DAILY TEXT, Today's Saturday January 7, 2023, I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow, so neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is something, but God, who makes it grow (1 Cor. 3:6 , 7).

DAILY TEXT, Saturday January 7, 2023,  I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow, so neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is something, but God, who makes it grow (1 Cor. 3:6, 7 ).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Saturday January 7

I planted, Apollos watered, but God continued to make it grow, so neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is something, but God, who makes it grow (1 Cor. 3:6, 7).

Perhaps it seems to us that in our territory it is difficult to start a Bible course. Some people may not be interested in our message or may even be against our work. What will help us to maintain a positive attitude? Let us remember that in this unstable world, people's circumstances can change from one day to the next, and those who did not show interest may come to recognize their spiritual needs later (Matt. 5:3). Some people who always rejected our publications eventually accepted a Bible study. Furthermore, we know that Jehovah is the Owner of the harvest (Matt. 9:38). He wants us to continue planting and watering, but he is the one who makes sure that the seed grows. On the other hand, how encouraging it is for us to remember that, even though we are not conducting a Bible course right now, Jehovah rewards us for our efforts, not for our results. w21.07 6 par. 14.

HOW WE CAN OVERCOME OTHER DIFFICULTIES

According to Philippians 2:13, how can Jehovah help us?

Perhaps we do not dare to offer a Bible course because we know that to direct it you have to dedicate a lot of time to it. If so, let's tell Jehovah how we feel and ask him to help us have the desire to find someone who wants to study the Bible (read Philippians 2:13). The apostle John assures us that God will answer prayers that are in accordance with his will (1 John 5:14, 15). So we can be sure that Jehovah will help us to have the desire to share in the disciple-making work.

Why perhaps we dare not lead a Bible course?

We know that it is very important to make disciples, but there are certain difficulties that may prevent us from doing everything we would like. Let's see some of them and how we can overcome them.

It seems to us that we cannot do more due to the circumstances. For example, some publishers are elderly or in poor health. If that's our case, let's think about one of the lessons that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us: that Bible classes can be given over the phone or online. So maybe we can start and run a Bible course from the comfort of our home. And that's not all. Some people want to study the Bible, but cannot do it at the hours that the brothers normally preach. Could we offer to teach them when it suits them, perhaps early in the morning or late at night? Jesus taught Nicodemus at night because Nicodemus preferred it that way (John 3:1, 2).

If we feel that we are not qualified to teach, what three things will bolster our confidence?

It seems to us that we are not qualified to lead a Bible course. We may think that we lack knowledge or that we need to improve as teachers. In that case, let's think of three things that will bolster our confidence. First, Jehovah thinks that we are qualified to teach others (2 Cor. 3:5). Second, Jesus, who has "all authority in heaven and on earth," has commanded us to teach (Matt. 28:18). And third, we are not alone. Like Jesus, we can trust Jehovah to help us know what to say.—John 8:28; 12:49. In addition, we can talk to the preaching group overseer, a skilled pioneer, or an experienced publisher to help us start and run a Bible course. If we accompany them to one of their own, we can learn to be better teachers.

Why should we be willing to adapt?

We find it difficult to adapt to new methods and new tools. Our way of conducting Bible courses has changed. The main publication we now use, Enjoy Life, requires us to prepare for and conduct classes differently than we did before. We read fewer paragraphs and talk more with the student. We use more video and electronic tools, like the JW Library®. If we feel that it is difficult for us to use these tools, let's ask someone to teach us how to use them. It is not easy to adapt to changes. In general, we prefer to do things the way we have always done them. But with the help of Jehovah and our brothers, we will find it easier to adjust and even enjoy teaching the Bible more.

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