Watchtower Study, May 4-10, 2026, Let Us Improve Our “Teaching Art” in Preaching, Underlined Answers.
Yellow: Direct Response
Light Yellow: Additional Response
Celeste: Additional Points
“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).
Jesus told his followers: “Make disciples [...]. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19, 20). As we can see, he made it clear that all Christians should be teachers. It is true that Jehovah looks for those who have “the right attitude,” and angels help us to find them (Acts 13:48; John 6:44; Revelation 14:6). But we have to do our part. Let us consider the example of the apostles Paul and Barnabas. The Bible tells us that, when they were preaching in the synagogue at Iconium, “they spoke in such a way that a great many Jews and Greeks became believers” (Acts 14:1). Undoubtedly, both had cultivated the “art of teaching” (read 2 Timothy 4:2). All Christians should do the same.
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?
2 Some may feel that they cannot improve their teaching. They might say, "I didn't have the opportunity to study much" or "I'm not very skilled at teaching, I don't have that gift." Some characters in the Bible felt similarly (Ex. 4:10; Jer. 1:6). Perhaps there are also those who get discouraged and say: "I must be a bad teacher, because I don't get results as good as other brothers." Of course, not everyone we talk to will want to hear the good news. Furthermore, the results we achieve don't depend solely on our own efforts. As we have seen, Jehovah and the angels help us to find sincere people. Even so, we want to present the message in the most appealing way possible. To help us, let us consider three suggestions for improving our teaching.
TO BE INTERESTED IN PEOPLE
3. Why was Jesus able to touch people's hearts?
3 The Bible says that Jesus “knew what was in man” (John 2:25). This means that he was able to perceive other people’s thoughts and motives. Therefore, because he understood their needs, he could touch their hearts. He saw that people were spiritually malnourished and lived oppressed by the countless rules of religious leaders. (Matt. 9:36; 23:4). Jesus addressed precisely these topics in the Sermon on the Mount. Many were drawn to him because he talked about things that were important to them.
4. How do we show that we care about people? (See also the images).
4 How do we show that we care about people? Trying to understand their concerns. In this world ruled by Satan, everyone suffers for one reason or another. Keeping this in mind will help us empathize with the people we preach to. For example, are the news stories reporting on any recent events that are worrying people? Are we seeing many parents concerned about school safety? Is unemployment high? Let us try to imagine what life is like for people in these “critical times” without the hope that the Bible offers. (2 Tim. 3:1; Is. 65:13, 14).
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).
5 Jesus cared about people, and they noticed it by the way he treated them.How different he was from the Pharisees! They considered themselves superior to others and treated them with contempt (Matt. 23:13; John 7:49). In contrast, Jesus was kind and respectful to others. He was “gentle and humble in heart,” and this contributed to his being an excellent teacher. (it’s Matthew 11:28-30). We too must treat people with kindness and respect.
6. What will help us show kindness and respect towards those who reject or oppose the message?
6 Some reject the message we are conveying or even oppose it. How should we react? Jesus advised us not only to endure opposition, but said, “Treat those who hate you well, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who insult you.” (Luc. 6:27, 28). It will be easier to be kind to these people if we give them the benefit of the doubt. It's true that some are completely against the message. However, others might treat us badly because they're stressed due to family problems or some situation that has nothing to do with us. Perhaps we simply arrived at a bad time. Whatever the situation, let us follow this advice: “Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer each person.” (Col. 4:6). If we strive to understand people and their needs, we will not be easily offended and we can be better teachers.
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).
7 When teaching, Jesus did not rely on his own ideas, but on the Word of God, and he did so in such a way that his teachings were easy to understand and remember. The Bible says that “the people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.” (Mark 1:22; see study note “not as the scribes”). In Jesus' time, scribes often quoted highly respected rabbis to support their teachings. In contrast, Jesus quoted Scripture repeatedly. Although he possessed a wealth of knowledge from his life in heaven with his Father, he didn't use it to impress his listeners or make them feel ignorant. Rather, he focused on using God's Word to teach them his Father's will. (Read John 7:14-16). What an excellent example he set for all Christians!
8. How did the apostle Peter follow Jesus' example?
8 Jesus' disciples followed his example and used the Word of God when teaching. Let's look at the case of the apostle Peter.Although he was a man without much formal education, on Pentecost in the year 33 he managed to touch people's hearts by using the Scriptures to explain the prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus (Neh. 2:14-37). What was the result? “Those who readily accepted his message were baptized. On that day, about 3,000 people joined the disciples.” (Hebrews 2:41).
9. Why should we use the Bible when teaching?
9 There is no better tool than the Word of God to reach people's hearts (Heb. 4:12). For this reason, we must use it when teaching. We want to preach “the word”, and not our own ideas (2 Tim. 4:2). Proverbs 2:6 says: “The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” When we use the Bible in teaching, we are, so to speak, letting the Lord speak. (Mal. 2:7). We want people to know that the Bible far surpasses human wisdom. It is inspired by God and teaches us what we must do to please the Creator and have full and happy lives. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).
10. How can we focus the student's attention on the Bible?
10 When we are preparing to give a class, let us think about what we can do to focus the student's attention on what the Bible teaches. The student should understand that the videos and images are only aids in their learning, and that the main textbook is actually the Bible. Once we are teaching the class, let's read the key texts with him and help him think about what he learns from them. When we show him videos or images, let's make sure he grasps the biblical principles they teach. That doesn't mean we should talk a lot or read each and every text that appears. It is best to give the student time to grasp the meaning of the verses we read and even reread them if necessary. If we do all this, it will become clear to the person that he is studying the Bible, and not a book, a picture, or a video (1 Cor. 2:13).
11, 12. (a) How can we be patient with our student? (Acts 17:1-4; see also the picture.) (b) What should we remember about some people, and how can we help them?
11 If the student finds it difficult to accept a point, let us remember Paul’s advice: “Preach the word [...] with much patience.” Not everyone progresses at the same pace. We may find certain truths simple, but it may take others longer to understand them. For example, in Thessalonica, Paul had to reason on several occasions using the Scriptures to get some Jews to accept what he was preaching to them. (Read Acts 17:1-4).
12 Another way to be patient is by giving the student enough time to answer the questions we ask and avoiding the temptation to talk too much. Let's try to listen carefully to understand his way of thinking. Then let's read and analyze specific verses to help him understand God's point of view. On the other hand, let's remember that some people have never seen a Bible before and have no idea what it says. It might be helpful to bring them a paper copy of the New World Translation. We can show you the section “Introduction to the Word of God,” which is at the beginning, so you can see the great amount of valuable information that the Bible contains. We can also help them see its practical value by reading a couple of verses from question 15, which talks about how the Bible helps us to be happy. In summary, if we show students the power of God's Word, we will be more effective teachers.
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.
13 Our goal is to help people get to know Jehovah and draw closer to him. (James 4:8). In a sense, we're like the lighting technician in a play. He doesn't focus on himself, but rather directs the lights toward the main characters and makes sure they're in the spotlight. Similarly, when we are teaching, we do not want to focus attention on ourselves, but on Jehovah.
14. How can we help the student cultivate a desire to make Jehovah happy?
14 When teaching a student the Bible, let us help him cultivate a desire to make Jehovah happy. (Prov. 27:11). It's not about getting you to meet a list of requirements to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses, as if you were joining a club. We want you to make the necessary changes because you want to please God. For example, if he is finding it difficult to break a bad habit, we can ask him questions like these: “Why does Jehovah hate that practice? Why does he want you to stop doing something you like? How does this show that Jehovah loves you?” Let us encourage the student to think about Jehovah, for the more he does so, the more he will understand how wonderful our Father is. And, as a result, he will feel a desire to please him.
LET'S CONTINUE IMPROVING OUR ART OF TEACHING
15. What can we do to continue improving our art of teaching?
15 We can pray to Jehovah to help us see ways to improve our teaching skills (1 John 5:14). Then, to give him something to bless, we should pay close attention to the training we receive at our meetings and put it into practice. Also, when we are going to give a Bible class, we can ask a skilled brother or sister to accompany us and afterwards tell us how we can improve. Let's remember that, although we are familiar with the information, the student is not. So let's put ourselves in their shoes. Let us help him appreciate the benefits of what he is learning and Jehovah’s beautiful promises. In this way, we will contribute to his becoming a friend of Jehovah and finding true happiness. (Ps. 1:1-3).
16. Why is it good that we continue to improve our art of teaching?
16 Teaching about Jehovah is one of the things that makes us happiest. And in the new world, there will be a great need to continue teaching. So, as we preach the good news, let us continue to show interest in people, focusing on God’s Word and keeping Jehovah in mind. If we do all of this, we will improve our teaching.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
How do we show that we care about people?
We show that we care about people by trying to understand their concerns and remembering that, in this world ruled by Satan, everyone suffers for one reason or another. Furthermore, we try to imagine what life is like for people in these “critical times” without the hope that the Bible offers.
Why is it important to focus on God's Word when teaching?
It is important to focus on the Word of God when teaching, because there is no better tool to reach people's hearts. Therefore, we must use it, since we want to preach "the Word," not our own ideas.
How can we focus on Jehovah when we teach?
We can focus on Jehovah when teaching, helping people cultivate a desire to make him happy. Our primary concern should be that they make the necessary changes because they want to please God. The more they think about Jehovah, the more they will appreciate how wonderful our Father is, and they will feel a desire to please him.
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