Thursday, July 12
If a man is reaching out to be an overseer, he is desirous of a fine work.—1 Tim. 3:1.
The Greek verb translated “reaching out” means stretching to grasp something, perhaps something beyond your normal reach. In using that word, the apostle Paul stressed that spiritual progress requires effort. Imagine a brother thinking about his future in the congregation. He may not now be serving as a ministerial servant, but he realizes that he needs to cultivate spiritual qualities. First, he strives to qualify as a ministerial servant. In time, he hopes to be spiritually qualified to serve as an overseer. In each case, he works hard to meet the qualifications needed to care for added responsibility in the congregation. In like manner, brothers and sisters who desire to serve as pioneers, as Bethelites, or as Kingdom Hall construction volunteers do well to stretch forward to attain their goals. w16.08 3:3, 4
July 9-15
LUKE 8-9
Song 13 and Prayer
Opening Comments (3 min. or less)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Be My Follower—What Is Needed?”: (10 min.)
Lu 9:57, 58—Those who follow Jesus must put their trust in Jehovah (it-2 494)
Lu 9:59, 60—Those who follow Jesus put the Kingdom of God first in their lives (“bury my father,” “Let the dead bury their dead” study notes on Lu 9:59, 60, nwtsty)
Lu 9:61, 62—Those who follow Jesus cannot allow themselves to be distracted by the things of the world (“Plowing” media on Lu 9:62, nwtsty; w12 4/15 15-16 ¶11-13)
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)
Lu 8:3—How were these Christians “ministering” to Jesus and the apostles? (“were ministering to them” study note on Lu 8:3, nwtsty)
Lu 9:49, 50—Why did Jesus not prevent a man from expelling demons, even though the man was not following him? (w08 3/15 31 ¶2)
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) Lu 8:1-15
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call: (2 min. or less) Use the sample conversation.
First Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Play and discuss the video.
Talk: (6 min. or less) w12 3/15 27-28 ¶11-15—Theme: Should We Regret Any Sacrifices That We Have Made for the Sake of the Kingdom?
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
Local Needs: (15 min.)
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 28, box “Illustrations About Fasting”
Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)
Song 110 and Prayer