Study week: JULY 27–AUGUST 2, 2026
“To the extent we have made progress, let us go on walking orderly in this same course.”—PHIL. 3:16.
🎵 SONG 56 Make the Truth Your Own
1 SOME of Jehovah’s servants have decided to get additional education that goes beyond the basic schooling that is mandated by the state. They may feel that such education could help them to find work that will support them in their service to Jehovah. If you have decided to get additional education, how can you make sure that you will remain close to Jehovah? (Jas. 4:8a) No doubt you faced tests of faith during your previous years in school. Now you will need to “go on walking orderly in this same course”—that is, to continue serving Jehovah faithfully, just as you have already.—Read Philippians 3:16.
2 The Greek verb used in the phrase rendered “walking orderly in this same course” was often used in a military sense to describe the unified marching of soldiers. If you decide to get additional education, you will need to keep “marching forward” in Jehovah’s service, neither standing still nor retreating. This article will discuss four Bible principles that will help you. These principles are not new to you. You applied them in the past, and you will need to continue applying them while receiving additional education and well after you complete your schooling.
Why these scriptures
Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones.
At any rate, to the extent we have made progress, let us go on walking orderly in this same course.
3 The challenge. Additional education might place new demands on you that will affect your daily routine. Because you naturally want to do well in your schooling, you could begin to treat your service to Jehovah as of lesser importance. You could even start to neglect Christian meetings, participation in the ministry, personal Bible study, and prayer.—Rev. 2:4.
Why these scriptures
Nevertheless, I hold this against you, that you have left the love you had at first.
4 Read 1 Corinthians 15:58. Just as a bicycle stays upright when it is in motion, you will stay upright spiritually if you are in motion, having “plenty to do in the work of the Lord,” in Jehovah’s service. This is not simply a matter of spending some time in theocratic activities. It is a matter of your priorities. View yourself as a servant of Jehovah first and as a school student second. (Matt. 22:37) A young sister named Samantha says, “I promised myself that if my education were ever to interfere with my service to Jehovah, I would quit school.”
Why these scriptures
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord.
He said to him: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’
5 What you can do before you begin your additional education. Have your priorities clearly in focus. Ask yourself, ‘What plan do I have in place to stay regular in my meeting attendance, ministry, and personal study?’ (Josh. 1:8; Matt. 28:19, 20; Heb. 10:25) Also, think back: How did you keep your priorities in focus during your previous years in school? If you feel that you could have handled things better, what adjustments can you make now? Be determined to stay active in Jehovah’s service as you get additional education. Give adequate attention to your education—but not at the expense of your worship.a—Matt. 6:24.
Why these scriptures
Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,
teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”
not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near.
“No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot slave for God and for Riches.
6 As you get your additional education, regularly make a self-examination, perhaps every month or so. Ask yourself, ‘Are my priorities still in focus?’ Be alert to warning signs—for example, a habit of skipping meetings or arriving late, of thinking about your school assignments while the meeting is in progress, or of attending meetings only virtually. Note, too, whether your habit of prayer and Bible reading begins to slack off or whether your ministry becomes superficial—a mere chore that you want to finish as quickly as possible. If you see such traits developing, act quickly. Do not let your education keep you from giving priority to Jehovah’s service.
7 The challenge. Depending on the courses you take, your additional education might expose you to the world’s “philosophy and empty deception,” including atheism and evolution. (Col. 2:8) It could also promote a spirit of self-reliance. One young brother recalls: “We weren’t just taught a skill; we were taught a way of thinking, one that often wasn’t in harmony with Jehovah’s thinking. For example, we were taught that our success in life depended on ourselves. This kind of thinking left Jehovah out of the equation. It made it more difficult for me to rely on him.”
Why these scriptures
Look out that no one takes you captive by means of the philosophy and empty deception according to human tradition, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ;
8 Read Proverbs 5:1, 2. The Bible warns you to “guard your thinking abilities.” To guard something implies that it is under threat of attack. That is certainly true with regard to your thinking abilities. (1 Pet. 5:8) The world’s spirit can undermine your faith with regard to morals, the origin of life, or even the existence of God. People may present their view as “higher” thinking, but it is actually lower thinking. In fact, it is “foolishness with God.”—1 Cor. 3:18-20.
Why these scriptures
5 My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Listen carefully to my discernment,
So that you may guard your thinking abilities And safeguard knowledge with your lips.
Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.
Let no one deceive himself: If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this system of things, let him become a fool, so that he may become wise.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, for it is written: “He catches the wise in their own cunning.”
And again: “Jehovah knows that the reasonings of the wise men are futile.”
9 What you can do before you begin your additional education. To guard your thinking abilities, make sure your Bible-based convictions are strong before you begin your additional education. Ask yourself such questions as: ‘Why do I believe in God? How do I know that the Bible is his Word? What convinces me that the Bible’s moral standards are superior to those of the world?’ Also, think back: No doubt you were exposed to the world’s thinking during your previous years in school. Was your faith weakened by the confidence that some had in the evolution theory? Were you easily tempted by the unclean lifestyle of your fellow students? If you feel that you could have done better in the past, how can you strengthen your convictions now? Be determined to guard your thinking abilities as you get additional education.—2 Tim. 2:16-18.b
Why these scriptures
But reject empty speeches that violate what is holy, for they will lead to more and more ungodliness,
and their word will spread like gangrene. Hy·me·naeʹus and Phi·leʹtus are among them.
These men have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are subverting the faith of some.
10 As you get additional education, keep making a regular self-examination. Ask yourself: ‘Am I being influenced by the ungodly lifestyles of those around me? Can I see through the world’s empty philosophies? Am I fully convinced that only God’s Kingdom can solve mankind’s problems?’ To guard your thinking abilities, continue to be a good student of God’s Word. Bible study and meditation will help you to strengthen your conviction that you have the truth.—1 Tim. 4:15.
Why these scriptures
Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, so that your advancement may be plainly seen by all people.
11 The challenge. Additional education may place heavy demands on your time, especially when you are studying for exams or when you have a tight deadline to complete a project. If you do not manage your time wisely, you could suffer from undue stress and even set yourself up for burnout. That is why it is vital for you to take care of your physical and emotional health.
12 Read Ephesians 5:15, 16. It can be difficult to make “the best use of your time.” You need balance. For example, even more than giving attention to your classes, you need to have time for wholesome association with fellow believers and family members. (Ps. 133:1; Prov. 18:1) Your spiritual needs are the top priority. (Matt. 6:33) You might also have family responsibilities and a job to care for. In addition, you need to take care of your health by getting adequate rest and moderate exercise. (Eccl. 4:6; 1 Tim. 4:8) All of this requires good time management.
Why these scriptures
So keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons,
making the best use of your time, because the days are wicked.
133 Look! How good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!
18 Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires; He rejects all practical wisdom.
“Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.
Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of hard work and chasing after the wind.
For physical training is beneficial for a little, but godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and the life that is to come.
13 What you can do before you begin your additional education. The Bible says that planning leads to success. (Prov. 21:5) With that in mind, have a realistic schedule in place before you begin your additional education. To help you do that, think back: How well did you manage your time during your previous years in school? If you feel that you could have done better in the past, what adjustments can you make now? Be determined to control your time rather than allow time to control you.c
Why these scriptures
The plans of the diligent surely lead to success, But all who are hasty surely head for poverty.
14 As you get additional education, regularly make a self-examination. Ask yourself: ‘Is my schedule allowing me to get sufficient rest and exercise? Do I still have some time to associate with fellow believers? Can I complete my homework on time? If not, is it because I have too much to do or is it because I procrastinate? Would others, including family members, agree with my assessment?’ Whether you need to adjust your schedule or simply develop better self-discipline, act quickly. You might even talk to others who have good time-management skills.—Prov. 11:14.
Why these scriptures
When there is no skillful direction, the people fall, But there is success through many advisers.
15 The challenge. As you get additional education, your fellow students might try to include you in their social life. You might be tempted to join them. After all, you have a lot in common with them, especially if much of your time is spent with them in class. You might even feel that you have more in common with your classmates than you do with some of your fellow believers. However, you need to be cautious. Although you share a classroom with your fellow students, you do not share their values. And the more time you spend with them, the more their thinking can affect you. (1 Cor. 15:33) Michael, who completed a four-year electrical apprenticeship, found that to be true. He says, “I spent more than 40 hours a week with coworkers whose view of the opposite sex, choice of music, and use of vulgar language started to affect my thinking.”
Why these scriptures
Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.
16 Read Proverbs 13:20. The Bible warns us about the dangers of harmful association. On the other hand, “the one walking with the wise will become wise.” The lesson is clear: We are influenced by those we choose to spend time with, either for good or for bad. Maintain friendships with those who have your best interests at heart—those who, like you, wholeheartedly serve Jehovah.—Ps. 101:6, 7; 119:63.
Why these scriptures
The one walking with the wise will become wise, But the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly.
I will look to the faithful ones of the earth, So that they may dwell with me. The one walking in blamelessness will minister to me.
No deceitful person will dwell in my house, And no liar will stand in my presence.
I am a friend of all who fear you And of those who keep your orders.
17 What you can do before you begin your additional education. Decide which limits to set with regard to your association. A Witness named Trenton says: “I’m cordial with my fellow students, but I don’t spend time with them after school. I view them as my classmates, not as my close friends.” What limits will you set? To help answer that question, think back: What limits did you set during your previous years in school? If you feel that you could have done better in the past, what adjustments can you make now? Be determined to keep “walking with the wise” and to keep avoiding company with those who do not love Jehovah.d
18 At regular intervals, make a self-examination. Ask yourself: ‘Am I getting too close to my classmates? Are their habits, their speech, and their attitudes beginning to affect my speech and thinking? Would Jehovah agree with my personal assessment?’ (Ps. 1:1) If you detect negative changes in yourself, act quickly. Make sure that your best friendships are among those who love Jehovah the way you do. Also, don’t hesitate to witness to your classmates. You are in a unique position to help them learn about the truth.
Why these scriptures
1 Happy is the man who does not walk according to the advice of the wicked And does not stand on the path of sinners And does not sit in the seat of scoffers.
19 A wise hiker prepares himself before he sets foot on the trail. Although he cannot predict every challenge that he will face, he is in shape, he is properly dressed, and he has a goal—he knows where he is headed. You can take a similar approach as you get additional education. Keep strong in the faith, wear “the complete suit of armor from God,” and have a goal—not to achieve what the world considers “success,” but to bring glory to Jehovah in everything you do.—Eph. 6:11-13; 1 Cor. 9:26, 27; 10:31.
Why these scriptures
Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil;
because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.
For this reason take up the complete suit of armor from God, so that you may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after you have accomplished everything, to stand firm.
Therefore, the way I am running is not aimlessly; the way I am aiming my blows is so as not to be striking the air;
but I pummel my body and lead it as a slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow.
Therefore, whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.
20 The Bible urges us: “Keep testing whether you are in the faith; keep proving what you yourselves are.” (2 Cor. 13:5) You can do that as you get additional education. Regularly examine yourself in the areas discussed in this article. Are you maintaining a healthy spiritual routine? Are you guarding your thinking from the so-called wisdom of this world? Are you managing your time wisely? Are you cultivating friendships among fellow Christians while avoiding harmful association? Those are questions that you need to ask yourself whether you are at school, in the workforce, or anywhere else. Be determined to stay strong in the faith in whatever circumstance you face. You can be certain that Jehovah will bless your efforts to do so.—Prov. 3:5, 6.
Why these scriptures
Keep testing whether you are in the faith; keep proving what you yourselves are. Or do you not recognize that Jesus Christ is in union with you? Unless you are disapproved.
Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding.
In all your ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight.
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