Why Important: In order to progress to spiritual maturity, Bible students must nourish their minds and hearts with more than the basic teachings of God’s Word. (Heb. 5:12–6:1) Study requires effort. It includes relating new information to what we already know and discerning its practical value. (Prov. 2:1-6) Learning to do personal research will enable students to answer Bible questions using our Christian publications. The earnest effort that they put forth to apply what they learn will equip them to withstand trials they will face as Christians.​—Luke 6:47, 48.

1. What effect did Jesus’ teaching have on the hearts of his listeners?

¹ Jesus Christ reached the heart of his listeners. On at least one occasion, the hearts of his disciples were “burning” after he clearly explained the Scriptures to them. (Luke 24:32) Since obedience to God must come from the heart, how can we stir the emotions of those whom we teach in order to prompt them to make changes in their life?​—Rom. 6:17.

2. What role do tact and discernment play in reaching a person’s heart?

² Use Tact and Discernment: For many people, simply telling them what is right and what is wrong will not move them to action. In fact, attacking their religious beliefs with a barrage of scriptures may even push them away. To motivate a person, we must first discern the reasons why he believes and acts as he does. Tactful, well-chosen viewpoint questions will encourage him to express his innermost thoughts. (Prov. 20:5) Only then can we select information from God’s Word that may touch his heart. Therefore, we must show personal interest and be patient. (Prov. 25:15) Remember that individuals make spiritual progress at different rates. Allow time for Jehovah’s holy spirit to influence their thinking and actions.​—Mark 4:26-29.

3. How can we help those whom we teach to cultivate positive qualities?

³ Help Them Cultivate Positive Qualities: Bible passages that illustrate Jehovah’s goodness and love can help those we teach to cultivate positive qualities. We can use such scriptures as Psalm 139:1-4 or Luke 12:6, 7 to show the degree of God’s personal interest in each of us. When individuals develop heart appreciation for Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, their love and godly devotion will grow. (Rom. 5:6-8; 1 John 4:19) Also, when they learn that their conduct affects Jehovah personally, they may be motivated to act in a way that will please and honor him.​—Ps. 78:40, 41; Prov. 23:15.

4. When teaching individuals in our ministry, how can we show respect for a person’s freedom of choice?

⁴ Jehovah does not force anyone to obey his commands. Rather, he appeals to individuals by showing them the wisdom of following his advice. (Isa. 48:17, 18) We imitate Jehovah when we teach in a manner that helps people to reach their own conclusions. When individuals convince themselves of the need to make changes in their life, the results are long-lasting. (Rom. 12:2) It also draws them ever closer to “the examiner of hearts,” Jehovah.​—Prov. 17:3.

1. How does the account at 2 Kings 13:18, 19 illustrate the importance of being zealous and wholehearted in serving God? [Sept. 7, w10 4/15 p. 26 par. 11]

2. Who was reigning in Israel when Jonah served as a prophet, and what can we appreciate about Jonah’s ministry in view of what is recorded at 2 Kings 14:23-25? [Sept. 7, w09 1/1 p. 25 par. 4]

3. How did Ahaz demonstrate his lack of trust in God’s word spoken through the prophet Isaiah, and what question might we ask ourselves when making important decisions? (2 Ki. 16:7) [Sept. 14, w13 11/15 p. 17 par. 5]

4. What tactic used by the Rabshakeh is being used by opposers of God’s people today, and what quality can help us to reject the false reasoning of opposers? (2 Ki. 18:22, 25) [Sept. 14, w10 7/15 p. 13 pars. 3-4]

5. How can Josiah’s example of humility help us to benefit more fully from our Bible reading and study? (2 Ki. 22:19, 20, ftn.) [Sept. 21, w00 3/1 p. 30 par. 2]

6. How has archaeology confirmed the existence of the two kings mentioned at 2 Kings 25:27-30? [Sept. 28, w12 6/1 p. 5 pars. 2-3]

7. What three requests did Jabez make of Jehovah, and what does this teach us about prayer? (1 Chron. 4:9, 10) [Oct. 5, w10 10/1 p. 23]

8. How can the outcome of the war described at 1 Chronicles 5:18-22 strengthen us to carry on our spiritual warfare courageously? [Oct. 12, w05 10/1 p. 9 par. 7]

9. Why was David able to understand and respect the spirit of Jehovah’s law on the sanctity of blood, and what should David’s example move us to do? (1 Chron. 11:17-19) [Oct. 19, w12 11/15 pp. 6-7 pars. 12-14]

10. What did David neglect to do when he attempted to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, and what vital lesson can we learn from this account? (1 Chron. 15:13) [Oct. 26, w03 5/1 pp. 10-11 pars. 11-13]

Daily Bible reading can help us to become “rooted” and “stabilized in the faith.” (Col. 2:6, 7) However, for Jehovah’s Word to have power in our lives, we must ponder over and apply its principles. (Heb. 4:12; Jas. 1:22-25) Joshua 1:8 presents an effective three-step reading process: (1) Read God’s Word “day and night.” (2) Read it “in an undertone,” which suggests reading at a pace that allows you to meditate and to imagine the setting and the circumstances. (3) Earnestly apply “all that is written in it.” Putting into practice these suggestions will enable us to “be successful” and “act wisely” in our daily life.

◼ Literature offer for October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. November and 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: Good News From God!, Listen to God, or Listen to God and Live Forever.

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

The Watchtower November 1

“Whenever war breaks out, both sides believe that they have God’s backing. Do you think that God approves of war? [Allow for response.] This issue of The Watchtower discusses why God waged war in the past and how he will soon end war once and for all.” Read Psalm 46:9 and offer the magazines.

Awake! November

“Millions of people around the world are disturbed by the hypocrisy and hurtful teachings of various religions. What do you think the future of religion is? [Allow for response.] This magazine highlights a remarkable prophecy in the Bible book of Revelation that foretold not only the modern-day exodus from false religion but also its ultimate destruction.”

We are pleased to report that on April 3, 2015, the attendance at the Memorial observance was 2,578,240 in the United States branch territory. How happy we are that so many people gathered together to honor Jehovah God and Jesus Christ during the Memorial season! Certainly, gratitude to God and his Son moved all of these to be present at the commemoration of Jesus’ death.​—Luke 22:19.