July 16-22, 2000
MEMORY VERSE: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14.
STUDY HELP: Christ’s Object Lessons, 56–61.
INTRODUCTION: “The greatest work, the noblest effort, in which men can engage, is to point sinners to the Lamb of God….God says to them, ‘Go, teach and preach Christ. Instruct and educate all who know not of His grace, His goodness, and His mercy. Teach the people…. ’Workers for Christ are never to think, much less to speak, of failure in their work. The Lord Jesus is our efficiency in all things; His Spirit is to be our inspiration; and as we place ourselves in His hands, to be channels of light, our means of doing good will never be exhausted. We may draw upon His fullness, and receive of that grace which has no limit.” Gospel Workers, 19.
“The Foolishness of Preaching”
1 What means has God chosen to bring the news of salvation to the world? 1 Corinthians 1:21.
NOTE: “We are never to forget that Christ teaches through His servants. There may be conversions without the instrumentality of a sermon. Where persons are so situated that they are deprived of every means of grace, they are wrought upon by the Spirit of God and convinced of the truth through reading the Word; but God’s appointed means of saving souls is through ‘the foolishness of preaching.’ Though human, and compassed with the frailties of humanity, men are God’s messengers; and the dear Saviour is grieved when so little is effected by their labors. Every minister who goes out into the great harvest field should magnify his office. He should not only seek to bring men to the knowledge of the truth, but he should labor, as did Paul, ‘warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom,’ that he may ‘present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.’” Testimonies, vol. 5, 300.
2 With what thought-provoking questions did Paul seek to rouse the church to its responsibilities? Romans 10:14.
NOTE: “While the angels hold the four winds, we are to work with all our capabilities. We must bear our message without any delay. We must give evidence to the heavenly universe, and to men in this degenerate age, that our religion is a faith and a power of which Christ is the Author and His word the divine oracle. Human souls are hanging in the balance. They will either be subjects for he kingdom of God or slaves to the despotism of Satan. All are to have the privilege of laying hold of the hope set before them in the gospel, and how can they hear without a preacher? The human family is in need of a moral renovation, a preparation of character, that they may stand in God’s presence. There are souls ready to perish because of the theoretical errors which are prevailing, and which are calculated to counterwork the gospel message. Who will now fully consecrate themselves to become laborers together with God?” Testimonies, vol. 6, 21.
3 What is one part that must be played by those who cannot preach? Romans 10:15, first part.
NOTE: See Acts of the Apostles, 338.
“Whom Shall I Send?”
4 What question comes from the throne of God to every believer? Isaiah 6:8.
NOTE: “Sabbath after Sabbath many of you hear the voice of the living preacher, but how many feel the need of bringing the truth into your practical life? How many realize that light is given you that you may reflect it upon others? There is great need that the people should be educated that they may do the part of the work that has been appointed unto them to do; but the education of church members has been neglected. If the minister would instruct his people, he might have an army to help him in diffusing the light when a crisis comes in the work. Each member of the church should do the work for which he is best adapted, and the work could be so arranged that everything would move off harmoniously, and the prosperity of a working church would be manifested in the vital interest which would spring up among those who put their energies into the cause of Christ.” Pastoral Ministry, 154.
5 What precious promises come to those who feel they cannot speak for God? Jeremiah 1:6–9.
NOTE: “The same God who gave His messages to Moses and Jeremiah will give His word to His witnesses in this generation. ‘For it is not ye that speak,’ Christ declares, ‘but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.’ This word of the Lord has been verified in all ages, and it will be verified to the close of time in all who hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end. The most powerful testimony will be given in defense of the faith once delivered to the saints. The Holy Spirit is close beside those who are called to witness for truth and righteousness.” Review and Herald, May 24, 1898.
“Look on the Fields”
6 Where is the Christian to witness for Christ? Matthew 13:38, first part, Mark 16:15.
NOTE: “If you cannot cross the ocean and the heathen lands explore, you can find the heathen nearer; you can help them at your door.” Old Hymn.
“Let ministers and lay members go forth into the ripening fields. They will find their harvest wherever they proclaim the forgotten truths of the Bible. They will find those who will accept the truth, and who will devote their lives to winning souls to Christ. It is not the Lord’s purpose that ministers should be left to do the greatest part of the work of sowing the seeds of truth. Men who are not called to the ministry are to be encouraged to labor for the Master according to their several ability. Hundreds of men and women now idle could do acceptable service. By carrying the truth into the homes of their friends and neighbors, they could do a great work for the Master.” Christian Service, 67.
7 By what illustration did Jesus explain the variety of responses to the message of salvation? Matthew 13:3–23.
NOTE: See Christ’s Object Lessons, 57.
“Some Fell by the Wayside”
8 What example do we have of seed that fell by the wayside? Acts 17:32.
NOTE: See Christ’s Object Lessons, 44.
9 What example is given of seed that fell upon stony ground? 2 Timothy 4:10, first part. (Compare Philemon, verse 24; Colossians 4:14.)
NOTE: See Christ’s Object Lessons, 46, 47.
10 What example is recorded of seed falling among thorns? Acts 5:1–10.
NOTE: See Christ’s Object Lessons, 52.
“He that Heareth the Word, and Understandeth It”
11 What work must be done by the faithful witness for Christ? Matthew 28:19, 20.
NOTE: “House-to-house laborers are needed. The Lord calls for decided efforts to be put forth in places where the people know nothing of Bible truth. Singing and prayer and Bible readings are needed in the homes of the people. Now, just now, is the time to obey the commission, ‘Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.’ Matthew 28:20. Those who do this work must have a ready knowledge of the Scriptures. ‘It is written’ is to be their weapon of defense. God has given us light on His word, that we may give this light to our fellow men. The truth spoken by Christ will reach hearts. A ‘Thus saith the Lord’ will fall upon the ear with power, and fruit will appear wherever honest service is done.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, 540.
12 What warning did Christ give about unfaithful witnesses? Matthew 23:1–3.
NOTE: “Christ calls them to unite with Him in His work for the saving of the world, but they content themselves with saying, ‘I go, sir.’ They do not co-operate with those who are doing God’s service. They are idlers. Like the unfaithful son, they make false promises to God. In taking upon themselves the solemn covenant of the church, they have pledged to receive and obey the Word of God, to give themselves to God’s service; but they do not do this. In profession they claim to be sons of God, but in life and character they deny the relationship. They do not surrender the will to God. They are living a lie. In the command, ‘Go work today in my vineyard,’ the test of sincerity is brought to every soul. Will there be deeds as well as words? Will the one called put to use all the knowledge he has, working faithfully, disinterestedly, for the Owner of the vineyard?” Review and Herald, June 23, 1910. See also Christ’s Object Lessons, 279.