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UNIT 16 (B)
Jehovah Blesses Those Trusting in Him
OPENING DISCUSSION
God’s Word urges us: “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3:5, 6) No one in the universe is more trustworthy than our heavenly Father. Nevertheless, it is easier to read these words in Proverbs than to put them into practice.
◆ Trust is defined as “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.”
Proverbs 3:5 contrasts trusting in Jehovah with leaning on our own understanding, suggesting that we cannot do both. Jehovah gives us powers of understanding, and he expects us to use these in serving him. (Rom. 12:1) Do we trust Jehovah’s wisdom for what it is
QUESTION OUTLINE
Jehovah—A Trustworthy God
What is meant by the expression “loyal love” as used in the Bible? (nwt p. 1703; w04 4/15 p. 14 pars. 10-11) How is Jehovah’s trustworthiness and strength of character firmly anchored in his loyal love? (Ex. 34:6, 7; Deut. 7:7-9, 12; Ps. 136:1-26)
Explain why the meaning or definition of Jehovah’s name is a significant reason for putting trust in him? (Ex. 3:14; ftn.; 6:2-8)
Why is Jehovah the epitome of truth? Give examples of Jehovah’s reliability and integrity. (1 Ki. 8:56; Ps. 31:5; Heb. 6:18)
How did Jehovah demonstrate that he trusted his Son, and what was this confidence based on? (Isa. 53:3-7, 10-12; John 8:29; Acts 8:32-35)
How did Jesus demonstrate that he trusted in Jehovah under challenging circumstances? (Matt. 26:52, 53)
◆ Jehovah takes pleasure in those who trust in him, and he becomes whatever is necessary to bless and protect his people.
Jesus Trusted in His Father
Dramatic Bible reading of Luke 4:1-13. This account will highlight the trust that Jesus placed in his heavenly Father. Once the dramatic Bible reading has concluded, the class will discuss principles and identify lessons from the dramatization. Be prepared to follow along in Luke 4:1-13.
What three enticements identified by the apostle John does Satan use to challenge our loyalty and trust in Jehovah? (1 John 2:15, 16)
How did Satan use each of these enticements to tempt Jesus in the wilderness?
How do Jesus’ responses help us when we are faced with similar challenges to our faith and trust in God? (w13 8/15 p. 25 pars. 8-10)
How did Jesus’ knowledge of the Scriptures enable him to trust in Jehovah and resist temptations?
How does Jesus’ example help us to remain trustworthy in the face of temptation? (Ps. 1:1-3; Jer. 17:5-7)
◆ If we are well-acquainted with the Bible, this will enable us to bring principles and verses to mind that can help us to keep our thinking straight in the face of temptation. Each time Jesus answered Satan, he gave a Scriptural reply, saying “It is written” or, “It is said.”
Imitate a Widow’s Trust
Dramatic Bible reading of 1 Kings 17:8-24. This account will help us to appreciate the confidence and trust that was displayed by the widow of Zarephath. Her situation was critical. Would she trust in Jehovah to save her and her son, or would she put her material needs ahead of gaining God’s approval and friendship? Be prepared to follow along in 1 Kings 17:8-24.
What request did Elijah make of the widow of Zarephath, and what assurance did he give her? (1 Ki. 17:13, 14)
How did the widow put her complete trust in the God of salvation, and how did Jehovah bless and reward her for this? (1 Ki. 17:15, 16)
What does the account of the widow of Zarephath teach us about trusting in Jehovah when we face financial and other difficulties? (Ps. 22:4, 5)
How can meditating on such accounts increase our trust in the resurrection hope? (1 Ki. 17:17-24; 2 Cor. 1:3)
Trust Jehovah’s Promises
How can meditating on past acts of deliverance fortify us for what lies ahead? (Hab. 3:18)
How do the following Scriptural accounts strengthen your faith in Jehovah’s ability to deliver his people?
Read Joshua 23:14.
What evidences are recorded in the Scriptures that verify the words of Joshua to be factual? Compare the following Scriptural promises:
Exodus 3:8; 12:29-32; 16:4, 13-15
Blessings Overtake Those Who Trust in Jehovah
What does Genesis 22:18 imply about God’s blessing? (Gal. 3:16, 29; Rev. 7:4; 14:1)
What do we learn from the promise made at Deuteronomy 28:1, 2?
◆ We can have complete faith in everything Jehovah God says, including his promises for the future. He is the very essence and personification of truth. Jehovah also has the almighty power to protect his trusting ones and to bring all of his grand purposes to glorious success.
