How can the bible help you in real time, or is it old school obsolete dust in the wind? Lesson 1,2

34;6. We benefit when we obey Jehovah

Obeying Jehovah is always best. Read Isaiah 48:17, 18, and then discuss these questions:

Do you think we can trust that Jehovah always knows what is best for us? Why?

How has your study of the Bible and the true God, Jehovah, benefited you so far?

SOME PEOPLE SAY: “My actions don’t really matter to God.”

What scripture could you use to show that our actions affect Jehovah’s feelings?

Last Edited by DGN on 06/23/2022 10:05 PM

SUMMARY

You can demonstrate your love for Jehovah by obeying him and remaining loyal to him despite challenges.
Review

What did you learn from Job’s example?

How will you prove your love for Jehovah?

What will help you remain loyal to Jehovah?

Lesson completed on:
Goal
Memorize what Proverbs 27:11 says, and think of it when you find it difficult to obey Jehovah.
Other:

EXPLORE

Discover how you can be loyal to Jehovah and the congregation.

“With Someone Loyal You Act in Loyalty” (16:49)

Learn more about Satan’s accusations against humans.

“Job Keeps His Integrity” (The Bible—What Is Its Message? section 6)

Consider how even young ones can show their love for Jehovah.

Make Jehovah Happy (8:16)

How can a young person who faces pressure from other youths stay loyal to God?

Stand Up to Peer Pressure! (3:59)

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.

35;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.

Last Edited by DGN on 06/28/2022 10:42 AM

DIG DEEPER

Take a closer look at how Bible principles and the conscience play important roles in decision-making.
35;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.

VIDEO: Let Bible Principles Guide You (5:54)

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.

Last Edited by DGN on 07/02/2022 08:26 PM

35;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.

VIDEO: “Maintain a Good Conscience” (5:13)

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?

Last Edited by DGN on 07/03/2022 12:24 PM

35;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?

Last Edited by DGN on 07/04/2022 10:07 PM

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?

LESSON 36
Be Honest in All Things

Everyone wants friends who are honest. Jehovah expects his friends to be honest too. But this is not easy in a world where many people are dishonest. What benefits come from being honest in all things?
1. What is the most important reason to be honest?

When we are honest with others, we show Jehovah that we love and respect him. Consider: Jehovah knows everything we think and do. (Hebrews 4:13) He notices when we choose to be honest, and he appreciates it. His Word states: “Jehovah detests a devious person, but His close friendship is with the upright.”—Proverbs 3:32.

36;2. What are some ways to be honest in our daily life?

Jehovah wants us to “speak the truth with one another.” (Zechariah 8:16, 17) What does this mean? Whether we are speaking to our family, workmates, Christian brothers and sisters, or government officials, we do not lie or give misleading information. Honest people do not steal from others or defraud them. (Read Proverbs 24:28 and Ephesians 4:28.) And they pay all the taxes that they owe. (Romans 13:5-7) In these and other ways, we “conduct ourselves honestly in all things.”—Hebrews 13:18.

Last Edited by DGN on 07/05/2022 11:03 PM

36:33. What are the benefits of being honest?

When we have a reputation for being honest, others trust us. We contribute to the safe, familylike atmosphere in the congregation. We enjoy a clean conscience. Our honesty can also “adorn the teaching of our Savior, God,” and attract those outside the congregation to true worship.—Titus 2:10.

DIG DEEPER

See how honesty affects Jehovah and you, and learn how you can be honest in various situations in life.
36;4. Honesty pleases Jehovah

Read Psalm 44:21 and Malachi 3:16, and then discuss these questions:

Why do you think it is unwise to believe that we can hide the truth?

How do you think Jehovah feels when we choose to tell the truth, even when it is difficult to do so?

A child talking to her father who is kneeling at her eye level. A glass of juice has spilled down the side of a desk.

When children tell the truth, they make their parents happy. When we tell the truth, we make Jehovah h

36;5. Act honestly at all times

Many people believe that honesty is not always practical. But consider why we should be honest at all times. Play the VIDEO.

VIDEO: What Contributes to Joy?—A Clean Conscience (2:32)
A scene from the video ‘What Contributes to Joy?—A Clean Conscience.’ After Ben tells his boss that he made an expensive mistake, they shake hands.

Read Hebrews 13:18, and then discuss how we can be honest . . .

with our family.

at work or school.

in other situations.

Last Edited by DGN on 07/08/2022 10:32 AM

35;6. Honesty benefits us

Honesty may result in some problems. But in the long run, it is always the best policy. Read Psalm 34:12-16, and then discuss this question:

How does honesty make your life better?

Honest husbands and wives strengthen their marriage

Honest workers earn the trust of their employers

Honest citizens gain a good reputation with government officials

Last Edited by DGN on 07/09/2022 01:05 PM

Some people say some lies are so smallthey don’t matter.”

Why do you believe that Jehovah hates all lies?

SUMMARY

Jehovah wants his friends to be honest in all that they say and do.
Review

What are some ways to be honest?

Why is it unwise to think we can hide the truth?

Why do you want to be honest at all times?

Lesson completed on:
Goal
Ask yourself, ‘Would Jehovah view me as an honest person?’ Identify any areas where you need to make adjustments.
Other:

EXPLORE

How can parents teach their children to be honest?

Be Truthful (1:44)

What benefits come from keeping our promises?

Keep Promises, Receive Blessings (9:09)

Consider whether we must pay taxes even if they are misused.

“Taxes—Must You Pay Them?” (The Watchtower, September 1, 2011)

What motivated a dishonest man to change his life and make an honest living?

“I Learned That Jehovah Is Merciful and Forgiving” (The Watchtower, May 1, 2015)

I have always said, that even if one doesn't believe in the God of the bible, or the other spiritual things, they would be wise to follow a lot of the rules it sets. Because those rules were written by someone or something that understands very well, how individuals and societies relax their discipline, get misled, and become degenerates.

Very well said here's your backup;

But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. 2For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, 4betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, 5having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. 6From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires, 7always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth. 2ti3

SUMMARY

Jehovah wants his friends to be honest in all that they say and do.
Review

What are some ways to be honest?

Why is it unwise to think we can hide the truth?

Why do you want to be honest at all times?

Lesson completed on:
Goal
Ask yourself, ‘Would Jehovah view me as an honest person?’ Identify any areas where you need to make adjustments.
Other:
Your other goal
EXPLORE

How can parents teach their children to be honest?

Be Truthful (1:44)

What benefits come from keeping our promises?

Keep Promises, Receive Blessings (9:09)

Consider whether we must pay taxes even if they are misused.

“Taxes—Must You Pay Them?” (The Watchtower, September 1, 2011)

What motivated a dishonest man to change his life and make an honest living?

“I Learned That Jehovah Is Merciful and Forgiving” (The Watchtower, May 1, 2015)

LESSON 37
What the Bible Says About Work and Money

Have you ever felt weighed down by concerns about work or money? It can be challenging to care for our needs and also give Jehovah the worship he deserves. The Bible offers practical advice that can help us.
1. What does the Bible say about work?

God wants us to enjoy our work. The Bible says that “there is nothing better for a man than to . . . find enjoyment in his hard work.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24) Jehovah works hard. When we imitate him by working diligently, we please him and feel a sense of satisfaction.

Work is important. But we should never allow it to become more important than our worship of Jehovah. (John 6:27) He promises that when we put him first, he will care for our physical needs.

37:2. What is a balanced view of money?

While the Bible acknowledges that “money is a protection,” it also warns that money alone cannot make us happy. (Ecclesiastes 7:12) Thus, we are encouraged not to love money but to be “content with the present things.” (Read Hebrews 13:5.) When we remain content with what we have, we free ourselves from the frustration of always wanting more. We avoid unnecessary debt. (Proverbs 22:7) And we escape the dangers of gambling and pursuing get-rich-quick schemes.

Last Edited by DGN on 07/17/2022 01:00 PM

37:3
How can money be used unselfishly?

Jehovah is a generous God, and we imitate him when we are “generous, ready to share.” (1 Timothy 6:18) We can use our money unselfishly by supporting the congregation and by helping others in need, especially fellow worshippers. Jehovah is most interested in, not the amount we give, but our motive for giving. When we give generously from the heart, we will be happy and we will please Jehovah.—Read Acts 20:35.

37;4. Honor Jehovah by the way you work

Our friendship with Jehovah should influence our attitude toward work. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the questions that follow.

VIDEO: Work Whole-Souled for Jehovah (4:39)

In the video, what impressed you about Jason’s attitude and conduct at his workplace?

What did he do to keep work in its proper place?

Read Colossians 3:23, 24, and then discuss this question:

Why does our attitude toward work matter?

Collage: A man making his secular work a priority. 1. He works in an office during the day. 2. He stays at work in the evening. 3. He continues to work after his coworkers have gone home. 4. He eats supper alone at home.

Work is important. But we should never allow it to become more important than our worship of Jehovah
Collage: The same man making time for more important things. 1. He works in an office during the day. 2. He leaves work at the end of the day. 3. He raises his hand during a congregation meeting. 4. He eats supper with his wife and two children.

Last Edited by DGN on 07/19/2022 09:59 PM

37;5. Contentment benefits us

Many people try to accumulate as much money as they can. But the Bible encourages a different approach. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-8, and then discuss this question:

What does the Bible encourage us to do?

Even if we have very little, we can be happy. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the question that follows.

VIDEO: Be “Content With the Present Things” (3:20)

Despite having little money, what makes these families happy?

But what if we have much and still want more? Jesus illustrated this danger. Read Luke 12:15-21, and then discuss this question:

What have you learned from Jesus’ illustration?—See verse 15.

Read and compare Proverbs 10:22 and 1 Timothy 6:10. Then discuss these questions:

What do you think is more important? Having a friendship with Jehovah or having lots of money? Why?

What problems come from chasing after money?

Last Edited by DGN on 07/19/2022 10:03 PM