“Preach the word [...] with much patience and skill in teaching” (2 TIM. 4:2).
1. What should we cultivate, and why? (2 Timothy 4:2; see also the picture).
We must cultivate the “art of teaching” because Jesus commanded us to make disciples and teach them, as Matthew 28:19 and 20 says. And, although Jehovah and the angels help us to find sincere people, we have to do our part.
The example of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14:1 shows that they spoke in such a way that many came to believe, indicating that they had worked on their teaching methods. This leads us to believe that teaching well is not just a natural talent, but something that can be developed.
In the congregation and in preaching, if we improve our way of explaining, we can better reach the heart, and that fills us with joy when we see results.
ILLUSTRATION
Paul is in a synagogue speaking with conviction, and those present are listening attentively. On one side is Barnabas, who watches with a smile as Paul teaches.
We can improve our “art of teaching” by looking at the examples of Jesus and his disciples, such as Paul and Barnabas. (See paragraph 1.)
2. Why do some feel they cannot improve as teachers?
Some may think they are not good teachers, perhaps because they lack education or because they don't see results like others. Exodus 4:10 and Jeremiah 1:6 show that faithful servants like Moses and Jeremiah also felt insecure.
Furthermore, not everyone reacts the same way to the message, and the results don't depend solely on us. Jehovah is the one who draws sincere people to himself. This makes us think that we shouldn't compare ourselves to others or become discouraged.
In daily life and in the congregation, what matters is doing our best. Knowing that Jehovah values what we do gives us peace of mind and encourages us to keep improving little by little.
TO BE INTERESTED IN PEOPLE
3. Why was Jesus able to touch people's hearts?
Jesus could touch people's hearts because he understood what was inside them, as John 2:25 says. He saw their spiritual needs and the suffering they endured. That's why, when he taught, he spoke about topics that truly mattered to them.
This makes us realize that teaching is not just about giving information, but about connecting with people. In the preaching work, if we try to understand what concerns people, we can better tailor our message, and that creates a deeper connection. It's wonderful to think that when someone feels understood, they are more willing to listen and draw closer to Jehovah.
4. How do we show that we care about people? (See also the images).
We show interest in people when we try to understand their concerns. We live in “critical times,” as 2 Timothy 3:1 says, and most people are suffering in some way, whether from family, financial, or health problems.
If we put ourselves in their shoes and consider what their lives would be like without the hope of the Bible, as Isaiah 65:13, 14 mentions, we can show greater empathy. This helps us understand that preaching is not just about delivering a message, but also about offering comfort.
In the ministry, when we show genuine interest, people notice, and that can open doors that would otherwise remain closed. That empathy really makes a difference.
ILLUSTRATION
Images of a sister preparing for ministry by meditating on the circumstances of the people in her territory: 1. A mother wraps her arms around her young child to protect him while a man threatens them with his fist raised. 2. A young woman smoking a cigarette. 3. An elderly woman talking to her doctor, who gives her bad news about her health.
Let us try to understand the concerns of the people we teach and learn to take an interest in them. (See paragraph 4.)
5. In what way was Jesus different from the Pharisees? (Matthew 11:28-30).
Jesus differed from the Pharisees because he treated people with kindness and respect, while they were proud and looked down on people. As Matthew 11:28-30 says, Jesus was “gentle and humble in heart.”
That attitude made people feel comfortable around him. This reminds us that how we treat others is just as important as what we say.
In the congregation and in the ministry, if we are kind and respectful, we reflect Jehovah’s personality, and that can touch the hearts of those who listen to us. It is beautiful to see how kindness opens paths that knowledge alone cannot.
6. What will help us show kindness and respect towards those who reject or oppose the message?
As Luke 6:27-28 says, Jesus taught us to respond with kindness when someone rejects or opposes the message. We should even pray for those people. Sometimes they react badly because they are going through difficulties or because we arrive at a bad time.
Colossians 4:6 reminds us that our words should be kind. This makes us realize that we shouldn't take things personally.
In preaching, if we remain calm and show respect, we give a good testimony, and that can leave a positive impression, even if they don't accept the message at that moment. It's a beautiful way to reflect Christian love.
FOCUSING ATTENTION ON THE WORD OF GOD
7. How did Jesus demonstrate that he based his teachings on the Word of God? (John 7:14-16).
Jesus based his teachings on the Word of God, not on his own ideas. According to John 7:14-16, what he taught came from his Father. Unlike the scribes, who quoted other men, he used the Scriptures directly, as Mark 1:22 shows.
This gave his teaching authority and made it easy to remember. This leads us to believe that what matters most is not our opinion, but what the Bible says.
In the preaching work and in the congregation, when we use the Scriptures, we help people to trust in Jehovah, and that strengthens their faith in a much deeper and more lasting way.
8. How did the apostle Peter follow Jesus' example?
The apostle Peter followed Jesus' example by using the Scriptures. At Pentecost, as we see in Acts 2:14-37, he explained prophecies to demonstrate that Jesus was the Messiah. Despite not having much formal education, he managed to touch the hearts of thousands. According to Acts 2:41, the result was that about 3,000 people were baptized.
This makes us realize that we don't need to be experts, but rather use the Bible well. In preaching, when we let God's Word speak, the results can be impressive. It is exciting to see how Jehovah can use our efforts to accomplish great things.
9. Why should we use the Bible when teaching?
The Bible is the best tool to reach the heart, because “the Word of God is living and active,” as Hebrews 4:12 says. That is why we must preach the word, not our ideas, as 2 Timothy 4:2 indicates.
When we use the Bible, we are actually letting Jehovah speak, as Malachi 2:7 mentions. This makes us realize that we are not relying on our own ability, but on the power of God's Word.
In preaching, if we highlight the Bible, we help people to trust in it, and that can transform their lives in a profound and lasting way.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
We should use the Bible because it has the power to reach the heart, as Hebrews 4:12 says. When we use it, it is not we who speak, but Jehovah, and that is what can truly change people.
10. How can we focus the student's attention on the Bible?
We can focus the student's attention on the Bible by preparing well and highlighting key texts. According to 1 Corinthians 2:13, we teach with Spirit-guided words.
It's important to read the verses with the student and give them time to reflect. We should also help them understand that the videos or images are just aids. This reminds us that the goal isn't to provide a lot of information, but rather to help them understand.
In Bible class, when the student sees that the foundation is the Bible, he develops a stronger faith, and that will help him make decisions based on the Word of God.
11, 12. (a) How can we be patient with our student? (Acts 17:1-4; see also the picture.)
We can be patient with our student, remembering that each person progresses at their own pace. The apostle Paul, for example, had to reason with some people in Thessalonica several times, as Acts 17:1-4 shows. Not everyone understands biblical truths the first time.
Furthermore, patience also involves listening attentively and giving the student time to respond, without interrupting or rushing them. This leads us to believe that teaching is not just about talking, but about guiding the learning process.
In preaching and Bible studies, when we are patient, we create an atmosphere of trust, and that helps the person to feel comfortable and gradually move closer to Jehovah.
11, 12. b) What should we remember about some people, and how can we help them?
We must remember that some people have never had contact with the Bible or know very little about it. Therefore, they may need more time to understand basic concepts.
In these cases we can help them by using clear verses and giving them practical tools, such as showing them the “Introduction to the Word of God” or even providing them with a Bible.
It's also important to help them see the practical value of what they're learning. This leads us to believe that we shouldn't expect quick results, but rather focus on providing loving support.
In the congregation and in the preaching work, when we adapt the teaching to the individual, we reflect Jehovah's love, and that can make a big difference in their progress.
ILLUSTRATION
The sister in the previous picture is giving a Bible lesson to the young woman who was smoking. They are sitting on an outdoor bench, and the sister is listening very attentively to the woman.
Good teachers speak little and listen much. (See paragraphs 11 and 12).
FOCUS ON JEHOVAH
13. When we are teaching, on whom do we want to focus attention? Give an example.
When we teach, we want to focus attention on Jehovah, not on ourselves, as James 4:8 indicates. The example of the lights keeper illustrates this point well: he directs attention to what is important. This makes us realize that our goal is to help people come to know Jehovah.
In the ministry and in the congregation, if we talk more about Jehovah than about ourselves, we help others to draw closer to him, and that is the most important thing. It is wonderful to see how someone begins to love Jehovah because of what they learn from the Bible.
14. How can we help the student cultivate a desire to make Jehovah happy?
We help the student to want to make Jehovah happy by motivating him to think about him, as Proverbs 27:11 says. It is not about following rules, but about developing love for God.
Asking questions that help him reflect on how Jehovah feels can be very helpful. This makes us realize that true change comes from the heart.
In teaching, when students understand Jehovah's love, they are motivated to change of their own volition, and this produces lasting results. It is very exciting to see someone begin to truly love Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
We help the student to think about Jehovah and how he feels, so that he develops love for him. In this way, the changes he makes will be sincere and heartfelt.
LET'S CONTINUE IMPROVING OUR ART OF TEACHING
15. What can we do to continue improving our art of teaching?
We can improve our teaching skills by praying to Jehovah, as 1 John 5:14 says, and by applying the training we receive. It is also helpful to ask for help from experienced brothers. Putting ourselves in the student's place will help us to teach better. This makes us realize that we can always keep improving.
In the congregation, humbly accepting suggestions helps us greatly, and in the ministry, preparing our lessons well makes them more effective. It is encouraging to know that Jehovah blesses our efforts when we give our best.
16. Why is it good that we continue to improve our art of teaching?
Teaching about Jehovah makes us happy and will continue to be necessary in the new world. That is why we must keep improving in three areas: first, showing interest in people; second, using the Bible; and third, focusing on Jehovah. This makes us feel that our efforts have value now and in the future.
In the ministry, applying these principles will make us enjoy it more, and in the congregation we will become better teachers. It is very comforting to know that Jehovah values what we do and that we can continue to grow in this beautiful privilege.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
How do we show that we care about people?
We show that we care about people by showing empathy, trying to understand their concerns, and being kind and respectful.
Why is it important to focus on God's Word when teaching?
It is important to focus attention on the Word of God when teaching, primarily because it is the Word of God and, moreover, it has the power to reach the heart and transform lives.
How can we focus on Jehovah when we teach?
We can focus on Jehovah when teaching, helping people to know him, love him and want to please him, not just to follow rules.
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