Our Christian Life and Ministry. February 17 through February 23 [Press play below to hear the Meeting Workbook]
[Press play below to hear Proverbs 1]
[Click to read Bible chapter]|[Proverbs 1] The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, the king of Israel: 2 To learn wisdom and discipline; To understand wise sayings; 3 To acquire the discipline that gives insight, Righteousness, good judgment, and uprightness; 4 To impart shrewdness to the inexperienced; To give a young man knowledge and thinking ability. 5 A wise person listens and takes in more instruction; A man of understanding acquires skillful direction 6 To understand a proverb and a puzzling saying, The words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline. 8 Listen, my son, to the discipline of your father, And do not forsake the instruction of your mother. 9 They are an attractive wreath for your head And a fine ornament for your neck. 10 My son, if sinners try to entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say: “Come with us. Let us set an ambush to shed blood. We will lie hidden, waiting for innocent victims without cause. 12 We will swallow them alive as the Grave does, Whole, like those going down to the pit. 13 Let us seize all their precious treasures; We will fill our houses with spoil. 14 You should join us, And we will all share equally what we steal.” 15 My son, do not follow them. Keep your feet off their path, 16 For their feet run to do evil; They hurry to shed blood. 17 It is surely in vain to spread a net in full sight of a bird. 18 That is why these lie in ambush to shed blood; They lie hidden to take the lives of others. 19 These are the ways of those seeking dishonest profit, Which will take away the life of those who obtain it. 20 True wisdom cries aloud in the street. It keeps raising its voice in the public squares. 21 At the corner of the busy streets it calls out. At the entrances of the city gates it says: 22 “How long will you inexperienced ones love inexperience? How long will you ridiculers take pleasure in ridicule? And how long will you foolish ones hate knowledge? 23 Respond to my reproof. Then I will pour out my spirit for you; I will make my words known to you. 24 Because I called out, but you kept refusing, I stretched out my hand, but no one was paying attention, 25 You kept neglecting all my advice And rejecting my reproof, 26 I also will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when what you dread comes, 27 When what you dread comes like a storm, And your disaster arrives like a storm wind, When distress and trouble come upon you. 28 At that time they will keep calling me, but I will not answer; They will eagerly look for me, but they will not find me, 29 Because they hated knowledge, And they did not choose to fear Jehovah. 30 They refused my advice; They disrespected all my reproof. 31 So they will bear the consequences of their way, And they will be glutted with their own counsel. 32 For the waywardness of the inexperienced will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them. 33 But the one listening to me will dwell in security And be undisturbed by the dread of calamity.” [End of Bible chapter] [Click to close]
Song 88 Make Me Know Your Ways. Based on Psalm 25.4
1. We’re gathered together, Jehovah our God,
Accepting your warm invitation.
Your Word is a lamp that lights up our pathway,
The source of divine education.
Teach me your ways, and make me understand;
Incline my ear to hear your wise command.
Cause me to walk in ways of truth and right,
And make your law my principal delight.
2. Unreachably high is your wisdom, O God;
Your judgments we find reassuring.
Your Word is a source of unending wonder;
Your sayings of truth are enduring.
Teach me your ways, and make me understand;
Incline my ear to hear your wise command.
Cause me to walk in ways of truth and right,
And make your law my principal delight.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Treasures From God’s Word 1. Youths. To Whom Will You Listen? (10 minutes)
[Image Alt:] King Solomon sitting outdoors with his son, giving him advice. Caption: Solomon’s son listening to his father’s loving discipline
[Play the video Introduction to Proverbs] [Press play below for Video: Introduction to Proverbs (3:36)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Introduction to Proverbs]
Presenter: An introduction to the book of Proverbs. King Solomon composed the majority of the Proverbs. Solomon became king of Israel in 1037 BCE, and Jehovah gave him extraordinary wisdom.
[A timeline of Solomon’s reign]
Most of Solomon's Proverbs, or wise sayings, were written down during his reign. [1037 to 998]
However, it seems that the entire collection of proverbs was compiled into one book sometime around 717 BCE in Jerusalem, before the end of King Hezekiah's reign.
[The timeline extends to 717]
The book of proverbs provides divine guidance for virtually every aspect of daily life, from business dealings to family matters. As such, it helps prepare us for life under God's kingdom.
[A father instructs his son]
Proverbs contains 31 chapters and may be divided into five sections. The first three sections are attributed to Solomon.
[He wears a gold crown with jewels]
Chapters 1 to 9 make up section 1, which consists of short discourses containing a father's advice to a son. The father warns the son about the bad results of acting on wrong desires, while emphasizing the good results of trusting in God's wisdom. Section 2, called the Proverbs of Solomon, and Section 3, called the Proverbs of Solomon transcribed by King Hezekiah's men, both present concise sayings designed to make the reader think. Many of these proverbs contrast the traits we should avoid with the ones we should cultivate. Many contrasts are used, such as laziness versus diligence and selfishness versus generosity. These short parallels are instructive and easy to follow. These two sections contain more than 500 of Solomon's proverbs. Did you know? The Bible tells us that King Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs and composed 1,005 songs.
[Solomon on his golden throne]
Chapter 30 makes up the fourth section and was written by Eger. He uses comparisons of four to help us reflect on godly wisdom, such as four things that are small, yet instinctively wise.
[An ant and a gecko]
The final chapter was composed by Lemuel. Some believe that Lemuel is another name for Solomon. This chapter contains a description of a capable wife. It points out her qualities and the positive effects she has on her family.
[A wife grinds grain then serves a meal]
Godly wisdom must be sought after, like hidden treasure, but its value is eternal, unlike that of silver and gold.
[A Bible’s pages span open]
As you read Proverbs, note how it shows the benefits of trusting in God's wisdom instead of our own, how it identifies traits we should avoid and those we should cultivate, and how it teaches us to live under the rule of God's kingdom.
[The Bible closes and transforms into the jw.org logo]
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2016 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
Be wise and listen to your parents
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 1.8: Listen, my son, to the discipline of your father, And do not forsake the instruction of your mother. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2017.11 page 29 paragraphs 16 and 17] 16. What if you are a teenager and feel misunderstood and restricted by your Christian parents? Your frustration might even make you doubt that serving Jehovah is the best way of life. But if you allow frustration to make you give up serving Jehovah, you would soon discover that no one else cares for you more genuinely than your God-fearing parents and your congregation.
17. If your parents never corrected you, would you not wonder if they really cared about you?
[Quotation] Hebrews 12.8: But if you have not all shared in receiving this discipline, you are really illegitimate children, and not sons. [End Quotation]
But perhaps it is the way your parents discipline you that upsets you. Rather than fret over the manner of discipline, try to recognize that there may be a reason for the way they act. So keep calm and do your best to avoid overreacting to criticism. God’s Word says: “A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a discerning man will remain calm.” (Proverbs 17.27) Make it your goal to become a mature person who can take counsel calmly, benefiting from it without worrying excessively about how it was given. (Proverbs 1.8) To have believing parents who truly love Jehovah is a blessing. They will surely want to help you to win the prize of life. [End of reference material]
Do not listen to those who do what is bad
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 1.10: My son, if sinners try to entice you, do not consent. [End of inserted scripture]
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 1.15: My son, do not follow them. Keep your feet off their path, [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2005 February 15th pages 19 and 20 paragraphs 11 and 12] 11. Seek to please God, not man. It is only natural to define our identity in part by belonging to a group. Everyone needs friends, and being included makes us feel good. During adolescence, as well as later in life, peer pressure can be powerful, generating a desperate desire to imitate or please others. But friends and peers do not always have our best interests at heart. Sometimes they only want company in doing what is wrong.
[Quotation] Proverbs 1.11 through 19: If they say: “Come with us. Let us set an ambush to shed blood. We will lie hidden, waiting for innocent victims without cause. 12 We will swallow them alive as the Grave does, Whole, like those going down to the pit. 13 Let us seize all their precious treasures; We will fill our houses with spoil. 14 You should join us, And we will all share equally what we steal.” 15 My son, do not follow them. Keep your feet off their path, 16 For their feet run to do evil; They hurry to shed blood. 17 It is surely in vain to spread a net in full sight of a bird. 18 That is why these lie in ambush to shed blood; They lie hidden to take the lives of others. 19 These are the ways of those seeking dishonest profit, Which will take away the life of those who obtain it. [End Quotation]
When a Christian succumbs to negative peer pressure, he usually tries to conceal his identity.
[Quotation] Psalm 26.4: I do not associate with deceitful men, And I avoid those who hide what they are. [End Quotation]
“Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you,” warned the apostle Paul. (Romans 12.2, The Jerusalem Bible)
[Quotation] Romans 12.2: And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. [End Quotation]
Jehovah provides the inner strength we need in order to combat any outside pressure to conform.
[Quotation] Hebrews 13.6: So that we may be of good courage and say: “Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” [End Quotation]
12. When outside pressure threatens to damage our sense of Christian identity, it is good to remember that our loyalty to God is far more important than public opinion or the trends of the majority. The words of Exodus 23.2 serve as a safe principle: “You must not follow after the crowd for evil ends.”
[Quotation] Exodus 23.2: You must not follow after the crowd to do evil, and you must not pervert justice by giving testimony to go along with the crowd. [End Quotation]
When the majority of fellow Israelites doubted Jehovah’s ability to fulfill His promises, Caleb staunchly refused to go along with the majority. He was certain that God’s promises were trustworthy, and he was richly rewarded for his stand.
[Quotation] Numbers 13.30: Then Caleb tried to calm the people as they stood before Moses by saying: “Let us go up immediately, and we are sure to take possession of it, because we can surely conquer it.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Joshua 14.6 through 11: Then the men of Judah approached Joshua in Gilgal, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him: “You well know what Jehovah said to Moses the man of the true God about you and me at Kadesh-barnea. 7 I was 40 years old when Moses the servant of Jehovah sent me out of Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I returned with a forthright report. 8 Although my brothers who went up with me caused the people to lose heart, I followed Jehovah my God wholeheartedly. 9 Moses swore on that day, saying: ‘The land on which your foot has walked will become a lasting inheritance for you and your sons, because you have followed Jehovah my God wholeheartedly.’ 10 Now just as he promised, Jehovah has preserved me alive these 45 years since Jehovah made this promise to Moses when Israel walked in the wilderness; I am still here today, 85 years old. 11 And today I am as strong as on the day Moses sent me out. My strength is now as it was then, for war and for other activities. [End Quotation]
Are you similarly willing to resist the pressure of popular opinion in order to safeguard your relationship with God? [End of reference material]
[Image Alt:] A young brother in a school locker room, being pressured by some of his schoolmates to use a smartphone to do something wrong. He contemplates whether to listen to them.
2. Spiritual Gems (10 minutes)
Proverbs 1.22 When used in the Bible, to whom are the words “fool” and “foolish” generally referring?
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 1.22: “How long will you inexperienced ones love inexperience? How long will you ridiculers take pleasure in ridicule? And how long will you foolish ones hate knowledge? [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower Insight volume1 page 846] Rather than denoting a person who is lacking in mental ability, the word “fool,” as used in the Bible, generally refers to an individual who spurns reason and follows a morally insensible course out of harmony with God’s righteous standards. Various Hebrew terms denoting such a one are kesil (‘stupid one’),
[Quotation] Proverbs 1.22: “How long will you inexperienced ones love inexperience? How long will you ridiculers take pleasure in ridicule? And how long will you foolish ones hate knowledge? [End Quotation]
ewil (“foolish one”),
[Quotation] Proverbs 12.15: The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, But the wise one accepts advice. [End Quotation]
naval (‘senseless one’),
[Quotation] Proverbs 17.7: Upright speech does not befit a fool. How much less does false speech befit a ruler! [End Quotation]
and lets (“ridiculer”).
[Quotation] Proverbs 13.1: A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, But the scoffer does not listen to a rebuke. [End Quotation]
The Greek aphron refers to an “unreasonable one”,
[Quotation] Luke 12..20: But God said to him, ‘Unreasonable one, this night they are demanding your life from you. Who, then, is to have the things you stored up?’ [End Quotation]
anoetos to one “senseless”,
[Quotation] Galatians 3.1: O senseless Galatians! Who has brought you under this evil influence, you who had Jesus Christ openly portrayed before you as nailed to the stake? [End Quotation]
and moros to a ‘fool’ or “foolish” one.
[Quotation] Matthew 23.17: Fools and blind ones! Which, in fact, is greater, the gold or the temple that has sanctified the gold? [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Matthew 25.2: Five of them were foolish, and five were discreet. [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) Proverbs 1.1 through 23 (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 10)[Press play below to hear the Bible reading]
Proverbs 1.1 through 23: The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, the king of Israel: To learn wisdom and discipline; To understand wise sayings; To acquire the discipline that gives insight, Righteousness, good judgment, and uprightness; To impart shrewdness to the inexperienced; To give a young man knowledge and thinking ability. A wise person listens and takes in more instruction; A man of understanding acquires skillful direction To understand a proverb and a puzzling saying, The words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline. Listen, my son, to the discipline of your father, And do not forsake the instruction of your mother. They are an attractive wreath for your head And a fine ornament for your neck. My son, if sinners try to entice you, do not consent. If they say: “Come with us. Let us set an ambush to shed blood. We will lie hidden, waiting for innocent victims without cause. We will swallow them alive as the Grave does, Whole, like those going down to the pit. Let us seize all their precious treasures; We will fill our houses with spoil. You should join us, And we will all share equally what we steal.” My son, do not follow them. Keep your feet off their path, For their feet run to do evil; They hurry to shed blood. It is surely in vain to spread a net in full sight of a bird. That is why these lie in ambush to shed blood; They lie hidden to take the lives of others. These are the ways of those seeking dishonest profit, Which will take away the life of those who obtain it. True wisdom cries aloud in the street. It keeps raising its voice in the public squares. At the corner of the busy streets it calls out. At the entrances of the city gates it says: “How long will you inexperienced ones love inexperience? How long will you ridiculers take pleasure in ridicule? And how long will you foolish ones hate knowledge? Respond to my reproof. Then I will pour out my spirit for you; I will make my words known to you. [End of scripture]
[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 10. Modulation.
[Quotation] Proverbs 8.4: “To you, O people, I am calling; I raise my voice to everyone. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Proverbs 8.7: For my mouth softly utters truth, And my lips detest what is wicked. [End Quotation]
Summary: Convey ideas clearly and stir emotion by varying your volume, pitch, and pace.
[Press play below for Video: Study 10. Modulation. (4:59)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Study 10 Modulation]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching. 10 Modulation. Proverbs 8.4 and 7. Summary: Convey ideas clearly and stir emotion by varying your volume, pitch and pace)
Presenter: The human voice is a marvellous instrument, capable of great variety.
(Text: How to do it: Vary your volume, pitch, and pace in order to convey ideas and stir emotion)
When we vary our volume, pitch, and pace so as to convey ideas clearly and stir emotion, we’re using modulation. Why is modulation important when speaking? For the same reason it’s important
when playing a musical instrument.
(Right hand plays the same note on a piano)
How would music sound without modulation? It’s not very appealing, is it? Now let’s vary the volume.
(Right hand plays the same note on a piano hard and soft)
Let’s also add changes in pace.
(Right hand plays the same note on a piano fast and slow)
Finally, let’s add variations in pitch.
(Both hands play music on the piano)
When the musician varied the volume, pace, and pitch, the result was something pleasurable to listen to. To illustrate the importance of doing this when we speak, let’s listen as a speaker presents fine information but with little modulation.
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites are on the verge of a momentous change. They’re about to take possession of the Promised Land. Tents will be replaced by houses. Manna will be replaced by meat and vegetables. At last, they will be able to worship Jehovah as a free and spiritually clean people. Still, challenges awaited them. What would Moses say shortly before his death to encourage and prepare them? Let’s find out by reading Deuteronomy 31.7 and 8.
Presenter: We stopped the speaker before he read the scripture and finished making the point because he was difficult to listen to. Let’s watch him try again, but this time, he varies his volume, pitch, and pace.
(Left side: The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience. Right side Text: Vary your volume; Vary your pitch; Vary your pace)
Brother: After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites are on the verge of a momentous change. They’re about to take possession of the Promised Land. Tents will be replaced by houses. Manna will be replaced by meat and vegetables. At last, they’ll be able to worship Jehovah as a free and spiritually clean people. Still, challenges awaited them. But what would Moses say shortly before his death to encourage and prepare them? Let’s find out by reading Deuteronomy 31.7 and 8: Moses then called Joshua and said to him before the eyes of all Israel: ‘Be courageous and strong, for you are the one who will bring this people into the land that Jehovah swore to their forefathers to give to them, and you will give it to them as an inheritance. Jehovah is the one marching before you, and he will continue with you. He will neither desert you nor abandon you. Do not be afraid or be terrified.’
Presenter: It was much better, wasn’t it? Did you notice how the speaker-built anticipation for the scripture by lowering his volume as he asked: What would Moses say shortly before his death to encourage and prepare them? Then he increased his volume when reading Moses’ exhortation. If we strive to read and speak with modulation, we’ll convey the ideas more clearly and stir the emotion of our listeners.
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching. 10. Modulation. Proverbs 8.4 and 7)
(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: Vary your volume. Increase your volume to highlight main points and to motivate your listeners. Do the same when reading Scriptural judgments. Decrease your volume to build anticipation or to convey fear or anxiety.
Tip: Do not increase your volume so often that your listeners feel scolded. Avoid drawing attention to yourself by being overly dramatic.
Vary your pitch. If appropriate in your language, raise your pitch to express enthusiasm or to indicate size or distance. Lower your pitch to express sorrow or anxiety.
Vary your pace. Speak more rapidly to convey excitement. Speak more slowly when stating important points.
Tip: To avoid startling your listeners, do not change pace abruptly. Do not speak so rapidly that your diction suffers. [End of Reference Material]
Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry 4. Starting a Conversation (2 minutes)
Public Witnessing. The person wants to argue with you. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 6 point 5)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Boldness] Imitate Jesus. Balance boldness with tact and caution.
[Quotation] Matthew 10:16: “Look! I am sending you out as sheep among wolves; so prove yourselves cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves. [End Quotation]
Avoid arguing. Politely end the conversation if the person is unreceptive to the good news or if you feel unsafe.
[Quotation] Proverbs 17:14: Beginning a fight is like opening a floodgate; Before the quarrel breaks out, take your leave. [End Quotation] [End of Reference material]
5. Starting a Conversation (2 minutes)
Public Witnessing. Exchange contact information with a person who shows interest. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 1 point 5)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Interest in Others] Imitate Jesus. Listen. a. Don’t talk too much. b. Encourage the other person to express himself. When appropriate, ask questions. [End of Reference material]
6. Following Up (2 minutes)
Informal Witnessing. Tell a person about our Bible study program, and give him a Bible course contact card. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 9 point 5)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Empathy] Imitate Jesus. Share information that addresses his needs. As soon as possible, demonstrate how a Bible study can answer his questions and can help him in practical ways. [End of Reference material]
7. Making Disciples (5 minutes)
Enjoy Life Forever! lesson 16 point 6. Use an article from the “Explore” section with a student who wonders whether Jesus’ miracles really happened. (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 3)
[Reference Material Enjoy Life Forever! Lesson What Did Jesus Do While On Earth?] 6. Jesus performed miracles. Jehovah empowered Jesus to perform many miracles. To see one example, read Mark 5.25 through 34 or play the video A Sick Woman Is Cured (5:10). Then discuss the questions that follow. In the video, of what was the sick woman convinced? What impresses you about this miracle?
[Press play below for Video: A Sick Woman Is Cured (5:10)]
[Read scripture] Mark 5.25 through 34: Now there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for 12 years. She had suffered much at the hands of many physicians and had spent all her resources, and she was no better but, rather, had become worse. When she heard the reports about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his outer garment, for she kept saying: “If I touch just his outer garments, I will get well.” And immediately her flow of blood dried up, and she sensed in her body that she had been healed of the grievous sickness. Immediately Jesus realized in himself that power had gone out of him, and he turned around in the crowd and asked: “Who touched my outer garments?” But his disciples said to him: “You see the crowd pressing in on you, and you ask, ‘Who touched me?'” However, he was looking around to see who had done this. The woman, frightened and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. He said to her: “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed from your grievous sickness.” [End of Read scripture]
[Image:] Jesus kneeling and talking to a frightened woman right after she was miraculously healed from a flow of blood.
Read John 5.36, and then discuss this question: What did Jesus’ miracles “bear witness” to, or prove, about him?
[Read scripture] John 5.36: But I have the witness greater than that of John, for the very works that my Father assigned me to accomplish, these works that I am doing, bear witness that the Father sent me. [End of Read scripture]
Explore.
What subject did Jesus speak about the most? “God’s Kingdom. What It Means to Jesus” (The Watchtower, October 1, 2014)
Consider why we can trust that Jesus’ miracles really happened. “The Miracles of Jesus. What Can You Learn?” (The Watchtower, July 15, 2004)
Read how Jesus’ example of self-sacrifice affected one man. “My Life Was All About Me” (The Watchtower, October 1, 2014)
See the main activities of Jesus’ ministry organized chronologically. “Main Events of Jesus’ Earthly Life” (New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, Appendix A7)
[End of reference material]
[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 3. Use of Questions.
[Quotation] Matthew 16.13 through 16: When he had come into the region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples: “Who are men saying the Son of man is?” 14 They said: “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them: “You, though, who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [End Quotation]
Summary: Ask tactful questions to arouse and maintain interest, to reason with your listeners, and to emphasize important points.
[Press play below for Video: Study 3. Use of Questions. (5:15)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Study 3. Use of Questions]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 3. Use of Questions. Matthew 16.13 through 16. Summary: Ask tactful questions to arouse and maintain interest, to reason with your listeners, and to emphasise important points)
Presenters: Why are questions so effective? Because they encourage our audience to think actively instead of listening passively.
(Text: How to do it: Ask rhetorical questions. Pose a series of questions)
We can ask rhetorical questions to maintain interest, we can pose a series of questions to reason on a subject and lead our listeners to a logical conclusion, and we can ask intriguing questions
(Text: Ask intriguing questions)
to introduce key ideas or use review questions to conclude our presentation.
(Text: Use review questions)
Why use rhetorical questions? Well, let’s watch what happens when we don’t.
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: Romans 6.23 says: “For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.” The gift of the ransom came from Jehovah. Immediately after Adam and Eve sinned, Jehovah stated a solution that would offer hope to all of their offspring. He purposed that one of his spirit creatures come to the earth, live as a perfect human, and ultimately offer his life as a ransom.
Presenter: Although it’s often easier to explain a Bible text, questions make our teaching more interesting and effective. Watch as the speaker teaches the same point using rhetorical questions.
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: Romans 6.23 says: For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.” If Jesus is the one who suffered and died for us, why does the verse speak of the ransom as “the gift God gives”? Why not “the gift (Jesus) gives”? Consider what we know from the book of Genesis. Immediately after Adam and Eve sinned, Jehovah stated a solution that would offer hope to all of their offspring. He purposed that one of his spirit creatures come to the earth, live as a perfect human, and ultimately offer his life as a ransom. There is another way too in which the ransom was a gift from God. Have you ever thought of what God must have felt when Jesus was put to death?
Presenter: Rather than simply stating the truth, the speaker stimulated interest by posing a question that prompted his audience to think.
(Text: Review: The speaker stimulated interest by posing an intriguing question)
We can also use questions in the ministry
(Text: In the Ministry: Questions help listeners to reason on a subject)
to help people we meet reason on a subject. Let’s look in on a return visit.
(At a door, a brother speaks with a man)
Brother: “With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: ‘Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.’” So according to this prophecy, what can we look forward to?
Man: Well, when we’re angels in heaven, we won’t have any more pain or death.
Presenter: It’s good that the question prompted a response from the householder. However, how can the publisher use questions to lead the householder to the correct understanding of these verses?
(Text: Review: How can the publisher use questions to lead the householder to the correct understanding)
Let’s watch.
(At a door, the brother speaks with the man)
Brother: Yes, God is going to end pain and death. But where will this take place? The verse says that pain and death “will be no more.” Where do pain and death exist today? In heaven or on earth?
Presenter: Rather than simply correcting the wrong thought, the publisher used questions to help the householder reason on the Scriptures and come to the right conclusion.
(Text: Review: Use questions to help listeners reason on scriptures and arrive at the right conclusion)
Good teaching involves more than just relating information.
(Text: Review: Use tactful questions. Reason with our listeners. Emphasise important points)
As we use tactful questions to maintain interest, to reason with our listeners, and to emphasize important points, we imitate the Grand Instructor, Jehovah God, and the Great Teacher, Jesus Christ.
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 3. Use of Questions. Matthew 16.13 through 16)
(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: Arouse and maintain interest. Ask rhetorical questions that stimulate a mental response or curiosity.
Reason on a subject. Help your listeners to follow the logic of an argument by posing a series of questions that lead to a reasonable conclusion.
Emphasize important points. Ask an intriguing question to introduce a key thought. Use review questions after discussing an important point or when concluding your presentation.
Tip: After reading a scripture, use questions to emphasize the key idea of the verse(s) you just read.
[Box] In the Ministry. Ask your listener to express his viewpoint on a topic. Listen attentively to his response. Use discernment to determine when and how to ask tactful questions. [End of Box] [End of Reference Material]
Living as Christians - Song 89 Listen, Obey, and Be Blessed. Based on Luke 11.28
1. If we have listened to Christ, will we show it?
His teaching shines as it shows us the way.
It makes us happy to hear and to know it,
But we’ll be blessed if we know and obey.
Listen, obey, and be blessed
When you hear God’s will expressed.
If you’d be happy and enter his rest,
Listen, obey, and be blessed.
2. Our way of life, like a house, gives protection
When it is built on the rock, not on sand.
If we apply Jesus’ loving direction,
We’ll build a life which on bedrock will stand.
Listen, obey, and be blessed
When you hear God’s will expressed.
If you’d be happy and enter his rest,
Listen, obey, and be blessed.
3. Just as a tree rooted deep by the waters
Gives of its fruit when each season arrives,
If we obey as God’s own sons and daughters,
We’ll all be blessed and enjoy endless lives.
Listen, obey, and be blessed
When you hear God’s will expressed.
If you’d be happy and enter his rest,
Listen, obey, and be blessed.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
8. Local Needs (15 minutes)
9. Congregation Bible Study (30 minutes)
“Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom, chapter 22 paragraphs 15 through 21 [Press play below for the audio of the Congregation Bible Study]
“I Am Ready . . . to Die” (Acts 21.10 through 14)
[Click to read scripture]|[Acts 21.10 through 14] But after we had stayed there for quite a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And he came to us and took Paul’s belt and tied his own feet and hands and said: “Thus says the holy spirit, ‘The man to whom this belt belongs will be bound like this by the Jews in Jerusalem, and they will give him into the hands of people of the nations.’” 12 Now when we heard this, both we and those who were there began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered: “What are you doing by weeping and trying to weaken my resolve? Rest assured, I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we stopped objecting and said: “Let the will of Jehovah take place.” [End of scripture] [Click to close]
Question 15 and 16. What message did Agabus bring, and what effect did it have on those who heard it?
15. During Paul’s stay with Philip, another respected visitor arrived, Agabus. Those gathered at Philip’s home knew Agabus to be a prophet; he had foretold a great famine during the reign of Claudius.
[Quotation] Acts 11.27 and 28: In those days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and foretold through the spirit that a great famine was about to come on the entire inhabited earth, which, in fact, did take place in the time of Claudius. [End Quotation]
Perhaps they wondered: ‘Why has Agabus come? What message does he bring?’ As they watched intently, he took Paul’s belt, a long strip of cloth that could hold money and other items and was worn around the waist. With it, Agabus bound his own feet and hands. Then he spoke. The message was sobering: “Thus says the holy spirit, ‘The man to whom this belt belongs will be bound like this by the Jews in Jerusalem, and they will give him into the hands of people of the nations.’”.
[Quotation] Acts 21.11: And he came to us and took Paul’s belt and tied his own feet and hands and said: “Thus says the holy spirit, ‘The man to whom this belt belongs will be bound like this by the Jews in Jerusalem, and they will give him into the hands of people of the nations.’” [End Quotation]
16. The prophecy confirmed that Paul would go to Jerusalem. It also indicated that his dealings with the Jews there would result in his being delivered “into the hands of people of the nations.” The prophecy had a profound effect on those who were present. Luke writes: “Now when we heard this, both we and those who were there began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered: ‘What are you doing by weeping and trying to weaken my resolve? Rest assured, I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’” (Acts 21.12 and 13).
Question 17 and 18. How did Paul demonstrate his firm resolve, and how did the brothers react?
17. Imagine the scene. The brothers, including Luke, entreat Paul not to proceed. Some are weeping. Moved by the loving concern they show for him, Paul tenderly says that they are “trying to weaken [his] resolve,” or as some translations render the Greek, they are “breaking [his] heart.” Still, his resolve is firm, and as was the case when he met with the brothers in Tyre, he will not allow entreaties or tears to cause him to waver. Instead, he explains to them why he must proceed. What courage and determination he showed! Like Jesus before him, Paul set his face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem.
[Quotation] Hebrews 12.2: as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [End Quotation]
Paul was not seeking to be a martyr, but if that happened, he would consider it an honor to die as a follower of Christ Jesus.
18. How did the brothers react? In a word, respectfully. We read: “When he would not be dissuaded, we stopped objecting and said: ‘Let the will of Jehovah take place.’”
[Quotation] Acts 21.14: When he would not be dissuaded, we stopped objecting and said: “Let the will of Jehovah take place.” [End Quotation]
Those who tried to convince Paul to avoid going to Jerusalem did not insist on having their way. They listened to Paul and yielded, recognizing and accepting the will of Jehovah, even though doing so was difficult for them. Paul had embarked on a course that would eventually lead to his death. It would be easier for Paul if those who loved him did not try to dissuade him.
Question 19. What valuable lesson do we learn from what happened to Paul?
19. We learn a valuable lesson from what happened to Paul: We never want to try to dissuade others from pursuing a self-sacrificing course in serving God. We can apply this lesson to many situations, not just those that involve life and death. For example, while many Christian parents have found it difficult to see their children leave home to serve Jehovah in distant assignments, they are determined not to discourage them. Phyllis, who lives in England, recalls how she felt when her only daughter took up missionary service in Africa. “It was an emotional time,” said Phyllis. “It was hard for me to know that she would be so far away. I felt sad and proud at the same time. I prayed a lot about it. But it was her decision, and I never tried to alter that. After all, I had always taught her to put Kingdom interests first! She has served in foreign assignments for the past 30 years, and I thank Jehovah every day for her faithfulness.” How fine it is when we encourage self-sacrificing fellow believers!
[Image Alt:] Collage: Parents and a missionary couple. 1. The parents happily make a phone call. 2. The couple happily receive a phone call in their foreign assignment. Caption: It is good to encourage self-sacrificing fellow believers
“The Brothers Welcomed Us Gladly” (Acts 21.15 through 17)
[Click to read scripture]|[Acts 21.15 through 17] Now after these days we prepared for the journey and started on our way to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, taking us to Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple at whose home we were to be guests. 17 When we got to Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly. [End of scripture] [Click to close]
Question 20 and 21. What illustrates Paul’s desire to be with the brothers, and why did he want to be with those of like faith?
20. Preparations were made, and Paul continued on his way, accompanied by brothers who thus gave evidence of their wholehearted support. At every stage of the journey to Jerusalem, Paul and those accompanying him sought the companionship of their Christian brothers and sisters. At Tyre, they had found disciples and had remained with them seven days. In Ptolemais, they had greeted their sisters and brothers and had spent one day with them. At Caesarea, they had stayed for a number of days at the home of Philip. Next, some of the disciples from Caesarea escorted Paul and his companions to Jerusalem, where they were entertained by Mnason, an early disciple. Finally, upon the travelers’ arrival in Jerusalem, Luke reports that “the brothers welcomed us gladly.”
[Quotation] Acts 21.17: When we got to Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly. [End Quotation]
21. Clearly, Paul wanted to be with those of like faith. The apostle drew encouragement from his brothers and sisters, just as we do today. Doubtless, that encouragement strengthened Paul to face the angry opposers who would seek to put him to death.
Song 80 “Taste and See That Jehovah Is Good” Based on Psalm 34.8
1. Our service to God we cherish;
We value our priv’lege to preach.
We buy out the time and give God our best,
For many we still need to reach.
God’s Word invites us. ‘Come taste and see
See that Jehovah is good.’
Godly devotion brings greatest gain,
We know we’ve done all we could.
2. For those in the full-time service,
Rich blessings and treasures abound.
By trusting in God to care for our needs,
In all things contentment is found.
God’s Word invites us. ‘Come taste and see
See that Jehovah is good.’
Godly devotion brings greatest gain,
We know we’ve done all we could.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
