Our Christian Life and Ministry. April 28 through May 4 [Press play below to hear the Meeting Workbook]
[Press play below to hear Proverbs 11]
[Click to read Bible chapter]|[Proverbs 11] Dishonest scales are detestable to Jehovah, But an accurate weight brings pleasure to him. 2 When presumptuousness comes, dishonor will follow, But wisdom is with the modest ones. 3 The integrity of the upright is what guides them, But the deviousness of the treacherous will destroy them. 4 Wealth will be of no benefit on the day of fury, But righteousness is what will rescue from death. 5 The righteousness of the blameless one makes his path straight, But the wicked one will fall because of his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright will rescue them, But the treacherous will be caught by their own desires. 7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; And expectations based on his power also perish. 8 The righteous one is rescued from distress, And the wicked one takes his place. 9 By his mouth the apostate brings his neighbor to ruin, But by knowledge the righteous are rescued. 10 The goodness of the righteous makes a city rejoice, And when the wicked perish, there is a joyful cry. 11 Because of the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But the mouth of the wicked tears it down. 12 Whoever is lacking good sense shows contempt for his neighbor, But the man of true discernment remains silent. 13 A slanderer goes about revealing confidential talk, But the trustworthy person keeps a confidence. 14 When there is no skillful direction, the people fall, But there is success through many advisers. 15 Whoever guarantees a loan for a stranger is sure to fare badly, But whoever avoids shaking hands in a pledge will be secure. 16 A gracious woman acquires glory, But ruthless men seize riches. 17 A kind man benefits himself, But the cruel person brings trouble on himself. 18 The wicked one earns deceptive wages, But the one who sows righteousness receives a true reward. 19 The one standing firmly for righteousness is in line for life, But the one chasing after evil is in line for death. 20 Those crooked at heart are detestable to Jehovah, But those whose way is blameless bring pleasure to him. 21 Be assured of this: An evil person will not go unpunished, But the children of the righteous will escape. 22 Like a gold ring in the snout of a pig Is a beautiful woman who rejects good sense. 23 The desire of the righteous leads to good, But what the wicked hope for leads to fury. 24 One gives generously and ends up with more; Another withholds what should be given, but he comes to poverty. 25 The generous person will prosper, And whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed. 26 The people will curse the one who withholds grain, But they will bless the one who sells it. 27 The one who diligently seeks to do good seeks favor, But the one searching for bad, that is what will surely come upon him. 28 The one trusting in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the foliage. 29 Anyone who brings trouble on his household will inherit the wind, And the fool will be a servant to the wisehearted one. 30 The fruitage of the righteous one is a tree of life, And the one who wins souls is wise. 31 If, indeed, the righteous one on earth is rewarded, How much more the wicked one and the sinner! [End of Bible chapter] [Click to close]
Song 90 Encourage One Another. Based on Hebrews 10.24 and 25
1. As we encourage one another
To serve Jehovah faithfully,
We find the bonds of love are strengthened;
Fine works bring peace and unity.
The love we find among God’s people
Gives each the courage to endure.
Our congregation is a refuge,
A place where we can feel secure.
2. A word when spoken at the right time
Is, oh, how comforting to hear!
We hear these words of consolation
From friends so faithful and so dear.
How good it is to work together
With those whose hopes and goals we share!
We seek to strengthen one another
And help each one his burden bear.
3. As we with eyes of faith are seeing
The nearness of Jehovah’s day,
We need our gathering together
To keep us walking in the way.
United with Jehovah’s people,
We hope to serve eternally.
So we encourage one another
To hold to our integrity.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Treasures From God’s Word 1. Don’t Say It! (10 minutes)
Don’t say something that could damage your “neighbor”
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 11.9: By his mouth the apostate brings his neighbor to ruin, But by knowledge the righteous are rescued. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2002 May 15th page 26 paragraph 4] The integrity of the upright and the wickedness of evildoers also have an effect on other people. “By his mouth the one who is an apostate brings his fellowman to ruin,” says the king of Israel, “but by knowledge are the righteous rescued.” (Proverbs 11.9) Who will deny that slander, harmful gossip, obscene talk, and idle chatter are damaging to others? A righteous one’s speech, on the other hand, is pure, well-thought out, and considerate. By knowledge he is rescued because his integrity furnishes him with the points of reasoning needed to show that his accusers are lying. [End of reference material]
Don’t say something that is divisive
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 11.11: Because of the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But the mouth of the wicked tears it down. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2002 May 15th page 27 paragraphs 2 and 3] Townspeople who follow an upright course promote peace and well-being and build up others in the community. Thus, a town is exalted, it prospers. Those who speak slanderous, hurtful, and wrong things cause unrest, unhappiness, disunity, and trouble. This is particularly so if these individuals are in a position of influence. Such a town suffers disorder, corruption, and moral and perhaps economic deterioration.
3. The principle stated at Proverbs 11:11 applies with equal force to Jehovah’s people as they associate with one another in their townlike congregations. A congregation in which spiritual people, upright ones led by their integrity, have influence is an assembly of happy, active, and helpful people, bringing honor to God. Jehovah blesses the congregation, and it prospers spiritually. Here and there, the few who may be disgruntled and dissatisfied, who find fault and speak bitterly about the way things are done, are like a “poisonous root” that can spread and poison others who initially were unaffected.
[Quotation] Hebrews 12.15: Carefully watch that no one fails to obtain the undeserved kindness of God, so that no poisonous root springs up to cause trouble and many are defiled by it; [End Quotation]
Such ones often want more authority and prominence. They stir up rumors that there is injustice, ethnic prejudice, or the like, in the congregation or on the part of the elders. Their mouth, indeed, can cause a division in the congregation. Should we not turn a deaf ear to their talk and strive to be spiritual people who contribute to peace and unity in the congregation? [End of reference material]
Don’t reveal a confidential matter
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 11.12 and 13: Whoever is lacking good sense shows contempt for his neighbor, But the man of true discernment remains silent. 13 A slanderer goes about revealing confidential talk, But the trustworthy person keeps a confidence. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2002 May 15th page 27 paragraph 5] What great harm is caused by someone who lacks good judgment, or is “in want of heart”! He carries on his loose talk to the point of slander or reviling. The appointed elders must be quick to put an end to such an unwholesome influence. Unlike “the one in want of heart,” a man of discernment knows when to keep silent. Rather than betray a confidence, he covers over the matter. Knowing that an unguarded tongue can cause much harm, a discerning person is “faithful in spirit.” He is loyal to fellow believers and does not divulge confidential matters that might endanger them. What a blessing such integrity-keepers are to the congregation! [End of reference material]
For Meditation: How do Jesus’ words recorded at Luke 6:45 help us to avoid harmful speech?
[Inserted scripture] Luke 6.45: A good man brings good out of the good treasure of his heart, but a wicked man brings what is wicked out of his wicked treasure; for out of the heart’s abundance his mouth speaks. [End of inserted scripture]
[Image Alt:] Two brothers conversing with each other at the Kingdom Hall. One of the brothers speaks negatively about another brother who is walking toward them.
2. Spiritual Gems (10 minutes)
Proverbs 11.17 How does showing kindness benefit us?
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 11.17: A kind man benefits himself, But the cruel person brings trouble on himself. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Awake! 2020.1 Box] “Kill Your Stress With Kindness”. “A kind man benefits himself, but the cruel person brings trouble on himself.” (Proverbs 11.17). The book Overcoming Stress has a chapter entitled “Kill Your Stress with Kindness.” Treating others kindly, according to the author, Doctor Tim Cantopher, can promote health and happiness. On the other hand, an unkind or cruel person makes himself unhappy because he alienates himself from others.
We may also get stress relief by treating ourselves kindly. For example, we should not make harsh or unrealistic demands on ourselves. Nor should we belittle or malign ourselves. “You must love your neighbor as yourself,” Jesus Christ said.
[Quotation] Mark 12.31: The second is this, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” [End Quotation]
[End of box] [End of reference material]
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading (4 minutes) Proverbs 11.1 through 20 (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 5) [Press play below to hear the Bible reading]
Proverbs 11.1 through 20] Dishonest scales are detestable to Jehovah, But an accurate weight brings pleasure to him. When presumptuousness comes, dishonor will follow, But wisdom is with the modest ones. The integrity of the upright is what guides them, But the deviousness of the treacherous will destroy them. Wealth will be of no benefit on the day of fury, But righteousness is what will rescue from death. The righteousness of the blameless one makes his path straight, But the wicked one will fall because of his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright will rescue them, But the treacherous will be caught by their own desires. When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; And expectations based on his power also perish. The righteous one is rescued from distress, And the wicked one takes his place. By his mouth the apostate brings his neighbor to ruin, But by knowledge the righteous are rescued. The goodness of the righteous makes a city rejoice, And when the wicked perish, there is a joyful cry. Because of the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But the mouth of the wicked tears it down. Whoever is lacking good sense shows contempt for his neighbor, But the man of true discernment remains silent. A slanderer goes about revealing confidential talk, But the trustworthy person keeps a confidence. When there is no skillful direction, the people fall, But there is success through many advisers. Whoever guarantees a loan for a stranger is sure to fare badly, But whoever avoids shaking hands in a pledge will be secure. A gracious woman acquires glory, But ruthless men seize riches. A kind man benefits himself, But the cruel person brings trouble on himself. The wicked one earns deceptive wages, But the one who sows righteousness receives a true reward. The one standing firmly for righteousness is in line for life, But the one chasing after evil is in line for death. Those crooked at heart are detestable to Jehovah, But those whose way is blameless bring pleasure to him. [End of scripture]
[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 5. Accurate Reading.
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 4.13: Until I come, continue applying yourself to public reading, to exhortation, to teaching. [End Quotation]
Summary: Read aloud exactly what is on the page.
[Press play below for Video: Study 5. Accurate Reading. (4:31)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Study 5. Accurate Reading]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 5 Accurate Reading. 1 Timothy 4.13. Summary: Read aloud exactly what is on the page)
Presenter: To convey Bible truth correctly, we must read from the Bible and our Christian publications accurately.
(Text: How to do it: Prepare well. Pronounce each word correctly. Speak Clearly)
To do this, we must prepare well, pronounce each word correctly, and speak clearly. As our brother reads Matthew 24.43 and 44, try to identify some common mistakes made in reading.
(A brother conducts a Bible study with student)
Teacher: To answer that question, notice what the Bible says at Matthew 24.43 and 44: But know one more thing: If the housekeeper had known when the thief was comin,’ “he woulda kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken in two. “On this account, you two prove yourselves ready, because the Son of God is comin’ at an hour that you do not think it to be.
(Review: Inserting words. Skipping words. Ignoring parts of words)
Presenter: Do you think that the householder might have been distracted by the reading? Likely.
(Text: Review: Misidentifying words. Substituting words. Changing word order)
Making any of these errors could convey a lack of respect for the material or change the meaning of the verse. Let’s watch a better example.
(The brother conducts a Bible study with student)
Teacher: To answer that question, notice what the Bible says at Matthew 24.43 and 44: But know one thing: If the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. On this account, you too prove yourselves ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it.
Presenter: Much better! To become effective at reading aloud, we should work to develop good habits in our personal reading.
(Text: How to do it: Understand the meaning. Observe all punctuation marks.
Strive to understand the meaning and to observe all punctuation marks. For instance, at Matthew 8.3, Jesus did not say to the leper: I want to be made clean,” but rather: I want to! Be made clean.” Running through the exclamation point completely changes the meaning. In other verses, we have to emphasize the right words in order to convey the intended meaning. For instance, how would you read 1 John 2.1? Let’s watch.
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father Jesus Christ, a righteous one.
Presenter: Because the brother stressed the word “father,” he gave the impression that Jesus Christ is the Father, which was clearly not the writer’s intent. Let’s give our brother another chance.
(The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one.
Presenter: This time, the speaker made it clear that the helper is Jesus Christ. We should also be careful not to place undue emphasis on function words, such as prepositions and conjunctions. For instance, at 1 Timothy 4.16, instead of reading “you will save both yourself and those who listen to you,” why not emphasize the verb to convey the full meaning of the text? “You will save both yourself and those who listen to you.” Clearly, there is more to accurate reading than simply pronouncing words correctly, yet even that can be a challenge at times. Where can you find help to pronounce a word or name correctly, even Bible names? You can look them up in a dictionary, listen to an audio recording of the publication, or ask a good reader for help. Accurate reading adds to the dignity of the message we preach. It allows our listener to focus on the message rather than be sidetracked by any mistakes. Most important, it honors Jehovah God.
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 5 Accurate Reading. 1 Timothy 4.13)
(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: Prepare well. Determine why the passage was written. Practice reading word groupings, not just individual words. Beware of inserting, skipping over, or substituting words. Observe all punctuation marks.
Tip: Ask a friend to monitor your reading and to point out any words that you read inaccurately.
Pronounce each word correctly. If you do not know how to pronounce a word, look it up in a dictionary, listen to an audio recording of the publication, or ask a good reader for help.
Speak clearly. Enunciate carefully, holding your head high and opening your mouth wide. Make an effort to pronounce each syllable.
Tip: Do not enunciate so precisely that your reading becomes unnatural. [End of Reference Material]
Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry 4. Starting a Conversation (2 minutes)
Informal Witnessing. Look for an opportunity to tell the person something that you learned at a recent meeting. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 2 point 4)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Naturalness] Imitate Philip. Be patient. Do not feel that you must introduce a Bible truth immediately. Wait for the right opportunity so that you can bring it up naturally. Sometimes, this may mean waiting until the next conversation you have with the person. [End of Reference material]
5. Following Up (4 minutes)
Informal Witnessing. Feature a video from the Teaching Toolbox. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 8 point 3)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Patience] Imitate Jesus. Try a different approach. If the person does not immediately agree to a Bible study, do not pressure him. When appropriate, use videos or articles to help him understand what happens on a Bible study and how he would benefit. [End of Reference material]
6. Making Disciples (4 minutes)
Public Witnessing. Offer and demonstrate a Bible study. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 10 point 3)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Commitment] Imitate Jesus. Study at a time and place convenient for your Bible student. He may prefer a specific day of the week or time of day. Would he be more comfortable studying at his workplace, in his home, or in a public place? To the extent possible, adjust your schedule to accommodate his needs. [End of Reference material]
Living as Christians Song 157 Peace at Last! Based on Psalm 29.11
1. Like an island of calm
In dark stormy seas,
God’s people are living in peace.
With our eyes of faith,
We see beyond the clouds
And know that the storm
soon will cease.
To the ends of the earth,
There’ll be peace at last
For all eternity.
From the valleys below
To the mountaintops,
All creation will see
Peace at last.
2. When the new world is here,
All will be one
On earth and in heaven above.
And the peace we’ll know
We’ve never known before
A world ruled by justice and love.
To the ends of the earth,
There’ll be peace at last
For all eternity.
From the valleys below
To the mountaintops,
All creation will see
Peace at last.
To the ends of the earth,
There’ll be peace at last
For all eternity.
From the valleys below
To the mountaintops,
All creation will see.
To the ends of the earth,
There’ll be peace at last
For all eternity.
From the valleys below
To the mountaintops,
All creation will see
Peace at last,
Peace at last!
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
7. Don’t Let Your Tongue Be a Peace Wrecker (15 minutes) Discussion.
Because we are imperfect, we will stumble in our speech.
[Quotation] James 3.8: But no human can tame the tongue. It is unruly and injurious, full of deadly poison. [End Quotation]
However, if we are mindful of common pitfalls, this will help us to avoid saying things that we will later regret. Here are some types of speech that can wreck the peace of the congregation:
Inappropriate boasting. This speech is self-praise and can stir up competition and envy.
[Quotation] Proverbs 27.2: Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; Others, and not your own lips. [End Quotation]
Dishonest speech. This speech is not limited to telling outright lies but includes speech that is intentionally misleading. Even a little dishonesty can destroy trust and harm our reputation.
[Quotation] Ecclesiastes 10.1: As dead flies cause the perfumer’s oil to stink and bubble, so a little foolishness outweighs wisdom and glory. [End Quotation]
Harmful gossip. This speech is idle talk about people and their lives that distorts the facts or reveals private matters.
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 5.13: At the same time they also learn to be unoccupied, going around from one house to another; yes, not only unoccupied but also gossipers and meddlers in other people’s affairs, talking about things they should not. [End Quotation]
It can lead to quarreling and divisions
Angry speech. This speech is an uncontrolled venting of our feelings against someone who upsets us.
[Quotation] Ephesians 4.26: Be wrathful, but do not sin; do not let the sun set while you are still angry; [End Quotation]
It can cause hurt.
[Quotation] Proverbs 29.22: A man prone to anger stirs up strife; Anyone disposed to rage commits many transgressions. [End Quotation]
Play the video “Put Away” Peace Wreckers, Excerpt. Then ask the audience: What did you learn about how easily our speech can disrupt the peace of the congregation?
[Press play below for Video: “Put Away” Peace Wreckers, Excerpt (0:00)]
[Image:] 1. Emily and Celia sit across from each other at a cafe. Celia looks at Haley’s social media post on a smartphone. 2. Haley speaks angrily to Celia in the Kingdom Hall parking lot.
To see how peace was restored, watch “Seek Peace and Pursue It.” [Press play below for Video: “Seek Peace and Pursue It.” (11:23)]
8. Congregation Bible Study (30 minutes)
“Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom, chapter 25 paragraphs 14 through 21
[Press play below for the audio of the Congregation Bible Study]
Question 14 and 15. What did Paul say regarding the changes that he had made in his life?
14. Paul did indeed make drastic changes in his life. Addressing Agrippa, he said: “I did not become disobedient to the heavenly vision, but to those in Damascus first and then to those in Jerusalem, and over all the country of Judea, and also to the nations, I was bringing the message that they should repent and turn to God by doing works that befit repentance.” (Acts 26.19 and 20) For years, Paul had been fulfilling the commission that Jesus Christ had given him in that midday vision. With what results? Those who responded to the good news that Paul preached repented of their immoral, dishonest conduct and turned to God. Such ones became good citizens, contributing to and showing respect for law and order.
15. Those benefits, however, meant nothing to Paul’s Jewish opposers. Paul said: “This is why the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. However, because I have experienced the help that is from God, I continue to this day bearing witness to both small and great.”
[Quotation] Acts 26.21 and 22: This is why the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 However, because I have experienced the help that is from God, I continue to this day bearing witness to both small and great, saying nothing except what the Prophets as well as Moses stated was going to take place [End Quotation]
Question 16. How may we imitate Paul when speaking to judges and rulers about our beliefs?
16. As true Christians, we must be “always ready to make a defense” of our faith.
[Quotation] 1 Peter 3.15: But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect. [End Quotation]
When speaking to judges and rulers about our beliefs, we may find it helpful to imitate the method Paul used in speaking to Agrippa and Festus. By respectfully telling them how Bible truths have changed lives for the better, our own life as well as the lives of those who respond to our message, we may touch the hearts of these high officials.
“You Would Persuade Me to Become a Christian” (Acts 26.24 through 32)
[Click to read scripture]|[Acts 26.24 through 32] Now as Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice: “You are going out of your mind, Paul! Great learning is driving you out of your mind!” 25 But Paul said: “I am not going out of my mind, Your Excellency Festus, but I am speaking words of truth and of a sound mind. 26 For a fact, the king to whom I am speaking so freely well knows about these things; I am convinced that not one of these things escapes his notice, for none of this has been done in a corner. 27 Do you, King Agrippa, believe the Prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 But Agrippa said to Paul: “In a short time you would persuade me to become a Christian.” 29 At this Paul said: “I wish to God that whether in a short time or in a long time, not only you but also all those who hear me today would become men such as I am, with the exception of these prison bonds.” 30 Then the king rose and so did the governor and Bernice and the men seated with them. 31 But as they were leaving, they began saying to one another: “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or prison bonds.” 32 Agrippa then said to Festus: “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.” [End of scripture] [Click to close]
Question 17. How did Festus react to Paul’s defense, and what similar attitude is seen today?
17. As they listened to Paul’s persuasive testimony, the two rulers could not remain detached. Note what took place: “Now as Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice: ‘You are going out of your mind, Paul! Great learning is driving you out of your mind!’” (Acts 26.24) Festus’ outburst may have betrayed an attitude seen even today. To many people, those who teach what the Bible really says are fanatics. Worldly-wise ones often find it hard to accept the Bible teaching of the resurrection of the dead.
Question 18. How did Paul respond to Festus, leading to what response from Agrippa?
18. But Paul had a reply for the governor: “I am not going out of my mind, Your Excellency Festus, but I am speaking words of truth and of a sound mind. For a fact, the king to whom I am speaking so freely well knows about these things ... Do you, King Agrippa, believe the Prophets? I know that you believe.” Agrippa responded: “In a short time you would persuade me to become a Christian.”
[Quotation] Acts 26.25 through 28: But Paul said: “I am not going out of my mind, Your Excellency Festus, but I am speaking words of truth and of a sound mind. 26 For a fact, the king to whom I am speaking so freely well knows about these things; I am convinced that not one of these things escapes his notice, for none of this has been done in a corner. 27 Do you, King Agrippa, believe the Prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 But Agrippa said to Paul: “In a short time you would persuade me to become a Christian.” [End Quotation]
These words, sincere or not, show that Paul’s witness had a profound effect on the king.
Question 19. What decision did Festus and Agrippa make regarding Paul?
19. Then Agrippa and Festus stood, signaling an end to the audience. “As they were leaving, they began saying to one another: ‘This man is doing nothing deserving of death or prison bonds.’ Agrippa then said to Festus: ‘This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.’” (Acts 26.31 and 32) They knew that an innocent man had stood before them. Perhaps they would now look with greater favor on Christians.
Question 20. What results did Paul’s witness to high officials produce?
20. Neither of the powerful rulers in this account seems to have accepted the good news of God’s Kingdom. Was there wisdom in the apostle Paul’s appearing before those men? The answer is yes. Paul’s being “brought before kings and governors” in Judea resulted in a witness reaching areas of the Roman government that might then have been inaccessible.
[Quotation] Luke 21.12 and 13: “But before all these things happen, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors for the sake of my name. 13 It will result in your giving a witness. [End Quotation]
Also, his experiences and faithfulness under trial encouraged his brothers and sisters in the faith.
[Quotation] Philippians 1.12 through 14: Now I want you to know, brothers, that my situation has actually turned out for the advancement of the good news, 13 so that my prison bonds for the sake of Christ have become public knowledge among all the Praetorian Guard and all the rest. 14 Now most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence because of my prison bonds, and they are showing all the more courage to speak the word of God fearlessly. [End Quotation]
Question 21. By pressing on with the Kingdom work, what positive results may we see?
21. The same is true today. By pressing on with the Kingdom work despite trials and opposition, we may see a number of positive results. We may give a witness to officials who might otherwise be difficult to reach. Our faithful endurance may be a source of encouragement to our Christian brothers and sisters, moving them to show even greater boldness in the work of bearing thorough witness about God’s Kingdom.
161. To Do Your Will Is My Delight
1. As your Son rose up from the Jordan
And your precious words filled his heart,
He was deeply moved by your purpose,
And he longed to play his part.
He refused to yield to temptation.
He was zealous for your name.
He gave ev’rything he could give you,
And I long to do the same.
To do your will is my delight.
I give you all my strength and might.
This joy I feel; this joy is real.
I will walk on in your light.
To do your will is my delight.
I have a hope so clear and bright.
Your love I feel; your love is real.
I will praise you day and night.
It’s my delight.
2. As I’ve come to know you, Jehovah,
I’ve found happiness deep inside.
I will gladly speak as your witness,
And your truth I will not hide.
Serving side by side with my brothers,
There’s no better way to live.
I will bear your name, oh, so proudly.
I’ll give all that I can give.
To do your will is my delight.
I give you all my strength and might.
This joy I feel; this joy is real.
I will walk on in your light.
To do your will is my delight.
I have a hope so clear and bright.
Your love I feel; your love is real.
I will praise you day and night.
It’s my delight.
Your will is my delight.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
