Tuesday, November 16
Diotrephes, who likes to have the first place among them, does not accept anything from us with respect.—3 John 9.
In the first century, Diotrephes envied those who took the lead in the Christian congregation. He wanted “to have the first place” among congregation members, so he spread malicious talk to discredit the apostle John and other responsible brothers. (3 John 10) Although not going as far as Diotrephes, we too could begin to envy a fellow Christian who receives an assignment that we had hoped to get—especially if we feel that we are just as qualified as he is to care for that responsibility. Envy is like a poisonous weed. Once the seed of envy takes root in our heart, it can be difficult to destroy. Envy feeds on other negative feelings, such as improper jealousy, pride, and selfishness. Envy can choke the development of good qualities, such as love, compassion, and kindness. As soon as we see envy starting to sprout, we need to uproot it from our heart. w20.02 15 ¶6-7
November 15-21
JOSHUA 23-24
Song 50 and Prayer
Opening Comments (1 min.)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Joshua’s Final Admonition to the Nation”: (10 min.)
Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)
Jos 24:2—Was Abraham’s father, Terah, a worshipper of idols? (w04 12/1 12 ¶1)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?
Bible Reading: (4 min.) Jos 24:19-33 (th study 11)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 2)
Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. (th study 20)
Bible Study: (5 min.) lffi lesson 01 summary, review, and goal (th study 3)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
Avoid Bad Associations at Work: (7 min.) Discussion. Play the video dramatization Avoid What Erodes Loyalty—Bad Associations. Then ask the audience: What negative effect did bad associations at work have on the sister? What change did she make, and how did that help her? What lessons does this dramatization teach you about avoiding bad associations?
Find Friends in Unexpected Places: (8 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience: What challenges caused Akil to become involved in bad associations at school? How did he find good associations in the congregation? What lessons does this dramatization teach you about finding good associates?
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 16 ¶1-8, intro video
Concluding Comments (3 min.)
Song 39 and Prayer