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January

Our Christian Life and Ministry​—Meeting Workbook, January-February 2023

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Our Christian Life and Ministry​—Meeting Workbook, January-February 2023.

Our Christian Life and Ministry​—Meeting Workbook, January-February 2023

© 2022 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Cover picture: David provides Solomon with craftsmen and materials to build the temple

    January 2-8

    p. 2

    January 2-8

    2 KINGS 22-23

    • Song 28 and Prayer

    • Opening Comments (1 min.)

    TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

    • “Why Be Humble?”: (10 min.)

    • Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

      • 2Ki 23:24, 25​—What encouragement does Josiah’s example provide for those who have endured a difficult childhood? (w01 4/15 26 ¶3-4)

      • 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.) 2Ki 23:16-25 (th study 2)

    APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

    LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

    • Song 120

    • Humble or Haughty? (Jas 4:6): (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience: What is the difference between humility and haughtiness? What can we learn from Moses’ example? Why are you determined to remain humble?

    • Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 33

    • Concluding Comments (3 min.)

    • Song 23 and Prayer

      Why Be Humble?

      p. 2

      King Josiah humbly listening to his secretary Shaphan read from a scroll.

      TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

      Why Be Humble?

      Josiah was eager to please Jehovah (2Ki 22:1-5)

      He humbly admitted the errors of the people (2Ki 22:13; w00 9/15 29-30)

      Because Josiah was humble, Jehovah blessed him (2Ki 22:18-20; w00 9/15 30 ¶2)

      We gain Jehovah’s favor when we humbly turn to him for guidance and when we admit our mistakes and correct our path.​—Jas 4:6.

        January 9-15

        p. 3

        January 9-15

        2 KINGS 24-25

        • Song 60 and Prayer

        • Opening Comments (1 min.)

        TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

        APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

        LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

          Maintain Your Sense of Urgency

          p. 3

          TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

          Maintain Your Sense of Urgency

          For years, Jehovah warned the people of Judah that he would reject them if they continued to act wickedly (2Ki 24:2, 3; w01 2/15 12 ¶2)

          Jehovah used the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. (2Ki 25:8-10; w07 3/15 11 ¶10)

          Jehovah spared the lives of those who responded to his warnings (2Ki 25:11)

          A brother witnessing to a workmate during their lunch break.

          For many decades, Jehovah has been warning earth’s inhabitants that he will execute judgment on “the ungodly people.”​—2Pe 3:7.

          ASK YOURSELF, ‘Do I take advantage of every opportunity to help others heed God’s warning?’​—2Ti 4:2.

            January 16-22

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            January 16-22

            1 CHRONICLES 1-3

            • Song 96 and Prayer

            • Opening Comments (1 min.)

            TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

            APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

            LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

              The Bible​—A Book of Fact, Not Fiction

              p. 4

              TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

              The Bible​—A Book of Fact, Not Fiction

              [Play the video Introduction to 1 Chronicles.]

              Adam was a real person (1Ch 1:1; w09 9/1 14 ¶1)

              Noah was also a real person (1Ch 1:4; w08 6/1 3 ¶4)

              A brother meditating on what he is reading in the Bible. He visualizes Noah and his family building the ark.

              When we understand that people in the Bible are, not mythical characters, but real people, we better appreciate the lessons we learn from their example.​—1Co 15:22; w09 9/1 14-15.

                Strengthen Your Faith in God’s Word

                p. 5

                Collage: A young sister reading and studying the Bible. 1. She makes a time line of Bible characters on a whiteboard. 2. She reads the study edition of the “New World Translation” on jw.org. 3. She consults a map of Bible lands. 4. She draws a picture of a high priest and labels his garments.

                LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

                Strengthen Your Faith in God’s Word

                God’s Word can transform our lives. (Heb 4:12) However, to benefit from its guidance, direction, and counsel, we need to be convinced that it is indeed “the word of God.” (1Th 2:13) How can we strengthen our faith in the Bible?

                Read a portion of the Bible each day. As you read, look for evidence that Jehovah is its Author. For example, examine the advice contained in the book of Proverbs and take note of its timeless wisdom.​—Pr 13:20; 14:30.

                Start a study project. Become familiar with evidence that proves that the Bible is inspired. In the Research Guide for Jehovah’s Witnesses, look under the subject “The Bible” and then “Inspired by God.” You can also strengthen your faith that the Bible’s message has not changed by examining the information contained in Appendix A3 of the New World Translation.

                WATCH THE VIDEO WHY WE HAVE FAITH IN . . . GOD’S WORD, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

                • How does the discovery of a temple wall at Karnak, Egypt, confirm the truthfulness of God’s Word?

                • How do we know that the Bible’s message has not changed?

                • How does the Bible’s survival prove to you that it is the Word of God?​—Read Isaiah 40:8

                  January 23-29

                  p. 6

                  January 23-29

                  1 CHRONICLES 4-6

                  • Song 42 and Prayer

                  • Opening Comments (1 min.)

                  TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

                  • “What Do My Prayers Reveal About Me?”: (10 min.)

                  • Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

                    • 1Ch 5:10​—How can the victory over the Hagrites encourage us when we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles? (w05 10/1 9 ¶7)

                    • 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.) 1Ch 6:61-81 (th study 2)

                  APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

                  LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

                    What Do My Prayers Reveal About Me?

                    p. 6

                    TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

                    What Do My Prayers Reveal About Me?

                    Jabez was an honorable man (1Ch 4:9)

                    His prayer revealed his concern for true worship (1Ch 4:10a; w10 10/1 23 ¶3-7)

                    Jehovah answered Jabez’ prayer (1Ch 4:10b)

                    An elderly sister praying intensely. On her lap are a Bible and a list from jw.org of brothers in prison.

                    ASK YOURSELF, ‘What do my prayers reveal about me?’​—Mt 6:9, 10.

                      Prepare Now for a Medical Emergency

                      p. 7

                      LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

                      Prepare Now for a Medical Emergency

                      Why prepare? Medical emergencies and hospitalization can occur suddenly and without warning. Therefore, before an emergency arises, take full advantage of the provisions available to help you receive the best medical care possible. By doing so, you show respect for life and Jehovah’s law on blood.​—Ac 15:28, 29.

                      What can you do to prepare?

                      • Carefully and prayerfully fill out a durable power of attorney (DPA) card.a Baptized publishers can obtain from the literature servant a DPA card for themselves as well as an Identity Card (ic) for their minor children

                      • If you are pregnant, ask your elders for a copy of Information for Expectant Mothers (S-401). This document will help you make good decisions about medical issues that may arise during pregnancy and childbirth

                      • If you require a medical procedure that may involve the blood issue or a hospital stay, let your elders know in advance and inform the hospital that you would welcome a visit from a minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses

                      How can the elders assist? They can help you fill out your DPA card. However, elders will not make medical decisions for you or express their personal views on matters of individual choice. (Ro 14:12; Ga 6:5) When you inform your local elders that you are facing a medical situation that may involve blood, they will promptly contact the Hospital Liaison Committee (HLC) on your behalf.

                      How can the HLC help? Brothers serving on the HLC are trained to help those in the medical and legal communities understand our religious position regarding blood. They can discuss medical treatment strategies for avoiding blood transfusions with your health-care provider. If needed, they can help you to find a cooperative doctor.

                      WATCH THE VIDEO HOW TO MAKE HEALTH-CARE DECISIONS REGARDING BLOOD, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

                      • What did you learn from this video that can help you be prepared for a medical emergency involving blood?

                      a Lesson 39 of the Enjoy Life Forever! book can help you to make medical decisions that involve the use of blood.

                        January 30–February 5

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                        January 30–February 5

                        1 CHRONICLES 7-9

                        • Song 84 and Prayer

                        • Opening Comments (1 min.)

                        TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

                        APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

                        LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

                          You Can Fulfill Challenging Assignments With Jehovah’s Help

                          p. 8

                          TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

                          You Can Fulfill Challenging Assignments With Jehovah’s Help

                          The Levite gatekeepers occupied an office of great responsibility (1Ch 9:26, 27; w05 10/1 9 ¶8)

                          Phinehas was chief of the tabernacle gatekeepers in the days of Moses (1Ch 9:17-20a)

                          Jehovah helped Phinehas to fulfill his assignment (1Ch 9:20b; w11 9/15 32 ¶7)

                          Collage: 1. A young sister operates large construction equipment. 2. An elderly couple participate in telephone witnessing. 3. A couple preach where there is a greater need for Kingdom publishers.

                          Jehovah gives us plenty of important work. If you are ever unsure about how to carry out an assignment, pray to Jehovah and ask a mature Christian for help.​—Php 2:13.

                            Jehovah Helps Us Through Our Trials

                            p. 9

                            Parents and their two young children associating with their congregation via videoconferencing.

                            LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

                            Jehovah Helps Us Through Our Trials

                            During these last days, we experience many difficult trials. At times, we may feel that our trials are too much for us to bear. However, if we continue to draw close to Jehovah, he will help us to endure even the most heartbreaking of trials. (Isa 43:2, 4) How can we draw close to Jehovah when we go through trials?

                            Prayer. When we pour our heart out to Jehovah, he gives us the peace and emotional strength to endure.​—Php 4:6, 7; 1Th 5:17.

                            Meetings. More than ever, we need the spiritual food and association that Jehovah provides at our meetings. (Heb 10:24, 25) When we prepare for, attend, and participate in congregation meetings, we take full advantage of the help of Jehovah’s spirit.​—Re 2:29.

                            Ministry. We will find it easier to focus on positive things if we do everything we can to remain active in the ministry. We will also strengthen our bonds of friendship with Jehovah and our fellow workers.​—1Co 3:5-10.

                            WATCH THE VIDEO JEHOVAH WILL TAKE YOU IN, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

                            • What helped Malu to stay close to Jehovah during her trials?

                            • Like Malu, how can the words found at Psalm 34:18 bring us comfort during our trials?

                            • How does Malu’s experience show that Jehovah gives us “power beyond what is normal” when we experience trials?​—2Co 4:7

                              February 6-12

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                              February 6-12

                              1 CHRONICLES 10-12

                              • Song 94 and Prayer

                              • Opening Comments (1 min.)

                              TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

                              APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

                              LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

                                Strengthen Your Desire to Do God’s Will

                                p. 10

                                Collage: 1. King Saul haughtily offers a sacrifice on an altar. 2. David refuses to drink water that one of his warriors offers him.

                                TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

                                Strengthen Your Desire to Do God’s Will

                                Because Saul was disobedient, Jehovah rejected him (1Ch 10:13, 14)

                                Jehovah chose David to become king in Saul’s place (1Ch 11:3)

                                Unlike Saul, David let himself be guided by Jehovah’s laws and principles (1Ch 11:15-19; w12 11/15 6 ¶12-13)

                                David loved doing God’s will. (Ps 40:8) We can cultivate a similar desire to do what is right by learning to view things the way Jehovah does.​—Ps 25:4; w18.06 17 ¶5-6.

                                  Search for God’s Thinking

                                  p. 11

                                  An illustration based on the video “We Must ‘Run With Endurance’​—Eat Nutritious Food.” Rebekah uses the brochure “The Origin of Life​—Five Questions Worth Asking” to do research.

                                  LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

                                  Search for God’s Thinking

                                  We want to please Jehovah in all that we do. (Pr 27:11) To do so, we need to make decisions that reflect his thinking even when there is no clear-cut law or command to guide us. What can help us to do that?

                                  Maintain a regular routine of Bible study. Each time we read the Bible, it is as if we were spending time with Jehovah. We can learn about Jehovah’s way of thinking by observing how he dealt with his people and by examining the examples of those who did good or bad in his eyes. When we need to make a decision, holy spirit can recall to our mind important lessons and principles that we have learned from God’s Word.​—Joh 14:26.

                                  Do research. When you face a decision, ask yourself, ‘What verses or accounts in the Bible can help me to understand how Jehovah feels about the matter?’ Pray for Jehovah’s help, and use the theocratic research tools available in your language to help you to find and apply Bible principles that are relevant to your situation.​—Ps 25:4.

                                  WATCH THE VIDEO WE MUST “RUN WITH ENDURANCE”​—EAT NUTRITIOUS FOOD, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

                                  • What pressures did the young sister in the video face?

                                  • How could you use research tools to help you deal with similar pressures?

                                  • How do we benefit when we take the time to do research and engage in personal study that can help us make good decisions?​—Heb 5:13, 14

                                    Set Goals for the Memorial Season

                                    p. 16

                                    LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

                                    Set Goals for the Memorial Season

                                    Each year, Jehovah’s people look forward to observing the Memorial together. During the weeks before and after the Memorial, we take advantage of special opportunities to give praise and thanks to Jehovah for the gift of the ransom. (Eph 1:3, 7) For example, we put our heart into inviting others to the Memorial. Some are able to make adjustments so that they can auxiliary pioneer with the goal of 30 or 50 hours during the months of March or April. Would you like to increase your share in the ministry during this Memorial season? What can help you to succeed?

                                    Often, we can accomplish more when we plan ahead. (Pr 21:5) With the Memorial season fast approaching, now is the time to start planning. Consider how you would like to expand your ministry during the Memorial season, and reflect on what you need to do to reach your goals. Then ask Jehovah to bless your efforts.​—1Jo 5:14, 15.

                                    Can you think of some ways that you could expand your ministry during the Memorial season?

                                      February 13-19

                                      p. 12

                                      February 13-19

                                      1 CHRONICLES 13-16

                                      • Song 123 and Prayer

                                      • Opening Comments (1 min.)

                                      TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

                                      APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

                                      LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

                                      • Song 86

                                      • Become Jehovah’s Friend​—Pay Attention at the Meetings: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then, if possible, ask selected children: Why should we pay attention at meetings? What can help you to do so?

                                      • Local Needs: (10 min.)

                                      • Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 37 point 6 and summary, review, and goal

                                      • Concluding Comments (3 min.)

                                      • Song 21 and Prayer

                                        Following Direction Leads to Success

                                        p. 12

                                        King David singing and dancing with other Israelites while the Levites carry the ark of the covenant.

                                        TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

                                        Following Direction Leads to Success

                                        David wanted to bring the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem (1Ch 13:3)

                                        He was unsuccessful when he allowed the ark to be transported improperly (1Ch 15:13; w03 5/1 10-11)

                                        David succeeded when he searched for Jehovah’s direction (1Ch 15:2; 16:11; w03 5/1 11 ¶13)

                                        Jehovah appreciates our good motives. However, for our actions to be acceptable to Jehovah, we must follow direction.​—De 30:16.

                                          February 20-26

                                          p. 13

                                          February 20-26

                                          1 CHRONICLES 17-19

                                          • Song 110 and Prayer

                                          • Opening Comments (1 min.)

                                          TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

                                          APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

                                          LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

                                          • Song 64

                                          • Annual Service Report: (15 min.) Discussion. After reading the announcement from the branch office regarding the annual service report, invite the audience to highlight other positive aspects of the 2022 Service Year Report of Jehovah’s Witnesses Worldwide. Interview publishers, selected in advance, who had encouraging experiences in the ministry during the past year.

                                          • Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 38 points 1-4

                                          • Concluding Comments (3 min.)

                                          • Song 141 and Prayer

                                            Maintain Your Joy Despite Disappointments

                                            p. 13

                                            TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

                                            Maintain Your Joy Despite Disappointments

                                            David longed to build a beautiful temple for Jehovah (1Ch 17:1, 2; w06 7/15 19 ¶1)

                                            Jehovah told David that he would not be the one to build the temple (1Ch 17:4)

                                            David remained absorbed in the work that Jehovah had assigned him (1Ch 17:7; 18:14)

                                            Collage: 1. A discouraged brother sits in a wheelchair and breathes with the help of an oxygen tank. 2. The brother happily talks to a man who has approached a witnessing cart.

                                            If because of age, health, or other factors you are not eligible for a certain assignment, stay absorbed in the things that you can do.​—Ac 18:5; w21.08 22-23 ¶11.

                                              February 27–March 5

                                              p. 14

                                              February 27–March 5

                                              1 CHRONICLES 20-22

                                              • Song 133 and Prayer

                                              • Opening Comments (1 min.)

                                              TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

                                              APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

                                              LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

                                                Help Younger Ones to Succeed

                                                p. 14

                                                King David showing Solomon the craftsmen who are preparing the materials to be used in building the temple.

                                                David provides Solomon with craftsmen and materials to build the temple

                                                TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

                                                Help Younger Ones to Succeed

                                                David knew that with Jehovah’s help, Solomon could successfully oversee the temple construction (1Ch 22:5; w17.01 29 ¶8)

                                                David encouraged Solomon to rely on Jehovah and then to act (1Ch 22:11-13)

                                                David eagerly supported Solomon (1Ch 22:14-16; w17.01 29 ¶7; see cover picture)

                                                Collage: 1. An elder trains a young brother to handle the congregation’s preaching territory. The elder shows him a map of the congregation’s territory, a territory assignment record, and an individual territory map. 2. The young brother explains to another brother how to use a territory map.

                                                ASK YOURSELF, ‘How can I help young ones in my congregation find happiness and success in serving Jehovah?’​—w18.03 11-12 ¶14-15.

                                                  Use Bible Principles to Help Your Children Succeed

                                                  p. 15

                                                  Collage: Parents training their daughter as she grows up. 1. The mother uses the book “Learn From the Great Teacher” to study with her young daughter. 2. The father helps his daughter, now older, to study a “Watchtower” article. 3. The daughter, even older, witnesses to a woman in the door-to-door ministry.

                                                  LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

                                                  Use Bible Principles to Help Your Children Succeed

                                                  Christian parents want their children to enjoy a happy and rewarding life in Jehovah’s service. Parents can help their children to succeed by using Bible principles to train them.​—Pr 22:6.

                                                  • Keep the lines of communication open.​—Jas 1:19

                                                  • Teach by your positive example.​—De 6:6

                                                  • Participate in true worship consistently.​—Eph 6:4

                                                  WATCH THE VIDEO BUILD A HOUSE THAT WILL ENDURE​—TRAIN YOUR CHILDREN IN ‘THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO,’ AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

                                                  • How can parents show reasonableness?

                                                  • How can parents apply the principle found at James 1:19?

                                                  • What can parents do when problems arise?

                                                    Sample Conversations

                                                    p. 16

                                                    APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

                                                    Sample Conversations

                                                    Initial Call

                                                    Question: Does God listen to prayers?

                                                    Scripture: Ps 65:2

                                                    Link: What can we pray about?

                                                    Return Visit

                                                    Question: What can we pray about?

                                                    Scripture: 1Jo 5:14

                                                    Link: How does God answer our prayers?