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“Stand Firm in the Faith”The Watchtower—2015 | September 15
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13. Why should we not be disheartened if we detect some weaknesses in our faith?
13 Still, do not be disheartened if your self-examination exposes weaknesses in your faith. Even Peter, an apostle, gave way to fear and doubt. In fact, Jesus at times reproved all the apostles for having “little faith.” (Matt. 16:8) Keep in mind that an important lesson we learn from Peter’s experience comes from what he did after his faith wavered and he started to sink into the sea.
FOCUS ON JESUS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH
14, 15. (a) What did Peter do when he started to sink? (b) We cannot actually see Jesus, so how can we “look intently” at him?
14 When Peter looked at the storm and started to sink, he could have tried to make it back to the boat on his own. He was an able swimmer, so this might even have been his natural response. (John 21:7) Yet, instead of relying on himself, he refocused on Jesus and accepted Jesus’ help. If we sense that our faith is weakening, we should imitate Peter’s example. But how can we do that?
15 Just as Peter refocused on Jesus, we too must “look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus.” (Read Hebrews 12:2, 3.) Of course, we cannot literally see Jesus as Peter did. Instead, we “look intently” at Jesus by examining his teachings and actions and then following these closely.
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“Stand Firm in the Faith”The Watchtower—2015 | September 15
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21. What promise has Jehovah made to each of us about our faith?
21 With God’s help through Jesus, Peter conquered his fears and doubts, becoming a pillar of faith among early Christians. In the same way, Jehovah helps all of us to stand firm in the faith. (Read 1 Peter 5:9, 10.)
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