1. Why may we be able to relate to the prophet Habakkuk?

¹ As we face increasing wickedness in the world around us, we may feel as did Habakkuk, who asked Jehovah: “Why do you make me witness wrongdoing? And why do you tolerate oppression?” (Hab. 1:3; 2 Tim. 3:1, 13) Meditating on Habakkuk’s message and faithful example can help to sustain us as we await Jehovah’s day of judgment.​—2 Pet. 3:7.

2. How can we show that we live by faithfulness today?

² Live by Faithfulness: Instead of becoming paralyzed by self-pity, Habakkuk remained spiritually alert and active. (Hab. 2:1) Jehovah assured the prophet that His word would be fulfilled right on time and that “the righteous one will live by his faithfulness.” (Hab. 2:2-4) What does that mean for Christians living deep in the time of the end? More important than knowing when the end will come is being convinced that it will come. Faith moves us to remain watchful and give priority to the ministry.​—Heb. 10:38, 39.

3. Why must we maintain our joy in serving Jehovah?

³ Exult in Jehovah: When Gog of Magog attacks Jehovah’s people, our faith will be tested. (Ezek. 38:2, 10-12) Conflict brings hardship, even to the eventual victors. Food may be scarce, property may be lost, and standards of living may drop. How will we react when difficulties arise? Habakkuk expected hardships, so he resolved to maintain his joy in serving Jehovah. (Hab. 3:16-19) “The joy of Jehovah” will also help us to endure future trials.​—Neh. 8:10; Heb. 12:2.

4. What joy can be ours now and in the future?

⁴ Those whom Jehovah preserves through his coming day of judgment will continue to be educated in God’s way of life. (Hab. 2:14) Resurrected ones too will learn about Jehovah. Even now, may we use every opportunity to speak about Jehovah and his wonderful works!​—Ps. 34:1; 71:17.

Shortly before the siege and eventual destruction of Jerusalem, the apostle Paul wrote that Christians, as fine soldiers of Christ, must expect hardship and not give priority to their own comfort and pleasure. (2 Tim. 2:3, 4) With calamity about to overtake this ungodly world, we need strong faith to maintain our focus on spiritual things. (2 Cor. 4:18; 5:7) Watch the video ‘Walk by Faith, Not by Sight.’ (Go to jw.org, and look under PUBLICATIONS > VIDEOS.) Notice how undue attachment to material things became a deadly snare to Naham and Abital. Thereafter, review the following questions.

(1) What was “the disgusting thing . . . standing in a holy place” in the first century, and what decisive action did Christians living in Jerusalem need to take? (Matt. 24:15, 16) (2) Why did fleeing from the city require faith? (3) What sacrifices were involved in fleeing? (4) Why did Naham and Abital delay? (Matt. 24:17, 18) (5) What additional test of faith did Rachel face when leaving Jerusalem? (Matt. 10:34-37; Mark 10:29, 30) (6) How did Ethan set a fine example of faith and trust in Jehovah? (7) What hardships did Christians experience in Pella? (8) How did the faith of Naham and Abital gradually weaken? (9) How did Jehovah care for the Christians living in Pella? (Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 6:6-8) (10) How can we imitate Abraham and Sarah as we face the end of this system of things? (Heb. 11:8-10) (11) How did Naham and Abital convince themselves to return to Jerusalem, and why was their thinking faulty? (Luke 21:21) (12) What was the reality of life in Jerusalem when Naham and Abital returned? (13) Why must we strengthen our faith now​—before the end of this system of things comes?​—Luke 17:31, 32; 21:34-36.

Walking by faith means (1) trusting in Jehovah’s direction, (2) letting his direction guide our steps, and (3) showing that we value spiritual things over material things. May we be ever resolved to walk by faith, trusting that “the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.”​—1 John 2:17.

◼ When is it appropriate to discontinue a Bible study?

If a student’s spiritual progress comes to a halt, you may have to discontinue his Bible study tactfully. (Matt. 10:11) Consider: Does he keep his appointments to study? Does he prepare his lesson in advance? Has he attended some congregation meetings? Does he share with others what he is learning? Is he making changes in harmony with Bible principles? Of course, make allowance for his age and abilities, recognizing that each person progresses at a different rate. Also, if you discontinue the study, keep the door open for him to resume his study in the future.​—1 Tim. 2:4.

1. Did David treat his captives savagely, as some conclude from 1 Chronicles 20:3? [Nov. 2, w05 2/15 p. 27]

2. What moved David to show a spirit of generosity, and what will help us to do the same? (1 Chron. 22:5) [Nov. 9, w05 10/1 p. 11 par. 7]

3. What did David mean when he said to Solomon: “Know the God of your father”? (1 Chron. 28:9) [Nov. 16, w10 11/1 p. 30 pars. 3, 7]

4. What did Solomon’s request at 2 Chronicles 1:10 reveal about him, and what might we learn by analyzing our personal prayers to Jehovah? (2 Chron. 1:11, 12) [Nov. 23, w05 12/1 p. 19 par. 6]

5. According to 2 Chronicles 6:29, 30, what unique ability does Jehovah possess, and why should we open our heart to him in prayer? (Ps. 55:22) [Nov. 30, w10 12/1 p. 11 par. 7]

6. On what basis did Asa pray for victory over an enormous military force, and of what may we be sure in connection with our spiritual warfare? (2 Chron. 14:11) [Dec. 7, w12 8/15 p. 8 par. 6–p. 9 par. 1]

7. How does the way in which Jehovah dealt with King Jehoshaphat’s failings assure us of God’s love, and how should this affect our view of others? (2 Chron. 19:3) [Dec. 14, w03 7/1 p. 17 par. 13; cl p. 245 par. 12]

8. Why and how must we “take [our] position” and “stand still” in our day? (2 Chron. 20:17) [Dec. 21, w05 12/1 p. 21 par. 2; w03 6/1 p. 21 pars. 15-16]

9. What sobering reminder do we discern in 2 Chronicles 21:20 in connection with the death of Jehoram? [Dec. 21, w98 11/15 p. 32 par. 4]

10. According to 2 Chronicles 26:5, who exercised a good influence on young Uzziah, and how can youths today benefit from mature Christians in the congregation? [Dec. 28, w07 12/15 p. 10 pars. 2, 4]

◼ Literature offer for December: What Does the Bible Really Teach? or one of the following tracts: Can the Dead Really Live Again?, How Do You View the Bible?, How Do You View the Future?, What Is the Key to Happy Family Life?, What Is the Kingdom of God?, Who Really Controls the World?, Will Suffering Ever End? January and February: Good News From God!, Listen to God, or Listen to God and Live Forever. March: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines.

◼ The Memorial for 2017 will be Tuesday, April 11, 2017.

◼ Since January has five full weekends, it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer.

The Watchtower January 1

“Do you think that the world would be a better place if everyone lived by this principle? [Read Hebrews 13:18, and allow for response.] The Bible encourages us to be honest in all things. This month’s issue of The Watchtower discusses how honesty affects every aspect of our life.”

Awake! January

“I’m here to give you this month’s issue of Awake! [Hand the magazines to the person.] Notice the question on page 2 and some common answers. What’s your opinion? [Allow for response.] This article discusses some Bible principles that can help us to improve our outlook on life.”

When comparing June 2015 to the same month last year, the number of publishers increased by 3.7 percent in the Bahamas, 8.8 percent in Bermuda, 1.2 percent in Puerto Rico, 1.6 percent in the British Virgin Islands, and 9 percent in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The harvest is not over! Let us therefore continue to carry out our ministry with zeal, joy, and a positive attitude until the end.​—Matt. 24:13.