“Righteousness Is Not Defined by Wealth”:

Question 1

Righteousness Is Not Defined by Wealth
FOR MEDITATION: Whether he is rich or poor, what is a righteous person’s priority?​—Lu 12:21; w07 8/1 29 ¶12.

Answer 1

Zophar contended that God removes the wealth of the wicked, implying that Job must have sinned (Job 20:5, 10, 15)

Job countered: ‘Then why do the wicked prosper?’ (Job 21:7-9)

Jesus’ example proves that the righteous may not have material wealth (Lu 9:58)
To Be Rich Toward God

12. Doing what will make us rich toward God?

12 In Jesus’ statement, being rich toward God is set in contrast with laying up material treasures for oneself, or enriching oneself materially. Thus, Jesus was saying that our main concern in life should not be the accumulation of material riches or the enjoyment of what we may possess. Instead, we should use our resources in such a way as to enrich, or build up, our relationship with Jehovah. Doing so will surely make us rich toward God. Why? Because it opens the door to many blessings from him. The Bible tells us: “The blessing of Jehovah​—that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it.”​—Proverbs 10:22.

13. How does Jehovah’s blessing ‘make rich’?

13 When Jehovah bestows blessings on his people, he always gives them the best. (James 1:17) For example, when Jehovah gave the Israelites a home, it was “a land flowing with milk and honey.” Although the land of Egypt had also been described that way, the land that Jehovah gave the Israelites was different in at least one vital respect. It was “a land that Jehovah your God is caring for,” Moses told the Israelites. In other words, they would prosper because Jehovah would be looking after them. As long as the Israelites remained faithful to Jehovah, they were richly blessed by him and enjoyed a way of life that was visibly superior to that of all the nations round about. Yes, it is Jehovah’s blessing that “makes rich”!​—Numbers 16:13; Deuteronomy 4:5-8; 11:8-15.

14. What do those who are rich toward God enjoy?

14 The expression “rich toward God” is also rendered “rich in God’s sight” (Today’s English Version) or “rich in the eyes of God.” (The New Testament in Modern English, by J. B. Phillips) Those who are rich materially are generally concerned with how they might appear in the eyes of others. This is often reflected in their way of life. They want to impress people with what the Bible calls “the showy display of one’s means of life.” (1 John 2:16) In contrast, those who are rich toward God enjoy God’s approval, favor, and undeserved kindness in abundance and have a warm personal relationship with him. Being in such a precious state surely gives them a sense of well-being and security, more than any material riches can provide. (Isaiah 40:11) The question that remains is, What must we do in order to be rich in God’s eyes?

Rich in God’s Eyes

15. What must we do in order to be rich toward God?

15 In Jesus’ illustration, the man planned and worked hard only to enrich himself, and he was called unreasonable. To be rich toward God, therefore, we must endeavor to work hard and have a full share in the activities that are truly valuable and worthwhile in God’s eyes. Among these is what Jesus commanded: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19) Using our time, energy, and talents, not for self-advancement, but in the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work can be likened to making an investment. Those who have done so have reaped rich dividends spiritually, as shown by the following experiences.​—Proverbs 19:17.

16, 17. What experiences can you relate to show the way of life that makes one rich in God’s eyes?

16 Consider the case of a Christian man in a country in the Orient. He had a well-paying job as a computer technician. However, his work occupied practically all his time and left him feeling spiritually impoverished. Finally, instead of trying to get ahead in his job, he quit and took up making ice cream and selling it on the street so that he would have more time to care for his spiritual needs and responsibilities. Former workmates made fun of him, but how did things turn out? “Actually, I was better off financially than when I worked with computers,” he said. “It has made me happier because I do not have the stress and worry that I had with my former job. And most important, I now feel closer to Jehovah.” The change enabled this Christian to enter the full-time ministry, and he is now serving at the branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in his country. Jehovah’s blessing indeed “makes rich.”

17 Another example is that of a woman who grew up in a family in which education was highly valued. She attended universities in France, Mexico, and Switzerland and was headed for a promising career. “Success smiled upon me; prestige and privilege accompanied me,” she said, “but on the inside, there was a void, a deep dissatisfaction.” Then she learned about Jehovah. She said: “As I progressed spiritually, my desire to please Jehovah and to return a little of what he had given me helped me to see clearly the road to take​—serve him full-time.” She resigned from her position and was soon baptized. For the past 20 years, she has happily served in the full-time ministry. “Some think that I have wasted my talents,” she relates, “but they recognize that I am happy, and they admire the principles by which I live my life. Every day I pray to Jehovah to help me to be humble so as to have his approval.”

18. Like Paul, how can we be rich toward God?

18 Saul, who became the apostle Paul, had a promising career ahead of him. Yet, he later wrote: “I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:7, 8) To Paul, the riches he gained through Christ excelled anything that the world could offer. Likewise, by relinquishing any selfish ambitions and pursuing a life of godly devotion, we too can enjoy a life that is rich in God’s eyes. God’s Word assures us: “The result of humility and the fear of Jehovah is riches and glory and life.”​—Proverbs 22:4.

Can You Explain?

• What problem did the man in Jesus’ illustration have?
• Why was the man in the parable called unreasonable?
• What does it mean to be rich toward God?

Question 2

Job 20:2​—How can the elders help those contending with “troubling thoughts”? (w95 1/1 9 ¶19)

Question 3

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY review

Answer 3

Initial Call: (2 min.) Use the sample conversation topic. (th study 1)

Return Visit: (5 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and demonstrate a Bible study. (th study 6)

Talk: (5 min.) g 5/09 12-13​—Theme: Does God Want You to Be Rich? (th study 17)

Question 4

“Be ‘Content With the Present Things’”: (15 min.) Discussion and video.

Answer 4

If we have little materially, we could be tempted to make compromises that could be damaging to our spirituality. For example, we may receive an opportunity to make a lot of money that comes at a spiritual cost. Meditating on Hebrews 13:5 will help us.

“Let your way of life be free of the love of money”

Prayerfully examine your attitude toward money, and think about the example you are setting for your children.​—g 9/15 6.

“While you are content with the present things”

Adjust your view of what you truly need.​—w16.07 7 ¶1-2.

“I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you”

Trust that Jehovah will help you to obtain life’s necessities if you continue to put the Kingdom first.​—w14 4/15 21 ¶17.

Collage: Scenes from the video “How Our Brothers Are Enjoying Peace Despite Economic Problems.” 1. Miguel kneads dough next to an outdoor oven. 2. He irons clothes. 3. He looks in a mirror and smiles as he gets ready to go to work at a hardware store.
WATCH THE VIDEO HOW OUR BROTHERS ARE ENJOYING PEACE DESPITE ECONOMIC PROBLEMS, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

What did you learn from the experience of Miguel Novoa?

Question 5

Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) bt chap. 2 ¶16-23 review

Answer 5

“Designate Which One . . . You Have Chosen” (Acts 1:13-26)
16-18. (a) From Acts 1:13, 14, what do we learn about Christian gatherings for worship? (b) What can we learn from the example set by Jesus’ mother, Mary? (c) Why are Christian meetings vital today?

16 It is little wonder that the apostles “returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” (Luke 24:52) How, though, would they respond to Christ’s guidance and instruction? In verses 13 and 14 of Acts chapter 1, we find them gathered in an “upper room” and we learn some interesting details about such gatherings. Houses in Palestine at that time often had an upstairs room, accessible by an outside stairway. Might this “upper room” have been atop the house mentioned at Acts 12:12, which belonged to the mother of Mark? At any rate, it was likely a simple, functional place for Christ’s followers to gather. But who gathered, and what did they do?

17 Notice that the gathering was not limited to the apostles, nor just to men. “Some women” were there, including Jesus’ mother, Mary. This is the last direct mention of her in the Bible. It is fitting to think of her in that setting, not seeking prominence, but humbly gathering to worship with her spiritual brothers and sisters. It must have been a comfort to her that her four other sons, who had not been believers during Jesus’ lifetime, were now with her. (Matt. 13:55; John 7:5) Since their half brother’s death and resurrection, they were changed men.​—1 Cor. 15:7.

18 Note, too, why these disciples gathered: “With one purpose all of these were persisting in prayer.” (Acts 1:14) Gathering together has always been essential to Christian worship. We gather to encourage one another, to receive instruction and counsel and, above all, to join in worship of our heavenly Father, Jehovah. Our prayers and songs of praise at such times are very pleasing to him and vital for us. May we never forsake these sacred and upbuilding gatherings!​—Heb. 10:24, 25.

19-21. (a) What do we learn from the active role that Peter played in the congregation? (b) Why did Judas need to be replaced, and what can we learn from the way the matter was handled?

19 Those followers of Christ now faced an important organizational need, and the apostle Peter took the lead in addressing it. (Verses 15-26) Is it not comforting to note how far Peter had come in the weeks since he had three times denied his Lord? (Mark 14:72) We are all prone to sin, and we need reminders that Jehovah is “good and ready to forgive” those who sincerely repent.​—Ps. 86:5.

20 Peter perceived that Judas, the apostle who had betrayed Jesus, should be replaced. But by whom? The new apostle should be one who had followed Jesus throughout his ministry and had witnessed his resurrection. (Acts 1:21, 22) That was in harmony with Jesus’ own promise: “You who have followed me will sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel.” (Matt. 19:28) Jehovah evidently purposed to have 12 apostles who followed Jesus during his earthly ministry form the future “12 foundation stones” of New Jerusalem. (Rev. 21:2, 14) God thus allowed Peter to see that the prophecy, “his office of oversight let someone else take,” applied to Judas.​—Ps. 109:8.

21 How was the selection made? By casting lots, a common practice in Bible times. (Prov. 16:33) However, this is the last time that the Bible shows lots being used in this way. Evidently, the later outpouring of holy spirit rendered that method obsolete. Note, though, why lots were used. The apostles prayed: “You, O Jehovah, who know the hearts of all, designate which one of these two men you have chosen.” (Acts 1:23, 24) They wanted the choice to be Jehovah’s. Matthias, likely one of the 70 disciples whom Jesus had sent out to preach, was chosen. Thus, Matthias became one of “the Twelve.” c​—Acts 6:2.

22, 23. Why should we be submissive and obedient to those taking the lead in the congregation today?

22 This incident reminds us of the importance of organization among God’s people. To this day, responsible men are selected to serve as overseers in the congregation. The elders carefully consider the Scriptural qualifications required of such overseers, and they pray for the guidance of holy spirit. The congregation thus views such men as appointed by holy spirit. For our part, we remain submissive and obedient to their lead, promoting a cooperative spirit in the congregation.​—Heb. 13:17.

A body of elders meeting together.
We remain submissive and obedient to the lead of appointed overseers

23 Now that those disciples had been strengthened by Jesus’ resurrection appearances and fortified by organizational refinements, they were fully prepared for what lay ahead. The next chapter will discuss that momentous event.