Family Worship May 2024

Lessons from the Nazirites

Keep Following Jehovah’s Guidance

Keep Following Jah’s Guidance 2

I will Never Abandon You

Truths we Love to Teach

100

Who were the Nazirites and why did some Israelites choose to take a Nazirite vow?

The word “Nazirite” comes from the Hebrew term that means “One Singled Out,” “Separated One,” or “Dedicated One.” This term aptly describes the zealous Israelites who made certain personal sacrifices to serve Jehovah in a special way. The Mosaic Law allowed for a man or a woman to make a special vow to Jehovah by choosing to live as a Nazirite for a period of time.

100

Why should we follow Jehovah as our guide?

This world is like a dangerous forest. It is filled with danger that especially threatens our spiritual health. But we have a perfect Guide—Jehovah. He leads us away from the danger and toward our destination—everlasting life in the new world

100

Jehovah used Moses to guide the Israelites, how did most of them respond?

Many refused to recognize Moses’ role. As a result, that generation of Israelites was denied entry into the Promised Land.

100

When will all the anointed be in heaven?

In the July 15, 2013, issue of The Watchtower, we learned that all anointed ones who are still on earth will be raised to heaven before the outbreak of Armageddon.

100

The Future

THE FUTURE

1. Current events and attitudes indicate a change is near.—Matt. 24:3, 7, 8; Luke 21:10, 11; 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

2. The earth will never be destroyed.—Ps. 104:5; Eccl. 1:4.

3. The earth’s environment will be restored.—Isa. 35:1, 2; Rev. 11:18.

4. Everyone will have perfect health.—Isa. 33:24; 35:5, 6.

5. You can live forever on earth.—Ps. 37:29; Matt. 5:5

200

How was a Nazirite’s self-sacrificing spirit tested?

Nazirites had to avoid all alcohol and products of the grapevine, such as grapes and raisins. People around them would have regularly enjoyed such foods and rightly so, since there was nothing wrong with these items. The Bible describes “wine that makes man’s heart rejoice” as a gift from God. (Ps. 104:14, 15) Yet, the Nazirites willingly sacrificed their right to enjoy such things.

200

How does Jehovah guide us?

Primarily, by means of his written Word, the Bible. However, he also uses human representatives. For example, he uses “the faithful and discreet slave” to provide spiritual food that helps us make wise decisions. (Matt. 24:45) Jehovah also uses other capable men to guide us. For example, circuit overseers and congregation elders provide encouragement and instruction that can help us get through difficult times

200

Who were some good examples of those who followed Jehovah’s guidance in the time of Moses?

Jehovah noted: “Caleb . . . kept following after me wholeheartedly.” (Read Numbers 14:24.) God rewarded Caleb, even granting him his preferred choice of land in Canaan. (Josh. 14:12-14) The next generation of Israelites also set a good example in following Jehovah’s guidance. When Joshua succeeded Moses as the appointed leader of the Israelites, they “deeply respected him all the days of his life.”

200

What convinces us that the great crowd will not be abandoned when the anointed go to heaven?

With Christ in charge, his followers here on earth will have nothing to fear. Of course, we do not know every detail about how Christ will lead his people at that time.

200

God

GOD

God has a name.—Ps. 83:18; Jer. 10:10.

God communicates with us.—2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21

God is fair and unbiased.—Deut. 10:17; Acts 10:34, 35.

God wants to help us.—Ps. 46:1; 145:18, 19.

300

Why do Christians today make sacrifices?

some forgo a preferred job, a home, or even a pet. Many have decided to postpone getting married or starting a family. Others have chosen to serve where the need is greater, even though that means living far away from loved ones. Many of us willingly make such sacrifices because we want to give Jehovah our best. Be assured that Jehovah greatly values any sacrifice, large or small, that you choose to make in order to serve him.

300

How did Jehovah guide the Nation of Israel?

Jehovah appointed Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. And He gave the Israelites visible evidence that He was guiding them by means of Moses- Pillar of Cloud/Fire.

Jehovah also raised up judges to guide his people. Afterward, during the time of the kings, Jehovah appointed prophets to guide his people. Faithful kings heeded the counsel of the prophets.

300

Why Some Have Rejected Clear Evidence

In many cases, it has been because of selfish motives. (John 3:19; 2 Pet. 3:3, 4; Jude 18) For example, some Israelites refused to accept Moses as a divinely appointed guide because they were overly concerned with their own status. (Num. 16:1-3) For similar reasons, many rejected Jesus, despite the miracles he performed.

300

According to Revelation 17:14, what will Christ’s anointed be doing during the battle of Armageddon, and why is that encouraging?

So when the last of the anointed on earth are taken to heaven near the end of the great tribulation, one of their first assignments will be to fight.they will serve along with Christ and his holy angels, waging the final war against God’s enemies

300

Jesus said that honesthearted people will recognize the truth when they hear it. (John 10:4, 27) So whenever we speak to people, we want to share simple Bible truths. Try introducing a truth by asking: “Did you know that . . . ?” or “Have you ever heard that . . . ?” Then use the related scripture(s) to explain that truth. Just sharing a simple Bible truth may plant a seed in a person’s heart, and God can make that seed grow!

GOD’S KINGDOM

God’s Kingdom is a real government in heaven.—Dan. 2:44; 7:13, 14; Matt. 6:9, 10; Rev. 11:15

God’s Kingdom will replace human governments.—Ps. 2:7-9; Dan. 2:44

God’s Kingdom is the only solution to mankind’s problems.—Ps. 37:10, 11; 46:9; Isa. 65:21-23.

400

Like the Nazirites, we stand out as different. In what way can we make Jehovah’s heart rejoice when we do this?

We need courage to identify ourselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses at work or at school. And as this world’s attitudes and conduct go from bad to worse, we will likely find it more difficult to live according to Bible principles and share the good news with others. (2 Tim. 1:8; 3:13) Always remember, though, that we “make [Jehovah’s] heart rejoice” when we courageously stand out as different from those who do not serve him.

400

How did Jehovah guide the early Christians?

In the first century C.E., Jehovah formed the Christian congregation. How did he guide those early Christians? He appointed Jesus as head of the congregation.

Jesus used the apostles and the older men in Jerusalem to take the lead.

400

Why can we trust direction that comes from Jehovah’s organization and from appointed elders?

Today the members of the Governing Body continue to look to Christ for guidance. They want the instructions they give to the brothers to reflect heaven’s view of matters. In turn, circuit overseers and elders provide direction to the congregations. Anointed elders are in Christ’s “right hand.”

400

How do we know that all of God’s servants will be safe during the war of Armageddon?

Enter your inner rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for a brief moment until the wrath has passed by.” (Isa. 26:20) All of God’s faithful servants, in heaven and on earth, will be safe during that time. Like the apostle Paul, we are convinced that neither “governments nor things now here nor things to come . . . will be able to separate us from God’s love.” (Rom. 8:38, 39) Always remember: Jehovah loves you, and he will never abandon you

400

JESUS

Jesus was a great teacher whose advice always works.—Matt. 6:14, 15, 34; 7:12.

Jesus foretold events we see today.—Matt. 24:3, 7, 8, 14; Luke 21:10, 11.

Jesus is God’s Son.—Matt. 16:16; John 3:16; 1 John 4:15

Jesus is not God Almighty.—John 14:28; 1 Cor. 11:3.

500

What does the Nazirite arrangement reveal about the confidence Jehovah has in his worshippers?

He is confident that we sincerely desire to please him and that we are willing to make sacrifices to live up to our dedication vow. He dignifies us by letting us express our love for him in a personal way. (Prov. 23:15, 16; Mark 10:28-30; 1 John 4:19) The Nazirite arrangement shows that Jehovah notices and treasures the sacrifices we make to serve him.

500

How does Jehovah guide us today?

He has been doing so by means of his Word and his Son, the head of the congregation.

500

Name the current members of the Governing Body.

500

Describe the picture:

The Governing Body has worked hard to train helpers and to organize schools for training elders, traveling overseers, Branch Committee members, overseers at Bethel, and missionaries all over the world.

500

PRAYER

God wants us to pray to him.—Ps. 62:8; 65:2; 1 Pet. 5:7.

The Bible teaches us how to pray.—Matt. 6:7-13; Luke 11:1-4

We should pray often.—Matt. 7:7, 8; 1 Thess. 5:17