We Must Be Holy in All Our Conduct - UPHOLD JEHOVAH'S SOVEREIGNTY

The book of Leviticus highlights Jehovah's sovereignty.  More than 30 times, the laws found in Leviticus are credited to Jehovah. Moses acknowledge this and did what Jehovah commanded him to do. (Leviticus 8:4, 5) Likewise,we should always do what our Sovereign, Jehovah, wants us to do.  In this regard,  we have the support of God's organization.  But a test of faith may come when we  are alone. as it did when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.  (Luke 4:1-13)  If we are focused on God's sovereignty and we trust in him, nobody can cause us to compromise and be ensnared by cowardly fear. - PROVERBS 29:25.

 As followers of Christ and Witnesses of Jehovah, we are persecuted in nations around the world. This is to be expected, for Jesus told his disciples: "People will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name." (Matthew 24:9) In the face of such hatred, however, we endure in the Kingdom-preaching work and continue to prove ourselves holy before Jehovah. Although, we are honest, clean-living, and law-abiding citizens, why are we so hated? (Romans 13:1-7)  Because  we have made Jehovah our Sovereign Lord!  We render sacred service to "him alone" and will never compromise in his righteous laws and principles. - MATTHEW 4:10.

We are also "no part of this world."  Therefore, we are neutral with regard to the world's wars and political affairs.  (Read John 15:18-21; Isaiah 2:4.)  Some who made a dedication to God have compromised their neutrality.  Many of these individuals have repented and have regained their relationship with our merciful heavenly Father.  (PSALM 51:17)  A few did not repent.  During World War II, for instance, officials gathered 160 of our unjustly incarcerated brothers under 45 years of age from all the prisons in Hungary and assembled them in one town. There they ordered them to take up military service. The faithful brothers remained firm in their refusal, but nine of the group took the military oath and accepted uniforms. Two  years later, one who compromised found himself part of a firing squad assigned to execute the faithful Witnesses.  His own fleshly brother was among them!  As matters turned out, the threatened executions never took place.  

Next time: We Must Be Holy in All Our Conduct - OFFER JEHOVAH YOUR BEST

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We Must Be Holly in All Our Conduct -Conclusion of BEWARE OF COMPROMISE

We may not face as severe a test as that experienced by Aaron and his family. But what if we were invited to attend and participate in a church wedding of a non-Witness relative?  No explicit Scriptural command forbid us to attend, but are there Bible principles involved in making such a decision?

Our determination to prove ourselves holy to Jehovah under the circumstances just mentioned may puzzle our non-Witness relatives.  (1 Peter 4:3, 4) Of course, we try to avoid offending them, but it is usually best to speak with them in a kind, though, straightforward, way.  Perhaps this could be done well in advance of the event.  We could thank them and say that we are pleased that they invited us to participate in the wedding. Then we might say that because of the religious issues  involved, our participation could interfere with the happiness of their special day and might be a source of embarrassment to them and others attending.  This is one way  that we could avoid compromising or beliefs and faith.

Next time: We Must Be Holy in All Our Conduct - UPHOLD JEHOVAH'S SOVEREIGNTY

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We Must Be Holy in All Our Conduct - BEWARE OF COMPROMISE

If we are to please Jehovah, we must hold firmly to his laws and principles, never adopting an unholy, compromising attitude toward them. Although we are not under the Mosaic Law, its requirements give us insight into what is acceptable or unacceptable in God's sight. For example, the Israelites were commanded: "You must not take vengeance nor hold a grudge against the sons of your people, and you must love your fellow man as yourself.  I am Jehovah." - LEVITICUS 19:18. 

Jehovah expects us to refrain from taking vengeance, and he wants us to avoid harboring a grudge. (Romans 12:19)  Were we t0 ignore divine laws and principles, the Devil would be delighted and we might bring reproach on Jehovah. Even if someone has allowed deliberately hurt us, let us not allow ourselves to be vessels in which resentment is  stored.  God has given us the privilege of being "earthen vessels" containing the treasure of the ministry.  (2 Corinthians 4:1, 7)  Acid-like resentment does not belong in such vessels!

A heartrending experience for Aaron's family is recorded at Leviticus 10:1-11.   They must have been devastated when fire from heaven consumed  Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu at the tabernacle.  What a test of faith for Aaron and his family not to mourn their dead relatives!  Are you personally proving yourself holy with regard to not associating with family members or others who have been disfellowshipped? - Read  1 CORINTHIANS 5:11. 

Next time: We Must Be Holy in All Our Conduct - Conclusion of BEWARE OF COMPROMISE

From the jw.org publications

We Must Be Holy in All Our Conduct

"Become holy yourselves in all your conduct." - 1 PETER 1:15.

JEHOVAH inspired the apostle Peter to link the holiness emphasized in the book of Leviticus with the need to be holy in our conduct as Christians. (Read 1 Peter 1:14-16)  "The Holy One," Jehovah, expects anointed ones and the "other sheep" to do their utmost to become holy in all their conduct-not just some of their conduct. - JOHN 10:16. 

Further examination of spiritual gems found in Leviticus will be highly beneficial, and applying what we learn will help us to prove ourselves holy in all our conduct. We will consider such questions as: How should we view compromise?  What does Leviticus teach us about upholding Jehovah's sovereignty? What can we learn from the offering of sacrifices?

Next time: We Must Be Holy in All Our Conduct -BEWARE OF COMPROMISE

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"Keep Your Minds Fixed on the Things Above" - CONCLUSION OF KEEPING OUR MINDS FIXED ON THE THINGS ABOVE

Our support:  It is God's purpose that "those in heaven and those on earth" submit to Jesus.  (Philippians 2:9-11)  Even though Jesus has a very important position, he humbly submits to his Father. We should do the same. ( 1 Corinthians 15:28)   We share in Jehovah's wok when we "make disciples of all the nations." (Matthew 28:19) We also "work what is good toward all" when we do good things for our neighbors and for our brothers. - GALATIANS 6:10) 

We are so grateful that Jehovah tells us to keep our minds fixed on the things above!  We need to "run with endurance" and stay focused on the right things. (Hebrews 12:1)  Let us be determined to work "whole-souled as for Jehovah," knowing that our heavenly Father will bless us richly. - COLOSSIANS 3:23, 24.

SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

* Keep your minds fixed on the things above": We do this when we put Jehovah and his Kingdom first in our lives. We are always thinking about how Jehovah feels and views matters, and we think about future blessings he had promised us. These thoughts affect how we behave, speak, and use our life.

Next time: We Must Be Holy in All Our Conduct

From the jw.org publications

"Keep Your Minds Fixed on the Things Above" - KEEPING OUR MINDS FIXED ON THE THINGS ABOVE

We live in "critical times hard to deal with." (2 Timothy 3:1)  That is why we must keep our minds fixed on the right things in order to stay close to God. (1 Thessalonians 5:6-9)  Let us see three ways we do this.

Our conduct: Peter explained that good conduct is very important when he said: "Maintain your conduct fine among the nations."  He added that those who do not know Jehovah may notice how we behave and may, "as a result, glorify God." (1 Peter 2:12) We must do everything we can to glorify Jehovah through our conduct, whether we are at home, at work, at school, at play, or in the preaching work.  Of course, we all are imperfect and we all make mistakes. (Romans 3:23)  But we should not be discouraged.  With Jehovah's  help, we can "fight the fine fight of the faith." - 1 TIMOTHY 6:12.

Our mental attitude:  To maintain good conduct, we need to have the right attitude. The apostle Peter said: "Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5) What attitude did Jesus have?  He was humble, and this made him want to give his best to Jehovah. Preaching the good news of God's Kingdom was always on his mind.  (Mark 1:38; 13:10)  For Jesus, God's Word was the most important guide. ( John 7:16; 8:28)  He carefully studied the Holy Scriptures so that he could quote them, defend them, and explain them. If we think like Christ, we too will be humble, zealous in or ministry, and diligent in our Bible study.

Next time: "Keep Your Minds Fixed on the Things Above" - Conclusion of KEEPING OUR MINDS FIXED ON THE THINGS ABOVE

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"Keep Your Minds Fixed on the Things Above" - Conclusion of MOSES SAW "THE ONE WHO IS INVISIBLE"

Moses loved Jehovah and His people, who were slaves in Egypt at that time.  When Moses was 40 years old, he felt that he was ready to free them.  (No,he tried to get out of it, at first. Read Exodus chapters 3 & 4, this will tell you the full story) (Acts 7:23-25)   But Jehovah knew that Moses was not ready to do this yet. He still needed to learn humility, patience, mildness, and self-control.  (Proverbs 15:33) Moses needed training that would prepare him for the serious problems that were ahead.  The forty years Moses spent as a shepherd helped him to develop these qualities.

Did this practical training help Moses? Yes, the Bible says that he became "the meekest of all the men on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3) Because he had learned to be humble, he was able to be patient with different kinds of people and their problems.  (Exodus 18:26)   We too need qualities that will help us to survive  "the great tribulation" and enter God's new world.  (Revelation 7:14) Do we get along with people, including those who we think get easily upset or hurt? The apostle Peter's words can help us:"Honor men of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers." - 1 PETER 2:17.

Note: If Moses doesn't leave out his mistakes in the Bible, why would the publishers of this magazine leave it out? At the burning bush in Exodus, Jehovah was talking Moses into going to Egypt to save the Israelites there and take them to the promised land, but Moses was telling him that he is not the right person to do so, that he had problems talking. But Jehovah said that he would Aaron, Moses brother to talk for him. Please  Read Exodus chapters 3 &4 and you will get the whole story.

Next time: "Keep Your Minds on the Things Above" - KEEPING OUR MINDS ON THE THINGS ABOVE

From the  jw.org publications

"Keep Your Minds Fixed on the Things Above" - MOSES SAW "THE ONE WHO IS INVISIBLE"

Moses was another man who kept his mind fixed on the things above.  He was raised as part of the royal family of Egypt at the time when Egypt was the most powerful nation in the world.  The Bible says that he was "instructed in the wisdom  of the Egyptians."  This higher education made Moses "powerful words and deeds." (Acts 7:22) Because of his background, Moses had many opportunities to be an important man in Egypt. But there was another kind of education that was more important Moses.

When Moses was a child, his mother, Jochebed, taught him about the God of the Hebrews.  This knowledge of Jehovah was more important to Moses than anything else. He gladly gave up the opportunity for riches and power so that he could do God's will.  (Read Hebrews 11:24-27.)  Moses' early training  and his faith in Jehovah helped him to fix his mind on the things above.

Although Moses received the best education available in Egypt, he did not use it to become a powerful, famous, or rich man, in fact, the Bibles says that he "refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing to be mistreated and with the people of God rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin.  Much later, Moses used his knowledge of Jehovah to lead His people. 

Next time: "Keep Your  Minds Fixed on the Things Above" - Conclusion of MOSES SAW "THE ONE WHO IS INVISIBLE"

From the jw.org publications

"Keep Your Minds Fixed on the Things Above" - ABRAHAM "PUT FAITH IN JEHOVAH"

When Jehovah asked Abraham to move with his family to the land of Canaan, Abraham  willingly obeyed.  Jehovah rewarded Abraham for his faith and obedience by making a covenant with him.  Jehovah told him: "I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you" (Genesis 12:2) Many years went by, and Abraham and Sarah still did not have any children.  Did Abraham wonder if Jehovah had forgotten his promise?  At this time,  life was not easy for Abraham.  He had left behind his comfortable life in the wealthy city of Ur and had traveled more than 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles)  to the land of Canaan. He and his family lived in tents, did not always have enough to eat, and at times were in danger from thieves.  (Genesis 12:5, 10; 13:18; 14:10-16) Yet, Abraham and his family did not want  to go back to the comforts of Ur.  - Read HEBREWS 11:8-12, 15.

Abraham "put his faith in Jehovah" and did not focus on "the things of the earth." (Genesis 15:6) He thought constantly about God's promises to him.  Jehovah saw Abraham's faith and said to him: "Look up, please, to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to do so.' Then he said to him:  "So your offspring will become." (Genesis 15:5)  When Abraham heard this, he knew that Jehovah had not forgotten him. Every time he looked up at the stars, he would remember Jehovah's promise to give him many descendants. And when Jehovah's time came, Abraham did have a son, just Jehovah had promised. - GENESIS 21:1, 2.

Like Abraham, we too for waiting for Jehovah's promises to come true.   (2 Peter 3:13)  If we do not keep our minds fixed on the things above, we might feel that these promises are delayed and we may not be as zealous for Jehovah as we used to be.  Maybe in the past you made sacrifices for Jehovah so that you could be a pioneer or serve in some other special way. But what are you doing now? Are you like Abraham, who did as much as he could for Jehovah and looked ahead to future blessings?  (Hebrews 11:10)  Abraham "put faith in Jehovah" and was counted as God's friend. - ROMANS 4:3. 

Next time: "Keep Your Minds Fixed on the Things Above" - MOSES "SAW THE ONE WHO IS INVISIBLE

From the jw.org publications

"Keep Your Minds Fixed on the Things Above" - WHAT IT MEANS TO FIX OUR MINDS ON THE THINGS ABOVE

Those who hope to live on earth must keep their minds fixed on the things above. They do this when they put Jehovah and his Kingdom first in their lives. (Luke 10:25-27)  This is what Christ did and this is what we need to do too. (1 Peter 2:21) The first-century Christians were surrounded by false reasonings, worldly philosophies, and materialism.  We find these same things today in Satan's system. (Read 2 Corinthians 10:5.)  We need to imitate Jesus and guard against anything that can damage our relationship with Jehovah.

Have we allowed the world's view of money and possessions to affect us?  We show what we really love by what we think about and what we do. Jesus explained this when he said: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21) We need to ask ourselves what is most important to us.  Do we spend  a lot of time worrying about money, thinking about getting a better job, or trying to have a more comfortable way of life?  Or do we live a simple life and focus on our relationship with Jehovah?  (Matthew 6:22)  Jesus said if we focus on storing up "treasures on earth," we may lose our relationship with Jehovah. - MATTHEW 6:19, 020, 24.

We are imperfect, so it is easy for us to do things that are wrong.  (Read Romans 7:21-25) If we do not rely on God's holy spirit, we might become involved in "wild parties and drunkenness," immorality, or even "brazen conduct," having no respect for God's laws.  (Romans 13:12, 13)  We are constantly fighting our imperfect tendencies. We can win this fight only if we keep our minds fixed on the things above. This requires effort, which is why Paul said:  'I pummel my body and lead it as a slave." (1 Corinthians 9:27) We too need to be strict with ourselves.  Let us discuss the examples of two faithful men who did their best to please God. - HEBREWS 11:6. 

Next time: "Keep Your Minds Fixed on the Things Above" - ABRAHAM "PUT FAITH IN JEHOVAH"

From the jw.org publications

"Keep Your Minds Fixed on the Things Above"

"Keep your mind fixed on the things above, not on the things on the earth." - COLOSSIANS 3:2.

THE unity of the first Christian congregation in Colossae was in danger!  Some brothers  were saying that everyone should obey the Mosaic Law.  Others were saying that it was wrong to enjoy the pleasures of life.  Paul warned them about the danger of these different ideas: "Look out that no one takes you captive by means of the philosophy and empty deception according to human tradition, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ." - COLOSSIANS 2:8.

If those anointed Christians followed human ideas, they would be rejecting the privilege of being sons of God. (Colossians 2:20-23)  To help them keep their precious friendship  with God, Paul told them: "Keep your minds fixed on the things above, not on the things of the earth." (Colossians 3:2) Those Christians needed to remember their special hope of living forever in heaven. - COLOSSIANS 1:4, 5.

Anointed Christians today also keep their minds fixed on God's Kingdom and on their hope of being "joint heirs with Christ" in heaven.  (Romans 8:14-17)  But what about those who hope to live on earth? How do Paul's words apply to them?  How can they keep their minds fixed on "the things above"?  (John 10:16) Abraham and Moses kept their minds on the things above even during difficult times. How can we imitate them?

Next time: "Keep Your Minds Fixed on the Things Above" - WHAT IT MEANS TO FIX OUR MINDS ON THE THINGS ABOVE

From the jw.org publications

Cherish Your Privilege of Working With Jehovah - CONTINUE ENJOYING YOUR PRIVILEGE OF WORKING WITH JEHOVAH

Because  we are imperfect, we often compare ourselves with others.  But God's Word tells us to focus on what we personally are able to do.  (Read Galatians 6:4)  Not all of us can be elders, pioneers, missionaries, or Bethelites. While these are find privileges, the greatest privilege is one that all of us have. It is to be a publisher or the good news, a fellow worker with Jehovah. Let us cherish the privilege!

In this system of things, we may not be able to serve Jehovah in the way we would like to. We have may have circumstances we cannot control, such as family responsibilities or health problems.  We should not be discouraged, through. No matter what problems we have, we can always preach about Jehovah's name and Kingdom. The most important thing is that we do as much as we can for Jehovah, as we pray that he will help those who are able to do more than we we can.  Remember, every person who praises Jehovah's name is precious in his eyes! 

Jehovah allows us to be his fellow workers even though we are imperfect.  What a wonderful privilege it is to work with our God in these last days!  We look ahead to the future, to "the real life," when we will able to enjoy life in ways not possible today. Soon, in his new world, Jehovah will bless us with everlasting life in happiness and peace. - 1 TIMOTHY 6:18, 10.

God's promised new world will soon be here. We thing of what Moses told the Israelites right before they entered the Promised Land: "Jehovah your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hands." (Deuteronomy  30:9)  After Armageddon, Jehovah will give us the earth to those who have been working with him, just as he promised. Then, our new work assignment will be to make the earth a beautiful paradise. 

SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

* Privilege: The free gift of serving Jehovah, which we did not earn. We cherish our privilege when we make serving Jehovah our priority and are willing to give up other things in order to do it well.

Next time: "Keep Your Minds Fixed on the things Above"

From the jw.org publications

Cherish Your Privilege of Working With Jehovah - Conclusion of KEEPING A POSITIVE VIEW OF WORK ASSIGNMENTS

Brothers and sisters who move to a branch in another country have to make many changes.  They have to get used to a new home, new workmates, and possibly a new work assignment.  They also have to get to  to a new congregation, a new territory, and maybe even a new language. Making these changes can be difficult, but many Bethelites have gladly made them. Why? Let us hear from some of them.

Gretel says:  "I accepted the invitation  because it was my way of showing  Jehovah that my love for him went beyond a country, a building, or a certain privilege." Dayska says: "When I remembered that the invitation came from Jehovah, I accepted it gladly."  Andre' and Gabriela agree, saying: "In this we saw a further opportunity of serving Jehovah by pushing personal desires into the background."  They feell that when Jehovah's organization makes changes, it is better to embrace them happily than to resist them.

When branches are combined, some Bethelites are reassigned to serve as pioneers.  This happened to many Bethelites when the branches in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden were merged to form the Scandinavia branch.  A couple named Florian and Anja say: "We view our new assignment as an exciting challenge.  For us, it is wonderful to be used by Jehovah no matter where we serve. We can honestly say that we feel richly blessed!"  Even though most of us are not in this situation, we can imitate the willing attitude  of these brothers and sisters and put Kingdom interests first. (Isaiah 6:8) We can be sure that Jehovah will always bless those who cherish their  privilege of working with Jehovah wherever that may be.

Next time: Cherish Your Privilege of Working With Jehovah - CONTINUE ENJOYING YOUR PRIVILEGE OF WORKING WITH JEHOVAH

From the jw.org publications

Cherish Your Privilege of Working With Jehovah -Continue with KEEPING A POSITIVE VIEW OF WORK ASSIGNMENTS

Sometimes changes are made at Bethel.  For example, in recent years, some smaller branch  offices have been closed and their work has been moved to larger branch offices.  This has affected those who serve at these branches.  They had to make adjustments, but they later saw the advantages.  ( Ecclesiastes 7:8)  These willing workers are happy to  have a part in the modern-day history of Jehovah's people!

We can learn some important lessons from those who served at branch offices that were combined.  Many of these brothers and sisters served in these branches for decades.  One couple who served in a small Bethel were asked to move to Mexico, where there were almost 30 times more Bethelites.  The husband, Rogelio, says:  "Leaving family and friends was very hard."  Juan, another Bethelite who was asked to move to  Mexico, felt as if he were starting life all over again. He says:  "You must form new bonds. It requires adjusting to new customs and ways of thinking. 

When some branches in Europe were combined, many Bethelites were asked to move to the branch office located in Germany.  They too faced changes, as it is not always  easy to leave one's homeland.  Some who moved from Switzerland miss the beautiful Alps, and some who moved from Austria miss being a part of a small Bethel family.

Next time: Cherish Your Privilege of Working With Jehovah - Conclusion of KEEPING A POSITIVE VIEW OF  WORK ASSIGNMENTS

From the jw.org publications

Cherish Your Privilege of Working With Jehovah - KEEPING A POSITIVE VIEW OF WORK ASSIGNMENTS

It is an honor that Jehovah invites imperfect humans to serve him as his fellow workers.  (1 Corinthians 3:9)  Some Christians have the privilege to do building work, as did Noah and Moses.  Some may build Assembly Halls, Kingdom Halls, and branch offices.  Whether you are renovating a local local Kingdom Hall or build the world headquarters at Warwick, New York, cherish your privilege!   It is a sacred service. While only some may do physical building work, all Christians share in a spiritual building work. This is the preaching work, which glorifies Jehovah and benefits humans. (Acts  13:47-49) God's organization directs the preaching work. Sometimes this means that we will receive a new assignment.

Jehovah's faithful servants have always been eager to follow his direction.  (Read Hebrews 13:7, 17.) We may not understand all the reasons why we receive a new assignment or new direction.  But we cooperate with Jehovah because  we know that the changes come from him and that they all have good results.

The elders show their strong desire to do Jehovah's will by the way they take the lead in the congregation.  (2 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13) The elders are eager to work hard and follow direction, and they are quick to learn new methods of preaching.  They see good results when they organize telephone witnessing, or public witnessing, even though some may have wondered  how these new methods would work.  For example, four pioneers in Germany decided to preach in business territory that had not been worked in a long time.  One of them, Michael, said that they were very nervous because they had not tried this form of service for several years.  He added: "Jehovah must have known this, for he gave us an unforgettably pleasant morning service. How happy we were that we followed the direction given in Our Kingdom Ministry and relied on Jehovah for support!" Are you eager to try new methods of witnessing in your territory?

Next time: Cherish Your Privilege of Working With Jehovah- Continue with KEEPING A POSITIVE VIEW OF WORK ASSIGNMENTS

From the jw.org publications

Cherish Your Privilege of Working With Jehovah - WORK ASSIGNMENTS FOR MANKIND

When Jesus  was on earth, he joyfully did the work Jehovah assigned him. And he imitated his father by assigning  important work to his disciples.  He made them feel excited about their  assignment by telling them: "Most truly I say to you, whoever exercises faith in me will also do the works that I do; and he will do works greater than these, because I am going my way to the Father." (John 14:12) Jesus helped his disciples to see that their work was urgent when he explained:  "We must to the works of the One who sent me while it is day; the night is coming when no man can work." - JOHN 9:4.

Long before Jesus came to earth, Jehovah assigned satisfying work to humans.  Even though Adam and Eve did not complete their assignment, many humans did finish what God asked them to do. (Genesis 1:28) Jehovah gave Noah specific instructions on how to build an ark so that he and his family could survive the Flood.  Noah did exactly what Jehovah said.  We are alive today because he carefully followed Jehovah's instructions. - GENESIS 6:14-16, 22;  2 PETER 2:5.

Jehovah gave Mosses specific instructions on how to build the tabernacle and how to organize the priesthood.  Moses did exactly  what Jehovah told him to do.  (Exodus 39:32; 40:12-16) What do we learn today from Moses' hard work and obedience?  As the apostle Paul explained, the tabernacle and the priesthood symbolized "good things to come." - HEBREWS 9:1-5, 9; 10:1. 

As God's purpose develops, his servants receive different assignments. But even though the work assignments may change, they always glorified Jehovah and benefited humans.  This is true of the work that Jesus did bot before he cam to earth and while he was on earth. (John 4:34; 17:4)  Today, when we do what Jehovah assigns us, our work glorifies him. (Matthew 5:16; read 1 Corinthians 15:58) Why can we say that?

Next time: Cherish Your Privilege of Working With Jehovah - KEEPING A POSITIVE VIEW OF WORK ASSIGNMENTS

From the jw.org publications

Cherish Your Privilege of Working With Jehovah

"We are God's fellow workers." - 1 CORINTHIANS 3:9.

JEHOVAH enjoys his work.  (Psalm 135:6; John 5:1)  He wants angels and humans to enjoy their work as well, so he assigns them work that is enjoyable and satisfying. Jehovah involved his firstborn Son in His work of creation. (Read Colossians 1:15, 16)  The Bible tells us that before he came to earth, Jesus was with God in heaven "as a master worker." - PROVERBS 8:30.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible explains that Jehovah has always assigned work to the angels.  Adam and Eve sinned and to leave Paradise, God gave the angels an assignment.  In Genesis, we read that God "posted at the east of the garden of Eden the cherubs and the flaming blade of a sword that was turning constantly to guard the way to the tree of life. (Genesis 3:24) And in Revelation, we learn that Jehovah  "sent his angel to show his slaves the things that must shortly take place," or  "to reveal the future. - REVELATION 22:6.

Next time: Cherish Your Privilege of Working With Jehovah - WORK ASSIGNMENTS FOR MANKIND

From the jw.org publications

Have Unshakable Faith in the Kingdom - HOW GOD WILL ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSE

The Edenic promise reveals that God will use the Kingdom to make his purpose for the earth and mankind come true.  The following six covenants help to accomplish God's purpose:  

ABRAHAMIC COVENANT

BETWEEN:  Jehovah and Abraham

PURPOSE: It is the legal guarantee that the "offspring" of "the woman" of Genesis 3:15 will rule in the Kingdom

LAW COVENANT

BETWEEN: Jehovah and the nation of Israel

PURPOSE: It protects the "offspring" and helps the people to identify the Messiah

DAVIDIC COVENANT

BETWEEN: Jehovah and David

PURPOSE: It establishes that the Messianic King would be a descendant of David and that the Kingdom will last forever

COVENANT FOR A PRIEST LIKE MELCHIZEDEK

BETWEEN: Jehovah and Jesus

PURPOSE: It is the legal guarantee that the main part of the woman's "offspring," who is Jesus, will be king and priest forever

NEW COVENANT

BETWEEN: Jehovah and anointed Christians

PURPOSE: It provides a legal basis for 144,000 Christians to be adopted as sons of God and to become the additional part of the "offspring"

KINGDOM COVENANT

BETWEEN: Jesus and anointed Christians

PURPOSE: It legally unites anointed Christians with Christ to be kings and serve as priests in heaven

Next time: Cherish Your Privilege of Working With Jehovah!

From the jw.org publications 

Have Unshakable Faith in the Kingdom - THE KINGDOM IS BASED ON LEGAL COVENANTS

So far we have learned how each covenant is connected to the Messianic Kingdom and how the Kingdom is solidly based on legal agreements. The Edenic promise guarantees that Jehovah will use the offspring of the woman to make his purpose for the earth and mankind succeed. The Abrahamic covenant explains who the offspring would be and what role that offspring would have.

The Davidic covenant gives more details about the family line of the Messiah.  That covenant also gives Jesus the right to rule over the earth forever.  The covenant for a priest like Melchizedek guarantees that the offspring would serve as a priest.  But Jesus will not be alone in helping humans to become perfect.  There are others who have been appointed  to serve as kings and priests. Where would they come from?  That will be discussed in the next article.

SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

* Messianic Kingdom: God's government ruled by Christ and the 144,000 anointed Christians

 Characters of Genesis 3:15

* The woman: The heavenly part of Jehovah's organization that is made up of loyal spirit creatures. 

* The woman's offspring:  The primary, or main, part of the woman's offspring  is Jesus Christ.  The secondary, or additional, part refers to the 144,000 anointed Christians. The woman's offspring will completely destroy Satan and his offspring.

* The serpent: Satan the Devil

* The serpent's offspring: Spirit persons and humans who take Satan's side against God's right to rule. 

Next time: Have Unshakable Faith in the Kingdom - HOW GOD  WILL ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSE

From the jw.org publications 

Have Unshakable Faith in the Kingdom - A COVENANT FOR A PRIEST

The Abrahamic covenant and the Davidic covenant guarantee that the offspring of the woman would rule as a king.  But in order for all mankind to fully benefit, the offspring would need to be more than just a king.  The offspring would also need to be a priest.  Only a priest can offer the sacrifice needed so that humans can be freed from sin and become part of Jehovah's family of loyal servants in heaven and on earth.  To make sure that the offspring would be a priest, Jehovah made another legal agreement, the covenant for a priest like Melchizedek. 

God revealed through King David that He would make a covenant with Jesus.  That agreement involved two things:  first, Jesus would "sit at [God's] right hand" and have the authority to conquer all of the enemies; and second, Jesus would be a priest "in the manner of Melchizedek"?  (Psalm 110:1, 2, 4)  Why, though, would Jesus be a priest "in the manner of Melchizedek"? Before Abraham's offspring conquered the Promised Land, Melchizedek was the king of the city of Salem and was a "priest of the Most High God."  (Hebrews 7:1-3)  Jehovah directly appointed him as king and priest, and Melchizedek was the only person before Jesus to have both positions. Also, because there is no record of anyone having this position before or after Melchizedek, it is as if he is "a priest for all time," or forever.

By means of this covenant, Jesus is directly appointed by God to be a priest.  Jesus will remain "a priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 5:4-6)  This covenant clearly shows that  he will use the Messianic Kingdom to make his purpose for humans and the earth to come true. 

Next time: Have Unshakable Faith in the Kingdom - THE KINGDOM IS BASED ON LEGAL COVENANTS

From the jw.org publications

Have Unshakable Faith in the Kingdom - A COVENANT GUARANTEES THAT THE KINGDOM WILL LAST

The Edenic promise and the Abrahamic covenant teach us that Jehovah's rulership is always based on his righteous standards. So when the Messianic Kingdom that God established is also based on those righteous standards. (Psalm 89:14)   Will the Messianic Kingdom even become corrupt? Will this Kingdom government need to be replaced?  Another legal covenant guarantees that this will never happebed.

Jehovah made a promise to King David of ancient Israel.  That promise is called the Davidic covenant. (Read 2 Samuel 7:12, 16.)  Jehovah  promised that the Messiah would be one of David's descendants.  (Luke 1:30-33)   In this way, Jehovah gave more specific information about the family line of the Messiah.  Jehovah said that this descendant of David would have "the legal right" to be King of the Messianic Kingdom. (Ezekiel 21:25-27)  David's kingship will rule forever  because Jesus,  the descendant of David, "will endure forever; his throne will endure like the sun." (Psalm 89:34-37)  We can be confident that the Messiah's rule will never become corrupt and that the benefits that come from this rule will last forever. 

Next time: Have Unshakable Faith in the Kingdom - A COVENANT FORT A PRIEST

From the jw.org publications