Make Disciples (5 mins.) Encourage a student who is struggling to overcome a habit that Jehovah hates (lmd lesson 12 point 4).
Setting: The publisher conducts a Bible study with a student struggling to quit smoking. During the conversation, the student expresses frustration at having relapsed into the habit, which discourages him from moving toward baptism. The publisher identifies this obstacle and decides to address it with compassion and wisdom, sharing a publication that offers practical, biblically based advice for overcoming the addiction.
Publisher: (Closes the Bible.) Well, that's it for this lesson. The next one is titled: How Can You Preach the Good News?
Assistant: (With a sad and discouraged tone.) How I wish I could preach like you do...
Publisher: I can tell you're a little down. Is something wrong? Do you want to talk about it?
Assistant: I made the effort to quit smoking. I went several days without, but then I relapsed. I started smoking again, and now I feel like I'll never be able to quit this habit.
Publisher: I understand perfectly. In fact, I want to congratulate you because I see that you're making a great effort to please Jehovah. That's very valuable. But I also understand that you want to go out and preach, and you feel that if you don't quit smoking, you won't be able to do it.
Assistant: Yes, that's exactly how I feel.
Publisher: (She takes a publication out of her bag.) With this in mind, I brought you something I think will help you a lot. Look at the title: How to Quit Smoking.
Assistant: (Takes the publication in his hands.) I didn't know they published publications on these topics.
Publisher: That's right. Our organization always supports us in every aspect of our lives. Let's read the first paragraph together.
Assistant: “Quitting smoking is like learning to ride a bicycle. The first attempt usually fails. So, if you've decided to kick the habit, you have to be willing to try several times until you succeed. If you relapse, don't view it as a defeat, but rather as part of the learning process, a small setback in a program that can be successfully completed.”
Publisher: You see? Your relapse shouldn't be seen as a defeat, but rather as part of the learning process.
Assistant: What an encouraging article.
Publisher: Here are some practical tips you can use to help you quit smoking. Also, I'd like you to read a Bible passage from Hebrews 4:16.
Assistant: (Read aloud.) “So let us approach the throne of undeserved kindness with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find undeserved kindness just when we need help.”
Publisher: This verse teaches us that we can turn to Jehovah in prayer when we need help. He is willing to help us at any time, especially when we need him most.
Assistant: The truth is that I don't pray much, but now I see that it's important to ask God for help, because I can't do it alone.
Publisher: Glad you understand. And here's a tip I underlined for you. Please read it.
Assistant: (Read the underlined text.) “Examine your daily habits to see when you smoke and why.”
Publisher: Think for a moment and tell me: when do you think the temptation to smoke is strongest?
Assistant: Well, I had my relapse this morning. The urge to smoke intensifies while I'm drinking my coffee.
Publisher: I understand. It's precisely at these times that you should put the advice of Hebrews 4:16 into practice.
Assistant: You're right. From today on, I'm going to start the day with a prayer to Jehovah.
Publisher: That's great! And I want to ask you something else: What time do you usually wake up and have your coffee?
Assistant: At 7 in the morning I'm already drinking my coffee.
Publisher: Would you like me to call you then? We could review the daily text together while you sip your coffee. That way you'll be able to better handle that tempting moment.
Assistant: Of course! Thank you. That would help me a lot.
Publisher: I'm glad to hear it. I also want to encourage you to read this entire post so you can start putting the advice it offers into practice.
Assistant: I will. Thanks for all your support.
Publisher: In the next study, we can analyze this publication together to encourage and help you in your decision to quit smoking.
Assistant: That would be great.
Publisher: Let's say a closing prayer, asking Jehovah to continue to guide and strengthen you in this struggle. (Both take a few moments to humbly pray, closing the study with an atmosphere of hope and determination.)
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