Cover picture: David meditates on the covenant Jehovah made with him

• Song 71 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “David’s War Strategy”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Sa 28:15​—Whom did Saul “see” on this occasion? (w10 1/1 20 ¶5-6)

  • 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 27:1-12 (th study 5)

• Initial Call Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video Initial Call: Suffering​—Jas 1:13. Stop the video at each pause, and ask the audience the questions that appear in the video.

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation. (th study 1)

• Initial Call: (5 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Then offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and introduce (but do not play) the video Why Study the Bible? (th study 6)

• Song 129

• Firm Under Opposition: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience: What do we learn from the example of our brothers in Nazi Germany? What do we learn from the example of our brothers in Russia and the former Soviet Union?

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 02

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 94 and Prayer

David sought escape from Saul (1Sa 27:5-7; it-1 41)

David protected Judah’s boundaries (1Sa 27:8, 9; w21.03 4 ¶8)

David did not reveal complete details to Achish (1Sa 27:10-12; it-2 245 ¶6)

In our day, the authorities may restrict our Kingdom activity and question us about our brothers. At such times, it is wise to remain silent so as not to put our brothers at risk.​—Pr 10:19; 11:12; Ec 3:7.

• Song 8 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Strengthen Yourself by Jehovah Your God”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Sa 30:23, 24​—What do we learn from this account? (w05 3/15 24 ¶8)

  • 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 30:1-10 (th study 2)

• Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video Return Visit: Suffering​—1Jo 5:19. Stop the video at each pause, and ask the audience the questions that appear in the video.

• Return Visit: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation. (th study 8)

• Return Visit: (5 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Then offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and start a Bible study in lesson 01. (th study 16)

• Song 43

• Become Jehovah’s Friend​—Pray Anytime: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then, if possible, ask selected young children: Why should you pray to Jehovah? When are some good times to pray to him? What can you say to him in prayer?

• Local Needs: (10 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 03

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 95 and Prayer

The Amalekites burned Ziklag and took captives (1Sa 30:1, 2)

David and his men were bitterly distressed (1Sa 30:3-5; w06 8/1 28 ¶12)

David found strength in Jehovah (1Sa 30:6; w12 4/15 30 ¶14)

FOR MEDITATION: When I am distressed, whom do I look to for strength?

• Song 103 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “What Do We Learn From ‘The Bow’?”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 2Sa 1:26​—Why could David call Jonathan “my brother”? (it-1 369 ¶2)

  • 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.) 2Sa 3:1-16 (th study 5)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 3)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Explain our free Bible course, and give the person a jw.org contact card. (th study 20)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 04 point 5 and Some People Say (th study 19)

• Song 107

• “Love . . . Does Not Rejoice Over Unrighteousness”: (7 min.) Discussion. Play the video Remember How Love Behaves​—Does Not Rejoice Over Unrighteousness.

• “Love . . . Hopes All Things”: (8 min.) Discussion. Play the video Remember How Love Behaves​—Hopes All Things.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 04

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 2 and Prayer

[Play the video Introduction to 2 Samuel.]

Show respect for those in authority (2Sa 1:17, 18, 23, 24; w00 6/15 13 ¶9)

Show loyalty to friends (2Sa 1:25, 26; w12 4/15 10 ¶8)

ASK YOURSELF: ‘How can I show respect for the congregation elders? How can I show loyalty to fellow Christians?’

In all their activity, true Christians strive to be guided by love. Love “does not rejoice over unrighteousness.” (1Co 13:4, 6) Therefore, we shun entertainment that glorifies such things as immorality and violence. Also, we do not rejoice when bad things happen to others, even to those who have hurt us.​—Pr 17:5.

WATCH THE VIDEO REMEMBER HOW LOVE BEHAVES​—DOES NOT REJOICE OVER UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• How did David react when he learned that Saul and Jonathan had died?

• What dirge did David compose for Saul and Jonathan?

• Why did David not rejoice over the death of Saul?

Motivated by unselfish love, we hope the best for our brothers. (1Co 13:4, 7) For example, if a brother commits a sin and receives discipline, we hope that he will respond to efforts to readjust him. We are patient with those who are weak in faith, and we try to help them. (Ro 15:1) If someone leaves the congregation, we do not give up hope that he will someday return.​—Lu 15:17, 18.

WATCH THE VIDEO REMEMBER HOW LOVE BEHAVES​—HOPES ALL THINGS, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• How did Abner’s loyalties change?

• How did David and Joab each respond to Abner’s request?

• Why should we hope the best for our brothers?

• Song 135 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Maintain a Healthy Fear of Displeasing Jehovah”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 2Sa 6:8, 9​—What do we learn from David’s reaction to Jehovah’s wrath? (w96 4/1 29 ¶1)

  • 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.) 2Sa 4:1-12 (th study 10)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 12)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Introduce (but do not play) the video Why Study the Bible? (th study 9)

• Talk: (5 min.) w05 10/1 23-24 ¶14-15​—Theme: “Fear God and Give Him Glory.”​—Re 14:7. (th study 19)

• Song 143

• “Are You Prepared to Face Civil Unrest?”: (15 min.) Discussion by an elder. Play the video Are You Prepared for a Disaster? Include reminders from the branch office and the body of elders, if provided.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 05

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 96 and Prayer

Good intentions do not change what Jehovah requires (2Sa 6:3-5; w05 5/15 17 ¶8)

Uzzah violated God’s Law (2Sa 6:6; w05 2/1 27 ¶20)

Jehovah punished Uzzah for his irreverent act (2Sa 6:7; w05 2/1 27 ¶21)

ASK YOURSELF, ‘How can I show in my personal life that I fear displeasing Jehovah?’​—Pr 3:7

As the end of this system approaches, we expect civil unrest, terrorism, and war to increase. (Re 6:4) How can we prepare for future challenges?

• Prepare spiritually: Identify Bible principles and accounts that strengthen your trust in Jehovah and in his organization and that help you to remain neutral. (Pr 12:5; jr 125-126 ¶23-24) Now is the time to build strong friendships within the congregation.​—1Pe 4:7, 8

• Prepare physically: Have a plan for sheltering in place and a reasonable reserve of supplies. Also, prepare an evacuation plan. Review the contents of your go bag, and include personal protective equipment and money. Know how to contact the elders, and be sure they know how to contact you.​—Isa 32:2; g17.5 3-7

During unrest, maintain your spiritual routine. (Php 1:10) Avoid moving from place to place unless you are evacuating. (Mt 10:16) Share food and other supplies.​—Ro 12:13.

WATCH THE VIDEO ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A DISASTER? AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• How can Jehovah help us during times of disaster?

• What practical steps can we take to prepare?

• How can we help others who are affected by disasters?

• Song 22 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Jehovah Makes a Covenant With David”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 2Sa 8:2​—How did David’s defeat of the Moabites fulfill prophecy? (it-2 206 ¶2)

  • 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.) 2Sa 7:1-17 (th study 5)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation, and apply it to a current event. Offer a magazine to address a topic raised by the householder. (th study 13)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation, and apply it to a current event. Explain our free Bible course, and give the person a jw.org contact card. (th study 18)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 04 summary, review, and goal (th study 8)

• Song 91

• Local Needs: (10 min.)

• “Use Current Events in Your Ministry”: (5 min.) Discussion.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 06

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• New Song for 2022 Convention and Prayer

Jehovah decreed that he would make a dynasty for David (2Sa 7:11, 12, ftn.; w10 4/1 20 ¶3; see cover picture)

Aspects of Jehovah’s covenant with David were fulfilled in the Messiah (2Sa 7:13, 14; Heb 1:5; w10 4/1 20 ¶4)

The Messiah’s accomplishments will last forever (2Sa 7:15, 16; Heb 1:8; w14 10/15 10 ¶14)

The sun and moon are fitting reminders of the permanence of the Messiah’s rule. (Ps 89:35-37) When you see them, think about the blessings that Jehovah has promised to you and your family through His Kingdom.

In his ministry, Jesus drew lessons from current events. (Lu 13:1-5) You too can use current events to stir people’s interest in the Kingdom message. After mentioning the high cost of living, a natural disaster, civil unrest, drug addiction, or something similar, ask a thought-provoking question. You might ask: “Do you think we’ll ever see an end to . . . ?” or “What do you think is the solution to . . . ?” Then, share a Bible verse related to the topic. If the person shows interest, direct his attention to a video or a publication in our Teaching Toolbox. As we strive to touch the hearts of people in our territory, may we “do all things for the sake of the good news.”​—1Co 9:22, 23.

What topics may appeal to people in your territory?

• Song 124 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “David Showed Loyal Love”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 2Sa 10:4, 5​—Why were Hanun’s actions such an insult to Israelite men? (it-1 266)

  • 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.) 2Sa 9:1-13 (th study 12)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 3)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Then offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and briefly consider “How to Get the Most Out of These Bible Lessons.” (th study 17)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 05 point 4 (th study 13)

• Song 116

• Remember How Love Behaves​—Is Kind: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then, ask the audience: How did David show kindness to Mephibosheth? How can we show kindness and loyal love to others?

• Organizational Accomplishments: (10 min.) Play the Organizational Accomplishments video for June.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 07

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 1 and Prayer

David searched for someone to whom he could show loyal love (2Sa 9:1; w06 6/15 14 ¶6)

David acted immediately to help Mephibosheth (1Sa 20:15, 42; 2Sa 9:5-7; w05 5/15 17 ¶12)

David assigned Ziba to care for Mephibosheth’s inheritance (2Sa 9:9, 10; w02 2/15 14 ¶10)

David did not forget his promise to Jonathan. We should show loyal love to fellow believers.​—Ps 41:1, 2; Pr 19:17.

• Song 121 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Do Not Let Improper Desires Control You”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 2Sa 12:13​—What are some reasons why Jehovah did not have David and Bath-sheba put to death? (it-1 590 ¶1)

  • 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.) 2Sa 11:1-15 (th study 10)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer a Bible study using the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. (th study 11)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and start a Bible study in lesson 01. (th study 13)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 05 point 5 (th study 15)

• Song 29

• “Keep Your Desires Under Control”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Don’t Let Your Life Go Up in Smoke.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 08

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 28 and Prayer

David allowed an improper desire to develop in his heart (2Sa 11:2-4; w21.06 17 ¶10)

David misused his power to cover up his wrongdoing (2Sa 11:5, 14, 15; w19.09 17 ¶15)

David suffered terrible consequences for his sin (2Sa 12:9-12; w18.06 17 ¶7)

To avoid looking at or thinking about improper things, we need self-discipline. (Ga 5:16, 22, 23) Jehovah can help us not to allow improper desires to take root in our heart.

ASK YOURSELF, ‘In what areas do I need greater control of my thoughts?’

As imperfect humans, we have a constant struggle to keep our desires under control. If we give them free rein, we could lose Jehovah’s favor. For instance, some allow a desire for food, clothing, and shelter to crowd out their love for God. Others satisfy their sexual desire with no regard for God’s standards. (Ro 1:26, 27) Still others cave in to peer pressure because of a desire to be liked or accepted.​—Ex 23:2.

How can we keep our desires in check? We must do our best to focus on spiritual things. (Mt 4:4) Also, we should beg Jehovah to help us control our desires. Why? Because he knows what is best for us and knows how to satisfy our proper desires.​—Ps 145:16.

WATCH THE VIDEO DON’T LET YOUR LIFE GO UP IN SMOKE, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• 

  Why do some people smoke?

• 

  What can smoking do to you?

• 

  Why are smoking and vaping wrong?​—2Co 7:1

• 

  How can you say no to smoking or even break the habit?

• Song 127 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Amnon’s Selfishness Led to Tragedy”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 2Sa 14:25, 26​—What does Absalom’s example teach us about true beauty? (g04 12/22 8-9)

  • 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.) 2Sa 14:8-20 (th study 2)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer a magazine to address a topic raised by the householder. (th study 12)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Invite the person to our meetings. (th study 18)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 05 point 6 and Some People Say (th study 18)

• Song 68

• “Use Enjoy Life Forever! to Build Faith in Jehovah and Jesus”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the videos Build Faith in Jehovah, Using “Enjoy Life Forever!” and Build Faith in Jesus, Using “Enjoy Life Forever!”

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 09

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 47 and Prayer

Amnon became infatuated with Tamar (2Sa 13:1, 2; it-1 32)

Amnon raped Tamar (2Sa 13:10-15; w17.09 5 ¶11)

Absalom had Amnon killed (2Sa 13:28, 29; it-1 33 ¶1)

How can dating couples avoid tragedy? Showing self-control, they wisely avoid places and circumstances that could lead to wrongdoing.

To please God, Bible students must develop strong faith. (Heb 11:6) We can reach their heart using the Enjoy Life Forever! book. This study book features key scriptures, clear reasoning, effective questions, stirring videos, and beautiful artwork. By helping students to develop Christian qualities and a relationship with God, we build with fire-resistant materials.​—1Co 3:12-15.

Some people find it difficult to imagine being a friend of God, whom they cannot see. So we need to help them build faith in Jehovah’s loving personality.

WATCH THE VIDEO BUILD FAITH IN JEHOVAH, USING “ENJOY LIFE FOREVER!” AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• How do we know that the sister prepared well for the study?

• How did she use a few well-chosen auxiliary questions to draw out the student regarding Isaiah 41:10, 13?

• What effect did the video and Bible verses have on the student?

Many people do not understand the ransom, or they do not view it as God’s personal gift to them. (Ga 2:20) Therefore, we must help them to build faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus.

WATCH THE VIDEO BUILD FAITH IN JESUS, USING “ENJOY LIFE FOREVER!” AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• How do we know that the brother prepared well for the study?

• How did he tailor material in the “Explore” section to help the student?

• Why is prayer vital for the student?

• Song 123 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Absalom Rebelled Because of Pride”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 2Sa 16:4​—What does David’s rash decision teach us? (w18.08 6 ¶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.) 2Sa 17:17-29 (th study 5)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 7)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Introduce (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Bible Study? (th study 2)

• Talk: (5 min.) w09 5/15 27-28​—Theme: Imitate Ittai’s Zeal in Your Ministry.​—2Sa 15:19-22. (th study 13)

• Song 106

• Local Needs: (5 min.)

• “Love . . . Does Not Get Puffed Up”: (10 min.) Discussion. Play the video Remember How Love Behaves​—Does Not Get Puffed Up.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 10

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 87 and Prayer

Absalom sought glory for himself (2Sa 15:1; it-1 860)

Absalom stole the hearts of the people (2Sa 15:2-6; w12 7/15 13 ¶5)

Absalom tried to seize his father’s kingship (2Sa 15:10-12; it-1 1083-1084)

We must not allow ambition to take root in our heart. Rather, we should regularly examine our motives. Instead of seeking to impress others, we sincerely look out for their interests.​—Php 2:3, 4.

Love helps us to show humility. (1Co 13:4) When we love our brothers, we do not view ourselves as superior. We see the good in others and use our abilities to help them. (Php 2:3, 4) The more we display such love, the more Jehovah can use us to do his will.

WATCH THE VIDEO REMEMBER HOW LOVE BEHAVES​—DOES NOT GET PUFFED UP, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• What gifts did Absalom have?

• How did he misuse his gifts?

• How can we avoid getting puffed up?​—Ga 5:26

Initial Calla

Question: How do we know that our suffering is not punishment from God?

Scripture: Jas 1:13

Link: Why do we suffer?

Return Visitb

Question: Why do we suffer?

Scripture: 1Jo 5:19

Link: How does God feel about our suffering?