Tuesday, September 22
[Love] does not look for its own interests.—1 Cor. 13:5.
Jehovah will not bless the efforts of anyone who is driven by pride or selfish ambition. (1 Cor. 10:24, 33; 13:4) At times, even Jesus’ closest companions reached out for privileges for the wrong reason. Consider an event involving two of Jesus’ apostles—James and John. They asked Jesus to give them special prominence in his Kingdom. Jesus did not commend them for their ambition. Instead, he explained to all 12 apostles: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all.” (Mark 10:35-37, 43, 44) Brothers who reach out with the proper motive—that is, to serve others—will be a blessing to the congregation.—1 Thess. 2:8. w24.11 46:7-8
SEPTEMBER 21-27
JEREMIAH 36-37
Song 74 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Jehovah Supports Those Who Support His Kingdom
(10 min.)
Jeremiah proclaimed an unpopular message during a time of political controversy in Judah (Jer 37:6-10)
He was persecuted because his position was misunderstood (Jer 37:13-15)
Jehovah supported Jeremiah while he was imprisoned (Jer 37:21; w08 10/15 11 ¶18)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘How can the examples of Jeremiah and others motivate me to support God’s Kingdom during times of political unrest?’
Modern-day examples show that Jehovah continues to care for those who are persecuted because of their Christian neutrality
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Jer 36:30—How did the prophecy that Jehoiakim would have no successor come true? (it “Jehoiakim” ¶9)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Jer 37:6-15 (th study 10)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Offer a Bible study to a person of a non-Christian background. (lmd lesson 5 point 5)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a Bible study to a person who accepted a tract on your last visit. (lmd lesson 9 point 4)
6. What Would You Say?
(6 min.) Discussion. HOUSE TO HOUSE. Briefly review lmd lesson 2 point 5. Then ask the audience:
A householder says that he is concerned about the rising cost of living. What would you say to acknowledge his worry?
What Bible truth might you share?
Song 142
7. Remaining Neutral in Our Hearts
(15 min.) Discussion.
As the world becomes increasingly divided, we expect to face growing tests of our neutrality. To ensure that our actions remain neutral, we must make sure that our hearts remain neutral.—Pr 4:23.
What tests of neutrality might you face where you live?
Why, at times, may it be difficult not to take sides?
Read Luke 4:5, 6. Then ask the audience:
How do these verses motivate you to remain neutral?
What Bible verses can you use to explain your decision to remain neutral?
Play the VIDEO Lessons From The Watchtower—Remain Neutral in a Divided World. Then ask the audience:
What did you learn from this video that can help you remain neutral in your heart?
Based on the study article featured in the video, what four key points can help us to remain neutral? (w16.04 27-31)
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) wcg chap. 9