Watchtower Study, “Article 12,” Week of May 26–June 1, 2025, Let Us Continue Walking by Faith, Answers.

Watchtower Study, “Article 12,” May 26-June 1, 2025, Let Us Continue Walking by Faith, Answers.

“We walk by faith and not by sight” (2 COR. 5:7).

1. Why did Paul feel satisfied when he thought about his life?

Paul faced many difficulties in his ministry: persecution, imprisonment, and even death threats. However, he was satisfied with his life because he had been faithful to the end.

In 2 Timothy 4:6-8, Paul compares his Christian life to a successful race, asserting that he has remained in the faith, not only preaching zealously but also strengthening congregations and helping others remain firm in the faith. His satisfaction came not from material achievements, but from knowing that he had done everything possible to please Jehovah.

2. What does it mean to walk by faith?

Faith is not only believing in God's existence, but fully trusting that His standards are the best for our lives. Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God, which implies that our actions should reflect that trust. Psalm 119:6 encourages us to seek Jehovah's guidance in making wise decisions.

Therefore, those who walk by sight make decisions based on what seems logical from a human perspective. In contrast, those who walk by faith trust that following the principles of the Bible will always bring the best results, even if they are not immediately evident. For example, obeying God's counsel regarding marriage, work, or spiritual life may seem difficult in the short term, but over time it proves to be the best choice.

3. How does walking by faith benefit us? (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Walking by faith benefits us because it helps us make decisions that please Jehovah and lead us to a happy and purposeful life. 2 Corinthians 4:18 reminds us not to focus on visible and temporal things, but on invisible and eternal things, such as God's promises.

Furthermore, Ecclesiastes 11:9 warns that following only the desires of the heart without considering God can lead to negative consequences. Therefore, walking by faith involves trusting in Jehovah, even when we face trials. Job is an excellent example of this: although he suffered greatly, he never stopped trusting in God, and in the end, he was blessed.

4. How do we know if we are walking by faith or by sight?

Walking by faith means letting Jehovah guide our decisions, even when His direction goes against what seems logical from a human perspective. Proverbs 3:5, 6 advises us not to lean on our own understanding, but to trust fully in God.

This article mentions three key areas in which we must make sure we walk by faith: choosing a job, choosing a spouse, and obeying the instructions of Jehovah's organization.

In each of these situations, we might let material or emotional factors outweigh God's will. However, if we make decisions based on His Word, we are demonstrating trust in Him.

WHEN WE HAVE TO CHOOSE A JOB

5. Should we focus only on salary when choosing a job?

No, we shouldn't focus solely on salary when choosing a job. It's natural to want a job that allows us to provide for ourselves and our family, as 1 Timothy 5:8 says.

However, if we only consider money and ignore other important factors, we would be walking by sight, not by faith. Walking by faith involves making decisions based on what Jehovah considers most valuable.

A job that offers a good salary but takes us away from the congregation or affects our service to God would not be a good choice. Ecclesiastes 7:12 mentions that wisdom and money can protect us, but the wisdom that comes from Jehovah is what truly gives us life.

6. How do we demonstrate that we walk by faith when choosing a job? (Hebrews 13:5)

The world teaches us to seek financial security at all costs, but biblical principles help us make balanced decisions. Philippians 1:10 encourages us to make sure we choose what is best in Jehovah's sight.

If we accept a job that requires us to act contrary to its standards, we are jeopardizing our faith. On the other hand, the Bible also mentions that Jehovah is a God of provision. Therefore, if a job interferes with our worship, even if it pays well, we would be walking by sight and not by faith.

On the other hand, if we reject a job that would take us away from Jehovah, we show that we trust in his provision and that we believe in the promise of Matthew 6:33.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

We demonstrate that we are walking by faith in choosing a job when we prioritize our friendship with Jehovah rather than focusing solely on the salary. If a job requires us to do something Jehovah hates, interferes with our spiritual pursuits, or separates us from our family, it is best not to accept it. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us to trust Jehovah to provide for our needs.

7, 8. How did a brother from South America demonstrate that he was walking by faith? (See also the image.)

Javier's experience demonstrates what it means to walk by faith. Instead of prioritizing money and prestige, he trusted that Jehovah would provide what he needed so he could serve Him better.

Matthew 6:33 reminds us that if we seek God's Kingdom first, He will take care of our needs. Javier's decision also reflects Hebrews 11:6: that Jehovah rewards those who seek Him in faith. Many have experienced the same thing when they put their spiritual needs first.

Javier ultimately declined the offer and, two weeks later, became a pioneer. Later, he found a part-time job that allowed him to achieve his spiritual goal and strengthen his service to Jehovah.

ILLUSTRATION

A brother wearing a hard hat and work clothes looks at the empty office the supervisor is showing him. The supervisor is offering him a promotion.

If you are offered a promotion, will you make a decision that shows you trust in Jehovah? (See paragraphs 7 and 8.)

9. What did you learn from Trésor’s experience?

Trésor experienced firsthand the importance of trusting in Jehovah, even when circumstances seemed difficult. His job offered him great financial stability, but it took away what was most valuable: his time with Jehovah and his integrity. Giving up that opportunity gave him the opportunity to put Jehovah first, allowing him to enjoy spiritual peace and stability.

The words of Habakkuk 3:17-19 helped him understand that even if he lost his income, Jehovah would provide for him. A year later, Jehovah blessed him with a more suitable job, which not only allowed him to meet his needs but also gave him more time to serve Him.

Trésor's experience shows that when we put Jehovah first, he takes care of our needs.

WHEN WE ARE GOING TO CHOOSE WHO TO MARRY

10. How would someone demonstrate that they are looking by sight when deciding who to marry?

Marriage is a precious gift from Jehovah, and the decision to marry must go beyond superficial aspects. When someone decides whom to marry based solely on what they can see or what feels good at the moment, they risk overlooking the most important thing: spiritual compatibility.

In 2 Corinthians 6:14, the Bible advises us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, implying that the focus should be on whether both share the same principles and spiritual desires. While external factors should not be ignored, the most important thing is that both share faith in Jehovah.

11. How do we demonstrate that we are walking by faith when choosing whom to marry? (1 Corinthians 7:39)

Walking by faith in choosing a mate means trusting Jehovah to guide us to make the best decision. We apply his advice to wait until we are in the prime of youth, which helps us mature before committing to a serious relationship.

We also make sure that the person has the qualities that Jehovah approves of in a husband or wife, according to Proverbs 31:10-13, which speaks of an exemplary wife, and Ephesians 5:33, which emphasizes love and respect in marriage.

Furthermore, when someone who isn't a Witness shows interest in us, we remember the importance of marrying in the Lord to keep our faith strong. Therefore, we trust that Jehovah will take care of our emotional needs if we follow his principles.

12. What did you learn from Rosa's case?

Rosa learned that walking by faith isn't always easy, especially when emotions are involved. Although the man she met had many of the qualities she sought in a husband, she remained firm in her decision to marry only "in the Lord."

Although her feelings urged her to continue the relationship, she remembered that walking by faith means prioritizing Jehovah's will above personal desires. Despite the loneliness she felt, she decided to cut off all contact with him to protect her friendship with Jehovah.

Instead of focusing on what she could see or feel, she trusted that Jehovah would bless her if she followed his principles. As a result, she was invited to the school for Kingdom evangelizers and today serves as a special pioneer, feeling happy and fulfilled with her decision.

WHEN WE RECEIVE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE ORGANIZATION

13. How would someone demonstrate that they are walking by sight when receiving instructions from the organization?

Receiving instructions from the organization is a sign of Jehovah's love, for they help us stay spiritually strong. However, if someone decides not to follow an instruction because it seems impractical or because they don't understand its purpose, they are acting with a human mind, not with faith.

If we focus on the negative aspects instead of trusting that Jehovah guides his people, we would be walking by sight. Faith-based obedience involves following the organization's direction, even when we don't understand all the details, trusting that Jehovah always knows what is best for us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Someone would be blind if, when receiving instructions from the organization, they focused on the shortcomings or imperfections of those giving them, instead of trusting Jehovah to guide his people. If they doubt or reject direction because they don't understand it or find it difficult to apply, they are basing their decisions on their own judgment rather than on faith.

14. What will help us walk by faith when we receive instructions from the organization? (Hebrews 13:17)

When we walk by faith, we understand that Jehovah knows our circumstances and that his instructions, even if delivered by imperfect humans, always seek the well-being of his people. Therefore, we obey promptly and with a positive attitude, remembering that our submission contributes to the unity of the congregation.

We also trust that Jehovah will bless our obedience and that, if adjustments are necessary, he will do so in due time. By following this principle, we demonstrate our trust in Jehovah and the direction he gives us through his organization.

15, 16. What helped Kevin walk by faith? (See also the image.)

Kevin, an elder in a Quechua-speaking congregation in Peru, was initially hesitant about the new preaching instructions. However, he remembered Proverbs 3:5 and the example of Moses, who obeyed Jehovah even when the situation seemed difficult.

Kevin decided to trust Jehovah and adapted to the new preaching method. As a result, they found more people interested in the Bible's message, and their return visits, Bible studies, and meeting attendance increased. This proves that, when we walk by faith, Jehovah always rewards obedience.

ILLUSTRATION

A Quechua-speaking man talks to a Witness couple who are preaching. He shows them where someone lives.

Many people pointed out to the brothers some areas where they could find Quechua-speaking people. (See paragraphs 15 and 16.)

17. What did you learn from this article?

This article highlights the importance of walking by faith in key areas such as marriage, obedience to the organization, and preaching, but it also encourages us to apply this principle to all aspects of life, including entertainment, education, and parenting. To achieve this, we must focus on our friendship with Jehovah and his counsel, rather than relying solely on what we see.

By doing this, we demonstrate that we trust in Jehovah and his promise to take care of us, thus fulfilling Micah 4:5, which motivates us to walk in Jehovah's name forever.

HOW CAN WE WALK BY FAITH IN THE FOLLOWING FIELDS?

When we have to choose a job.

We walk by faith by choosing a job that allows us to continue serving Jehovah without compromising our principles. We trust that Jehovah will provide what we need if we put the Kingdom first.

When we are going to choose who to marry.

We walk by faith, choosing someone who loves Jehovah and follows his principles, rather than focusing solely on appearance or financial stability. We trust that Jehovah will bless us if we heed his advice to marry in the Lord.

When we receive instructions from the organization.

We walk by faith when we obey instructions, even if we don't fully understand them, trusting that Jehovah is guiding his organization and will correct any mistakes in due time.