Watchtower Study, Week of May 30–June 5, 2022, Elders, Keep Imitating the Apostle Paul, Answers Underlined.

Watchtower Study, May 30-June 5, 2022, Elders, Keep Imitating the Apostle Paul, Answers Underlined.

1, 2. How can Paul's example help older men in our day?

The Apostle Paul loved his fellow Christians, and so he worked tirelessly for them (Acts 20:31). No wonder they loved him so much. For example, on one occasion, when the elders of Ephesus learned that they would never see him again, “they all burst into tears” (Acts 20:37). Likewise, elders today love their brothers and go out of their way to support them.​—Phil . 2:16, 17. But sometimes they face certain challenges. What can help them?

The elders, who are so busy, do well to look to Paul's example (1 Cor. 11:1). He was not a superman; he was an imperfect human being who sometimes had to struggle to do what was right (Rom. 7:18-20). Although he faced many difficulties, he did not give up or lose his joy. If the elders copy his example, they will continue to serve Jehovah with joy despite the difficulties. Let's see how they can do it.

3. What will we talk about in this article, and what will we learn?

In this article we will discuss four challenges elders often face: 1) balancing preaching with other responsibilities, 2) being a loving pastor, 3) dealing with their own weaknesses, and 4) coping with the imperfections of others. We will learn how Paul met each challenge and how the elders can follow his example.

BALANCING PREACHING WITH OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

4. Why might it be difficult for elders to be examples in preaching?

Why is it difficult? In addition to being an example in preaching, elders have many other responsibilities. Let's see some. Sometimes they have to preside over the midweek meeting or lead the congregation Bible study. In addition, they have to take care of other assignments or speeches. They also spend much time training ministerial servants and encouraging the brothers (1 Pet. 5:2). Some elders help build and maintain Kingdom Halls and other buildings used to worship Jehovah. But above all, the most important thing for the elders is to be ministers of the good news, as it is for all publishers (Matt. 28:19, 20).

5. What example did Paul set in preaching?

Paul's example. In Philippians 1:10 we find the reason why Paul was a good preacher. There he gives us this advice: "Make sure what things are the most important." He himself followed his advice. He was assigned a ministry, and he saw it as one of the most important things in his life for decades. He preached "publicly and from house to house" (Acts 20:20). He not only preached at certain times or just one day a week. He took advantage of any opportunity. For example, on a certain occasion when he was waiting for his companions in Athens, he told the good news to a group of important people, and got some good results (Acts 17:16, 17, 34).Even while under house arrest, he preached to everyone within his reach (Acts 28:16-24; Phil. 1:13, 14).

6. How did Paul train other brothers?

Paul knew how to make the most of his time. He was in the habit of inviting others to preach with him. For example, on his first missionary tour he invited John Mark, and on his second, Timothy (Acts 12:25; 16:1-4). He strove to teach these men to organize congregations and to be good shepherds and skillful teachers (1 Cor. 4:17).

ILLUSTRATION:

Leaving his workplace on a construction site, a brother offers a tract to a colleague.

Imitate Paul by seizing every opportunity to preach. (See paragraph 7). *

7. How can elders follow Paul's advice found at Ephesians 6:14, 15?

lessons. Elders can copy Paul's example not only by preaching from house to house, but by taking advantage of every opportunity to witness (read Ephesians 6:14, 15). For example, they can do it when they go shopping or at their workplace. Or, if they're helping with an organization's construction project, they can share the good news with neighbors and vendors. And, just as Paul did, they can use the time they spend preaching to train others, such as ministerial servants.

8. Sometimes, what will an elder need to do?

Elders should never be so busy attending to congregational or circuit responsibilities that they have no time to preach. If you want to maintain balance, sometimes it will be necessary to say no. Perhaps after praying about this, they will realize that taking care of a responsibility means neglecting the most important things, like having family worship every week, giving good support to the preaching, or teaching their children to preach. It is difficult for some to say no to a certain responsibility, but they can be sure that Jehovah understands that they want to be balanced in all things.

BE A CARING SHEPHERD

9. Considering how busy the elderly are, what challenge do they face?

Why is it difficult? As we live in the last days, Jehovah's servants have many difficulties. That's why we all need encouragement, support and comfort. Sometimes, some need help not to go astray (1 Thess. 5:14). Of course, the elderly cannot eliminate all the problems we face. But Jehovah wants them to do their best to encourage and care for his sheep. Considering how busy they are, where can they find the time to help the brothers?

ILLUSTRATION:

An old man talks affectionately with a young brother who is sitting alone in the Kingdom Hall.

Praise the brothers and strengthen them. (See paragraphs 10 and 12). 

10. According to 1 Thessalonians 2:7, how did Paul treat his brothers?

Paul's example. He was always looking for ways to praise the brothers and strengthen them. Elders do well to imitate his loving and caring example in dealing with the brethren (read 1 Thessalonians 2:7). Paul confirmed to his brothers that both he and Jehovah loved them (2 Cor. 2:4; Eph. 2:4, 5). He treated them like friends and spent time with them. He showed them that he trusted them by speaking frankly about his own fears and weaknesses (2 Cor. 7:5; 1 Tim. 1:15). However, he did not focus on the problems he had, but on helping the brothers.

11. Why was Paul counseling his fellow Christians?

Sometimes Paul had to counsel his fellow Christians. But he didn't do it to vent his annoyance, but because he cared about them and wanted to help them stay out of trouble. He made an effort to make his advice easy to understand and he was interested to see how it was received. For example, when he wrote to the Corinthians, he gave them strong advice. But later he sent Titus to them, for he was wanting to know how they received his letter. And how glad he was to hear that they had taken his advice! (2 Cor. 7:6, 7).

12. What can elders do to strengthen their brothers?

lessons. Elders can follow Paul's example by spending time with his brothers. One way to do this is to come to meetings early to have encouraging conversations with them. It often takes only a few minutes to give a brother the encouragement and affection he needs (Rom. 1:12; Eph. 5:16). Elders who follow Paul's example use the Bible to encourage their brothers and confirm that Jehovah loves them. In addition, they show their affection by keeping in touch with them and looking for opportunities to congratulate them. If an elder has to give advice to someone, he must base himself on the Word of God. He is specific yet kind because he cares about the effect his words have (Gal. 6:1).

DEALING WITH YOUR OWN WEAKNESSES

13. What effect can his own weaknesses have on an elder?

Why is it difficult? Elders are imperfect, so they make mistakes just like everyone else (Rom. 3:23). Sometimes they have to make a great effort to see their weaknesses with balance. Some may get discouraged because they focus too much on their limitations. Others may downplay their flaws and think they don't have to make any changes.

14. According to Philippians 4:13, how did humility help Paul cope with his weaknesses?

Paul's example. He humbly admitted that he couldn't cope with his weaknesses on his own. He knew that he needed the strength of God. In the past he had been determined to harshly persecute Christians. But he eventually recognized what he had done and was willing to change his attitude and his personality (1 Tim. 1:12-16). With Jehovah's help, he became a loving, compassionate, and humble shepherd. It pained him to realize his imperfections, but he decided to trust Jehovah's forgiveness and not dwell on his mistakes (Rom. 7:21-25). He knew that he could not be perfect, so he strove to improve his Christian personality and humbly leaned on Jehovah to carry out his ministry From him (1 Cor. 9:27; read Philippians 4:13 ).

ILLUSTRATION:

An elder gives advice in the Kingdom Hall library to an upset brother.

Keep striving to overcome your own weaknesses. (See paragraphs 14 and 15). *

15. How can an old man see his weaknesses with balance?

lessons. Elders are not appointed because they are perfect, but Jehovah does expect them to own up to their mistakes and cultivate Christian character.—Eph. 4:23, 24. They should do a self-examination with the help of the Word of God and make the necessary changes. Then Jehovah will help them to be happy and do their job well (Jas. 1:25).

OVERCOME THE IMPERFECTIONS OF OTHERS

16. What can happen if the elders only look at the mistakes of the brothers?

Why is it difficult? The elders may notice the mistakes of the brothers by working closely with them. If they're not careful, they could get frustrated and harsh or critical. Paul told Christians that this is just what Satan wants (2 Cor. 2:10, 11).

17. How did Paul view the brothers?

Paul's example. He always viewed the brothers in a positive light. It wasn't that he didn't notice his mistakes, because sometimes they affected him personally. Still, he knew the difference between a bad deed and a bad person. He was fond of the brothers and focused on his good qualities. And, if he saw that someone had a hard time doing what was right, he assumed that he had good intentions and that he just needed a little help.

18. What do we learn from the way Paul helped Euodia and Syntyche? (Philippians 4:1-3).

Let's see, for example, how Paul helped two sisters in the congregation at Philippi (read Philippians 4:1-3). Apparently, Euodia and Syntyche had distanced themselves due to some personal differences. Paul did not treat them harshly or critically. Rather, he focused on her good qualities and her excellent track record of loyalty. He knew that Jehovah loved them. Since he viewed them positively, he encouraged them to make amends. His way of seeing his brothers helped him maintain the joy and good friendships that he had in that congregation.

ILLUSTRATION:

An elder looks at a young brother who is texting instead of cleaning the Kingdom Hall.

Do your best not to be critical of siblings. (See paragraph 19). 

19. (a) What can the elders do to see the brothers in a positive light? b) What do you learn from the photo of the old man who is cleaning the Kingdom Hall?

lessons. Elders, look at the good qualities of the brothers. It is true that they are imperfect, but they also have virtues worth admiring (Phil. 2:3). Sure, you will sometimes have to correct someone. But, like Paul, strive to see past your words or actions that might upset others. Focus on the fact that this brother loves Jehovah, serves him with endurance, and can improve. Elders who view the brothers in a positive light promote a loving and caring environment in the congregation.

KEEP IMITATING PAUL

20. What can elders do to continue learning from Paul's example?

Elders may find it helpful to continue studying Paul's pattern. For example, in the Watch Tower Publications Index they can search for the entry “Paul” and then the subentry “example to the elders”. As you review some of these references, you might ask yourself, “How does Paul's example help me continue to do my work as an elder with joy?”

21. Of what can the elderly be sure?

Elders, remember that Jehovah does not expect perfection from you; what he does expect is that they be faithful (1 Cor. 4:2). He valued all that Paul did and his faithfulness. You can be sure that Jehovah also appreciates your work, for, as Hebrews 6:10 says, he “does not forget your works or the love you showed for his name by having served the holy ones and by continuing to serve them.”

WHAT WILL HELP ELDERLY ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING CHALLENGES?

Balance preaching with other responsibilities.

Elders should never be too busy attending to congregational responsibilities. If you want to maintain balance, sometimes it will be necessary to say no. It is difficult for some to say no to a certain responsibility, but they can be sure that Jehovah understands that they want to be balanced in all things.

Be loving shepherds.

Elders who follow Paul's example use the Bible to encourage their brothers and confirm that Jehovah loves them. In addition, they show their affection by keeping in touch with them and looking for opportunities to congratulate them. If an elder has to give advice to someone, he must base himself on the Word of God. He is specific but at the same time caring because he is interested in the effect of his words.

Overcome the imperfections of others.

Elders, look at the good qualities of the brothers. It is true that they are imperfect, but they also have virtues worth admiring. Like Paul, strive to see past your words or actions that might upset others. Focus on the fact that this brother loves Jehovah, serves him with endurance, and can improve. Elders who view the brothers in a positive light promote a loving and caring environment in the congregation.