“Be firm in the faith, [...] be strong” (1 COR. 16:13).
1, 2. (a) Why do some Bible students hesitate to become Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Some Bible students hesitate to become Jehovah's Witnesses because they fear that their coworkers, friends, or family will turn against them, or because they think they could never live up to God's standards.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It may be due to external challenges, such as fear of man, perhaps because of coworkers or friends who turn against them. It may also be due to internal challenges, such as thinking they will never be able to live up to Jehovah's standards.
In the story of Matthew 13, Jesus speaks of how this seed, which is the message of the Kingdom, can fall on different types of hearts: those with rocky soil or those with thorns, where it fails to take root because of difficulties, the persecution that may arise, or even because of the concerns of this system.
They may fear that their coworkers, friends, or family will turn against them, or they may think they can never live up to Jehovah's standards.
1, 2. b) What will we see in this article?
In this article, we'll look at how to imitate Jesus' example and how to use the Enjoy Life book to support a student in becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
In addition, we will discuss how to help students with the following points:
1. Identify the obstacles that prevent your progress.
2. Love Jehovah more.
3. Make changes to your priorities.
4. Overcome your difficulties.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We'll see how, by imitating Jesus' example, we can help them achieve these four goals: identifying the obstacles that hinder their progress, loving Jehovah more, making changes in their priorities, and overcoming their difficulties.
HELP YOUR STUDENT IDENTIFY THE OBSTACLES THAT HINDER THEIR PROGRESS
3. What obstacle could have prevented Nicodemus from becoming a disciple of Jesus?
Although Nicodemus had already realized that Jesus was the Messiah, the obstacle that could have prevented him from becoming Jesus' disciple was his fear of the Jews. He feared the possible consequences and losses he might face if he became Jesus' disciple; therefore, he preferred to speak to him in secret.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Nicodemus, six months after Jesus began preaching, had already realized that he was the Messiah. But, of course, this man was an important leader of the Jews, and on the one hand, he would have been afraid of them, in addition to fearing the loss of certain privileges he surely enjoyed.
John 7:13 says that no one had dared to speak about Jesus in public. And for Nicodemus, it was even more difficult, given his job, his position, and his status. He might have wondered, 'How am I going to support my family?' The threats from society made it very difficult.
We know that Nicodemus recognized Jesus as the Messiah because the words recorded in John 3:1, 2 say, "We know that you are a teacher sent from God, for no one can perform the miracles you do unless God is with him." That is, he already exercised faith in Jesus. It was just that, despite all the above, it was difficult for him to openly express that faith at that time.
We know that two and a half years after his conversation with Jesus, he was still a member of the Jewish court. Some historians believe that Nicodemus did not become Jesus' disciple until after his death.
4. How did Jesus help Nicodemus understand what God expected of him?
Jesus helped Nicodemus understand what God expected of him by spending time with him and clearly explaining what he must do to be his disciple. He was even willing to meet with him at night. Jesus taught him that he must repent of his sins, be baptized in water, and demonstrate his faith in the Son of God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
He treated him with consideration and patience, because he didn't reproach him: "What a coward you are! You know who I am, yet you haven't done anything to be my follower," but quite the opposite. He spoke with him, explaining profound things like repentance of sins, water baptism, and also, later, how to show his faith in the Son of God.
We see how Jesus was willing to adapt to Nicodemus' circumstances and took advantage of those moments to explain more to him, so that he could understand for himself and, ultimately, make a decision.
He spoke to her kindly, yet clearly, and explained the steps she needed to take. We shouldn't confuse clarity with harshness.
5. What can we do to help a student see what prevents him from serving Jehovah?
To help a student see what prevents him from serving Jehovah, we can spend time with him, imitating Jesus. This includes creating a relaxed atmosphere, such as inviting him out for coffee or a walk together, so that he feels comfortable discussing the challenges he faces. This way, we can help him identify the changes he needs to make and remind him that the main reason for making those changes is to demonstrate his love for Jehovah, not to please us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Spending time with him, even at odd hours, because he was willing to meet with him even at night.
He treated him with consideration and patience, for he didn't reproach him: 'What a coward you are! You know who I am, yet you have done nothing to become my follower, but quite the contrary.' He spoke with him, explaining profound things like repentance of sins, water baptism, and also, later, how to show faith in the Son of God. And in time, he succeeded.
One thing we can do is take the time to make sure they feel we care. We don't just want them to see us as someone who comes, explains something from the Bible, and leaves until the next visit. We want them to feel that we genuinely care about what they're going through and want to help them.
If we take the time to invite him, perhaps to our home for a coffee or a walk, he may feel more open to sharing his feelings and identifying how we can best help him.
Our job is first to identify what's preventing you from serving Jehovah and then, lovingly and with time, help you understand what you need to do and for whom. Help you understand that the main reason for making these changes is to demonstrate your love for Jehovah.
Some struggle to prioritize spiritual things. Perhaps they take jobs that prevent them from attending meetings, or perhaps their family is pressuring them and they face opposition from others. So, by talking calmly with them or perhaps by looking at experiences and decisions other brothers and sisters have made to put the Kingdom first, we can help them.
We can find a relaxed environment where the student feels comfortable. Yes, for example, by inviting them for a coffee or taking a walk together in the park. Not just during study time, but in another setting, where they might relax more and be more open-minded.
It must be made clear to him that everything he does is out of love for Jehovah, not out of love for the teacher, because if he does so, he will not really depart from serving Jehovah.
6. How can you help a student find the strength they need to put what they learn into practice? (1 Corinthians 16:13)
We must make sure he feels confident that Jehovah will help him fulfill his standards. We can do this by being patient and supporting him so that he develops self-confidence, just as we would have liked a teacher to have been when we were in school. We must not only teach him what God wants him to do, but also assure him that he has Jehovah's help to make the necessary changes in his life.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We shouldn't limit ourselves to teaching him only what God wants him to do. We should assure him that he has Jehovah's help to make the changes he needs in his life.
For example, when we went to school, we had a teacher for each subject. What kind of teacher did we like best? Well, the one who was most patient, the one who perhaps explained things best and helped us understand things. This shows us the importance of us also trying to be that kind of teacher: patient with our students, helping them understand and see clearly the things Jehovah teaches them.
HELP YOUR STUDENT TO LOVE JEHOVAH MORE
7. How did Jesus help his listeners to love Jehovah more?
Jesus helped his listeners to love Jehovah more by teaching them things that would awaken that love in them. He spoke to them about Jehovah as a loving and compassionate Father, who gives good things to his children and who welcomes those who repent. In this way, many, even those who had not had a loving father, came to understand how much God loves them.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jesus gave them reasons to love Jehovah; he explained and taught them things that moved them to feel love for their Father.
We all imagine that scene from the story of the prodigal son, that picture of the father on the terrace looking out toward the road. The Gospel says that when he caught sight of the son, it wasn't a coincidence: he was waiting for him. He had surely climbed that terrace more than once. And what does this show? A loving father who longs for his son to return. It's a beautiful example to show that Jehovah is with us, waiting for us to take the necessary steps to be with Him.
What our Lord Jesus Christ mentioned in Matthew 7:9-11 is important. He says that, although we parents are imperfect, we always give good gifts or are attentive to our children's needs. For example, if your child asks for bread, would you give him a stone? No, impossible. We would find a way to give him bread or whatever he's asking for. Doing these kinds of reflections with our students will help them understand who Jehovah is: a loving Father, who is always attentive to their needs and who will help them succeed in their studies.
8. How can you help a Bible student love Jehovah more?
We can help a Bible student love Jehovah more if, during the study, we highlight God's qualities. It's also important to show them how what they're learning reflects Jehovah's love. As we study the ransom, let's help them see that it's God's personal gift to them. When the student understands how much Jehovah loves them, their love for God will likely grow even more.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
What we can do is highlight Jehovah's good qualities. And, when we're studying, show him the relationship between what he's learning and that love.
We can also tell him about what made us love Jehovah more, such as what we see in 1 John 4:10, which moves us all: Jehovah's great love for us, being willing to give his only Son as a sacrifice for us.
It is also very important to personalize Jehovah's love, as Paul says in Galatians 2:20: 'The life I now live in this body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.' And that is what we want to convey to the student: that Jehovah also does this for him, that he sees it personally.
Helping students appreciate Jehovah's qualities requires thorough prior preparation, not hasty preparation. Each study session requires us to consider what qualities are highlighted in that lesson, how it can benefit the student, and we can also prepare additional questions to highlight Jehovah's character and draw them closer to Him.
9. What helped Michael make changes in his life?
What helped Michael make changes in his life was what he learned in Lesson 27 of the Enjoying Life book, especially in the section “Let’s Dig Deeper.” As he reflected on how much Jehovah felt when he saw his Son suffer, he felt profound gratitude for the rescue. This feeling moved him so much that he burst into tears, and it motivated him to make changes in his life and get baptized.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
What helped Michael was that when he reached lesson 27 of the Enjoying Life brochure, he came to the section titled "Let's Dig Deeper," and then he discovered why Jesus had given his life for all of us and what his ransom means for us. This touched his heart so deeply that he was filled with gratitude, and that is what motivated him to serve Jehovah.
This experience teaches us that sometimes situations arise in which people have known the truth for a long time, because they have lived in a Witness family or because they have heard about it. But they fail to understand or feel deeply in their hearts what the Bible teaches. Then, when one understands the love Jehovah has shown us, it produces the effect of wanting to give thanks for what Jehovah is doing for each of us.
Understanding Jehovah's pain at seeing all that his son Jesus suffered motivated her and filled her with gratitude.
It helped him understand Jehovah's good qualities and how Jehovah shows love to all of humanity. It's important to analyze, above all, the topic of ransom so that the student fully understands it and grows in his love for Jehovah.
HELP YOUR STUDENT MAKE CHANGES IN THEIR PRIORITIES
10. How did Jesus help his first disciples keep their priorities straight? (Luke 5:5-11; see also the image.)
Jesus helped his first disciples clarify their priorities by performing a miracle that strengthened their faith. Although they already recognized that Jesus was the Messiah, they needed to understand that preaching must be central to their lives. The miracle described in Luke 5:5-11 showed them that they could trust Jehovah to provide for them, which motivated them to quit their jobs and follow Jesus full-time.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
They needed help understanding that preaching should be one of the most important things in their lives. But of course, they had a business that was doing very well: fishing. So what Jesus had to do was help them trust that Jehovah would provide them with everything they needed, even if they had to leave that business behind.
Jesus performed such an extraordinary miracle that it made them realize that Jehovah would always be with them, supporting them if they put him first.
The image shows that Jesus is calling his disciples to follow him and, from that moment on, begin a more intense work together with him.
Like Nicodemus, the disciples knew Jesus, but the difference is that they took action when Jesus told them, "Do not be afraid," while Nicodemus had not yet done so.
ILLUSTRATION
Two fishermen leave their boat when Jesus invites them to follow him. The other fishermen stay in the boat working with their nets.
What do we learn from the way Jesus helped his disciples change their priorities? (See paragraph 10.)
11. What can we do to strengthen our student's faith?
We can strengthen our student's faith by telling them how Jehovah supports those who put Him first. We can share personal experiences about how Jehovah helped us when we made changes to attend meetings. Seeing how we strengthened our faith by trusting in God will encourage the student to do the same.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Surely the student may have many fears because he doesn't yet know Jehovah in depth, nor how much and how he helps us, and that placing our lives in his hands is what can give us the greatest peace of mind. Therefore, what we can do is tell him that Jehovah supports everyone who puts him first, share his experiences, and even share our own.
In Jesus' case, he performed a miracle, and while we aren't going to perform a miracle, we don't have that power. But yes, based on our experience in similar situations, we can help the student.
Seeing that the person teaching the study has been through something similar and continues to move forward can be very encouraging to the student. This way, they'll understand that, even when they face very difficult situations, Jehovah is there, loves them, and has given them the precious gift of the ransom through Christ. How important it is to help the student understand this.
When we need to make changes, that's when we can see how Jehovah helps us. It's extremely important to understand that Jehovah is above all else. If we explain this to the student, we will surely help him strengthen his faith in Jehovah every day.
12. a) Why is it good to invite different publishers to the Bible course?
It's good to invite different publishers to the Bible course, as their experiences can benefit the student. Hearing how other brothers, in different circumstances, came to know the truth and put Jehovah first will encourage and strengthen the student. This can help him see that he, too, can make changes in his life to serve God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
You will benefit from hearing what other brothers did to put Jehovah first.
Many brothers make great sacrifices and efforts, such as adjusting their work schedules or closing their businesses, to be able to attend the reunion, even confronting their bosses to do so. The student will likely be encouraged because they may be making much greater efforts than he or she has to.
12. b) What else can you do with your student to help him or her put Jehovah first? Give an example.
Another way to help your student put Jehovah first is to show him or her videos from the Enjoy Life book, such as those in the “Dig Deeper” or “Discover Something More” sections.
For example, when you study lesson 37, you can watch the video Jehovah Will Provide for Our Needs with him and highlight the principles it teaches. This will help him trust that if he puts Jehovah first, He will take care of his needs.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can also set aside time to watch the videos "Let's Dig Deeper" or "Discover Something More," because they always contain wonderful experiences from brothers and sisters around the world who have put Jehovah first, and Jehovah has always supported them.
The video "Jehovah Will Provide for Our Needs" shows the example of a brother who enjoys his job. Everything seemed to be going well until his boss asked him to work more hours, which he refused and, as a result, he lost his job. The situation lasted six months, and he had to ask for help, but at the right time, Jehovah helped him. He explains that when one doesn't rely so much on one's own abilities or capabilities, but instead places it in Jehovah's hands, that's when the solution appears.
We told them how we've seen Jehovah help us in our lives and also in bringing other brothers and sisters to the Bible course, so they can see it for themselves in other people, in the videos, and in the publications.
HELP YOUR STUDENT OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES
13. How did Jesus prepare his disciples to face opposition?
Jesus prepared his disciples to face opposition by warning them that they would be persecuted, even by their own family members, and that their lives could be in danger. He also gave them practical advice for dealing with that opposition: he taught them to be prudent, cautious, and not to directly confront their opponents, so that they could continue preaching.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
He warned them that it wouldn't be a bed of roses, because if they had persecuted and insulted him, the same would happen to others. He paved the way for them so they would be prepared for these trials when they came.
He did it step by step so they wouldn't be overwhelmed, and we can do the same with the students. First, recognize that there will be difficulties, sometimes from those around us. Then, learn how to deal with that common opposition by being forward-thinking. And if we see the situation getting tense, it's best to step back. That's very practical for our students. We too can follow our example and that of other brothers in the congregation who have managed to do so.
14. How can we help a student cope with opposition? (2 Timothy 3:12)
We can help a student face opposition by preparing them ahead of time. We should explain that some coworkers, friends, or even family members might mock them or criticize their new beliefs and Bible-based lifestyle. Talking with the student about these potential challenges early on will help them be prepared and know how to respond when they face opposition.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can prepare him by explaining what he might do or say if he is mocked or criticized, and the sooner he does this, the more likely he will be prepared and know what to do or say in those situations.
It's good to prepare your child in advance for any opposition that may arise. We may hesitate a little, thinking that they'll worry unnecessarily or become frightened, but in reality, when opposition comes—whether from colleagues, friends, or even family—they'll be more prepared, won't be taken by surprise, and will be able to defend themselves.
15. If a student's family turns against them, what can we do to help them?
If a student's family is hostile to them, we can help by encouraging them to reflect on the possible reasons for this opposition. Perhaps their relatives believe they are being deceived or are prejudiced against Jehovah's Witnesses. We can also remind them that Jesus went through similar things, as even his own family members didn't believe in him. In addition, it's important to help the student be patient and speak tactfully.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It would be important to show him the real reasons why both his colleagues and family members are opposed. It could be that they, with all their good intentions, think he's being deceived or that there's some other aspect they don't understand. That's why they're trying to help him. If we explain this to him and warn him in advance about what might happen, perhaps he'll be able to make the right decision.
We could also remind him that something similar happened to Jesus. As Mark 3:21 shows, when his family found out what was happening, they went to get him and take him away. They said, "He's gone crazy." So the student's family may say the same thing: that he's gone crazy.
16. What can we do to help the student talk about his beliefs tactfully?
We can help the student discuss his beliefs tactfully, encouraging him not to try to explain everything at once so as not to overwhelm his family members. Instead, keep conversations short and simple, sparking interest in continuing the Bible discussion at another time. You can also mention jw.org so his family members can visit it whenever they want and learn more about Jehovah's Witnesses.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
One of the things we can do is tell them not to try to explain everything they've learned in school all at once to their family member, because they might become overwhelmed and then not want to know anything. It's better to tell them to keep conversations short and simple, and that way they'll be more eager to learn.
You can tell them to use the jw.org website, because there, of course, the family member or person can go and find a wealth of information about who Jehovah's Witnesses are, or any other situation that concerns them.
17. What tools can you use to teach your student how to answer questions about Jehovah's Witnesses? (See also the image.)
We can use two main tools to teach the student how to answer questions about Jehovah's Witnesses:
The “Frequently Asked Questions About Jehovah’s Witnesses” section on jw.org will help you prepare simple answers to common questions you might be asked by family members or coworkers.
The "What Some People Say" box at the end of each lesson in the Enjoying Life book. Encourage your child to rehearse answers in their own words and offer suggestions for improvement. These practices will give them the confidence to defend their faith with tact and respect.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
One of them is the one we find in the jw.org section, “Frequently Asked Questions About Jehovah's Witnesses.” There are many questions that are similar to those posed by friends, coworkers, or family members. The truth is that the answers are not only provided by the Bible, but also by very easy-to-understand arguments.
In the study, in every chapter, there is a box that presents what some people say. We can then encourage the student to rehearse answers to these questions so they're prepared. We can even feel free to give them suggestions to help them improve their answer, because if we do so, the practice sessions will help them improve their faith.
The image shows the rehearsal sessions that can be conducted with the student. You can see how the student is using the brochure that encourages them to learn about our JW website, and it seems they've already practiced. Now they're doing the demonstration, which will help them learn how to communicate with the householder when they begin preaching.
ILLUSTRATION
As part of a Bible course, a sister is teaching her student how to preach. The student is rehearsing a presentation using the tract "Where Can We Find Answers to Life's Great Questions?"
Having practice sessions with your student will help them talk about their faith with everyone. (See paragraph 17.)
18. How can you encourage your student to set a goal of preaching with the congregation? (Matthew 10:27)
We can encourage our student to set a goal of preaching with the congregation in the following ways:
Let's talk to him when a preaching campaign is announced, as it's a good time to explain what he needs to do to become a publisher. Let's explain that starting preaching during a campaign is usually easier.
Let's encourage him to sign up to present assignments at the midweek meeting. This will help him gain confidence and learn to express his beliefs with conviction. Also, let's remind him that the sooner he begins to share his faith, the more he will learn to trust Jehovah as he sees how He helps him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
For example, when announcing a preaching campaign, we can talk with our student about what he or she needs to do to become a publisher.
SHOW YOUR STUDENT THAT YOU TRUST HIM
19. How did Jesus show his disciples that he trusted them, and what can we do to imitate him?
Jesus showed his disciples that he trusted them by focusing on their loyalty, rather than on their doubts. Although they didn't fully understand profound teachings, such as the heavenly hope, Jesus didn't look down on them or become impatient, but gave them time to grow spiritually.
We can imitate Jesus by doing the same with our Bible students: valuing their progress and loyalty, being patient when they don't understand certain topics, and giving them the time they need to progress at their own pace, thereby demonstrating our trust in them and their desire to become faithful servants of Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jesus told them that when he left, he would prepare a place for them to be with him. So he was confident that they would be loyal. He focused more on their loyalty than on their doubts.
Although many of them didn't understand what Jesus was telling them, they did trust that things would be done Jehovah God's way. So, likewise, they needed time, and Jesus himself understood that they needed time to understand everything they needed to understand, such as the heavenly hope.
Furthermore, we can also show our students that we trust them and their spiritual progress. Some are slow, others faster, but all have a desire to serve Jehovah.
20. How did a Malawian sister show her student that she trusted her?
Sister Chifundo from Malawi showed her student that she trusted her by not giving up when she faced a negative reaction after asking her what she thought about using images. She continued teaching patiently, and eventually, the student recognized the value of the Bible's teachings, stopped using images, and was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When the subject of Jehovah's view of the use of images arose in lesson 14 of the Enjoyment of Life book, the student, in a very irritable tone, said, "That's a personal decision." Sister Chifundo might have thought that the course would end there, but she showed confidence in the student by continuing to teach her and nurture her faith through gratitude for Jehovah's love, and so on. Eventually, the student stopped using images and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
21. What can we do to help a student make the decision to serve Jehovah?
To help a student make the decision to serve Jehovah, we can teach him what Jehovah wants him to do, help him love God more deeply, encourage him to demonstrate that love by making changes in his priorities, and teach him to trust in Jehovah in the face of difficulties. Furthermore, by showing him that we trust him, we help convince him that he too can become a faithful servant of Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We know that Jehovah God is the one who makes the seed grow in his heart. What we must do is collaborate, teaching him what Jehovah wants him to do. We also help him love Jehovah, which is the most important thing. As he studies, he grows to love Jehovah. We must also encourage him to make changes in his life, to see what is most important and what he prioritizes. When the student comes to love Jehovah, it will be easier for him to make changes in his life.
We must show the student that we trust him and, although he may not understand some things at first, we trust that over time he will understand and act on them.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
How can we help a student identify the obstacles that impede their progress?
We can talk with the student about potential difficulties or opposition they might face, such as criticism from family members, coworkers, or friends. By anticipating these situations, we help the student recognize obstacles and prepare to face them patiently.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We saw that by spending time with him, as Jesus did with Nicodemus, we can find quiet moments in which we can calmly explain the changes he needs to make, especially to please Jehovah more and show him that we love him.
We see that Jesus spoke to Nicodemus lovingly, yet openly. He didn't hide the changes he needed to make. So, we should do the same: lovingly, yet openly, we explain what our student needs to improve in order to love Jehovah more.
How can we help a student to love Jehovah more?
We can highlight Jehovah's loving and compassionate qualities during lessons, show the connection between what they learn and God's love, and help them understand the value of the ransom as a personal gift. It's also helpful to share experiences and examples that demonstrate Jehovah's love and encourage the student to feel gratitude for that love.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Highlighting especially his qualities and also making the student see how Jehovah cares for him and for each one of us.
How can we help a student make changes in their priorities?
We can encourage him to put Jehovah first by inviting him to participate in preaching campaigns and congregation assignments to strengthen his confidence. It's also helpful for him to hear testimonies from other brothers who have made similar changes, and remind him that Jehovah will support him in those changes, giving him strength to continue.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
What we cannot do is perform miracles, as Jesus did, but what we can do is tell the student that Jehovah cares for, blesses, protects, and supports everyone who puts Him first in their lives.
We can use resources such as our own example, if we have been serving Jehovah for years; other brothers who accompany us to the Bible study; videos; and the real-life experiences of other servants of Jehovah who have been able to change their priorities and put Jehovah first in their lives. This will also help the student make that decision.
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