Our Christian Life and Ministry. January 27 through February 2 [Press play below to hear the Meeting Workbook]
[Press play below to hear Psalms 140 through 143]
[Click to read Bible chapters]|[Psalm 140 through 143] Psalm 140. For the director. A melody of David. 1 Rescue me, O Jehovah, from evil men; Protect me from violent men, 2 Those who scheme evil in their hearts And stir up conflict all day long. 3 They sharpen their tongue like that of a serpent; Venom of vipers is behind their lips. 4 Protect me, O Jehovah, from the hands of the wicked; Safeguard me from violent men, Those who scheme to trip me. 5 The haughty ones hide a trap for me; With ropes they spread out a net beside the path. They set snares for me. 6 I say to Jehovah: “You are my God. Listen, O Jehovah, to my pleas for help.” 7 O Jehovah the Sovereign Lord, my strong Savior, You shield my head in the day of battle. 8 Do not grant, O Jehovah, the desires of the wicked. Do not let their plots succeed, so that they are not exalted. 9 May the heads of those surrounding me Be covered with the evil spoken by their lips. 10 May burning coals rain down on them. May they be hurled into the fire, Into deep pits, never to rise again. 11 May the slanderer find no place on the earth. May evil pursue men of violence and strike them down. 12 I know that Jehovah will defend the lowly And give justice to the poor. 13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name; The upright will dwell before your face. Psalm 141. A melody of David. 1 O Jehovah, I call on you. Come quickly to help me. Do pay attention when I call to you. 2 May my prayer be as incense prepared before you, My uplifted hands like the evening grain offering. 3 Station a guard for my mouth, O Jehovah, Do set a watch over the door of my lips. 4 Do not let my heart incline to anything bad, To share in vile deeds with evil men; May I never feast on their delicacies. 5 Should the righteous one strike me, it would be an act of loyal love; Should he reprove me, it would be like oil on my head, Which my head would never refuse. My prayer will continue even during their calamities. 6 Though their judges are thrown down from the cliff, The people will pay attention to my words, for they are pleasant. 7 Just as when someone plows and breaks up the soil, So our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the Grave. 8 But my eyes look to you, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah. In you I have taken refuge. Do not take away my life. 9 Protect me from the jaws of the trap they have laid for me, From the snares of evildoers. 10 The wicked will fall into their own nets all together While I pass by safely. Psalm 142. Maskil. Of David when he was in the cave. A prayer. 1 With my voice I call to Jehovah for help; With my voice I plead with Jehovah for favor. 2 Before him I pour out my concern; Before him I tell about my distress 3 When my spirit fails within me. Then you watch my roadway. In the path where I walk, They hide a trap for me. 4 Look at my right hand and see That no one cares about me. There is nowhere I can flee; No one is concerned about me. 5 I call to you, O Jehovah, for help. I say: “You are my refuge, All I have in the land of the living.” 6 Pay attention to my cry for help, For I have been brought very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than I am. 7 Bring me out of the dungeon To praise your name. May the righteous gather around me Because you deal kindly with me. Psalm 143. A melody of David. 1 O Jehovah, hear my prayer; Listen to my plea for help. In your faithfulness and in your righteousness, answer me. 2 Do not enter into judgment with your servant, For no one living can be righteous before you. 3 For the enemy pursues me; He has crushed my life into the ground. He has caused me to dwell in darkness like those long dead. 4 My spirit is failing; My heart is numb within me. 5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all your activity; I eagerly ponder over the work of your hands. 6 I spread out my hands to you; I am like a parched land that thirsts for you. 7 Do answer me quickly, O Jehovah; My strength has come to an end. Do not hide your face from me, Or I will be like those going down into the pit. 8 Let me hear your loyal love in the morning, For I trust in you. Make known to me the way I should walk, For to you I turn. 9 Rescue me from my enemies, O Jehovah. I seek your protection. 10 Teach me to do your will, For you are my God. Your spirit is good; May it lead me on level ground. 11 For the sake of your name, O Jehovah, preserve me alive. In your righteousness, rescue me from distress. 12 In your loyal love, put an end to my enemies; Destroy all those harassing me, For I am your servant. [End of Bible chapters] [Click to close]
Song 44 A Prayer of the Lowly One. Based on Psalm 4.1
1. Jehovah God, I call to you and ask you.
“Hear my prayer.”
My wounds are deep and slow to heal;
my load is hard to bear.
Despondent thoughts and disappointed hopes
have left me weak.
O God of comfort, care for me;
your favor I do seek.
Do raise me up; help me endure.
When I’m in doubt, make my hope sure.
From deep despair, I turn to you.
Jehovah God, my strength renew.
2. Your Word has been my comfort and
a refuge when I’m weak,
Expressing feelings dear to me
in words I cannot speak.
Please build in me the faith and trust
that your Word does impart.
And help me always know your love
is greater than my heart.
Do raise me up; help me endure.
When I’m in doubt, make my hope sure.
From deep despair, I turn to you.
Jehovah God, my strength renew.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Treasures From God’s Word 1. Act in Harmony With Your Pleas for Help (10 minutes)
Be willing to accept advice or counsel
[Inserted scripture] Psalm 141.5: Should the righteous one strike me, it would be an act of loyal love; Should he reprove me, it would be like oil on my head, Which my head would never refuse. My prayer will continue even during their calamities. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2022.02 page 12 paragraphs 13 and 14] View counsel as an expression of God’s love. Jehovah wants what is best for us.
[Quotation] Proverbs 4.20 through 22: My son, pay attention to my words; Listen carefully to my sayings. 21 Do not lose sight of them; Keep them deep within your heart, 22 For they are life to those who find them And health to their whole body. [End Quotation]
When he counsels us by means of his Word, a Bible-based publication, or a mature fellow believer, he is expressing his love for us. “He does so for our benefit,” says Hebrews 12.9 and 10.
[Quotation] Hebrews 12.9 and 10: Furthermore, our human fathers used to discipline us, and we gave them respect. Should we not more readily submit ourselves to the Father of our spiritual life and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time according to what seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit so that we may partake of his holiness. [End Quotation]
14. Focus on the content, not the delivery. At times, we may feel that the counsel we received was not given in the best manner. Of course, anyone giving counsel should try to make it as easy as possible to accept.
[Quotation] Galatians 6.1: Brothers, even if a man takes a false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness. But keep an eye on yourself, for fear you too may be tempted. [End Quotation]
But if we are the one being counseled, we do well to focus on the message, even if we feel that it could have been delivered in a better way. We might ask ourselves: ‘Even if I do not appreciate the manner in which the counsel was given, is there some truth to what was said? Can I look past the imperfections of the messenger and benefit from the message itself?’ It would be wise on our part to find a way to benefit from any counsel we receive.
[Quotation] Proverbs 15.31: The one who listens to life-giving reproof Is at home among the wise. [End Quotation] [End of reference material]
Meditate on Jehovah’s acts of deliverance
[Inserted scripture] Psalm 143.5: I remember the days of old; I meditate on all your activity; I eagerly ponder over the work of your hands. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2010 March 15th page 32 paragraph 4] Pressure from opposers, economic hardship, and serious illness have weighed on some of God’s servants. On occasion, their hearts too have been affected negatively. Even King David went through such an experience: “My spirit faints away within me; in the midst of me my heart shows itself numbed.”
[Quotation] Psalm 143.4: My spirit is failing; My heart is numb within me. [End Quotation]
What enabled him to overcome such moments? David called to mind God’s dealings with His servants and how he himself had experienced deliverance. He meditated on what Jehovah had done for the sake of His great name. David kept himself concerned with God’s works. (Psalm 143.5) In a similar manner, meditating on our Creator and all that he has done and continues to do for us will help us even when we are under trial. [End of reference material]
Strive to see things as Jehovah does
[Inserted scripture] Psalm 143.10: Teach me to do your will, For you are my God. Your spirit is good; May it lead me on level ground. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2015 March 15th page 32 paragraph 2] Sometimes you may feel like the psalmist David, who said: “Do answer me quickly, O Jehovah; my strength has come to an end. Do not hide your face from me.”
[Quotation] Psalm 143.5 through 7: I remember the days of old; I meditate on all your activity; I eagerly ponder over the work of your hands. 6 I spread out my hands to you; I am like a parched land that thirsts for you. 7 Do answer me quickly, O Jehovah; My strength has come to an end. Do not hide your face from me, Or I will be like those going down into the pit. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Psalm 143.10: Teach me to do your will, For you are my God. Your spirit is good; May it lead me on level ground. [End Quotation]
At such times, give your heavenly Father time to show you what his will is for you. You can do that by taking time to read his Word and to ponder over what you are reading. You will know what his commandments are and will see how he acted in behalf of his people in the past. By listening to him, you will have renewed confidence in the wisdom of obeying him. [End of reference material]
Psalms 140 through 143 contain not only David’s pleas for help but also expressions that show that he acted in harmony with his pleas.
[Image Alt:] A young brother doing personal study. Collage: 1. He prays outdoors. 2. He listens to an older brother’s advice while they work together in the ministry.
2. Spiritual Gems (10 minutes)
Psalm 140.3 Why does David liken the tongue of evil men to that of a serpent?
[Inserted scripture] Psalm 140.3: They sharpen their tongue like that of a serpent; Venom of vipers is behind their lips. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Insight volume 2 page 1151] Figurative Use. The lying, slanderous statements of the wicked, so damaging to the victim’s reputation, are likened to the deadly venom of the serpent.
[Quotation] Psalm 58.3 and 4: The wicked go astray from birth; They are wayward, liars from the time they are born. 4 Their venom is like the venom of serpents; They are deaf like the cobra that stops up its ear. [End Quotation]
Of slanderers, it is said, “The venom of the horned viper is under their lips” (or, “behind their lips”), even as the viper’s venom gland lies behind the lip and fangs of its upper jaw.
[Quotation] Psalm 140.3: They sharpen their tongue like that of a serpent; Venom of vipers is behind their lips. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Romans 3.13: “Their throat is an open grave; they have deceived with their tongues.” “Venom of asps is behind their lips.” [End Quotation]
The human tongue, misused in slanderous, backbiting, false teaching, or similarly harmful speech, “is full of death-dealing poison.”
[Quotation] James 3.8: But no human can tame the tongue. It is unruly and injurious, full of deadly poison. [End Quotation] [End of reference material]
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading (4 minutes) Psalm 141.1 through 10 (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 12) [Press play below to hear the Bible reading]
Psalm 141.1 through 10: O Jehovah, I call on you. Come quickly to help me. Do pay attention when I call to you. May my prayer be as incense prepared before you, My uplifted hands like the evening grain offering. Station a guard for my mouth, O Jehovah, Do set a watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart incline to anything bad, To share in vile deeds with evil men; May I never feast on their delicacies. Should the righteous one strike me, it would be an act of loyal love; Should he reprove me, it would be like oil on my head, Which my head would never refuse. My prayer will continue even during their calamities. Though their judges are thrown down from the cliff, The people will pay attention to my words, for they are pleasant. Just as when someone plows and breaks up the soil, So our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the Grave. But my eyes look to you, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah. In you I have taken refuge. Do not take away my life. Protect me from the jaws of the trap they have laid for me, From the snares of evildoers. The wicked will fall into their own nets all together While I pass by safely.
[End of scripture]
[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 12. Warmth and Empathy.
[Quotation] 1 Thessalonians 2.7 and 8: On the contrary, we became gentle in your midst, as when a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. So having tender affection for you, we were determined to impart to you, not only the good news of God but also our very selves, because you became so beloved to us. [End Quotation]
Summary: Speak with genuine emotion, and show your listeners you care.
[Press play below for Video: Study 12. Warmth and Empathy. (5:14)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Study 12. Warmth and Empathy]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 12. Warmth and Empathy. 1 Thessalonians 2.7 and 8. Summary: Speak with genuine emotion and show your listeners you care.)
Presenter: The apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Thessalonica: We became gentle in your midst, as when a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. So having tender affection for you, we were determined to impart to you, not only the good news of God but also our very selves, because you became so beloved to us. Paul cared, and his fellow believers could sense that by the way he spoke to them. This made his teaching more effective. Likewise, if our audience feels that we genuinely care for them, that we’re not there simply to deliver information or fulfil an assignment, they’ll be more likely to listen and respond. So how can we show genuine warmth and empathy? We need to think about our listeners.
(Text: How to do it: Think about your listeners)
For example, before going in the ministry, reflect on specific problems that people in the territory are concerned about. What are their beliefs? Try to imagine how they feel. When preparing a talk, remind yourself of what your brothers and sisters may be facing and how you can encourage them.
(Text: Choose your words carefully)
Then use expressions that refresh, comfort, and invigorate your listeners. Be careful not to speak disparagingly of people or their beliefs. When conversing with older people or those in authority, use words that show respect. Let’s watch a brother giving a public talk. Do his words show empathy for his audience?
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: The evolution theory is very popular today. But it’s hard to understand how intelligent people could believe such an illogical theory. Many believe it simply because so-called educated people do, including many scientists. So how can we help them to examine matters for themselves and see how ridiculous evolution is?
Presenter: If someone in the audience believed in evolution, how would he feel? Let’s watch the speaker try again but this time with more empathy.
(The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: The evolution theory is very popular today. But why do many people believe it? Perhaps they were taught evolution in school and were offered no other plausible explanation. How can we help people to examine the facts for themselves?
Presenter: This time, the speaker didn’t insult people because of their viewpoint. At the same time, he aroused interest in additional facts that are worthy of consideration. What else can indicate warmth and empathy? Tone, not just what you say but how you say it.
(Text: How to do it: Think about your listeners. Choose your words carefully)
A warm tone of voice along with appropriate gestures and facial expressions shows sincere interest. Let’s watch a publisher in the house-to-house ministry. Does she show interest by the way she speaks?
(At a door, a sister speaks with a woman)
Householder: I’m sorry. I can’t talk to you today. I just lost my mother, and I’m meeting with the funeral director this afternoon.
Sister: I’m sorry. It’s so painful when a loved one dies. When I lost my mother a few years ago, I found some Bible verses to be very comforting.
Presenter: Although there was nothing wrong with what our sister said,
her delivery lacked warmth and empathy. Let’s give her a second chance.
(At a door, the sister speaks with a woman)
Sister: I’m sorry. It’s so painful when a loved one dies. When I lost my mother a few years ago, I found some Bible verses to be very comforting. Some of them are in this tract. But maybe we can discuss them briefly another time.
Presenter: Our sister said exactly the same thing, but this time she spoke with emotion, and so her words were more effective. When we speak with genuine emotion, we show our listeners that we care. But be careful not to force or exaggerate emotions. If you’re reading a scripture, try to express the feelings indicated in the passage, but don’t draw undue attention to yourself.
(Text: How to do it: Think about your listeners. Choose your words carefully. Show your interest)
So, by thinking about your listeners, choosing your words carefully, and showing your interest, you’ll refresh, comfort, and invigorate your listeners.
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 12. Warmth and Empathy. 1 Thessalonians 2.7 and 8)
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2019 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
How to Do It: Think about your listeners. Prepare your heart by reminding yourself of the problems they face. Try to imagine how they feel.
Choose your words carefully. Seek to refresh, comfort, and invigorate your listeners. Avoid expressions that could needlessly offend them, and do not speak disparagingly of unbelievers or their sincerely held beliefs.
Show your interest. With a kind tone of voice and appropriate gestures, show your listeners that you really care. Be mindful of your facial expressions; smile often.
Tip: Do not force or exaggerate emotions. While reading, express the feelings indicated in the passage, but do not draw undue attention to yourself. Since emphasizing consonants can result in a cold, clipped delivery, draw out vowels to warm up the tone of your voice. [End of Reference Material]
Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry 4. Starting a Conversation (4 minutes)
Informal Witnessing. Initiate a conversation after helping a person in a practical way. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 3 point 5)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Kindness] Imitate Jesus. Be helpful. Look for appropriate opportunities to help the person in practical ways. Acts of kindness can open the door to a conversation. [End of Reference material]
5. Following Up (3 minutes)
Public Witnessing. The person tells you that he is busy. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 7 point 3)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Perseverance] Imitate Paul. Adapt your schedule to the other person’s. Ask yourself: ‘When would I be most likely to contact him? When and where would he be most likely to converse with me?’ Be willing to follow up, even if the time is inconvenient for you. [End of Reference material]
6. Explaining Your Beliefs (5 minutes)
Demonstration. Frequently Asked Questions About Jehovah’s Witnesses article 21. Theme: Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Accept Blood Transfusions? (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 7)
[Reference Material Frequently Asked Questions About Jehovah’s Witnesses, article Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Accept Blood Transfusions?] Common misconceptions.
Myth: Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t believe in medicine or medical treatment.
Fact: We seek the best possible medical care for ourselves and our families. When we have health problems, we go to doctors who have skill in providing medical and surgical care without blood. We appreciate advancements that have been made in the medical field. In fact, bloodless treatments developed to help Witness patients are now being used to benefit all in the community. In many countries, any patient can now choose to avoid blood-transfusion risks, such as blood-borne diseases, immune-system reactions, and human errors.
Myth: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that faith will heal a person’s ailments.
Fact: We do not practice faith healing.
Myth: Avoiding blood transfusions is very costly.
Fact: Medical treatments that avoid blood transfusions are cost-effective.
Myth: Many Witnesses, including children, die each year as a result of refusing blood transfusions.
Fact: This statement is totally unfounded. Surgeons regularly perform such complex procedures as heart operations, orthopedic surgery, and organ transplants without the use of blood transfusions. Patients, including children, who do not receive transfusions usually fare as well as or better than those who do accept transfusions. In any case, no one can say for certain that a patient will die because of refusing blood or will live because of accepting it.
Why don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses accept blood transfusions? This is a religious issue rather than a medical one. Both the Old and New Testaments clearly command us to abstain from blood.
[Quotation] Genesis 9.4: Only flesh with its life, its blood, you must not eat. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Leviticus 17.10: “‘If any man of the house of Israel or any foreigner who is residing in your midst eats any sort of blood, I will certainly set my face against the one who is eating the blood, and I will cut him off from among his people. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Deuteronomy 12.23: Just be firmly resolved not to eat the blood, because the blood is the life, and you must not eat the life with the flesh. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 15.28 and 29: For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you except these necessary things: 29 to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!” [End Quotation]
Also, God views blood as representing life.
[Quotation] Leviticus 17.14: For the life of every sort of flesh is its blood, because the life is in it. Consequently, I said to the Israelites: “You must not eat the blood of any sort of flesh because the life of every sort of flesh is its blood. Anyone eating it will be cut off.” [End Quotation]
So we avoid taking blood not only in obedience to God but also out of respect for him as the Giver of life.
Changing viewpoints. At one time, the medical community generally viewed strategies for avoiding transfusions, so-called bloodless medicine, as extreme, even suicidal, but this has changed in recent years. For example, in 2004, an article published in a medical education journal stated that “many of the techniques developed for use in Jehovah’s Witness patients will become standard practice in years to come.” An article in the journal Heart, Lung and Circulation said in 2010 that “‘bloodless surgery’ should not be limited to J[ehovah’s] W[itnesses] but should form an integral part of everyday surgical practice.” Thousands of doctors worldwide now use blood-conservation techniques to perform complex surgeries without transfusions. Such alternatives to blood transfusions are used even in developing countries and are requested by many patients who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses. [End of reference material]
[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 7. Accurate and Convincing.
[Quotation] Luke 1.3: I resolved also, because I have traced all things from the start with accuracy, to write them to you in logical order, most excellent Theophilus, [End Quotation]
Summary: Use trustworthy evidence to help your listeners arrive at the correct conclusion.
[Press play below for Video: Study 7. Accurate and Convincing. (5:38)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Study 7. Accurate and Convincing]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 7 Accurate and Convincing. Luke 1.3. Summary: Use trustworthy evidence to help your listeners arrive at the correct conclusion)
Presenter: When the apostle Paul was teaching Jews in the synagogue in Thessalonica, he was accurate and convincing. The account at Acts 17.2 and 3 says that “he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving by references that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead.” As a result of Paul’s teaching, some of the Jews became Christians. What will help us to be accurate and convincing when we teach?
(Text: How to do it: Consult reliable sources. Use sources properly. Reason on the evidence)
We must consult reliable sources, use those sources properly, and reason on the evidence with our audience. Let’s say you’re giving a public talk about the last days, and you read the following quote regarding pestilence from the 1996 edition of The Encyclopedia Americana: It is estimated that more than 100 million cases of malaria occur each year. In some places, nearly the entire population is infected.” Is The Encyclopedia Americana a reliable source? Yes. Is the source up to date? No. When referring to a scientific discovery, a news report, a person’s experience, or other information as evidence, make sure that your sources are trustworthy and up to date. Additionally, be sure to use sources properly. Don’t overstate or exaggerate facts and figures. Also, we must apply scriptures in harmony with their context, the Bible’s overall message, and the publications of “the faithful and discreet slave.” See if you can identify a problem in the following scenario.
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: After Babylon the Great is destroyed, Jehovah’s people will continue to dwell in peace. What happens next? In Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39, we find a thrilling prophecy regarding “Gog of the land of Magog.” What will Gog of Magog do? Notice chapter 38 verse 11: You will say: ‘I will invade the land of unprotected settlements. I will come against those living in security, without disturbance, all of them living in settlements unprotected by walls, bars, or gates.’” So, as we can see, Gog of Magog, which represents Satan the Devil, will attack Jehovah’s people. This, in turn, will provoke a reaction from the Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself.”
(Text: Review: Use up-to-date sources)
Speaker: What do you think about what this brother said? Was his explanation of Gog of Magog in harmony with our recent publications? No. Let’s give him another chance.”
(The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: I will come against those living in security, without disturbance, all of them living in settlements unprotected by walls, bars, or gates.” Yes, Gog of Magog, which represents a coalition of nations, will attack Jehovah’s people. This, in turn, will provoke a reaction from the Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself.”
Presenter: Now, how can we reason with people on the facts so that we’re not only accurate but also convincing? Let’s look in on an informal setting.”
(In a work break room, two women in uniforms talk)
Sister: So based on that, do you think humans evolved or were created?”
Colleague: Both. I think God created simple organisms and then let them evolve.”
Sister: That doesn’t make any sense. It’s either one or the other. Creation is much more logical.”
Presenter: How far will that conversation go? We can’t force our view on others, but we can reason with them on the evidence.
(Text: Review: Reason on the evidence)
Let’s watch another example.”
(In a work break room, two women in uniforms talk)
Sister: So, based on that, do you think humans evolved or were created?
Colleague: Both. I think God created simple organisms and then let them evolve.”
Sister: That’s an interesting view. When I think about the remarkable complexity of life, I find a Bible verse to be helpful. It’s here at Hebrews 3.4: Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but the one who constructed all things is God.” We would not assume that something like a phone could come about by chance, right?”
Colleague: Of course not! That wouldn’t make sense.”
Sister: Right. Complex design is the product of an intelligent mind.”
(Text: In the Ministry: Offer to do research and return)
Presenter: Of course, if your listener poses a question and you don’t know the answer, offer to research the topic and return later. By using trustworthy evidence to help our listeners arrive at the right conclusions, we may be able to help them onto the road to life.”
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 7 Accurate and Convincing. Luke 1.3)
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2019 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
How to Do It: Consult reliable sources. Base your comments on God’s Word, reading directly from it when possible. If you refer to a scientific fact, a news report, an experience, or other supporting evidence, check in advance that your source is trustworthy and up-to-date.
Use sources properly. Apply scriptures in harmony with their context, the Bible’s overall message, and the publications of “the faithful and discreet slave.”
[Quotation] Matthew 24:45 Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? [End of Quotation]
Use secular sources in accord with the original context and the intent of the writer.
Tip: Do not overstate or exaggerate facts and figures. Be careful that “some people” does not become “the majority of people,” “in some cases” does not become “always,” and “possibly” does not become “probably.”
Reason on the evidence. After reading a scripture or citing a source, ask tactful questions or illustrate the point to help your listeners draw their own conclusion.
[Box] In the Ministry. As you prepare to preach, anticipate questions that you might be asked, and research possible responses. If your listener poses a question and you do not know the answer, offer to research the topic and return later. [End of Box] [End of Reference Material]
Living as Christians - Song 141 The Miracle of Life. Based on Psalm 36.9
1. Ev’ry newborn child, Ev’ry drop of rain,
Ev’ry golden ray of sun, Each head of grain
All are gifts from God; They reveal his way.
Miracles performed by him sustain us each day.
So, what are we to do with a gift so rare
But to love the One who gave it and show him we care.
No matter what we do, We never can earn it.
This gift is still a gift. The miracle of life.
2. Others may give up, Lose their will to try,
Echoing the wife of Job. “Curse God and die.”
We are not that way; Praise to God we give,
Thanking him for ev’ry precious moment we live.
So, what are we to do with a gift so rare
But to love the ones around us and show them we care.
No matter what we do, We never can earn it.
This gift is still a gift. The miracle of life.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
7. Be Prepared for Situations That Require Medical or Surgical Care (15 minutes)
Discussion. Jehovah promises to be “a help that is readily found in times of distress.”
[Quotation] Psalm 46.1: God is our refuge and strength, A help that is readily found in times of distress. [End Quotation]
Situations that require medical or surgical care can be distressing. However, Jehovah has provided everything we need to be prepared for such events. For example, his organization has provided the durable power of attorney (DPA), the Identity Card,* [Footnote] Baptized publishers can obtain from the literature servant a DPA for themselves as well as an Identity Card for their minor children. [End of footnote] and other medical information documents* [Footnote] Information for Expectant Mothers (S-401), Information for Patients Requiring Surgery or Chemotherapy (S-407), and Information for Parents Whose Child Requires Medical Treatment (S-55) can be requested from the elders when needed. [End of footnote] as well as the Hospital Liaison Committees (HLC). These provisions help us to obey God’s law regarding blood.
[Quotation] Acts 15.28 and 29: For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you except these necessary things: 29 to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!” [End Quotation]
[Image Alt:] A sister filling out a durable power of attorney.
Play the video Are You Prepared for Medical Situations? Then ask the audience: How have some benefited from filling out a DPA? How have some benefited from the document Information for Expectant Mothers (S-401)? Why is it best to contact the HLC as soon as possible in any situation that requires a hospital stay, a surgery, or a therapy, such as cancer treatment, even if it seems that the situation might not involve the blood issue?
[Press play below for Video: Are You Prepared for Medical Situations? (6:02)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Are You Prepared for Medical Situations?]
(Text: Proverbs 27:11, 12. Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice. The shrewd person sees the danger and conceals himself.)
(Marco Pileri. Hospital Liaison Committee. Italy)
Marco: Life is a wonderful gift that Jehovah gives us, and Jehovah wants us to use this gift by cherishing our good health. However, we live in critical and difficult times.
(Peter Agboh. Hospital Liaison Committee. United States)
Peter: We are not immune from challenges, medical or otherwise, that everybody in this world faces.
[Sister reads document from hospital bed. Brothers and sister’s study.]
Marco: Therefore, we need to be prepared for a medical situation. As we make our personal decisions on health-related matters, we must do so well in advance.
Three provisions can help us:
[Document icons pop open]
a completed durable power of attorney, DPA, or the Identity Card, medical information documents,
[Phone conversation icon pops open]
and the Hospital Liaison Committee.
(Text: Heading: Are you prepared for medical situations? 1. Durable Power of Attorney, DPA, or Identity Card)
[Brother sits at home.]
(Lucas Pielken. Germany)
Lucas: Even though I am young and healthy, I know that accidents can happen in my everyday life.
[Children bike through a forest. A group plays soccer.]
Peter: When we prepare the DPA in advance, we are planning to be successful when we face medical situations.
[Lucas studies Enjoy Life Forever lesson 39. A rushing ambulance. He writes on a DPA.]
Lucas: Some time ago I had a bicycle accident, and I broke my collarbone. The HLC confirmed that the hospital I was taken to is cooperative and that my conscience and decisions would be taken into account. That was very helpful and reassuring in that difficult situation.
(Text: Heading: Are you prepared for medical situations? 2. Medical Information Documents)
Marco: Medical situations are not always emergencies. Sometimes we have planned procedures or scheduled therapy, like chemotherapy.
[Doctor greets sister in hospital bed.]
There are also joyful occasions, like pregnancy and the birth of a baby.
[Picture of document]
Peter: The S-407 is “Information for Patients Requiring Surgery or Chemotherapy”.
Marco: This document, the S407, allows us to understand which doctors are involved in the therapy for our condition.
(Brother Narendra Somalkar. India)
Narendra: Based on the information contained in the S-407, I was able to find out what questions to ask the doctor before surgery. [He writes at a desk.] Also, I was able to mentally prepare for the surgery and was assured that my wishes would be honored.
[Picture of document]
Marco: The Information for Expectant Mothers, the S-401, is a particularly useful document, especially for new mothers who are experiencing this journey for the first time.
Peter: They can go over it, know exactly what they should do with regard to prenatal visits, and then be more confident.
[A pregnant couple in a clinic]
(Matthews and Fridah Banda. Zambia)
Matthews: Where we live, pregnancy is viewed by people as something that we need to keep to ourselves. Many are scared that something bad may happen to the pregnancy if they tell others.
[Pregnant couple laughs with friends]
Marco: A birth is an extraordinarily happy event. It is a blessing from Jehovah, but even in these circumstances, there can be unseen difficulties or complications.
Fridah: When I found out that I was pregnant, I was anxious and scared because this was my first time being pregnant and I didn’t know what might happen to me or to my child. The S-401 document let me know that I could contact the HLC and reach out to them for help. The HLC brothers helped us find a doctor.
[Happy toddler bounces on the Bandas’ lap]
(Text: Heading: Are you prepared for medical situations? 3. Hospital Liaison Committee, HLC)
Peter: The publishers should reach out to the HLC even if it seems that it’s not going to be a blood issue because when the HLC is involved then we can help the publishers find competent doctors who will respect their decisions and wishes.
[Brother visits sister in hospital bed]
(Francisco Villaverde. Hospital Liaison Committee. Panama)
Francisco: There is no reason to hesitate to reach out. The HLC is very happy to receive calls from brothers who need assistance. We are prepared to help, and Jehovah has trained us to do this job and to do it well.
[Brothers visit patients.]
Peter: As members of the Hospital Liaison Committee, we cannot make decisions for our brothers and sisters. The realm of decision-making for medical care is under the principle at Galatians 6:5, that everyone must ‘carry their own load’.
[Text: Galatians 6:5, For each one will carry his own load.]
But Jehovah helps us by providing the HLC as a support so that we can better carry that load.
(Jong Hyun Lee. Korea)
[Different brother’s study, call]
Jong Hyun: The Hospital Liaison Committee brothers are truly reliable. These loving brothers do not take our illnesses lightly, and they are always careful to maintain confidentiality regarding the situation we are going through.
[Collage of patients]
Marco: Some brothers have encountered circumstances that have profoundly affected their lives and that can be challenging or even burdensome. However, many of them, thanks to the fact that they followed Jehovah’s arrangements and took them to heart, reacted wisely to the direction and were prepared. The secret to their success has been that they have taken Jehovah’s provisions to heart during such difficult times.
[Icons pop onscreen in a checklist. Text: 1. Durable Power of Attorney, DPA, or Identity Card]
They had their completed DPA or their Identity Card,
[Text: 2. Medical Information Documents]
they had previously carefully read their medical information documents,
[Text: 3. Hospital Liaison Committee, HLC]
and they had gotten in touch with the HLC.
Being well-prepared, they handled their medical situation in a way that made Jehovah’s heart rejoice.
[Text: Proverbs 27:11, 12. Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice. The shrewd person sees the danger and conceals himself.]
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2024 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
[Box] Are You Prepared?
Put your decisions in writing on your DPA
Contact the HLC as soon as possible
Be prepared to inform your doctor of your stand on blood transfusions, on the use of blood fractions, and on procedures involving the use of your own blood. See Enjoy Life Forever! Lesson 39. [End of box]
[Box] Are You Prepared?
Put your decisions in writing on your DPA
Contact the HLC as soon as possible
Be prepared to inform your doctor of your stand on blood transfusions, on the use of blood fractions, and on procedures involving the use of your own blood. See Enjoy Life Forever! Lesson 39. [End of box]
8. Congregation Bible Study (30 minutes)
“Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom, chapter 21 paragraphs 14 through 22 [Press play below for the audio of the Congregation Bible Study]
“Publicly and From House to House” (Acts 20.13 through 24)
[Click to read scripture]|[Acts 20.13 through 24] We now went ahead to the ship and set sail for Assos, where we were intending to take Paul aboard, for after giving instructions to this effect, he was intending to go there on foot. 14 So when he caught up with us in Assos, we took him aboard and went to Mitylene. 15 And sailing away from there the next day, we arrived off Chios, but the day after that, we touched at Samos, and on the following day, we arrived at Miletus. 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so as not to spend any time in the province of Asia, for he was hurrying to get to Jerusalem on the day of the Festival of Pentecost if he possibly could. 17 However, from Miletus he sent word to Ephesus and called for the elders of the congregation. 18 When they came to him, he said to them: “You well know how I conducted myself among you from the first day I stepped into the province of Asia, 19 slaving for the Lord with all humility and with tears and trials that befell me by the plots of the Jews, 20 while I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house. 21 But I thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus. 22 And now look! bound in the spirit, I am traveling to Jerusalem, although not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that from city to city the holy spirit repeatedly bears witness to me, saying that imprisonment and tribulations are waiting for me. 24 Nevertheless, I do not consider my own life of any importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear thorough witness to the good news of the undeserved kindness of God. [End of scripture] [Click to close]
Question 14. What did Paul tell the Ephesian elders when he met with them at Miletus?
14. Paul and his group traveled from Troas to Assos, then to Mitylene, Chios, Samos, and Miletus. Paul’s goal was to reach Jerusalem in time for the Festival of Pentecost. His haste to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost explains why he selected a vessel that bypassed Ephesus on this return trip. Since Paul wanted to talk to the Ephesian elders, however, he requested that they meet him at Miletus.
[Quotation] Acts 20.13 through 17: We now went ahead to the ship and set sail for Assos, where we were intending to take Paul aboard, for after giving instructions to this effect, he was intending to go there on foot. 14 So when he caught up with us in Assos, we took him aboard and went to Mitylene. 15 And sailing away from there the next day, we arrived off Chios, but the day after that, we touched at Samos, and on the following day, we arrived at Miletus. 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so as not to spend any time in the province of Asia, for he was hurrying to get to Jerusalem on the day of the Festival of Pentecost if he possibly could. 17 However, from Miletus he sent word to Ephesus and called for the elders of the congregation. [End Quotation]
When they arrived, Paul said to them: “You well know how I conducted myself among you from the first day I stepped into the province of Asia, slaving for the Lord with all humility and with tears and trials that befell me by the plots of the Jews, while I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house. But I thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.”
[Quotation] Acts 20.18 through 21: When they came to him, he said to them: “You well know how I conducted myself among you from the first day I stepped into the province of Asia, 19 slaving for the Lord with all humility and with tears and trials that befell me by the plots of the Jews, 20 while I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house. 21 But I thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus. [End Quotation]
Question 15. What are some advantages of house-to-house witnessing?
15. There are many ways to reach people with the good news today. Like Paul, we strive to go where the people are, whether at bus stops, on busy streets, or in marketplaces. Yet, going from house to house remains the primary preaching method used by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Why? For one thing, house-to-house preaching gives all an adequate opportunity to hear the Kingdom message on a regular basis, thus demonstrating God’s impartiality. It also allows honest hearted ones to receive personal assistance according to their needs. In addition, the house-to-house ministry builds the faith and endurance of those who engage in it. Indeed, a trademark of true Christians today is their zeal in witnessing “publicly and from house to house.”
Question 16 and 17. How did Paul show himself to be fearless, and how do Christians today imitate his example?
16. Paul explained to the Ephesian elders that he did not know what dangers would await him on his return to Jerusalem. “Nevertheless, I do not consider my own life of any importance to me,” he told them, “if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received of the Lord Jesus, to bear thorough witness to the good news of the undeserved kindness of God.” (Acts 20.24) Fearlessly, Paul refused to let any circumstance, whether poor health or bitter opposition, prevent him from completing his assignment.
17. Christians today likewise endure a variety of negative circumstances. Some face governmental ban and persecution. Others courageously battle debilitating physical or emotional illnesses. Christian youths deal with peer pressure at school. In whatever circumstances they find themselves, Jehovah’s Witnesses display steadfastness, as did Paul. They are determined to “bear thorough witness to the good news.”
“Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock” (Acts 20.25 through 38)
[Click to read scripture]|[Acts 20.25 through 38] “And now look! I know that none of you among whom I preached the Kingdom will ever see my face again. 26 So I call you to witness this very day that I am clean from the blood of all men, 27 for I have not held back from telling you all the counsel of God. 28 Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son. 29 I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, 30 and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 “Therefore keep awake, and bear in mind that for three years, night and day, I never stopped admonishing each one of you with tears. 32 And now I entrust you to God and to the word of his undeserved kindness, which word can build you up and give you the inheritance among all the sanctified ones. 33 I have desired no man’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands have provided for my own needs and the needs of those with me. 35 I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’” 36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 Indeed, quite a bit of weeping broke out among them all, and they embraced Paul and affectionately kissed him, 38 for they were especially pained at the word he had spoken that they would not see his face anymore. Then they accompanied him to the ship. [End of scripture] [Click to close]
Question 18. How did Paul keep himself free from bloodguilt, and how could the Ephesian elders do the same?
18. Paul next gave straightforward admonition to the Ephesian elders, using his own course as an example. First he informed them that this was likely the last time they would see him. Then he stated: “I am clean from the blood of all men, for I have not held back from telling you all the counsel of God.” How could the Ephesian elders imitate Paul, thus keeping themselves free from bloodguilt? He told them: “Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son.”
[Quotation] Acts 20.26 through 28: So I call you to witness this very day that I am clean from the blood of all men, 27 for I have not held back from telling you all the counsel of God. 28 Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son. [End Quotation]
Paul warned that “oppressive wolves” would infiltrate the flock and would “speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” What should the elders do? “Keep awake,” Paul warned, “and bear in mind that for three years, night and day, I never stopped admonishing each one of you with tears.”
[Quotation] Acts 20.29 through 31: I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, 30 and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 “Therefore keep awake, and bear in mind that for three years, night and day, I never stopped admonishing each one of you with tears. [End Quotation]
Question 19. What apostasy developed by the end of the first century, and what did this lead to in later centuries?
19. “Oppressive wolves” made their appearance by the end of the first century. About 98 C.E., the apostle John wrote: “Even now many antichrists have appeared ... They went out from us, but they were not of our sort; for if they had been of our sort, they would have remained with us.”
[Quotation] 1 John 2.18 and 19: Young children, it is the last hour, and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared, from which fact we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of our sort; for if they had been of our sort, they would have remained with us. But they went out so that it might be shown that not all are of our sort. [End Quotation]
By the third century, apostasy had led to the development of the clergy class of Christendom, and in the fourth century, Emperor Constantine gave official recognition to this corrupt form of “Christianity.” By adopting pagan rituals and giving them a “Christian” veneer, religious leaders did indeed “speak twisted things.” The effects of that apostasy are still seen in the teachings and customs of Christendom.
Question 20 and 21. How did Paul show a self-sacrificing spirit, and how can Christian elders today do the same?
20. Paul’s life course was in stark contrast to that of those who would in later times take advantage of the flock. He worked to support himself so as not to impose a burden on the congregation. His efforts in behalf of fellow believers were not for personal gain. Paul urged the Ephesian elders to display a self-sacrificing spirit. “You must assist those who are weak,” he told them, “and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”
[Quotation] Acts 20.35: I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’” [End Quotation]
21. Like Paul, Christian elders today are self-sacrificing. In contrast with the clergy of Christendom, who fleece their flocks, those who are entrusted with the responsibility to “shepherd the congregation of God” perform their duties unselfishly. Pride and ambition have no place in the Christian congregation, for those who seek their “own glory” will fail in the long run.
[Quotation] Proverbs 25.27: It is not good to eat too much honey, Nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory. [End Quotation]
Presumptuousness can only lead to dishonor.
[Quotation] Proverbs 11.2: When presumptuousness comes, dishonor will follow, But wisdom is with the modest ones. [End Quotation]
Question 22. What endeared Paul to the elders of Ephesus?
22 .Paul’s genuine love for his brothers endeared him to them. Indeed, when it was time for him to depart, “quite a bit of weeping broke out among them all, and they embraced Paul and affectionately kissed him.”
[Quotation] Acts 20.37 and 38: Indeed, quite a bit of weeping broke out among them all, and they embraced Paul and affectionately kissed him, 38 for they were especially pained at the word he had spoken that they would not see his face anymore. Then they accompanied him to the ship. [End Quotation]
Christians truly appreciate and love those who, like Paul, give of themselves unselfishly in behalf of the flock. After considering Paul’s sterling example, would you not agree that he was neither boasting nor exaggerating when he stated: “I am clean from the blood of all men”?
[Quotation] Acts 20.26: So I call you to witness this very day that I am clean from the blood of all men, [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 20.37: Indeed, quite a bit of weeping broke out among them all, and they embraced Paul and affectionately kissed him, [End Quotation]
[Image Alt:] Paul and his companions boarding a ship. The elders from Ephesus warmly embrace Paul and weep. Picture Description: Paul and his companions board a ship. The Great Harbor Monument, built in the first century B.C.E., is shown in the background. Caption: “Quite a bit of weeping broke out among them all. ”
Song 103 Shepherds. Gifts in Men. Based on Ephesians 4.8
1. Help in our lives, Jehovah provides,
Shepherds to tend his flock.
By their example they serve as guides,
Showing us how to walk.
God gives us men who have earned our trust,
Men who are loyal and true.
They show concern for his precious sheep;
Love them for all that they do.
2. Shepherds who love us care how we feel;
Gently they guide the way.
When we are hurt, they help us to heal,
Kind in the words they say.
God gives us men who have earned our trust,
Men who are loyal and true.
They show concern for his precious sheep;
Love them for all that they do.
3. Godly advice and counsel they give,
That we may never stray.
Thus they assist us, God’s way to live,
Serving him ev’ry day.
God gives us men who have earned our trust,
Men who are loyal and true.
They show concern for his precious sheep;
Love them for all that they do.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
