IMITATE THEIR FAITH/TIMOTHY - "MY Beloved and Faithful Child in the Lord"

 TIMOTHY strode along the road leading away from home, his eyes eagerly focused on what lay ahead. His companions led the way as they transversed the fields Timothy knew so well. Slowl6 receding behind them was the city of Lystra, which sat atop a low hill on the valley floor. Timothy smiled as he thought of his mother and grandmother, beaming with pride and hiding their tears as they watched him go. Should he turn and wave -one last time?

Now and again, the apostle Paul would turn to Timothy and smile encouragingly. He knew that Timothy still had a measure of shyness to overcome, but he was pleased to see the young man's enthusiasm. Timothy was quite young, perhaps still in his late teens or early twenties, and he had tremendous respect and affection for Paul. Now Timothy was following this dynamic and faithful man on a journey that would take him hundreds of miles from home. They would travel on foot and ship, facing countless dangers on the way. Timothy could not really know whether he would ever see his home again. 

What led the young man to pursue such a course of life? What rewards could make such sacrifices worthwhile? And how can Timothy's faith influence our own?

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/TIMOTHY -"FROM INFANCY" 

From the jw.org publications

Context of Psalm 23:4 - Conclusion

 In the next two verses of Psalm 23, verses 5 and 6, the metaphor changes from that of a shepherd and his sheep to that of a host and his guest. Like that of a generous host, Jehovah treats David as an honored guest. Even David's enemies are powerless to prevent him from enjoying God's care.  At the end of the psalm, David expresses his confidence that God will show him goodness and love for the rest of his life.

The word pictures used in Psalm 23 describe the loving care God continues to provide for his worshippers.  - 1 PETER 2:25. 

Next time: IMITAT THEIR FAITH/TIMOTHY - "My Beloved and Faithful Child in the Lord" 

From the jw.org publications

Context of Psalm 23:4 -

 Psalm 23 was written by David, who was a shepherd in his youth and eventually became of the ancient nation of Israel. (1 Samuel  17:34, 35; 2 Samuel 7:8) The psalm begins by describing Jehovah as Shepherd who leads, feeds, and refreshed his worshippers, just as a literal shepherd does his sheep. -PSALM 23:1-3. 

In Psalm 23:4, when highlighting God's protection, David switched from referring to God in the third person (he) to the second person (you). That subtle change emphasizes the intimate relationship David had with Jehovah. David knew that God cared for hi and that He was aware of his personal trials. As a result, David feared no harm.

Next time: Context of 23:4 -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

Meaning of Psalm 23:4 - Conclusion

 Note: For some reason, my bold and italics are not working. So please forgive if I cannot bold and italicize the passage in the title, i can  only get the bold and italics down in my paragraphs etc.

. He instructs and comforts them through his written Word, the Bible. -ROMANS 15:4.

. He listens to their prayers, granting the mental and emotional peace. - PHILIPPIANS 4:6, 7.

. He uses fellow worshippers to encourage them. - HEBREWS 10:24.

. He gives them the sure hope of a better future, when he will undo any harm they currently experience. -PSALM 37:29; REVELATION 21:3-5. 

Next time: Context of PSALM 23:4

From the jw.org publications

Meaning of Psalm 23:4

 Those who worship God enjoy his protective care-even while they endure difficult situations. The verse uses the metaphor of a sheep under a shepherd's care to illustrate how God looks after his worshippers. They do not feel alone when they face dire circumstances, described in this verse as a place of deep shadow or darkness and risk of death. They feel secure, as though God were right there with them.

In Bible times, a shepherd would use his rod or club to protect the sheep from predators. He would also use his staff generally a long pole with a crook at one end, to guide the sheep or pull them away from danger. Similarly, Jehovah God is like a loving Shepherd who protects and guides those who worship him. Even during the darkest days of their life, Jehovah cares for them in various ways.

Next time: Meaning of Psalm 23:4 -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED/Psalm23:4 -"Though the Valley of the Shadow of Death"

 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me." -PSALM 23:4, King James Version.

"Though I walk through the shadow of death I will fear no harm, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me." -PSALM 23:4, New World Translation.

Next time: Meaning of Psalm 23:4

From the jw.org publications

NEVER STOP LEARNING -Conclusion

 As you study, look for ways to put what you learn into practice. For example, imitate Jehovah's justice by treating others impartially. Imitate Jesus' love for his Father and for others by being willing to suffer for Jehovah's name and by expending yourself in behalf of your fellow Christians. Also, imitate Jesus by witnessing to others so that they too have the opportunity to accept Jehovah's priceless gift. 

The more we understand and appreciate the ransom, the more we will love Jehovah and his Son. In turn, they will respond with increased love for us. (John14:21; James 4:8) So let us use Jehovah's provisions to keep learning about the ransom. The following article will consider some ways that we can benefit from the ransom and that we can respond appreciatively to Jehovah's love. 

Next time: BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED/Psalm 23:4- "Through I Walk Through the Shadow of Death" 

From the jw.org publications

NEVER STOP LEARNING

 You can keep learning about the love that Jehovah and Christ Jesus have for is of us if you continue to meditate on it. Perhaps during this year's Memorial season, you can carefully read one or more of the Gospels. Do not try to cover too much material at one time. Instead, slow down and look for additional reasons by we should love Jehovah and Jesus. And by all means, share what you learn with others. 

If you have been in the truth for many years, you might wonder if it is possible to discover new insights on such familiar subjects as God's justice, his love and the ransom. The truth is no end to what we learn about these and other topics. So, what can you do? Take full advantage of the wealth of information that can be found in our publications. When you find a passage that you do not fully understand, do research. Then throughout the day, meditate on what you have discovered and what it tells you about Jehovah, his Son, and their love for you. -Read PSALM 119:97. and footnote.

Do not be discouraged if you do not find something new or exciting every time you sit down to read or to do research. In a sense, you are like person who pans for gold. Patiently, prospectors spend hours of days before finding even the smallest nugget of gold. Yet, they persist because every bit gold is valuable to them. Of how much greater value is every gem of Bible truth! (Psalm 119:127; Proverbs 8:10) So be patient and stick to your Bible reading schedule. - PSALM 1:2. 

Next time: NEVER STOP LEARNING - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

Jesus' Integrity Vindicated Jehovah's Name

 By remaining faithful under test, Jesus refuted the Devil's claim that humans would not remain loyal to God when under trial. (Job 2:4, 5) Jesus also showed that Adam was to blame for his sin, not Jehovah. Jesus thus proved that perfect Adam could have been faithful if he had wanted to be and there was nothing faulty in how Jehovah treated Adam.

The ransom teaches us that Jesus cares deeply for people, especially for his disciples. (Proverbs 8:31; read John 13:1.) For example, Jesus knew that some aspects of his earthly ministry would be very challenging, in particularly his painful death. Yet, in carrying out is assignment on earth, he did not simply go through the motions. Instead, Jesus put his whole heart into preaching, teaching, and ministering to others. Even on the death of his death, Jesus took time to wash the feet of his apostles and give them many parting words of comfort and instruction. (John 13:12-15) Then while he was on the stake, Jesus took a few moments to give hope to a dying criminal and to arrange for his mother's care. (Luke 23:42, 43; John19:26, 27) Thus Jesus' deep love was expressed not only through his death but also through his entire life course on earth.

While Christ died "once for all time," he is still making sacrifices for us. (Romans 6:10) How so? He continues to expend time and effort as he puts the ransom benefits to work in our behalf. Consider what he is busy doing. He serves our King, High Priest, and head of the congregation. (1 Corinthians 15:25; Ephesians 5:23; Hebrews 2:17) He is in charge of the work of gathering the anointed and the great crowd, a task that will be completed before the great tribulation ends.  (Matthew 25+:32; Mark 13:27) He also sees that his faithful servants are well-fed spiritually during these last days. (Matthew 25:32;) And throughout his Millennial Reign, he will continue to serve our interests. Jehovah truly gave his Son for us!

 Next time: NEVER STOP LEARNING

From the jw.org publications

WHAT THE RANSOM TEACHES US ABOUT JESUS

Jesus cares very deeply about his Father's reputation. (John 14:31) Jesus was grieved that his being charged with blasphemy and sedition could bring reproach to his Father's name. That is why he prayed: "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me." (Matthew 26:39) By keeping his integrity to Jehovah until death, Jesus ultimately vindicated the name of his Father. 

Next time: JESUS' Integrity Vindicate Jehovah's Name

From the jw.org publications