Wednesday, September 1
My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working.—John 5:17.
Do the examples set by Jehovah and Jesus in working hard imply that it is not necessary for us to rest? Not at all. Jehovah never gets tired, so he does not need physical rest. The Bible does say that after Jehovah created the heavens and the earth, “he rested and refreshed himself.” (Ex. 31:17) However, that evidently means that Jehovah paused and found satisfaction in what he had made. And although Jesus worked hard while he lived on earth, he still made time to rest and to enjoy meals with his friends. (Matt. 14:13; Luke 7:34) The Bible encourages God’s people to be workers. His servants are to be industrious rather than lazy. (Prov. 15:19) Perhaps you work secularly to care for your family. And all disciples of Christ have the responsibility to share in the work of preaching the good news. Still, you also need to get sufficient rest. w19.12 2 ¶2; 3 ¶4-5
August 30–September 5
DEUTERONOMY 31-32
Song 78 and Prayer
Opening Comments (1 min.)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Learn From Word Pictures in an Inspired Song”: (10 min.)
Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)
De 31:12—How can Christian parents apply this principle? (w04 9/15 27 ¶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.) De 32:36-52 (th study 2)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 3)
Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Adapt to the needs of the householder, and share an appropriate scripture. (th study 12)
Talk: (5 min.) w07 5/15 15-16—Theme: Your Children Are Watching You! (th study 16)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
Learn From the Good Examples of Those Taking the Lead: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video ‘Remember Those Taking the Lead’ (Heb 13:7). Then ask the audience: What do we learn from the example of T. J. Sullivan? George Gangas? Karl Klein? Daniel Sydlik?
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 13 ¶1-6, intro video
Concluding Comments (3 min.)
Song 128 and Prayer