10/08/2026
# # # *AUGUST 10-16 — JEREMIAH 24-25*
*Song 124 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)*
Good evening. This week Jehovah uses the picture of two baskets of figs to examine our hearts. Are we teachable, or are we stubborn? The answer affects whether we receive Jehovah’s blessing or judgment. Let’s see what we can learn.
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# # # *TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD*
# # # # *1. What Made “Figs” Good or Bad? (10 min.)*
*Scriptures: Jeremiah 24:1-10; Jeremiah 25:8, 9, 12*
Brothers and sisters, in 617 B.C.E. Nebuchadnezzar took some Jews captive to Babylon. Jehovah then gave Jeremiah a vision of two baskets of figs.
*REPENTANT EXILED JEWS WERE LIKE GOOD FIGS*
*Read Jer 24:1, 2, 5-7.*
Who were the good figs? The exiles already in Babylon. They had lost their home, but they had a soft heart.
Jehovah promised 3 things:
1. *“I will give them a heart to know me.”*
2. *“I will build them up and not tear them down.”*
3. *“I will bring them back to this land.”*
Why did Jehovah call them “good”? Because they accepted discipline as loving correction — _w94 3/1 14 ¶6_.
Like a patient who takes bitter medicine to get well.
*Application for us:*
When we receive counsel from the platform, in a shepherding visit, or from our personal study, do we respond quickly? Good figs do. That keeps us close to Jehovah — _w13 3/15 10 ¶10-11_.
*DISOBEDIENT, UNREPENTANT JEWS WERE LIKE BAD FIGS*
*Read Jer 24:8-10.*
Who were the bad figs? King Zedekiah, those left in Jerusalem, and those who fled to Egypt.
For 40 years they ignored Jeremiah’s warnings. Instead they practiced idolatry and trusted in political alliances with Egypt — _it “Egypt, Egyptian” ¶74_.
Jehovah’s verdict: *“I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.”*
_Illustration:_ One rotten fig spoils the whole basket. A stubborn attitude can weaken us and the congregation — _w94 3/1 15 ¶10_.
*Application for us:*
Saying “I’ll change later” or “It’s not that serious” cuts us off from Jehovah’s blessing. Jehovah cannot build up what we refuse to correct.
*JEHOVAH’S JUDGMENT IS JUST*
*Read Jer 25:8, 9, 12.*
Jehovah used Babylon as “my servant” to discipline Judah. But Babylon became proud and cruel. After 70 years, Jehovah judged Babylon too.
*Lesson:* Jehovah disciplines to restore. He keeps His word exactly. And He holds everyone accountable.
*CONCLUSION*
The question is: Which basket are we in? Let’s examine ourselves honestly and be determined to be good figs.
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# # # # *2. Spiritual Gems (10 min.)*
*“What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?”*
*Gem 1: Jer 25:8, 9, 12—Why did Jehovah punish Babylon when it acted as his “servant” to execute judgment on his people?*
Jehovah did use Babylon as his “servant” to discipline Judah for 70 years because Judah was practicing idolatry and ignoring warnings.
However, Babylon went beyond what Jehovah authorized. They acted with pride, cruelty, and violence. They were not interested in helping Judah repent — they wanted to destroy God’s people.
So after the 70 years were complete, Jehovah turned and punished Babylon for its own sins — _it “Kingdom of God” ¶36_.
*The gem for me:* Having a privilege in Jehovah’s service does not excuse a bad heart. Jehovah judges our motives, not just our actions.
*Gem 2: Jer 24:5-7 — Jehovah disciplines to restore*
Jehovah told the good figs: “I will give them a heart to know me... I will build them up.”
Even in a hard situation, Jehovah’s goal was relationship. This reminds me that when I receive counsel, Jehovah’s purpose is to draw me closer, not to crush me.
*Gem 3: Jer 25:11, 12 — Jehovah is exact with His timing*
Jehovah said the exile would last 70 years, and it did — exactly.
If Jehovah was that precise with Babylon, I have full confidence He will be just as precise with Armageddon. This builds my faith and patience.
*Gem 4: Jer 24:7 — Jehovah wants a personal relationship*
“They will be my people, and I will be their God.”
Jehovah repeated “a heart to know me.” This gem reminds me that prayer, study, and meetings are not just duties. They are how I develop a friendship with Jehovah.
*Gem 5: Jer 25:3-5 — Jehovah is patient but warns us*
Jeremiah preached for 23 years “again and again.”
This shows Jehovah’s patience. He gives ample time to repent — 2 Peter 3:9. But it also makes me urgent in the ministry, because I know His patience will have an end.
*APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY - LONGER VERSIONS*
*4. STARTING A CONVERSATION — HOUSE TO HOUSE (4 min)*
*Theme: Start with a timely topic, then make it personal* — lmd lesson 2 point 5
_Setting: Saturday morning. Householder is outside sweeping._
*Publisher:* Good morning ma. Please, I don’t want to hold you. My name is Tunde.
*Householder:* Good morning.
*Publisher:* I’ve been talking to people in this area and one thing keeps coming up — people are worried about the future. The cost of things, insecurity, even just making plans. Can I ask, how do you personally feel about what’s coming in the next few years? Hopeful or concerned?
*Householder:* Concerned o. It’s like every day something new is happening.
*Publisher:* I understand. Many people feel that way. You know, the Bible actually described our time. It said “in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here” — 2 Timothy 3:1.
*Householder:* That’s true.
*Publisher:* But the Bible doesn’t just describe the problem. It gives hope. Think about Jeremiah’s day. Jerusalem was destroyed. People lost homes and family. They must have felt hopeless. Yet Jehovah told them through Jeremiah:
*Read Jeremiah 29:11:* “For I myself well know the plans I have for you... plans for peace and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.”
*Publisher:* What does that tell you about Jehovah?
*Householder:* That He cares.
*Publisher:* Exactly. He sees what we’re going through. And He has a solution. The Bible shows that God’s Kingdom is a government in heaven with Jesus as King. Soon it will remove war, sickness, injustice, and even death.
*Read Revelation 21:4* briefly.
*Publisher:* Would you like to know how we can be sure that Kingdom is real and how it will affect your family?
*Householder:* Yes.
*Publisher:* Great. I can come back Thursday around 6pm and show you 2 scriptures that explain it simply. Would that work?
*Householder:* Thursday is fine.
*Publisher:* Thank you ma. I’ll be here. Have a good day.
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*5. FOLLOWING UP — INFORMAL WITNESSING (4 min)*
*Theme: Use the _Love People_ brochure, Appendix A* — lmd lesson 9 point 5
_Setting: Break time at work. Coworker brings up suffering._
*Coworker:* Bros, I’ve been thinking. If God really loves us, why is the world like this? Children dying, war everywhere.
*Publisher:* That’s a deep question, and I’m glad you asked. I used to wonder the same thing.
*Coworker:* So what’s the answer?
*Publisher:* Can I show you 4 points from the Bible? I have this brochure _Love People_ that helps.
Open to Appendix A.
*Publisher:* Point 1: *God is not the cause.* The Bible says humans chose to follow Satan instead of God — Genesis 3:6. That’s why we have pain.
Point 2: *God feels our pain.* Look at Exodus 3:7. He said “I have seen the suffering.” He’s not distant.
Point 3: *God set a time to end it.*
*Read Revelation 21:4:* “He will wipe out every tear... death will be no more.”
*Publisher:* Imagine a world with no hospitals, no funerals, no tears.
*Coworker:* That would be amazing.
*Publisher:* Point 4: *God will remove the cause.* Satan and wickedness will be gone.
*Coworker:* But when?
*Publisher:* The Bible gives signs. That’s why we’re preaching — so people can learn and be ready.
Would you like to go through the scriptures for points 1, 2, and 4 with me? I can bring the brochure Friday after work and we can discuss for 15 minutes.
*Coworker:* Okay, Friday around 5:30.
*Publisher:* Perfect. I’ll see you then. Thanks for asking honest questions.
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*6. MAKING DISCIPLES (4 min)*
*Theme: Encourage a student struggling with an addiction* — lmd lesson 12 point 4
_Setting: Student’s home. Student looks down._
*Student:* Brother, I messed up again. I went back to p**n this week. I feel so dirty. Maybe Jehovah doesn’t want me.
*Publisher:* Thank you for telling me the truth. That’s the first step to getting better. And let me tell you something — you’re not the first to struggle, and you won’t be the last.
*Read Psalm 103:14:* “He well knows how we are formed, remembering that we are dust.”
*Publisher:* Jehovah knows we’re weak. He’s not shocked. What He wants to see is if we keep fighting.
*Student:* But it’s like I can’t stop.
*Publisher:* Let’s see what God promises.
*Read 1 Corinthians 10:13:* “God is faithful and he will not let you be tested beyond what you can bear, but along with the test he will also provide the way out.”
*Publisher:* Did you hear that? There’s always a way out. But we have to take it. Let’s make a plan together.
*Step 1: Prayer.* Pray before temptation comes. Psalm 55:22.
*Step 2: Remove triggers.* Delete apps, use content filters, don’t be alone with phone at night.
*Step 3: Talk to someone.* Me, an elder. Don’t isolate. Galatians 6:2.
*Step 4: Fill your mind.* More Bible reading, more service. What we fill our mind with matters — Philippians 4:8.
*Read Philippians 4:13:* “For all things I have strength through the one who gives me power.”
*Publisher:* You have that power available. You’ve already made progress by studying and coming to meetings. Jehovah sees that.
Let’s pray now for strength.
[Short prayer]
*Publisher:* What’s one step you’ll take today?
*Student:* I’ll delete the app and call you if I feel weak.
*Publisher:* That’s excellent. I’m proud of you. I’ll call you Wednesday to check in. We’re in this together.
# # #* 8. LIVING AS CHRISTIAN #*
*CONGREGATION BIBLE STUDY* (30min)
— *DIG DEEPER: SARAH — SHE REFUSED TO LOOK BACK*
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# # # *A. DISCUSS *
*1. Was it wrong for Sarah to marry Abraham even though he was her half brother?*
*Answer:* No, it was not wrong.
At that time Jehovah had not yet given the Law to Israel that later prohibited marriage between close relatives — Leviticus 18:9.
Abraham himself explained: “She really is my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother” — Genesis 20:12.
Jehovah approved their marriage because it was part of fulfilling His purpose to produce the promised offspring — _wp17.3 12 ¶5, ftn._
*2. Describe what Sarah may have left behind in Ur.*
*Answer:* Sarah left behind a lot of comfort and security.
Ur was a wealthy, advanced city with brick houses, schools, and trade. She likely had family, friends, servants, and material possessions.
But she chose to leave all that to live in tents and follow Jehovah’s direction with Abraham — _wp17.3 13 ¶3–14 ¶2_.
That shows real faith and courage.
*3. What evidence shows that Abraham acted wisely when he concealed Sarah’s identity as his wife?*
*Answer:* It was wise because it protected both their lives and allowed Jehovah to intervene.
In Egypt and later in Gerar, rulers wanted Sarah because of her beauty. If they knew she was married, Abraham likely would have been killed.
By saying she was his sister, Abraham gave Jehovah room to act. Jehovah struck Pharaoh and Abimelech with plagues and protected Sarah — Genesis 12:17; 20:3-6.
So it was not lying, but a strategy that protected life and God’s purpose — _wp17.3 14 ¶6–15 ¶2_.
*4. Although Sarah was submissive to Abraham, does that mean that she never spoke up? Explain.*
*Answer:* No. Submissive does not mean silent.
Sarah respectfully expressed her concerns and suggestions.
Example: She spoke up about Hagar and Ishmael because she was worried about Isaac’s inheritance — Genesis 21:10. Abraham listened and Jehovah told him to do what Sarah said.
Another example: She laughed when told she would have a son, and Jehovah lovingly corrected her — Genesis 18:12-15.
So Sarah was submissive, but she also communicated openly and respectfully — _g 1/08 29 ¶4-5_.
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# # # *B. REFLECT ON THE LESSONS*
*Compare Sarah and Lot’s wife. In what ways were they similar?*
*Similarities:* Both were married to men Jehovah used. Both were told to leave their homes and not look back — Genesis 12:1; 19:12, 15. Both were tested with the decision to leave behind material things.
*In what ways were they different?*
*Differences:* Sarah obeyed and kept looking forward in faith. Lot’s wife looked back with longing and lost her life — Genesis 19:17, 26; Luke 17:28-32.
Sarah trusted Jehovah’s promises. Lot’s wife’s heart was still attached to the old world.
*What can we learn from the decisions they made and how things turned out for them?*
We learn that Jehovah values obedience and faith over comfort. Looking back to the world can cost us our future. Looking forward to Jehovah’s promises brings life.
*Sarah was very beautiful, and her husband was wealthy. What example does she set for us regarding our view of any physical or material advantages we may have?*
*Answer:* Sarah didn’t depend on her beauty or wealth. The Bible describes her inner qualities: “the hidden person of the heart... with the incorruptible quality of a mild and quiet spirit” — 1 Peter 3:3-5.
Proverbs 31:30 says: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears Jehovah is to be praised.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19 tells us not to put hope in uncertain riches.
Sarah’s example shows us to value godly qualities over physical or material things.
*How might you imitate Sarah’s courage in your life?*
I can imitate Sarah’s courage by:
1. *Leaving my comfort zone* to do more in Jehovah’s service, like pioneering or moving to need greater need.
2. *Trusting Jehovah during uncertainty*, like when making decisions about work, marriage, or the future.
3. *Speaking up respectfully* when I have concerns, but still supporting headship in the family and congregation.
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# # # *C. MEDITATE ON THE BIGGER PICTURE*
*What does this account teach me about Jehovah?*
It teaches me that Jehovah values faith, loyalty, and a quiet spirit. He protects those who trust Him and He keeps His promises, even if it takes 25 years like with Isaac.
*How does this account tie in with Jehovah’s purposes?*
Sarah was key to Jehovah’s purpose. Through her came Isaac, then the nation of Israel, and ultimately Jesus Christ — the promised seed. Without Sarah’s faith, Jehovah’s purpose could not have moved forward.
*What would I like to ask Sarah in the resurrection?*
I would love to ask her: “How did you keep strong faith while waiting 25 years for Isaac?” and “What was it like to see Jehovah’s promise finally fulfilled?”
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# # # *LEARN MORE*
*Is Sarah’s example for wives only? Or does her example teach husbands also?*
Sarah’s example is for everyone. Wives learn submission and inner beauty. Husbands learn how Abraham treated Sarah with respect and listened to her — 1 Peter 3:7. Both learned to put Jehovah first.
*Learn From Them — Sarah (6:27)*
This video shows Sarah’s hospitality, faith during hard times, and trust in Jehovah’s promise.
*Consider what Sarah and Abraham did to help each other feel respected.*
Abraham listened to Sarah’s concerns and protected her. Sarah supported Abraham’s leadership and called him “lord” out of respect — 1 Peter 3:6. They worked as a team in serving Jehovah.
*“Keep ‘the Flame of Jah’ Alive” (w23.05 24-25 ¶15-17)*
Like Sarah, we keep our love for Jehovah alive by regular worship, prayer, and not letting the world’s pressures cool our zeal.