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What Will Help You to Keep Studying the Bible?Enjoy Life Forever!—An Interactive Bible Course
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LESSON 12
What Will Help You to Keep Studying the Bible?
Studying the Bible is a rewarding journey. However, it may not always be an easy one. At times, you may wonder if you will be able to keep studying the Bible. Why is it worth making an effort to continue? What can help you to persevere despite difficulties?
1. Why is Bible study valuable?
“The word of God is alive and exerts power.” (Hebrews 4:12) The Bible is valuable because it reveals God’s thoughts and his feelings toward you. It helps you to gain not only knowledge but also true wisdom and hope. Most important, the Bible helps you to become Jehovah’s friend. When you study the Bible, you allow its power to have a positive effect on your life.
2. Why is it important to recognize the value of Bible truth?
The truths in the Bible are like precious treasures. That is why the Bible encourages us to “buy truth and never sell it.” (Proverbs 23:23) When we keep in mind the value of Bible truth, we work hard to keep studying—even when we face obstacles.—Read Proverbs 2:4, 5.
3. How can Jehovah help you to keep studying?
As your almighty Creator and Friend, Jehovah wants to help you learn about him. He can give you “both the desire and the power to act.” (Read Philippians 2:13.) Thus, if at times you need additional motivation to study or to apply what you learn, he can help. If you need additional strength to overcome obstacles or opposition, he can provide it. Regularly ask Jehovah in prayer to help you to continue studying the Bible.—1 Thessalonians 5:17.
DIG DEEPER
Learn how you can keep studying the Bible despite a busy schedule or opposition from others. Then consider how Jehovah will help you to persevere.
4. Make your Bible study a priority
Sometimes life gets so busy that it seems we do not have enough time to study the Bible. What can help? Read Philippians 1:10, and then discuss these questions:
What do you feel are some of “the more important things” in life?
How can you make your Bible study a priority?
If you fill a bucket with sand and try to add rocks, the rocks will not fit
If you put the rocks in first, you will have room to add most of the sand. Similarly, if you put “the more important things” first in your life, you will be able to accomplish them and still have time for other things
Studying the Bible satisfies our spiritual need—our need to know and worship God. Read Matthew 5:3, and then discuss this question:
How do we benefit when we make study of the Bible a priority?
5. Persevere in the face of opposition
At times, others may try to discourage you from studying the Bible. Note Francesco’s example. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the questions that follow.
In the video, how did Francesco’s friends and family react when he told them what he was learning?
How was he rewarded for persevering?
Read 2 Timothy 2:24, 25, and then discuss these questions:
How do your family and friends feel about what you are learning?
According to these verses, how should you respond when someone is not happy that you are studying the Bible? Why?
6. Rely on Jehovah to help you
As we draw close to Jehovah, our desire to please him increases. Still, we can find it difficult to make adjustments in our life to meet his standards. If you ever feel that way, do not give up. Jehovah will help you. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the questions that follow.
In the video, what changes did Jim make to please Jehovah?
What impresses you about his example?
Read Hebrews 11:6, and then discuss these questions:
What will Jehovah do for those “earnestly seeking him”—that is, those who try hard to get to know and please him?
What does this tell you about how Jehovah feels when he sees your efforts to study the Bible?
SOMEONE MAY ASK: “Why are you studying the Bible?”
How would you answer?
SUMMARY
Although it is not always easy, studying the Bible can help you enjoy life forever. Continue to rely on Jehovah, and he will reward you.
Review
Why are Bible truths precious to you?
How can you “make sure of the more important things”?
Why should you ask Jehovah to help you to keep studying the Bible?
EXPLORE
Consider four strategies that have helped many people to use their time wisely.
Notice how Jehovah helped one woman whose husband did not understand her efforts to please God.
See how one man benefited from his wife’s perseverance.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are sometimes accused of breaking up families. But is that true?
“Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Break Up Families or Build Them Up?” (Web article)
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How to Make Good DecisionsEnjoy Life Forever!—An Interactive Bible Course
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LESSON 35
How to Make Good Decisions
We all have decisions to make. Many of these decisions can have a big impact on us and our friendship with Jehovah. For example, we may have to decide where to live, how to support ourselves financially, or whether to get married. When we make good decisions, we can have a happy life and please Jehovah.
1. How can you use the Bible to help you make good decisions?
Before making a decision, pray for Jehovah’s help and examine the Bible to see how he views the matter. (Read Proverbs 2:3-6.) In some cases, Jehovah provides a clear command. If so, deciding to obey that command is the best choice you could make.
What, though, if there is no clear Bible command telling you what to do? Jehovah will still guide you “in the way you should walk.” (Isaiah 48:17) How? There may be principles that can guide you. Bible principles are basic truths that reveal God’s thoughts and feelings. Often we learn how God feels about a matter when we read an account in the Bible. When we discern how Jehovah feels, we can make decisions that please him.
2. What factors should you consider before making a decision?
The Bible says: “The shrewd one ponders each step.” (Proverbs 14:15) This means that before we make a decision, we should take the time to think about our choices. As you evaluate each option, ask yourself: ‘What Bible principles apply? Which option will give me peace of mind? How will my decision affect others? Most important, will it make Jehovah happy?’—Deuteronomy 32:29.
Jehovah has the right to tell us what is good and what is bad. When we get acquainted with his laws and principles and are determined to follow them, we are developing a good conscience. The conscience is our inner sense of right and wrong. (Romans 2:14, 15) A trained conscience will help us make good decisions.
DIG DEEPER
Take a closer look at how Bible principles and the conscience play important roles in decision-making.
3. Let the Bible guide you
How can Bible principles guide us when making decisions? Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the questions that follow.
What is free will?
Why did Jehovah give us free will?
What has he provided to help us use our free will in the best way possible?
To see an example of a Bible principle, read Ephesians 5:15, 16. Then discuss how you could make “the best use of your time” to . . .
read the Bible regularly.
become a better marriage mate, parent, son, or daughter.
attend congregation meetings.
4. Train your conscience to make good decisions
When there is a clear Scriptural command about a matter, the right choice may seem easy. But what if there is no such command? Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the question that follows.
In the video, what steps did the sister take to train her conscience and to make a decision that would please Jehovah?
Why should we not ask others to make decisions that we should make? Read Hebrews 5:14, and then discuss these questions:
While it may seem easier to ask others to make decisions for us, what should we be able to distinguish for ourselves?
What is available that can help you develop your conscience and make good decisions?
Like a map, our conscience helps us decide where to go in life
5. Respect the consciences of others
Different people will make different decisions. How can we show respect for the consciences of others? Consider two situations:
Situation 1: A sister who likes to wear makeup moves to a congregation where many sisters are bothered when they see others wearing it.
Read Romans 15:1 and 1 Corinthians 10:23, 24, and then discuss these questions:
Based on these verses, what might that sister decide? What will you do if you are with a person whose conscience forbids doing something that your conscience allows you to do?
Situation 2: A brother knows that the Bible does not condemn using alcohol in moderation, but he chooses to abstain from it. He is invited to a social gathering where he sees brothers drinking alcohol.
Read Ecclesiastes 7:16 and Romans 14:1, 10, and then discuss these questions:
Based on these verses, what might that brother decide? What will you do if you see another person doing something that your conscience keeps you from doing?
What steps lead to good decisions?
1. Ask Jehovah to help you decide what to do.—James 1:5.
2. Do research in the Bible and Bible-based publications to find principles that apply. You may also consult experienced Christians.
3. Consider the effect the decision will have on your conscience and the consciences of others.
SOME PEOPLE SAY: “You have the right to do whatever you want. Who cares what other people think?”
Why should we consider the feelings of God, as well as those of other people?
SUMMARY
We make good decisions when we find out how Jehovah feels about a matter and then consider whether our actions will help others or harm them.
Review
How can you make decisions that please Jehovah?
How can you train your conscience?
How can you show respect for the consciences of other people?
EXPLORE
How can you make decisions that strengthen your friendship with God?
“Make Decisions That Honor God” (The Watchtower, April 15, 2011)
Deepen your understanding of how Jehovah gives us advice.
See what factors helped one man to make a difficult decision.
Learn more about how to please Jehovah when he has not given specific direction on a matter.
“Do You Always Need a Bible Command?” (The Watchtower, December 1, 2003)
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