DAILY TEXT, From Sunday March 5, Raise your eyes and see, the fields are white, ready for the harvest (John 4:35).
Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023Sunday March 5
Look up and see, the fields are white, ready for the harvest (John 4:35).
The apostle Paul compared the work of making disciples to the work of cultivating plants, thus showing that it is not enough to sow seeds. He reminded the Corinthians: “I planted, Apollos watered . . . You are God's field that he is cultivating” (1 Cor. 3:6-9). Those of us who work in "God's field" not only plant the seeds, but we water them and we are very aware of their growth. But we know that it is God who makes the seeds grow. What a great honor it is to preach and teach the truth! It is a work that makes us really happy. The apostle Paul, who helped many people in Thessalonica to become disciples, expressed how he felt: “What is our hope, our happiness, or our crown of joy before our Lord Jesus during his presence? Aren't you? Yes, you are our glory and happiness” (1 Thess. 2:19, 20; Acts 17:1-4). w21.07 3 par. 5; 7 para. 17.
Why should we be willing to adapt?We find it difficult to adapt to new methods and new tools. Our way of conducting Bible courses has changed. The main publication we now use, Enjoy Life, requires us to prepare for and conduct classes differently than we did before. We read fewer paragraphs and talk more with the student. We use more video and electronic tools, like the JW Library®. If we feel that it is difficult for us to use these tools, let's ask someone to teach us how to use them. It is not easy to adapt to changes. In general, we prefer to do things the way we have always done them. But with the help of Jehovah and our brothers, we will find it easier to adjust and even enjoy teaching the Bible more. As one pioneer said, this new method "is a breath of fresh air for the student and also for the teacher."
What should we remember if our territory is difficult? and How does 1 Corinthians 3:6, 7 encourage us?
It seems to us that in our territory it is difficult to start a Bible course. Some people may not be interested in our message or may even be against our work. What will help us to maintain a positive attitude? Let us remember that in this unstable world, people's circumstances can change from one day to the next, and those who did not show interest may come to recognize their spiritual needs later (Matt. 5:3). Some people who always rejected our publications eventually accepted a Bible study. Furthermore, we know that Jehovah is the Owner of the harvest (Matt. 9:38). He wants us to continue planting and watering, but he is the one who makes sure that the seed grows (1 Cor. 3:6, 7). On the other hand, how encouraging it is to remember that even if we are not leading a Bible course right now, Jehovah rewards us for our efforts, not for our results.
How does Jehovah feel when a person accepts a Bible course and applies what he is learning?
Jehovah is very happy when a person accepts the teachings of the Bible and tells others about them (Prov. 23:15, 16). You are surely very happy to see what is happening today. For example, despite the pandemic during the 2020 service year, 7,705,765 Bible courses were conducted, helping 241,994 people to dedicate their lives to Jehovah and get baptized. In turn, these new disciples will teach the Bible and make more disciples (Luke 6:40). By sharing in this work we certainly make Jehovah's heart glad.
What goal could we set ourselves?
Teaching someone to love our heavenly Father takes effort, but with Jehovah's help we can participate in the disciple-making work. Could we set ourselves the goal of starting and running at least one course? We can offer Bible classes to everyone we talk to, whenever it's appropriate. If we do, we may be surprised by your response. Let us have no doubt that Jehovah will bless our efforts.
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