January
Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, January-February 2024
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Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, January-February 2024
© 2023 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Cover picture: Elihu listens empathetically as Job expresses himself
JANUARY 1-7
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JANUARY 1-7
JOB 32-33
Song 102 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
Elihu listens empathetically as Job expresses himself
1. Comfort Those Who Are Dealing With Anxiety
(10 min.)
Treat others as friends (Job 33:1; it-1 710)
Be empathetic, not judgmental (Job 33:6, 7; w14 6/15 25 ¶8-10)
Before speaking, listen and think as Elihu did (Job 33:8-12, 17; w20.03 23 ¶17-18; see cover picture)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Job 33:25—How does this verse help us to have a balanced view of our appearance as we age? (w13 1/15 19 ¶10)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Job 32:1-22 (th study 12)
4. Interest in Others—What Jesus Did
(7 min.) Discussion. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss lmd lesson 1 points 1-2.
5. Interest in Others—Imitate Jesus
(8 min.) Discussion based on lmd lesson 1 points 3-5 and “See Also.”
Song 116
6. Local Needs
(15 min.)
7. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 4 box on p. 30
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
JANUARY 8-14
pp. 3–16
JANUARY 8-14
JOB 34-35
Song 30 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. When Life Seems Unfair
(10 min.)
Remember that Jehovah is never the Source of injustice (Job 34:10; wp19.1 8 ¶2)
The wicked may seem to get away with their unjust actions; however, they cannot hide from Jehovah (Job 34:21-26; w17.04 10 ¶5)
The best way to help victims of injustice is to teach them about Jehovah (Job 35:9, 10; Mt 28:19, 20; w21.05 7 ¶19-20)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Job 35:7—What did Elihu mean when he asked Job: “What does [God] receive from you?” (w17.04 29 ¶3)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Job 35:1-16 (th study 10)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 10 point 3)
5. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Show a person who has young children how to find information helpful to parents on jw.org. (lmd lesson 1 point 4)
6. Making Disciples
(5 min.) lff lesson 13 point 5 (lmd lesson 11 point 3)
Song 58
7. Are You Motivated to “Preach the Word” Informally?
(15 min.) Discussion.
Paul urged Timothy: “Preach the word; be at it urgently.” (2Ti 4:2) The Greek verb translated “be at it urgently” was sometimes used in a military setting to refer to a soldier or a guard at his post who was always ready for action. The expression well describes our desire to be always alert for opportunities to turn an ordinary conversation into a witness.
Our love for Jehovah and appreciation for all that he does for us move us to tell others about his beautiful qualities.
Read Psalm 71:8. Then ask the audience:
What good things about Jehovah do you like to tell others about?
Our love for people also motivates us to witness informally.
Play the VIDEO How Hundreds Found Bible Truth. Then ask the audience:
How did informal witnessing play a role in hundreds finding Bible truth?
How did these former church members benefit from learning the truth?
How does love for people motivate us to witness informally?
Why do you think informal witnessing is such an effective way to help others come to know Jehovah?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 4 box on p. 33
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
JANUARY 15-21
pp. 4–5
JANUARY 15-21
JOB 36-37
Song 147 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Why You Can Trust God’s Promise of Everlasting Life
(10 min.)
Jehovah himself lives forever (Job 36:26; w15 10/1 13 ¶1-2)
Jehovah has the wisdom and power to sustain life (Job 36:27, 28; w20.05 22 ¶6)
Jehovah teaches us how to gain everlasting life (Job 36:4, 22; Joh 17:3)
Strong faith in God’s promise of everlasting life acts as a stabilizing force in our life.—Heb 6:19; w22.10 28 ¶16.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Job 36:1-21 (th study 2)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. (lmd lesson 3 point 3)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. (lmd lesson 2 point 5)
6. Explaining Your Beliefs
(5 min.) Talk. ijwfq 57 ¶5-15—Theme: Why Were Jehovah’s Witnesses Persecuted During the Time of the Holocaust? (th study 18)
Song 49
7. Be Prepared for Situations That Require Medical or Surgical Care
(15 min.) Discussion. To be handled by an elder.
Jehovah’s organization has provided tools to help us obey God’s law regarding blood. (Ac 15:28, 29) Are you making good use of them?
Durable Power of Attorney (DPA) Card and Identity Card (ic): These cards outline a patient’s wishes concerning the medical use of blood. Baptized publishers can obtain from the literature servant a DPA card for themselves as well as an Identity Card for their minor children. These cards should be kept on our person at all times. If you need to fill one out or update one, do not procrastinate.
Information for Expectant Mothers (S-401) and Information for Patients Requiring Surgery or Chemotherapy (S-407): These documents help us be better prepared for our medical care, including matters involving the blood issue. Ask your elders for a copy of the appropriate document if you are pregnant or in need of surgery or cancer treatment.
Hospital Liaison Committee (HLC): HLC members are qualified elders who are prepared to provide information to doctors and publishers on matters concerning blood. They can discuss with your health-care provider medical treatment strategies for avoiding blood transfusions. If needed, they can help you find a cooperative doctor. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact the HLC as soon as possible in any situation that requires a hospital stay, a surgery, or a therapy—such as cancer treatment—even if it seems that the situation might not involve the blood issue. This also applies to expectant mothers. If assistance is needed, request from an elder the contact information for the HLC.
Play the VIDEO Hospital Liaison Committees—How Do They Assist? Then ask the audience:
How can the HLC help you if you face a situation that may require medical or surgical care?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 4 ¶9-12, box on p. 34
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
JANUARY 22-28
pp. 6–7
JANUARY 22-28
JOB 38-39
Song 11 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Do You Take the Time to Observe Creation?
(10 min.)
After creating the natural world, Jehovah took the time to reflect on his work (Ge 1:10, 12; Job 38:5, 6; w21.08 9 ¶7)
The angels took the time to observe Jehovah’s creation (Job 38:7; w20.08 14 ¶2)
We can strengthen our trust in Jehovah when we take the time to observe and appreciate creation (Job 38:32-35; w23.03 17 ¶8)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Job 38:8-10—What do these verses teach us about Jehovah as a Lawgiver? (it-2 222)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Job 39:1-22 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(2 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. End the conversation on a positive note when you realize that the person does not want to talk. (lmd lesson 2 point 3)
5. Following Up
(5 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. In a previous conversation, the person told you that he had recently lost a loved one in death. (lmd lesson 9 point 3)
6. Talk
(5 min.) lmd appendix A point 1—Theme: Current Events and Attitudes Indicate a Change Is Near. (th study 16)
Song 111
7. Observing Creation Helps Us to Remember the Big Picture
(15 min.) Discussion.
When under attack from his three companions and from Satan, Job became consumed with his own problems and the unfair criticism directed at him.
Read Job 37:14. Then ask the audience:
What did Job need to do to regain his spiritual balance?
When we feel overwhelmed by our trials, observing creation can help us to remember Jehovah’s greatness, strengthen our desire to remain loyal to him, and build our confidence in his ability to care for us.—Mt 6:26.
Play the VIDEO Lessons From the Book of Job—Animal Creation. Then ask the audience:
How did this video strengthen your trust in Jehovah?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 4 ¶13-20
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
JANUARY 29–FEBRUARY 4
pp. 8–9
JANUARY 29–FEBRUARY 4
JOB 40-42
Song 124 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Lessons Learned From Job’s Experience
(10 min.)
Recognize that your viewpoint is limited in comparison with Jehovah’s (Job 42:1-3; w10 10/15 3-4 ¶4-6)
Readily accept counsel from Jehovah and his organization (Job 42:5, 6; w17.06 25 ¶12)
Jehovah rewards those who remain loyal to him despite trials (Job 42:10-12; Jas 5:11; w22.06 25 ¶17-18)
Jehovah rewarded Job for his integrity
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Job 42:1-17 (th study 11)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. The person is from a non-Christian background. (lmd lesson 5 point 3)
5. Making Disciples
6. Talk
(4 min.) lmd appendix A point 2—Theme: The Earth Will Never Be Destroyed. (th study 13)
Song 108
7. Help Others to Feel Jehovah’s Love
(15 min.) Discussion.
We are glad to worship a God who is the very essence of love. (1Jo 4:8, 16) Jehovah’s loving personality draws us to him and motivates us to stay close to him. As Jehovah’s sheep, we all feel loved by Jehovah.
We do our best to reflect Jehovah’s love by how we treat our family members, fellow worshippers, and others. (Job 6:14; 1Jo 4:11) By showing love, we help others come to know Jehovah and draw close to him. In contrast, if we fail to show love to others, they may find it difficult to sense Jehovah’s love.
Play the VIDEO We Found Christian Love in Jehovah’s Family. Then ask the audience:
What did you learn from Lei Lei and Mimi’s experience about the importance of showing love?
What can we do to help fellow worshippers feel Jehovah’s love?
View them as Jehovah’s precious sheep.—Ps 100:3
Speak to them in a way that builds up.—Eph 4:29
Treat them with fellow feeling.—Mt 7:11, 12
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 5 ¶1-8, box on p. 39
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
FEBRUARY 5-11
p. 10
FEBRUARY 5-11
PSALMS 1-4
Song 150 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Take Sides With God’s Kingdom
(10 min.)
[Play the VIDEO Introduction to Psalms.]
Human governments have made themselves rivals of God’s Kingdom (Ps 2:2; w21.09 15 ¶8)
Jehovah is giving all people a window of opportunity to take sides with his Kingdom (Ps 2:10-12)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘Am I determined to remain neutral with regard to every aspect of this world’s political affairs, even if it could mean facing hardship?’—w16.04 29 ¶11.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 3:1–4:8 (th study 12)
4. Naturalness—What Philip Did
(7 min.) Discussion. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss lmd lesson 2 points 1-2.
5. Naturalness—Imitate Philip
(8 min.) Discussion based on lmd lesson 2 points 3-5 and “See Also.”
Song 32
6. Local Needs
(15 min.)
7. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 5 ¶9-15, box on p. 41
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
FEBRUARY 12-18
p. 11
FEBRUARY 12-18
PSALMS 5-7
Song 118 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Remain Loyal Despite the Actions of Others
(10 min.)
At times, David lost his joy because of the actions of others (Ps 6:6, 7)
He turned to Jehovah for help (Ps 6:2, 9; w21.03 15 ¶7-8)
David’s strong trust in Jehovah helped him to remain loyal (Ps 6:10)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘Am I building the type of faith needed to remain loyal to Jehovah despite the actions of others?’—w20.07 8-9 ¶3-4.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 7:1-11 (th study 10)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. (lmd lesson 1 point 3)
5. Starting a Conversation
(2 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Without sharing a specific Bible truth, find a natural way to let the person know that you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. (lmd lesson 2 point 4)
6. Following Up
(2 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. The householder wants to argue with you. (lmd lesson 4 point 5)
7. Explaining Your Beliefs
(4 min.) Demonstration. ijwfq 64—Theme: Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Choose Not to Participate in Nationalistic Ceremonies? (lmd lesson 3 point 4)
Song 99
8. 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 2023 Service Year Report of Jehovah’s Witnesses Worldwide. Interview publishers, selected in advance, who had encouraging experiences in the ministry during the past year.
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 5 ¶16-22, box on p. 42
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
FEBRUARY 19-25
pp. 12–13
FEBRUARY 19-25
PSALMS 8-10
Song 2 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. “I Will Praise You, O Jehovah”!
(10 min.)
Jehovah is extraordinarily good to us (Ps 8:3-6; w21.08 3 ¶6)
We gladly praise Jehovah by telling others about his wonderful works (Ps 9:1; w20.05 23 ¶10)
We also praise him when we sing wholeheartedly to him (Ps 9:2; w22.04 7 ¶13)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘In what other ways can I praise Jehovah?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 10:1-18 (th study 11)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. The householder tells you that he does not believe in God. (lmd lesson 5 point 4)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. In a previous conversation, the person told you that he does not believe in God but that he is open to examining evidence that suggests that a Creator exists. (th study 7)
6. Talk
(5 min.) w21.06 6-7 ¶15-18—Theme: Help Your Bible Students to Praise Jehovah. (th study 10)
Song 10
7. How to Witness Informally in a Natural Manner
(10 min.) Discussion.
One way that we can increase our expressions of praise to Jehovah is by witnessing to those whom we meet during our daily activities. (Ps 35:28) At first, we may feel nervous about giving a witness informally. However, when we learn how to start and continue conversations in a natural manner, we can become effective at it and even enjoy it!
Play the VIDEO Be Ready to Share “the Good News of Peace”—Take the Initiative. Then ask the audience:
What did you learn from this dramatization that can help you to become more effective at informal witnessing?
The following are a few tips that can help you get started:
Be alert to opportunities to start conversations each time you leave your home. Pray about it, and ask Jehovah to direct you to honesthearted people
Be friendly and show personal interest in the people you meet. Try to learn something about the person that could help you to know what Bible truths might appeal to him
Look for an opportunity to exchange contact information, if appropriate
Do not be disappointed if a conversation ends before you can give a witness
Think about the person after your conversation. Continue to show personal interest by sending him a link to a Bible verse or to an article on jw.org
Try this: If someone asks you, ‘How was your weekend?,’ tell him about something you learned at the meeting or about the work you do as a Bible teacher.
8. Local Needs
(5 min.)
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 6 ¶1-8 and intro to section 2
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
FEBRUARY 26–MARCH 3
pp. 14–15
FEBRUARY 26–MARCH 3
PSALMS 11-15
Song 139 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Picture Yourself in God’s Peaceful New World
(10 min.)
Social disorder breeds the violence we see today (Ps 11:2, 3; w06 5/15 18 ¶3)
We can trust that Jehovah will soon put an end to violence (Ps 11:5; wp16.4 11)
Reflecting on Jehovah’s promise of salvation can help us to wait patiently for our deliverance (Ps 13:5, 6; w17.08 6 ¶15)
TRY THIS: Read Ezekiel 34:25, and take a moment to picture yourself in the peaceful setting described there.—kr 236 ¶16.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 14:1—How might this text indicate a threat even for Christians? (w13 9/15 19 ¶12)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 13:1–14:7 (th study 2)
4. Starting a Conversation
(2 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Invite the person to the Memorial. (lmd lesson 5 point 3)
5. Starting a Conversation
(1 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Invite the person to the Memorial. (lmd lesson 3 point 4)
6. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. A person shows interest in the Memorial invitation. (lmd lesson 7 point 4)
7. Making Disciples
(5 min.) lff lesson 13 summary, review, and goal. Use an article from the “Explore” section to help your student understand God’s feelings toward false religion. (th study 12)
Song 8
8. “Wisdom Is Better Than Weapons of War”
(10 min.) Discussion.
Acts of violence are increasing throughout the world. Jehovah knows that the violence we see and experience can cause us much anxiety. He also understands our need for protection. One way that he protects us is through his Word, the Bible.—Ps 12:5-7.
The Bible contains wisdom that is “better than weapons of war.” (Ec 9:18) Consider how the following Bible principles can help protect us from becoming victims of violence.
Ec 4:9, 10—Avoid being alone in unsafe areas and situations
Pr 22:3—Remain aware of your surroundings when in public
Pr 26:17—Do not get involved in arguments that do not concern you
Pr 17:14—Leave the area if violence seems imminent. And stay away from crowds that assemble to protest
Lu 12:15—Never risk your life to protect your possessions
Play the VIDEO Imitate the Faithful, Not the Faithless—Enoch, Not Lamech. Then ask the audience:
How did Enoch’s example affect the father’s decisions and conduct in the face of violence?—Heb 11:5
In some situations, a Christian may feel the need to take reasonable measures to defend himself or his property. If so, he would do everything in his power to avoid taking a human life and becoming bloodguilty.—Ps 51:14; see “Questions From Readers” in the July 2017 issue of The Watchtower.
9. Memorial Campaign to Begin Saturday, March 2
(5 min.) Talk by an elder. Outline local arrangements for the campaign, special talk, and Memorial. Remind publishers that they may choose to auxiliary pioneer with a 15-hour requirement during the months of March and April.
10. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 6 ¶9-17