Watchtower: Pioneer School Scriptural References, 2014

Unit 1 (a)
Explanation of
Pioneer Service School Course
OPENING DISCUSSION (P. 3)
ISAIAH 30:20 Though Jehovah will give you bread in the form of distress and water in the form of oppression,
your Grand Instructor will no longer hide himself, and you will see your Grand Instructor with your own eyes.
JOHN 8:28 Jesus then said: After you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he and that I do
nothing of my own initiative; but just as the Father taught me, I speak these things.
ISAIAH 48:17, 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. 18 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.
2 TIMOTHY 3:14, 15 You, however, continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe,
knowing from whom you learned them 15 and that from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able
to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
DEUTERONOMY 4:10 On the day that you stood before Jehovah your God in Horeb, Jehovah said to me,
Congregate the people together to me so that I may let them hear my words, in order that they may learn to fear
me all the days that they are alive on the ground and that they may teach their sons.
DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9 Listen, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah. 5 You must love Jehovah your God with
all your heart and all your soul and all your strength. 6 These words that I am commanding you today must be on
your heart, 7 and you must inculcate them in your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house and when
you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as a reminder on your hand, and
they must be like a headband on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
1 CORINTHIANS 14:23-31 So if the whole congregation comes together to one place and they all speak in
tongues, but ordinary people or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you have lost your minds? 24 But if you
are all prophesying and an unbeliever or an ordinary person comes in, he will be reproved and closely examined
by them all. 25 The secrets of his heart then become evident, so that he will fall facedown and worship God,
declaring: God is really among you. 26 What is to be done, then, brothers? When you come together, one has a
psalm, another has a teaching, another has a revelation, another has a tongue, and another has an interpretation.
Let all things take place for building up. 27 And if someone speaks in a tongue, let it be limited to two or three at
the most, and in turns, and someone must interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the
congregation and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others discern the
meaning. 30 But if another one receives a revelation while sitting there, let the first speaker keep silent. 31 For you
can all prophesy one at a time, so that all may learn and all may be encouraged.
MATTHEW 24:45-47 Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his
domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Happy is that slave if his master on coming finds him
doing so! 47 Truly I say to you, he will appoint him over all his belongings.
JOHN 17:3 This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent,
Jesus Christ.
1 PETER 2:17 Honor men of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God, honor the
king.
2 TIMOTHY 3:17 so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.
COLOSSIANS 1:9, 10 That is also why from the day we heard of it, we have never stopped praying for you and
asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension,
Unit 1 (a) Scriptures 1

10so as to walk worthily of Jehovah in order to please him fully as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and
increasing in the accurate knowledge of God;
LUKE 6:38b For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.
(w80 6/15 p. 12 pars. 5-6)
ROMANS 1:11, 12 For I am longing to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift to you for you to be made
firm; 12 or, rather, that we may have an interchange of encouragement by one anothers faith, both yours and
mine.
GALATIANS 6:4 But let each one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to
himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person.
PROVERBS 9:9 Share with a wise person, and he will become wiser. Teach someone righteous, and he will add to
his learning.
2 TIMOTHY 4:5 You, though, keep your senses in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelizer, fully
accomplish your ministry.
2 Scriptures Unit 1 (a)

Unit 1 (b)
Fortify Your
Relationship With Jehovah
PSALM 63:3 Because your loyal love is better than life, My own lips will glorify you.
1 JOHN 4:19 We love, because he first loved us.
(cf p. 132 par. 11)
QUESTION OUTLINE (P. 7)
Study and Meditation (p. 7)
ISAIAH 50:4, 5 The Sovereign Lord Jehovah has given me the tongue of those taught, So that I may know how to
answer the tired one with the right word. He awakens me morning by morning; He awakens my ear to listen like
the taught ones. 5 The Sovereign Lord Jehovah has opened my ear, And I was not rebellious. I did not turn in the
opposite direction.
MATTHEW 22:37 He said to him: You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole
soul and with your whole mind.
DEUTERONOMY 17:18-20 When he takes his seat on the throne of his kingdom, he must write for himself in a
book a copy of this Law, taken from the one kept by the Levitical priests. 19 It is to remain with him, and he must
read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear Jehovah his God and observe all the words of this
Law and these regulations by carrying them out. 20 Thus his heart will not exalt itself above his brothers, and he
will not deviate from the commandment, either to the right or to the left, so that he may remain a long time over
his kingdom, he and his sons in the midst of Israel.
1 PETER 2:2 As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk of the word, so that by means of it
you may grow to salvation,
JOSHUA 1:8 This book of the Law should not depart from your mouth, and you must read it in an undertone day
and night, in order to observe carefully all that is written in it; for then your way will be successful and then you
will act wisely.
2 CHRONICLES 15:2 So he went out to meet Asa and said to him: Hear me, O Asa and all Judah and Benjamin!
Jehovah is with you as long as you remain with him; and if you search for him, he will let himself be found by you,
but if you abandon him, he will abandon you.
PSALM 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be pleasing to you, O Jehovah, my Rock
and my Redeemer.
PSALM 77:12 And I will meditate on all your activity And ponder over your dealings.
1 TIMOTHY 4:13-15 Until I come, continue applying yourself to public reading, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do
not neglect the gift in you that was given you through a prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, so that your advancement may be plainly seen by all people.
(it-2 p. 363)
Jesus Christ.
(w13 10/15 p. 27 par. 7)
Unit 1 (b) Scriptures 1

1 SAMUEL 3:7 (Now Samuel had not yet come to know Jehovah, and the word of Jehovah had not yet been
revealed to him.)
(w10 10/1 pp. 14-18)
ACTS 4:13 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.
HEBREWS 5:12-14 For although by now you should be teachers, you again need someone to teach you from the
beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God, and you have gone back to needing milk,
not solid food. 13 For everyone who continues to feed on milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for
he is a young child. 14 But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of
discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.
PSALM 25:4 Make me know your ways, O Jehovah; Teach me your paths.
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?
ACTS 8:26-31 However, Jehovahs angel spoke to Philip, saying: Get up and go to the south to the road that runs
down from Jerusalem to Gaza. (This is a desert road.) 27 With that he got up and went, and look! an Ethiopian
eunuch, a man who had authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, and who was in charge of all her
treasure. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was returning and was sitting in his chariot, reading
aloud the prophet Isaiah. 29 So the spirit said to Philip: Go over and approach this chariot. 30 Philip ran alongside
and heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: Do you actually know what you are reading? 31 He
said: Really, how could I ever do so unless someone guided me? So he urged Philip to get on and sit down with
him.
(w13 7/15 pp. 15-19)
MATTHEW 4:4 But he answered: It is written: Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes
from Jehovahs mouth.
HEBREWS 12:2 as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set
before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
ROMANS 1:20 For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the worlds creation onward, because they are
perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable.
(w13 8/1 p. 11)
Showing Our Love for Jehovah (p. 8)
PHILIPPIANS 1:9, 10 And this is what I continue praying, that your love may abound still more and more with
accurate knowledge and full discernment; 10 that you may make sure of the more important things, so that you
may be flawless and not stumbling others up to the day of Christ;
1 JOHN 2:5 But whoever does observe his word, in this person the love of God has truly been made perfect. By
this we know that we are in union with him.
1 JOHN 5:3 For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his
commandments are not burdensome,
ROMANS 10:10 For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public
declaration for salvation.
2 CORINTHIANS 7:1 Therefore, since we have these promises, beloved ones, let us cleanse ourselves of every
defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
EPHESIANS 4:15 But speaking the truth, let us by love grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ.
2 Scriptures Unit 1 (b)

1 TIMOTHY 1:5 Really, the objective of this instruction is love out of a clean heart and out of a good conscience
and out of faith without hypocrisy.
HEBREWS 10:23-25 Let us hold firmly the public declaration of our hope without wavering, for the one who
promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, 25 not forsaking our
meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day
drawing near.
1 JOHN 3:17, 18 But whoever has the material possessions of this world and sees his brother in need and yet
refuses to show him compassion, in what way does the love of God remain in him? 18 Little children, we should
love, not in word or with the tongue, but in deed and truth.
JOHN 17:6-8, 26 I have made your name manifest to the men whom you gave me out of the world. They were
yours, and you gave them to me, and they have observed your word. 7 Now they have come to know that all the
things you gave me are from you; 8 because I have given them the sayings that you gave me, and they have
accepted them and have certainly come to know that I came as your representative, and they have believed that
you sent me. 26 I have made your name known to them and will make it known, so that the love with which you
loved me may be in them and I in union with them.
REVELATION 2:1-5 To the angel of the congregation in Ephesus write: These are the things that he says who
holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know your deeds, and
your labor and endurance, and that you cannot tolerate bad men, and that you put to the test those who say they
are apostles, but they are not, and you found them to be liars. 3 You are also showing endurance, and you have
persevered for the sake of my name and have not grown weary. 4 Nevertheless, I hold this against you, that you
have left the love you had at first. 5 Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the
deeds you did at first. If you do not, I will come to you, and I will remove your lampstand from its place, unless you
repent.
Draw Close to God Through Prayer (p. 9)
PSALM 145:18, 19 Jehovah is near to all those calling on him, To all who call on him in truth. 19 He satisfies the
desire of those who fear him; He hears their cry for help, and he rescues them.
PHILIPPIANS 4:6, 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.
MARK 14:36 And he said: Abba, Father, all things are possible for you; remove this cup from me. Yet, not what I
want, but what you want.
(cf p. 134 pars. 14-15)
JAMES 4:8 Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your
hearts, you indecisive ones.
(w14 2/15 p. 25 pars. 18-21)
(w02 10/15 p. 17 par. 16)
MATTHEW 4:7, 10 Jesus said to him: Again it is written: You must not put Jehovah your God to the test.
10 Then Jesus said to him: Go away, Satan! For it is written: It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to
him alone you must render sacred service.
(w12 2/15 p. 7 pars. 16-17; cf p. 72 pars. 15-16)
JOHN 11:41, 42 So they took the stone away. Then Jesus raised his eyes heavenward and said: Father, I thank
you that you have heard me. 42 True, I knew that you always hear me; but I spoke on account of the crowd
standing around, so that they may believe that you sent me.
HEBREWS 11:6 Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must
believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.

Continue Fortifying Your Relationship With Jehovah (p. 10)
ROMANS 11:33-36 O the depth of Gods riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are
and beyond tracing out his ways are! 34 For who has come to know Jehovahs mind, or who has become his
adviser? 35 Or, who has first given to him, so that it must be repaid to him? 36 Because from him and by him and
for him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.

Unit 2 (a)
Using the New World

TranslationPart 1
NOTE THAT NO NWT REFERENCES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS SECTION.
PLEASE SEE PUBLICATION.
2 TIMOTHY 2:15 Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed
of, handling the word of the truth aright.
QUESTION OUTLINE (P.11)
Superiority of the Translation (p. 11)
(jv p. 608 par. 1)
(jv p. 607 par. 5)
(si p. 324 pars. 18-19)
(jv p. 609 pars. 2-3)
(nwt p. 39)
APPENDIX A (p. 12)
A1 Principles of Bible Translation (p. 12)
(nwt p. 1718)
(nwt pp. 1718-1720)
(nwt p. 1720)
(nwt p. 1721)
(nwt p. 1721)
(nwt p. 1721)
A2 Features of This Revision (p. 12)
(nwt p. 1722)
(nwt p. 1722)
(nwt pp. 1723-1724)
(nwt p. 1724)
(nwt p. 1724)
(nwt pp. 1724-1725)

A3 How the Bible Came to Us (p. 13)
(nwt p. 1726 ftn.)

(nwt p. 1726)
(nwt p. 1726)
(nwt pp. 1726-1727)
(nwt p. 1727)
(nwt p. 1729)
(nwt p. 1729)
(nwt p. 1729)
(nwt p. 1729)
(nwt p. 1729)
(nwt pp. 1729-1730)
A4 The Divine Name in the Hebrews Scriptures (p. 14)
(nwt p. 1731)
(nwt pp. 1731-1733)
(nwt pp. 1733-1735)
(nwt p. 1735)
(nwt p. 1735)
EXODUS 3:14 So God said to Moses: I Will Become What I Choose to Become. And he added: This is what you
are to say to the Israelites, I Will Become has sent me to you.
JUDGES 19:18 He replied: We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to a remote area of the mountainous
region of Ephraim, where I am from. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and I am going to the house of Jehovah, but
nobody is taking me into his house.
1 SAMUEL 2:25 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.
1 SAMUEL 6:3 They replied: If you send the ark of the covenant of Jehovah the God of Israel away, do not send it
back without an offering. You should by all means return to him a guilt offering. Only then will you be healed, and
it will be made known to you why his hand has not turned away from you.
1 SAMUEL 10:26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by the warriors whose hearts Jehovah had
touched.
1 SAMUEL 23:14, 16 David stayed in the wilderness in places difficult to approach, in the mountainous region of
the wilderness of Ziph. Saul searched for him constantly, but Jehovah did not give him into his hand. 16 Jonathan
the son of Saul now went out to David at Horesh, and he helped him find strength in Jehovah.
A5 The Divine Name in the Christian Greek Scriptures (p. 15)
(nwt p. 1736)
(nwt p. 1736)
(nwt p. 1736)
(nwt pp. 1736-1743)

Unit 2 (b)
Using the New World

TranslationPart 2
NOTE THAT NO NWT REFERENCES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS SECTION.
PLEASE SEE PUBLICATION.
PSALM 119:97 How I do love your law! I ponder over it all day long.
Footnotes (p. 16)
(nwt p. 1725)
JOB 21:13 They spend their days in contentment And go down peacefully to the Grave.
PSALM 51:5 Look! I was born guilty of error, And my mother conceived me in sin.
LUKE 14:26 If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and b rothers
and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
ECCLESIASTES 7:9 Do not be quick to take offense, for the taking of offense lodges in the bosom of fools.
GALATIANS 5:14 For the entire Law has been fulfilled in one commandment, namely: You must love your
neighbor as yourself.
JOHN 2:4 But Jesus said to her: Woman, why is that of concern to me and to you? My hour has not yet come.
GENESIS 24:32 With that the man came into the house, and he unharnessed the camels and gave straw and
fodder to the camels and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him.
GENESIS 25:8 Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, old and satisfied, and was gathered to
his people.
JOSHUA 3:4 But keep a distance of about 2,000 cubits from it; do not come any nearer to it, so that you may know
which is the way to go, for you have not traveled on this way before.
JUDGES 7:19 Gideon and the 100 men who were with him came to the edge of the camp at the start of the
middle night watch, just after the sentries were posted. They blew the horns and smashed the large water jars
that were in their hands.
ACTS 15:20, 29 but to write them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from what is
strangled, and from blood. 29 to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is
strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good
health to you!
MATTHEW 24:3 While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying:
Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system
of things?
MARK 8:34 He now called the crowd to him with his disciples and said to them: If anyone wants to come after
me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and keep following me.
(nwt p. 1723)

JOHN 12:38 so that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, who said: Jehovah, who has put faith in the
thing heard from us? And as for the arm of Jehovah, to whom has it been revealed?
1 CORINTHIANS 7:17 Nevertheless, just as Jehovah has given each one a portion, let each one so walk as God has
called him. And so I give this directive in all the congregations.
Marginal References (p. 17)
MATTHEW 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the spirit up into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil.
LUKE 4:1 Then Jesus, full of holy spirit, turned away from the Jordan, and he was led about by the spirit in the
wilderness
PSALM 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you far from saving me, Far from my cries of
anguish?
MATTHEW 27:46 About the ninth hour, Jesus called out with a loud voice, saying: Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?
that is, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
DEUTERONOMY 8:3 So he humbled you and let you go hungry and fed you with the manna, which neither you
had known nor your fathers had known, in order to make you know that man does not live by bread alone but
man lives by every expression from Jehovahs mouth.
EXODUS 23:19 You are to bring the best of the first ripe fruits of your ground to the house of Jehovah your God.
You must not boil a young goat in its mothers milk.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen
asleep in death.
Bible Words Index (p. 17)
(nwt pp. 1664-1691)
Glossary of Bible Terms (p. 17)
(nwt pp. 1692-1716)
A6 Chart: Prophets and Kings of Judah and of Israel (p. 18)
(nwt pp. 1744-1747)
A7 Main Events of Jesus Earthly Life (p. 18)
(nwt pp. 1748-1763)

(nwt p. 1749)
Appendix B (p. 18)
(nwt p. 1765)
(nwt pp. 1766-1767)
An Introduction to Gods Word (p. 19)
(nwt p. 1725)

Unit 3 (a)
Keep Pace With

Spiritual Enlightenment
ACTS 10:45 And the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the free gift of the
holy spirit was being poured out also on people of the nations.
LUKE 12:12 for the holy spirit will teach you in that very hour the things you should say.
JOHN 16:12, 13 I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them now. 13 However, when
that one comes, the spirit of the truth, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak of his own
initiative, but what he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things to come.
PROVERBS 4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light That grows brighter and brighter
until full daylight.
1 CORINTHIANS 2:9, 10 But just as it is written: Eye has not seen and ear has not heard, nor have there been
conceived in the heart of man the things that God has prepared for those who love him. 10 For it is to us God has
revealed them through his spirit, for the spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God.
PSALM 43:3 Send out your light and your truth. May these lead me; May they guide me to your holy mountain
and to your grand tabernacle.
ISAIAH 42:6, 7 I, Jehovah, have called you in righteousness; I have taken hold of your hand. I will safeguard you
and give you as a covenant for the people And as a light of the nations, 7 For you to open the blind eyes, To bring
the prisoner out of the dungeon And those sitting in darkness out of the prison.
(w00 3/15 p. 10 par. 1)
JOHN 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the worlds light.
JOHN 12:35 So Jesus said to them: The light will be among you a little while longer. Walk while you still have the
light, so that darkness does not overpower you; whoever walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:6 For God is the one who said: Let the light shine out of darkness, and he has shone on our
hearts to illuminate them with the glorious knowledge of God by the face of Christ.
True Worshippers in the First Century (p. 21)
ACTS 15:7-12 After much intense discussion had taken place, Peter rose and said to them: Men, brothers, you
well know that from early days God made the choice among you that through my mouth people of the nations
should hear the word of the good news and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by giving them
the holy spirit, just as he did to us also. 9 And he made no distinction at all between us and them, but purified their
hearts by faith. 10 So why are you now making a test of God by imposing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that
neither our forefathers nor we were capable of bearing? 11 On the contrary, we have faith that we are saved
through the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus in the same way that they are. 12 At that the entire group
became silent, and they began to listen to Barnabas and Paul relate the many signs and wonders that God had
done through them among the nations.
ACTS 16:4 As they traveled on through the cities, they would deliver to them for observance the decrees that had
been decided on by the apostles and the elders who were in Jerusalem.

ACTS 15:25-31 we have come to a unanimous decision to choose men to send to you together with our beloved
Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have given up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We are
therefore sending Judas and Silas, so that they also may report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For the holy
spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you except these necessary things: 29 to keep
abstaining from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you
carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you! 30 So when these men were
dismissed, they went down to Antioch, and they gathered the whole group together and handed them the letter.
31 After reading it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.
ACTS 16:4, 5 As they traveled on through the cities, they would deliver to them for observance the decrees that
had been decided on by the apostles and the elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 Then, indeed, the congregations
continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number day by day.
True Worshippers Today (p. 21)
(w14 1/15 p. 13 par. 6; w13 7/15 p. 22 par. 10)

1 PETER 1:10-12 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the undeserved kindness meant
for you made a diligent inquiry and a careful search. 11 They kept on investigating what particular time or what
season the spirit within them was indicating concerning Christ as it testified beforehand about the sufferings
meant for Christ and about the glory that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were ministering, not
to themselves, but to you, regarding what has now been announced to you by those who declared the good news
to you with holy spirit sent from heaven. Into these very things, angels are desiring to peer.
(w10 7/15 p. 22 box)
LUKE 21:26 People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth,
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
(w94 2/15 p. 19 pars. 14-18)
ROMANS 13:1, 2 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. 2 Therefore, whoever opposes the
authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will bring
judgment against themselves.
(w95 5/15 p. 21 pars. 4-5)
MATTHEW 6:9 You must pray, then, this way: Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.
(w95 5/15 p. 25 par. 17)
(w13 7/15 pp. 20-25)
(jv pp. 172-175)
1 CORINTHIANS 5:13 while God judges those outside? Remove the wicked person from among yourselves.
(w95 5/15 p. 13 par. 15; km 8/02 pp. 3-4)
EPHESIANS 4:19 Having gone past all moral sense, they gave themselves over to brazen conduct to practice
every sort of uncleanness with greediness.
(w12 3/15 pp. 30-31; w06 7/15 pp. 30-31; g 11/13 pp. 4-5)
ROMANS 12:9 Let your love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is wicked; cling to what is good.
(w97 1/1 pp. 26-29)
ISAIAH 60:17 Instead of the copper I will bring in gold, And instead of the iron I will bring in silver, Instead of the
wood, copper, And instead of the stones, iron; And I will appoint peace as your overseers And righteousness as
your task assigners.
(w06 2/15 pp. 26-28 pars. 1-12; w95 5/15 p. 22 pars. 6-8)

(g 1/14 pp. 2-6; km 10/13 p. 2; km 12/12 pp. 3-6)
Personally Keeping Pace (p. 23)
ISAIAH 48:17, 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. 18 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.
EXODUS 14:24 During the morning watch, Jehovah looked at the camp of the Egyptians from within the pillar of
fire and cloud, and he threw the camp of the Egyptians into confusion.
(w11 4/15 pp. 3-5)
ISAIAH 6:1-4 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw Jehovah sitting on a lofty and elevated throne, and the
skirts of his robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphs were standing above him; each had six wings. Each covered his face
with two and covered his feet with two, and each of them would fly about with two. 3 And one called to the other:
Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of armies. The whole earth is filled with his glory. 4 And the pivots of the thresholds
quivered at the sound of the shouting, and the house was filled with smoke.
EZEKIEL 1:4-14, 22-24 As I was looking, I saw a tempestuous wind coming from the north, and there was a huge
cloud and flashing fire surrounded by a bright light, and from the midst of the fire was something that looked like
electrum. 5 Within it were what looked like four living creatures, and the appearance of each one was like that of a
human. 6 Each one had four faces and four wings. 7 Their feet were straight, and the soles of their feet were like
those of a calf, and they were shining like the glow of burnished copper. 8 They had human hands under their
wings on all four sides, and the four of them had faces and wings. 9 Their wings were touching one another. They
would not turn when they went; they would each go straight forward. 10 Their faces had this appearance: Each of
the four had a mans face with a lions face on the right, a bulls face on the left, and each of the four had an eagles
face. 11 That is how their faces were. Their wings were spread out above them. Each had two wings that were
touching one another and two wings covering their bodies. 12 They would each go straight forward, going
wherever the spirit would incline them to go. They would not turn as they went. 13 And the living creatures had
the appearance of burning coals of fire, and something that looked like torches of bright fire was moving back and
forth between the living creatures, and lightning was flashing out from the fire. 14 And when the living creatures
would go forth and return, their movement had the appearance of flashes of lightning. 22 Over the heads of the
living creatures was the likeness of an expanse that sparkled like awesome ice, stretched out above their heads.
23 Under the expanse their wings were straight, one to the other. Each one had two wings for covering one side of
their bodies and two for covering the other side. 24 When I heard the sound of their wings, it was like a sound of
rushing waters, like the sound of the Almighty. When they moved, it was like the sound of an army. When they
stood still, they would let their wings down.
DANIEL 7:9-14 I kept watching until thrones were set in place and the Ancient of Days sat down. His clothing
was white like snow, and the hair of his head was like clean wool. His throne was flames of fire; its wheels were a
burning fire. 10 A stream of fire was flowing and going out from before him. A thousand thousands kept
ministering to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The Court took its seat, and books
were opened. 11 I kept watching at that time because of the sound of the arrogant words that the horn was
speaking; I watched until the beast was killed and its body was destroyed and it was given over to be burned in
the fire. 12 But as for the rest of the beasts, their rulerships were taken away, and their lives were prolonged for a
time and a season. 13 I kept watching in the visions of the night, and look! with the clouds of the heavens,
someone like a son of man was coming; and he gained access to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him up
close before that One. 14 And to him there were given rulership, honor, and a kingdom, that the peoples, nations,
and language groups should all serve him. His rulership is an everlasting rulership that will not pass away, and his
kingdom will not be destroyed.
REVELATION 4:1-11 After this I saw, and look! an opened door in heaven, and the first voice that I heard
speaking with me was like a trumpet, saying: Come up here, and I will show you the things that must take place.
2 After this I immediately came to be in the power of the spirit, and look! a throne was in its position in heaven,
and someone was seated on the throne. 3 And the One seated had the appearance of a jasper stone and a sardius
stone, and all around the throne was a rainbow like an emerald in appearance. 4 All around the throne were 24
thrones, and on these thrones I saw seated 24 elders dressed in white garments, and on their heads golden

crowns. 5 From the throne were coming lightning and voices and thunders; and there were seven lamps of fire
burning before the throne, and these mean the seven spirits of God. 6 Before the throne was something
resembling a glassy sea, like crystal. In the midst of the throne and around the throne were four living creatures
that were full of eyes in front and behind. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, and the second living creature
was like a young bull, and the third living creature had a face like a mans, and the fourth living creature was like a
flying eagle. 8 As for the four living creatures, each one of them had six wings; they were full of eyes all around and
underneath. And continuously, day and night, they say: Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah God, the Almighty, who was
and who is and who is coming. 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanksgiving to the One
seated on the throne, the One who lives forever and ever, 10 the 24 elders fall down before the One seated on the
throne and worship the One who lives forever and ever, and they cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
11 You are worthy, Jehovah our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all
things, and because of your will they came into existence and were created.
(w13 4/15 pp. 23-25 pars. 5-8)
(w11 9/15 p. 14 pars. 14-15)
(w98 10/1 pp. 19-23)
JOHN 6:68 Simon Peter answered him: Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.
PSALM 97:11 Light has flashed up for the righteous And rejoicing for those upright in heart.
2 PETER 1:19-21 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, and you are doing well in paying attention to
it as to a lamp shining in a dark place (until day dawns and a daystar rises) in your hearts. 20 For you know this
first, that no prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation. 21 For prophecy was at no time
brought by mans will, but men spoke from God as they were moved by holy spirit.
MATTHEW 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when located on a mountain. 15 People
light a lamp and set it, not under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it shines on all those in the house.
16 Likewise, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father
who is in the heavens.

MARK 13:10 Also, in all the nations, the good news has to be preached first.
(w08 5/15 p. 5 par. 12)

Unit 3 (b)
Pioneer Service School Review

Day 1
(nwt p. 1735)
(be p. 38 par. 2)

Unit 4 (a)
Uphold Jehovahs
Sovereignty
PSALM 119:1 Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah.
REVELATION 4:11 You are worthy, Jehovah our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because
you created all things, and because of your will they came into existence and were created.
(it-2 pp. 1008-1009)
All Mankind Is Fully Dependent on Jehovah (p. 31)
(it-2 p. 1008)
JOB 41:11 Who has given me anything first that I should repay him? Whatever is under the heavens is mine.
PSALM 24:1 To Jehovah belong the earth and everything in it, The productive land and those dwelling on it.
(it-2 p. 1008)
(it-2 p. 1011 pars. 3-4)
ACTS 17:25, 28 nor is he served by human hands as if he needed anything, because he himself gives to all people
life and breath and all things. 28 For by him we have life and move and exist, even as some of your own poets
have said, For we are also his children.
ROMANS 1:24, 26, 28 Therefore, God, in keeping with the desires of their hearts, gave them up to uncleanness, so
that their bodies might be dishonored among them. 26 That is why God gave them over to uncontrolled sexual
passion, for their females changed the natural use of themselves into one contrary to nature; 28 Just as they did
not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a disapproved mental state, to do the things not fitting.
COLOSSIANS 1:21 Indeed, you who were once alienated and enemies because your minds were on the works that
were wicked,
2 CORINTHIANS 11:14, 15 And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps disguising himself as an angel of light. 15 It is
therefore nothing extraordinary if his ministers also keep disguising themselves as ministers of righteousness.
But their end will be according to their works.
JEREMIAH 10:23 I well know, O Jehovah, that mans way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is
walking even to direct his step.
PSALM 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light for my path.
PSALM 143:10 Teach me to do your will, For you are my God. Your spirit is good; May it lead me on level ground.
ISAIAH 54:13 And all your sons will be taught by Jehovah, And the peace of your sons will be abundant.
Subjection to Jehovah Requires Loyalty (p. 31)
(it-2 p. 280)
JEREMIAH 3:12 Go and proclaim these words to the north: Return, O renegade Israel, declares Jehovah. I
will not look down angrily on you, for I am loyal, declares Jehovah. I will not stay resentful forever.

REVELATION 15:4 Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, and glorify your name, for you alone are loyal? For all
the nations will come and worship before you, because your righteous decrees have been revealed.
(it-2 pp. 280-281)
(w13 6/15 pp. 17-18 pars. 4-6)
EPHESIANS 6:1 Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous.
COLOSSIANS 3:18 You wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord.
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.
ACTS 10:34, 35 At this Peter began to speak, and he said: Now I truly understand that God is not partial, 35 but in
every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
JOHN 15:13 No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends.
ACTS 9:23-25 Now when many days had passed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him. 24 However,
their plot against Saul became known to him. They were also watching the gates closely both day and night in
order to do away with him. 25 So his disciples took him and let him down by night through an opening in the wall,
lowering him in a basket.
REVELATION 2:10 Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. Look! The Devil will keep on throwing
some of you into prison so that you may be fully put to the test, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Prove
yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Godly Subjection Must Be From the Heart (p. 32)
1 PETER 1:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth with unhypocritical
brotherly affection as the result, love one another intensely from the heart.
(w93 10/15 pp. 12-16)
PROVERBS 4:4, 10-13 He taught me and said: May your heart hold fast to my words. Keep my commandments
and continue living. 10 Listen, my son, and accept my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. 11 I will
instruct you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you in the tracks of uprightness. 12 When you walk, your steps will
not be hindered; And if you run, you will not stumble. 13 Hold on to discipline; do not let it go. Safeguard it, for it
means your life.
Jehovahs Sovereignty Expressed Through the Congregation (p. 33)
MATTHEW 24:14 And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to
all the nations, and then the end will come.
MATTHEW 28:19, 20 Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.
And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.
1 CORINTHIANS 5:9-13 In my letter I wrote you to stop keeping company with sexually immoral people, 10 not
meaning entirely with the sexually immoral people of this world or the greedy people or extortioners or idolaters.
Otherwise, you would actually have to get out of the world. 11 But now I am writing you to stop keeping company
with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard
or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. 12 For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Do you
not judge those inside, 13 while God judges those outside? Remove the wicked person from among yourselves.

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.
1 TIMOTHY 5:17 Let the elders who preside in a fine way be considered worthy of double honor, especially those
who work hard in speaking and teaching.
HEBREWS 10:23-25 Let us hold firmly the public declaration of our hope without wavering, for the one who
promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, 25 not forsaking our
drawing near.
ROMANS 5:8 But God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Uphold Jehovahs Sovereignty Forever (p. 34)
(w06 8/15 pp. 21-22 par. 9)

REVELATION 20:7-9 Now as soon as the 1,000 years have ended, Satan will be released from his prison, 8 and he
will go out to mislead those nations in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for
the war. The number of these is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they advanced over the whole earth and encircled the
camp of the holy ones and the beloved city. But fire came down out of heaven and consumed them.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:24-28 Next, the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has
brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. 25 For he must rule as king until God has put all
enemies under his feet. 26 And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. 27 For God subjected all things
under his feet. But when he says that all things have been subjected, it is evident that this does not include the
One who subjected all things to him. 28 But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself
will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.
(it-2 p. 170 par. 6)

Unit 4 (b)
Show Personal
Interest in Others
(be p. 189 par. 3)

GALATIANS 6:10 So, then, as long as we have the opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially
toward those related to us in the faith.
HEBREWS 6:10 For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by
ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones.
Getting to Know People and Their Background (p. 35)
ACTS 26:2, 3 Concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself
happy that it is before you I am to make my defense this day, 3 especially because you are an expert on all the
customs as well as the controversies among the Jews. Therefore, I beg you to hear me patiently.
1 CORINTHIANS 9:20-23 To the Jews I became as a Jew in order to gain Jews; to those under law I became as
under law, though I myself am not under law, in order to gain those under law. 21 To those without law I became
as without law, although I am not without law toward God but under law toward Christ, in order to gain those
without law. 22 To the weak I became weak, in order to gain the weak. I have become all things to people of all
sorts, so that I might by all possible means save some. 23 But I do all things for the sake of the good news, in order
to share it with others.
(km 9/00 p. 4)
JOHN 4:7, 10, 28, 29 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her: Give me a drink. 10 In
answer Jesus said to her: If you had known of the free gift of God and who it is who says to you, Give me a drink,
you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water. 28 So the woman left her water jar and
went off into the city and told the people: 29 Come and see a man who told me everything I did. Could this not
perhaps be the Christ?
(km 5/13 p. 2)
(km 5/11 p. 3)
ROMANS 12:14-16 Keep on blessing those who persecute; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who
rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Have the same attitude toward others as toward yourselves; do not set
your mind on lofty things, but be led along with the lowly things. Do not become wise in your own eyes.
Listen Attentively to the Observations and Concerns of Others (p. 37)
JAMES 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger,
(be pp. 236-239)
COLOSSIANS 4:6 Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should
answer each person.
(w05 6/1 p. 32)

ROMANS 12:10 In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another, take
the lead.
(be p. 187)
(be pp. 124-125)
Be Adaptable When Presenting Bible Truths (p. 38)
1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-22 For though I am free from all people, I have made myself the slave to all, so that I may
gain as many people as possible. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew in order to gain Jews; to those under law I
became as under law, though I myself am not under law, in order to gain those under law. 21 To those without law
I became as without law, although I am not without law toward God but under law toward Christ, in order to gain
those without law. 22 To the weak I became weak, in order to gain the weak. I have become all things to people of
all sorts, so that I might by all possible means save some.
(km 6/13 p. 1 par. 3)
(km 9/09 p. 1 par. 4)
(km 3/97 p. 4 par. 10)
PHILIPPIANS 2:4 as you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Unit 5 (a)
From House to HouseOur

Principal Way of Preaching
MATTHEW 10:11 Into whatever city or village you enter, search out who in it is deserving, and stay there until
you leave.
MATTHEW 10:12, 13 When you enter the house, greet the household. 13 If the house is deserving, let the peace
you wish it come upon it; but if it is not deserving, let the peace from you return upon you.
MATTHEW 10:14 Wherever anyone does not receive you or listen to your words, on going out of that house or
that city, shake the dust off your feet.
LUKE 9:6 Then starting out, they went through the territory from village to village, declaring the good news and
performing cures everywhere.
(bt p. 41 par. 16)
Jesus Attitude Toward His Preaching Assignment (p. 41)
LUKE 4:43 But he said to them: I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities, because
for this I was sent.
JOHN 4:34 Jesus said to them: My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
JOHN 14:31 But for the world to know that I love the Father, I am doing just as the Father has commanded me to
do. Get up, let us go from here.
(cf pp. 76-81)
(cf pp. 84-86)
JOHN 18:36, 37 Jesus answered: My Kingdom is no part of this world. If my Kingdom were part of this world, my
attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from
this source. 37 So Pilate said to him: Well, then, are you a king? Jesus answered: You yourself are saying that I
am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the
truth. Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.
(w13 5/15 p. 9 par. 4)
MATTHEW 28:18-20 Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: All authority has been given me in heaven
and on the earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
(cf pp. 94-96)
Jesus Expressed His Love and Compassion Through His Preaching (p. 42)
MATTHEW 9:36 On seeing the crowds, he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like
sheep without a shepherd.

LUKE 5:29-32 Then Levi spread a big reception feast for him in his house, and there was a large crowd of tax
collectors and others who were dining with them. 30 At this the Pharisees and their scribes began murmuring to
his disciples, saying: Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners? 31 In reply Jesus said to them:
Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but those who are ill do. 32 I have come to call, not righteous
people, but sinners to repentance.
JOHN 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him: See, truly an Israelite in whom there is
no deceit.
ISAIAH 63:9 During all their distress it was distressing to him. And his own personal messenger saved them. In
his love and compassion he repurchased them, And he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
JONAH 4:11 Should I not also feel sorry for Nineveh the great city, in which there are more than 120,000 men
who do not even know right from wrong, as well as their many animals?
(w07 11/15 pp. 15-17)
PSALM 72:13 He will have pity on the lowly and the poor, And the lives of the poor he will save.
MATTHEW 11:28 Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you.
MATTHEW 16:13 When he had come into the region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples: Who are
men saying the Son of man is?
MATTHEW 23:13, 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut up the Kingdom of the
heavens before men; for you yourselves do not go in, neither do you permit those on their way in to go in.
15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you travel over sea and dry land to make one
proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him a subject for Gehenna twice as much so as yourselves.
Boldness in the House-to-House Work (p. 42)
ACTS 4:31 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.
1 THESSALONIANS 2:2 For although we had first suffered and been insolently treated in Philippi, as you know,
we mustered up boldness by means of our God to tell you the good news of God in the face of much opposition.
(bt pp. 32-35 pars. 13-17)
ROMANS 12:18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men.
answer each person.
PROVERBS 27:11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, So that I can make a reply to him who taunts me.
ACTS 20:26, 27 So I call you to witness this very day that I am clean from the blood of all men, 27 for I have not
held back from telling you all the counsel of God.
2 THESSALONIANS 1:8, 9 in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance on those who do not know God and those who
do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. 9 These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of
everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength,
2 PETER 3:11-14 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to
be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, 12 as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the
day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense
heat! 13 But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these
righteousness is to dwell. 14 Therefore, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be
found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace.
LUKE 11:13 Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much
more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!

1 THESSALONIANS 5:17 Pray constantly.
(w08 7/15 p. 8 pars. 4-5)
The Joys of House-to-House Preaching (p. 43)
(km 9/06 p. 8)
LUKE 10:17 Then the 70 returned with joy, saying: Lord, even the demons are made subject to us by the use of
your name.
(km 7/94 p. 1)
MATTHEW 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
MATTHEW 9:36 On seeing the crowds, he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like
sheep without a shepherd.
GALATIANS 5:22, 23 On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faith, 23 mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
HEBREWS 6:9-11 But in your case, beloved ones, we are convinced of better things, things related to salvation,
even though we are speaking in this way. 10 For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you
showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones. 11 But we desire each one of you
to show the same industriousness so as to have the full assurance of the hope down to the end,
1 PETER 3:13-15 Indeed, who will harm you if you become zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should
suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy. However, do not fear what they fear, nor be disturbed. 15 But
sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a
reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect.
Imitate Jesus in Your Ministry (p. 44)
MATTHEW 9:35-38 And Jesus set out on a tour of all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and
preaching the good news of the Kingdom and curing every sort of disease and every sort of infirmity. 36 On seeing
the crowds, he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd.
37 Then he said to his disciples: Yes, the harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, beg the Master of
the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.

MARK 1:35-39 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up and went outside and left for an isolated
place, and there he began praying. 36 However, Simon and those with him hunted him down 37 and found him, and
they said to him: Everyone is looking for you. 38 But he said to them: Let us go somewhere else, into the towns
nearby, so that I may preach there also, for this is why I have come. 39 And he went, preaching in their
synagogues throughout the whole of Galilee and expelling the demons.
LUKE 18:35-19:10 Now as Jesus was getting near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road begging.
36 Because he heard a crowd passing by, he began to inquire what was going on. 37 They reported to him: Jesus
the Nazarene is passing by! 38 At that he cried out: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! 39 And those who
were in front began rebuking him, telling him to keep quiet, but all the more he kept shouting: Son of David, have
mercy on me! 40 Then Jesus stopped and commanded that the man be brought to him. After he came near, Jesus
asked him: 41 What do you want me to do for you? He said: Lord, let me recover my sight. 42 So Jesus said to
him: Recover your sight; your faith has made you well. 43 And instantly he recovered his sight, and he began to
follow him, glorifying God. Also, at seeing it, all the people gave praise to God. CHAPTER 19:1 He then entered
Jericho and was passing through. 2 Now a man named Zacchaeus was there; he was a chief tax collector, and he
was rich. 3 Well, he was trying to see who this Jesus was, but he could not see because of the crowd, since he was
short. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 Now
when Jesus got to the place, he looked up and said to him: Zacchaeus, hurry and get down, for today I must stay
in your house. 6 With that he hurried down and joyfully welcomed him as a guest. 7 When they saw this, they

were all muttering: He went as a guest to the house of a man who is a sinner. 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said
to the Lord: Look! The half of my belongings, Lord, I am giving to the poor, and whatever I extorted from anyone,
I am restoring four times over. 9 At this Jesus said to him: Today salvation has come to this house, because he
too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man came to seek and to save what was lost.
MATTHEW 10:22 And you will be hated by all people on account of my name, but the one who has endured to
the end will be saved.

Unit 5 (b)
Workshop 1
LUKE 10:1-12 After these things the Lord designated 70 others and sent them out by twos ahead of him into
every city and place where he himself was to go. 2 Then he said to them: Yes, the harvest is great, but the workers
are few. Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest. 3 Go! Look! I am sending
you out as lambs in among wolves. 4 Do not carry a money bag or a food pouch or sandals, and do not greet
anyone along the road. 5 Wherever you enter into a house, say first: May this house have peace. 6 And if a friend
of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if there is not, it will return to you. 7 So stay in that house,
eating and drinking the things they provide, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not keep transferring from
house to house. 8 Also, wherever you enter into a city and they receive you, eat what is set before you 9 and cure
the sick ones in it and tell them: The Kingdom of God has come near to you. 10 But wherever you enter into a city
and they do not receive you, go out into its main streets and say: 11 We wipe off against you even the dust that
sticks to our feet from your city. Nevertheless, know this, that the Kingdom of God has come near. 12 I tell you that
it will be more endurable for Sodom in that day than for that city.
ACTS 5:42 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.
ACTS 20:20 while I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching
you publicly and from house to house.
(km 2/09 p. 2)

Unit 6 (a)
Women Who Make

Jehovahs Heart Rejoice
ROMANS 16:12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, women who are working hard in the Lord. Greet Persis, our
beloved one, for she has worked hard in the Lord.
(w03 11/1 pp. 8-13)
PSALM 68:11 Jehovah gives the command; The women proclaiming the good news are a large army.
LUKE 1:46-49 And Mary said: My soul magnifies Jehovah, 47 and my spirit cannot keep from being overjoyed at
God my Savior, 48 because he has looked upon the low position of his slave girl. For look! from now on all
generations will declare me happy, 49 because the powerful One has done great deeds for me, and holy is his
name,
ACTS 16:14, 15 And a woman named Lydia, a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira and a worshipper of
God, was listening, and Jehovah opened her heart wide to pay attention to the things Paul was saying. 15 Now
when she and her household got baptized, she urged us: If you have considered me to be faithful to Jehovah,
come and stay at my house. And she just made us come.
ROMANS 15:4 For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through
our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.
A Favored Position of Dignity and Respect (p. 48)
GENESIS 2:18, 23 Then Jehovah God said: It is not good for the man to continue to be alone. I am going to make a
helper for him, as a complement of him. 23 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.
(w95 7/15 pp. 10-11 pars. 4-6)
GALATIANS 3:26-28 You are all, in fact, sons of God through your faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were
baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there
is neither male nor female, for you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.
GALATIANS 4:26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.
REVELATION 12:1 Then a great sign was seen in heaven: A woman was arrayed with the sun, and the moon was
beneath her feet, and on her head was a crown of 12 stars,
REVELATION 19:7 Let us rejoice and be overjoyed and give him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has
arrived and his wife has prepared herself.
(it-2 p. 1196 par. 6)
(w12 9/1 pp. 8-11)
MATTHEW 28:1, 8-10 After the Sabbath, when it was growing light on the first day of the week, Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary came to view the grave. 8 So, quickly leaving the memorial tomb, with fear and
great joy, they ran to report to his disciples. 9 And look! Jesus met them and said: Good day! They approached
and took hold of his feet and did obeisance to him. 10 Then Jesus said to them: Have no fear! Go, report to my
brothers so that they may go to Galilee, and there they will see me.

LUKE 10:38-42 Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village. Here a woman named Martha
received him as a guest in her house. 39 She also had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the feet of the Lord and
kept listening to what he was saying. 40 Martha, on the other hand, was distracted with attending to many duties.
So she came to him and said: Lord, does it not matter to you that my sister has left me alone to attend to things?
Tell her to come and help me. 41 In answer the Lord said to her: Martha, Martha, you are anxious and disturbed
about many things. 42 A few things, though, are needed, or just one. For her part, Mary chose the good portion, and
it will not be taken away from her.
LUKE 13:10-16 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And look! a woman was there
who had had a spirit of weakness for 18 years; and she was bent double and was unable to straighten up at all.
12 When he saw her, Jesus addressed her and said: Woman, you are released from your weakness. 13 And he laid
his hands on her, and instantly she straightened up and began to glorify God. 14 But in response the presiding
officer of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus did the cure on the Sabbath, said to the crowd: There are six
days on which work ought to be done; so come and be cured on those days, and not on the Sabbath day.
15 However, the Lord answered him: Hypocrites, does not each one of you on the Sabbath untie his bull or his
donkey from the stall and lead it away to give it something to drink? 16 Should not this woman, who is a daughter
of Abraham and whom Satan held bound for 18 years, be released from this bondage on the Sabbath day?
PSALM 68:11 Jehovah gives the command; The women proclaiming the good news are a large army.
GENESIS 2:20-24 So the man named all the domestic animals and the flying creatures of the heavens and every
wild animal of the field, but for man there was no helper as a complement of him. 21 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. 22 And Jehovah God built the rib that he had taken from the man into a woman, and he brought her to the
man. 23 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. 24 That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he will stick to his
wife, and they will become one flesh.
EPHESIANS 5:28-31 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. A man who loves his
wife loves himself, 29 for no man ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cherishes it, just as the Christ does the
congregation, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 For this reason a man will leave his father and his
mother and he will stick to his wife, and the two will be one flesh.
1 PETER 3:7 You husbands, in the same way, continue dwelling with them according to knowledge. Assign them
honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one, since they are also heirs with you of the undeserved favor of life, in
order for your prayers not to be hindered.
(g94 10/8 pp. 19-21)
PROVERBS 12:4 A capable wife is a crown to her husband, But the wife who acts shamefully is like rottenness in
his bones.
An Orderly Arrangement (p. 49)
1 CORINTHIANS 11:3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ; in turn, the head of a
woman is the man; in turn, the head of the Christ is God.
1 CORINTHIANS 14:40 But let all things take place decently and by arrangement.
JOHN 5:30 I cannot do a single thing of my own initiative. Just as I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous
because I seek, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.
JOHN 8:38, 39 I speak the things I have seen while with my Father, but you do the things you have heard from
your father. 39 In answer they said to him: Our father is Abraham. Jesus said to them: If you were Abrahams
children, you would be doing the works of Abraham.
PHILIPPIANS 2:5-8 Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although he was existing
in Gods form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God. 7 No, but he emptied
himself and took a slaves form and became human. 8 More than that, when he came as a man, he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death, yes, death on a torture stake.

GALATIANS 3:26-28 You are all, in fact, sons of God through your faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were
baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there
is neither male nor female, for you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.
ROMANS 12:10 In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another, take
the lead.
1 CORINTHIANS 14:33-35 For God is a God not of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the holy
ones, 34 let the women keep silent in the congregations, for it is not permitted for them to speak. Rather, let them
be in subjection, as the Law also says. 35 If they want to learn something, let them ask their husbands at home, for
it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the congregation.
1 TIMOTHY 2:12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but she is to remain
silent.
(w12 9/1 p. 9 box; g 7/10 p. 29 pars. 2-4)
1 PETER 3:1, 2 In the same way, you wives, be in subjection to your husbands, so that if any are not obedient to
the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, 2 because of having been
eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect.
COLOSSIANS 3:18, 23 You wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord. 23 Whatever
you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, and not for men,
1 CORINTHIANS 14:35 If they want to learn something, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is disgraceful
for a woman to speak in the congregation.
1 TIMOTHY 2:11-14 Let a woman learn in silence with full submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach
or to exercise authority over a man, but she is to remain silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 Also,
Adam was not deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and became a transgressor.
1 CORINTHIANS 11:4, 5 Every man who prays or prophesies with something on his head shames his head; 5 but
every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered shames her head, for it is one and the same as if
she were a woman with a shaved head.
1 CORINTHIANS 11:2-16 I commend you because in all things you remember me and you are holding fast the
traditions just as I handed them on to you. 3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ; in
turn, the head of a woman is the man; in turn, the head of the Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies
with something on his head shames his head; 5 but every woman who prays or prophesies with her head
uncovered shames her head, for it is one and the same as if she were a woman with a shaved head. 6 For if a
woman does not cover herself, she should have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair
cut off or shaved, she should be covered. 7 For a man should not have his head covered, as he is Gods image and
glory, but the woman is mans glory. 8 For man did not come from woman, but woman came from man. 9 And what
is more, man was not created for the sake of the woman, but woman for the sake of the man. 10 That is why the
woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Besides, in connection with the
Lord, neither is woman separate from man nor is man separate from woman. 12 For just as the woman is from the
man, so also the man is through the woman; but all things are from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: Is it fitting for a
woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that long hair is a dishonor to
a man, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her instead of a covering.
16 However, if anyone wants to argue in favor of some other custom, we have no other, nor do the congregations
of God.
(w02 7/15 p. 26 par. 2; lv p. 209 par. 3)
(w02 7/15 p. 27 par. 1; lv p. 209 par. 3)
(w02 7/15 p. 27 par. 2; lv p. 210 par. 1)
(w02 7/15 p. 27 par. 3)
(w09 11/15 pp. 12-13)
(w09 11/15 p. 13)

(w02 7/15 p. 27 par. 4; lv p. 210 par. 2)
(w02 7/15 p. 27 par. 5; lv p. 210 par. 1)
1 TIMOTHY 1:5 Really, the objective of this instruction is love out of a clean heart and out of a good conscience
and out of faith without hypocrisy.
(w77 2/15 p. 126)
ACTS 5:29 In answer Peter and the other apostles said: We must obey God as ruler rather than men.
(ia p. 80 par. 16)
Privileges and Responsibilities of Christian Women (p. 52)
PROVERBS 31:1 The words of King Lemuel, the weighty message his mother gave to instruct him:
TITUS 2:3-5 Likewise, let the older women be reverent in behavior, not slanderous, not enslaved to a lot of wine,
teachers of what is good, 4 so that they may advise the younger women to love their husbands, to love their
children, 5 to be sound in mind, chaste, working at home, good, subjecting themselves to their own husbands, so
that the word of God may not be spoken of abusively.
1 TIMOTHY 2:9, 10 Likewise, the women should adorn themselves in appropriate dress, with modesty and
soundness of mind, not with styles of hair braiding and gold or pearls or very expensive clothing, 10 but in the way
that is proper for women professing devotion to God, namely, through good works.
1 PETER 3:3, 4 Do not let your adornment be externalthe braiding of hair and the wearing of gold ornaments
or fine clothing 4 but let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible adornment of the quiet and mild
spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God.
LUKE 10:42 A few things, though, are needed, or just one. For her part, Mary chose the good portion, and it will
not be taken away from her.
ACTS 2:17, 18 And in the last days, God says, I will pour out some of my spirit on every sort of flesh, and your
sons and your daughters will prophesy and your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams,
18 and even on my male slaves and on my female slaves I will pour out some of my spirit in those days, and they
will prophesy.
ACTS 18:26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, and when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took
him into their company and explained the way of God more accurately to him.
(g 7/10 pp. 28-29)
ROMANS 10:13, 14 For everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved. 14 However, how will they call
on him if they have not put faith in him? How, in turn, will they put faith in him about whom they have not heard?
How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach?
1 CORINTHIANS 9:16 Now if I am declaring the good news, it is no reason for me to boast, for necessity is laid
upon me. Really, woe to me if I do not declare the good news!
1 CORINTHIANS 14:40 But let all things take place decently and by arrangement.
(km 9/01 p. 3)

Unit 6 (b)

Day 2

Unit 7 (a)
Benefit From Counsel and

Direction
EPHESIANS 4:8 For it says: When he ascended on high he carried away captives; he gave gifts in men.
GALATIANS 6:1 Brothers, even if a man takes a false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual
qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness. But keep an eye on yourself, for fear you too may
be tempted.
JOHN 10:16 And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those too I must bring in, and they will listen to
my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd.
ACTS 20:28 Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you
overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son.
REVELATION 1:16, 20 And he had in his right hand seven stars, and out of his mouth a sharp, long, two-edged
sword was protruding, and his countenance was like the sun when it shines at its brightest. 20 As for the sacred
secret of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars mean
the angels of the seven congregations, and the seven lampstands mean the seven congregations.
EPHESIANS 4:11-13 And he gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds
and teachers, 12 with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, for ministerial work, to build up the body of the
Christ, 13 until we all attain to the oneness of the faith and of the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to being a
full-grown man, attaining the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ.
(w99 6/1 pp. 9-14)
1 THESSALONIANS 5:12, 13 Now we request you, brothers, to show respect for those who are working hard
among you and presiding over you in the Lord and admonishing you; 13 and to give them extraordinary
consideration in love because of their work. Be peaceable with one another.
Development of the Christian Congregation (p. 56)
MATTHEW 10:1 So he summoned his 12 disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, in order to expel
these and to cure every sort of disease and every sort of infirmity.
JOHN 21:1, 2, 15-17 After this Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples, at the Sea of Tiberias. He made
the manifestation in this way. 2 There were together Simon Peter, Thomas (who was called the Twin), Nathanael
from Cana of Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 15 When they had finished breakfast,
Jesus said to Simon Peter: Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? He replied to him: Yes, Lord, you
know I have affection for you. He said to him: Feed my lambs. 16 Again he said to him a second time: Simon son
of John, do you love me? He replied: Yes, Lord, you know I have affection for you. He said to him: Shepherd my
little sheep. 17 He said to him a third time: Simon son of John, do you have affection for me? Peter became
grieved that he asked him the third time: Do you have affection for me? So he said to him: Lord, you are aware
of all things; you know that I have affection for you. Jesus said to him: Feed my little sheep.
ACTS 2:41, 42 So those who gladly accepted his word were baptized, and on that day about 3,000 people were
added. 42 And they continued devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles, to associating together, to the
taking of meals, and to prayers.
(w13 7/15 p. 16 pars. 7-8)

MATTHEW 13:24-30 He presented another illustration to them, saying: The Kingdom of the heavens may be
likened to a man who sowed fine seed in his field. 25 While men were sleeping, his enemy came and oversowed
weeds in among the wheat and left. 26 When the stalk sprouted and produced fruit, then the weeds also appeared.
27 So the slaves of the master of the house came and said to him, Master, did you not sow fine seed in your field?
How, then, does it have weeds? 28 He said to them, An enemy, a man, did this. The slaves said to him, Do you
want us, then, to go out and collect them? 29 He said, No, for fear that while collecting the weeds, you uproot the
wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest season, I will tell the reapers:
First collect the weeds and bind them in bundles to burn them up; then gather the wheat into my storehouse.
(w13 7/15 pp. 18-19 pars. 13-14 and endnote)
(w13 7/15 pp. 21-23)
ISAIAH 54:13 And all your sons will be taught by Jehovah, And the peace of your sons will be abundant.
Working Submissively With Gifts in Men (p. 57)
EPHESIANS 4:11-14 And he gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds
and teachers, 12 with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, for ministerial work, to build up the body of the
Christ, 13 until we all attain to the oneness of the faith and of the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to being a
full-grown man, attaining the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ. 14 So we should no
longer be children, tossed about as by waves and carried here and there by every wind of teaching by means of
the trickery of men, by means of cunning in deceptive schemes.
1 CORINTHIANS 16:15-18 Now I urge you, brothers: You know that the household of Stephanas is the firstfruits
of Achaia and that they devoted themselves to ministering to the holy ones. 16 May you also keep submitting
yourselves to people like that and to all those cooperating and working hard. 17 But I rejoice over the presence of
Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your not being here. 18 For they
have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, give recognition to men of that sort.
2 TIMOTHY 2:2 and the things you heard from me that were supported by many witnesses, these things entrust
to faithful men, who, in turn, will be adequately qualified to teach others.
TITUS 1:5 I left you in Crete so that you would correct the things that were defective and make appointments of
elders in city after city, as I instructed you:
1 THESSALONIANS 5:12 Now we request you, brothers, to show respect for those who are working hard among
you and presiding over you in the Lord and admonishing you;
1 TIMOTHY 5:17 Let the elders who preside in a fine way be considered worthy of double honor, especially those
who work hard in speaking and teaching.
Christian Shepherds Keep Watch Over You (p. 58)
GALATIANS 6:1 Brothers, even if a man takes a false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual
qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness. But keep an eye on yourself, for fear you too may
be tempted.

1 PETER 5:2, 3 Shepherd the flock of God under your care, serving as overseers, not under compulsion, but
willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; 3 not lording it over those who are Gods
inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.
(w07 4/1 p. 28 par. 12)
Shepherds Serve With Joy (p. 58)
EZEKIEL 34:22-24 And I will save my sheep, and they will no longer become something to prey upon; and I will
judge between a sheep and a sheep. 23 I will raise up one shepherd over them, my servant David, and he will feed
them. He himself will feed them and become their shepherd. 24 And I, Jehovah, will become their God, and my
servant David a chieftain among them. I myself, Jehovah, have spoken.
ACTS 20:28, 29 Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you
overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son. 29 I know that
after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness,
ROMANS 14:10-12 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you also look down on your brother? For we
will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written: As surely as I live, says Jehovah, to me every
knee will bend, and every tongue will make open acknowledgment to God. 12 So, then, each of us will render an
account for himself to God.
COLOSSIANS 2:19 and he is not holding fast to the head, to the one through whom the whole body is supplied and
harmoniously joined together by means of its joints and ligaments and made to grow with the growth that is from
God.
JAMES 3:2 For we all stumble many times. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able to bridle
also his whole body.
PROVERBS 19:20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, In order to become wise in your future.
1 SAMUEL 15:20, 24-28 However, Saul said to Samuel: But I have obeyed the voice of Jehovah! I went on the
mission to which Jehovah sent me, and I brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and I devoted the Amalekites
to destruction. 24 Then Saul said to Samuel: I have sinned, for I have overstepped the order of Jehovah and your
words, because I feared the people and listened to what they said. 25 And now, please, pardon my sin, and return
with me so that I may bow down to Jehovah. 26 But Samuel said to Saul: I will not return with you, for you have
rejected the word of Jehovah, and Jehovah has rejected you from continuing as king over Israel. 27 As Samuel was
turning to go, Saul grabbed hold of the hem of his sleeveless coat, but it ripped away. 28 At this Samuel said to him:
Jehovah has ripped away the royal rule of Israel from you today, and he will give it to one of your fellow men who
is better than you.
2 KINGS 5:11 At this Naaman became indignant and started to leave, saying: Here I said to myself, He will
come out to me and stand here and call on the name of Jehovah his God, moving his hand back and forth over the
leprosy to cure it.
PHILIPPIANS 2:20-22 For I have no one else of a disposition like his who will genuinely care for your concerns.
21 For all the others are seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know the proof he gave of
himself, that like a child with a father he slaved with me to advance the good news.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:24 Not that we are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is
by your faith that you are standing.
Ways to Support Traveling Overseers Visits (p. 59)
ROMANS 1:11, 12 For I am longing to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift to you for you to be made
firm; 12 or, rather, that we may have an interchange of encouragement by one anothers faith, both yours and
mine.

(jl Lesson 17)
PROVERBS 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens his friend.
(km 8/86 p. 1 par. 4)
ROMANS 1:12 or, rather, that we may have an interchange of encouragement by one anothers faith, both yours
and mine.
(km 6/89 p. 3)
Assistance for Pioneers (p. 60)

Unit 7 (b)
Resist the Spirit of the World

1 CORINTHIANS 2:12 Now we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit that is from God, so that we
might know the things that have been kindly given us by God.
1 CORINTHIANS 2:12 Now we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit that is from God, so that we
might know the things that have been kindly given us by God.
EPHESIANS 2:2, 3 in which you at one time walked according to the system of things of this world, according to
the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience. 3 Yes, among them
we all at one time conducted ourselves in harmony with the desires of our flesh, carrying out the will of the flesh
and of our thoughts, and we were naturally children of wrath just as the rest.
(lv p. 54 par. 8)
JOHN 8:44 You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. That one was a
murderer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the
lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie.
ACTS 13:10 and said: O man full of every sort of fraud and every sort of villainy, you son of the Devil, you enemy
of everything righteous, will you not quit distorting the right ways of Jehovah?
1 JOHN 3:8, 10 The one who practices sin originates with the Devil, because the Devil has been sinning from the
beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was made manifest, to break up the works of the Devil. 10 The
children of God and the children of the Devil are evident by this fact: Whoever does not practice righteousness
does not originate with God, nor does the one who does not love his brother.
(lv p. 54 par. 8)
PROVERBS 4:23 Above all the things that you guard, safeguard your heart, For out of it are the sources of life.
Questions to Ponder (p. 63)
PSALM 26:4 I do not associate with deceitful men, And I avoid those who hide what they are.
PSALM 119:37 Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless; Preserve me alive in your way.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.
PROVERBS 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth; To be respected is better than silver and
gold.
ECCLESIASTES 10:1 As dead flies cause the perfumers oil to stink and bubble, so a little foolishness outweighs
wisdom and glory.
EPHESIANS 5:15, 16 So keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, 16 making the
best use of your time, because the days are wicked.
JAMES 3:14-18 But if you have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your hearts, do not be bragging and lying
against the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above; it is earthly, animalistic, demonic. 16 For
wherever there are jealousy and contentiousness, there will also be disorder and every vile thing. 17 But the

wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits,
impartial, not hypocritical. 18 Moreover, the fruit of righteousness is sown in peaceful conditions for those who
are making peace.
PSALM 97:10 O you who love Jehovah, hate what is bad. He is guarding the lives of his loyal ones; He rescues
them from the hand of the wicked.
(w13 1/15 pp. 14-15 pars. 11-15)
ISAIAH 52:11 Turn away, turn away, get out of there, touch nothing unclean! Get out from the midst of her, keep
yourselves clean, You who are carrying the utensils of Jehovah.
1 TIMOTHY 6:8-10 So, having food and clothing, we will be content with these things. 9 But those who are
determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge men
into destruction and ruin. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for
this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.
PSALM 68:6 God gives those who are alone a home to dwell in; He leads prisoners out into prosperity. But the
stubborn must live in a parched land.
PHILIPPIANS 4:5 Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near.
1 PETER 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time,
Your Part in Keeping the Congregation Clean (p. 64)
2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5, 13 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. 2 For men
will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful,
disloyal, 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without
love of goodness, 4 betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God,
5 having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. 13 But wicked men
and impostors will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled.
JUDE 3, 4, 11-13 Beloved ones, although I was making every effort to write you about the salvation we hold in
common, I found it necessary to write you to urge you to put up a hard fight for the faith that was once for all time
delivered to the holy ones. 4 My reason is that certain men have slipped in among you who were long ago
appointed to this judgment by the Scriptures; they are ungodly men who turn the undeserved kindness of our God
into an excuse for brazen conduct and who prove false to our only owner and Lord, Jesus Christ. 11 Too bad for
them, for they have followed the path of Cain and have rushed into the erroneous course of Balaam for reward,
and they have perished in the rebellious talk of Korah! 12 These are the rocks hidden below water at your love
feasts while they feast with you, shepherds who feed themselves without fear; waterless clouds carried here and
there by the wind; fruitless trees in late autumn, having died twice and having been uprooted; 13 wild waves of the
sea that cast up the foam of their own shame; stars with no set course, for which the blackest darkness stands
reserved forever.
REVELATION 2:1 To the angel of the congregation in Ephesus write: These are the things that he says who
holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:
LEVITICUS 20:10, 13, 15, 16 Now regarding a man who commits adultery with another mans wife: The one
who commits adultery with the wife of his fellow man should be put to death without fail, the adulterer and the
adulteress. 13 If a man lies down with a male the same as one lies down with a woman, both of them have done a
detestable thing. They should be put to death without fail. Their own blood is upon them. 15 If a man has
intercourse with a beast, he should be put to death without fail, and you should kill the beast. 16 If a woman
approaches any beast to have intercourse with it, you must kill the woman and the beast. They should be put to
death without fail. Their own blood is upon them.

ROMANS 1:24, 26, 27, 32 Therefore, God, in keeping with the desires of their hearts, gave them up to
uncleanness, so that their bodies might be dishonored among them. 26 That is why God gave them over to
uncontrolled sexual passion, for their females changed the natural use of themselves into one contrary to nature;
27 likewise also the males left the natural use of the female and became violently inflamed in their lust toward one
another, males with males, working what is obscene and receiving in themselves the full penalty, which was due
for their error. 32 Although these know full well the righteous decree of Godthat those practicing such things
are deserving of deaththey not only keep on doing them but also approve of those practicing them.
1 CORINTHIANS 6:9, 10 Or do you not know that unrighteous people will not inherit Gods Kingdom? Do not be
misled. Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who
practice homosexuality, 10 thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit Gods
Kingdom.
(nwt p. 1711)
DEUTERONOMY 13:13, 15 Good-for-nothing men have gone out among you to turn away the inhabitants of
their city, saying: Let us go and serve other gods, gods that you have not known, 15 you should without fail
strike down the inhabitants of that city with the sword. Devote it and everything that is in it, including its
livestock, to destruction by the sword.
2 CORINTHIANS 6:14, 15, 17, 18 Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do
righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? 15 Further, what harmony is
there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? 17 Therefore,
get out from among them, and separate yourselves, says Jehovah, and quit touching the unclean thing; and I
will take you in. 18 And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me, says
Jehovah, the Almighty.
2 JOHN 7, 9, 10 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those not acknowledging Jesus Christ as
coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 9 Everyone who pushes ahead and does not remain in
the teaching of the Christ does not have God. The one who does remain in this teaching is the one who has both
the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your
homes or say a greeting to him.
REVELATION 18:4 And I heard another voice out of heaven say: Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to
share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.
EXODUS 21:22-25 If men should struggle with each other and they hurt a pregnant woman and she gives birth
prematurely but no fatality results, the offender must pay the damages imposed on him by the husband of the
woman; and he must pay it through the judges. 23 But if a fatality does occur, then you must give life for life, 24 eye
for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, blow for blow.
PSALM 127:3 Look! Sons are an inheritance from Jehovah; The fruit of the womb is a reward.
PSALM 139:14-16 I praise you because in an awe-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are
wonderful, I know this very well. 15 My bones were not hidden from you When I was made in secret, When I was
woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes even saw me as an embryo; All its parts were written in your book
Regarding the days when they were formed, Before any of them existed.
PROVERBS 6:16, 19 There are six things that Jehovah hates; Yes, seven things that he detests: 19 A false witness
who lies with every breath, And anyone sowing contentions among brothers.
COLOSSIANS 3:9 Do not lie to one another. Strip off the old personality with its practices,
REVELATION 22:15 Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and those who are sexually immoral
and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.
(it-2 p. 245 par. 4)
LEVITICUS 19:16 You must not go around spreading slander among your people. You must not stand up against
the life of your fellow man. I am Jehovah.
1 CORINTHIANS 6:10 thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit Gods
Kingdom.

(lv pp. 137-138 pars. 11-14)
2 CORINTHIANS 12:21 Perhaps when I come again, my God might humiliate me before you, and I may have to
mourn over many of those who previously sinned but have not repented of their uncleanness and sexual
immorality and brazen conduct that they have practiced.
GALATIANS 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness,
brazen conduct,
EPHESIANS 4:18, 19 They are in darkness mentally and alienated from the life that belongs to God, because of
the ignorance that is in them, because of the insensitivity of their hearts. 19 Having gone past all moral sense, they
gave themselves over to brazen conduct to practice every sort of uncleanness with greediness.
2 PETER 2:7 And he rescued righteous Lot, who was greatly distressed by the brazen conduct of the lawless
people
(nwt p. 1694; w12 3/15 pp. 30-31)
1 CORINTHIANS 5:11 But now I am writing you to stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is
sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating
with such a man.
1 CORINTHIANS 6:9, 10 Or do you not know that unrighteous people will not inherit Gods Kingdom? Do not be
misled. Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who
practice homosexuality, 10 thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit Gods
Kingdom.
LEVITICUS 5:1 If someone sins because he has heard a public call to testify and he is a witness or has seen or
learned about it and he does not report it, then he will answer for his error.
1 CORINTHIANS 5:1, 2 Actually sexual immorality is reported among you, and such immorality as is not even
found among the nationsof a man living with his fathers wife. 2 And are you proud of it? Should you not rather
mourn, so that the man who committed this deed should be taken away from your midst?
JAMES 5:14 Is there anyone sick among you? Let him call the elders of the congregation to him, and let them pray
over him, applying oil to him in the name of Jehovah.
1 CORINTHIANS 1:11 For some from the house of Chloe have informed me regarding you, my brothers, that
there are dissensions among you.
1 CORINTHIANS 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven ferments the whole batch of
dough?
1 TIMOTHY 5:22 Never lay your hands hastily on any man; neither become a sharer in the sins of others; keep
yourself chaste.
JAMES 5:14-16 Is there anyone sick among you? Let him call the elders of the congregation to him, and let them
pray over him, applying oil to him in the name of Jehovah. 15 And the prayer of faith will make the sick one well,
and Jehovah will raise him up. Also, if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, openly confess your
sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. A righteous mans supplication has a
powerful effect.
GALATIANS 5:16, 17, 19-21 But I say, Keep walking by spirit and you will carry out no fleshly desire at all. 17 For
the flesh is against the spirit in its desire, and the spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that
you do not do the very things you want to do. 19 Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual
immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, 20 idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions,
divisions, sects, 21 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 Gods Kingdom.
JOHN 16:33 I have said these things to you so that by means of me you may have peace. In the world you will
have tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world.

JUDE 3 Beloved ones, although I was making every effort to write you about the salvation we hold in common, I
found it necessary to write you to urge you to put up a hard fight for the faith that was once for all time delivered
to the holy ones.

Unit 8 (a)
Walk in the Way of Integrity

JOB 1:9-11 At that Satan answered Jehovah: Is it for nothing that Job has feared God? 10 Have you not put up a
protective hedge around him and his house and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, and
his livestock has spread out in the land. 11 But, for a change, stretch out your hand and strike everything he has,
and he will surely curse you to your very face.
JOB 2:4 But Satan answered Jehovah: Skin for skin. A man will give everything that he has for his life.
JOB 27:5 It is unthinkable for me to declare you men righteous! Until I die, I will not renounce my integrity!
What It Means to Walk in the Way of Integrity (p. 67)
(w04 12/1 p. 13 par. 4)

PSALM 119:1-3 Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah. 2 Happy are
those who observe his reminders, Who search for him with all their heart. 3 They practice no unrighteousness;
They walk in his ways.
Maintaining Our Integrity and Neutrality Under Trial (p. 68)
MATTHEW 22:21 They said: Caesars. Then he said to them: Pay back, therefore, Caesars things to Caesar, but
Gods things to God.
(lv p. 51 pars. 3-4; p. 52 box)
(it-1 p. 175 pars. 5-6)
(lv p. 213 par. 3)
(lv p. 212 par. 1-p. 213 par. 2)
JOHN 15:17-21 These things I command you, that you love one another. 18 If the world hates you, you know that
it has hated me before it hated you. 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. 20 Keep in mind the word I said to you: A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me,
they will also persecute you; if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours. 21 But they will do all
these things against you on account of my name, because they do not know the One who sent me.
JOHN 17:14, 16 I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the
world, just as I am no part of the world. 16 They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.
JOHN 18:36 Jesus answered: My Kingdom is no part of this world. If my Kingdom were part of this world, my
attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from
this source.
(lv p. 55 box)
1 CORINTHIANS 12:25, 26 so that there should be no division in the body, but its members should have mutual
concern for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all the other members suffer with it; or if a member is glorified,
all the other members rejoice with it.

(yb04 pp. 219-220 box)
ACTS 5:29 In answer Peter and the other apostles said: We must obey God as ruler rather than men.
(km 2/94 p. 4 pars. 11-12)
PHILIPPIANS 1:27-30 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.
PHILIPPIANS 4:6, 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.
(w11 1/15 p. 29 par. 15)
1 CHRONICLES 29:17 I well know, O my God, that you examine the heart and that you take pleasure in integrity.
In the uprightness of my heart, I have voluntarily offered all these things, and I am overjoyed to see your people
who are present here make voluntary offerings to you.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and
he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way
out so that you may be able to endure it.
2 PETER 2:9 So, then, Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve
unrighteous people to be destroyed on the day of judgment,
(w10 11/15 p. 32 par. 20)
Integrity Under Trial (p. 69)
MATTHEW 5:10 Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness sake, since the Kingdom of the
heavens belongs to them.
JAMES 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, 3 knowing as you do that this
tested quality of your faith produces endurance. 4 But let endurance complete its work, so that you may be
complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything.
(w03 10/1 p. 13 par. 18)
(w85 11/15 pp. 11-15 pars. 6-26)
ISAIAH 54:17 No weapon formed against you will have any success, And you will condemn any tongue that rises
up against you in the judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of Jehovah, And their righteousness is from
me, declares Jehovah.
JEREMIAH 1:19 And they will certainly fight against you, But they will not prevail against you, For I am with you,
declares Jehovah, to save you.
ACTS 5:40, 41 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.
1 PETER 3:13, 14 Indeed, who will harm you if you become zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should
suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy. However, do not fear what they fear, nor be disturbed.
(w00 4/1 p. 22 par. 17)

Applying Bible PrinciplesThe Key to Integrity (p. 69)
ROMANS 13:1-7 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. 2 Therefore, whoever opposes the
authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will bring
judgment against themselves. 3 For those rulers are an object of fear, not to the good deed, but to the bad. Do you
want to be free of fear of the authority? Keep doing good, and you will have praise from it; 4 for it is Gods minister
to you for your good. But if you are doing what is bad, be in fear, for it is not without purpose that it bears the
sword. It is Gods minister, an avenger to express wrath against the one practicing what is bad. 5 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 Gods 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.
(w96 5/1 p. 10 par. 3)
(w96 5/1 p. 12 par. 9)
(w96 5/1 p. 12 par. 9)
(w96 5/1 p. 12 par. 11)
(w96 5/1 p. 15 par. 2)
(w96 5/1 p. 16 par. 6)
(w96 5/1 p. 19 par. 15)
(w96 5/1 p. 20 par. 20)
(w96 5/1 pp. 16-17 pars. 7-8)
(w96 5/1 p. 20 par. 22)
2 PETER 2:9 So, then, Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve
unrighteous people to be destroyed on the day of judgment,

Unit 8 (b)
Participate in
Various Forms of Our Ministry
MARK 13:10 Also, in all the nations, the good news has to be preached first.
MATTHEW 24:3, 14 While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying:
Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system
of things? 14 And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all
the nations, and then the end will come.
ISAIAH 60:22 The little one will become a thousand And the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, will
speed it up in its own time.
MATTHEW 10:7 As you go, preach, saying: The Kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.
ACTS 20:20, 21 while I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching
you publicly and from house to house. 21 But I thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about
repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.
Share the Good News at Every OpportunityInformal Witnessing (p. 73)
(km 8/10 pp. 3-4)

JOHN 4:7-26 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her: Give me a drink. 8 (For his disciples
had gone off into the city to buy food.) 9 So the Samaritan woman said to him: How is it that you, despite being
a Jew, ask me for a drink even though I am a Samaritan woman? (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
10 In answer Jesus said to her: If you had known of the free gift of God and who it is who says to you, Give me a
drink, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water. 11 She said to him: Sir, you do not
even have a bucket for drawing water, and the well is deep. From what source, then, do you have this living
water? 12 You are not greater than our forefather Jacob, who gave us the well and who together with his sons and
his cattle drank out of it, are you? 13 In answer Jesus said to her: Everyone drinking from this water will get
thirsty again. 14 Whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty at all, but the water that I
will give him will become in him a spring of water bubbling up to impart everlasting life. 15 The woman said to
him: Sir, give me this water, so that I may neither thirst nor keep coming over to this place to draw water. 16 He
said to her: Go, call your husband and come to this place. 17 The woman replied: I do not have a husband. Jesus
said to her: You are right in saying, I do not have a husband. 18 For you have had five husbands, and the man you
now have is not your husband. This you have said truthfully. 19 The woman said to him: Sir, I see that you are a
prophet. 20 Our forefathers worshipped on this mountain, but you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where
people must worship. 21 Jesus said to her: Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when neither on this
mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what
we know, because salvation begins with the Jews. 23 Nevertheless, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the true
worshippers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for indeed, the Father is looking for ones like these to
worship him. 24 God is a Spirit, and those worshipping him must worship with spirit and truth. 25 The woman
said to him: I know that Messiah is coming, who is called Christ. Whenever that one comes, he will declare all
things to us openly. 26 Jesus said to her: I am he, the one speaking to you.

LUKE 6:45 A good man brings good out of the good treasure of his heart, but a wicked man brings what is wicked
out of his wicked treasure; for out of the hearts abundance his mouth speaks.
PSALM 40:5 How many things you have done, O Jehovah my God, Your wonderful works and your thoughts
toward us. None can compare to you; If I were to try to tell and speak of them, They would be too numerous to
recount!
MATTHEW 13:52 Then he said to them: That being the case, every public instructor who is taught about the
Kingdom of the heavens is like a man, the master of the house, who brings out of his treasure store things both
new and old.
JONAH 4:11 Should I not also feel sorry for Nineveh the great city, in which there are more than 120,000 men
who do not even know right from wrong, as well as their many animals?
LUKE 19:1-10 He then entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 Now a man named Zacchaeus was there; he
was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 Well, he was trying to see who this Jesus was, but he could not see
because of the crowd, since he was short. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see him, for
he was about to pass that way. 5 Now when Jesus got to the place, he looked up and said to him: Zacchaeus,
hurry and get down, for today I must stay in your house. 6 With that he hurried down and joyfully welcomed him
as a guest. 7 When they saw this, they were all muttering: He went as a guest to the house of a man who is a
sinner. 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord: Look! The half of my belongings, L ord, I am giving to the
poor, and whatever I extorted from anyone, I am restoring four times over. 9 At this Jesus said to him: Today
salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man came to seek and to
save what was lost.
ACTS 13:14-16 However, they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And going into the
synagogue on the Sabbath day, they took a seat. 15 After the public reading of the Law and the Prophets, the
presiding officers of the synagogue sent word to them, saying: Men, brothers, if you have any word of
encouragement for the people, tell it. 16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand, he said: Men, Israelites
and you others who fear God, listen.
TITUS 2:1-10 You, however, keep on speaking what is consistent with wholesome teaching. 2 Let the older men
be moderate in habits, serious, sound in mind, healthy in faith, in love, in endurance. 3 Likewise, let the older
women be reverent in behavior, not slanderous, not enslaved to a lot of wine, teachers of what is good, 4 so that
they may advise the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sound in mind, chaste,
working at home, good, subjecting themselves to their own husbands, so that the word of God may not be spoken
of abusively. 6 Likewise, keep on urging the younger men to be sound in mind, 7 showing yourself to be an
example of fine works in every way. Teach what is pure with all seriousness, 8 using wholesome speech that
cannot be criticized, so that those who oppose may be put to shame, having nothing negative to say about us. 9 Let
slaves be in subjection to their owners in all things, trying to please them, not talking back, 10 not stealing from
them, but showing complete trustworthiness, so that in every way they may adorn the teaching of our Savior, God.
1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-23 For though I am free from all people, I have made myself the slave to all, so that I may
gain as many people as possible. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew in order to gain Jews; to those under law I
became as under law, though I myself am not under law, in order to gain those under law. 21 To those without law
I became as without law, although I am not without law toward God but under law toward Christ, in order to gain
those without law. 22 To the weak I became weak, in order to gain the weak. I have become all things to people of
all sorts, so that I might by all possible means save some. 23 But I do all things for the sake of the good news, in
order to share it with others.
answer each person.
(km 1/06 p. 1; km 2/01 p. 1; km 6/96 p. 7)
(km 8/10 pp. 3-6; km 12/95 pp. 3-4)
(km 6/96 p. 7 par. 6)

(km 6/03 pp. 3-4)
(km 10/12 p. 3 par. 7)
Share the Good News on Appropriate OccasionsPublic Witnessing (p. 76)
(km 12/11 p. 1 par. 3)

ACTS 16:13 On the Sabbath day we went outside the gate beside a river, where we thought there was a place of
prayer, and we sat down and began speaking to the women who had assembled.
ACTS 17:17 So he began to reason in the synagogue with the Jews and the other people who worshipped God and
every day in the marketplace with those who happened to be on hand.
MATTHEW 7:12 All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them. This, in fact, is
what the Law and the Prophets mean.
HEBREWS 13:16 Moreover, do not forget to do good and to share what you have with others, for God is well-
pleased with such sacrifices.
(km 7/13 pp. 4-6)
(km 7/97 p. 1; km 9/96 p. 4 pars. 14-15)
(km 7/13 pp. 4-6; km 9/96 pp. 4-5 pars. 16-17)
(km 6/11 p. 2; km 2/91 p. 8)
(w08 9/15 pp. 25-26; km 9/96 p. 5 pars. 18-20)
(km 3/12 p. 2; km 7/04 p. 4; km 9/96 p. 5 pars. 21-26)
(km 1/10 pp. 4-6; km 8/93 pp. 3-4; yb06 p. 52 par. 1-p.53 par.4)
Maintain Boldness in Various Forms of Our Ministry (p. 78)
EPHESIANS 6:19 Pray also for me, that the words may be given to me when I open my mouth, so that I may be
able to speak boldly in making known the sacred secret of the good news,

Unit 9 (a)
Workshop 2
ACTS 20:20, 21 while I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching
you publicly and from house to house. 21 But I thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about
repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.
HEBREWS 13:15 Through him let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that
make public declaration to his name.

Unit 9 (b)

Day 3

Unit 10 (a)
Appreciate Jesus Role

ACTS 1:8 But you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses of me in
Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth.
JOHN 14:6 Jesus said to him: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through
me.
1 CORINTHIANS 8:6 there is actually to us one God, the Father, from whom all things are and we for him; and
there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are and we through him.
The Person (p. 84)
COLOSSIANS 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation;
JOHN 1:3, 14 All things came into existence through him, and apart from him not even one thing came into
existence. What has come into existence 14 So the Word became flesh and resided among us, and we had a view
of his glory, a glory such as belongs to an only-begotten son from a father; and he was full of divine favor and
truth.
HEBREWS 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, as good as offered up Isaacthe man who had gladly
received the promises attempted to offer up his only-begotten son
(it-2 p. 53 par. 2)
COLOSSIANS 1:16 because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the
things visible and the things invisible, whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All
other things have been created through him and for him.
MATTHEW 19:4-6 In reply he said: Have you not read that the one who created them from the beginning made
them male and female 5 and said: For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and will stick to his
wife, and the two will be one flesh? 6 So that they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has yoked
together, let no man put apart.
(it-2 p. 52)
PROVERBS 8:12 I, wisdom, dwell together with shrewdness; I have found knowledge and thinking ability. 30
Then I was beside him as a master worker. I was the one he was especially fond of day by day; I rejoiced before
him all the time;
1 CORINTHIANS 1:24 However, to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the
wisdom of God.
(it-2 p. 52)
JOHN 1:1, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. 14 So the
Word became flesh and resided among us, and we had a view of his glory, a glory such as belongs to an only-
begotten son from a father; and he was full of divine favor and truth.
JOHN 12:50 And I know that his commandment means everlasting life. So whatever I speak, I speak just as the
Father has told me.
(w08 12/15 pp. 12-13 pars. 6-7; w98 6/15 p. 22 par. 8-p. 23 par. 3)

JOHN 8:23, 42, 58 He went on to say to them: You are from the realms below; I am from the realms above. You
are from this world; I am not from this world. 42 Jesus said to them: If God were your Father, you would love me,
for I came from God and I am here. I have not come of my own initiative, but that One sent me. 58 Jesus said to
them: Most truly I say to you, before Abraham came into existence, I have been.
The Way (p. 85)
ROMANS 5:11 Not only that, but we are also rejoicing in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we
have now received the reconciliation.
(it-2 pp. 760-762)
ROMANS 5:18 So, then, as through one trespass the result to men of all sorts was condemnation, so too through
one act of justification the result to men of all sorts is their being declared righteous for life.
1 TIMOTHY 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus,
HEBREWS 9:22-26 Yes, according to the Law nearly all things are cleansed with blood, and unless blood is
poured out no forgiveness takes place. 23 Therefore, it was necessary for the typical representations of the things
in the heavens to be cleansed by these means, but the heavenly things require far better sacrifices. 24 For Christ
did not enter into a holy place made with hands, which is a copy of the reality, but into heaven itself, so that he
now appears before God on our behalf. 25 This was not done to offer himself often, as when the high priest enters
into the holy place from year to year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise, he would have to suffer often
from the founding of the world. But now he has manifested himself once for all time at the conclusion of the
systems of things to do away with sin through the sacrifice of himself.
ACTS 10:43 To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone putting faith in him receives forgiveness of sins
through his name.
EPHESIANS 2:18 because through him we, both peoples, have free access to the Father by one spirit.
1 JOHN 2:2 And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole worlds.
HEBREWS 7:25 So he is able also to save completely those who are approaching God through him, because he is
always alive to plead for them.
JOHN 16:23, 24 In that day you will ask me no question at all. Most truly I say to you, if you ask the Father for
anything, he will give it to you in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for a single thing in my name. Ask and
you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
1 PETER 2:21 In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you
to follow his steps closely.
The Truth (p. 86)
JOHN 18:37 So Pilate said to him: Well, then, are you a king? Jesus answered: You yourself are saying that I am
a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.
Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.
LUKE 24:44 He then said to them: These are my words that I spoke to you while I was yet with you, that all the
things written about me in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and Psalms must be fulfilled.
JOHN 1:17 Because the Law was given through Moses, the undeserved kindness and the truth came to be through
Jesus Christ.
(it-2 p. 60 par. 2; p. 62 pars. 1-5; p. 692 par. 2)
2 CORINTHIANS 1:20 For no matter how many the promises of God are, they have become yes by means of
him. Therefore, also through him is the Amen said to God, which brings him glory through us.
ROMANS 15:8 For I tell you that Christ became a minister of those who are circumcised in behalf of Gods
truthfulness, so as to verify the promises He made to their forefathers,

COLOSSIANS 2:17 Those things are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality belongs to the Christ.
REVELATION 19:10 At that I fell down before his feet to worship him. But he tells me: Be careful! Do not do that!
I am only a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who have the work of witnessing concerning Jesus. Worship
God! For the witness concerning Jesus is what inspires prophecy.
(it-2 p. 60)
GENESIS 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will crush your head, and you will strike him in the heel.
GENESIS 22:16-18 saying: By myself I swear, declares Jehovah, that because you have done this and you have
not withheld your son, your only one, 17 I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply your offspring like the
stars of the heavens and like the grains of sand on the seashore, and your offspring will take possession of the gate
of his enemies. 18 And by means of your offspring all nations of the earth will obtain a blessing for themselves
because you have listened to my voice.
DANIEL 7:13, 14 I kept watching in the visions of the night, and look! with the clouds of the heavens, someone
like a son of man was coming; and he gained access to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him up close before
that One. 14 And to him there were given rulership, honor, and a kingdom, that the peoples, nations, and language
groups should all serve him. His rulership is an everlasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom will
not be destroyed.
LUKE 8:1 Shortly afterward he traveled from city to city and from village to village, preaching and declaring the
good news of the Kingdom of God. And the Twelve were with him,
REVELATION 19:10 At that I fell down before his feet to worship him. But he tells me: Be careful! Do not do that!
I am only a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who have the work of witnessing concerning Jesus. Worship
God! For the witness concerning Jesus is what inspires prophecy.
(it-2 p. 691 par. 4)
The Life (p. 87)
MATTHEW 20:28 Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his life as a
ransom in exchange for many.
1 PETER 1:18, 19 For you know that it was not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, that you were set free
from your futile way of life handed down to you by your forefathers. 19 But it was with precious blood, like that of
an unblemished and spotless lamb, that of Christ.
ACTS 3:15 whereas you killed the Chief Agent of life. But God raised him up from the dead, of which fact we are
witnesses.
ACTS 10:42 Also, he ordered us to preach to the people and to give a thorough witness that this is the one
decreed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
JOHN 6:39, 40 This is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose none out of all those whom he has given me,
but that I should resurrect them on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who recognizes
the Son and exercises faith in him should have everlasting life, and I will resurrect him on the last day.
EPHESIANS 1:7 By means of him we have the release by ransom through the blood of that one, yes, the
forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his undeserved kindness.
HEBREWS 8:1-3 Now this is the main point of what we are saying: We have such a high priest as this, and he has
sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a minister of the holy place and of the true
tent, which Jehovah set up, and not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it
was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.
(it-2 p. 61 pars. 1-3)
REVELATION 7:9, 10 After this I saw, and look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all
nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white

robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. 10 And they keep shouting with a loud voice, saying:
Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.
ACTS 4:10, 12 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that in the name of Jesus Christ the
Nazarene, whom you executed on a stake but whom God raised up from the dead, by means of him this man
stands here healthy in front of you. 12 Furthermore, there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other
name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.
Additional Biblical Titles Applied to Jesus (p. 87)
2 CORINTHIANS 1:19, 20 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you through us, that is,
through me and Silvanus and Timothy, did not become yes a nd yet no, but yes has become yes in his case.
20 For no matter how many the promises of God are, they have become yes by means of him. Therefore, also
through him is the Amen said to God, which brings him glory through us.
ISAIAH 9:6 For a child has been born to us, A son has been given to us; And the rulership will rest on his shoulder.
His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
HEBREWS 3:1 Consequently, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the apostle and high
priest whom we acknowledgeJesus.
HEBREWS 9:13, 14, 25, 26 For if the blood of goats and of bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who
have been defiled sanctifies for the cleansing of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of the Christ, who
through an everlasting spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works so
that we may render sacred service to the living God? 25 This was not done to offer himself often, as when the high
priest enters into the holy place from year to year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise, he would have to
suffer often from the founding of the world. But now he has manifested himself once for all time at the conclusion
of the systems of things to do away with sin through the sacrifice of himself.
REVELATION 17:14 These will battle with the Lamb, but because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb
will conquer them. Also, those with him who are called and chosen and faithful will do so.
JOHN 6:68 Simon Peter answered him: Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.

Unit 10 (b)
Think in Terms of Bible Principles

PROVERBS 3:6, 21-23 In all your ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight. 21 My son, do
not lose sight of them. Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability; 22 They will give you life And be an
adornment for your neck; 23 Then you will walk on your way in safety, And your foot will never stumble.
PROVERBS 4:7 Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom, And with all you acquire, acquire
understanding.
(w02 4/15 pp. 18-23; w02 2/15 pp. 4-7)
Recognizing Principles and How They Work (p. 88)
(w09 6/1 p. 7; w02 4/15 p. 19 pars. 4-6)

LEVITICUS 17:14 For the life of every sort of flesh is its blood, because the life is in it. Consequently, I said to the
Israelites: You must not eat the blood of any sort of flesh because the life of every sort of flesh is its blood.
Anyone eating it will be cut off.
LEVITICUS 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I myself have given it on the altar for you to make
atonement for yourselves, because it is the blood that makes atonement by means of the life in it.
PSALM 36:9 With you is the source of life; By your light we can see light.
EZEKIEL 18:4 Look! All the soulsto me they belong. As the soul of the father so also the soul of the sonto me
they belong. The soul who sins is the one who will die.
EPHESIANS 4:18 They are in darkness mentally and alienated from the life that belongs to God, because of the
ignorance that is in them, because of the insensitivity of their hearts.
ISAIAH 29:16 How you twist things! Should the potter be regarded the same as the clay? Should what is made say
about its maker: He did not make me? And does what is formed say about its former: He shows no
understanding?
REVELATION 4:11 You are worthy, Jehovah our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because
you created all things, and because of your will they came into existence and were created.
(w02 4/15 p. 20 par. 9)
HEBREWS 6:1 Therefore, now that we have moved beyond the primary doctrine about the Christ, let us press on
to maturity, not laying a foundation again, namely, repentance from dead works and faith in God,
(w06 6/15 pp. 21-22; w02 4/15 p. 22 par. 16; it-1 p. 344)
(w12 1/15 pp. 16-20; w97 10/15 pp. 29-30)
1 CORINTHIANS 10:11 Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for a warning to
us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have come.
Becoming a Person of Godly Principles (p. 89)
MATTHEW 4:1-10 Then Jesus was led by the spirit up into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. 2 After he
had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, he felt hungry. 3 And the Tempter approached and said to him: If you are a

son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread. 4 But he answered: It is written: Man must live, not on
bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovahs mouth. 5 Then the Devil took him along into the holy
city, and he stationed him on the battlement of the temple 6 and said to him: If you are a son of God, throw
yourself down, for it is written: He will give his angels a command concerning you, and, They will carry you on
their hands, so that you may not strike your foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said to him: Again it is written: You
must not put Jehovah your God to the test. 8 Again the Devil took him along to an unusually high mountain and
showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him: All these things I will give you if
you fall down and do an act of worship to me. 10 Then Jesus said to him: Go away, Satan! For it is written: It is
Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.
MATTHEW 5:17-48 Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I came, not to destroy, but to fulfill.
18 Truly I say to you that sooner would heaven and earth pass away than for one stroke of a letter to pass away
from the Law until all things take place. 19 Whoever, therefore, breaks one of these least commandments and
teaches others to do so will be called least in relation to the Kingdom of the heavens. But whoever does them and
teaches them will be called great in relation to the Kingdom of the heavens. 20 For I say to you that if your
righteousness does not surpass that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will by no means enter into the Kingdom
of the heavens. 21 You heard that it was said to those of ancient times: You must not murder, but whoever
commits a murder will be accountable to the court of justice. 22 However, I say to you that everyone who
continues wrathful with his brother will be accountable to the court of justice; and whoever addresses his brother
with an unspeakable word of contempt will be accountable to the Supreme Court; whereas whoever says, You
despicable fool! will be liable to the fiery Gehenna. 23 If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and there
you remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go
away. First make your peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift. 25 Be quick to settle
matters with your legal opponent, while you are with him on the way there, so that somehow the opponent may
not turn you over to the judge, and the judge to the court attendant, and you get thrown into prison. 26 I say to you
for a fact, you will certainly not come out of there until you have paid over your last small coin. 27 You heard that
it was said: You must not commit adultery. 28 But I say to you that everyone who keeps on looking at a woman so
as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If, now, your right eye is
making you stumble, tear it out and throw it away from you. For it is better for you to lose one of your members
than for your whole body to be pitched into Gehenna. 30 Also, if your right hand is making you stumble, cut it off
and throw it away from you. For it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to land
in Gehenna. 31 Moreover, it was said: Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.
32 However, I say to you that everyone divorcing his wife, except on account of sexual immorality, makes her a
subject for adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. 33 Again you heard that it was
said to those of ancient times: You must not swear without performing, but you must pay your vows to Jehovah.
34 However, I say to you: Do not swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is Gods throne; 35 nor by earth, for it is the
footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Do not swear by your head, since you
cannot turn one hair white or black. 37 Just let your word Yes mean yes, your No, no, for what goes beyond these
is from the wicked one. 38 You heard that it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. 39 However, I say to you:
Do not resist the one who is wicked, but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other also to him. 40 And
if a person wants to take you to court and get possession of your inner garment, let him also have your outer
garment; 41 and if someone in authority compels you into service for a mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the
one asking you, and do not turn away from one who wants to borrow from you. 43 You heard that it was said:
You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and
to pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the
heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and
the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors
doing the same thing? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also
the people of the nations doing the same thing? 48 You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is
perfect.
HEBREWS 5:14 But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of
(w02 2/15 p. 5; w97 10/15 pp. 28-29)
GENESIS 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will crush your head, and you will strike him in the heel.

GENESIS 4:3-5 After some time, Cain brought some fruits of the land as an offering to Jehovah. 4 But Abel brought
some firstlings of his flock, including their fat. While Jehovah looked with favor on Abel and on his offering, 5 he
did not look with any favor on Cain and on his offering. So Cain grew hot with anger and was dejected.
GENESIS 6:8, 9 But Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah. 9 This is the history of Noah. Noah was a righteous
man. He proved himself faultless among his contemporaries. Noah walked with the true God.
2 PETER 2:5 And he did not refrain from punishing an ancient world, but kept Noah, a preacher of righteousness,
safe with seven others when he brought a flood upon a world of ungodly people.
ESTHER 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another
source, but you and your fathers house will perish. And who knows whether it is for a time like this that you have
attained to your royal status?
ESTHER 7:3 Queen Esther answered: If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life
be granted as my petition, and my people as my request.
EPHESIANS 5:17 On this account stop being unreasonable, but keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.
ROMANS 12:2 And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so
that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
PSALM 40:8 To do your will, O my God, is my delight, And your law is deep within me.
Use Bible Principles to Make Wise Choices (p. 90)
EPHESIANS 5:1 Therefore, become imitators of God, as beloved children,

NEHEMIAH 5:15 But the former governors who were before me had burdened the people and had been taking
from them 40 silver shekels for bread and wine each day. Also, their attendants had oppressed the people. But I
did not do that because of the fear of God.
PROVERBS 2:3-5 Moreover, if you call out for understanding And raise your voice for discernment; 4 If you keep
seeking for it as for silver, And you keep searching for it as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the
fear of Jehovah, And you will find the knowledge of God.
EPHESIANS 4:15 But speaking the truth, let us by love grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ.
HEBREWS 5:14 But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of
GALATIANS 6:5 For each one will carry his own load.
Guide Your Steps by Godly Principles (p. 91)
LUKE 17:1-5 Then he said to his disciples: It is unavoidable that causes for stumbling should come. Nevertheless,
woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be more advantageous for him if a millstone were hung from
his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to stumble one of these little ones. 3 Pay attention to
yourselves. If your brother commits a sin, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 Even if he sins seven times
a day against you and he comes back to you seven times, saying, I repent, you must forgive him. 5 Now the
apostles said to the Lord: Give us more faith.
PSALM 32:8 I will give you insight and instruct you in the way you should go. I will give you advice with my eye
upon you.
2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for
God loves a cheerful giver.

Unit 11 (a)
Examine Your
Spiritual Progress
1 CORINTHIANS 2:12-16 Now we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit that is from God, so that we
might know the things that have been kindly given us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not with words
taught by human wisdom, but with those taught by the spirit, as we explain spiritual matters with spiritual words.
14 But a physical man does not accept the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot
get to know them, because they are examined spiritually. 15 However, the spiritual man examines all things, but he
himself is not examined by any man. 16 For who has come to know the mind of Jehovah, so that he may instruct
him? But we do have the mind of Christ.
ROMANS 7:21-23 I find, then, this law in my case: When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me.
22 I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within, 23 but I see in my body another law warring
against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sins law that is in my body.
ROMANS 8:6 For setting the mind on the flesh means death, but setting the mind on the spirit means life and
peace;
1 CORINTHIANS 3:1 So, brothers, I was not able to speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to fleshly men, as to
infants in Christ.
(w07 8/1 pp. 4-5)
What Is Needed to Become a Spiritual Person? (p. 93)
PSALM 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light for my path.
JOHN 17:17 Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth.
PSALM 139:17 So to me, how precious your thoughts are! O God, how vast is the sum of them!
MARK 8:33 At this he turned, looked at his disciples, and rebuked Peter, saying: Get behind me, Satan! because
you think, not Gods thoughts, but those of men.
EPHESIANS 4:23, 24 And you should continue to be made new in your dominant mental attitude, 24 and should
put on the new personality that was created according to Gods will in true righteousness and loyalty.
1 CORINTHIANS 2:14-16 But a physical man does not accept the things of the spirit of God, for they are
foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually. 15 However, the
spiritual man examines all things, but he himself is not examined by any man. 16 For who has come to know the
mind of Jehovah, so that he may instruct him? But we do have the mind of Christ.
(it-2 p. 305)
JOHN 5:19, 30 Therefore, in response Jesus said to them: Most truly I say to you, the Son cannot do a single thing
of his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things that One does, these things the
Son does also in like manner. 30 I cannot do a single thing of my own initiative. Just as I hear, I judge, and my
judgment is righteous because I seek, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.

JOHN 14:9, 10 Jesus said to him: Even after I have been with you men for such a long time, Philip, have you not
come to know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also. How is it you say, Show us the Father? 10 Do
you not believe that I am in union with the Father and the Father is in union with me? The things I say to you I do
not speak of my own originality, but the Father who remains in union with me is doing his works. 34 Jesus said to
them: My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
PHILIPPIANS 2:5-8 Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although he was existing
in Gods form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God. 7 No, but he emptied
himself and took a slaves form and became human. 8 More than that, when he came as a man, he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death, yes, death on a torture stake.
(w12 11/15 pp. 10-14)
(be p. 76)
Examining Our Spiritual Progress (p. 94)
JAMES 1:22-25 However, become doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false
reasoning. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his own face in a
mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, and he goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is. 25 But the
one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer,
but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does.
PSALM 26:2 Examine me, O Jehovah, and put me to the test; Refine my innermost thoughts and my heart.
2 CORINTHIANS 13:5 Keep testing whether you are in the faith; keep proving what you yourselves are. Or do you
not recognize that Jesus Christ is in union with you? Unless you are disapproved.
PSALM 1:2, 3 But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, And he reads His law in an undertone day and night. 3 He
will be like a tree planted by streams of water, A tree that produces fruit in its season, The foliage of which does
not wither. And everything he does will succeed.
JAMES 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger,
A Spiritual Person or a Physical Person

What Does the Fruitage Reveal? (p. 95)
GALATIANS 5:16 But I say, Keep walking by spirit and you will carry out no fleshly desire at all.
(w11 12/15 p. 16)
(w01 8/1 pp. 15-16)
GALATIANS 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness,
brazen conduct, 20 idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, 21 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 Gods Kingdom.
GALATIANS 6:3, 4 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deceiving himself. 4 But let each
one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to himself alone, and not in
comparison with the other person.

Prayer (p. 95)
DANIEL 9:4 I prayed to Jehovah my God and made confession and said: O Jehovah the true God, the great and
awe-inspiring One, who keeps his covenant and shows loyal love to those who love him and keep his
commandments,
JOHN 17:4, 6 I have glorified you on the earth, having finished the work you have given me to do. 6 I have made
your name manifest to the men whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me,
and they have observed your word.
PSALM 51:10-12 Create in me a pure heart, O God, And put within me a new spirit, a steadfast one. 11 Do not cast
me out from your presence; And do not take your holy spirit away from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your
salvation; Stir within me a willingness to obey you.
PSALM 122:6, 8 Ask for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love you, O city, will be secure. 8 For the sake of my
brothers and my companions I will say: May there be peace within you.
LUKE 11:4, 13 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is in debt to us; and do not
bring us into temptation. 13 Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your
children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!
JAMES 1:5 So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and
without reproaching, and it will be given him.
MATTHEW 6:11 Give us today our bread for this day;
Study Habits (p. 96)
Field Ministry (p. 96)
EZEKIEL 33:11 Tell them, As surely as I am alive, declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, I take no pleasure in
the death of the wicked, but rather that someone wicked changes his way and keeps living. Turn back, turn back
from your bad ways, for why should you die, O house of Israel?
JOHN 17:6 I have made your name manifest to the men whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours,
and you gave them to me, and they have observed your word.
1 TIMOTHY 4:16 Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by doing
this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.
PHILIPPIANS 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever
things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of,
whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy, continue considering these things.
Christian Meetings (p. 96)
Dress and Grooming (p. 97)
1 CORINTHIANS 10:31 Therefore, whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for
Gods glory.
TITUS 2:10 not stealing from them, but showing complete trustworthiness, so that in every way they may adorn
the teaching of our Savior, God.
(be pp. 131-133)

1 CORINTHIANS 14:33 For God is a God not of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the holy ones,
(be p. 134 pars. 1-4)
Family (p. 97)
EPHESIANS 5:21, 24, 25, 28 Be in subjection to one another in fear of Christ. 24 In fact, as the congregation is in
subjection to the Christ, wives should also be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, continue loving your
wives, just as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself up for it, 28 In the same way husbands
should love their wives as their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself,
EPHESIANS 6:1, 4 Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous. 4 And
fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.
1 TIMOTHY 5:8 Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are
members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.
1 PETER 3:1, 2 In the same way, you wives, be in subjection to your husbands, so that if any are not obedient to
the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, 2 because of having been
eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect.
Conversation (p. 97)
EPHESIANS 4:29 Let a rotten word not come out of your mouth, but only what is good for building up as the need
may be, to impart what is beneficial to the hearers.
ECCLESIASTES 7:16 Do not be overly righteous, nor show yourself excessively wise. Why should you bring ruin
to yourself?
Disputes (p. 98)
PROVERBS 29:11 A stupid person gives vent to all his feelings, But the wise one calmly keeps them in check.
GALATIANS 5:19, 20, 22, 23 Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality,
uncleanness, brazen conduct, 20 idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions,
sects, 22 On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
23 mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
ROMANS 12:14, 17-21 Keep on blessing those who persecute; bless and do not curse. 17 Return evil for evil to
no one. Take into consideration what is fine from the viewpoint of all men. 18 If possible, as far as it depends on
you, be peaceable with all men. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written:
Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah. 20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him
something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head. 21 Do not let yourself be conquered by
the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.
Counsel (p. 98)
ECCLESIASTES 7:9 Do not be quick to take offense, for the taking of offense lodges in the bosom of fools.
ROMANS 12:16 Have the same attitude toward others as toward yourselves; do not set your mind on lofty things,
but be led along with the lowly things. Do not become wise in your own eyes.
Immoral Temptations (p. 98)
PROVERBS 7:6-10, 21, 22 From the window of my house, Through my lattice, I looked down, 7 And as I observed
the naive ones, I discerned among the youths a young man lacking good sense. 8 He passed along the street near
her corner, And he marched in the direction of her house 9 In the twilight, in the evening, At the approach of night
and darkness. 10 Then I saw a woman meet him, Dressed like a prostitute, with a cunning heart. 21 She misleads

him with great persuasiveness. She seduces him with smooth speech. 22 Suddenly he goes after her, like a bull to
the slaughter, Like a fool to be punished in the stocks,
Continue to Examine Your Spiritual Progress (p. 99)
1 CORINTHIANS 9:24 Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in
such a way that you may win it.
MATTHEW 20:20, 21, 24-28 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons, doing
obeisance and asking for something from him. 21 He said to her: What do you want? She replied to him: Give the
word that these two sons of mine may sit down, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your Kingdom.
24 When the ten others heard about it, they became indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him
and said: You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them and the great men wield authority over them.
26 This must not be the way among you; but whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister,
27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. 28 Just as the Son of man came, not to be
ministered to, but to minister and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.
LUKE 22:24-27 However, there also arose a heated dispute among them over which one of them was considered
to be the greatest. 25 But he said to them: The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those having authority
over them are called Benefactors. 26 You, though, are not to be that way. But let the one who is the greatest among
you become as the youngest, and the one taking the lead as the one ministering. 27 For which one is greater, the
one dining or the one serving? Is it not the one dining? But I am among you as the one serving.
MATTHEW 16:16, 17 Simon Peter answered: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 In response Jesus
said to him: Happy you are, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal it to you, but my Father in
the heavens did.
(ia p. 191 par. 13)
(ia pp. 188-194)
1 PETER 1:6, 7 Because of this you are greatly rejoicing, though for a short time, if it must be, you have been
distressed by various trials, 7 in order that the tested quality of your faith, of much greater value than gold that
perishes despite its being tested by fire, may be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of
Jesus Christ.
1 PETER 3:14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy. However, do not fear
what they fear, nor be disturbed.
1 PETER 4:13, 14 On the contrary, go on rejoicing over the extent to which you are sharers in the sufferings of
the Christ, so that you may rejoice and be overjoyed also during the revelation of his glory. 14 If you are being
reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, yes, the spirit of God, is resting upon
you.

Unit 11 (b)
Make Effective Return Visits

(w03 11/15 pp. 13-18)
(km 7/08 p. 4; km 4/98 pp. 3-4 pars. 6-8; km 3/97 p. 3 pars. 1-9)
Have a Positive Attitude (p. 101)
1 THESSALONIANS 1:6, 7 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, seeing that you accepted the word
under much tribulation with joy of holy spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in
Macedonia and in Achaia.
LUKE 16:10 The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is
least is unrighteous also in much.
(w12 10/15 p. 31 par. 15)
ACTS 9:10-17 There was a disciple named Ananias in Damascus, and the Lord said to him in a vision:
Ananias! He said: Here I am, Lord. 11 The Lord said to him: Get up, go to the street called Straight, and look
for a man named Saul, from Tarsus, at the house of Judas. For look! he is praying, 12 and in a vision he has seen a
man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he may recover sight. 13 But Ananias answered:
Lord, I have heard from many about this man, about all the harm he did to your holy ones in Jerusalem. 14 And
here he has authority from the chief priests to arrest all those calling on your name. 15 But the Lord said to him:
Go! because this man is a chosen vessel to me to bear my name to the nations as well as to kings and the sons of
Israel. 16 For I will show him plainly how many things he must suffer for my name. 17 So Ananias went and
entered the house, and he laid his hands on him and said: Saul, brother, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on
the road along which you were coming, has sent me so that you may recover sight and be filled with holy spirit.
ACTS 9:13, 14 But Ananias answered: Lord, I have heard from many about this man, about all the harm he did
to your holy ones in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to arrest all those calling on
your name.
ACTS 9:15 But the Lord said to him: Go! because this man is a chosen vessel to me to bear my name to the
nations as well as to kings and the sons of Israel.
ACTS 9:17 So Ananias went and entered the house, and he laid his hands on him and said: Saul, brother, the
Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road along which you were coming, has sent me so that you may recover
sight and be filled with holy spirit.
Laying the Groundwork (p. 101)
(be p. 159 par. 1)
After the Initial Conversation (p. 102)
(km 4/00 p. 8 pars. 2-4)

(be pp. 33-38)
MATTHEW 10:13 If the house is deserving, let the peace you wish it come upon it; but if it is not deserving, let
the peace from you return upon you.
LUKE 10:5, 6 Wherever you enter into a house, say first: May this house have peace. 6 And if a friend of peace is
there, your peace will rest upon him. But if there is not, it will return to you.
(km 12/06 p. 1 par. 2)
(km 11/11 p. 1 par. 4)
Determine Your Objective (p. 103)
The Return Visit (p. 104)
(km 12/13 p. 1; km 1/92 p. 8 pars. 1-5)

(km 1/92 p. 8 par. 6)
(km 9/96 p. 1)
(jr p. 38 pars. 13-14)
PHILIPPIANS 1:27 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,
Be Bible-Study Conscious (p. 105)
(bt p. 90 par. 13)

(w03 11/15 p. 14 par. 9)
Challenges in the Return Visit Work (p. 106)
(be p. 222 par. 2)

MATTHEW 10:12, 13 When you enter the house, greet the household. 13 If the house is deserving, let the peace
you wish it come upon it; but if it is not deserving, let the peace from you return upon you.
ROMANS 12:17, 18 Return evil for evil to no one. Take into consideration what is fine from the viewpoint of all
men. 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men.
1 CORINTHIANS 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow,

Unit 12 (a)
Workshop 3
ACTS 9:11 The Lord said to him: Get up, go to the street called Straight, and look for a man named Saul, from
Tarsus, at the house of Judas. For look! he is praying,
1 CORINTHIANS 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow,

Unit 12 (b)

Day 4

Unit 13 (a)
Learn From the Master

1 PETER 1:8 Though you never saw him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, yet you exercise faith in
him and are greatly rejoicing with an indescribable and glorious joy,
MATTHEW 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. 29 Take my
yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for
yourselves. 30 For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.
COLOSSIANS 3:23, 24 Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, and not for men, 24 for
you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the inheritance as a reward. Slave for the Master, Christ.
MARK 10:13-16 People now began bringing him young children for him to touch them, but the disciples
reprimanded them. 14 At seeing this, Jesus was indignant and said to them: Let the young children come to me; do
not try to stop them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such ones. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive
the Kingdom of God like a young child will by no means enter into it. 16 And he took the children into his arms
and began blessing them, laying his hands on them.
JOHN 15:11-15 These things I have spoken to you, so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be made full.
12 This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. 13 No one has love greater than
this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I am
commanding you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master does. But I have
called you friends, because I have made known to you all the things I have heard from my Father.
JOHN 13:13 You address me as Teacher and Lord, and you are correct, for I am such.
(it-2 p. 266 par. 1)
Imitate the Kind of Person Jesus Was (p. 112)
ISAIAH 11:2, 3 And the spirit of Jehovah will settle upon him, The spirit of wisdom and of understanding, The
spirit of counsel and of mightiness, The spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah. 3 And he will find delight in
the fear of Jehovah. He will not judge by what appears to his eyes, Nor reprove simply according to what his ears
hear.
JOHN 10:14, 15 I am the fine shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me, 15 just as the Father knows me
and I know the Father; and I surrender my life in behalf of the sheep.
1 PETER 2:21 In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you
to follow his steps closely.
REVELATION 7:16, 17 They will hunger no more nor thirst anymore, neither will the sun beat down on them nor
any scorching heat, 17 because the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them and will guide
them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes.
MATTHEW 6:22 The lamp of the body is the eye. If, then, your eye is focused, your whole body will be bright.
JOHN 15:13, 14 No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends.
14 You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you.
JOHN 8:29 And the One who sent me is with me; he did not abandon me to myself, because I always do the things
pleasing to him.

1 JOHN 5:3 For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his
commandments are not burdensome,
JOHN 13:34, 35 I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you
also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are my disciplesif you have love among yourselves.
(cf pp. 163-171)
2 CORINTHIANS 5:14, 15 For the love the Christ has compels us, because this is what we have concluded, that
one man died for all; so, then, all had died. 15 And he died for all so that those who live should live no longer for
themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised up.
COLOSSIANS 3:12-17 Accordingly, as Gods chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender
affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience. 13 Continue putting up with one another and
forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely
forgave you, you must also do the same. 14 But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a
perfect bond of union. 15 Also, let the peace of the Christ rule in your hearts, for you were called to that peace in
one body. And show yourselves thankful. 16 Let the word of the Christ reside in you richly in all wisdom. Keep on
teaching and encouraging one another with psalms, praises to God, spiritual songs sung with gratitude, singing in
your hearts to Jehovah. 17 Whatever it is that you do in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord
Jesus, thanking God the Father through him.
COLOSSIANS 4:5, 6 Go on walking in wisdom toward those on the outside, making the best use of your time. 6 Let
your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should answer each person.
LUKE 14:12-14 Next he said also to the man who had invited him: When you spread a dinner or an evening
meal, do not call your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your rich neighbors. Otherwise, they might
also invite you in return, and it would become a repayment to you. 13 But when you spread a feast, invite the poor,
the crippled, the lame, the blind; 14 and you will be happy, because they have nothing with which to repay you. For
you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous ones.
ROMANS 12:20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing
this you will heap fiery coals on his head.
(w09 9/15 pp. 9-20)
MATTHEW 9:10-13 Later as he was dining in the house, look! many tax collectors and sinners came and began
dining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 But on seeing this, the Pharisees said to his disciples: Why does your
teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? 12 Hearing them, he said: Healthy people do not need a physician,
but those who are ill do. 13 Go, then, and learn what this means: I want mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came to call,
not righteous people, but sinners.
LUKE 7:36-50 Now one of the Pharisees kept asking him to dine with him. So he entered the house of the
Pharisee and reclined at the table. 37 And look! a woman who was known in the city to be a sinner learned that he
was dining in the house of the Pharisee, and she brought an alabaster jar of perfumed oil. 38 Taking a position
behind him at his feet, she wept and began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them off with the hair of
her head. Also, she tenderly kissed his feet and poured the perfumed oil on them. 39 Seeing this, the Pharisee who
had invited him said to himself: If this man were really a prophet, he would know who and what kind of woman
it is who is touching him, that she is a sinner. 40 But in reply Jesus said to him: Simon, I have something to say to
you. He said: Teacher, say it! 41 Two men were debtors to a certain lender; the one was in debt for 500
denarii, but the other for 50. 42 When they did not have anything to pay him back with, he freely forgave them
both. Therefore, which one of them will love him more? 43 In answer Simon said: I suppose it is the one whom he
forgave more. He said to him: You judged correctly. 44 With that he turned to the woman and said to Simon: Do
you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet. But this woman wet my feet with
her tears and wiped them off with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but this woman, from the hour that I came in,
did not stop tenderly kissing my feet. 46 You did not pour oil on my head, but this woman poured perfumed oil on
my feet. 47 Because of this, I tell you, her sins, many though they are, are forgiven, because she loved much. But the
one who is forgiven little, loves little. 48 Then he said to her: Your sins are forgiven. 49 Those reclining at the
table with him started to say among themselves: Who is this man who even forgives sins? 50 But he said to the
woman: Your faith has saved you; go in peace.

MARK 6:31-34 And he said to them: Come, you yourselves, privately into an isolated place and rest up a little.
For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure time even to eat a meal. 32 So they set off in the
boat for an isolated place to be by themselves. 33 But people saw them going and many got to know it, and from all
the cities they ran together on foot and got there ahead of them. 34 Well, on getting out, he saw a large crowd, and
he was moved with pity for them, because they were as sheep without a shepherd. And he started to teach them
many things.
JOHN 11:33-44 When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping, he groaned within
himself and became troubled. 34 He said: Where have you laid him? They said to him: Lord, come and see.
35 Jesus gave way to tears. 36 At that the Jews began to say: See, what affection he had for him! 37 But some of
them said: Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind man prevent this one from dying? 38 Then Jesus,
after groaning again within himself, came to the tomb. It was, in fact, a cave, and a stone was lying against it.
39 Jesus said: Take the stone away. Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to him: Lord, by now he must smell,
for it has been four days. 40 Jesus said to her: Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory
of God? 41 So they took the stone away. Then Jesus raised his eyes heavenward and said: Father, I thank you that
you have heard me. 42 True, I knew that you always hear me; but I spoke on account of the crowd standing
around, so that they may believe that you sent me. 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud
voice: Lazarus, come out! 44 The man who had been dead came out with his feet and hands bound with
wrappings, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them: Free him and let him go.
LUKE 22:24-27 However, there also arose a heated dispute among them over which one of them was considered
to be the greatest. 25 But he said to them: The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those having authority
over them are called Benefactors. 26 You, though, are not to be that way. But let the one who is the greatest among
you become as the youngest, and the one taking the lead as the one ministering. 27 For which one is greater, the
one dining or the one serving? Is it not the one dining? But I am among you as the one serving.
JOHN 15:11-15 These things I have spoken to you, so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be made full.
12 This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. 13 No one has love greater than
this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I am
commanding you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master does. But I have
called you friends, because I have made known to you all the things I have heard from my Father.
LUKE 19:2-10 Now a man named Zacchaeus was there; he was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 Well, he
was trying to see who this Jesus was, but he could not see because of the crowd, since he was short. 4 So he ran
ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 Now when Jesus got
to the place, he looked up and said to him: Zacchaeus, hurry and get down, for today I must stay in your house.
6 With that he hurried down and joyfully welcomed him as a guest. 7 When they saw this, they were all muttering:
He went as a guest to the house of a man who is a sinner. 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord: Look!
The half of my belongings, Lord, I am giving to the poor, and whatever I extorted from anyone, I am restoring four
times over. 9 At this Jesus said to him: Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of
Abraham. 10 For the Son of man came to seek and to save what was lost.
REVELATION 2:2, 13, 19 I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot tolerate bad
men, and that you put to the test those who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them to be liars.
13 I know where you are dwelling, that is, where the throne of Satan is; and yet you keep holding fast to my
name, and you did not deny your faith in me even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was killed by
your side, where Satan is dwelling. 19 I know your deeds, and your love and faith and ministry and endurance,
and that your deeds of late are more than those you did at first.
REVELATION 3:4 Nevertheless, you do have a few individuals in Sardis who did not defile their garments, and
they will walk with me in white ones, because they are worthy.
Work Hard, as Jesus Did (p. 114)
JOHN 9:4 We must do the works of the One who sent me while it is day; the night is coming when no man can
work.
JOHN 17:4 I have glorified you on the earth, having finished the work you have given me to do.
(it-2 p. 68 par. 5)

JOHN 4:6, 8, 32-35 In fact, Jacobs well was there. Now Jesus, tired out as he was from the journey, was sitting at
the well. It was about the sixth hour. 8 (For his disciples had gone off into the city to buy food.) 32 But he said to
them: I have food to eat that you do not know about. 33 So the disciples said to one another: No one brought him
anything to eat, did he? 34 Jesus said to them: My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
35 Do you not say that there are yet four months before the harvest comes? Look! I say to you: Lift up your eyes
and view the fields, that they are white for harvesting. Already
LUKE 21:37, 38 So by day he would be teaching in the temple, but by night he would go out and lodge on the
mountain called the Mount of Olives. 38 And all the people would come to him early in the morning to hear him in
the temple.
Have a Balanced View of Material Things (p. 115)
MATTHEW 6:24-33 No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he
will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot slave for God and for Riches. 25 On this account I say to
you: Stop being anxious about your lives as to what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your bodies as to
what you will wear. Does not life mean more than food and the body than clothing? 26 Observe intently the birds
of heaven; they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you
not worth more than they are? 27 Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span? 28 Also, why are
you anxious about clothing? Take a lesson from the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not toil, nor do they
spin; 29 but I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. 30 Now if this is how God
clothes the vegetation of the field that is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much
rather clothe you, you with little faith? 31 So never be anxious and say, What are we to eat? or, What are we to
drink? or, What are we to wear? 32 For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. Your heavenly
Father knows that you need all these things. 33 Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these other things will be added to you.
(it-2 p. 68 par. 6)
LUKE 12:15 Then he said to them: Keep your eyes open and guard against every sort of greed, because even
when a person has an abundance, his life does not result from the things he possesses.
MARK 6:31 And he said to them: Come, you yourselves, privately into an isolated place and rest up a little. For
there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure time even to eat a meal.
LUKE 5:29 Then Levi spread a big reception feast for him in his house, and there was a large crowd of tax
collectors and others who were dining with them.
JOHN 2:1-10 And on the third day a marriage feast took place in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was
there. 2 Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the marriage feast. 3 When the wine ran short, the mother of
Jesus said to him: They have no wine. 4 But Jesus said to her: Woman, why is that of concern to me and to you?
My hour has not yet come. 5 His mother said to those serving: Do whatever he tells you. 6 Now there were six
stone water jars sitting there as required by the purification rules of the Jews, each able to hold two or three
liquid measures. 7 Jesus said to them: Fill the jars with water. So they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he said to
them: Now draw some out and take it to the director of the feast. So they took it. 9 When the director of the feast
tasted the water that had now been turned into wine, not knowing where it came from (although the servants
who had drawn out the water knew), the director of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him: Everyone
else puts out the fine wine first, and when people are intoxicated, the inferior. You have saved the fine wine until
now.
JOHN 12:2-8 So they spread an evening meal for him there, and Martha was serving them, but Lazarus was one
of those dining with him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of perfumed oil, genuine nard, very costly, and she poured it
on the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet dry with her hair. The house became filled with the scent of the perfumed
oil. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, who was about to betray him, said: 5 Why was this perfumed oil not
sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor? 6 He said this, though, not because he was concerned about the
poor, but because he was a thief and had the money box and used to steal the money put in it. 7 Then Jesus said:
Let her alone, so that she may keep this observance in view of the day of my burial. 8 For you always have the
poor with you, but you will not always have me.

Follow His Steps Closely (p. 115)
1 PETER 2:21-23 In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for
you to follow his steps closely. 22 He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. 23 When he was
being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to
the One who judges righteously.
(w05 1/1 pp. 10-11 pars. 16-19)
JOHN 14:21, 23 Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. In turn, whoever
loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will clearly show myself to him. 23 In answer Jesus
said to him: If anyone loves me, he will observe my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him
and make our dwelling with him.

Unit 13 (b)
Conducting Progressive Bible

StudiesPart 1
LUKE 6:40 A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly instructed will be like his teacher.
LUKE 24:32 And they said to each other: 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?
MATTHEW 28:20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the
days until the conclusion of the system of things.
1 TIMOTHY 4:16 Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by doing
this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.
Our Grand Instructor (p. 116)
(it-2 p. 1070)
JOB 36:22 Look! God is exalted in his power; What instructor is like him?
ISAIAH 30:20, 21 Though Jehovah will give you bread in the form of distress and water in the form of oppression,
your Grand Instructor will no longer hide himself, and you will see your Grand Instructor with your own eyes.
21 And your own ears will hear a word behind you saying, This is the way. Walk in it, in case you should go to the
right or in case you should go to the left.

GENESIS 18:20-32 Then Jehovah said: The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin
is very heavy. 21 I will go down to see whether they are acting according to the outcry that has reached me. And if
not, I can get to know it. 22 Then the men left from there and went toward Sodom, but Jehovah remained with
Abraham. 23 Then Abraham approached and said: Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?
24 Suppose there are 50 righteous men within the city. Will you, then, sweep them away and not pardon the place
for the sake of the 50 righteous who are inside it? 25 It is unthinkable that you would act in this manner by putting
the righteous man to death with the wicked one so that the outcome for the righteous man and the wicked is the
same! It is unthinkable of you. Will the Judge of all the earth not do what is right? 26 Then Jehovah said: If I find
in Sodom 50 righteous men in the city, I will pardon the whole place for their sake. 27 But Abraham again
responded: Please, here I have presumed to speak to Jehovah, whereas I am dust and ashes. 28 Suppose the 50
righteous should lack five. Because of the five will you destroy the whole city? To this he said: I will not destroy
it if I find there 45. 29 But yet again he spoke to him and said: Suppose 40 are found there. He answered: I will
not do it for the sake of the 40. 30 But he continued: Jehovah, please, do not become hot with anger, but let me go
on speaking: Suppose only 30 are found there. He answered: I will not do it if I find 30 there. 31 But he
continued: Please, here I have presumed to speak to Jehovah: Suppose only 20 are found there. He answered: I
will not destroy it for the sake of the 20. 32 Finally he said: Jehovah, please, do not become hot with anger, but let
me speak just once more: Suppose only ten are found there. He answered: I will not destroy it for the sake of the
ten.
JOB 38:4, 8, 31 Where were you when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you think you understand. 8 And who
barricaded the sea behind doors When it burst out from the womb, 31 Can you tie the ropes of the Kimah
constellation Or untie the cords of the Kesil constellation?

ISAIAH 40:26 Lift up your eyes to heaven and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who brings out
their army by number; He calls them all by name. Because of his vast dynamic energy and his awe-inspiring
power, Not one of them is missing.
ISAIAH 44:14-17 There is one whose work is to cut down cedars. He selects a certain type of tree, an oak, And he
lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a laurel tree, and the rain makes it grow. 15 Then it
becomes fuel for a man to make fires. He takes part of it to warm himself; He builds a fire and bakes bread. But he
also makes a god and worships it. He makes it into a carved image, and he bows down before it. 16 Half of it he
burns up in a fire; With that half he roasts the meat that he eats, and he is satisfied. He also warms himself and
says: Ah! I am warm as I watch the fire. 17 But the rest of it he makes into a god, into his carved image. He bows
down to it and worships it. He prays to it and says: Save me, for you are my god.
JONAH 4:9-11 God asked Jonah: Is it right for you to be so angry over the bottle-gourd plant? At that he said: I
have a right to be angry, so angry that I want to die. 10 But Jehovah said: You felt sorry for the bottle-gourd plant,
which you did not work for, nor did you make it grow; it grew in one night and perished in one night. 11 Should I
not also feel sorry for Nineveh the great city, in which there are more than 120,000 men who do not even know
right from wrong, as well as their many animals?
JOHN 14:26 But the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all
things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you.
Jesus, the Master Teacher (p. 117)
JOHN 13:13 You address me as Teacher and Lord, and you are correct, for I am such.
MATTHEW 4:7, 10 Jesus said to him: Again it is written: You must not put Jehovah your God to the test.
10 Then Jesus said to him: Go away, Satan! For it is written: It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to
him alone you must render sacred service.
JOHN 7:16 Jesus, in turn, answered them and said: What I teach is not mine, but belongs to him who sent me.
JOHN 7:18 Whoever speaks of his own originality is seeking his own glory; but whoever seeks the glory of the one
who sent him, this one is true and there is no unrighteousness in him.
(be p. 57 pars. 1-2)
JOHN 7:45, 46 Then the officers went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, and the latter said to them: Why
did you not bring him in? 46 The officers replied: Never has any man spoken like this.
MATTHEW 7:28, 29 When Jesus finished these sayings, the effect was that the crowds were astounded at his way
of teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as a person having authority, and not as their scribes.
Preparing to Conduct Progressive Bible Studies (p. 118)
EZRA 7:10 Ezra had prepared his heart to consult the Law of Jehovah and to practice it, and to teach its
regulations and judgments in Israel.
2 SAMUEL 12:1-7 So Jehovah sent Nathan to David. He came in to him and said: There were two men in one city,
the one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had very many sheep and cattle; 3 but the poor man had nothing
but one small female lamb, which he had bought. He cared for it, and it grew up together with him and his sons. It
would eat from the little food he had and drink from his cup and sleep in his arms. It became as a daughter to him.
4 Later a visitor came to the rich man, but he would not take any of his own sheep and cattle to prepare a meal for
the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the poor mans lamb and prepared it for the man who had
come to him. 5 At this David grew very angry against the man, and he said to Nathan: As surely as Jehovah is
living, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 And he should pay for the lamb four times over, because he did this
and showed no compassion. 7 Then Nathan said to David: You are the man! This is what Jehovah the God of
Israel says: I myself anointed you as king over Israel, and I rescued you f rom the hand of Saul.
(km 8/04 p. 1 pars. 2-4)

ACTS 16:14 And a woman named Lydia, a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira and a worshipper of God,
was listening, and Jehovah opened her heart wide to pay attention to the things Paul was saying.
COLOSSIANS 1:9, 10 That is also why from the day we heard of it, we have never stopped praying for you and
10 so as to walk worthily of Jehovah in order to please him fully as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and
increasing in the accurate knowledge of God;

PROVERBS 15:28 The heart of the righteous one meditates before answering, But the mouth of the wicked blurts
out bad things.
Help Your Student Prepare for the Study (p. 119)
PHILIPPIANS 3:16 At any rate, to the extent we have made progress, let us go on walking orderly in this same
course.
(km 8/94 pp. 3-4)

Unit 14 (a)
Conducting Progressive Bible

StudiesPart 2
MATTHEW 17:24-26 After they arrived in Capernaum, the men collecting the two drachmas tax approached
Peter and said: Does your teacher not pay the two drachmas tax? 25 He said: Yes. However, when he entered
the house, Jesus spoke to him first and said: What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth
receive duties or head tax? From their sons or from the strangers? 26 When he said: From the strangers, Jesus
said to him: Really, then, the sons are tax-free.
MARK 1:22 And they were astounded at his way of teaching, for he was teaching them as one having authority,
and not as the scribes.
Jesus Employed Questions in His Teaching (p. 121)
MATTHEW 16:13, 15 When he had come into the region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples: Who
are men saying the Son of man is? 15 He said to them: You, though, who do you say I am?
MATTHEW 17:24-27 After they arrived in Capernaum, the men collecting the two drachmas tax approached
Peter and said: Does your teacher not pay the two drachmas tax? 25 He said: Yes. However, when he entered
the house, Jesus spoke to him first and said: What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth
receive duties or head tax? From their sons or from the strangers? 26 When he said: From the strangers, Jesus
said to him: Really, then, the sons are tax-free. 27 But that we do not cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a
fishhook, and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth, you will find a silver coin. Take that
and give it to them for me and you.
JOHN 11:26 and everyone who is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all. Do you believe this?
PROVERBS 20:5 The thoughts of a mans heart are like deep waters, But the discerning man draws them out.
(be p. 259 pars. 1-2)
PROVERBS 12:18 Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword, But the tongue of the wise is a healing.
Why Jesus Illustrations Helped People (p. 123)
MATTHEW 7:24-27 Therefore, everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does them will be like a discreet
man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and
lashed against that house, but it did not cave in, for it had been founded on the rock. 26 Furthermore, everyone
hearing these sayings of mine and not doing them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27 And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and struck against that house, and it caved
in, and its collapse was great.

MATTHEW 16:1-4 Here the Pharisees and Sadducees approached him, and to test him, they asked him to display
to them a sign from heaven. 2 In reply he said to them: When evening falls, you say, It will be fair weather, for the
sky is fire-red, 3 and in the morning, It will be wintry, rainy weather today, for the sky is fire-red but gloomy. You
know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but the signs of the times you cannot interpret. 4 A wicked and
adulterous generation keeps seeking a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah. With that he
went away, leaving them behind.

(be p. 242 par. 4)
MATTHEW 13:10-15, 34, 35 So the disciples came and said to him: Why do you speak to them by the use of
illustrations? 11 In reply he said: To you it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the Kingdom of the
heavens, but to them it is not granted. 12 For whoever has, more will be given him, and he will be made to abound;
but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 13 That is why I speak to them by the use of
illustrations; for looking, they look in vain, and hearing, they hear in vain, nor do they get the sense of it. 14 And
the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled in their case. It says: You will indeed hear but by no means get the sense
of it, and you will indeed look but by no means see. 15 For the heart of this people has grown unreceptive, and with
their ears they have heard without response, and they have shut their eyes, so that they might never see with
their eyes and hear with their ears and get the sense of it with their hearts and turn back and I heal them. 34 All
these things Jesus spoke to the crowds by illustrations. Indeed, without an illustration he would not speak to
them, 35 in order to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet who said: I will open my mouth with
illustrations; I will proclaim things hidden since the founding.
(it-1 p. 1175)
(be p. 240 par. 1)
(be p. 260 par. 1-p. 261 par. 1)
(be pp. 240-246)
Conduct Effective Bible Studies (p. 124)
(be p. 162 par. 4)

(km 2/05 p. 6 pars. 1-4)
COLOSSIANS 2:6, 7 Therefore, just as you have accepted Christ Jesus the Lord, go on walking in union with him,
7 being rooted and built up in him and being stabilized in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with
thanksgiving.
(km 1/05 p. 1 pars. 1-6)
JOHN 16:12 I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them now.
Directing Students to the Christian Congregation (p. 125)
(km 3/13 p. 3)
(w01 8/1 pp. 19-22)

Unit 14 (b)
Workshop 4
1 CORINTHIANS 3:10-13 According to the undeserved kindness of God that was given to me, I laid a foundation
as a skilled master builder, but someone else is building on it. But let each one keep watching how he is building
on it. 11 For no one can lay any other foundation than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on
the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each ones work will be shown for what it is,
for the day will show it up, because it will be revealed by means of fire, and the fire itself will prove what sort of
work each one has built.
3 JOHN 4 No greater joy do I have than this: that I should hear that my children go on walking in the truth.
(be p. 278 pars. 1-4)
1 TIMOTHY 2:4 whose will is that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of
truth.

Unit 15 (a)
Help Others
Press On to Maturity
HEBREWS 6:1 Therefore, now that we have moved beyond the primary doctrine about the Christ, let us press on
to maturity, not laying a foundation again, namely, repentance from dead works and faith in God,
1 CORINTHIANS 3:10-13 According to the undeserved kindness of God that was given to me, I laid a foundation
as a skilled master builder, but someone else is building on it. But let each one keep watching how he is building
on it. 11 For no one can lay any other foundation than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on
the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each ones work will be shown for what it is,
for the day will show it up, because it will be revealed by means of fire, and the fire itself will prove what sort of
work each one has built.
Trained to Give a Witness (p. 128)
(bh p. 177 par. 9)

PSALM 24:3-6 Who may ascend to the mountain of Jehovah, And who may stand up in his holy place? 4 Anyone
with innocent hands and a pure heart, Who has not sworn a false oath by My life, Nor taken an oath
deceitfully. 5 He will receive blessings from Jehovah And righteousness from his God of salvation. 6 This is the
generation of those seeking him, Of those seeking your face, O God of Jacob. (Selah)
PSALM 50:16 But God will say to the wicked: What right do you have to relate my regulations Or to speak about
my covenant?
ROMANS 2:21-24 do you, however, the one teaching someone else, not teach yourself? You, the one preaching,
Do not steal, do you steal? 22 You, the one saying, Do not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You, the
one abhorring idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who take pride in law, do you dishonor God by your transgressing
of the Law? 24 For the name of God is being blasphemed among the nations because of you, just as it is written.
(bh p. 154 par. 2; pp. 177-178 pars. 10-11)
(be p. 282 par. 6)
(w96 1/15 p. 16; km 2/02 p. 5)
(lv p. 57 par. 14; km 6/96 p. 5 par. 19)
JUDGES 7:17 Then he said to them: Watch me and do exactly what I do. When I come to the edge of the camp,
you should do just as I do.
(w96 1/15 p. 16 par. 8; km 6/05 p. 1; km 7/05 p. 1; km 8/05 p. 1)
(km 8/94 pp. 3-4)
Assisting Students to Dedication and Baptism (p. 130)
Jesus Christ.
JOHN 3:16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith
in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.

ACTS 2:21 And everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.
HEBREWS 10:24, 25 And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, 25 not forsaking our
drawing near.
ACTS 17:30 True, God has overlooked the times of such ignorance; but now he is declaring to all people
everywhere that they should repent.
ACTS 3:19 Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, so that seasons of refreshing
may come from Jehovah himself
2 CORINTHIANS 4:13 Now because we have the same spirit of faith as that of which it is written: I exercised
faith, therefore I spoke; we too exercise faith and therefore we speak,
1 PETER 4:2 so that he may live the remainder of his time in the flesh, no more for the desires of men, but for
Gods will.
MATTHEW 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples: If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and
pick up his torture stake and keep following me.
1 PETER 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, is also now saving you (not by the removing of the filth of the
flesh, but by the request to God for a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
PSALM 40:8 To do your will, O my God, is my delight, And your law is deep within me.
PSALM 104:33 I will sing to Jehovah throughout my life; I will sing praises to my God as long as I live.
ZECHARIAH 8:23 This is what Jehovah of armies says, In those days ten men out of all the languages of the
nations will take hold, yes, they will take firm hold of the robe of a Jew, saying: We want to go with you, for we
have heard that God is with you people.
(jl Lessons 1, 2, 5, 6; km 9/05 p. 3)
(w05 2/1 pp. 28-31)
(w10 1/15 pp. 3-7)
MATTHEW 24:13 But the one who has endured to the end will be saved.
Press On to Maturity (p. 131)
ACTS 14:22 There they strengthened the disciples, encouraging them to remain in the faith and saying: We must
enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.
1 PETER 4:10 To the extent that each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards
of Gods undeserved kindness that is expressed in various ways.
thanksgiving.
(km 3/09 p. 2; km 6/00 p. 4 pars. 7-8)
(km 4/11 p. 2)

MATTHEW 5:23, 24 If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and there you remember that your brother
has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away. First make your peace with
your brother, and then come back and offer your gift.
MATTHEW 18:21, 22 Then Peter came and said to him: Lord, how many times is my brother to sin against me
and am I to forgive him? Up to seven times? 22 Jesus said to him: I say to you, not up to seven times, but up to 77
times.
ROMANS 12:18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men.
thanksgiving.
2 TIMOTHY 3:12 In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be
persecuted.
1 PETER 5:8, 9 Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking
to devour someone. 9 But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings
are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world.

Unit 15 (b)

Day 5

Unit 16 (a)
The Joy of
Jehovah Is Your Stronghold
PROVERBS 2:6-8 For Jehovah himself gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and discernment. 7 He
treasures up practical wisdom for the upright; He is a shield for those walking in integrity. 8 He watches over the
paths of justice, And he will guard the way of his loyal ones.
PROVERBS 10:29 The way of Jehovah is a stronghold for the blameless one, But it means ruin for evildoers.
NEHEMIAH 8:1-12 All the people then gathered with one accord at the public square in front of the Water Gate,
and they told Ezra the copyist to bring the book of the Law of Moses, which Jehovah had commanded Israel. 2 So
Ezra the priest brought the Law before the congregation of men, women, and all who could listen with
understanding, on the first day of the seventh month. 3 And he read aloud from it before the public square in front
of the Water Gate, from daybreak until midday, to the men, the women, and all who could understand; and the
people listened attentively to the book of the Law. 4 And Ezra the copyist was standing on a wooden podium
made for the occasion; and standing alongside him on his right were Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah,
Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah,
Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the
people. As he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Then Ezra praised Jehovah the true God, the great One, at which
all the people answered, Amen! Amen! and lifted up their hands. They then bowed low and prostrated
themselves to Jehovah with their faces to the ground. 7 And Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub,
Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, who were Levites, were
explaining the Law to the people, while the people remained standing. 8 And they continued reading aloud from
the book, from the Law of the true God, clearly explaining it and putting meaning into it; so they helped the people
to understand what was being read. 9 And Nehemiah, who was then the governor, Ezra the priest and copyist,
and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all the people: This day is holy to Jehovah your God. Do
not mourn or weep. For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law. 10 He said to them: Go,
eat the choice things and drink what is sweet, and send portions of food to those who have nothing prepared; for
this day is holy to our Lord, and do not feel sad, for the joy of Jehovah is your stronghold. 11 And the Levites were
calming all the people, saying: Be quiet! for this day is holy, and do not feel sad. 12 So all the people went away to
eat and to drink and to send out portions of food and to carry on a great rejoicing, for they understood the words
that had been made known to them.
Nothing but Joyful (p. 136)
DEUTERONOMY 16:15 Seven days you will celebrate the festival to Jehovah your God in the place that Jehovah
chooses, for Jehovah your God will bless all your produce and all that you do, and you will become nothing but
joyful.
(it-2 p. 119)
DEUTERONOMY 28:47 because you did not serve Jehovah your God with rejoicing and joy of heart when you had
such an abundance of everything.
PROVERBS 15:13 A joyful heart makes for a cheerful countenance, But heartache crushes the spirit.
PROVERBS 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a crushed spirit saps ones strength.
GALATIANS 5:22 On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faith,

JOHN 6:44 No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him, and I will resurrect him on the
last day.
EPHESIANS 4:18 They are in darkness mentally and alienated from the life that belongs to God, because of the
ignorance that is in them, because of the insensitivity of their hearts.
ROMANS 5:8, 18, 19 But God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for
us. 18 So, then, as through one trespass the result to men of all sorts was condemnation, so too through one act of
justification the result to men of all sorts is their being declared righteous for life. 19 For just as through the
disobedience of the one man many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one person many will
be made righteous.
COLOSSIANS 1:21-23 Indeed, you who were once alienated and enemies because your minds were on the works
that were wicked, 22 he has now reconciled by means of that ones fleshly body through his death, in order to
present you holy and unblemished and open to no accusation before him 23 provided, of course, that you
continue in the faith, established on the foundation and steadfast, not being shifted away from the hope of that
good news that you heard and that was preached in all creation under heaven. Of this good news I, Paul, became a
minister.
JOHN 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
1 CORINTHIANS 2:9, 10 But just as it is written: Eye has not seen and ear has not heard, nor have there been
conceived in the heart of man the things that God has prepared for those who love him. 10 For it is to us God has
revealed them through his spirit, for the spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God.
REVELATION 18:1-8 After this I saw another angel descending from heaven with great authority, and the earth
was illuminated by his glory. 2 And he cried out with a strong voice, saying: She has fallen! Babylon the Great has
fallen, and she has become a dwelling place of demons and a place where every unclean spirit and every unclean
and hated bird lurks! 3 For because of the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, all the nations have fallen
victim, and the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth became
rich owing to the power of her shameless luxury. 4 And I heard another voice out of heaven say: Get out of her,
my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.
5 For her sins have massed together clear up to heaven, and God has called her acts of injustice to mind. 6 Repay
her in the way she treated others, yes, pay her back double for the things she has done; in the cup she has mixed,
mix a double portion for her. 7 To the extent that she glorified herself and lived in shameless luxury, to that extent
give her torment and mourning. For she keeps saying in her heart: I sit as queen, and I am not a widow, and I will
never see mourning. 8 That is why in one day her plagues will come, death and mourning and famine, and she will
be completely burned with fire, because Jehovah God, who judged her, is strong.
PROVERBS 4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light That grows brighter and brighter
until full daylight.
DEUTERONOMY 16:13-15 You should celebrate the Festival of Booths for seven days when you make an
ingathering from your threshing floor and from your press for oil and wine. 14 Rejoice during your festival, you
and your son, your daughter, your male slave, your female slave, the Levite, the foreign resident, the fatherless
child, and the widow, who are inside your cities. 15 Seven days you will celebrate the festival to Jehovah your God
in the place that Jehovah chooses, for Jehovah your God will bless all your produce and all that you do, and you
will become nothing but joyful.
(w95 1/15 p. 11 pars. 4-6)
A Life of Purpose (p. 137)
MATTHEW 6:9, 10 You must pray, then, this way: Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. 10 Let
your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth.
PHILIPPIANS 4:4 Always rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say, Rejoice!
1 TIMOTHY 1:11 according to the glorious good news of the happy God, with which I was entrusted.
ISAIAH 55:6 Search for Jehovah while he may be found. Call to him while he is near.

ECCLESIASTES 5:19 Also, when the true God gives a man riches and material possessions along with the ability
to enjoy them, he should take his reward and rejoice in his hard work. This is the gift of God.
(it-2 p. 119)
PHILIPPIANS 4:4 Always rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say, Rejoice!
(it-2 p. 119)
ISAIAH 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, The one proclaiming
peace, The one bringing good news of something better, The one proclaiming salvation, The one saying to Zion:
Your God has become King!
LUKE 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, joy arises among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
ACTS 20:35 I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak
and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: There is more happiness in giving than
there is in receiving.
ROMANS 10:15 How, in turn, will they preach unless they have been sent out? Just as it is written: How beautiful
are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!
1 CORINTHIANS 3:5-9 What, then, is Apollos? Yes, what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers,
just as the Lord granted each one. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow, 7 so that neither is
the one who plants anything nor is the one who waters, but God who makes it grow. 8 Now the one who plants
and the one who waters are one, but each person will receive his own reward according to his own work. 9 For we
are Gods fellow workers. You are Gods field under cultivation, Gods building.
A Blessed Brotherhood (p. 138)
HAGGAI 2:7 And I will shake all the nations, and the precious things of all the nations will come in; and I will fill
this house with glory, says Jehovah of armies.
1 PETER 5:5-11 In the same way, you younger men, be in subjection to the older men. But all of you clothe
yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved
kindness to the humble ones. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt
you in due time, 7 while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Keep your senses, be
watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. 9 But take your
stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire
association of your brothers in the world. 10 But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved
kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training. He will
make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you. 11 To him be the might forever. Amen.
PSALM 133:1 Look! How good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!
MARK 10:29, 30 Jesus said: Truly I say to you, no one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or
children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news 30 who will not get 100 times more now in this
period of timehouses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, with persecutionsand in the coming
system of things, everlasting life.
1 PETER 2:17 Honor men of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God, honor the
king.
PHILIPPIANS 2:17 However, even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and the holy
service to which your faith has led you, I am glad and I rejoice with all of you.
PROVERBS 11:25 The generous person will prosper, And whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

An Unfailing Stronghold (p. 139)
PSALM 59:16, 17 But as for me, I will sing about your strength; In the morning I will joyfully tell about your loyal
love. For you are my secure refuge And a place for me to flee in my time of distress. 17 O my Strength, to you I will
sing praises, For God is my secure refuge, the God who shows loyal love to me.
PSALM 100:2 Serve Jehovah with rejoicing. Come into his presence with joyful shouting.
HEBREWS 12:2 as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set
before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
JAMES 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials,
COLOSSIANS 1:9-11 That is also why from the day we heard of it, we have never stopped praying for you and
10 so as to walk worthily of Jehovah in order to please him fully as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and
increasing in the accurate knowledge of God; 11 and may you be strengthened with all power according to his
glorious might so that you may endure fully with patience and joy,
MATTHEW 5:10 Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness sake, since the Kingdom of the
heavens belongs to them.
1 PETER 4:13, 14 On the contrary, go on rejoicing over the extent to which you are sharers in the sufferings of
the Christ, so that you may rejoice and be overjoyed also during the revelation of his glory. 14 If you are being
reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, yes, the spirit of God, is resting upon
you.
PSALM 34:18 Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.
1 JOHN 3:19, 20 By this we will know that we originate with the truth, and we will assure our hearts before him
20 regarding whatever our hearts may condemn us in, because God is greater than our hearts and knows all
things.
PSALM 18:1, 2, superscription To the director. By Jehovahs servant David, who addressed the words of this
song to Jehovah in the day that Jehovah rescued him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.
He said: 1 I have affection for you, O Jehovah, my strength. 2 Jehovah is my crag and my stronghold and the One
who rescues me. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and my horn of salvation, my secure refuge.
ROMANS 10:10 For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public
declaration for salvation.
ISAIAH 25:9 In that day they will say: Look! This is our God! We have hoped in him, And he will save us. This is
Jehovah! We have hoped in him. Let us be joyful and rejoice in the salvation by him.

Unit 16 (b)
Jehovah Blesses
Those Trusting in Him
PROVERBS 3:5, 6 Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding. 6 In all your
ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight.
ROMANS 12:1 Therefore, I appeal to you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies as a living
sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason.
ISAIAH 55:8, 9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, And your ways are not my ways, declares
Jehovah. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So my ways are higher than your ways And my thoughts
than your thoughts.
JehovahA Trustworthy God (p. 141)
(nwt p. 1703; w04 4/15 p. 14 pars. 10-11)

EXODUS 34:6, 7 Jehovah was passing before him and declaring: Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and
compassionate, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love and truth, 7 showing loyal love to thousands, pardoning
error and transgression and sin, but he will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, bringing punishment for the
error of fathers upon sons and upon grandsons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation.
DEUTERONOMY 7:7-9, 12 It was not because you were the most numerous of all the peoples that Jehovah
showed affection for you and chose you, for you were the smallest of all the peoples. 8 Rather, it was because of
Jehovahs love for you and because he kept the oath that he had sworn to your forefathers that Jehovah brought
you out with a mighty hand, to redeem you from the house of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
9 You well know that Jehovah your God is the true God, the faithful God, keeping his covenant and loyal love to a
thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. 12 If you continue listening to these
judicial decisions and you observe them and carry them out, Jehovah your God will keep the covenant and the
loyal love about which he swore to your forefathers.
PSALM 136:1-26 Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; His loyal love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God
of gods, For his loyal love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, For his loyal love endures
forever. 4 He alone does great wonders, For his loyal love endures forever. 5 He skillfully made the heavens, For
his loyal love endures forever. 6 He spread out the earth over the waters, For his loyal love endures forever. 7 He
made the great lights, For his loyal love endures forever, 8 The sun to rule over the day, For his loyal love endures
forever, 9 The moon and the stars to rule over the night, For his loyal love endures forever. 10 He struck down
Egypts firstborn, For his loyal love endures forever. 11 He brought Israel out from their midst, For his loyal love
endures forever, 12 With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, For his loyal love endures forever. 13 He split the
Red Sea in two, For his loyal love endures forever. 14 He caused Israel to pass through the middle of it, For his
loyal love endures forever. 15 He shook off Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea, For his loyal love endures
forever. 16 He led his people through the wilderness, For his loyal love endures forever. 17 He struck down great
kings, For his loyal love endures forever. 18 He killed mighty kings, For his loyal love endures forever, 19 Sihon the
king of the Amorites, For his loyal love endures forever, 20 And Og the king of Bashan, For his loyal love endures
forever. 21 He gave their land as an inheritance, For his loyal love endures forever, 22 An inheritance to Israel his
servant, For his loyal love endures forever. 23 He remembered us when we were low, For his loyal love endures
forever. 24 He kept rescuing us from our adversaries, For his loyal love endures forever. 25 He gives food to every
living thing, For his loyal love endures forever. 26 Give thanks to the God of the heavens, For his loyal love endures
forever.

EXODUS 3:14 So God said to Moses: I Will Become What I Choose to Become. And he added: This is what you
are to say to the Israelites, I Will Become has sent me to you.
EXODUS 6:2-8 Then God said to Moses: I am Jehovah. 3 And I used to appear to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God
Almighty, but with regard to my name Jehovah I did not make myself known to them. 4 I also established my
covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as foreigners. 5 Now I myself
have heard the groaning of the people of Israel, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I remember my covenant.
6 Therefore, say to the Israelites: I am Jehovah, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians
and rescue you from their slavery, and I will reclaim you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.
7 And I will take you in as my people, and I will be your God, and you will certainly know that I am Jehovah your
God who is bringing you out from under the burdens of Egypt. 8 And I will bring you into the land that I swore
with an oath to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to you as something to possess. I am Jehovah.
1 KINGS 8:56 Praised be Jehovah, who has given a resting-place to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one
word of all his good promise that he made through Moses his servant has failed.
PSALM 31:5 Into your hand I entrust my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Jehovah, the God of truth.
HEBREWS 6:18 in order that through two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who
have fled to the refuge may have strong encouragement to take firm hold of the hope set before us.
ISAIAH 53:3-7, 10-12 He was despised and was avoided by men, A man who was meant for pains and was
familiar with sickness. It was as if his face were hidden from us. He was despised, and we held him as of no
account. 4 Truly he himself carried our sicknesses, And he bore our pains. But we considered him as plagued,
stricken by God and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgression; He was crushed for our errors. He bore
the punishment for our peace, And because of his wounds we were healed. 6 Like sheep we have all wandered
about, Each has turned his own way, And Jehovah has caused the error of us all to meet up with him. 7 He was
oppressed and he let himself be afflicted, But he would not open his mouth. He was brought like a sheep to the
slaughter, Like a ewe that is silent before its shearers, And he would not open his mouth. 10 But it was Jehovahs
will to crush him, and he let him become sick. If you will present his life as a guilt offering, He will see his
offspring, he will prolong his days, And through him the delight of Jehovah will have success. 11 Because of his
anguish, he will see and be satisfied. By means of his knowledge the righteous one, my servant, Will bring a
righteous standing to many people, And their errors he will bear. 12 For that reason I will assign him a portion
among the many, And he will apportion the spoil with the mighty, Because he poured out his life even to death
And was counted among the transgressors; He carried the sin of many people, And he interceded for the
transgressors.
JOHN 8:29 And the One who sent me is with me; he did not abandon me to myself, because I always do the things
pleasing to him.
ACTS 8:32-35 Now this was the passage of Scripture that he was reading: Like a sheep he was brought to the
slaughter, and like a lamb that is silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. 33 During his
humiliation, justice was taken away from him. Who will tell the details of his generation? Because his life is taken
away from the earth. 34 The eunuch then said to Philip: I beg you, about whom does the prophet say this? About
himself or about some other man? 35 Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he declared to him
the good news about Jesus.
MATTHEW 26:52, 53 Then Jesus said to him: Return your sword to its place, for all those who take up the sword
will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father to supply me at this moment more
than 12 legions of angels?
ZEPHANIAH 3:12, 13 I will allow a humble and lowly people to remain in your midst, And they will take refuge in
the name of Jehovah. 13 Those remaining of Israel will practice no unrighteousness; They will not speak a lie, nor
will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths; They will feed and lie down, and no one will make them afraid.
Jesus Trusted in His Father (p. 142)
LUKE 4:1-13 Then Jesus, full of holy spirit, turned away from the Jordan, and he was led about by the spirit in the
wilderness 2 for 40 days, being tempted by the Devil. And he ate nothing in those days, so when they had ended,

he felt hungry. 3 At this the Devil said to him: If you are a son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.
4 But Jesus answered him: It is written, Man must not live on bread alone. 5 So he brought him up and showed
him all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth in an instant of time. 6 Then the Devil said to him: I will give you all
this authority and their glory, because it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 If you,
therefore, do an act of worship before me, it will all be yours. 8 In reply Jesus said to him: It is written, It is
Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service. 9 He then led him
into Jerusalem and stationed him on the battlement of the temple and said to him: If you are a son of God, throw
yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, He will give his angels a command concerning you, to preserve you,
11 and, They will carry you on their hands, so that you may not strike your foot against a stone. 12 In answer
Jesus said to him: It is said, You must not put Jehovah your God to the test. 13 So the Devil, having finished all
the temptation, departed from him until another convenient time.
1 JOHN 2:15, 16 Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the
Father is not in him; 16 because everything in the worldthe desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the
showy display of ones means of lifedoes not originate with the Father, but originates with the world.
(w13 8/15 p. 25 pars. 8-10)
PSALM 1:1-3 Happy is the man who does not walk according to the advice of the wicked And does not stand on
the path of sinners And does not sit in the seat of scoffers. 2 But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, And he reads
His law in an undertone day and night. 3 He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, A tree that produces
fruit in its season, The foliage of which does not wither. And everything he does will succeed.
JEREMIAH 17:5-7 This is what Jehovah says: Cursed is the man who puts his trust in mere humans, Who relies
on human power, And whose heart turns away from Jehovah. 6 He will become like a solitary tree in the desert.
He will not see when good comes, But he will reside in parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land where no
one can live. 7 Blessed is the man who puts his trust in Jehovah, Whose confidence is in Jehovah.
LUKE 4:12 In answer Jesus said to him: It is said, You must not put Jehovah your God to the test.
PSALM 119:42 Then I will reply to the one taunting me, For I put my trust in your word.
Imitate a Widows Trust (p. 143)
1 KINGS 17:8-24 The word of Jehovah then came to him: 9 Rise up, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon,
and stay there. Look! I will command a widow there to supply you with food. 10 So he rose up and went to
Zarephath. When he came to the entrance of the city, there was a widow gathering pieces of wood. So he called
to her and said: Please, bring me a little water in a cup so that I may drink. 11 As she went to get it, he called to
her: Please, bring me a piece of bread in your hand. 12 At this she said: As surely as Jehovah your God is living, I
have no bread, only a handful of flour in the large jar and a little oil in the small jar. Now I am gathering a few
pieces of wood, and I will go in and make something for me and my son. After we have eaten, we will die. 13 Then
Elijah said to her: Do not be afraid. Go in and do as you said. But first make me a small round loaf of bread with
what is there, and bring it out to me. Then you can make something afterward for you and your son. 14 For this is
what Jehovah the God of Israel says: The large jar of flour will not run out, and the small jar of oil will not run dry
until the day Jehovah makes it rain on the surface of the ground. 15 So she went and did as Elijah said, and she
together with him and her household ate for many days. 16 The large jar of flour did not run out, and the small jar
of oil did not run dry, according to Jehovahs word that he had spoken through Elijah. 17 After these things, the
son of the woman who owned the house fell sick, and his sickness became so severe that he stopped breathing.
18 At this she said to Elijah: What do you have against me, O man of the true G od? Have you come to remind me
of my guilt and to put my son to death? 19 But he said to her: Give me your son. Then he took him from her arms
and carried him up to the roof chamber, where he was staying, and he laid him on his own bed. 20 He called out to
Jehovah: O Jehovah my God, are you also bringing harm to the widow with whom I am staying by putting her son
to death? 21 Then he stretched himself out over the child three times and called out to Jehovah: O Jehovah my
God, please, let this childs life come back into him. 22 Jehovah listened to Elijahs request, and the life of the
child came back into him, and he revived. 23 Elijah took the child and brought him down from the roof chamber

into the house and gave him to his mother; and Elijah said: See, your son is alive. 24 At that the woman said to
Elijah: Now I know that you truly are a man of God and that Jehovahs word in your mouth is truth.
1 KINGS 17:13, 14 Then Elijah said to her: Do not be afraid. Go in and do as you said. B ut first make me a small
round loaf of bread with what is there, and bring it out to me. Then you can make something afterward for you
and your son. 14 For this is what Jehovah the God of Israel says: The large jar of flour will not run out, and the
small jar of oil will not run dry until the day Jehovah makes it rain on the surface of the ground.
1 KINGS 17:15, 16 So she went and did as Elijah said, and she together with him and her household ate for
many days. 16 The large jar of flour did not run out, and the small jar of oil did not run dry, according to Jehovahs
word that he had spoken through Elijah.
PSALM 22:4, 5 In you our fathers put their trust; They trusted, and you kept rescuing them. 5 To you they cried
out, and they were saved; They trusted in you, and they were not disappointed.
1 KINGS 17:17-24 After these things, the son of the woman who owned the house fell sick, and his sickness
became so severe that he stopped breathing. 18 At this she said to Elijah: What do you have against m e, O man of
the true God? Have you come to remind me of my guilt and to put my son to death? 19 But he said to her: Give me
your son. Then he took him from her arms and carried him up to the roof chamber, where he was staying, and he
laid him on his own bed. 20 He called out to Jehovah: O Jehovah my God, are you also bringing harm to the widow
with whom I am staying by putting her son to death? 21 Then he stretched himself out over the child three times
and called out to Jehovah: O Jehovah my God, please, let this childs life come back into him. 22 Jehovah listened
to Elijahs request, and the life of the child came back into him, and he revived. 23 Elijah took the child and
brought him down from the roof chamber into the house and gave him to his mother; and Elijah said: See, your
son is alive. 24 At that the woman said to Elijah: Now I know that you truly are a man of God and that Jehovahs
word in your mouth is truth.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:3 Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the
God of all comfort,
Trust Jehovahs Promises (p. 144)
HABAKKUK 3:18 Yet, as for me, I will exult in Jehovah; I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
GENESIS 7:1-5, 11 After that Jehovah said to Noah: Go into the ark, you and all your household, because you are
the one I have found to be righteous before me among this generation. 2 You must take with you every kind of
clean animal by sevens, the male and its mate; and of every animal that is not clean just two, the male and its
mate; 3 also of the flying creatures of the sky by sevens, male and female, to preserve their offspring alive over all
the earth. 4 For in just seven days, I will make it rain on the earth for 40 days and 40 nights, and I will wipe from
the surface of the ground every living thing that I have made. 5 Then Noah did everything that Jehovah had
commanded him. 11 In the 600th year of Noahs life, in the second month, on the 17th day of the month, on that
day all the springs of the vast watery deep burst open and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.
EXODUS 14:1-4 Jehovah now said to Moses: 2 Tell the Israelites that they should turn back and encamp before
Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, within view of Baal-zephon. You are to encamp facing it by the sea.
3 Then Pharaoh will say about the Israelites, They are wandering in confusion in the land. The wilderness has
closed in on them. 4 I will allow Pharaohs heart to become obstinate, and he will chase after them, and I will
glorify myself by means of Pharaoh and all his army; and the Egyptians will certainly know that I am Jehovah. So
that is what they did.
2 KINGS 19:32-35 Therefore this is what Jehovah says about the king of Assyria: He will not come into this
city Or shoot an arrow there Or confront it with a shield Or cast up a siege rampart against it. 33 By the way he
came he will return; He will not come into this city, declares Jehovah. 34 I will defend this city and save it for my
own sake And for the sake of my servant David. 35 On that very night the angel of Jehovah went out and struck
down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When people rose up early in the morning, they saw all the
dead bodies.
MATTHEW 24:15-18, 22 Therefore, when you catch sight of the disgusting thing that causes desolation, as
spoken about by Daniel the prophet, standing in a holy place (let the reader use discernment), 16 then let those in
Judea begin fleeing to the mountains. 17 Let the man on the housetop not come down to take the goods out of his

house, 18 and let the man in the field not return to pick up his outer garment. 22 In fact, unless those days were
cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short.
JOSHUA 23:14 Now look! I am about to die, and you well know with all your heart and with all your soul that not
one word out of all the good promises that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come
true for you. Not one word of them has failed.
GENESIS 12:7 Jehovah then appeared to Abram and said: To your offspring I am going to give this land. So he
built an altar there to Jehovah, who had appeared to him.
EXODUS 3:8 I will go down to rescue them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land
to a land good and spacious, a land flowing with milk and honey, the territory of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the
Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
EXODUS 12:29-32 Then at midnight, Jehovah struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn
of Pharaoh who was sitting on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the prison, and every
firstborn of the animals. 30 Pharaoh got up that night along with all his servants and all the other Egyptians, and
there was a great outcry among the Egyptians, because there was not a house where someone was not dead. 31 At
once he called Moses and Aaron by night and said: Get up, get out from among my people, both you and the other
Israelites. Go and serve Jehovah, just as you have said. 32 Take also your flocks and your herds and go, just as you
have said. But you must also bless me.
EXODUS 16:4, 13-15 Then Jehovah said to Moses: Here I am raining down bread for you from the heavens, and
each of the people should go out to gather his amount day by day, so that I may put them to the test to see
whether they will walk in my law or not. 13 So that evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning
a layer of dew was all around the camp. 14 When the layer of dew evaporated, there was a fine, flaky substance on
the surface of the wilderness, as fine as frost on the ground. 15 When the Israelites saw it, they began to say to one
another, What is it? for they did not know what it was. Moses said to them: It is the bread that Jehovah has
given you for food.
DEUTERONOMY 8:3, 4 So he humbled you and let you go hungry and fed you with the manna, which neither you
had known nor your fathers had known, in order to make you know that man does not live by bread alone but
man lives by every expression from Jehovahs mouth. 4 The clothing you wore did not wear out, nor did your feet
become swollen these 40 years.
JOSHUA 11:23 So Joshua took control of all the land, just as Jehovah had promised Moses, and then Joshua gave it
as an inheritance to Israel by their shares to be divided among their tribes. And the land had rest from war.
Blessings Overtake Those Who Trust in Jehovah (p. 145)
GENESIS 22:18 And by means of your offspring all nations of the earth will obtain a blessing for themselves
because you have listened to my voice.
GALATIANS 3:16, 29 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, and to
your descendants, in the sense of many. Rather, it says, and to your offspring, in the sense of one, who is Christ.
29 Moreover, if you belong to Christ, you are really Abrahams offspring, heirs with reference to a promise.
REVELATION 7:4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000, sealed out of every tribe of the
sons of Israel:
REVELATION 14:1 Then I saw, and look! the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who have his
name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads.
DEUTERONOMY 28:1, 2 And if you will without fail listen to the voice of Jehovah your God by being careful to do
all his commandments that I am commanding you today, Jehovah your God will certainly put you high above all
other nations of the earth. 2 All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, because you keep listening
to the voice of Jehovah your God:
PSALM 91:1, 2 Anyone dwelling in the secret place of the Most High Will lodge under the shadow of the
Almighty. 2 I will say to Jehovah: You are my refuge and my stronghold, My God in whom I trust.

ISAIAH 55:8-11 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, And your ways are not my ways, declares
Jehovah. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So my ways are higher than your ways And my thoughts
than your thoughts. 10 For just as the rain and the snow pour down from heaven And do not return there until
they saturate the earth, making it produce and sprout, Giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 So my
word that goes out of my mouth will be. It will not return to me without results, But it will certainly accomplish
whatever is my delight, And it will have sure success in what I send it to do.

Unit 17 (a)
Persevere in Prayer
PSALM 65:2 O Hearer of prayer, to you people of all sorts will come.
Coming to the Hearer of Prayer (p. 146)
1 KINGS 18:36-38 About the time when the evening grain offering is presented, Elijah the prophet stepped
forward and said: O Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today let it be known that you are God in
Israel and that I am your servant and that it is by your word that I have done all these things. 37 Answer me, O
Jehovah! Answer me so that this people may know that you, Jehovah, are the true God and that you are turning
their hearts back to you. 38 At that the fire of Jehovah fell from above and consumed the burnt offering, the pieces
of wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water from the trench.
ACTS 12:5-11 So Peter was being kept in the prison, but the congregation was intensely praying to God for him.
6 When Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping bound with two chains between two
soldiers, and guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. 7 But look! Jehovahs angel was
standing there, and a light shone in the prison cell. Hitting Peter on the side, he woke him, saying: Get up
quickly! And the chains fell off his hands. 8 The angel said to him: Get dressed and put on your sandals. He did
so. Finally he said to him: Put your outer garment on, and keep following me. 9 And he went out and kept
following him, but he did not know that what was happening through the angel was real. In fact, he thought he
was seeing a vision. 10 Going past the first sentinel guard and the second, they reached the iron gate leading into
the city, and this opened to them by itself. After they went out, they made their way down one street, and
immediately the angel departed from him. 11 And Peter, realizing what was happening, said: Now I know for sure
that Jehovah sent his angel and rescued me from Herods hand and from everything that the Jews were expecting
to happen.
HEBREWS 5:7 During his life on earth, Christ offered up supplications and also petitions, with strong outcries and
tears, to the One who was able to save him out of death, and he was favorably heard for his godly fear.
PSALM 141:2 May my prayer be as incense prepared before you, My uplifted hands like the evening grain
offering.
EXODUS 30:34-38 Then Jehovah said to Moses: Take equal portions of these perfumes: stacte drops, onycha,
perfumed galbanum, and pure frankincense. 35 Make it into an incense; the spice mixture should be skillfully
blended, salted, pure, and holy. 36 You are to pound some of it into fine powder and put some of it before the
Testimony in the tent of meeting, where I will present myself to you. It should be most holy to you. 37 You must
not make for your own use the incense that you make with this composition. You are to regard it as something
holy to Jehovah. 38 Whoever makes any like it to enjoy its smell must be cut off from his people.
REVELATION 5:8 When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb,
and each one had a harp and golden bowls that were full of incense. (The incense means the prayers of the holy
ones.)
PSALM 92:1, 2 It is good to give thanks to Jehovah And to sing praises to your name, O Most High, 2 To declare
your loyal love in the morning And your faithfulness during the nights,
PSALM 119:147, 164 I have been awake before dawn to cry for help, For your words are my hope. 164 Seven
times a day I praise you Because of your righteous judgments.
EPHESIANS 6:18 while with every form of prayer and supplication you carry on prayer on every occasion in
spirit. And to that end stay awake, constantly making supplication in behalf of all the holy ones.

We Can Learn From Notable Prayers in the Bible (p. 147)
HEBREWS 5:7 During his life on earth, Christ offered up supplications and also petitions, with strong outcries and
tears, to the One who was able to save him out of death, and he was favorably heard for his godly fear.
MATTHEW 26:39, 42, 44 And going a little way forward, he fell facedown, praying: My Father, if it is possible,
let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will. 42 Again, a second time, he went off and prayed:
My Father, if it is not possible for this to pass away unless I drink it, let your will take place. 44 So leaving them,
he again went off and prayed for a third time, saying once more the same thing.
LUKE 6:12, 13 On one of those days he went out to the mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night in prayer
to God. 13 And when it became day, he called his disciples to him and chose from among them 12, whom he also
named apostles:
PHILIPPIANS 4:6 Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with
thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God;
(w13 11/15 p. 4 pars. 6-7)
MATTHEW 7:7 Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking,
and it will be opened to you;
PHILIPPIANS 4:13 For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.
1 SAMUEL 1:2 He had two wives; one was named Hannah, and the other was named Peninnah. Peninnah had
children, but Hannah had no children.
1 SAMUEL 1:5-7 but to Hannah he gave a special portion, because Hannah was the one he loved; but Jehovah
had not given her children. 6 Moreover, her rival wife taunted her relentlessly in order to upset her because
Jehovah had not given her children. 7 That is what she would do year after year; whenever Hannah went up to the
house of Jehovah, her rival would taunt her so much that she would weep and not eat.
DEUTERONOMY 32:4 The Rock, perfect is his activity, For all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness who is
never unjust; Righteous and upright is he.
PSALM 119:165 Abundant peace belongs to those who love your law; Nothing can make them stumble.
1 SAMUEL 1:9, 10 Then Hannah got up after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. At the time, Eli the
priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the temple of Jehovah. 10 Hannah was extremely bitter, and she
began to pray to Jehovah and to weep uncontrollably.
1 SAMUEL 1:11 And she made this vow: O Jehovah of armies, if you look upon the affliction of your servant and
remember me and you do not forget your servant and give to your servant a male child, I will give him to Jehovah
all the days of his life, and no razor will touch his head.
PSALM 51:1-19 Superscription: To the director. A melody of David, when Nathan the prophet came in to him
after David had relations with Bath-sheba. PSALM 51 Show me favor, O God, according to your loyal love. Blot
out my transgressions according to your great mercy. 2 Thoroughly wash me from my error, And cleanse me from
my sin. 3 For I am well-aware of my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. 4 Against youyou above
allI have sinned; What is bad in your eyes I have done. So that you might prove righteous when you speak And
be right in your judgment. 5 Look! I was born guilty of error, And my mother conceived me in sin. 6 Look! You
find pleasure in truth in the inner person; Teach my innermost self true wisdom. 7 Purify me from my sin with
hyssop, so that I will be clean; Wash me, so that I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear sounds of joy and
rejoicing, So that the bones you crushed will rejoice. 9 Turn your face away from my sins, And wipe away all my
errors. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, And put within me a new spirit, a steadfast one. 11 Do not cast me out
from your presence; And do not take your holy spirit away from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation;
Stir within me a willingness to obey you. 13 I will teach transgressors your ways, So that sinners will return to you.
14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation, So that my tongue may joyfully declare your
righteousness. 15 O Jehovah, open my lips, So that my mouth may declare your praise. 16 For you do not want a
sacrificeotherwise I would give it; You do not find delight in a whole burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices pleasing to
God are a broken spirit; A heart broken and crushed, O God, you will not reject. 18 In your goodwill do what is

good for Zion; Build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then you will take delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, The
burnt sacrifices and the whole offerings; Then bulls will be offered up on your altar.
(w95 3/15 p. 4)
PSALM 62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people. Pour out your hearts before him. God is a refuge for us. (Selah)
1 PETER 5:7 while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
1 SAMUEL 1:18 To this she said: Let your servant find favor in your eyes. And the woman went on her way and
ate, and her face was no longer downcast.
PSALM 55:22 Throw your burden on Jehovah, And he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to
fall.
1 SAMUEL 2:1-10 Then Hannah said in prayer: My heart rejoices in Jehovah; My horn is exalted by Jehovah. My
mouth is opened wide against my enemies, For I rejoice in your acts of salvation. 2 There is no one holy like
Jehovah, There is no one but you, And there is no rock like our God. 3 Do not keep speaking with haughtiness; Let
nothing arrogant come from your mouth, For Jehovah is a God of knowledge, And by him deeds are rightly
evaluated. 4 The bows of mighty men are shattered, But those who are stumbling are given strength. 5 The well-
fed must hire themselves out for bread, But the hungry hunger no more. The barren has given birth to seven, But
she who had many sons has become desolate. 6 Jehovah kills, and he preserves life; He brings down to the Grave,
and he raises up. 7 Jehovah impoverishes, and he enriches; He abases, and he exalts. 8 He raises the lowly one
from the dust; He lifts up the poor from the ash heap, To make them sit with princes, Giving them a seat of honor.
To Jehovah belong earths supports, And he places the productive land upon them. 9 He guards the steps of his
loyal ones, But the wicked will be silenced in darkness, For not by power does a man prevail. 10 Jehovah will
shatter those fighting against him; He will thunder against them from the heavens. Jehovah will judge to the ends
of the earth, He will give power to his king And exalt the horn of his anointed one.
GENESIS 24:12-14 Then he said: Jehovah the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success this day, and
show your loyal love to my master Abraham. 13 Here I am standing at a spring of water, and the daughters of the
men of the city are coming out to draw water. 14 May it happen that the young woman to whom I say, Please let
down your water jar so that I may take a drink, and who replies, Take a drink, and I will also water your camels,
let this be the one you choose for your servant Isaac; and by this let me know that you have shown your loyal love
to my master.
GENESIS 32:9-12 After that Jacob said: O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Jehovah, you
who are saying to me, Return to your land and to your relatives, and I will deal well with you, 10 I am unworthy of
all the loyal love and of all the faithfulness that you have shown toward your servant, for with only my staff I
crossed this Jordan and now I have become two camps. 11 Save me, I pray you, from the hand of my brother Esau,
for I am afraid of him that he may come and attack me, as well as the mothers and their children. 12 And you have
said: I will certainly deal well with you, and I will make your offspring like the grains of sand of the sea, which are
too numerous to count.
EXODUS 33:12-17 Now Moses said to Jehovah: See, you are saying to me, Lead this people up, but you have not
let me know whom you will send with me. Moreover, you have said, I know you by name, and you have also found
favor in my eyes. 13 Please, if I have found favor in your eyes, make me know your ways, so that I may know you
and continue to find favor in your eyes. Consider, too, that this nation is your people. 14 So he said: I myself will
go with you, and I will give you rest. 15 Then Moses said to him: If you yourself are not going along, do not lead
us up from here. 16 How will it be known that I have found favor in your eyes, I and your people? Is it not by your
going along with us, so that I and your people will be distinguished from every other people on the face of the
earth? 17 Jehovah went on to say to Moses: I will also do this thing that you request, because you have found
favor in my eyes and I know you by name.
1 KINGS 18:36, 37 About the time when the evening grain offering is presented, Elijah the prophet stepped
forward and said: O Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today let it be known that you are God in
Israel and that I am your servant and that it is by your word that I have done all these things. 37 Answer me, O
Jehovah! Answer me so that this people may know that you, Jehovah, are the true God and that you are turning
their hearts back to you.

JEREMIAH 20:7-12 You have fooled me, O Jehovah, and I was fooled. You used your strength against me, and you
prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; Everyone ridicules me. 8 For whenever I speak, I must cry
out and proclaim, Violence and destruction! For me the word of Jehovah has been the cause of insults and
jeering all day long. 9 So I said: I am not going to make mention of him, And I will speak no more in his name.
But in my heart it became like a burning fire shut up in my bones, And I was tired of holding it in; I could no longer
endure it. 10 For I heard many evil rumors; Terror surrounded me. Denounce him; let us denounce him! Every
man wishing me peace was watching for my downfall: Perhaps he will make a foolish mistake, And we can
prevail and take our revenge against him. 11 But Jehovah was with me like a fearsome warrior. That is why those
persecuting me will stumble and will not prevail. They will be put to great shame, for they will not succeed. Their
everlasting humiliation will not be forgotten. 12 But you, O Jehovah of armies, are examining the righteous one;
You see the innermost thoughts and the heart. Let me see your vengeance on them, For to you I have committed
my legal case.
1 KINGS 8:38, 39 whatever prayer, whatever request for favor may be made by any man or by all your people
Israel (for each one knows the plague of his own heart) when they spread out their hands toward this house,
39 then may you hear from the heavens, your dwelling place, and may you forgive and take action; and reward
each one according to all his ways, for you know his heart (you alone truly know every human heart),
ACTS 4:24-31 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.
(w11 2/15 p. 19)
Work in Harmony With Your Prayer (p. 149)
1 SAMUEL 19:11, 12 Saul later sent messengers to Davids house to watch it and to kill him in the morning, but
Davids wife Michal told him: If you do not escape tonight, tomorrow you will be a dead man. 12 Immediately
Michal let David down through the window, so that h e could run away and escape.
PSALM 59:1, 2 Rescue me from my enemies, O my God; Protect me from those rising up against me. 2 Rescue me
from those who act wickedly, And save me from violent men.
NEHEMIAH 4:9, 16 But we prayed to our God and kept a guard posted against them day and night. 16 From that
day forward, half of my men would do the work and half of them would hold the lances, the shields, the bows, and
the coats of mail. And the princes stood behind the whole house of Judah
LUKE 5:23-26 Which is easier, to say, Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Get up and walk? 24 But in order for you
to know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins he said to the paralyzed man: I say to you,
Get up, pick up your stretcher, and go to your home. 25 At that he stood up before them, picked up what he had
been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. 26 Then one and all were seized with amazement, and they
began to glorify God, and they became filled with awe, saying: We have seen wonderful things today!
LUKE 17:12-15 And as he was entering a village, ten men with leprosy met him, but they stood at a distance.
13 And they raised their voices and said: Jesus, Instructor, have mercy on us! 14 When he saw them, he said to
them: Go and show yourselves to the priests. Then as they were going off, they were cleansed. 15 One of them,
when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice.
JOHN 17:4 I have glorified you on the earth, having finished the work you have given me to do.
MATTHEW 9:37, 38 Then he said to his disciples: Yes, the harvest is great, but the workers are few.
38 Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.

MATTHEW 10:1-10 So he summoned his 12 disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, in order to
expel these and to cure every sort of disease and every sort of infirmity. 2 The names of the 12 apostles are these:
First, Simon, the one called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee and John his brother;
3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus;
4 Simon the Cananaean; and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed him. 5 These 12 Jesus sent out, giving them
these instructions: Do not go off into the road of the nations, and do not enter any Samaritan city; 6 but instead,
go continually to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, preach, saying: The Kingdom of the heavens has
drawn near. 8 Cure the sick, raise up the dead, make lepers clean, expel demons. You received free, give free. 9 Do
not acquire gold or silver or copper for your money belts, 10 or a food pouch for the trip, or two garments, or
sandals, or a staff, for the worker deserves his food.
LUKE 10:1-9 After these things the Lord designated 70 others and sent them out by twos ahead of him into every
city and place where he himself was to go. 2 Then he said to them: Yes, the harvest is great, but the workers are
few. Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest. 3 Go! Look! I am sending you
out as lambs in among wolves. 4 Do not carry a money bag or a food pouch or sandals, and do not greet anyone
along the road. 5 Wherever you enter into a house, say first: May this house have peace. 6 And if a friend of peace
is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if there is not, it will return to you. 7 So stay in that house, eating and
drinking the things they provide, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not keep transferring from house to
house. 8 Also, wherever you enter into a city and they receive you, eat what is set before you 9 and cure the sick
ones in it and tell them: The Kingdom of God has come near to you.
JAMES 1:5 So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and
without reproaching, and it will be given him.
(w87 7/15 p. 19 par. 14)
PSALM 86:7 I call on you in the day of my distress, For you will answer me.
HEBREWS 11:6 Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must
believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.
1 PETER 3:12 For the eyes of Jehovah are on the righteous, and his ears listen to their supplication, but the face of
Jehovah is against those doing bad things.
1 JOHN 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that no matter what we ask according to his
will, he hears us.
PSALM 145:18 Jehovah is near to all those calling on him, To all who call on him in truth.

Unit 17 (b)
Endurance Leads to an
Approved Condition
HEBREWS 10:36 For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the
fulfillment of the promise.
2 PETER 1:5, 6 For this very reason, put forth all earnest effort to supply to your faith virtue, to your virtue
knowledge, 6 to your knowledge self-control, to your self-control endurance, to your endurance godly devotion,
Learning From Examples of Endurance (p. 152)
HEBREWS 12:1 So, then, because we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also throw off
every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
JAMES 5:10, 11 Brothers, take as a pattern of the suffering of evil and the exercising of patience the prophets who
spoke in the name of Jehovah. 11 Look! We consider happy those who have endured. You have heard of the
endurance of Job and have seen the outcome Jehovah gave, that Jehovah is very tender in affection and merciful.
ROMANS 15:4 For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through
our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.
HEBREWS 12:3 Indeed, consider closely the one who has endured such hostile speech from sinners against their
own interests, so that you may not get tired and give up.
HEBREWS 5:7-9 During his life on earth, Christ offered up supplications and also petitions, with strong outcries
and tears, to the One who was able to save him out of death, and he was favorably heard for his godly fear.
8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. 9 And after he had been made perfect,
he became responsible for everlasting salvation to all those obeying him,

ROMANS 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man many were made sinners, so also through the
obedience of the one person many will be made righteous.
JOB 42:2, 12 Now I know that you are able to do all things And that nothing you have in mind to do is impossible
for you. 12 So Jehovah blessed the last part of Jobs life more than the beginning, and Job came to have 14,000
sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 pairs of cattle, and 1,000 female donkeys.
JAMES 5:10, 11 Brothers, take as a pattern of the suffering of evil and the exercising of patience the prophets who
spoke in the name of Jehovah. 11 Look! We consider happy those who have endured. You have heard of the
endurance of Job and have seen the outcome Jehovah gave, that Jehovah is very tender in affection and merciful.
JOB 42:5 My ears have heard about you, But now I do see you with my eyes.
Endurance Accomplishes a Great Work (p. 152)
JAMES 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, 3 knowing as you do that this
tested quality of your faith produces endurance. 4 But let endurance complete its work, so that you may be
complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything.
2 PETER 3:9, 15 Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient
with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.

15 Furthermore, consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you
according to the wisdom given him,
You Need Endurance (p. 153)
HEBREWS 10:36 For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the
fulfillment of the promise.
ROMANS 5:3, 4 Not only that, but let us rejoice while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces
endurance; 4 endurance, in turn, an approved condition; the approved condition, in turn, hope,
JAMES 1:4 But let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not
lacking in anything.
LUKE 8:15 As for that on the fine soil, these are the ones who, after hearing the word with a fine and good heart,
retain it and bear fruit with endurance.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and
he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way
out so that you may be able to endure it.
ACTS 5:41 So they went out from before the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy to be
dishonored in behalf of his name.
HEBREWS 12:1, 2 So, then, because we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also throw off
every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 as
we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set before him he endured
a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
PSALM 27:10 Even if my own father and mother abandon me, Jehovah himself will take me in.
MATTHEW 10:34-37 Do not think I came to bring peace to the earth; I came to bring, not peace, but a sword.
35 For I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-
in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 Indeed, a mans enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever has
greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and whoever has greater affection for son
or daughter than for me is not worthy of me.
MARK 10:29, 30 Jesus said: Truly I say to you, no one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or
children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news 30 who will not get 100 times more now in this
period of timehouses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, with persecutionsand in the coming
system of things, everlasting life.
PROVERBS 1:8 Listen, my son, to the discipline of your father, And do not forsake the instruction of your mother.
HEBREWS 12:11 True, no discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but it is painful; yet afterward, it yields
the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
PSALM 41:3 Jehovah will sustain him on his sickbed; During his sickness you will completely change his bed.
MATTHEW 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. 29 Take my
yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for
yourselves. 30 For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.
ROMANS 12:12 Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer.
PSALM 37:25 I was once young and now I am old, But I have not seen anyone righteous abandoned, Nor his
children looking for bread.
MATTHEW 5:3 Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the Kingdom of the heavens belongs to
them.

MATTHEW 6:33 Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will
be added to you.
PSALM 55:22 Throw your burden on Jehovah, And he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to
fall.
JOHN 16:33 I have said these things to you so that by means of me you may have peace. In the world you will
have tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world.
(yb01 p. 60)
PROVERBS 15:28 The heart of the righteous one meditates before answering, But the mouth of the wicked blurts
out bad things.
(w72 p. 525)
1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.
HEBREWS 10:24, 25 And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, 25 not forsaking our
drawing near.
MATTHEW 24:14 And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to
all the nations, and then the end will come.
PROVERBS 15:29 Jehovah is far away from the wicked, But he hears the prayer of the righteous.
1 TIMOTHY 1:18, 19 This instruction I entrust to you, my child Timothy, in harmony with the prophecies that
were made about you, that by these you may go on waging the fine warfare, 19 holding faith and a good
conscience, which some have thrust aside, resulting in the shipwreck of their faith.
1 PETER 3:16 Maintain a good conscience, so that in whatever way you are spoken against, those who speak
against you may be put to shame because of your good conduct as followers of Christ.
Let Endurance Complete Its Work (p. 155)
JAMES 1:3, 4 knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith produces endurance. 4 But let endurance
complete its work, so that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything.
(w97 11/15 pp. 8-9)
MATTHEW 5:48 You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
1 JOHN 2:5 But whoever does observe his word, in this person the love of God has truly been made perfect. By
this we know that we are in union with him.
How Has the Pioneer Service School Fortified You to Endure? (p. 155)
ROMANS 8:38, 39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now
here nor things to come nor powers 39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us
from Gods love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 CORINTHIANS 13:7, 8 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never
fails. But if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away with; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is
knowledge, it will be done away with.

Reward for Endurance (p. 156)
1 THESSALONIANS 1:3 for we continually remember your faithful work, your loving labor, and your endurance
because of your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.
2 THESSALONIANS 1:4, 5 As a result we ourselves take pride in you among the congregations of God because of
your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the hardships that you are suffering. 5 This is a proof of the
righteous judgment of God, leading to your being counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you are indeed
suffering.
LUKE 21:19 By your endurance you will preserve your lives.
JAMES 1:12 Happy is the man who keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the
crown of life, which Jehovah promised to those who continue loving Him.

Unit 18
Students Comments and

Concluding Lectures
Unit 18 Scriptures 1
1 (a) p. 4
w80 6/15 p. 12 pars. 5-6
Sowing with Gods Kingdom in View
5 A rule oft stated is that we get out of a thing what we put into it. Jesus indicated the benefit that we would get
from paying the deserved attention to what he was saying. He did this by adding to his admonition on attention
the words: With the measure that you are measuring out, you will have it measured out to you, yes, you will have
more added to you. For he that has will have more given to him; but he that does not have, even what he has will
be taken away from him.Mark 4:24, 25.
Consequently, if we measure out to Jesus little interest and attention, we cannot expect to get much from him,
6
at least from what he is saying for our guidance, for our benefit. But if we show that we do appreciate him as our
Teacher and we deal out to him our fullest measure of attention, then he will respond by giving us a comparative
amount of information and enlightenment. In this regard, however, he is not concerned with just evening up
things and balancing accounts. Rather, in his generosity and according to his ability, he will favor us with more
than we expected. Thus we are enriched and are more able to share with others our own abundance, imparting to
them the understanding of things.
1 (b) p. 6
cf p. 132 par. 11
I Love the Father
How Jesus Kept His Love for Jehovah Strong

11In many ways, it is helpful to think of the love in our heart as a living thing. Like a beautiful houseplant, love
needs to be nourished and cared for if it is to grow and to thrive. Neglected, deprived of nourishment, it weakens
and dies. Jesus did not take his love for Jehovah for granted. He kept it strong and thriving throughout his earthly
sojourn. Let us see how.
1 (b) p. 7
it-2 p. 363
MEDITATION
The kind of deep, concentrated thinking in which a person seriously reflects on past experiences, ponders and
muses over current matters, or thoughtfully contemplates possible future events.
In order to meditate properly, a person needs to be free from distractions, alone with his thoughts, so to speak.
Isaac, for example, went out walking alone in the early evening to meditate, possibly about his coming marriage to
Rebekah. (Ge 24:63) It was during the solitude of the night watches that the psalmist meditated on the greatness
of his Grand Creator. (Ps 63:6) The meditations of the heart should be focused on beneficial things, on Jehovahs
splendor and activities, on things pleasing to him (Ps 19:14; 49:3; 77:12; 143:5; Php 4:8), and not on the devices
of the wicked.Pr 24:1, 2.
By engaging in profitable meditation, one will not be inclined to give foolish answers. He will seriously think
out these matters of importance, and as a result, the answers given will be from the heart and will not be
something to regret later on.Pr 15:28.
When Joshua was appointed as the overseer of the nation of Israel, he was instructed to make a copy of
Jehovahs law, and he was told (as rendered in many Bible versions) to meditate thereon day and night. (Jos 1:8;
AS, KJ, JB, RS) The Hebrew word here for meditate is haghah. It basically means utter inarticulate sounds and
is rendered moan, growl, coo, and mutter. (Isa 16:7; 31:4; 38:14; 59:3) Haghah also has the meanings utter
in an undertone and meditate. (Ps 35:28; Pr 15:28) The New World Translation appropriately renders the
Hebrew term haghah, appearing in Joshua 1:8, you must in an undertone read. (See also Ps 1:2.) Reading in an
undertone would impress more indelibly on the mind the material on which one was meditating. Geseniuss
Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon (translated by S. Tregelles, 1901, p. 215) says of haghah: Prop[erly] to speak with
oneself, murmuring and in a low voice, as is often done by those who are musing.Compare Ps 35:28; 37:30;
71:24; Isa 8:19; 33:18.
The apostle Paul told Timothy that he should ponder over or be meditating on his conduct, ministry, and
teaching. As an overseer, Timothy had to be unusually careful that he taught sound doctrine and that his way of
life was exemplary.1Ti 4:15.
Wrong Meditation. After the apostles Peter and John had been arrested by the captain of the temple and the
Jewish rulers had threatened them and charged them not to teach further on the basis of Jesus name, the apostles
returned to the other disciples. These prayed to God, referring to Davids prophetic words, saying: Why did
nations become tumultuous and peoples meditate upon empty things? . . . Even so, both Herod and Pontius Pilate
with men of nations and with peoples of Israel were in actuality gathered together in this city against your holy
servant Jesus, whom you anointed, in order to do what things your hand and counsel had foreordained to
occur.Ac 4:1-3, 18, 21, 23-28.
The empty things here spoken of are shown by the context to be, not the things that people ordinarily seek in
life, but things that are devoid of all goodactually thinking, speaking, and attempting to fight against Jehovah
and his servantsutterly futile things.Ac 4:25.
King David said of those who hated him and sought his death: Deceptions they keep muttering [form of
haghah] all day long. (Ps 38:12) These meditations were not mere passing thoughts. They were deeply rooted in
the heart, their inclination being toward that wicked pursuit. The writer of Proverbs says of such men:
Despoiling is what their heart keeps meditating, and trouble is what their own lips keep speaking.Pr 24:2.
Jesus said to those hating him: Why are you reasoning these things in your hearts? (Mr 2:8) Of all who would
suppress the truth in an unrighteous way, the apostle P aul says: They became empty-headed in their reasonings
and their unintelligent heart became darkened. Such meditation proves fatal to those indulging in it.Ro
1:18, 21.
1 (b) p. 7
w13 10/15 p. 27 par. 7
Act in Harmony With Jesus Loving Prayer
According to Greek-language scholars, the Greek expression translated taking in knowledge can also be
7
translated should keep on knowing or should continue knowing. The two meanings are complementary, and
both are important. The footnote to John 17:3 in the Reference Bible gives the alternative rendering their
knowing you. Thus, taking in knowledge refers to an ongoing process that results in the privileged state of
knowing God. Knowing the greatest Person in the universe, however, involves much more than having a mental
grasp of Gods qualities and purpose. Knowing Jehovah includes having a close bond of love with him and with
fellow believers. He that does not love, explains the Bible, has not come to know God. (1 John 4:8) Thus,
knowing God includes being obedient to him. (Read 1 John 2:3-5.) What a great privilege it is to be counted as
one knowing Jehovah! But as in the case of Judas Iscariot, this precious relationship can be lost. Let us work hard
to maintain it. Then we will eventually qualify for the undeserved gift of everlasting life.Matt. 24:13.
1(b) p. 7
w10 10/1 pp. 14-18
Imitate Their FaithHe Continued Growing Up With Jehovah
SAMUEL looked into the faces of his people. The nation had gathered at the town of Gilgal, summoned by this
faithful man who had served as prophet and judge for decades. It was May or June by modern reckoning; the dry
season was well along. The fields in the region were golden with wheat ready for harvest. Silence fell over the
crowd. How could Samuel reach their hearts?
The people did not understand how serious their situation was. They had insisted on having a human king to
rule over them. They did not grasp that they had shown gross disrespect to their God, Jehovah, and to his prophet.
They were, in effect, rejecting Jehovah as their King! How could Samuel move them to repentance?
Samuel spoke. I have grown old and gray, he told the crowd. His whitening hair added weight to his words.
He then said: I have walked before you from my youth until this day. (1 Samuel 11:14, 15; 12:2) Though Samuel
was old, he had not forgotten his youth. His memories of those early days were still vivid. The decisions he had
made back then, as a growing boy, had led him to a life of faith and devotion to his God, Jehovah.
Again and again, Samuel had to build and maintain faith, although surrounded by people who were faithless
and disloyal. Today, it is just as challenging to build faith, for we live in a faithless and corrupt world. Let us see
what we can learn from Samuels example, starting in his early boyhood.
Ministering Before Jehovah, as a Boy
Samuel had an unusual childhood. Shortly after he was weaned, at perhaps four years of age or so, he began a
life of service at the sacred tabernacle of Jehovah at Shiloh, over 20 miles [30 km] from his home in Ramah. His
parents, Elkanah and Hannah, dedicated their boy to Jehovah in a special form of service, making him a lifelong
Nazirite.* Did this mean that Samuel was cast off, unloved by his parents?
Far from it! They knew that their son would be cared for at Shiloh. High Priest Eli no doubt supervised
matters, for Samuel worked closely with him. There were also a number of women who served in some
connection with the tabernacle, evidently in an organized way.Exodus 38:8.
Furthermore, Hannah and Elkanah never forgot their beloved firstborn, whose very birth was an answer to a
prayer. Hannah had asked God for a son, promising to dedicate the boy to God in a life of sacred service. When
visiting each year, Hannah brought Samuel a new sleeveless coat she had made for his tabernacle service. The
little boy surely cherished those visits. He no doubt thrived on his parents loving encouragement and guidance as
they taught him what a privilege it was to serve Jehovah in that unique place.
Parents today can learn a lot from Hannah and Elkanah. It is common for parents to focus all their childrearing
efforts on material concerns while ignoring spiritual needs. But Samuels parents put spiritual matters first, and
that had a great bearing on the kind of man their son grew up to be.Proverbs 22:6.
We can picture the boy growing bigger and exploring the hills around Shiloh. As he gazed down on the town
and the valley that spread out below it on one side, his heart likely swelled with joy and pride when he caught
sight of Jehovahs tabernacle. That tabernacle was a sacred place indeed.# Built nearly 400 years earlier under the
direction of Moses himself, it was the one center for the pure worship of Jehovah in all the world.
Young Samuel grew to love the tabernacle. In the account he later wrote, we read: Samuel was ministering
before Jehovah, as a boy, having a linen ephod girded on. (1 Samuel 2:18) That simple sleeveless garment was
evidently a mark that Samuel assisted the priests at the tabernacle. Although not of the priestly class, Samuel had
duties that included opening the doors to the tabernacle courtyard in the morning and attending to elderly Eli. As
much as he enjoyed the privileges, though, in time his innocent heart became troubled. Something was terribly
wrong in Jehovahs house.
Staying Pure in the Face of Corruption
At a young age, Samuel witnessed genuine wickedness and corruption. Eli had two sons, named Hophni and
Phinehas. Samuels account reads: The sons of Eli were good-for-nothing men; they did not acknowledge
Jehovah. (1 Samuel 2:12) The two thoughts in this verse go hand in hand. Hophni and Phinehas were good-for-
nothing menliterally sons of worthlessnessbecause they had no regard for Jehovah. They thought nothing
of his righteous standards and requirements. From that one failing sprang all their other sins.
Gods Law was specific about the priests duties and the way they were to offer sacrifices at his tabernacle. For
good reason! Those sacrifices represented Gods provisions to forgive sins so that people could be clean in his
eyes, eligible for his blessing and guidance. But Hophni and Phinehas led their fellow priests to treat the offerings
with great disrespect.**
Imagine young Samuel watching, wide-eyed, as such gross abuses went on uncorrected. How many people did
he seeincluding poor, humble, downtrodden folkapproaching that sacred tabernacle in hopes of finding some
spiritual comfort and strength, only to leave disappointed, hurt, or humiliated? And how did he feel when he
learned that Hophni and Phinehas also disregarded Jehovahs laws on sexual morality, as they had relations with
some of the women who were serving there at the tabernacle? (1 Samuel 2:22) Perhaps he looked hopefully to Eli
to do something about it.
Eli was in the best position to address the growing disaster. As high priest, he was responsible for what took
place at the tabernacle. As a father, he had an obligation to correct his sons. After all, they were hurting
themselves as well as countless others in the land. However, Eli failed on both counts, as father and as high priest.
He offered his sons only a bland, weak scolding. (1 Samuel 2:23-25) But his sons needed far stronger discipline.
They were committing sins worthy of death!
Matters reached such a point that Jehovah sent a man of God, an unnamed prophet, to Eli with a strong
message of judgment. Jehovah told Eli: You keep honoring your sons more than me. God thus foretold that Elis
wicked sons would die on the same day and that Elis family would suffer greatly, even losing its privileged
position in the priestly class. Did this powerful warning bring about a change in that family? The record reveals no
such change of heart.1 Samuel 2:273:1.
How did all this corruption affect young Samuel? From time to time in this dark account, we find bright rays of
light, good news about Samuels growth and progress. Recall that at 1 Samuel 2:18, we read that Samuel was
faithfully ministering before Jehovah, as a boy. Even at that early age, Samuel centered his life on his service to
God. In verse 21 of the same chapter, we read something even more heartwarming: The boy Samuel continued
growing up with Jehovah. As he grew, his bond with his heavenly Father got stronger. Such a close personal
relationship with Jehovah is the surest protection against any form of corruption.
It would have been easy for Samuel to reason that if the high priest and his sons can give in to sin, he might as
well do whatever he wished. But the corruption of others, including those in positions of authority, is never an
excuse to sin. Today, many Christian youths follow Samuels example and keep growing up with Jehovaheven
when some around them fail to set a good example.
How did such a course work out for Samuel? We read: All the while the boy Samuel was growing bigger and
more likable both from Jehovahs standpoint and from that of men. (1 Samuel 2:26) So Samuel was well-liked, at
least by those whose opinions mattered. Jehovah himself cherished this boy for his faithful course. And Samuel
surely knew that his God would act against all the badness going on in Shiloh, but perhaps he wondered when.
Speak, for Your Servant Is Listening
One night, such questions met an answer. It was nearing morning but still dark; the flickering light of the tents
great lamp was still burning. In the stillness, Samuel heard a voice calling his name. He thought it was Eli, who was
now very old and nearly blind. Samuel got up and went running to the old man. Can you see the boy in your
minds eye, hurrying barefoot to see what Eli needed? It is touching to note that Samuel treated Eli with respect
and kindness. In spite of all his sins, Eli was still Jehovahs high priest.1 Samuel 3:2-5.
Samuel woke Eli, saying: Here I am, for you called me. But Eli said that he had not called and sent the boy
back to bed. Well, the same thing happened again and then again! Finally, Eli realized what was going on. It had
become rare for Jehovah to send a vision or a prophetic message to his people, and it is not hard to see why. But
Eli knew that Jehovah was speaking againnow to this boy! Eli told Samuel to go back to bed and instructed him
on how to answer properly. Samuel obeyed. Soon he heard the voice calling: Samuel, Samuel! The boy
answered: Speak, for your servant is listening.1 Samuel 3:1, 5-10.
Jehovah did, at last, have a servant in Shiloh who was listening. That became Samuels life pattern. Is it yours?
We do not have to wait for a supernatural voice in the night to speak to us. Today, Gods voice is always there for
us in a sense. It is there in his completed Word, the Bible. The more we listen to God and respond, the more our
faith will grow. So it was with Samuel.
That night in Shiloh was a milestone in Samuels life, for then he began to know Jehovah in a special sense,
becoming Gods own prophet and spokesman. At first, the boy was afraid to deliver Jehovahs message to Eli, for it
was a final pronouncement that the prophecy against that family was soon to come true. But Samuel mustered the
courageand Eli humbly acquiesced to the divine judgment. Before long, everything Jehovah had said was
fulfilled. Israel went to war with the Philistines, and Hophni and Phinehas were killed on the same day. Eli himself
died upon learning that Jehovahs sacred Ark had been captured.1 Samuel 3:10-18; 4:1-18.
However, Samuels reputation as a faithful prophet only grew. Jehovah himself proved to be with him, the
account says, adding that Jehovah let none of Samuels prophecies fail.1 Samuel 3:19.
Samuel Called to Jehovah
Did that mean, though, that the Israelites followed Samuels lead and became spiritual, faithful people? No. In
time, they decided that they did not want a mere prophet to judge them. They wanted to be like other nations and
have a human king rule over them. At Jehovahs direction, Samuel complied. But he had to convey to Israel the
magnitude of their sin. They were rejecting, not a mere man, but Jehovah himself! So he summoned the people to
Gilgal.
Let us rejoin him in that tense moment of addressing Israel at Gilgal. There, elderly Samuel reminded Israel of
his faithful record of integrity. Then, we read: Samuel called to Jehovah. He asked Jehovah for a thunderstorm.
1 Samuel 12:17, 18.
A thunderstorm? In the dry season? Why, such a thing was unheard of! If there was even a trace of skepticism
or scoffing among the people, it did not last long. The sky suddenly darkened with clouds. The winds battered the
wheat in the fields. The thunder let out its booming, deafening roars. And the rain fell. The response? The people
were greatly in fear of Jehovah and of Samuel. At last, they saw how seriously they had sinned.1 Samuel
12:18, 19.
Not Samuel, but his God, Jehovah, had reached their rebellious hearts. From his youth to his old age, Samuel
put faith in his God. And Jehovah rewarded him. To this day, Jehovah has not changed. He still supports those who
imitate the faith of Samuel.
* Nazirites were under a vow that included a ban on drinking alcoholic beverages and on cutting their hair.
Most undertook such vows for only a set period of time, but a few, such as Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist,
were lifelong Nazirites.
# The sanctuary was a rectangular structure, basically a great tent on a wooden framework. However, it was
made of the finest of materialssealskins, beautifully embroidered cloths, and costly woods plated with silver
and gold. The sanctuary sat within a rectangular courtyard that included an impressive altar for sacrifices. Over
time, other chambers evidently were erected at the sides of the tabernacle for the use of the priests. Samuel, it
seems, slept in such a chamber.
** The account provides two examples of disrespect. For one thing, the Law specified which pieces of a
sacrificial offering were to go to the priests to eat. (Deuteronomy 18:3) But at the tabernacle, the wicked priests
had set up a very different practice. They would have their attendants simply jab a great fork into the cauldron
where the meat was boiling, taking whatever choice morsel came out! For another thing, when people brought
their sacrifices to be burned at the altar, the wicked priests would have an attendant bully the offerer, demanding
the raw meat even before the fat of the sacrifice was offered to Jehovah.Leviticus 3:3-5; 1 Samuel 2:13-17.
1 (b) p. 8
w13 7/15 pp. 15-19
Feeding Many Through the Hands of a Few
After breaking the loaves, [Jesus] distributed them to the disciples,

the disciples in turn to the crowds.MATT. 14:19.
IMAGINE the scene. (Read Matthew 14:14-21.) It is just before the Passover of 32 C.E. A crowd of some 5,000
men, besides women and young children, are with Jesus and his disciples at a deserted place in the vicinity of
Bethsaida, a village on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee.
2 Upon seeing the crowd, Jesus is moved with pity for the people, so he heals the sick among them and teaches
them many things about Gods Kingdom. When it gets late, the disciples urge Jesus to dismiss the people so that
they might go to nearby villages and buy some food for themselves. But Jesus tells his disciples: You give them
something to eat. His words must seem puzzling to them, for the provisions at hand are meager at bestfive
loaves and two small fish.
3 Moved by compassion, Jesus performs a miraclethe only miracle that is recorded by all four Gospel writers.
(Mark 6:35-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13) Jesus has his disciples tell the crowd to recline on the green grass in
groups of 50 and of 100. After saying a blessing, he begins breaking the bread and dividing up the fish. Then,
rather than giving the food to the people directly, Jesus distributes it to the disciples, the disciples in turn to the
crowds. Miraculously, there is more than enough for everyone to eat! Just think: Jesus has fed thousands through
the hands of a fewhis disciples.*
4 Jesus was even more concerned about providing spiritual food to his followers. He knew that taking in
spiritual food, the truths found in Gods Word, leads to everlasting life. (John 6:26, 27; 17:3) Moved by the same
compassion that impelled him to feed bread and fish to the crowds, Jesus spent many hours personally teaching
his followers. (Mark 6:34) But he was aware that his time on earth would be short and that he would return to
heaven. (Matt. 16:21; John 14:12) How would the heavenly Jesus keep his followers on earth well-fed spiritually?
He would follow a similar patternhe would feed many through the hands of a few. Who, though, would be the
few? Let us see how Jesus used a few to feed his many first-century anointed followers. Then, in the next article,
we will discuss this question of vital importance to each one of us: How can we identify the few through whom
Christ feeds us today?
JESUS CHOOSES THE FEW
A responsible family head makes arrangements so that his family will be cared for in the event of his death.
5
Similarly, Jesuswho would become Head of the Christian congregationmade arrangements to ensure that his
followers would be cared for spiritually after his death. (Eph. 1:22) For example, about two years before he died,
Jesus made a weighty decision. He selected the first of the few through whom he would later feed the many.
Consider what happened.
6 After praying all night, Jesus gathered his disciples and from among them chose 12 apostles. (Luke 6:12-16)
For the next two years, he was especially close to the 12, teaching them both by word and by example. He knew
that they had much to learn; in fact, they continued to be called disciples. (Matt. 11:1; 20:17) He gave them
valuable personal counsel and extensive training in the ministry. (Matt. 10:1-42; 20:20-23; Luke 8:1; 9:52-55) He
was evidently preparing them for a key role after his death and return to heaven.
7 What would be the role of the apostles? As Pentecost 33 C.E. drew near, it was clear that the apostles would
serve in an office of oversight. (Acts 1:20) What, though, would be their primary concern? Following his
resurrection, Jesus provided a clue in a conversation he had with the apostle Peter. (Read John 21:1, 2, 15-17.) In
the presence of some of the other apostles, Jesus told Peter: Feed my little sheep. Jesus thereby indicated that
his apostles would be among the few through whom he would provide spiritual food to the many. What a
touching and telling indication of how Jesus feels about his little sheep!*
FEEDING THE MANY FROM PENTECOST ONWARD
8 Starting at Pentecost 33 C.E., the resurrected Christ used his apostles as the channel through which he fed the
rest of his anointed disciples. (Read Acts 2:41, 42.) That channel was clearly recognized by the Jews and
proselytes who became spirit-anointed Christians that day. Unhesitatingly, they continued devoting themselves
to the teaching of the apostles. According to one scholar, the Greek verb rendered continued devoting
themselves can mean having a steadfast and singleminded fidelity to a certain course of action. The new
believers had a deep hunger for spiritual food, and they knew exactly where to get it. With unwavering loyalty,
they looked to the apostles to explain the words and deeds of Jesus and to shed fresh light on the meaning of the
scriptures pertaining to him.*Acts 2:22-36.
9The apostles kept their responsibility to feed Jesus sheep clearly in focus. For example, notice how they
handled a sensitive and potentially divisive issue that arose in the newly formed congregation. Ironically, the
matter involved foodmaterial food. Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily food
distribution, but Hebrew-speaking widows were not being overlooked. How did the apostles resolve this delicate
issue? The twelve appointed seven qualified brothers to oversee the necessary business, the food distribution.
The apostlesmost of whom had no doubt shared in distributing food to the crowds whom Jesus had
miraculously fedsaw that it was more important for them to focus on spiritual feeding. Thus, they devoted
themselves to the ministry of the word.Acts 6:1-6.
10 By 49 C.E., the surviving apostles had been joined by certain other qualified elders. (Read Acts 15:1, 2.)
The apostles and older men in Jerusalem served as a governing body. As the Head of the congregation, Christ
used this small group of qualified men to settle doctrinal issues and to oversee and direct the preaching and
teaching of the Kingdom good news.Acts 15:6-29; 21:17-19; Col. 1:18.
Did Jehovah bless the arrangement by means of which his Son fed the first-century congregations? Most
11
definitely! How can we be sure? The book of Acts gives us this report: Now as they [the apostle Paul and his
traveling companions] traveled on through the cities they would deliver to those there for observance the decrees
that had been decided upon by the apostles and older men who were in Jerusalem. Therefore, indeed, the
congregations continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number from day to day. (Acts 16:4, 5)
Notice that those congregations prospered as a result of their loyal cooperation with the governing body in
Jerusalem. Is that not proof of Jehovahs blessing on the arrangement by means of which his Son fed the
congregations? Let us remember that spiritual prosperity is possible only with Jehovahs rich blessing.Prov.
10:22; 1 Cor. 3:6, 7.
12 Thus far we have seen that Jesus followed a pattern when feeding his followers: He fed many through the
hands of a few. The channel he used for spiritual feeding was clearly recognizable. After all, the apostlesthe
original members of the governing bodycould provide visible proof of heavenly backing. Through the hands of
the apostles many signs and portents continued to occur among the people, states Acts 5:12.* Hence, there was
no reason for those who became Christians to wonder, Who really are the ones through whom Christ is feeding
his sheep? But by the end of the first century, the situation changed.
WHEN THE WEEDS WERE MANY AND THE BLADES OF WHEAT FEW
13 Jesus foretold that the Christian congregation would come under attack. Remember, in his prophetic
illustration of the wheat and the weeds, Jesus warned that a newly planted field of wheat (anointed Christians)
would be oversown with weeds (imitation Christians). The groups, he said, would be allowed to grow side by
sideundisturbed until the harvest, which would come at a conclusion of a system of things. (Matt. 13:24-30,
36-43) It was not long before Jesus words began to come true.*
14 The apostasy made some inroads in the first century, but Jesus faithful apostles acted as a restraint,
holding back the contamination and influence of false teachings. (2 Thess. 2:3, 6, 7) However, once the last of the
apostles died, the apostasy took root and flourished during a long growing season that lasted for many centuries.
Additionally, during that time, the weeds became many and the blades of wheat were few. There was no
consistent, organized channel for dispensing spiritual food. That would eventually change. But the question is,
When?
HARVESTTIMEWHO WOULD DO THE FEEDING?
15 As the end of the growing season neared, there were strong stirrings of interest in Bible truth. Recall that in
the 1870s, a small group of sincere truth-seekers got together and formed Bible classes apart from the weeds
imitation Christians within the churches and sects of Christendom. With humble hearts and open minds, those
sincere Bible Students, as they called themselves, made a careful and prayerful search of the Scriptures.Matt.
11:25.
16The Bible Students diligent study of the Scriptures yielded rich results. Those loyal men and women
exposed false doctrines and spread spiritual truths, publishing and distributing Bible literature far and wide.
Their work won the hearts and convinced the minds of many who were hungering and thirsting for spiritual
truth. An intriguing question therefore arises: Were the Bible Students in the years that led up to 1914 the
appointed channel through which Christ would feed his sheep? No. They were still in the growing season, and the
arrangement for a channel to provide spiritual food was still taking shape. The time had not yet come for the
weedlike imitation Christians to be separated from the true Christian wheat.
17 As we learned in the preceding article, the harvest season began in 1914. In that year, a number of
important developments began to unfold. Jesus was enthroned as King, and the last days began. (Rev. 11:15)
From 1914 to the early part of 1919, Jesus accompanied his Father to the spiritual temple to do a much-needed
inspection and cleansing work.* (Mal. 3:1-4) Then, starting in 1919, it was time to begin gathering the wheat. Was
it finally the time for Christ to appoint one organized channel to dispense spiritual food? Yes, indeed!
18In his prophecy about the time of the end, Jesus foretold that he would appoint a channel to give out
spiritual food at the proper time. (Matt. 24:45-47) Which channel would he use? True to the pattern he set in the
first century, Jesus would once again feed many through the hands of a few. But as the last days were just getting
under way, the critical question was, Who will be the few? That and other questions about Jesus prophecy will be
discussed in the next article.
ENDNOTES: (To be read as footnotes with the corresponding paragraphs.)
Paragraph 3: On a later occasion, when Jesus miraculously fed 4,000 men, besides women and children, he
again gave the food to the disciples, the disciples in turn to the crowds.Matt. 15:32-38.
Paragraph 7: During Peters lifetime, the little sheep who would be fed all cherished the heavenly hope.
Paragraph 8: The fact that new believers continued devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles
implies that the apostles were teaching on a regular basis. Some of the apostles teaching was permanently
recorded in the inspired books that are now part of the Christian Greek Scriptures.
Paragraph 12: While others besides the apostles received miraculous gifts of the spirit, it seems that in most
cases, the miraculous gifts were passed on to others directly by or in the presence of an apostle.Acts 8:14-18;
10:44, 45.
Paragraph 13: The apostle Pauls words found at Acts 20:29, 30 show that the congregation would be
attacked from two quarters. First, imitation Christians (weeds) would enter in among true Christians. Second,
from among true Christians, some would become apostates, speaking twisted things.
Paragraph 17: See the article Look! I Am With You All the Days, in this issue, page 11, paragraph 6.
1 (b) p. 8
w13 8/1 p. 11
DRAW CLOSE TO GODHis Invisible Qualities Are Clearly Seen
Do you believe in God? If so, can you point to proof of his existence? The truth is that we are surrounded by
evidence of a Creator who is wise, powerful, and loving. What is this evidence, and how compelling is it? For the
answer, consider the words of the apostle Paul recorded in his letter to Christians in Rome.
Paul said: His [Gods] invisible qualities are clearly seen from the worlds creation onward, because they are
perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable. (Romans 1:20)
The Creator left his imprint on his handiwork, as Paul pointed out. Let us take a closer look at Pauls words.
Gods qualities could be seen from the worlds creation onward, notes Paul. In this context the Greek word
rendered world does not refer to the planet Earth. Rather, it refers to humankind.* Hence, Paul is saying that
from the moment humans were created, they could see evidence of the Creators qualities in the things he made.
That evidence is all around us. It is not hidden in nature but is clearly seen. From the largest to the smallest,
creation clearly reveals not only that there is a Creator but also that he has wonderful qualities. Does not the
intelligent design so obvious in nature reveal to us Gods wisdom? Do not the starry heavens and the pounding
surf reveal his power? Does not the variety of foods that delight our palate and the beauty of sunrises and sunsets
reveal his love for mankind?Psalm 104:24; Isaiah 40:26.
How plain is the evidence? It is so clear that those who do not see it and who thus refuse to believe in God are
inexcusable. One scholar illustrates it this way: Imagine a driver who ignores a sign that says DetourTurn
Left. A police officer stops him and starts writing him a ticket. The driver tries to argue that he did not see the
sign. But his words carry little weight because the sign is in plain view and there is nothing wrong with the
drivers vision. Besides, as a driver, the responsibility for seeing and heeding such signs is his. So it is with the
evidence of God in nature. That sign is in plain view. As reasoning creatures, we are capable of seeing it. There is
no excuse for ignoring it.
Indeed, the book of creation reveals much about our Creator. But there is another book that reveals far more
about himthe Bible. Through its pages we can learn the answer to this vital question: What is Gods purpose for
our earth and the humans who inhabit it? Learning the answer to that question can help you to draw closer to the
God whose invisible qualities are clearly seen in the world around us.
* The Bible also speaks of the world as being guilty of sin and needing a savior, clearly showing that in such
contexts the term applies to humankind and not the earth.John 1:29; 4:42; 12:47.
1(b) p. 9
cf p. 134 pars. 14-15
I Love the Father
14 Jesus also kept his love for Jehovah strong by praying regularly. Although he was a friendly, gregarious man,
it is striking to note that he valued solitude. For example, Luke 5:16 says: He continued in retirement in the
deserts and praying. Similarly, Matthew 14:23 states: Eventually, having sent the crowds away, he went up into
the mountain by himself to pray. Though it became late, he was there alone. Jesus sought solitude on these and
other occasions, not because he was a recluse or hated the company of others, but because he wanted to be alone
with Jehovah, to speak freely with his Father in prayer.
15 When he prayed, Jesus would at times use the expression Abba, Father. (Mark 14:36) In Jesus day, Abba
was an intimate word for father, a family word. It was often among the first words that a child would learn. Yet,
it was respectful. While the word revealed the intimacy of the Son speaking to his beloved Father, it also conveyed
profound respect for Jehovahs fatherly authority. We find that combination of intimacy and respect throughout
Jesus recorded prayers. For example, in John chapter 17, the apostle John recorded the long and heartfelt prayer
that Jesus offered on His final night. It is truly moving for us to study that prayer and vital that we imitate itnot
by repeating Jesus words, of course, but by finding ways to speak from the heart to our heavenly Father as often
as we can. Doing so will keep our love for him alive and strong.
1(b) p. 9
w14 2/15 p. 25 pars. 18-21
JehovahOur Best Friend
FRIENDS COMMUNICATE
18 Friendship
deepens when good communication exists. Social networking and text messaging are very
popular in this age of Internet and telecommunications technology. By comparison, though, how do we
individually rate our personal communication with our best Friend, Jehovah? True, he is the Hearer of prayer.
(Ps. 65:2) But how often do we take the initiative to speak to him?
19 Some servants of God do not find it easy to open their hearts and express their deep emotions. Yet, that is
what Jehovah wants us to do when we pray. (Ps. 119:145; Lam. 3:41) Even if we find such heartfelt expressions
difficult to put into words, we are not without help. Paul wrote to Christians in Rome: The problem is that we do
not know what we should pray for as we need to, but the spirit itself pleads for us with unuttered groanings. But
the one who searches the hearts knows what the meaning of the spirit is, because it is pleading in harmony with
God for the holy ones. (Rom. 8:26, 27) Our meditating on the words recorded in such Bible books as Job, Psalms,
and Proverbs will help us to express our inmost feelings to Jehovah.
20 When distressing situations confront us, let us heed Pauls inspired advice to the Philippians: Do not be
anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be
made known to God. Such open communication with our best Friend will surely bring us comfort and
consolation, for Paul adds: The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your
mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6, 7) May we always cherish the incomparable peace of God
that really does guard our hearts and mental powers.
21 Prayer helps us to cultivate a friendship with Jehovah. Therefore, let us pray constantly. (1 Thess. 5:17)
May this study strengthen our precious relationship with God and our determination to comply with his righteous
requirements. And let us take time to meditate on the blessings we enjoy because Jehovah truly is our Father, our
God, and our Friend.
1(b) p. 9
w02 10/15 p. 17 par. 16
Jehovah Cares for You
16Are you convinced of Jehovahs saving power? Are you aware of his angelic protection? Have you personally
tasted and seen that Jehovah is good? When was the last time that you were particularly conscious that Jehovah
had been good to you? Try to recall. Was it at that last home you visited in the ministry, just as you were feeling
you could do no more? Perhaps you then had a wonderful conversation with the householder. Did you remember
to thank Jehovah for having given you the extra strength you needed and for blessing you? (2 Corinthians 4:7) On
the other hand, you may have trouble recalling some particular act of goodness that Jehovah performed in your
behalf. You may have to think back a week, a month, a year, or more. If this is the case, why not make a conscious
effort to draw closer to Jehovah and try to see how he guides and directs you? The apostle Peter admonished
Christians: Humble yourselves . . . under the mighty hand of God . . . while you throw all your anxiety upon him,
because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6, 7) Indeed, you will be amazed at how much he cares for you!Psalm
73:28.
1(b) p. 10
w12 2/15 p. 7 pars. 16-17
Imitate Jesus Example of Watchfulness
When Jesus was under trial, he resolutely refused to lean on his own understanding. Think of it! The wisest
16
man ever to live on this earth chose not to draw on his own wisdom for answers. For instance, when Satan
tempted him, Jesus repeatedly answered with the phrase: It is written. (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10) He relied on his Fathers
wisdom to ward off temptation, showing the humility that Satan despises and utterly lacks. Do we do the same? A
family head who imitates Jesus watchfulness lets Gods Word guide him, especially in trialsome times. Around the
world, thousands of family heads are doing just that. They are steadfastly putting Gods Kingdom and pure
worship first in life, even ahead of material concerns. Thereby, they take the best care of their families. Jehovah
responds by blessing their efforts to provide for material needs, just as his Word promises.Matt. 6:33.
17 Without question, Jesus set the best possible example of watchfulness. His example is practical, beneficial,
and even lifesaving. Remember, Satan is eager to lull you into spiritual sleepa state of weak faith, lackadaisical
worship, and compromised integrity. (1 Thess. 5:6) Do not let him succeed! Remain watchful as Jesus did
watchful in your prayers, in your ministry, and in dealing with trials. By following that course, you will enjoy a
rich, happy, fulfilling life even now in the twilight of this dying system of things. A watchful course will also ensure
that when your Master comes to bring this system to its end, he will find you alert and active, doing his Fathers
will. How delighted Jehovah will be to reward you for your faithful course!Rev. 16:15.
1(b) p. 10
cf p. 72 pars. 15-16
Consider Closely the One Who Has Endured
15 Jesus, although the perfect Son of God, did not rely on his own strength to endure. Instead, he turned to his
heavenly Father and prayed for help from above. The apostle Paul wrote: Christ offered up supplications and also
petitions to the One who was able to save him out of death, with strong outcries and tears. (Hebrews 5:7) Notice
that Jesus offered up not just petitions but also supplications. The term supplication refers to an especially
heartfelt and earnest entreatyyes, a begging for help. The use of the plural supplications indicates that Jesus
implored Jehovah more than once. Indeed, in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed repeatedly and fervently.
Matthew 26:36-44.
16 Jesus had complete confidence that Jehovah would answer his supplications, for he knew that his Father is
the Hearer of prayer. (Psalm 65:2) During his prehuman existence, the firstborn Son had seen how his Father
responds to the prayers of loyal worshippers. For example, the Son was an eyewitness in the heavens when
Jehovah dispatched an angel to answer the heartfelt prayer of the prophet Danieleven before Daniel had
finished praying. (Daniel 9:20, 21) How, then, could the Father fail to answer when his only-begotten Son poured
out his heart with strong outcries and tears? Jehovah did respond to the entreaties of his Son and sent an angel
to strengthen him to bear up under the ordeal.Luke 22:43.
2 (a) p. 11
jv p. 608 par. 1
Printing and Distributing Gods Own Sacred Word
Was there really need for another translation? Already at that time, the complete Bible had been published in
190 languages, and at least part of it had been translated into 928 additional languages and dialects. Jehovahs
Witnesses have at various times used most of these translations. But the fact is that most of these were made by
clergymen and missionaries of Christendoms religious sects, and to varying degrees their translations were
influenced by the pagan philosophies and unscriptural traditions that their religious systems had inherited from
the past as well as by the bias of higher criticism. Furthermore, older and more reliable Bible manuscripts were
becoming available. The Greek language of the first century was becoming more clearly understood as a result of
archaeological discoveries. Also, the languages into which translations are made undergo changes over the years.
2 (a) p. 11
jv p. 607 par. 5
Producing the New World Translation

It was early in October 1946 that Nathan H. Knorr, who was then the president of the Watch Tower Society,
first proposed that the Society produce a fresh translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures. Actual work on the
translation got under way on December 2, 1947. The complete text was carefully reviewed by the entire
translation committee, all of them spirit-anointed Christians. Then, on September 3, 1949, Brother Knorr
convened a joint meeting of the boards of directors of the Societys New York and Pennsylvania corporations. He
announced to them that the New World Bible Translation Committee had completed work on a modern-language
translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures and had turned it over to the Society for publication. This was a fresh
translation from the original Greek.
2 (a) p. 11
si p. 324 pars. 18-19
Study Number 7The Bible in Modern Times
18On September 3, 1949, at the Brooklyn headquarters of the Society, the president announced to the Board of
Directors the existence of the New World Bible Translation Committee and that it had completed a modern
translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures. The committees document was read, by which the committee
assigned the possession, control, and publication of the translation manuscript to the Society, in recognition of the
Societys unsectarian work of promoting Bible education throughout the earth. Portions of the manuscript were
also read, as examples of the nature and quality of the translation. The directors were unanimous in accepting the
gift of the translation, and arrangements were made for its immediate printing. Typesetting began on
September 29, 1949, and by early summer of 1950, tens of thousands of copies were completed in bound form.
19 Releasing the New World Translation in Its Parts. It was on Wednesday, August 2, 1950, on the fourth
day of their international assembly at Yankee Stadium, New York, that a totally surprised audience of 82,075 of
Jehovahs Witnesses heartily accepted the release of the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures.
Encouraged by the initial enthusiastic reception, as well as by later expressions of appreciation for the
translations merits, the Committee next undertook the extensive work of translating the Hebrew Scriptures. This
appeared in five additional volumes, released successively from 1953 to 1960. The set of six volumes formed a
library of the entire Bible in modern English. Each volume also contained valuable aids to Bible study. A vast
storehouse of Scriptural information was thus made available to the modern-day student of the Bible. Diligent
effort had been made to draw on every reliable source of textual information so that the New World Translation
would express clearly and accurately the powerful message of the original inspired Scriptures.
2 (a) p. 11
jv p. 609 pars. 2-3
Thereafter, the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into English and were released progressively, in five
separate volumes, beginning in 1953. As had been done with the Christian Greek Scriptures, care was exercised to
convey as literally as possible what was in the original-language text. Special attention was given to making the
renderings uniform, conveying accurately the action or state expressed in the verbs, and using simple language
that would be readily understood by modern-day readers. Wherever the Tetragrammaton appeared in the
Hebrew text, it was appropriately rendered as the personal name of God, instead of being replaced by some other
term as had become common in many other translations. Appendix articles and footnotes in these volumes
enabled careful students to examine the basis for the renderings used.
On March 13, 1960, the New World Bible Translation Committee completed its final reading of the text of the
portion of the Bible that was designated for the fifth volume. That was 12 years, 3 months, and 11 days after
actual translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures had begun. A few months later, that final volume of the
Hebrew Scriptures, in printed form, was released for distribution.
3 (a) p. 20
w00 3/15 p. 10 par. 1
O God, Send Out Your Light
JEHOVAH is very considerate in the way he makes his purposes known to his servants. Instead of revealing the
truth all at once in one blinding flash of light, he enlightens us progressively. Our trek along lifes pathway might
be compared to a walk that a hiker takes down a long trail. He starts out early in the morning and sees little. As
the sun begins to rise slowly over the horizon, the hiker is able to distinguish a few features of his surroundings.
The rest he sees in hazy outline. But as the sun continues its ascent, he can see farther and farther into the
distance. So it is with the spiritual light that God provides. He allows us to discern a few things at a time. Gods
Son, Jesus Christ, provided spiritual enlightenment in a similar manner. Let us consider how Jehovah enlightened
his people in ancient times and how he does so today.
3 (a) p. 21
w14 1/15 p. 13 par. 6
100 Years of Kingdom RuleHow Does It Affect You?
6 Jesus then used his kingly authority to appoint a faithful

and discreet slave. This slave would provide a
regular supply of wholesome spiritual food to all who make up the one flock under Jesus care. (Matt. 24:45-
47; John 10:16) Since 1919, a small group of anointed brothers have loyally carried out the weighty responsibility
to feed the domestics. The abundant spiritual food provided through this channel nourishes us so that we can
grow in the faith. It fortifies our resolve to remain spiritually, morally, mentally, and physically clean. This
spiritual food also educates us and equips us to have a full share in the most important work being done on earth
today. Are you taking full advantage of these provisions?
3 (a) p. 21
w13 7/15 p. 22 par. 10
Who Really Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?
10 Who, then, is the faithful and discreet slave? In keeping with Jesus pattern of feeding many through the
hands of a few, that slave is made up of a small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing
and dispensing spiritual food during Christs presence. Throughout the last days, the anointed brothers who make
up the faithful slave have served together at headquarters. In recent decades, that slave has been closely identified
with the Governing Body of Jehovahs Witnesses. Note, however, that the word slave in Jesus illustration is
singular, indicating that this is a composite slave. The decisions of the Governing Body are thus made collectively.
3 (a) p. 21
w10 7/15 p. 22 box
The Spirit Searches Into . . . the Deep Things of God
How the Spirit Revealed the Meaning of the Spiritual Temple
Among the deep things of God revealed during the first century was that the tabernacle and later the temples
foreshadowed a much greater spiritual reality. Paul called that reality the true tent, which Jehovah put up, and
not man. (Heb. 8:2) This was a great spiritual temple, an arrangement for approach to God made possible by the
sacrifice and priesthood of Jesus Christ.
The true tent came into existence in 29 C.E. when Jesus was baptized and Jehovah accepted him as the one to
become a perfect sacrifice. (Heb. 10:5-10) After his death and resurrection, Jesus entered the Most Holy of the
spiritual temple and presented the value of his sacrifice before the person of God.Heb. 9:11, 12, 24.
Elsewhere, the apostle Paul wrote of anointed Christians as growing into a holy temple for Jehovah. (Eph. 2:20-
22) Was this temple to be the same as the true tent that he later described in his letter to the Hebrews? For
decades, Jehovahs servants thought that it was. It seemed that anointed Christians were being fitted on earth to
become stones in the heavenly temple of Jehovah.1 Pet. 2:5.
Toward the year 1971, however, responsible members of the slave class began to discern that the temple spoken
of by Paul in Ephesians could not be Jehovahs great spiritual temple. If the true tent were composed of
resurrected anointed Christians, it would first come into existence after their resurrection began during the
presence of the Lord. (1 Thess. 4:15-17) But referring to the tabernacle, Paul wrote: This very tent is an
illustration for the appointed time that is now here.Heb. 9:9.
By carefully comparing these and other scriptures, it became clear that the spiritual temple is not in the process
of being built and that anointed Christians are not stones being fashioned on earth for inclusion in it. Rather,
anointed Christians are serving in the courtyard and in the Holy of the spiritual temple, daily offering to God a
sacrifice of praise.Heb. 13:15.
3 (a) p. 21
w94 2/15 p. 19 pars. 14-18
Tell Us, When Will These Things Be?
Which Tribulation Before Celestial Phenomena?

The fulfillment of Joels prophecy (in harmony with other prophecies using similar language) helps us to
14
understand the words at Matthew 24:29. Clearly, what Jesus said about the sun being darkened, the moon not
giving light, and the stars falling does not refer to things occurring over the many decades of the conclusion of the
present system, such as space rocketry, moon landings, and the like. No, he pointed to things tied in with the
great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah, the destruction yet to come.
15 This relates to our understanding of how the celestial phenomena would be immediately after the
tribulation. Jesus was not referring to the tribulation that culminated in 70 C.E. Rather, he was pointing to the
start of the great tribulation to befall the world system in the future, climaxing his promised presence. (Matthew
24:3) That tribulation is still ahead of us.
16 What about the words at Mark 13:24: In those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the
moon will not give its light? Here, both those and that are forms of the Greek word ekeinos, a demonstrative
pronoun indicating something distant in time. Ekeinos can be used to indicate something long past (or previously
mentioned) or something in the remote future. (Matthew 3:1; 7:22; 10:19; 24:38; Mark 13:11, 17, 32; 14:25; Luke
10:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:10) Thus, Mark 13:24 points to that tribulation, not the tribulation stirred up by the
Romans, but Jehovahs mighty act at the end of the present system.
17 Chapters 17 to 19 of Revelation fit and verify this adjusted understanding of Matthew 24:29-31, Mark 13:24-
27, and Luke 21:25-28. In what way? The Gospels show that this tribulation will not start and end at one fell
swoop. After it begins, some of disobedient mankind will still be alive to see the sign of the Son of man and to
reactto lament and, as stated at Luke 21:26, to become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming
upon the inhabited earth. That overwhelming fear will be due to their seeing the sign that betokens their
imminent destruction.
18 The account in Revelation shows that the future great tribulation will begin when the militarized horns of
the international wild beast turn on the great harlot, Babylon the Great. (Revelation 17:1, 10-16) But many
people will remain, for kings, merchants, ship captains, and others mourn the end of false religion. Doubtless
many will realize that their judgment will be next.Revelation 18:9-19.
3 (a) p. 22
w95 5/15 p. 21 pars. 4-5
Part 2Flashes of LightGreat and Small
The Higher Powers Clarified

A bright flash of light was seen in 1962 in connection with Romans 13:1, which says: Let every soul be
4
subject unto the higher powers [superior authorities, New World Translation]. (King James Version) The early
Bible Students understood that the higher powers mentioned there referred to worldly authorities. They took
this scripture to mean that if a Christian was drafted in wartime, he would be obligated to put on a uniform,
shoulder a gun, and go to the front, to the trenches. It was felt that since a Christian could not kill a fellow human,
he would be compelled to fire his gun into the air if worst came to worst.*
The Watchtower of November 15 and of December 1, 1962, shed clear light on the subject in discussing Jesus
5
words at Matthew 22:21: Pay back . . . Caesars things to Caesar, but Gods things to God. Relevant were the
apostles words at Acts 5:29: We must obey God as ruler rather than men. Christians are subject to Caesarthe
higher powersonly so long as this does not require that the Christian go contrary to Gods law. Subjection to
Caesar was seen to be relative, not absolute. Christians pay back to Caesar only what does not conflict with Gods
requirements. How satisfying it was to have clear light on that subject!
* In reaction to this view, The Watch Tower of June 1 and of June 15, 1929, interpreted the higher powers as
being Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. It was primarily this position that was corrected in 1962.
3 (a) p. 22
w95 5/15 p. 25 par. 17
Similarly, for a long time, Witnesses spoke of the vindication of Jehovahs name. But had Satan called
17
Jehovahs name into question? For that matter, had any of Satans agents done so, as if Jehovah did not have a
right to that name? No, not at all. It was not the name of Jehovah that was challenged and that needed to be
vindicated. That is why the Watch Tower Societys recent publications do not speak of Jehovahs name as being
vindicated. They speak of Jehovahs sovereignty as being vindicated and of his name as being sanctified. This is in
keeping with what Jesus told us to pray: Let your name be sanctified. (Matthew 6:9) Time and again, Jehovah
said that he was going to sanctify his name, which the Israelites had not challenged but had profaned.Ezekiel
20:9, 14, 22; 36:23.
3 (a) p. 22
w13 7/15 pp. 20-25
Who Really Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?
Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his

master appointed over his domestics?MATT. 24:45.
BROTHERS, I cannot begin to count the times you have put into my hands articles that contained just what I
needed when I needed it most. That is how one sister expressed her appreciation in a letter to the brothers who
work at our world headquarters. Can you identify with her? Many of us can. Should that surprise us? Not really.
2 The timely spiritual food we receive is proof that Jesus, the Head of the congregation, is keeping his promise
to feed us. Through whom is he doing so? When giving the sign of his presence, Jesus said that he would use the
faithful and discreet slave to give food at the proper time to his domestics.* (Read Matthew 24:45-47.) That
faithful slave is the channel through which Jesus is feeding his true followers in this time of the end. It is vital that
we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel.Matt.
4:4; John 17:3.
3 How, then, are we to understand Jesus illustration about the faithful slave? In the past, our publications have
said the following: At Pentecost 33 C.E., Jesus appointed the faithful slave over his domestics. The slave represents
all anointed Christians on earth as a group at any one time since then. The domestics refer to the same anointed
ones as individuals. In 1919, Jesus appointed the faithful slave over all his belongingsall his earthly Kingdom
interests. However, further careful study and prayerful meditation indicate that our understanding of Jesus
words about the faithful and discreet slave needs to be clarified. (Prov. 4:18) Let us examine the illustration and
how it involves us, whether we have the heavenly or the earthly hope.
WHEN IS THE ILLUSTRATION FULFILLED?
The context of the illustration of the faithful and discreet slave shows that it began to be fulfilled, not at
4
Pentecost 33 C.E., but in this time of the end. Let us see how the Scriptures lead us to this conclusion.
5 The illustration of the faithful slave is part of Jesus prophecy about the sign of [his] presence and of the
conclusion of the system of things. (Matt. 24:3) The first portion of the prophecy, recorded at Matthew 24:4-22,
has two fulfillmentsfirst, in the years from 33 C.E. through 70 C.E., and second, in a more far-reaching way in
our day. Does this mean that Jesus words about the faithful slave would also have two fulfillments? No.
6 Starting with the words recorded at Matthew 24:29, Jesus focused primarily on events that would happen in
our day. (Read Matthew 24:30, 42, 44.) Speaking about what will happen during the great tribulation, he said
that people will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven. Then, in words meant for those living during
the last days, he urged vigilance, saying: You do not know on what day your Lord is coming and, At an hour that
you do not think to be it, the Son of man is coming.* In this contextwhen speaking about events that would take
place in the last daysJesus related the illustration of the faithful slave. Therefore, we may conclude that his
words about that faithful slave began to be fulfilled only after the last days began in 1914. Such a conclusion
makes sense. Why is that?
7 Think, for a moment, about the question: Who really is the faithful and discreet slave? In the first century,
there was hardly a reason to ask such a question. As we saw in the preceding article, the apostles could perform
miracles and even transmit miraculous gifts as proof of divine backing. (Acts 5:12) So why would anyone need to
ask who really was appointed by Christ to take the lead? In 1914, however, the situation was much different. The
harvest season began in that year. The time had finally arrived to separate the weeds from the wheat. (Matt.
13:36-43) As the harvest season began, a vital question thus arose: With many imitation Christians claiming to be
Jesus true followers, how could the wheatanointed Christiansbe identified? The illustration of the faithful
slave provided an answer. Christs anointed followers would be the ones who were well-fed spiritually.
WHO IS THE FAITHFUL AND DISCREET SLAVE?
8 The faithful slave must be made up of anointed Christians on earth. Such ones are called a royal priesthood
and have been commissioned to declare abroad the excellencies of the one that called [them] out of darkness
into his wonderful light. (1 Pet. 2:9) It is only fitting that members of that royal priesthood have a direct share
in teaching fellow believers the truth.Mal. 2:7; Rev. 12:17.
9 Do all anointed ones on earth make up the faithful slave? No. The reality is that not all anointed ones have a
role in dispensing spiritual food to fellow believers worldwide. Among the wheat are anointed brothers who may
serve as ministerial servants or elders in their local congregation. They teach from house to house and in their
congregation, and they loyally support the direction from headquarters. But they do not have a part in dispensing
spiritual food to the worldwide brotherhood. Also among the anointed are humble sisters, who would never try to
assume the role of teachers in the congregation.1 Cor. 11:3; 14:34.
10 Who, then, is the faithful and discreet slave? In keeping with Jesus pattern of feeding many through the
hands of a few, that slave is made up of a small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing
and dispensing spiritual food during Christs presence. Throughout the last days, the anointed brothers who make
up the faithful slave have served together at headquarters. In recent decades, that slave has been closely identified
with the Governing Body of Jehovahs Witnesses. Note, however, that the word slave in Jesus illustration is
singular, indicating that this is a composite slave. The decisions of the Governing Body are thus made collectively.
WHO ARE THE DOMESTICS?
11 It is noteworthy that in Jesus illustration, the faithful and discreet slave receives two distinct appointments.
The first is over the domestics; the second is over all the masters belongings. Since the illustration is fulfilled only
in this time of the end, both appointments would have to come after Jesus presence in kingly power began in
1914.
12 When did Jesus appoint the faithful slave over his domestics? To answer that, we need to go back to 1914
the beginning of the harvest season. As we learned earlier, at that time many groups claimed to be Christian. From
which group would Jesus select and appoint the faithful slave? That question was answered after he and his
Father came and inspected the temple, or spiritual arrangement for worship, from 1914 to the early part of 1919.*
(Mal. 3:1) They were pleased with a small band of loyal Bible Students who showed that their heart was with
Jehovah and his Word. Of course, they needed some cleansing, but they humbly responded during a brief period of
testing and refining. (Mal. 3:2-4) Those faithful Bible Students were true Christian wheat. In 1919, a time of
spiritual revival, Jesus selected capable anointed brothers from among them to be the faithful and discreet slave
and appointed them over his domestics.
13Who, then, are the domestics? Put simply, they are those who are fed. Early in the last days, the domestics
were all anointed ones. Later, the domestics came to include the great crowd of other sheep. The other sheep now
make up the vast majority of the one flock under Christs leadership. (John 10:16) Both groups benefit from the
same timely spiritual food that is dispensed by the faithful slave. What about the Governing Body members who
today make up the faithful and discreet slave? Those brothers also need to be fed spiritually. Hence, they humbly
recognize that as individuals they are domestics just like all the rest of Jesus genuine followers.
14 Jesus placed a weighty responsibility on the faithful and discreet slave. In Bible times, a trusted slave, or
steward, was a house manager. (Luke 12:42) The faithful and discreet slave is thus charged with the
responsibility to manage the household of faith. That responsibility includes overseeing material assets, the
preaching activity, assembly and convention programs, and the production of Bible literature for use in the field
ministry and in personal and congregation study. The domestics depend on all the spiritual provisions dispensed
by the composite slave.
APPOINTED OVER ALL THE MASTERS BELONGINGSWHEN?
15 When does Jesus make the second appointmentover all his belongings? Jesus said: Happy is that slave if
his master on arriving [literally, having come, ftn.] finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him
over all his belongings. (Matt. 24:46, 47) Note that Jesus makes the second appointment after he arrives and finds
that the slave has been doing so, that is, faithfully dispensing spiritual food. So there would be an interval
between the two appointments. To understand how and when Jesus appoints the slave over all his belongings, we
need to know two things: when he arrives and what his belongings include.
16When does Jesus arrive? The answer is found in the context. Remember that when the preceding verses
speak of Jesus as coming, the word refers to the time when he comes to pronounce and execute judgment at t he
end of this system.* (Matt. 24:30, 42, 44) Hence, Jesus arriving, or coming, mentioned in the illustration of the
faithful slave takes place during the great tribulation.
What do all [Jesus] belongings include? Jesus did not qualify the word all, as if to limit his belongings to
17
earthly things. In fact, Jesus has vast heavenly authority. All authority has been given me in heaven and on the
earth, he said. (Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:20-23) His belongings now include the Messianic Kingdom, which has
belonged to him since 1914 and which he will share with his anointed followers.Rev. 11:15.
18 In view of the foregoing, what can we conclude? When Jesus comes for judgment during the great
tribulation, he will find that the faithful slave has been loyally dispensing timely spiritual food to the domestics.
Jesus will then delight in making the second appointmentover all his belongings. Those who make up the
faithful slave will get this appointment when they receive their heavenly reward, becoming corulers with Christ.
Does the faithful slave receive a greater reward in heaven than the rest of the anointed? No. A reward
19
promised to a small group in one setting may ultimately be shared by others. For example, consider what Jesus
said to his 11 faithful apostles the night before he died. (Read Luke 22:28-30.) Jesus promised that small group of
men that a fine reward awaited them for their faithfulness. They would share his throne of kingly authority. But
years later, he indicated that all of the 144,000 will sit on thrones and share his rulership. (Rev. 1:1; 3:21)
Similarly, as stated at Matthew 24:47, he promised that a small group of menthe anointed brothers who make
up the faithful slavewill be appointed over all his belongings. In reality, all of the 144,000 will share his vast
heavenly authority.Rev. 20:4, 6.
20 By means of the faithful and discreet slave, Jesus is following the pattern he set in the first centuryfeeding
many through the hands of a few. Jesus appointed that faithful slave to ensure that his genuine followers
whether of the anointed or of the other sheepwould have a steady supply of timely spiritual food throughout
the last days. Let us be determined to show our appreciation by giving our loyal support to the anointed brothers
who make up that faithful and discreet slave.Heb. 13:7, 17.
ENDNOTES: (To be read as footnotes with the corresponding paragraphs.)
Paragraph 2: On an earlier occasion, Jesus related a similar illustration in which he referred to the slave as a
steward and to the domestics as his body of attendants.Luke 12:42-44.
Paragraph 6: Christs coming (Greek, erkhomai) is different from his presence (parousia). His invisible
presence begins before his coming to execute judgment.
Paragraph 12: See the article Look! I Am With You All the Days, in this issue, pages 10-12, paragraphs 5-8.
Paragraph 16: See the article Tell Us, When Will These Things Be? in this issue, pages 7-8, paragraphs 14-
18.
DID YOU GET THE POINT?

Box on page 22
The faithful and discreet slave: A small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing and
dispensing spiritual food during Christs presence. Today, these anointed brothers make up the Governing Body
His domestics: All who are fed, whether they are of the anointed or of the other sheep
Appointed over his domestics: In 1919, Jesus selected capable anointed brothers to be his faithful and
discreet slave
He will appoint him over all his belongings: Those who make up the composite slave will get this
appointment when they receive their heavenly reward. Along with the rest of the 144,000, they will share Christs
vast heavenly authority
IF EVER THAT EVIL SLAVE . . .
Box on page 24
Jesus has placed the weightiest of responsibilities on the faithful and discreet slavenamely, overseeing the
domestics and giving out spiritual food at the proper time. Jesus knew that those with greater responsibility have
greater accountability. (Luke 12:48) Hence, he concluded his illustration about the faithful and discreet slave with
a powerful warning.
Jesus warned about an evil slave who concludes in his heart that the master is delaying and who starts to beat
his fellow slaves. When the master arrives, said Jesus, he will punish that evil slave with the greatest severity.
Read Matthew 24:48-51.
Was Jesus foretelling that there would be an evil slave class in the last days? No. Granted, some individuals have
manifested a spirit similar to that of the evil slave described by Jesus. We would call them apostates, whether they
were of the anointed or of the great crowd. (Rev. 7:9) But such ones do not make up an evil slave class. Jesus did
not say that he would appoint an evil slave. His words here are actually a warning directed to the faithful and
discreet slave.
Notice that Jesus introduces the warning with the words if ever. One scholar says that in the Greek text, this
passage for all practical purposes is a hypothetical condition. In effect, Jesus was saying: If the faithful and
discreet slave were ever to mistreat his fellow slaves in these ways, this is what the master will do when he
arrives. (See also Luke 12:45.) However, the composite faithful and discreet slave has continued to keep on the
watch and to provide nourishing spiritual food.
The anointed brothers who together serve as the faithful slave recognize that they are accountable to the
Master for the way they care for his domestics. The heartfelt desire of these anointed brothers is to fulfill their
responsibility loyally so that they might hear a well done from the Master when he finally arrives.
3 (a) p. 22
jv 13 pp. 172-175
Recognized by Our Conduct
WE LIVE in an era in which moral standards that were long respected have been discarded by large segments
of mankind. Most religions of Christendom have followed suit, either in the name of tolerance or with the
argument that times are different and the taboos of earlier generations no longer apply. As to the result, Samuel
Miller, a dean of Harvard Divinity School, said: The church simply does not have a cutting edge. It has taken the
culture of our time and absorbed it. The effect on the lives of those who looked to such churches for guidance has
been devastating.
In contrast, when discussing Jehovahs Witnesses, LEglise de Montral, the weekly bulletin of the Catholic
archdiocese of Montreal, Canada, said: They have remarkable moral values. Large numbers of schoolteachers,
employers, and government officials agree with that. What accounts for this reputation?
Being one of Jehovahs Witnesses involves much more than holding to a certain framework of doctrinal beliefs
and witnessing to others about these beliefs. Early Christianity was known as The Way, and Jehovahs Witnesses
realize that true religion today must be a way of life. (Acts 9:2) As was true in other things, however, the modern-
day Witnesses did not immediately achieve a balanced appreciation of what this involves.
Character or CovenantWhich?
Although they started with sound Scriptural counsel about the need to be Christlike, the emphasis that some of
the early Bible Students gave to character development, as they called it, tended to minimize certain aspects of
real Christianity. Some of them seemed to be of the opinion that being genteelalways appearing to be kind and
good, speaking softly, avoiding any display of anger, reading the Scriptures dailywould guarantee their entrance
into heaven. But these lost sight of the fact that Christ had given his followers a work to do.
This problem was firmly addressed in the article Character or CovenantWhich? in the May 1, 1926, issue of
The Watch Tower. It showed that efforts to develop a perfect character while in the flesh caused some to give up
in discouragement, but at the same time, it produced a more holy than thou attitude in others and tended to
cause them to lose sight of the merit of Christs sacrifice. After emphasizing faith in the shed blood of Christ, the
article highlighted the importance of doing things in the active service of God to give evidence that one was
pursuing a course pleasing to God. (2 Pet. 1:5-10) At that time, when much of Christendom still made a pretense
of holding to Biblical moral standards, this emphasis on activity strengthened the contrast between Jehovahs
Witnesses and Christendom. The contrast became even more evident as moral issues that were becoming
common had to be dealt with by all who professed to be Christians.
Abstain From Fornication
The Christian standard regarding sexual morality was set out long ago in plain language in the Bible. This is
what God wills, the sanctifying of you, that you abstain from fornication . . . For God called us, not with allowance
for uncleanness, but in connection with sanctification. So, then, the man that shows disregard is disregarding, not
man, but God. (1 Thess. 4:3-8) Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be without
defilement, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. (Heb. 13:4) Do you not know that unrighteous persons
will not inherit Gods kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, . . . nor adulterers, nor men kept for
unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men . . . will inherit Gods kingdom.1 Cor. 6:9, 10.
In the Watch Tower, attention was drawn to this standard for true Christians as early as November of 1879.
But it was not discussed repeatedly or at length as if this were a major problem among the early Bible Students.
However, as the attitude of the world became more permissive, increased attention was directed to this
requirement, especially in the years surrounding World War II. This was needed because some among Jehovahs
Witnesses were adopting the view that as long as they were busy witnessing, a little laxness in sexual morality
was just a personal matter. It is true that The Watchtower of March 1, 1935, had clearly stated that participation in
the field ministry gave no license for immoral conduct. But not everyone took it to heart. So, in its issue of May 15,
1941, The Watchtower again discussed the matter, and at considerable length, in an article entitled Noahs Day.
It pointed out that the sexual debauchery in Noahs day was one reason why God destroyed the world of that time,
and it showed that what God did then set a pattern for what he would do in our day. In plain language it warned
that an integrity-keeping servant of God could not devote part of his day to doing the Lords will and then, after
hours, indulge in the works of the flesh. (Gal. 5:17-21) This was followed up, in The Watchtower of July 1, 1942,
with another article that condemned conduct that was out of line with the Bibles moral standards for single and
for married persons. No one was to conclude that sharing in public preaching of the Kingdom message as one of
Jehovahs Witnesses gave license for loose living. (1 Cor. 9:27) In time, even firmer measures would be taken to
safeguard the moral cleanness of the organization.
Some who were then expressing a desire to be Jehovahs Witnesses had grown up in areas where trial
marriage was accepted, where sex relations between engaged persons were tolerated, or where consensual
relationships between persons not legally married were viewed as normal. A few married couples were
endeavoring to practice celibacy. Other individuals, though not divorced, were unwisely separated from their
mates. To provide needed direction, The Watchtower, during the 1950s, considered all these situations, discussed
marital responsibilities, emphasized the Bibles prohibition of fornication, and explained what fornication is, so
there would be no misunderstanding.Acts 15:19, 20; 1 Cor. 6:18.
In places where people beginning to associate with Jehovahs organization were not taking seriously the
Bibles moral standards, this was given special attention. Thus, in 1945, when N. H. Knorr, the third president of
the Watch Tower Society, was in Costa Rica, he gave a discourse on Christian morality in which he said: All of you
here tonight who are living with a woman but havent got your marriage legally arranged, Im giving you some
advice. Go to the Catholic Church and put your name down as a member, because there you can practice these
things. But this is Gods organization, and you cant practice these things here.
Beginning with the 1960s, when homosexuals became more open about their practices, many churches
debated the matter, then accepted them as members. Some churches now even ordain homosexuals as clergymen.
In order to help sincere persons who had questions on these matters, the publications of Jehovahs Witnesses also
discussed these issues. But among the Witnesses, there was never any question as to how homosexuality would
be viewed. Why not? Because they do not treat the Bibles requirements as if these were merely the opinions of
men of another era. (1 Thess. 2:13) They gladly conduct Bible studies with homosexuals so these can learn
Jehovahs requirements, and such persons may attend meetings of the Witnesses to listen, but no one who
continues to practice homosexuality can be one of Jehovahs Witnesses.1 Cor. 6:9-11; Jude 7.
In recent years sexual indulgence by unmarried youths became commonplace in the world. Youths in the
families of Jehovahs Witnesses felt the pressure, and some began to adopt the ways of the world around them.
How did the organization deal with this situation? Articles designed to help parents and youths to view things
Scripturally were published in The Watchtower and Awake! Real-life dramas were presented at conventions to
help everyone to be aware of the fruitage of rejecting the Bibles moral standards and of the benefits of obeying
Gods commands. One of the first of these, staged in 1969, was entitled Thorns and Traps Are in the Way of the
Independent One. Special books were prepared to help young folks appreciate the wisdom of Bible counsel.
These included Your YouthGetting the Best Out Of It (published in 1976) and Questions Young People Ask
Answers That Work (published in 1989). Local elders gave personal spiritual help to individuals and to families.
The congregations of Jehovahs Witnesses were also safeguarded by expulsion of unrepentant wrongdoers.
The worlds breakdown in morals has not led to a more permissive viewpoint among Jehovahs Witnesses. On
the contrary, the Governing Body of Jehovahs Witnesses has placed increased emphasis on the necessity to avoid
not only illicit sexual acts but also influences and situations that erode moral values. During the past three
decades, it has provided instruction to fortify individuals against such secret sins as masturbation and to alert
them to the danger of pornography, soap operas, and music that has a debasing effect. Thus, while the worlds
moral trend has been downward, that of Jehovahs Witnesses has been upward.
3 (a) p. 22
w95 5/15 p. 13 par. 15
Flashes of Light in Apostolic Times
Gross immorality was being tolerated in the Christian congregation at Corinth. A man there had taken his
15
fathers wife, thus practicing such fornication as was not found even among the nations. Plainly, Paul wrote:
Remove the wicked man from among yourselves. (1 Corinthians 5:1, 11-13) That was something new for the
Christian congregationdisfellowshipping. Another matter on which the Corinthian congregation needed
enlightenment had to do with the fact that some of its members were taking their spiritual brothers to worldly
courts in order to settle grievances. Paul strongly rebuked them for doing this.1 Corinthians 6:5-8.
3 (a) p. 22
km 8/02 pp. 3-4
Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellowshipped
The bond between family members can be very strong. This brings a test upon a Christian when a marriage
1
mate, a child, a parent, or another close relative is disfellowshipped or has disassociated himself from the
congregation. (Matt. 10:37) How should loyal Christians treat such a relative? Does it make a difference if the
person lives in your household? First, let us review what the Bible says on this subject, the principles of which
apply equally to those who are disfellowshipped and to those who disassociate themselves.
How to Treat Expelled Ones: Gods Word commands Christians not to keep company or fellowship with a
2
person who has been expelled from the congregation: Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that
is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with
such a man. . . . Remove the wicked man from among yourselves. (1 Cor. 5:11, 13) Jesus words recorded at
Matthew 18:17 also bear on the matter: Let [the expelled one] be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax
collector. Jesus hearers well knew that the Jews of that day had no fraternization with Gentiles and that they
shunned tax collectors as outcasts. Jesus was thus instructing his followers not to associate with expelled ones.
See The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, pages 18-20.
This means that loyal Christians do not have spiritual fellowship with anyone who has been expelled from
3
the congregation. But more is involved. Gods Word states that we should not even eat with such a man. (1 Cor.
5:11) Hence, we also avoid social fellowship with an expelled person. This would rule out joining him in a picnic,
party, ball game, or trip to the mall or theater or sitting down to a meal with him either in the home or at a
restaurant.
What about speaking with a disfellowshipped person? While the Bible does not cover every possible
4
situation, 2 John 10 helps us to get Jehovahs view of matters: If anyone comes to you and does not bring this
teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. Commenting on this, The Watchtower of
September 15, 1981, page 25, says: A simple Hello to someone can be the first step that develops into a
conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshiped person?
Indeed, it is just as page 31 of the same issue of The Watchtower states: The fact is that when a Christian
5
gives himself over to sin and has to be disfellowshiped, he forfeits much: his approved standing with God; . . .
sweet fellowship with the brothers, including much of the association he had with Christian relatives.
6 In the Immediate Household: Does this mean that Christians living in the same household with a
disfellowshipped family member are to avoid talking to, eating with, and associating with that one as they go
about their daily activities? The Watchtower of April 15, 1991, in the footnote on page 22, states: If in a
Christians household there is a disfellowshipped relative, that one would still be part of the normal, day-to-day
household dealings and activities. Thus, it would be left up to members of the family to decide on the extent to
which the disfellowshipped family member would be included when eating or engaging in other household
activities. And yet, they would not want to give brothers with whom they associate the impression that everything
is the same as it was before the disfellowshipping occurred.
7 However, The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, page 28, points out regarding the disfellowshipped or
disassociated person: Former spiritual ties have been completely severed. This is true even with respect to his
relatives, including those within his immediate family circle. . . . That will mean changes in the spiritual fellowship
that may have existed in the home. For example, if the husband is disfellowshiped, his wife and children will not
be comfortable with him conducting a family Bible study or leading in Bible reading and prayer. If he wants to say
a prayer, such as at mealtime, he has a right to do so in his own home. But they can silently offer their own
prayers to God. (Prov. 28:9; Ps. 119:145, 146) What if a disfellowshiped person in the home wants to be present
when the family reads the Bible together or has a Bible study? The others might let him be present to listen if he
will not try to teach them or share his religious ideas.
8 If a minor child living in the home is disfellowshipped, Christian parents are still responsible for his
upbringing. The Watchtower of November 15, 1988, page 20, states: Just as they will continue to provide him
with food, clothing, and shelter, they need to instruct and discipline him in line with Gods Word. (Proverbs 6:20-
22; 29:17) Loving parents may thus arrange to have a home Bible study with him, even if he is disfellowshipped.
Maybe he will derive the most corrective benefit from their studying with him alone. Or they may decide that he
can continue to share in the family study arrangement.See also The Watchtower of October 1, 2001, pages 16-
17.
9 Relatives Not in the Household: The situation is different if the disfellowshipped or disassociated one is a
relative living outside the immediate family circle and home, states The Watchtower of April 15, 1988, page 28.
It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. Even if there were some family matters
requiring contact, this certainly would be kept to a minimum, in harmony with the divine injunction to quit
mixing in company with anyone who is guilty of sinning unrepentantly. (1 Cor. 5:11) Loyal Christians should
strive to avoid needless association with such a relative, even keeping business dealings to an absolute
minimum.See also The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, pages 29-30.
The Watchtower addresses another situation that can arise: What if a close relative, such as a son or a
10
parent who does not live in the home, is disfellowshiped and subsequently wants to move back there? The family
could decide what to do depending on the situation. For example, a disfellowshiped parent may be sick or no
longer able to care for himself financially or physically. The Christian children have a Scriptural and moral
obligation to assist. (1 Tim. 5:8) . . . What is done may depend on factors such as the parents true needs, his
attitude and the regard the head of the household has for the spiritual welfare of the household.The
Watchtower of September 15, 1981, pages 28-9.
11 As for a child, the same article continues: Sometimes Christian parents have accepted back into the home
for a time a disfellowshiped child who has become physically or emotionally ill. But in each case the parents can
weigh the individual circumstances. Has a disfellowshiped son lived on his own, and is he now unable to do so? Or
does he want to move back primarily because it would be an easier life? What about his morals and attitude? Will
he bring leaven into the home?Gal. 5:9.
12Benefits of Being Loyal to Jehovah: Cooperating with the Scriptural arrangement to disfellowship and
shun unrepentant wrongdoers is beneficial. It preserves the cleanness of the congregation and distinguishes us as
upholders of the Bibles high moral standards. (1 Pet. 1:14-16) It protects us from corrupting influences. (Gal. 5:7-
9) It also affords the wrongdoer an opportunity to benefit fully from the discipline received, which can help him to
produce peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness.Heb. 12:11.
After hearing a talk at a circuit assembly, a brother and his fleshly sister realized that they needed to make
13
adjustments in the way they treated their mother, who lived elsewhere and who had been disfellowshipped for
six years. Immediately after the assembly, the man called his mother, and after assuring her of their love, he
explained that they could no longer talk to her unless there were important family matters requiring contact.
Shortly thereafter, his mother began attending meetings and was eventually reinstated. Also, her unbelieving
husband began studying and in time was baptized.
Loyally upholding the disfellowshipping arrangement outlined in the Scriptures demonstrates our love for
14
Jehovah and provides an answer to the one that is taunting Him. (Prov. 27:11) In turn, we can be assured of
Jehovahs blessing. King David wrote regarding Jehovah: As for his statutes, I shall not turn aside from them. With
someone loyal you will act in loyalty.2 Sam. 22:23, 26.
3 (a) p. 22
w12 3/15 pp. 30-31
Questions From Readers
Could a Christians practice of viewing pornography become so bad that it results in his being expelled
from the Christian congregation?
Yes, it could. That underscores why it is vital to shun vigorously all pornographyboth written material and
imagesin magazines, in films, in videos, and on the Internet.
Pornography is found everywhere around the globe. The Internet makes pornographic material more
available than ever and has increased the number affected by this terrible plague. Some, young and old, have
accidentally come across pornographic Web sites. Others have deliberately gone to them, feeling less inhibited
because they can read or view pornography in secretat home or at the office. Why should this seriously concern
Christians?
We find a fundamental reason in Jesus warning: Everyone that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a
passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matt. 5:28) Of course, normal sexual
relations are proper and a source of pleasure between marriage mates. (Prov. 5:15-19; 1 Cor. 7:2-5) But that is
not the focus of pornography. Rather, it features illicit sex that stimulates the sort of immoral thoughts that Jesus
warned against. Plainly, reading or viewing pornography goes directly contrary to the divine direction: Deaden,
therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite,
hurtful desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.Col. 3:5.
What if a Christian did view pornography on an occasion or two? His case might, in a sense, be likened to the
dangerous situation in which the psalmist Asaph once found himself: As for me, my feet had almost turned aside,
my steps had nearly been made to slip. How could the Christian have a clean conscience and be at peace with God
if he was gazing at pornographic images of naked men or women or of a couple engaging in fornication? Nor was
Asaph at peace: I came to be plagued all day long, and my correction is every morning.Ps. 73:2, 14.
A Christian caught up in that badness should wake up and face his need for spiritual help. That help is
available in the congregation: Even though a man takes some false step before he is aware of it, you who have
spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness, as you each keep an eye on yourself.
(Gal. 6:1) A Christian elder or two could give him the help he needs, including prayers of faith that can make the
indisposed one well, and his sin can be forgiven. (Jas. 5:13-15) Those who have sought help to remove the stain of
pornography have seen that drawing near to God has been good for them, as it was for Asaph.Ps. 73:28.
However, the apostle Paul said that some who sinned did not repent over their uncleanness and fornication
and loose conduct.* (2 Cor. 12:21) Regarding the Greek term there rendered uncleanness, Professor Marvin
R. Vincent wrote that it has the sense of impurity on the side of sordidness. It is a sad fact that some pornography
is much worse than scenes of nakedness or of a man and woman engaging in fornication. There is sordid,
abhorrent pornography involving homosexuality (sex between those of the same gender), group sex, bestiality,
child pornography, gang rape, the brutalizing of women, bondage, or sadistic torture. Some in Pauls day who
were in darkness mentally came to be past all moral sense [and] gave themselves over to loose conduct to work
uncleanness of every sort with greediness.Eph. 4:18, 19.
Paul also mentioned uncleanness at Galatians 5:19. A British scholar noted that it may here [signify] more
especially all unnatural lusts. What Christian would deny that the above-mentioned abhorrent, sexually
degrading forms of pornography are unnatural lusts and are sordid? Paul concluded at Galatians 5:19-21 that
those who practice such uncleanness will not inherit Gods kingdom. Consequently, if someone developed an
entrenched practice of viewing abhorrent, sexually degrading pornography, perhaps over a considerable period of
time, and would not repent and turn around, he could not remain in the Christian congregation. He would have to
be disfellowshipped in order to preserve the cleanness and spirit of the congregation.1 Cor. 5:5, 11.
It is good to know that some who fell into viewing abhorrent forms of pornography went to the elders and
received the spiritual help needed to make drastic changes. Jesus appealed to Christians in ancient Sardis:
Strengthen the things remaining that were ready to die, . . . continue mindful of how you have received and how
you heard, and go on keeping it, and repent. Certainly unless you wake up, . . . you will not know at all at what
hour I shall come upon you. (Rev. 3:2, 3) It is possible to repent and be snatched out of the fire, as it were.
Jude 22, 23.
How much better, though, it is for each of us to be firmly resolved not to come anywhere near that dangerous
position. Yes, we should be absolutely determined to avoid all forms of pornography!
* As to distinctions between uncleanness and fornication and loose conduct, see The Watchtower of July 15,
2006, pages 29-31.
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Questions From Readers
Can a person be disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation for engaging in uncleanness as he can
be for fornication or loose conduct?
Yes, an individual can be expelled from the congregation if he unrepentantly practices either fornication, some
forms of uncleanness, or loose conduct. The apostle Paul cites all three of these sins along with other
disfellowshipping offenses when he writes: The works of the flesh are manifest, and they are fornication,
uncleanness, loose conduct . . . I am forewarning you . . . that those who practice such things will not inherit Gods
kingdom.Galatians 5:19-21.
Fornication (Greek, porneia) applies to illicit sexual relations outside Scriptural marriage. It includes adultery,
prostitution, and sex relations between unmarried individuals as well as oral and anal sex and the sexual
manipulation of the genitals of an individual to whom one is not married. A person who unrepentantly practices
fornication does not belong in the Christian congregation.
Loose conduct (Greek, aselgeia) denotes licentiousness; wantonness; shameless conduct; lewdness of
conduct. The New Thayers Greek-English Lexicon defines the Greek term as unbridled lust, . . . outrageousness,
shamelessness, insolence. According to another lexicon, loose conduct is a form of behavior that violates all
bounds of what is socially acceptable.
As the foregoing definitions show, loose conduct involves two elements: (1) The conduct itself is a serious
violation of Gods laws, and (2) the attitude of the wrongdoer is disrespectful, insolent.
Therefore, loose conduct does not refer to bad conduct of a minor nature. It pertains to acts that are serious
violations of Gods laws and that reflect a brazen or boldly contemptuous attitudea spirit that betrays
disrespect or even contempt for authority, laws, and standards. Paul links loose conduct with illicit intercourse.
(Romans 13:13, 14) Since Galatians 5:19-21 lists loose conduct among a number of sinful practices that would
disqualify one from inheriting Gods Kingdom, loose conduct is grounds for reproof and possible
disfellowshipping from the Christian congregation.
Uncleanness (Greek, akatharsia) is the broadest of the three terms rendered fornication, uncleanness,
and loose conduct. It embraces impurity of any kindin sexual matters, in speech, in action, and in spiritual
relationships. Uncleanness covers a wide range of serious sins.
As recorded at 2 Corinthians 12:21, Paul refers to those who formerly sinned but have not repented over
their uncleanness and fornication and loose conduct that they have practiced. Since uncleanness is listed with
fornication and loose conduct, some forms of uncleanness warrant judicial action. But uncleanness is a broad
term that includes things that are not of a judicial nature. Just as a house may be somewhat dirty or completely
filthy, uncleanness has degrees.
Paul said, according to Ephesians 4:19, that some individuals had come to be past all moral sense and that
they gave themselves over to loose conduct to work uncleanness of every sort with greediness. Paul thus puts
uncleanness . . . with greediness in the same category as loose conduct. If a baptized person unrepentantly
practices uncleanness . . . with greediness, he can be expelled from the congregation on the grounds of gross
uncleanness.
Suppose an engaged couple indulged in passion-arousing heavy petting on numerous occasions. The elders
might determine that even though these individuals did not manifest a brazen attitude characterizing loose
conduct, there was a measure of greediness in their conduct. So the elders might take judicial action because gross
uncleanness was involved. Gross uncleanness might also be appropriate grounds for handling a case involving a
person who repeatedly makes sexually explicit telephone calls to another person, especially if he was previously
counseled about the matter.
The elders need discernment in making such judgments. To determine whether judicial action is warranted,
they must carefully look at what happened and the extent to which it was done. It is not a matter of charging with
loose conduct anyone who does not accept Scriptural counsel; nor is it a case of deciding mathematically how
many times a person can commit a certain sinful act before judicial action is required. Elders should carefully and
prayerfully weigh each situation and find out what occurred and how often, the nature and extent of the
misconduct, and the intent and motive of the wrongdoer.
Gross uncleanness entails more than sexual sins. For instance, a baptized boy might smoke a few cigarettes in
a short period of time and confess this to his parents. He is determined not to smoke again. This is uncleanness,
but it has not escalated to the point of being gross uncleanness or uncleanness . . . with greediness. Scriptural
counsel from an elder or two along with support from the boys parents should suffice. But if the b oy is a frequent
user of tobacco, this would be a deliberate defilement of the flesh, and a judicial committee would be convened to
consider this case of gross uncleanness. (2 Corinthians 7:1) If the boy is not repentant, he would be
disfellowshipped.
Some Christians have become involved in the viewing of pornography. This is offensive to God, and the elders
may be shocked that a fellow believer has done this. But not all viewing of pornography calls for a hearing before
a judicial committee. For example, suppose a brother viewed so-called soft-core pornography on several
occasions. He is ashamed, confesses to an elder, and is determined not to repeat this sin. The elder might well
conclude that the brothers conduct did not escalate to the point that he engaged in uncleanness . . . with
greediness; nor did he display a brazen attitude, indicating loose conduct. Although no judicial action would be
warranted, this type of uncleanness would call for strong Scriptural counsel and perhaps follow-up help from the
elders.
However, suppose a Christian has secretly viewed abhorrent, sexually degrading pornography for years and
has done everything possible to conceal this sin. Such pornography might feature gang rape, bondage, sadistic
torture, the brutalizing of women, or even child pornography. When others become aware of his conduct, he is
deeply ashamed. He has not been brazen, but the elders may determine that he has given himself over to this
filthy habit and has practiced uncleanness with greediness, that is, gross uncleanness. A judicial committee
would be formed because gross uncleanness is involved. The wrongdoer would be disfellowshipped if he did not
display godly repentance and the determination never to view pornography again. If he invited others to his home
to view pornographyin effect, promoting ithe would give evidence of a brazen attitude characterizing loose
conduct.
The Scriptural term loose conduct always involves serious sin, often sexual in nature. When trying to identify
loose conduct, elders should look for brazenness, wantonness, filthiness, shamelessness, and what is shocking to
public decency. On the other hand, serious transgressions of Jehovahs law that are committed by a person who
does not manifest a brazen attitude may involve greediness. These cases have to be handled on the basis of the
gross uncleanness that they involve.
Determining whether someone has gone far enough to be guilty of gross uncleanness or loose conduct is a
serious responsibility, for lives are involved. Those judging such cases should do so prayerfully, asking God for his
holy spirit, discernment, and understanding. Elders need to maintain the purity of the congregation and must base
their judgment on Gods Word as well as on the direction of the faithful and discreet slave. (Matthew 18:18;
24:45) And in these evil days, more than ever before, elders need to bear in mind the words: See what you are
doing, because it is not for man that you judge but it is for Jehovah.2 Chronicles 19:6.
3 (a) p. 22
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HELP FOR THE FAMILY | PARENTING
How to Talk to Your Teen About Sexting
THE CHALLENGE
You have heard that sexting is common among young people. Would my teenager do that? you may wonder.
You want to discuss the matter with your childbut how? Before answering, consider why some young
people have become involved in sexting and why you should be concerned.*
WHY IT HAPPENS
Some teenagers send sexually explicit messages to flirt with someone they like.
In other cases, a girl sends an explicit photo of herself because she is pressured by a boy to do so.
Sometimes a boy will mass forward an explicit photo of a girl either to entertain his friends or to retaliate after
a breakup.
Whatever the cause, a teenager armed with a cell phone can get into a lot of trouble. In the click of a button, says
the book CyberSafe, lives are changed forever.
Many people fail to realize that once a photo goes into cyberspace, the sender loses control over how the photo
will be used. In one case, reports a bulletin from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), an 18-year-old girl
committed suicide after a nude photo she had transmitted via her cell phone to her boyfriend also was sent to
hundreds of teenagers in her school. Other students, who apparently continued to forward the image, allegedly
harassed the girl.
Sexting also raises legal issues. In some places, for example, minors who have sent sexually explicit images to
other minors have been charged with child-pornography offenses and have been required to register as sex
offenders. As a parent, you too can be held liable if your name is on the cell-phone contract or if you fail to take
measures to prevent your child from sexting.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Set clear rules. Although you cannot fully control your teenagers cell-phone use, you can make sure that he or
she knows your rulesas well as the consequences for breaking those rules. Remember, too, that as a parent, you
have the right to monitor your teenagers cell phone.Bible principle: Ephesians 6:1.
Help your teenager to reason on the problem. You could say: There are many opinions as to what constitutes
sexting. How would you define the term? What kinds of photos do you think are inappropriate? In some places
the law considers a minor who sends a nude photo of a minor to be guilty of a crime. Do you think its that bad?
Why would sexting be morally wrong? Listen carefully to his or her reasoning, and help your teenager to think
beyond the send button.Bible principle: Hebrews 5:14.
Present hypothetical scenarios. You could say to your daughter: Suppose a girl is being pressured by a boy to
sext him. What should she do? Give in so that she does not lose the friendship? Refuse the request but flirt with
him anyway? End the relationship? Tell an adult? Help your daughter to reason on the matter. Of course, you can
use a similar approach with a son.Bible principle: Galatians 6:7.
Appeal to your teenagers sense of goodness. Ask questions such as these: How important to you is a good
reputation? What traits do you want to be known for? How would you feel about yourself if you humiliated
someone by forwarding an inappropriate picture? How would you feel if you took a stand for what is right? Help
your teen to hold a good conscience.1 Peter 3:16.
Set the example yourself. The Bible says that godly wisdom is chaste and free from hypocrisy. (James 3:17) Do
your values reflect those words? We need to set good examples ourselves and not view images and Web sites
that could be viewed as unsavory or illegal, says the book CyberSafe.
* Sexting refers to the act of sending sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos via cell phone. For more
information, go to the jw.org Web site and read the online article Young People AskWhat Should I Know About
Sexting?Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS > TEENAGERS.
KEY SCRIPTURES
Box on page 5
Children, be obedient to your parents.Ephesians 6:1.

Mature people . . . have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.Hebrews 5:14.
Whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.Galatians 6:7.
SUGGESTION
Box on page 5
If talking about sexting will be awkward for you or your teen, you might try this approach:
First, have your teen talk about what others are doing. Then say: Ive heard a lot about sexting. Is this practice
common?
Next, find out how he or she feels about what others are doing. You could ask: Do you think people grasp the
consequences of sexting?
Then, discuss what your teenager would do. Respond by saying: Lets talk about what you should do if you
receive an explicit text.
Tip: You could use a news report to start a discussion. For example: I read about a girl whose explicit photo was
forwarded all over her school. Does this kind of thing really happen?
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Let Us Abhor What Is Wicked
JEHOVAH is a holy God. In ancient times he was the Holy One of Israel, and as such he demanded that Israel
be clean, unsullied. (Psalm 89:18) He told his chosen people: You must prove yourselves holy, because I am holy.
(Leviticus 11:45) Anyone who wanted to ascend into the mountain of Jehovah had to be innocent in his hands
and clean in heart. (Psalm 24:3, 4) That meant more than merely avoiding sinful acts. It meant the hating of
bad.Proverbs 8:13.
Lovingly, Jehovah laid down detailed laws so that the nation of Israel could identify and avoid wrongdoing.
(Romans 7:7, 12) These laws included strict guidelines on morality. Adultery, homosexual acts, incestuous
relationships, and bestiality were all identified as unholy spiritual pollutants. (Leviticus 18:23; 20:10-17) Those
guilty of such degraded acts were cut off from the nation of Israel.
When the congregation of anointed Christians became the Israel of God, similar moral standards were laid
down for them. (Galatians 6:16) Christians too were to abhor what is wicked. (Romans 12:9) Jehovahs words to
Israel also applied to them: You must be holy, because I am holy. (1 Peter 1:15, 16) Such unholy practices as
fornication, adultery, homosexual acts, bestiality, and incest were not to corrupt the Christian congregation. Those
refusing to stop engaging in such things would be excluded from Gods Kingdom. (Romans 1:26, 27; 2:22;
1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Hebrews 13:4) In these last days, the same standards apply to the other sheep.
(2 Timothy 3:1; John 10:16) As a result, anointed Christians and other sheep make up a clean and wholesome
people, able to carry the name of their God as Jehovahs Witnesses.Isaiah 43:10.
Keeping the Congregation Clean
In contrast, the world condones all kinds of immorality. Although true Christians are different, they should not
forget that many who now serve Jehovah were once in the world. There are many who, before they knew our holy
God, saw no reason not to indulge the desires and fantasies of their fallen flesh, wallowing in a low sink of
debauchery. (1 Peter 4:4) The apostle Paul, after describing the disgusting practices of degraded people of the
nations, said: That is what some of you were. Still, he went on to say: But you have been washed clean, but you
have been sanctified, but you have been declared righteous in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the
spirit of our God.1 Corinthians 6:11.
What a comforting statement that is! Whatever a person did earlier in life, he changes when the glorious good
news about the Christ has an effect on his heart. He exercises faith and dedicates himself to Jehovah God. From
then on he lives a morally pure life, washed clean in Gods eyes. (Hebrews 9:14) The sins that he committed
previously are pardoned, and he can stretch forward to the things ahead.*Philippians 3:13, 14; Romans 4:7, 8.
Jehovah forgave repentant David for murder and adultery, and He forgave repentant Manasseh for immoral
idolatry and much bloodshed. (2 Samuel 12:9, 13; 2 Chronicles 33:2-6, 10-13) We can be truly grateful that he is
prepared to forgive us too if we repent and approach him in sincerity and humility. Still, despite Jehovahs
forgiving David and Manasseh, these two menand Israel with themhad to live with the consequences of their
sinful acts. (2 Samuel 12:11, 12; Jeremiah 15:3-5) In a similar way, while Jehovah forgives repentant sinners,
there may be consequences of their actions that cannot be avoided.
Inevitable Consequences
For example, a man who lives a life of immoral debauchery and contracts AIDS may accept the truth and turn
his life around to the point of dedication and baptism. Now he is a spiritually clean Christian having a relationship
with God and a wonderful hope for the future; but he still has AIDS. He may eventually die of the disease, a sad but
inescapable consequence of his former conduct. For some Christians the effects of former gross immorality may
persist in other ways. For years after their baptism, perhaps for the rest of their lives in this system of things, they
may have to fight urges in their flesh to return to their previous immoral life-style. With the help of Jehovahs
spirit, many succeed in resisting. But they have to wage a constant battle.Galatians 5:16, 17.
Such ones do not sin as long as they control their urges. But if they are men, they may wisely decide not to
reach out for responsibility in the congregation while still having to struggle with powerful fleshly impulses.
(1 Timothy 3:1) Why? Because they know the trust that the congregation puts in the elders. (Isaiah 32:1, 2;
Hebrews 13:17) They realize that the elders are consulted on many intimate matters and have to handle sensitive
situations. It would be neither loving, wise, nor reasonable for one waging a constant fight with unclean fleshly
desires to reach out for such a responsible position.Proverbs 14:16; John 15:12, 13; Romans 12:1.
For a man who was a child molester before he was baptized, there may be another consequence. When he
learns the truth, he repents and turns around, not bringing that cruel sin into the congregation. He may thereafter
make fine progress, completely overcome his wrong impulses, and even be inclined to reach out for a
responsible position in the congregation. What, though, if he still has to live down notoriety in the community as a
former child molester? Would he be irreprehensible, . . . have a fine testimony from people on the outside, . . . [be]
free from accusation? (1 Timothy 3:1-7, 10; Titus 1:7) No, he would not. Hence, he would not qualify for
congregation privileges.
When a Dedicated Christian Sins
Jehovah understands that we are weak and that even after baptism we may fall into sin. The apostle John
wrote to Christians of his day: I am writing you these things that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone
does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one. And he is a propitiatory
sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole worlds. (1 John 2:1, 2) Yes, on the basis of Jesus
sacrifice, Jehovah will forgive baptized Christians who fall into sinif they truly repent and abandon their wrong
course.
An example of this was seen in the first-century congregation at Corinth. The apostle Paul heard of a case of
incestuous fornication in that young congregation, and he gave instructions that the man involved be
disfellowshipped. Later, the sinner repented, and Paul exhorted the congregation to reinstate him. (1 Corinthians
5:1, 13; 2 Corinthians 2:5-9) Thus, by the healing power of Jehovahs loving kindness and the great value of Jesus
ransom sacrifice, the man was cleansed of his sin. Similar things may happen today. Again, though, even if a
baptized person who commits a serious sin repents and is forgiven in Jehovahs eyes, there may still be ongoing
consequences of his sin.Proverbs 10:16, 17; Galatians 6:7.
For example, if a dedicated girl commits fornication, she may bitterly regret her act and eventually be restored
to spiritual health with the help of the congregation. But what if she is pregnant because of her immorality? Then
her whole life has been inescapably changed by what she did. A man who commits adultery may repent and not
be disfellowshipped. But his innocent mate has Scriptural grounds to divorce him, and she may choose to do so.
(Matthew 19:9) If she does, the man, although forgiven by Jehovah, will live the rest of his life with this grave
consequence of his sin.1 John 1:9.
What of a man who unlovingly divorces his wife in order to marry another woman? Perhaps he will eventually
repent and be reinstated in the congregation. Over the years he may make progress and press on to maturity.
(Hebrews 6:1) But as long as his first wife lives without a mate, he will not qualify to serve in a responsible
position in the congregation. He is not a husband of one wife because he had no Scriptural right to divorce his
first wife.1 Timothy 3:2, 12.
Are these not powerful reasons why a Christian should cultivate an abhorrence of what is wicked?
What of a Child Molester?
What if a baptized adult Christian sexually molests a child? Is the sinner so wicked that Jehovah will never
forgive him? Not necessarily so. Jesus said that blasphemy against the holy spirit was unforgivable. And Paul said
that there is no sacrifice for sins left for one who practices sin willfully despite knowing the truth. (Luke 12:10;
Hebrews 10:26, 27) But nowhere does the Bible say that an adult Christian who sexually abuses a childwhether
incestuously or otherwisecannot be forgiven. Indeed, his sins can be washed clean if he repents sincerely from
the heart and turns his conduct around. However, he may still have to struggle with the wrong fleshly impulses he
cultivated. (Ephesians 1:7) And there may be consequences that he cannot avoid.
Depending on the law of the land where he lives, the molester may well have to serve a prison term or face
other sanctions from the State. The congregation will not protect him from this. Moreover, the man has revealed a
serious weakness that henceforth will have to be taken into account. If he seems to be repentant, he will be
encouraged to make spiritual progress, share in the field service, even have parts in the Theocratic Ministry
School and nonteaching parts in the Service Meeting. This does not mean, though, that he will qualify to serve in a
position of responsibility in the congregation. What are the Scriptural reasons for this?
For one thing, an elder must be self-controlled. (Titus 1:8) True, none of us have perfect self-control.
(Romans 7:21-25) But a dedicated adult Christian who falls into the sin of child sexual abuse reveals an unnatural
fleshly weakness. Experience has shown that such an adult may well molest other children. True, not every child
molester repeats the sin, but many do. And the congregation cannot read hearts to tell who is and who is not
liable to molest children again. (Jeremiah 17:9) Hence, Pauls counsel to Timothy applies with special force in the
case of baptized adults who have molested children: Never lay your hands hastily upon any man; neither be a
sharer in the sins of others. (1 Timothy 5:22) For the protection of our children, a man known to have been a
child molester does not qualify for a responsible position in the congregation. Moreover, he cannot be a pioneer
or serve in any other special, full-time service.Compare the principle at Exodus 21:28, 29.
Some may ask, Have not some committed other types of sin and apparently repented, only to repeat their sin
later? Yes, that has happened, but there are other factors to consider. If, for example, an individual makes
immoral advances to another adult, the adult should be able to resist his or her advances. Children are much
easier to deceive, confuse, or terrorize. The Bible speaks of a childs lack of wisdom. (Proverbs 22:15;
1 Corinthians 13:11) Jesus used children as an example of humble innocence. (Matthew 18:4; Luke 18:16, 17) The
innocence of a child includes a complete lack of experience. Most children are open, eager to please, and thus
vulnerable to abuse by a scheming adult whom they know and trust. Therefore, the congregation has a
responsibility before Jehovah to protect its children.
Well-trained children learn to obey and honor their parents, the elders, and other adults. (Ephesians 6:1, 2;
1 Timothy 5:1, 2; Hebrews 13:7) It would be a shocking perversion if one of these authority figures were to
misuse that childs innocent trust so as to seduce or force him or her to submit to sexual acts. Those who have
been sexually molested in this way often struggle for years to overcome the resulting emotional trauma. Hence, a
child molester is subject to severe congregational discipline and restrictions. It is not his status as an authority
figure that should be of concern but, rather, the unblemished purity of the congregation.1 Corinthians 5:6;
2 Peter 3:14.
If a child molester sincerely repents, he will recognize the wisdom of applying Bible principles. If he truly
learns to abhor what is wicked, he will despise what he did and struggle to avoid repeating his sin. (Proverbs
8:13; Romans 12:9) Further, he will surely thank Jehovah for the greatness of His love, as a result of which a
repentant sinner, such as he is, can still worship our holy God and hope to be among the upright who will reside
on earth forever.Proverbs 2:21.
* See Questions From Readers in the May 1, 1996, issue of The Watchtower.
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Walking in the Path of Increasing Light
The path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter
and lighter until the day is firmly established.PROVERBS 4:18.
WHO can better describe the effect that the rising sun has on the darkness of the night than the very Source of
light, Jehovah God? (Psalm 36:9) When the morning light takes hold on the ends of the earth, God says, the earth
transforms itself like clay under a seal, and things take their station as in clothing. (Job 38:12-14) With increasing
light from the sun, earths features take shape and become clearer, just as soft clay undergoes a transformation
upon receiving an imprint from an emblem on a seal.
2Jehovah is also the Source of spiritual light. (Psalm 43:3) While the world remains in dense darkness, the true
God continues to shed light upon his people. With what result? The Bible answers: The path of the righteous ones
is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established. (Proverbs 4:18)
Increasing light from Jehovah continues to illuminate the path of his people. It refines them organizationally,
doctrinally, and morally.
Enlightenment Leads to Organizational Refinements
3 Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah foretold: Instead of the copper I shall bring in gold, and instead of the
iron I shall bring in silver, and instead of the wood, copper, and instead of the stones, iron. (Isaiah 60:17) Just as
replacing an inferior material with a superior one denotes improvement, Jehovahs Witnesses have experienced
improvements in their organizational arrangements all through the conclusion of the system of things, or the
last days.Matthew 24:3; 2 Timothy 3:1.
4 In the early part of the last days, the congregations of Bible Students, as Jehovahs Witnesses were then
known, democratically elected their elders and deacons. Some elders, however, did not have the genuine spirit of
evangelizing. Some not only were reluctant to participate in the preaching work themselves but also discouraged
others from sharing in it. So in 1919 a new office was instituted in each congregationthat of a service director.
The service director was not elected by the congregation but was appointed theocratically to his position by the
branch office of Gods people. The responsibilities of the appointed director included organizing the preaching
work, assigning territories, and encouraging participation in the field ministry. During the years that followed, the
Kingdom-preaching work received a tremendous stimulus.
5 All in the congregation were further invigorated by the exhortation Advertise, advertise, advertise, the King
and his kingdom, given in 1922 at the Bible Students convention at Cedar Point, Ohio, U.S.A. By 1927 field
service was organized to the point that Sunday was designated as the most suitable day for participating in the
house-to-house preaching work. Why that day? Because Sunday was the day when most people were off work.
Jehovahs Witnesses today manifest the same spirit by endeavoring to call on people at times when they are most
likely to be at home, such as on weekends and in the evenings.
6 A great impetus to the Kingdom-proclamation work came on Sunday afternoon, July 26, 1931, when a
resolution was adopted, first at a convention in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., and thereafter around the world. In part,
the resolution stated: We are servants of Jehovah God commissioned to do a work in his name, and, in obedience
to his commandment, to deliver the testimony of Jesus Christ, and to make known to the people that Jehovah is
the true and Almighty God; therefore we joyfully embrace and take the name which the mouth of the Lord God has
named, and we desire to be known as and called by the name, to wit, Jehovahs witnesses. (Isaiah 43:10) How
clearly that new name defined the primary activity of all of those bearing that name! Yes, Jehovah had work for all
his servants to share in. The overall response was enthusiastic indeed!
7 Many elders humbly devoted themselves to the preaching work. In some places, though, elected elders put up
considerable resistance to the idea that everyone in the congregation should participate in the public ministry.
However, further improvements were in sight. In 1932 the congregations received instruction through The
Watchtower to discontinue the electing of elders and deacons. Instead, they were to elect a service committee
composed of spiritual men who participated in the public preaching work. Oversight was thus entrusted to those
who actively shared in the ministry, and the work moved ahead.
Increased Light Means Further Improvements
8 The light was getting lighter and lighter. In 1938 the use of elections was eliminated altogether. All servants
in the congregation were to be appointed theocratically under the oversight of the faithful and discreet slave.
(Matthew 24:45-47) The change was readily accepted by practically all the congregations of Jehovahs Witnesses,
and the work of witnessing continued to bear fruit.
9Beginning October 1, 1972, another adjustment in congregational oversight became effective. The
arrangement of oversight by a body of elders was instituted in the congregations of Jehovahs Witnesses
worldwide, replacing oversight by just one congregation servant, or overseer. This new arrangement has
provided tremendous encouragement for mature men to qualify to take the lead in the congregation. (1 Timothy
3:1-7) As a result, a greater number of brothers have gained experience in caring for congregational
responsibilities. How valuable they have proved to be in shepherding the many new ones who have accepted
Bible truth!
The members of the Governing Body were organized into six committees, and starting on January 1, 1976,
10
all the activities of the organization and of the congregations around the earth came under the supervision of
these committees. What a blessing it has proved to be to have all aspects of the Kingdom work directed by a
multitude of counselors!Proverbs 15:22; 24:6.
11 The year 1992 saw still another refinement, one that is comparable to what happened after the Israelites
and others returned from exile in Babylon. Back at that time, there were not a sufficient number of Levites to care
for temple service. So non-Israelite Nethinim were given more to do in helping the Levites. Accordingly, to assist
the faithful and discreet slave class in caring for its increasing earthly interests, in 1992 some of the other sheep
received added service responsibilities. They were appointed as helpers to the Governing Body committees.
John 10:16.
What has resulted from all of this? I will appoint peace as your overseers and righteousness as your task
12
assigners, says Jehovah. (Isaiah 60:17) There is peace among Jehovahs servants today, and love of
righteousness has become their task assignerthe force that impels them to serve God. They are well-
organized to carry out the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work.Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.
3 (a) p. 22
w95 5/15 p. 22 pars. 6-8
Flashes of Light on Organizational Matters

There was the question of who should serve as elders and deacons in the congregations. To get away from
6
the hierarchical structure prevalent in Christendom, it was concluded that these should be elected democratically
by the vote of the members of each congregation. But increasing light contained in The Watchtower of
September 1 and of October 15, 1932, showed that the Scriptures do not provide for elective elders. So these were
replaced by a service committee, and a service director was chosen by the Society.
7 The Watchtower of June 1 and of June 15, 1938, contained flashes of light showing that the servants in the
congregation were to be, not elected, but appointed, that is, appointed theocratically. In 1971 another flash of
light showed that each congregation was not to be directed by just one congregation servant. Rather, each should
have a body of elders, or overseers, assigned by the Governing Body of Jehovahs Witnesses. So by the increasing
light over some 40 years, it became evident that elders as well as deacons, now known as ministerial servants,
should be appointed by the faithful and discreet slave, through its Governing Body. (Matthew 24:45-47) This
was in line with what took place in apostolic times. Men such as Timothy and Titus were appointed as overseers
by the first-century governing body. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:22; Titus 1:5-9) All of this is in striking fulfillment of
Isaiah 60:17: Instead of the copper I shall bring in gold, and instead of the iron I shall bring in silver, and instead
of the wood, copper, and instead of the stones, iron; and I will appoint peace as your overseers and righteousness
as your task assigners.
8 There was also the matter of the operation of the Watch Tower Society. For many years the Governing Body
of Jehovahs Witnesses was synonymous with the board of directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
of Pennsylvania, and matters were largely in the hands of its president. As shown in the 1977 Yearbook of
Jehovahs Witnesses (pages 258-9), in 1976 the Governing Body began to function with six committees, each
assigned to care for certain aspects of the worldwide work. The Personnel Committee deals with personnel
matters, including the interests of all who serve in the worldwide Bethel family. The Publishing Committee
handles all secular and legal matters, such as property and printing. The Service Committee concerns itself with
the witness work and supervises traveling overseers, pioneers, and the activities of congregation publishers. The
Teaching Committee is responsible for congregation meetings, special assembly days, circuit assemblies, and
district and international conventions as well as the various schools for the spiritual education of Gods people.
The Writing Committee supervises the preparation and translation of publications in all forms, making sure that
everything is in line with the Scriptures. The Chairmans Committee cares for emergencies and other urgent
matters. Also in the 1970s, branch offices of the Watch Tower Society began to be directed by a committee
instead of an overseer.
3 (a) p. 22
g 1/14 pp. 2-6
A Unique Web Site
READ the Bible in about 50 languages and Bible-based content in more than 500 languages.
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WATCH Bible dramas and videos that will help you to face lifes challenges.
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RESEARCH a variety of topics usingWatchtower ONLINE LIBRARYthe gateway to a wealth of
information, available in over 100 languages.
FOR COUPLES
I want my family to succeed. My wife and I have gone through a rough patch lately, especially since we had
children. We could use some help
THE BIBLE SAYS:
By wisdom a house is built up, and bydiscernment it is made secure.Proverbs24:3.
USEFUL FEATURES OF THE WEB SITE
The Couples Parentssection can help you to meet challenges such as these:
Surviving the first year of marriage
Dealing with in-laws
Disciplining children
Arguing
Dealing with money problems
(Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS >COUPLES PARENTS)
The Secret of Family Happiness is a book that covers a wide range of family topics, from preparing for marriage
while you are single to caring for elderly parents.
(Look under PUBLICATIONS > BOOKS BROCHURES)
FOR PARENTS
Nothing is more important to me than my children. I want them to grow up to be adults I can be proud of
THE BIBLE SAYS:
Train a boy in the way he should go; evenwhen he grows old he will not depart fromit.Proverbs 22:6.
The Children section contains illustrated Bible stories, picture activities, videos, and Bible lessons that can
help you teach your children to . . .
be obedient
show kindness
get along with each other
learn to say thank you
(Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS >CHILDREN)
My Book of Bible Stories and LearnFrom the Great Teacher are beautifully illustrated books designed for you
to read with your children.
FOR TEENAGERS
Id like some tips for dealing with issues like school, my parents, my friends, and the opposite sex. Im not a child
anymore, so I dont want to be lectured
THE BIBLE SAYS:
Let your heart be glad in the days of youryouth.Ecclesiastes 11:9.
The Teenagers section has articles and videos that can help you . . .
if you are lonely
if you have problems at school
if you have broken a house rule
if you are being bullied or sexually harassed
(Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS >TEENAGERS)
Volumes 1 and 2 of Questions YoungPeople AskAnswers That Work tackle 77 important frequently asked
questions.
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TOLEARN ABOUT THE BIBLE
Id like to understand the Bible. Where can I start?
THE BIBLE SAYS:
All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching.2 Timothy 3:16.
The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is an accurate and easy-to-read translation of the Bible.
(Look under PUBLICATIONS > BIBLE)
The Bible Questions Answered section gives pointed answers to questions ranging from Why did God allow
the Holocaust to happen? to When was Jesus born?
(Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS > BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED)
The Request a Free Bible Study page lets you take advantage of our free Bible study course.
(Click on the Request a Bible Study link on the home page)
I gave up reading the Bible because I couldnt understand it..
But when I studied it using the book What Does the Bible Really
Teach? I was amazed at how simple and clear the Bible is.Christina.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUTJEHOVAHS WITNESSES?
The Frequently Asked Questionssection answers common questions about Jehovahs Witnesses, such as
Why do you call on people who already have a religion? and How is your work financed?
(Look under ABOUT US > FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
Each day, some 700,000 people visit jw.org. Why not join them?
3 (a) p. 22
km 10/13 p. 2
Use Our Web Site to Teach Your Children
Our Web site, jw.org, is designed to appeal to people of all ages. The section of the Web site entitled
1
Children (go to Bible Teachings > Children) helps young children and their parents to draw close to one another
and to Jehovah. (Deut. 6:6, 7) How can you use this section to teach your children?
2 Be Adaptable: Each child has unique needs. (1 Cor. 13:11) How, then, can you select age-appropriate
material to study with your children? Ask yourself: What will capture my childrens interest? How much will they
understand? How long is their attention span? With children who are three years of age or younger, you might
discuss the stories found under My Bible Lessons. Other families enjoy the Bible stories in the section Teach
Your Children. Also, consider the following options.
3Family Worship Projects: These projects are tools to help family heads study with their children. To learn
how to use the stories and activities, click the download button, and read the Parents Guide for each project.
Use picture activities, such as coloring pages, to teach younger children. Help older children to complete the study
activities. All the activities in each project relate to the same Bible story or lesson, so children of all ages can
participate in the same family worship project.
4 Become Jehovahs Friend: The videos, songs, and activities in this section of our Web site help parents to
inculcate Gods Word into their little children. (Deut. 31:12) Each short animated video teaches an important
lesson. Activities such as search-and-find games underscore those lessons. Since children often like to singand
songs help children to remember what they have learnedKingdom songs and songs written especially for
children are posted regularly.
5 Parents, Jehovah wants you to be successful mothers and fathers. So ask him to help you teach your children
the truth. (Judg. 13:8) With Jehovahs support, you can train your children to become wise for salvation through
the faith in connection with Christ Jesus.2 Tim. 3:15; Prov. 4:1-4.
3 (a) p. 22
km 12/12 pp. 3-6
PAGE 3 | Our Official Web Site
Designed to Benefit Us and Others
Jesus commissioned us to preach the good news of the Kingdom in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all
the nations. (Matt. 24:14) In order to help us fully accomplish our ministry, watchtower.org, jw-media.org, and
jw.org have been combined into the redesigned jw.org Web site.2 Tim. 4:5.
All the Inhabited Earth: About one third of the earths population uses the Internet. It has become the
primary source of information for many, especially young people. Our site gives Internet users truthful answers to
Bible questions. It introduces them to Jehovahs organization and makes it easy for them to request a free home
Bible study. It enables the good news to penetrate areas of the earth where people have few opportunities to hear
the Kingdom message.
All the Nations: In order to give a witness to all the nations, we must present Bible truth in different
languages. Visitors to jw.org can easily find information in about 400 languages, more than any other Web site.
Make Good Use of It: The redesigned jw.org Web site is not just for the purpose of witnessing to unbelievers.
It has been designed for use by Jehovahs Witnesses too. If you have access to the Internet, we encourage you to
get acquainted with jw.org. The following are some suggestions on how to use it.
Try It
[Diagram on page 3]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
1 Enter www.jw.org in the address field of the Internet browser of your computer.
2 Explore the site by clicking the section headings, menu options, and links.
3 Try using jw.org on your Internet-enabled mobile device. The page layout adjusts to fit the smaller screen, but
the information is the same.
Use It for Personal and Family Study
Read the Latest Magazine Online: Read The Watchtower and Awake! online several weeks before receiving
the printed copies in the congregation. Listen to audio recordings of a magazine.Go to
Publications/Magazines.
Read Material That Appears Only on the Web Site: Some material, such as For Young People, My Bible
Lessons, For Family Review, and Young People Ask, now appears only on our Web site. Go online and
consider some of this material during your personal and family study.Go to Bible Teachings/Children or
Bible Teachings/Teenagers.
Get the Latest News: Read encouraging reports and experiences, and watch video clips that highlight the
progress of our work around the world. Reports on disasters and persecution can help us to be specific in our
prayers for the affected brothers. (Jas. 5:16)Go to News.
Do Research Using Online Library: If this feature is available in your language, use a computer or a mobile
device to read the daily text online or to do research in some of our recent publications.Go to
Publications/Online Library, or type www.wol.jw.org in the address field of your b rowser.
Try It
[Diagram on page 4]
1 Click on the picture or the Download link. The picture displays in a PDF document window. Print it and use
the printout as an activity for your child.
2 Click Play to watch a video.
Use It in Your Ministry
Direct People to the Web Site: Some who hesitate to converse with us or accept literature are willing to
investigate Jehovahs Witnesses by looking at jw.org in the privacy of their home. So publicize the Web site at
every appropriate opportunity.
Answer Questions: At times a householder, an interested person, or an acquaintance will ask a question
about Jehovahs Witnesses or our beliefs. Show him the answer on the spot, using a mobile device or a computer.
It is often best to read the cited scriptures directly from the Bible. If you do not have ready access to the Internet,
explain how the person can use jw.org to find the answer himself.Go to Bible Teachings/Bible Questions
Answered or About Us/Frequently Asked Questions.
Send an Article or a Publication to Someone You Know: Attach a downloaded PDF or an EPUB to an e-mail.
Or download an audio version of a publication onto a CD. Each time you give someone who is not baptized a
complete electronic book, brochure, or magazine, you may count it as a placement. Material should not be sent
anonymously or in bulk. Neither should it be uploaded to any other Internet Web site.Go to Publications.
Show the Latest News About Jehovahs Witnesses: This will help Bible students and others you are calling
on to develop appreciation for the worldwide scope of our work and our Christian unity. (Ps. 133:1)Go to
News.
Try It
[Diagram on page 5]
1 Under Publications, find the item you wish to download, and click the button for the text or audio format you
want.
2 Click the MP3 button to display a list of individual articles. Click the article title to download it or to listen to
it online.
3 Choose another language from this list if you want to download a publication in that language.
Use It to Help Someone Who Speaks a Different Language
Show Him Our Web Site: Demonstrate how he can use the Site Language list to see the Web site in his
language. (In some languages, only a portion of the site is available.)
Show Him a Web Page in His Language: Display a page from one of our publications, such as the Bible Teach
book or the Know the Truth tract. Choose the householders language from the Read In list.
Let Him Listen to an Article: Find an article for which there is an audio track in the persons language, and
play it for him. If you are learning another language, improve your skill by listening to an audio track in that
language as you read.Go to Publications/Books and Brochures or Publications/Magazines.
Witness to the Deaf: If you find a deaf person, play a sign-language video of a chapter from the Bible, a book, a
brochure, or a tract.Go to Publications/Sign Language.
Try It
[Diagram on page 6]
1 Click to play the selected audio track (if available in your language) or one of the Download Options buttons
to download the publication.
2 Choose another language from the Read In list to show this page in that language.
3 Click Next or a link in the Table of Contents to read another article or chapter.
3 (a) p. 23
w11 4/15 pp. 3-5
Do You Discern the Evidence of Gods Guidance?
NEITHER the Israelites nor the Egyptians had seen anything like it before. As the Israelites made their Exodus
from Egypt, a pillar of cloud hovered near them and stayed with them day in and day out. At night it became a
pillar of fire. How awe-inspiring! But where did it come from? What was its purpose? And what can we, some
3,500 years later, learn from the way that Israel regarded the pillar of fire and cloud?Ex. 14:24.
Gods Word reveals the source and the purpose of the pillar, stating: Jehovah was going ahead of them in the
daytime in a pillar of cloud to lead them by the way, and in the nighttime in a pillar of fire to give them light to go
in the daytime and nighttime. (Ex. 13:21, 22) Jehovah God used the pillar of fire and cloud to guide his people out
of Egypt and through the wilderness. They had to be ready to move in order to follow it. When the pursuing
Egyptian forces were about to attack Gods people, the pillar moved between the two groups, protecting the
Israelites. (Ex. 14:19, 20) Though the pillar did not indicate the most direct route, following its lead was the only
way for Israel to get to the Promised Land.
The presence of the pillar assured Gods people that Jehovah was with them. It represented Jehovah, and at
times he spoke out of it. (Num. 14:14; Ps. 99:7) Further, the cloud identified Moses as the one appointed by
Jehovah to lead the nation. (Ex. 33:9) Likewise, the last recorded appearance of the cloud confirmed Jehovahs
appointment of Joshua as Moses successor. (Deut. 31:14, 15) Indeed, the successful outcome of the Exodus
depended on the Israelites discerning the evidence of Gods guidance and then following it.
They Lost Sight of the Evidence
When the Israelites saw that pillar for the first time, they must have been awestruck. Sadly, though, that
constantly present miracle did not impress the Israelites enough to fill them with lasting confidence in Jehovah.
They challenged Gods guidance several times. When the Egyptian army pursued them, they showed no trust in
Jehovahs saving power. Instead, they accused Gods servant Moses of having led them toward their death. (Ex.
14:10-12) After their deliverance through the Red Sea, they murmured against Moses, Aaron, and Jehovah
because of the presumed lack of food and water. (Ex. 15:22-24; 16:1-3; 17:1-3, 7) And some weeks after that, they
pressured Aaron into making a golden calf. Just imagine! In one section of their camp, the Israelites saw the pillar
of fire and cloudthe majestic evidence of the One who had led them out of Egyptand not far from there, they
began worshipping a lifeless idol, saying: This is your God, O Israel, who led you up out of the land of Egypt.
What great acts of disrespect!Ex. 32:4; Neh. 9:18.
Israels rebellious acts demonstrated striking disregard for Jehovahs guidance. The problem was not with
their physical sight but with their spiritual outlook. They saw the pillar, but they no longer appreciated its
meaning. Though their actions pained even the Holy One of Israel, Jehovah mercifully kept on providing
guidance by means of the pillar until Israel reached the Promised Land.Ps. 78:40-42, 52-54; Neh. 9:19.
See the Evidence of Divine Guidance Today
Similarly in modern times, Jehovah has never left his people without clear guidance. Just as he did not expect
the Israelites to scout out their own route, we today are not asked to find the way into the promised new world on
our own. Jesus Christ is the assigned Leader of the congregation. (Matt. 23:10; Eph. 5:23) He has delegated some
authority to a faithful slave class, made up of faithful spirit-anointed Christians. That slave class, in turn, appoints
overseers in the Christian congregation.Matt. 24:45-47; Titus 1:5-9.
How can we be sure of the identity of that faithful slave, or steward, class? Notice how Jesus himself describes
it: Who really is the faithful steward, the discreet one, whom his master will appoint over his body of attendants
to keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time? Happy is that slave, if his master on
arriving finds him doing so!Luke 12:42, 43.
Hence, the steward class is faithful, never betraying or abandoning Jehovah, Jesus, Bible truths, or Gods
people. Being discreet, the steward class shows good judgment in directing the all-important work of preaching
the good news of the kingdom and making disciples of people of all the nations. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) At
the proper time, the steward class obediently distributes spiritual food that is wholesome and nourishing.
Jehovahs approval is seen in how he blesses his people with increase, guidance in important decisions, better
comprehension of Bible truths, safeguards against annihilation at the hands of their enemies, and peace of mind
and heart.Isa. 54:17; Phil. 4:7.
Respond to Gods Guidance
How can we show that we appreciate Gods guidance? The apostle Paul said: Be obedient to those who are
taking the lead among you and be submissive. (Heb. 13:17) Doing so may not always be easy. To illustrate: Put
yourself in the place of an Israelite in Moses day. Imagine that after you have been walking for some time, the
pillar comes to a halt. How long will it stay there? A day? A week? Several months? You wonder, Is it worth
unpacking all my possessions? First, you may unpack only the most necessary items. Yet, after a few days,
frustrated at searching through your belongings, you begin to unpack everything. But then, just when you have
about finished unpacking, you see the pillar liftingand you have to start packing again! That would not be so
easy or convenient. Still, the Israelites had to pull away right afterward.Num. 9:17-22.
How, then, do we react when we receive divine direction? Do we try to apply it right afterward? Or do we
continue doing things just as we have been accustomed to doing them? Are we familiar with up-to-date directions,
such as those regarding conducting home Bible studies, preaching to foreign-speaking people, regularly sharing in
family worship, cooperating with Hospital Liaison Committees, and conducting ourselves properly at
conventions? We also show our appreciation for Gods guidance by accepting counsel. When faced with far-
reaching decisions, we do not trust in our own wisdom but look to Jehovah and his organization for guidance. And
just as a child seeks his parents protection when a storm rages, we seek protection in Jehovahs organization
when, like a thunderstorm, the problems of this world strike us.
Of course, those taking the lead in the earthly part of Gods organization are not perfectbut neither was
Moses. Even so, the pillar provided constant evidence of his divine appointment and of Gods approval. Note, too,
that it was not for each Israelite to determine when to start moving. Instead, the people acted at the order of
Jehovah by means of Moses. (Num. 9:23) Thus Moses, Gods channel of direction, likely gave the signal to move.
Today, Jehovahs steward class gives a clear signal whenever it is time to make a move. How does the steward
do that? By means of articles in The Watchtower and Our Kingdom Ministry, new publications, and talks at
assemblies and conventions. Instructions are also conveyed to the congregations through traveling overseers or
through letters or training sessions attended by brothers having congregation responsibilities.
Do you clearly discern the evidence of divine guidance? Jehovah uses his organization to guide us, his people,
through the wilderness during these last days of Satans wicked world. As a result, we enjoy unity, love, and
security.
After Israel reached the Promised Land, Joshua said: You well know with all your hearts and with all your
souls that not one word out of all the good words that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have
all come true for you. (Josh. 23:14) Likewise, Gods people today will without fail reach the promised new world.
However, whether we personally will be there depends to no small degree on our humble willingness to follow
Gods direction. Therefore, may we all keep on discerning the evidence of Jehovahs guidance!
3 (a) p. 23
w13 4/15 pp. 23-25 pars. 5-8
Make Sure of the More Important Things
THE HEAVENLY PART OF JEHOVAHS ORGANIZATION IS ON THE MOVE

There are many things that Jehovah chose not to include in his written Word. For example, he did not provide
5
details about how the brain works or how the universe functions, even though such information would have been
very fascinating! Rather, Jehovah provided information that we need in order to understand his purposes and to
live our lives in harmony with them. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) How interesting, then, that the Bible does provide glimpses
of the invisible part of Jehovahs organization! We thrill at reading the descriptions of Jehovahs heavenly
arrangement written by Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel and in Johns Revelation account. (Isa. 6:1-4; Ezek. 1:4-14, 22-
24; Dan. 7:9-14; Rev. 4:1-11) It is as if Jehovah pulled back a curtain and allowed us to peer into the heavens. Why
did he provide this information?
6 Jehovah wanted us never to forget that we are part of a universal organization. There is much more going on
in support of Jehovahs purposes than what we can see. For example, Ezekiel saw the invisible part of Jehovahs
organization depicted by a colossal celestial chariot. This chariot could move swiftly and change direction in an
instant. (Ezek. 1:15-21) With each revolution of its wheels, the chariot could cover great distances. In vision,
Ezekiel was also able to get a glimpse of the Rider of the chariot. He said: I got to see something like the glow of
electrum, like the appearance of fire all around . . . It was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah.
(Ezek. 1:25-28) How awe-inspiring it must have been for Ezekiel to see this vision! He saw Jehovah in full control
of his organization, directing its movement through his holy spirit. What an amazing representation of the
heavenly part of Jehovahs organization on the move!
7 Daniel too saw much to give us confidence. He was allowed to see Jehovah depicted as the Ancient of Days
sitting on a throne with flames of fire. The throne was on wheels. (Dan. 7:9) Jehovah wanted Daniel to see that His
organization is in motion, accomplishing His purpose. Daniel also saw someone like a son of man, Jesus, being
given oversight of the earthly part of Jehovahs organization. Christs perfect rule does not exist for just a few
short years. Rather, it is an indefinitely lasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will
not be brought to ruin. (Dan. 7:13, 14) We are moved to trust in Jehovah and to recognize what he is
accomplishing. He gave rulership and dignity and kingdom to his tried and proven Son, Jesus. Jehovah puts trust
in his Son. Thus, we can have confidence in Jesus leadership as well.
How should this view of the invisible part of Jehovahs organization impact us? Like Ezekiel, we are surely
8
awed and humbled by what Jehovah is accomplishing. (Ezek. 1:28) Meditating on Jehovahs organization can
move us to action, just as it did Isaiah. When the opportunity arose for him to tell others about what Jehovah is
doing, he seized it without hesitation. (Read Isaiah 6:5, 8.) Isaiah was confident that with Jehovahs backing, he
could successfully face any challenge. Similarly, this glimpse of the invisible part of Jehovahs organization should
fill us with awe and spur us to action. How motivating to contemplate that organization, ever on the move and
completely focused on accomplishing Jehovahs purposes!
3 (a) p. 24
w11 9/15 p. 14 pars. 14-15
Are You Letting Jehovah Be Your Share?
14 How do you react when Jehovah, the Source of spiritual enlightenment, sheds light on the deep things of
God found in the Bible? (1 Cor. 2:10-13) We have an excellent example in the apostle Peters reaction when Jesus
told His listeners: Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves.
Taking those words literally, many disciples said: This speech is shocking; who can listen to it? They went off to
the things behind. But Peter said: Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.John
6:53, 60, 66, 68.
Peter did not fully understand what Jesus said about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. But the apostle
15
relied on God for spiritual enlightenment. When spiritual light on some matter gets brighter, do you try to
understand the underlying Scriptural reasons for the adjustment? (Prov. 4:18) The first-century Beroeans
received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily. (Acts 17:11)
Imitating them will deepen your appreciation for your privilege to serve Jehovah, to have him be your share.
3 (a) p. 24
w98 10/1 pp. 19-23
Local Cultures and Christian PrinciplesAre They Compatible?
STEPHEN, a Witness from Northern Europe, was assigned as a missionary to an African country. While
strolling through town with a local brother, he was startled when the brother took hold of his hand.
The thought of walking down a busy street holding hands with another man was shocking to Stephen. In his
culture such a custom has homosexual connotations. (Romans 1:27) Nevertheless, to the African brother, holding
hands was purely a gesture of friendship. The rejection of the hand would signify a rejection of the friendship.
Why should clashes of culture concern us? First of all because Jehovahs people are keen to fulfill their divine
commission to make disciples of people of all the nations. (Matthew 28:19) To accomplish this task, some have
moved to serve where the need for ministers is greater. To succeed in their new environment, they must
understand and adapt to the distinct cultures they encounter. Then they will be able to work in harmony with
their fellow brothers and sisters, while also being more effective in the public ministry.
Furthermore, in this turbulent world, many people have fled from their troubled homelands for political or
economic reasons and have settled in other countries. So we could well find that while preaching to these new
neighbors, we are confronted with new customs. (Matthew 22:39) Our initial exposure to different ways may
result in a sense of confusion about new customs.
Areas Clearly Defined
Culture is woven into the fabric of human society. What a fruitless exercise it would be, therefore, to become
righteous overmuch and investigate every small custom to decide whether it is compatible with Bible
principles!Ecclesiastes 7:16.
On the other hand, there is a need to identify local customs that clearly violate divine principles. Generally,
though, that is not difficult to do, since Gods Word is available for setting things straight. (2 Timothy 3:16) For
example, having many wives is customary in some lands, but for true Christians the Scriptural standard is for a
man to have just one living wife.Genesis 2:24; 1 Timothy 3:2.
Likewise, certain funeral customs designed to keep away evil spirits, or based on a belief in an immortal soul,
would be unacceptable for a true Christian. Some people offer incense or prayers to the departed in order to repel
wicked spirits. Others have wakes or even a second burial with the objective of helping the deceased to prepare
for life in the next world. The Bible teaches, however, that when a person dies, he is conscious of nothing at all,
and thus he cannot do good or harm to anyone.Ecclesiastes 9:5; Psalm 146:4.
Of course, there are many customs that are compatible with Gods Word. How refreshing when we come into
contact with cultures where the spirit of hospitality still thrives, where custom demands that even a stranger be
given a warm greeting and that, when necessary, the home be opened up to him! When you experience such
treatment firsthand, are you not moved to follow this example? If you are, it will certainly improve your Christian
personality.Hebrews 13:1, 2.
Who of us likes to be kept waiting? In some lands this rarely happens because punctuality is considered
important. The Bible tells us that Jehovah is a God of order. (1 Corinthians 14:33) Consequently, he has set a day
and hour to end wickedness, and he assures us that this event will not be late. (Matthew 24:36; Habakkuk 2:3)
Cultures that promote reasonable punctuality help us to be orderly and to show proper respect for other people
and their time, which is certainly in line with Scriptural principles.1 Corinthians 14:40; Philippians 2:4.
What About Innocuous Customs?
While some customs are clearly compatible with the Christian way of living, others are not. But what about
those customs that cannot be defined as good or bad? Many customs are innocuous, or harmless, and our attitude
toward them can demonstrate our spiritual balance.
For example, there are many forms of greetingsa handshake, a bow, a kiss, or even an embrace. Likewise,
there is a huge variety of customs governing table manners. In some lands people eat from a communal plate or
dish. Burping is an acceptableeven desirableexpression of appreciation in certain countries, whereas in
others it is unacceptable and would be classed as the height of bad manners.
Rather than deciding which of these neutral customs you personally like or dislike, concentrate on adopting
the right attitude toward them. The timeless counsel from the Bible recommends that we do nothing out of
contentiousness or out of egotism, but with lowliness of mind, we consider that others are superior to us.
(Philippians 2:3) Similarly, Eleanor Boykin, in her book This Way, PleaseA Book of Manners, says: A kind heart
is the first thing you need.
This humble approach will prevent us from disparaging the customs of others. We will feel motivated to reach
out and learn how other people live, share their customs and taste their foods rather than hold back or view with
suspicion everything that seems different. By keeping an open mind and being willing to try new ways, we pay a
compliment to our host or our foreign neighbors. We also benefit ourselves as we widen out our hearts and our
horizons.2 Corinthians 6:13.
If the Custom Hinders Spiritual Progress
What if we encounter customs that are not unscriptural in themselves, yet they are not conducive to spiritual
progress? In some lands, for example, people may be very inclined to procrastinate. This easygoing approach to
life can reduce stress, but it will likely make it more difficult for us to accomplish our ministry fully.2 Timothy
4:5.
How can we encourage others to avoid putting important things off until tomorrow? Remember that a kind
heart is the first thing you need. Motivated by love, w e can set the example and then kindly explain the benefits of
not leaving until tomorrow what should be done today. (Ecclesiastes 11:4) At the same time, we must be careful
not to sacrifice mutual trust and confidence in the interest of productivity. If our suggestions are not immediately
accepted by others, we should not lord it over them or take out our frustration on them. Love must always take
precedence over efficiency.1 Peter 4:8; 5:3.
Taking Into Account Local Taste
We need to be sure that any suggestion we make is a valid one and not just an effort to impose our own
personal tastes. Styles of clothing, for example, vary greatly. In many regions it is proper for a man preaching the
good news to wear a necktie, but in some tropical countries, it may be viewed as excessively formal. Taking into
account local taste as to what is proper dress for a professional person who deals with the public will often be a
helpful guide. Soundness of mind is vital when we deal with the sensitive issue of clothing.1 Timothy 2:9, 10.
What if a custom does not please us? Should it automatically be rejected? Not necessarily. The custom of males
holding hands, mentioned earlier, was perfectly acceptable in that particular African community. When the
missionary noticed that other men were walking around holding hands, he felt more at ease.
The apostle Paul, during his extensive missionary journeys, visited congregations whose members came from
diverse backgrounds. Doubtless, clashes of culture were frequent. Thus, Paul adapted to whatever customs he
could while firmly adhering to Bible principles. I have become all things to people of all sorts, he said, that I
might by all means save some.1 Corinthians 9:22, 23; Acts 16:3.
A few pertinent questions may help us decide how we should react to new customs. By our adopting a certain
customor refusing to do sowhat impression are we giving observers? Will they be attracted to the Kingdom
message because they can see that we are trying to integrate into their culture? On the other hand, if we do adopt
a local custom, could our ministry be found fault with?2 Corinthians 6:3.
If we desire to become all things to people of all sorts, we may have to alter some deeply ingrained views as
to what is proper and what is not. Often the right and the wrong way to do something depends merely on
where we are living. Thus, in one country hand-holding among men is a demonstration of friendship, while in
many others it would surely detract from the Kingdom message.
There are other customs, however, that are acceptable in various regions and that may even be proper for
Christians; yet we must exercise caution.
Beware of Crossing the Line!
Jesus Christ said that although his disciples could not be taken out of the world, they had to remain no part of
the world. (John 17:15, 16) Sometimes, though, it is no easy task to identify the line between what is an integral
part of Satans world and what is merely culture. Music and dancing, for example, permeate almost every culture,
although in some lands they assume greater importance.
We may easily make a judgmentbased more on our background than on sound Scriptural reasons. Alex, a
German brother, received an assignment to Spain. In his former environment, dancing was not very popular, but
in Spain it is part of the culture. When he first saw a brother and a sister performing a lively local dance, he was
confused. Was this dancing wrong or perhaps worldly? Would he be lowering his standards if he went along with
this custom? Alex learned that although the music and the dancing were different, there was no reason to assume
that his Spanish brothers and sisters were lowering Christian standards. His confusion was due to a difference in
cultures.
However, Emilio, a brother who enjoys traditional Spanish dancing, recognizes that there is a danger. I notice
that many forms of dancing require the couple to have very close contact, he explains. As a single person, I
realize that this can affect the feelings of at least one of the partners. Sometimes, dancing can be used as an excuse
to show affection for someone you feel attracted to. Making sure that the music is wholesome and that physical
contact is kept to a minimum can serve as a protection. Nevertheless, I must admit that when a group of young
single brothers and sisters go out dancing together, it is very difficult to maintain a theocratic atmosphere.
Certainly, we would not want to use our culture as an excuse for indulging in worldly behavior. Singing and
dancing had a place in Israelite culture, and when the Israelites were liberated from Egypt at the Red Sea, their
celebration included both song and dance. (Exodus 15:1, 20) However, their particular form of music and dancing
differed from that of the pagan world around them.
Sad to say, while waiting for Moses to return from Mount Sinai, the Israelites got impatient, made a golden calf,
and after eating and drinking got up to have a good time. (Exodus 32:1-6) When Moses and Joshua heard the
sound of their singing, it immediately disturbed them. (Exodus 32:17, 18) The Israelites had crossed that line,
and their form of singing and dancing now reflected the pagan world around them.
Similarly today, music and dancing may be generally acceptable in our locality and may not offend the
conscience of others. But if the lights are turned low, flashing lights are added, or music with a different rhythm is
played, what was formerly acceptable may now reflect the spirit of the world. It is just our culture, we could
argue. Aaron used a similar excuse when he acquiesced to pagan forms of entertainment and worship,
erroneously describing them as a festival to Jehovah. This lame excuse was invalid. Why, their conduct was even
viewed as a disgrace among their opposers.Exodus 32:5, 25.
Culture Has Its Place
Exotic customs may at first shock us, but not all of them are necessarily unacceptable. With our perceptive
powers trained, we can determine which customs are compatible with Christian principles and which are not.
(Hebrews 5:14) When we manifest a kind heart full of love for our fellowman, we will react appropriately when
faced with innocuous customs.
As we preach the Kingdom good news to people in our local area or further afield, a balanced approach to the
kaleidoscope of cultures will enable us to become all things to all men. And doubtless we will find that as we
welcome the variety of cultures, it will contribute to our having a rich, colorful, and fascinating life.
3 (a) p. 25
w08 5/15 p. 5 par. 12
How Should We Treat Others?
Let Your Light Shine

12 We treat people in the best way possible when we help them to receive spiritual light from God. (Ps. 43:3)
Jesus told his disciples that they were the light of the world and urged them to let their light shine so that people
might see their fine works, or good deeds to others. This would result in spiritual illumination before men, or
for the benefit of mankind. (Read Matthew 5:14-16.) Today, we let our light shine by doing good to our neighbors
and by sharing in the work of preaching the good news in all the world, that is, in all the nations. (Matt. 26:13;
Mark 13:10) What a privilege we enjoy!
3 (b) p. 27
nwt p. 1735
A4 The Divine Name in the Hebrew Scriptures
What is the meaning of the name Jehovah? In Hebrew, the name Jehovah comes from a verb that means to
become, and a number of scholars feel that it reflects the causative form of that Hebrew verb. Thus, the
understanding of the New World Bible Translation Committee is that Gods name means He Causes to Become.
Scholars hold varying views, so we cannot be dogmatic about this meaning. However, this definition well fits
Jehovahs role as the Creator of all things and the Fulfiller of his purpose. He not only caused the physical universe
and intelligent beings to exist, but as events unfold, he continues to cause his will and purpose to be realized.
Therefore, the meaning of the name Jehovah is not limited to the related verb found at Exodus 3:14, which reads:
I Will Become What I Choose to Become or, I Will Prove to Be What I Will Prove to Be. In the strictest sense,
those words do not fully define Gods name. Rather, they reveal an aspect of Gods personality, showing that he
becomes what is needed in each circumstance to fulfill his purpose. So while the name Jehovah may include this
idea, it is not limited to what he himself chooses to become. It also includes what he causes to happen with regard
to his creation and the accomplishment of his purpose.
3 (b) p. 27
be p. 38 par. 2
How to Do Research
If you are going to use the information in a talk, ask yourself: Does the point I plan to use really contribute
something worthwhile to my presentation of the subject? Or, even though it is interesting material, does it tend to
divert attention from the subject that I ought to be talking about? If you are considering using current events or
material from the ever-changing fields of science or medicine, make sure that the information is up-to-date.
Realize, too, that some points in older publications of ours may have been updated, so consider what has most
recently been published on the topic.
4 (a) p. 30
it-2 pp. 1008-1009
SOVEREIGNTY
Supremacy in rule or power; the dominion or rule of a lord, king, emperor, or the like; the power that, in the
final analysis, determines the government of a state.
In the Hebrew Scriptures the word Adhonai appears frequently, and the expression Adhonai Yehwih 285
times. Adhonai is a plural form of adhohn, meaning lord; master. The plural form adhonim may be applied
to men in simple plurality, as lords, or masters. But the term Adhonai without an additional suffix is always
used in the Scriptures with reference to God, the plural being employed to denote excellence or majesty. It is most
frequently rendered Lord by translators. When it appears with the name of God (Adhonai Yehwih), as, for
example, at Psalm 73:28, the expression is translated Lord GOD ( AT, KJ, RS); Lord God (Dy [72:28]); Lord, my
Master (Kx [72:28]); Lord Jehovah (Yg); Sovereign Lord Jehovah (NW). In Psalms 47:9; 138:5; 150:2, Moffatt
uses the word sovereign, but not to translate Adhonai.
The Greek word despotes means one who possesses supreme authority, or absolute ownership and
uncontrolled power. (Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, 1981, Vol. 3, pp. 18, 46) It is
translated lord, master, owner, and when used in direct address to God is rendered Lord (KJ, Yg, and
others), Ruler of all (Kx), Sovereign Lord (NW), at Luke 2:29, Acts 4:24, and Revelation 6:10. In the last text,
Knox, The New English Bible, Moffatt, and the Revised Standard Version read Sovereign Lord; Youngs translation
and the Kingdom Interlinear read master.
So, while the Hebrew and Greek texts do not have a separate qualifying word for sovereign, the flavor is
contained in the words Adhonai and despotes when they are used in the Scriptures as applying to Jehovah God,
the qualification denoting the excellence of his lordship.
Jehovahs Sovereignty. Jehovah God is the Sovereign of the universe (sovereign of the world, Ps 47:9, Mo)
by reason of his Creatorship, his Godship, and his supremacy as the Almighty. (Ge 17:1; Ex 6:3; Re 16:14) He is the
Owner of all things and the Source of all authority and power, the Supreme Ruler in government. (Ps 24:1; Isa
40:21-23; Re 4:11; 11:15) The psalmist sang of him: Jehovah himself has firmly established his throne in the very
heavens; and over everything his own kingship has held domination. (Ps 103:19; 145:13) Jesus disciples prayed,
addressing God: Sovereign Lord, you are the One who made the heaven and the earth. (Ac 4:24, NW; Mo) To the
nation of Israel, God himself constituted all three branches of government, the judicial, the legislative, and the
executive. The prophet Isaiah said: Jehovah is our Judge, Jehovah is our Statute-giver, Jehovah is our King; he
himself will save us. (Isa 33:22) Moses gives a notable description of God as Sovereign at Deuteronomy 10:17.
In his sovereign position Jehovah has the right and authority to delegate ruling responsibilities. David was
made king of Israel, and the Scriptures speak of the kingdom of David as though it was his kingdom. But David
acknowledged Jehovah as the great Sovereign Ruler, saying: Yours, O Jehovah, are the greatness and the
mightiness and the beauty and the excellency and the dignity; for everything in the heavens and in the earth is
yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Jehovah, the One also lifting yourself up as head over all.1Ch 29:11.
Earthly Rulers. The rulers of the nations of earth exercise their limited rulership by the toleration or
permission of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. That the political governments do not receive their authority from God,
that is, that they are not acting by reason of any grant of authority or power from him, is shown at Revelation
13:1, 2, where the seven-headed, ten-horned wild beast is said to get its power and its throne and great
authority from the Dragon, Satan the Devil.Re 12:9; see BEASTS, SYMBOLIC.
So, while God has allowed various rulerships of men to come and go, one of their mighty kings, after having
had demonstrated, in his own experience, the fact of Jehovahs sovereignty, was moved to say: His r ulership is a
rulership to time indefinite and his kingdom is for generation after generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth
are being considered as merely nothing, and he is doing according to his own will among the army of the heavens
and the inhabitants of the earth. And there exists no one that can check his hand or that can say to him, What
have you been doing?Da 4:34, 35.
Accordingly, as long as it is Gods will to permit man-made governments to rule, the apostle Pauls injunction
to Christians will apply: Let every soul 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. The apostle then goes on to
point out that when such governments act to punish one who does what is bad, the superior authority or ruler
(even though not a faithful worshiper of God) is acting indirectly as a minister of God in this particular capacity,
expressing wrath upon the one practicing what is bad.Ro 13:1-6.
As to such authorities being placed in their relative positions by God, the Scriptures indicate that this does
not mean that God formed these governments or that he backs them up. Rather, he has maneuvered them to suit
his good purpose, with relation to his will concerning his servants in the earth. Moses said: When the Most High
gave the nations an inheritance, when he parted the sons of Adam from one another, he proceeded to fix the
boundary of the peoples with regard for the number of the sons of Israel.De 32:8.
Gods Son as King. Following the overthrow of the last king to sit on Jehovahs throne in Jerusalem (1Ch
29:23), the prophet Daniel was given a vision describing the future appointment of Gods own Son to serve as
King. Jehovahs position stands out clearly when he, as the Ancient of Days, grants rulership to his Son. The
account states: I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and, see there! with the clouds of the heavens
someone like a son of man happened to be coming; and to the Ancient of Days he gained access, and they brought
him up close even before that One. And to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the
peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him. His rulership is an indefinitely lasting rulership
that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be brought to ruin. (Da 7:13, 14) A comparison of this
text with Matthew 26:63, 64 leaves no doubt that the son of man in Daniels vision is Jesus Christ. He gains
access to Jehovahs presence and is given rulership.Compare Ps 2:8, 9; Mt 28:18.
Jehovahs Sovereignty Challenged. Wickedness has been in existence for nearly all the years that Bible
chronology indicates man has been on the earth. All mankind have been dying, and sins and transgressions
against God have multiplied. (Ro 5:12, 15, 16) Since the Bible indicates that God gave man a perfect start, the
questions have arisen: How did sin, imperfection, and wickedness get their start? And why has the Almighty God
allowed these things to remain for centuries? The answers lie in a challenge against Gods sovereignty that
brought forth a paramount issue involving mankind.
4 (a) p. 31
it-2 p. 1008
SOVEREIGNTY
Supremacy in rule or power; the dominion or rule of a lord, king, emperor, or the like; the power that, in the
final analysis, determines the government of a state.
In the Hebrew Scriptures the word Adhonai appears frequently, and the expression Adhonai Yehwih 285
times. Adhonai is a plural form of adhohn, meaning lord; master. The plural form adhonim may be applied
to men in simple plurality, as lords, or masters. But the term Adhonai without an additional suffix is always
used in the Scriptures with reference to God, the plural being employed to denote excellence or majesty. It is most
frequently rendered Lord by translators. When it appears with the name of God (Adhonai Yehwih), as, for
example, at Psalm 73:28, the expression is translated Lord GOD ( AT, KJ, RS); Lord God (Dy [72:28]); Lord, my
Master (Kx [72:28]); Lord Jehovah (Yg); Sovereign Lord Jehovah (NW). In Psalms 47:9; 138:5; 150:2, Moffatt
uses the word sovereign, but not to translate Adhonai.
The Greek word despotes means one who possesses supreme authority, or absolute ownership and
uncontrolled power. (Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, 1981, Vol. 3, pp. 18, 46) It is
translated lord, master, owner, and when used in direct address to God is rendered Lord (KJ, Yg, and
others), Ruler of all (Kx), Sovereign Lord (NW), at Luke 2:29, Acts 4:24, and Revelation 6:10. In the last text,
Knox, The New English Bible, Moffatt, and the Revised Standard Version read Sovereign Lord; Youngs translation
and the Kingdom Interlinear read master.
So, while the Hebrew and Greek texts do not have a separate qualifying word for sovereign, the flavor is
contained in the words Adhonai and despotes when they are used in the Scriptures as applying to Jehovah God,
the qualification denoting the excellence of his lordship.
4 (a) p. 31
it-2 p. 1008
SOVEREIGNTY
Jehovahs Sovereignty. Jehovah God is the Sovereign of the universe (sovereign of the world, Ps 47:9, Mo)
by reason of his Creatorship, his Godship, and his supremacy as the Almighty. (Ge 17:1; Ex 6:3; Re 16:14) He is the
Owner of all things and the Source of all authority and power, the Supreme Ruler in government. (Ps 24:1; Isa
40:21-23; Re 4:11; 11:15) The psalmist sang of him: Jehovah himself has firmly established his throne in the very
heavens; and over everything his own kingship has held domination. (Ps 103:19; 145:13) Jesus disciples prayed,
addressing God: Sovereign Lord, you are the One who made the heaven and the earth. (Ac 4:24, NW; Mo) To the
nation of Israel, God himself constituted all three branches of government, the judicial, the legislative, and the
executive. The prophet Isaiah said: Jehovah is our Judge, Jehovah is our Statute-giver, Jehovah is our King; he
himself will save us. (Isa 33:22) Moses gives a notable description of God as Sovereign at Deuteronomy 10:17.
In his sovereign position Jehovah has the right and authority to delegate ruling responsibilities. David was
made king of Israel, and the Scriptures speak of the kingdom of David as though it was his kingdom. But David
acknowledged Jehovah as the great Sovereign Ruler, saying: Yours, O Jehovah, are the greatness and the
mightiness and the beauty and the excellency and the dignity; for everything in the heavens and in the earth is
yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Jehovah, the One also lifting yourself up as head over all.1Ch 29:11.
4 (a) p. 31
it-2 p. 1011 pars. 3-4
Sovereignty
Gods servants charged with selfishness. A further expression of the issue is found in Satans statement to
God about his faithful servant Job. Satan said: Is it for nothing that Job has feared God? Have not you yourself put
up a hedge about him and about his house and about everything that he has all around? The work of his hands you
have blessed, and his livestock itself has spread abroad in the earth. But, for a change, thrust out your hand,
please, and touch everything he has and see whether he will not curse you to your very face. Again, he charged:
Skin in behalf of skin, and everything that a man has he will give in behalf of his soul. (Job 1:9-11; 2:4) Satan
therewith charged Job with being not in harmony with God at heart, as serving God obediently only because of
selfish considerations, for gain. Satan thereby slandered God as to his sovereignty, and Gods servants as to
integrity to that sovereignty. He said, in effect, that no man could be put on earth who would maintain integrity to
Jehovahs sovereignty if he, Satan, was allowed to put him to the test.
Jehovah permitted the issue to be joined. Not, however, because he was unsure of the righteousness of his own
sovereignty. He needed nothing proved to himself. It was out of love for his intelligent creatures that he allowed
time for the testing out of the matter. He permitted men to undergo a test by Satan, before all the universe. And he
gave his creatures the privilege of proving the Devil a liar, and of removing the slander not only from Gods name
but also from their own. Satan, in his egotistic attitude, was given up to a disapproved mental state. In his
approach to Eve, he had evidently been contradictory in his own reasoning. (Ro 1:28) For he was charging God
with unfair, unrighteous exercise of sovereignty and, at the same time, was evidently counting on Gods fairness:
He seemed to think that God would consider Himself obliged to let him live on if he proved his charge concerning
the unfaithfulness of Gods creatures.
4 (a) p. 31
it-2 p. 280
LOYALTY
In the Hebrew Scriptures, the adjective chasidh is used of someone loyal, or one of loving-kindness. (Ps
18:25, ftn) The noun chesedh has reference to kindness but contains more than the thought of tender regard or
kindness stemming from love, though it includes such traits. It is kindness that lovingly attaches itself to an object
until its purpose in connection with that object is realized. Such is the sort of kindness that God expresses toward
his servants and that they express toward him. It therefore comes into the field of loyalty, a righteous, devoted,
holy loyalty, and is variously rendered loving-kindness and loyal love.Ge 20:13; 21:23; see KINDNESS.
In the Greek Scriptures the noun hosiotes and the adjective hosios carry the thought of holiness,
righteousness, reverence; being devout, pious; the careful observance of all duties toward God. It involves a right
relationship with God.
There appear to be no English words that exactly express the full meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words, but
loyalty, including, as it does, the thought of devotion and faithfulness, when used in connection with God and his
service, serves to give an approximation. The best way to determine the full meaning of the Bible terms in
question is to examine their usage in the Bible.
4 (a) p. 31
it-2 pp. 280-281
LOYALTY
Jehovahs Loyalty. Jehovah God the Most Holy One, who is devoted to righteousness and who exercises
unbreakable loving-kindness toward those who serve him, deals in righteousness and trueness even with his
enemies and is eminently dependable. It is said of him: Great and wonderful are your works, Jehovah God, the
Almighty. Righteous and true are your ways, King of eternity. Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, and glorify
your name, because you alone are loyal? (Re 15:3, 4) Because Jehovahs loyalty to righteousness and justice, as
well as his love for his people, prompts him to take needed judicial action, an angel was moved to say: You, the
One who is and who was, the loyal One, are righteous, because you have rendered these decisions.Re 16:5;
compare Ps 145:17.
Jehovah is loyal to his covenants. (De 7:9) Because of his covenant with his friend Abraham, he exercised long-
suffering and mercy for centuries toward the nation of Israel. (2Ki 13:23) Through his prophet Jeremiah he
appealed to Israel: Do return, O renegade Israel, is the utterance of Jehovah. I shall not have my face drop
angrily upon you people, for I am loyal. (Jer 3:12) Those who are loyal to him can rely fully on him. David, in
prayer, asked for Gods help and said: With someone loyal you will act in loyalty; with the faultless, mighty one
you will deal faultlessly. (2Sa 22:26) In an appeal to the people, David asked them to turn away from what is bad
and do what is good, for, he said, Jehovah is a lover of justice, and he will not leave his loyal ones. To time
indefinite they will certainly be guarded.Ps 37:27, 28.
Those who are loyal to Jehovah can count on his closeness and his help to the very end of their faithful course,
and they can rest in full security, knowing that he will remember them no matter what situation arises. He guards
their way. (Pr 2:8) He guards their lives or souls.Ps 97:10.
Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ when on earth was greatly strengthened in the knowledge that God had caused to be
foretold of him that, as Gods chief loyal one, his soul would not be left in Sheol. (Ps 16:10) On the day of
Pentecost, 33 C.E., the apostle Peter applied this prophecy to Jesus, saying: [David] saw beforehand and spoke
concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he forsaken in Hades nor did his flesh see corruption.
This Jesus God resurrected, of which fact we are all witnesses. (Ac 2:25-28, 31, 32; compare Ac 13:32-37.) The
Expositors Greek Testament, in a comment on Acts 2:27, says that the Hebrew word chasidh (used in Ps 16:10)
denotes not only one who is godly and pious, but also one who is the object of Jehovahs loving-kindness.
Edited by W. R. Nicoll, 1967, Vol. II.
Loyalty Required by God. Jehovah requires loyalty of his servants. They must copy him. (Eph 5:1) The
apostle Paul tells Christians that they should put on the new personality which was created according to Gods
will in true righteousness and loyalty. (Eph 4:24) In recommending prayer in the congregation, he says:
Therefore I desire that in every place the men carry on prayer, lifting up loyal hands, apart from wrath and
debates. (1Ti 2:8) Loyalty is an essential quality if a man is to qualify for appointment to serve as an overseer in
the congregation of God.Tit 1:8.
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Appreciate Jehovahs Loyalty and Forgiveness
4 How does Jehovah demonstrate loyalty? He never abandons his faithful worshippers. One such worshipper,
King David, testified to Jehovahs loyalty. (Read 2 Samuel 22:26.) During Davids trials, Jehovah loyally guided,
protected, and delivered him. (2 Sam. 22:1) David knew that Jehovahs loyalty involves more than mere words.
Why did Jehovah act loyally toward David? Because David himself was someone loyal. Jehovah cherishes the
loyalty of his worshippers, and he repays it with loyalty toward them.Prov. 2:6-8.
5 We can gain strength from reflecting on Jehovahs acts of loyalty. It really helps me when I read about how
Jehovah dealt with David in times of distress, says a faithful brother named Reed. Even when David was on the
run, living in and out of caves, Jehovah always sustained him. I find that very encouraging! It reminds me that no
matter what the circumstance might be, no matter how bleak the situation might seem, Jehovah will be there for
me as long as I remain loyal to him. No doubt, you feel the same way.Rom. 8:38, 39.
6 In what other ways does Jehovah demonstrate loyalty? He remains true to his standards. Even to ones old
age I am the same, he assures us. (Isa. 46:4) He always makes decisions based on his unchanging standards of
right and wrong. (Mal. 3:6) In addition, Jehovah demonstrates loyalty by remaining faithful to his word of
promise. (Isa. 55:11) Jehovahs loyalty thus benefits all of his faithful worshippers. How so? When we do our best
to adhere to Jehovahs standards, we can be confident that he will keep his promise to bless us.Isa. 48:17, 18.
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Finding the Key to Brotherly Affection
Supply to your . . . godly devotion brotherly affection.2 PETER 1:5-7.
ONCE a physician who was not one of Jehovahs Witnesses attended his daughters graduation from the Watch
Tower Bible School of Gilead, where she had received missionary training. He was so impressed with the happy
throng that he opined that there must be very little sickness among these people. What made that throng so
happy? For that matter, what makes all gatherings of Jehovahs people, in congregations, at circuit assemblies, and
at district conventions, happy occasions? Is it not the brotherly affection they display toward one another?
Without a doubt, brotherly affection is one reason why it has been said that no other religious group gets as much
enjoyment, happiness, and satisfaction out of religion as do Jehovahs Witnesses.
2We should expect to see such brotherly affection in view of the apostle Peters words at 1 Peter 1:22: Now
that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth with unhypocritical brotherly affection as the
result, love one another intensely from the heart. One of the basic elements of the Greek word here rendered
brotherly affection is philia (affection). Its meaning is closely related to the meaning of agape, the word
usually translated love. (1 John 4:8) While brotherly affection and love are often used interchangeably, they
have specific characteristics. We should not confuse them with each other, as so many translators of the Bible do.
(In this article and in the one that follows, we will treat each of these words.)
3 Regarding the difference between these two Greek words, one scholar noted that philia is definitely a word
of warmth and closeness and affection. On the other hand, agape has more to do with the mind. Thus while we
are told to love (agape) our enemies, we do not have affection for them. Why not? Because bad associations
spoil useful habits. (1 Corinthians 15:33) Further indicating that there is a difference are the words of the apostle
Peter: Supply to your . . . brotherly affection love.2 Peter 1:5-7; compare John 21:15-17.*
Examples of Very Special Brotherly Affection
4 Gods Word gives us a number of fine examples of very special brotherly affection. This special affection is
not the result of some whim but is based on appreciation of outstanding qualities. Doubtless the best-known
example is that of the affection Jesus Christ had for the apostle John. Without question, Jesus had brotherly
affection for all his faithful apostles, and that for good reason. (Luke 22:28) One way he showed this was by
washing their feet, thereby giving them a lesson in humility. (John 13:3-16) But Jesus had a special affection for
John, which John repeatedly mentions. (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2) Even as Jesus had reason to display affection for
his disciples and his apostles, John most likely gave Jesus reason to have special affection for him because of his
deeper appreciation for Jesus. We can see this from Johns writings, both his Gospel and his inspired letters. How
often he mentions love in those writings! Johns greater appreciation for Jesus spiritual qualities is seen in what
he wrote in John chapters 1 and 13 to 17, as well as by the repeated references he makes to Jesus prehuman
existence.John 1:1-3; 3:13; 6:38, 42, 58; 17:5; 18:37.
Similarly, we would not want to overlook the very special brotherly affection that the apostle Paul and his
5
Christian companion Timothy had for each other, which was, certainly, based on appreciating each others
qualities. Pauls writings contain fine comments about Timothy, such as: I have no one else of a disposition like
his who will genuinely care for the things pertaining to you. . . . You know the proof he gave of himself, that like a
child with a father he slaved with me in furtherance of the good news. (Philippians 2:20-22) Many are the
personal references in his letters to Timothy that reveal Pauls warm affection for Timothy. For example, note
1 Timothy 6:20: O Timothy, guard what is laid up in trust with you. (See also 1 Timothy 4:12-16; 5:23;
2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14, 15.) In particular does a comparison of Pauls letters to Timothy with his letter to Titus
underscore Pauls special affection for this young man. Timothy must have felt the same way about their
friendship, as can be noted from Pauls words at 2 Timothy 1:3, 4: I never leave off remembering you in my
supplications, . . . longing to see you, as I remember your tears, that I may get filled with joy.
6 The Hebrew Scriptures also provide fine examples, such as that of David and Jonathan. We read that after
David killed Goliath, Jonathans very soul became bound up with the soul of David, and Jonathan began to love
him as his own soul. (1 Samuel 18:1) Appreciation for Davids example of zeal for Jehovahs name and his
fearlessness in going forth to meet the giant Goliath no doubt caused Jonathan to have special affection for David.
7 Jonathan had such affection for David that he risked his own life in defending David from King Saul. At no
time did Jonathan resent Davids being chosen by Jehovah to be the next king of Israel. (1 Samuel 23:17) David
had equally deep affection for Jonathan, which is evident from what he said when mourning Jonathans death: I
am distressed over you, my brother Jonathan, very pleasant you were to me. More wonderful was your love to me
than the love from women. Truly, keen appreciation marked their relationship.2 Samuel 1:26.
8 We also have a fine example in the Hebrew Scriptures of special affection on the part of two women, Naomi
and her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth. Recall Ruths words to Naomi: Do not plead with me to abandon you, to
turn back from accompanying you; for where you go I shall go, and where you spend the night I shall spend the
night. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. (Ruth 1:16) Must we not conclude that Naomi, by
her conduct and her speaking of Jehovah, helped to evoke this appreciative response on the part of Ruth?
Compare Luke 6:40.
The Apostle Pauls Example
9As we have seen, the apostle Paul had very special brotherly affection for Timothy. But he also set a
marvelous example of expressing warm brotherly affection for his brothers in general. He told the elders from
Ephesus that for three years, night and day, [he] did not quit admonishing each one with tears. Warm brotherly
affection? No question about it! And they felt the same way about Paul. Upon hearing that they would see him no
more, quite a bit of weeping broke out among them all, and they fell upon Pauls neck and tenderly kissed him.
(Acts 20:31, 37) Brotherly affection based on appreciation? Yes! His brotherly affection is also seen from his
words at 2 Corinthians 6:11-13: Our mouth has been opened to you, Corinthians, our heart has widened out. You
are not cramped for room within us, but you are cramped for room in your own tender affections. So, as a
recompense in returnI speak as to childrenyou, too, widen out.
10Clearly, many of the Corinthians were lacking in appreciative brotherly affection for the apostle Paul. Thus,
some of them complained: His letters are weighty and forceful, but his presence in person is weak and his speech
contemptible. (2 Corinthians 10:10) That is why Paul referred to their superfine apostles and was driven to tell
of the trials he had endured, as recorded at 2 Corinthians 11:5, 22-33.
11 Pauls warm affection for those he ministered to is especially evident from his words at 1 Thessalonians 2:8:
Having a tender affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the good news of God, but also
our own souls, because you became beloved to us. In fact, he had such affection for these new brothers that when
he could stand it no longerso eager was he to know how they were enduring persecutionhe sent Timothy,
who gave a good report that greatly refreshed Paul. (1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2, 6, 7) Well does Insight on the
Scriptures observe: A close bond of brotherly affection existed between Paul and those to whom he ministered.
AppreciationThe Key to Brotherly Affection
12 Indubitably, the key to brotherly affection is appreciation. Do not all dedicated servants of Jehovah have
qualities that we appreciate, that elicit our affection, making us fond of them? All of us are seeking first the
Kingdom of God and his righteousness. All of us are putting up a valiant fight against our three common foes:
Satan and his demons, the wicked world under Satans control, and the inherited selfish tendencies of the fallen
flesh. Should we not always take the position that our brothers are doing their best in view of the circumstances?
Everybody in the world is either on Jehovahs side or on Satans side. Our dedicated brothers and sisters are on
Jehovahs side, yes, our side, and therefore merit our brotherly affection.
What about appreciating our elders? Should we not have a warm spot in our hearts for them in view of the
13
way they labor hard in the interests of the congregation? Like all of us, they have to provide for themselves and
their families. They also have the same obligations as the rest of us to do personal study, attend congregation
meetings, and share in the field ministry. In addition, they have the obligation to prepare program parts for the
meetings, give public talks, and care for problems that come up in the congregation, which at times involve hours
of judicial hearings. Truly, we want to keep holding men of that sort dear.Philippians 2:29.
Giving Expression to Brotherly Affection
14 To please Jehovah, we must express the warm feeling of brotherly affection for our fellow believers, even as
Jesus Christ and Paul did. We read: In [brotherly affection] have tender affection for one another. (Romans
12:10, Kingdom Interlinear) With reference to [brotherly affection], you do not need us to be writing you, for you
yourselves are taught by God to love one another. (1 Thessalonians 4:9, Int) Let your [brotherly affection]
continue. (Hebrews 13:1, Int) Surely our heavenly Father is pleased when we show brotherly affection for his
earthly children!
15 In apostolic times Christians were wont to greet one another with a holy kiss or a kiss of love. (Romans
16:16; 1 Peter 5:14) Truly an expression of brotherly affection! Today, in most parts of the earth, a more
appropriate expression would be a sincerely friendly smile and a firm handshake. In Latin lands, such as Mexico,
there is the greeting in the form of a hug, truly an expression of affection. This warm affection on the part of these
brothers might help to account for the great increases taking place in their lands.
16 When we enter the Kingdom Hall, do we go out of our way to express brotherly affection? It will cause us to
have encouraging words to say, especially to those who seem to be depressed. We are told to speak consolingly
to the depressed souls. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) That certainly is one way in which we can communicate the
warmth of brotherly affection. Another fine way is to express appreciation for a fine public talk, a program part
handled well, the good effort put forth by a student speaker in the Theocratic Ministry School, and so forth.
17 How about inviting various ones to our homes for a meal or perhaps a snack after a meeting if it is not too
late? Should we not let Jesus counsel at Luke 14:12-14 govern? Once a former missionary was appointed as
presiding overseer in a congregation where all others were of a different race. He sensed a lack of brotherly
affection, so he set about to remedy the situation. How? Sunday after Sunday, he invited a different family for a
meal. By the end of a year, all were manifesting warm brotherly affection toward him.
When a brother or a sister is sick, at home or in a hospital, brotherly affection will cause us to let that one
18
know we care. Or how about those living in nursing homes? Why not make a personal visit, make a phone call, or
send a card expressing warm sentiments?
19 When giving such expressions of brotherly affection, we can ask ourselves, Is my brotherly affection partial?
Do such factors as color of skin, education, or material possessions influence my manifestations of brotherly
affection? Do I need to widen out in my brotherly affection, as the apostle Paul urged the Christians in Corinth to
do? Brotherly affection will cause us to view our brothers positively, appreciating them for their good points.
Brotherly affection will also help us to rejoice at our brothers advancement instead of envying it.
20 Brotherly affection should also make us alert to help our brothers in the ministry. It should be as one of our
songs (Number 92) puts it:

Give kind assistance to all the weak,
So that with boldness they too can speak.
Never neglect those of tender years,
Help them grow strong and get rid of their fears.
21 So let us not forget that in expressing brotherly affection, the principle that Jesus stated in his Sermon on the
Mount applies: Practice giving, and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed
down, shaken together and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out
to you in return. (Luke 6:38) We benefit ourselves when we show brotherly affection, expressing esteem to those
who are servants of Jehovah as we ourselves are. Truly happy are those who take delight in manifesting brotherly
affection!
* See the succeeding article: Love (Agape)What It Is Not and What It Is.
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JobA Man of Endurance and Integrity
9 How can we face these problems successfully? By viewing them as an opportunity to demonstrate that our
love for Jehovah and our submission to his sovereignty are not fickle. (James 1:2-4) Whatever the cause of our
distress, understanding the importance of loyalty to God will help us to maintain our spiritual balance. The
apostle Peter wrote to Christians: Beloved ones, do not be puzzled at the burning among you, which is happening
to you for a trial, as though a strange thing were befalling you. (1 Peter 4:12) And Paul explained: All those
desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12)
Satan still challenges the integrity of the Witnesses of Jehovah, as he did in the case of Job. In fact, the Bible
indicates that Satan has increased his attacks on Gods people during these last days.Revelation 12:9, 17.
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KINGDOM OF GOD
Following this, however, a final test is made of the integrity and devotion of all such earthly subjects. Satan is
loosed from his restraint in the abyss. Those yielding to his seduction do so on the same issue raised in Eden: the
rightfulness of Gods sovereignty. This is seen by their attacking the camp of the holy ones and the beloved city.
Since that issue has been judicially settled and declared closed by the Court of heaven, no prolonged rebellion is
permitted in this case. Those failing to stand loyally on Gods side will not be able to appeal to Christ Jesus as a
propitiatory helper, but Jehovah God will be all things to them, with no appeal or mediation possible. All rebels,
spirit and human, receive the divine sentence of destruction in the second death.Re 20:7-15.
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STUDY 30 | Interest Shown in the Other Person
Show Interest From the Heart. Showing interest in people is, not a technique to be mastered, but a quality of
the heart. The degree of our interest in others is evident in many ways. It shows in how we listen and in what we
say. It is manifested by the kindness and consideration we extend to others. Even when we do not say or do
anything, it is revealed by our attitude and our facial expressions. If we truly care about others, they will without
fail be able to tell.
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Use Current Events to Stir Interest
Would you like to have a continuous supply of good ideas that will keep your ministry fresh and stir peoples
1
interest in the Bibles message? Then use what is happening on the world scene and in your community to start
conversations. You could draw on current local and national events or international news items. These things are
ever-changing. (1 Cor. 7:31) Consider the following examples.
2 Economic problems and the cost of living are real concerns of people. Thus, you might say:
Did you hear on the news that [mention item] prices are rising again? Or you might comment about
unemployment if a large firm has laid off many workers. Depending on how you want to proceed with the
discussion, you can follow up by asking either Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to make a living? or
Do you think that it will always be hard to make ends meet?
3 Reports of violence, such as tragedies in families or among school students, provide a basis for another
discussion. You could ask:

Did you read in the newspaper that [name tragedy in the community]? Then ask either What do you think is
the cause for so much violence in the world? or Do you think a time will ever come when we can feel secure?
4 News of devastating floods, earthquakes, or civil unrest in different parts of the world also offers
material that stirs interest. For example, you might ask:

Is God responsible for [name natural disaster]? Or you could point to the latest outbreak of civil unrest and
say: If everybody wants peace, why is it so hard to achieve?
Remain alert to current events that you can use in your introduction. Helpful suggestions are found under
5
Current Events, on pages 10-11, in the Reasoning book. However, avoid taking sides on political or social issues.
Instead, direct attention to the Scriptures and Gods Kingdom as the only permanent solution to mankinds
problems.
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Who Would Be Interested in This?
The Watchtower and Awake! are prepared with the worldwide field in mind. Therefore, the articles deal with
1
a wide variety of topics. As we read each article in our personal copy, we should consider whom in particular it
may interest, and then make it a point to offer it to that person.
Does the current Watchtower discuss a Bible topic that you and a workmate previously talked about? Is there
2
an article on family life that would be of help to a relative? Do you have an acquaintance who is planning a trip to
a land that has been featured in Awake!? Would one of the magazines appeal to certain businesses or local
government agencies in your territory? For example, a magazine that highlights challenges facing the elderly may
be of particular interest at nursing homes. Law enforcement agencies may be interested in a magazine on the
subject of crime.
3Results: After receiving the October 2011 Awake! on How to Raise Responsible Children, a couple in South
Africa phoned 25 schools in their congregations territory. Twenty-two accepted copies and distributed them to
their students. Another couple in that country had the same idea and placed copies at schools in their territory.
Teachers at one of the schools decided to use the magazine in their weekly orientation and reading program. The
couple shared their experience with a circuit overseer. He then encouraged congregations in his circuit to
approach schools in their territories. The branch office received so many requests for additional magazines that
this issue had to be reprinted!
4 Our magazines discuss the real meaning behind current events and direct attention to the Bible and Gods
Kingdom. They are the only magazines on earth that are publishing salvation. (Isa. 52:7) Therefore, we want to
give them wide distribution. A good way to do that is by asking yourself, Who would be interested in this?
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How to Use the Please Follow Up (S-43) Form
This form should be filled out when you find an interested person who does not live in your territory or who
speaks a foreign language. Though in the past we used it when meeting people who speak a foreign language
whether they demonstrated interest or not, we now use it only when the person demonstrates interest. The only
exception is if the person is deaf. If we meet someone who is deaf, regardless of whether he demonstrates
interest, we should fill out an S-43 form.
What should we do with the form after it is filled out? We should give it to the congregation secretary. If he
knows which congregation to send it to, he may simply forward it to the elders of that congregation so that they
can arrange to care for the interest. If he cannot determine the congregation, he will forward the form to the
branch office.
If the interested person speaks a foreign language and lives in your territory, you may continue calling on him
to cultivate the interest until he is contacted by a publisher from the appropriate foreign-language
congregation.See the November 2009 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4.
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STUDY 44 | Effective Use of Questions
What do you need to do?

Use questions in a way that will achieve a desired result. Your aim may be to get an oral response; it
may be to stimulate a mental response. What you ask and how you ask it have a direct bearing on
your success in the use of questions.
Why is it important?
Questions that are effective help listeners to get involved. Answers to well-chosen questions may
also provide valuable feedback for a teacher.
BECAUSE questions call for a responseeither oral or mentalthey help to get your listeners involved.
Questions can help you to start conversations and to enjoy a stimulating exchange of thoughts. As a speaker and a
teacher, you may use questions to arouse interest, to help someone reason on a subject, or to add emphasis to
what you say. When you make good use of questions, you encourage others to think actively instead of listening
passively. Have an objective in mind, and ask your questions in a manner that will help to achieve it.
To Encourage Conversation. When you engage in the field ministry, be alert to opportunities to invite people
to express themselves if they are willing to do so.
Many Witnesses begin interesting discussions by simply asking, Have you ever wondered . . . ? When they
choose a question that truly is on the minds of many people, they will almost assuredly have a fine time in the
field ministry. Even if the question is new to the thinking of the other person, it may stimulate curiosity. A wide
variety of matters can be introduced with such expressions as What do you think . . . ?, How do you feel . . . ?,
and Do you believe . . . ?
When the evangelizer Philip approached an Ethiopian court official who was reading aloud the prophecy of
Isaiah, Philip simply asked: Do you actually know [or, do you understand] what you are reading? (Acts 8:30)
This question opened the way for Philip to explain truths about Jesus Christ. Using a similar question, some
modern-day Witnesses have found people who were truly hungering for a clear understanding of Bible truth.
Once they are given opportunity to express their own views, many people will be more inclined to listen to
you. After asking a question, listen attentively. Be kind rather than critical in acknowledging the persons
response. Offer commendation when you can do so sincerely. On one occasion, after a scribe had answered
intelligently, Jesus commended him, saying: You are not far from the kingdom of God. (Mark 12:34) Even if you
do not share the same view as the other person, you can thank him for expressing himself. What he said may
make you aware of an attitude that you need to take into account in sharing Bible truth with him.
To Introduce Important Thoughts. When you talk to a group or converse with an individual, try to use
questions to lead up to important thoughts. Be sure that your questions involve matters of genuine interest to
your audience. You may also use questions that are intriguing because the answer is not readily apparent. If you
pause briefly after posing a question, your audience will likely listen with heightened interest to what follows.
On one occasion, the prophet Micah used a number of questions. After asking what God expects of those who
worship him, the prophet set out four more questions, each including a possible answer. All those questions help
to prepare readers for the insightful answer with which he concluded that part of his discussion. (Mic. 6:6-8)
Could you do something like that when teaching? Try it.
To Reason on a Subject. Questions can be used to help others follow the logic of an argument. When
delivering a serious pronouncement to Israel, Jehovah did this, as shown at Malachi 1:2-10. First he told them: I
have loved you people. They failed to appreciate that love, so he asked: Was not Esau the brother of Jacob?
Then Jehovah pointed to the desolate condition of Edom as evidence that because of their wickedness, God did not
love that nation. He followed this with illustrations interspersed with questions to emphasize Israels failure to
respond properly to his love. Some of the questions are phrased as if the unfaithful priests were asking them.
Others are questions that Jehovah asked the priests. The dialogue stirs emotions and holds our attention; the logic
is irrefutable; the message, unforgettable.
Some speakers effectively use questions in a similar way. Although no oral reply may be expected, the
audience becomes involved mentally, as if sharing in a dialogue.
When we conduct Bible studies, we use a method that calls for participation by the student. Of course, the
greater good is done if the student does not simply recite the printed answers. In a kindly tone, use auxiliary
questions to reason with the student. On key thoughts, encourage him to use the Bible as the basis for his reply.
You might also ask: How does what we are discussing fit in with this other point that we have studied? Why is it
important? How should it affect our lives? Such a method is more effective than expressing your own convictions
or giving an extended explanation yourself. In this way, you help the student to use his power of reason to
worship God.Rom. 12:1.
If a student does not grasp a certain idea, be patient. He may be trying to compare what you are saying with
what he has believed for many years. Approaching the subject from a different angle might help. Sometimes,
however, very basic reasoning is needed. Make liberal use of the Scriptures. Use illustrations. Along with these,
use simple questions that invite the person to reason on the evidence.
To Draw Out Inner Feelings. When people answer questions, they do not always reveal how they really feel.
They may simply give the answers that they think you want. Discernment is needed. (Prov. 20:5) As Jesus did, you
might ask: Do you believe this?John 11:26.
When many of Jesus disciples took offense at what he said and abandoned him, Jesus invited his apostles to
express how they felt. He asked: You do not want to go also, do you? Peter put their feelings into words, saying:
Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life; and we have believed and come to know
that you are the Holy One of God. (John 6:67-69) On another occasion, Jesus asked his disciples: Who are men
saying the Son of man is? He followed this with a question that invited them to express what was in their own
hearts. You, though, who do you say I am? In response, Peter said: You are the Christ, the Son of the living
God.Matt. 16:13-16.
When conducting a Bible study, you may find it beneficial to take a similar approach to certain issues. You
might ask: How do your classmates (or workmates) view this matter? Then you might ask: How do you feel
about it? When you know a persons true feelings, this makes it possible for you as a teacher to be of the greatest
help.
To Add Emphasis. Questions can also be used to add emphasis to thoughts. The apostle Paul did this, as
recorded at Romans 8:31, 32: If God is for us, who will be against us? He who did not even spare his own Son but
delivered him up for us all, why will he not also with him kindly give us all other things? Observe that, in each
case, the question builds on the clause that immediately precedes it.
After recording Jehovahs judgment against the king of Babylon, the prophet Isaiah expressed strong
conviction by adding: Jehovah of armies himself has counseled, and who can break it up? And his hand is the one
stretched out, and who can turn it back? (Isa. 14:27) By their very content, s uch questions indicate that the idea
expressed cannot be denied. No reply is expected.
To Expose Wrong Thinking. Questions that are carefully thought out are also powerful tools to expose wrong
thinking. Before healing a man, Jesus asked the Pharisees and some experts in the Law: Is it lawful on the sabbath
to cure or not? After performing the cure, he followed up with another question: Who of you, if his son or bull
falls into a well, will not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day? (Luke 14:1-6) No reply was expected, nor
was one offered. The questions exposed their wrong thinking.
At times, even true Christians can fall into wrong thinking. Some in first-century Corinth were taking their
brothers to court to resolve problems that they should have been able to solve between themselves. How did the
apostle Paul handle the matter? He asked a series of pointed questions to adjust their thinking.1 Cor. 6:1-8.
With practice, you can learn to make effective use of questions. However, remember to be respectful,
especially when speaking to older ones, people you do not know personally, and those in positions of authority.
Use questions to present Bible truth in an appealing way.
HOW TO DO IT
To encourage conversation, use questions involving matters that are truly important to the other
person.
Before you state an important idea, try to use a question that will make others want to hear it.
Use questions to help people see the basis for statements made, the logic of truths presented, and
the good effects these can have on their lives.
Use questions to invite the student not only to recite facts but also to express how he feels about
what he is learning.
EXERCISES: (1) Having in mind the area in which you witness, prepare several questions that you could use to
open the way for meaningful conversations with people. (2) Read Romans chapter 3, taking special note of Pauls
use of questions to reason on the standing before God of both Jews and Gentiles.
4 (b) p. 37
w05 6/1 p. 32
Do You Converse With Those You Love?
OUR ability to communicate with loved ones is decreasing dramatically, reports the Polish weekly Polityka.
In the United States, it is estimated that marriage mates spend only six minutes a day conversing with each other
in a meaningful way. Some authorities think that half of all separations and divorces are the result of this decline.
How about conversation between parents and children? In most instances, it turns out to be, not a
conversation, but an interrogation: How was school? How about your friends? observes the above report. How
are our children to learn to develop emotional relationships? it asks.
Since good communication skills do not just happen, how can we improve our ability to converse? The
Christian disciple James gave us important advice: Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking,
slow about wrath. (James 1:19) Yes, to have an upbuilding conversation, we need to listen attentively and not
interrupt impatiently or jump to conclusions. Avoid criticism because it can easily smother a conversation.
Moreover, Jesus used tactful questions, not to interrogate, but to draw out what was in the heart of his listener
and to strengthen the bond between them.Proverbs 20:5; Matthew 16:13-17; 17:24-27.
Applying the fine principles found in the Bible, take the initiative to converse and communicate with those
dear to you. That may result in a warm relationship that will be cherished for many yearseven a lifetime.
4 (b) p. 38
be p. 187
STUDY 30 | Interest Shown in the Other Person
Listen Attentively. Although Jehovah is all-knowing, he listens to others. The prophet Micaiah received a
vision in which Jehovah was seen encouraging the angels to express their ideas on the handling of a certain
matter. God then allowed one of the angels to carry out the suggestion the angel had made. (1 Ki. 22:19-22) When
Abraham expressed concern over the judgment that would be executed upon Sodom, Jehovah graciously heard
him out. (Gen. 18:23-33) In our ministry, how can we imitate Jehovahs example of listening?
Encourage others to express themselves. Ask an appropriate question, and pause long enough for them to
reply. Really listen. Your thoughtful attention will encourage them to speak freely. If their response reveals
something about their interests, tactfully inquire further. Without turning the conversation into a cross-
examination, seek to get to know them better. Commend them for their thoughts if you can do so sincerely. Even if
you do not agree with their point of view, be gracious in acknowledging their expressions.Col. 4:6.
We need to exercise caution, however, that our interest in people does not cross the line of propriety. Being
concerned about others does not give us license to pry into their private affairs. (1 Pet. 4:15) We need to exercise
care that a person of the opposite sex does not misunderstand the kindly interest that we show. Since what is
considered an appropriate degree of interest in others varies from land to land, even from person to person, good
judgment is needed.Luke 6:31.
Preparation is an aid to being a good listener. When our message is clear in our mind, it helps us to relax and
to pay attention to others in a natural way. This puts them at ease and may make them more inclined to converse
with us.
We show honor to others by listening to them. (Rom. 12:10) It gives evidence that we value their thoughts and
feelings. It may even cause them to pay closer attention to what we have to say. With good reason, then, Gods
Word counsels us to be swift about hearing, slow about speaking.Jas. 1:19.
4 (b) p. 38
be pp. 124-125
STUDY 13 | Visual Contact
What do you need to do?

Look at those to whom you are speaking, allowing your eyes to meet for a few seconds if that is
acceptable locally. See individuals, not merely a group.
Why is it important?
In many cultures, eye contact is viewed as an indication of interest in the person being addressed. It
is also viewed as evidence that you speak with conviction.
OUR eyes communicate attitudes and emotions. They may indicate surprise or fear. They may convey
compassion or love. At times, they may betray doubt or give evidence of grief. Concerning his countrymen, who
had suffered much, an elderly man said: We speak with our eyes.
Others may draw conclusions about us and about what we say on the basis of where we focus our eyes. In
many cultures, people tend to trust an individual who maintains friendly eye contact with them. Conversely, they
may doubt the sincerity or competence of a person who looks at his feet or at some object rather than at the one
to whom he is talking. Some other cultures view any intensive eye contact as rude, aggressive, or challenging. This
is especially the case when speaking with members of the opposite sex or to a chief or other titled person. And in
some areas, if a younger person were to make direct eye contact when speaking to an older person, this would be
viewed as disrespectful.
However, where it is not offensive, looking an individual in the eye when making an important statement can
add emphasis to what is said. It may be viewed as evidence of conviction on the part of the speaker. Notice how
Jesus responded when his disciples expressed great surprise and said: Who really can be saved? The Bible
reports: Looking them in the face, Jesus said to them: With men this is impossible, but with God all things are
possible. (Matt. 19:25, 26) The Scriptures also show that the apostle Paul keenly observed the reactions of those
in his audience. On one occasion a man lame from birth was present when Paul spoke. Acts 14:9, 10 states: This
man was listening to Paul speak, who, on looking at him intently and seeing he had faith to be made well, said with
a loud voice: Stand up erect on your feet.
Suggestions for the Field Ministry. When you share in the field ministry, be friendly and warm as you
approach people. Where appropriate, use thought-provoking questions to start a conversation on something that
may be of mutual interest. As you do this, endeavor to establish eye contactor at least to look the person in the
face in a respectful and kindly way. A warm smile on the face of one whose eyes convey inner joy is very
appealing. Such an expression may tell the individual much about what sort of person you are and help him to feel
more relaxed as you converse.
Observing the expression in the persons eyes, where appropriate, may give you indications as to how to deal
with a situation. If the person is angry or if he is really not interested, you may be able to see it. If he does not
understand you, you may realize that. If he is getting impatient, you will usually be able to tell. If he is keenly
interested, this too will be evident. The expression in his eyes may alert you to the need to adjust your pace, to
make added effort to involve him in the conversation, to terminate the discussion or, possibly, to follow through
with a demonstration of how to study the Bible.
Whether you are engaging in public witnessing or conducting a home Bible study, endeavor to maintain
respectful eye contact with the one with whom you are speaking. Do not stare at him, however, as that can be
embarrassing. (2 Ki. 8:11) But in a natural, friendly manner, frequently look the other person in the face. In many
lands, this conveys a feeling of sincere interest. Of course, when you are reading from the Bible or some other
publication, your eyes will be focused on the printed page. But to emphasize a point, you may want to look
directly at the person, though doing so briefly. If you look up at intervals, this will also enable you to observe his
reaction to what is being read.
If shyness makes visual contact difficult for you at first, do not give up. With practice, appropriate visual
contact will become natural, and it may add to your effectiveness in communicating with others.
4 (b) p. 39
km 6/13 p. 1 par. 3
Are You Willing to Adapt?
3 Your Presentation: What are the people in your area presently concerned about? The economy? Family?
War? It is beneficial to be aware of the current problems and circumstances common in our territory so that we
can prepare an appropriate presentation. (1 Cor. 9:20-23) When householders express themselves, rather than
giving a token response and continuing with our prepared presentation, how much better it is to adapt and
address their concerns.
4 (b) p. 39
km 9/09 p. 1 par. 4
How Will You Answer?
4 Should We Answer Every Question? If you do not know the answer to a question, do not feel embarrassed
to say: I dont know, but I can do research on your question and come back with the results of my research. Such
modesty and personal interest may move the householder to invite you to return. If you discern that a question
comes from opposers who may be trying to start an argument, imitate Jesus by limiting your response. (Luke
20:1-8) Similarly, if someone with no genuine interest in the truth tries to engage you in debate, politely
discontinue the conversation and use your time searching for those who are sincere.Matt. 7:6.
4 (b) p. 39
km 3/97 p. 4 par. 10
Muster Up Boldness to Make Return Visits
Keep Accurate Written Records: Your house-to-house record should be accurate and complete. Write
10
down the name and address of the householder as soon as you leave the call. Do not guess at the house number or
the street namecheck the information to be sure that it is accurate. Write a description of the individual. Make
note of the topic you discussed, the scriptures you read, any literature you left, and the question you will answer
when you return. Include the day and time of the initial call and when you said you would call back. Now that your
record is complete, dont lose it! Put it in a safe place so that you can refer to it later. Keep thinking about the
individual and how you will handle the call the next time.
5 (a) p. 41
bt p. 41 par. 16
We Must Obey God as Ruler
16 The apostles wasted no time in resuming their witnessing work. Undaunted, they continued every day in
the temple and from house to house the work of declaring the good news about the Christ. (Acts 5:42) These
zealous preachers were determined to bear thorough witness. Notice that they took their message to the homes of
people, as Jesus Christ had directed them. (Matt. 10:7, 11-14) No doubt, that is how they had managed to fill
Jerusalem with their teaching. Today, Jehovahs Witnesses are known for following that apostolic method of
preaching. By calling at each house in our territory, we clearly demonstrate that we too want to be thorough,
giving everyone an opportunity to hear the good news. Has Jehovah blessed our house-to-house ministry? Yes, he
has! Millions have responded to the Kingdom message in this time of the end, and many first heard the good news
when a Witness knocked on their door.
5 (a) p. 41
cf p. 76-81
Section 2 | Teaching . . . and Preaching the Good News
Carpenter. Miracle worker. Healer. Jesus was all of these and more. Yet, people did not use such terms when
addressing him. They called him Teacher. Indeed, his lifework was teaching . . . and preaching the good news.
(Matthew 4:23) As followers of Jesus, we have the same work to do. In this section, we will study his example,
which shows us the way.
Chapter 8 | For This I Was Sent Forth
THEY have been walking for hours. Jesus and his apostles are trekking northward, heading from Judea toward
Galilee. The shortest routea journey of about three daystakes them through Samaria. As the sun nears its
zenith, they approach a small city named Sychar, where they stop for refreshment.
2While his apostles go to buy food, Jesus rests by a well outside the city. A woman approaches to draw water.
Jesus could choose to ignore her. He is tired out from the journey. (John 4:6) It would be understandable if he
just closed his eyes and let this Samaritan woman come and go unnoticed. As we saw in Chapter 4 of this book, the
woman would likely expect any Jew to treat her with disdain. Yet, Jesus strikes up a conversation with her.
3 He opens with an illustration, one taken from the womans daily lifeindeed, from this very moment. She is
here to draw water; Jesus speaks of life-giving water that will quench her spiritual thirst. Several times, she raises
points that are potentially controversial. Jesus tactfully sidesteps such issues and keeps the conversation on track.
He focuses on spiritual matterspure worship and Jehovah God. His words have far-reaching effects, for the
woman relays them to the men of the city, and they too want to listen to Jesus.John 4:3-42.
4 Upon their return, how do the apostles feel about the remarkable witness that Jesus is giving here? There is
no sign of enthusiasm on their part. They are surprised that Jesus is even talking to this woman, and evidently
they say nothing to her. After she leaves, they keep urging Jesus to eat the food they have brought. However, Jesus
says to them: I have food to eat of which you do not know. Puzzled, they take his words literally at first. Then he
explains: My food is for me to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work. (John 4:32, 34) Jesus thus
teaches them that his main work in life is more important to him than eating. He wants them to feel the same way
about it. What is this work?
5 Jesus once said: I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this I was sent forth.
(Luke 4:43) Yes, Jesus was sent to preach and to teach the good news of Gods Kingdom. Jesus followers today
have the same work to do. It is vital, then, that we consider why Jesus preached, what he preached, and what his
attitude toward his assignment was.
Why Jesus Preached
6 Let us consider how Jesus felt about the truths he taught; then we will discuss his attitude toward the people
he taught. Jesus used a vivid illustration to show how he felt about sharing with others the truths Jehovah had
taught him. He said: Every public instructor, when taught respecting the kingdom of the heavens, is like a man, a
householder, who brings out of his treasure store things new and old. (Matthew 13:52) Why does the
householder in this illustration bring things out of his treasure store?
7 The householder is not simply showing off his possessions, the way King Hezekiah of old once didwith
painful consequences. (2 Kings 20:13-20) What does motivate the householder? Consider an illustration: You visit
a favorite teacher in his home. He opens a desk drawer and pulls out a couple of lettersone of them yellowed
with age, the other newer. They are letters that he received from his fatherone of them decades ago when the
teacher was but a boy, the other in recent times. His eyes gleam with pleasure as he tells you how much he values
these letters and how the advice they contain has changed his life and could help you. The letters are clearly
treasured by the teacher, holding a cherished place in his heart. (Luke 6:45) He shares them with you, not to boast
or to profit in some way, but to benefit you and to convey to you a sense of their worth.
8 The Great Teacher, Jesus, had similar motives in sharing Gods truths with others. To him, those truths were
treasures beyond price. He loved them, and he was eager to share them. He wanted all his followers, every public
instructor, to feel that way. Do we? We have ample reason to love every truth we learn from Gods Word. We
treasure gems of truth whether they are long-cherished beliefs or recent refinements. By speaking with heartfelt
enthusiasm and maintaining our love for what Jehovah has taught us, we convey that love, as Jesus did.
Jesus also loved the people he taught, as we will discuss more fully in Section 3. Prophecy foretold that the
9
Messiah would feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one. (Psalm 72:13) Indeed, Jesus cared about people.
He cared about the thoughts and attitudes that drove them; he was concerned about the burdens that weighed
them down and the obstacles that hindered them from grasping the truth. (Matthew 11:28; 16:13; 23:13, 15)
Recall the Samaritan woman, for example. No doubt she was greatly impressed that Jesus took an interest in her.
His insight into her personal situation moved her to accept him as a prophet and to tell others about him. (John
4:16-19, 39) Granted, Jesus followers today cannot read the hearts of the people to whom they preach. However,
we can take an interest in people, as Jesus did; we can let our concern for them show; and we can tailor our words
to meet their particular interests, challenges, and needs.
5 (a) p. 41
cf pp. 84-86
For This I Was Sent Forth
Jesus Attitude Toward His Ministry

Jesus felt that his ministry was a precious treasure. He delighted in helping people to see his heavenly Father
16
as He truly is, unobscured by confusing man-made doctrines and traditions. Jesus loved helping people gain an
approved relationship with Jehovah and the hope of everlasting life. He delighted in bringing people the comfort
and joy of the good news. How did he show that he had such feelings? Consider three ways.
17 First, Jesus made the ministry the primary focus of his life. Talking about the Kingdom was his career, his
lifework, his central interest. That is why, as we noted in Chapter 5, Jesus wisely kept his life simple. As he
counseled others, he kept his eye focused on what mattered most. He was not distracted by a lot of things that he
would have to pay for, maintain, and repair or replace as time went on. He lived simply so that nothing would
needlessly pull him away from his ministry.Matthew 6:22; 8:20.
18 Second, Jesus expended himself in his ministry. He devoted immense energy to it, walking literally hundreds
of miles throughout Palestine, seeking out people with whom he might share the good news. He spoke to them in
their homes, in public squares, in marketplaces, and out in the open. He spoke to them even when he was in need
of rest, food, water, or a little quiet time with his closest friends. Even as he was dying, he continued to share with
others the good news of Gods Kingdom!Luke 23:39-43.
19 Third, Jesus treated the ministry as something urgent. Remember his conversation with the Samaritan
woman at the well outside of Sychar. Jesus apostles apparently did not see in that situation an urgent need to
share the good news with others. Jesus said to them: Do you not say that there are yet four months before the
harvest comes? Look! I say to you: Lift up your eyes and view the fields, that they are white for harvesting.John
4:35.
20 Jesus drew that illustration from the season at hand. It was evidently the month of Chislev
(November/December). The barley harvest would not come for another four months, about the time of Passover,
on Nisan 14. So farmers did not feel any urgency about the harvest just then. It was still a long way off. But what
about the harvest of people? Ah, many were ready to hear, to learn, to become Christs disciples and gain the
marvelous hope that Jehovah held out to them. It was as if Jesus could look out over those figurative fields and see
that they were white with all the ripe grain swaying gently in the breeze, signaling their readiness to be harvested.
The time was at hand, and the work was urgent! Consequently, when people of one city tried to keep Jesus with
them, he replied: Also to other cities I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this I was
sent forth.Luke 4:43.
In all three ways just discussed, we can imitate Jesus. We can make the Christian ministry the primary focus
21
of our life. Even though we may have family and secular obligations, we can show that our ministry comes first by
having a zealous, regular share in it, as Jesus did. (Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 5:8) We can expend ourselves in the
ministry, giving generously of our time, energy, and resources to support it. (Luke 13:24) And we can keep ever in
mind that our work is urgent. (2 Timothy 4:2) We need to seize every opportunity to preach!
Jesus also showed that he saw the importance of the work by ensuring that it would continue after his death.
22
He commissioned his followers to carry on the preaching and teaching work. That commission will be the subject
of the following chapter.
5 (a) p. 42
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Are You Zealous for Fine Works?
Consider, too, Jesus zeal. He set a perfect example of zealous perseverance in the ministry. Despite bitter
4
opposition, he maintained his zeal for the preaching work right to the painful end of his earthly life. (John
18:36, 37) As the time for his sacrificial death drew near, Jesus determination to help others come to know
Jehovah intensified.
5 (a) p. 42
cf pp. 94-96
Go . . . and Make Disciples
A Commission That Involves Us

14 With the words Go . . . and make disciples, the resurrected Jesus placed a heavy responsibility upon his
followers. He had in mind more than just the disciples who were present that spring day on the mountain in
Galilee. The work he commissioned involves reaching people of all the nations, and it continues until the
conclusion of the system of things. Clearly, this commission applies to all followers of Christ, including us today.
Let us take a closer look at Jesus words recorded at Matthew 28:18-20.
15Before giving the commission, Jesus says: All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.
(Verse 18) Does Jesus really have such vast authority? Yes, indeed! He is the archangel, commanding myriads of
myriads of angels. (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 12:7) As head of the congregation, he has authority over
his followers on earth. (Ephesians 5:23) Since 1914, he has been ruling as Messianic King in heaven. (Revelation
11:15) His authority reaches even into the grave, for he has the power to resurrect the dead. (John 5:26-28) By
first declaring his extensive authority, Jesus indicates that the words that follow are not a suggestion but a
command. We are wise to obey, for his authority is not self-assumed but divinely bestowed.1 Corinthians 15:27.
16 Jesus now outlines the commission, which begins with a single word: Go. (Verse 19) He thus calls upon us
to take the initiative to reach others with the Kingdom message. In fulfilling this aspect of the commission, there is
room for a variety of methods. Preaching from house to house is a most effective way to make personal contact
with people. (Acts 20:20) We also look for opportunities to witness informally; we are eager to initiate a
conversation about the good news wherever appropriate in the course of our daily life. Our specific methods of
preaching may vary, being adapted to local needs and circumstances. One thing, though, remains the same: We
go and search for deserving ones.Matthew 10:11.
17 Jesus next explains the objective of the commission, namely, to make disciples of people of all the nations.
(Verse 19) How do we make disciples? Basically, a disciple is a learner, a taught one. Making disciples, however,
is not merely a matter of imparting knowledge to others. When we study the Bible with interested ones, our goal
is to help them to become followers of Christ. Whenever possible, we highlight Jesus example so that our students
learn to look to him as their Teacher and Model, living the way he lived and doing the work he did.John 13:15.
18 A vital part of the commission is expressed in the words: Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the holy spirit. (Verse 19) Baptism is the most important milestone in a disciples life, for it is a
fitting symbol of his wholehearted dedication to God. Thus, it is essential for salvation. (1 Peter 3:21) Yes, by
continuing to do his best in serving Jehovah, the baptized disciple can look forward to endless blessings in the
new world to come. Have you helped someone to become a baptized disciple of Christ? In the Christian ministry,
there is no greater cause for joy.3 John 4.
Jesus explains the next part of the commission, saying: Teaching them to observe all the things I have
19
commanded you. (Verse 20) We teach new ones to heed Jesus commands, including the commands to love God,
to love neighbor, and to be disciple makers. (Matthew 22:37-39) We progressively teach them to explain Bible
truths and defend their growing faith. When they qualify to participate in the public preaching activity, we work
along with them, teaching them by word and example how to have a meaningful share in this work. The teaching
of new disciples is not necessarily finished prior to their baptism. Newly baptized ones may need additional
instruction to help them meet the challenges involved in following Christ.Luke 9:23, 24.
5 (a) p. 42
w07 11/15 pp. 15-17
Are You Refreshing to Others?
AT THE southern end of the Anti-Lebanon Mountain range stands Mount Hermon, with its majestic summit
rising 9,232 feet [2,814 m] above sea level. For most of the year, Hermons peak is snowcapped, and this causes
the warm night vapors passing over it to condense and produce dew. The dew descends on the fir and fruit trees
on the lower slopes and on the vineyards down below. During ancient Israels long dry season, such refreshing
dew was the principal source of moisture for vegetation.
In a divinely inspired song, the refreshing unity among Jehovahs worshippers is likened to the dew of
Hermon that is descending upon the mountains of Zion. (Psalm 133:1, 3) Just as Mount Hermon supplies
refreshing dew to the vegetation, we can spread refreshment to those whom we meet. How can we do so?
Jesus Refreshing Example
Jesus Christ had a profound effect on others. Even a brief encounter with him could be very refreshing. For
example, the Gospel writer Mark relates: [Jesus] took the children into his arms and began blessing them, laying
his hands upon them. (Mark 10:16) How refreshing that must have been for those young ones!
On his last night on earth as a human, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. His humility must have touched
their hearts. Jesus then told them: I set the pattern for you, that, just as I did to you, you should do also. (John
13:1-17) Yes, they too needed to be humble. Although the apostles did not immediately grasp the point and later
that night began arguing about which one of them seemed to be the greatest, Jesus did not become provoked.
Instead, he patiently reasoned with them. (Luke 22:24-27) Even when he was being reviled, [Jesus] did not go
reviling in return. In fact, when he was suffering, he did not go threatening, but kept on committing himself to
the one who judges righteously. Jesus refreshing example is worthy of imitation.1 Peter 2:21, 23.
Jesus said: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you
will find refreshment for your souls. (Matthew 11:29) Imagine being instructed by Jesus firsthand. After hearing
him teach in their synagogue, those in his home territory were astounded and said: Where did this man get this
wisdom and these powerful works? (Matthew 13:54) Reading about Jesus life and ministry can teach us much
about being refreshing to others. Let us consider how Jesus set an outstanding example through positive speech
and by having a helpful attitude.
Maintaining Positive Speech
It is much easier to destroy a building than to put up a new one. That same principle of tearing down and
building up applies to our speech. As imperfect humans, all of us have faults and shortcomings. King Solomon
said: There is no man righteous in the earth that keeps doing good and does n ot sin. (Ecclesiastes 7:20) It does
not take much to identify another persons faults and tear him down with cutting remarks. (Psalm 64:2-4) On the
other hand, keeping our speech positive requires skill.
Jesus used his tongue to build people up. He offered them spiritual refreshment by proclaiming the good news
of the Kingdom to them. (Luke 8:1) Jesus also refreshed those who became his disciples by revealing his heavenly
Father to them. (Matthew 11:25-27) No wonder people were drawn to Jesus!
In contrast, the scribes and Pharisees did not consider the needs of others. They like the most prominent
place at evening meals and the front seats in the synagogues, said Jesus. (Matthew 23:6) In fact, they looked
down on the common people, saying: This crowd that does not know the Law are accursed people. (John 7:49)
There certainly was nothing refreshing about that attitude!
Our speech is often a reflection of what we are inside and how we view others. Jesus said: A good man brings
forth good out of the good treasure of his heart, but a wicked man brings forth what is wicked out of his wicked
treasure; for out of the hearts abundance his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45) What, then, can we do to make sure that
our speech is refreshing to others?
For one thing, we can pause and think before we speak. Proverbs 15:28 states: The heart of the righteous one
meditates so as to answer. Such meditation need not be a long-drawn-out process. With a little forethought, we
can usually determine how our comments will be received. We could ask ourselves: Is what I am about to say
loving? Is it truthful, or is it simply hearsay? Is it a word at its right time? Will it refresh and upbuild those with
whom I share it? (Proverbs 15:23) If we conclude that the thought is negative or untimely, let us make a
conscientious effort to dismiss it. Better yet, why not try to replace it with something more positive and
appropriate? Thoughtless words are like the stabs of a sword, while positive comments are a healing.
Proverbs 12:18.
Another help is to focus on what makes our fellow believers precious in Gods eyes. Jesus said: No man can
come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him. (John 6:44) Jehovah sees positive qualities in each of his
faithful servantseven those who we may feel have a challenging personality. By putting forth effort to identify
their good qualities, we will have reason to speak positively about them.
Help Others
Jesus fully understood the plight of the oppressed. Indeed, on seeing the crowds he felt pity for them, because
they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36) But Jesus went beyond
seeing their pitiable condition; he did something about it. He extended the invitation: Come to me, all you who
are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. He also gave this assurance: My yoke is kindly and my load is
light.Matthew 11:28, 30.
Today, we live in critical times hard to deal with. (2 Timothy 3:1) Many people feel weighed down by the
anxiety of this system of things. (Matthew 13:22) Others have the burden of distressing personal circumstances.
(1 Thessalonians 5:14) How can we supply refreshment to those in need? Like Christ, we can help to lighten their
load.
Some people seek to unburden themselves by talking about their problems. If downhearted individuals come
to us for help, do we take the time to listen carefully? Being an empathetic listener requires self-discipline. It
involves staying focused on what the other person is saying, rather than thinking about how to respond or how to
fix the problem. By listening closely, maintaining eye contact, and smiling when doing so is appropriate, we show
that we care.
In the Christian congregation, there are many opportunities to encourage fellow believers. For instance, when
attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall, we can seek out those who are struggling with health problems.
Sometimes all it takes to build them up is a few minutes before or after the meeting to offer them words of
encouragement. We might also make a mental note of those who are missing from the Congregation Book Study
we attend. Perhaps we can reach them by telephone and express our interest in their welfare or offer
assistance.Philippians 2:4.
Christian elders carry a heavy load of responsibility in the congregation. We can do much to help lighten their
load by being cooperative and by humbly following through on any assignment that we may receive. Gods Word
urges us: Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for t hey are keeping watch
over your souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this
would be damaging to you. (Hebrews 13:17) By displaying a willing spirit, we can refresh those who preside in a
fine way.1 Timothy 5:17.
Abound in Positive Speech and Helpful Deeds
Refreshing dew results from thousands of tiny water droplets that gently descend, seemingly out of nowhere.
Likewise, bringing refreshment to others is not as likely to result from just one noble act as it is from the
cumulative effects of our displaying Christlike qualities at all times.
In brotherly love have tender affection for one another, wrote the apostle Paul. In showing honor to one
another take the lead. (Romans 12:10) Let us apply Pauls counsel. By our speech and actions, may we really be
refreshing to others.
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Men Unlettered and Ordinary
They . . . Raised Their Voices to God (Acts 4:23-31)

13 Immediately after being released from custody, Peter and John met with the rest of the congregation.
Together, they . . . raised their voices to God and prayed for courage to keep preaching. (Acts 4:24) Peter knew
only too well the folly of trusting in personal power when attempting to do Gods will. Just weeks earlier, he had
self-confidently told Jesus: Although all the others are stumbled in connection with you, never will I be
stumbled! Yet, as Jesus foretold, Peter quickly succumbed to fear of man and denied his friend and teacher.
However, Peter learned from his mistake.Matt. 26:33, 34, 69-75.
14Determination alone will not sustain you as you fulfill your commission to be a witness of Christ. When
opposers try to break your faith or attempt to stop you from preaching, follow the example of Peter and John. Pray
to Jehovah for strength. Seek the support of the congregation. Tell the elders and other mature ones of the
difficulties you face. The prayers of others can be a powerful sustaining force.Eph. 6:18; Jas. 5:16.
If you once succumbed to pressure and stopped preaching for a time, take heart. Remember, all the apostles
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stopped preaching for a while after Jesus death but soon were active again. (Matt. 26:56; 28:10, 16-20) Rather
than letting past mistakes weigh you down, can you draw on the experience and use the lessons you learned to
strengthen others?
16 What should we pray for when those in authority oppress us? Notice, please, that the disciples did not ask
that they be spared from facing trials. They well remembered Jesus statement: If they have persecuted me, they
will persecute you also. (John 15:20) Instead, these loyal disciples asked Jehovah to give attention to the threats
of the opposers. (Acts 4:29) The disciples clearly saw the big picture, recognizing that the persecution they faced
was actually a fulfillment of prophecy. They knew that, as Jesus had taught them to pray, Gods will would be
done on earth, no matter what mere human rulers may say.Matt. 6:9, 10.
17 In order to do Gods will, the disciples prayed to Jehovah: Grant your slaves to keep speaking your word
with all boldness. What was Jehovahs immediate response? The place in which 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. (Acts 4:29-31) Nothing can stop Gods will from being accomplished. (Isa. 55:11) No matter how great
the odds, no matter how powerful the opponent, if we raise our voice to God in prayer, we can be sure that He will
grant us the strength to keep on speaking His word with boldness.
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Meeting the Challenges of the House-to-House Ministry
Mustering Up Boldness
4 You no doubt recognize that the global preaching work is being accomplished, not by human power or
wisdom, but by Gods spirit. (Zech. 4:6) That is also true of the ministry of individual Christians. (2 Cor. 4:7)
Consider the apostle Paul. Recalling a time when he and his missionary companion were mistreated by opposers,
he wrote: After we had first suffered and been insolently treated . . . in Philippi, we mustered up boldness by
means of our God to speak to you the good news of God with a great deal of struggling. (1 Thess. 2:2; Acts 16:22-
24) We may find it hard to imagine that a zealous preacher like Paul had times when it was a struggle for him to
preach. Yet, like all of us, Paul had to lean on Jehovah in order to speak the good news with boldness. (Read
Ephesians 6:18-20.) How can we imitate Pauls example?
One way we muster up boldness to preach is through prayer. A pioneer said: I pray that I can speak with
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confidence, pray that I can reach the hearts of people, and pray that I can find joy in the ministry. After all, this is
Jehovahs work, not our own, so we can do nothing without his help. (1 Thess. 5:17) All of us need to pray
continually for the help of Gods holy spirit to preach with boldness.Luke 11:9-13.
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Witnessing From House to House
1 Those experienced in the various ways of spreading the Truth will agree that the house to house canvass
with MILLENNIAL DAWN is, in the present time, by far the most effective way of preaching the Truth. That
statement from the July 1, 1893, issue of Zions Watch Tower highlighted the value of the house-to-house ministry.
People earth wide have come to view it as a trademark of Jehovahs Witnesses. Is this method still of value, since it
is increasingly difficult to find people at home in some lands?
Scriptural and Important: House-to-house witnessing has a Scriptural basis. Jesus instructed 70 disciples to
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go by twos to the houses of the people. (Luke 10:5-7) Shortly after Jesus death, the Bible says of his disciples:
Every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good
news. (Acts 5:42) The apostle Paul also zealously taught from house to house.Acts 20:20.
Witnessing from house to house continues to be an important method of spreading the good news today. It
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enables us to search out deserving ones in a systematic and orderly way. (Matt. 10:11) People are generally
more relaxed at home. Speaking with them face-to-facehearing their voice, seeing their facial expressions, and
observing their surroundingsallows us to discern their interests and concerns. It usually gives us the best
opportunity to engage in extended conversation.
4 Make Personal Adjustments: The apostle Paul was willing to make personal adjustments for the sake of
the good news. (1 Cor. 9:23) Perhaps we can adjust our schedule to preach when more people are likely to be at
home, such as later in the day, on weekends, or on holidays. Keep a record of not-at-homes, and try again on a
different day of the week or at a different time of the day.
5 Even those with health limitations may be able to share in preaching from house to house. Perhaps we can
make it a point to take such ones with us to homes that are easily accessible, allowing them to work at a
comfortable pace. One sisters shortness of breath allowed her to call at only one house every half hour. Yet, how
happy and satisfied she felt after being included in the group!
6 Many sheeplike ones continue to be found in the door-to-door work. One publisher knocked on a door and
was told: Come in. I know who you are. I have been praying for God to send someone to help me, and then I heard
the knock at the door. He heard me and sent you. The results give evidence that Jehovah is blessing this method
of preaching. (Matt. 11:19) Be determined to make house-to-house witnessing a regular feature of your ministry.
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House to House Without Letup
In ancient Israel, sacrifices were offered daily. (Ex. 29:38-42) The fire of the altar was kept burning; the
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ascending smoke was a restful odor that pleased Jehovah. (Ex. 29:18) Today, we are urged to offer to God a
sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name. (Heb. 13:15) Instead of
using sacrifices prescribed by the Law, we worship Jehovah by recounting his praises without letup.Isa. 43:21;
Acts 5:42.
Jesus Christ, the greatest Witness ever to walk this earth, taught us how we must carry on pure worship by
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offering sacrifices of praise. He taught his disciples that there was an urgency to the message they preached. He
knew that the most effective way to reach people with the good news was to talk to them personally in their
homes. (Matt. 10:7, 12) So we find that the apostles followed his divinely inspired direction to preach from house
to house.Acts 20:20.
3 It is no different today. As Jesus disciples, true Christians follow his example by preaching the good news
from house to house. Though we may be criticized and persecuted for that, millions have learned the truth and
hundreds of thousands of new disciples are joining the ranks of the great crowd each year, giving evidence that
this is Jehovahs way of accomplishing his will. That is why we persevere in our ministry.
4 Benefits of Preaching From House to House: God is not partial . . . The man that fears him and works
righteousness is acceptable to him. (Acts 10:34, 35) Going directly to each house in our territory clearly
demonstrates impartiality, giving everyone opportunity to hear the Kingdom message regularly. In turn receptive
ones receive personalized assistance according to their individual needs.
5 Almost all publishers, including younger ones, the elderly, and even those who are new, can participate in the
house-to-house work. In this way each one can make public declaration for salvation. (Rom. 10:10) Participation
with others in the house-to-house ministry draws us together in the bonds of love and unity. At the same time, we
are given an opportunity to display our endurance when we encounter indifference or opposition. This public
display of faith makes us a theatrical spectacle, which helps sincere ones to realize that we have an organized
arrangement for teaching the Bible and that they can benefit from it. (1 Cor. 4:9) Everything clearly shows that
Jehovah is blessing the house-to-house work and using it to gather the great crowd to his house of pure
worship.Isa. 2:2-4.
6 Now more than at any other time in history, people need to hear the Kingdom message. Let us keep on
preaching from house to house without letup until Jehovah says it is enough. (Isa. 6:11) Doing so, we will be
rewarded with the joy that comes from sharing in the important and beneficial house-to-house ministry in this
time of the end.1 Cor. 15:58.
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Do All Things for the Sake of the Good News
The apostle Paul felt a personal obligation to declare the good news to others. (1 Cor. 9:16, 19, 23) Similarly,
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our concern for the eternal welfare of people motivates us to go out of our way to share the good news with them.
Preach Where and When People Can Be Found: A good fisherman casts his line or net, not where and
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when it is convenient for him, but where and when the fish are most likely to be found. We too, as fishers of
men, may need to make some personal adjustments in order to find people in our territory and thereby enjoy
more fully the privilege of gathering up fish of every kind. (Matt. 4:19; 13:47) Can we use early evening hours to
contact people at their homes or the early morning hours to do street witnessing? Pauls goal was to bear
thorough witness to the good news, and he took advantage of appropriate opportunities to do so.Acts 17:17;
20:20, 24.
Adapt Your Presentation to Meet the Need: Fishermen frequently adjust their methods in order to catch a
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particular type of fish. How can we present the Kingdom good news in an appealing manner to people in our
territory? We must tactfully introduce a subject that is of concern to people in general and then listen carefully to
their expressions regarding the matter. (Jas. 1:19) We might ask a viewpoint question to draw them out. (Prov.
20:5) In this way we will be able to adapt our presentation of the good news in a way that touches their lives
personally. Paul became all things to people of all sorts. (1 Cor. 9:22) Adaptability is a key to reaching the hearts
of people.
4 What a joy it is to share with people the good news of something better! (Isa. 52:7) May we do all things
for the sake of the good news in order to reach as many as possible.1 Cor. 9:23.
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Women Who Made Jehovahs Heart Rejoice
May Jehovah reward the way you act, and may there come to be
a perfect wage for you from Jehovah.RUTH 2:12.
FEAR of God impelled two women to defy a Pharaoh. Faith moved a prostitute to risk her life so as to protect
two Israelite spies. Sensibleness and humility in a crisis helped a woman to save many lives and to prevent the
anointed of Jehovah from incurring bloodguilt. Faith in Jehovah God along with a spirit of hospitality moved a
widow and mother to give the last of her food to a prophet of God. These are just some of the many Scriptural
examples of women who made Jehovahs heart rejoice.
2 Jehovahs attitude toward such women and the blessings he bestowed upon them demonstrate that what
pleases him above all else are spiritual qualities, which transcend gender. In todays world, obsessed as it is with
the physical, giving priority to ones spirituality is a challenge. But that challenge can be met, as is demonstrated
by millions of God-fearing women who form a large part of Gods people today. Such Christian women imitate the
faith, discretion, hospitality, and other fine qualities demonstrated by God-fearing women mentioned in the Bible.
Of course, Christian men too want to imitate the qualities shown by such exemplary women of ancient times. To
see how we may do so to a fuller degree, let us consider in more detail the Bible accounts about the women
mentioned at the outset.Romans 15:4; James 4:8.
Women Who Defied a Pharaoh
At the Nuremberg trials, held in Germany after World War II, many who were convicted of mass murder tried
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to excuse the crimes they committed by arguing that they were simply obeying orders. Now compare these
individuals with two Israelite midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who lived in ancient Egypt during the reign of an
unnamed but tyrannical Pharaoh. Fearing a burgeoning Hebrew population, Pharaoh ordered the two midwives
to make sure that every newborn Hebrew male was killed. How did the women respond to that heinous
command? They did not do as the king of Egypt had spoken to them, but they would preserve the male children
alive. Why did these women not succumb to fear of man? Because they feared the true God.Exodus 1:15, 17;
Genesis 9:6.
Yes, the midwives took refuge in Jehovah, and he, in turn, proved to be a shield to them, protecting them
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from Pharaohs wrath. (2 Samuel 22:31; Exodus 1:18-20) But Jehovahs blessing did not stop there. He rewarded
Shiphrah and Puah with families of their own. He even honored these women by having their names and deeds
recorded in his inspired Word for future generations to read, whereas the name of the Pharaoh has been lost in
the sands of time.Exodus 1:21; 1 Samuel 2:30b; Proverbs 10:7.
5 Are there women like Shiphrah and Puah today? Yes, indeed! Each year, thousands of such women fearlessly
preach the Bibles life-saving message in lands where the order of the king forbids it, thus risking their freedom
or even their life. (Hebrews 11:23; Acts 5:28, 29) Impelled by love of God and neighbor, such brave women allow
no one to stop them from sharing the good news of Gods Kingdom with others. Consequently, many Christian
women contend with opposition and persecution. (Mark 12:30, 31; 13:9-13) As with Shiphrah and Puah, Jehovah
is fully aware of the deeds of such excellent, courageous women, and he will demonstrate his love for them by
preserving their names in his book of life, provided they endure faithfully to the end.Philippians 4:3; Matthew
24:13.
A Former Prostitute Brings Joy to Jehovahs Heart
6 In the year 1473 B.C.E., a prostitute named Rahab lived in the Canaanite city of Jericho. Evidently, Rahab was
a well-informed woman. When two Israelite spies sought refuge in her home, she was able to relate to them
specific details about Israels miraculous Exodus from Egypt, even though that had occurred 40 years earlier! She
was also familiar with Israels more recent victories over the Amorite Kings Sihon and Og. Note how that
knowledge affected her. To the spies, she said: I do know that Jehovah will certainly give you the land, . . . for
Jehovah your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. (Joshua 2:1, 9-11) Yes, what Rahab
learned about Jehovah and his deeds in behalf of Israel touched a responsive chord in her heart and caused her to
have faith in him.Romans 10:10.
7 Rahabs faith moved her to action. She received the Israelite spies in a peaceable way, and she obeyed their
life-saving instructions when Israel attacked Jericho. (Hebrews 11:31; Joshua 2:18-21) There is no doubt that
Rahabs works of faith brought joy to Jehovahs heart, for he inspired the Christian disciple James to place her
name alongside that of Abraham, Gods friend, as an example for Christians to imitate. James wrote: In the same
manner was not also Rahab the harlot declared righteous by works, after she had received the messengers
hospitably and sent them out by another way?James 2:25.
8 Jehovah rewarded Rahab in a number of ways. For one thing, he miraculously spared her life and the lives of
all who sought refuge in her homenamely, the household of her father and all who belonged to her. Then he
allowed these ones to dwell in the midst of Israel, where they were to be treated as natives. (Joshua 2:13; 6:22-
25; Leviticus 19:33, 34) But that is not all. Jehovah also bestowed upon Rahab the honor of becoming an
ancestress of Jesus Christ. What an overwhelming demonstration of loving-kindness toward a woman who had
once been an idol-worshiping Canaanite!*Psalm 130:3, 4.
9 Like Rahab, some Christian women, from the first century right down to today, have abandoned an immoral
way of life in order to please God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) No doubt some of them grew up in an environment
comparable to that of ancient Canaan, where immorality was rife and even viewed as normal. Yet, they changed
their ways, impelled by faith based on an accurate knowledge of the Scriptures. (Romans 10:17) Hence, it could
also be said of such women that God is not ashamed of them, to be called upon as their God. (Hebrews 11:16)
What an honor!
Blessed for Her Sensibleness
Many faithful women of old displayed in an outstanding way the quality of sensibleness, making them a
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precious asset to Jehovahs people. One such woman was Abigail, wife of the wealthy Israelite landowner Nabal.
Abigails sensibleness contributed to the saving of lives and prevented David, Israels future king, from becoming
bloodguilty. We can read about Abigail in the account recorded at 1 Samuel chapter 25.
11 As the story begins, David and his followers are encamped near Nabals flocks, which they protect free of
charge day and night out of kindness to their Israelite brother Nabal. When Davids provisions are running low, he
sends ten young men to Nabal to request food. Nabal now has an opportunity to show his appreciation to David
and to honor him as Jehovahs anointed. But Nabal does the opposite. In a fit of rage, he insults David and turns
the young men away empty-handed. When David hears about this, he assembles 400 armed men and sets out to
exact revenge. Abigail learns about her husbands harsh response and acts quickly and prudently to appease
David by sending a generous consignment of provisions. Then she herself goes to David.Verses 2-20.
12 When Abigail meets David, her humble appeal for mercy reveals her deep respect for Jehovahs anointed.
Jehovah will without fail make for my lord a lasting house, because the wars of Jehovah are what my lord is
fighting, she says, adding that Jehovah will commission David as leader over Israel. (Verses 28-30) At the same
time, Abigail shows considerable courage by telling David that his pursuit of revenge, if unchecked, will lead to
bloodguilt. (Verses 26, 31) David is brought to his senses by Abigails humility, deep respect, and clear thinking.
He responds: Blessed be Jehovah the God of Israel, who has sent you this day to meet me! And blessed be your
sensibleness, and blessed be you who have restrained me this day from entering into bloodguilt.Verses 32, 33.
13 Upon returning home, Abigail bravely seeks to inform her husband of her gift to David. When she finds him,
however, he is as drunk as could be. So she waits until he is sober and then tells him. How does Nabal react? He
is so stunned that he is overcome by what may be some form of paralysis. Ten days later he dies at Gods hand.
When David learns of Nabals death, he proposes marriage to Abigail, whom he evidently admires and deeply
respects. Abigail accepts Davids offer.Verses 34-42.
Can You Be Like Abigail?
14 Do you see some qualities in Abigail that youmen as well as womenwould like to cultivate to a greater
degree? Perhaps you desire to act more prudently and sensibly when difficulties arise. Or maybe you want to
speak in a calm and reasonable manner when the emotions of others around you are running high. If so, why not
pray to Jehovah about the matter? He promises to give wisdom, discernment, and thinking ability to all who keep
on asking in faith.James 1:5, 6; Proverbs 2:1-6, 10, 11.
Such fine qualities are especially important for a woman with an unbelieving husband who pays little or no
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heed to Bible principles. Perhaps he drinks to excess. Hopefully, such men will change their ways. Many have done
sooften in response to the mild manner, deep respect, and chaste conduct of their wives.1 Peter 3:1, 2, 4.
16 Whatever difficulties you may have to put up with at home, remember that Jehovah is always there to
support you. (1 Peter 3:12) So strive to fortify yourself spiritually. Pray for wisdom and a calm heart. Yes, draw
closer to Jehovah through regular Bible study, prayer, meditation, and association with fellow Christians. Abigails
love for God and her attitude toward his anointed servant were not affected by her husbands unspiritual outlook.
She acted on the basis of righteous principles. Even in a household where the husband is an exemplary servant of
God, a Christian wife realizes that she needs to continue to work hard to build up and maintain her own
spirituality. True, her husband has the Scriptural obligation to care for her spiritually and materially, but in the
final analysis, she must work out her own salvation with fear and trembling.Philippians 2:12; 1 Timothy 5:8.
She Received a Prophets Reward
17 The way in which Jehovah cared for a poor widow in the time of the prophet Elijah shows that he deeply
appreciates those who support true worship by giving of themselves and of their resources. Because of a
prolonged drought in Elijahs day, starvation stared many in the f ace, including a widow and her young son living
in Zarephath. Just when they were down to their last meal, a visitor arrivedthe prophet Elijah. He made a most
unusual request. Although aware of the womans plight, he asked her to bake a small round cake for him, using
the last of her oil and flour. But he added: For this is what Jehovah the God of Israel has said, The large jar of
flour itself will not get exhausted, and the small jar of oil itself will not fail until the day of Jehovahs giving a
downpour upon the surface of the ground.1 Kings 17:8-14.
How would you have responded to that extraordinary request? The widow of Zarephath, apparently
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recognizing that Elijah was Jehovahs prophet, did according to Elijahs word. In what way did Jehovah respond
to her act of hospitality? He miraculously provided food for the woman, her son, and Elijah during the drought.
(1 Kings 17:15, 16) Yes, Jehovah gave the widow of Zarephath a prophets reward, even though she was not an
Israelite. (Matthew 10:41) The Son of God also honored this widow when he held her up as an example before the
faithless people of his hometown, Nazareth.Luke 4:24-26.
19 Today, many Christian women reflect the spirit of the widow of Zarephath. For example, every week,
unselfish Christian sistersmany of whom are poor and have families to care forextend hospitality to traveling
overseers and their wives. Others share meals with local full-time ministers, help the needy, or in some other way
give of themselves and of their resources to support the Kingdom work. (Luke 21:4) Does Jehovah note such
sacrifices? Absolutely! God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name, in
that you have ministered to the holy ones and continue ministering.Hebrews 6:10.
20 In the first century, several God-fearing women had the privilege of ministering to Jesus and his apostles. In
the next article, we will discuss how these women brought joy to Jehovahs heart, and we will consider the
example of modern-day women who serve Jehovah wholeheartedly, even in difficult circumstances.
* Jesus genealogy, as recorded by Matthew, mentions four women by nameTamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Mary.
All are held in high esteem in Gods Word.Matthew 1:3, 5, 16.
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The Dignified Role of Women Among Gods Early Servants
A Helper and a Complement

4 After Adam had been in the garden of Eden alone for some time, Jehovah observed: It is not good for the
man to continue by himself. I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him. (Genesis 2:18) Even
though Adam was a perfect man, something else was needed in order to carry out the Creators purpose. To fill
the need, Jehovah created the woman and performed the first marriage.Genesis 2:21-24.
5 Do the words helper and complement indicate that the womans God-assigned role was demeaning? On
the contrary. Bible writers often apply to God the Hebrew noun (ezer) rendered helper. For instance, Jehovah
proves to be our helper and our shield. (Psalm 33:20; Exodus 18:4; Deuteronomy 33:7) At Hosea 13:9, Jehovah
even refers to himself as Israels helper. As for the Hebrew word (neghedh) rendered complement, one Bible
scholar explains: The help looked for is not just assistance in his daily work or in the procreation of children . . .
but the mutual support companionship provides.
There is thus nothing demeaning in Jehovahs describing the woman as a helper and a complement. The
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woman had her own unique mental, emotional, and physical makeup. She was a suitable counterpart, a satisfying
complement for the man. Each was different, yet each was needed to fill the earth in accord with the Creators
purpose. It was evidently after the creation of both the man and the woman that God saw everything he had
made and, look! it was very good.Genesis 1:28, 31.
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WOMAN
Privileges in the Christian Congregation. For those called by God to the heavenly calling (Heb 3:1) to be joint
heirs with Jesus Christ, there is no distinction between men and women in a spiritual sense. The apostle writes:
You are all, in fact, sons of God through your faith in Christ . . . there is neither male nor female; for you are all one
person in union with Christ Jesus. (Ga 3:26-28) These all must receive a change of nature at their resurrection,
being made partakers together of divine nature, in which state none will be women, for there is no female sex
among spirit creatures, sex being Gods means for reproduction of earthly creatures.2Pe 1:4.
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Respect and Dignity Under Gods Care
WHEN on earth, Jesus perfectly reflected his heavenly Fathers personality and way of doing things. He said: I
do nothing of my own initiative; but just as the Father taught me I speak . . . I always do the things pleasing to
him. (John 8:28, 29; Colossians 1:15) Thus, by noting the way Jesus interacted with women and his attitude
toward them, we have a window into understanding Gods view of women and his expectations for them.
Based on what is recorded in the Gospel accounts, a number of scholars have acknowledged Jesus view of
women as nothing short of revolutionary. How is that so? And more important, do his teachings still have a
liberating influence on women today?
How Jesus Treated Women
Jesus did not consider them to be mere sexual objects. In the view of some Jewish religious leaders, contact
with the opposite sex could lead only to lust. Since women were feared as a source of temptation, they were not
allowed to talk to men in public or to go out without wearing a veil. On the other hand, Jesus advised men to
control their own fleshly desires and treat women with dignity instead of cutting them off from social relations.
Matthew 5:28.
Jesus also said: Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. (Mark
10:11, 12) He thus rejected the prevailing rabbinic teaching that allowed men to divorce their wives on every
sort of ground. (Matthew 19:3, 9) The concept of committing adultery against his wife was alien to most Jews.
Their rabbis taught that a husband could never commit adultery against his wifeonly a woman could be
unfaithful! As one Bible commentary puts it, Jesus, by putting the husband under the same moral obligation as
the wife, raised the status and dignity of women.
The effect of his teaching today: In the Christian congregation of Jehovahs Witnesses, women associate freely
with men at meetings. However, they need not fear indecent looks or undue familiarity, because Christian men are
careful to treat older women as mothers, younger women as sisters with all chasteness.1 Timothy 5:2.
Jesus took time to teach women. In contrast with the prevalent rabbinic view that kept women in ignorance,
Jesus taught them and encouraged them to express themselves. By refusing to deprive Mary of the joy of being
taught, Jesus showed that a womans place is not only in the kitchen. (Luke 10:38-42) Marys sister, Martha, also
benefited from his teaching, as shown by her intelligent answers to Jesus after Lazarus death.John 11:21-27.
What women thought mattered to Jesus. At that time, most Jewish women believed that the key to happiness
was to have a worthy son, if possible one who was a prophet. When one of the women cried out: Happy is the
womb that carried you! Jesus seized the opportunity to tell her about something better. (Luke 11:27, 28) By
indicating that spirituality was more important, Jesus pointed her to something more than the traditional role
imposed upon women.John 8:32.
The effect of his teaching today: Teachers in the Christian congregation welcome the comments by women at
congregation meetings. They respect mature women for being teachers of what is good, both in private and by
example. (Titus 2:3) They also rely on them to tell publicly the good news of Gods Kingdom.Psalm 68:11; see
the box Did the Apostle Paul Forbid Women to Speak? on page 9.
Jesus cared for women. In Bible times, daughters were not valued as much as sons. The Talmud reflects this
view, saying: Happy is he whose children are males, and woe to him whose children are females. Some parents
regarded a girl as a greater burdenthey would have to find her a mate and give a dowry, and they would not be
able to depend on her for support in their old age.
Jesus showed that a little girls life is as important as a boyshe resurrected Jairus daughter, as he did the
son of the widow at Nain. (Mark 5:35, 41, 42; Luke 7:11-15) After healing a woman troubled by a spirit of
weakness for eighteen years, Jesus called her a daughter of Abraham, an expression almost unknown in Jewish
writings. (Luke 13:10-16) By using this respectful and kind expression, he not only regarded her as a full-fledged
member of society but also recognized her great faith.Luke 19:9; Galatians 3:7.
The effect of his teaching today: An Asian saying goes: Raising a daughter is like watering the neighbors
garden. Far from being influenced by that mentality, loving Christian fathers care well for all their children, sons
and daughters. Christian parents make sure that all their children receive proper education and health care.
Jesus trusted women. In the Jewish courts, the testimony of a woman was considered equal only to that of a
slave. Josephus, a first-century historian, advised: From women let no evidence be accepted, because of the levity
and temerity of their sex.
In sharp contrast, Jesus chose to have women bear witness to his resurrection. (Matthew 28:1, 8-10) Though
these faithful women had been eyewitnesses of the execution and burial of their Lord, to the apostles, the
womens words were hard to believe. (Matthew 27:55, 56, 61; Luke 24:10, 11) However, by appearing first to
women, the resurrected Christ regarded them as worthy of bearing witness as his other disciples were.Acts
1:8, 14.
The effect of his teaching today: In congregations of Jehovahs Witnesses, men who have responsibilities show
consideration for women by taking into account their observations. For their part, Christian husbands assign
honor to their wives by listening carefully to them.1 Peter 3:7; Genesis 21:12.
Bible Principles Contribute to Womens Happiness
When men imitate Christ, women are given the respect and freedom that God originally purposed for them.
(Genesis 1:27, 28) Instead of supporting male chauvinism, Christian husbands let themselves be guided by Bible
principles, which contribute to their mates happiness.Ephesians 5:28, 29.
When Yelena

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