JULY 08 2018 MIDWEEK MEETING

Life and Ministry Meeting

A. TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

1. Measure Out Generously

a. If we are forgiving, people will forgive us

“Moreover, stop judging, and you will by no means be judged; and stop
condemning, and you will by no means be condemned. Keep on forgiving, and
you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37

- Or “keep on releasing, and you will be released.”

- Greek term rendered “to forgive” literally means “to let go free; to send away;
to release (for example, a prisoner).
- In this context, when used in contrast with judging and condemning, it
conveys the idea of acquitting and forgiving, even when punishment or
retribution might seem warranted.
- The first century Pharisees judged others harshly, in keeping with unscriptural
traditions.
- Any of Jesus’ listeners who did that were to ‘stop judging’
- Instead, they were to keep on releasing, that is, forgiving the shortcomings of
others.
- By extending forgiveness, Jesus’ disciples would move people to respond
with a forgiving spirit.
- With respect to our treatment of others, we reap what we sow.
- “Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is
sowing, this he will reap.” – Galatians 6:7

b. We should make giving a practice.

“Practice giving, and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine
measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing. For with the measure
that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.” – Luke 6:38

- Or “keep giving.”
- Denotes continuous action.
- The Greek word for “your laps” literally means “your bosom,” but in the
context it likely refers to the fold formed over the belt by the loose-fitting cloth
of the outer garment.
- ‘Pouring into the lap’ may refer to a custom of some vendors to fill this fold
with the goods that had been purchased.

c. People will measure out to us as we have measured out to others.

Luke 6:38
2. DIGGING FOR SPIRITUAL GEMS

a. In what way did Jesus set a good example for Christians facing major decisions?

“On one of those days he went out to the mountain to pray, and he spent the
whole night in prayer to God. And when it became day, he called his disciples to
him and chose from among them, whom he also named apostles…” – Luke 6:12-
13

- Jesus often spent extended periods of time in prayer.

- Although not necessarily spending the whole night in prayer, those who are
spiritually-minded follow Jesus’ example.
- Before making major decisions in life, they take ample time to pray to God,
seeking the direction of the holy spirit in making choices that will deepen their
spirituality.
- Answer: Major decisions in life usually affects us for a long time. We don’t
have that much foresight as Jehovah. It is therefore only fitting that we seek
the guidance of the One who has foresight – our Creator. Extended periods
of solemn prayer also are an opportunity to have a deep conversation with
Jehovah. Undistracted and focused prayer almost feels like a one-to-one
conversation with God which, when done at the right place and at a right
time, allows us to pour out our hearts to Jehovah and made him know fully
what is our petition and just how important those petitions are to us.

b. How can Jesus’ words help us if we are the victims of slander?

“All the same, wisdom is proved righteous by all its children.” – Luke 7:35

- It children = its results

- Wisdom is personified and depicted here as children.
- Wisdom’s children, or works—that is, the evidence produced by John the
Baptist and Jesus—prove that the accusations against them are false.
- Jesus is, in effect, saying: ‘Look at the righteous works and conduct, and you
will know that the charges is false.’
- Answer: Let our works speak for our defense. Works or results are the best
evidence, even beyond words, against our accusers.

c. What has this week’s Bible reading taught me about Jehovah?

Jehovah is a very generous person. He has been giving all living creatures,
including humans, what they need in order to live. This is regardless whether
some humans are loyal to him or not. Each have their equal share of oxygen,
sunlight, etc.
 d. What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

Jesus set an example of how to have an intimate conversation with Jehovah.

Just look for a quiet and isolated place. Try to hear Jehovah’s response through
the things that can be seen – the invisible qualities of the Creator as seen in the
things around. Especially when we are anxious or terrified, we can meditate at
the power and wisdom of the creator of nature and see how can that Creator can
do for you if you gain his favor.

B. LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

1. Imitate Jehovah’s Generosity

2. Congregation Book Study

Matthew is Called

a. What is Matthew doing when Jesus sees him?

- He is working as a tax collector.

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