Cherish Your Place in Jehovah's Family

 WHAT JEHOVAH'S CHILDREN WILL ENJOY FOREVER

Obedient humans will enjoy the greatest honor of all-the privilege of loving and worshipping Jehovah forever!  Those with an earthly hope will also enjoy the joy of caring for the beautiful planet that Jehovah designed to be their home.  Soon the earth and all life on it will be renewed under Kingdom rule.  Jehovah will resurrect millions and give them the  opportunity for everlasting life  in perfect health on an earth transformed  into a paradise.  (Luke 23:42, 43)  As the earthly part of Jehovah's family of worshippers grows to perfection, each one will reflect the  "glory and splendor" that David wrote about.  - PSALM 8:5.

If you belong to the "great crowd,"  you have a prospect.  God loves you, he wants you to be a member of his family. So do all you can to please him. Live each day wit God's promises in your mind and heart.  Appreciate your privilege of worshipping our heave  heavenly Father, and cherish the prospect of praising him forever!

Next time: Are You Willing to Wait on Jehgovah?

From the jw.org publications 

Cherish Your Place in Jehovah's Family

 SHOW JEHOVAH THAT YOU WANT TO BE PART OF HIS FAMILY

Show your love for Jehovah by serving him with your whole heart.  (Read Mark 12:30.)  Of all the things that we have been kindly given by God, perhaps one of the greatest gifts is the ability to worship him.  She show Jehovah that we love him by 'observing his commandments.' (1 John 5:3) Speaking for his Father, Jesus commanded us to make disciples. baptizing them.  (Matthew 28:19)  He commanded us to love one another.  (John 13:35) Jehovah will make obedient ones a part of his worldwide family of worshippers. - PSALM 15:1, 2.

Show love for others. Love is Jehovah's foremost quality.  (1 John 4:8) We  imitate him when we show love for others.  (Ephesians 5:1)  Jehovah showed love for us before we ever knew him. (1 John 4:9, 10)  One of the best ways  we can show love for people is b y helping them learn about Jehovah while there is still time.  (Read Matthew 9:36, 38.)  In doing so, we give them an opportunity to become perspective members of God's family.  After a person gets baptized, we must continue to love and respect him. (1 John 4:20, 21)  What does this involve? For one thing, we give him the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. For example, we would not impute bad or selfish motives to him.  Instead, we would show honor for our brother, considering him to be superior to us. - Read ROMANS 12:10; PHILIPPIANS 2:3.

Show mercy and kindness to all people.  If we want to be among those who can rightly call Jehovah their Father forever, we must apply God's Word in our lives.  For instance, Jesus taught that we should show mercy  to all people, even our enemies.  (Luke 6:32-36)  We may find that at times this difficult for us to do . If so, we must learn to think and act like Jesus. When we do our best to obey Jehovah and imitate Jesus, we show our heavenly Father that we want to be part of his family forever.

Protect the reputation of Jehovah's family.  In a literal family, it is not uncommon for a little boy to copy his older brother.  If the older sibling applies Bible principles in his life, he will serve as a good example for his younger brother. If the older one turns to doing what is wrong, the younger brother may follow his bad example  it is  similar  in Jehovah's family, if a once faith Christian later adopts apostate thinking or chooses an  immoral or corrupt way of life,  others may be tempted to join him in doing bad.  Those who do so harm the reputation of Jehovah's family of worshippers.  (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8)  We must avoid following bad example and not allow anything to pull us away from our loving heavenly Father.  

Trust in Jehovah instead of material things.  Jehovah promises that he will provide us with food, clothing, and shelter  if we seek his Kingdom first and live by his righteous standards.  (Psalm 55:22; Matthew 6:33)   With that in mind, we avoid thinking  that the material things this world offers will bring us security and lasting happiness. We know that the only way we can gain real peace of mind is by doing Jehovah's will.  (Philippians 4:6, 7) Even if we can afford to buy many things.  Might we become too attached to our possessions?   We  must remember that God expects us to be productive members of the family. That means  we should not allow ourselves to be distracted.  We certainly do not want to be like the young man who turned down the opportunity to serve Jehovah as well and the potential to be adopted as one of his sons-all because he was attached to a few earthly possessions.! - MARK 10:17-22.

Next time: Cherish Your Place in Jehovah's Family - WHAT JEHOVAH'S CHILDREN WILL ENJOY FOREVER

From the jw.org publications

Cherish Your Place in Jehovah's Family - Conclusion of HOW JEHOVAH HAS HONORED HUMANS

 Jehovah has given humans the ability to have children, as well as the responsibility to teach them to love and to serve him.  If you are a parent, do you appreciate this special gift? Although the angels are highly blessed by Jehovah, they have not been granted this privilege.  With that in mind, those who are raising children should treasure their opportunity to do so. Parents have been given a trust, a sacred duty to raise their children  in "the discipline and admonition of Jehovah."  (Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:5-7; Psalm 127:3) In order to help parents, God's organization provides many Bible-based tools, such as publications, videos, music, and online resources.  Clearly, both our heavenly Father and his Son cherish our young ones. ( Luke 18:15-17)  When parents rely on Jehovah and do their very best to care for their precious children, Jehovah is pleased .  And such parents give their children the prospect of becoming part of Jehovah's family forever!

Jehovah gave his most precious Son so that we can once again become members of His family.  As we mentioned in paragraph 4, Adam and Eve lost their place in Jehovah's family, and they lost a place for their children.  (Romans 5:12) Adam and Eve deliberately disobeyed God, so they deserved to be disinherited by him.  But what of their offspring?  Jehovah lovingly made a provision for deserving one among them to to be adopted into his family. He did this by means of the sacrifice of his only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ.  (John 3:16; Romans 5:19)  As a result of Jesus' sacrifice, 14,000 integrity-keeping humans are adopted as God's sons. - ROMANS 8:15-17; REVELATIONS 14:1.

Additionally, untold millions of other faithful ones are obediently doing God's will. They have the prospect of full membership in God's family after the final test at the end of the Millennium.(Psalm 25:14; Romans8:20, 21)  With that prospect in mind, even now they address Jehovah, their Creator, as "Father." (Matthew 6:9)  Resurrected ones too will be given the opportunity to learn what Jehovah expects of them.  Those who  respond well to his direction will eventually also become members of his family.

As we have seen, Jehovah has taken the initiative to honor humans in many ways. He has already adopted anointed ones as his sons, and he has granted those of the "great crowd" The prospect of full sonship in the new world.  (Revelations 7:9) What can we do now to show Jehovah that we want to be a part of his family forever?

Next time: Cherish Your Place in Jehovah's Family - SHOW JEHOVAH THAT YOU WANT TO BE PART OF HIS FAMILY

From the jw.org publications

Cherish Your Place in Jehovah's Family -HOW JEHOVAH HAS HONORED HUMANS

 Jehovah honored us by making us in his image (Genesis 1:26, 27) Because we are made in God's image, we can develop and manifest many of his wonderful qualities, such as love, compassion, loyalty, and righteousness. (Psalm 86:15; 145:17)  As we cultivate such qualities, we honor Jehovah and prove that we are grateful to him.  (1 Peter 1:14-16)  When we behave in a way that pleases our heavenly Father, we are happy and satisfied. And by making  us in his image, Jehovah gave us the ability to become the kind of people he wants in his family.

Jehovah prepared a special home for us.  Long before he created the first man, Jehovah prepared the earth for humans.  (Job 38:4, 6; Jeremiah 10:12)  Because he is thoughtful and generous, Jehovah provided an abundance of good things to ejoy. (Psalm 104:14, 15, 24)  At times, he reflected on his creative work, and he "saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:10, 12, 31)  He honored humans by giving them "dominion over all" all his marvelous works on earth.  (Psalm 8:6)  God's purpose is that the perfect humans have the joy of caring for these grand works forever.  Do you regularly thank Jehovah for that wonderful promise?

Jehovah has given us the gift of free will.  We can choose which course we will take in life. (Read Joshua 24:15)  The ability to choose is called free will. Our loving God rejoices  when we choose to serve him.  (Psalm 84:11;  Proverbs 27:11)   We can use our free will properly in many areas.  Consider the example set by Jesus.

Following the example of Jesus, we can choose to put the interests of others ahead of our own. Once when Jesus and his apostles were very tired, they traveled to a quiet place where they hoped to get some rest. However, that was not to be. A crowd found them, and they were eager to be taught by Jesus.  But Jesus did not become irritated.  Instead, he felt pity for the people. So, what did Jesus do?  "He started to teach them many things."  (Mark 6:30-34)  When we imitate Jesus by sacrificing our time and energy to help others, we bring glory to our heavenly Father.  (Matthew 5:14-16)   We also show Jehovah that we want to be a part of his family.

Next time: Cherish Your Place in Jehovah's Family - Conclusion of  How Jehovah HAS HONORED HUMANS 

From the jw.org publications

Cherish Your Place in Jehovah's family

 "You made him a little lower than angels, and you crowned him with glory and splendor." - PSALM 8:5.

WHEN we ponder the vast universe that Jehovah has created, we may feel as did the psalmist David, who prayerfully asked: "When I see your heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and the stars you have prepare, what is mortal man that you keep him in mind, and a son of man that you take care of him? (Psalm 8:3, 4)  Like David, we may look at the small place we occupy in the universe and marvel that Jehovah keeps us in mind at all. Yet, as we shall see, Jehovah not only took notice of the first humans, Adam and Eve, but also made them part of his family. 

Adam and Eve were Jehovah's first earthly children, and Jehovah was their loving heavenly Father. He expected this couple to be productive family  members.  God told them:  "Be fruitful and become many.  fill the earth and subdue it." (Genesis 1:28)  They were to have children and take good care of their earthly home.  If they had obediently cooperated with Jehovah's  purpose for them, Adam and Eve and their offspring would have remained members of God's family forever. 

Adam and Eve had an honorable place in Jehovah's family. As recorded at Psalm 8:5, David said this about Jehovah's creation of man:"  "You made him a little lower than angels, and you crowned him with glory and splendor." (Psalm 103:20)   Yet, mankind is only  "a little lower" than those mighty spirit creatures.  Imagine that Jehovah truly gave our first parents a wonderful start. 

Sadly, Adam and Eve lost their place in Jehovah's family.  This has had disastrous consequences for their descendants, (us), as we will see later in this article.  But Jehovah's purpose has not changed. He wants obedient humans to be his children forever. First, let us discuss how Jehovah has honored us.  Then, we will discuss what we can do now to show that we want to be part of God's family.  Finally, we will consider the blessings that Jehovah's earthly children will enjoy forever.

Next time: Cherish Your Place in Jehovah's Family - HOW JEHOVAH HAS HONORED HUMANS

From the jw. org publications

Why Make a Dedication and Get Baptized? - Conclusion

 5. Dedication brings many blessings

Many people believe that fame, a good career, or money will make them happy.  Is that true? Play the video on jw.org and then discuss the questions that follow.

* Although the athlete in the video loved playing soccer, why did he leave that career?

* He decided to dedicate himself, not to soccer, but to Jehovah. Do you think he made the right decision?  Why? 

Before the apostle Paul became  a Christian, he was pursuing a prominent career. He had studied Jewish law with a famous teacher. But he left that behind in order to become a Christian.   Did Paul have any regrets? Read Philippians 3:8, and then discuss these questions: 

* Why did Paul say that what he did before he became a Christian was "a lot of refuse," or garbage?

* What did he gain instead? 

* How would you compare serving Jehovah to any other way you could use your life?

Next time: Cherish Your Place in Jehovah's Family

From the jw.org publications

Why Make a Dedication and Get Baptized?

 D I G  D E E P E R 

Examine why it is important for you to make a dedication to Jehovah and get Baptized.

3. We all must choose whom we will serve

In ancient Israel, some people thought that they could worship both Jehovah and the false god Baal. But Jehovah sent his prophet Elijah to correct this wrong idea.  Read 1 Kings 18:21, and then discuss this question. 

* What choice did the Israelites have to make?

Unlike the Israelites, we too much choose whom we will serve.  Read Luke 16:13, and then discuss these questions:

* Why can we not worship both Jehovah and someone or something else?

* How do we show Jehovah that we choose to worship him?

4. Meditate on Jehovah's love for you

What are some ways in which Jehovah has shown love to you?  Read Psalm 104:14, 15  and 1 John 4:9, 10 , and then discuss these questions:

* What gifts from Jehovah are you especially grateful for?

* How do those gifts make you feel about him?

When we receive a gift that we really like, we want to show appreciation to the one who gave it to us. Read Deuteronomy 16:17,  and then discuss this question: 

* When you consider everything that Jehovah has done for you, what are you moved to give to him?

Next time: Why Make a Dedication and Get Baptized? - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

Why Make a Dedication and Get Baptized?

 You dedicate yourself to Jehovah by promising him in prayer that you will worship him only him and put his will first in your life. (Psalm 40:8)  Afterward, you get baptized. By doing so, you show others that you have made a dedication.  The decision to dedicate ourselves to Jehovah is the  most important  one we will ever make.  What may motivate you to make such a serious and life-changing decision?

1, What motivates someone to make a dedication?

Our dedication to Jehovah is motivated by love. (1 John 4:10, 19)   The Bible urges us:  "Love Jehovah God with your whole heart and with your while soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength." ( Mark 12:30)  We show that we love God not only by what we say but also by what we do. Just as a couple  who truly love each other get married, so our live for Jehovah motivates us to dedicate  ourselves to him and get baptized.

2. What blessings does Jehovah offer to his baptized Witnesses?

When you get baptized, you will become a member of Jehovah's happy family.  You will then experience his love for you in many ways, and you will draw even  closer to him then you are today.  (Read Malachi 3:16-18.)  In addition to having Jehovah as your Father, you will have a spiritual family of brothers and sisters around the world who love him and love you.  (Read Mark 10:29, 30.)   Of course, you must take certain steps before you get baptized.  You need to learn about Jehovah, to love him, and to put faith in his On.  Finally, you must dedicate your life to  Jehovah. If you take these steps and then get baptized, you will be on the path to enjoying life forever.  God's Word says: "Baptism . . . is also saving you." - 1 PETER 3:21. 

Next time: Why Make a Dedication and Get Baptized? - Continue

From the jw.org publications 

What It Means to Be Neutral - Conclusion

 4. Be neutral in thought and action

Read 1 John 5:21. Then play the video on jw.org and discuss the questions that follow.

* In the video, why did Ayenge decide not to join the political party in nationalistic ceremonies,  such as saluting the  flag? 

* Do you think he acted wisely?

What other situations can test our neutrality? Play the video on jw.org, and then discuss the questions that follow.

* How can we remain neutral when it comes to international sporting events?

* How can we remain neutral even if we are personally affected by the decisions of politicians?

* How could the news media or our associations affect our neutrality?

SOMEONE MAY ASK: "Why don' you salute the flag or sing the national anthem?" 

* How would you respond?

GOAL  

Think of a situation in which your neutrality could be tested, and decide in advance how you will handle it.

Next time: Why Make a Dedication and Get Baptized?

From the jw.org publications

What It Means to Be Neutral- Continued

 3. True Christians are neutral

Jesus and his followers set examples for us. Read Romans 13:1, 5-7 and 2 Peter 2:13, 14. Then, play the video on jw.org and discuss the  questions that follow.

8> Why should we respect secular authorities?

* what are some ways we show that we are in subjection to them? 

In times of war, some nations may claim to be neutral, but they assist both sides in the conflict.  What is real neutrality?  Read John 17:16. Then  play the video on jw.org and discuss the question that follows.

* What does it meant to be neutral?

What is secular authorities demand something that conflicts with God's Law?  Read Acts 5:28, 29.  Then play the video on jw.org and discuss the questions that follow.

* If there is a conflict between human law and God's law, who law should we obey? 

* Can you think of  any circumstances in which Christians would not obey secular authorities?

Next time: What It Means to Be Neutral -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

What It Means to Be Neutral

 Jesus taught that his followers should be "not part of the world."  (John 15:19)  This includes being neutral-not taking sides in the world's politics and wars.  Realistically, it is not always easy to be neutral.  We may be ridiculed because of this. How can we stay neutral and remain loyal to God?

1. How do true Christians view human government?

Christians respect the government.  We do as Jesus said and "pay back Caesar's things to Caesar"-that is, we obey the laws of the land, such as those that require us to pay taxes. (Mark 12:17)  The Bible  teaches that human governments rule only because Jehovah allows them to rule. (Romans 13:1)  So we recognize that human governments have only relative, or limited, authority.  We look to our God and his heavenly Kingdom to solve mankind's problems.

2.  How can we show that we are neutral?

Like Jesus, we do not get involved in politics.  When people saw one of Jesus' miracles and tried to make him their king on earth, he did not let them.(John 6:15)  Why not? Because, as he later said: "My Kingdom is no part of this world." ( John 18:36)  As Jesus' disciples, we show our neutrality in a number of ways.  For example, we do not go to war.  (Read Micah 4:3.) We respect national symbols-such a flags-but we do not worship them-meaning stand and put our arm over our heart to pledge allegiance or stand for the Star Spangled Banner.  (1 John 5:21) And we do not take sides for or against any political party or candidate. In these ways and others, we show that we are completely loyal to God's government-His Kingdom.

Next time: What It Means to Be Neutral - Continued

From the jw.org publications

Do All Celebrations Please God? -

5. Help others to respect your beliefs

It can hard to resist when others pressure you to participate in celebrations that displease Jehovah.  Explain your decisions patiently and tactfully. To see an example, play the video on jw.org. 

Read Matthew 7:12, and then discuss these questions:

* Based on this verse, should you tell your unbelieving family members that they cannot celebrate a holiday?

* What might you do to reassure your family that even though you will not celebrate with them, you love and appreciate them?

6. Jehovah wants us to be happy

Jehovah wants us to enjoy good times with your family and friends. Read Ecclesiastes  8:15, and then discuss this question:

* How does this verse show that Jehovah wants us to be happy?

Jehovah wants his  people to have fun and enjoy good times together.  Play the video on jw.org to see how this has been very evident at our international conventions.

Read Galatians 6:10,  and then discuss these questions:

* Do we need to celebrate popular holidays to do "what is good to others? 

* What kind of giving would make you happier-feeling obligated to give on a holiday or giving spontaneously?

* Many Witnesses occasionally organize something special for their children and even surprise them with gifts, if you have children. what are some special things that you could do for them? 

Some People Say: "A holiday's origins don't really matter, its about having a good time with family and friends." 

* What would you say?

Note: I would say, the world does not revolve around what us and what we  want.  It is what Jehovah God wants us to do, if we want to have the hope of everlasting life on paradise earth.   Your fun can happen any other day of the week, month, year, why pick one day to have fun? Why pick one day to be thankful, when we should be thankful everyday.  Why pick one day or two to give presents when you can do that any  time.   Just remember that Our heavenly God, Jehovah is the one who will be judging all of us, not man.  He is the Creator of all things beautiful.  

SUMMARY

Jehovah wants us  to enjoy time with family and friends. But he also wants us to avoid celebrations that displease him. 

Goal

Use what you learned in this lesson to evaluate the holidays that are popular in your area.

Next time: What It Means to Be Neutral

From the jw.org publications

 

Do All Celebrations Please God? -Continued

 D I G  D E E P E R 

Find out how you can please Jehovah by making wise decisions about holidays and celebrations.

4. Reject celebrations that dishonor Jehovah

Read Ephesians 5:10, and then discuss these questions:

* What do we need to make sure of when deciding whether to celebrate a holiday?

* What holidays are popular where  you live?

* Do you think these holidays please Jehovah?

For example, have you ever wondered what God thinks of birthday celebrations?  The Bible never refers to a worshipper of Jehovah celebrating a birthday, but it does record two birthdays celebrated by people who did not serve Him.   Read Genesis 40:20-22; Matthew 14:6-10, then discuss these questions: 

* What do both birthday celebrations have in common?

* Based on these Bible accounts, how you think Jesus feels about birthdays? 

Note: Neither Jesus nor Jehovah approved of celebrating them. And the two in the Bible who did not worship Jehovah or Jesus, died in one or another.  And Jesus never celebrated his birthday.

Still, you may wonder, 'Does Jehovah really care whether I participate in a birthday or other unscriptural celebrations?  Read Exodus 32:1-8. Then play the video on jw.org, and then discuss the questions that follow.

* Why do we need to make sure of what is acceptable to Jehovah?

* How can we do so?

_______________________________________

How to know if a celebration displeases God

* Is it based on unscriptural teachings?  To find out, investigate its origins.

* Does it give undue honor to humans, organizations, or national symbols (like the flag) .  We honor Jehovah above all and trust him o solve the world's problems.

* Do its customs and practices conflict with Bible standards? We need to remain morally clean.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next time: Do All Celebrations Please God? -Continued

From the jw.org publications 

Do All Celebrations Please God?

 Jehovah wants us to enjoy life and even to celebrate at times.  But do all celebrations and holidays please him?  How can we show our love for Jehovah in this matter?

1. Why do many celebrations displease Jehovah?

You might be surprised to learn that many celebrations are based on unscriptural teachings or have pagan origins.  Such celebrations may be connected with false religion.  They may be  linked to spiritism or be based on the idea that the soul is immortal.  Some celebrations are rooted in superstition or a belief in luck.  (Isaiah 65:11)   Jehovah warns his worshippers: "Separate yourselves . . . and quit touching the unclean thing."-  2  Corinthians 6:17.

2. How does Jehovah feel about celebrations that give undue honor to humans?

Jehovah us not to fall into the trap of  putting our " trust in mere humans." (Read Jeremiah 17:5 )  Some holidays honor rulers or soldiers. Others  celebrate national symbols or independence. (1 John 5:21)  Still others promote political or social movements.  How would Jehovah feel if we gave undue honor to a person or organization, especially one that  promoted ideas contrary to his purpose?

3. What behavior can make celebrations unacceptable?

The Bible condemns "overdrinking, wild parties, [and] drinking bouts ." (1 Peter 4:3) Some celebrations feature u restrained and immoral behavior. To remain Jehovah's friends, we need to stay far away from such moral uncleanness.

Next time: Do All Celebrations Please God?

From the jw.org publications

Jehovah 

How Should Christians View Alcohol> Continued

 5. Decide how much you will drink

If you choose to drink alcoholic beverages, remember this: While Jehovah doers not condemn the drinking of alcohol, he does not condemn overdrinking. Why?  Read Hebrews 4:11, 18,  and then discuss this question.

What can happen when a person drinks too much? 

How can we avoid drinking too much ?  We need to be modest, or aware of our limitations.  Read Proverbs 11:2, then discuss the question: 

* Why is it a good idea to set a definite limit on how much you drink?

6. Overcome the misuse of alcohol

See what helped one man to stop abusing alcohol.  Play the video on jw.org, and then discuss the questions that follows. 

* In the video, how did alcohol affect the way Dmitry acted?

* Was he able to stop drinking right away?

* How was he finally abler to break his addiction to alcohol? 

Read 1 Corinthians 6:10, 11, and then discuss these questions:

*How serious is drunkenness?

* What shows that someone who always misuses alcohol can change? 

Read Matthew 5:30, and discuss this question:: 

Cutting off a hand  illustrates making sacrifices to please Jehovah.  What can you do if you are struggling to overcome the misuse of alcohol?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:33, and discuss this question: 

*What effect can your friends have on how much you drink ?

Someone may ask: "Is drinking wrong? " 

Jehovah  provided alcohol for  our enjoyment, but he condemns overdrinking and drunkenness. 

Goal

If you choose to drink , consider the circumstances and set a definite limit for yourself. 

NOTE: I will tell you also that a member of my family got drunk so much that she ended up with her car upside down and he was hanging outside of her car by her foot. Eventually, the lower part of her beneath her knee had to be amputated.  Set a limit or it could happen to you or someone else or worse. Do you want that on your conscience?

Next time: Do All Celebrations Please God? 

From the jw.org publications 

How Should Christians View Alcohol?

 D I G  D E E P E R

Consider Bible principles that will help you decide whether to drink and how much to drink if you do so.  Also find out what you can do if you struggle with a drinking problem.

4.Decide whether you will drink

How did Jesus view drinking alcohol?  To learn the answer, consider the first miracle that he performed.  Read JOHN 2:1-11, and then discuss these questions: 

*From this miracle, what can we learn about Jesus' view of alcohol and those who drink it?

* Since Jesus did not condemn a drinking alcohol, how should a Christian view someone who chooses to drink?

However, just because a Christian is free to drink alcohol. this does  not mean that it is always  wise for him to do so. Read Proverbs 22:3,  and then consider how the following factors might influence whether you drink: 

* You are going to operate machinery.

* You are pregnant.

* A doctor has advise you not to drink alcohol.

* You have trouble controlling the amount you drink.

* The law does not allow you to drink alcohol. 

* You are with someone who chooses to abstain because he has trouble controlling his drinking in the past.

Should you serve alcohol at wedding receptions or other social gatherings?  To see what can help you decide, play the video on jw.org.  

Read Romans 13:13 and 1  Corinthians 10:31, 32.   After reading each scripture, discuss this question.

* How can apply this principle help you to make a decision that will please Jehovah?

Next time: Continue with How Should  Christians View Alcohol?

From the jw.org publications

How Should Christians View Alcohol?

 Around the world, people have different opinions about alcohol.  Some enjoy sharing an occasional drink with friends.  Others choose not to drink at all. Still others drink to the point of getting drunk. What is the Bible's view of alcohol?

1.Is it wrong to drink alcohol beverages?

The Bible does not condemn drinking alcohol. On the contrary, when listing many gifts that God has given us,  the Bible includes "wine that makes people rejoice." (Psalm 104:15) Some faithful men and women mentioned in the Bible drank alcohol beverages. - 1 TIMOTHY 5z;23. 

2. What advice does the Bible give to those who choose to drink?

Jehovah condemns heavy drinking and drunkenness.  (Galatians 5:21) His Word says:  "Do not be among those who drink too much wine."  (Proverbs 23:20)  So if we choose to drink-even in private-we should not drink so much that we cannot think clearly, control our speech and actions, or maintain our physical health.  If we cannot control our drinking, we should willing to stop drinking altogether. 

3. How can we respect the decisions of others regarding alcohol?  

Each person must decide to drink alcoholic beverages. We should not judge someone who chooses to drink alcohol in moderation., and we should not pressure someone to drink whoi does not want to. (Romans 14:10)  We choose not to drink if  our drinking could cause problems for others.  (Read Romans 14:21)  We seek "not [our] own advantage, but that of the other person." - Read 1 CORINTHIANS 10:23, 24. 

Next time: How Should Christians View Alcohol?  Continued

From the jw.org publications

What Does the Bible Say About Singleness and Marriage? Conclusion

 6. View marriage as Jehovah does.

In ancient Israel, some men divorced their wives for selfish reasons.  Read Malachi 2:13, 14, 16, and then discuss this  question.

* Why does Jehovah hate and unjust divorce?

* If you are married to an unbeliever, what can you do to make your marriage successful?

7. Apply Jehovah's standards for marriage

A person may need to make great efforts to apply Jehovah's standards for marriage.  But Jehovah blesses those who do.  Read Hebrews 13:4, and then discuss this questions:

* Do you think that Jehovah's standards for marriage are reasonable?  Why, or why not? 

Jehovah expects Christians to register their marriages and divorces, as in most countries these are governed by civil authorities.  Read Titus 3:1, and then ask this question:

* If you are married are your sure that your marriage  is legally recognized  by the government? 

SOMEONE MAY  ASK:  "Why get married? Can't a couple just live together?" 

* How would you answer? 

SUMMARY

Singleness and marriage are gifts from Jehovah.  Either can bring joy and satisfaction if enjoyed in harmony with Jehovah's will.

Goal

If your marriage is not legally recognized by the government, find out what you need to do to make it right.

Next time: How Should Christians View Alcohol?

From the jw.org publications 

What Does the Bible Says About Singleness and Marriage?

 D I G  D E E P E R

Learn how to be happy-and make Jehovah happy-whether you are single or married.

4. Make good use of the gift of singleness.

Jesus viewed singleness as a gift.  (Matthew 19:11, 12) Read Matthew 4:23,  and then discuss this question: 

* How did Jesus use the gift of singleness to serve his Father and to help others?

Christians can enjoy the gift of singleness as Jesus did.  

*  In what rewarding ways can Christians use their singleness? 

__________________________________________

Did  you know?

The Bible does not give a minimum age for marriage. However, it encourages a person to wait until he is "past the bloom of youth," a time when strong sexual feelings can distort a young person's judgment. - 1 CORINTHIANS 7:36.

_______________________________________

5. Choose your mate wisely

Choosing your mate is one of the most important decision you will ever make.  Read Matthew 19$-6, 9,  and then discuss this question. 

* Why should we marry only  a fellow Christian?

* How do you think Jehovah would feel about your marrying someone who does not love Him? 

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Singleness and Marriage? Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

 

What Does the Bible Say About Singleness and Marriage?

 In some cultures, people believe that a person cannot be happy unless he or she gets married.  Yet, not married people are happy and not single people are unhappy.  The truth is that the Bible refers to both singleness and marriage as gifts.

1. What are some benefits of being single?

The Bible says:  "Whoever marries does well, but whoever does not marry will do better."  (Read 1 Corinthians 7:32, 33, 38.)  In what ways can single person "do better"?  Single Christians do not have to look after the needs of a mate.  Thus, they generally have more freedom.  For example, some are able to expand their ministry in interesting ways, such as by traveling to another land to preach the good news.  Above all, they can spend more time drawing close to Jehovah.

2. What are some benefits of being legally married?

Marriage, like singleness, brings unique benefits.  The Bible says that  "Two are better than one." ( Ecclesiastes  4:9)   This is especially true of Christians who apply Bible principles in their marriage.  Couples who legally marry make a commitment to love, respect, and cherish each other.  As a result, they often feel more secure than do couples who simply live together.  And marriage provides a secure foundation  for raising a family. 

1. How does Jehovah view marriage?

When Jehovah performed the first marriage, he said: "A man will leave his father and his mother and he will stick to his wife." (Genesis 2:24) Jehovah wants a husband wife to love and stick to each other for as long as  they are alive.  He allows divorce only when a mate is guilty of adultery.  In such a case, Jehovah gives the innocent mate the right to decide whether he or she will get a divorce. (Matthew 19:9)  Jehovah does not approve of polygamy among Christians. - 1 TIMOTHY 3:2.

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Singleness and Marriage? DIG  DEEPER

From the jw.org publications

The Benefits of Self-Control -Conclusion of HOW TO TEACH SELF-CONTROL

 TRAIN NOW

Saying no to your child now will help him to say no to himself later in life-for example, if he is tempted to take drugs or to engage  in other harmful practices. 

TEACH BY EXAMPLE

* Does my child see me work through frustrating situations without losing my temper?

*  Have I explained to my child the reasons why I try to handle problems calmly?''

*How would my child describe me-as impulsive and  quick tempered or as self-disciplined and controlled?

WHAT WE DID

"Even though our daughter was allowed to become frustrated or angry, she wasn't allowed to let those feelings exasperate those around her. If she couldn't control  herself, then she would be removed from other's company until she could calm down." - Theresa.

"My wife and I made it our aim to let our children know when they made us proud. We praised them when they didn't allow difficulty to get them  out of sorts or when the kept their cool and showed self-control." - Wayne.

Next time:  What Does the Bible Say About Singleness and Marriage?

From the  jw.org publications

The Benefits of Self-Control- Continue with HOW TO TEACH SELF-CONTROL

 Help your children to understand consequences, both good and bad.

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "Whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap." - GALATIANS 6:7. 

Your child needs to understand that actions have consequences and that a lack of self-control will therefore have undesirable results.  For example, if your son typically loses his temper when he gets upset, others may tend to avoid him.  On the other hand, if he develops the ability  to restrain himself when provoked- or wait  patiently rather than interrupt-people will be drawn to him. Help your child understand that he is more likely to have good outcomes when he practices self-restraint.

Teach your child to prioritize.

BIBLE PRINCIPLE:  "Make sure of the more important things." - PHILIPPIANS 1:10.

Self-control is not just a matter of holding back from doing wrong; it includes doing what is necessary, even when this is not particularly exciting or fun, it is important for your child to learn how to establish priorities and stick to them. Have your child to the important things first. For example, he should put homework before recreation. 

Be a good role model.

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "I set the pattern for you, that just as I did to you, you should also do." - JOHN 13:15.

Your child will see how you respond to unpleasant or frustrating situations.  Demonstrate by your example that self-control leads to better outcomes.  For example, when your child tests your patience, do you react with anger or do you remain calm? 

Next time: The Benefits of Self-Control - Conclusion of HOW TO TEACH SELF-CONTROL

From  the jw.org publications