Watchtower May 12 through May 18
[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 10 [Press play below to hear the MP3 Watchtower audio]
Song 31 Oh, Walk With God! Based on Micah 6.8
1. Oh, walk with God in modesty;
Show loyal love, and be true.
Stay close to Jehovah, leaning on him,
And let his strength sustain you.
Keep holding tight to his faithful Word;
You’ll never drift away.
So let God lead you by the hand
As you listen and obey.
2. Oh, walk with God in holiness;
Consider things that are pure.
No matter how great temptations may be,
He’ll help you to endure them.
Whatever praiseworthy things there are,
Whatever things are true,
Continue to consider them,
And our God will be with you.
3. Oh, walk with God in happiness;
Rejoice that he is your Friend.
Be thankful for all the gifts that he gives
And blessings that are endless.
Oh, walk with God, let your heart be glad;
Express your joy in song.
Your joy will show, and all will know,
To Jehovah you belong.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Imitate Jehovah and Jesus in Your Way of Thinking (May 12 through 18)
“Since Christ suffered in the flesh, you too arm yourselves with the same mental disposition.” 1 Peter 4.1.
[Box] Focus.
How the apostle Peter learned from Jesus’ way of thinking and how we can too. [End of box]
Question 1 and 2. What is involved in loving Jehovah, and how did Jesus give evidence of that?
1. “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole strength and with your whole mind.”
[Quotation] Luke 10.27: In answer he said: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole strength and with your whole mind’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” [End Quotation]
Jesus acknowledged this as the most important command in the Mosaic Law. Notice that our love for Jehovah involves our heart, which includes our desires, feelings, and emotions. It also involves our whole-souled devotion and our strength, including our energy. However, loving Jehovah also involves our mind, which includes the way we think about matters. Of course, we can never fully understand all of Jehovah’s thinking. But we can better understand God’s thinking by studying “the mind of Christ” because Jesus perfectly reflects the thinking of his Father. (1 Corinthians 2.16 and study note “we do have the mind of Christ.”)
2. Jesus loved Jehovah with his whole mind. He knew God’s will for him and was determined to act in harmony with it, even though doing so would mean suffering for the sake of what was right. Being focused on doing his Father’s will, Jesus allowed nothing to distract him from that goal.
[Inserted scripture] 1 Corinthians 2.16: For “who has come to know the mind of Jehovah, so that he may instruct him?” But we do have the mind of Christ. [End of inserted scripture]
[Study Note]: we do have the mind of Christ: A Christian can have “the mind of Christ” by coming to know the pattern of Jesus’ thinking. Such a person meditates on all aspects of Christ’s personality and then adopts Christ’s way of thinking and imitates his example of humility and obedience. A Christian’s “dominant mental attitude” will then reflect the thinking of Christ, whose “mind” reflects the thinking of Jehovah. [End of Study Note]
Question 3. What did the apostle Peter learn from Jesus, and what did Peter encourage fellow Christians to do? (1 Peter 4.1)
3. Peter and his fellow apostles were privileged to spend time with Jesus and to learn firsthand how he thought. When Peter wrote his first inspired letter, he encouraged Christians to arm themselves with the same mental disposition as that of Christ.* [Footnote] “Mental disposition,” as found at 1 Peter 4.1, can also be rendered “mind-set, attitude, thinking.” [End of footnote] (Read 1 Peter 4.1) Peter used a military expression when he wrote: “Arm yourselves.” So if Christians imitate Jesus’ mental disposition, or way of thinking, they will be equipped with a powerful weapon in their war against sinful tendencies and against a world ruled by Satan.
[Quotation] 2 Corinthians 10.3 through 5: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage warfare according to what we are in the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful by God for overturning strongly entrenched things. 5 For we are overturning reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are bringing every thought into captivity to make it obedient to the Christ; [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Ephesians 6.12: because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. [End Quotation]
[Read scripture] 1 Peter 4.1: Since Christ suffered in the flesh, you too arm yourselves with the same mental disposition; because the person who has suffered in the flesh has desisted from sins, [End of Read scripture]
Question 4. How can this article help us follow Peter’s advice?
4. We will examine Jesus’ way of thinking and see how we can imitate it. We will find out how we can (1) imitate Jehovah’s way of thinking, which will help us all to think in agreement, (2) be humble, and (3) be sound in mind by relying on Jehovah in prayer.
Imitate Jehovah’s Way of Thinking
Question 5. How did Peter on one occasion fail to reflect Jehovah’s thinking?
5. Consider one occasion when Peter did not reflect Jehovah’s thinking on matters. Jesus had told his apostles that he would have to go to Jerusalem, be handed over to the religious leaders there, endure torture, and then be put to death.
[Quotation] Matthew 16.21: From that time forward, Jesus began explaining to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed, and on the third day be raised up. [End Quotation]
Peter may have found it hard to accept that Jehovah would allow Jesus, the hope of Israel and the promised Messiah, to be put to death.
[Quotation] Matthew 16.16: Simon Peter answered: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [End Quotation]
So Peter took Jesus aside and said: “Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this happen to you at all.” (Matthew 16.22) Because Peter did not reflect Jehovah’s thinking on the matter, he was not thinking in agreement with Jesus.
Question 6. In what way did Jesus show that his thinking was in line with Jehovah’s?
6. Jesus’ thinking was fully in line with that of his heavenly Father. Jesus said to Peter: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, because you think, not God’s thoughts, but those of men.” (Matthew 16.23) Peter may have had good intentions, but Jesus rejected Peter’s advice. There is a lesson for us. Leading a self-sparing life was not Jehovah’s will for Jesus. On that occasion, Peter learned a valuable lesson about making God’s thoughts his thoughts.
Question 7. How did Peter later show that he was sensitive to Jehovah’s thinking? (See picture)
7. Eventually, Peter showed that he wanted to be attuned to Jehovah’s way of thinking. The time had arrived for uncircumcised Gentiles to become part of God’s people. Peter was assigned to preach to the Gentile Cornelius, who would be among the first of this new group of worshippers. Jews had very little to do with Gentiles, so it is not surprising that Peter needed help to prepare for his assignment. When Peter discerned God’s will in this matter, he adjusted his viewpoint. As a result, when he was sent for, he went “without objection.”
[Quotation] Acts 10.28 and 29: He said to them: “You well know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or approach a man of another race, and yet God has shown me that I should call no man defiled or unclean. 29 So I came, really without objection, when I was sent for. Therefore, I ask you why you sent for me.” [End Quotation]
He preached to Cornelius and his household, and they got baptized.
[Quotation] Acts 10.21 through 23: Then Peter went downstairs to the men and said: “Here I am, the one you are looking for. Why are you here?” 22 They said: “Cornelius, an army officer, a righteous and God-fearing man who is well-reported-on by the whole nation of the Jews, was given divine instructions by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” 23 So he invited them in and had them stay as his guests. The next day he got up and went off with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 10.34 and 35: At this Peter began to speak, and he said: “Now I truly understand that God is not partial, 35 but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 10.44 through 48: While Peter was still speaking about these matters, the holy spirit came upon all those hearing the word. 45 And the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the free gift of the holy spirit was being poured out also on people of the nations. 46 For they heard them speaking in foreign languages and magnifying God. Then Peter responded: 47 “Can anyone deny water to prevent these from being baptized who have received the holy spirit just as we have?” 48 With that he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they requested him to stay for some days. [End Quotation]
![[Image:] Peter and his companions being led by Cornelius to an upstairs room in his home.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/266a77_0a5aae41065a467b9706a4e06ea8ae55~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:] Peter and his companions being led by Cornelius to an upstairs room in his home. Caption: Peter enters the house of Cornelius
Question 8. How can we show that our thinking is in line with Jehovah’s thinking? (1 Peter 3.8 and footnote)
8. Years later, Peter encouraged fellow Christians to “think in agreement.” (Read 1 Peter 3.8 and footnote) As Jehovah’s people, we can think in agreement by reflecting Jehovah’s thinking as it is expressed in his Word. For example, Jesus urged his followers to put the Kingdom first in their life.
[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]
With that in mind, a publisher in your congregation might decide to undertake some form of full-time service. Rather than suggest that he be kind to himself, we should speak positively about that worthy endeavor and offer our support.
[Read scripture] 1 Peter 3.8: Finally, all of you have unity of mind,* fellow feeling, brotherly affection, tender compassion, and humility. [Footnote] Or “think in agreement.” [End of footnote] [End of Read scripture]
Be Humble
Question 9 and 10. How did Jesus show extraordinary humility?
9. On the night before he was put to death, Jesus taught Peter and the other apostles an important lesson in humility. Earlier, Jesus had sent Peter and John to get things ready for the last meal that Jesus would share with them as a human. The preparations likely included making sure that a basin and towels were available so that the guests could have their feet washed before the meal. But who would care for this humble task when the time came?
10. Without hesitation, Jesus showed extraordinary humility. Much to the astonishment of his apostles, he did something that a servant would normally do. Jesus took off his outer garments, wrapped a towel around his waist, put water into the basin, and started washing their feet.
[Quotation] John 13.4 and 5: got up from the evening meal and laid aside his outer garments. And taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. 5 After that he put water into a basin and started to wash the feet of the disciples and to dry them off with the towel that was wrapped around him. [End Quotation]
It may have taken some time to wash the feet of all 12 apostles, including Judas, who was going to betray him. Yet, Jesus humbly completed the task. Then Jesus patiently explained: “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are correct, for I am such. Therefore, if I, the Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you also should wash the feet of one another.”
[Quotation] John 13.12 through 14: When, now, he had washed their feet and had put his outer garments on, he again reclined at the table and said to them: “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are correct, for I am such. 14 Therefore, if I, the Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you also should wash the feet of one another. [End Quotation]
Question 11. How did Peter show that he had learned to be humble? (1 Peter 5.5) (See also picture)
11. Peter learned from Jesus’ humility. After Jesus returned to heaven, Peter performed a miracle by healing a man who was lame from birth.
[Quotation] Acts 1.8 and 9: But you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses of me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth.” 9 After he had said these things, while they were looking on, he was lifted up and a cloud caught him up from their sight. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 3.2: and a man who was lame from birth was being carried. Every day they would put him near the temple door that was called Beautiful, so he could ask for gifts of mercy from those entering the temple. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 3.6 through 8: However, Peter said: “Silver and gold I do not possess, but what I do have is what I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!” 7 With that he took hold of him by the right hand and raised him up. Instantly his feet and his ankles were made firm; 8 and leaping to his feet, he began walking and went with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God. [End Quotation]
Naturally, this amazing event drew a crowd of people.
[Quotation] Acts 3.11: While the man was still holding on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at what was called Solomon’s Colonnade, completely surprised. [End Quotation]
Would Peter bask in the glory of the moment, given that he had come from a background where prominence and position were greatly emphasized? No, Peter humbly directed praise away from himself and gave the rightful credit to Jehovah and Jesus, saying: “Through [Jesus’] name, and by our faith in his name, this man whom you see and know has been made strong.”
[Quotation] Acts 3.12 through 16: When Peter saw this, he said to the people: “Men of Israel, why are you so amazed at this, and why are you staring at us as though by personal power or godly devotion we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our forefathers, has glorified his Servant, Jesus, whom you handed over and disowned before Pilate, even though he had decided to release him. 14 Yes, you disowned that holy and righteous one, and you asked for a man who was a murderer to be given to you, 15 whereas you killed the Chief Agent of life. But God raised him up from the dead, of which fact we are witnesses. 16 And through his name, and by our faith in his name, this man whom you see and know has been made strong. The faith that is through him has made this man completely healthy in front of all of you. [End Quotation]
The words Peter used in a letter to the Christians regarding the need to cultivate humility may remind us of the occasion when Jesus wrapped a towel around his waist and washed the feet of the apostles. Read 1 Peter 5.5.
[Read scripture] 1 Peter 5.5: In the same way, you younger men, be in subjection to the older men. But all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones. [End of Read scripture]
![[Image:] Peter and John standing in the temple. Peter is pointing to the heavens while a man who was lame from birth, now healed, stands beside them.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/266a77_3b414d3717434bed97ddb327aa052495~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_949,h_534,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/495.jpeg)
[Image Alt:] Peter and John standing in the temple. Peter is pointing to the heavens while a man who was lame from birth, now healed, stands beside them. Caption: After Peter performed a miracle, he humbly gave credit to Jehovah and Jesus. We too can show humility by doing good without expecting to be recognized or rewarded (See paragraphs 11 and 12)
Question 12. How can we, like Peter, continue cultivating humility?
12. We can follow Peter’s example in cultivating humility. Remember that true humility involves more than just saying the right words. The term Peter used for humility involves our innermost thoughts, “lowliness of mind.” We perform tasks for others because we love Jehovah and we love people, not because we love to be admired. If we happily serve Jehovah and our brothers in any way we can, regardless of whether our efforts are noticed, we give evidence of being humble.
[Quotation] Matthew 6.1 through 4: “Take care not to practice your righteousness in front of men to be noticed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. 2 So when you make gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your gifts of mercy may be in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you. [End Quotation]
Blurb: True humility involves ... our innermost thoughts
Question 13. Explain what is involved in being “sound in mind.”
13. Being “sound in mind” involves what?
[Quotation] 1 Peter 4.7: But the end of all things has drawn close. Therefore, be sound in mind, and be vigilant with a view to prayers. [End Quotation]
A Christian who is sound in mind does his best to make good decisions that reflect Jehovah’s thinking. Such a Christian knows that nothing in life is more important than his relationship with Jehovah. He has a balanced view of himself, knowing that he does not have all the answers. And he demonstrates his reliance on God by approaching Jehovah often in humble prayer.* [Footnote] For more information on what is meant by a mind that is sound, or spiritually healthy, see on jw.org or in the JW Library® app “Bible Verses Explained,” article “2 Timothy 1.7 Explained ‘God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear,’” under Soundness of mind.” [End of footnote]
[Bible Verses Explained, 2 Timothy 1.7] “Soundness of mind.” In the Bible, soundness of mind generally refers to a Christian’s ability to make wise Bible-based decisions. Someone with soundness of mind is able to remain sensible and reasonable even when facing difficulties. He can make decisions that reflect God’s thinking, knowing that his relationship with God is more important than the opinions of others. [End of Bible Verses Explained, 2 Timothy 1.7]
Question 14. How did Peter on one occasion fail to rely on Jehovah?
14. On the last night before his death, Jesus warned his disciples: “All of you will be stumbled in connection with me on this night.” Peter responded confidently: “Although all the others are stumbled in connection with you, I will never be stumbled!” That night Jesus admonished some of his disciples: “Keep on the watch and pray continually.”
[Quotation] Matthew 26.31: Then Jesus said to them: “All of you will be stumbled in connection with me on this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered about.’ [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Matthew 26.33: But Peter, in response, said to him: “Although all the others are stumbled in connection with you, I will never be stumbled!” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Matthew 26.41: Keep on the watch and pray continually, so that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit, of course, is eager, but the flesh is weak.” [End Quotation]
If Peter had followed that advice earlier, he might have had the courage to acknowledge his relationship with Jesus. Instead, Peter, much to his regret, disowned his Master.
[Quotation] Matthew 26.69 through 75: Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him and said: “You too were with Jesus the Galilean!” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying: “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71 When he went out to the gatehouse, another girl noticed him and said to those there: “This man was with Jesus the Nazarene.” 72 Again he denied it, with an oath: “I do not know the man!” 73 After a little while, those standing around came up and said to Peter: “Certainly you are also one of them, for in fact, your dialect gives you away.” 74 Then he started to curse and swear: “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter called to mind what Jesus had said, namely: “Before a rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. [End Quotation]
Question 15. How did Jesus keep a sound mind during his final night of life as a human?
15. Jesus relied fully on Jehovah. Although Jesus was perfect, he prayed repeatedly. That gave him the courage to act in line with Jehovah’s will for him.
[Quotation] Matthew 26.39: And going a little way forward, he fell facedown, praying: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Matthew 26.42: Again, a second time, he went off and prayed: “My Father, if it is not possible for this to pass away unless I drink it, let your will take place.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Matthew 26.44: So leaving them, he again went off and prayed for a third time, saying once more the same thing. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] John 18.4 and 5: Then Jesus, knowing all the things that were going to happen to him, stepped forward and said to them: “Whom are you looking for?” 5 They answered him: “Jesus the Nazarene.” He said to them: “I am he.” Now Judas, his betrayer, was also standing with them. [End Quotation]
Observing Jesus’ prayerful approach must have made a lifelong impression on Peter.
Question 16. How did Peter show that he had cultivated soundness of mind? (1 Peter 4.7)
16. In time, Peter came to rely more on Jehovah in prayer. The resurrected Jesus assured Peter and the other apostles that they would receive holy spirit so that they could fulfill their commission to preach. However, Jesus asked them to wait in Jerusalem until that happened.
[Quotation] Luke 24.49: And look! I am sending upon you what my Father promised. You, though, stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 1.4 and 5: While he was meeting with them, he ordered them: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but keep waiting for what the Father has promised, about which you heard from me; 5 for John, indeed, baptized with water, but you will be baptized with holy spirit not many days after this.” [End Quotation]
What did Peter do while waiting? Peter and his fellow Christians “were persisting in prayer.”
[Quotation] Acts 1.13 and 14: When they arrived, they went up into the upper room where they were staying. There were Peter as well as John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the zealous one, and Judas the son of James. 14 With one purpose all of these were persisting in prayer, together with some women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers. [End Quotation]
Later, in his first letter, Peter encouraged his fellow Christians to be sound in mind and to rely on Jehovah in prayer. (Read 1 Peter 4.7) Peter learned to rely on Jehovah and became a pillar in the congregation.
[Quotation] Galatians 2.9: and when they recognized the undeserved kindness that was given me, James and Cephas and John, the ones who seemed to be pillars, gave Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the nations but they to those who are circumcised. [End Quotation]
[Read scripture] 1 Peter 4.7: But the end of all things has drawn close. Therefore, be sound in mind, and be vigilant with a view to prayers. [End of Read scripture]
Question 17. Regardless of any natural abilities we may have, what do we need to keep doing? (See also picture)
17. To be sound in mind, we must approach Jehovah often in prayer. We realize that we need to keep praying to Jehovah regardless of any natural abilities we may have. Therefore, especially when we are faced with important decisions, we pray to Jehovah for guidance, trusting that he knows what is best for us.
![[Image:] Picture Description: A sister offers a silent prayer while she waits to be interviewed for a job.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/266a77_89c690ec3dac49c3a688fdcfe4dff8ca~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_964,h_542,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/495.jpeg)
[Image Alt:] Picture Description: A sister offers a silent prayer while she waits to be interviewed for a job. Caption: Peter learned to rely on Jehovah in prayer. We too can be sound in mind by praying for Jehovah’s help, especially when we face important decisions
Be Humble
Question 18. How can we become more attuned to Jehovah’s way of thinking?
18. How thankful we are that Jehovah has designed us in a way that we can reflect his qualities.
[Quotation] Genesis 1.26: Then God said: “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and the domestic animals and all the earth and every creeping animal that is moving on the earth.” [End Quotation]
Of course, we cannot imitate Jehovah perfectly.
[Quotation] Isaiah 55.9: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So my ways are higher than your ways And my thoughts than your thoughts. [End Quotation]
However, like Peter, we can become more attuned to Jehovah’s way of thinking. May we do so by continuing to imitate God’s way of thinking, to be humble, and to be sound in mind.
[Box] How Can We ...
imitate Jehovah’s way of thinking?
be humble?
be “sound in mind”? [End of box]
Song 30 My Father, My God and Friend. Based on Hebrews 6.10
1. Life in this world can be hard.
Life in this world can bring tears and pain.
Still ev’ry day I will say,
“My life is not in vain.”
For God is not unrighteous,
And he remembers the love I’ve shown.
So he is ever near me;
With Jehovah, I’m not alone.
Yes, God is my provider
and my protector down to the end.
Yes, Jehovah is my Father,
My God and Friend.
2. Gone are the days of my youth;
Days of calamity now are here.
Still through the eyes of my faith,
My hope is bright and clear.
For God is not unrighteous,
And he remembers the love I’ve shown.
So he is ever near me;
With Jehovah, I’m not alone.
Yes, God is my provider
and my protector down to the end.
Yes, Jehovah is my Father,
My God and Friend.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Secondary Articles in The Watchtower (1 Article)