ARE YOU ON THE ROAD TO EVERLASTING LIFE?
Note to the speaker: Help Bible students and interested ones to understand why and how to make further spiritual progress.
Emphasize the many sources of help available, and warmly encourage them to act without delay
WHAT IS ‘THE ROAD TO LIFE’? (5 min.)
Jehovah God offers to all the prospect of receiving everlasting life (Ro 6:23)
Millions look forward to enjoying everlasting life in Paradise on earth, as God originally purposed
Gaining life requires following a course different from the majority [Read Matthew 7:13, 14] (w09 8/1 3-4) The Bible reveals God’s requirements for gaining life (Joh 17:3; 1Jo 2:3; 5:3)
God’s requirements are reasonable; they reflect his love and greatly benefit us
HOW TO BEGINWALKING ON ‘THE ROAD TO LIFE’ (13 min.)
Begin by building faith based on accurate Bible knowledge
We need strong confidence in the Bible to choose a path contrary to the one followed by others around us
If you are not fully convinced that the Bible is God’s Word, then examine the evidence (g 11/07 5-9)
Use the Bible to examine your current beliefs carefully
Jesus emphasized the need for our beliefs to be based on truth [Read John 4:23, 24]
Like the apostle Paul, be willing to change your beliefs when presented with evidence (Ac 26:9-20)
We may discern that in order to please God, we need to make changes in our personality or lifestyle
As we draw close to Jehovah and grow in faith, we gain the power to make such changes [Read James 4:8]
We put away habits and practices that God views as unclean (Ga 5:19-21; Eph 4:17-19)
We put on “the new personality” by imitating Jehovah and Jesus (Eph 4:20-29; 5:1, 2)
Many have successfully made dramatic changes (w15 5/1 10-11; w14 7/1 8-9)
As we grow in knowledge and faith, we need to share in making disciples, as Jesus commanded (Mt 28:19, 20)
To begin walking on ‘the road to life,’ we must dedicate ourselves to Jehovah and get baptized (Mt 16:24;
1Pe 3:21)
‘THE ROAD TO LIFE’ IS NOT TOO DIFFICULT (7 min.)
Our situation is similar to that of the nation of Israel when about to enter the Promised Land [Read
Deuteronomy 30:11] (w09 11/1 31)
‘The road to life’ may appear to be restrictive but actually brings freedom and happiness (w06 10/1 8-10)
Jehovah God provides the help we need to get on ‘the road to life’ and continue on it
God invites us to pray to him and promises to help us in times of need (Ps 145:18; Isa 41:13)
God gives us his holy spirit, which guides and strengthens us (Lu 11:10-13; w10 4/15 9 par. 11; 11 par. 15)
At Christian meetings, we can find support and wholesome association (Heb 10:24, 25)
CONTINUE TO MAKE SPIRITUAL PROGRESS (5 min.)
Adjusting our lives to meet God’s requirements takes time and patience but is an urgent matter
The blessings and joys of serving Jehovah make doing so worth our effort
Do not be discouraged by obstacles or setbacks (Mr 4:26-29; w14 12/15 12-13 pars. 4-8)
Do not be deceived by the false claims of happiness promoted by this world and its ruler (1Jo 2:17; 5:19)
“The last days” of this system will not continue indefinitely (2Ti 3:1; 2Pe 3:4, 9, 10)
Now is the time to accept God’s invitation to walk on ‘the road to life’
[Adhere closely to the outlined material, and observe the indicated timing of each section. Not all cited texts need to be read or commented on. See Ministry School book, pp. 52-55, 166-169]
No. 192-E 8/15 TO BE COVERED IN 30 MINUTES