Building Disciples Having the Quality of Endurance

“Let us exult while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces endurance; endurance, in turn, an approved condition; the approved condition, in turn, hope, and the hope does not lead to disappointment.”​—Rom. 5:3-5.

1. Why are the giant sequoia trees of California of interest to Christians?

ONE of the most renowned wonders of the modern world is the endurance of the giant sequoia trees of California. Practically exempt from disease and endowed with an almost endless life, some have been judged by their annular rings to have been thousands of years old. The oldest tree ever cut down for lumber is recorded to have lived for 3,148 years. Truly a record of endurance! Those sequoia trees had been created by Jehovah, the same One who can endow man with the quality of endurance for his eternal benefit.

2. Why are survival qualities urgently needed at this time, and what is one of them?

² Since mankind is entering a most crucial period of history, qualities for survival are most urgently needed. We are fifty-five years into the Biblically foretold “time of the end” for this system of things, and the world stands at the very threshold of a “great tribulation” culminating in Armageddon, “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” (Rev. 16:14, 16; 19:11-21) Endurance will be needed to survive this system of things and the war of Armageddon.

3. What else must the Christian take under consideration, and why?

³ Another factor for Christians to consider is their commission. The resurrected Jesus Christ commanded that they “go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) This means that Christians must instruct the disciple thoroughly. He must be told what to expect when he becomes a witness for the true God Jehovah; that the way to salvation is narrow, cramped and difficult, that as we get nearer to the “great tribulation” we can expect greater opposition and persecution from Satan and his wicked organization. (Matt. 24:21, 22) To endure in the face of increasing opposition will not be easy. But to be forewarned is to be forearmed. The Holy Scriptures warn: “Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. Look! The Devil will keep on throwing some of you into prison that you may be fully put to the test . . . Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev. 2:10) The crown of life is to the faithful endurer.

4. What other incentive motivates the Christian to acquire the quality of endurance, and with what end in view?

⁴ The servant of God also looks at this subject of acquiring the quality of endurance from another point of view. It is the desire of the Christian to be Christlike, that is, approved of God. To Christ, Jehovah said: “I have approved you.” (Luke 3:22) The disciple wants that same stamp of approval. The apostle Paul counsels that “tribulation produces endurance; endurance, in turn, an approved condition.” (Rom. 5:3, 4) The disciple James wrote similarly: “Happy is the man that keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the crown of life, which Jehovah promised to those who continue loving him.” (Jas. 1:12) Endurance is, therefore, evidence of the disciple’s love for God, which love leads to God’s approval and life everlasting.​—Rom. 5:5.

ART OF TEACHING REQUIRED

5. (a) In making disciples what are some things that must be kept in mind? (b) What questions might we ask ourselves, and why?

⁵ To build Bible students so as to become dedicated, baptized disciples of Christ having endurance we must not only have the proper building materials but also employ “all . . . art of teaching.” (2 Tim. 4:2) Since members of the Christian congregation are “God’s fellow workers” and those with whom they study the Bible may soon become “God’s field under cultivation, God’s building,” it is necessary that they build wisely, that they be concerned about the type of Christians they are making, whether they are building people having endurance. This means that the builder should ask himself from time to time probing questions, such as, What sort of disciples am I making? Am I truly building Christian personalities that will endure? How is my building program proceeding? Am I employing the art of teaching? Am I reaching the people with Christian truths? Are they believing and accepting the things taught? Are they demonstrating faith? Am I reaching their hearts? Am I building in them, not only appreciation for right doctrine and Bible principles, but a deep devotion to them? Am I developing in them, not only awareness of the importance of integrity, but a deep appreciation for it? Am I instilling in them a love of God and his purposes, and appreciation of what it means to be a servant of God? Each Christian quality must be taught in such a way that the disciple will see its need and function in everyday life. Are you building in this way?​—1 Cor. 3:9.

GODLY QUALITIES OF HEAVENLY WISDOM

6. What qualities are indispensable to a disciple of Christ, and how may we aid the Bible student to become aware of them? Give an example.

⁶ There are a number of qualities that need to be absorbed by the disciple, and to head the list are the godly qualities of heavenly wisdom. There are eight separate aspects that must be cultivated before one can truly appreciate what it means to be a disciple of Christ. At James 3:17 these are listed: “The wisdom from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, not making partial distinctions, not hypocritical.” Help the learner to know what these godly qualities are and how he can identify them in his life. For example, you can ask him if he knows what the Bible means by the word “chaste.” Chasteness means to be morally and spiritually clean. Explain these things. If we remain morally and spiritually clean because we know it is God’s will for us to be so, then it can be said that we are being governed by the wisdom of God, by his holy spirit.

7. How can the student acquire other qualities of heavenly wisdom such as: (a) peaceableness, (b) reasonableness and (c) readiness to obey?

⁷ The disciple James goes on to say that the quality of heavenly wisdom is also peaceable, reasonable and ready to obey. Probe the student of the Bible with questions to see if he understands what it means to be “peaceable.” A peaceable person is not pugnacious, not quarrelsome, faultfinding, bickering, nagging or gossiping. He is peaceable. Help the householder to see that this applies in the family, with sons and daughters, husbands and wives. Help them to feel the power of God’s Word. “For the word of God is alive and exerts power.” (Heb. 4:12) Through your method of studying, you have to see whether he is a reasonable person or not, whether he is moderate in habits, acceptable, sensible, not overly demanding, as a reasonable person should be. Is he ready to obey the commandments of God? This applies both inside the congregation and outside, and to children as well as adults.

8. What other aspects of heavenly wisdom should the student be taught, and how can these be inculcated?

⁸ Further, we are told that heavenly wisdom is also “full of mercy and good fruits,” without “partial distinctions, not hypocritical.” Dwell on such points that strike the heart. Have the home Bible student examine himself to see if he is full of mercy and whether he has good fruits to show for the days he has lived upon the earth. Partial distinctions divide, and hypocrisy is distasteful. Allow the power of God to examine the heart and to cut it if necessary. This probing action gives the learner a chance to see himself as God sees him. Take one point at a time, however. And take time to see that he understands what the Bible is saying. In this way we will be building in disciples an appreciation for the godly qualities of heavenly wisdom.​—Rom. 2:6, 11.

BUILDING TO DEVELOP ENDURANCE

9. (a) As a rule, why is spirituality difficult to inculcate? (b) What is the key to endurance, and how may this be communicated to interested persons?

⁹ Implanting spiritual discernment in others, getting them to understand and teaching them to think on their own is by no means a simple task. As a rule, people today are just not spiritually minded. They do not discern things spiritually. Still a key to developing endurance is spiritual discernment, understanding and thinking ability. Here, too, the heart of the disciple must be reached by stressing the lasting appreciation one should have for these qualities and their worth to us individually. This is what Jesus did. To stimulate and maintain appreciation for these qualities Jesus drank regularly from the Word of God. Thus he was able to understand Jehovah’s principles completely as they related to him. He was also able to discern clearly the course that should be followed to the praise of Jehovah and to the eternal good of mankind.

10. (a) What else may be necessary for us to do in our teaching work? Give an example of how this may be done. (b) What is accomplished by instructing in this manner?

¹⁰ It may be necessary for us to teach those with whom we study the Bible how to reason on Scripture texts. For example, Mark 12:29 might be read: “Hear, O Israel, Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.” Ask the student, “How many Jehovahs are there?” Let him answer. The answer is obvious that there is only one Jehovah. When he discerns this, you have caused him to register an important fact in his mind that he might otherwise have missed. Help him to appreciate further what this means to him. Reason with him, perhaps in this way: “If he is one Jehovah, then could he be three gods, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost, as the Trinitarians teach?” Again, let him answer. “No, Jehovah could not be three gods, for the Bible plainly says he is one God.” Now, you have caused the student to think on a basic Scriptural truth and to understand that Jehovah is but one God. You have also exposed a basic false doctrine​—the doctrine of the Trinity. With almost everything we teach, it is profitable to the learner that we follow this pattern. In this way we can determine whether the student is learning, whether he is discerning the truth of God’s Word, whether he understands the points made, whether he is thinking spiritually. When we teach in this manner, the student with whom we study will see how spiritual discernment, understanding and thinking ability surpass all material treasures in value, because their rewards are pleasantness and life.​—Prov. 2:4, 5, 9-11; 3:16-18.

THE TESTED QUALITY OF FAITH

11. (a) Why is faith essential? (b) What further must a student appreciate about faith? (c) What quality of faith is more precious than gold and silver?

¹¹ When conducting your Bible studies always have in mind the quality of faith, for “without faith it is impossible to please [God] well.” (Heb. 11:6) And, too, a, Christian ‘lives by reason of his faith.’ (Rom. 1:17) But more is needed than just faith. The student must appreciate the tested quality of faith, that his faith must be tested, that is, refined, even as silver and gold are refined. Faith must be freed from all impurities, and this is done by subjecting it to tests. This refining process is well described for us by the apostle Peter, who said: “For a little while at present, . . . you have been grieved by various trials, in order that the tested quality of your faith, of much greater value than gold that perishes despite its being proved by fire, may be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 1:6, 7) So the faith that counts is the faith that is subjected to trial and survives. This tested quality of faith is what is more precious than gold and silver and is not simply faith alone.

12. Why is it good to forewarn the students concerning trials of faith, and whose example do we have to follow in this?

¹² If the student knows ahead of time that he will suffer trials for the course he has chosen, then the tests and trials that befall him because of his faith will no longer be surprises, but the expected and the anticipated thing. Jesus forewarned his disciples; why should we not do the same? At Matthew 10:22, 36-38 Jesus showed that Christians would come under trials from many directions, that they would “be objects of hatred by all people on account of [his] name”; that they would face opposition from family members, “indeed, a man’s enemies will be persons of his own household,” he said. Prepare the student for this inevitable reality.​—John 15:20; 16:33; Mark 13:9; Rev. 2:10; Luke 6:22, 23; 2 Cor. 11:21-28.

REASON FOR INTEGRITY

13. (a) What more than integrity must be taught, and why is this important? (b) To what conviction and determination must the student be brought?

¹³ However, it is not enough to tell the student that the world will hate him and that he will suffer much for being a Christian. He must know, understand and appreciate why he must suffer and why he must remain steadfast. So not simply integrity as to righteousness must be taught, but the reason for integrity. Not only must we teach what integrity is, but we must also build appreciation for it. We must aid those with whom we study the Bible to see that maintaining integrity is not just to be a good example to others or to have a good report from others. The primary reason for integrity is that God’s name is involved in what we do and how we act. It is, therefore, most appropriate that we help others to appreciate the grand privilege of sharing in the vindication of Jehovah’s name by standing up for righteousness, for godly principles, never giving way to the fear of men. (Matt. 10:28; Acts 2:31, 32) Like the ancient patriarch Job, he must prefer to suffer death rather than to compromise his integrity to God. Job said: “Until I expire I shall not take away my integrity from myself!” (Job 27:5) It is to this resolve that the student must be brought.​—Jas. 5:11.

DEVOTION TO BIBLE PRINCIPLES

14. Give an example of why devotion to Bible principles must be taught.

¹⁴ While it is important for students of the Bible to know the principles contained therein, this in itself is not enough. Additionally, we must teach devotion to Bible principles. It is devotion to Bible principles that prevents one from following a course of expediency. This is well illustrated in the case of Joseph, son of Jacob. When tempted by Potiphar’s wife to have immoral relations with her, Joseph did not yield to temptation and abandon right principles. Instead, he replied: “You are his wife. So how could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9) He knew that having relations with another man’s wife is wrong. It is ‘sinning against God’! It is this moral appreciation that must be inculcated in students of the Scriptures. Joseph’s faithful adherence to godly principles at first resulted in unjust suffering, but far grander were the blessings he received from Jehovah because of his depth of devotion to what was right.

RESPECT FOR LAWS AND REQUIREMENTS

15. How does the psalmist show the proper attitude that must be cultivated toward God’s laws and commandments?

¹⁵ We cannot hope to be in step with Jehovah’s will and purpose if we are out of step with his laws and requirements for life. Still, not only laws and requirements must be taught, but a deep respect for them. This appreciation must motivate the Christian in the ways of righteousness. The proper respect is reflected by the psalmist who said: “Teach me goodness, sensibleness and knowledge themselves, for in your commandments I have exercised faith. How I do love your law! All day long it is my concern.” (Ps. 119:66, 97) If we are to walk uprightly we must make God’s laws our concern. We must respect what they mean to us. This quality of appreciation must be inculcated if the student is to endure.

CONVINCED THAT THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD

16. To what depth of appreciation about the Bible must the student be brought, and how was this expressed by the Thessalonians?

¹⁶ Faith and reliance on God’s written Word must be taught. The student must learn to use the Word of God as a sure guide in his life. He must be brought to the conclusion of the psalmist who said: “Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway.” “The substance of your word is truth.” (Ps. 119:105, 160) Is it possible to reach this conviction? Yes. The apostle Paul, writing about the Thessalonians, said that they were a source of praise to God because when they heard the word of God preached by Paul they “accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God.” (1 Thess. 2:13) It is to this conviction that the student must be brought in his studies of the Bible if he is to endure.

LOYALTY TO GOD’S VISIBLE ORGANIZATION

17. What place must loyalty to Jehovah’s organization have in the student’s life, and how is this manifested by the apostle Peter?

¹⁷ The student must also come to appreciate the theocratic organization of Jehovah’s people. Loyalty to the theocratic organization will prevent the student from stumbling over an explanation of God’s Word that may be difficult to understand. In the first century many missed out on the grand privilege of being a part of the congregation of God, because they quit when Jesus brought a difficult doctrinal truth to their attention. But how did the well-trained apostles respond when Jesus asked them: “You do not want to go also, do you?” The apostle Peter replied: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.” (John 6:67, 68) True loyalty, like that possessed by Peter, is what we want to build in those with whom we study God’s Word, so that they will stick close to God’s organization at all times, with blessings to themselves.

TENDERLY LOVE THE BROTHERS

18. What love must the disciple cultivate in his heart toward the brothers, and how was this exemplified in the life of Jesus?

¹⁸ At 1 Corinthians chapter 13 the apostle Paul emphasizes that without love a Christian is nothing, despite the record of works he may have. “Love,” he says, “never fails.” (1 Cor. 13:8) Yet the student must learn more than to love the brothers. He must learn to love them warmly and tenderly. Paul wrote: “In brotherly love have tender affection for one another.” (Rom. 12:10) The apostle Peter writes: “Love one another intensely from the heart.” (1 Pet. 1:22) This quality of loving one another intensely will be a real source of joy to the student, enabling him to endure many trials. It will draw him close to Jehovah’s organization, for love “is a perfect bond of union.” (Col. 3:12-14) In loving tenderly and intensely from the heart Jesus set a perfect example for us. Let us follow it. (John 10:11-15; 1 John 3:18) It is this love that the student must cultivate if he is to endure unto salvation.

UPHOLD AND PREACH THE KINGDOM OF GOD

19. What important factors about God’s kingdom must the student learn, and how will this be an aid to him?

¹⁹ It is necessary to assist the student to appreciate that we are already subjects of God’s established kingdom, and therefore we must form an unbreakable attachment to it and a fearless willingness to bear witness to it. (Matt. 24:14) We as ambassadors and envoys of God’s kingdom are no part of the political governments of this system of things. (2 Cor. 5:20) We promote solely the interests of God’s established Kingdom government in the heavens. We must remain fearless proclaimers of the Kingdom’s establishment. In this we imitate the courageous examples of Jesus and his apostles. (John 18:36; Acts 4:20) Hence there is no room for dividing our loyalties. This appreciation for the Kingdom being instilled in him, the student will remain steadfast as a Kingdom publisher. He will not cower or shrink from his responsibility to declare this good news of the Kingdom, which he represents.

20. (a) In summary, according to Paul, what factors is it well to keep in mind? (b) How can we build wisely, and thus to what end?

²⁰ Therefore in our disciple-making work it is good to bear in mind the words of the apostle Paul, who said: “We are God’s fellow workers. You people are God’s field under cultivation, God’s building. According to the undeserved kindness of God that was given to me, as a wise director of works I laid a foundation, but someone else is building on it. But let each one keep watching how he is building on it. For no man can lay any other foundation than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation gold, silver, precious stones [these fine fire-resistant qualities], wood materials, hay, stubble, each one’s work will become manifest, for the day will show it up, because it will be revealed by means of fire; and the fire itself will prove what sort of work each one’s is.” (1 Cor. 3:9-13) So build wisely. Get students of the Bible to see and appreciate the godly qualities of heavenly wisdom. Aid them to a lasting appreciation of spiritual discernment, understanding and thinking ability. Help them to cherish the tested quality of their faith, the reason for integrity, devotion to Bible principles and deep respect for God’s laws and commandments. See that they appreciate the Bible as being God’s Word, the need of sticking close to Jehovah’s organization and the need to cultivate an intense love for the brothers. Lead them to an appreciation of the Kingdom as mankind’s only hope and develop in them an unbreakable attachment to it and a willingness to bear witness to it. If you do this, there is every reason to believe that your work will endure, to God’s praise and glory, for this is his promise.

When Building Disciples, Motivate the Heart

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”​—Matt. 12:34.

1. What is included in a Christian’s commission, and to fulfill one’s commission what must be reached?

THE Christian’s commission is not only to teach doctrine, but also to inculcate love, appreciation, humility, faith, in fact, all the fruits of God’s spirit mentioned at Galatians 5:22, 23. The Christian’s work is to aid others to ‘put away the old personality which conforms to their former course of conduct and which is being corrupted according to his deceptive desires; but that they should be made new in the force actuating their minds, and should put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.’ (Eph. 4:20-24) To accomplish this, more than head knowledge is needed. The heart of the Bible student must be reached and motivated in ways of righteousness.

2. What is the heart, in effect, and why is it necessary that we take stock of it?

² The heart is, in effect, a storehouse of many things. Man can put into the storehouse of his heart good and bad. During a study of God’s Word, the Bible, he is drawing from Jehovah’s inexhaustible storehouse and transferring stock into his own. This is good stock, for ‘God is good.’ (Mark 10:18) At other times, such as when observing the crime and corruption of the world through the medium of television, movies, the theater, newspapers, magazines, and so forth, the mind could be very easily storing up bad thoughts and ideas. Some may object that this is not the case, but the Bible cautions that “every way of a man is upright in his own eyes, but Jehovah is making an estimate of hearts.” (Prov. 21:2) Jehovah will not be deceived when he inspects the storehouse of our heart to find what we have stored therein. What may be stored therein?

3. (a) What did Jesus Christ reveal about the heart? (b) How can a wicked heart be made right?

³ Jesus Christ revealed that the heart is capable of storing up many wicked things. After exposing the religious scribes and Pharisees as fruitless worshipers, worshiping in vain because of their traditions, Jesus gave this illustration, about which the Bible account says: “With that he called the crowd near and said to them: ‘Listen and get the sense of it: Not what enters into his mouth defiles a man; but it is what proceeds out of his mouth that defiles a man.’ Then the disciples came up and said to him: ‘Do you know that the Pharisees stumbled at hearing what you said?’ In reply he said: ‘Every plant that my heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted. Let them be. Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.’ By way of response Peter said to him: ‘Make the illustration plain to us.’ At this he said: ‘Are you also yet without understanding? Are you not aware that everything entering into the mouth passes along into the intestines and is discharged into the sewer? However, the things proceeding out of the mouth come out of the heart, and those things defile a man. For example, out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, fornications, thieveries, false testimonies, blasphemies. These are the things defiling a man; but to take a meal with unwashed hands does not defile a man.’” (Matt. 15:9-20) And the only way the heart can be emptied of its wicked contents is by the power of God’s Word having a direct effect on it and replacing the wicked, worthless stock with the fruitage of God’s spirit, which is capable of sustaining one unto everlasting life.

THE MIND, A WAY TO THE HEART

4. What is one line of communication to the heart, and what did the apostle Paul have to say about it?

⁴ How can the heart be reached with Christian qualities so that it can be set straight? When Jesus said that “out of the heart come wicked reasonings,” he was showing that the mind was the most direct line of communication to the heart and that the mouth was the “spokesman” of the heart. It is in the mind where conclusions are formed. Also, in the mind is where evil is conceived and planned before it is executed into reality. Therefore, the reasoning powers of man, the mind of man, must be reached before the heart can be cleansed, changed and protected. Was not this the apostle’s thought, when he said: “Quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God”? (Rom. 12:2) The mind must be empowered with thoughts that are inspired of God.

5. (a) What is the principal way to communicate to the mind? (b) Why is it wise to fill the heart abundantly with good?

⁵ The principal way to communicate to the mind is through the senses. What we see, hear, touch, taste and smell definitely influences the mind. This means we must see the Word of God through a study of its pages, and hear it by attending meetings where that Word is discussed. The more we do this and act upon the knowledge gained, the greater our advantage. All of our senses are used if we practice what we learn from the Word of God. The heart will be reached and the mouth will respond, “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matt. 12:34) It is the heart filled with an abundance of the inspired Word that speaks and is moved to do good. It is from within the heart that one finds strength of integrity, devotion to godly principles, love of righteousness, joy, love, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness and self-control. That is what the heart must be concentrated upon if we wish to build disciples with Christlike qualities.​—Phil. 4:6-9.

HEARTS MOTIVATED BY EXAMPLE

6. What other communication line is there to the heart, and how does Paul speak of it?

⁶ But before we can build in others, there must first be a building within ourselves. Christ Jesus, the Master Teacher, left us a perfect example to follow. (1 Pet. 2:21, 23) It logically follows that those in whom we are endeavoring to implant Christian qualities should see those very qualities in us. The apostle Paul instructed Titus: “Keep on exhorting the younger men to be sound in mind, in all things showing yourself an example of fine works.” (Titus 2:6, 7) Few things influence the mind like a good example, but our example should be one worthy of imitation. Paul was not afraid to say: “The things that you learned as well as accepted and heard and saw in connection with me, practice these; and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:9) Or as he said to the Corinthians: “Become imitators of me, even as I am of Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1) If we are to reach and influence the hearts of others, our example must be worthy. Is it?

7. Why does example vitally affect the heart?

⁷ There must be harmony between what we teach and what we practice, if hearts are to be motivated. Paul writes: Do you, “the one teaching someone else, not teach yourself? You, the one preaching ‘Do not steal,’ do you steal? You, the one saying ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery? You, the one expressing abhorrence of the idols, do you rob temples?” (Rom. 2:21-24) We could carry this line of reasoning a little farther by saying, You, the one saying, ‘You should study the Bible regularly,’ do you study the Bible regularly? You, the one saying, ‘You must not become materialistic,’ do you live in lavish material surroundings and lounge in the luxury of the material world? The lesson here is one of consistency between what is taught, practiced and observed. There must be example. When there is, the heart will be reached with the needed godly qualities.

DISCIPLINE CORRECTS THE HEART

8. (a) To right the heart, what part does discipline play? (b) How can the heart be disciplined?

⁸ There is still another aspect involved in communicating to the heart and motivating it. Jehovah, who made the heart, said: “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, examining the kidneys, even to give to each one according to his ways, according to the fruitage of his dealings.” (Jer. 17:9, 10) Since the heart behaves in this manner, the instructor must watch for weak spots or unchristian tendencies and tactfully reveal these to the student so that through discipline they may be corrected. Is the Bible student haughty, prideful? Is he overcritical, unappreciative? What really is the condition of his heart? The instructor, too, keeps examining his own heart in the same way to detect, if possible, any badness taking root. As the Bible study progresses note these weaknesses and work on them. Do not humor weaknesses in oneself or in the student. This will not help. There is a tendency to say, “We’re all imperfect. We all make mistakes.” That is true, but mistakes can be overcome if we work to correct them. Also, it may be necessary to solicit the aid of others to overcome our problem. But spiritual weaknesses can be conquered. Otherwise, God would not have called upon us to make over our personalities into the image of his Son Jesus Christ. Let not the treacherousness of the heart deceive us into thinking that we need no correction or are beyond improvement. Disciplining a Bible student to the heart is done by communicating righteousness to it and insisting that it be motivated by the right.

9. What examples do we have to show that it is proper to advise others of their weaknesses, and what has been the outcome of such counsel?

⁹ Watch, therefore, for weak spots in the student’s faith. God warned Cain and admonished him what to do. “If you turn to doing good, will there not be an exaltation? But if you do not turn to doing good, there is sin crouching at the entrance, and for you is its craving; and will you, for your part, get the mastery over it?” (Gen. 4:7) Jesus Christ discerned what the weakness of the rich young ruler was and told him to ‘go sell his belongings and give to the poor and he would have treasure in heaven.’ (Matt. 19:21) But neither Cain nor the rich young man heeded the good advice. However, there were countless others who did heed sound advice to become the servants of God.

HOW TO GUARD THE HEART

10, 11. (a) How do we safeguard the heart? (b) What part does one’s attitude play in safeguarding the heart?

¹⁰ The heart is changed by planned, determined effort to right wrongs in harmony with God’s Word. In the same way it is also guarded. There must be a regular study of God’s Word. This will keep the flow of truth into the mind and heart. Then, too, it is needful to pray so that we draw close to God. In turn, he will draw close to us. Additionally, we must learn to meditate on the Word of God, its sayings and promises, which will keep right thoughts in our minds. Then there is the active ministry that provides the outlet for our emotions, our joy. Earnestly endeavor to develop the fruitage of the spirit by a practice of Christian principles.

¹¹ We will also want to be watchful of our personal attitude toward other persons, places and things. Be upbuilding in the presence of others, possessing a positive outlook. This will aid us to look for the good in our brothers and not simply their weaknesses. In this way we will come to express the love that builds up, the love that always speaks highly of God’s Word, his organization and the brothers in general. We will recommend the ministry, the meetings of God’s people and the joy it is to be his servants in these “last days.”

EXAMPLES OF ENDURANCE

12. What do the Bible and history have to say about the suffering and endurance of Christians, and how do we pronounce those who have endured?

¹² History records how Christian people were imprisoned in dungeons, burned at the stake, beheaded before their children, hurled over precipices; their homes and villages were burned; their womenfolk were stripped naked and outrageously violated; their innocent children were massacred. The apostle Paul declared: “In every way we recommend ourselves as God’s ministers, by the endurance of much, by tribulations, by cases of need, by difficulties, by beatings, by prisons, by disorders, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times without food.” (2 Cor. 6:4, 5) In this same letter Paul tells of his own sufferings and how the spirit of God is equal to every situation. (2 Cor. 11:23-28) And it may seem incredible to some, but such trials and sufferings are still being endured in this twentieth century. And God’s spirit is still equal to every trial brought to bear. Therefore, “Look! We pronounce happy those who have endured,” because they have God’s promise of life eternal assured to them.​—Jas. 5:11; Rev. 2:10.

PERSECUTION BECAUSE OF NEUTRALITY

13. (a) Why have servants of God suffered because of their neutrality? (b) And what has been the outcome?

¹³ Christians do not take sides in the political affairs of this world, because they are no part of this world. (John 17:16; Jas. 1:27; 4:4) Since their ministerial commission to preach God’s kingdom originates with God, they cannot, therefore, stop serving God on demand of lower worldly authorities. (2 Cor. 3:5; Acts 4:18-20; 5:27-29) Jesus Christ himself declined to accept a political office when on earth. His footstep followers also avoid all political involvement. Said the book On the Road to Civilization, A World History: “Christians refused to share certain duties of Roman citizens. . . . They would not hold political office.” Also the book World History, The Story of Man’s Achievements says: “Zealous Christians did not serve in the armed forces or accept political offices.” This neutral stand of theirs often brought the wrath of the Roman Empire on them. But the structural quality of their Christianity was equal to all the fury unleashed against them. And we today count those happy who have endured.

14. Who on the modern scene have suffered for their neutrality, and how have they fared?

¹⁴ On the modern scene, the magazine Adult Student, in an article on “The Early Church,” said that “Jehovah’s witnesses more nearly resemble the early Christians than do members of the more-regular denominations.” They, too, have suffered severely, because of their neutrality. The Nazis, who were considered masters at breaking the human will, tried desperately to get Jehovah’s witnesses to violate their Christian neutrality, but failed miserably. They could not break the integrity of faithful witnesses of Jehovah. The best seller The Theory and Practice of Hell had this to say: “When the war broke out the Witnesses at Sachsenhausen concentration camp were invited to volunteer for military service. Each refusal was followed by the shooting of ten men from their ranks. After forty victims had been killed, the SS desisted. . . . One cannot escape the impression that, psychologically speaking, the SS were never quite equal to the challenge offered them by Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Totalitarian inquisitions can capture and harass Jehovah’s people if he permits it for a witness; but nothing can imprison Jehovah’s spirit, which makes them conquerors. Jehovah’s witnesses proved that they had Christian qualities in their heart to endure trials unto salvation.

15. Why were the Christian witnesses of Jehovah barbarically mistreated in Malawi, and what quality of faith did they manifest?

¹⁵ As recently as October 1967, the refusal to join a particular political party and the failure to carry a party card identifying one with the party, resulted in a barbaric wave of torture heaped upon Jehovah’s witnesses in the Central African country of Malawi. An unknown number of women witnesses of Jehovah were raped. Forty of these were pregnant. Due to the way they were abused, each one suffered a miscarriage. Because they refused to buy a political card, they were beaten severely, sexually assaulted and their property was destroyed. Yet President Banda of Malawi could not get them to break integrity and renounce their God Jehovah. These Witnesses were motivated from the heart. They had true Christian qualities built in them.

16. (a) What other trials did Jehovah’s witnesses in Malawi suffer? (b) What questions should we ask ourselves, and why?

¹⁶ When a Christian witness of Jehovah of Ntifinyire Village was beaten for refusing to purchase a political card, Banda’s youths took a knife and made cuts encircling his arms and then his legs and inflicted many cuts on his head. Other Witnesses had six-inch nails driven into their feet, bicycle spokes were forced through their legs and then these Christians were told to run. Still others were tortured with a burning stick placed against their arms, legs, head and entire body. Still these Witnesses refused to compromise their religious beliefs or deny their God Jehovah under such barbaric torture. Do you have the quality of Christian endurance in you to stand such tests? You may be called upon someday to prove your faith. How will your faith stand up?

PERSECUTION FROM FAMILY MEMBERS

17. How have wives and husbands suffered, what promise can they put trust in, and why?

¹⁷ From the time of Christ until this hour wives have had to endure the abuse of their unbelieving husbands because of their Christian faith, and husbands of unbelieving wives have had to do the same. In the United States a husband ordered his wife to stop studying the Bible or he would leave her. After enduring hardship for over a year the husband had a change of heart. Shortly thereafter she became a baptized witness of Jehovah. On the other hand, in Bremerton, Washington, a husband endured his wife’s abuse. In time she had a change of heart and now they both study the Bible together. In New York an alcoholic and a chain smoker broke these bad habits, only to find that his wife was displeased with the marvelous change that came over him. She was furious and accused him of being “bewitched” by this “new religion.” What had angered her most was that she had been trying for twelve years to make him break his bad habits without success. Now that he finally overcame them with the help of God’s spirit, she became displeased and did everything in her power to try to break his integrity, even resorting to physical attacks. Then one day she gave him an ultimatum: he was to choose between her and Jehovah. Of course, he chose to serve Jehovah. From that moment on she refused even to wash his clothes or to cook his meals. When this did not break his integrity, she left him. He has endured much, and we count those happy who endure. He knows he will face many problems in the future. None of Jehovah’s people can escape trials as long as this wicked world exists and Satan is still loose. But, whatever the problem, know that God’s spirit is equal to it. “God is faithful,” assures the apostle Paul, “and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13) With that promise rest confidently in Jehovah, putting complete trust in him.​—Prov. 3:5-7.

18. (a) Why must the quality of endurance be inculcated into the heart? (b) What hope is ours if we do cultivate the quality of endurance?

¹⁸ The quality of endurance is absolutely necessary and it must be inculcated in the heart if we dedicated, baptized disciples of Christ are to survive the “great tribulation.” It is needed, not only to survive the fiery tests now and in the “great tribulation,” but also in the righteous earthly new order of God’s making. (Matt. 24:21, 22) Against the good things of God’s spirit there is no law, and they will endure indefinitely. Jehovah, who has provided us with the giant sequoia trees as a living testimony of endurance, has also seen to it that by means of his Word, spirit and organization, we of his intelligent creation can acquire the quality of endurance for our salvation. By building that quality into our hearts as well as into the hearts of those with whom we study the Bible to help them to become dedicated, baptized disciples of Christ, we will be endowed with the most precious of all possessions, an endlessly enduring life.