Watchtower March 17 through March 23
[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 3 [Press play below to hear the MP3 Watchtower audio]
Song 35 Make Sure of the More Important Things” Based on Philippians 1.10
1. How great our need today for discernment,
To know the things that are true,
To know which things have greater importance,
To know which things we must do!
Love what is good; Hate what is bad.
Make God’s heart glad;
Oh, what rich blessings it brings when we learn,
When we discern,
And when we do the important things!
2. And what could be of greater importance
Than sharing Kingdom good news,
To search for those who hunger for truth
And to help them God’s way to choose?
Love what is good; Hate what is bad.
Make God’s heart glad;
Oh, what rich blessings it brings when we learn,
When we discern,
And when we do the important things!
3. If we take care to do what’s important,
Then true contentment we’ll find.
The peace surpassing all understanding
Will guard our heart and our mind.
Love what is good; Hate what is bad.
Make God’s heart glad;
Oh, what rich blessings it brings when we learn,
When we discern,
And when we do the important things!
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Make Decisions That Please Jehovah (March 17 through 23)
“The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Most Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9.10.
[Box] Focus.
Focus. How to use knowledge, understanding, and discernment to make wise decisions. [End of box]
Question 1. What challenge do we all face?
1. Every day we need to make decisions. Some are relatively easy to make, such as what to have for breakfast or when to go to bed. Other matters are more difficult to decide. They may affect our health, our happiness, our loved ones, or our worship. We want our decisions to benefit us and our family. Above all, we hope that our decisions will please Jehovah.
[Quotation] Romans 12.1 and 2: Therefore, I appeal to you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason. 2 And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. [End Quotation]
Question 2. What steps will help you make wise decisions?
2. You are more likely to make a wise decision if you (1) get the facts, (2) consider Jehovah’s thinking on the matter, and (3) weigh the options. This article will discuss those steps, and it will also help us see how we can train our powers of discernment.
[Quotation] Proverbs 2.11: Thinking ability will keep watch over you, And discernment will safeguard you, [End Quotation]
Get the Facts
Question 3. Illustrate why you need to get the facts before you make a decision.
3. The first step toward making a good decision is to get the facts. Why is this important? Imagine that a patient consults a doctor regarding a serious medical problem. Would the doctor make a decision about a course of treatment without first examining the patient or asking him questions? Certainly not. You too will make better decisions if you first consider the facts that have a bearing on the situation at hand. How can you do that?
Question 4. In harmony with Proverbs 18.13, how can you make sure that you know the facts? (See also picture)
4. You can often get the facts by asking questions. Suppose you are invited to a social gathering. Should you attend? If you are not acquainted with the host or the arrangements, you will need to ask him such questions as: “Where and when will the gathering be held? How large will it be? Who will supervise it? Who will attend? What activities are planned? Will alcoholic drinks be served?” The answers to these questions will help you to make a wise decision. Read Proverbs 18.13.
[Read scripture] Proverbs 18.13: When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts, It is foolish and humiliating. [End of Read scripture]
[Image Alt:] A young brother asking his friends about an invitation to a party that they all received on their phones. Picture Description: Young brothers and sisters talk about a party invitation they received on their phones. Caption: Get the facts by asking questions
Question 5. What should you do once you have the facts?
5. Next, facts in hand, look carefully at the full picture. For example, what if you learn that individuals who have no regard for Bible principles will attend the gathering or that alcoholic beverages will be served without supervision? Do you see the potential for this gathering to turn into a wild party?
[Quotation] 1 Peter 4.3: For the time that has passed by is sufficient for you to have done the will of the nations when you carried on in acts of brazen conduct, unbridled passions, overdrinking, wild parties, drinking bouts, and lawless idolatries. [End Quotation]
On the other hand, what if the timing of the gathering conflicts with your scheduled congregation meeting or field ministry? When you have seen the whole picture, you will be well on your way to making a good decision. But there is another step that you should take. You know how you see the situation; but how does Jehovah feel about it?
[Quotation] Proverbs 2.6: For Jehovah himself gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and discernment. [End Quotation]
Consider What Jehovah Thinks
Question 6. According to James 1.5, why should we pray for Jehovah’s help?
6. Ask Jehovah to help you understand his thinking. Jehovah promises to give us the wisdom to discern whether a certain path will please him. He gives such wisdom “generously to all and without reproaching.” Read James 1.5.
[Read scripture] James 1:5: So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. [End of Read scripture]
Question 7. How can you acquire Jehovah’s thinking? Illustrate.
7. Once you have prayed for Jehovah’s direction, pay careful attention to his answer. To illustrate: If you got lost while traveling, you might ask a local resident for help. But would you then walk away before he had a chance to reply? Of course not. You would listen carefully to his directions. Similarly, after you ask Jehovah for wisdom, try to discern his answer by finding out which Bible laws and principles apply to your situation. For example, when deciding whether to attend the social gathering mentioned earlier, you might consider what the Bible says about wild parties, bad associations, and the need to put Kingdom interests ahead of your personal preferences.
[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]
[Quotation] Romans 13.13: Let us walk decently as in the daytime, not in wild parties and drunkenness, not in immoral intercourse and brazen conduct, not in strife and jealousy. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 15.33: Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits. [End Quotation]
Question 8. What can you do if you need help to find the information you are looking for? (See also picture)
8. Still, at times you may need help to find the information you are looking for. You might get input from an experienced brother or sister. However, you will also benefit from doing your own research. There is a wealth of information in our study tools, such as the Research Guide for Jehovah’s Witnesses and Scriptures for Christian Living. Remember the goal: to make a decision that will please Jehovah.
[Image Alt:] The young brother shown in the previous image, reading lesson 35 of the Enjoy Life Forever! book. Picture Description: One of the brothers does research before deciding whether to go to the party. Caption: Consider Jehovah’s thinking
Question 9. How can we be sure that our decision will please Jehovah? (Ephesians 5.17)
9. How can we be sure that our decision will please Jehovah? First of all, we need to get to know him well. “Knowledge of the Most Holy One is understanding,” the Bible says.
[Quotation] Proverbs 9.10: The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom, And knowledge of the Most Holy One is understanding. [End Quotation]
Yes, true understanding comes from knowing Jehovah’s qualities, his purpose, and what he loves or hates. Ask yourself, ‘Knowing what I do about Jehovah, what decision can I make that will please him?’ Read Ephesians 5.17.
[Read scripture] Ephesians 5.17: On this account stop being unreasonable, but keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is. [End of Read scripture]
Question 10. Why are Bible principles more important than family tradition or local culture?
10. In order to please Jehovah, we must at times disappoint those who are close to us. For example, some well-meaning parents may insist that their adult daughter marry a man who is financially well-off, or one who can pay them a large dowry, even though he is not spiritually strong. True, they want their daughter to be cared for materially, but who will help her to progress as a spiritual person? How does Jehovah view the matter? We find the answer at Matthew 6.33. There, Christians are urged to keep “seeking first the Kingdom.”
[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]
Although we honor our parents and respect the people in our community, our main concern is to make Jehovah happy.
Weigh the Options
Question 11. What quality discussed at Philippians 1.9 and 10 will help you to weigh your options?
11. Once you have considered the Bible principles involved in your decision, you need to evaluate your options. (Read Philippians 1.9 and 10; see study note on “full discernment.”) The quality of discernment will enable you to perceive the potential outcome of each option. Sometimes the decision can be easily made. But not all decisions are that straightforward. Discernment will help you to make wise decisions even in complex situations.
[Read scripture] Philippians 1.9 and 10: And this is what I continue praying, that your love may abound still more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment; 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 of Read scripture]
[Study Note] full discernment: The Greek word here rendered “discernment” (literally, “sense perception”) occurs only in this verse. A related word is used at Hebrews 5.14 in the phrase “those who through use have their powers of discernment [or “perceptive powers”; literally, “sense organs”] trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” In the Bible, these terms are used about discernment with regard to moral and spiritual matters. Paul prayed that the love of the Philippian Christians would abound with such discernment so that they could distinguish between what is more important and what is less important from God’s standpoint. (Philippians 1.10) A Christian’s moral sense is focused; he can perceive right from wrong, not only in clear-cut matters but also in complex situations in which the right course is not immediately apparent. He can then make proper decisions that will help him preserve his friendship with Jehovah. [End of Study Note]
Question 12 and 13. How can discernment help you make a wise decision regarding secular employment?
12. Consider this scenario. You are looking for a job to support your family. Two jobs are available. You review all the facts, taking note of the type of work, the schedule, the travel time, and so on. In both cases, the work itself is Scripturally acceptable. Perhaps you favor one option because you prefer the type of work or because the salary is higher. There are other factors, though, to consider before making a decision.
13. For example, would either job conflict with your congregation meeting schedule? Would either job cut into the time you need to care for your family’s emotional and spiritual needs? Asking such questions will help you to put “the more important things”, your worship and your family’s needs, ahead of material advantages. Then you can reach a decision that Jehovah will bless.
Question 14. How will using discernment and showing love help us to avoid stumbling others?
14. Discernment also moves us to consider how our decision might affect other people so that we can avoid “stumbling others.”
[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]
This is important when we make personal decisions in such areas as dress and grooming. For example, we may prefer a particular style of clothing or grooming. But what if others inside or outside the congregation would be offended by it? Discernment will help us to respect their feelings. Love will motivate us to seek the advantage of “the other person” and to be modest.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 10.23 and 24: All things are lawful, but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. 24 Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 10.32: Keep from becoming causes for stumbling to Jews as well as Greeks and to the congregation of God, [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 2.9 and 10: Likewise, the women should adorn themselves in appropriate dress, with modesty and soundness of mind, not with styles of hair braiding and gold or pearls or very expensive clothing, 10 but in the way that is proper for women professing devotion to God, namely, through good works. [End Quotation]
We will then make a decision that reflects our love and respect for others.
Question 15. What planning is needed before implementing a major decision?
15. If you are making a major decision, think about what it would take to implement it. Jesus taught us to “calculate the expense.”
[Quotation] Luke 14.28: For example, who of you wanting to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense to see if he has enough to complete it? [End Quotation]
So consider the amount of time, resources, and effort that you would need to invest to make the decision work. In some cases, you might consult your family to determine what each member would need to do to support the decision. Why is this kind of planning valuable? It may reveal that your decision needs some adjustments or that a different option is more practical. And when you involve your family members and listen to their input, they will more readily work with you to make the decision succeed.
[Quotation] Proverbs 15.22: Plans fail when there is no consultation, But there is accomplishment through many advisers. [End Quotation]
Make a Decision That Will Succeed
Question 16. What steps will help you to make a decision that will succeed? (See also the box “How to Make Wise Decisions.”)
16. If you have followed the steps outlined above, you are ready to make a wise decision. You have obtained the facts and examined the principles that will help you make a decision that is pleasing to Jehovah. Now you can ask Jehovah to help you make your decision succeed.
[Box]
How to Make Wise Decisions. Get the facts: Ask questions; then look carefully to see the full picture.
[Quotation] Proverbs 18.13: When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts, It is foolish and humiliating. [End Quotation]
Consider what Jehovah thinks: Pray for help, and reason on Bible principles.
[Quotation] Ephesians 5.17: On this account stop being unreasonable, but keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] James 1.5: So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. [End Quotation]
Weigh the options: Discern how a decision could affect you and others, and calculate what it will take to implement the decision.
[Quotation] Philippians 1.9 and 10: And this is what I continue praying, that your love may abound still more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment; 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] [End of box]
[Image Alt:] Collage: Scenes illustrating the steps that a young brother can take to make a wise decision. 1. He looks through a magnifying glass. 2. He prays. His Bible and tablet are on his desk. 3. He looks intently at a pair of scales on his desk.
Question 17. What is the key to making good decisions?
17. Even if you have made many successful decisions in the past, remember that the key to making good decisions is to rely, not on your own intelligence or experience, but on the wisdom from Jehovah. He alone can give you true knowledge, understanding, and discernment, the building blocks of wisdom.
[Quotation] Proverbs 2.1 through 5: My son, if you accept my sayings And treasure up my commandments, 2 By making your ear attentive to wisdom And inclining your heart to discernment; 3 Moreover, if you call out for understanding And raise your voice for discernment; 4 If you keep seeking for it as for silver, And you keep searching for it as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of Jehovah, And you will find the knowledge of God. [End Quotation]
Jehovah can help you to make decisions that please him.
[Quotation] Psalm 23.2 and 3: In grassy pastures he makes me lie down; He leads me to well-watered resting-places. 3 He refreshes me. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of his name. [End Quotation]
[Box] What Do These Scriptures Teach You About Making Good Decisions?
Proverbs 18.13
[Quotation] Proverbs 18.13: When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts, It is foolish and humiliating. [End Quotation]
Ephesians 5.17
[Quotation] Ephesians 5.17: On this account stop being unreasonable, but keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is. [End Quotation]
Philippians 1.9 and 10
[Quotation] Philippians 1.9 and 10: And this is what I continue praying, that your love may abound still more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment; 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]
[End of box]
Song 28 Gaining Jehovah’s Friendship. Based on Psalm 15
1. Who is your friend, O God?
Who in your tent may dwell?
Who gains your friendship? Who gains your trust?
Who really knows you well?
All who embrace your Word,
All who have faith in you,
All who are loyal, all who are just,
Living the truth for you.
2. Who is your friend, O God?
Who may approach your throne?
Who brings delight and makes you rejoice?
Whose name to you is known?
All who exalt your name,
All who your Word obey,
All who are faithful, honest in heart,
Truthful in all they say.
3. Throwing our cares on you,
Baring our hearts in prayer,
Drawing us closer, bonding in love,
Feeling your daily care,
We yearn to be your friend.
Long may our friendship grow.
No greater Friend could we ever gain,
No greater Friend we’ll know.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Secondary Articles in The Watchtower (1 Article)