Sunday, February 25
They are the ones who have acted corruptly. They are not his children, the defect is their own.—Deut. 32:5.
No longer perfect, Adam could not reflect God’s qualities perfectly. He not only lost a marvelous future for himself but also handed down to his children imperfection, sin, and death. (Rom. 5:12) He deprived his offspring of the prospect of life without end. Furthermore, Adam and Eve could no longer have a perfect child; neither could any of their children have a perfect child. After turning Adam and Eve away from God, Satan the Devil has continued to mislead mankind until today. (John 8:44) God’s love for humans, however, endures. Despite Adam and Eve’s rebellion, Jehovah wants mankind to enjoy a good relationship with him. He does not desire any to die. (2 Pet. 3:9) So right after the rebellion, God made arrangements to enable humans to restore their friendship with him while he at the same time maintained his own righteous standards.—John 3:16. w17.02 1:12-14
February 19-25
MATTHEW 16-17
Song 45 and Prayer
Opening Comments (3 min. or less)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Whose Thoughts Are You Thinking?”: (10 min.)
Mt 16:21, 22—Peter allowed sentimentality to influence his thinking (w07 2/15 16 ¶17)
Mt 16:23—Peter was not thinking God’s thoughts (w15 5/15 13 ¶16-17)
Mt 16:24—Christians must allow God’s thoughts to direct their life (w06 4/1 23 ¶9)
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)
Mt 16:18—Who was the rock on which Jesus built the Christian congregation? (“You are Peter, and on this rock,” “congregation” study notes on Mt 16:18, nwtsty)
Mt 16:19—What were “the keys of the Kingdom of the heavens” that Jesus gave to Peter? (“keys of the Kingdom of the heavens” study note on Mt 16:19, nwtsty)
What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?
What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?
Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Mt 16:1-20
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call: (2 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation. Respond to an objection that is common in your territory.
First Return Visit: (3 min. or less) Use the sample conversation.
Second Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Play and discuss the video.
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
“Improving Our Skills in the Ministry—Using Questions Effectively”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Do the Work That Jesus Did—Teach.
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 9
Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)
Song 134 and Prayer