Friday, April 16
The thoughts of a man’s heart are like deep waters, but the discerning man draws them out.—Prov. 20:5.
When preaching, we must try to understand the factors that have influenced the people we meet. The apostle Paul grew up among Jews. He surely had to adapt his preaching to Gentiles, people who knew little or nothing about Jehovah and the Scriptures. We might have to do some research so that we can empathize with and understand the people in our territory. (1 Cor. 9:20-23) Our goal is to find “deserving” ones. (Matt. 10:11) To be effective, we must invite people to express their opinions and then listen attentively. A brother in England asks people for their opinion about how to have a happy marriage, how to raise children, or how to cope with injustice. After listening to their comments, he says, “What do you think of this advice written nearly 2,000 years ago?” Then, without saying the word “Bible,” he shows them well-chosen scriptures on his phone. w19.07 21-22 ¶7-8
April 12-18
NUMBERS 20-21
Song 114 and Prayer
Opening Comments (1 min.)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Maintain Your Meekness When Under Pressure”: (10 min.)
Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)
Nu 20:23-27—What lessons can we learn from the way that Aaron reacted to discipline and from the way that Jehovah viewed him despite his mistakes? (w14 6/15 26 ¶12)
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.) Nu 20:1-13 (th study 2)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 12)
Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer a publication from the Teaching Toolbox. (th study 3)
Talk: (5 min.) g 1/15 9—Theme: How Can I Control My Temper? (th study 16)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
Speak “What Is Good for Building Up” Others: (7 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience: How does negative or complaining speech affect others? What helped the brother in the dramatization to make adjustments?
Stand Up to Peer Pressure!: (8 min.) Discussion. Play the whiteboard animation. Then ask the audience: What pressure do many experience? What advice is found at Exodus 23:2? What four steps can help us to deal with peer pressure?
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 7 ¶16-23
Concluding Comments (3 min.)
Song 129 and Prayer