“When he ascended on high, he gave men as gifts” (EPHES. 4:8).
1. What are some of the gifts that Jesus has given us?
Jesus is the greatest example of generosity and altruistic love. During his ministry, his miracles not only met physical needs, but also strengthened the faith of those who followed him.
The sacrifice of his life, as mentioned in John 15:13, was the greatest act of love, ensuring us the possibility of freedom from sin and death.
Following his resurrection, his provision of the holy spirit plays a crucial role in our spiritual lives, helping us understand biblical truths and providing comfort in times of need.
Congregation meetings, and training to preach the message of the Kingdom, are tools that allow us to reflect their generosity, and participate in their global work.
2. What are some men who are like “gifts”? (Ephesians 4:7, 8).
Jesus, as head of the congregation, has provided men “as gifts” to guide and edify Christians. These include ministerial servants, who provide organizational support, elders, who offer spiritual guidance, and circuit overseers, who encourage the congregations under their care.
According to Ephesians 4:11-13, its purpose is to “train the saints,” and foster unity in the faith, ensuring that everyone continues to grow spiritually. James 3:2 mentions that although they are imperfect humans, these men work to fulfill their assignment by demonstrating humility and love, by imitating Jesus.
3. Explain with an example how we can support the work done by these men that Jesus has given us as gifts.
The apostle Paul noted that Jesus gave these men as gifts to “correct the saints,” and “edify the body of Christ.” Their work includes spiritual care of the members of the congregation, and supervision of various activities.
By reflecting on their efforts, we can demonstrate support by helping them fulfill their responsibility. For example, respecting and following their instructions in congregational tasks, offering our time and resources, or simply showing gratitude, can be of great encouragement to them.
Thus, our support not only lightens their burden, but also allows us to participate in mutual care within the congregation.
MINISTERIAL SERVANTS “PROVIDE HELP SERVICES”
4. What were some of the “helping services” provided by ministerial servants in the first century?
The apostle Paul recognized the valuable role of ministerial servants by including “helping services” among the divine provisions for the congregation.
In the first century, their responsibilities included essential practical tasks, such as the reproduction of Scripture, a task that required time, materials, and specific skills. This work ensured that the word of God was available to more congregations, and that the elders could concentrate on their main spiritual tasks.
The practical support of the ministerial servants not only lightened the burden of the elders, but also demonstrated their spirit of collaboration. This example highlights how the distribution of responsibilities benefits the entire congregation.
5. What are some of the tasks ministerial servants perform today?
The role of ministerial servants in the modern congregation reflects the spirit of organization that Jehovah promotes. According to 1 Peter 4:10, these brothers use their gifts to serve others faithfully. Their practical responsibilities, such as accounting and Kingdom Hall maintenance, ensure that the congregation functions efficiently.
Furthermore, by participating in spiritual activities, such as speeches and shepherding visits, they demonstrate their willingness to support not only in practical matters, but also in the spiritual strengthening of the brothers.
Ministerial Servants, with their humility and willingness, play a crucial role in complementing the work of the elders, and in supporting the work of preaching and teaching.
6. Why do we appreciate the work of ministerial servants?
The work of ministerial servants is incalculable because it allows the congregation to function harmoniously, and for all the brothers to benefit spiritually. According to 1 Timothy 3:13, these brothers earn “an excellent reputation” by faithfully fulfilling assignments.
As Beberly and Leslie mention, ministerial servants are not only in charge of practical tasks such as cleaning, accounting, and maintaining the Kingdom Hall. But they also contribute to the spiritual environment, by taking care of technical and logistical aspects.
Their willingness to work as a team reflects their deep love for others and their desire to imitate Jesus' spirit of service.
7. How can we show our appreciation for ministerial servants? (See also the image).
The gratitude we show toward ministerial servants is a way of reflecting the attitude of Jehovah, who deeply appreciates the faithful service of his servants.
Colossians 3:15 encourages us to show gratitude, and examples like Daavid, Pascal, and Jael teach us practical ways to do so. By sending a message with a biblical text, as Daavid does, we strengthen the spirit of the ministerial servants, reminding them of the positive impact of their work.
Praying for them, as Pascal and Jael do, underlines our sincere price and guarantees divine support in their tasks.
CONGREGATION ELDERS “WORK HARD”
8. Why could Paul say that the elders of the first century worked hard? (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13).
The elders of the first century played a fundamental role in the congregation, which required a lot of effort and dedication. Paul emphasized in 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13 that his work was arduous, because it included supervising, teaching, and shepherding. Additionally, they were to protect congregations from negative influences through counsel based on biblical principles.
Paul also highlighted that some elders were especially outstanding in teaching, as noted in 1 Timothy 5:17, which added an additional burden to their service.
Despite these demands, they had to balance their congregational responsibilities with their family life, ensuring that they took good care of their homes and were spiritual examples.
9. What are some of the responsibilities that the elderly take care of today?
The work of the elders in the current congregation covers multiple areas that are fundamental for the spiritual and organizational well-being of the brothers.
As evangelizers, they not only preach and teach, but they organize the Ministry of the territory, and train others to be effective in this work, fulfilling Paul's exhortation in 2 Timothy 4:5. They also apply biblical principles to deal with sensitive issues.
When a brother commits a serious sin, the elders strive to help him with mercy, while continuing to ensure the cleanliness of the congregation. Additionally, many elders collaborate on projects such as building Kingdom Halls, organizing conventions, and providing medical services through specialized committees.
10. What are some of the reasons we love our seniors?
In Jeremiah 23:4, we see how Jehovah promised that the shepherds would take good care of the sheep, and that they would not be afraid or terrified. This promise is fulfilled in the lives of the brothers, as demonstrated by the testimony of Johanna, who experienced special care from an elder in a time of distress.
This old man, although he did not know her well, approached her patiently, listened to her and prayed with her, which gave her comfort in such a difficult time. Johanna not only felt the help of this old man, but she recognized that Jehovah had sent him to strengthen her.
Johanna's example reflects how the elderly help us feel safe and protected, both in moments of affliction and in everyday trials.
11. How can we show the elderly that we appreciate their work? (See also the image).
The Bible encourages us to show our elders our love for the hard work they do. Henrietta, for example, expresses her gratitude in simple words, making sure the elderly know how valuable they are to her.
Sometimes, in the midst of their busy lives, seniors can feel exhausted or unmotivated, so it's important to show them that their efforts are appreciated. Like Henrietta, we could approach an elder and express our gratitude with words of encouragement.
On the other hand, Sera also encourages the elderly, writing them cards, inviting them to share a meal or preach with them. These gestures, although simple, provide valuable “fuel” to continue serving with enthusiasm and dedication.
ILLUSTRATION
An elder gives a talk at a Kingdom Hall. Images of various ways to show appreciation for the elderly: 1. A couple eats with an elderly man and his wife. 2. An older sister prays to Jehovah. 3. The older sister writes a little card. You can give the named siblings the “fuel” they need to keep going. (See paragraphs 7, 11 and 15).
CIRCUIT SUPERINTENDENTS STRENGTHEN CONGREGATIONS
12. What other gift did Jesus give to the congregations to strengthen them? (1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8).
Jesus strengthened congregations not only with ministerial servants and elders, but also through traveling overseers.
In the first century, the elders of Jerusalem, under the guidance of Jesus, sent men like Paul and Barnabas to visit and strengthen the congregations. Paul's example demonstrates the love that the traveling overseers felt for the brothers.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8, he compares her care to that of a mother tenderly caring for her children. This shows that they were not only diligent in their work, but also deeply compassionate. Furthermore, they were willing to make sacrifices and even risk their lives to fulfill their mission.
13. What are some of the responsibilities of circuit overseers?
Circuit overseers play a fundamental role in congregations. They travel weekly to visit different congregations within their circuit, often covering hundreds of miles.
During these visits, they have multiple responsibilities. They present talks to spiritually edify the congregation, conduct important meetings such as those of pioneers and elders, and supervise activities related to the field ministry. Additionally, overseers organize and prepare circuit and regional assemblies, ensuring that they are spiritually enriching events.
In many cases, they have to attend to urgent situations, or fulfill special assignments from the branch, showing their willingness and flexibility to adapt to the needs of the Kingdom work.
14. What are some reasons we appreciate the work of circuit overseers?
Because the work of the circuit overseers goes beyond the organizational, deeply touching the hearts of the brothers. A clear example is the testimony of a brother in Turkey, who points out that the visits of the superintendents motivate him to dedicate more time to strengthening ties with his brothers and serving better.
She also appreciates that despite their multiple responsibilities, they never seem too busy or indisposed to care for others. Johanna's experience highlights another aspect of her valuable work, her ability to provide emotional and spiritual support.
Despite finding no one in the ministry that day, the superintendent took the opportunity to encourage her and strengthen her hope in the new world. These kind and sincere gestures leave a lasting impression on those who receive their support.
15. a) How can we apply what 3 John 5-8 says and show that we value circuit overseers? (See also the image).
In John 5-8, we are encouraged to be hospitable and helpful to brothers who visit the congregations. For example, we can invite them to eat, express our gratitude, and actively participate in the preaching activities they organize during their visit.
Leslie, mentioned in the paragraph, shows her appreciation by praying for them and writing letters of gratitude, in which she highlights how the visits have encouraged her.
It is important to remember that circuit overseers are human beings, not supermen. They also face health problems, worries and moments of discouragement. Therefore, a few kind words, a gesture of appreciation, or a small gift can be the answer to their prayers and deeply encourage them.
15. b) Why should we keep in mind the wives of the named brothers, and how can we do it? (See the box “Keep Your Wives in Mind.”)
The wives of the named brothers make significant sacrifices to support the work of their husbands. These sisters are like those who “lend their husbands to Jehovah.”
To show our gratitude, we can thank them directly with words like: “Thank you for sharing your husband with the congregation.” This gesture can be very encouraging for them.
We must also be considerate of them and their husbands, recognizing that the named brothers need to balance their congregational responsibilities with their family time. Furthermore, praying for these sisters is essential. Just as husbands are gifts to the congregation, wise wives are gifts from Jehovah.
Let's keep their wives in mind
The wives of ministerial servants, elders, and circuit overseers often make sacrifices so that they can help the congregation. One sister says: “It is as if they loaned their husbands to Jehovah. I'm sure he sees them as his beloved daughters.” What can we do to show our gratitude to these generous sisters?
Let's thank them. A simple “Thank you for sharing your husband with the congregation” can greatly encourage them.
Let's be considerate. Let's not hesitate to talk to a named brother if we have a problem. But let's not forget that sometimes you will have to put your family first (1 Tim. 3:4, 5, 12). He needs to spend time alone with his wife and children in preaching, family worship, and other activities.
Let us pray for them. Just as their husbands are gifts, “a wise wife comes from the Lord” (Prov. 19:14). Let us thank Jehovah for having these sisters and ask him to strengthen them.
WE NEED MORE MEN WHO ARE “LIKE GIFTS”
16. What is good for brothers to ask themselves? (Proverbs 3:27).
It is good for baptized brothers to ask themselves if they are doing everything possible to be “men as gifts.” This includes reflecting on whether you are striving to become ministerial servants, and if you already are, considering the goal of serving as elders.
Additionally, you may wonder if you can make adjustments in your life to attend the School for Kingdom Evangelizers, which would allow you to be used more fully by Jesus.
Proverbs 3:27 encourages us not to withhold good from those who need it when it is within our power to do so. Therefore, it is appropriate to consider how we can contribute more to the congregation, and pray to Jehovah to receive the guidance of his holy spirit.
17. What does the hard work of the men Jesus has given as gifts demonstrate?
The work of the men that Jesus has given as gifts shows that he has been seeing his people during these last days, thus fulfilling his promise to be with his disciples until the conclusion of the system of things. This care reflects Jesus' deep love, generosity, and knowledge of the needs of the congregations.
These brothers work to strengthen the faith of others by providing spiritual direction and support in various responsibilities.
As a sign of gratitude, Christians can find ways to express their appreciation toward them and also thank Jehovah, who is the source of “all good gifts and all perfect gifts.”
WHY DO YOU APPRECIATE THE WORK OF THESE BROTHERS?
The ministerial servants
As the sister from Bolivia says: thanks to their work, we can enjoy the meetings. Their work allows me to sing, give comments, listen to the speeches and learn from the videos and images.
They are in charge of security and the brothers who connect by video conference. After the meeting, they help with cleanup and accounting, and make sure we have the literature we need. They oxygenate the work of the elderly.
The elderly
The work they do is voluntary, they do not receive a salary as such, work that often goes unnoticed.
There are elders who have helped brothers in specific need, listened attentively without judging, prayed, and confirmed to the brothers that Jehovah loves them very much.
Circuit Overseers
There are circuit overseers who have won the hearts of many brothers they visit.
A brother says: All your visits motivate me to spend more time with my brothers and help them. I have met many circuit overseers, but none of them ever gave me the impression that they were too busy or did not want to talk to me.
Comments
Post a Comment