Use Teaching Tools Wisely

"The faithful and discreet slave" has provided an abundance of tools that can be used for study. The Watchtower magazine, for use with the Bible, is available in 131 languages. There are books for Bible study in 153 languages, brochures in 284, audio cassettes in 61, videocassettes in 41, even a computer program for Bible research in 9 languages!- Matthew 24:45-47.

Many households use the family study period to prepare for the congregation Watchtower study. How helpful that can be! The Watchtower contains the principal spiritual food that is provided to build up Jehovah's people worldwide. When you study the Watchtower as a family, do more than read paragraphs and answer printed questions. Earnestly seek understanding. Take time to look up scriptures that are cited but not quoted. Invite family members to comment on how these are related to what is stated in the paragraph under consideration. Get the heart involved.- Proverbs 4:7, 23; Acts 17:11.

If there are children in your household, what can you do to make your study not merely a family ritual but an up building, interesting and happy time? Endeavor to keep one involved in an appropriate way so that the attention strays focused on the study material. Where possible, arrange for each child to have his own Bible and study magazine. In imitation of the warmth displayed by Jesus, a parent may have a young child sit very close, perhaps putting an arm around the little one. (Compare Mark 10:13-16). A family head may have a youngster explain a picture that appears with the study material. A young child might be assigned to point out opportunities for practical application of the study material.

Though you may be using the Watchtower as a basis for your discussion, do not forget the other study tools that are available in many languages. If background information or explanation of a Bible expression is needed, Insight on the Scriptures may provide it. Other questions may be answered by consulting the Watchtower Publications Index or by using the computer research program provided by the Society. Learning to use these tools, if they are available in your language, can be a valuable part of family study. With a view to stimulating the interest of young ones, you may also set aside part of your study time to watch a portion of one of the Society's instructive videos or to listen to a section of a drama on audio cassette and then discuss it. God use of these study tools can help to make your family study interesting and beneficial to the entire family.

Next time: Adapt To Your Family's Needs