LET US BE THE SORT THAT HAVE FAITH

Bringing Examples of Faith to Life

Paul also built faith by powerful use of examples. As you read Hebrews chapter 11, note how he brings the examples of Bible characters to life. He says, for instance, that Moses "continued steadfast as seeing the one who is invisible." In other words, Jehovah was so real to Moses that it was as if he could see the invisible God. Could the same be true of us? It is easy to talk about a relationship with Jehovah, but to build and strengthen that relationship requires work. That is work we need to do! Is Jehovah so real to us that we take him into consideration when making decisions, including minor ones? Faith of that kind will help us to endure even the worse opposition.

Consider, too, the faith of Enoch. The opposition he faced is difficult for us to imagine. Enoch had to deliver a stinging message of judgment against the wicked people living then. (Jude 14, 15) The persecution that threatened this faithful man was evidently so vicious, so violent, that Jehovah "transferred him," taking him from the living state to the sleep of death before the enemies could lay hold of him. So Enoch did not get to see the fulfillment of the prophecy to be uttered. However, he received a gift that was in some respects, even better. -Hebrews 11:5; Genesis 5:22-24.

Paul explains: "Before his transference [Enoch] had the witness that he had pleased God well." (Hebrews 11:5) What did this mean? Before he went into the sleep of death, Enoch may have had a vision of some kind, perhaps of the earthly Paradise in which he will awaken one day soon. In any case, Jehovah let Enoch know that He was well pleased by his faithful course. Enoch had made Jehovah's heart rejoice. (Compare Proverbs 27:11) Thinking of Enoch's life is touching, is it not? Would you like to live such a life of faith? Then ponder over such examples; see them as real people. Be determined to live by faith, day by day. Remember, too, that the sort that have faith do not serve Jehovah on the basis of a date or deadline when God will fulfill all his promises. Rather, we are resolved to serve Jehovah forever! Doing so means the very best of life in this system of things and in the next.

Next time: How to Grow Stronger in the Faith

Watchtower, 1999

BUYING OUT TIME FOR READING AND STUDY

Finding Time for Bible Reading and Study

In view of the times we live in, all of us need to take heed of the apostle Paul's words: "Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked. On this account cease becoming unreasonable, but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is." (Ephesians 5:15-17) Of course, this counsel covers all features of our lives as dedicated Christians, including finding time for prayer, study, meetings and sharing as fully as possible in preaching the "good news of the kingdom." -Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.

Many of Jehovah's servants today seem to have difficulty fitting Bible reading and deep study into their lives. Obviously, we cannot add and extra hour to our day, so Paul's counsel must means something different. In Greek, the phrase "buying out the opportune time" implies buying at the expense of something else. In his Expository Dictionary, W.E. Vine gives it the meaning of "making the most of every opportunity, turning each to the best advantage since none can be recalled if missed." From what or where can we buy out the opportune time for reading and studying the Bible?

Next time: We Must Set Priorities

Watchtower,2000