Our Christian Life and Ministry. May 19 through May 25 [Press play below to hear the Meeting Workbook]
[Press play below to hear Proverbs 14]
[Click to read Bible chapter]|[Proverbs 14] The truly wise woman builds up her house, But the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. 2 The one walking in his uprightness fears Jehovah, But the one whose ways are devious despises Him. 3 The rod of haughtiness is in the mouth of the fool, But the lips of the wise will protect them. 4 Where there are no cattle the manger is clean, But the power of a bull yields an abundant harvest. 5 A faithful witness will not lie, But a false witness lies with every breath. 6 The scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge comes easily to the person with understanding. 7 Stay away from the foolish man, For you will not find knowledge on his lips. 8 By wisdom the shrewd man understands the way he is going, But the stupid are deceived by their foolishness. 9 Fools make fun of guilt, But among the upright, there is a willingness to reconcile. 10 The heart knows its own bitterness, And no outsider can share in its joy. 11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish. 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death. 13 Even in laughter the heart may feel pain, And rejoicing may end in grief. 14 The one wayward at heart will reap the results of his ways, But the good man reaps the reward of his dealings. 15 The naive person believes every word, But the shrewd one ponders each step. 16 The wise one is cautious and turns away from evil, But the stupid one is reckless and overconfident 17 The one who is quick to anger acts foolishly, But the man who thinks things out is hated. 18 The naive will inherit foolishness, But the shrewd are crowned with knowledge. 19 Bad people will have to bow down before the good, And the wicked will bow at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor man is hated even by his neighbors, But many are the friends of the rich person. 21 The one who despises his neighbor sins, But whoever shows compassion to the lowly is happy. 22 Will not those who plot mischief go astray? But those intent on doing good will receive loyal love and faithfulness. 23 There is benefit in every kind of hard work, But mere talk leads to want. 24 The crown of the wise is their wealth; But the foolishness of the stupid is only foolishness. 25 A true witness saves lives, But a deceitful one lies with every breath. 26 There is strong confidence in the fear of Jehovah, And it will be a refuge for his children. 27 The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death. 28 A multitude of people are a king’s majesty, But a ruler without subjects is ruined. 29 The one who is slow to anger has great discernment, But the impatient one displays his foolishness. 30 A calm heart gives life to the body, But jealousy is rottenness to the bones. 31 The one who defrauds the lowly one insults his Maker, But whoever shows compassion to the poor glorifies Him. 32 The wicked one will be brought down by his own evil, But the righteous one will find refuge in his integrity. 33 Wisdom rests quietly in the heart of an understanding person, But among the stupid it must make itself known. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is disgraceful to a people. 35 The king finds pleasure in a servant who acts with insight, But his fury is against the one who acts shamefully. [End of Bible chapter] [Click to close]
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]
Treasures From God’s Word 1. Ponder Each Step When a Disaster Strikes (10 minutes)
Beware of believing “every word” you hear
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 14.15: The naive person believes every word, But the shrewd one ponders each step. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2023.02 pages 22 and 23 paragraphs 10 through 12] 10 At times, we are not able to prevent life-threatening events. This is especially true of natural disasters, epidemics, and violent conflicts. However, when such calamities strike, we can try to reduce risks and improve our likelihood of survival by obeying curfews, evacuation orders, and emergency restrictions.
[Quotation] Romans 13.1: Let every person be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Romans 13.5 through 7: There is therefore compelling reason for you to be in subjection, not only on account of that wrath but also on account of your conscience. 6 That is why you are also paying taxes; for they are God’s public servants constantly serving this very purpose. 7 Render to all their dues: to the one who calls for the tax, the tax; to the one who calls for the tribute, the tribute; to the one who calls for fear, such fear; to the one who calls for honor, such honor. [End Quotation]
Some threats can be anticipated, so we do well to follow any guidelines issued by the local authorities to help us prepare for a disaster. For instance, we may find it practical to store a supply of water and nonperishable food and a basic first-aid kit.
11. What should we do if a contagious disease is spreading where we live? We should obey emergency regulations, such as those regarding washing our hands, social distancing, wearing a mask, and quarantining. Our diligence in these areas shows how deeply we appreciate God’s gift of life.
12. During emergencies, inaccurate information may circulate among friends, among neighbors, and in the media. Rather than believe “every word” we hear, we do well to listen to the most reliable governmental and medical sources available. (Read Proverbs 14.15) The Governing Body and the branch offices make every effort to obtain accurate information before giving direction regarding congregation meetings and the preaching work.
[Quotation] Hebrews 13.17: Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over you as those who will render an account, so that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you. [End Quotation]
By being cooperative, we protect ourselves and others from harm. We may also enhance the congregation’s reputation in the community.
[Quotation] 1 Peter 2.12: Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, so that when they accuse you of being wrongdoers, they may be eyewitnesses of your fine works and, as a result, glorify God in the day of his inspection. [End Quotation] [End of reference material]
Do not simply rely on your instinct or past experience
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 14.12: There is a way that seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death. [End of inserted scripture]
Do not listen to those who reject guidance from Jehovah’s organization
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 14.7: Stay away from the foolish man, For you will not find knowledge on his lips. [End of inserted scripture]
For Meditation: Elders, are you prepared to follow direction and rely on Jehovah when disaster strikes?
[Reference material Watchtower 2024.07 page 5 paragraph 11] If we are called on to help our brothers during dangerous times, how can we show courage like that of Zadok? (1) Follow direction. In such circumstances, it is important that we remain united. Cooperate with the direction from your local branch office.
[Quotation] Hebrews 13.17: Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over you as those who will render an account, so that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you. [End Quotation]
Elders should regularly review local arrangements for disaster preparedness as well as organizational direction on what to do when a disaster is imminent.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 14.33: For God is a God not of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the holy ones, [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 14.40: But let all things take place decently and by arrangement. [End Quotation]
(2) Be courageous but cautious.
[Quotation] Proverbs 22.3: The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences. [End Quotation]
Use common sense. Do not take unnecessary risks. (3) Rely on Jehovah. Remember that Jehovah is deeply interested in the well-being of both you and your brothers. He can help you to assist your brothers safely. [End of reference material]
[Image:] A family watching a JW Broadcasting program.
2. Spiritual Gems (10 minutes)
Proverbs 14.17 In what ways may “the man who thinks things out” be hated?
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 14.17: The one who is quick to anger acts foolishly, But the man who thinks things out is hated. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Insight volume 2 page 1094] However, the one who truly exercises thinking ability may also become an object of hatred. This could be the thought expressed at Proverbs 14.17: “The man of thinking abilities is hated.” Often persons who are not thinkers themselves look unfavorably upon those who utilize their mental faculties. Also, in principle, those who exercise their minds in doing God’s will are hated. As Jesus Christ said: “Because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you.”
[Quotation] John 15.19: If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. [End Quotation]
Of course, the original-language term for “thinking abilities” at Proverbs 14.17 can embrace malicious thinking. Therefore, the text may also mean that a man who devises evil is hated, and some translations read accordingly: “And a man of wicked devices is hated.” (The Holy Scriptures According to the Masoretic Text (1917; as printed in 1952), The Jewish Publication Society of America, The Emphasised Bible (1902), Joseph B. Rotherham) [End of reference material]
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading (4 minutes) Proverbs 14.1 through 21 (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 11)
Proverbs 14.1 through 21 The truly wise woman builds up her house, But the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. The one walking in his uprightness fears Jehovah, But the one whose ways are devious despises Him. The rod of haughtiness is in the mouth of the fool, But the lips of the wise will protect them. Where there are no cattle the manger is clean, But the power of a bull yields an abundant harvest. A faithful witness will not lie, But a false witness lies with every breath. The scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge comes easily to the person with understanding. Stay away from the foolish man, For you will not find knowledge on his lips. By wisdom the shrewd man understands the way he is going, But the stupid are deceived by their foolishness. Fools make fun of guilt, But among the upright, there is a willingness to reconcile. The heart knows its own bitterness, And no outsider can share in its joy. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way that seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death. Even in laughter the heart may feel pain, And rejoicing may end in grief. The one wayward at heart will reap the results of his ways, But the good man reaps the reward of his dealings. The naive person believes every word, But the shrewd one ponders each step. The wise one is cautious and turns away from evil, But the stupid one is reckless and overconfident. The one who is quick to anger acts foolishly, But the man who thinks things out is hated. The naive will inherit foolishness, But the shrewd are crowned with knowledge. Bad people will have to bow down before the good, And the wicked will bow at the gates of the righteous. The poor man is hated even by his neighbors, But many are the friends of the rich person. The one who despises his neighbor sins, But whoever shows compassion to the lowly is happy. [End of scripture]
[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 11. Enthusiasm.
[Quotation] Romans 12.11: Be industrious, not lazy. Be aglow with the spirit. Slave for Jehovah. [End Quotation]
Summary: Stimulate and motivate your listeners by speaking with zeal.
[Press play below for Video: Study 11. Enthusiasm. (5:04)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Study 11 Enthusiasm]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 11 Enthusiasm. Romans 12.11. Summary: Stimulate and motivate your listeners by speaking with zeal.)
Presenter: What fills you with enthusiasm? Do you enjoy talking about tasty food? Or do you speak with enthusiasm about the playful antics of your little niece or nephew? Reasons for enthusiasm vary from person to person. But why might a speaker who loves Jehovah and who believes what he’s saying lack enthusiasm when speaking? It’s not enough just to prepare what to say.
(Text: How to do it: Get your heart involved. Think about your listeners. Breathe life into your delivery)
We must get our heart involved, think about our listeners, and breathe life into our delivery. This is important both in the congregation and in the ministry. As you watch the following example, consider the question, ‘Does this sister need more enthusiasm for her subject or less?’
(At a door a sister speaks with a woman)
Sister: The coming Paradise will be wonderful. Notice just one of the prophecies in the Bible regarding the abundant blessings God has promised. It’s here at Isaiah 65.21 and 22: They will build houses and live in them, and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. They will not build for someone else to inhabit, nor will they plant for others to eat.
Presenter: So how did she do? When we speak about the blessings of the new earth under God’s Kingdom, we should brim with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is contagious. Let’s watch another example.
(At a door the sister speaks with a woman)
Sister: The coming Paradise will be wonderful! Notice just one of the prophecies in the Bible regarding the abundant blessings God has promised. It’s here at Isaiah 65.21 and 22: They will build houses and live in them, and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. They will not build for someone else to inhabit, nor will they plant for others to eat. For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, and the work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full.
Presenter: Well done! Our sister spoke from the heart and breathed life into her material. It was evident in her tone of voice and facial expression. Of course, we need to be balanced. We could tire our listeners if we project a high level of enthusiasm throughout our presentation. To illustrate this, watch this brother giving a talk at the Kingdom Hall.
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: What prophetic events can we expect in the near future? First, there will be a pronouncement of “peace and security.” Then, the great tribulation will begin when the nations turn on Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion. However, in harmony with the words of Matthew 24.22, the attack will be cut short “on account of the chosen ones.” What will happen next? Gog of Magog, a coalition of nations, will attack God’s people.
Presenter: What do you think? The speaker was clearly enthusiastic, a bit too enthusiastic about the devastating events to come. Also, our listeners will be distracted if we use the same gesture repeatedly.
(Text: Make gestures meaningful. Express enthusiasm when: teaching main points; Motivating your listeners to take action.)
So, we should try to make our gestures meaningful and show enthusiasm primarily when teaching main points and when motivating our listeners to action. Let’s give our brother another chance.
(The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: What prophetic events can we expect in the near future? First, there will be a pronouncement of “peace and security.” Then, the great tribulation will begin when the nations turn on Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion. However, in harmony with the words of Matthew 24.22, the attack will be cut short “on account of the chosen ones.” What will happen next? Gog of Magog, a coalition of nations, will attack God’s people. But Jehovah will rescue his servants during Armageddon, “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” So, what must we do now?
Presenter: Romans 12.11 commands us to “be aglow with the spirit.” By putting enthusiasm into our delivery, we’ll stimulate and motivate our listeners to action.
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 11 Enthusiasm. Romans 12.11)
(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: Get your heart involved. As you prepare to deliver your presentation, think deeply about the importance of your message. Get to know your material so well that you can express yourself from the heart.
Think about your listeners. Meditate on how the information you will read or teach will benefit others. Consider ways to present that information in a way that will deepen your listeners’ appreciation for it.
Breathe life into your delivery. Speak with zeal. Use natural gestures and sincere facial expressions to reflect your feelings.
Tip: Take care not to distract your listeners by using the same gesture repeatedly as a mannerism. Make your gestures meaningful. Express enthusiasm primarily when teaching main points and motivating your listeners to take action. Do not tire your listeners by projecting a high level of enthusiasm throughout your presentation. [End of Reference Material]
Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry. 4. Starting a Conversation (3 minutes)
Public Witnessing. Share something from the Bible with a person who tells you that he is concerned about the economy. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 3 point 3)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Kindness point 3] Imitate Jesus. Empathize with the person. Try to imagine how he feels. a. Ask yourself: ‘What may he be concerned about? What might he find helpful and appealing?’ Doing so will help you to show kindness in a natural and sincere manner. b. Show that you care about what matters to a person by listening. If he tells you how he feels about something or mentions a problem he is facing, do not change the subject. [End of Reference material]
5. Following Up (4 minutes)
House to House. Offer a magazine on a topic that the person showed interest in during your last conversation. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 9 point 4)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Empathy point 4] Imitate Jesus. Think about the interested person. Based on your conversations with him, ask yourself: a. ‘Why does he need to hear the truth?’ b. ‘How would studying the Bible make his daily life and his future better?’ [End of Reference material]
6. Making Disciples (5 minutes)
Encourage your student to read the Bible daily, and show him how to reach his goal. (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 19)
[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 19. Effort to Reach the Heart.
[Quotation] Proverbs 3.1: My son, do not forget my teaching, And may your heart observe my commandments, [End Quotation]
Summary: Help your listeners to appreciate what they learn and to act on it.
[Press play below for Video: Study 19. Effort to Reach the Heart. (5:45)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Study 19. Effort to Reach the Heart]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching. 19 Effort to Reach the Heart. Proverbs 3.1. Summary: Help your listeners to appreciate what they learn and act on it)
Presenter: Jesus’ teaching reached the heart. Luke 24.32 records the reaction of some of his disciples following a teaching session: Were not our hearts burning within us as he was speaking to us on the road, as he was fully opening up the Scriptures to us?” When we teach, how can we reach the heart?
(Text: How to do it: Help your listeners to make a self-examination. Appeal to good motives. Direct attention to Jehovah)
We can (1) use rhetorical questions to help our listeners think, (2) urge listeners to examine why they perform good works, and (3) highlight how Bible principles and commands reflect God’s qualities and his love for us. In the following example, does the speaker help the audience to make a self-examination?
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: What’s one thing you must do to gain everlasting life? At Matthew 19.21, Jesus said to a rich young ruler: Go sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come be my follower.” Clearly, you must cut out of your life anything that interferes with your worship of Jehovah.
Presenter: Were the words accurate? Yes. Were you moved from the heart? Probably not. Although the speaker told us what we needed to do, he didn’t help us to examine our own feelings on the matter. Let’s watch him try again.
(The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience. Text: Help your listeners to make a self-examination)
Brother: What’s one thing we must do to gain everlasting life? At Matthew 19.21, we find Jesus’ response to this question as posed by a rich young ruler: Go sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come be my follower.” Although this man had kept the commandments of the Mosaic Law since his youth, Jesus detected that something was missing. Each of us does well to ask himself: ‘What might Jesus detect about me? Although Jehovah doesn’t expect me to part with all of my belongings, is there anything in my life that interferes with my worship? Does my job prevent me from attending congregation meetings? Do I catch myself thinking about material things when I’m engaged in sacred service? Material things may be valuable, but are they worth more than my everlasting life?’
Presenter: Well done! The rhetorical questions helped us to examine ourselves. Also, instead of using the personal pronoun “you,” the speaker showed respect for his audience by including himself as one who needs to apply the counsel of God’s Word. In order to reach the heart, we must also appeal to good motives.
(Text: How to do it: Appeal to good motives)
In other words, we should motivate our audience to act because they love Jehovah, fellow humans, and Bible teachings. Does the Bible teacher do that in the following demonstration?
(Brother conducts a Bible study with student)
Teacher: The question asks: What do we need to avoid?
Student: Bad habits, like smoking and abusing alcohol and drugs.
Teacher: That’s right, but I noticed you’re still smoking. So, what do you need to do?
Student: I know I need to quit, but it’s not easy.
Teacher: Well, we’ve been studying for over a year. How much more time do you need? How much time do you think is left before the end comes?
Presenter: Did the teacher appeal to proper motives? No. Instead, he tried to pressure and shame the student. Let’s watch a better way to motivate.
(Brother conducts a Bible study with student)
Teacher: The question asks: What do we need to avoid?
Student: Bad habits, like smoking and abusing alcohol and drugs.
Teacher: That’s right. Of course, it’s not always easy to give up bad habits. But what can be a powerful motivator?
Student: Well, I’ve got to stop smoking, so I won’t be destroyed at Armageddon.
Teacher: Actually, there’s a stronger motivation. Why do you get up early every day to go to work?
Student: To provide for my family. I do it because I love them.
Teacher: Exactly! In the same way, strong love for Jehovah can help you to break habits in order to please him. And what does he provide that can help you win the battle against smoking?
Student: Holy spirit?
Teacher: Yes. Anytime you have the urge to smoke, you can freely call on Jehovah for his help to resist. Let’s now consider five Bible principles that will help you further.
Presenter: Not only did the teacher appeal to good motives but he also helped the student to think about how he could please Jehovah.
(Text: How to do it: Direct attention to Jehovah)
When we do our best to reach the heart of our listeners, we’ll be appealing to the best of motives: love for God. Love for Jehovah will move them to draw close to him and become his friends. It will motivate them to praise him, not just for a short time but for all eternity!
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching. 19 Effort to Reach the Heart. Proverbs 3.1)
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2020 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
How to Do It: Help your listeners to make a self-examination. Ask rhetorical questions to help people in your audience examine their own feelings.
Appeal to good motives. Urge your listeners to analyze why they perform good works. Help them to build the finest motives, love for Jehovah, for fellow humans, and for Bible teachings. Reason with your listeners; do not lecture them. Rather than shaming them, leave them encouraged at the end of your presentation, motivated to do their best.
Direct attention to Jehovah. Highlight how Bible teachings, principles, and commands reflect God’s qualities and his love for us. Cultivate in your listeners a desire to consider Jehovah’s feelings and to please him.
Tip: Remember that Jehovah draws people. Use his Word to motivate your listeners.
[Box] In the Ministry. When possible, use questions to find out what your listener really believes. Observe his facial expression and tone of voice for signs of his true feelings. However, be patient. You will likely have to build trust before your listener will reveal his inmost feelings. [End of Box] [End of Reference Material]
Living as Christians Song 126 Stay Awake, Stand Firm, Grow Mighty. Based on 1 Corinthians 16.13
1. Stay awake, stand firm, grow mighty,
Be determined to endure.
Carry on with manly courage,
For the victory is sure.
We obey Christ Jesus’ clear command;
Under him we firmly take our stand.
Stay awake, stand firm, and grow mighty!
Carry on right to the end!
2. Stay awake, and keep your senses,
Always ready to obey.
Stay alert to Christ’s direction
Through his faithful slave today.
Heed the counsel of the older men,
Who protect his sheep and truth defend.
Stay awake, stand firm, and grow mighty!
Carry on right to the end!
3. Stay awake, remain united
As the good news we defend.
Though our enemies will fight it,
We will preach until the end.
Join the shout of praise throughout the land.
Look! Jehovah’s day is soon at hand!
Stay awake, stand firm, and grow mighty!
Carry on right to the end!
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
7. Remain Prepared for a Disaster (15 minutes)
Discussion. To be handled by an elder. If provided, include reminders from the branch office and the body of elders.
As we endure “the last days,” we expect troubles to increase.
[Quotation] 2 Timothy 3.1: But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Matthew 24.8: All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress. [End Quotation]
[Study note] pangs of distress: The Greek word literally refers to the intense pain experienced during childbirth. While it is used here to refer to distress, pain, and suffering in a general sense, it may suggest that like birth pains the foretold troubles and suffering will increase in frequency, intensity, and duration in the time period before the great tribulation mentioned at Matthew 24.21.
[Quotation] Matthew 24.21: for then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. [End Quotation] [End of study note]
When facing a disaster, Jehovah’s people often receive timely and lifesaving direction. Our survival then may depend on our obedient preparation now, both spiritually and physically.
[Quotation] Proverbs 14.6: The scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge comes easily to the person with understanding. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Proverbs 14.8: By wisdom the shrewd man understands the way he is going, But the stupid are deceived by their foolishness. [End Quotation]
Prepare spiritually: Develop a good routine. Increase your skills in various forms of the ministry. Do not panic if you are temporarily separated from others in the congregation.
[Quotation] Proverbs 14.30: A calm heart gives life to the body, But jealousy is rottenness to the bones. [End Quotation]
You are never isolated from Jehovah God and Christ Jesus.
[Reference material Organized to Do Jehovah's Will page 176 paragraphs 15 through 17] 15. Tests that come because of wars, revolutions, or outright persecution and official bans may make it impossible for you to carry on Christian worship openly. You may not be able to meet as a congregation. Contact with the branch office may be cut off. Visits by circuit overseers may be interrupted. Publications may not arrive. If any of these things happen, what should you do?
16. The answer is, do whatever you can and as much as you can under the circumstances. Personal study should be possible. Small groups can usually meet for study in private homes. Publications studied in the past and the Bible itself can be used as a basis for meetings. Do not worry or get excited. The Governing Body will generally be able to establish some form of communication with responsible brothers in a short time.
17. Even if you do find yourself isolated from all your Christian brothers, keep in mind that you are not isolated from Jehovah and his Son, Jesus Christ. Your hope can remain firm. Jehovah can still hear your prayers, and he can strengthen you with his spirit. Look to him for guidance. Remember that you are a servant of Jehovah and a disciple of Jesus Christ. Therefore, make good use of opportunities to witness. Jehovah will bless your efforts, and others may soon join you in true worship.
[Quotation] Acts 4.13 through 31: Now when they saw the outspokenness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were astonished. And they began to realize that they had been with Jesus. 14 As they were looking at the man who had been cured standing with them, they had nothing to say in answer to this. 15 So they commanded them to go outside the Sanhedrin hall, and they began consulting with one another, 16 saying: “What should we do with these men? Because, for a fact, a noteworthy sign has occurred through them, one evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 So that this does not spread any further among the people, let us threaten them and tell them not to speak to anyone anymore on the basis of this name.” 18 With that they called them and ordered them not to say anything at all or to teach on the basis of the name of Jesus. 19 But in reply Peter and John said to them: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves. 20 But as for us, we cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard.” 21 So after they had threatened them further, they released them, since they did not find any grounds for punishing them and on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God over what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this miracle of healing had been done was more than 40 years old. 23 After being released, they went to their own people and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 On hearing this, they raised their voices with one accord to God and said:“Sovereign Lord, you are the One who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them, 25 and who said through holy spirit by the mouth of our forefather David, your servant: ‘Why did nations become agitated and peoples meditate on empty things? 26 The kings of the earth took their stand and the rulers gathered together as one against Jehovah and against his anointed one.’ 27 For truly both Herod and Pontius Pilate with men of the nations and with peoples of Israel were gathered together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, 28 to do what your hand and counsel had determined beforehand to occur. 29 And now, Jehovah, give attention to their threats, and grant to your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand for healing and while signs and wonders occur through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had made supplication, the place where they were gathered together was shaken, and they were one and all filled with the holy spirit and were speaking the word of God with boldness. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 5.27 through 42: So they brought them and stood them before the Sanhedrin. Then the high priest questioned them 28 and said: “We strictly ordered you not to keep teaching on the basis of this name, and yet look! you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you are determined to bring the blood of this man upon us.” 29 In answer Peter and the other apostles said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men. 30 The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a stake. 31 God exalted this one as Chief Agent and Savior to his right hand, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these matters, and so is the holy spirit, which God has given to those obeying him as ruler.” 33 When they heard this, they were infuriated and wanted to do away with them. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel rose in the Sanhedrin; he was a Law teacher esteemed by all the people, and he gave the command to put the men outside for a little while. 35 Then he said to them: “Men of Israel, be careful as to what you intend to do about these men. 36 For instance, before these days Theudas rose up, saying he himself was somebody, and a number of men, about 400, joined his party. But he was done away with, and all those who were following him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the registration, and he drew followers after himself. That man also perished, and all those who were following him were scattered. 38 So under the present circumstances, I say to you, do not meddle with these men, but let them alone. For if this scheme or this work is from men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. Otherwise, you may even be found fighters against God himself.” 40 At this they took his advice, and they summoned the apostles, flogged them, and ordered them to stop speaking on the basis of Jesus’ name, and let them go. 41 So they went out from before the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of his name. 42 And every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Philippians 1.27 through 30: Only behave in a manner worthy of the good news about the Christ, so that whether I come and see you or I am absent, I may hear about you and learn that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one soul, striving side by side for the faith of the good news, 28 and in no way being frightened by your opponents. This very thing is a proof of destruction for them, but of salvation for you; and this is from God. 29 For you have been given the privilege in behalf of Christ, not only to put your faith in him but also to suffer in his behalf. 30 For you are facing the same struggle that you saw me face, which you now hear that I am still facing. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Philippians 4.6 and 7: Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 2 Timothy 4.16 through 18: In my first defense no one came to my side, but they all forsook me, may they not be held accountable. 17 But the Lord stood near me and infused power into me, so that through me the preaching might be fully accomplished and all the nations might hear it; and I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every wicked work and will save me for his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. [End Quotation] [End of reference material]
Prepare physically: In addition to go bags, each household should have a reasonable reserve of food, water, medicine, and similar items in case it is necessary to shelter in place for an extended period of time.
[Quotation] Proverbs 22.3: The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences. [End Quotation]
[Reference material Awake! 2017.5 page 4] Before. Prepare! No one is immune to disaster. Preparation is your most important key to survival. But what does preparation involve?
Prepare mentally. Acknowledge the fact that disasters happen and that you and your loved ones are potentially at risk. It is too late to prepare after disaster strikes.
Learn about disasters that can happen in your area. Know where shelters are. Consider whether the construction of your home and its location are as safe as possible. Remove fire hazards. Install smoke detectors, and change their batteries at least once a year, if not more often.
Prepare emergency supplies. Power, water, phone, and transportation services can fail. If you own a car, try to keep the fuel tank at least half full, and always have food, water, and an emergency kit in your home. See the box “Do You Have What You Need?”
Have access to the phone numbers of friends, both near and far.
Make and rehearse an escape plan. Know the nearest exits in your building, as well as the emergency plan of your children’s school. Set up family meeting places, such as a school or a library, one nearby and another outside your neighborhood. Authorities recommend that you practice walking with your family to those meeting points.
Plan to help others, including the elderly and the infirm. [End of reference material]
Play the video Are You Prepared for a Disaster? Then ask the audience: How can Jehovah help us during times of disaster? What practical steps can we take to prepare? How can we help others who are affected by disasters?
[Press play below for Video: Are You Prepared for a Disaster? (5:30)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Are You Prepared for Disaster?]
AD: As a brother reads his Bible a graphic of the earth appears behind him
Presenter: Jehovah warned that “in the last days,” there would be “critical times hard to deal with.” There would be “food shortages,” “pestilences,” “earthquakes in one place after another,” and other “fearful sights.”
AD: Disasters all over the rotating earth
Presenter: We also contend with wildfires, volcanic eruptions, destructive storms, and man-made disasters, as well as an increase of lawlessness, civil unrest, and war.
AD: Protesters, soldiers, and tanks
Presenter: No matter where we live, we will likely be affected by some form of disaster, whether natural or man-made.
AD: A helicopter fly’s by
Presenter: How can we be prepared? First, we can prepare spiritually. Isaiah 30:15 says: “Your strength will be in keeping calm and showing trust.” So, we need to build and maintain a close relationship with Jehovah and learn to trust in him now.
AD: the brother imagines a Tsunami
Presenter: We do not expect divine intervention. But when we pray during times of distress, his powerful holy spirit can bring Bible passages back to mind to keep us calm and give us wisdom to make good decisions.
AD: A peaceful light spread over his family as he prays
Presenter: Second, we can prepare physically by maintaining a go bag. Our go bag could include items such as first-aid supplies, bottled water, non-perishable food, a Bible, and other necessary items.
AD: Cash, Crayons, and a face mask
Presenter: If possible, each household should also have a reasonable reserve of basic supplies at home in case it is necessary to shelter in place for an extended period of time.
AD: Water, food, and other supplies
Presenter: Check what government authorities recommend for your community.
AD: The brother talks with an elder
Presenter: Also, we shouldn’t forget to update the elders with our latest contact information.
AD: He shares his address and phone number
Presenter: If we don’t do so, valuable time could be lost in a disaster.
AD: The elder documents it on a clip board
Presenter: Additionally, during family worship, our family could review the types of disasters that could happen. Remember, emergencies like terrorist attacks and unrest can occur anywhere and without warning. So, consider what could be done in each situation, such as where to meet and how to contact the elders.
AD: Around a table with go bags, the family prepares for disasters
Presenter: And third, we can prepare to help others when they’re experiencing a disaster. So, what can we expect if a disaster occurs locally?
AD: An elder contacts families
Presenter: If advance warning of a disaster is given, field service group overseers will make sure that everyone in their group is in a safe location.
AD: A tornado passes
Presenter: Immediately after a disaster occurs, each field service group overseer will contact everyone in his group to learn of their needs.
AD: He calls an older couple with a broken window
Presenter: It could take time to organize relief assistance, especially if supplies are limited. So, it’s vital that each of us takes steps to prepare,
AD: On a phone
Presenter: follows government warnings,
AD: An emergency alert
Presenter: and keeps the elders informed of our circumstances.
AD: As the brother calls the elder his wife and daughter look on
Presenter: Philippians 2:4 states: “Look out . . . for the interests of others.” When we are prepared, more attention can be given to those with the most critical needs and we may be able to help others in our own congregation and nearby, even if we’re affected.
AD: The family supports the older couple
Presenter: For example, in some circumstances, brothers may need a place to stay temporarily.
AD: Carrying their bags
Presenter: Perhaps we could open our home and help them.
AD: Offering a bedroom
Presenter: Or they might need food or basic supplies.
AD: Providing a meal
Presenter: We could share what we have.
AD: Fixing their damaged home
Presenter: In other situations, our brothers may need help cleaning or repairing their home when it’s safe to do so.
AD: They re-install a curtain rod and give a new plant to the older sister
Presenter: But what if a disaster occurs in another area? Should we travel there to help?
AD: A spinning globe, overlayed with various disasters
Presenter: If help is needed, the branch office will assign brothers to coordinate and assist with relief efforts.
AD: Boxes on a truck. Construction on a roof
Presenter: So, the best time to make yourself available is now, before a disaster occurs.
AD: The parents sit at their laptop
Presenter: Ask your local elders for an application. Then when there is a need, the branch office will know you’re willing to assist.
AD: They fill out their A-2 form
Presenter: And do not forget the power of prayer. By offering prayers in their behalf, by volunteering to assist with disaster relief efforts, and by contributing donations to the worldwide work, we can assist our brothers.
AD: On a webpage, donate.JW.org
Presenter: No, we can’t avoid all disasters, whether natural or man-made. But when we follow the direction from Jehovah’s Word and organization, our obedience glorifies Jehovah.
AD: Graphics appear
Presenter: If we prepare spiritually
AD: An open Bible
Presenter: and physically
AD: Go bag and phone
Presenter: and prepare to help others,
AD: Relief workers
Presenter: we can take comfort in knowing that Jehovah will bless our efforts to be prepared for a disaster.
AD: As the disasters fades away, the family stands smiling in a sunny green
Presenter: meadow, with mountains in the background
[Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2022 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania] [Click to close]
[Box] Ask Yourself: ‘What lessons regarding being prepared have I learned from recent natural or man-made disasters?’ [End of box]
[Image:] The family shown in the previous image, preparing their emergency supplies.
8. Congregation Bible Study (30 minutes)
“Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom, chapter 26 paragraphs 18 through 22, box “Malta. Where?”
[Press play below for the audio of the Congregation Bible Study]
“Extraordinary Kindness” (Acts 28.1 through 10)
[Click to read scripture]|[Acts 28.1 through 10] After we made it to safety, we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 And the foreign-speaking people showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and received all of us kindly because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 3 But when Paul collected a bundle of sticks and laid it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the foreign-speaking people caught sight of the venomous creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another: “Surely this man is a murderer, and although he made it to safety from the sea, Justice did not permit him to keep on living.” 5 However, he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 But they were expecting him to swell up or suddenly to drop dead. After they waited for a long time and saw that nothing bad happened to him, they changed their mind and began saying he was a god. 7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the principal man of the island, whose name was Publius, and he welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It so happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed sick with fever and dysentery, and Paul went in to him and prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9 After this occurred, the rest of the people on the island who were sick also began to come to him and be cured. 10 They also honored us with many gifts, and when we were setting sail, they loaded us up with whatever we needed. [End of scripture] [Click to close]
Question 18 through 20. How did the people of Malta show “extraordinary kindness,” and what miracle did God perform through Paul?
18. It turned out that the survivors were on the island of Malta, south of Sicily. (See the box “Malta. Where?” (In Braille, after paragraph 20) The foreign-speaking people of the island showed them “extraordinary kindness.”
[Quotation] Acts 28.2: And the foreign-speaking people showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and received all of us kindly because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. [End Quotation]
They made a fire for these strangers who had reached their shore drenched and shivering. The fire helped them to get warm despite the cold and rain. It also gave rise to a miracle.
19. Paul lent a hand for the general good. He collected some sticks, which he put on the fire. As he did so, a poisonous viper emerged and bit him, fastening onto his hand. The Maltese people thought this was some sort of divine punishment.* [Footnote] That the people knew of such snakes indicates that vipers existed on the island back then. In modern times, vipers are not found on Malta. That difference might well be the result of changes in the habitat over the centuries. Or the increase in human population on the island may have eradicated vipers. [End of footnote]
20. The local people who saw that Paul had been bitten thought that he would “swell up.” The original-language word found here is “a medical term,” according to one reference work. It is not surprising that such an expression might readily come to the mind of “Luke, the beloved physician.”
[Quotation] Acts 28.6: But they were expecting him to swell up or suddenly to drop dead. After they waited for a long time and saw that nothing bad happened to him, they changed their mind and began saying he was a god. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Colossians 4.14: Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and so does Demas. [End Quotation]
At any rate, Paul shook off the venomous serpent and was unharmed.
[Box] Malta. Where?
Various islands have at times been suggested as the “Malta” where Paul was shipwrecked. One theory singled out an island near Corfu, off the western coast of Greece. Another suggestion is based on the word for “Malta” used in Acts. That Greek word is Meliʹte. Therefore, some have pointed to Melite Illyrica, now known as Mljet, located off the coast of Croatia, in the Adriatic Sea.
Granted, Acts 27.27 does mention “the Sea of Adria,” but in Paul’s day “Adria” applied to an area larger than the present Adriatic Sea.
[Quotation] Acts 27.27: Now when the 14th night fell and we were being tossed about on the Sea of Adria, at midnight the sailors began to suspect that they were getting near to some land. [End Quotation]
It included the Ionian Sea and waters east of Sicily and west of Crete, thus encompassing the sea near modern-day Malta.
The ship on which Paul traveled was forced southward from Cnidus to below Crete. In view of the prevailing winds in that storm, it is hardly likely that the ship then turned and sailed as far northward as Mljet or an island near Corfu. So a more likely location for Malta would be farther to the west. That makes the island of Malta, south of Sicily, the probable location where the shipwreck occurred. [End of box]
Two parts: Question 21a. What are some examples of exactness, or accuracy, that we find in this portion of Luke’s account?
Question 21b. What miracles did Paul perform, and with what effect on the Maltese people?
21. The wealthy landowner Publius lived in the area. He may have been the leading Roman officer on Malta. Luke described him as “the principal man of the island,” employing the exact title that has been found on two Maltese inscriptions. He hospitably entertained Paul and his companions for three days. However, Publius’ father was ill. Again Luke described a condition with accuracy. He wrote that the man “was lying in bed sick with fever and dysentery,” citing the precise medical nature of the illness. Paul prayed and laid his hands on the man, and he was healed. Deeply impressed by this miracle, the local people brought other sick ones to be healed, and they brought gifts to fill the needs of Paul and his companions.
[Quotation] Acts 28.7 through 10: Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the principal man of the island, whose name was Publius, and he welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It so happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed sick with fever and dysentery, and Paul went in to him and prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9 After this occurred, the rest of the people on the island who were sick also began to come to him and be cured. 10 They also honored us with many gifts, and when we were setting sail, they loaded us up with whatever we needed. [End Quotation]
Two parts: Question 22a. How has one professor praised Luke’s account of the voyage to Rome?
Question 22b. What will we consider in the next chapter?
22. The portion of Paul’s voyage that we have considered so far resounds with accuracy and truth. One professor said: “Luke’s account stands out as one of the most vivid pieces of descriptive writing in the whole Bible. Its details regarding first-century seamanship are so precise and its portrayal of conditions on the eastern Mediterranean so accurate” that it must have been based on a written journal. Luke may well have made such notes as he traveled with the apostle. If so, the next leg of the trip gave him plenty to write about as well. What would happen to Paul when they finally arrived in Rome? Let us see.
Song 116 The Power of Kindness. Based on Ephesians 4.32
1. We praise you, Jehovah, deep from our hearts,
For in your Word we find
Your power supreme, your wisdom so great,
And yet you are loving and kind.
2. Your Son still invites those bruised by the world
To leave their cares behind.
How kindly his yoke, how tender his heart,
He’s always refreshing and kind.
3. We see in our God and Jesus our Lord,
The persons we should be.
The power of kindness we can possess.
With kindness, how strong we can be!
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
