November

We Have Precious Treasures to Share

¹ God’s Word abounds with spiritual treasures that we cherish. (Ps. 12:6; 119:11, 14) On a particular occasion, Jesus used illustrations depicting different aspects of the Kingdom, and then he asked his disciples: “Did you get the sense of all these things?” Upon receiving an affirmative reply, he said to them: “That being the case, every public instructor, when taught respecting the kingdom of the heavens, is like a man, a householder, who brings out of his treasure store things new and old.”​—Matt. 13:1-52.

² Bible truths that we learned when we first began studying can be viewed as old treasures. By means of our progressive personal study of the deeper things of God’s Word, we find other Bible truths, which to us are newfound treasures. (1 Cor. 2:7) Also, through “the faithful and discreet slave,” we come to understand new treasures.​—Matt. 24:45.

³ We highly esteem these spiritual treasures, old and new. This moves us to seek to receive training and gain experience as instructors of God’s Word, generously sharing with others precious truths we have learned.

⁴ Learn From Jesus’ Example: Demonstrating how he felt about these treasures, Jesus went to great lengths to share them with others. Even when he was tired, he did not stop bringing treasures out of his “storehouse.”​—John 4:6-14.

⁵ Jesus’ love for those in a poor spiritual condition motivated him to share the life-giving treasures of God’s truths. (Ps. 72:13) He felt pity for those with spiritual hunger and was moved to “teach them many things.”​—Mark 6:34.

⁶ Imitate Jesus: When we highly esteem the treasures we have, we will, like Jesus, be eager to show people spiritual gems directly from the Bible. (Prov. 2:1-5) Although at times we may be tired, we will speak about Scriptural truths with heartfelt enthusiasm. (Mark 6:34) Our deep appreciation of the treasures we have will move us to extend ourselves in the ministry, always seeking to have a fuller share.

Prepare New Ones to Face Opposition

¹ When individuals begin studying the Bible and ‘desire to live with godly devotion,’ they become special targets of Satan. (2 Tim. 3:12) Opposition can come from workmates, schoolmates, or neighbors. It can be especially trying when well-meaning relatives oppose new ones.​—Matt. 10:21; Mark 3:21.

² Opposition Foretold: New ones must understand that persecution is to be expected and that it is an indication of their becoming genuine disciples of Christ. (John 15:20) At times, opposition from others may be due to misconceptions about Jehovah’s Witnesses. Keep in mind that great joy comes from being dishonored for being a follower of Jesus and for obeying God. (Acts 5:27-29, 40, 41) Assure new ones of Jehovah’s loving support. (Ps. 27:10; Mark 10:29, 30) Maintaining their integrity puts them on Jehovah’s side of the issue of universal sovereignty.​—Prov. 27:11.

³ Role of Accurate Knowledge: Impress upon your Bible students the importance of continuing to take in accurate knowledge despite the trials they may be facing. Through opposition, Satan tries to prevent what they are learning from taking root in their figurative heart. (Prov. 4:23; Luke 8:13) They must keep taking in accurate knowledge of God’s Word so as to become firmly rooted in the faith.​—Ps. 1:2, 3; Col. 2:6, 7.

⁴ Need for Endurance: In any trialsome situation, endurance is essential and can produce fine results. (Luke 21:16-19) When new ones endure opposition, they benefit themselves and others. They experience Jehovah’s ability to bless richly those who faithfully endure.​—Jas. 1:12.

⁵ The apostle Paul rejoiced in the spiritual progress of his brothers in Thessalonica. He thanked God for them, many of whom he had aided into the truth. (2 Thess. 1:3-5) We too can experience the same joy and satisfaction if we prepare our Bible students to face opposition and endure.

Service Meeting Schedule

Week Starting November 10

Song 205

10 min: Local announcements. Include comments from the service overseer on the congregation’s progress in covering the territory with the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? Since many publishers have already been offering the November 1 Watchtower and the November Awake! invite audience to comment on how they have presented the magazines with good results.

15 min: Be Cultivating a Loving and Generous Spirit. Talk by an elder based on the November 15, 2008, Watchtower, pages 6-7.

20 min: “We Have Precious Treasures to Share.”a When considering paragraph 2, invite audience to comment on specific Bible truths that attracted them to Jehovah’s organization or that they have come to appreciate more fully since their baptism.

Song 71

Week Starting November 17

Song 80

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

15 min: Question Box.b

20 min: “You Can Be a Teacher!”c Interview a publisher or a pioneer who overcame feelings of inadequacy to conduct a Bible study. How did he rely on Jehovah for help? In what specific ways has the organization helped him to become qualified? What rewards has he experienced from sharing in the Bible study work?

Song 143

Week Starting November 24

Song 217

10 min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Mention the literature offer for December, and have one or two presentations demonstrated.

20 min: Local needs.

15 min: Prepare to Offer the December 1 Watchtower and the December Awake! Give a brief overview of the magazines, and ask the audience which articles may have more appeal in the local territory. What questions and scriptures could be used to introduce the articles? Demonstrate how a sample presentation from Our Kingdom Ministry might be used. Have one of the elders demonstrate a brief presentation that he has prepared based on an article that would fit the local territory.

Song 208

Week Starting December 1

Song 84

10 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for November.

15 min: Local experiences. Inform the congregation how much of the territory was covered in the distribution of the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? Invite the audience to relate experiences enjoyed when distributing the tract or when using it to start Bible studies. Also relate encouraging experiences related to offering the Bible Teach book in November. One or two outstanding experiences may be reenacted.

20 min: “Prepare New Ones to Face Opposition.”d When considering paragraph 2, briefly consider how the information in the Reasoning book under “Jehovah’s Witnesses” may help Bible students to answer questions from concerned relatives and friends.

Song 105

[Footnotes]

July Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Number of: Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

United States

Sp’l Pios. 564 105.7 55.0 40.3 4.2

Pios. 108,923 61.6 31.4 18.6 2.0

Aux.Pios. 36,341 50.2 27.9 11.0 1.1

Pubs. 920,826 10.0 7.4 3.5 0.4

TOTAL 1,066,654 Baptized: 7,507

Bermuda

Pios. 64 46.0 25.9 15.1 1.7

Aux.Pios. 3 39.7 37.0 11.0 1.7

Pubs. 371 9.2 7.8 4.1 0.4

TOTAL 438 Baptized: 5

Turks & Caicos

Pios. 21 49.6 17.4 23.4 6.0

Aux.Pios. 3 49.0 14.0 18.3 3.7

Pubs. 151 11.0 5.6 4.5 1.1

TOTAL 175

We are happy to report a new peak in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The total of 21 regular pioneers reporting is an increase of one over the previous peak of 20 set in December 2007.

Announcements

◼Literature offer for November 1-16: Special campaign distribution of the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? November 17-30: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Make a diligent effort to start Bible studies. December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. If individuals say they have children, offer Learn From the Great Teacher. January: What Does the Bible Really Teach? If householders already have the book, publishers may offer any 192-page book printed on paper that discolors or any book published prior to 1992 with the exception of Creation, Greatest Man, Mankind’s Search for God, and Young People Ask. February: Offer one of the following, as available: Is There a Creator Who Cares About You?, The Secret of Family Happiness, or The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s?

◼ All publishers who have not yet completed a durable power of attorney (DPA) card are urged to do so. This DPA card protects your right to refuse blood transfusions. Elders will provide personal assistance as needed.​—See the November 2006 Our Kingdom Ministry insert.

◼ Effective January 1, 2009, the term “presiding overseer” will no longer be used. This assignment will now be designated “coordinator of the body of elders.”

◼ Beginning the week of February 23, 2009, we will study “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love” at the Congregation Bible Study. Congregations should have on hand appropriate supplies of the regular and large-print editions at that time.

◼ Donations for the worldwide work that are made by check at district conventions should be made payable to “Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Donations for the worldwide work that are sent directly to the branch office should be made payable to “Watchtower.” The branch office’s financial address is Watchtower, c/​o Treasurer’s Office, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483.

Question Box

◼ If a couple wish to use the Kingdom Hall for their wedding, what matters do they need to discuss with the elders?

Weddings that are arranged in accord with Bible principles bring honor to Jehovah. This is especially true with regard to weddings at the Kingdom Hall, since the community views programs held there as a reflection of our organization. So that “all things take place decently and by arrangement,” it is proper for the local elders to be involved when the Kingdom Hall is requested for a wedding.​—1 Cor. 14:40.

A couple wishing to use the Kingdom Hall for their wedding should submit a written request to the service committee of a congregation that meets at that hall. Their letter should be submitted well in advance and should indicate the date and time they wish to use the hall. They should keep in mind that the elders will not rearrange the meeting schedule to accommodate a wedding. In addition, the bride and the groom must be in good standing, living in harmony with Bible principles and Jehovah’s righteous standards.

To make sure that the wedding reflects well on our dignified God, the couple should discuss the wedding arrangements with the service committee before they are finalized. Though the elders will not try to impose their personal preferences upon the couple, if anything objectionable is being planned, adjustments should be made. Only music selected from Kingdom Melodies or that is found in our songbook may be used. Any decoration of the Kingdom Hall or rearrangement of the chairs must also be approved. If photographs are being taken or video recordings are being made, this should not detract from the dignity of the occasion. The elders may permit a rehearsal at the Kingdom Hall as long as it does not interfere with other congregation arrangements. No invitations should be placed on the information board. However, the elders may have a brief announcement made during the Service Meeting to inform the congregation about the upcoming wedding at the Kingdom Hall.

Although it is not a requirement that all in the wedding party be baptized, it would not be appropriate to include in the wedding party individuals whose lifestyle grossly conflicts with Bible principles or whose conduct would raise questions in the minds of those attending. The wedding should be officiated by an appointed elder, if available. Elders are qualified teachers of God’s Word, so they are most qualified to highlight the Scriptural principles that apply on this important occasion.​—1 Tim. 3:2.

Since the wedding also reflects upon the elder who will perform the wedding, he too should be kept informed of the wedding arrangements. He will meet with the couple to inquire about their moral conduct during courtship; the couple will want to be open and honest with him. If either the bride or the groom was previously married, that one must establish that he or she is Scripturally and legally free to marry. (Matt. 19:9) This would include showing the elder a copy of the final divorce decree.

When the couple freely communicate and fully cooperate with the elders, the wedding will prove to be a happy occasion for all.​—Prov. 15:22; Heb. 13:17.

You Can Be a Teacher!

1. What privileged opportunity is before every Kingdom publisher?

¹ One of the most rewarding aspects of the ministry is teaching someone the truth. Seeing him respond to the Kingdom message and assisting him in drawing close to the Sovereign of the universe is an experience to be cherished. (Jas. 4:8) To teach someone who is hungering for truth and watch that one begin to make significant changes in his personality, outlook, and conduct should be a goal of every Kingdom publisher.​—Matt. 28:19, 20.

2. Why may some hold back from conducting a Bible study, and what will help them to overcome this problem?

² Rely on Jehovah: In times past, faithful servants questioned their qualifications to fulfill their commission. Reliance on Jehovah God enabled Moses, Jeremiah, Amos, and other ordinary people to overcome their own doubts or insecurities and carry out a significant work. (Ex. 4:10-12; Jer. 1:6, 7; Amos 7:14, 15) The apostle Paul too “mustered up boldness,” or literally, was “made outspoken.” How? He revealed that it was “by means of our God.” (1 Thess. 2:2, ftn.) Yes, all of us can trust in Jehovah to provide the help, wisdom, and strength we need to conduct productive Bible studies.​—Isa. 41:10; 1 Cor. 1:26, 27; 1 Pet. 4:11.

3, 4. What training is in place to assist us in teaching God’s Word?

³ Accept Training: Our Grand Instructor, Jehovah God, provides training through a regular program of spiritual education so that we can become fully competent as teachers. (Isa. 54:13; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17) Accept this training by taking full advantage of opportunities to increase your understanding of the Scriptures and improve in your ability to teach Bible truths. While this is primarily the purpose of the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting, all congregation meetings train us to teach from God’s Word.

⁴ Strive to learn simple ways to teach even deep spiritual truths. The Ministry School book, page 227, explains: “You must clearly understand your subject yourself if you are going to make it understandable to others.” Commenting at meetings helps us to fix main points in our mind for future use. So prepare well, and your confidence in your ability to teach will grow.

5. What additional training do we have within the congregation to help us progress as teachers?

⁵ From the outset, Christian ministers no doubt learned from one another while engaging in the disciple-making work. (Luke 10:1) If possible, accompany experienced publishers, including pioneers, elders, and traveling overseers, in the Bible study work. Note how they utilize the simple illustrations and other teaching aids found in our study publications to explain Scriptural truths. Ask them for suggestions on how you can become a better teacher. (Prov. 1:5; 27:17) Appreciate all such training for what it is​—training provided by God.​—2 Cor. 3:5.

6. Essentially, what is needed to become a teacher of God’s Word?

⁶ Rely on Jehovah, and benefit from the training he provides. Make your advancement a matter of prayer. (Ps. 25:4, 5) You too can experience the joy of helping someone to become, like you, a teacher of God’s Word!

What to Say About the Magazines

The Watchtower Nov. 1

“Do you think that if husbands and wives applied this Bible counsel, marital bonds would be strengthened? [Read Job 31:1. Then allow for response.] This article discusses Bible principles that can help couples maintain commitment to their marriage.” Highlight the article that begins on page 18.

Awake! Nov.

“Most people agree that the ocean’s resources are being depleted at an alarming rate. Do you think human governments will successfully address the problem? [Allow for response. Then read Matthew 6:10.] This article examines some of the reasons for concern and highlights God’s solution.” Feature the article that begins on page 20.

The Watchtower Dec. 1

“This time of year, many people are thinking about Jesus. What influence would you say that Jesus has had on you? [Allow for response.] The Bible encourages us to follow Jesus’ example. [Read 1 Peter 2:21.] Doing that can make us a better, happier person. This magazine explains why.”

Awake! Dec.

“People have been pondering this question for centuries. [Point to the question on the cover.] Where do you think we can find a meaningful answer? [Allow for response.] Note why we can look to God for an answer. [Read Psalm 100:3.] This magazine shows what the Bible says on the subject.”