Teach What the Bible Really Teaches

“Make disciples of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them.”​—MATTHEW 28:19, 20.

1. What can be said about the availability of the Bible?

JEHOVAH’S WORD, the Holy Bible, is one of the oldest and most widely distributed books in the world. At least part of it has been translated into more than 2,300 languages. Over 90 percent of earth’s inhabitants have it available in their native tongue.

2, 3. (a) Why is there confusion about Bible teachings? (b) What questions will we consider?

² Millions of people read a portion of the Bible every day. Some have read it from cover to cover many times. Thousands of religious groups claim to base their teachings on the Bible, but they do not agree on what it teaches. Adding to the confusion are the strong disagreements between members of the same religion. Some have doubts about the Bible, its origin, and its value. Many view it as a sacred book merely for ceremonial use in making vows or in swearing to tell the truth in court.

³ Actually, the Bible contains God’s powerful word, or message, for mankind. (Hebrews 4:12) As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we therefore want people to learn what the Bible teaches. We are delighted to carry out the commission that Jesus Christ gave his followers when he said: “Go . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them.” (Matthew 28:19, 20) In our public ministry, we find honesthearted people who are distressed over the religious confusion rampant in the world. They want to know the truth about our Creator and desire to learn what the Bible says about the meaning of life. Let us consider three questions that concern many people. In each case, we will take note of what religious leaders mistakenly say, and then we will review what the Bible really teaches. The questions are: (1) Does God care about us? (2) Why are we here? (3) What happens to us when we die?

Does God Care?

4, 5. Why do people think that God does not care about us?

⁴ Let us begin with the question, Does God care about us? Sadly, many people think that the answer is no. Why do they feel that way? One reason is that they live in a world full of hatred, war, and suffering. ‘If God really cared,’ they reason, ‘surely he would prevent such tragic things from happening.’

⁵ Another reason why people think that God does not care about us is that religious leaders have made them feel that way. What do clergymen often say when tragedy strikes? When one woman lost her two small children in an automobile accident, her minister said: “It was God’s will. God needed two more angels.” When clergymen make such comments, they are actually blaming God for the bad things that happen. Yet, the disciple James wrote: “When under trial, let no one say: ‘I am being tried by God.’ For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.” (James 1:13) Jehovah God never causes what is bad. Indeed, “far be it from the true God to act wickedly.”​—Job 34:10.

6. Who is behind the wickedness and suffering in this world?

⁶ Why, then, is there so much wickedness and suffering? One reason is that mankind in general has rejected God as Ruler, not wanting to submit to his righteous laws and principles. Humans have unwittingly submitted to God’s Adversary, Satan, for “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) Knowledge of this fact makes it easier to understand why bad situations exist. Satan is evil, hateful, deceptive, and cruel. So we should expect the world to reflect the personality of its ruler. No wonder there is so much wickedness!

7. What are some reasons for the suffering we experience?

⁷ Human imperfection is another reason for the suffering we experience. Sinful humans tend to struggle for dominance, and that often results in wars, oppression, and suffering. Ecclesiastes 8:9 aptly says: “Man has dominated man to his injury.” A further reason for suffering is “time and unforeseen occurrence.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11) People often experience calamity because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

8, 9. How do we know that Jehovah really cares about us?

⁸ It is comforting to learn that Jehovah does not cause suffering. But does God truly care about what is going on in our lives? The heartwarming answer is yes! We know that Jehovah cares because his inspired Word tells us why he has allowed humans to pursue a bad course. God’s reasons involve two issues: his sovereignty and the integrity of humans. Because he is the almighty Creator, Jehovah is not obligated to tell us why he permits suffering. Yet, he tells us because he cares about us.

⁹ Consider further evidence that God cares about us. He “felt hurt at his heart” when badness filled the earth in the days of Noah. (Genesis 6:5, 6) Does God feel differently today? No, for he does not change. (Malachi 3:6) He detests injustice and hates to see people suffer. The Bible teaches that God will soon undo all the harm that has resulted from human rule and from the influence of the Devil. Is that not convincing proof that God cares about us?

10. How does Jehovah feel about human suffering?

¹⁰ Religious leaders misrepresent God when they say that the tragedies we experience are his will. On the contrary, Jehovah longs to end human suffering. “He cares for you,” says 1 Peter 5:7. That is what the Bible really teaches!

Why Are We Here?

11. What do the world’s religions often say about human life on the earth?

¹¹ Let us now consider a second question that many wonder about, Why are we here? The world’s religions often answer that man is on the earth only temporarily. They see our globe as little more than a stopover, or stepping-stone, on the way to life somewhere else. Some clergymen falsely teach that God will someday destroy this planet. As a result of such teachings, many people have concluded that they are better off living life to the full while they can because only death awaits them. What does the Bible really teach about why we are here?

12-14. What does the Bible teach regarding God’s purpose for the earth and for mankind?

¹² God has a wonderful purpose for the earth and for mankind. He “did not create [the earth] simply for nothing” but “formed it even to be inhabited.” (Isaiah 45:18) Moreover, Jehovah “has founded the earth upon its established places; it will not be made to totter to time indefinite, or forever.” (Psalm 104:5) Learning these things about God’s purpose for the earth and for mankind can help us to understand why we are here.

¹³ Genesis chapters 1 and 2 show that Jehovah took great care to prepare the earth for human habitation. At the end of the creative period involving our globe, everything was “very good.” (Genesis 1:31) God placed the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, in the lovely garden of Eden and supplied them with an abundance of good food. The first human pair were told: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it.” They were to have perfect children, to extend the boundaries of their garden home earth wide, and to exercise loving dominion over the animals.​—Genesis 1:26-28.

¹⁴ It is Jehovah’s purpose to have a perfect human family dwell on earth eternally. God’s Word says: “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.” (Psalm 37:29) Yes, humankind was meant to enjoy everlasting life in Paradise on earth. That is God’s purpose, and it is what the Bible really teaches!

What Happens to Us at Death?

15. What do most of the world’s religions teach about what happens to us when we die?

¹⁵ Now let us discuss a third question that concerns many: What happens to us when we die? Most of the world’s religions teach that something inside a person continues living after the body dies. Some religious groups still cling to the idea that God punishes the wicked by subjecting them to eternal suffering in a fiery hell. But is that the truth? What does the Bible really teach about death?

16, 17. According to the Bible, what is the condition of the dead?

¹⁶ God’s Word states: “The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages.” Since the dead “are conscious of nothing at all,” they cannot hear, see, speak, feel, or think. They no longer earn any wages. How could they? They are incapable of any work! Moreover, “their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished,” for they cannot express any emotion.​—Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10.

¹⁷ What the Bible says on this subject is simple and clear​—the dead do not continue to live somewhere. There is nothing that leaves our body at death and lives on so as to be reborn in another body, as stated by those who believe in reincarnation. We might illustrate matters this way: The life that we enjoy is like the flame of a candle. When the flame is extinguished, it does not go anywhere. It is simply gone.

18. When a Bible student learns that the dead are not conscious, what conclusions can he draw?

¹⁸ Think of the implications of that one simple but powerful truth. When a Bible student learns that the dead are not conscious, he should easily be able to conclude that no matter how resentful his dead ancestors may have been during their lifetime, they cannot trouble him. He should also quickly grasp the point that his dead loved ones can no longer hear, see, speak, feel, or think. Therefore, they cannot be experiencing unbearable loneliness in purgatory or suffering in a place of fiery torment. However, the Bible teaches that the dead who are in God’s memory will be resurrected. What a wonderful hope!​—John 5:28, 29.

A New Book for Our Use

19, 20. As Christians, what responsibility do we have, and what Bible study aid is especially designed for our use in our ministry?

¹⁹ We have considered only three questions that many people wonder about. In each case, what the Bible teaches is clear and straightforward. What a joy it is to share such truths with those who want to know what the Bible teaches! But there are many other important questions to which honesthearted ones need satisfying answers. As Christians, we have a responsibility to help them find the answers to such questions.

²⁰ It is challenging to teach Scriptural truth in a way that is clear and that appeals to the heart. To help us meet that challenge, “the faithful and discreet slave” prepared a book that is especially designed for our use in our Christian ministry. (Matthew 24:45-47) This 224-page book is entitled What Does the Bible Really Teach?

21, 22. What are some noteworthy features of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?

²¹ Released at the 2005/06 “Godly Obedience” District Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses, this book has various noteworthy features. For instance, there is a five-page preface that is proving to be very helpful in starting home Bible studies. You will likely find it easy to discuss the pictures and the scriptures found in the preface. You may also use material in this section to show students how to locate Bible chapters and verses.

²² The writing style of this book is simple and clear. An effort has been made to reach the student’s heart by involving him whenever possible. Each chapter has several introductory questions and a box at the end entitled “What the Bible Teaches.” The box contains the Scriptural answers to the introductory questions. Fine pictures and captions as well as written illustrations in this publication will help the student to grasp new ideas. Although the book’s main text has been kept quite simple, there is an appendix that will allow you to consider 14 important subjects in greater depth if the student requires additional information.

23. What suggestions are offered regarding the use of the Bible Teach book on Bible studies?

²³ The Bible Teach book is designed to help us teach people of different educational levels and from various religious backgrounds. If a student does not have any knowledge of the Bible, it may take more than one study session to cover a chapter. Do not rush through the material, but endeavor to reach the student’s heart. If he does not understand a certain illustration used in the book, explain it or use an alternative. Prepare well, do your best to use the book effectively, and pray for God’s help so that you can ‘handle the word of the truth aright.’​—2 Timothy 2:15.

Be Grateful for Your Priceless Privileges

24, 25. Jehovah has granted his people what priceless privileges?

²⁴ Jehovah has given his people priceless privileges. He has enabled us to learn the truth about him. We must never take that privilege for granted! After all, God has hidden his purposes from the haughty and has revealed them to humble ones. In this regard, Jesus said: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to babes.” (Matthew 11:25) It is a rare honor to be counted among the humble ones who serve the Universal Sovereign, Jehovah.

²⁵ God has also given us the privilege of teaching others about him. Remember that he has been misrepresented by those who have taught lies about him. Many people thus have an entirely wrong impression of Jehovah, thinking that he is uncaring and hard-hearted. Are you willing, yes, even eager, to help set the record straight? Do you want honesthearted people everywhere to know the truth about God? Then by all means, demonstrate your godly obedience by zealously preaching and by teaching others what the Scriptures say on vital subjects. Truth-seekers need to learn what the Bible really teaches.

Help Others Obey What the Bible Teaches

“As for that on the fine soil, these are the ones that, after hearing the word with a fine and good heart, retain it and bear fruit with endurance.”​—LUKE 8:15.

1, 2. (a) For what purpose is the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? designed? (b) In recent years, how has Jehovah blessed the efforts of his people to make disciples?

“THE book is simply excellent. My students love it. I love it. This book makes it possible to start Bible studies with people right at their doorstep.” So said a full-time pioneer minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses concerning the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?a Referring to the same publication, an elderly Kingdom proclaimer said: “I have had the privilege of helping many people come to know Jehovah in the 50 years I have been active in the ministry. But I must say, this study publication is outstanding. The refreshing word pictures and illustrations are a delight.” Is that how you feel about the Bible Teach book? This Bible study aid is designed to help you fulfill Jesus’ command: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”​—Matthew 28:19, 20.

² No doubt, Jehovah’s heart rejoices as he sees some 6.6 million of his Witnesses willingly obeying Jesus’ direction to make disciples. (Proverbs 27:11) Jehovah is obviously blessing their efforts. During 2005, for example, the good news was preached in 235 lands and, on average, over 6,061,500 Bible studies were conducted. As a result, many people ‘heard God’s word and accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God.’ (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Over the past two years, more than half a million new disciples have conformed their lives to Jehovah’s standards and dedicated themselves to God.

3. What questions regarding the use of the Bible Teach book will be examined in this article?

³ Have you recently experienced the joy of conducting a Bible study with someone? Worldwide, there are still individuals with “a fine and good heart” who upon hearing the word of God will “retain it and bear fruit with endurance.” (Luke 8:11-15) Let us consider how you can use the Bible Teach book in the disciple-making work. Our discussion will examine three questions: (1) How can you start a Bible study? (2) What teaching methods work best? (3) How can you help a person to become not only a student but also a teacher of God’s written Word, the Bible?

How You Can Start a Bible Study

4. Why might some hesitate to study the Bible, and how may you help them to overcome their reluctance?

⁴ If you were asked to leap a wide stream in one bound, you might balk at the suggestion. But if stepping-stones were placed at regular intervals across it, you would likely be more inclined to attempt the crossing. Likewise, a busy person may hesitate to study the Bible. The householder may think that too much time and effort are required to study it. How can you help him to overcome his reluctance? By conducting a series of brief, informative discussions, you can use the Bible Teach book to lead the person into a regular study of God’s Word. If you prepare well, each return visit on the person will become like a stepping-stone toward his friendship with Jehovah.

5. Why do you need to read the Bible Teach book?

⁵ However, before you can help someone else benefit from the Bible Teach book, you need to become thoroughly familiar with it. Have you read the book from beginning to end? One couple took the publication with them on vacation and started reading it while relaxing at the beach. As a local woman selling goods to tourists approached them, she noticed the title What Does the Bible Really Teach? She told the couple that just a few hours earlier, she had prayed about that very question, asking God for an answer. The couple gladly gave the woman a copy of the book. Have you ‘bought out time’ to read this publication, possibly a second time, while waiting for an appointment or taking a break at work or at school? (Ephesians 5:15, 16) If you do, you will become familiar with this Bible study aid and may also create opportunities to talk to others about its contents.

6, 7. How can you use the Bible Teach book to start Bible studies?

⁶ When offering the book in the public ministry, make good use of the illustrations, scriptures, and questions on pages 4, 5, and 6. For example, you might start a conversation by asking, “With all the problems facing mankind today, what do you feel is a reliable source of guidance?” After listening carefully to the person’s response, read 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, and explain that the Bible offers a real solution to mankind’s problems. Then, direct the householder’s attention to pages 4 and 5, and ask: “Of the conditions illustrated on these pages, which one distresses you most?” When the householder points to one, have him hold the book while you read the associated scripture from your Bible. Next, read page 6, and ask the householder, “Of the six questions mentioned at the bottom of this page, which one would you like to have answered?” When the person picks one, show him the chapter that answers that question, leave the book with him, and make definite arrangements to call again and discuss that question.

⁷ The presentation just outlined would take about five minutes to complete. In those few minutes, however, you will have learned what concerns the householder, read and applied two scriptures, and laid the basis for a return visit. Your brief conversation with the householder may well be the most encouraging and consoling experience he has had in a long time. As a result, even a busy person is likely to look forward to spending a few more minutes with you as you help him take his next step to get on ‘the road that leads to life.’ (Matthew 7:14) In time, as the householder’s interest develops, the duration of the study should be extended. This can be done by offering to sit down and study for a longer specified period.

Teaching Methods That Work Best

8, 9. (a) How can you prepare your Bible student to stand up to the obstacles and tests that he will likely encounter? (b) Where can the fire-resistant materials to build strong faith be found?

⁸ Once a person starts to obey what the Bible teaches, he will probably face obstacles that could hinder his progress. The apostle Paul said: “All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) Paul compared these trials to a fire that would destroy inferior building materials but leave such materials as gold, silver, and precious stone unharmed. (1 Corinthians 3:10-13; 1 Peter 1:6, 7) To help your Bible student develop the qualities required in order to stand up to the tests that he may encounter, you need to assist him by building with fire-resistant materials.

⁹ The psalmist likens “the sayings of Jehovah” to “silver refined in a smelting furnace of earth, clarified seven times.” (Psalm 12:6) Indeed, the Bible contains all the precious materials that can be utilized to build strong faith. (Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 2:1-6) And the Bible Teach book shows you how to be effective in using the Scriptures.

10. How can you focus the student’s attention on the Bible?

¹⁰ During the study, focus the student’s attention on the scriptures provided in each chapter under discussion. Use questions to help the student understand key Bible texts and apply them personally. Be careful not to tell him what to do. Instead, imitate Jesus’ example. When a man versed in the Law questioned him, Jesus replied: “What is written in the Law? How do you read?” The man answered from the Scriptures, and Jesus helped him see how to apply the principle to himself. Giving an illustration, Jesus also helped the man see how the teaching should affect him. (Luke 10:25-37) The Bible Teach book is full of simple illustrations that you can use to assist a student in applying Scriptural principles to himself.

11. How much material should you cover in each study session?

¹¹ The Bible Teach book uses simple, direct language to explain God’s Word, just as Jesus conveyed complex ideas in simple terms. (Matthew 7:28, 29) Follow his example. Convey the information simply, clearly, and accurately. Do not rush through the material. Rather, let the circumstances and the ability of the student determine the number of paragraphs you discuss during each study session. Jesus knew the limitations of his disciples and did not burden them with more information than they needed at the time.​—John 16:12.

12. How should the appendix be used?

¹² The Bible Teach book contains an appendix that has 14 topics. Based on the needs of the student, you as his instructor should be able to determine how this material can best be used. For example, if a student finds a subject difficult to grasp or has questions on specific matters because of previously held beliefs, it may suffice to direct his attention to the appropriate section of the appendix and let him consider the subject himself. On the other hand, the student’s needs may dictate that you cover the material with him. The appendix contains essential Scriptural subjects, such as “‘Soul’ and ‘Spirit’​—What Do These Terms Really Mean?” and “Identifying ‘Babylon the Great.’” You may want to discuss these topics with your student. Since no questions are provided for the subjects discussed in the appendix, you will need to be familiar with the information in order to formulate meaningful questions.

13. What role does prayer play in strengthening faith?

¹³ “Unless Jehovah himself builds the house, it is to no avail that its builders have worked hard on it,” states Psalm 127:1. Therefore, as you prepare to conduct a Bible study, pray for Jehovah’s help. Let the prayers you say at the beginning and end of each study reflect your warm relationship with Jehovah. Encourage the student to pray to Jehovah for the wisdom to understand His Word and the strength to apply its counsel. (James 1:5) If he does so, the student will be strengthened to endure trials and will continue to grow strong in faith.

Help Bible Students to Become Teachers

14. What progress do Bible students need to make?

¹⁴ If our Bible students are to obey “all the things” Jesus commanded his disciples, they need to progress from being students of God’s Word to being teachers of it. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:6-8) What can you do to help a student make that kind of spiritual progress?

15. Why should you encourage your Bible student to attend Christian meetings?

¹⁵ Right from the first study, invite the student to attend congregation meetings with you. Explain to him that the meetings are where you receive your training as a teacher of God’s Word. Over a number of weeks, take a few minutes at the end of each Bible study to describe the program of spiritual instruction that you receive at the various meetings and assemblies. Speak enthusiastically about the benefits you gain on these occasions. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Once the student starts attending meetings regularly, he is likely to become a teacher of God’s Word.

16, 17. What are some goals that a Bible student can set and attain?

¹⁶ Help the Bible student to establish goals that he can attain. For example, encourage him to share what he is learning with a friend or a relative. Also, suggest that he set the goal of reading the entire Bible. If you help him to establish and maintain a routine of regular Bible reading, this habit will benefit him long after he is baptized. In addition, why not suggest that the student make it a goal to remember at least one Bible text that answers a key question from each chapter of the Bible Teach book? By doing so, he will become “a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright.”​—2 Timothy 2:15.

¹⁷ Rather than teaching a student simply to repeat scriptures or to give the gist of what they say, encourage him to explain pertinent Bible verses as he provides an answer to those who demand of him a reason for his faith. Brief practice sessions may help, with you playing the part of a relative or a workmate who asks him to explain his beliefs. As the student responds, show him how to answer with “a mild temper and deep respect.”​—1 Peter 3:15.

18. When a Bible student qualifies as an unbaptized publisher, what further help can you give him?

¹⁸ In time, the student may qualify to engage in the field ministry. Emphasize that it is a privilege to be allowed to share in this work. (2 Corinthians 4:1, 7) Once the elders have determined that the student qualifies as an unbaptized publisher, help him prepare a simple presentation and then accompany him in the field service. Continue to work with him regularly in various aspects of the public ministry, and teach him how to prepare for and make effective return visits. Your own good example will be a positive influence.​—Luke 6:40.

“Save Both Yourself and Those Who Listen to You”

19, 20. What goal should we have, and why?

¹⁹ Without a doubt, it takes much hard work to help a person come to “an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) However, few joys in life can compare with the pleasure of helping someone obey what the Bible teaches. (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20) Indeed, what a privilege we have to be “God’s fellow workers” in this worldwide teaching work!​—1 Corinthians 3:9.

²⁰ By means of Jesus Christ and powerful angels, Jehovah will soon call to account those “who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8) Lives hang in the balance. Can you make it your goal to conduct at least one home Bible study in the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? As you engage in this work, you have the opportunity to “save both yourself and those who listen to you.” (1 Timothy 4:16) Now more than ever, it is urgent that we help others obey what the Bible teaches.

[Footnote]