The Watchtower Study, “Article 5”, Week March 28 to April 3, 2022, Making the best use of time, Answers.

The Watchtower Study, “Article 5”, March 28-April 3, 2022, Making the Best Use of Time, Answers.

1. How do we spend time with Jehovah?

The best way to spend time with Jehovah is by praying to him, reading his Word, and meditating on his purpose.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Praying to him and meditating on his purpose and his beautiful qualities. How much we value the time we spend with Jehovah!

Therefore, how precious are your thoughts to me! oh, God, how immense is their quantity!

We spend time with Jehovah when we pray to him, read his Word the Bible, and ponder his purpose and beautiful qualities. As the psalmist said in Psalm 139:17, "How precious are your thoughts to me."

Praying to him, reading his Word and meditating on his purpose and his beautiful qualities.

2. Why is it not always easy to spend time with Jehovah?

Most of us have busy lives, and we find it hard to make time for God. There are things that keep us very busy, work, family and other responsibilities.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We lead such busy lives that we may find it hard to find time for spiritual activities. Work, family, and other responsibilities can leave us with such a tight schedule that we feel like we don't have time to pray, study, or meditate.

Because we lead such busy lives, we sometimes find it hard to find time for spiritual activities. Perhaps work, family, and other responsibilities mean we don't have time to pray, study, or meditate.

Because of the busy life we ​​have. Family, work, and other responsibilities make it seem like we don't have time to pray, study, or meditate.

3. What other danger should we watch out for?

There are activities that, although not bad, can leave us without time to draw closer to Jehovah.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

There are activities that, although not bad, can leave us without time to draw closer to Jehovah. For example, it does us all good to slow down from time to time and have a little fun. But, if we are not balanced, we can reach a point where we have almost no time left for spiritual things.

We must be careful with entertainment. Entertainment may not be bad, but it can rob us of time that we could spend with Jehovah. Therefore, we must be balanced and put each matter in its rightful place.

Not knowing how to allocate time well and letting entertainment leave us no opportunity for spiritual activities.

4. What will we see in this article?

We will see why we need to set our priorities right.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In this article, we will see why we need to get our priorities right. We will also discuss how we can make the most of our time with Jehovah.

We will see why we need to set our priorities right and how we can make the best use of our time with Jehovah and his benefits.

We will see why we need to set our priorities right and we will discuss how we can make the best use of our time with Jehovah and what benefits we will obtain.

LET'S MAKE GOOD DECISIONS AND ESTABLISH OUR PRIORITIES WELL

5. How can Ephesians 5:15-17 help young people choose the best path in life?

We have to be very careful not to behave like fools, we have to be wise, we have to make the best use of the time we have.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

On the one hand, they may be advised by school counselors and non-Witness relatives to pursue a career and seek a prestigious position in the world. But it is very likely that this path consumes almost all of their time. On the other hand, their parents and brothers in the congregation may encourage them to dedicate their lives to serving Jehovah.

After pondering what it says, you might ask yourself: “What is 'Jehovah's will' for me? Which decision will please you? What path will help me make the best use of time?

These verses make young people reflect on the best way to make the most of their time and dedicate their lives to serving Jehovah. Although they have a lot of pressure from teachers and peers, the wisest thing is to use our lives in a way that makes Jehovah happy.

On the one hand there is the pressure from school counselors and non-Witness relatives for young people to study for a career and seek a prestigious position in the world on the other hand parents and brothers in the congregation encourage them to serve Jehovah. They should ask themselves, “What is 'Jehovah's will' for me? Which decision will please you? What path will help me make the best use of time?

6. What did Maria choose, and why was it a good decision?

Mary took the opportunity to sit next to Jesus and listen to what he wanted to teach them. Martha did nothing wrong, but Jesus said that “Mary chose the best part”, surely she never forgot what she learned from Jesus.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Because Martha was so hospitable and so happy to have Jesus in her house, she began to cook a big meal. But her sister, Mary, took the opportunity to sit next to Jesus and listen to what she wanted to teach them. Martha did nothing wrong, but Jesus said that "Mary chose the better part." It is likely that in time Mary forgot what she ate on that occasion, but surely she never forgot what she learned from Jesus. It is clear that Mary highly valued her time with Jesus, and we also value our time with Jehovah.

When Jesus went to visit Mary and Martha, Mary chose to sit next to Jesus and listen to what he wanted to teach them. Martha, who was very hospitable, decided to start cooking and, although it is not a bad thing, Jesus recognized that Mary chose the best part of her.

And this was a good decision on Mary's part because she greatly appreciated having Jesus by her side and everything she learned that day. She may have forgotten what she ate on that occasion, but she would never forget the teaching of Jesus. We too need to value the time we spend with Jehovah.

I take the opportunity to sit next to Jesus and listen to what he wanted to teach them. Martha did nothing wrong to us, but Jesus said that "Mary chose the better part." It is clear that Mary highly valued the time she spent with Jesus, we also value the time we spent with Jehovah.

MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE TIME WE SPEND WITH JEHOVAH

7. Why is it so important to pray, study and meditate?

Because when we pray, we are talking to Jehovah who loves us and listens to us. Because when we study we acquire the beautiful knowledge of God. Because when we meditate we reflect on the beautiful qualities that God has.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Because it is part of our worship. When we pray, we are talking to our heavenly Father, who loves us so much. When we study the Bible, we are gaining "the knowledge of God," the wisest person in the universe. And, when we meditate, we are reflecting on the beautiful qualities of Jehovah, as well as on his wonderful purpose for us and for all mankind.

Because those activities are part of our worship of Jehovah. When we pray, we are talking to Jehovah; and when we study and meditate on his Word we are acquiring knowledge of God and reflecting on his promises and purposes for humanity. So there is no better way to spend time than that.

When we pray we talk to our heavenly father. When we study we acquire the knowledge of God. When we meditate we reflect on the beautiful qualities and the wonderful purpose that Jehovah has for us and for humanity.

8. What good example did Jesus set for us when he went into the desert?

That it is good to give ourselves time to be alone, and to be able to talk with Jehovah. If our family is large, it may sometimes be difficult for us to find enough tranquility inside our house. But, we can find a place or go to a park, so we can concentrate and talk to God.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

When he began his ministry on Earth, he spent 40 days in the desert. There he was able to pray and meditate on his Father's will for him. No doubt that prepared him for the tests he would soon face.

If our family is large, it may sometimes be difficult for us to find enough tranquility inside our house. If that's our case, can we try going outside? That's what Julie does when she wants to spend time with Jehovah praying to him. She lives with her husband in a small apartment in France, so it is not easy for her to be alone without interruptions.

When Jesus went into the desert he was able to pray and meditate on his Father's will for him. And this prepared him for the test he had to endure. This teaches us to find a quiet place when we go to pray or study.

But perhaps our house is small or we are many at home and it is difficult for us to find a quiet place. If so, we have the case of Sister Julie who says that, as her apartment is small, she says that every day she goes to the park and takes a walk. In this way, she concentrates better and she is more comfortable talking to Jehovah.

Jesus spent 40 days in the desert praying and meditating on the will of his father. That prepared him for future tests. If our family is large and it is not possible to pray and meditate inside our house. Can we try going outside? Julie's example.

9. Although Jesus was a very busy person, how did he show that he valued his friendship with Jehovah?

Although he was a busy person, on one occasion, “the whole city was gathered in front of a house to see him. But, despite that he made sure to take time to nurture his friendship with Jehovah. And before dawn, he went to a lonely place, where he would have no distractions to spend time with his Father.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Wherever he went, he was always surrounded by people asking him to give them time and attention. The Bible says that on one occasion “the whole city was gathered before the door” of a house to see him. Still, he made sure to take time to nurture his friendship with Jehovah. Before dawn, he went to a lonely place to spend time with his Father.

Because, despite the fact that people asked him for time and attention, he made sure to take time to take care of his friendship with Jehovah because for him it was the most important thing.

And we have the account of Mark 1:32-35, where we see that, when the sun went down, many began to bring sick people to him so that he could eat them and Jesus healed him. Despite all this work, very early the next morning he went to a remote place to spend time with his father. So we see that no matter how busy he was, Jesus always made time for Jehovah.

Despite his busy life to serve people who wanted to know the truth. She made time before dawn to go to a secluded place to spend time with her father.

ILLUSTRATION:

A brother eating and watching television while doing his personal study. His son is next to him playing.

Could you find a quiet place for your personal study? (See paragraphs 8 and 9).

10, 11. According to Matthew 26:40, 41, What timely advice did Jesus give his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, but what happened?

That although the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. So we have to be strong, and give ourselves time to talk to God.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

He told them: "Stay awake and pray constantly." He knew that they had been under a lot of stress and that they were very tired. That is why he had compassion on them and said that “the flesh is weak”. Nevertheless, twice more he went to pray and, when he returned, he found that they were not praying, but sleeping.

He gave them some very timely advice on prayer. On a first occasion he told them to stay awake while he went to pray. But when he returned, he found them sleeping. That is when he tells them what we have read in Matthew 26: 40,41: “keep awake and pray constantly”.

And following the brother's comment, for the second time they were found sleeping. And he also passed a third time. But Jesus had compassion on them, because he knew they too were tired and under a lot of pressure.

Jesus asked the apostles to stay awake and then went to pray. He knew that they had been under a lot of stress and that they were very tired. That is why he had compassion on them and said that "the flesh is weak."

12. What can we do if we sometimes feel too stressed or tired to pray?

We can pray at the end of the day, before going to sleep. We can also concentrate better if we pray in a certain position, such as sitting or kneeling.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Some brothers who used to pray at the end of the day have found that it works better for them to pray a little earlier, when they are less tired. Others have found that they concentrate better if they pray in a certain position, such as sitting or kneeling.

If we have the habit of praying at night, before going to sleep, we can try to pray a little earlier, so as not to be so tired. There are also brothers who pray in a certain position, such as sitting or kneeling, because that way they concentrate better.

And if we are too tired or worried to pray, let us make an effort to tell Jehovah, even if it is just a few words, and Jehovah will understand us because he is merciful. As Psalm 139:4 says, "Not a single word has come into my tongue, but you already know it well."

We can choose a time when we are less tired because we can take a certain position that helps us stay awake.

ILLUSTRATION:

A sister falls asleep while lying in bed praying.

Could you find time to pray when you're not so tired? (See paragraph 12).

13. How can electronic devices distract us when we are spending time with Jehovah?

These devices are useful, and are used by billions of people today. But when we're trying to focus, just having a phone nearby can be a distraction.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Let's ask ourselves: "What tends to distract me in those moments?". Can it be calls, emails or text messages on the phone or some other device? These devices are useful, and are used by billions of people today.

But some experts say that when a person is trying to concentrate, simply having a phone nearby can distract them. A psychology professor explains: “You don't focus on what you're doing. Your mind is elsewhere." If before the assemblies we are asked to put our devices in a mode that does not distract others.

Perhaps the calls, emails, or text messages on our devices could distract us in our meetings or in our personal study. That is why it would be good, that when we are with Jehovah, whether in the meetings, studying the Bible or praying, we do everything possible so that these kinds of things do not distract us.

Some experts believe that when a person is trying to concentrate, simply having a phone nearby can distract them. A psychology professor explains: “You don't focus on what you're doing. Your mind is elsewhere."

14. According to Philippians 4:6, 7, what will Jehovah do to help us focus?

Pray that Jehovah will give us the peace that not only protects our hearts, but also our minds.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

If we are studying or in a congregation meeting and notice that our mind wanders, let us ask Jehovah for help. If there is something that makes us uneasy, it may not be easy for us to put our worries aside and focus on spiritual things, but it is very important that we do so. Pray that Jehovah will give us the peace that not only protects our hearts, but also our minds.

As we have read in these verses, Jehovah will give us peace, which is beyond what we can understand, to protect our hearts and minds. In other words, if we pray to Jehovah for peace, he will help us put aside those worries and concentrate better on what we are studying.

It can help us find peace and protects not only our hearts but also our minds. And that will help us concentrate if we are studying or in a meeting.

ILLUSTRATION:

A brother responding to text messages during the meeting.

Could you avoid responding to texts and emails during meetings? (See paragraphs 13 and 14).

THE BENEFITS OF SPENDING TIME WITH JEHOVAH

15. What is a benefit of spending time with Jehovah?

We can make better decisions. Since Jehovah is wise, we will become wiser thanks to Jehovah.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

First of all, we will make better decisions. According to the Bible, "he who walks with the wise will become wise." So the more time we spend with Jehovah, the wisest person in the universe, the wiser we will become. We will better understand how to please him and avoid making decisions that could hurt him.

One of the many benefits is that we will make better decisions. In Proverbs 13:20 he says that "he who walks with the wise will become wise." So if we spend a lot of time with Jehovah, who is the wisest being in the universe, we will also become wiser and we will please him with our good decisions.

We will be able to make better decisions, because the Bible says that "he who walks with wise men will become wise." The more time we spend with Jehovah the wiser we will become.

16. Why does spending time with Jehovah make us better teachers?

The more we communicate with our heavenly Father, the more we will love him and the more we will be able to teach our student to love him. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The more we communicate with our heavenly Father, the more we will love him and the more we will be able to teach our student to love him. That was the case with Jesus. When he spoke of his Father, he expressed himself with such love and affection that his faithful disciples could not help but love Jehovah too.

Because the more time we spend with Jehovah, the more we will love him and the more we will be able to teach our student to love him. That was what Jesus did. He loved Jehovah so much that when he talked about him, he got his disciples to love Jehovah too.

When Jesus spoke of his Father, he expressed himself with such love and affection that his disciples came to love Jehovah deeply. And to get a student closer to Jehovah we need to love him very much.

17. Why do prayer and study help us strengthen our faith?

Our faith grows stronger, because faith follows the message that is heard.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Let's think about what happens when we ask God for guidance, comfort, or support. Every time he answers us, our faith is strengthened. Another thing that can make our faith stronger is personal study. After all, "faith follows the message that is heard." Of course, if we want to have a strong faith, it is not enough that we learn things.

Because when we pray to Jehovah for guidance, comfort or support, and we see how Jehovah responds to us, it makes our faith stronger. And the same can be said of personal study. The more we learn from him, the stronger our faith will be.

Every time Jehovah answers our prayer our faith is strengthened, if we deepen our personal study it also helps a lot.

18. Explain with an example why we should meditate.

The writer of Psalm 77 told Jehovah: "I will meditate on all your activities and I will reflect on your way of acting." Sure, he was well aware of the things Jehovah had done for his people in the past. The writer of this psalm reflected on Jehovah's acts and the mercy and compassion he had shown in the past. As a result, he was convinced that Jehovah would not abandon his people.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

He told Jehovah: “I will meditate on all your activities and reflect on the way you act” (verse 12). Sure, he was well aware of the things Jehovah had done for his people in the past. But still he wondered: “Has God forgotten to grant us his favor, or has his fury nullified his mercy?” (verse 9). The writer of this psalm reflected on Jehovah's acts and the mercy and compassion he had shown in the past (verse 11). As a result, he was convinced that Jehovah would not abandon his people.

We have the case of the writer of Psalm 77. He was distressed because he thought that he and the Israelites had lost Jehovah's approval. So what he did was pray to Jehovah and told him that he would "meditate on all his activities and reflect on his way of acting." So we see that he reflected on what Jehovah had done for his people in the past, and thus he became convinced that Jehovah would not abandon him. That is why it is important that we meditate, because our faith will be strengthened by remembering how Jehovah has always cared for us particularly.

The writer of Psalm 77, being very distressed, meditated on the works of Jehovah and remembered the acts of mercy and compassion that he had shown in the past. In this way he became convinced that Jehovah would never abandon his people.

19. What will be another benefit of spending time with Jehovah?

Another benefit is loving Jehovah more.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We will love Jehovah more. This is the most important benefit. Why? Because love is the quality that can most motivate us to obey Jehovah, to make sacrifices to please him, and to endure any trial.

There is nothing more important than being friends with our dear God, Jehovah.

The most important benefit is that we will love him more. And this love motivates us to obey him, to make sacrifices to please him and endure any trial. If we do this, we will be Jehovah's friends.

When we love Jehovah we are willing to obey him, to do vices to please him and to endure any test.

20. What do you plan to do in order to find more time to spend with Jehovah?

Find quiet places to spend time with Jehovah. Avoid distractions so we can focus on him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Let's do like Jesus and find quiet times and places to spend time with Jehovah. Let's avoid unnecessary distractions. And when we are doing any spiritual activity, let us ask Jehovah to help us focus. 

If we make the best use of time, Jehovah will bless us with everlasting life in the new world.

Maybe I can pray to Jehovah a little before I go to sleep so I won't be so tired, or find a quieter place to pray or study, like Jesus did.

We have also seen that we should ask Jehovah to help us concentrate before engaging in any spiritual activity.

See prayer and meditation as part of our relationship. Find quiet times and places to spend more time with Jehovah. Avoid unnecessary distractions ask Jehovah to help us focus.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What did Jesus do to ensure that he nurtured his friendship with Jehovah?

The Bible says that on one occasion “the whole city was gathered before the door” of a house to see him. Still, he made sure to take time to nurture his friendship with Jehovah. Before dawn, he went to a lonely place to spend time with his Father.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

When he began his ministry on Earth, he spent 40 days in the desert. There he was able to pray and meditate on his Father's will for him. No doubt that prepared him for the tests he would soon face. What do we learn from his example? If our family is large, it may sometimes be difficult for us to find enough tranquility inside our house.

He made sure to take time to nurture his friendship with Jehovah by constantly praying with him. And he also made sure to teach his disciples to love Jehovah.

We must find a quiet place where we can pray and meditate. Although we are very busy we should value our friendship with Jehovah and make it possible to maintain an excellent relationship with our God.

How can we make the best use of time?

By spending more time with Jehovah, we will thus become wiser. We will better understand how to please him and avoid making decisions that could hurt him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The best way to spend time is by gaining knowledge of God and meditating on his beautiful qualities. And also pray to Jehovah to maintain a close friendship with him.

Let us remember that praying, studying and meditating are part of our worship.

If possible, let's find a quiet place.

Let's choose the right moment.

Let's avoid distractions when we are studying.

Let us ask Jehovah to help us focus.

We want to avoid calls, emails or text messages on the phone during the meetings, we want to concentrate on the information that Jehovah gives us. For this we want to ask you in prayer to help us to protect our hearts and our minds.

What are the benefits of spending time with Jehovah?

We will reap many benefits if we spend time talking with Jehovah, listening to him, and thinking about him. First of all, we will make better decisions. According to the Bible, “he who walks with the wise will become wise”

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The benefits are that we will make better decisions, we will be better teachers, our faith will grow stronger, and most importantly, we will love Jehovah more.

First of all, we will make better decisions.

Second, we will be better teachers.

Third, our faith will become stronger.

Fourth, we will love Jehovah more. This is the most important benefit.

We will make better decisions thanks to the company of Jehovah. We will show how much we love her as we teach so that the students will also come to love her deeply. Our faith will be stronger and stronger. And we will love him deeply and this will help us to obey him to make sacrifices and to record him and endure any trial.