The Watchtower Study, «Article 48», Week January 31 to February 6, 2022, “They must be saints”, Answers.

The Watchtower Study, «Article 48», January 31 to February 6, 2022, “They must be saints”, Answers.

1. What advice did the apostle Peter give his fellow Christians, and why might it seem impossible to follow?

He gave him great advice, He wrote: “Like the Saint who called you, be holy in all your conduct, because it is written: 'You must be holy because I am holy'. These words teach us that if we can imitate Jehovah, as he says in the text, we have to be saints, although we know that it is very difficult because we are not perfect, but we know that it is possible.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The apostle Peter wrote: “Like the Holy One who called you, be holy in all your conduct, for it is written: 'You must be holy because I am holy.'” This teaches us that we can indeed imitate Jehovah, the supreme example of holiness We can and should be holy in our conduct, even if it seems impossible due to our imperfection.

As we can well read in 1Peter 1:15, the apostle Peter advised them to be holy in all their conduct. This teaches us that we can imitate Jehovah's holiness, although due to our imperfection it may be difficult for us to follow.

The apostle Peter in chapter 1 and verses 15 and 16 advised us that we have to be holy. Imitate Jehovah's supreme example of holiness to be holy in our conduct. This is how we have to act in our lives, even if it seems impossible because of the imperfection that leads us to make mistakes.

2. What questions will we answer in this article?

We will answer 4 questions, which are: What is it to be holy? What does the Bible teach us about Jehovah's holiness? How can we be holy in our conduct? And what is the relationship between being saints and being friends of Jehovah?

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We will answer the following questions: What is it to be holy? What does the Bible teach us about Jehovah's holiness? How can we be holy in our conduct? And what is the relationship between being holy and being friends of Jehovah?

In this article we will answer: What is it to be saints? What does the Bible teach us about Jehovah's holiness? How can we be holy in our conduct? And what is the relationship between being holy and being friends of Jehovah?

WHAT IS TO BE SAINT?

3. What do many imagine when they think of someone holy, but where can we find the truth?

Most people imagine a sad and a little melancholic person when we talk about someone holy. But the Bible tells us something else, it says that Jehovah, who is holy, is a very happy God. We know that he will never ask us for something that we could not do, because he likes us to be obedient.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Many imagine a religious character with a melancholy and sad appearance, like those depicted in some works of art. Many others the first thing that many think is someone who commits no fault or sin, someone perfect.

Jehovah, who is holy, is a happy God, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:11. The truth can be found in the Bible. Thanks to her we know what holiness is and we know that Jehovah is a loving God and would never ask us for something impossible to fulfill. Therefore, if he asks us to be saints, it is because we are capable.

Many imagine a sad and melancholy religious character. But in the Bible we find the truth, and it is just the opposite. Jehovah is holy and he is the happy God, and everyone who worships him is happy. He does not ask us for anything that we cannot do, if he has asked us to be saints it is because we can achieve it and we will be happy that way.

4. What do the words holy and holiness mean?

The two words refer to something clean and sacred, in all senses such as moral and religious. This means that we will be saints, if we are clean. We have to worship Jehovah and not stop having a beautiful and close relationship with him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In the Bible, the words holy and holiness basically refer to what is clean or holy in a moral and religious sense.

When these words are mentioned in the Bible we are referring to what is clean or holy in a moral and religious sense. They also convey the idea of ​​being set apart or separated to serve God, creating a close relationship with him.

The words holy and holiness are defined by the Bible for people as those who are morally and religiously clean. So we will be holy if we stay clean. That is, our worship is pure, our relationship with Jehovah is close, and we set ourselves apart to serve him.

“HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD”

5. What do faithful angels teach us about Jehovah?

Some Seraphim who are angels said that Jehovah is pure and clean at all times and in every way. In order to have a close relationship with Jehovah, we too must be holy.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jehovah is pure and clean in every way. This was what some seraphim said, who are angels who are near the throne of Jehovah.

The seraphim are angels who are close to Jehovah's throne and to be close, they themselves must be holy. They have a close relationship with Jehovah and know that he is pure and clean, as reflected in the words of Isaiah 6: 3 where he says "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts."

It teaches us that Jehovah is always pure and clean in every way. The angels knew this because they too are holy to him and so can we. So that our mere presence makes our surroundings holy and we honor Jehovah with our holiness.

6, 7. (a) According to Exodus 15:1, 11, how did Moses emphasize that God is holy?

Moses emphasized how holy God was, because he was not like those false gods of Egypt. Those who worshiped these gods sacrificed children and engaged in sexual acts. But God has never asked us to do that, he is different from those false gods, God does not make us lower ourselves to that level, that is why he is holy.  

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

By means of a song to Jehovah, he said that he should be feared and praised with songs.

I also emphasize that Jehovah is not like the gods of the Canaanites.

As we have read, Moses emphasized that Jehovah was supreme in holiness. Jehovah is totally holy, unlike the false gods of Egypt and Canaan and the worshipers of him.

Moses emphasized that Jehovah is holy and happy, that it is to him that we should sing. God is holy in all of his being and does not ask us to do anything that lowers us as false gods of old asked with depraved acts.

(b) What reminded the Israelites that God is holy? (See cover drawing.)

What reminded the Israelites that God is holy was the gold plate that the high priest wore on his turban, which read: "Holiness belongs to Jehovah." Every person who saw the plate, it was clear to him that Jehovah is holy. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This was made clear by the words inscribed on a gold plate that the high priest wore on his turban. They said, "Holiness belongs to Jehovah."

The Israelites could remember that Jehovah is holy by reading the gold plate on the high priest's turban. Where it was written: "Holiness belongs to Jehovah."

The Israelites remembered that God is holy because of the gold plate worn by the high priest that we see in the drawing and that says exactly this: "holiness belongs to Jehovah." And if there were any person whose sight could not reach, when the Law was read in front of everyone, it was repeated that God is holy, so that everyone would know.

ILLUSTRATION: 

The high priest wore a gold plaque on his turban that read "Holiness belongs to Jehovah." (See paragraphs 6 and 7).

8. What do the words of Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:14-16 teach us?

The words in Leviticus 19:2 teach us that the Apostle Peter would most likely have quoted these words in order to tell his fellow Christians to "Be holy."

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The words in 1 Peter 1:14-16 teach us that just like Jehovah, we have to be holy, in every aspect of our lives, as well as in our conduct. As it says in the text: “They have to be saints because I am a saint”

It is true that we are not under the Law of Moses now, but what Peter wrote confirms what we learn in Leviticus 19:2: that Jehovah is holy and that those who love him should strive to be holy. This applies to all of us, whether we hope to live in heaven or in a paradise on earth.

The words of these biblical texts teach us that Jehovah is holy, and he wants his people to be holy as well. Therefore, we must strive to be holy in every way.

These words teach us that God is holy, and wants us to be too. Therefore, if we want to love him, we must imitate this holiness of Jehovah in our lives.

“BE HOLY IN ALL YOUR CONDUCT”

9. Why is it good for us to analyze the 19th chapter of Leviticus?

Because there we can find good advice, this chapter could be said to be the  most complete, the most varied, and it could also be the most important section of Leviticus, because it has very beautiful lessons, which we could learn for our daily lives. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Hebrew scholar Marcus Kalisch wrote: "This extraordinary chapter is perhaps the most complete, the most varied, and in some respects the most important section of Leviticus or even the Pentateuch." 

It is good to analyze it because in this chapter good advice is given to know how we can imitate the holiness of God. In fact, a Hebrew specialist says that perhaps this chapter is the most complete and varied in the book of Leviticus.

This chapter begins by saying, "You have to be holy." And that is why it is one of the most important praises of Leviticus and we must analyze it, for all the valuable lessons and advice it gives us so that we can be holy in the affairs of our lives and imitate Jehovah.

10, 11. What aspect of godly conduct is highlighted at Leviticus 19:3, and how should we view this command?

The behavior that stands out is: “Each of you should respect your mother and father. I am Jehovah your God.” As we see we have to honor our parents, we must see this mandate as a blessing, because thanks to that we can have many blessings.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jehovah said: “Each of you should respect your mother and your father . . . I am Jehovah your God.” We must obey the divine mandate to honor our parents. Jesus even denounced the Pharisees and the scribes because they managed to not fulfill that divine mandate. 

The divine mandate to honor our parents is highlighted. This aspect is so important that Jesus, in Matthew 19:19, said that a requirement to obtain eternal life is to honor your father and your mother.

Leviticus 19:3 emphasizes that every person must respect his mother and father. Jesus also highlighted this fact as fundamental to being holy and attaining eternal life. And it is that this mandate comes after Leviticus tells us that we have to be holy, so this mandate is a sacred one to imitate the holiness of God.

12. What could we ask ourselves, according to the command of Leviticus 19:3?

We could ask ourselves these questions: “Am I doing well the divine mandate to honor my parents?” Can we offer them more material, spiritual or emotional support?

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We must ask ourselves: “Am I fulfilling the divine mandate to honor my parents well?” Maybe we can spend more time on them. Can we offer them more material, spiritual or emotional support? 

You might ask us if we are doing well the divine mandate to honor our parents. We might also wonder if we can offer them more material, spiritual, or emotional support. It would be good to do a self-analysis to see if we need to improve in this area.

We could ask ourselves if we are fulfilling well the divine mandate to honor my parents? We cannot change the past, but what we do now is our decision. As we see in the illustration, there are many things we can do to honor our parents, such as more material, spiritual or emotional support.

ILLUSTRATION: 

Image series: 1. An adult son visits his parents and helps them prepare a meal. 2. His son, his wife and his daughter bring food to his parents. 3. Parents chat animatedly with their child via video call.

What should Christians ask themselves when reading the law of Leviticus 19:3 about parents? (See paragraphs 10 to 12). *

13. (a) What other advice do we find at Leviticus 19:3?

In Leviticus 19:3, we are told that previously they had to keep the Sabbath, but the Israelites dedicated the Sabbath to worship Jehovah and received many blessings. This text gives us great advice which is that we have to set aside time for Jehovah, dedicate a special time to him, and this will also bring us many blessings.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It teaches us another lesson about holiness. There he said that we had to respect the Sabbath. Now, it is not necessary for us to keep a weekly day of rest. But we can learn much from what the Israelites did on that day and the blessings they received for keeping it. They were to dedicate the Sabbath to rest from their daily labors and to worship Jehovah.

We find the advice to respect the Sabbath. It is true that not being under the Law, it is no longer necessary to keep that day for rest, but we can learn a lot from it.

Part b of this verse tells us that we are also to keep the Sabbath to worship and be about God's business only. Although today's Christians are not under this Law, we do learn a lot from this weekly routine of the Israelites, as we will see in part b of these paragraphs.

b) How can we follow the example of Jesus narrated in the account of Luke 4:16-18?

We can follow the example, devoting time to spiritual matters, because in this way our beautiful friendship with God becomes stronger. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The divine command found in Leviticus 19:3 to keep the Sabbath should motivate us to take time out of our daily activities to give more attention to spiritual matters.

Jesus dedicated Saturdays to go to the synagogue and read the word of God. From this we learn that we must make time for our spiritual activities. If we do, our friendship with Jehovah will be strengthened.

The fact that the Israelites kept the Sabbath to worship God only. It teaches us and we are following Jesus' example of taking time to study, learn and teach others about God. We must dedicate time to spiritual matters, which is the most important, and the more regularly we have, our friendship with God will be stronger and we will be saints.

WE STRENGTHEN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JEHOVAH

14. What essential truth is highlighted throughout Leviticus chapter 19?

The truth that stands out the most in chapter 19 is: “I am the Lord your God”, these words or similar ones are found 16 times in this chapter. Any Christian who wants to be a saint must make sure that nothing is more important than his friendship with God.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Verse 4 ends by saying, "I am the Lord your God." These or similar words are found 16 times in this chapter. This reminds us of the first of the Ten Commandments, which says: "I am the Lord your God." Every Christian who wants to be a saint must make sure that nothing and no one is more important than his friendship with God.

In this chapter the expression "I am Jehovah your God" is repeated up to 16 times. This reminds us that nothing and no one should be more important to us than Jehovah and our relationship with him.

Jehovah is our God, and there is no other. The most important thing for us in life is our friendship with Jehovah, and nothing can put it at risk. Furthermore, we are determined not to do anything to tarnish his holy name.

15. To what should the verses in Leviticus 19 that speak of sacrifices lead us?

These verses should impel us to want to please God by offering him sacrifices of praise that are acceptable to him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

These were to be done in a way that would not profane “a holy thing of Jehovah.” Reading these verses should move us to want to please Jehovah and offer him sacrifices of praise that are acceptable to him, as Hebrews 13:15 encourages us to do.

Animal sacrifices were to be done in a way that would not profane "a holy thing of Jehovah." This prompts us to please Jehovah and offer him sacrifices of praise that are acceptable to him.

As the Israelites of that time did with animal sacrifices that did not profane the holy thing of Jehovah. We today must do as Hebrews 13:15 and offer sacrifices of praise through the fruit of our lips publicly declaring his name, always honoring and glorifying Jehovah.

16. What principle in Leviticus 19 reminds us that those who serve God are different from other people?

In Leviticus 19:19, it says, "Do not put on a garment made of two kinds of thread mixed together." This verse reminds us that those who serve God are different from other people, because it would be wrong for us to resemble people who believe and practice things that are against what the Bible teaches.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In Leviticus 19:19, it says, "Do not put on a garment made of two kinds of thread mixed together." Nowadays, there is nothing wrong with us wearing clothes that mix. But it would be wrong if we looked like people who believe and practice things that are against what the Bible teaches. When we have to make important decisions, we are willing to show that Jehovah's servants are different. 

In Leviticus 19:19, it says that the Israelites were not to wear a garment made of two types of thread mixed together. This was done so that Israel would differentiate itself from the rest of the nations. This teaches us that we have to notice that we are different, by our attitudes and actions.

The clothing principle indicated that Israel was different from other nations. As servants of Jehovah, we too are different, and this shows in the decisions we make. We do not make these important decisions according to what the whole world does or believes, but rather we distance ourselves from his thoughts to decide according to what the Bible says and what Jehovah wants of us.

17, 18. What valuable lesson does Leviticus 19:23-25 ​​teach us?

In Leviticus 19:23-25, it teaches us that we have to trust that Jehovah will take care of us, we have to help in the congregation, whether it is contributing with expenses or something that is needed. Because Jehovah notices our acts of generosity and will repay us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We trust that Jehovah will take care of us. In addition, we help those in need with discretion and we are pending to contribute to cover the expenses of the congregation. Jehovah notices our acts of generosity and will repay us. If we are generous, we will show that we have understood the lessons of Leviticus 19:23-25.

Just as the Israelites had to wait up to 5 years to eat the fruit of the planted tree, this teaches us that our needs do not come first, but that the main thing is to serve Jehovah and trust that he will give us everything we need.

And as Matthew 6:25,26 says, we should not worry about what we are going to eat and drink. Jehovah knows what we need, so we can trust that he will take care of us and be there for us.

It teaches us, just as Jesus taught, not to worry about what we are going to eat or drink because Jehovah will always provide what we need, one way or another. We just have to trust in Jehovah and be generous with our brothers. Our acts of generosity God sees and rewards us for it.

ILLUSTRATION: 

What should the Israelites have learned from the words of Leviticus 19:23-25, and what lesson do you learn? (See paragraphs 17 and 18). *

19. How has your analysis of this portion of Leviticus benefited you?

It has benefited us in several things that we can do to be holy like Jehovah. Some people notice our good conduct, some seeing this feel compelled to follow God.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

He has taught us several things we can do to be holy like Jehovah. When we follow his example, we show that we strive to be holy in all our conduct. Many people who do not serve Jehovah have noticed our good conduct. Some have even felt moved to give glory to Jehovah.

It has taught us how we can be holy like Jehovah. It has also benefited me to remember that we are his people and therefore, a difference should be noted in our behavior and attitudes from the rest of the people. And this can have a good effect on co-workers or acquaintances.

This chapter has reminded us of important facets of our lives that we need to strengthen and improve in order to be holy and deepen our relationship with Jehovah. Also, being different people distinguished by our service to God has led many people to serve and give glory to Jehovah as well.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What is it to be holy?

To be holy is to keep separate from the impure. The word “holy” can be applied to things that are directly related to God, especially those used to worship him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In the Bible, the words holy and holiness basically refer to what is clean or holy in a moral and religious sense. These terms can also convey the idea of ​​being set apart or separated to serve God. In other words, we will be holy if we are morally clean, if we worship Jehovah as he expects, and if we have a close relationship with him.

Being holy means being morally and religiously clean and worshiping Jehovah as he expects. It also conveys the idea of ​​being separated to serve Jehovah.

To be holy is to be morally and religiously clean from the corrupt practices of this system. We accomplish this by breaking away from this system to serve God with our pure worship and by building a close relationship with Jehovah.

What lessons from Leviticus chapter 19 help us to be holy in our conduct?

There are many lessons that we can learn from chapter 19, that Jehovah is holy and that those who love him should strive to be so. This applies to all of us. Also if we see that we have not done everything we should in the past, let's set ourselves the goal of improving. It is true that it is not possible to change the past, but from now on we can strive to do more things with and for our parents. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

“Each of you must respect your mother and father. I am Jehovah his God” (Lev. 19:2, 3). Every Christian might ask himself, "Am I doing well God's command to honor my parents?" Can we offer them more material, spiritual or emotional support? If we do, we will be obeying the command of Leviticus 19:3.

Leviticus 19:3. He teaches us another lesson about holiness. There he said that we had to respect the Sabbath. This should motivate us to take time out of our daily activities to give more attention to spiritual matters. Do we think we need to improve in this aspect?

Leviticus 19:4. He ends by saying, "I am Jehovah his God." Every Christian who wants to be a saint must make sure that nothing and no one is more important than his friendship with God.

Leviticus 19:5. It speaks of the sacrifices, these were to be done in a way that did not profane "A holy thing of Jehovah". Reading these verses should move us to want to please Jehovah and offer him sacrifices of praise that are acceptable to him.

Leviticus 19:19. We must avoid fashions, customs that are immoral fashions.

We have seen many valuable lessons as in 19:3 that teaches us that to be holy we have to honor our parents and spend time on what is most important, spiritual matters. In this way we will have a closer and stronger relationship with Jehovah, being holy people. Also that we have to trust Jehovah and distinguish ourselves from the world, being generous and making good decisions as Jehovah wants.

What things must we do if we want to strengthen our friendship with Jehovah?

If we love Jehovah and want to strengthen our friendship with all our hearts, souls, and minds, we will show it by our actions. The Bible teaches very clearly that if we love God we will obey his commandments.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We must be willing to be holy, clean in our mind, heart, physical appearance, and also spiritual, instead of just taking care of an external facade.

We will be willing to set ourselves apart, in our mind, heart, eyes, hands, to serve Jehovah, instead of secretly sinning and leading a double life.

We will be willing to give, to share, with those in need, without blowing the trumpet in front of us, and helping in our congregation.

We must make sure that nothing and no one is more important than our friendship with God. And as his witnesses we don't want to tarnish his name.

We have also seen that we must offer sacrifices of praise that are acceptable to Jehovah.

And finally, when we make decisions, let it be noted that Jehovah's servants are different from other people.

We need to be holy, and in this study we have seen several facets of our lives that we need to strengthen and improve: our relationship with our parents, spending time on spiritual matters, and distinguishing ourselves from the world by making spiritual decisions and not what most think is Right. In this way we will be strengthening our relationship of friendship with Jehovah.