HELP MEN QUALIFY TO BECOME "GIFTS IN MEN"

 While on earth, Jesus perfectly cared for the work His Father had given to him to do. (John 17:4) But Jesus did not have the attitude, 'If you want something done right, you must do it yourself.' During his three-and-a-half-year ministry, he trained others to do the work. Before returning to heaven, Jesus entrusted his disciples-some of whom may been in their 20's-with the responsibility of caring for Jehovah's precious sheep and taking the lead in the preaching and teaching work. (Read Ephesians4:8) How did Jesus use his final 40 days to help these dedicated, loyal, hardworking men to qualify to become gifts in men"? -See study note on EPHESIANS 4:8.

Jesus gave his disciples frank but loving counsel. For example, he noticed that some of them had the tendency to doubt, so he counseled them. (Luke 24:25-27; John 20:27) He drove home the need for them to put greater emphasis on the shepherding work than on their secular careers. (John 21:15) He reminded them not to become unduly concerned about what privileges others might receive in Jehovah's service. (John 21:20-22) And he corrected some wrong ideas they had about the Kingdom and helped them focus on getting the good news preached. (Acts 1:6-8) What can elders learn from Jesus? 

How can elders imitate Jesus? They must train and assist men, including those who may be relatively young, to qualify for greater responsibilities. Elders do not expect those whom they train to be perfect. They should give them loving counsel so that these young brothers can gain experience and see the need to be humble, faithful, and willing to serve others. - 1 TIMOTHY 3:1; 2 TIMOTHY 2;2; 1 PETER 5:5. 

Next time: HELP ME TO QUALIFY TO BECOME "GIFTS IN MEN" - Continue 

From the jw.org publications