September
Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, September-October 2024
p. 1
Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, September-October 2024
© 2024 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Cover picture: One of the sons of Korah looks longingly at a swallows’ nest in the temple courtyard
SEPTEMBER 2-8
pp. 2–3
SEPTEMBER 2-8
PSALMS 79-81
Song 29 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Show Love for Jehovah’s Glorious Name
(10 min.)
Turn away from practices that dishonor Jehovah (Ps 79:9; w17.02 9 ¶5)
Call on Jehovah’s name (Ps 80:18; ijwbv 3 ¶4-5)
Jehovah richly rewards those who by their obedience show love for his name (Ps 81:13, 16)
For our conduct to reflect well on Jehovah’s name, we must identify ourselves as his Witnesses
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 79:1–80:7 (th study 10)
4. Starting a Conversation
(1 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 4 point 4)
5. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 4 point 3)
6. Starting a Conversation
(2 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 3 point 3)
7. Following Up
(5 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a Bible study to an interested person who refused one in the past. (lmd lesson 8 point 3)
Song 10
8. “They Will Sanctify My Name”
(15 min.) Discussion.
Satan began slandering Jehovah’s name in the garden of Eden. Since then, the vindication of Jehovah’s name has been the most important issue facing all intelligent creation.
Consider just a few of the vicious lies that Satan has promoted about Jehovah. He accuses Him of being a harsh and unloving ruler. (Ge 3:1-6; Job 4:18, 19) He claims that Jehovah’s worshippers do not really love Him. (Job 2:4, 5) He has even caused millions to believe that Jehovah is not the Creator of the beautiful natural world around us.—Ro 1:20, 21.
How do those lies make you feel? Likely, they make you want to stand up and defend Jehovah! He knew that his people would want to help sanctify his name. (Compare Isaiah 29:23.) How can you help?
Help others come to know and love Jehovah. (Joh 17:25, 26) Be ready to offer evidence that he exists and to teach others about his marvelous qualities.—Isa 63:7
Love Jehovah with your whole heart. (Mt 22:37, 38) Obey Jehovah’s commands not only because they are good for you but because you want to make Jehovah happy.—Pr 27:11
Play the VIDEO Love Never Fails Despite . . . An Ungodly School Environment. Then ask the audience:
How did Ariel and Diego defend Jehovah’s name?
What motivated them to stand up for Jehovah?
How can you imitate their example?
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 15 ¶1-7 and intro to section 6
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
SEPTEMBER 9-15
p. 4
SEPTEMBER 9-15
PSALMS 82-84
Song 80 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
One of the sons of Korah looks longingly at a swallows’ nest in the temple courtyard
1. Appreciate the Privileges That You Have
(10 min.)
We value our privileges of service (Ps 84:1-3; wp16.6 8 ¶2-3)
Enjoy the assignments that you have instead of focusing on those that you wish you had (Ps 84:10; w08 7/15 30 ¶3-4)
Jehovah is good to all those who serve him faithfully (Ps 84:11; w20.01 17 ¶12)
Each assignment has its blessings and its challenges. If you focus on the blessings, you can find joy in any assignment.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 82:1–83:18 (th study 2)
4. Empathy—What Jesus Did
(7 min.) Discussion. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss lmd lesson 9 points 1-2.
5. Empathy—Imitate Jesus
(8 min.) Discussion based on lmd lesson 9 points 3-5 and “See Also.”
Song 57
6. Local Needs
(15 min.)
7. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 15 ¶8-12, box on p. 118
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
SEPTEMBER 16-22
pp. 5–16
SEPTEMBER 16-22
PSALMS 85-87
Song 41 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Prayer Helps Us to Endure
(10 min.)
Ask Jehovah to give you joy (Ps 86:4)
Ask Jehovah to help you remain faithful (Ps 86:11, 12; w12 5/15 25 ¶10)
Trust that Jehovah will answer your prayers (Ps 86:6, 7; w23.05 13 ¶17-18)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘Do my prayers increase in length and frequency when I face trials?’—Ps 86:3.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 86:11—What does David’s prayer suggest about a person’s heart? (it-1 1058 ¶5)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 86:1–87:7 (th study 12)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 3 point 5)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Offer a Bible study to a person who previously expressed concern about a current event. (lmd lesson 7 point 4)
6. Making Disciples
(5 min.) lff lesson 15 point 5. Discuss arrangements for your student to have his study while you are away next week. (lmd lesson 10 point 4)
Song 83
7. Don’t Give Up
(5 min.) Discussion.
Play the VIDEO. Then ask the audience:
Why may we at times feel like giving up in the ministry?
Why should we not give up?
8. Keep Offering Bible Studies!
(10 min.) Discussion.
Have you started a Bible study using the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure during this month’s special campaign? If so, you must be excited! Likely, others are also encouraged by your results. On the other hand, if you have not yet started a Bible study, you may be wondering if your efforts are really worthwhile. What can you do if you feel discouraged about your results?
Play the VIDEO DRAMATIZATION “We Recommend Ourselves as God’s Ministers . . . by Patience”—When Preaching. Then ask the audience:
How can 2 Corinthians 6:4, 6 help us if ever our ministry seems like a “black hole”?
What adjustments could you make if you feel as though your efforts to start a Bible study have been unproductive?
Remember, our joy does not depend on how many Bible studies we start or conduct. Rather, joy is the result of knowing that Jehovah is pleased with our efforts. (Lu 10:17-20) So continue to participate in this special campaign wholeheartedly, knowing that “your labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord”!—1Co 15:58.
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 15 ¶13-14, box on p. 121
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
SEPTEMBER 23-29
pp. 6–7
SEPTEMBER 23-29
PSALMS 88-89
Song 22 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Jehovah’s Rulership Is Best
(10 min.)
Jehovah’s rulership promotes true justice (Ps 89:14; w17.06 28 ¶5)
Jehovah’s rulership promotes true joy (Ps 89:15, 16; w17.06 29 ¶10-11)
Jehovah’s rulership will last forever (Ps 89:34-37; w14 10/15 10 ¶14)
Reflecting on Jehovah’s superior way of ruling can help us to remain neutral when we are exposed to political propaganda
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 89:37—What is the difference between faithfulness and loyalty? (cl 281 ¶4-5)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 89:1-24 (th study 11)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Offer a Bible study to a person of a non-Christian background. (lmd lesson 5 point 5)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer to demonstrate a Bible study. (th study 9)
6. Explaining Your Beliefs
(5 min.) Talk. ijwbq 181—Theme: What Is the Bible About? (th study 2)
Song 94
7. Jehovah’s Standards Are Best
(10 min.) Discussion.
Many people view the Bible’s standards on sex and marriage as unreasonable and outdated. Have you proved to yourself that following Jehovah’s standards is always best for you?—Isa 48:17, 18; Ro 12:2.
Why should we not trust the world’s moral standards? (Jer 10:23; 17:9; 2Co 11:13-15; Eph 4:18, 19)
Why should we trust Jehovah’s moral standards? (Joh 3:16; Ro 11:33; Tit 1:2)
The Bible teaches that those who ignore God’s moral laws “will not inherit God’s Kingdom.” (1Co 6:9, 10) But is that the only reason to follow God’s standards?
Play the VIDEO Reasons for Faith—God’s Standards Versus My Own. Then ask the audience:
How do God’s moral standards protect us?
8. Local Needs
(5 min.)
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 15 ¶15-20
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
SEPTEMBER 30–OCTOBER 6
pp. 8–9
SEPTEMBER 30–OCTOBER 6
PSALMS 90-91
Song 140 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. To Lengthen Your Life, Trust In Jehovah
(10 min.)
As humans, we cannot dramatically improve our life expectancy (Ps 90:10; wp19.3 5 ¶3-5)
Jehovah is from “everlasting to everlasting” (Ps 90:2; wp19.1 5, box)
He can and will give everlasting life to all those trusting in him (Ps 21:4; 91:16)
Never compromise your relationship with Jehovah by accepting medical treatment that goes against his standards.—w22.06 18 ¶16-17.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 91:1-16 (th study 10)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Without discussing the Bible, draw the person out so that you are able to determine how the Bible can make his daily life better. (lmd lesson 1 point 3)
5. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. (lmd lesson 1 point 4)
6. Talk
(5 min.) lmd appendix A point 5—Theme: You Can Live Forever on Earth. (th study 14)
Song 158
7. Treasure the Riches of God’s Patience—Jehovah’s View of Time
(5 min.) Discussion.
Play the VIDEO. Then ask the audience:
How can considering Jehovah’s view of time help us to await his promises patiently?
8. Organizational Accomplishments for September
(10 min.) Play the VIDEO.
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 16 ¶1-5, box on p. 128
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
OCTOBER 7-13
pp. 10–11
OCTOBER 7-13
PSALMS 92-95
Song 84 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Serving Jehovah Is the Best Way of Life!
(10 min.)
Jehovah deserves our worship (Ps 92:1, 4; w18.04 26 ¶5)
He gives his people incomparable insight (Ps 92:5; w18.11 20 ¶8)
He values those who serve him even in their old age (Ps 92:12-15; w20.01 19 ¶18)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘What prevents me from dedicating myself to Jehovah and getting baptized?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 92:5—How do these words well illustrate Jehovah’s wisdom? (cl 176 ¶18)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 94:1-23 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Create an opportunity to tell the person about the work that you do as a Bible teacher. (lmd lesson 5 point 3)
5. Following Up
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Offer a Bible study to an interested person who has refused one in the past. (lmd lesson 8 point 4)
6. Making Disciples
(5 min.) Discussion with a Bible student who is not making progress. (lmd lesson 12 point 5)
Song 5
7. When Anxieties Overwhelm Young Ones
(15 min.) Discussion.
Those who serve Jehovah are not immune to anxiety. For example, David experienced anxiety at various times in his life, and so do many of our brothers today. (Ps 13:2; 139:23) Unfortunately, even young ones are affected. At times, anxiety may make routine activities, such as going to school or attending congregation meetings, seem overwhelming. It may even lead to panic attacks or suicidal thoughts.
Young ones, if ever you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, reach out to a parent or a mature adult. Make sure that you also turn to Jehovah for support. (Php 4:6) He will help you. (Ps 94:17-19; Isa 41:10) Consider Steing’s example.
Play the VIDEO Jehovah Cared for Me. Then ask the audience:
• What Bible verse helped Steing, and why?
• How did Jehovah care for him?
Parents, you can help your children to deal with anxiety by patiently listening to them, by expressing your love for them, and by helping them to build confidence in Jehovah’s love. (Tit 2:4; Jas 1:19) Rely on Jehovah to provide you with the comfort and strength that you need to support your children.
We may not know when someone in the congregation is dealing with severe anxiety or understand how he feels. Still, we can help by making all in the congregation feel loved and accepted.—Pr 12:25; Heb 10:24.
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 16 ¶6-9, box on p. 132
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
OCTOBER 14-20
p. 12
OCTOBER 14-20
PSALMS 96-99
Song 66 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. “Proclaim the Good News”!
(10 min.)
Tell others about the good news (Ps 96:2; w11 3/1 6 ¶1-2)
Teach them about the good news of Judgment Day (Ps 96:12, 13; w12 9/1 16 ¶1)
Let them know of Jehovah’s purpose to fill the earth with people who praise his name (Ps 99:1-3; w12 9/15 12 ¶18-19)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 98:1–99:9 (th study 11)
4. Commitment—What Jesus Did
(7 min.) Discussion. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss lmd lesson 10 points 1-2.
5. Commitment—Imitate Jesus
(8 min.) Discussion based on lmd lesson 10 points 3-5 and “See Also.”
Song 9
6. Local Needs
(15 min.)
7. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 16 ¶10-18
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
OCTOBER 21-27
p. 13
OCTOBER 21-27
PSALMS 100-102
Song 37 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Respond to Jehovah’s Loyal Love
(10 min.)
Cultivate a strong love for Jehovah (Ps 100:5; w23.03 12 ¶18-19)
Avoid things that could jeopardize your friendship with Jehovah (Ps 101:2, 3; w23.02 17 ¶10)
Reject those who slander Jehovah and his organization (Ps 101:5; w11 7/15 16 ¶7-8)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘Could the way that I use social media cause me to jeopardize my relationship with Jehovah?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 102:1-28 (th study 12)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. (lmd lesson 2 point 3)
5. Following Up
(5 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 9 point 4)
6. Explaining Your Beliefs
(4 min.) Demonstration. ijwbq 129—Theme: Has the Bible Been Changed or Tampered With? (th study 8)
Song 137
7. ‘I Cling to You; You Hold On to Me’
(15 min.)
Discussion. Play the VIDEO. Then ask the audience:
How did Anna show loyal love?
How can we imitate her example?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 17 ¶1-7
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
OCTOBER 28–NOVEMBER 3
pp. 14–15
OCTOBER 28–NOVEMBER 3
PSALMS 103-104
Song 30 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. He Remembers “That We Are Dust”
(10 min.)
Jehovah’s compassion moves him to be reasonable (Ps 103:8; w23.07 21 ¶5)
He does not give up on us when we make mistakes (Ps 103:9, 10; w23.09 6-7 ¶16-18)
He does not expect more of us than we can give (Ps 103:14; w23.05 26 ¶2)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘Do I treat my mate in a manner that reflects Jehovah’s reasonableness?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 104:1-24 (th study 11)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. (lmd lesson 3 point 4)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Discuss the video Welcome to Your Bible Study with someone who accepted a Bible study. (th study 9)
6. Talk
(5 min.) lmd appendix A point 6—Theme: A Husband Should “Love His Wife as He Does Himself.” (th study 1)
Song 44
7. Do You Know Your Limitations?
(15 min.) Discussion.
Giving Jehovah our best makes him happy, and it brings us joy as well. (Ps 73:28) However, trying to do our best without considering our limitations can cause needless anxiety and disappointment.
Play the VIDEO DRAMATIZATION We Can Do More With Reasonable Expectations. Then ask the audience:
What does Jehovah expect of us? (Mic 6:8)
What helped the young sister to be less anxious about reaching her goal?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 17 ¶8-12, box on p. 137