THE WATCHTOWER—STUDY EDITION MAY 4-10, 2026
Improve Your “Art of Teaching” in the Ministry
“Preach the word... with all patience and art of teaching.” —
(2 Timothy 4.2: Preach the word; be at it urgently in favorable times and difficult times; reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all patience and art of teaching.)
Verse 1.
Morning comes.
Soon we will be
On our way to preach good news.
But it’s dark outside,
And the rain starts to fall.
It would be easy to stay inside,
sleepy-eyed.
Chorus 1
Positive thoughts and preparation,
Praying that we’ll succeed;
This can provide the inspiration,
We’ll surely need.
We’re not alone; the angels guide us.
Jesus commands them all.
And with a loyal friend beside us,
We’ll never fall.
Verse 2.
Soon we’ll see
Joy come our way
If these things we keep in mind.
And Jehovah sees
Ev’ry effort we make,
And he remembers the love we show;
this we know.
Chorus 2
Positive thoughts and preparation,
Praying that we’ll succeed;
This can provide the inspiration,
We’ll surely need.
We’re not alone; the angels guide us.
Jesus commands them all.
And with a loyal friend beside us,
We’ll never fall.
Based on
(Jeremiah 1.17: But you should prepare for action, And you must stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be terrified of them, So that I do not terrify you before them.)
(See also ; ; ; ; .)
FOCUS
Three ways we can improve our teaching ability in the ministry.
1. What skill should we want to develop, and why? (2 Timothy 4:2)(See also picture.)
(2 Timothy 4.2: Preach the word; be at it urgently in favorable times and difficult times; reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all patience and art of teaching.)
JESUS told his followers: “Make disciples..., teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”
(Matthew 28.19, 20: Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”)
This instruction indicates that all Christians should be teachers. True, Jehovah draws those who are “rightly disposed,” and the angels play a role in directing us to such ones.
(Acts 13.48: When those of the nations heard this, they began to rejoice and to glorify the word of Jehovah, and all those who were rightly disposed for everlasting life became believers.)
(John 6.44: No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him, and I will resurrect him on the last day.)
(Revelation 14.6: And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, and he had everlasting good news to declare to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.)
Still, we need to do our part. Consider the examples set by the apostles Paul and Barnabas. The Bible relates that when they preached in the synagogue in Iconium, they “ spoke in such a manner that a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks became believers.”
(Acts 14.1: Now in Iconium they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews and spoke in such a manner that a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks became believers.)
No doubt, Paul and Barnabas had developed the “art of teaching.”
Read 2 Timothy 4.2: Preach the word; be at it urgently in favorable times and difficult times; reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all patience and art of teaching.
All Christians would do well to cultivate that art.
2. Why might some Christians feel that they cannot improve their teaching skills?
2. Some may feel that they cannot improve their teaching skills because they have limited secular education or natural ability. Some men mentioned in the Bible also felt inadequate.
(Exodus 4.10: Moses now said to Jehovah: “Pardon me, Jehovah, but I have never been a fluent speaker, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant, for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”)
(Jeremiah 1.6: But I said: “Alas, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah! I do not know how to speak, for I am just a boy.”)
Others may feel discouraged about their teaching ability because they do not seem to get the positive results that others do. Of course, not everyone we speak to or meet will respond positively to the good news. And the results we obtain do not depend entirely on our efforts. As mentioned, Jehovah and the angels see to it that honesthearted ones are found. Still, we want to do our best to present our message in an appealing way. To help us, this article will discuss three ways we can improve our art of teaching in the ministry.
CARE ABOUT YOUR LISTENERS
3. Why was Jesus able to touch the hearts of his listeners?
3. The Bible says that Jesus “knew what was in man.”
(John 2.25: and because he did not need to have anyone bear witness about man, for he knew what was in man.)
This phrase conveys the meaning that Jesus knew how people thought and what their motives were. Jesus was able to touch the hearts of his listeners because he understood their needs. He could see that people were spiritually malnourished and that they were oppressed by countless traditions and man-made rules.
(Matthew 9.36: On seeing the crowds, he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd.)
(Matthew 23.4: They bind up heavy loads and put them on the shoulders of men, but they themselves are not willing to budge them with their finger.)
Jesus addressed those very issues in his Sermon on the Mount. Many people were drawn to Jesus because he spoke about matters that affected them personally.
4. How can we show that we care about people? (See also pictures.)
4. We can show that we care about the people we meet by trying to understand their concerns. Every person we preach to is in some way affected by Satan’s corrupt system. Bearing that in mind can help us to empathize with the people in our territory. For example, is there a recent news event that might concern those in our territory? Are parents worried about the safety of their children at school? Is unemployment common? Try to imagine what life is like for people as they face these “critical times” without the hope that the Bible offers.—
(2 Timothy 3.1: But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here.)
(Isaiah 65.13, 14: Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Look! My servants will eat, but you will go hungry. Look! My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty. Look! My servants will rejoice, but you will suffer shame. Look! My servants will shout joyfully because of the good condition of the heart, But you will cry out because of the pain of heart And you will wail because of a broken spirit.)
5. As a teacher, how did Jesus differ from the Pharisees? (Matthew 11:28-30)
(Matthew 11.28-30: Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves. For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.”)
5. Jesus cared about his listeners, and they could see this in the way that he treated them. How different he was from the Pharisees, who looked down on the common people and viewed them as contemptible!
(Matthew 23.13: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut up the Kingdom of the heavens before men; for you yourselves do not go in, neither do you permit those on their way in to go in.)
(John 7.49: But this crowd who do not know the Law are accursed people.”)
But Jesus treated people with kindness and respect. He was “mild-tempered and lowly in heart,” and that contributed to his being an effective teacher.
Read Matthew 11.28-30: Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves. For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.”
We too should treat our listeners with kindness and respect.
6. How can we show kindness and respect to those who reject or oppose our message?
6. Some reject or even oppose our message. How should we respond? Jesus instructed us to do more than simply tolerate opposition. He said “to do good to those hating you,” “to bless those cursing you,” and even “to pray for those who are insulting you.”
(Luke 6.27, 28: “But I say to you who are listening: Continue to love your enemies, to do good to those hating you, to bless those cursing you, to pray for those who are insulting you.)
That will be easier for us to do if we give those who reject our message the benefit of the doubt. Granted, some are outright opposers. However, others may be distressed by a family problem or anxious about a situation that has nothing to do with us. Perhaps we simply called on them at a bad time. In all cases, we should follow the admonition to “let [our] words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that [we] will know how [we] should answer each person.”
(Colossians 4.6: Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should answer each person.)
If we have empathy for people and try to understand their needs, we will be less inclined to take offense and we may be better teachers.
RELY ON GOD’S WORD
7. How did Jesus show that he relied on God’s Word when teaching? (John 7:14-16)
(John 7.14-16: When the festival was half over, Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. And the Jews were astonished, saying: “How does this man have such a knowledge of the Scriptures when he has not studied at the schools?” Jesus, in turn, answered them and said: “What I teach is not mine, but belongs to him who sent me.)
7. Jesus did not rely on his own knowledge. His teaching was based on God’s Word, which he applied in ways that his audience could easily grasp and remember. The Bible tells us that Jesus taught “as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” The people “were astounded” by that. see study note on
(Mark 1.22: And they were astounded at his way of teaching, for he was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.)
(Study note on “not as the scribes”: Rather than quote revered rabbis as an authority, as was the scribes’ custom, Jesus speaks as Jehovah’s representative, as one having authority, basing his teachings on God’s Word. [End of study note.])
(John 7.16: Jesus, in turn, answered them and said: “What I teach is not mine, but belongs to him who sent me.)
To support their teachings, the scribes in Jesus’ day would quote highly respected rabbis. In contrast, Jesus freely quoted from the inspired Scriptures. As the Son of God who previously lived in heaven, he could have used his vast wisdom to impress his listeners and even overwhelm them. But he did not. Instead, he centered his teaching on God’s will and Word.
Read John 7.14-16: When the festival was half over, Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. And the Jews were astonished, saying: “How does this man have such a knowledge of the Scriptures when he has not studied at the schools?” Jesus, in turn, answered them and said: “What I teach is not mine, but belongs to him who sent me.
Jesus set an outstanding example for his followers.
8. How did the apostle Peter follow Jesus’ example?
8. Jesus’ disciples too relied on God’s Word when teaching. For example, consider the speech the apostle Peter gave on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E. Peter was not a highly educated man. Yet, he touched the hearts of his listeners with his Scriptural explanation of the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.
(Acts 2.14-37: But Peter stood up with the Eleven and spoke to them in a loud voice: “Men of Judea and all you inhabitants of Jerusalem, let this be known to you and listen carefully to my words. These people are, in fact, not drunk, as you suppose, for it is the third hour of the day. On the contrary, this is what was said through the prophet Joel: ‘“And in the last days,” God says, “I will pour out some of my spirit on every sort of flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy and your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams, and even on my male slaves and on my female slaves I will pour out some of my spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. And I will give wonders in heaven above and signs on earth below—blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and illustrious day of Jehovah comes. And everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”’ “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazarene was a man publicly shown to you by God through powerful works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, just as you yourselves know. This man, who was handed over by the determined will and foreknowledge of God, you fastened to a stake by the hand of lawless men, and you did away with him. But God resurrected him by releasing him from the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held fast by it. For David says about him: ‘I keep Jehovah constantly in front of me, for he is at my right hand that I may never be shaken. On this account my heart became cheerful and my tongue rejoiced greatly. And I will reside in hope; because you will not leave me in the Grave, nor will you allow your loyal one to see corruption. You have made life’s ways known to me; you will fill me with great joy in your presence.’ “Men, brothers, it is permissible to speak with freeness of speech to you about the family head David, that he died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath that he would seat one of his offspring on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he forsaken in the Grave nor did his flesh see corruption. God resurrected this Jesus, and of this we are all witnesses. Therefore, because he was exalted to the right hand of God and received the promised holy spirit from the Father, he has poured out what you see and hear. For David did not ascend to the heavens, but he himself says, ‘Jehovah said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”’ Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for a certainty that God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you executed on a stake.” Now when they heard this, they were stabbed to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Men, brothers, what should we do?”)
The result? “Those who gladly accepted his word were baptized, And On That Day About 3,000 people were added.”—
(Acts 2.41: So those who gladly accepted his word were baptized, and on that day about 3,000 people were added.)
9. When we teach, why should we rely on God’s Word?
9. There is no better tool to reach our listeners’ hearts than the Word of God.
(Hebrews 4.12: For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints from the marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.)
Therefore, we need to focus on the Bible when teaching. We want to “preach the word,” not our own ideas.
(2 Timothy 4.2: Preach the word; be at it urgently in favorable times and difficult times; reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all patience and art of teaching.)
says: “Jehovah himself gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and discernment.” So when we teach from the Scriptures, we are, in a sense, letting Jehovah speak.
(Proverbs 2.6: For Jehovah himself gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and discernment.)
(Malachi 2.7: For the lips of a priest should safeguard knowledge, and people should seek the law from his mouth, because he is the messenger of Jehovah of armies.)
We want people to know that the Bible contains something far superior to human wisdom. It is inspired of God and imparts knowledge that we need to acquire in order to please our Creator and live a happy, fulfilling life.—
(2 Timothy 3.16, 17: All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.)
10. How can we direct a Bible student’s attention to God’s Word?
10. As you prepare to conduct a Bible study, find ways to direct your student’s attention to what the Bible teaches. Your student should understand that while pictures and videos can enhance our learning, the Bible is the main textbook. So look up key texts and help your student reason on them. When referring to pictures and videos, make sure that the student understands the fundamental Bible principles that are being taught. You do not need to say very much or to read a great many scriptures to accomplish that. Instead, give the student time to absorb the meaning of each one that is read, even rereading a scripture if necessary. In that way, we will truly be conducting, not a book study or a picture study or a video study, but a Bible study.—
(1 Corinthians 2.13: These things we also speak, not with words taught by human wisdom, but with those taught by the spirit, as we explain spiritual matters with spiritual words.)
11-12. (a) How can we be patient with our Bible students? (Acts 17:1-4) (See also picture.) (b) What might some not realize about the Bible, and how might we help them?
(Acts 17.1-4: They now traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. So according to Paul’s custom he went inside to them, and for three sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving by references that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, saying: “This is the Christ, this Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you.” As a result, some of them became believers and associated themselves with Paul and Silas, and so did a great multitude of the Greeks who worshipped God, along with quite a few of the principal women.)
11. If your student finds a point difficult to accept, remember to “preach the word... with all patience.” Not everyone progresses at the same rate. Some students may need extra time to grasp truths that we take for granted. Paul had to witness to the Jews in Thessalonica on several occasions, reasoning with them from the Scriptures, before some of them understood the point.
Read Acts 17.1-4: They now traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. So according to Paul’s custom he went inside to them, and for three sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving by references that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, saying: “This is the Christ, this Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you.” As a result, some of them became believers and associated themselves with Paul and Silas, and so did a great multitude of the Greeks who worshipped God, along with quite a few of the principal women.
12. Another way we can show patience is by drawing out students with questions and by resisting any urge we might have to talk a lot. Try to listen carefully and understand their thinking. Then read and discuss specific scriptures to help them understand God’s thinking on the matter. Also, consider this: Some people are completely unfamiliar with the Bible and have no idea what it contains. Would it be helpful to show them a printed Bible? You could refer to “ An Introduction to God’s Word,” located in the front of the New World Translation, to convey the wealth of information found in the Bible. You might then illustrate the practical value of the content by using one or two scriptures listed under question 15 to explain how the Bible can help us find happiness. In short, if you show your Bible students the power of God’s Word, your teaching will be more effective.
FOCUS ON JEHOVAH
13. When we teach, to whom should we direct attention? Illustrate.
13. Our goal is to help our listeners to get to know Jehovah and to draw close to him.
(James 4.8: Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones.)
In that regard, we can compare our work to that of a lighting technician in a theater. During the show, he does not shine the light on himself. Rather, he directs it toward the main characters, ensuring that they are in the spotlight. When we teach, we should do the same—focus attention on Jehovah, not on ourselves.
14. How can we help our student focus on Jehovah?
14. When conducting a Bible study, help your student develop the desire to please Jehovah.
(Proverbs 27.11: Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, So that I can make a reply to him who taunts me.)
You are not merely trying to get your student to conform to a code of conduct, as if he or she were joining a club. You want your student to make changes in order to please Jehovah. For example, if your student is struggling to overcome a bad habit, ask him such questions as: “Why does Jehovah hate this practice? Why would Jehovah require that you give up something you enjoy? How does this requirement show that Jehovah loves you?” The more you motivate your student to think about Jehovah, the more he will see what a wonderful Father we have. That, in turn, will help your student want to please Jehovah.
KEEP IMPROVING YOUR ART OF TEACHING
15. What can you do to keep improving in your art of teaching?
15. You can ask Jehovah in prayer to help you analyze your art of teaching to see where you can improve.
(1 John 5.14: And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that no matter what we ask according to his will, he hears us.)
Working in harmony with your prayers, you can take to heart the training that Jehovah gives at congregation meetings. You can invite capable teachers to go with you on your Bible study. Then ask for feedback. Remember, too, that although you are familiar with the material, your student is not. Try to look at the material through his eyes. Then help your student to realize that our message is truly good news. It can move him to have a close friendship with Jehovah and can bring him genuine happiness.—
(Psalm 1.1-3: Happy is the man who does not walk according to the advice of the wicked And does not stand on the path of sinners And does not sit in the seat of scoffers. But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, And he reads His law in an undertone day and night. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, A tree that produces fruit in its season, The foliage of which does not wither. And everything he does will succeed.)
16. How will we benefit if we keep improving our art of teaching?
16. Teaching others about Jehovah is one of the greatest joys we can experience. The joyful work of teaching will be much needed in the future new world. Let us continue, then, to care about our listeners, to rely on God’s Word, and to focus on Jehovah as we preach the good news. By doing so, we can improve our art of teaching in the ministry.
HOW CAN YOU SHOW THAT YOU...
care about your listeners?
rely on God’s Word?
focus on Jehovah?
Verse 1.
Move ahead, move ahead to maturity!
Shine the light of the truth so that all may plainly see.
Try your best to improve in your ministry;
Trust in God for true success.
There’s a place in the service for all.
It’s the work Jesus did, you’ll recall.
Look to God for support that you may not fall,
Standing firm for righteousness.
Verse 2.
Move ahead, move ahead, boldly witnessing!
Everlasting good news to all sorts of people bring.
Join in praise to Jehovah, our God and King,
As we preach from door to door.
Though opposers would like us to fear,
Don’t hold back, but let ev’ryone hear.
Tell the news that the Kingdom of God is here.
Teach the truth yet more and more.
Verse 3.
Move ahead, move ahead, always follow through,
And improve in your skills,
for there’s so much work to do.
Let the spirit of God keep on leading you.
Find the joy that is divine.
Love the people you work hard to find.
Keep returning to reach heart and mind.
And assist them to grow and to be refined,
So the light of truth will shine.
Based on
(Hebrews 6.1: Therefore, now that we have moved beyond the primary doctrine about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying a foundation again, namely, repentance from dead works and faith in God,)
(See also ; ; .)