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00:00:01 Our focus in the Watchtower study article 00:00:03 is on how we can unleash 00:00:05 the power of God’s Word 00:00:07 when teaching from the platform. 00:00:10 But, you know, whether we’re teaching 00:00:12 in a congregation setting, 00:00:14 on a Bible study, or in the family, 00:00:16 isn’t it true that all of us, brothers and sisters, 00:00:19 need to ‘pay constant attention to ourselves and to our teaching’? 00:00:23 And we know why that’s so important —because lives are at stake. 00:00:28 And all of us, younger or older, 00:00:32 touch the lives of other people. 00:00:34 So when we teach effectively, 00:00:36 we are giving opportunity to others 00:00:39 to attain the wisdom and the discernment that God’s Word can give them. 00:00:43 That’s why we need to approach any teaching opportunity 00:00:47 seriously and prayerfully. 00:00:50 Over 20 years ago, a kind elder gave me 00:00:53 some constructive counsel after a public talk. 00:00:56 And then, with a warm smile, he said this, 00:00:59 “Remember, none of us teach like Jesus did.” 00:01:04 Well, I’ll never forget that counsel. 00:01:06 Why were those observations so helpful? 00:01:10 Well, it reminded me that when teaching, 00:01:12 our model needs to be Jesus, the Great Teacher. 00:01:16 There’s more to learn from him. 00:01:19 And Jesus’ example reminds us of the need 00:01:21 to remain humble and diligent students of Jehovah 00:01:26 —the Grand Instructor. 00:01:29 Though all of us are teachers on occasion, 00:01:33 isn’t it true that most often 00:01:35 the role we play during spiritual programs 00:01:38 is that of students? 00:01:41 Just for a moment, think about the many hours 00:01:44 we spend as students —not teachers— 00:01:48 when we’re in the audience at congregation meetings, 00:01:52 at assemblies, and at conventions. 00:01:54 Add to that the time we are students 00:01:58 when we buy out time to watch the monthly broadcast, 00:02:01 to prepare for meetings, to engage in family and personal study. 00:02:06 And then think of the added privilege that many of us here have 00:02:09 —to enjoy morning worship five days a week. 00:02:14 You know, a typical program of morning worship 00:02:16 lasts between 20 to 25 minutes. 00:02:18 If you multiply that by 5 days a week and then by 52 weeks, 00:02:23 at a minimum, we are exposed 00:02:26 to at least 86 hours 00:02:29 of divine instruction each year. 00:02:32 But if we’re not careful, 00:02:34 some or much of that valuable instruction, 00:02:37 encouragement, and counsel could just wash over us. 00:02:42 So for the remaining time for our program this morning, 00:02:44 let’s consider some things all of us can do 00:02:47 to listen more effectively 00:02:50 at spiritual programs. 00:02:52 Please, for our first point, open your Bible 00:02:54 to Ezra 7:10, 00:02:58 and let’s consider Ezra’s example. 00:03:01 That’s Ezra 7:10, 00:03:06 and notice the reading carefully: 00:03:08 “Ezra had prepared his heart 00:03:11 “to consult the Law of Jehovah 00:03:14 “and to practice it, 00:03:16 “and to teach its regulations 00:03:18 and judgments in Israel.” 00:03:21 Now, if you have the Bible with the asterisk 00:03:24 next to “prepared his heart,” 00:03:26 if you tap on that, you’ll notice that that could be rendered as 00:03:30 “had determined in his heart.” 00:03:34 Well, what do we learn from Ezra? 00:03:36 He had the right attitude going into a period of study. 00:03:40 He had the right approach to study and learning. 00:03:44 He recognized that it was Jehovah 00:03:46 who would be teaching him through His Law. 00:03:49 And as the verse goes on to say, he first recognized 00:03:53 that he needed to personally practice what he was learning. 00:03:57 Only then would he be in a rightful position 00:04:01 to effectively teach others. 00:04:03 Well, this scripture emphasizes the point we’ve already made, doesn’t it? 00:04:07 Though we are teachers on occasion, 00:04:10 we are always first and foremost 00:04:13 students of God’s Word. 00:04:16 How can we imitate Ezra’s example 00:04:18 and prepare our hearts before study, 00:04:22 before attending a spiritual program 00:04:24 (whether here at Bethel or in the congregation), 00:04:27 before watching a monthly broadcast? 00:04:31 Well, we need to prepare our hearts by specifically praying to Jehovah, 00:04:36 recognizing him as the Source of the teaching. 00:04:40 What should we pray specifically about? 00:04:43 Well, for one, we want to pray that we remain humble 00:04:48 while listening to theocratic instruction. 00:04:51 We need to listen 00:04:53 —no matter how long we’ve been in Jehovah’s classroom— 00:04:56 because none of us know it all, 00:04:59 nor will we ever know it all. 00:05:01 Proverbs 1:5 reminds us 00:05:03 that “a wise person listens and takes in more instruction.” 00:05:09 Well, this leads to another question: 00:05:11 What if we find we have a somewhat negative attitude 00:05:14 toward a certain presentation 00:05:16 —perhaps the material doesn’t interest us, 00:05:20 or we have a negative attitude toward a certain brother 00:05:23 and his teaching ability? 00:05:25 What should we do? 00:05:27 Prepare our heart. 00:05:29 Pray to Jehovah to recognize and appreciate 00:05:34 that the instruction is from him. 00:05:37 Pray to have a thankful spirit. 00:05:40 You know, back in 2002, The Watchtower made this helpful point 00:05:44 in an article that was entitled “Pay More Than the Usual Attention.” 00:05:47 I quote: “Some may tend to gauge the quality of a meeting 00:05:52 “by the teaching abilities of the participants. . . . 00:05:55 “Though the teaching ability of participants is important, 00:05:58 “it is not the sole factor contributing to a meeting’s success. 00:06:02 “Do you not agree that our prime concern should be, 00:06:05 “not how well the speaker delivers his talk, 00:06:08 “but how well we incline our ear? 00:06:12 When we attend meetings,” the article continues, 00:06:15 “and pay attention to what is being presented, 00:06:18 “we are worshiping God in harmony with his will. 00:06:21 “That is what makes the meeting a success. 00:06:24 “If we are eager to take in the knowledge of God, 00:06:26 “we will benefit from meetings, 00:06:28 regardless of a speaker’s abilities.” 00:06:32 What a beautiful reminder for all of us! 00:06:34 So our first point: Like Ezra, 00:06:37 let’s prepare our hearts with prayer, 00:06:40 as students who are determined to always 00:06:44 accept and apply what Jehovah has to teach us. 00:06:49 Let’s consider a second point: 00:06:51 the need to focus our attention. 00:06:54 Have you faced the challenge of staying focused 00:06:57 during spiritual programs? 00:06:59 Our minds may be distracted 00:07:02 with anxieties and many other things. 00:07:05 Noise and movements around us could distract us. 00:07:09 If we’re watching morning worship 00:07:11 at a location other than the Bethel dining room, 00:07:13 likely we well know the numerous distractions 00:07:17 that fight for our attention. 00:07:20 Some of us have ailments and physical discomforts 00:07:22 that may make it difficult to concentrate. 00:07:25 Recently, a sister in our congregation 00:07:28 told us about her long-term battle with migraine headaches. 00:07:32 I tried to put myself in her shoes, 00:07:35 having a migraine headache while attending a spiritual program 00:07:39 —difficult to concentrate. 00:07:42 Well, whatever the case may be, we know —we admit— 00:07:44 that there are many challenges and distractions. 00:07:46 What can we do about it? 00:07:48 Well, since the eyes strongly influence 00:07:51 where we focus our attention, 00:07:54 the Benefit book provides this suggestion: 00:07:56 “Use your eyes to help you concentrate by keeping them on the speaker. 00:08:01 “When he cites a Bible text —even a familiar one— 00:08:04 look it up, and follow along as he reads it.” 00:08:07 And then it said this: “Resist the temptation to turn your head 00:08:10 “in the direction of every noise or movement. 00:08:13 “If the eyes are flooding your mind with distracting information, 00:08:17 you will miss much of what is presented from the platform.” 00:08:21 And think about, too, the use of electronic devices. 00:08:26 Have you ever been alerted, messaged, or e-mailed 00:08:30 while looking at the Bible on your device? 00:08:34 How wise it is when we turn those devices to a mode 00:08:38 that eliminates unnecessary distractions! 00:08:42 Well, what about anxieties or disquieting thoughts? 00:08:46 What could we do about that? 00:08:48 Well, here, again, is where we can remember 00:08:51 who the Grand Instructor is and how close he can be to us 00:08:55 when we’re in a teaching environment. 00:08:58 Open, please, your Bible to Psalm 94:19 00:09:02 to recall what the psalmist said to Jehovah. 00:09:05 At Psalm 94:19, 00:09:12 we read: 00:09:14 “When anxieties overwhelmed me, 00:09:16 you [Jehovah] comforted and soothed me.” 00:09:21 What a beautiful reminder! 00:09:23 Jehovah can soothe and comfort us 00:09:26 when attending spiritual programs 00:09:28 so that we can focus on what he’s teaching us. 00:09:32 Yes, spiritual programs are a provision from him 00:09:34 —a spiritual lifeline. 00:09:37 So as needed during a spiritual program, 00:09:40 we should pray to Jehovah to help us stay focused. 00:09:43 Pray repeatedly as needed. 00:09:47 Well, in summary, what have we learned? 00:09:49 All of us are teachers from time to time, 00:09:52 but first and foremost, we are students 00:09:56 in the classroom of the Great Teacher and the Grand Instructor. 00:10:00 Like Ezra, humility and appreciation 00:10:03 should move us to ‘prepare our hearts’ before every spiritual program. 00:10:07 We don’t want to miss anything 00:10:10 that Jehovah has for us. 00:10:13 We’re determined ‘to consult that Law 00:10:15 so that we can practice it and then teach it.’ 00:10:18 And in view of all the potential distractions, 00:10:21 let’s make it our aim to use our eyes, our mind, and our heart 00:10:25 to focus attention on the goodness of Jehovah’s spiritual provisions.
00:00:01 Our focus in the Watchtower study article 00:00:03 is on how we can unleash 00:00:05 the power of God’s Word 00:00:07 when teaching from the platform. 00:00:10 But, you know, whether we’re teaching 00:00:12 in a congregation setting, 00:00:14 on a Bible study, or in the family, 00:00:16 isn’t it true that all of us, brothers and sisters, 00:00:19 need to ‘pay constant attention to ourselves and to our teaching’? 00:00:23 And we know why that’s so important —because lives are at stake. 00:00:28 And all of us, younger or older, 00:00:32 touch the lives of other people. 00:00:34 So when we teach effectively, 00:00:36 we are giving opportunity to others 00:00:39 to attain the wisdom and the discernment that God’s Word can give them. 00:00:43 That’s why we need to approach any teaching opportunity 00:00:47 seriously and prayerfully. 00:00:50 Over 20 years ago, a kind elder gave me 00:00:53 some constructive counsel after a public talk. 00:00:56 And then, with a warm smile, he said this, 00:00:59 “Remember, none of us teach like Jesus did.” 00:01:04 Well, I’ll never forget that counsel. 00:01:06 Why were those observations so helpful? 00:01:10 Well, it reminded me that when teaching, 00:01:12 our model needs to be Jesus, the Great Teacher. 00:01:16 There’s more to learn from him. 00:01:19 And Jesus’ example reminds us of the need 00:01:21 to remain humble and diligent students of Jehovah 00:01:26 —the Grand Instructor. 00:01:29 Though all of us are teachers on occasion, 00:01:33 isn’t it true that most often 00:01:35 the role we play during spiritual programs 00:01:38 is that of students? 00:01:41 Just for a moment, think about the many hours 00:01:44 we spend as students —not teachers— 00:01:48 when we’re in the audience at congregation meetings, 00:01:52 at assemblies, and at conventions. 00:01:54 Add to that the time we are students 00:01:58 when we buy out time to watch the monthly broadcast, 00:02:01 to prepare for meetings, to engage in family and personal study. 00:02:06 And then think of the added privilege that many of us here have 00:02:09 —to enjoy morning worship five days a week. 00:02:14 You know, a typical program of morning worship 00:02:16 lasts between 20 to 25 minutes. 00:02:18 If you multiply that by 5 days a week and then by 52 weeks, 00:02:23 at a minimum, we are exposed 00:02:26 to at least 86 hours 00:02:29 of divine instruction each year. 00:02:32 But if we’re not careful, 00:02:34 some or much of that valuable instruction, 00:02:37 encouragement, and counsel could just wash over us. 00:02:42 So for the remaining time for our program this morning, 00:02:44 let’s consider some things all of us can do 00:02:47 to listen more effectively 00:02:50 at spiritual programs. 00:02:52 Please, for our first point, open your Bible 00:02:54 to Ezra 7:10, 00:02:58 and let’s consider Ezra’s example. 00:03:01 That’s Ezra 7:10, 00:03:06 and notice the reading carefully: 00:03:08 “Ezra had prepared his heart 00:03:11 “to consult the Law of Jehovah 00:03:14 “and to practice it, 00:03:16 “and to teach its regulations 00:03:18 and judgments in Israel.” 00:03:21 Now, if you have the Bible with the asterisk 00:03:24 next to “prepared his heart,” 00:03:26 if you tap on that, you’ll notice that that could be rendered as 00:03:30 “had determined in his heart.” 00:03:34 Well, what do we learn from Ezra? 00:03:36 He had the right attitude going into a period of study. 00:03:40 He had the right approach to study and learning. 00:03:44 He recognized that it was Jehovah 00:03:46 who would be teaching him through His Law. 00:03:49 And as the verse goes on to say, he first recognized 00:03:53 that he needed to personally practice what he was learning. 00:03:57 Only then would he be in a rightful position 00:04:01 to effectively teach others. 00:04:03 Well, this scripture emphasizes the point we’ve already made, doesn’t it? 00:04:07 Though we are teachers on occasion, 00:04:10 we are always first and foremost 00:04:13 students of God’s Word. 00:04:16 How can we imitate Ezra’s example 00:04:18 and prepare our hearts before study, 00:04:22 before attending a spiritual program 00:04:24 (whether here at Bethel or in the congregation), 00:04:27 before watching a monthly broadcast? 00:04:31 Well, we need to prepare our hearts by specifically praying to Jehovah, 00:04:36 recognizing him as the Source of the teaching. 00:04:40 What should we pray specifically about? 00:04:43 Well, for one, we want to pray that we remain humble 00:04:48 while listening to theocratic instruction. 00:04:51 We need to listen 00:04:53 —no matter how long we’ve been in Jehovah’s classroom— 00:04:56 because none of us know it all, 00:04:59 nor will we ever know it all. 00:05:01 Proverbs 1:5 reminds us 00:05:03 that “a wise person listens and takes in more instruction.” 00:05:09 Well, this leads to another question: 00:05:11 What if we find we have a somewhat negative attitude 00:05:14 toward a certain presentation 00:05:16 —perhaps the material doesn’t interest us, 00:05:20 or we have a negative attitude toward a certain brother 00:05:23 and his teaching ability? 00:05:25 What should we do? 00:05:27 Prepare our heart. 00:05:29 Pray to Jehovah to recognize and appreciate 00:05:34 that the instruction is from him. 00:05:37 Pray to have a thankful spirit. 00:05:40 You know, back in 2002, The Watchtower made this helpful point 00:05:44 in an article that was entitled “Pay More Than the Usual Attention.” 00:05:47 I quote: “Some may tend to gauge the quality of a meeting 00:05:52 “by the teaching abilities of the participants. . . . 00:05:55 “Though the teaching ability of participants is important, 00:05:58 “it is not the sole factor contributing to a meeting’s success. 00:06:02 “Do you not agree that our prime concern should be, 00:06:05 “not how well the speaker delivers his talk, 00:06:08 “but how well we incline our ear? 00:06:12 When we attend meetings,” the article continues, 00:06:15 “and pay attention to what is being presented, 00:06:18 “we are worshiping God in harmony with his will. 00:06:21 “That is what makes the meeting a success. 00:06:24 “If we are eager to take in the knowledge of God, 00:06:26 “we will benefit from meetings, 00:06:28 regardless of a speaker’s abilities.” 00:06:32 What a beautiful reminder for all of us! 00:06:34 So our first point: Like Ezra, 00:06:37 let’s prepare our hearts with prayer, 00:06:40 as students who are determined to always 00:06:44 accept and apply what Jehovah has to teach us. 00:06:49 Let’s consider a second point: 00:06:51 the need to focus our attention. 00:06:54 Have you faced the challenge of staying focused 00:06:57 during spiritual programs? 00:06:59 Our minds may be distracted 00:07:02 with anxieties and many other things. 00:07:05 Noise and movements around us could distract us. 00:07:09 If we’re watching morning worship 00:07:11 at a location other than the Bethel dining room, 00:07:13 likely we well know the numerous distractions 00:07:17 that fight for our attention. 00:07:20 Some of us have ailments and physical discomforts 00:07:22 that may make it difficult to concentrate. 00:07:25 Recently, a sister in our congregation 00:07:28 told us about her long-term battle with migraine headaches. 00:07:32 I tried to put myself in her shoes, 00:07:35 having a migraine headache while attending a spiritual program 00:07:39 —difficult to concentrate. 00:07:42 Well, whatever the case may be, we know —we admit— 00:07:44 that there are many challenges and distractions. 00:07:46 What can we do about it? 00:07:48 Well, since the eyes strongly influence 00:07:51 where we focus our attention, 00:07:54 the Benefit book provides this suggestion: 00:07:56 “Use your eyes to help you concentrate by keeping them on the speaker. 00:08:01 “When he cites a Bible text —even a familiar one— 00:08:04 look it up, and follow along as he reads it.” 00:08:07 And then it said this: “Resist the temptation to turn your head 00:08:10 “in the direction of every noise or movement. 00:08:13 “If the eyes are flooding your mind with distracting information, 00:08:17 you will miss much of what is presented from the platform.” 00:08:21 And think about, too, the use of electronic devices. 00:08:26 Have you ever been alerted, messaged, or e-mailed 00:08:30 while looking at the Bible on your device? 00:08:34 How wise it is when we turn those devices to a mode 00:08:38 that eliminates unnecessary distractions! 00:08:42 Well, what about anxieties or disquieting thoughts? 00:08:46 What could we do about that? 00:08:48 Well, here, again, is where we can remember 00:08:51 who the Grand Instructor is and how close he can be to us 00:08:55 when we’re in a teaching environment. 00:08:58 Open, please, your Bible to Psalm 94:19 00:09:02 to recall what the psalmist said to Jehovah. 00:09:05 At Psalm 94:19, 00:09:12 we read: 00:09:14 “When anxieties overwhelmed me, 00:09:16 you [Jehovah] comforted and soothed me.” 00:09:21 What a beautiful reminder! 00:09:23 Jehovah can soothe and comfort us 00:09:26 when attending spiritual programs 00:09:28 so that we can focus on what he’s teaching us. 00:09:32 Yes, spiritual programs are a provision from him 00:09:34 —a spiritual lifeline. 00:09:37 So as needed during a spiritual program, 00:09:40 we should pray to Jehovah to help us stay focused. 00:09:43 Pray repeatedly as needed. 00:09:47 Well, in summary, what have we learned? 00:09:49 All of us are teachers from time to time, 00:09:52 but first and foremost, we are students 00:09:56 in the classroom of the Great Teacher and the Grand Instructor. 00:10:00 Like Ezra, humility and appreciation 00:10:03 should move us to ‘prepare our hearts’ before every spiritual program. 00:10:07 We don’t want to miss anything 00:10:10 that Jehovah has for us. 00:10:13 We’re determined ‘to consult that Law 00:10:15 so that we can practice it and then teach it.’ 00:10:18 And in view of all the potential distractions, 00:10:21 let’s make it our aim to use our eyes, our mind, and our heart 00:10:25 to focus attention on the goodness of Jehovah’s spiritual provisions.
