Lesson 12—Making Disciples—Courage
LESSON 12
Principle: “Oil and incense make the heart rejoice; so does sweet friendship springing from sincere counsel.”—
(Proverbs 27.9: Oil and incense make the heart rejoice; So does sweet friendship springing from sincere counsel.)
What Jesus Did
1. Watch the VIDEO, Or Read Then consider the following questions:
(Mark 10.17-22: As he was going on his way, a man ran up and fell on his knees before him and put the question to him: “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit everlasting life?” Jesus said to him: “Why do you call me good? Nobody is good except one, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honor your father and your mother.’” The man said to him: “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth on.” Jesus looked at him and felt love for him and said, “One thing is missing about you: Go, sell what things you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come be my follower.” But he grew sad at the answer and went away grieved, for he had many possessions.)
a. What good qualities might Jesus have seen in the young ruler?
b. Why did Jesus need both love and courage to counsel the man?
What Do We Learn From Jesus?
2. We need to speak lovingly yet frankly with our students to help them make spiritual progress.
Imitate Jesus
3. Help your student set and reach goals.
a. Use the “Goal” feature in each lesson of Enjoy Life Forever!
b. Help your student identify specific steps to reach both short-term and long-term goals.
c. Commend your student regularly for his progress.
4. Identify obstacles to progress, and help your student overcome those obstacles.
a. Ask yourself:
‘If my student is not progressing toward baptism, what is hindering him?’
‘What practical help can I offer?’
b. Pray for the courage to discuss frankly and lovingly what your student needs to do.
5. Discontinue unproductive studies.
a. Determine whether your Bible study is productive by asking yourself:
‘Is my student applying what he is learning?’
‘Does he attend congregation meetings and share the truth with others?’
‘After studying for some time, does he want to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?’
b. If a Bible student is unwilling to progress:
Ask him to consider what may be holding him back.
Tactfully explain why you are discontinuing the study.
Let him know what progress he needs to make before you will resume the study.
MAKING DISCIPLES
SEE ALSO
(Psalm 141.5: Should the righteous one strike me, it would be an act of loyal love; Should he reprove me, it would be like oil on my head, Which my head would never refuse. My prayer will continue even during their calamities.)
(Proverbs 25.12: Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to the receptive ear.)
(Proverbs 27.6: The wounds inflicted by a friend are faithful, But an enemy’s kisses are plentiful.)
(1 Corinthians 9.26: Therefore, the way I am running is not aimlessly; the way I am aiming my blows is so as not to be striking the air;)
(Colossians 4.5, 6: Go on walking in wisdom toward those on the outside, making the best use of your time. Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should answer each person.)