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Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Thursday, May 12, 2022
They called the apostles, beat them, and ordered them to stop speaking for Jesus (Acts 5:40).
For the apostles Peter and John it was an honor to be persecuted for being disciples of Jesus and for telling others about his teachings (Acts 4:18-21; 5:27-29, 41, 42). First-century Christians had no reason to feel ashamed. After all, those humble disciples did humanity more good than any of their enemies. As a sample button, the books that some of them wrote by divine inspiration continue to bring help and hope to millions of people. And the Kingdom they preached is not only a reality in our day, but will soon rule all mankind (Matt. 24:14). Instead, the powerful political power that persecuted them has been buried in the ashes of history. Furthermore, those loyal disciples today are kings in heaven. But his enemies are dead; and, if they are resurrected, they will be governed by the Kingdom preached by the Christians whom they hated (Rev. 5:10). w20.07 15 para. 4
a) According to Philippians 3:8, what did Paul think of the things he had given up? b) Why did Paul say that he rejoiced in having weaknesses?
Paul willingly gave up the things that made him powerful from the standpoint of this world. In fact, he went so far as to call those apparent advantages “a load of rubbish” (read Philippians 3:8). Of course, he had to pay a price for becoming a follower of Christ. His own nation came to hate him (Acts 23:12-14). And the Romans, who were his fellow citizens, beat him and put him in prison (Acts 16: 19-24, 37). Furthermore, it pained him greatly to be aware of his own limitations (Rom. 7:21-25). But he never let his enemies or his weaknesses stop him. Rather, he said, "I'm glad I have weaknesses." Why? Because when he felt weak he was when he saw how the power of God helped him (2 Cor. 4: 7; 12:10).
How should we view any supposed disadvantage we have?
If we want Jehovah to grant us his power, we must not think that our personal worth depends on our physical strength, education, culture, or material possessions. This is not what makes us useful in Jehovah's eyes. In fact, among God's people "there are not many wise from a human point of view, nor many mighty, nor many of noble birth." Rather, Jehovah has decided to use “the weak things of the world” (1 Cor. 1:26, 27). Therefore, let us not see any supposed disadvantage as an obstacle to serving God, but as an opportunity to see how he helps us with his power. For example, if someone tries to make us doubt our beliefs and we feel intimidated, let us pray for courage to defend our faith (Eph. 6:19, 20). Or, if we are struggling with some kind of chronic illness, Let us ask Jehovah for the strength to continue doing all we can in his service. Every time we feel help from him, our faith increases and we become stronger.
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