Tuesday, January 1
Evil men cannot understand justice.—Prov. 28:5.
As the last days near their end, the wicked continue to “sprout like weeds.” (Ps. 92:7) It comes as no surprise, therefore, that moral standards are being abandoned. In this environment, how can we “be young children as to badness” yet “full-grown in [our] understanding”? (1 Cor. 14:20) The answer is found in our text for today, which says in part: “Those who seek Jehovah can understand everything”—that is, everything necessary to please him. A similar thought is expressed at Proverbs 2:7, 9, which says that Jehovah “treasures up practical wisdom for the upright.” As a result, the upright are able to “understand what is righteous and just and fair, the entire course of what is good.” Noah, Daniel, and Job acquired that wisdom. (Ezek. 14:14) The same is true of God’s people today. What about you personally? Do you “understand everything” necessary to please Jehovah? The key is to have accurate knowledge of him. w18.02 8 ¶1-3
December 31, 2018–January 6, 2019
ACTS 19-20
Song 103 and Prayer
Opening Comments (3 min. or less)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock”: (10 min.)
Ac 20:28—Elders shepherd the congregation (w11 6/15 20-21 ¶5)
Ac 20:31—Elders offer assistance “night and day” as necessary (w13 1/15 31 ¶15)
Ac 20:35—Elders must display a self-sacrificing spirit (bt 172 ¶20)
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)
Ac 19:9—How did the apostle Paul set an example in being industrious and adaptable? (bt 161 ¶11)
Ac 19:19—How did the Ephesians set an example that is worthy of imitation? (bt 162-163 ¶15)
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) Ac 19:1-20
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Second Return Visit: (3 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation. Give the householder a JW.ORG contact card.
Third Return Visit: (3 min. or less) Choose your own scripture and linking question.
Bible Study: (6 min. or less) jl lesson 15
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
Train Young Men Who Are Reaching Out: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then answer the following questions: What vital role do elders play in the congregation? (Ac 20:28) Why must elders continue to train others? How can elders imitate Jesus’ example of training his apostles? What attitude should brothers have toward being trained? (Ac 20:35; 1Ti 3:1) What practical training can elders give them? What balanced view should elders have toward those whom they are training?
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 48
Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)
Song 118 and Prayer