Watchtower Study, How to Help a Student Make the Decision to Serve Jehovah, Week of September 8-14, 2025, Comments and Responses.

Watchtower Study Guide, How to Help a Student Make the Decision to Serve Jehovah, September 8-14, 2025, Comments and Responses.

“Be firm in the faith, [...] be strong” (1 COR. 16:13).

1, 2. (a) Why do some Bible students hesitate to become Jehovah’s Witnesses?

Some Bible students hesitate to become Jehovah's Witnesses because they fear that their coworkers, friends, or family will turn against them, or because they think they could never live up to God's standards.

1, 2. b) What will we see in this article?

In this article, we'll look at how to imitate Jesus' example and how to use the Enjoy Life book to support a student in becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

In addition, we will discuss how to help students with the following points:

1. Identify the obstacles that prevent your progress.

2. Love Jehovah more.

3. Make changes to your priorities.

4. Overcome your difficulties.

HELP YOUR STUDENT IDENTIFY THE OBSTACLES THAT HINDER THEIR PROGRESS

3. What obstacle could have prevented Nicodemus from becoming a disciple of Jesus?

Although Nicodemus had already realized that Jesus was the Messiah, the obstacle that could have prevented him from becoming Jesus' disciple was his fear of the Jews. He feared the possible consequences and losses he might face if he became Jesus' disciple; therefore, he preferred to speak to him in secret.

4. How did Jesus help Nicodemus understand what God expected of him?

Jesus helped Nicodemus understand what God expected of him by spending time with him and clearly explaining what he must do to be his disciple. He was even willing to meet with him at night. Jesus taught him that he must repent of his sins, be baptized in water, and demonstrate his faith in the Son of God.

5. What can we do to help a student see what prevents him from serving Jehovah?

To help a student see what prevents him from serving Jehovah, we can spend time with him, imitating Jesus. This includes creating a relaxed atmosphere, such as inviting him out for coffee or a walk together, so that he feels comfortable discussing the challenges he faces. This way, we can help him identify the changes he needs to make and remind him that the main reason for making those changes is to demonstrate his love for Jehovah, not to please us.

6. How can you help a student find the strength they need to put what they learn into practice? (1 Corinthians 16:13)

We must make sure he feels confident that Jehovah will help him fulfill his standards. We can do this by being patient and supporting him so that he develops self-confidence, just as we would have liked a teacher to have been when we were in school. We must not only teach him what God wants him to do, but also assure him that he has Jehovah's help to make the necessary changes in his life.

HELP YOUR STUDENT TO LOVE JEHOVAH MORE

7. How did Jesus help his listeners to love Jehovah more?

Jesus helped his listeners to love Jehovah more by teaching them things that would awaken that love in them. He spoke to them about Jehovah as a loving and compassionate Father, who gives good things to his children and who welcomes those who repent. In this way, many, even those who had not had a loving father, came to understand how much God loves them.

8. How can you help a Bible student love Jehovah more?

We can help a Bible student love Jehovah more if, during the study, we highlight God's qualities. It's also important to show them how what they're learning reflects Jehovah's love. As we study the ransom, let's help them see that it's God's personal gift to them. When the student understands how much Jehovah loves them, their love for God will likely grow even more.

9. What helped Michael make changes in his life?

What helped Michael make changes in his life was what he learned in Lesson 27 of the Enjoying Life book, especially in the section “Let’s Dig Deeper.” As he reflected on how much Jehovah felt when he saw his Son suffer, he felt profound gratitude for the rescue. This feeling moved him so much that he burst into tears, and it motivated him to make changes in his life and get baptized.

HELP YOUR STUDENT MAKE CHANGES IN THEIR PRIORITIES

10. How did Jesus help his first disciples keep their priorities straight? (Luke 5:5-11; see also the image.)

Jesus helped his first disciples clarify their priorities by performing a miracle that strengthened their faith. Although they already recognized that Jesus was the Messiah, they needed to understand that preaching must be central to their lives. The miracle described in Luke 5:5-11 showed them that they could trust Jehovah to provide for them, which motivated them to quit their jobs and follow Jesus full-time.

ILLUSTRATION

Two fishermen leave their boat when Jesus invites them to follow him. The other fishermen stay in the boat working with their nets.

What do we learn from the way Jesus helped his disciples change their priorities? (See paragraph 10.)

11. What can we do to strengthen our student's faith?

We can strengthen our student's faith by telling them how Jehovah supports those who put Him first. We can share personal experiences about how Jehovah helped us when we made changes to attend meetings. Seeing how we strengthened our faith by trusting in God will encourage the student to do the same.

12. a) Why is it good to invite different publishers to the Bible course?

It's good to invite different publishers to the Bible course, as their experiences can benefit the student. Hearing how other brothers, in different circumstances, came to know the truth and put Jehovah first will encourage and strengthen the student. This can help him see that he, too, can make changes in his life to serve God.

12. b) What else can you do with your student to help him or her put Jehovah first? Give an example.

Another way to help your student put Jehovah first is to show him or her videos from the Enjoy Life book, such as those in the “Dig Deeper” or “Discover Something More” sections.

For example, when you study lesson 37, you can watch the video Jehovah Will Provide for Our Needs with him and highlight the principles it teaches. This will help him trust that if he puts Jehovah first, He will take care of his needs.

HELP YOUR STUDENT OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES

13. How did Jesus prepare his disciples to face opposition?

Jesus prepared his disciples to face opposition by warning them that they would be persecuted, even by their own family members, and that their lives could be in danger. He also gave them practical advice for dealing with that opposition: he taught them to be prudent, cautious, and not to directly confront their opponents, so that they could continue preaching.

14. How can we help a student cope with opposition? (2 Timothy 3:12)

We can help a student face opposition by preparing them ahead of time. We should explain that some coworkers, friends, or even family members might mock them or criticize their new beliefs and Bible-based lifestyle. Talking with the student about these potential challenges early on will help them be prepared and know how to respond when they face opposition.

15. If a student's family turns against them, what can we do to help them?

If a student's family is hostile to them, we can help by encouraging them to reflect on the possible reasons for this opposition. Perhaps their relatives believe they are being deceived or are prejudiced against Jehovah's Witnesses. We can also remind them that Jesus went through similar things, as even his own family members didn't believe in him. In addition, it's important to help the student be patient and speak tactfully.

16. What can we do to help the student talk about his beliefs tactfully?

We can help the student discuss his beliefs tactfully, encouraging him not to try to explain everything at once so as not to overwhelm his family members. Instead, keep conversations short and simple, sparking interest in continuing the Bible discussion at another time. You can also mention jw.org so his family members can visit it whenever they want and learn more about Jehovah's Witnesses.

17. What tools can you use to teach your student how to answer questions about Jehovah's Witnesses? (See also the image.)

We can use two main tools to teach the student how to answer questions about Jehovah's Witnesses:

The “Frequently Asked Questions About Jehovah’s Witnesses” section on jw.org will help you prepare simple answers to common questions you might be asked by family members or coworkers.

The "What Some People Say" box at the end of each lesson in the Enjoying Life book. Encourage your child to rehearse answers in their own words and offer suggestions for improvement. These practices will give them the confidence to defend their faith with tact and respect.

ILLUSTRATION

As part of a Bible course, a sister is teaching her student how to preach. The student is rehearsing a presentation using the tract "Where Can We Find Answers to Life's Great Questions?"

Having practice sessions with your student will help them talk about their faith with everyone. (See paragraph 17.)

18. How can you encourage your student to set a goal of preaching with the congregation? (Matthew 10:27)

We can encourage our student to set a goal of preaching with the congregation in the following ways:

Let's talk to him when a preaching campaign is announced, as it's a good time to explain what he needs to do to become a publisher. Let's explain that starting preaching during a campaign is usually easier.

Let's encourage him to sign up to present assignments at the midweek meeting. This will help him gain confidence and learn to express his beliefs with conviction. Also, let's remind him that the sooner he begins to share his faith, the more he will learn to trust Jehovah as he sees how He helps him.

SHOW YOUR STUDENT THAT YOU TRUST HIM

19. How did Jesus show his disciples that he trusted them, and what can we do to imitate him?

Jesus showed his disciples that he trusted them by focusing on their loyalty, rather than on their doubts. Although they didn't fully understand profound teachings, such as the heavenly hope, Jesus didn't look down on them or become impatient, but gave them time to grow spiritually.

We can imitate Jesus by doing the same with our Bible students: valuing their progress and loyalty, being patient when they don't understand certain topics, and giving them the time they need to progress at their own pace, thereby demonstrating our trust in them and their desire to become faithful servants of Jehovah.

20. How did a Malawian sister show her student that she trusted her?

Sister Chifundo from Malawi showed her student that she trusted her by not giving up when she faced a negative reaction after asking her what she thought about using images. She continued teaching patiently, and eventually, the student recognized the value of the Bible's teachings, stopped using images, and was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness.

21. What can we do to help a student make the decision to serve Jehovah?

To help a student make the decision to serve Jehovah, we can teach him what Jehovah wants him to do, help him love God more deeply, encourage him to demonstrate that love by making changes in his priorities, and teach him to trust in Jehovah in the face of difficulties. Furthermore, by showing him that we trust him, we help convince him that he too can become a faithful servant of Jehovah.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

How can we help a student identify the obstacles that impede their progress?

We can talk with the student about potential difficulties or opposition they might face, such as criticism from family members, coworkers, or friends. By anticipating these situations, we help the student recognize obstacles and prepare to face them patiently.

How can we help a student to love Jehovah more?

We can highlight Jehovah's loving and compassionate qualities during lessons, show the connection between what they learn and God's love, and help them understand the value of the ransom as a personal gift. It's also helpful to share experiences and examples that demonstrate Jehovah's love and encourage the student to feel gratitude for that love.

How can we help a student make changes in their priorities?

We can encourage him to put Jehovah first by inviting him to participate in preaching campaigns and congregation assignments to strengthen his confidence. It's also helpful for him to hear testimonies from other brothers who have made similar changes, and remind him that Jehovah will support him in those changes, giving him strength to continue.