“Now is the especially favorable time!” (2 COR. 6:2).
1. a) What are some of the blessings of being baptized?
One of the greatest blessings of baptism is that it allows us to have a good conscience before Jehovah, as 1 Peter 3:21 says. That in itself is very valuable. But in addition, baptism publicly demonstrates that we have decided to serve Jehovah, and that also serves as an example to others.
Acts 2:38 shows that, thanks to this step, we can receive forgiveness of sins. This makes us reflect on how important it is to make courageous spiritual decisions.
In the congregation, seeing others get baptized always encourages us greatly, and personally knowing that Jehovah approves of our way gives us a very deep peace.
1. b) What will we see in this article?
In this article, we'll look at three key, practical ideas. First, why some people hesitate to get baptized. Second, why it's important to remember that the end is very near. And third, the benefits of acting without delay.
This approach helps us examine ourselves honestly. Sometimes it's not that we don't want to move forward, but rather that there are internal obstacles or thoughts holding us back. This makes us reflect on the need to analyze our hearts.
In daily life, pausing to reflect helps us to make better spiritual decisions, and it is beautiful to see how Jehovah patiently guides us to move forward step by step.
WHY SOME PEOPLE CAN'T DECIDE
2. Why do some people not dare to be baptized?
Some do not get baptized out of fear, perhaps thinking they will never be good enough. But Psalm 103:13, 14 reminds us that Jehovah understands our limitations, and Colossians 3:23 encourages us to give him our best, not perfection.
This leads us to believe that Jehovah is not looking for perfect people, but for sincere ones. There may also be fear of opposition, but Psalm 118:6 gives us confidence: Jehovah is on our side.
In our congregation, we see brothers and sisters who have overcome great obstacles. This inspires us because it shows that Jehovah truly helps. With his support, we can overcome any fear and keep moving forward.
3. Why do some people postpone the decision to be baptized? (See also the image.)
Some delay baptism because they feel they don't know enough. But the example in Acts 16:25-33 shows that the jailer and his family were quickly baptized after learning the essentials.
This teaches us that it is not about knowing everything, but about having the basics clear: loving Jehovah, repenting, and wanting to obey him, as Mark 12:30 says. This makes us wonder if we are waiting too long to feel “ready.”
In the congregation, many have progressed with only basic knowledge, but with a determined heart. And that is beautiful, because it shows that Jehovah values attitude more than the amount of knowledge.
ILLUSTRATION
It is night and Paul and Silas are preaching to a jailer and his family, who are listening attentively.
Paul and Silas preached to the jailer and his family, and they were immediately baptized. (See paragraph 3.)
4. What is another reason why some people are hesitant to get baptized? (See also the image.)
Another reason is focusing too much on the sacrifices. Luke 14:27-30 says it's good to calculate the cost, but some focus so much on what they will lose that they don't see what they will gain.
This makes us wonder if we are valuing things correctly. There may also be a fear of failing after baptism, but in the congregation we learn that Jehovah is merciful.
No one is perfect, but we can be loyal. It is touching to see how Jehovah helps those who sincerely try, even when they make mistakes.
ILLUSTRATION
A sister is giving a Bible lesson to a woman. As the sister speaks, the woman imagines herself drinking alcohol and dancing in a nightclub with her friends.
Some want to please God, but they are concerned about the sacrifices they will have to make to serve Him. (See paragraph 4.)
5. What should we consider when thinking about getting baptized? (Matthew 13:44-46).
Jesus taught in Matthew 13:44-46 that when someone finds something of great value, they gladly make sacrifices. This leads us to consider: Do we view baptism as a loss or a gain?
Friendship with Jehovah, the hope of eternal life, and a spiritual family are priceless treasures. Therefore, if in daily life we do not hesitate to strive to obtain something we value, how much more should we exert ourselves physically and emotionally to attain and preserve all that Jehovah has promised us.
6. What can help us have a receptive heart?
Jesus explained in Luke 8:15 that those with “a sincere and good heart” are the ones who accept the message and bear fruit. So what helps us most is cultivating that kind of heart.
If we feel that our heart is divided or hardened, we should not be discouraged, because Ezekiel 36:26 shows that Jehovah can give us “a new heart.”
This leads us to believe that change begins from within, with a humble and willing attitude. When we allow Jehovah to mold us through prayer and study, our hearts become more receptive.
In the congregation we see many examples of brothers who have changed over time, and that encourages us because it shows that Jehovah can transform any sincere heart.
7, 8. Why do some young people not progress toward baptism? (See also the picture.)
Some young people do not progress toward baptism because of the influence of others. For example, at school they may receive advice that conflicts with Bible principles, as indicated in Psalm 1:1, 2. It may also be that they do not receive enough support at home to set spiritual goals.
This makes us think about the importance of choosing wisely who we listen to and of talking to our parents about our goals, as the paragraph suggests. Proverbs 20:11 shows that even as young people we can demonstrate good conduct.
In the congregation we see young people who, despite the pressure, remain steadfast, and that is exciting because it shows that it is possible to put Jehovah first from an early age.
ILLUSTRATION
A young man points to lesson 23 of the book Enjoy Life while talking to his parents.
What if you talked to your parents about getting baptized? (See paragraph 8).
9. Why do some people delay baptism?
Some delay baptism because of peer pressure. For example, they may wait to be baptized along with a friend or relative. While that may seem nice, Romans 14:12 reminds us that each one will give an account to Jehovah individually.
This leads us to believe that our relationship with Jehovah is personal and should not depend on the decisions of others. In daily life, there are important decisions that only we can make.
In our congregation, we see that those who act out of their own conviction tend to make more progress. And it is comforting to know that Jehovah values that personal and sincere decision made at the right time.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Some delay baptism because of pressure from others, but Romans 14:12 shows that each person is accountable to Jehovah. The decision must be personal and should not depend on anyone else.
WHY KEEP IN MIND THAT THE END IS VERY NEAR
10. Why don't some people make all the necessary changes to get baptized?
Some don't make the necessary changes because they think they still have plenty of time before the end comes. But Jesus clearly warned in Luke 12:40 that the Son of Man will come when they least expect him.
This leads us to believe that it is unwise to rely on time, but rather to act now. In daily life, we see how things can change from one moment to the next, and this also applies in a spiritual sense.
In the congregation, when someone decides not to wait any longer, they often experience great relief and progress. Furthermore, emotionally, being prepared gives us peace of mind, because we know we are doing the right thing at the right time.
11. According to Psalm 119:60, how do we feel about Jehovah’s standards the more we get to know him?
According to Psalm 119:60, the more we know Jehovah, the more we desire to obey him without delay. Love for him and for his standards motivates us to act. Furthermore, James 4:13-17 reminds us that we do not know what will happen tomorrow, so we should not postpone what is right.
This leads us to believe that obeying quickly is a sign of genuine love. In daily life, when we value something, we don't put it off.
In the congregation, those brothers and sisters who act decisively often progress more quickly spiritually. And it is wonderful to think that Jehovah is pleased when we take steps without delay.
12. What do we learn from the parable of the vineyard?
In Matthew 20:1-16, the parable of the vineyard shows that some started working late, not because they were lazy, but because no one had called them before. As soon as they received the invitation, they acted immediately.
This makes us think that today, having been called, we must not delay. Unlike them, we do have the opportunity now. In daily life, when a good opportunity arises, we don't let it pass us by.
In the congregation, responding quickly to the call demonstrates willingness and, emotionally, knowing that Jehovah has given us this opportunity fills us with gratitude and a desire to act.
13. What do we learn from Lot's wife?
Lot's wife is a clear example of how dangerous it is to look back. Although she knew destruction was imminent, her attachment to what she was leaving behind led her to disobey, as recounted in Genesis 19:23-26.
Jesus used this example in Luke 17:31-35 to warn us. This makes us consider whether there is anything in our lives that is holding us back. We also learn that the opportunity for salvation will not be open forever, as Luke 13:24-25 shows.
In the congregation, this story helps us stay focused, and it is striking to think that a timely decision can shape our entire lives.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Lot's wife looked back out of attachment to what she was leaving behind, and that cost her her life. This teaches us that we shouldn't delay or cling to the past, because the opportunity to save ourselves won't last forever.
14. What effect should seeing the fulfillment of end-time prophecies have on you?
The fulfillment of end-time prophecies clearly demonstrates that we are living in the last days. 1 Peter 4:7 says that “the end of all things has drawn near.” Although we may not witness all the events firsthand, their occurrence in the world should prompt us to remain vigilant.
In daily life, when we see clear signs, we act accordingly. In the congregation, these prophecies strengthen our faith and sense of urgency. Furthermore, emotionally, seeing Jehovah fulfill his promises fills us with confidence and motivates us not to delay important decisions.
15. With what attitude should we await the day of Jehovah? (2 Peter 3:10-13).
Peter explained in 2 Peter 3:10-13 that we should eagerly await Jehovah's day and remain very watchful. This involves living holy and devout lives.
This suggests that it's not just about waiting, but about actively preparing. In daily life, when we anticipate something important, we prepare with enthusiasm.
In the congregation, those who maintain this attitude inspire enthusiasm. And it's wonderful to imagine how happy Jehovah is when he sees us striving to be ready for that great day.
THE BENEFITS OF ACTING WITHOUT DELAY
16. When is the best time to progress toward baptism? (2 Corinthians 6:1, 2; see also the pictures.)
2 Corinthians 6:1, 2 reminds us that “now is the especially favorable time.” The example of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:35-39 shows that, when he understood the truth, he didn’t wait any longer and asked: “What prevents me from being baptized?”
This makes us wonder if we're letting opportunities slip by. In daily life, when something is important, we act without delay. In the congregation, those who take that step often experience great joy, like the eunuch. And it's exciting to think that such a decision can change our entire lives for the better.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. The Ethiopian eunuch putting his foot in the water while Philip points with one hand to the water and with the other to the eunuch, inviting him to be baptized. 2. In a Kingdom Hall, the Bible student and the sister from the previous image are smiling and talking with two elderly people.
The example of the Ethiopian eunuch teaches us that the best time to progress toward baptism is now. (See paragraph 16.)
17. What can we be sure of?
Jehovah wants to help us develop a strong friendship with him, as Romans 2:4 says. With his support, we can overcome any fear or difficulty that may be holding us back. Furthermore, Philippians 3:13 encourages us to put the past behind us and focus on what lies ahead.
This makes us realize that we are not alone in this process. In the congregation, we see how Jehovah supports those who take steps toward him. And, emotionally, imagining the future that Jehovah promises, as mentioned in Acts 3:19, fills us with hope and joy.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why don't some people decide to get baptized?
Some hesitate to get baptized because of fear, doubt, the influence of others, or because they focus too much on sacrifices. But Jehovah does not demand perfection, but sincerity.
Why wouldn't it be wise to postpone baptism?
It is not wise to postpone it, because we do not know when the end will come and the opportunity to act will not be available forever.
What is the best time to progress towards baptism?
The best time to progress toward baptism is now, because it is the favorable time and Jehovah is ready to help us.
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