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What It Means to Be NeutralEnjoy Life Forever!—An Interactive Bible Course
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LESSON 45
What It Means to Be Neutral
Jesus taught that his followers should be “no part of the world.” (John 15:19) This includes being neutral—not taking sides in the world’s politics and wars. Realistically, it is not always easy to be neutral. We may be ridiculed because of this. How can we stay neutral and remain loyal to Jehovah God?
1. How do true Christians view human governments?
Christians respect the government. We do as Jesus said and “pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar”—that is, we obey the laws of the land, such as those that require us to pay taxes. (Mark 12:17) The Bible teaches that human governments rule only because Jehovah allows them to rule. (Romans 13:1) So we recognize that human governments have only relative, or limited, authority. We look to our God and his heavenly Kingdom to solve mankind’s problems.
2. How can we show that we are neutral?
Like Jesus, we do not get involved in politics. When the people saw one of Jesus’ miracles and tried to make him their king on earth, he did not let them. (John 6:15) Why not? Because, as he later said, “my Kingdom is no part of this world.” (John 18:36) As Jesus’ disciples, we show our neutrality in a number of ways. For example, we do not go to war. (Read Micah 4:3.) We respect national symbols—such as flags—but we do not worship them. (1 John 5:21) And we do not take sides for or against any political party or candidate. In these ways and others, we show that we are completely loyal to God’s government—his Kingdom.
DIG DEEPER
Examine situations that may test our neutrality, and see how you can make decisions that will please Jehovah.
3. True Christians are neutral
Jesus and his followers set the example for us. Read Romans 13:1, 5-7 and 1 Peter 2:13, 14. Then, play the VIDEO and discuss the questions that follow.
Why should we respect secular authorities?
What are some ways we show that we are in subjection to them?
In times of war, some nations may claim to be neutral, but they assist both sides in the conflict. What is real neutrality? Read John 17:16. Then, play the VIDEO and discuss the question that follows.
What does it mean to be neutral?
What if secular authorities demand something that conflicts with God’s law? Read Acts 5:28, 29. Then, play the VIDEO and discuss the questions that follow.
If there is a conflict between human law and God’s law, whose law should we obey?
Can you think of any circumstances in which Christians would not obey secular authorities?
4. Be neutral in thought and action
Read 1 John 5:21. Then, play the VIDEO and discuss the questions that follow.
In the video, why did Ayenge decide not to join the political party or participate in nationalistic ceremonies, such as saluting the flag?
Do you think that he decided wisely?
What other situations can test our neutrality? Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the questions that follow.
How can we remain neutral when it comes to international sporting events?
How can we remain neutral even if we are personally affected by the decisions of politicians?
How could the news media or our associations affect our neutrality?
SOMEONE MAY ASK: “Why don’t you salute the flag or sing the national anthem?”
How would you respond?
SUMMARY
Christians work hard to be politically neutral in their thoughts, words, and actions.
Review
What do we owe human governments?
Why do we remain politically neutral?
What situations can test our neutrality?
EXPLORE
What sacrifices may we need to make in order to remain neutral?
What can families do to prepare in advance for tests of their neutrality?
Why is defending one’s country not the highest honor a person could have?
Consider how to remain no part of the world when making decisions about your employment.
“Each One Will Carry His Own Load” (The Watchtower, March 15, 2006)
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You Can Endure PersecutionEnjoy Life Forever!—An Interactive Bible Course
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Sooner or later, all Christians will face opposition, even persecution. Should that alarm us?
1. Why do we expect persecution?
The Bible clearly says: “All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) Jesus was persecuted because he was no part of Satan’s world. We are also no part of the world, so we are not surprised when we are persecuted by this world’s governments and religious organizations.—John 15:18, 19.
2. How can we prepare for persecution?
We need to strengthen our trust in Jehovah now. Make time every day to pray to him and to read a portion of his Word. Attend congregation meetings regularly. These activities will give you the strength you need to face any persecution courageously, even if it comes from family members. The apostle Paul, who was often persecuted, wrote: “Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid.”—Hebrews 13:6.
We can also build our courage by preaching regularly. Preaching teaches us to trust in Jehovah and overcome any fear of man. (Proverbs 29:25) If you develop the courage to preach now, you will be well-prepared to keep preaching even if the government restricts our work.—1 Thessalonians 2:2.
3. How do we benefit by enduring persecution?
Of course, we do not enjoy being persecuted, but when we endure persecution successfully, our faith becomes stronger. We draw closer to Jehovah because we experience his help when we feel we can no longer go on. (Read James 1:2-4.) It hurts Jehovah to see us suffer, but it pleases him to see us endure. The Bible says: “If you endure suffering because of doing good, this is an agreeable thing to God.” (1 Peter 2:20) The reward Jehovah will give to all who endure faithfully is eternal life in a world free from opposition to true worship.—Matthew 24:13.
DIG DEEPER
Review why it is possible and rewarding to stick loyally to Jehovah despite persecution.
4. You can endure family opposition
Jesus realistically acknowledged that our family may not support our decision to worship Jehovah. Read Matthew 10:34-36, and then discuss this question:
What can happen when a family member decides to serve Jehovah?
To see an example of this, play the VIDEO, and then discuss the question that follows.
What would you do if a relative or a friend tried to discourage you from serving Jehovah?
Read Psalm 27:10 and Mark 10:29, 30. After reading each scripture, discuss this question:
How may this promise help you if you face opposition from family or friends?
5. Keep worshipping Jehovah despite persecution
It takes courage to serve Jehovah when others try to prevent us from doing so. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the question that follows.
What about the examples in this video strengthens you?
Read Acts 5:27-29 and Hebrews 10:24, 25. After reading each scripture, discuss this question:
Why is it so important to continue worshipping Jehovah even if our preaching work or meetings are restricted?
6. Jehovah will help you endure
Jehovah’s Witnesses of varying ages and backgrounds have loyally continued to serve Jehovah even when they were persecuted. To see what helped them, play the VIDEO. Then discuss the question that follows.
In the video, what helped these Witnesses to endure?
Read Romans 8:35, 37-39 and Philippians 4:13. After reading each scripture, discuss this question:
How does this scripture assure you that you can endure any trial?
Read Matthew 5:10-12, and then discuss this question:
Why can you be happy in spite of persecution?
SOME PEOPLE SAY: “I couldn’t endure persecution.”
What scriptures might give them the confidence they need?
SUMMARY
Jehovah treasures our efforts to serve him despite persecution. With his help, we can successfully endure!
Review
Why should Christians expect persecution?
What can you do now to be ready when persecution comes?
What can help you to feel confident that you can serve Jehovah despite any trial?
EXPLORE
Watch a young brother explain how Jehovah helped him endure when he was imprisoned because of his neutrality.
Consider what helped one couple to serve Jehovah faithfully for many years despite opposition.
Learn how to face persecution courageously.
How should we view family opposition, and how can we successfully deal with the challenges it brings?
“The Truth Brings, ‘Not Peace, But a Sword’” (The Watchtower, October 2017)
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