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Template:PD Help Page/coreCOMING TO KNOW GOD “MEANS EVERLASTING LIFE” (4 min.) Those who come to know Jehovah God and his Son have the prospect of everlasting life [Read John 17:3] Gaining life requires more than just acknowledging that God exists or knowing a few facts about him (Jas 2:19) Our claiming to know God and Jesus does not automatically make our worship acceptable (Mt 7:21-23) The Samaritans had some knowledge of Jehovah, but they worshipped ‘what they did not know’ (Joh 4:22-24; w02 7/15 15 ˚1-3) HOW CAN YOU COME TO KNOW JEHOVAH? (10 min.) Read the Bible regularly; take note of and meditate on God’s qualities, feelings, decisions, and actions (Ps 77:11, 12) As you read, ask yourself, ‘What does this teach me about Jehovah?’ (cl 312 ˚7-8) Strive to imitate Jehovah when you make decisions (Eph 5:1) When you see the positive results of making godly decisions, you will gain insight into why Jehovah feels as he does about the way he wants us to live our lives Speak to Jehovah often in prayer (w14 2/15 25 ˚18-21) Ask Jehovah to help you to grow in knowledge of him and to apply what you learn (Lu 11:13; w11 12/15 16-17 ˚18-19; w04 12/15 14-15 ˚12-14) Develop a close personal relationship with Jehovah Those with such a relationship are aware of Jehovah’s loving interest in them and realize that their actions affect him (w15 4/15 22-23 ˚14, 16; w11 7/1 10) Abraham is an example of one who cultivated a friendship with God (Jas 2:23; w14 2/15 21-22 ˚3-5) DEMONSTRATE THAT YOU KNOW GOD (13 min.) Obeying God’s commands is an essential part of knowing him [Read 1 John 2:4] The ancient nation of Israel often disobeyed God Although they did not forget Jehovah’s identity, their actions revealed that they did not really know Jehovah (Ho 4:1, 6; it-2 181 ˚3; jd 57-59 ˚4-6) In contrast, King Josiah “upheld justice and righteousness,” showing by his actions that he knew God (Jer 22:15, 16; jr 140-142) We show that we know God when we follow his guidance in every aspect of life, even in such personal matters as family life (lv 41-43 ˚12-14) A husband should show Christlike love for his wife, both in public and in private (Eph 5:28, 29; w09 5/15 19-20) A wife should respect her husband’s authority and help him fulfill his role as family head (Eph 5:22; w09 7/15 9 ˚8-10) Children should follow Bible laws and obey their parents, even when out of their sight (Eph 6:1-3; yp2 136-141) Associate with those who know and love Jehovah We would distance ourselves from Jehovah if we were to choose associates whom he rejects (Ps 15:1-5) This includes those we invite into our home through entertainment (Ps 97:10) When we love those whom Jehovah loves, we demonstrate our love for God (1Jo 4:8) When we demonstrate that we truly know God, we become known by him in return (Ga 4:9; 2Ti 2:19; w11 9/15 25 ˚1-4) THOSE WHO KNOW GOD ENJOY BLESSINGS (3 min.) Our being known by God means that he recognizes us with approval Jehovah loyally cares for those who are known by him (2Ch 16:9a; w14 4/15 31 ˚17-20) By coming to know Jehovah now, we have the prospect of knowing him for eternity [Adhere closely to the outlined material, and observe the indicated timing of each section. Not all cited texts need to be read or commented on. See Ministry School book, pages 52-55, 166-169] HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW GOD? Note to the speaker: Knowing God involves more than knowing facts about him. We must become intimately acquainted with Jehovah’s deeds and qualities and act in harmony with that knowledge. Motivate listeners to come to know Jehovah well and gain his approval No. 1-E 9/15 TO BE COVERED IN 30 MINUTES ˘ 2015 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania