December 3 – 9, 2023
Key Text
“Distributing to the needs of saints, given to hospitality.” Romans 12:13
Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 524–536; Christ’s Object Lessons, 376–389
Introduction
“Our work in this world is to live for others’ good, to bless others, to be hospitable; and frequently it may be only at some inconvenience that we can entertain those who really need our care and the benefit of our society and our homes.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 645
Sunday
1 THE FAMILY AT BETHANY
1.a. When weary of His labors, where did Jesus often find rest? Luke 10:38–42
Note: “At the home of Lazarus, Jesus had often found rest. The Saviour had no home of His own; He was dependent on the hospitality of His friends and disciples, and often, when weary, thirsting for human fellowship, He had been glad to escape to this peaceful household, away from the suspicion and jealousy of the angry Pharisees. Here He found a sincere welcome, and pure, holy friendship. Here He could speak with simplicity and perfect freedom, knowing that His words would be understood and treasured.” The Desire of Ages, 524
1.b. How was Lazarus benefited by the greatest miracle of Jesus? John 11:1–5; 38–44
Note: “It was for Lazarus that the greatest of Christ’s miracles was performed. The Saviour blessed all who sought His help; He loves all the human family, but to some He is bound by peculiarly tender associations. His heart was knit by a strong bond of affection to the family at Bethany, and for one of them His most wonderful work was wrought.” The Desire of Ages, 524
Monday
2 LYDIA
2.a. Once Lydia had received the truth, how did she put her home to the service of the Lord? Acts 16:14, 15
Note: “God opened the ears of Lydia, so that she attended to the message spoken by Paul. To declare the whole counsel of God and all that was essential for Lydia to receive—this was the part Paul was to act in her conversion; and then the God of all grace exercised His power, leading the soul in the right way.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, 1062
2.b. After having suffered cruel persecution, where did Paul and Silas find relief? Acts 16:40
Note: “Acting upon the instruction given by Christ, the apostles would not urge their presence where it was not desired. ‘They went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.’ ” The Acts of the Apostles, 218
2.c. Lydia warmly welcomed the apostles. Whom else should we welcome as God’s heritage in need of refuge? 1 Timothy 4:12, first part; Jude 21–23
Note: “Our homes should be a place of refuge for the tempted youth. Many there are who stand at the parting of the ways. Every influence, every impression, is determining the choice that shapes their destiny both here and hereafter. Evil invites them. Its resorts are made bright and attractive. They have a welcome for every comer. All about us are youth who have no home, and many whose homes have no helpful, uplifting power, and the youth drift into evil. They are going down to ruin within the very shadow of our own doors.
“These youth need a hand stretched out to them in sympathy. Kind words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temptation which gather over the soul. The true expression of heaven-born sympathy has power to open the door of hearts that need the fragrance of Christlike words, and the simple, delicate touch of the spirit of Christ’s love. If we would show an interest in the youth, invite them to our homes, and surround them with cheering, helpful influences, there are many who would gladly turn their steps into the upward path.” The Ministry of Healing, 354, 355
Tuesday
3 EXEMPLARY BARBARIANS
3.a. Being persecuted by his own countrymen, where did Paul find hospitality? Acts 28:1, 2, 7
Note: “The shipwrecked crew were kindly received by the barbarous people of Melita. … Paul was among those who were active in ministering to the comfort of others.” The Acts of the Apostles, 445
3.b. How were all the company at Melita blessed by Paul’s stay? Acts 28:8–10
Note: “During the three months that the ship’s company remained at Melita, Paul and his fellow laborers improved many opportunities to preach the gospel. In a remarkable manner the Lord wrought through them. For Paul’s sake the entire shipwrecked company were treated with great kindness; all their wants were supplied, and upon leaving Melita they were liberally provided with everything needful for their voyage.” The Acts of the Apostles, 446
3.c. How useful is hospitality for spreading the gospel? Luke 14:12–14
Note: “Our social entertainments should not be governed by the dictates of worldly custom, but by the Spirit of Christ and the teaching of His word. … How much such a welcome might do to cheer and encourage the missionary nurse or the teacher, the care-burdened, hard-working mother, or the feeble and aged, so often without a home, and struggling with poverty and many discouragements. …
“These are guests whom it will lay on you no great burden to receive. You will not need to provide for them elaborate or expensive entertainment. You will need to make no effort at display. The warmth of a genial welcome, a place at your fireside, a seat at your home table, the privilege of sharing the blessing of the hour of prayer, would to many of these be like a glimpse of heaven.
“Our sympathies are to overflow the boundaries of self and the enclosure of family walls. There are precious opportunities for those who will make their homes a blessing to others. Social influence is a wonderful power. We can use it if we will as a means of helping those about us.” The Ministry of Healing, 352–354
Wednesday
4 THE GOOD SAMARITAN
4.a. How did Christ answer a lawyer’s question about how to inherit eternal life? Luke 10:25–28
Note: “The lawyer was not satisfied with the position and works of the Pharisees. He had been studying the scriptures with a desire to learn their real meaning. He had a vital interest in the matter, and he asked in sincerity, ‘What shall I do?’ In his answer as to the requirements of the law, he passed by all the mass of ceremonial and ritualistic precepts. For these he claimed no value, but presented the two great principles on which hang all the law and the prophets. The Saviour’s commendation of this answer placed Him on vantage ground with the rabbis. They could not condemn Him for sanctioning that which had been advanced by an expositor of the law.
“ ‘This do, and thou shalt live,’ Christ said. In His teaching He ever presented the law as a divine unity, showing that it is impossible to keep one precept and break another; for the same principle runs through all. Man’s destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 377, 378
4.b. What was the next question the lawyer presented to Jesus, and what answer did he receive? Luke 10:29–37
Note: “The lawyer knew that he had kept neither the first four nor the last six commandments. He was convicted under Christ’s searching words, but instead of confessing his sin he tried to excuse it. Rather than acknowledge the truth, he endeavored to show how difficult of fulfillment the commandment is. Thus he hoped both to parry conviction and to vindicate himself in the eyes of the people. The Saviour’s words had shown that his question was needless, since he was able to answer it himself. Yet he put another question, saying, ‘Who is my neighbor?’
“Again Christ refused to be drawn into controversy. He answered the question by relating an incident, the memory of which was fresh in the minds of His hearers. …
“The priest and the Levite both professed piety, but the Samaritan showed that he was truly converted. It was no more agreeable for him to do the work than for the priest and the Levite, but in spirit and works he proved himself to be in harmony with God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 378–380
Thursday
5 CHRIST, THE GOOD SAMARITAN
5.a. In what sense does the story of the good Samaritan illustrate the work of Christ on earth? Acts 10:38
Note: “In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges.” The Desire of Ages, 503, 50
5.b. How will the true followers of Christ act toward those who need help? Galatians 6:1, 2
Note: “Sin is the greatest of all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner. There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me.
“ ‘Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.’ Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.” The Desire of Ages, 504, 505
Friday
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1 Who was Lydia?
2 In the parable of the good Samaritan, how did the Levite and the priest act?
3 How did the good Samaritan deal with the wounded stranger?
4 Whom does the good Samaritan represent, and in what practical ways can we follow His example?
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