p. 1

the document contains information that was at the tms 2011 includes references in speeches where research is needed it s just a manual for quick access of speeches it is recommended to make their own investigations in all cases and avail itself of the aid provided by the wt all information has been obtained from the cd rom of the wt 1 www.jw-archive.org

[close]

p. 2

theocratic ministry school references 2012 scheule weeks january jan 2 jan 9 jan 16 jan 23 jan 30 frebuary feb 6 feb 13 feb 20 feb 27 may may 7 may 14 may 21 may 28 september sep 3 sep 10 sep 17 sep 24 june june 4 june 11 june 18 june 25 october oct 1 oct 8 oct 15 oct 22 oct 29 november nov 5 nov 12 nov 19 nov 26 march mar 5 mar 12 mar 19 mar 26 july july 2 july 9 july 16 july 23 july 30 august aug 6 aug 13 aug 20 aug 27 april apr 2 apr 9 apr 16 apr 23 apr 30 december dec 3 dec 10 dec 17 dec 24 dec 31 schedule 2012 letter 2 2 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]

p. 3

theocratic ministry school references 2012 january jan 2 no 1 no 2 no 3 bible reading isaiah 24-28 isaiah 27:1-13 never doubt jehovah s love for you isa 57:15 what is the purpose of human rs p 243 ¶3­p 244 ¶4 bible reading isaiah 24-28 w06 12/1 p 11 highlights from the book of isaiah i 24:13-16 how would the jews become in among the peoples like the beating off of the olive tree like the gleaning when the grape gathering has come to an end just as some fruit is left on a tree or a vine after the harvest only a few would survive the destruction of jerusalem and judah wherever the survivors were deported whether to the region of light [babylon in the east or to the islands of the [mediterranean sea they would glorify jehovah 24:21 who are the army of the height and the kings of the ground the army of the height could well refer to the wicked spirit forces the kings of the ground no 1 isaiah 27:1-13 no 2 never doubt jehovah s love for you isa 57:15 w10 11/15 pp 17-19 jehovah listens to the cry of the lowly one jehovah listens to the cry of the lowly one as wise king solomon of ancient israel observed time and unforeseen occurrence befall [us all eccl 9:11 a tragic event or a painful trial can severely disrupt our life for instance the sudden death of a close family member can be emotionally devastating in the weeks and months that follow feelings of grief and despair may be overwhelming a person can become so disoriented that he feels unworthy to approach jehovah in prayer in such a situation one needs encouragement consideration and love reassuringly the psalmist david sang jehovah is giving support to all who are falling and is raising up all who are bowed down ps 145:14 the bible tells us that jehovah s eyes are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him 2 chron 16:9 he is with the one crushed and lowly in spirit to revive the spirit of the lowly ones and to revive the heart of the ones being crushed isa 57:15 how does jehovah provide support and comfort to the one crushed and lowly in spirit a word at its right time one of the ways jehovah provides help at the right time is through the christian brotherhood christians are admonished to speak consolingly to the depressed souls 1 thess 5:14 expressions of concern and love from compassionate fellow believers can have a stabilizing effect on a person during his time of distress and grief comforting words shared in even a brief conversation can do much to revive the spirit of one bowed low such thoughtful comments may come from someone who has endured similar mental and emotional anguish or they could be insightful observations from a friend who has had much experience in living in these very practical ways jehovah can revive the spirit of a lowly one consider the case of a newly married christian elder named alex who unexpectedly lost his wife in death because she had an incurable illness one empathetic traveling overseer made a point of sharing words of consolation with alex he too had lost his wife in death but had since remarried the traveling overseer described how his own fragile emotions had overwhelmed him he felt fine when he was with others in the ministry and at congregation meetings when he entered his room and closed the door however he felt very lonely what a relief to know that the feelings i was experiencing were normal and had been experienced by others says alex certainly a word at its right time can prove to be a comforting support during distress prov 15:23 another christian elder acquainted with several individuals who had lost their mates in death was motivated to share some encouraging words with alex with fellow feeling he lovingly pointed out that jehovah knows how we feel and what we need if in the months then are the earthly rulers over whom the demons have powerful influence 1 john 5:19 25:7 what is the envelopment that is enveloping over all the peoples and the woven work that is interwoven upon all the nations this comparison draws attention to two great enemies of mankind sin and death 28:1-6 israel will fall to assyria but god will see to it that faithful individuals survive jehovah s judgments do not leave the righteous without hope 28:23-29 jehovah readjusts sincere individuals according to their specific needs and circumstances 3 3 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]

p. 4

theocratic ministry school references 2012 and years to come a companion becomes a need said the brother jehovah s loving provision now is remarriage of course not all who lose a mate in death and subsequently desire to remarry are in a position to get married again but reflecting on the brother s words alex said to be reminded that this is jehovah s provision relieves you of any negative thoughts that you would be disloyal to your mate or to jehovah s marital arrangement by remarrying in the future 1 cor 7:8 9 39 the psalmist david who personally experienced many trials and hardships acknowledged the eyes of jehovah are toward the righteous ones and his ears are toward their cry for help ps 34:15 for a certainty jehovah can answer the cry of the lowly one at the right time through the insightful and discerning expressions of compassionate and mature fellow christians such a provision is both precious and practical help through christian meetings a downhearted person is susceptible to negative thoughts that could push him into isolation however proverbs 18:1 cautions one isolating himself will seek his own selfish longing against all practical wisdom he will break forth alex admitted when you lose your mate your mind is flooded with negative thoughts he recalls asking himself could i have done anything different could i have been more considerate and understanding i didn t want to be alone i didn t want to be single it is very hard to stop this thought pattern because every day you are reminded that you are alone more than ever one who is crushed in spirit needs wholesome association this is readily available at congregation meetings in such an environment we open our mind to god s positive and upbuilding thoughts when under extreme pressure from his enemies king david cried out to god my spirit faints away within me in the midst of me my heart shows itself numbed ps 143:4 adversities often sap a person of physical and emotional strength even numbing the heart affliction may come upon us in the form of sickness or long-term physical infirmities we can be confident that jehovah will help us to endure ps 41:1-3 while god does not miraculously cure anyone today he does grant the sufferer the wisdom and fortitude needed to deal with his condition bear in mind that when weighed down with trials david turned to jehovah i have remembered days of long ago he sang i have meditated on all your activity i willingly kept myself concerned with the work of your own hands ps 143:5 the fact that these inspired sentiments are recorded in god s word indicates that jehovah understands how we feel such words are a guarantee that he listens to our pleadings if we accept jehovah s help `he himself will sustain us ps 55:22 pray incessantly james 4:8 states draw close to god and he will draw close to you one way to come near to god is through prayer the apostle paul admonishes us to pray incessantly 1 thess 5:17 even if we have to struggle to put our feelings into words the spirit itself pleads for us with groanings unuttered rom 8:26 27 jehovah certainly understands how we feel monika who enjoys such intimacy with jehovah says through prayer bible reading and personal study i have come to feel that jehovah has become my closest friend he has become so real to me that i can see his hand in my life constantly it is a comfort to know that even when i cannot explain how i feel he understands me i know that his kindnesses and blessings are endless christian meetings help us to put our situation in proper perspective as we listen to and meditate on bible by all means then let us accept the loving and passages we focus our thoughts on the truly important consoling expressions of fellow christians apply the kind issues at stake the vindication of jehovah s sovereignty counsel and faith-strengthening reminders heard at and the sanctification of his name not just our own christian meetings and pour out our heart to jehovah in personal suffering moreover during such times of spiritual prayer these timely provisions are jehovah s way of instruction we are fortified in knowing that even if others showing us that he cares for us alex speaks from personal are unaware of the distress we are facing or do not experience when he says if we do our part to keep up understand how we feel jehovah surely does he knows with all that jehovah god provides for us to keep us strong that because of the pain of the heart there is a stricken spiritually we will have `power beyond what is normal to spirit prov 15:13 the true god wants to help us and endure any trial we may face 2 cor 4:7 this gives us the motivation and the strength to go on ps 27:14 w05 8/1 pp 4-5 the bible can help you find joy the bible tells us that jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit he saves god does not despise a heart broken and crushed but he promises to revive the spirit of the lowly ones and to revive the heart of the ones being crushed psalm 34:18 51:17 isaiah 57:15 on one occasion god s son jesus found it necessary to draw to the attention of his disciples the fact that god sees the good in his servants by way of an illustration he related that god notices when a sparrow falls to the ground something that most humans would consider of little importance he also highlighted that god knows the smallest detail about humans even the number of the 4 4 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]

p. 5

theocratic ministry school references 2012 hairs on their head jesus concluded his illustration by saying therefore have no fear you are worth more than many sparrows matthew 10:29-31 jesus indicated that despite what individuals may feel about themselves humans with faith do have value in god s eyes in fact the apostle peter reminds us that god is not partial but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him acts 10:34 35 no 3 what is the purpose of human rs p 243 ¶3­p 244 ¶4 rs p 243 p 245 life what is the purpose of human life basic to having purpose in our lives is recognition of the source of life if life were the product of mindless chance our existence would of necessity be without purpose and there would be no dependable future for which we could plan but acts 17:24 25 28 informs us the god that made the world and all the things in it gives to all persons life and breath and all things for by him we have life and move and exist revelation 4:11 which is addressed to god adds you are worthy jehovah even our god to receive the glory and the honor and the power because you created all things and because of your will they existed and were created see also pages 145-151 under the main heading god frustration results from a life course that conflicts with the creator s requirements and his guidelines for happiness galatians 6:7 8 warns do not be misled god is not one to be mocked for whatever a man is sowing this he will also reap because he who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh also galatians 5:19-21 see also the main heading independence the inheritance of sin from adam prevents humans from having at present full enjoyment of life as god purposed at the beginning romans 8:20 states that as a result of divine judgment following adam s sin the creation [humankind was subjected to futility regarding his own situation as a sinful human the apostle paul wrote i am fleshly sold under sin for the good that i wish i do not do but the bad that i do not wish is what i practice i really delight in the law of god according to the man i am within but i behold in my members another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin s law that is in my members miserable man that i am rom 7:14 19 22-24 we find the greatest happiness possible now and our lives take on richness of meaning when we apply bible principles and put first the doing of god s will we do not enrich god by serving him he teaches us `to benefit ourselves isa 48:17 the bible counsels become steadfast unmovable always having plenty to do in the work of the lord knowing that your labor is not in vain in connection with the lord 1 cor 15:58 the bible sets before us the prospect of eternal life in perfection if we put faith in jehovah s provisions for life and walk in his ways that hope is solidly based it will not lead to disappointment activity in harmony with that hope can fill our lives with real meaning even now john 3:16 titus 1:2 1 pet 2:6 5 5 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]

p. 6

theocratic ministry school references 2012 january jan 9 no 1 no 2 no 3 bible reading isaiah 29-33 isaiah 30:15-26 were humans made to live briefly and then die rs p 245 ¶1­p 246 ¶2 how can imperfect humans sanctify jehovah s name matt 6:9 bible reading isaiah 29-33 w06 12/1 p 11 highlights from the book of isaiah i 30:15 salvation by jehovah requires that we show faith by resting or refraining from seeking salvation through human schemes by keeping undisturbed or not no 1 isaiah 30:15-26 no 2 were humans made to live briefly and then die rs p 245 ¶1­p 246 ¶2 rs p 245 life were humans made simply to live for a few years and then die gen 2:15-17 jehovah god proceeded to take the man [adam and settle him in the garden of eden to cultivate it and to take care of it and jehovah god also laid this command upon the man `from every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction but as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad you must not eat from it for in the day you eat from it you will positively die god here spoke of death not as an unavoidable circumstance but as what would result from sin he was urging adam to avoid it compare romans 6:23 gen 2:8 9 jehovah god planted a garden in eden toward the east and there he put the man whom he had no 3 how can imperfect humans sanctify jehovah s name matt 6:9 w04 2/1 p 9 lord teach us how to pray love for jehovah s name the opening petition immediately puts first things first it states let your name be sanctified matthew 6:9 yes the sanctification of jehovah s name should be of primary concern to us because we love him and hate to see all the reproach that has been heaped upon his name satan s rebellion and his inducing the first human couple to disobey jehovah god slandered his name by calling into question the way god was exercising his universal sovereignty genesis 3:1-6 furthermore through the centuries jehovah s name has been reproached by the shameful acts and teachings of those claiming to represent him 5 being fearful we also demonstrate trust in jehovah s ability to protect us 30:20 21 we `see jehovah and hear his voice of salvation by heeding what he says through his inspired word the bible and through the faithful and discreet slave matthew 24:45 formed thus jehovah god made to grow out of the ground every tree desirable to one s sight and good for food and also the tree of life in the middle of the garden after adam s sin the human pair were driven out of eden so that they would not eat from the tree of life according to genesis 3:22 23 so it seems that if adam had remained obedient to his creator god would in time have permitted him to eat from that tree as a symbol of his having proved worthy to live forever the presence of the tree of life in eden pointed to such a prospect ps 37:29 the righteous themselves will possess the earth and they will reside forever upon it this promise makes it clear that god s basic purpose regarding the earth and mankind has not changed our prayer for the sanctification of jehovah s name shows where we stand on the issue of universal sovereignty squarely behind jehovah s right to govern the universe jehovah wants the universe to be inhabited by intelligent creatures who willingly and joyfully submit to his righteous sovereignty because they love him and love all that his name represents 1 chronicles 29:10-13 psalm 8:1 148:13 our love for jehovah s name will help us to refrain from doing anything that might bring reproach upon that holy name ezekiel 36:20 21 romans 2:21-24 since the peace of the universe and its inhabitants depends on the sanctification of jehovah s name and loving submission to his sovereignty our prayer let your name be sanctified is an expression of our confidence that jehovah s purpose will be fulfilled to his praise ezekiel 38:23 6 6 6 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]

p. 7

theocratic ministry school references 2012 january jan 16 no 1 no 2 no 3 bible reading isaiah 34-37 isaiah 35:1-10 jehovah is deserving of our trust ps 25:1-5 on what basis can we hope to live forever rs p 246¶5-7 bible reading isaiah 34-37 w07 1/15 pp 8-9 highlights from the book of isaiah ii 36:2 3 22 though dismissed from serving as a steward shebna was allowed to continue in the king s service as a secretary to his replacement isaiah 22:15 19 if we are removed from a position of responsibility in jehovah s organization for some reason should we not continue to serve god in whatever capacity he permits 37:1 14 15 38:1 2 in times of distress we are wise to turn to jehovah in prayer and place our full trust in him no 1 isaiah 35:1-10 no 2 jehovah is deserving of our trust ps 25:1-5 w01 10/15 p 21 par 17 acquire a heart agreeable to jehovah 17 37:15-20 38:2 3 when jerusalem was under the assyrian threat hezekiah s prime concern was that her overthrow would bring reproach on jehovah s name upon learning that his sickness would prove fatal hezekiah had concerns that went beyond himself what weighed more heavily on his mind was what his dying heirless would mean for the davidic line of kings he was also concerned about who would lead the fight against the assyrians like hezekiah we consider the sanctification of jehovah s name and the outworking of his purpose more important than our own salvation trust in jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding admonished king solomon proverbs 3:5 a heart that is trusting in jehovah knows that whatever he asks or directs through his word is always right isaiah 48:17 jehovah is certainly worthy of our complete trust he is able to carry out all that he has w75 11/15 p 700 a god who merits our trust could say to the israelites not a promise failed out of all the good promise that jehovah had made to the house of israel it all came true josh 21:45 human promises are often unreliable despite this there are still people whom we trust why our confidence no obstacle can stop the fulfillment is mainly based on their past record of dependability and trustworthiness we know that any number of things could how different it is with man unless he can carry out his prevent them from carrying out what they have promised promise in a comparatively short time he may be but we do not let these possibilities keep us from trusting prevented by unforeseen occurrences from ever doing so them his word of promise could become a dead word but in the case of the eternal god his word of promise is always what about our creator does he not merit far greater `alive and powerful heb 4:12 nothing can prevent its trust yes he has given us basis for being sure that accomplishment nothing will ever prevent a single promise of his from being fulfilled the past record of jehovah god as a fulfiller of through his prophet isaiah 55:10 11 jehovah his word is without as much as even one flaw take the declared just as the pouring rain descends and the case of the israelites in the time of joshua they witnessed snow from the heavens and does not return to that place the fulfillment of god s promise that they would be given unless it actually saturates the earth and makes it produce the land of canaan a promise that had been made to and sprout and seed is actually given to the sower and their forefather abraham over four hundred years earlier bread to the eater so my word that goes forth from my gen 15:13-21 also in fulfillment of god s promise given mouth will prove to be it will not return to me without through moses and with divine help and protection they results but it will certainly do that in which i have delighted succeeded in taking over canaan despite the fierce and it will have certain success in that for which i have sent opposition of stronger nations deut 7:17-21 11:23 it looking back on what jehovah god had done joshua purposed isaiah 40:26 29 why his very name literally means he causes to become which builds confidence in his ability to fulfill what he has promised he is righteous in all his ways and loyal in all his works psalm 145:17 of course to cultivate trust in him we need to taste and see that jehovah is good by applying what we learn from the bible in our personal life and by reflecting upon the good that this produces psalm 34:8 7 7 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]

p. 8

theocratic ministry school references 2012 once rain or snow starts falling who can prevent the precipitation from filtering down into the soil the water descending in the form of snow or rain is bound to accomplish its purpose combining with nutrients in the soil it will provide what plants need to grow and to produce fruit in the case of grain part of the seed produced may be set aside for sowing in the next season and a far larger portion may be ground into flour for making bread in this way the ultimate purpose of the precipitation is realized no 3 on what basis can we hope to live forever rs p 246¶5-7 rs p 246 life on what basis can anyone hope to have more than his present brief human existence matt 20:28 the son of man [jesus christ came not to be ministered to but to minister and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many john 3:16 god loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten son in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life heb 5:9 after he [jesus christ had been made perfect he became responsible for everlasting salvation to all those obeying him also john 3:36 w97 8/15 pp 13-14 living for today or for an 8 immortality means more than simply never dying it eternal future involves the power of an indestructible life hebrews foundations for belief in everlasting life 7:16 compare revelation 20:6 what though does god accomplish in granting such a remarkable gift recall 7 be assured that the hope of everlasting life is no mansatan s challenge that none of god s creatures could be made dream or fantasy as titus 1:2 says our godly trusted job 1:9-11 2:4 5 by granting the 144,000 devotion is based on a hope of the everlasting life which immortality god indicates his complete confidence in this god who cannot lie promised before times long lasting it group that has so outstandingly answered satan s was god s original purpose for all obedient humans to live challenge but what of the rest of mankind jesus told the forever genesis 1:28 nothing not even the rebellion of initial members of this little flock of kingdom heirs that adam and eve can thwart this purpose as recorded at they would sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of genesis 3:15 god immediately promised a seed that israel luke 12:32 22:30 this implies that others will would undo all the harm inflicted on mankind when the receive everlasting life on earth as subjects of his seed or messiah jesus arrived he made the hope of kingdom while these other sheep are not given eternal life one of his basic teachings john 3:16 6:47 51 immortality they do receive everlasting life john 10:16 10:28 17:3 by laying down his perfect life as a ransom matthew 25:46 everlasting life is thus the hope of all christ obtained the legal right to bestow everlasting life on christians it is no fantasy but something solemnly mankind matthew 20:28 some of his disciples 144,000 promised by god who cannot lie and paid for with the in all will live forever in the heavens revelation 14:1-4 precious blood of jesus titus 1:2 thus some once-mortal humans will put on immortality 1 corinthians 15:53 8 8 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]

p. 9

theocratic ministry school references 2012 january jan 23 no 1 no 2 no 3 bible reading isaiah 38-42 isaiah 39:1 40:5 how will prospects for future life be realized rs p 246¶8­p 247¶1 the superiority of divine education phil 3:8 bible reading isaiah 38-42 w07 1/15 pp 9-10 highlights from the book of isaiah ii 38:9-20 this song of hezekiah teaches us that nothing is more important in life than to be able to praise jehovah 40:27 28 why did israel say my way has been concealed from jehovah and justice to me eludes my god some jews in babylon may have felt that the injustices they were suffering were concealed from jehovah or unseen by him they were reminded that babylon was not beyond the reach of the creator of the earth who does not tire out or grow weary no 1 isaiah 39:1 40:5 40:10-14 26 28 jehovah is strong and gentle allpowerful and all-wise and far greater in understanding than we can comprehend 40:17 23 41:29 44:9 59:4 political alliances and idols are `unrealities trusting in them has no value at all 42:18 19 43:8 to close our eyes to god s written word and to shut our ears to his instruction through the faithful and discreet slave is to become spiritually blind and deaf matthew 24:45 no 2 how will prospects for future life be realized rs p 246¶8­p 247¶1 rs p 246 p 247 life how will the prospects for future life be realized acts 24:15 i have hope toward god which hope these men themselves also entertain that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous this will include persons who faithfully served god in the past as well as the large number who never knew enough about the true god to accept or to reject his ways john 11:25 26 jesus said to her [the sister of a man whom he thereafter restored to life `i am the resurrection and the life he that exercises faith in me even though he dies will come to life and everyone that is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all do you believe this so besides the hope of resurrection jesus held out something else for persons living when the present wicked world comes to its end those with the hope of being earthly subjects of god s kingdom have the prospect of surviving and never dying at all is there any evidence in the makeup of the human body that it was designed to live forever no 3 the superiority of divine education phil 3:8 w09 9/15 pp 21-25 pars 1-16 the excelling value of divine education from an early age robert excelled in school when he was just eight years old one of his teachers paid a special visit to his home and told him that there was no limit to what he might accomplish she expressed the hope that he would one day become a medical doctor his academic achievements as a high-school student qualified him to attend any of the best universities in his country but robert chose to forgo what many viewed as a once-in-alifetime opportunity in order to pursue his goal of serving as a regular pioneer like robert many christians young and old have opportunities for advancement in the present system of things some choose not to make full use of those opportunities so that they can pursue spiritual goals 2 it is widely recognized that the capacity of the human brain far exceeds any use to which we put it during our present lifetime whether we live to 70 or even 100 years of age the encyclopædia britannica states that the human brain is endowed with considerably more potential than is realizable in the course of one person s lifetime 1976 vol 12 p 998 scientist carl sagan states that the human brain could hold information that would fill some twenty million volumes as many as in the world s largest libraries cosmos 1980 p 278 regarding the capacity of the human brain s filing system biochemist isaac asimov wrote that it is perfectly capable of handling any load of learning and memory which the human being is likely to put upon it and a billion times more than that quantity too the new york times magazine october 9 1966 p 146 why was the human brain endowed with such a capacity if it was not to be used is it not reasonable that humans with the capacity for endless learning were actually designed to live forever 9 9 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]

p. 10

theocratic ministry school references 2012 1 cor 7:29-31 what motivates christians like robert to expend themselves in the preaching work in addition to their love for jehovah which is the foremost reason they appreciate the excelling value of divine education have you considered lately what your life might be like if you had not come to a knowledge of the truth reflecting on some of the outstanding blessings we enjoy as a result of being taught by jehovah will help us to maintain our appreciation for the good news and to be zealous in sharing it with others privileged to be taught by god in his goodness jehovah is willing to teach imperfect humans speaking prophetically of anointed christians isaiah 54:13 says all your sons will be persons taught by jehovah and the peace of your sons will be abundant those words apply in principle to christ s other sheep as well john 10:16 this is clear from a prophecy that is being fulfilled in our day isaiah saw in vision people from all the nations streaming to true worship he describes them as saying to one another let us go up to the mountain of jehovah to the house of the god of jacob and he will instruct us about his ways and we will walk in his paths isa 2:1-3 what a privilege it is to be taught by god how can we qualify to benefit from divine education a major requirement is that a person be meek and teachable the psalmist david wrote good and upright is jehovah he will teach the meek ones his way ps 25:8 9 and jesus said i publicly praise you father lord of heaven and earth because you have carefully hidden these things from wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to babes luke 10:21 do you not feel drawn to a god who gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones 1 pet 5:5 as servants of jehovah can we credit ourselves with having the good sense to find the truth no in fact on our own initiative we would never have come to a knowledge of god jesus said no man can come to me unless the father who sent me draws him john 6:44 by means of the preaching work and by means of holy spirit jehovah is drawing sheeplike individuals the desirable things of all the nations hag 2:7 are you not grateful to be one of those whom jehovah has drawn to his son read jeremiah 9:23 24 the power to improve lives using a beautiful word picture isaiah s prophecy depicts the transformation of human personalities that is taking place in our time formerly violent people have become peaceable read isaiah 11:6-9 those who were once at enmity with one another because of differences in race nationality tribe or some other cultural background have learned to dwell together in unity figuratively speaking they have `beaten their swords into plowshares isa 2:4 what accounts for these remarkable changes people have taken in the knowledge of jehovah and 6 5 4 3 have applied it in their lives although god s servants are imperfect they form a true international brotherhood the universal appeal of the good news and the fine fruitage it produces testify to the excelling value of divine education matt 11:19 the apostle paul likened the ministry of god s servants to spiritual warfare he wrote the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly but powerful by god for overturning strongly entrenched things for we are overturning reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of god 2 cor 10:4 5 what are some of the strongly entrenched things from which divine education frees people the burden of false teachings superstitions and human philosophies to mention just a few col 2:8 divine education helps people to overcome bad practices and to cultivate godly qualities 1 cor 6:911 it improves family life and it gives those without hope a real purpose in life this is the kind of education that is needed today one of the qualities that jehovah helps people to develop is honesty as the following experience shows heb 13:18 a woman in india accepted a bible study and in time qualified as an unbaptized publisher one day while returning home from working on a kingdom hall construction project she found on the ground near a bus station a gold chain worth eight hundred dollars u.s although of humble means she took the chain to the police station and turned it in the police officer there could not believe his eyes later another officer asked her why did you choose to turn in the chain she explained bible teaching has transformed me so i am an honest person now impressed he said to the christian elder who accompanied her to the station there are over 38 million people in this state if you can help ten people to become like this woman it would be a great achievement when we consider the millions of lives that have been improved by divine education do we not have abundant reasons to praise jehovah the transforming power of god s word along with the help that jehovah provides by means of his holy spirit enables people to make profound changes in their lives rom 12:2 gal 5:22 23 colossians 3:10 says clothe yourselves with the new personality which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the one who created it the message found in god s word the bible has the power to reveal what a person really is on the inside and it can change the way he thinks and even how he feels about things read hebrews 4:12 by coming to an accurate knowledge of the scriptures and by conforming his life to jehovah s righteous standards a person can become a friend of god with the prospect of living forever preparation for the future jehovah is in a unique position to help us prepare for the future because he knows what lies ahead he 10 9 8 7 10 10 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]

p. 11

theocratic ministry school references 2012 determines what mankind s future will be isa 46:9 10 bible prophecy reveals that the great day of jehovah is near zeph 1:14 regarding that day the words of proverbs 11:4 will prove true valuable things will be of no benefit on the day of fury but righteousness itself will deliver from death when the time arrives for jehovah s judgment to be executed on satan s world what will matter is our standing with god money will be worthless in fact ezekiel 7:19 says into the streets they will throw their very silver and an abhorrent thing their own gold will become that foreknowledge can help us to act wisely now one distinct way that divine education prepares us for the coming of jehovah s day is by helping us to set proper priorities the apostle paul wrote to timothy give orders to those who are rich in the present system of things not to be high-minded and to rest their hope not on uncertain riches but on god even if we are not affluent we can benefit from this divinely inspired counsel what does it involve instead of storing up material riches we should strive to work at good and to be rich in fine works by putting spiritual matters first in our lives we `treasure up for ourselves a fine foundation for the future 1 tim 6:17-19 such a course of self-sacrifice reflects practical wisdom for as jesus said what benefit will it be to a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul matt 16:26 27 in view of the nearness of jehovah s day each of us does well to consider `where am i storing up treasure am i slaving for god or for riches matt 6:19 20 24 foremost among the fine works outlined in god s word for christians is the lifesaving work of kingdompreaching and disciple-making matt 24:14 28:19 20 as was the case in the first century some may look down on our ministry read 1 corinthians 1:18-21 but that does not change the value of our message and it does not lessen the importance of giving everyone the opportunity to put faith in it while there is yet time rom 10:13 14 as we help others to benefit from divine education we put ourselves in line to receive many blessings blessed for making sacrifices prior to his becoming a christian the apostle paul was being groomed for success in the jewish system of things when he was likely no more than 13 years old he moved from his native city of tarsus to jerusalem to study under the highly esteemed law teacher gamaliel acts 22:3 in time paul began to stand out among his 13 12 11 contemporaries and had he continued in that course he might have risen to prominence in judaism gal 1:13 14 when he accepted the good news and took up the preaching work he left all of that behind did paul regret the choice he had made no in fact he wrote i do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of christ jesus my lord on account of him i have taken the loss of all things and i consider them as a lot of refuse phil 3:8 like paul christians today make sacrifices for the sake of the good news mark 10:29 30 do we miss out because of doing so robert mentioned at the outset speaks for many when he says i have no regrets whatsoever the full-time ministry has brought me joy and satisfaction and it has allowed me to `taste and see that jehovah is good whenever i made material sacrifices in order to pursue spiritual goals jehovah always blessed me with more than what i had sacrificed it is as if i did not really sacrifice anything i have only gained ps 34:8 prov 10:22 if you have been sharing in the preaching and teaching work for some time now you too have no doubt had opportunities to taste and see that jehovah is good have there been times when you sensed the help of his spirit as you were presenting the good news have you seen others eyes light up as jehovah opened their heart to pay attention to the message acts 16:14 has jehovah helped you to overcome obstacles perhaps opening the way for you to expand your ministry has he supported you in times of difficulty enabling you to continue serving him when you felt that your strength was giving out phil 4:13 when we personally experience jehovah s helping hand as we carry out our ministry he becomes more real to us and we feel even closer to him isa 41:10 is it not a blessing to be one of god s fellow workers in the grand work of divine education 1 cor 3:9 many people hope to accomplish something of lasting significance during their lifetime we have seen that even outstanding achievements in today s world are often soon forgotten however the modern-day works that jehovah is accomplishing in connection with the sanctification of his name will no doubt be preserved in a permanent record as part of theocratic history they will be remembered forever prov 10:7 heb 6:10 may we cherish our privilege of sharing in the history-making work of divine education 16 15 14 11 11 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]

p. 12

theocratic ministry school references 2012 january jan 30 bible reading isaiah 43-46 no 1 isaiah 45:15-25 no 2 how god s patience leads to salvation 2 pet 3:9 15 no 3 is it important to get married in accord with legal requirements rs p 248¶2­p 249¶2 bible reading isaiah 43-46 w07 1/15 pp 9-10 highlights from the book of isaiah ii 43:18-21 why were the returning exiles told `not to remember the former things this was not in the sense that they should forget jehovah s past deeds of deliverance rather jehovah wanted them to praise him on the basis of something new that they would experience themselves such as their safe journey to jerusalem perhaps by a more direct desert route a great crowd who come out of the great tribulation will also have new and personal reasons to glorify jehovah revelation 7:9 14 isaiah 45:15-25 how god s patience leads to salvation 2 pet 3:9 15 turn to god and be saved for a certainty the bible has good news for us matthew 24:14 it gives us god s unfailing word that our earth will never come to an end moreover according to bible prophecies we can have faith that just a little while longer and the wicked one will be no more soon only those righteous in god s eyes will possess the earth and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace psalm 37:9-11 29 matthew 5:5 revelation 21:3 4 until then god will continue to call out patiently turn to me and be saved all you at the ends of the earth isaiah 45:22 how will you respond why not make it your determination to turn to god psalm 37:34 exhorts us hope in jehovah and keep his way and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth jehovah s witnesses will be happy to assist you in learning more about god s eternal purpose for the earth and how you can live to see that purpose become a reality 43:25 jehovah wipes out transgressions for his own sake our being freed from bondage to sin and death and gaining life is secondary to the sanctification of jehovah s name 44:8 we have the backing of jehovah who is as stable and firm as a rock we should never be afraid to bear witness about his godship 2 samuel 22:31 32 44:18-20 idolatry is a sign of corruption of the heart nothing should occupy the place of jehovah in our heart 46:10 11 the ability to make `his own counsel stand that is to fulfill his purpose is unmistakable proof of jehovah s godship no 1 no 2 w10 1/1 p 23 will the earth come to an end god s patience leads to our salvation rest assured that jehovah is not slow respecting his promise the bible explains that god has been lovingly demonstrating patience with us thus we are encouraged to consider the patience of our lord as salvation 2 peter 3:9 15 but why has god s patience been necessary for salvation first of all god knows that before he can provide righteous humans with a secure and prosperous home he will have to bring to ruin those ruining the earth revelation 11:18 however because he loves humans jehovah does not desire any to be destroyed consequently our heavenly father has been patiently trying to warn the wicked one from his wicked way to that end jehovah is having the message about his kingdom preached worldwide ezekiel 3:17 18 all who respond favorably to god s warning and bring their life into harmony with his righteous principles will be granted salvation and enjoy everlasting life on a paradise earth es11 p 127 december jehovah s qualities of patience and long-suffering would scarcely have come so prominently to the fore had it not become necessary for him to deal with human imperfections sins and shortcomings jehovah s willingness to do so for thousands of years demonstrates that he possesses these marvelous qualities to a perfect degree and for that we should be most grateful we are all sinners and we all stumble many times jas 3:2 1 john 1:8 9 how grateful we should be that jehovah is willing to forgive in a large way isa 55:7 consider also this fact having been born as imperfect sinners we are in a position to experience the profound joy we feel when god 12 12 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]

p. 13

theocratic ministry school references 2012 forgives us our errors ps 51:5 9 17 personally experiencing that heartwarming characteristic of jehovah strengthens our love for him and encourages us to follow no 3 his example in our dealings with others col 3:13 w10 1/15 4:15 16 is it important to get married in accord with legal requirements rs p 248¶2­p 249¶2 an important part in having a marriage that is accepted as being honorable when defining fornication and adultery we should keep in mind what is stated at titus 3:1 quoted above 1 pet 2:12-15 maintain your conduct fine among the nations that in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify god in the day for his inspection for the lord s sake subject yourselves to every human creation whether to a king as being superior or to governors as being sent by him to inflict punishment on evildoers but to praise doers of good for so the will of god is that by doing good you may muzzle the ignorant talk of the unreasonable men rs p 248 p 249 marriage is it really important to get married in accord with legal requirements titus 3:1 continue reminding them to be in subjection and be obedient to governments and authorities as rulers when people heed these instructions the name of each party to the union is kept above reproach and any children are spared the reproach that falls on those whose parents are not married additionally legal registration of the marriage safeguards the property rights of family members in the event of death of one of the mates heb 13:4 let marriage be honorable among all and the marriage bed be without defilement for god will judge fornicators and adulterers getting legally married plays 13 13 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]

p. 14

theocratic ministry school references 2012 february feb 6 bible reading isaiah 47-51 no 1 isaiah 51:1-11 no 2 the first wedding involved what formalities rs p 249¶3-4 no 3 why would a god of love destroy any humans 2 thess 1:6-9 bible reading isaiah 47-51 w07 1/15 pp 9-10 highlights from the book of isaiah ii 49:6 how is the messiah a light of the nations even though his earthly ministry was limited to the sons of israel this is so because of what happened after jesus death the bible applies isaiah 49:6 to his disciples acts 13:46 47 today anointed christians aided by a great crowd of worshippers serve as a light of the no 1 no 2 isaiah 51:1-11 the first wedding involved what formalities rs p 249¶3-4 together without concerning themselves about legal authority observe too the emphasis that god placed on the permanence of the union gen 1:28 god blessed them [adam and eve and god said to them `be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth here the blessing of the highest legal authority was pronounced upon the union they were authorized to have sex relations and were given an assignment that would fill their lives with meaning nations enlightening peoples to the extremity of the earth matthew 24:14 28:19 20 48:17 18 57:19-21 if we look to jehovah for salvation draw close to him and pay attention to his commandments our peace will be as plentiful as the waters of a flowing river and our righteous deeds as abundant as the waves of the sea those who pay no heed to god s word are like the sea that is being tossed they have no peace rs p 249 p 250 marriage were there any legal formalities when adam and eve began to live together gen 2:22-24 jehovah god proceeded to build the rib that he had taken from the man [adam into a woman and to bring her to the man then the man said `this is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh this one will be called woman because from man this one was taken that is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh notice that it was jehovah god himself the universal sovereign who brought adam and eve together this was not a matter of a man and a woman deciding to live no 3 w10 1/1 pp 14-15 why did god wage war against the canaanites 5 how could a god of love destroy any humans that question is understandable for the destruction of human life is not pleasant to contemplate really though it was god s love that impelled him to take such drastic measures against the wicked to illustrate when a patient develops gangrene doctors often have little choice but to amputate the infected limb few would enjoy performing such a procedure but a good doctor knows that the alternative the spread of infection is worse because he cares he carries out this unpleasant task for the good of his patient similarly jehovah did not enjoy destroying the canaanites he himself says i have no pleasure in the death of the wicked ezekiel 33:11 darby at the same time he purposed for the nation of israel to produce the messiah the one who would open the way to salvation for why would a god of love destroy any humans 2 thess 1:6-9 all those exercising faith john 3:16 thus god simply could not allow israel to become infected by the disgusting practices of the canaanites he therefore ordered the canaanites to be cut off or evicted from the land in so doing god demonstrated outstanding love love that moved him to perform an unpleasant task for the benefit of his faithful worshippers value for us does the record of the canaanites destruction have value for us today yes for romans 15:4 states all the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction that through our endurance and through the comfort from the scriptures we might have hope how does what happened in canaan instruct us and give us hope these accounts teach us much for example god mercifully spared rahab and the gibeonites when they 14 14 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]

p. 15

theocratic ministry school references 2012 turned to him in faith this reminds us that anyone who truly wants to please god can do so regardless of his background or past sins acts 17:30 accounts of the destruction in canaan also give us hope by providing us with a preview of what god will do in the near future they assure us that he will not allow evil to snuff out good completely rather the bible affirms that he w81 1/15 pp 3-5 why will a loving god exact vengeance vengeance from a loving god how can that be is not the thought of a loving god s doing something vengeful a contradiction it might seem that way but let us consider the loving qualities that the creator displays and then we will understand more clearly how this relates to his vengeance when we talk about god s love we can say that it is superlative that is of the highest degree and it has been expressed toward us in a multitude of ways consider for example the earth on which we live the bible says that the earth is `god s gift to humans ps 115:16 and what a marvelous gift think how lovingly god prepared this globe for us god placed it in the heavens for it to get just the right amount of heat and light from the sun and clothed it with a lovely carpet of greenery along with a wide variety of beautifully colored flowers and out of god s love he stocked our earth with an abundance of animal bird and fish life and provided an overflow of grain and other foods ps 104:1 13-15 however god s love is expressed not only in the things he made for us it is also expressed in the way he made us he made us to enjoy his creations how well the psalmist expressed it when he said o jehovah i shall laud you because in a fear-inspiring way i am wonderfully made ps 139:1 14 out of his generosity and love god gave us eyes to behold the beauty of the world about us he gave us ears with which we could delight in different sounds such as music and human voices he gave us a nose by which we could take in the aromas of food and the fragrance of flowers and to top it all is the human brain which reasons remembers and coordinates the body s actions really we have to marvel at god s rich endowment of our bodies truly god is love 1 john 4:8 god of love and of vengeance so the god of love declared himself also to be a god of vengeance but his taking vengeance on his enemies 7 3 2 will soon act to destroy all wicked ones whereas he will deliver those who love him into a righteous new world 2 peter 2:9 revelation 21:3 4 at that time these comforting words will be fulfilled hope in jehovah and keep his way and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth when the wicked ones are cut off you will see it psalm 37:34 would be right why so because it would clear the way for all persons who love god to be glad to rejoice surely we now can rejoice that god will clear the way for us to enjoy his provision of everlasting life notice what god inspired moses to say be glad you nations with his people for he will avenge the blood of his servants and he will pay back vengeance to his adversaries deut 32:43 yes our loving god purposes to vindicate the rightfulness of his rule and to rescue those who love him from their adversaries why he will even rescue us from the great enemy death that comes into our lives by inheritance from our first parents rom 5:12 but how does god do this the bible tells us that he does it by the gift of his son god is love by this the love of god was made manifest in our case because god sent forth his only-begotten son into the world that we might gain life through him the love is in this respect not that we have loved god but that he loved us and sent forth his son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins 1 john 4:8-10 1 cor 15:25 26 so god provided his son jesus christ to release us from the death that comes to us because of the sin inherited from adam yes as the bible says at first timothy 2:6 christ gave himself a corresponding ransom for all who would exercise faith in him jesus could therefore say concerning his sheeplike followers i have come that they might have life and might have it in abundance yes everlasting life john 10:10 yet repeatedly the bible tells us that the `god of love is also a `god of vengeance why because god s love cannot forever tolerate evil nah 1:2 deut 32:35 41 that is why the apostle paul writes about the revelation of the lord jesus from heaven with his powerful angels in a flaming fire as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know god and those who do not obey the good news about our lord jesus 2 thess 1:6-9 how important it is then that we come to know god in this mixed-up world of so many different religions how vital it is as the bible says `to seek the true god and really find him acts 17:27 10 9 8 15 15 www.jw-archive.org tms 2012

[close]