Walk in the Way of Integrity

OPENING DISCUSSION

When Satan rebelled in the garden of Eden, he raised the universal issue of the rightfulness of God’s sovereignty over all His creatures. At a later time, he challenged that humans would serve God only as long as doing so was to their selfish advantage. (Job 1:9-11; 2:4) Thus, man’s integrity has become an important part of the issue of Jehovah’s universal sovereignty.

While God’s sovereignty is not dependent on the integrity of his creatures, humans and spirit sons of God can demonstrate where they stand on this issue. How? By choosing to follow a course of integrity or not. An individual’s integrity, then, is a solid basis on which he or she can be judged.

Walking in integrity requires loyal attachment to God, even in unfavorable circumstances. When we bear up under trials, remain firm despite adversities, or resist temptations from this ungodly world, our integrity becomes evident. We ‘make Jehovah’s heart rejoice’ in that he is able to make a reply to the one who taunts him. (Prov. 27:11) With good reason then, we can resolve as Job did: “Until I die, I will not renounce my integrity!”—Job 27:5.

QUESTION OUTLINE

What It Means to Walk in the Way of Integrity

What does the word “integrity” mean? (w04 12/1 p. 13 par. 4)

How does Psalm 119:1-3 describe a person who is walking in the way of integrity? What will help us to stay on the course of integrity?

Maintaining Our Integrity and Neutrality Under Trial

Christian neutrality is inseparably linked to our acceptance of Jehovah as both the Universal Sovereign and the Sovereign of our lives. Our uncompromising stand does not just happen by accident. We must take a stand for Jehovah and his established Kingdom and then remain loyal to him.—Read Matthew 22:21.

What does Christian neutrality involve? In what ways have Christians always maintained neutrality? (lv p. 51 pars. 3-4; p. 52 box)

What are some ways that true Christians have taken a neutral position in the following areas?

• Wars (it-1 p. 175 pars. 5-6)

• Politics, voting (lv p. 213 par. 3)

• Flags, national symbols, anthems (lv p. 212 par. 1–p. 213 par. 2)

What test of integrity may Christians face? What questions might a Christian ask himself? (John 15:17-21; 17:14, 16; 18:36; lv p. 55 box)

Why is close cooperation among the brothers especially important when we are threatened by our enemies? (1 Cor. 12:25, 26; yb04 pp. 219-220 box)

What attitude should we display regarding the preaching work during times of persecution and bans? (Acts 5:29; km 2/94 p. 4 pars. 11-12)

Why is complete reliance on Jehovah vital when we are facing persecution? (Phil. 1:27-30; 4:6, 7; w11 1/15 p. 29 par. 15)

Why can we be confident of Jehovah’s support? (1 Chron. 29:17; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Pet. 2:9; w10 11/15 p. 32 par. 20)

Integrity Under Trial

What quality is often enhanced as a result of opposition and persecution, and with what result? (Matt. 5:10; Jas. 1:2-4; w03 10/1 p. 13 par. 18)

What preparations should each of us make now in order to endure future persecution? (w85 11/15 pp. 11-15 pars. 6-26)

Despite bans and persecution, what assurance do we have that those who oppose us will never prevail? (Isa. 54:17; Jer. 1:19; Acts 5:40, 41; 1 Pet. 3:13, 14; w00 4/1 p. 22 par. 17)

Applying Bible Principles—The Key to Integrity

Answer the following questions based on Romans 13:1-7 and the cited references.

• Why does subjection to the superior authorities not mean subjection to Satan? (w96 5/1 p. 10 par. 3)

• What was Jesus’ attitude toward the politics of his day? (w96 5/1 p. 12 par. 9)

• What counsel did Jesus give his followers as to their dealings with Caesar? (w96 5/1 p. 12 par. 9)

• How did Paul counsel Christians to deal with the rulers of the nations? (w96 5/1 p. 12 par. 11)

• In balancing his relationship with Caesar and with Jehovah, what is a Christian’s first concern? (w96 5/1 p. 15 par. 2)

• What do we owe Jehovah that we can never give to Caesar? (w96 5/1 p. 16 par. 6)

• What Scriptures help us make a correct decision in the matter of compulsory military service? (w96 5/1 p. 19 par. 15)

• What are some things to keep in mind if we are called for nonmilitary national civilian service? (w96 5/1 p. 20 par. 20)

• What are some things that we properly give back to Caesar? (w96 5/1 pp. 16-17 pars. 7-8)

• Regarding Jehovah and Caesar, what do we keep on doing? (w96 5/1 p. 20 par. 22)

Based on this discussion of Bible principles, how could you reason on the following situations that may be raised by the secular authorities?

You are forbidden to . . .

• preach the good news.

• go from house to house.

• distribute literature from house to house.

• hold Christian meetings.

You are required by law to . . .

• register and vote in a local or national election.

• register for a national census.

• obtain legal documents before crossing political boundaries.

• acquire a license to get married.

• register the birth of your child.

Relate other situations that you face locally.