Cover picture: David facing Goliath

• Song 4 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Presumptuousness Leads to Dishonor”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Sa 12:21​—How could the people have been following “empty things” (or, “unrealities,” ftn.)? (w11 7/15 13 ¶15)

  • 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.) 1Sa 12:1-11 (th study 2)

• Initial Call Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video Initial Call: Jesus​—Mt 16:16. Stop the video at each pause, and ask the audience the questions that appear in the video.

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Respond to an objection common in your territory. (th study 1)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 04 intro and points 1-2 (th study 13)

• Song 46

• Organizational Accomplishments: (5 min.) Play the Organizational Accomplishments video for March.

• Local Needs: (10 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 21 ¶13-18

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 26 and Prayer

King Saul felt that he was in a desperate situation (1Sa 13:5-7)

Rather than modestly following Jehovah’s instructions, Saul acted presumptuously (1Sa 13:8, 9; w00 8/1 13 ¶17)

Jehovah disciplined Saul (1Sa 13:13, 14; w07 6/15 27 ¶8)

Someone acts presumptuously when he rashly or foolishly does something that he is not authorized to do. Presumptuousness is contrasted with modesty. What situations could tempt someone to be presumptuous?

• Song 89 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Obedience Is Better Than a Sacrifice”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Sa 15:24​—What warning lesson does Saul’s mistake teach us about compassion? (it-1 493)

  • 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.) 1Sa 15:1-16 (th study 2)

• Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video Return Visit: Jesus​—Mt 20:28. Stop the video at each pause, and ask the questions that appear in the video.

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer a publication from the Teaching Toolbox. (th study 3)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer a Bible study, and introduce and discuss (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Bible Study? (th study 11)

• Song 61

• Memorial Campaign to Begin Saturday, March 19: (10 min.) Discussion. Briefly review the invitation. Outline the local arrangements for the special talk and the Memorial and for covering the territory. Play and discuss the sample presentation video.

• Become Jehovah’s Friend​—Obey Jehovah: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 22 ¶1-9, intro video

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 10 and Prayer

Jehovah’s prophet gave King Saul specific instructions (1Sa 15:3)

Saul tried to justify not obeying Jehovah fully (1Sa 15:13-15)

Jehovah does not accept worship from those who are disobedient (1Sa 15:22, 23; w07 6/15 26 ¶4; it-2 521 ¶2)

ASK YOURSELF, ‘Do I obey instructions from Jehovah’s organization promptly and completely?’

• Song 7 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “The Battle Belongs to Jehovah”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Sa 16:14​—In what sense did Saul receive “a bad spirit from Jehovah”? (it-2 871-872)

  • 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.) 1Sa 16:1-13 (th study 5)

• Memorial Invitation: (2 min.) Use the sample conversation. (th study 11)

• Memorial Invitation: (3 min.) Invite a workmate, a schoolmate, or a relative to whom you have witnessed in the past. (th study 2)

• Return Visit: (3 min.) Make a return visit on someone who accepted the Memorial invitation and showed interest. (th study 4)

• Return Visit: (3 min.) Make a return visit on someone who accepted the Memorial invitation and showed interest. Direct the person to our website. (th study 20)

• Song 150

• “Three Ways to Rely On Jehovah”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video No Reason to Fear Persecution.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 22 ¶10-22

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 13 and Prayer

David’s faith in Jehovah was based on knowledge and experience (1Sa 17:36, 37; wp16.5 11 ¶2-3)

David looked at Goliath in comparison to Jehovah, not himself (1Sa 17:45-47; wp16.5 11-12)

Jehovah gave David the victory over an imposing enemy (1Sa 17:48-50; wp16.5 12 ¶4; see cover picture)

At times, we may face huge challenges, such as persecution or a bad habit. When problems seem too big, remember that they are small in comparison to Jehovah’s limitless power.​—Job 42:1, 2.

David defeated Goliath because he relied on Jehovah. (1Sa 17:45) Jehovah wants to show his strength in behalf of all his servants. (2Ch 16:9) How can we rely on the help that Jehovah provides rather than on our own experience and abilities? Here are three ways:

• Pray often. Pray not just for forgiveness after making a mistake but also for strength when facing a temptation. (Mt 6:12, 13) Pray not just for Jehovah’s blessing on decisions that have already been made but also for his direction and wisdom before making decisions.​—Jas 1:5

• Have a routine of Bible reading and study. Read the Bible every day. (Ps 1:2) Ponder over Bible examples, and apply the lessons learned. (Jas 1:23-25) Prepare for the ministry instead of relying on personal experience. Benefit fully from congregation meetings by considering the material in advance

• Cooperate with Jehovah’s organization. Keep up-to-date with direction from the organization, and then follow through promptly. (Nu 9:17) Listen to the elders when they give counsel and instructions.​—Heb 13:17

WATCH THE VIDEO NO REASON TO FEAR PERSECUTION, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• What fears did the brothers and sisters experience?

• What helped them to cope with their fears?

• Song 36 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Remain Humble When Successful”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Sa 19:23, 24​—In what way might King Saul have behaved “as a prophet”? (it-2 695-696)

  • 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.) 1Sa 18:25–19:7 (th study 11)

• “Increase Your Joy in the Ministry​—Help Bible Students to Overcome Unclean Habits”: (10 min.) Discussion. Play the video Help Your Bible Students to Overcome Unclean Habits.

• Talk: (5 min.) km 1/03 1​—Theme: A Work That Calls for Humility. (th study 13)

• Song 31

• Local Needs: (15 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 22 ¶23-31, box 22A

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 2 and Prayer

David received praise from the people (1Sa 18:5-7; w04 4/1 15 ¶4)

Jehovah gave David success in all he did (1Sa 18:14)

David remained humble (1Sa 18:22, 23; w18.01 28 ¶6-7)

Why is it important for us to remain humble when we receive blessings from Jehovah? What will help us to remain humble?

Only those who are morally clean can enjoy a close relationship with Jehovah. (1Pe 1:14-16) As Bible students conquer bad habits, they may also experience family, health, and financial benefits.

Clearly explain Jehovah’s moral standards, the reasons for them, and the benefits of following them. Focus on helping your students to change their pattern of thinking, and their actions will follow. (Eph 4:22-24) Assure them that with Jehovah’s help they can overcome an ingrained bad habit. (Php 4:13) Teach them to supplicate Jehovah when they experience the urge to sin. Help them to recognize tempting situations that they should avoid. Encourage them to replace unclean habits with wholesome activities. Joy results from seeing Bible students succeed in making changes with Jehovah’s help.

WATCH THE VIDEO DRAMATIZATION HELP YOUR BIBLE STUDENTS TO OVERCOME UNCLEAN HABITS, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• 

  How did the elders and Neeta show confidence in Jade?

• 

  How did Neeta give further assistance to Jade?

• 

  How did Jade seek help from Jehovah?

• Song 90 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “How to Be a Good Friend”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Sa 21:12, 13​—What can we learn from David’s actions? (w05 3/15 24 ¶4)

  • 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.) 1Sa 22:1-11 (th study 5)

• Return Visit: (2 min.) Make a return visit on someone who showed interest and accepted the Memorial invitation. (th study 6)

• Return Visit: (5 min.) After the conclusion of the Memorial talk, initiate a conversation with someone you invited and answer a question he raises about the program. (th study 12)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 04 point 3 (th study 20)

• Song 85

• “Who Are Your Online Friends?”: (10 min.) Discussion. Play the video Be Social-Network Smart.

• Welcome Our Guests: (5 min.) Talk by the service overseer based on the article in the March 2016 Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook. Outline the local progress that has been made in the campaign. Refer to the Memorial Bible reading schedule on pages 10 and 11, and encourage all to prepare their hearts for the Memorial. (Ezr 7:10) Provide necessary reminders regarding local arrangements for attending or viewing the program.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr Summary of Clarifications, questions 1-4

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 95 and Prayer

Comfort and encourage your friend when he is distressed (1Sa 20:1, 2; w19.11 7 ¶18)

Warn your friend when there is danger (1Sa 20:12, 13; w08 2/15 8 ¶7)

Defend your friend when he is slandered (1Sa 20:30-32; w09 10/15 19 ¶11)

Jehovah’s people have many opportunities to develop good friendships. To have a friend, we must be a friend. Whom would you like to befriend in the congregation?

A friend is defined as “one attached to another by affection or esteem.” For example, Jonathan and David began an unbreakable friendship after David killed Goliath. (1Sa 18:1) Each man displayed qualities that endeared him to the other. Therefore, strong friendships are based on accurate knowledge. Getting to know another person generally takes time and effort. However, on social networks, people can become “friends” with just the click of a mouse. Because people online are able to plan exactly what to say and control to some extent how others view them, it is easy for them to hide who they really are. Therefore, it is good to have an online ‘friending policy.’ Do not be afraid to ignore or reject friend requests from people you do not really know for fear of hurting their feelings. In view of the potential dangers, some have chosen not to use social networks at all. However, if you choose to use a social network, what should you keep in mind?

WATCH THE VIDEO BE SOCIAL-NETWORK SMART, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• 

  What should you consider before posting comments and pictures?

• 

  Why should you choose your online friends carefully?

• 

  Why should you set limits on the amount of time you spend on a social network?​—Eph 5:15, 16

Saturday, April 9

SUNRISE

SUNSET (Nisan 8 begins)

• John 11:55–12:1

Sunday, April 10

SUNRISE

SUNSET (Nisan 9 begins)

• Matthew 26:6-13

• Mark 14:3-9

• John 12:2-11

Jesus​—The Way, chap. 101

Monday, April 11

SUNRISE

• Matthew 21:1-11, 14-17

• Mark 11:1-11

• Luke 19:29-44

• John 12:12-19

Jesus​—The Way, chap. 102

SUNSET (Nisan 10 begins)

Tuesday, April 12

SUNRISE

• Matthew 21:12, 13, 18, 19

• Mark 11:12-19

• Luke 19:45-48

• John 12:20-50

Jesus​—The Way, chaps. 103-104

SUNSET (Nisan 11 begins)

Wednesday, April 13

SUNRISE

• Matthew 21:19–25:46

• Mark 11:20–13:37

• Luke 20:1–21:38

Jesus​—The Way, chaps. 105-114

SUNSET (Nisan 12 begins)

Thursday, April 14

SUNRISE

• Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16

• Mark 14:1, 2, 10, 11

• Luke 22:1-6

Jesus​—The Way, chap. 115

SUNSET (Nisan 13 begins)

Friday, April 15

Memorial (After Sunset)

SUNRISE

• Matthew 26:17-19

• Mark 14:12-16

• Luke 22:7-13

SUNSET (Nisan 14 begins)

• Matthew 26:20-75

• Mark 14:17-72

• Luke 22:14-65

• John 13:1–18:27

Jesus​—The Way, chaps. 116-126

Saturday, April 16

SUNRISE

• Matthew 27:1-61

• Mark 15:1-47

• Luke 22:66–23:56

• John 18:28–19:42

Jesus​—The Way, chaps. 127-133

SUNSET (Nisan 15 begins)

Sunday, April 17

SUNRISE

• Matthew 27:62-66

SUNSET (Nisan 16 begins)

• Mark 16:1

Monday, April 18

SUNRISE

• Matthew 28:1-15

• Mark 16:2-8

• Luke 24:1-49

• John 20:1-25

Jesus​—The Way, chaps. 134-135

SUNSET (Nisan 17 begins)

• Song 114 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Wait Patiently on Jehovah”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Sa 23:16, 17​—How can we imitate Jonathan’s example? (w17.11 27 ¶11)

  • 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.) 1Sa 23:24–24:7 (th study 10)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Respond to an objection common in your territory. (th study 6)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer a publication from the Teaching Toolbox. (th study 13)

• Talk: (5 min.) w19.03 23-24 ¶12-15​—Theme: Be Patient With Those Whom You Teach. (th study 14)

• Song 128

• “All Trials Have an Expiration Date”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video A United People in a Divided World.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr Summary of Clarifications, questions 5-8

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 96 and Prayer

David had an opportunity to end his trial (1Sa 24:3-5)

David viewed his situation from Jehovah’s standpoint and exercised restraint (1Sa 24:6, 7)

David had faith that Jehovah would resolve matters (1Sa 24:12, 15; w04 4/1 16 ¶8)

Like David, we should wait patiently on Jehovah instead of using unscriptural means to end trials.​—Jas 1:4; w04 6/1 22-23.

Trials can easily discourage us, especially when they are prolonged. David knew that his trial involving King Saul would eventually end and that he would become king, as Jehovah had promised. (1Sa 16:13) David’s faith helped him to be patient and wait on Jehovah.

When under trial, we may be able to use shrewdness, knowledge, or thinking ability to change our situation. (1Sa 21:12-14; Pr 1:4) However, some difficulties will persist even after we have done all we can in harmony with Bible principles. In such cases, we must exercise patience and wait on Jehovah. Soon he will end all our suffering and “wipe out every tear” from our eyes. (Re 21:4) Whether our relief comes as a result of Jehovah’s intervention or because of other reasons, one thing is certain: All trials have an expiration date. This fact can give us a measure of comfort.

WATCH THE VIDEO A UNITED PEOPLE IN A DIVIDED WORLD, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• What challenges did some Christians in the southern United States experience?

• How did they demonstrate patience and love?

• How did they continue to focus on “the more important things”?​—Php 1:10

• Song 130 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Do You Act on Impulse?”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Sa 25:18, 19​—Why can we say that Abigail did not rebel against her husband’s rightful headship? (ia 80 ¶16)

  • 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.) 1Sa 25:1-13 (th study 2)

• “Increase Your Joy in the Ministry​—Help Bible Students to Develop a Personal Relationship With Jehovah”: (10 min.) Discussion. Play the video Help Your Bible Students to Develop a Personal Relationship With Jehovah.

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 04 point 4 (th study 9)

• Song 126

• Local Needs: (15 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 01

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 98 and Prayer

David’s reasonable request was met with insults (1Sa 25:7-11; ia 78 ¶10-12)

David’s impulse was to kill the men of Nabal’s household (1Sa 25:13, 21, 22)

Abigail helped David to avoid bloodguilt (1Sa 25:25, 26, 32, 33; ia 80 ¶18)

ASK YOURSELF: ‘Do I tend to act on impulse when I am angry, when I am shopping, or when I am discouraged? Or do I pause to consider the consequences before I act?’​—Pr 15:28; 22:3.

Jehovah wants us to serve him out of love. (Mt 22:37, 38) It is love for God that will empower Bible students to make needed changes and stand firm under trial. (1Jo 5:3) It is their love for God that will motivate them to get baptized.

Help your students to see God’s love for them. Ask such questions as: “What does this teach you about Jehovah?” or “How does this show God’s love for you?” Help them to perceive how Jehovah is helping them personally. (2Ch 16:9) Share examples of how Jehovah has answered your specific prayers, and encourage them to notice how Jehovah answers theirs. Great joy results from seeing Bible students respond to Jehovah’s love and demonstrate their strong attachment to him.

WATCH THE VIDEO DRAMATIZATION HELP YOUR BIBLE STUDENTS TO DEVELOP A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JEHOVAH, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• 

  What obstacle did Jade encounter?

• 

  How did Neeta help Jade?

• 

  How was Jade able to overcome the obstacle?

Memorial Invitation Campaign (March 19–April 15)

“We’re happy to invite you to a special event that will be attended by millions of people. It’s the anniversary of Jesus’ death.” Provide a printed or electronic invitation. “This invitation shows the time and location of the event in our area [or how you can attend online]. We also invite you to a special talk the weekend before.”

When Interest Is Shown: Play [or text or email] the video Remember Jesus’ Death.

Link: Why did Jesus die?

Initial Calla (March 1-18, April 16-30)

Question: Who is Jesus?

Scripture: Mt 16:16

Link: Why did Jesus die?

Return Visitb

Question: Why did Jesus die?

Scripture: Mt 20:28

Link: How can we show appreciation for Jesus’ ransom sacrifice?