Theocratic Aid To Kingdom Publishers

THEOCRATIC ACTIVITIES

Lesson 45

STUDYING "THE WATCHTOWER"

In his loving-kindness Jehovah has spread a "feast of fat things" for both his anointed servants and all people of good-will, a table prepared for them in the midst of their enemies. The food served is spiritual knowledge and understanding of God's purposes as well as service privileges, doctrine as well as work; for their meat is to do the will of their Father. And it is seasonably supplied them. To the Theocratic minister the matter of his spiritual feeding is of utmost importance. He 'forsakes not the regular assembling of himself with others' of like precious faith to feed at the Lord's table through the channel of The Watchtower. He studies privately also. Both are vital to the sustaining of spiritual life. "In his law does he study day and night." —Ps. 1: 2, Smith-Goodspeed.

Weekly Watchtower studies open to all lovers of righteousness are conducted by thousands of congregations of Jehovah's witnesses at their Kingdom Halls. The procedure for all these congregational Bible studies is the same as established in the October 1, 1942, Watchtower, which procedure is, briefly: One previously assigned reads the

question on the paragraph. Those desiring to comment raise their hands, and the chairman calls on one. The answer should be given in the answerer's own words, and several responses should be made to each question. If time permits, cited scriptures in the paragraph may be read. Then the reading of the paragraph by one assigned to do it sums up, and the study moves on to the succeeding paragraph.

Everyone, man, woman or child, attending a Watchtower study should participate by answering. It is not only a joy for each one to thus speak out the Lord's purposes, but also a help in making these precious truths his own. He will be better able to express himself to others. But to participate he must make a private study of The Watchtower prior to the assembly. The following suggestions will aid in private study of The Watchtower.

Through The Watchtower the Lord provides "meat in due season" to his household. It must be digested by study. The first essential for this is the right condition of mind and heart, appreciating that Jehovah grants understanding only to the meek and not to the stiffnecked. Jehovah and Christ are the Teachers. —Ps. 25: 9; Isa. 30: 20; 54:13; Matt. 23: 8, Diaglott.

The Watchtower gives much consideration to prophetic dramas recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures. In the study of such an article acquaintance should first be made with the original setting: the individuals involved, the meaning of their names, the dramatic events to be studied, and geographical points involved. The importance of the last feature was illustrated in the serial article "Fighter for the New World", where the geographical location of the territory claimed by both Israel and Ammon was of key importance.

How should one proceed in privately studying The Watchtower? First read the caption text. This announces the subject or theme to be treated. It immediately brings to mind thoughts already known on the subject, and creates

expectancy as to the new truths to be revealed thereon. As one now proceeds he will be alert to catch every point bearing on the theme suggested by the caption text, how that theme is first introduced in the opening paragraphs, developed in the body, and brought to a conclusion in the final paragraphs.

Much valuable information is contained in the scriptures that are merely cited (not quoted); therefore look them up. For example, in The Watchtower for August 15, 1944, on "Spirit in the Time of the End", the caption text is: "If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences." (Eccl. 10: 4) In paragraph 5 the point is made that the remnant did not leave their place of service, as did those who became of the "evil servant", but, yielding to the reproofs of instruction, continued in the way of life. Psalm 125:3-5 is cited, which adds support to the point. Furthermore, by making a practice of reading all the supporting texts one receives much valuable information that may not be directly brought out in the paragraph. A rounded-out picture is gained. Do not take for granted that the text applies, but see how it applies. Prove all things for yourself; then they are yours.

After one reads each paragraph, he should read the question on that paragraph, and answer it in his own words. If unable to do so, he should read the paragraph again. Do not repeat the answer parrotlike in the exact words of the paragraph. One may, however, wish to underscore the main point of each paragraph. Thus it will be impressed on one's mind and also made available for quick future reference. So proceed from one paragraph to another until the article is covered.

But is such personal study and meditation sufficient to digest all this instruction? No; there are additional means to advance one's studies. One is to discuss the points with other brethren in daily conversation. The principle of learning and 'edifying one another' through Bible discus-

sion with a fellow Christian neighbor is emphasized at Ephesians 4:25: "Speak every man truth with his neighbour." (See Gal. 6:6; 1 Thess. 5:11.) In the course of the discussion each will be thinking on profitable things and presenting additional thoughts and further possible angles. (Phil. 4:8) New truths will be matched with previous flashes of light from the temple, and all pieced together into a larger pattern. Other scriptures will be brought to mind, filling out the picture more completely. These side discussions will be "comparing spiritual things with spiritual". —1 Cor. 2:13.

Some foolishly claim that they can study The Watchtower at home privately, without need for the weekly congregational study. Such are making a grave error. They fail to appreciate Jehovah's guiding spirit at group studies. (Matt. 18:20) Almost all brethren testify that no matter how thorough their private study, at the congregational study fresh points are forcefully brought out and clarified; for there the Lord's spirit guides. Jehovah knows that imperfect human creatures are leaky vessels and that review and more review of the vital truths is absolutely necessary. None can afford to miss his weekly spiritual meal at the Watchtower study. A contrary course would be that of leaning to one's own self-sufficiency and understanding.

By following the above suggestions in studying The Watchtower, one will digest the "meat in due season". Only then can he draw on its strength-giving qualities in performing covenant obligations. Then, "those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, ... do: and the God of peace shall be with you." —Phil. 4:9.