Page 5: The husband, who is the head of the household, ought to show unselfish love by seeking his wife's best interests. He is to live with her "according to knowledge" and should not get "bitterly angry" with her. The wife is to treat her husband with "deep respect." If marriage mates follow these principles, most marital difficulties can be avoided or overcome. The husband will want to stick to his wife and the wife to her husband.
Note: True Christians will allow Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit to become selfless.
Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Page 6: Sticking faithfully to a marriage mate demands strength of character and love of principle. The same qualities are required to remain honest in a dishonest world. The Bible has much to say about honesty. The apostle Paul wrote to first-century Christians in Judea: "We wish to conduct ourselves honestly in all things." (Hebrews 13:18) What does that mean?
Answer: True Christians will allow the Father through the Son to help them live honestly.
Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Pages 6-7: God's Word promises that Jehovah's Messianic Kingdom will soon take over the governing of all human society on earth. Under that Kingdom all its subjects will be taught to live in accordance with Bible morals. At that time, "the righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." - Psalm 37:29.
Note: The spiritual kingdom of God has already taken over the lives of true Christians.
Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Page 7: Doing so, they greatly improve their own lives, and they also benefit those around them. And they develop a firm confidence in "the life ... which is to come," when Bible morality will be followed by all mankind. - 1 Timothy 4:8.
Note: True Christians have an abundant spiritual life now.
John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Page 7: Those who have come to know Jehovah have a different view. They gladly follow Scriptural guidelines because they love Jehovah and want to please him. They recognize that Jehovah loves them and gives direction that is for their good, direction that will truly benefit them and make them happy. (Isaiah 48:17)
Note: True Christians personally know the Father since they know the Son.
John 8:19 Then they said to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also."
Note: True Christians are loved by the Father since they are in love with Jesus Christ.
John 14:21 "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."
Page 7: Since God is the Source of life it is reasonable that they should look to him for guidance in how they use their bodies, especially in this matter that is so closely linked to the transmission of life.
Note: Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Source of eternal life?
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
Pages 7-8: In contrast with today's secular world, some in Christendom have taught that sexual relations are shameful, sinful, and that the "original sin" in the garden of Eden was the sexual seduction of Adam by Eve.
Note: Only half of Christendom are represented by true Christians.
Matthew 25:1-2 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish."
Page 9: By our maintaining chaste conduct, we can also do much to counter misconceptions about true worship and attract people to the God we worship. The apostle Peter wrote: "Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers, they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for his inspection." (1 Peter 2:12)
Note: True godly righteousness comes only through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:4-5 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Page 9: Even if those who do not serve Jehovah fail to recognize or approve of our chaste conduct, we can be certain that our heavenly Father sees, approves, and even rejoices in our efforts to follow his direction. - Proverbs 27:11, Hebrews 4:13.
Note: True Christians have ceased from their works through sincere faith in Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 4:10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
Page 9: Faith in God involves confidence that he knows what is best for us, even if we do not fully grasp all the reasons why he directs us in the way that he does.
Note: True Christians have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Page 10: Further, the account of Joseph's integrity was recorded 3,500 years ago for the consideration of God's servants ever since. What wonderful blessings for adhering to God's righteous laws! Similarly, we today may not always see the immediate benefits of maintaining moral integrity, but we can be assured that Jehovah sees and will bless us in due time.
Correction: God rewarded Joseph for his faithfulness or sincere belief.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Page 12: In moral integrity, the Shulammite set an excellent example for Christian women today. Jehovah saw and appreciated the virtue of the Shulammite girl and blessed her just as he blessed Joseph and Job. For our guidance, their acts of integrity are recorded in God's Word. While our efforts to keep integrity today are not recorded in the Bible, Jehovah has a "book of remembrance" for those seeking to do his will. Let us never forget that Jehovah is "paying attention" and rejoices as we loyally strive to keep morally clean. - Malachi 3:16.
Correction: God will remember sincere God-focused faith not self-focused works.
Romans 3:27-28 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
Page 12: Although those without faith may scoff, we rejoice in our obedience to our loving Creator. We have a higher morality, a godly morality. It is something to be proud of, something to treasure. By maintaining a clean moral standing, we can delight in God's blessing and can maintain a bright hope of endless future blessings.
Correction: God will remember sincere God-focused faith not self-focused works.
Romans 4:2-3 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
Page 12: LONG ago, the prophet Malachi was inspired to foretell a time when the conduct of God's people would stand in dramatic contrast with that of people who do not serve God. The prophet wrote: "You people will again certainly see the distinction between a righteous one and a wicked one, between one serving God and one who has not served him." (Malachi 3:18)
Note: True Christians serve God through sincere faith or belief in Jesus Christ the Savior.
Romans 3:20-22 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.
Page 12: The keeping of God's commandments, including those requiring moral cleanness, is the wise and proper course in life. Yet, it is not always an easy course. For good reason, Jesus said that Christians must exert themselves vigorously to gain salvation. - Luke 13:23, 24.
Correction: Have you entered salvation by the narrow gate of Jesus Christ?
Luke 13:24 And He said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able."
John 10:9 "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."
Page 12: Why is it difficult to remain morally chaste? One reason is that there are external pressures. The entertainment industry portrays illicit sex as glamorous, pleasurable, and adult, while virtually ignoring its negative consequences. (Ephesians 4:17-19)
Note: Trying to maintain the law through good works will increase selfish desire leading to sin.
Romans 7:9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.
Page 13: Internal pressure also makes it difficult to remain morally chaste. Jehovah created humans with sexual desires, and those desires can be strong. Desire has a lot to do with what we think, and immorality is linked to thinking that does not harmonize with Jehovah's thoughts.
Note: True Christians will have Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit directing their lives.
Romans 8:9-10 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Page 13: To remain morally chaste, we must recognize that following such a life-style is worth while. This is in harmony with what the apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Rome: "Prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)
Note: True Christians will have Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit directing their lives.
Romans 8:13-14 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Page 13: Really, though, for Christians the most powerful reasons for avoiding sexual immorality are derived from our relationship with God. We have learned that he knows what is best for us. Our love for him will help us to hate what is bad. (Psalm 97:10)
Note: Do you love Jesus Christ?
John 14:21 "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."
Page 13: God is the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect present." (James 1:17) He loves us. By our obedience to him, we show that we love him and appreciate all that he has done for us. (1 John 5:3)
Note: Are in obedience to the Father through sincere faith in the Son?
1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith.
Page 13: Once we have resolved to remain morally chaste, a further protection is to make that conviction known to others. Let people know that you are a servant of Jehovah God and that you are determined to maintain his high standards. It is you life, your body, your choice.
Correction: True Christians will let people know about Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
Page 14: Be proud to represent God by upholding his principles. (Psalm 64:10) Never be ashamed to discuss your moral convictions with others. Speaking out can fortify you, protect you, and encourage others to follow your example. - 1 Timothy 4:12.
Correction: True Christians will not be ashamed to let people know about Jesus Christ.
Mark 8:38 "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the good news of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Page 14: Next, having determined to maintain a high moral standard and having made our position known, we must take measures to stick to our determination. One way to do this is to be careful when choosing friends. "He that is walking with wise persons will become wise," states the Bible. Associate with those who share your moral values; they will strengthen you. This scripture also says: "But he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly." (Proverbs 13:20) To the extent possible, avoid people who may weaken your resolve.
Correction: True Christians will not be personally involved with unbelievers.
2 Corinthians 6:14-15 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
Page 14: Further, we need to feed our minds on things that are true, serious, righteous, chaste, lovable, well spoken of, virtuous, and praise worthy. (Philippians 4:8) We do this by being selective in what we watch and read and in the music we listen to.
Correction: True Christians will be guarded by the Father through the Son.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Pages 14-15: Note that the young man in the account was "in want of heart." This expression tells us that his thoughts, desires, affections, emotions, and goals in life were not in harmony with what God approves. His moral weakness led to tragic consequences. In these critical "last days," it takes effort to build moral strength. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Correction: True Christians will be focused on Jesus Christ not themselves.
2 Timothy 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Page 15: God makes provision to help us. He provides meetings of the Christian congregation to encourage us along the right path and to bring us into contact with others who have the same goal that we do. (Hebrews 10:24, 25)
Note: True Christians have the full assurance of being saved thanks to Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:19-22 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Page 16: Jehovah forgave David. Why? Because David was a man of integrity, because he was merciful to others, and because his repentance was genuine.
Correction: No one can have integrity toward God since everyone has sinned.
Psalm 51:3-4 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight; That You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge.
Correction: David was not merciful toward Uriah.
2 Samuel 11:15 And he wrote in the letter, saying, "Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die."
Page 16: If we personally have erred seriously, it is easy to feel disheartened while suffering the consequences of the mistakes we have made. Nevertheless, we should let nothing hold us back from repenting and becoming reconciled to God.
Note: Christians have been reconciled to the Father through faith in the death of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
Page 16: During the first century, Paul wrote to the Corinthians that they should remove from the congregation a man who was practicing incestuous fornication. (1 Corinthians 5:1, 13)
Note: True Christians will not lose their salvation though sin will have consequences.
1 Corinthians 5:4-5 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Page 16: "Happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it!" said Jesus. (Luke 11:28) Obedience to God's righteous requirements brings happiness now and into the endless future.
Correction: God's righteous requirements were fulfilled for us in Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Page 17: Soon this unrighteous world will pass away, along with all its immoral attitudes and practices. By maintaining moral chasteness, we will be benefited now and forever. The apostle Peter wrote: "Beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace .... Having this advance knowledge, be on your guard that you may not be led away with them by the error of the law-defying people and fall from your own steadfeastness." - 2 Peter 3:14, 17.
Correction: You cannot earn your own salvation as the Watch Tower teaches.
2 Peter 3:14-16 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
Page 18: While on earth, Jesus was "rich toward God." (Luke 12:21) After his resurrection, God rewarded him by crowning him "with glory and honor." Jehovah exalted his Son "to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name."
Note: True Christians will do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ not Jehovah.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Page 18: Jesus' life course made Jehovah's heart rejoice. (Proverbs 27:11) His earthly life was successful because it achieved its purpose. Jesus did God's will and brought honor to His name.
Note: Have you put your sincere belief and trust into the Lord Jesus Christ?
John 6:40 "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."
Pages 18-19: In turn, God honored Jesus with wealth, favor, and eminence of a kind that no academic, politician, or sports hero will ever experience. Jesus was truly the most successful man who ever walked the earth.
Correction: Jesus Christ was the perfect God-Man and you are not.
Exodus 3:14 And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
John 8:58-59 Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Note: The Watch Tower has the same attitude the Pharisees had toward the Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 19: Christian parents realize that if their young ones follow in Christ's footsteps, becoming rich toward God in the sense that Jesus was, they will reap rich blessings now and enjoy unimaginable rewards in the coming system of things. There is no better way for a young person to follow in Christ's footsteps than to do the work that Jesus did - by engaging in the full-time ministry if that is possible.
Note: To follow Jesus Christ is to be focused upon Him.
John 15:4-5 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
Page 20: There are many gifted people among Jehovah's Witnesses. Some have outstanding intellectual abilities; others are talented in manual activities. All these gifts come from Jehovah, who gives "to all persons life and breath and all things." (Acts 17:25) Without life, these gifts would be of no value.
Note: Paul used his gifts to preach Jesus Christ. Will you?
Acts 17:2-3 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ."
Page 20: It is only proper, then, that we use our dedicated lives in Jehovah's service. That is what one talented young man decided to do. He lived in the first century C.E. A member of a prominent family, he spent his youth in the well-known city of Tarsus of Cilicia. Although Jewish by birth, he inherited Roman citizenship from his father. That entitled him to many rights and privileges. When he grew older, he studied the Law with one of the foremost "professors" of the time - Gamaliel. It seemed that before long, 'wealth, favor, and eminence' would be his. - Acts 21:39; 22:3, 27, 28.
Note: After his conversion, Paul was ready to die for Jesus Christ. Would you?
Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Page 20: Who was this young man? His name was Saul. But Saul became a Christian and eventually became the apostle Paul. He set aside his original aspirations and devoted his entire life to Jehovah's service as a Christian.
Note: True Christians will preach and serve Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:1-4 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
Page 20: Paul became known, not as a distinguished lawyer, but as a zealous preacher of the good news. After spending almost 30 years as a missionary, Paul wrote a letter to friends in Philippi. In it he reviewed some of his past accomplishments before he became a Christian, and then he said: "On account of (Jesus Christ) I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:8) No, Paul did not regret the way he had used his life!
Note: Have you gained Jesus Christ? Is Jesus Christ "first-place" in your life?
Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Page 20: What about the training Paul received from Gamaliel? Was it ever useful to him? Yes! On several occasions he contributed to "the defending and legally establishing of the good news." But Paul's main work was being a preacher of the good news - something his earlier schooling could never have taught him - Philippians 1:7; Acts 26:24, 25.
Note: The "good news" concerns Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the good news which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you; unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
Pages 20-21: Of course, it is vital to have the proper view of success in the Christian ministry itself. It is not hard to feel successful when we have spent an enjoyable time in the field ministry, placing Bible literature or engaging householders in stimulating Bible discussions.
Note: True Christians will preach Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:22-24 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Page 21: You will recall that Jesus dispatched 70 Kingdom preachers "into every city and place to which he himself was going to come." (Luke 10:1) They were to preach in the towns and villages unaccompanied by Jesus.
Note: Jesus Christ also instructed His 70 disciples to stay in one house per town.
Luke 10:7 "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house."
Page 21: Hence, Jesus gave them detailed instructions before sending them out. When they met "a friend of peace," they were to give him a thorough witness concerning the Kingdom. However, when they were rebuffed, they were to go on their way, unconcerned.
Note: The Kingdom of God is spiritual not physical.
Luke 10:9-11 "And heal the sick there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 'The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.'"
Page 21: When the 70 completed their preaching assignment, they reported back to Jesus "with joy, saying: 'Lord, even the demons are made subject to us by the use of your name.'" (Luke 10:17) It must have been exciting for those imperfect men to expel powerful spirit creatures!
Note: True Christians will minister and preach in the name of Jesus Christ. Are you?
Luke 24:46-47 Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
Page 28: Most first-century Christians were not socially prominent. Paul noted that among them were "not many powerful." They were "the weak things of the world," "the ignoble things of the world." (1 Corinthians 1:26-28)
Note: First-century Christians did everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ not Jehovah.
1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Page 30: The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses would like to take this opportunity to express deep gratitude to everyone whose heart has impelled him to share in this voluntary giving. And we can be confident that Jehovah's spirit will continue to stir the hearts of his people to support the needs of the ever-expanding Kingdom work.
Correction: The Holy Spirit will empower Christians to be Jesus Witnesses.
John 15:26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me."
Backcover: At the same time, there is basis for optimism. Jehovah God promises to bring about world peace, not by patching up this system of things, but by bringing about "a new earth" in which "righteousness is to dwell." (2 Peter 3:13) Yes, by means of God's Kingdom, our globe will be transformed into a peaceful, happy home, where life and work will be a constant joy for all obedient mankind.
Correction: True Christians have peace now through the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you have peace?
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."