Cover picture: Ezra reading the Law to the people and praising Jehovah

• Song 148 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Do Not Interfere With the Work”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Ezr 6:13​—Why is the expression “Beyond the River” significant? (w93 6/15 32 ¶3-5)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Ezr 4:8-24 (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: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Tell the person about our website, and leave a jw.org contact card. (th study 1)

• Initial Call: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Tell the person about our Bible study program, and leave a Bible course contact card. (th study 9)

• Song 7

• “‘Defending and Legally Establishing’ the Good News”: (15 min.) Discussion and video.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 49 point 6 and summary, review, and goal

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 130 and Prayer

High Priest Jeshua (Joshua) and Governor Zerubbabel took the lead in rebuilding the temple despite a ban (Ezr 5:1, 2; w22.03 18 ¶13)

When opposers asked who authorized the work, the Jews referred to Cyrus’ decree (Ezr 5:3, 17; w86 2/1 29, box ¶2-3)

The king confirmed the earlier decree and ordered opposers to stop interfering with the work (Ezr 6:7, 8; w22.03 15 ¶7)

FOR MEDITATION: How does this Bible account help us to follow direction that we may not fully understand from those whom Jehovah has appointed to take the lead?​—w22.03 19 ¶16.

When opposers tried to stop the Israelites from rebuilding the temple, the builders endeavored to establish their legal right to proceed. (Ezr 5:11-16) Christians have similarly worked to defend and legally establish the good news. (Php 1:7) To that end, a Legal Department was created at world headquarters in 1936. Today, the World Headquarters Legal Department organizes the defense of Kingdom interests worldwide. How has this department promoted Kingdom interests and benefited God’s people?

WATCH THE VIDEO TOUR OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AT WORLD HEADQUARTERS, AND THEN ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS:

• What legal challenges have Jehovah’s Witnesses experienced?

  Your answer

• What legal victories have we had? Give an example

  Your answer

• What part can each of us play in “defending and legally establishing” the good news?

  Your answer

• Where on our website can we find legal developments affecting God’s people and a list of Jehovah’s Witnesses who are imprisoned for their faith?

  Your answer

• Song 82 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Ezra’s Conduct Brought Honor to Jehovah”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Ezr 8:1​—Why were many Jews in Babylon reluctant to go up to Jerusalem with Ezra? (w06 1/15 19 ¶10)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Ezr 8:21-36 (th study 5)

• 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.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Introduce and discuss (but do not play) the video Why Study the Bible? (th study 4)

• Return Visit: (5 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and demonstrate a Bible study. (th study 11)

• Song 59

• Local Needs: (15 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 50 points 1-5 and the video Protect Your Children from the box “Did You Know?”

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 134 and Prayer

Ezra allowed God’s Word to touch his heart and affect his conduct (Ezr 7:10; w00 10/1 14 ¶8)

Through Ezra, others recognized the wisdom of God (Ezr 7:25; si 75 ¶5)

Because he humbled himself before God, Ezra was confident that Jehovah would guide and protect him (Ezr 8:21-23; it-1 1158 ¶4)

The godly wisdom demonstrated by Ezra moved the king to entrust him with heavy responsibilities. Like Ezra, we can bring honor to Jehovah by our conduct.

ASK YOURSELF, ‘Do unbelievers respect me for my godly conduct?’

• Song 89 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “The Painful Consequences of Disobedience”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Ezr 10:44​—Why were the children sent away along with the wives? (w06 1/15 20 ¶2)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Ezr 9:1-9 (th study 2)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the tract Will Suffering Ever End? to introduce the sample conversation topic. (th study 13)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Invite the person to a meeting, and introduce and discuss (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Kingdom Hall? (th study 6)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 11 intro and points 1-3 (th study 14)

• Song 150

• Obedience Is a Protection (2Th 1:8): (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience: What will take place before Armageddon?

  Your answer

  How do we benefit now from being obedient?

  Your answer

  What is the link between Armageddon and obedience?

  Your answer

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 50 points 6-7 and summary, review, and goal

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 133 and Prayer

Some Israelites formed marriage alliances with idol-worshipping people (Ezr 9:1, 2; w06 1/15 20 ¶1)

They disregarded Jehovah’s clear commands (Ezr 9:10-12)

Their disobedience resulted in much pain to themselves and their families (Ezr 10:10, 11, 44)

Every commandment of Jehovah is for our good. (w09 10/1 10 ¶6) Obedience will spare us many frustrations now and lead to endless future blessings.

ASK YOURSELF, ‘How has my obedience to Jehovah shielded me from unnecessary heartache?’

• Song 47 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “At Once I Prayed”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Ne 2:4​—Was this a last-minute prayer of desperation, and what is the lesson for us? (w86 2/15 25)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Ne 2:11-20 (th study 2)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Tell the person about our website, and leave a jw.org contact card. (th study 16)

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

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 11 Dig Deeper introduction and point 4 (th study 11)

• Song 44

• Become Jehovah’s Friend​—Does Jehovah Answer Prayers?: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience, What does this video teach us about prayer?

  Your answer

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 51

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 102 and Prayer

[Play the video Introduction to Nehemiah.]

Nehemiah prayed before answering the king’s question (Ne 2:2-4; w08 2/15 3 ¶5)

Nehemiah’s request was favorably heard by the king (Ne 2:5, 6)

FOR MEDITATION: What could we do if we are asked to give an impromptu explanation of our beliefs?​—be 177 ¶4.

• Song 143 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Is Manual Work Beneath You?”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Ne 4:17, 18​—How could a man do the work of rebuilding with just one hand? (w06 2/1 9 ¶1)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Ne 3:15-24 (th study 2)

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

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Discuss the back page of the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and offer a Bible study. (th study 12)

• Talk: (5 min.) km 11/12 1​—Theme: See Good for Your Hard Work. (th study 10)

• Song 91

• Working With Jehovah’s Witnesses: (8 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience, What does this video teach us about how our conduct at work can give a witness?

  Your answer

• Local Needs: (7 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 52

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 29 and Prayer

The high priest and his brothers did not view themselves as too important to share in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls (Ne 3:1)

Some prominent men refused to “lower themselves” to help with the repair work (Ne 3:5; w06 2/1 10 ¶1)

God-fearing women willingly shared in the physically demanding project (Ne 3:12; w19.10 23 ¶11)

Many tasks that must be performed in the congregation involve manual or menial work and may occur behind the scenes.​—w04 8/1 18 ¶16.

ASK YOURSELF, ‘How do I feel about performing such work for the sake of the good news?’​—1Co 9:23.

• Song 17 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Nehemiah Wanted to Serve, Not Be Served”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Ne 6:13​—Why would it have been a sin for Nehemiah to hide in the temple? (w07 7/1 30 ¶15)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Ne 5:1-13 (th study 2)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Introduce and discuss (but do not play) the video Why Study the Bible? (th study 9)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. (th study 6)

• Talk: (5 min.) w13 5/15 7 ¶17-19​—Theme: Successful Evangelizers Assist One Another. (th study 20)

• Song 90

• “They Work Hard to Serve Us”: (15 min.) Discussion and video.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 53

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 35 and Prayer

Nehemiah did not use his authority for selfish gain (Ne 5:14, 15, 17, 18; w02 11/1 27 ¶3)

Nehemiah did not just oversee the work; he also participated in it (Ne 5:16; w16.09 6 ¶16)

Nehemiah asked Jehovah to remember him for his self-sacrificing love (Ne 5:19; w00 2/1 32)

Although Nehemiah was the governor, he did not expect special treatment. He is a good example for those who have privileges and responsibilities in the congregation.

ASK YOURSELF, ‘Am I more interested in what I can do for others than in what others can do for me?’

Circuit overseers and their wives show self-sacrificing love for those whom they serve. Like all of us, they have personal needs and sometimes experience tiredness, discouragement, and anxiety. (Jas 5:17) Nonetheless, each week they focus on encouraging the brothers and sisters in the congregation they are visiting. Circuit overseers are truly “worthy of double honor.”​—1Ti 5:17.

When the apostle Paul planned his visit to Rome in order to “impart some spiritual gift” to the congregation there, he looked forward to “an interchange of encouragement.” (Ro 1:11, 12) Have you thought about how you can encourage your circuit overseer and his wife, if married?

WATCH THE VIDEO THE LIFE OF A RURAL CIRCUIT OVERSEER, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• In what ways do circuit overseers and their wives show self-sacrificing love for the congregation?

  Your answer

• How have you personally benefited from their efforts?

  Your answer

• How can we encourage them?

  Your answer

• Song 110 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “The Joy of Jehovah Is Your Stronghold”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Ne 8:2, 8​—If those in attendance “could listen with understanding” to the reading of the Law, why did the Levites also explain it? (it-1 145 ¶2)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Ne 8:1-12 (th study 10)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer a publication from the Teaching Toolbox. (th study 13)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Invite the person to a meeting, and introduce and discuss (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Kingdom Hall? (th study 11)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 11 point 5 and Some People Say (th study 8)

• Song 132

• “You Can Contribute to Your Family’s Joy”: (15 min.) Discussion and video.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 54

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 123 and Prayer

The people congregated to hear Ezra read the Law (Ne 8:1, 2; w13 10/15 21 ¶2; see cover picture)

This was to be a joyous time in the worship of Jehovah, not a time to mourn over past sins (Ne 8:9, 11, 12)

The joy of Jehovah is a stronghold for his servants (Ne 8:10; w07 7/15 22 ¶9-10)

ASK YOURSELF, ‘Despite challenges, what specific reasons do I have for joy?’

Jehovah wants families to be happy. (Ps 127:3-5; Ec 9:9; 11:9) However, our joy can be disrupted because of stress from this world and the mistakes of family members. What can each member of the family do to contribute to joy?

A husband assigns his wife honor. (1Pe 3:7) He spends time with her. He is realistic in what he expects of her and demonstrates his appreciation for what she does for him and the family. (Col 3:15) He expresses his love and praises her.​—Pr 31:28, 31.

A wife looks for ways to support her husband. (Pr 31:12) She is in subjection to him and cooperates with him. (Col 3:18) She speaks kindly to him and about him.​—Pr 31:26.

Parents give their children their time. (De 6:6, 7) They tell their children that they love them. (Mt 3:17) When giving discipline, they show love and discernment.​—Eph 6:4.

Children honor and obey their parents. (Pr 23:22) They let their parents know their thoughts and feelings. They accept discipline from their parents and show them respect.​—Pr 19:20.

WATCH THE VIDEO DRAMATIZATION CULTIVATE JOY IN YOUR FAMILY, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

What did each one do to cultivate joy in the family?

• Song 37 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “They Made Personal Sacrifices for Jehovah”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Ne 10:34​—Why were the people required to supply wood? (w06 2/1 11 ¶1)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Ne 10:28-39 (th study 5)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Invite the person to a meeting, and introduce and discuss (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Kingdom Hall? (th study 1)

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

• Talk: (5 min.) w11 2/15 15-16 ¶12-15​—Theme: Sacrifices That Please God Today. (th study 20)

• Song 81

• “What Are Your Goals for the New Service Year?”: (10 min.) Discussion.

• “Special Campaign to Publicize God’s Kingdom in September!”: (5 min.) Talk by the service overseer. Build enthusiasm for the campaign, and outline local arrangements.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 55 points 1-4

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 92 and Prayer

Families were asked to leave their hereditary possession and move to Jerusalem (Ne 11:1; w98 10/15 22 ¶13)

Those who were willing to make such sacrifices were blessed (Ne 11:2; w86 2/15 26)

Blessings from Jehovah are always greater than any sacrifices we may make (Mal 3:10; w16.04 8 ¶15)

ASK YOURSELF, ‘What blessings have I received for the sacrifices that I have made to serve Jehovah?’

Spiritual goals include anything we work hard to achieve so that we can serve Jehovah more fully and make him happy. They help us make advancement in the truth and are worth sacrifices of our time and energy. (1Ti 4:15) Why should we assess our goals regularly? Because circumstances change. A past goal may no longer be realistic, or we may have reached it and can set another.

A good time to assess goals is before the start of a new service year. Why not discuss the subject during family worship and set some personal and family goals?

What are your specific goals in the following areas, and what steps do you plan to take to reach them?

During September, we will make a special effort to point to God’s Kingdom as the only solution for mankind’s problems. (Mt 24:14) How can you participate? Share a scripture regarding God’s Kingdom with as many people as possible during the month. If someone expresses interest, offer the person a copy of the public edition of The Watchtower No. 2 2020. Then follow up on the interest as soon as possible, and try to start a Bible study using the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. All those serving as auxiliary pioneers during the month of September may choose a 15- or 30-hour requirement.

God’s Kingdom will soon crush all authority in opposition to it. (Da 2:44; 1Co 15:24, 25) May we take full advantage of this special opportunity to show our allegiance to Jehovah and his Kingdom!

• Song 34 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Be Loyal to Jehovah When Choosing Friends”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Ne 13:10​—Since temple singers were Levites, why were they listed separately? (it-2 452 ¶9)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Ne 12:27-39 (th study 2)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Tell the person about our website, and leave a jw.org contact card. (th study 16)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Tell the person about our Bible study program, and leave a Bible course contact card. (th study 3)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 11 summary, review, and goal (th study 20)

• Song 108

• Local Needs: (5 min.)

• “Imitate Jehovah’s Loyal Love”: (10 min.) Discussion and video.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 55 point 5 and summary, review, and goal

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 84 and Prayer

Ammonites and Moabites were not permitted to “enter the congregation” because of their history of opposition to God’s people (Ne 13:1, 2; it-1 95 ¶5)

High Priest Eliashib allowed an Ammonite to make use of a dining hall in the temple (Ne 13:4, 5; w13 8/15 4 ¶5-6)

Nehemiah showed loyalty to Jehovah by ending Eliashib’s arrangement with God’s enemy (Ne 13:7-9)

If we choose friends who do not love Jehovah, are we being loyal to Jehovah?​—w96 3/15 16 ¶6.

ASK YOURSELF, ‘How does Jehovah feel about my choice of associates?’

Jehovah provides the greatest example of loyal love. (Ps 103:11) This love is no momentary attraction or fickle affection. Loyal love involves a deep, lasting attachment. Jehovah demonstrated this quality for his people Israel in many ways. He freed them from bondage in Egypt and brought them into the Promised Land. (Ps 105:42-44) He fought for his people and repeatedly forgave them when they sinned. (Ps 107:19, 20) As we “carefully consider Jehovah’s acts of loyal love,” we are motivated to imitate him.​—Ps 107:43.

WATCH THE VIDEO DRAMATIZATION “CAREFULLY CONSIDER JEHOVAH’S ACTS OF LOYAL LOVE,” AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• In what ways can we demonstrate loyal love?

  Your answer

• Why does showing loyal love require making sacrifices?

  Your answer

Initial Call

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

Scripture: Jas 1:13

Link: Why do we suffer?

FIND THIS SCRIPTURE IN THE TEACHING TOOLBOX:

• 

  T-34

Return Visit

Question: Why do we suffer?

Scripture: 1Jo 5:19

Link: How does God feel about our suffering?

FIND THIS SCRIPTURE IN THE TEACHING TOOLBOX:

• 

  T-33