DAILY TEXT, From today Wednesday February 8, Make sure what things are the most important (Filip. 1:10).

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Wednesday February 8

Make sure which things are the most important (Phil. 1:10).

The Apostle Paul 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). In fact, he took every opportunity to preach. For example, on a certain occasion when he was waiting for his companions in Athens, he spoke the good news to a group of important people, and achieved some good results (Acts 17:16, 17, 34). Even when he was under house arrest, he preached to everyone within reach (Acts 28:16-24; Phil. 1:13, 14). Pablo knew how to make good use of 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). w22.03 27 pars. 5, 6.

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

lessons. Elders can copy Paul's example by not only preaching from house to house, but by taking every opportunity to bear 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 discuss the good news with neighbors and vendors. And, just as Paul did, they can use the time they spend preaching to train others, for example, ministerial servants.

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 wish to maintain balance, sometimes it will be necessary to say no. Perhaps after praying about this matter they will realize that taking care of a responsibility means neglecting the most important things, such as having family worship every week, giving good support to preaching or teaching their children to preach. It is hard for some to say no to some responsibility, but you can be sure that Jehovah understands that you want to be balanced in all things.

BE A CARING SHEPHERD

Considering that the elderly are so busy, 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 you to do all you can to encourage and care for his sheep. Considering that they are so busy, where can they find the time to help the brothers?

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

Paul's example. He was always looking for a way to praise the brothers and strengthen them. The elders do well to imitate his example of love and affection when treating the brothers (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 candidly 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.

Why was Paul advising his fellow Christians?

Sometimes Paul had to advise his fellow Christians. But he didn't do it to vent his displeasure, 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 had received his letter. And how glad he was to learn that they had accepted his advice! (2 Cor. 7:6, 7).

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