Cover picture: Elisha watches as Elijah performs a miracle

• Song 10 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Praise Jehovah for His Wisdom”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Ki 10:10, 14​—What evidence shows that the amount of gold that King Solomon possessed was not exaggerated? (w08 11/1 22 ¶4-6)

  • 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.) 1Ki 10:1-13 (th study 5)

• Initial Call Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video Initial Call: Bible Study​—Ps 37:29. 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 for the campaign to start Bible studies. (th study 1)

• Initial Call: (5 min.) Begin with the sample conversation for the campaign to start Bible studies. Start a Bible study in lesson 01 of the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. (th study 13)

• Song 80

• “Find Wisdom for Daily Living on JW.ORG”: (8 min.) Discussion. Encourage the audience to search jw.org when seeking the Bible’s wisdom for day-to-day challenges.

• Local Needs: (7 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 18 points 6-7 and summary, review, and goal

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 106 and Prayer

Jehovah gave Solomon extraordinary wisdom (1Ki 10:1-3; w99 7/1 30 ¶6)

The queen of Sheba was astounded by the wisdom Jehovah gave Solomon (1Ki 10:4, 5; w99 11/1 20 ¶6)

The queen of Sheba praised Jehovah for appointing Solomon as king (1Ki 10:6-9; w99 7/1 30-31)

Like the queen of Sheba, we can show appreciation for God-given wisdom. How? One way is by applying Jesus’ teachings in our life and doing our best to imitate his example. (Mt 12:42; 1Pe 2:21) Another way is to share godly wisdom with others in our ministry.

God’s Word completely equips us to cope with trials in these difficult last days. (2Ti 3:1, 16, 17) Still, we may at times need help to find Bible principles that apply to a specific situation. For example, are you a parent seeking advice on raising children? Are you a teenager coping with challenges to your faith? Are you a widow or widower grieving the death of a mate? You will find material on jw.org that will direct you to specific Bible principles to help you in these and many other situations.​—Pr 2:3-6.

On the jw.org home page, select the BIBLE TEACHINGS tab. (See picture 1.) From the drop-down list, select your category of choice. Or select LIBRARY > ARTICLE SERIES and your category of choice. (See picture 2.) You can find the same categories in JW Library^®.a You might enjoy just browsing the articles in either of these locations. Another option is to find a specific topic using the search feature on jw.org.

Type the following topics in the search box, and make a note of articles that you would like to read.

• Raising children

• Teenage depression

• Death of a mate

• Song 137 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Choose Your Marriage Mate Wisely”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Ki 12:21-24​—What lesson do we learn from King Rehoboam’s obedience? (w18.06 14 ¶1-4)

  • 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.) 1Ki 12:21-33 (th study 10)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation for the campaign to start Bible studies. (th study 3)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Continue a Bible study started on the initial call, using lesson 01 of the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. (th study 11)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 07 point 4 (th study 8)

• Song 132

• “Marriage​—A Lifelong Partnership”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Preparing for Marriage​—Part 3: “Calculate the Expense.”

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 19 points 1-4

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 63 and Prayer

Solomon unwisely married women who worshipped false gods (1Ki 11:1, 2; w18.07 18 ¶7)

Solomon’s wives gradually inclined his heart away from Jehovah (1Ki 11:3-6; w19.01 15 ¶6)

Jehovah became furious at Solomon (1Ki 11:9, 10; w18.07 19 ¶9)

God’s Word counsels single Christians to marry “only in the Lord.” (1Co 7:39) Yet, baptism itself does not qualify someone as a suitable mate. Will the person help you to keep serving Jehovah whole-souled? Has the person shown a deep love for Jehovah over time? Before agreeing to marry, take time to get to know your prospective mate well.

Successful Christian marriages honor Jehovah and bring joy to a husband and wife. (Mr 10:9) To have an enduring, happy marriage, Christians must stick closely to Bible principles when choosing a mate.

Pursue a courtship only after you are “past the bloom of youth,” a time when strong sexual feelings can distort your judgment. (1Co 7:36) Make wise use of your years of singleness to strengthen your relationship with God and to develop Christian qualities. Then, you will be in a far better position to contribute to a successful marriage.

Before agreeing to marry someone, take the necessary time to get to know “the secret person of the heart.” (1Pe 3:4) If serious doubts arise, discuss them with your potential mate. As with other human relationships, marriage should be more about what you give than what you get. (Php 2:3, 4) If you apply Bible principles before marriage, you will be laying a fine foundation for a happy married life.

WATCH THE VIDEO PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE​—PART 3: “CALCULATE THE EXPENSE,” AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• How did the sister’s relationship with Shane progress?

• What did she notice as the relationship continued?

• How did her parents help her, and what wise decision did she make?

• Song 21 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Why Be Content and Modest?”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Ki 14:13​—What does this verse teach us about Jehovah? (w10 7/1 29 ¶5)

  • 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.) 1Ki 13:1-10 (th study 10)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation for the campaign to start Bible studies. Overcome a common objection. (th study 7)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Continue a Bible study started on the initial call, using lesson 01 of the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. (th study 9)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 07 point 5 (th study 19)

• Song 118

• “Face Economic Hardship With Confidence”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Build a House That Will Endure​—Be “Content With the Present Things.”

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 19 points 5-6 and summary, review, and goal

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 56 and Prayer

God’s prophet refused Jeroboam’s lavish gifts (1Ki 13:7-10; w08 8/15 8 ¶4)

God’s prophet later disobeyed Jehovah’s direct command (1Ki 13:14-19; w08 8/15 11 ¶15)

The prophet’s disobedience led to disaster (1Ki 13:20-22; w08 8/15 9 ¶10)

If we are content and look to Jehovah when making decisions, we can avoid many unforeseen problems.​—1Ti 6:8-10.

ASK YOURSELF: ‘How can I show that I am content with the necessities of life? How can I show modesty when making decisions?’​—Pr 3:5; 11:2.

Life in the last days is full of challenges. As we near the end of this system of things, difficulties will certainly increase. We may face shortages of one sort or another. (Hab 3:16-18) What will help us to face economic hardship with confidence? We must continue to trust our God, Jehovah. He has promised to care for his servants, and he can provide for us in any circumstance.​—Ps 37:18, 19; Heb 13:5, 6.

What you can do:

• Beg Jehovah for guidance, wisdom, and his support.​—Ps 62:8

• Be willing to accept work that you may not have done before.​—g 1/10 8-9, boxes

• Maintain a good spiritual routine, including reading God’s Word daily, attending congregation meetings, and participating in the ministry

WATCH THE VIDEO BUILD A HOUSE THAT WILL ENDURE​—BE “CONTENT WITH THE PRESENT THINGS,” AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• What challenges have some families faced?

• What is the most important thing in life?

• How can we help those who face economic hardship?

• Song 73 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Asa Acted Courageously​—Do You?”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Ki 16:34​—How does this verse strengthen faith in Jehovah’s prophetic word? (w98 9/15 21-22)

  • 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.) 1Ki 15:25–16:7 (th study 5)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation for the campaign to start Bible studies. Overcome a common objection. (th study 12)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation for the campaign to start Bible studies. Introduce (but do not play) the video Why Study the Bible? (th study 16)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 07 point 6 (th study 6)

• Song 133

• Courageous Soldiers of Christ: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience, What do you learn from the examples of Benjamin and Sruthi?

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

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 20

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 103 and Prayer

Asa zealously defended pure worship (1Ki 15:11, 12; w12 8/15 8 ¶4)

Asa courageously put his worship ahead of family ties (1Ki 15:13; w17.03 19 ¶7)

Asa’s good qualities evidently outweighed his mistakes (1Ki 15:14, 23; it-1 184-185)

ASK YOURSELF: ‘Do I show zeal for pure worship? Do I stop associating with anyone, including a family member, who turns his back on Jehovah?’​—2Jo 9, 10.

• Song 32 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “How Long Will You Be Limping Between Two Different Opinions?”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Ki 18:1​—Why did Jesus say that the drought in Elijah’s day lasted “three years and six months”? (Lu 4:25; w08 4/1 19, box)

  • 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.) 1Ki 18:36-46 (th study 10)

• Initial Call Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video Initial Call: The Bible​—2Ti 3:16, 17. 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 topic. (th study 12)

• Talk: (5 min.) w14 2/15 14-15​—Theme: What We Can Learn From a Widow’s Faith. (th study 13)

• Song 111

• Local Needs: (15 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 21

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 83 and Prayer

Elijah challenged the Israelites to act decisively (1Ki 18:21; w17.03 14 ¶6)

Baal was a lifeless god (1Ki 18:25-29; ia 88 ¶15)

Jehovah proved his own godship in a dramatic way (1Ki 18:36-38; ia 90 ¶18)

Elijah called on the people to prove their faith by obeying Jehovah’s Law. (De 13:5-10; 1Ki 18:40) Today, we prove our faith and godly devotion by strictly obeying Jehovah’s commands.

• Song 33 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Look to Jehovah for Comfort”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Ki 19:19-21​—What does this account teach us about accepting a new assignment of sacred service? (w97 11/1 31 ¶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.) 1Ki 19:1-14 (th study 12)

• Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video Return Visit: The Bible​—Job 26:7. 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 topic. (th study 18)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 07 point 7 and Some People Say (th study 7)

• Song 145

• Maintain a Positive Viewpoint: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience: What Bible principles can help us to maintain a positive viewpoint? How did Jehovah comfort Elijah? How does Jehovah comfort and care for us?

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 22

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 57 and Prayer

Elijah became afraid and ran for his life (1Ki 19:3, 4; w19.06 15 ¶5)

Jehovah gave him practical assistance and showed him awe-inspiring displays of power (1Ki 19:5-7, 11, 12; ia 103 ¶13; 106 ¶21)

Jehovah gave him work to do (1Ki 19:15-18; ia 106 ¶22)

Jehovah speaks to us today through the pages of his Word, reminding us that he truly cares for us and that he gives us meaningful work to do in his service.​—1Co 15:58; Col 3:23.

• Song 134 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Imitate How Jehovah Exercises Authority”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Ki 21:27-29​—How do we know that Ahab’s actions did not indicate true repentance? (w21.10 3 ¶4-6)

  • 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.) 1Ki 22:24-38 (th study 2)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer a Bible study, using the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. (th study 4)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and start a Bible study in lesson 01. (th study 6)

• Talk: (5 min.) w15 3/15 9-11 ¶10-12​—Theme: What Do We Learn From Naboth’s Integrity? (th study 14)

• Song 116

• “Love Is Patient and Kind”: (10 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience: How did Alexandru show patience and kindness as a family head? Why did Dorina eventually respond favorably? What lessons does this experience teach us?

• Local Needs: (5 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 23

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 50 and Prayer

Jehovah has supreme authority (1Ki 22:19; it-2 21)

Jehovah honors those subject to him (1Ki 22:20-22; w21.02 4 ¶9)

Jehovah blessed the work of an angel (1Ki 22:23; it-2 245)

Especially must elders and family heads try to imitate the way that Jehovah wields authority. (Eph 6:4; 1Pe 3:7; 5:2, 3) When they do so, those under their authority will be happy and content.

• Song 79 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “A Fine Example of Training”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 2Ki 2:11​—Where did Elijah go when he “ascended to the heavens in the windstorm”? (w05 8/1 9 ¶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.) 2Ki 2:1-10 (th study 10)

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

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Explain our free Bible study program, and give the person a Bible course contact card. (th study 13)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 07 summary, review, and goal (th study 14)

• Song 53

• “Helpful Features of Enjoy Life Forever!”: (15 min.) Discussion. Briefly interview a publisher who is conducting a Bible study using Enjoy Life Forever! Ask the publisher: What have you enjoyed about using this study tool? How are the videos and viewpoint questions affecting the student?

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 24

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 66 and Prayer

[Play the video Introduction to 2 Kings.]

Elisha watched as Elijah performed a miracle (2Ki 2:8; w15 4/15 13 ¶15; see cover picture)

Elisha humbly used the fine training he received (2Ki 2:13, 14; w15 4/15 13 ¶16)

In the congregation, Jehovah entrusts the elders with the responsibility of training others. (2Ti 2:2) If the elders offer you training, be willing, reliable, and humble.

Do you appreciate the videos and viewpoint questions in the Enjoy Life Forever! book? How about the features “Some People Say,” “Goal,” and “Explore”? What other features might you find helpful as you participate in the disciple-making work?​—Mt 28:19, 20.

Media: If you prefer to conduct a Bible study using a printed book, how can you easily access all of the videos and other media in one place? In the digital book, select one of the four main sections. At the bottom of the list of lesson titles, you can select all the media for that particular section. (See picture 1.)

“Printed Edition” setting: If you are studying with someone from an electronic device, you may find it helpful to use the “Printed Edition” setting at various times during the study. While in the lesson, tap on the three dots in the toolbar at the top of the page and select “Printed Edition.” This layout may help you to keep clearly in mind how the material you are discussing relates to the overall theme of the lesson. To return to the digital edition, tap the three dots again and select “Digital Edition.”

“Am I Ready?”: These boxes near the end of the book outline the basic qualifications for preaching with the congregation and getting baptized. (See picture 2.)

Endnotes: Endnotes provide explanatory material regarding certain important subjects. The digital book includes a link at the end of each endnote that will take you back to where you left off in the lesson. (See picture 2.)

• Song 151 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Pick Up Your Son”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 2Ki 4:38​—Who likely were “the sons of the prophets”? (it-2 697 ¶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.) 2Ki 3:1-12 (th study 5)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation topic. Overcome a common objection. (th study 17)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Introduce (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Bible Study? (th study 20)

• Talk: (5 min.) w13 8/15 28-29​—Theme: How Might You Imitate Elisha’s Humility in Sacred Service? (th study 15)

• Song 129

• “Until the Resurrection Becomes Reality”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video When a Loved One Dies.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 25

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 139 and Prayer

The Shunammite woman showed exceptional hospitality to Elisha (2Ki 4:8-10)

Jehovah blessed her with a son (2Ki 4:16, 17; w17.12 4 ¶7)

Jehovah used Elisha to resurrect her son (2Ki 4:32-37; w17.12 4 ¶8)

Are you grieving the death of a child? Jehovah feels your pain. Very soon, he will bring your loved one back to life. (Job 14:14, 15) What a glorious day that will be!

When a loved one dies, we find comfort in the resurrection hope. Even so, sin and death are like a suffocating shroud that weighs heavily on all of us. (Isa 25:7, 8) This is one reason why “all creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together.” (Ro 8:22) How can we cope with the loss of loved ones until the resurrection becomes reality? God’s Word contains principles that can help us.

WATCH THE VIDEO WHEN A LOVED ONE DIES, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• What pain have Danielle and Masahiro and Yoshimi experienced?

• How did five practical suggestions help them?

• Who is the ultimate Source of comfort?​—2Co 1:3, 4

Campaign to Start Bible Studies (September 1-30)

Question: Is it possible to enjoy life forever?

Scripture: Ps 37:29

Link: Can we really believe what the Bible promises?

Initial Call

Question: Where can we find practical advice for daily living?

Scripture: 2Ti 3:16, 17

Link: Why can you trust the Bible?

Return Visit

Question: Why can you trust the Bible?

Scripture: Job 26:7

Link: What are some questions that the Bible answers?