Friday, January 25
Guard against every sort of greed.—Luke 12:15.
Many today are obsessed with the latest fashions, electronic gadgets, and so forth. Therefore, each Christian regularly needs to examine his own desires by asking himself such questions as: ‘Have material things become so important to me that I spend more time researching and thinking about the latest cars or fashions than I do preparing for congregation meetings? Have I become so preoccupied with the everyday affairs of life that I spend less time praying or reading the Bible?’ If we realize that our love for material things is eclipsing our love for the Christ, we should reflect on Jesus’ words found in today’s text. Jesus stated that “no one can slave for two masters.” He added: “You cannot slave for God and for Riches.” That is because both “masters” require exclusive devotion. (Matt. 6:24) As imperfect people, all of us need to keep up our fight against “the desires of our flesh,” including materialism.—Eph. 2:3. w17.05 25-26 ¶15-16
January 21-27
ACTS 25-26
Song 73 and Prayer
Opening Comments (3 min. or less)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Paul Appeals to Caesar and Then Witnesses to King Herod Agrippa”: (10 min.)
Ac 25:11—Paul availed himself of a legal provision and appealed to Caesar (bt 198 ¶6)
Ac 26:1-3—Paul gave a skillful defense before King Herod Agrippa (bt 198-201 ¶10-16)
Ac 26:28—Paul’s words had a profound effect on the king (bt 202 ¶18)
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)
Ac 26:14—What is a goad? (“kicking against the goads” study note on Ac 26:14, nwtsty; “Goad,” nwtstg)
Ac 26:27—What dilemma did King Agrippa face when Paul asked him if he believed the prophets? (w03 11/15 16-17 ¶14)
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 25:1-12 (th study 5)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
First Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Play and discuss the video.
First Return Visit: (3 min. or less) Use the sample conversation. (th study 2)
First Return Visit: (4 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation. Then introduce the Teach Us book. (th study 3)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
“The Legalization of the Work in Quebec”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video.
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 51
Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)
Song 122 and Prayer