Thursday, January 3
Do not forget hospitality, for through it some unknowingly entertained angels.—Heb. 13:2.
Have you held back from offering hospitality? If so, you may have missed out on opportunities for delightful company and for forming lasting friendships. Hospitality is one of the finest antidotes to loneliness. But you may wonder, ‘Why would anyone hold back?’ There could be a number of reasons. One is that Jehovah’s servants are very busy and often have multiple commitments. Some may feel that they simply do not have the time or energy to show hospitality. If that is your situation, it may be that you need to examine your current schedule of activities. Could you make some adjustments so that you will have time and energy to accept or offer hospitality? The Scriptures urge Christians to extend hospitality. It is not wrong to make time for this; actually, it is the right thing to do. You may, of course, need to be willing to limit some optional activities. w18.03 16 ¶13-14
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