December 23-29
PSALM 119:121-176
Song 31 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. How to Avoid Unnecessary Heartache
(10 min.)
Love God’s commandments (Ps 119:127; w18.06 17 ¶5-6)
Hate wrongdoing (Ps 119:128; w23.03 10:3)
Listen to Jehovah, and avoid the mistakes of “the inexperienced” (Ps 119:130, 133; Pr 22:3)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘What specific improvements do I need to make in loving God’s commandments or in hating wrongdoing?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 119:160—In harmony with this verse, of what must we be convinced? (w23.01 1:2)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) w23.01 3:10-11 (th study 2)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. (lmd 1:5)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Show a person how to find information that may interest him on jw.org. (lmd 8:3)
6. Making Disciples
(5 min.) Discussion with a Bible student who does not attend congregation meetings regularly. (lmd 12:4)
Song 121
7. Don’t Let Money Cause Unnecessary Pains
(15 min.) Discussion.
Those who reach out for the love of money “have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.” (1Ti 6:9, 10) Below are some of the unnecessary pains we will experience if we love money and let it become the driving force in our life.
We will not be able to have a close relationship with Jehovah.—Mt 6:24
We will never be satisfied.—Ec 5:10
We will be more susceptible to moral temptations, including lying, theft, and treachery. (Pr 28:20) Giving in will result in feelings of guilt, a bad reputation, and loss of God’s favor
Read Hebrews 13:5, and then discuss this question:
What view of money will prevent heartache, and why?
Even if we do not love money, we will experience heartache if we do not manage it wisely.
Play the WHITEBOARD ANIMATION How to Manage Your Money. Then ask the audience:
Why should we make a budget, and how can we do it?
Why is it good to save some money?
Why is it wise to avoid unnecessary debt?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt 20:1-7, and intro to section 7
