Thursday, July 11
You cannot slave for God and for Riches.—Matt. 6:24.
Many people urge us to pursue a secular career as our goal in life. Such a career may promise status, authority, and wealth. Because many make pursuing a career their main goal in life, a Christian might adopt the same way of thinking. Is it true that succeeding in a secular career that offers power and prestige leads to lasting happiness? No. Remember that the craving to control others and the longing to be admired are the desires that enticed Satan, but he is angry, not happy. (Matt. 4:8, 9; Rev. 12:12) Compared to the lasting joy that comes from helping people to benefit from God’s wisdom so that they can gain everlasting life, a secular career can provide only limited satisfaction. Moreover, the spirit of this world is intensely competitive. It pushes people to outdo one another, breeds jealousy, and in the end, proves to be “a chasing after the wind.”—Eccl. 4:4. w17.11 23 ¶11-13
July 8-14
1 THESSALONIANS 1-5
Song 90 and Prayer
Opening Comments (3 min. or less)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Keep Encouraging One Another and Building One Another Up”: (10 min.)
[Play the video Introduction to 1 Thessalonians.]
1Th 5:11-13—Give “extraordinary consideration” to those who are presiding over you (w11 6/15 26 ¶12; 28 ¶19)
1Th 5:14—Speak consolingly to those who are depressed, and support the weak (w17.10 10 ¶13; w15 2/15 9 ¶16)
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)
1Th 4:3-6—How does one who commits sexual immorality “take advantage of his brother”? (it-1 863-864)
1Th 4:15-17—Who will be “caught away in clouds to meet the Lord in the air,” and how does this happen? (w15 7/15 18-19 ¶14-15)
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) 1Th 3:1-13 (th study 5)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call Video: (4 min.) Play and discuss the video.
Initial Call: (2 min. or less) Use the sample conversation. (th study 1)
Initial Call: (3 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 3)
Initial Call: (3 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 4)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
Pioneers Who Encourage: (9 min.) Play the video Pioneers’ Power to Help. Then answer the following questions: How can pioneers encourage others in the congregation? How have you been encouraged by the pioneers in your congregation?
Good Examples That Encourage Us: (6 min.) Play the video We Must “Run With Endurance”—Imitate Good Examples. Then answer the following questions: What challenge did the sister have? What did she do to receive encouragement?
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 74
Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)
Song 100 and Prayer