Our Christian Life and Ministry. November 17 through November 23 [Press play below to hear the Meeting Workbook]

[Press play below to hear Song of Solomon 6 through 8]

[Click to read Bible chapter]|[ Song of Solomon 6 through 8] “Where has your dear one gone, O most beautiful of women? Which way did your dear one turn? Let us seek him with you.” 2 “My dear one has gone down to his garden, To the beds of spice plants, To shepherd among the gardens And to pick lilies. 3 I am my dear one’s, And my dear one is mine. He is shepherding among the lilies.” 4 “You are as beautiful as Tirzah, my beloved, As lovely as Jerusalem, As breathtaking as armies around their banners. 5 Turn your eyes away from me, For they overwhelm me. Your hair is like a flock of goats Streaming down the slopes of Gilead. 6 Your teeth are like a flock of sheep That have come up from being washed, All of them bearing twins, And not one has lost her young. 7 Like a segment of pomegranate Are your cheeks behind your veil. 8 There may be 60 queens And 80 concubines And young women without number. 9 But only one is my dove, my flawless one. The only one of her mother. She is the favorite of the one who bore her. The daughters see her, and they pronounce her happy; Queens and concubines, and they praise her. 10 ‘Who is she who shines like the dawn, As beautiful as the full moon, As pure as the sunlight, As breathtaking as armies around their banners?’” 11 “I went down to the garden of nut trees To see the new growth in the valley, To see whether the vine had sprouted, Whether the pomegranate trees had blossomed. 12 Before I knew it, My desire had put me At the chariots of my noble people.” 13 “Return, return, O Shulammite! Return, return, That we may look upon you!” “Why do you gaze upon the Shulammite?” “She is like the dance of two companies!” Chapter 7. “How beautiful your feet are in your sandals, O noble daughter! The curves of your thighs are like ornaments, The work of an artisan’s hands. 2 Your navel is a round bowl. May it never lack mixed wine. Your belly is a heap of wheat, Encircled by lilies. 3 Your two breasts are like two fawns, The twins of a gazelle. 4 Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are like the pools in Heshbon, By the gate of Bathrabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, Which looks toward Damascus. 5 Your head crowns you like Carmel, And the locks of your hair are like purple wool. The king is captivated by the flowing tresses. 6 How beautiful you are, and how pleasant you are, O beloved girl, above all exquisite delights! 7 Your stature is like a palm tree, And your breasts are like date clusters. 8 I said, ‘I will climb the palm tree To take hold of its stalks of fruit.’ May your breasts be like clusters of grapes, Your breath as fragrant as apples, 9 And your mouth like the best wine.” “May it go down smoothly for my dear one, Softly flowing over the lips of those asleep. 10 I am my dear one’s, And his desire is for me. 11 Come, O my dear one, Let us go out to the fields; Let us lodge among the henna plants. 12 Let us rise early and go to the vineyards To see if the vine has sprouted, If the blossoms have opened, If the pomegranates are in bloom. There I will express my affection for you. 13 The mandrakes give off their fragrance; At our doors are all sorts of choice fruits. The new as well as the old, O my dear one, I have kept in store for you. Chapter 8. “If only you were like my brother, Who nursed at my mother’s breasts! Then if I found you outside, I would kiss you, And no one would despise me. 2 I would lead you; I would bring you into the house of my mother, She who taught me. I would give you spiced wine to drink, The fresh juice of pomegranates. 3 His left hand would be under my head, And his right hand would embrace me. 4 I put you under oath, O daughters of Jerusalem: Do not try to awaken or arouse love in me until it feels inclined.” 5 “Who is this coming up from the wilderness, Leaning upon her dear one?” “Under the apple tree I awakened you. There your mother was in labor with you. There she who gave birth to you was in labor. 6 Place me as a seal upon your heart, As a seal upon your arm, For love is as strong as death is, And exclusive devotion is as unyielding as the Grave. Its flames are a blazing fire, the flame of Jah. 7 Surging waters cannot extinguish love, Nor can rivers wash it away. If a man would offer all the wealth of his house for love, It would be utterly despised.” 8 “We have a little sister, And she has no breasts. What will we do for our sister On the day when she is spoken for?” 9 “If she is a wall, We will build upon her a battlement of silver, But if she is a door, We will board her up with a cedar plank.” 10 “I am a wall, And my breasts are like towers. So in his eyes I have become As one who finds peace. 11 Solomon had a vineyard in Baalhamon. He entrusted the vineyard to caretakers. Each one would bring in a thousand pieces of silver for its fruit. 12 I have my own vineyard at my disposal. The thousand pieces of silver belong to you, O Solomon, And two hundred to those who care for its fruit.” 13 “O you who are dwelling in the gardens, The companions listen for your voice. Let me hear it.” 14 “Hurry, my dear one, And be swift like a gazelle Or a young stag Upon the mountains of spices.” [End of Bible chapters] [Click to close]

Song 34 Walking in Integrity. Based on Psalm 26

1. Please judge me, Lord, observe my loyalty; 

Observe my trust in you and my integrity. 

Examine me, and put me to the test; 

My mind and heart refine, that my soul might be blessed. 

But as for me, Determined I will be 

to walk eternally In my integrity. 

2. I do not sit with wicked men of lies. 

I hate the company of those who truth despise. 

Jehovah, please, don’t take away my life 

With men who take delight in bribery and strife. 

But as for me, Determined I will be 

to walk eternally In my integrity. 

3. For I have loved the dwelling of your house. 

Your worship, oh, so pure, I daily will espouse. 

And I will march around your altar grand, 

To make thanksgiving heard aloud throughout the land. 

But as for me, Determined I will be 

to walk eternally In my integrity. 

[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]

Treasures From God’s Word. 1. Be a Wall, Not a Door (10 minutes)

The Shulammite girl’s brothers wanted her to remain chaste

[Inserted scripture] Song of Solomon 8.8 and 9: “We have a little sister, And she has no breasts. What will we do for our sister On the day when she is spoken for?” “If she is a wall, We will build upon her a battlement of silver, But if she is a door, We will board her up with a cedar plank.” [End of inserted scripture]

[Reference material Insight on the Scriptures “Song of Solomon, The” paragraph 11] Apparently Solomon then allowed the Shulammite to return to her home. Seeing her approaching, her brothers asked: “Who is this woman coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her dear one?” (Song of Solomon 8.5a) The brothers of the Shulammite had not realized that their sister had such constancy in love. In earlier years one brother had said concerning her: “We have a little sister that does not have any breasts. What shall we do for our sister on the day that she will be spoken for?” (Song of Solomon 8.8) Another brother replied: “If she should be a wall, we shall build upon her a battlement of silver; but if she should be a door, we shall block her up with a cedar plank.” (Song of Solomon 8.9) However, since the Shulammite had successfully resisted all enticements, being satisfied with her own vineyard and remaining loyal in her affection for her lover.

[Quotation] Song of Solomon 8.6 and 7: Place me as a seal upon your heart, As a seal upon your arm, For love is as strong as death is, And exclusive devotion is as unyielding as the Grave. Its flames are a blazing fire, the flame of Jah. Surging waters cannot extinguish love, Nor can rivers wash it away. If a man would offer all the wealth of his house for love, It would be utterly despised.” [End Quotation] 
[Quotation] Song of Solomon 8.11 and 12: Solomon had a vineyard in Baalhamon. He entrusted the vineyard to caretakers. Each one would bring in a thousand pieces of silver for its fruit. I have my own vineyard at my disposal. The thousand pieces of silver belong to you, O Solomon, And two hundred to those who care for its fruit.” [End Quotation]

she could properly say: “I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. In this case I have become in his eyes like her that is finding peace.” (Song of Solomon 8.10). [End of reference material]

She found peace because she successfully resisted immoral enticements

[Inserted scripture] Song of Solomon 8.10: “I am a wall, And my breasts are like towers. So in his eyes I have become As one who finds peace. [End of inserted scripture]

[Reference material Young People Ask page 188 paragraph 2] Staying chaste, however, does more than help a youth avoid dire consequences. The Bible tells of a young maiden who remained chaste despite intense love for her boyfriend. As a result, she could proudly say: “I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers.” She was no ‘swinging door’ that easily ‘opened up’ under immoral pressure. Morally, she stood like the unscalable wall of a fortress with inaccessible towers! She deserved to be called “the pure one” and could say of her prospective husband, “I have become in his eyes like her that is finding peace.” Her own peace of mind contributed to the contentment between the two of them.

[Quotation] Song of Solomon 6.9 and 10: But only one is my dove, my flawless one. The only one of her mother. She is the favorite of the one who bore her. The daughters see her, and they pronounce her happy; Queens and concubines, and they praise her. ‘Who is she who shines like the dawn, As beautiful as the full moon, As pure as the sunlight, As breathtaking as armies around their banners?’” [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Song of Solomon 8.9 and 10: “If she is a wall, We will build upon her a battlement of silver, But if she is a door, We will board her up with a cedar plank.” “I am a wall, And my breasts are like towers. So in his eyes I have become As one who finds peace. [End Quotation] 
[End of reference material]

In this respect, she is a role model for youths

[Reference material Young People Ask volume 2 page 33] Role Model. The Shulammite. The young Shulammite woman knows she needs to keep a clear head in matters of romance. “I have put you under oath,” she tells her companions, “that you try not to awaken or arouse love in me until it feels inclined.” The Shulammite knows that feelings can quickly overpower reason. She realizes, for instance, that others could pressure her to yield to the advances of someone who isn’t right for her. Even her own feelings could cloud good judgment. So the Shulammite remains like “a wall.”

[Quotation] Song of Solomon 8.4: I put you under oath, O daughters of Jerusalem: Do not try to awaken or arouse love in me until it feels inclined.” [End Quotation]  [Quotation] Song of Solomon 8.10: “I am a wall, And my breasts are like towers. So in his eyes I have become As one who finds peace. [End Quotation] 

Is your view of love as mature as that of the Shulammite? Can you listen to your head and not just your heart?

[Quotation] Proverbs 2.10 and 11: When wisdom enters your heart And knowledge becomes pleasant to your soul, Thinking ability will keep watch over you, And discernment will safeguard you, [End Quotation]

Sometimes others might try to pressure you into a relationship before you’re ready for it. You might even bring such pressure upon yourself. For example, when you see a boy and girl walking hand in hand, do you feel desperate to have the same kind of relationship? Would you settle for someone who doesn’t share your Bible-based beliefs? The Shulammite girl was mature when it came to matters of romance. You can be too! [End of reference material]

Ask yourself, ‘How can I help single Christians in my congregation to be a wall, not a door?’

[Image:] Three Israelite men standing in front of a stone wall with their arms crossed.

2. Spiritual Gems (10 minutes)

Song of Solomon 8.6. Why is true love referred to as “the flame of Jah”?

[Inserted scripture] Song of Solomon 8:6: Place me as a seal upon your heart, As a seal upon your arm, For love is as strong as death is, And exclusive devotion is as unyielding as the Grave. Its flames are a blazing fire, the flame of Jah. [End of inserted scripture]

[Reference material Watchtower 2015 January 15th page 29 paragraph 3] Read Song of Solomon 8.6. The expression “the flame of Jah” that is used to describe love speaks volumes. True love is “the flame of Jah” in that Jehovah is the Originator of such love. He created man in his image with the ability to love. (Genesis 1:26, 27)

[Quotation] Genesis 1.26 and 27: Then God said: “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and the domestic animals and all the earth and every creeping animal that is moving on the earth.” And God went on to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. [End Quotation] 
When God presented the first woman, Eve, to the first man, Adam, the words that came out of Adam’s mouth were nothing short of poetic. No doubt Eve felt a closeness to Adam, from whom “she was taken.”

[Quotation] Genesis 2.21 through 23: So Jehovah God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he was sleeping, he took one of his ribs and then closed up the flesh over its place. And Jehovah God built the rib that he had taken from the man into a woman, and he brought her to the man. Then the man said: “This is at last bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh. This one will be called Woman, Because from man she was taken.” [End Quotation]

Since Jehovah has given humans the capacity for showing love, it is possible for a man and a woman to have unswerving and unfailing love for each other. [End of reference material]

What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?

3. Bible Reading (4 minutes) Song of Solomon 7 verse 1 through 13 (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 12) [Press play below to hear the Bible reading]

Song of Solomon 7 verse 1 through 13] “How beautiful your feet are in your sandals, O noble daughter! The curves of your thighs are like ornaments, The work of an artisan’s hands. Your navel is a round bowl. May it never lack mixed wine. Your belly is a heap of wheat, Encircled by lilies. Your two breasts are like two fawns, The twins of a gazelle. Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are like the pools in Heshbon, By the gate of Bathrabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, Which looks toward Damascus. Your head crowns you like Carmel, And the locks of your hair are like purple wool. The king is captivated by the flowing tresses. How beautiful you are, and how pleasant you are, O beloved girl, above all exquisite delights! Your stature is like a palm tree, And your breasts are like date clusters. I said, ‘I will climb the palm tree To take hold of its stalks of fruit.’ May your breasts be like clusters of grapes, Your breath as fragrant as apples, And your mouth like the best wine.” “May it go down smoothly for my dear one, Softly flowing over the lips of those asleep. I am my dear one’s, And his desire is for me. Come, O my dear one, Let us go out to the fields; Let us lodge among the henna plants. Let us rise early and go to the vineyards To see if the vine has sprouted, If the blossoms have opened, If the pomegranates are in bloom. There I will express my affection for you. The mandrakes give off their fragrance; At our doors are all sorts of choice fruits. The new as well as the old, O my dear one, I have kept in store for you. [End of scripture]

[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 12. Warmth and Empathy.
[Quotation] 1 Thessalonians 2.7 and 8: On the contrary, we became gentle in your midst, as when a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. So having tender affection for you, we were determined to impart to you, not only the good news of God but also our very selves, because you became so beloved to us. [End Quotation]

Summary: Speak with genuine emotion, and show your listeners you care.

[Press play below for Video: Study 12. Warmth and Empathy. (5:14)]

[Click for Transcript]|[Study 12. Warmth and Empathy]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 12. Warmth and Empathy. 1 Thessalonians 2.7 and 8. Summary: Speak with genuine emotion and show your listeners you care.)
Presenter: The apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Thessalonica: We became gentle in your midst, as when a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. So having tender affection for you, we were determined to impart to you, not only the good news of God but also our very selves, because you became so beloved to us. Paul cared, and his fellow believers could sense that by the way he spoke to them. This made his teaching more effective. Likewise, if our audience feels that we genuinely care for them, that we’re not there simply to deliver information or fulfil an assignment, they’ll be more likely to listen and respond. So how can we show genuine warmth and empathy? We need to think about our listeners.
(Text: How to do it: Think about your listeners)
For example, before going in the ministry, reflect on specific problems that people in the territory are concerned about. What are their beliefs? Try to imagine how they feel. When preparing a talk, remind yourself of what your brothers and sisters may be facing and how you can encourage them.
(Text: Choose your words carefully)
Then use expressions that refresh, comfort, and invigorate your listeners. Be careful not to speak disparagingly of people or their beliefs. When conversing with older people or those in authority, use words that show respect. Let’s watch a brother giving a public talk. Do his words show empathy for his audience?
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: The evolution theory is very popular today. But it’s hard to understand how intelligent people could believe such an illogical theory. Many believe it simply because so-called educated people do, including many scientists. So how can we help them to examine matters for themselves and see how ridiculous evolution is?
Presenter: If someone in the audience believed in evolution, how would he feel? Let’s watch the speaker try again but this time with more empathy.
(The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: The evolution theory is very popular today. But why do many people believe it? Perhaps they were taught evolution in school and were offered no other plausible explanation. How can we help people to examine the facts for themselves?
Presenter: This time, the speaker didn’t insult people because of their viewpoint. At the same time, he aroused interest in additional facts that are worthy of consideration. What else can indicate warmth and empathy? Tone, not just what you say but how you say it.
(Text: How to do it: Think about your listeners. Choose your words carefully)
A warm tone of voice along with appropriate gestures and facial expressions shows sincere interest. Let’s watch a publisher in the house-to-house ministry. Does she show interest by the way she speaks?
(At a door, a sister speaks with a woman)
Householder: I’m sorry. I can’t talk to you today. I just lost my mother, and I’m meeting with the funeral director this afternoon.
Sister: I’m sorry. It’s so painful when a loved one dies. When I lost my mother a few years ago, I found some Bible verses to be very comforting.
Presenter: Although there was nothing wrong with what our sister said,
her delivery lacked warmth and empathy. Let’s give her a second chance.
(At a door, the sister speaks with a woman)
Sister: I’m sorry. It’s so painful when a loved one dies. When I lost my mother a few years ago, I found some Bible verses to be very comforting. Some of them are in this tract. But maybe we can discuss them briefly another time.
Presenter: Our sister said exactly the same thing, but this time she spoke with emotion, and so her words were more effective. When we speak with genuine emotion, we show our listeners that we care. But be careful not to force or exaggerate emotions. If you’re reading a scripture, try to express the feelings indicated in the passage, but don’t draw undue attention to yourself.
(Text: How to do it: Think about your listeners. Choose your words carefully. Show your interest)
So, by thinking about your listeners, choosing your words carefully, and showing your interest, you’ll refresh, comfort, and invigorate your listeners.
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 12. Warmth and Empathy. 1 Thessalonians 2.7 and 8)
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2019 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]

How to Do It: Think about your listeners. Prepare your heart by reminding yourself of the problems they face. Try to imagine how they feel.
Choose your words carefully. Seek to refresh, comfort, and invigorate your listeners. Avoid expressions that could needlessly offend them, and do not speak disparagingly of unbelievers or their sincerely held beliefs.
Show your interest. With a kind tone of voice and appropriate gestures, show your listeners that you really care. Be mindful of your facial expressions; smile often.
Tip: Do not force or exaggerate emotions. While reading, express the feelings indicated in the passage, but do not draw undue attention to yourself. Since emphasizing consonants can result in a cold, clipped delivery, draw out vowels to warm up the tone of your voice. [End of Reference Material]

Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry. 4. Starting a Conversation (2 minutes)

House to House. Use a jw.org contact card to start a conversation. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 4 point 4)

[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Humility point 4] Imitate Paul. Make clear that the Bible is the source of the truths you share. God’s Word contains thoughts that touch people’s hearts. When we use it, we are building their faith on the right foundation. [End of Reference material]

5. Starting a Conversation (2 minutes)

Public Witnessing. Use a tract to start a conversation in business territory. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 1 point 4)

[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Interest in Others point 4] Imitate Jesus. Be observant. Ask yourself: a. ‘What is the person currently doing? What might he be thinking about?’ b. ‘What do the person’s clothing, appearance, or home tell me about his beliefs or culture?’ c. ‘Is this a good time to talk to the person?’ [End of Reference material]

6. Starting a Conversation (2 minutes)

Informal Witnessing. Initiate a friendly conversation that ends before you can give a witness. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 2 point 4)

[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Naturalness point 4] 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]

7. Explaining Your Beliefs (5 minutes)

Demonstration. Frequently Asked Questions About Jehovah’s Witnesses article 43. Theme: Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Have Rules About Dating? (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 7)

[Reference Material Frequently Asked Questions About Jehovah’s Witnesses, Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Have Rules About Dating?] Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the principles and commands found in the Bible can help us to make decisions that both please God and benefit us. (Isaiah 48:17, 18)

[Quotation] Isaiah 48.17 and 18: This is what Jehovah says, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God, The One teaching you to benefit yourself, The One guiding you in the way you should walk. If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea. [End Quotation]

We did not create these principles and commands, but we do live by them. Consider how some of these relate to the subject of dating.* [Footnote] Dating is part of some cultures but not of others. The Bible does not say that we need to date or that it is the only way to marriage. [End of footnote]
Marriage is a permanent union.

[Quotation] Matthew 19.6: So that they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has yoked together, let no man put apart.” [End Quotation]

Because Jehovah’s Witnesses consider dating to be a step toward marriage, we view it seriously.
Dating is only for those old enough for marriage. Such ones are “past the bloom of youth,” or have passed the peak surge of sexual desire.

[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 7.36: But if anyone thinks he is behaving improperly by remaining unmarried, and if he is past the bloom of youth, then this is what should take place: Let him do what he wants; he does not sin. Let them marry. [End Quotation] 
Those who date should be free to marry. Some people who are legally divorced are not viewed by God as being free to remarry, since his standard is that the only valid basis for divorce is sexual immorality.

[Quotation] Matthew 19.9: I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the grounds of sexual immorality, and marries another commits adultery.” [End Quotation]

Christians who want to marry are commanded to choose only a fellow believer.

[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 7.39: A wife is bound as long as her husband is alive. But if her husband should fall asleep in death, she is free to be married to whomever she wants, only in the Lord. [End Quotation]

Jehovah’s Witnesses view this command as referring not merely to a person who respects our beliefs but to one who shares and practices those beliefs as a baptized Witness.

[Quotation] 2 Corinthians 6.14: Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? [End Quotation]

God has always directed his worshippers to marry only those of the same faith.

[Quotation] Genesis 24.3: and I will make you swear by Jehovah, the God of the heavens and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am dwelling. [End Quotation]  [Quotation] Malachi 2.11: Judah has dealt treacherously, and something detestable has been done in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the holiness of Jehovah, which He loves, and he has taken as a bride the daughter of a foreign god. [End Quotation]

This command is also practical, as modern researchers have found.* [Footnote] For example, an article in the journal Marriage & Family Review stated that “three qualitative studies of long-term marriages have indicated that similarity in religious orientation, religious faith, and religious beliefs are key factors in long-term marriages (25 to 50+ years).” Volume 38, issue 1, page 88 (2005). [End of footnote]
Children should obey their parents. (Proverbs 1:8; Colossians 3:20)

[Quotation] Proverbs 1.8: Listen, my son, to the discipline of your father, And do not forsake the instruction of your mother. [End Quotation]  [Quotation] Colossians 3.20: You children, be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. [End Quotation]

For children living at home, this command includes obeying their parents’ decisions about dating. These might include the age at which a son or a daughter could begin dating and what activities would be allowed.
Within the Scriptural guidelines, Witnesses personally choose whether to date and whom to date. This is in harmony with the principle: “Each one will carry his own load of responsibility.” (Galatians 6:5, footnote)
Still, when it comes to dating, many wisely seek the advice of mature Witnesses who have their best interests at heart.

[Quotation] Proverbs 1.5: A wise person listens and takes in more instruction; A man of understanding acquires skillful direction [End Quotation]

Many practices commonly associated with dating are actually serious sins. For example, the Bible commands us to avoid sexual immorality. This includes not only intercourse but also other unclean acts between unmarried people, such as fondling the genitals of another person or engaging in oral or anal sex.

[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 6.9 through 11: Or do you not know that unrighteous people will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Do not be misled. Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit God’s Kingdom. And yet that is what some of you were. But you have been washed clean; you have been sanctified; you have been declared righteous in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God. [End Quotation]

Even premarital passion-arousing behavior that stops short of sexual immorality is “uncleanness” that displeases God.

[Quotation] Galatians 5.19 through 21: Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom. [End Quotation]

Immoral conversations consisting of “obscene talk” are also condemned in the Bible.

[Quotation] Colossians 3.8: But now you must put them all away from you: wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk out of your mouth. [End Quotation]

The heart, or inner person, is treacherous.

[Quotation] Jeremiah 17.9: The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? [End Quotation]

It can lead a person to do things that he knows are wrong. To prevent their hearts from misleading them, couples who are dating can avoid being alone in tempting situations. They may choose to take such reasonable precautions as staying in the company of a wholesome group or a suitable chaperone.

[Quotation] Proverbs 28.26: Whoever trusts in his own heart is stupid, But the one who walks in wisdom will escape. [End Quotation]

Single Christians who are looking for a marriage mate recognize the risks of online dating sites, especially the risk of developing a relationship with a person whom one knows very little about.

[Quotation] Psalm 26.4: I do not associate with deceitful men, And I avoid those who hide what they are. [End Quotation]

[Box] What is dating? Dating includes any social activity in which two people focus romantic interest on each other. It can take place in a group or in private, in the open or in secret, and in person, over the phone, or by text message. Jehovah’s Witnesses view dating, not as recreation, but as a form of courtship, a serious step toward marriage. [End of box] [End of reference material]

[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 7. Accurate and Convincing.
[Quotation] Luke 1.3: I resolved also, because I have traced all things from the start with accuracy, to write them to you in logical order, most excellent Theophilus, [End Quotation]

Summary: Use trustworthy evidence to help your listeners arrive at the correct conclusion.

[Press play below for Video: Study 7. Accurate and Convincing. (5:38)]

[Click for Transcript]|[Study 7. Accurate and Convincing]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 7 Accurate and Convincing. Luke 1.3. Summary: Use trustworthy evidence to help your listeners arrive at the correct conclusion)
Presenter: When the apostle Paul was teaching Jews in the synagogue in Thessalonica,
he was accurate and convincing. The account at Acts 17.2 and 3 says that “he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving by references that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead.” As a result of Paul’s teaching, some of the Jews became Christians. What will help us to be accurate and convincing when we teach?
(Text: How to do it: Consult reliable sources. Use sources properly. Reason on the evidence)
We must consult reliable sources, use those sources properly, and reason on the evidence with our audience. Let’s say you’re giving a public talk about the last days, and you read the following quote regarding pestilence from the 1996 edition of The Encyclopedia Americana: It is estimated that more than 100 million cases of malaria occur each year. In some places, nearly the entire population is infected.” Is The Encyclopedia Americana a reliable source? Yes. Is the source up to date? No. When referring to a scientific discovery, a news report, a person’s experience, or other information as evidence, make sure that your sources are trustworthy and up to date. Additionally, be sure to use sources properly. Don’t overstate or exaggerate facts and figures. Also, we must apply scriptures in harmony with their context, the Bible’s overall message, and the publications of “the faithful and discreet slave.” See if you can identify a problem in the following scenario.
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: After Babylon the Great is destroyed, Jehovah’s people will continue to dwell in peace. What happens next? In Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39, we find a thrilling prophecy regarding “Gog of the land of Magog.” What will Gog of Magog do? Notice chapter 38 verse 11: You will say: ‘I will invade the land of unprotected settlements. I will come against those living in security, without disturbance, all of them living in settlements unprotected by walls, bars, or gates.’” So, as we can see, Gog of Magog, which represents Satan the Devil, will attack Jehovah’s people. This, in turn, will provoke a reaction from the Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself.”
(Text: Review: Use up-to-date sources)
Speaker: What do you think about what this brother said? Was his explanation of Gog of Magog in harmony with our recent publications? No. Let’s give him another chance.”
(The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: I will come against those living in security, without disturbance, all of them living in settlements unprotected by walls, bars, or gates.” Yes, Gog of Magog, which represents a coalition of nations, will attack Jehovah’s people. This, in turn, will provoke a reaction from the Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself.”
Presenter: Now, how can we reason with people on the facts so that we’re not only accurate but also convincing? Let’s look in on an informal setting.”
(In a work break room, two women in uniforms talk)
Sister: So based on that, do you think humans evolved or were created?”
Colleague: Both. I think God created simple organisms and then let them evolve.”
Sister: That doesn’t make any sense. It’s either one or the other. Creation is much more logical.”
Presenter: How far will that conversation go? We can’t force our view on others, but we can reason with them on the evidence.
(Text: Review: Reason on the evidence)
Let’s watch another example.”
(In a work break room, two women in uniforms talk)
Sister: So, based on that, do you think humans evolved or were created?
Colleague: Both. I think God created simple organisms and then let them evolve.”
Sister: That’s an interesting view. When I think about the remarkable complexity of life, I find a Bible verse to be helpful. It’s here at Hebrews 3.4: Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but the one who constructed all things is God.” We would not assume that something like a phone could come about by chance, right?”
Colleague: Of course not! That wouldn’t make sense.”
Sister: Right. Complex design is the product of an intelligent mind.”
(Text: In the Ministry: Offer to do research and return)
Presenter: Of course, if your listener poses a question and you don’t know the answer, offer to research the topic and return later. By using trustworthy evidence to help our listeners arrive at the right conclusions, we may be able to help them onto the road to life.”
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 7 Accurate and Convincing. Luke 1.3)
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2019 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]

How to Do It: Consult reliable sources. Base your comments on God’s Word, reading directly from it when possible. If you refer to a scientific fact, a news report, an experience, or other supporting evidence, check in advance that your source is trustworthy and up-to-date.
Use sources properly. Apply scriptures in harmony with their context, the Bible’s overall message, and the publications of “the faithful and discreet slave.”
[Quotation] Matthew 24:45 Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? [End of Quotation]
Use secular sources in accord with the original context and the intent of the writer.
Tip: Do not overstate or exaggerate facts and figures. Be careful that “some people” does not become “the majority of people,” “in some cases” does not become “always,” and “possibly” does not become “probably.”
Reason on the evidence. After reading a scripture or citing a source, ask tactful questions or illustrate the point to help your listeners draw their own conclusion.
[Box] In the Ministry. As you prepare to preach, anticipate questions that you might be asked, and research possible responses. If your listener poses a question and you do not know the answer, offer to research the topic and return later. [End of Box] [End of Reference Material]

Living as Christians. Song 121 We Need Self-Control. Based on Romans 7.14 through 25

1. We love Jehovah with heart, mind, and soul; 

But since we are sinful, we need self-control. 

Fleshly desires bring trouble and strife; 

Living by spirit brings peace and life. 

2. Satan’s temptations confront us each day, 

And sin’s law within us can lead us astray. 

Power of truth is greater than sin. 

Thanks to Jehovah, our minds can win. 

3. Each word and action reflects on God’s name, 

So we must endeavor to keep free from blame. 

In all we do, we make this our goal. 

Always maintaining our self-control. 

[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]

8. Flee From Sexual Immorality (15 minutes) Discussion.

In the Song of Solomon, the shepherd invited the Shulammite girl on a romantic walk.

[Quotation] Song of Solomon 2.10 through 14: My dear one speaks, he says to me: ‘Rise up, my beloved, My beautiful one, come away with me. Look! The winter has passed. The rains are over and gone. Blossoms have appeared in the land, The time of pruning has arrived, And the song of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its early figs; The vines are in blossom and give off their fragrance. Rise up, my beloved, and come. My beautiful one, come away with me. O my dove, in the retreats of the crag, In the recesses of the cliff, Let me see you and hear your voice, For your voice is pleasant and your appearance is lovely.’” [End Quotation]

Although his motives were likely innocent, the girl’s wise brothers gave her work to prevent her from accepting his invitation.

Quotation] Song of Solomon 2.15: “Catch the foxes for us, The little foxes that ruin the vineyards, For our vineyards are in bloom.” [End Quotation]

They understood that being alone in a romantic setting with the one she loved could lead to temptations.
The Bible admonishes Christians to “flee from sexual immorality.”

[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 6.18: Flee from sexual immorality! Every other sin that a man may commit is outside his body, but whoever practices sexual immorality is sinning against his own body. [End Quotation]

We should avoid any actions that could lead to wrongdoing. The inspired writer of Song of Solomon also wrote: “The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, but the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences.” (Proverbs 22.3).

Play the video God “Is Aware of the Secrets of the Heart.” Then ask the audience: What lessons did you learn from this video dramatization?

[Press play below for Video: God “Is Aware of the Secrets of the Heart.” (6:30)]

[Click for transcript]|[God “Is Aware of the Secrets of the Heart” (With Audio Description)
AD: In a kingdom hall Shawn a teenage boy reads the Bible from the platform, he closes it and takes a set next to his parents, they nod at him with beaming eyes.

Shawn: My name is Shawn. I was raised in the truth. I was doing everything right.

AD: Shawn takes his phone out of his jacket pocket, he glances at a notification, then quickly puts it away.

Shawn: But I was doing everything wrong.

AD: He looks down clinching his jaw. At home after the meeting, outside his bedroom door he says goodnight to his parents. He enters his room closing the door behind him. Still dressed for the meeting he stretches out on his bed phone in hand, he grins excitedly at the screen then begins texting.

Shawn: I was in my senior year of high school. Everything was going great until this new girl joined our school.

AD: In the school hallway he notices a girl wearing beret, she looks around with a confused frown, he approaches her.

Shawn: I really don’t know how it even started. We just sort of hit it off and became good friends. I mean, she was so easy to talk to.

AD: They continue chatting as other students rush to class. Another day at school she joins him on a bench, he smiles at her talking and gesturing animatedly, she grins, laughing. He moves closer to her on the bench, between them her hand rests on his.

Shawn: Before I knew it, we were texting all the time. Then, one thing led to another.

AD: Back in his room he taps on a photo of them hugging each other.

Shawn: Honestly, when things started to get physical, I thought I could control it, but it was only getting worse.

AD: He quickly puts his phone down then smiles as his mum opens the door. As she stands in the doorway more messages come through on his phone.

Shawn: I didn’t want to let my parents down. So I started lying to them,

AD: As his mom leaves he immediately resumes texting.

Shawn: and then I started lying to myself.

AD: He pauses then looks out the window.

Shawn: I thought if I could just keep going to the meetings and doing my parts, it could somehow be OK. But I was far from OK.

AD: He turns off the bedside lamp then lies awake staring at the ceiling.

Shawn: The next night, we had family worship.

AD: Shawn and his parents at the dinning table.

Shawn: We were reading about the account of Ananias and his wife, Sapphira.

AD: They imagine Ananias and Sapphira in a field a man hands them a bag of coins.

Shawn: When a special fund was set up for needy Christians, Ananias sold a field. But then, he boldly claimed he was contributing the entire proceeds of its sale. In reality, though, Ananias had “secretly held back some of the price” for his personal gain. Peter boldly said to him: “You have lied, not to men, but to God.”

AD: Shawn slowly lowers his bible.

Shawn: Jehovah wasn’t fooled by their pretense.

AD: His dad turns to another verse.

Shawn: Then we read Psalm 44:21: “[God] is aware of the secrets of the heart.”

AD: Shawn looks down a deep crease between his eyebrows, now in his room he sits on his bed still looking at his open Bible.

Shawn: Reading this account of Ananias and Sapphira made me realize

AD: He puts down the Bible and picks up his phone, sighing he shacks his head.

Shawn: I wasn’t just lying to my parents or my friends. I was lying to Jehovah.

AD: He looks at a framed family photo.

Shawn: As much as I didn’t want to let my parents down, even more so, I didn’t want to let Jehovah down.

AD: Putting down his phone he folds his hands and bows his head.

Shawn: I prayed long that night. I didn’t hold anything back.

AD: Daytime Shawn walks slowly down stairs.

Shawn: By the next morning, I knew what I wanted to do.

AD: He pauses on the last step then approaches his dad sitting at the table set with fruit, orange juice and muffins. Shawn takes a seat across from his dad, his mum sits down beside him. As Shawn begins speaking his head drops down, his mum reaches out to him resting her hand on his. His parents listen intently their eyes wide with concern.

Shawn: It wasn’t easy, but my parents were very supportive, and I also got the help I needed from the elders.

AD: Present day, carrying a brief case Shawn enters a kingdom hall. Inside brothers and sisters in a class smile and greet one another, Shawn shakes the instructors hand then takes a seat.

Shawn: It’s been a few years, but as I look back now, I was one of those kids living a double life.

AD: The instructors sits on stage and addresses the class.

But now with Jehovah’s help, I’m living the best life.

AD: Shawn turns to a scripture in his Bible, then looks up smiling.

[Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2016 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.] [Click to close]

[Image:] The brother receiving a text message during the meeting.

[Image:] The brother sitting close to a girl at school as she touches his hand.

[Image:] The brother talking to his parents at the dining table.

9. Congregation Bible Study (30 minutes)

“Lessons you can learn from the Bible, lessons 36 and 37.

Lesson 36. Jephthah’s Promise

The Israelites again abandoned Jehovah and began to worship false gods. When the Ammonites attacked and fought the Israelites, those false gods did nothing to help them. For many years, the Israelites suffered. Finally they said to Jehovah: ‘We have sinned. Please save us from our enemies.’ The Israelites destroyed their idols and began to worship Jehovah again. Jehovah did not want to see them continue to suffer.
A warrior named Jephthah was chosen to lead the people in battle against the Ammonites. He said to Jehovah: ‘If you help us win this battle, I promise that when I return home, I will give you the first person who comes out of my house to meet me.’ Jehovah listened to Jephthah’s prayer and helped him win the battle.
When Jephthah returned home, the first person to come out to meet him was his daughter, his only child. She was dancing and playing the tambourine. What would Jephthah do? He remembered his promise and said: ‘Oh no, my daughter! You have broken my heart. I made a promise to Jehovah. To keep it, I must send you to serve at the tabernacle in Shiloh.’ But his daughter said to him: ‘Father, if you made a promise to Jehovah, you must keep it. All I ask is that I can spend two months in the mountains with my female friends. Then I will go.’ Jephthah’s daughter served faithfully at the tabernacle for the rest of her life. Every year, her friends went to Shiloh to visit her.

[Image:] Jephthah rips his garments when his daughter comes out to meet him

[Image:] Friends of Jephthah’s daughter visit her at the tabernacle

“Whoever has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10.37

[Box] Questions:

What promise did Jephthah make?

How did Jephthah’s daughter react to her father’s promise?

Supplementary Questions:
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?

What practical lessons can we learn from this account?

If applicable, How can the material be applied in the family, the congregation, or the field ministry?

(Judges 10.6 through 11.11; 11.29 through 40; 1 Samuel 12.10 and 11)

[Quotation] Judges 10.6 through 11.11: Again the Israelites did what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah, and they began to serve the Baals, the Ashtoreth images, the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites, and the gods of the Philistines. They abandoned Jehovah and did not serve him. Then Jehovah’s anger blazed against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites. So they crushed and greatly oppressed the Israelites in that year—for 18 years they oppressed all the Israelites on the side of the Jordan that had been the land of the Amorites in Gilead. The Ammonites would also cross the Jordan to fight against Judah and Benjamin and the house of Ephraim; and Israel was greatly distressed. Then the Israelites called to Jehovah for help, saying: “We have sinned against you, for we abandoned our God and served the Baals.” But Jehovah said to the Israelites: “Did I not save you from Egypt and from the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Sidonians, Amalek, and Midian when they oppressed you? When you cried out to me, I saved you out of their hand. But you abandoned me and served other gods. That is why I will not save you again. Go to the gods whom you have chosen and call for help. Let them save you in your time of distress.” But the Israelites said to Jehovah: “We have sinned. Do to us whatever is good in your eyes. Only save us, please, this day.” And they removed the foreign gods from their midst and served Jehovah, so that he could no longer tolerate Israel’s suffering. In time the Ammonites were called together, and they pitched camp in Gilead. So the Israelites gathered together and pitched camp in Mizpah. The people and the princes of Gilead said to one another: “Who will take the lead in fighting against the Ammonites? Let him become the chief over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior; he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was Jephthah’s father. But Gilead’s wife also bore him sons. When the sons of his wife grew up, they drove Jephthah out and said to him: “You will have no inheritance in our father’s household, for you are the son of another woman.” So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob. And idle men joined company with Jephthah, and they followed him. After a while, the Ammonites fought against Israel. And when the Ammonites fought against Israel, the elders of Gilead immediately went to bring Jephthah back from the land of Tob. They said to Jephthah: “Come and serve as our commander, so that we can fight against the Ammonites.” But Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead: “Was it not you who hated me so much that you drove me out of my father’s house? Why have you come to me now when you are in distress?” At this the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah: “That is why now we have returned to you. If you go with us and fight against the Ammonites, you will become our leader over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” So Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead: “If you bring me back to fight against the Ammonites and Jehovah defeats them for me, then I will indeed become your leader!” The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah: “Let Jehovah be the witness between us if we do not do as you say.” So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him their leader and commander. And Jephthah repeated all his words before Jehovah in Mizpah. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Judges 11.29 through 40: Jehovah’s spirit came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh to go to Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he continued on to the Ammonites. Then Jephthah made a vow to Jehovah and said: “If you give the Ammonites into my hand, then whoever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites will become Jehovah’s, and I will offer that one up as a burnt offering.” So Jephthah went to fight against the Ammonites, and Jehovah gave them into his hand. He struck them down with a very great slaughter from Aroer all the way to Minnith—20 cities—and as far as Abel-keramim. Thus the Ammonites were subdued before the Israelites. Finally Jephthah came to his home in Mizpah, and look! his daughter was coming out to meet him, playing the tambourine and dancing! Now she was his one and only child. Besides her, he had neither son nor daughter. When he saw her, he ripped his garments and said: “Oh no, my daughter! You have broken my heart, for you have become the one I have banished. Now I have opened my mouth to Jehovah, and I am unable to turn back.” But she said to him: “My father, if you have opened your mouth to Jehovah, do to me as you have promised, since Jehovah has executed vengeance for you upon your enemies, the Ammonites.” She then said to her father: “Let this be done for me: Let me be alone for two months, and let me go away into the mountains, and let me weep over my virginity with my female companions.” At this he said: “Go!” So he sent her away for two months, and she went to the mountains with her companions to weep over her virginity. At the end of two months, she returned to her father, after which he carried out the vow he had made regarding her. She never had relations with a man. And it became a custom in Israel: From year to year, the young women of Israel would go to give commendation to the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] 1 Samuel 12.10 and 11: And they called to Jehovah for help and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have left Jehovah to serve the Baals and the Ashtoreth images; now rescue us out of the hand of our enemies so that we may serve you.’ Then Jehovah sent Jerubbaal and Bedan and Jephthah and Samuel and rescued you from the hand of the enemies all around you, so that you could live in security. [End Quotation]

[End of box]

Lesson 37. Jehovah Speaks to Samuel

High Priest Eli had two sons who served as priests at the tabernacle. Their names were Hophni and Phinehas. They did not obey Jehovah’s laws, and they treated the people very badly. When the Israelites brought sacrifices for Jehovah, Hophni and Phinehas would take the best meat for themselves. Eli heard about what his sons were doing, but he did nothing about it. Would Jehovah let this keep happening?
Although Samuel was much younger than Hophni and Phinehas, he did not imitate them. Jehovah was pleased with Samuel. One night while he was sleeping, Samuel heard a voice call his name. He got up, ran to Eli, and said: ‘Here I am!’ But Eli said: ‘I did not call you. Go back to sleep.’ Samuel went back to bed. Then it happened again. When Samuel heard the voice a third time, Eli realized that it was Jehovah who was calling Samuel. He told Samuel that if he heard the voice again, he should say: ‘Speak, Jehovah. Your servant is listening.’
Samuel went back to bed. Then he heard: ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ He answered: ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ Jehovah told him: ‘Tell Eli that I am going to punish him and his family. He knows that his sons are doing bad things in my tabernacle, but he does nothing about it.’ The next morning Samuel opened the doors to the tabernacle, as he always did. He was afraid to tell the high priest what Jehovah had said. But Eli called for him and asked: ‘My son, what did Jehovah say to you? Tell me everything.’ So Samuel told Eli everything.

[Image:] Samuel opens the doors of the tabernacle

[Image:] Samuel tells Eli what Jehovah told him

As Samuel grew up, Jehovah continued to be with him. From one end of the land to the other, all the Israelites knew that Jehovah had chosen Samuel to be a prophet and a judge.

“Remember, then, your Grand Creator in the days of your youth.” Ecclesiastes 12.1

[Box] Questions:

How was Samuel different from Hophni and Phinehas?

What message did Jehovah give to Samuel?

Supplementary Questions:
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?

What practical lessons can we learn from this account?

If applicable, How can the material be applied in the family, the congregation, or the field ministry?

(1 Samuel 2.12 through 17, 22 through 26; 3.1 through 21; 7.6)

[Quotation] 1 Samuel 2.12 through 17: Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for Jehovah. This is what they did with the due right of the priests from the people: Whenever any man was offering a sacrifice, an attendant of the priest came with a three-pronged fork in his hand when the meat was boiling, and he would thrust it into the basin, the two-handled cooking pot, the cauldron, or the one-handled cooking pot. Whatever the fork brought up, the priest would take for himself. That is what they would do in Shiloh to all the Israelites coming there. Also, even before the man sacrificing could make the fat smoke, an attendant of the priest would come and say to him: “Give the priest meat to roast. He will not take boiled meat from you, only raw meat.” When the man would say to him: “Let them first be sure to make the fat smoke, then take for yourself whatever you desire,” he would say: “No, give it to me now; if not, I will take it by force!” Thus the sin of the attendants came to be very great before Jehovah, for the men treated the offering of Jehovah with disrespect. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] 1 Samuel 2.22 through 26: Now Eli was very old, but he had heard about everything that his sons were doing to all Israel and how they would lie down with the women who served at the entrance of the tent of meeting. He used to say to them: “Why do you keep doing things like these? For the things I am hearing about you from all the people are bad. No, my sons, the report that I hear circulating among the people of Jehovah is not good. If a man should sin against another man, someone may appeal to Jehovah for him; but if a man should sin against Jehovah, who can pray for him?” But they refused to listen to their father, for Jehovah had determined to put them to death. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel kept growing in stature and in favor both with Jehovah and with the people. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] 1 Samuel 3.1 through 21: Meanwhile, the boy Samuel was ministering to Jehovah before Eli, but word from Jehovah had become rare in those days; visions were not widespread. One day Eli was lying down in his usual place, and his eyes had grown dim; he was not able to see. The lamp of God had not yet been extinguished, and Samuel was lying in the temple of Jehovah, where the Ark of God was. Jehovah then called Samuel. He answered: “Here I am.” He ran to Eli and said: “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said: “I did not call. Lie down again.” So he went and lay down. Jehovah called once again: “Samuel!” At this Samuel got up and went to Eli and said: “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said: “I did not call, my son. Lie down again.” (Now Samuel had not yet come to know Jehovah, and the word of Jehovah had not yet been revealed to him.) So Jehovah called again, a third time: “Samuel!” At that he got up and went to Eli and said: “Here I am, for you called me.” Eli then realized that it was Jehovah who was calling the boy. So Eli said to Samuel: “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you should say, ‘Speak, Jehovah, for your servant is listening.’” And Samuel went and lay down in his place. Jehovah came and stood there, and he called as at the other times: “Samuel, Samuel!” At this Samuel said: “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Jehovah said to Samuel: “Look! I am doing something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears about it tingle. On that day I will carry out toward Eli all that I said about his house, from start to finish. You must tell him that I am bringing a lasting judgment on his house for the error that he has known about, for his sons are cursing God, but he has not rebuked them. That is why I have sworn to the house of Eli that the error of the house of Eli will never be atoned for by sacrifices or by offerings.” Samuel lay down until the morning; then he opened the doors of Jehovah’s house. Samuel was afraid to tell Eli of the vision. But Eli called for Samuel: “Samuel, my son!” At this he said: “Here I am.” He asked: “What message did he speak to you? Please, do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and add to it if you hide from me a single word of all that he said to you.” So Samuel told him everything, and he did not hide anything from him. Eli said: “It is Jehovah. Let him do what is good in his eyes.” Samuel continued growing up, and Jehovah himself was with him and did not let any of all his words go unfulfilled. All Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba became aware that Samuel had been confirmed as Jehovah’s prophet. And Jehovah continued to appear in Shiloh, for Jehovah revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of Jehovah. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] 1 Samuel 7.6: So they gathered together at Mizpah, and they drew water and poured it out before Jehovah and kept a fast on that day. There they said: “We have sinned against Jehovah.” And Samuel began serving as judge over the Israelites in Mizpah. [End Quotation]

[End of box]

Song 51 To God We Are Dedicated! Based on Matthew 16.24

1. To Christ, by our God, Jehovah, we have been drawn 

To be his disciples from now on. 

From Jehovah’s lofty throne, 

How the light of truth has shone. 

In our hearts, our faith has grown; 

Our lives we vow to disown. 

To God we are dedicated; This is our choice. 

In him and in Jesus we now rejoice. 

2. In prayer we have come before Jehovah to say 

We’ll serve him forever and obey. 

It’s a joy beyond compare, 

One that we are glad to share, 

As Jehovah’s name we bear, 

And Kingdom truth we declare. 

To God we are dedicated; This is our choice. 

In him and in Jesus we now rejoice. 

[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]

Our Christian Life and Ministry. November 17 through November 23 [Press play below to hear the Meeting Workbook]

Song 34 Walking in Integrity. Based on Psalm 26