of the coming system of things, but who have fallen away, to revive them again to repentance, because they impale the Son of God afresh for themselves and expose him to public shame.” Such ones had faith, they were blessed by God, only to disown their sonship and be cast off. Exercising faith and strengthening it saves one from coming to such a condition. We are now approaching the great hour of testing at Armageddon. We must show our faith by positive action one way or the other. If we are lukewarm in our devotion to Jehovah, or show lack of faith to move us to action, we shall be cast off.—Rev. 3:10, 16.

28. Why should no one be discouraged from sharing in God’s service?

²⁸ This should not discourage those who are weak in faith or new in understanding, but it should rather spur them on to strengthen their knowledge and faith in God and to increase their service to His honor. Jesus explained that if we have faith even as tiny as a grain of mustard it can move mountains. (Matt. 17:20) Keep your binding chain of faith toward God strong by refreshing your mind constantly on his Word; keep it free and bright by constant use. Inspect it for defects and then remedy them. As Paul wrote: “Keep testing whether you are in the faith, keep proving what you yourselves are.”—2 Cor. 13:5, NW.

29. What does God require of us in addition to faith?

²⁹ If our faith is deep-rooted and founded in accurate knowledge then the little seed of faith will grow and flourish unaffected by the chill of indifference or the heat of persecution. This faith will continue growing as we cultivate it and will be richly blessed by Jehovah. Such faith is closely tied in with other qualities as shown in 2 Peter 1:5-11 (NW). We must make a painstaking effort to supply to our faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, self-control, endurance, godly devotion, brotherly affection and love. “For if these things exist in you and overflow, they will prevent you from being either inactive or unfruitful regarding the accurate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . For this reason, brothers, all the more do your utmost to render the calling and choosing of you firm for yourselves; for if you keep on doing these things you will by no means ever fail.” Therefore be encouraged to press on in faith to Jehovah. Do not be daunted by the trials that may beset a Christian, but rely on the power and Word of God and put your trust in him.

Tested Quality of Faith

1. How are we forearmed against trouble?

THE faith of Jehovah’s witnesses will never be destroyed by times of trouble. We know that the servant is not greater than the Master, and just as Jesus was persecuted and his faith put to the proof, so with his followers today. (John 15:20) We expect trouble from the old-world systems, but our faith is confirmed by it, not destroyed. Satan, who is prophetically referred to as Gog of Magog, is ready to reach out and make war against God’s servants on earth. His forces are pictured as encamped around the open and unarmed