Watchtower May 26 through June 1
[For the opening song before the Public Talk, select the song number announced, on the 'Sing Out Joyfully' Page or click here]
Watchtower Study Article 12 [Press play below to hear the MP3 Watchtower audio]
Song 119 We Must Have Faith. Based on Hebrews 10.38 and 39
1. On many occasions God spoke to men
By means of his prophets of old.
Today he is saying, ‘Let all repent,’
By God’s own Son we are told.
Do we have strong faith? Is it real?
We must build such faith to survive.
Is our faith proved true by our works?
By means of faith, we’ll be preserved alive.
2. We gladly obey Christ Jesus’ command
To share Kingdom truth far and wide.
We boldly declare God’s message of hope;
His promise we’ll never hide.
Do we have strong faith? Is it real?
We must build such faith to survive.
Is our faith proved true by our works?
By means of faith, we’ll be preserved alive.
3. Our faith is an anchor firm and secure;
We never will shrink back in fear.
Our trust in Jehovah helps us endure;
We know salvation is near.
Do we have strong faith? Is it real?
We must build such faith to survive.
Is our faith proved true by our works?
By means of faith, we’ll be preserved alive.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Keep Walking by Faith (May 26 through June 1)
“We are walking by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5.7.
[Box] Focus.
How to keep walking by faith when making important decisions. [End of box]
Question 1. Why could the apostle Paul feel satisfied as he looked back on his life?
1. At one point, the apostle Paul knew that he would soon be put to death, but he had every reason to feel satisfied with his life. Looking back, he could say: “I have run the race to the finish, I have observed the faith.”
[Quotation] 2 Timothy 4.6 through 8: For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my releasing is imminent. 7 I have fought the fine fight, I have run the race to the finish, I have observed the faith. 8 From this time on, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me as a reward in that day, yet not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his manifestation. [End Quotation]
Paul had made wise decisions in his Christian ministry, and he felt sure that Jehovah was happy with him. We too want to make good decisions and have God’s approval. How can we do so?
Question 2. What does it mean to walk by faith?
2. Paul said about himself and other faithful Christians: “We are walking by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5.7) What did Paul mean? In the Bible, “walking” sometimes refers to the way a person chooses to live his life. When a person walks just by sight, he makes decisions based solely on what he can see, hear, and feel with his physical senses. On the other hand, when a person walks by faith, he makes decisions based on his trust in Jehovah God. His actions show that he is convinced that God will reward him, that he will benefit from following Jehovah’s advice found in His Word.
[Quotation] Psalm 119.66: Teach me good sense and knowledge, For I have put my trust in your commandments. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Hebrews 11.6: Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him. [End Quotation]
Question 3. What benefits result from walking by faith? (2 Corinthians 4.18)
3. Of course, we all make some decisions based on what we perceive with our physical senses. We will likely have problems, though, if we consider only what we see or hear when making decisions about important matters. Why? Our physical senses can sometimes deceive us. Even when they do not, if we walk only by sight, we may end up ignoring God’s will or counsel.
[Quotation] Ecclesiastes 11.9: Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and go where your eyes lead you; but know that the true God will bring you into judgment for all these things. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Matthew 24.37 through 39: For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 38 For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be. [End Quotation]
When we walk by faith, however, we will more likely make decisions that are “acceptable to the Lord.”
[Quotation] Ephesians 5.10: Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord; [End Quotation]
Following God’s advice will give us inner peace and make us truly happy.
[Quotation] Psalm 16.8 and 9: I keep Jehovah before me constantly. Because he is at my right hand, I will never be shaken. 9 So my heart rejoices, my whole being is joyful. And I reside in security. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Isaiah 48.17 and 18: This is what Jehovah says, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God, The One teaching you to benefit yourself, The One guiding you in the way you should walk. 18 If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea. [End Quotation]
And if we continue walking by faith, we will have an everlasting future. Read 2 Corinthians 4.18.
[Read scripture] 2 Corinthians 4.18: while we keep our eyes, not on the things seen, but on the things unseen. For the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting. [End of Read scripture]
Question 4. How can a person determine whether he is walking by faith or by sight?
4. How can we tell if we are walking by faith or by sight? Basically, it comes down to this: What factors guide our decisions? Are we guided only by the things we can see? Or are we guided by our trust in and advice from Jehovah? Let us consider how we can continue walking by faith in three important areas: when choosing employment, when choosing a marriage mate, and when receiving theocratic direction. For each, we will discuss factors that we should consider in order to make good decisions.
When Choosing Employment
Question 5. What should we consider when choosing employment?
5. All of us want to be able to provide for our own needs and for those of our family.
[Quotation] Ecclesiastes 7.12: For wisdom is a protection just as money is a protection, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 5.8: Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith. [End Quotation]
Some jobs pay well. They may allow an employee to care for his day-to-day expenses and to put something aside for the future. With other jobs, the pay may be more limited, allowing the worker to provide only the essentials for his family. When deciding whether to accept a job, we understandably will consider how much money we will earn. However, a person might be walking primarily by sight if that is the only factor he takes into account.
Question 6. How can we walk by faith when choosing employment? (Hebrews 13.5)
6. If we are walking by faith, we will also consider how the job could affect our friendship with Jehovah. We could ask ourselves: ‘Would the job require me to engage in practices that Jehovah hates?’
[Quotation] Proverbs 6.16 through 19: There are six things that Jehovah hates;Yes, seven things that he detests: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart plotting wicked schemes, and feet that run quickly to evil, 19 A false witness who lies with every breath,And anyone sowing contentions among brothers. [End Quotation]
‘Would it interfere with my worship and perhaps keep me away from my family for long periods of time?’
[Quotation] Philippians 1.10: that you may make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not stumbling others up to the day of Christ; [End Quotation]
If the answer to such questions is yes, it would be wise not to accept the job, even if work is hard to find. Because we walk by faith, we make decisions that show our conviction that Jehovah will somehow care for our needs.
[Quotation] Matthew 6.33: “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. [End Quotation]
Read Hebrews 13.5.
[Read scripture] Hebrews 13.5: Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things. For he has said: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.” [End of Read scripture]
Question 7 and 8. How did one brother in South America walk by faith? (See also picture)
7. Note how Javier,* [Footnote] Some names have been changed. [End of footnote] a brother in South America, saw the need to walk by faith. He says: “I had applied for a prestigious job that would double my salary and provide considerable personal satisfaction.” However, Javier had the deep desire to pioneer. He continues: “I was recommended for an interview with the national manager. Before the interview, I prayed for help, convinced that Jehovah knew what was best for me. I wanted to progress professionally, but I did not want this job if it would not help me reach my spiritual goals.”
8. Javier relates: “During the interview, the manager told me that I would regularly have to work overtime. I kindly pointed out that I couldn’t do that because of my ministry.” Yes, Javier rejected the offer. Two weeks later, he started pioneering. And later that year, he found a part-time job. He says: “Jehovah heard my prayers and provided a job that fit my pioneer schedule. I am truly happy to have work that allows me to dedicate more time to serve Jehovah and my brothers.”
![[Image:] A brother with a hard hat and work clothes being escorted into a vacant office by his supervisor. The supervisor is offering him a promotion.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/266a77_106630786cf94827877e6282e2501b13~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_962,h_541,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/495.jpeg)
[Image Alt:] A brother with a hard hat and work clothes being escorted into a vacant office by his supervisor. The supervisor is offering him a promotion. Caption: If you are offered a promotion at work, would your choice show that you are convinced that Jehovah knows what is best for you?
Question 9. What do you learn from Tresor’s experience?
9. What if we realize that our current employment is not allowing us to walk by faith? Consider the experience of Tresor, from Congo. He relates: “My new job was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was earning triple what I previously earned, and I was well-respected.” However, Tresor regularly missed meetings because of working overtime. He was also pressured to cover up dishonest activities. Tresor wanted to quit, but he worried about being unemployed. What helped him? He says: “Habakkuk 3.17 through 19 helped me to understand that even if I lost my income, Jehovah would somehow take care of me. So I resigned.”
[Quotation] Habakkuk 3.17 through 19: Although the fig tree may not blossom, And there may be no fruit on the vines; Although the olive crop may fail, And the fields may produce no food; Although the flock may disappear from the pen, And there may be no cattle in the stalls; 18 Yet, as for me, I will exult in Jehovah; I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. 19 The Sovereign Lord Jehovah is my strength; He will make my feet like those of a deer And cause me to tread on high places. To the director; with my stringed instruments. [End Quotation]
He concludes: “Many employers think that for a well-paid job, a person will sacrifice anything, including family life and spiritual activities. I am happy that I preserved my relationship with Jehovah and with my family. A year later, Jehovah helped me find a stable job that allows me to live modestly and have more time for Christian activities. When we put Jehovah first, we may for a time struggle financially, but Jehovah will take care of us.” Yes, if we trust in Jehovah’s advice and promises, we will continue walking by faith and he will bless us.
When Choosing a Marriage Mate
Question 10. What could cause us to walk by sight when choosing a marriage mate?
10. Marriage is a gift from Jehovah, and it is normal to want to get married. When considering a potential marriage mate, a sister might notice a brother’s personality, appearance, reputation, financial situation, family responsibilities, as well as how he makes her feel.* [Footnote] For simplicity, this paragraph refers to a sister who is looking for a husband. The same advice applies in the case of a brother who is looking for a wife. [End of footnote] These factors are important. However, if she considers only these things, she could be walking by sight.
Question 11. How can we walk by faith when it comes to choosing a marriage mate? (1 Corinthians 7.39)
11. How proud Jehovah must be of our sisters and brothers who follow his advice when choosing a marriage mate! For example, they take to heart the admonition to wait until they have passed “the bloom of youth” before pursuing a courtship.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 7.36: But if anyone thinks he is behaving improperly by remaining unmarried, and if he is past the bloom of youth, then this is what should take place: Let him do what he wants; he does not sin. Let them marry. [End Quotation]
They consider a potential marriage mate based mainly on the qualities that Jehovah says will make for a good husband or a good wife.
[Quotation] Proverbs 31.10 through 13: Who can find a capable wife? Her value is far more than that of corals. 11 Her husband trusts her from his heart, And he lacks nothing of value. 12 She rewards him with good, not bad, All the days of her life. 13 She obtains wool and linen; She delights to work with her hands. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Proverbs 31.26 through 28: She opens her mouth in wisdom; The law of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the activity of her household, And the bread of laziness she does not eat. 28 Her children rise up and declare her happy; Her husband rises up and praises her. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Ephesians 5.33: Nevertheless, each one of you must love his wife as he does himself; on the other hand, the wife should have deep respect for her husband. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 5.8: Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith. [End Quotation]
If a non-Witness shows romantic interest in them, they trust the counsel to marry “only in the Lord,” as found at 1 Corinthians 7.39. (Read) They continue walking by faith, confident that Jehovah can look after their emotional needs better than anyone else.
[Quotation] Psalm 55.22: Throw your burden on Jehovah, And he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to fall. [End Quotation]
[Read scripture] 1 Corinthians 7.39: A wife is bound as long as her husband is alive. But if her husband should fall asleep in death, she is free to be married to whomever she wants, only in the Lord. [End of Read scripture]
Question 12. What do you learn from Rosa’s example?
12. Consider the experience of Rosa, a pioneer in Colombia. Her work brought her into repeated contact with a non-Witness man who began to show interest in her. Rosa was attracted to him. She says: “He seemed like a very good man. He volunteered in his community and had a healthy lifestyle. I liked how he treated me. He had what I wanted in a husband except he was not a Witness.” She continues: “It was difficult to say no to him because it was something that I wanted emotionally. At that time, I felt somewhat alone and I wanted to get married, but I hadn’t been able to find someone in the truth.” Yet, Rosa did not focus only on what she could see. She contemplated how this decision would affect her friendship with Jehovah. Thus, she ended all contact with the man and kept busy in theocratic activities. Shortly thereafter, she was invited to attend the School for Kingdom Evangelizers, and she now serves as a special pioneer. Rosa says: “Jehovah has filled my heart with much happiness.” Although it may not be easy to walk by faith in matters so close to the heart, it is always worth it.
Question 13. What could move us to walk by sight when receiving theocratic direction?
13. We often receive theocratic direction, from our local elders, the circuit overseer, the branch office, or the Governing Body, that guides us in our worship. But what if on occasion we cannot understand the reason for the direction we receive? We may see only the negative effects that the direction could have on us. We may even begin to focus on the imperfections of the brothers who gave the direction.
Question 14. What will help us to walk by faith when receiving theocratic direction? (Hebrews 13.17)
14. When we walk by faith, we trust that Jehovah is in control and that he knows our circumstances. As a result, we are quick to obey, and we do so with a positive attitude. (Read Hebrews 13.17) We recognize that our obedience contributes to the unity of our congregation.
[Quotation] Ephesians 4.2 and 3: with all humility and mildness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, 3 earnestly endeavoring to maintain the oneness of the spirit in the uniting bond of peace. [End Quotation]
We trust that even though the brothers taking the lead are imperfect, Jehovah will bless our obedience.
[Quotation] 1 Samuel 15.22: Samuel then said: “Does Jehovah take as much pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Look! To obey is better than a sacrifice, and to pay attention than the fat of rams; [End Quotation]
In due time, he will correct anything that truly needs to be corrected.
[Quotation] Micah 7.7: But as for me, I will keep on the lookout for Jehovah. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. [End Quotation]
[Read scripture] Hebrews 13.17: Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over you as those who will render an account, so that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you. [End of Read scripture]
Question 15 and 16. What helped a brother to walk by faith even though he had some doubts about the direction he had received? (See also picture)
15. Consider an experience that highlights a benefit that comes from walking by faith. In Peru, although the Spanish language is widely spoken, many householders speak indigenous languages. One of these is Quechua. For a number of years, Quechua-speaking brothers and sisters searched for those who spoke Quechua in the territory. However, in order to comply with government regulations, adjustments were made in the method of reaching people.
[Quotation] Romans 13.1: Let every person be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. [End Quotation]
As a result, some wondered whether it would hinder the work in the territory. Because the brothers adhered to the adjustments, Jehovah blessed their efforts to locate many Quechua-speaking people.
16. Kevin, an elder in a Quechua-speaking congregation, was among those concerned. He explains: “I thought, ‘How will we now find people who speak Quechua?’” What did Kevin do? He says: “I called to mind Proverbs 3.5.
[Quotation] Proverbs 3.5: Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding. [End Quotation]
And I thought about Moses. He was to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into what seemed like a dead end, making them an easy target for the Egyptians. Still, he obeyed, and Jehovah blessed his obedience in an impressive way.”
[Quotation] Exodus 14.1 and 2: Jehovah now said to Moses: 2 “Tell the Israelites that they should turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, within view of Baal-zephon. You are to encamp facing it by the sea. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Exodus 14.9 through 11: The Egyptians chased after them, and all the chariot horses of Pharaoh and his cavalrymen and his army were catching up with them while they were camping by the sea, by Pihahiroth, facing Baal-zephon. 10 When Pharaoh got closer, the Israelites raised their eyes and saw the Egyptians pursuing them. The Israelites became terrified and began to cry out to Jehovah. 11 They said to Moses: “Is it because there are no burial places in Egypt that you have brought us here to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us by leading us out of Egypt? [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Exodus 14.21 and 22: Moses now stretched out his hand over the sea; and Jehovah drove the sea back with a strong east wind all night long, turning the sea basin into dry ground, and the waters divided. 22 So the Israelites went through the midst of the sea on dry ground, while the waters formed a wall on their right hand and on their left. [End Quotation]
Kevin was willing to adjust his ministry. What was the result? He says: “I was amazed at how Jehovah blessed us. Previously, we would walk a lot in the ministry and sometimes find only one or two Quechua-speaking people. Now we focus on territories that have a concentration of those who speak Quechua. As a result, we have more conversations, return visits, and Bible studies. Our meeting attendance has increased.” Yes, when we walk by faith, we are always rewarded by Jehovah.
![[Image:] A Quechua-speaking man talking with a Witness couple who are in the ministry. He is showing them where someone lives.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/266a77_3290d28463f147b49ab0417fba92b444~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_960,h_540,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/495.jpeg)
[Image Alt:] A Quechua-speaking man talking with a Witness couple who are in the ministry. He is showing them where someone lives. Caption: Brothers found that many people they met were able to point out areas in the neighborhood where they could find those who spoke the language
Question 17. What have you learned from this article?
17. We have considered how to continue walking by faith in three important areas. But we must keep walking by faith in all areas of our life, such as when choosing entertainment or recreation and when making decisions about education or child-rearing. Whatever decisions we have to make, we should be guided not only by what we can see but also by our relationship with Jehovah, his advice, and his promise to take care of us. If we do, we will be able to “walk in the name of Jehovah our God forever and ever.”
[Quotation] Micah 4.5: For all the peoples will walk, each in the name of its god, But we will walk in the name of Jehovah our God forever and ever. [End Quotation]
When Choosing a Marriage Mate
[Box] How Can We Walk by Faith ...
when choosing employment?
when choosing a marriage mate?
when receiving theocratic direction? [End of box]
Song 156 With Eyes of Faith. Based on Psalm 27.13
1. Why should I fear the lion?
Why should I fear any foe?
With Jehovah by my side,
I will not run and hide.
My God is with me; this I know.
With eyes of faith,
I see beyond the darkness.
With eyes of faith,
there’s nothing more to fear.
With Jehovah, I am strong,
Determined to go on,
Knowing that my God
is always near
With eyes of faith.
2. Those faithful ones before us
Lived their lives in loyalty.
By their faith they endured.
Their future is assured.
They’ll stand again for all to see.
With eyes of faith,
I see beyond the darkness.
With eyes of faith,
there’s nothing more to fear.
With Jehovah, I am strong,
Determined to go on,
Knowing that my God
is always near
With eyes of faith.
With eyes of faith,
I can move a mountain.
With eyes of faith,
my hope is sure.
Where would I be
Without the faith
that helps me see
Beyond the trials I endure?
3. I see the wondrous future
God has in store for me.
I need to be strong.
I know it won’t be long
Till Jehovah claims his victory.
With eyes of faith,
I see beyond the darkness.
With eyes of faith,
there’s nothing more to fear.
With Jehovah, I am strong,
Determined to go on,
Knowing that my God
is always near
With eyes of faith,
With eyes of faith.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Secondary Articles in The Watchtower (1 Article)
Study Tip. Use the Mirror Properly
Study Tip. Use the Mirror Properly
The disciple James compared the Bible to a mirror that allows us to see our inner person.
[Quotation] James 1.22 through 25: However, become doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, and he goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is. 25 But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does. [End Quotation]
How can we properly use the Bible as a mirror?
Read it carefully. If we just glance at ourselves in a mirror, we might overlook some significant flaw. To see aspects of our inner person that need attention, we do well to peer into God’s Word by reading it carefully.
Look more at yourself than at others. A mirror held at an angle might expose someone else’s defects. Similarly, we could use the Bible to identify someone else’s faults. But this would not necessarily help us correct our own.
Be reasonable. If we fixate on our own flaws that a mirror reveals, we might become discouraged. We need to be reasonable when reading God’s Word by not expecting more of ourselves than Jehovah does.
[Quotation] James 3.17: But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, not hypocritical. [End Quotation]