DAILY TEXT, Today's Friday June 10, 2022, I was making more progress in Judaism than many of my nation who were my age (Gal. 1:14).

DAILY TEXT, Today's Friday June 10, 2022

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022

Friday June 10, 2022

I was making more progress in Judaism than many of my nation my age (Gal. 1:14).

In serving Jehovah we should not rely on our own strength or abilities. The apostle Paul had a good education, since his teacher had been Gamaliel, one of the most respected Jewish leaders of the time (Acts 5:34; 22: 3). And, at some point, he came to have some influence in the Jewish community (Acts 26:4). But all that didn't make him trust himself. He willingly renounced the things that made him powerful from this world's point of view (Phil. 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 allowed his enemies or his weaknesses to stop him. Rather, he said, "I'm glad I have weaknesses." Why? Because when he felt weak was when he saw how the power of God helped him (2 Cor. 4: 7; 12:10). w20.07 16 paras. 7, 8

Why did David seem weak? (See cover drawing.)

When the mighty warrior Goliath saw David, he seemed so weak that he “began to sneer at him with contempt.” After all, Goliath was much bigger and better equipped and trained for war. David was just an inexperienced young man who did not seem ready for battle, but he trusted in the power of Jehovah. As a result, what appeared to be a weakness turned out to be an advantage, and in the end he defeated his enemy (1 Sam. 17:41-45, 50).

What other problem did David face?

David faced another problem that could have made him feel weak and helpless. He was a loyal servant of Saul, the king Jehovah had appointed in Israel. At first, Saul respected him. But over time, pride made him jealous of David. He began to treat him badly and even tried to kill him (1 Sam. 18: 6-9, 29; 19: 9-11).

How did David react to King Saul's unfair treatment?

Although Saul treated him unfairly, David did not lose respect for him, knowing that he was the king whom Jehovah had appointed (1 Sam. 24:6). He also didn't blame God for the bad things Saul did. On the contrary, he trusted that Jehovah would give him the strength to endure this difficult test (Ps. 18: 1 and heading).

What David-like situation did the apostle Paul face?

The apostle Paul faced a situation similar to David's. He had enemies far more powerful than he. He was surrounded by influential leaders who hated him and many times had him beaten and thrown into prison. Like David, he suffered mistreatment from those who should have been his friends. Even some in the Christian congregation turned against him (2 Cor. 12:11; Phil. 3:18). But he never let himself be defeated by his enemies. He continued to preach despite opposition. He was loyal to his brothers even when they let him down. And, above all, he was faithful to God to the end of his days (2 Tim. 4:8). Although he had so much against him, he came out victorious because he trusted Jehovah and not his own strength.

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