Watchtower Study, “Do the Word,” Week of November 11-17, 2024, Comments and Responses.

Watchtower Study, “Do the Word,” November 11-17, 2024, Commentary and Response.

1, 2. Why are Jehovah's servants happy? (James 1:22-25)

We are happy because we study and put into practice the Word of God, which fills us with satisfaction and brings us closer to Jehovah.

James 1:25 reminds us that anyone who examines the “perfect law” and puts it into practice will be happy in whatever he does. This confirms that our happiness comes from living according to God’s principles.

Our happiness does not depend on external circumstances, but on having a close relationship with Jehovah and following his reminders with all our heart.

3. What benefits do we get from putting the Word of God into practice?

We put the Word of God into practice because it makes us happy, improves our personal relationships and saves us problems.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 says that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the most important thing for humans. When we follow his advice, we not only please Jehovah, but we also enjoy blessings, just as he promised. —Ps. 19:7-11.

By applying what we learn, we strengthen family unity and friendship with our brothers and sisters, demonstrating that biblical principles are practical and beneficial in our daily lives.

4. Why is it not always easy to put God’s Word into practice?

It is not easy because our daily responsibilities can cause us to neglect our reading and application of the Bible.

Philippians 2:13 assures us that Jehovah gives us both the desire and the strength to act according to His will. If we strive, He will help us overcome obstacles to applying His Word.

Organizing our priorities is key. With good planning, we can find the time to study and apply biblical teachings, even with busy schedules.

MAKE TIME TO READ THE WORD OF GOD

5. What responsibilities keep us very busy?

Work, caring for family, and our involvement in preaching can take up a lot of time, making it difficult to read the Bible.

1 Timothy 5:8 reminds us of the importance of caring for the needs of our family. This includes both material and spiritual responsibilities, which require balance.

Even when we are busy, prioritizing our Bible reading helps us find wisdom and energy to handle our tasks successfully.

6. What can you do to avoid neglecting Bible reading? (See also image.)

Choosing a consistent time of day, such as morning or evening, helps us to be regular in our reading.

Psalm 1:1, 2 says that the happy man meditates on the law of Jehovah day and night. This shows that spending time reading the Bible brings happiness and strengthens our spirituality.

Following the example of brothers like Victor, who take advantage of quiet moments of the day, can help us create a consistent and meaningful habit.

ILLUSTRATION

A sister reads the Bible while her little daughter is sleeping in the next room. What time of day allows you to read the Bible regularly? (See paragraph 6.)

THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU READ

7, 8. Explain with an example what we should avoid when reading the Bible.

We should avoid reading the Bible in a hurry, since we will not be able to meditate and absorb what Jehovah teaches us.

James 1:24 illustrates that those who do not meditate on what they read will quickly forget. Taking time to reflect on Jehovah's message allows us to fully benefit from it.

It is better to read fewer verses but to reflect on them, like the rain that falls slowly and nourishes the plants. In this way, our spirituality grows and becomes stronger.

ILLUSTRATION

A brother reads the Bible. Series of images: 1. The rain falls hard and floods the soil in which plants grow. As a result, the plants are damaged. 2. The rain falls slowly, and the soil in which plants grow absorbs it. As a result, the plants grow strong and healthy. Just as plants need time to absorb the rain and benefit from it, we need time to think about what we read in the Bible and put it into practice. (See paragraph 8.)

9. What should we do if we have the habit of reading the Bible in a hurry?

Reading more slowly and meditating on the verses helps us better understand the Word of God and apply it in our lives.

Psalm 119:97 highlights the love for Jehovah’s law and the value of meditating on it throughout the day. This encourages us to reflect on what we learn.

Spending less time on other activities and concentrating on our reading will help us better absorb Jehovah's message and strengthen our faith.

Questions to help you meditate

To get the most out of reading the Bible, as we read we can ask ourselves one or more of the following questions:

What does this passage teach me about Jehovah?

What relationship does it have with the central theme of the Bible?

What can I realistically do to apply it in my life?

How can I use it to help others?

10. Explain with an example how you can apply what you read in the Bible (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18).

We can apply the Bible by meditating on our prayers, becoming more grateful to Jehovah, and strengthening our relationship with Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18 encourages us to pray constantly and give thanks at all times. Reflecting on this can help us improve our prayers and be more thankful.

Identifying specific things for which we are thankful motivates us to pray more deeply and appreciate Jehovah's daily blessings.

SET REASONABLE GOALS

11. Why might you sometimes feel discouraged when reading the Bible? Give an example.

Sometimes when reading the Bible, we notice several areas that need improvement, which can be overwhelming. For example, after reading James 2:1-8, we might work on not showing favoritism, and then notice other changes that need to be made in our words or habits.

James 3:2 says that “we all stumble often.” This reminds us that it is natural to find areas where we can improve as we study the Bible. Jehovah does not expect immediate perfection, but rather a constant effort to reflect his qualities.

Feeling discouraged can be an opportunity to reflect on how much we have grown. Every step toward improvement is a sign of progress and shows that we are striving to be better servants of Jehovah.

12. Why should you not be discouraged if you read the Bible and find that you need to make changes? (See also footnote.)

You should not become discouraged, because realizing the need to improve shows humility and a sincere desire to please Jehovah. It is a process that takes time.

Colossians 3:10 tells us to “put on the new personality.” This implies an ongoing process rather than an instantaneous change, which shows that Jehovah is patient with us.

Rather than seeing it as a negative thing, each adjustment we make is proof that God’s Word is at work in our lives, and that is a reason for joy. And with each improvement, we draw closer to Jehovah.

13. What suggestion might be helpful to you? (See also the images.)

A helpful tip is to focus on one or two areas of improvement at a time, such as writing down specific goals and working on them before moving on to others.

Proverbs 11:2 emphasizes that “wisdom resides in the modest.” Being modest means acknowledging our limitations and moving forward one step at a time rather than trying to take on everything at once.

Using tools like visible notes or reminders can help keep us focused on our goals. For example, a note with a text like Proverbs 15:1 can remind us to practice kindness throughout the week.

ILLUSTRATION

Picture Series: 1. A sister writes a note while doing her personal study. 2. She posts the note on her bulletin board. The note reads, “This week, kindness, Proverbs 15:1.” Rather than trying to apply everything you learn in your Bible reading at once, it is better to be modest and focus on one or two points. (See paragraphs 13 and 14.)

14. What goals can you focus on first?

We can focus on easier or more urgent goals, looking for information in our publications and praying for strength and desire to act.

Philippians 2:13 assures us that “it is God who makes you both willing and strong.” This encourages us to trust that Jehovah will guide and strengthen us in the process.

Seeing progress on one goal can motivate us to continue on to others. In addition, seeking advice from the congregation or from the experiences of other brothers can give us practical ideas for improvement.

LET THE WORD OF GOD WORK IN YOU

15. What difference is there between Jehovah’s servants and many who read the Bible? (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

Jehovah's servants accept the Bible as the word of God and let it transform our lives, while many read it as just another book.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul emphasized that Christians accepted the message “as it really is, as the word of God.” This shows that we must let its teachings act in our lives, not just read them.

The difference lies in how we demonstrate that the Bible influences our actions, whether in our dealings with others, our priorities, or the way we face trials.

16. What will help us put God’s Word into practice?

Jehovah's help, meditation on His Word, and a conscious decision to apply it will help us put it into practice.

James 1:25 encourages us to be “doers of the work,” promising happiness to those who not only hear the Word but also apply it. This highlights the connection between obeying Jehovah and enjoying his blessings.

Overcoming obstacles such as lack of time or discouragement requires planning and perseverance. Small steps, such as dedicating specific moments to reading and meditating on what you have learned, can make a big difference.

WHAT WILL HELP US ACHIEVE NEXT?

Set aside time to read the Bible.

Have a regular schedule and prioritize Bible reading.

Ephesians 5:16 encourages us to “make the most of our time,” which includes giving priority to spiritual activities.

Reducing distractions like social media time can free up time for Bible reading.

Meditate or think about what we read.

Reflect on how to apply what you read in your daily life.

Psalm 1:2 mentions that the happy man “meditates day and night on the law of the Lord.” This highlights the importance of taking time to think about what we learn.

Taking notes or using reflective questions can help us delve deeper into what we read and find practical ways to apply it.

Apply what we read.

Set specific and progressive goals, relying on prayer and Jehovah's guidance.

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” This shows that Jehovah will enable us to apply what we have learned.

Celebrating small accomplishments in applying what we learn can motivate us to keep trying.