Congregational Book Study, Week of July 27–August 2, 2026, Let Us Be Courageous in Walking with God. Introduction to Section 1, Timeline, and Chapter 1.

Congregational Book Study, July 27–August 2, 2026, Let Us Be Courageous in Walking with God. Introduction to Section 1, Timeline, and Chapter 1.

Congregation Bible Study (30 mins.) wcg Introduction to section 1, timeline and chapter 1.

Introduction to Section 1: From the Days of the Patriarchs to the Time of the Judges

In this section, we will take an exciting journey through biblical history spanning some 22 centuries. We will begin with Enoch, who was born while Adam was still alive, and continue to the time of the prophet Samuel, whom Jehovah used to appoint the first king of Israel.

During this journey, we will meet men and women who demonstrated extraordinary faith and courage. We will examine the examples of faithful servants such as Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab, Deborah, and Gideon. Some undertook long journeys through dangerous places, while others accepted the challenge of participating in “Jehovah’s wars.”

Although their circumstances were very different, they all had something in common: they deeply loved Jehovah and courageously carried out the assignments he entrusted to them. Their examples will help us to strengthen our faith and to face with courage the responsibilities we have today as servants of God.

Analysis of Chapter 1: Enoch: He Walked with God

What would I say?

In what ways did Enoch demonstrate courage?

Enoch demonstrated courage in several ways. First, he was not swayed by the violent and rebellious spirit that prevailed in his time. Although most people had adopted the disobedient attitude of Adam and Eve, he remained peaceful and “continued walking with the true God.”

He also showed courage by respecting and honoring Jehovah’s holy name. While others invoked it disrespectfully, Enoch made it clear by his conduct that he deeply loved Jehovah and that he was different from those around him.

Furthermore, he was courageous in fulfilling the assignment Jehovah gave him as a prophet. He firmly proclaimed a message of judgment against irreverent people, even knowing that this message would provoke their rejection and the hatred of the people. Despite the danger and even attempts on his life, he did not stop proclaiming what Jehovah wanted them to hear.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The example of Enoch demonstrates that true courage lies in remaining faithful to Jehovah, defending his name, and obeying his instructions, even when that involves facing opposition or danger.

Investigate a little more

1. How might people have begun to “call on the name of Jehovah”? (Gen. 4:26; w01 9/15 29 par. 3)

People may have begun to “call on the name of Jehovah” in a disrespectful or profane way. Instead of using the divine name to worship it in faith and in accordance with pure worship, they probably used it to refer to themselves or to others through whom they claimed to worship God. They may also have assigned the divine name to idols. In this way, they profaned God’s holy name instead of honoring it.

2. Enoch was the first servant of God to do a certain work. What was that work? What helped him to fulfill his commission? (w01 9/15 31 par. 5)

Enoch was the first servant of God to become a faithful prophet of Jehovah. He was commissioned to deliver a message of judgment against the ungodly and irreverent people of his day. Although it was a difficult message to deliver and could provoke opposition, Enoch courageously fulfilled the task Jehovah had assigned him.

What helped Enoch fulfill his commission was his genuine faith and deep devotion to Jehovah. Although he lived in a violent world far from God, he remained different and “kept walking with Jehovah.” Furthermore, Jehovah gave him the strength to proclaim his message and protected him when he faced opposition from his enemies.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This account teaches us that if we imitate Enoch's faith, Jehovah will also strengthen us to courageously fulfill any assignment he gives us.

3. It is possible that, before beginning his work as a prophet, Enoch already knew that his courage would be tested. Why do we say this? (w06 10/1 19 pars. 13, 14)

We say that Enoch may have known his faith and courage would be tested because Jehovah had already announced in the Garden of Eden that there would be enmity between his servants and the followers of Satan. Furthermore, Enoch knew that this hatred had been unleashed at the beginning of human history, when Cain murdered his brother Abel.

Enoch understood that defending true worship in a world dominated by wickedness could bring him opposition and even endanger his life. Even so, he showed great courage, for he “kept walking with the true God” and proclaimed Jehovah’s message even though it earned him many enemies. His faith and trust in Jehovah helped him to remain steadfast.

4. Although some believe that Enoch was taken to heaven, how could you prove that this was not the case? (John 3:13; Heb. 11:5, 13).

Although some believe that Enoch was taken to heaven, the Bible shows that this was not the case. In John 3:13, Jesus stated, “No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.” Since Jesus was the first to open the way to heaven, no human being, including Enoch, had ascended to heaven before him.

Furthermore, although Hebrews 11:5 says that Enoch was “taken away so that he did not see death,” this does not mean that he was taken to heaven. Rather, Jehovah prevented him from suffering a violent death at the hands of his enemies.

This explanation is confirmed by Hebrews 11:13, which states that “all of them died holding fast to the faith,” including Enoch. Therefore, the Bible itself confirms that Enoch died and was not taken to heaven. Furthermore, Jehovah removed his body to prevent it from being desecrated or made an object of worship.

Think about the lessons

In what situations are we most likely to need courage to preach?

We are more likely to need courage when the Bible's message is unpopular or confronts people's beliefs and lifestyles. We also need it when we face rejection, hatred, or persecution for preaching, or when we are the only Jehovah's Witnesses at school, work, or other settings where we are pressured to remain silent about our faith.

Furthermore, it takes courage to bear witness in public places, such as when preaching with displays, where some people may approach with the intention of debating or questioning our beliefs.

How can the example of Enoch help us?

Enoch’s example teaches us to remain steadfast and faithful to Jehovah even when we face opposition. He courageously proclaimed a message of judgment in a world full of irreverent people and did not allow fear to silence him. His example encourages us to trust in Jehovah and to continue speaking boldly about him, regardless of the place or circumstances.

How does Jehovah feel when we are courageous in walking with him? (Prov. 27:11; Heb. 11:5).

When we are courageous in walking with Jehovah, we give him great joy and make his heart happy. As Proverbs 27:11 points out, our loyalty and courage enable him to respond to those who defy him with contempt, demonstrating that we truly love and respect him.

Furthermore, Jehovah is pleased with those who remain faithful. Just as with Enoch, he testifies that those who walk with faith and courage please him (Heb. 11:5). He is also honored to be called their God, for, as Hebrews 11:15, 16 indicates, he is not ashamed of those who continue to serve him faithfully.

Finally, Jehovah considers us not only his servants but also his dear friends. When we remain peaceful and distinguish ourselves by not following the spirit of the world, we strengthen our friendship with him and can be assured that he keeps us safe in his memory.

In what ways can you copy Enoch's example of value?

We can emulate Enoch's example of courage in several ways. First, by being different from the world and maintaining peaceful and respectful behavior, without being influenced by the rebellious spirit that surrounds us.

We also follow his example when we defend and respect Jehovah’s name. Like Enoch, we are not ashamed to identify ourselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses and we honor his name when others use it irreverently.

Furthermore, we imitate their courage in preaching the Bible's full message, announcing both the good news of the Kingdom and Jehovah's warnings, without allowing fear of rejection to silence us.

Finally, we copy Enoch's example by remaining loyal to Jehovah despite opposition, trusting that he loves us, strengthens us, and will care for us as we continue walking with him.

See the full chart

What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

This account teaches me that Jehovah is a loving and considerate God, who tenderly cares for and protects his servants. It also teaches me that he notices our decisions and rejoices when we remain faithful and do what is right, even in a world that opposes him.

Furthermore, I learn that Jehovah values ​​and rewards faith and loyalty. Just as he let Enoch know that he had his approval, he also blesses those who remain faithful.

Finally, this account strengthens my confidence that Jehovah’s judgments and promises are certain and always fulfilled. Therefore, I can fully trust everything he has promised, including the future of the new world.

How does this account relate to Jehovah's purpose and the main theme of the Bible?

This account relates to Jehovah’s purpose and the main theme of the Bible because it highlights the sanctification of God’s name and the vindication of his sovereignty by means of the Kingdom. Enoch’s example demonstrates that it is possible to remain loyal to Jehovah and defend his holy name, even in a world that rejects him.

Furthermore, Enoch's prophecy announces Jehovah's judgment against wickedness, confirming that God will eliminate violence and irreverence to fulfill his purpose of restoring the Earth.

Finally, this account strengthens the hope of Paradise, for it shows that Jehovah rewards those who are faithful to him and guarantees the fulfillment of his original purpose: that mankind live forever in peace on an Earth transformed into a paradise.

What would I like to ask Enoch when he is resurrected?

When Enoch is resurrected, I would like to ask him how he felt about receiving the commission to proclaim a message of judgment to such a violent society, and what helped him maintain his composure and courage while fulfilling that assignment.

I would also ask him what he remembers about the moment when Jehovah delivered him from his enemies and what the possible vision of the future Paradise he received was like before passing into the sleep of death.

In addition, I would like to know what spiritual habits or thoughts helped him to keep walking with Jehovah, to remain faithful despite opposition, and to maintain a deep love for God's name, even when he seemed to be the only one who remained loyal.