. 2. Then, the elder who made the suggestion meditates while looking at the starry sky.
What will help us remember that Jehovah's way of seeing things is far superior to ours? (See paragraph 6.)
7. What helped Rahela accept a recent change in the organization?
Rahela's example is very practical because it shows that sometimes accepting certain changes isn't so easy. She admitted that when she first saw a brother with a beard giving a talk, it seemed strange to her, even though she already knew what had been explained in the 2023 Governing Body report. But instead of dwelling on that feeling, she prayed to Jehovah to help her adapt.
That worked for him because he remembered that our Creator, the One who made heaven and earth, has the wisdom and power to always guide his organization in the right direction. As Romans 11:33-36 says, that trust in Jehovah allowed him to accept change with humility.
WHY GOD ALLOWS SUFFERING
8. How has learning why God allows suffering helped us?
Learning why God allows suffering has benefited us greatly. Many people, not understanding this, become angry with God or even think he doesn't exist, as Proverbs 19:3 says. But we have learned that Jehovah is not the cause of suffering, but rather that it comes from the sin and imperfection we inherit.
Furthermore, thanks to his patience, millions of people have had time to get to know him and draw close to him, as 2 Peter 3:9, 15 explains. This gives us comfort because we know that Jehovah has a purpose and will soon eliminate all suffering. Understanding this can bring us great peace, because instead of blaming God, we feel closer to him and trust in his justice.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Jehovah is not the cause of suffering. Although he allows it, it is because it is the consequence of inherited sin. Knowing this gives us great comfort, because we understand that he has a purpose and that he will soon put an end to all that suffering and pain.
9. In what situations is it good to review the reasons why Jehovah allows suffering?
We may go through times when we wonder, “Why hasn’t Jehovah ended the suffering yet?” For example, when we face personal problems, injustice, or the loss of a loved one—as Habakkuk 1:2, 3 mentions—these questions may come to mind.
In such situations, it is very helpful to review the reasons why Jehovah allows bad things to happen, because it reminds us that he is not indifferent, but has a purpose and a time for everything.
Psalm 34:19 assures us that Jehovah always cares for the righteous and delivers them from many troubles. Thus, when we remember that his goal is to end suffering forever, we regain confidence and patience.
10. How has Anne managed to cope with the loss of her mother?
Anne's example shows how the truth gives us strength to endure. She lost her mother and felt a great sadness, something any of us understand. But instead of giving in to that pain, she remembered that suffering does not come from Jehovah, but that he wants to end everything that causes us pain. She also thought about the promise of the resurrection, which assures her that she will see her mother again.
When he meditates on these basic truths, he says he feels such a peace that it almost surprises him. This teaches us that, even when sadness persists, Jehovah comforts us and gives us hope to continue forward with faith and trust in his promises.
11. Why does knowing why Jehovah allows suffering motivate us to continue preaching?
Knowing why Jehovah allows suffering also gives us a very strong motivation to continue preaching. We understand that, thanks to his patience, many people have the opportunity to repent and attain salvation. Peter expressed this in 2 Peter 3:11, saying that this should motivate us to holy conduct and acts of devotion to God. And one of those acts is precisely preaching.
Like Jehovah, we also want people to live in the new world. That's why we feel compelled to share the message. Furthermore, the thought that Jehovah allows us to be his coworkers, as 1 Corinthians 3:9 says, gives us great encouragement. It's a great privilege to help others come to know him before the end comes.
WE ARE LIVING IN “THE LAST DAYS”
12. When we see how the prophecy about “the last days” is being fulfilled, what are we convinced of?
When we look at people today, we realize that what 2 Timothy 3:1-5 says is being fulfilled literally. Lack of love, disobedience, violence—everything the Bible describes we see every day in the news and even in our own surroundings. And the most striking thing is that this attitude is only getting worse, as 2 Timothy 3:13-15 points out.
This convinces us that God's word is completely trustworthy, because what was prophesied almost 2,000 years ago is being fulfilled right now. This greatly strengthens our faith, because it confirms that Jehovah keeps his promises and that he will soon also fulfill his promises about the future.
13. What is good for us to ask ourselves? (Luke 12:15-21)
This paragraph makes us think about how important it is to review our priorities. In Luke 12:15-21, Jesus spoke of the rich man who was considered foolish because he was only concerned with accumulating material goods and not with being rich in God's eyes.
This teaches us that, as we are living in the last days, we must ask ourselves whether our goals reflect what truly matters to Jehovah. Am I devoting my energy, time, and resources to spiritual things or to storing up treasures for myself?
It's also good to think about what kind of goals we're encouraging our children to set. Remembering that this system is running out of time helps us maintain a sense of urgency and focus on what's right.
14. As Miki's experience shows, why is it good for us to meditate on the evidence that we are living in the last days?
Miki's experience shows how useful it is to meditate on the evidence that we are in the last days, because it influences the decisions we make.
She wanted to study zoology at university, but she also had the goal of being a pioneer and serving wherever there was a need. Some older brothers reminded her that this system's life was short and that in the new world she would have eternity to learn about animals.
That helped her think about what was truly most important. So she decided to take a short course, found a practical job, and was able to achieve her spiritual goals. Ultimately, that led her to serve in circuit church work alongside her husband in Ecuador.
15. What does the example of James teach us? (See also the images.)
James's example teaches us not to be discouraged when someone rejects the message. Consider that he, as Jesus's half-brother, saw him grow and preach like no one else had. And yet, at first, he didn't put his faith in him, as John 7:5 shows.
It was after the resurrection that he became a disciple and became a very active Christian, as Galatians 2:9 mentions. This reminds us that people can change over time, even our relatives or acquaintances who may not currently show interest.
Therefore, we must not give up on them or stop preaching to them. We never know if what we share today might touch their hearts later, even in very decisive moments.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
The example of James shows us that, no matter how difficult our territory or our family members may be, we must never stop preaching. Perhaps those people's circumstances may change, and we never know if something we say today can motivate a change in their lives in the future.
ILLUSTRATION
A sister doing her personal study calls her non-Witness sister who is shopping with her little daughter.
Why should we not give up on our non-Witness family members? (See paragraph 15.)
LET US CONTINUE TO BE THANKFUL FOR JEHOVAH'S REMINDERS
16. How have you benefited from Jehovah’s reminders? (See also the box “Use It to Help Others.”)
Jehovah's reminders have helped me tremendously. Although spiritual food is sometimes intended for non-Witnesses—such as public talks, magazines, or videos on jw.org—it also benefits me. They remind me of basic truths, and this strengthens my love for Jehovah and my trust in his word, just as Psalm 19:7 says.
They also make me think about how to use that same information to help others. For example, I look at the tests, examples, or comparisons used and think about who I know might be interested in them. That way, I not only edify myself, but I also better prepare myself to teach others more effectively.
17. In what situations can the basic teachings of the Bible help you?
The Bible's basic teachings can help us in many situations in life. For example, when we receive a new clarification of our beliefs and perhaps find it difficult to accept because we rely on our own opinions.
Remembering that Jehovah directs his organization helps us remain humble. Also, when we face problems or suffering, thinking about the reasons why Jehovah allows them gives us patience and comfort.
Furthermore, when making decisions about how to spend our time, energy, or resources, remembering that we are in the last days helps us focus on what truly matters. Thus, these reminders strengthen us, guide us in making good decisions, and motivate us to remain loyal to Jehovah.
WHAT PRACTICAL LESSONS CAN BE LEARNED FROM THESE BASIC TEACHINGS?
Jehovah is the Creator.
Remembering that Jehovah is the Creator teaches us to be humble and to trust that his decisions are always wise and just. This gives us peace and motivates us to obey him, even if we don't always understand everything immediately.
The reasons why God allows suffering.
Knowing that Jehovah doesn't cause suffering, but rather allows it for a time, helps us not to blame him and to trust that he will eliminate it forever. This comforts us and gives us strength to continue.
We are living in “the last days.”
Knowing that we live in the last days encourages us to review our priorities and use our time wisely, setting spiritual goals and devoting our energies to what truly matters.
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