“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).
We must cultivate the “art of teaching” to communicate the message in a way that touches people’s hearts, just as Paul and Barnabas did. In this way, we can help more people become believers.
Why? Because Jesus commanded all Christians to make disciples and teach them to obey everything he has commanded. Although Jehovah attracts people with the right attitude and angels help us find them, we must do our part.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
According to the text of 2 Timothy 4:2, we must cultivate the art of teaching, because this is what helps us to be better teachers and thus be able to help our students grasp the meaning of the message we are teaching them.
Because, as Jesus said, we have to make disciples and teach them. Therefore, we are all teachers.
Because of the results of cultivating the art of teaching. We see it in the example of Paul and Barnabas. As we read in Acts 14:1, when they entered the synagogue in Iconium, they spoke in such a way that a great many Jews and Greeks became believers.
It's very interesting that this expression, "the art of teaching," focuses more on the way of teaching than on the content. The content was the same for everyone, but how did they speak? In other words, the way Paul and Barnabas spoke is what elevated their message.
It is true that the work belongs to Jehovah, with Jesus Christ at the head and the support of the angels, but they direct us. Therefore, we must do our part and use pleasant words that can reach the heart.
In the image, we can see the apostle Paul in the center, and we see that all the people have their eyes fixed on him and are very alert, attentive to what he says. This shows that he is speaking in a way they understand; they can follow his reasoning and find the topic he is discussing interesting.
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?
Some feel they cannot improve as teachers because they believe they lack sufficient preparation or skill, or that they don't possess the "gift" of teaching. Others become discouraged when they compare their results with those of others and believe they are not doing well.
However, it is also important to note that not everyone wants to listen and that the results do not depend solely on our efforts. Although, as we have seen, Jehovah and the angels help us to find sincere people, we want to make an effort to present the message in the most appealing way possible.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Some believe they lack the necessary skills to teach. Similar thoughts were also held by some of Jehovah's servants in the past, such as Jeremiah and Moses, who said in Exodus that he did not know how to speak.
Some may become discouraged and say, “Well, I can’t be a very good teacher, because I don’t get the results that other brothers and sisters do.” But, of course, we have to understand that this isn’t always the case. Jehovah and the angels are the ones directing the work. So, even if we try our best, perhaps the person doesn’t have an open heart to learn from Jehovah.
Since Jehovah, along with the angels, directs the preaching work, we should not think, “Since Jehovah helps us find people, I won’t improve.” On the contrary, just as Jesus taught his disciples, Jehovah is teaching us as well. And the text of this topic shows that we need to learn how and in what way to teach.
TO BE INTERESTED IN PEOPLE
3. Why was Jesus able to touch people's hearts?
Jesus could touch people's hearts because, as John 2:25 says, he was able to perceive the thoughts and motives of others. Because he understood their needs, he could reach their hearts. Jesus spoke about things that were important to people; that's why so many were drawn to him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jesus looked beyond appearances and saw what was inside people. Many carried emotional pain, guilt, or despair. Jesus' gentle words felt like a comforting balm to their wounded hearts.
Jesus was able to perceive people's thoughts and motives, and he spoke about things that were important to them.
Jesus taught in a very different way than the religious leaders, and this was something that people greatly appreciated at the time. Matthew 23:4 says that they placed heavy burdens on people's shoulders. However, Jesus, on the contrary, lightened those heavy burdens.
4. How do we show that we care about people? (See also the images).
We show that we care about people by striving to understand their concerns. Let us remember that in this world ruled by Satan, everyone suffers for one reason or another. If we keep this in mind, we can empathize with the people to whom we preach. We can also try to imagine what life is like for those who live without the hope the Bible offers in these “critical times.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We show that we care about people by trying to understand their concerns. Keeping that in mind will help us empathize with the people we preach to.
Everyone suffers for one reason or another, and as we know, 2 Timothy 3:1 says that in the last days critical times, difficult to deal with, would come. Furthermore, many people have no hope for a better future.
To empathize or put ourselves in someone's shoes, we must know how to listen, that is, have our "ears open." We must listen to what worries them, what interests them, and why they are suffering.
We have to try to understand, because sometimes it's very difficult to truly feel what other people are going through. For example, those without children might not fully understand how parents feel. That's why, as the paragraph says, we have to try to imagine what their lives are like, ask ourselves questions, and think about what might help them hear.
The text of Isaiah 65:13, 14 shows us why we are in this situation: Jehovah blesses us, and our spiritual needs are met, and often even our physical and emotional needs, because our brothers and sisters support us and are by our side. Now, if we imagine not having all this, we can understand how other people feel. Just by imagining it, we can understand what they need and how they are doing.
The image shows the nun reviewing, so to speak, the situation of each of her students, considering their circumstances. In this way, she can understand the worries they face and, based on that understanding, take them into account when leading the courses.
In the image on the right we can see how a mother is hugging her son very tightly, because at that moment she is going through a very difficult situation within her own home.
In the image on the right, we also see a girl who smokes, and sometimes those habits are hard to break. But, of course, she can also be helped.
The image on the right shows a sister receiving bad news from the doctor, as evidenced by her surprised expression as she covers her face with her hand. She's rehearsing these situations to figure out what to say to each person.
When we prepare for preaching, we must understand the concerns of the people we teach and learn to take an interest in them.
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).
Jesus differed from the Pharisees in that he did not consider himself superior to others. They believed themselves superior and treated people with contempt. In contrast, Jesus was kind and respectful to others, and because he was “gentle and humble in heart,” this contributed to his being an excellent teacher.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jesus was very different from the Pharisees because he was genuinely and authentically interested in the people who listened to him. And that's something people always sense when someone is teaching them. Jesus was kind and very respectful of others; as the Scriptures say, he was gentle and humble in heart. And that, in turn, contributed to him being an excellent teacher.
Jesus' example gives us a foundation for cultivating that wisdom and emotional intelligence, and thus reaching people as our great Master did. If we do this, we will undoubtedly be able to draw people to the truth.
Matthew 23:13 speaks of how Jesus tells the Pharisees that they did not let people into the Kingdom of God because they imposed burdens that were very difficult to bear.
The Pharisees' attitude is clearly reflected in John 7:49. When the soldiers said they hadn't arrested Jesus because they had never heard anyone speak like him, the Pharisees replied, "This crowd that doesn't know the Law is a cursed people." That was the attitude the people perceived. In contrast, Jesus showed compassion for people, and that made a huge difference.
Matthew 11:28-30 shows that Jesus was gentle and humble in heart, and he demonstrated this through his actions, his words, and his reasons for speaking them. We observe that Jesus not only helped a great number of people, unlike the Pharisees, but he also focused on those especially in need, whether healing the sick or treating with kindness those he had to correct because they were wrong or struggling spiritually.
The way Jesus treated people produced what he mentions at the end of Matthew 11:29: that they found relief. This teaches us that if we strive to improve our teaching, we can help people find the relief they so desperately need in Jehovah's Word.
6. What will help us show kindness and respect towards those who reject or oppose the message?
It will help us to follow Jesus’ counsel at Luke 6:27, 28, which says: “Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who insult you.” It will also help us to consider that some people treat us badly because they are stressed due to family problems or some situation that has nothing to do with us, or perhaps we simply arrive at a bad time.
Striving to understand people and their needs will help us not to be easily offended and we can be better teachers.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It will help us to make an effort to understand and take an interest in people, understanding what they are going through and their needs. Perhaps we have arrived at a bad time or they are going through difficult situations at home and cannot, at that moment, manage our visit in any other way. Therefore, we must be understanding.
In the previous article, we saw the principle of Proverbs 19:11 applied to our brothers and sisters, by looking beyond appearances and considering the possible reasons why someone might react negatively. Keeping this principle in mind also helps us avoid taking things personally, as if people have something against the Witnesses or against us. Rather, as Colossians 4:6 says, our words should always be gracious.
In these words of Jesus, we can highlight three ideas: “treat well,” “bless,” and “pray.” In other words, we must act this way toward those who treat us badly.
We have seen in the example of Jesus that the first thing we must do is take an interest in people and be empathetic. And, once we do this, we must also speak to them with kindness and respect.
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).
Jesus demonstrated that he based his teachings on the Word of God because he did not rely on his own ideas or human opinions, but repeatedly quoted Scripture. Furthermore, he used the Word of God to teach clearly and authoritatively what his Father's will was.
Instead of trying to impress his listeners with the knowledge he had from living in heaven or making them feel like they knew nothing, he focused on using God's Word to teach them his Father's will.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We know that the scribes, when they spoke, quoted other well-known, but human, people. Jesus was the wisest person who ever lived on Earth, and he didn't base his teachings on his own or on everything he had learned while with his Father, but every time he spoke he quoted the Scriptures, because, as we have read, what he taught did not come from him, but from his Father.
The important thing is that Jesus didn't demonstrate his knowledge to show others that he knew more than everyone else, as the scribes did. He used his knowledge to teach people and make them feel good, to make them feel welcome, and to show them that Jehovah was a God of love; he didn't use it to attract attention.
The study note contrasts the teaching methods of Jesus and the scribes. The scribes were accustomed to quoting important rabbis as authorities, but in Jesus' case, it was the Word of God. This made a significant difference. And, since Jesus based his teachings on the Bible, they were easy to understand and remember.
Jesus was a person who spoke from the Scriptures and amazed people with how much he knew without having studied anywhere. At the end of John 7:16, Jesus says: “What I teach is not my own, but the one who sent me.” Clearly, Jesus emphasized what Jehovah had taught him and what Jehovah wanted him to convey.
8. How did the apostle Peter follow Jesus' example?
The apostle Peter followed Jesus' example by using God's Word in his teaching, as he did at Pentecost in 33 AD. Although he was not highly educated, he touched people's hearts by using Scripture to explain the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus. As a result, those who readily accepted his message were baptized, and about 3,000 people joined the disciples.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Although Peter was a man without much 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.
Acts 2:1-4 describes how the disciples had just received the gift of speaking in tongues. Peter then explained to them that this was the fulfillment of a prophecy from Joel, which foretold the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and that it was proof that Jesus had risen from the dead. When he spoke to them about Jesus, he said, “The one you crucified.” These might have seemed like harsh words, because most of them didn’t even know Jesus, but they belonged to the nation that had killed him. And when he said this, it really touched their hearts, because, as the verses say, they felt deep sorrow and asked what they should do.
Peter, though not a man with formal education, knew how to touch their hearts by quoting Scripture, specifically the prophecy of Joel. As a result, 3,000 people were baptized.
Peter's speech was impressive. Aside from some prophecies, he gave a historical overview. He told them about David and how even David had predicted Jesus' death, that he wouldn't be kept in the tomb, and that he would later be resurrected. He also explained that this Jesus was already in heaven with his Father, that he had sent the Holy Spirit, and that's why they could speak in tongues.
A man who was a fisherman, who had no great knowledge and had not studied in rabbinical schools, was able to give a historical overview to explain Jehovah's purpose and how people now had to leave Judaism and become Christians.
9. Why should we use the Bible when teaching?
We must use the Bible when teaching because there is no better tool than God's Word to reach people's hearts. Furthermore, 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. We want to preach "the word," not our own ideas, and by using the Bible in our teaching, we are letting Jehovah speak.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When we use the Bible to teach, we are, so to speak, letting Jehovah speak.
In reality, when we preach, we are simply an instrument, because we convey the message of the Word; that is, what Jehovah wants mankind to know so that they can put their lives in harmony with what he expects.
Proverbs 2:6 says that the Lord gives wisdom and that knowledge and understanding come from his mouth. So speaking his word will give people the knowledge they need.
Hebrews 4:12 says that the word of God is alive and active. That is, nothing we can say can surpass that. Therefore, we must use the word of God.
As it says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, if we use God's Word, it will teach us its purpose. For example, it will correct and rebuke our bad tendencies and actions, and it will also rectify things we might see from a purely human perspective. So it's important to use God's Word for our own lives and to teach others.
It's obvious: if you need to fix something and you have the best tool, take the tool and fix it. And the paragraph says, “There is no better tool than the Word of God to reach people's hearts.” So, let's use the Word of God.
10. How can we focus the student's attention on the Bible?
We can focus the student's attention on the Bible by preparing well and highlighting its teachings. During class, it's important to read key texts with them and help them reflect on what they learn, giving them time to grasp the meaning and even reread them if necessary.
We must also ensure that he understands that the videos and images are only aids, and that the Bible is the primary source. This way, the student will be clear that he is learning from God's Word, and not from the resources provided.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When we conduct Bible studies, it's important to read key texts, but it's even more important to help people think about what they learn from those biblical texts and the underlying principles. And when we show images or videos, they should also grasp the biblical principle behind them. In this way, people will realize they are studying the Bible, not just a book or looking at a picture.
We must personalize our teaching. The same lesson can be presented to different people or students. We must do everything we can to ensure they understand, and we don't all understand in the same way. That's why preparation is so important, taking into account each student's needs and helping them understand.
Sometimes we need to be patient, because not everyone grasps the meaning of biblical texts, verses, or principles at the same time. We need to help them understand and even reread key passages so they can grasp what 1 Corinthians 2:13 means: “words taught by the Spirit.”
11, 12. (a) How can we be patient with our student? (Acts 17:1-4; see also the picture.)
We can be patient with our student by remembering that not everyone progresses at the same pace and by applying the counsel to preach with great patience. This also involves giving him enough time to respond, avoiding talking too much, and listening attentively to understand his way of thinking. Furthermore, we can reason with him using Scripture as often as necessary, just as Paul did.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
For example, ask him a question, give him time to think and answer, and avoid the temptation to talk too much; rather, let the student express himself.
Sometimes we may have to explain the same things several times because people struggle to understand. That's what the apostle Paul did, as the account in Acts 17:1-4 shows. He tried to persuade the Jews, proving with references that it was necessary for Christ to die and suffer. Perhaps one conversation would have sufficed, but he reasoned with them for three Sabbaths, which demonstrates patience.
Luke 11:28 says: “Blessed are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” So we could help them see that, in order for them to have true happiness and make Jehovah happy, it is important to put into practice everything they learn in their Bible study.
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.
The New World Translation also features an “Introduction to God’s Word.” There, at the beginning, we find a series of questions that the person studying the Bible may have asked themselves, or that their relatives or friends may have asked themselves, and which can help them see the practical value of the Bible, since it not only explains doctrine but also practical aspects for our times.
11, 12. b) What should we remember about some people, and how can we help them?
We must remember that some people have never had contact with the Bible or know very little about it, so they may need more time to understand. To help them, we can bring them a Bible, show them sections like the "Introduction to the Word of God," and use clear verses that allow them to see their practical value. In this way, little by little, they will be able to better understand and appreciate what the Bible teaches.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Not everyone progresses at the same pace. We have to remember that we may be with a person who has never seen a Bible before or has never owned a Bible and has no idea what it says.
The paragraph mentions that it is helpful, for example, to carry the New World Translation in paper form so that you can show her the introductory section to God's Word, so that she can see for herself the amount of information that the Bible contains.
Some people have never seen a Bible and don't know how to look it up or what chapters and verses are. Bringing a physical copy for them to look at will help them learn how to search. They also have the idea that it's a very old book and not practical for today, but showing them the Bible's practical value will also help them.
In the image, we see the sister on the left listening to a young woman, who appears to be the same one from the previous image where she was smoking. The young woman is telling her about her problems, her addictions, and her worries, and the sister is doing what we should all do and what a good teacher does: speak little and listen much.
In the image, the most important thing is that the nun is listening very carefully to her student. We can also see that the student has her own style, as she's carrying a backpack with a skull on it.
Jesus knew what was inside man. We cannot know what is in people's hearts if we do not listen to them.
In the image, we see that the sister is very attentive and listens carefully to her student. And perhaps it's not even the answer to the question the sister asked, but she listens, doesn't interrupt or speak up. She doesn't say, "No, that's not how it is." It's important to listen to what the student has to say in order to help them; otherwise, we won't be able to.
In the picture, we see them beginning the first lesson of the Enjoy booklet. They aren't even using the book yet. So, it seems the young woman has many concerns, questions, and doubts.
Instead of focusing on our own ideas or our knowledge, let's make everything revolve around the Word of God, which, as we have seen, is superior to any human idea.
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.
When we are teaching, we want to focus attention on Jehovah, helping people to know him and draw close to him.
An example is that of the lighting technician in a play: he doesn't focus on himself, but directs the lights toward the main characters. Similarly, we direct attention to Jehovah, not to ourselves.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We want to focus attention on Jehovah. Just as a theater lighting technician directs the spotlight to the main characters, we direct all attention to Jehovah, not to ourselves.
The example of the lighting technician is simple, but very important, and it's something we shouldn't forget. It's not just about focusing the light, but about making sure we direct attention properly toward the person, like a singer or an actor in a play. In other words, it's not enough to mention Jehovah; we must make sure the focus is truly on him and not on ourselves.
Focusing our attention on Jehovah is something we need to do during our study, using the pictures, videos, and everything else that is directed toward Jehovah. And sometimes, we will need time to prepare so that we can do that.
14. How can we help the student cultivate a desire to make Jehovah happy?
We can help the student cultivate a desire to please Jehovah by motivating him to think about Him. It is not about him following a set of rules, but about him making changes because he wants to please God.
To achieve this, we can ask him questions that will help him reflect, such as why Jehovah disapproves of a certain practice or how that demonstrates his love. The more he thinks about Jehovah and gets to know him better, the more he will appreciate how wonderful Jehovah is and feel a desire to please him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A very nice idea is that, if he needs to make changes in his life, he should be taught why. It's not to please us, but primarily out of love for Jehovah and to make Jehovah happy.
A very nice idea is that, if he needs to make changes in his life, he should be taught why. It's not to please us, but primarily out of love for Jehovah and to make Jehovah happy.
The text of Proverbs 27:11 is very important because there Jehovah speaks to us like a father, saying: “Be wise, my son.” Jehovah speaks to us and teaches us like a father. In the same way, when we teach our children, we rejoice when we see them put into practice what we teach them. How pleased Jehovah must be that we are children who obey his commands!
The questions we are encouraged to ask are: Why does Jehovah hate that practice? Why does he want you to stop? And how does that show you that Jehovah loves you? Then, instead of asking why we shouldn't do this or why we should start doing that, we focus on Jehovah's personality and can cultivate a desire to please him of our own free will. It's not about meeting requirements, but about drawing closer to Jehovah.
Proverbs 27:11 shows that there is a challenge involved and that everything we do responds to that challenge. These are not trivial matters or issues that only affect our lives or that no one else cares about; Jehovah cares about them, and moreover, by our attitude and our way of behaving, we respond to Satan.
We are not asking the person to quit smoking or do something just to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses. We need to help them understand that quitting smoking is because Jehovah wants them to, and it is a way of showing him love. It is not simply about fulfilling requirements to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Rather, we make these changes to make Jehovah happy and to please him.
Something very important is to motivate the student to think about Jehovah, so that he realizes that the more he thinks about his qualities and how he is helping him, the closer he will get to him and the more he will want to make him happy.
LET'S CONTINUE IMPROVING OUR ART OF TEACHING
15. What can we do to continue improving our art of teaching?
We can continue to improve our teaching skills by praying to Jehovah for help and by paying attention to the training we receive and putting it into practice. It is also helpful to ask an experienced brother or sister to accompany us and give us suggestions for improvement.
Furthermore, we should empathize with the student, helping him appreciate the benefits of what he is learning and Jehovah’s promises. In this way, we help him draw closer to God and become his friend.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can pray to Jehovah to help us see ways to improve our teaching. Also, when we are about to teach a student, we can invite an experienced brother or sister to give us some advice afterward on how to improve.
We're told to pay close attention to the midweek meetings, and this is very important because that's where we learn and are trained to be better teachers. One idea or suggestion is that, even if we don't have that assignment or it's not ours, we prepare it as if we were going to present it. This way, when we go to lead the study, we'll be better prepared to do it effectively.
Our goal is for our student to become a friend of Jehovah. As Psalm 1:1-3 says, we want him to enjoy Jehovah’s law, to read it and meditate on it day and night, and as a result, to be like a tree planted by streams of water, flourishing and successful in everything he does.
The paragraph mentions that we should help the student appreciate the benefits of what he is learning and Jehovah's beautiful promises. In this way, he will be able to internalize them and enjoy a close relationship with Jehovah.
16. Why is it good that we continue to improve our art of teaching?
It is good that we continue to improve our teaching skills because there will be a great need for teaching in the new world. Furthermore, teaching about Jehovah is one of the things that brings us the most joy. For this reason, we continue to show interest in people, focusing on God's Word and keeping Jehovah in mind.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
If we improve our art of teaching now, it will also be useful to us in the new world, for example, when we teach those who are resurrected.
We should think of ourselves as teaching people about Jehovah. So, when preaching this good news, we should focus on Jehovah God. That will also make us better teachers, because we are teaching the student to know Jehovah and to love him.
When we preach and talk about Jehovah, we feel happy. And many of us have experienced that when we have had a good conversation and see that the seed has been planted, we go home very content. So let's think, "Could I do even better?" If we do, we will feel even happier.
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 circumstances. This involves putting ourselves in their shoes, recognizing that everyone suffers in some way, and developing empathy for them.
Also, following Jesus' example, we treat them with kindness and respect, without considering ourselves superior. Even when someone rejects the message or objects, we show interest by being patient, responding kindly, and using pleasant words.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We show that we care about people when we try to understand their circumstances and concerns.
We show that we care about people by following Jesus' example, treating them with respect and kindness. And we should never be offended if we are rejected, because what's important is to leave the door open.
Why is it important to focus on God's Word when teaching?
It is important to focus on God's Word when teaching because it is the best tool for reaching people's hearts. We do not preach our own ideas, but what Jehovah teaches through the Bible.
Furthermore, the Bible is superior to human wisdom, since it is inspired by God and gives us knowledge, discernment, and guidance to please him and live a full life. When we teach using the Bible, we allow Jehovah to speak, not human ideas.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It's important because if we don't do it, we won't get results. We saw the example of Jesus, but we also have an example closer to home: the apostle Paul, who was imperfect just like us. Even so, he managed to reach the hearts of 3,000 people because he focused all his attention on the Word of God when teaching others.
Proverbs 2:6 says, “The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Therefore, we want to preach the Word and not our own ideas.
How can we focus on Jehovah when we teach?
We can focus on Jehovah by teaching and helping people to know him and draw closer to him, without focusing on ourselves. We should act like the lighting director in a play, directing attention to the main characters—in this case, Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The student needs to understand that what he learns relates to his own relationship with Jehovah. James 4:8 says that when we draw close to Jehovah, he draws close to us. So, when a person develops love for Jehovah, everything he does will be for him and not simply to meet the requirements to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses or to belong to a group.
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