Yellow: Direct Response
Light Yellow: Additional Response
Light Blue: Additional Points
“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?
NO human being has been as generous as Jesus. For example, when he was on Earth, he used his power to perform miracles to help many people (Luke 9:12-17). And he gave us the greatest gift of all by giving his life for us (John 15:13). Since he was resurrected, he has continued to be very generous. As promised, he has asked Jehovah to use his holy spirit to teach and comfort us. (John 14:16, 17, note; 16:13). Additionally, through congregation meetings, Jesus enables us to make disciples throughout the earth (Matt. 28:18-20).
2. What are some men who are like “gifts”? (Ephesians 4:7, 8).
2 But those are not the only gifts that Jesus has given us. The apostle Paul wrote that when Jesus ascended to heaven, “he gave men as gifts” (read Ephesians 4:7, 8). He explained that Jesus gave them to us to help the congregation in various ways (Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:11-13). Today, some of these “gifts” include ministerial servants, congregation elders, and circuit overseers. a Of course, these men are imperfect and make mistakes (James 3:2). But they are a valuable gift that our Lord Jesus Christ uses to help us.
3. Explain with an example how we can support the work done by these men that Jesus has given us as gifts.
3 Jesus gave us these “men as gifts” to strengthen the congregations (Eph. 4:12). Now, all of us can help them fulfill this very important responsibility. To understand this, let's think about a group of people who are building a Kingdom Hall. Some of them participate directly in the work, while others support them by providing food, transportation and other services. Similarly, ministerial servants, congregation elders, and circuit overseers perform certain tasks, and all of us can support them by what we do and say. Let's explore how the hard work of these men benefits us and talk about how we can show them and Jesus that we appreciate having them.
MINISTERIAL SERVANTS “PROVIDE HELP SERVICES”
4. What were some of the “helping services” provided by ministerial servants in the first century?
4 In the first century, some brothers were appointed ministerial servants (1 Tim. 3:8). Apparently, they were the ones providing the “helping services” that Paul spoke of in 1 Corinthians 12:28. Apparently, they attended to some necessary tasks so that the elders could concentrate on teaching and shepherding. For example, ministerial servants may have helped make copies of the scriptures or purchase the materials needed to make those copies.
5. What are some of the tasks ministerial servants perform today?
5 What are some of the tasks ministerial servants perform today? (1 Pet. 4:10). They may be responsible for accounting for the congregation, for territories, for ordering publications and getting them to publishers, for operating audio and video equipment, for serving as ushers, or for assisting in the maintenance of the Kingdom Hall. All of these things are necessary for the congregation to function well (1 Cor. 14:40). On the other hand, some ministerial servants are assigned to speak at the Life and Ministry meeting and to speak publicly. They may also be appointed assistants to a group superintendent. And sometimes an elder may ask a ministerial servant to accompany him on a shepherding visit.
6. Why do we appreciate the work of ministerial servants?
6 Why do we appreciate the work of ministerial servants? Let's see what some brothers have said. A sister from Bolivia named Beberly b mentions: “Thanks to our ministerial servants, I am able to fully enjoy the meetings. Their work allows me to sing, give feedback, 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 bookkeeping and make sure we have the literature we need. I am very grateful to you!” Leslie lives in Colombia and is the wife of an elderly man. She says: “The ministerial servants are very helpful to my husband. If it weren't for them attending to various assignments, he would be even busier. So I am very grateful for their enthusiasm and good disposition.” Surely we are all equally grateful (1 Tim. 3:13).
7. How can we show our appreciation for ministerial servants? (See also the image).
7 We may feel grateful for ministerial servants, but the Bible tells us, “Show your gratitude” (Col. 3:15). Let's see how an elder from Finland named Daavid demonstrates this: “I send you a card or a message in which I quote a text and mention a specific way the ministerial servant has encouraged me or a reason I am grateful to him for their work.” Pascal and Jael, who live in New Caledonia, speak to Jehovah about the ministerial servants in their prayers: “Lately we have thanked Jehovah many times for the ministerial servants in our congregation and have asked him to be with them and help them.” . Jehovah hears these prayers and the entire congregation benefits (2 Cor. 1:11).
CONGREGATION ELDERS “WORK HARD”
8. Why could Paul say that the elders of the first century worked hard? (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13).
8 In the first century, elders did very hard work (read 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13; 1 Tim. 5:17). They led the congregations, which included taking charge of meetings and making decisions as a body of elders. Additionally, they counseled brothers and sisters in specific but loving ways to protect the congregations (1 Thess. 2:11, 12; 2 Tim. 4:2). And, of course, they also strove to stay spiritually strong and take good care of their families (1 Tim. 3:2, 4; Titus 1:6-9).
9. What are some of the responsibilities that the elderly take care of today?
9 Nowadays, the elderly are also very busy men. On the one hand, they are evangelizers (2 Tim. 4:5). They set a good example in the ministry, organize preaching in the local territory and teach us how to preach and teach well. On the other hand, they are impartial and merciful judges. When someone commits a serious sin, they strive to help him regain his friendship with Jehovah. But at the same time they make sure to keep the congregation clean (1 Cor. 5:12, 13; Gal. 6:1). Above all, elders are shepherds (1 Pet. 5:1-3). They present well-prepared Bible talks, try to get to know all the brothers in the congregation, and make shepherding visits. In addition, some elders assist in the construction and maintenance of Kingdom Halls, the organization of regional assemblies, Hospital Liaison Committees, Patient Visitation Groups, and other responsibilities. How many things they do for us!
10. What are some of the reasons we love our seniors?
10 Jehovah predicted that the shepherds would take good care of the flock and said that the sheep “will not be afraid or terrified” (Jer. 23:4). That was true for a sister from Finland named Johanna when her mother became very ill. She says: “I find it very difficult to open up to others. But an elder whom I did not know very well listened to me patiently, prayed with me, and assured me that Jehovah loved me. I don't remember very well what he said to me, but I do remember that I felt safe. “I believe Jehovah sent him to help me when I needed it most.” And you? How have the elders in your congregation helped you?
11. How can we show the elderly that we appreciate their work? (See also the image).
11 Jehovah wants us to show the love we have for the elderly “because of the work they do” (1 Thess. 5:12, 13). Henrietta, who also lives in Finland, explains: “Old people are happy to help others, but that doesn't mean they have plenty of time and energy or don't have their own problems. That's why sometimes I approach someone and say: 'You know what? I just want you to know that you are a very good old man.’” A sister from Türkiye named Sera says: “The elderly need ‘fuel’ to keep functioning. So I write them little cards, invite them to eat or preach with them.” Can you think of any elders to whom you are especially grateful? Could you find ways to prove it to them? (1 Cor. 16:18).
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).
12 There is another gift that Jesus gave to the congregations. In the first century, under his direction, the elders of Jerusalem sent Paul, Barnabas, and other Christians as traveling overseers (Acts 11:22). So that? To do the same as ministerial servants and elders: strengthen the congregations (Acts 15:40, 41). These men made many sacrifices and even risked their lives to teach and encourage others (read 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8).
13. What are some of the responsibilities of circuit overseers?
13 Circuit overseers are always traveling. Some travel hundreds of kilometers to get from one congregation to another. Every week they present various talks, make shepherding visits, and conduct the pioneer meeting, elder meeting, and field ministry meetings. They also prepare speeches and organize circuit and regional assemblies. In addition, they run the pioneer schools, organize the special meeting with the pioneers in their circuit, and attend to other important—sometimes urgent—business assigned to them by the branch office.
14. What are some reasons we appreciate the work of circuit overseers?
14 How do congregations benefit from the good work of traveling overseers? A brother from Türkiye 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 that they did not want to talk to me.” Johanna, mentioned in paragraph 10, went out to preach with a circuit overseer, but no one was found at home. She explains: “Despite everything, I will always remember that day. My two sisters had just moved and I missed them so much. The circuit overseer lovingly encouraged me and helped me see that distances are temporary now, but that in the new world we will have countless opportunities to spend time together.” Circuit overseers have undoubtedly won the hearts of many of the brothers they visit (Acts 20:37-21:1).
15. a) How can we apply what 3 John 5-8 says and show that we value circuit overseers? (See also the image). b) Why should we keep the wives of the named brothers in mind, and how can we do it? (See the box “Keep Your Wives in Mind.”)
15 The apostle John encouraged Gaius to be hospitable to the brothers who were visiting the congregations and asked him: “Help them with whatever they need for their journey and do it in a way that pleases God” (read 3 John 5-8) . How can we do the same? Inviting the circuit overseer to lunch and supporting the preaching plans that are made during the week of the visit. Let's see what Leslie, mentioned in paragraph 6, does to show her gratitude. She says: “I ask Jehovah to give them what they need. My husband and I also wrote them letters telling them how much their visits have encouraged us.” Let us not forget that circuit overseers are not supermen. Sometimes they get sick, face worries and even become discouraged. You can be the answer to their prayers by saying a few kind words or giving them a small gift (Prov. 12:25).
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).
16 All over the world, congregations need more brothers who are “men as gifts.” If you are baptized, is it within your power to be baptized? (read Proverbs 3:27). Are you striving to become a ministerial servant? And, if you already are, have you set the goal of being an old man? c Can you make changes in your life to apply to the School for Kingdom Evangelizers? Thanks to that school, Jesus could use it more fully. If these things seem out of your reach, talk to Jehovah. Ask Him to help you with His holy spirit to take care of any responsibility assigned to you (Luke 11:13; Acts 20:28).
17. What does the hard work of the men Jesus has given as gifts demonstrate?
17 The hard work of the men Jesus has given “as gifts” shows that he has been guiding us during these last days (Matt. 28:20). Our King loves us very much, is very generous, is very aware of our needs and gives us brothers who help us. Aren't we very grateful? Well, let's look for opportunities to demonstrate it. And let us never forget to thank Jehovah, for it is he who gives us “every good gift and every perfect gift” (James 1:17).
WHY DO YOU APPRECIATE THE WORK OF THESE BROTHERS?
The ministerial servants
I appreciate the work of the ministerial servants, because they are responsible for important tasks, such as caring for the Kingdom Halls and organizing activities. Thus allowing the elders to focus on the spiritual needs of the congregation.
The elderly
I appreciate the work of the elders because they guide us spiritually, care for us as shepherds and encourage us in difficult times, showing patience and love in every aspect of their service.
Circuit Overseers
I appreciate the work of circuit overseers because they strengthen congregations with their example, their speeches, and their personal encouragement, in addition to organizing activities important for our spiritual growth.
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