Friday, January 4
I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities, because for this I was sent.—Luke 4:43.
Of all the people who have lived, who is the most outstanding example of a spiritual person? It is Jesus, of course. Throughout his life and ministry, he showed that he wanted to imitate his Father, Jehovah. He thought, felt, and acted like Jehovah and lived in harmony with God’s will and standards. (John 8:29; 14:9; 15:10) Note, for example, how Jehovah’s feelings of compassion are described by the prophet Isaiah, and compare that description with what the Gospel writer Mark reports about Jesus’ feelings. (Isa. 63:9; Mark 6:34) Are we like Jesus, ever ready to show compassionate concern when we meet people who need help? In addition, Jesus devoted himself to the work of preaching and teaching the good news. All such feelings and actions are marks of a spiritual person. w18.02 21 ¶12
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