Thursday, May 28
Jehovah became furious at Solomon.—1 Ki. 11:9.
Why was Jehovah’s anger raised against Solomon? The Bible reports: “Because his heart had inclined away from Jehovah . . . , who had appeared to him twice and had warned him about this very thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not obey what Jehovah had commanded.” As a result, God withdrew his approval and support. Solomon’s heirs lost the unified kingdom of Israel and suffered many calamities for generations to come. (1 Ki. 11:9-13) As in Solomon’s case, one of the greatest threats to spirituality is friendship with those who do not understand or respect Jehovah’s standards. Some may be associated with the congregation but may be spiritually weak. Others could be relatives, neighbors, coworkers, or schoolmates who are not worshippers of Jehovah. In any case, if our close associates do not show a high regard for Jehovah’s standards, they can in time destroy our good standing with God. w18.07 19 ¶9-10
May 25-31
GENESIS 42-43
Song 120 and Prayer
Opening Comments (1 min.)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Joseph Shows Great Self-Control”: (10 min.)
Ge 42:5-7—Joseph kept his composure when he saw his brothers (w15 5/1 13 ¶5; 14 ¶1)
Ge 42:14-17—Joseph tested his brothers (w15 5/1 14 ¶2)
Ge 42:21, 22—Joseph’s brothers expressed repentance (it-2 108 ¶4)
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)
Ge 42:22, 37—What good qualities did Reuben display? (it-2 795)
Ge 43:32—Why was eating a meal with the Hebrews detestable to the Egyptians? (w04 1/15 29 ¶1)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah God, the field ministry, or something else?
Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Ge 42:1-20 (th study 2)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Second Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video, and then ask the audience: How did the brother properly introduce the scripture? Why and how did the brother introduce the Teach Us book?
Second Return Visit: (3 min. or less) Use the sample conversation. (th study 15)
Bible Study: (5 min. or less) lvs 38-39 ¶18 (th study 8)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
“Try to Get the Whole Picture”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Enhance Your Bible Reading—Excerpt. Encourage the audience to view the entire video.
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 116
Concluding Comments (3 min. or less)
Song 79 and Prayer