speak

Bible Study Guides – Public Speaking to the Glory of God

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December 1, 2013 – December 7, 2013

“In Their Mouth Was Found No Guile”

Key Text

“The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.” Ecclesiastes 12:11.

Study Help: Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 336–340; Testimonies, vol. 3, 419–424.

Introduction

“It is not eloquent speakers that are needed, but humble, earnest workers, men who have childlike trust in a higher strength. It is the men of prayer, who seek the Lord with humble, contrite hearts, that are men of power.” The Voice in Speech and Song, 285, 286.

1 PRESENTING THE TRUTH IN LOVE

  • How can we disarm prejudice and opposition when presenting the message of truth? I Peter 3:8, 9.

Note: “The spirit of Jesus should pervade the soul of the worker; it is the pleasant, sympathetic words, the manifestation of disinterested love for their souls that will break down the barriers of pride and selfishness, and show to unbelievers that we have the love of Christ.” Evangelism, 636.

  • How should unpopular truths be presented from the pulpit? Ephesians 4:15, first part.
  • What precautions must be taken not to exasperate those that we are trying to reform? Jude 21–23.

Note: “My brethren, let your hearts become broken and contrite. Let expressions of sympathy and love, which will not blister the tongue, flow from your lips.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1164.

2 DEVELOPING AN OUTLINE

  • What type of outline, with a logical sequence of ideas, is necessary in any presentation of the truth? Isaiah 28:10.
  • Why should the number of ideas in a presentation be limited? Ecclesiastes 12:11, 12.

Note: “The truth must be given point after point. It must be spoken distinctly and with clear utterance making a few essential points; then it will be as a nail fastened in a sure place by the Master of assemblies.” The Voice in Speech and Song, 216.

“They [ministers] injure the work, injure the effect of the truth that they would advocate, by crowding into one discourse so much and making so many points that minds cannot always appreciate or follow them. More success would attend their labors if they riveted one or two points in the minds of the hearers and make these points of vital importance, press them home and urge upon them the danger of rejecting the light upon those points. Let the minds of the hearers distinctly understand the bearing of every point and then urge to a decision.” Ibid., 218, 219.

“When a minister throws out a mass of matter before the people for them to pick up and arrange in order, his labors are lost; for there are few who will do it.” Evangelism, 649.

  • Why do our sermons, lessons, and prayers need to be short and to the point? Ecclesiastes 5:2, last part; Matthew 6:7.

Note: “Many make a mistake in their preaching in not stopping while the interest is up. They go on speechifying until the interest that had risen in the minds of the hearers dies out and the people are really wearied with words of no special weight or interest. Stop before you get there. Stop when you have nothing of special importance to say. Do not go on with dry words that only excite prejudice and do not soften the heart. You want to be so united to Christ that your words will melt and burn their way to the soul. Mere prosy talk is insufficient for this time. Arguments are good, but there may be too much of the argumentative and too little of the spirit and life of God.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 419.

3 SIMPLICITY AND DISTINCTNESS

  • Why is it useless to present intellectual discourses instead of making plain the plan of salvation? I Corinthians 1:21–25.

Note: “The lessons of Christ were illustrated so clearly that the most ignorant could readily comprehend them. Jesus did not use long and difficult words in His discourses; He used plain language, adapted to the minds of the common people. He went no farther into the subject He was expounding than they were able to follow Him.

“Ministers should present the truth in a clear, simple manner. There are among their hearers many who need a plain explanation of the steps requisite in conversion. The great masses of the people are more ignorant on this point than is supposed. Among graduates from college, eloquent orators, able statesmen, men in high positions of trust, there are many who have given their powers to other matters, and have neglected the things of greatest importance. When such men form part of a congregation, the speaker often strains every power to preach an intellectual discourse, and fails to reveal Christ. He does not show that sin is the transgression of the law. He does not make plain the plan of salvation. That which would have touched the hearts of his hearers, would have been to point them to Christ dying to bring redemption within their reach.” Gospel Workers, 169, 170.

  • How can we make our subject more well-defined, earnest, and clear? I Corinthians 1:5.

Note: “If you have the quickening grace of Christ to energize your movements, you will put earnestness into your sermons. Your subject will be clear and well-defined in your mind. You will not be lengthy in your remarks, neither will you speak hesitatingly, as though you did not yourself believe what you were saying. You must overcome slow hesitation, and undecided, sluggish movements, and learn to be minute men.” The Review and Herald, April 6, 1886.

4 AROUSE TO MENTAL ACTIVITY

  • What lesson can we learn from Christ to make listeners alert and interested during our discourses? Luke 2:46.

Note: “If instead of preaching to them [parents and children], the speaker would try to teach them, asking them questions, and speaking in a conversational tone, their minds would be aroused to activity, and they would be able more clearly to comprehend the truths opened before them. Their understanding would take hold of the living reality of the truths necessary for the quickening of the perception and for growth in knowledge.” The Voice in Speech and Song, 236.

  • What topics should be presented to stimulate thought and bring souls to a decision for Christ? Acts 16:30, 31; Colossians 1:25–28.

Note: “Let every discourse that does not enlighten the soul, that does not answer the question, What must I do to be saved? be cut off from your program. Preach the testing message of the third angel. It is essential that our ministers preach the truth that has a direct bearing on the message for this time, and that they present the subjects in the most simple language. What must I do to be saved, and the righteousness of Christ, are themes that are of vital importance to the people.” The Voice in Speech and Song, 329.

“It is known in heaven how we represent Christ to the world. It is known what impressions we make upon those around us. Our words and actions are all written in the books of heaven. Then how important it is that we reveal the fact that we have been with Jesus, and have learned of Him. Do any of you who profess to know Him indulge in light, trifling conversation? O, do not permit your lips to utter that which will be a stumbling-block to those who are watching to see what benefit you have received from your faith in Christ. Rather lift their minds to dwell upon eternal realities. When you mingle with the people in the market place, as you walk the street, or wherever you may be, be sure that you have a living connection with God, and that you represent the character of Christ to the world.” The Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, February 15, 1892.

5 PERSONAL READINESS

  • What is the most important factor in preparing a sermon or a Sabbath school presentation? Ephesians 6:18, 19.

Note: “There is too little time spent in secret prayer and in sacred meditation. The cry of God’s servants should be for the holy unction and to be clothed with salvation, that what they preach may reach hearts.” The Voice in Speech and Song, 219.

  • What prerequisite must be met by anyone before he or she is ready to teach or preach? I Timothy 4:16.

Note: “It is not enough to argue in defense of the truth. The most telling evidence of its worth is seen in a godly life; and without this the most conclusive statements will be lacking in weight and prevailing power; for our strength lies in being connected with God by His Holy Spirit, and transgression severs us from this sacred nearness with the Source of our might and wisdom.” “Ellen G. White,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 998.

“To preach what we do not practice, is but to confirm sinners in their impenitence. The most earnest exhortations to walk in the light will be unheeded, if the speaker himself neglects to follow the light which Christ has given.” The Voice in Speech and Song, 301.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What methods can we use to disarm prejudice among our listeners?

2 How can we make our presentations logical and sequential?

3 In what practical ways can we be more effective teachers of the truth?

4 Why does a conversational manner, with questions and answers, produce good results in teaching?

5 What is necessary for an effective presentation of the truth?

© 2007 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Inspiration – The Gift of Speech

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Speech is one of the great gifts of God. It is the means by which the thoughts of the heart are communicated. It is with the tongue that we offer prayer and praise to God. With the tongue we convince and persuade. With the tongue we comfort and bless, soothing the bruised, wounded soul. With the tongue we may make known the wonders of the grace of God. With the tongue also we may utter perverse things, speaking words that sting like an adder.

The tongue is a little member, but the words it frames have great power. The Lord declares, “The tongue can no man tame” (James 3:8). It has set nation against nation, and has caused war and bloodshed. Words have kindled fires that have been hard to quench. They have also brought joy and gladness to many hearts. And when words are spoken because God says, “Speak unto them My words” (Ezekiel 2:7), they often cause sorrow unto repentance.

Of the unsanctified tongue the apostle James writes: “The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell” (James 3:6).  Satan puts into the mind thoughts which the Christian should never utter. The scornful retort, the bitter passionate utterance, the cruel, suspicious charge, are from him. How many words are spoken that do only harm to those who utter them and to those who hear! Hard words beat upon the heart, awaking to life its worst passions. Those who do evil with their tongues, who sow discord by selfish, jealous words, grieve the Holy Spirit; for they are working at cross-purposes with God.

The apostle, seeing the inclination to abuse the gift of speech, gives direction concerning its use. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,” he says, “but that which is good to the use of edifying” (Ephesians 4:29). The word “corrupt” means here any word that would make an impression detrimental to holy principles and undefiled religion, any communication that would eclipse the view of Christ, and blot from the mind true sympathy and love. It includes impure hints, which, unless instantly resisted, lead to great sin. Upon every one is laid the duty of barring the way against corrupt communications.

It is God’s purpose that the glory of Christ shall appear in His children. In all His teaching, Christ presented pure, unadulterated principles. He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. Constantly there flowed from His lips holy, ennobling truths. He spoke as never man spoke, with a pathos that touched the heart. He was filled with holy wrath as He saw the Jewish leaders teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9), and He spoke to them with the authority of true greatness. With terrible power He denounced all artful intrigue, all dishonest practises [sic]. He cleansed the temple from its pollution, as He desires to cleanse our hearts from everything bearing any resemblance to fraud. The truth never languished on His lips. With fearlessness He exposed the hypocrisy of priest and ruler, Pharisee and Sadducee.

Guard well the talent of speech; for it is a mighty power for evil as well as for good. You can not be too careful of what you say; for the words you utter show what power is controlling the heart. If Christ rules there, your words will reveal the beauty, purity, and fragrance of a character molded and fashioned by His will. But if you are under the guidance of the enemy of all good, your words will echo his sentiments.

The great responsibility bound up in the use of the gift of speech is plainly made known by the word of God. “By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37), Christ declared. And the psalmist asks, “Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoreth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved” (Psalm 15:1–5).

“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile” (Psalm 34:13). The wild beast of the forest may be tamed, “but the tongue can no man tame” (James 3:8). Only through Christ can we gain the victory over the desire to speak hasty, unchristlike words. When in His strength we refuse to give utterance to Satan’s suggestions, the plant of bitterness in our hearts withers and dies. The Holy Spirit can make the tongue a savor of life unto life.

The Review and Herald, May 12, 1910.

Bible Study Guides – May I Have Your Attention?

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June 26, 2016 – July 2, 2016

Key Text

“What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it” (Isaiah 5:4)?

Study Help: The Signs of the Times, April 15, 1889.

Introduction

“The heart of God yearns over His earthly children with a love stronger than death. In giving up His Son, He has poured out to us all heaven in one gift. The Saviour’s life and death and intercession, the ministry of angels, the pleading of the Spirit, the Father working above and through all, the unceasing interest of heavenly beings—all are enlisted in behalf of man’s redemption.” Steps to Christ, 21.

1 CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD

  • Does God want to communicate with humans? Acts 17:27; Isaiah 65:1.

Note: “What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His presence.” Steps to Christ, 94.

  • With how many of us does God want to communicate personally? Hebrews 8:11; Psalm 4:3, last part.

Note: “The Saviour regards with infinite tenderness the souls whom He has purchased with His own blood. They are the claim of His love. He looks upon them with unutterable longing.” The Desire of Ages, 517.

2 GOD WANTS TO SPEAK TO CONSECRATED PEOPLE

  • How did God talk with Moses? Exodus 33:11, first part. What kind of person was Moses when God talked face-to-face with him? Numbers 12:3; Hebrews 3:1, 2.

Note: “ ‘Come up to Me into the mount’ (Exodus 24:12), God bids us. To Moses, before he could be God’s instrument in delivering Israel, was appointed the forty years of communion with Him in the mountain solitudes. Before bearing God’s message to Pharaoh, he spoke with the angel in the burning bush. …

“We, too, must have times set apart for meditation and prayer and for receiving spiritual refreshing. We do not value the power and efficacy of prayer as we should. Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish.” The Ministry of Healing, 508, 509.

  • What kind of person was Samuel when God first talked with him? I Samuel 3:1, first part. Why didn’t Samuel recognize God when He first called him? Verses 4, 5, 7.

Note: “He [Samuel] was kind, generous, obedient, and respectful. … [He] was helpful and affectionate.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 573.

  • What kind of person was Cornelius when God spoke to him in vision? Was he a church member at that time? Acts 10:1, 2. How did Cornelius respond to God’s message? Verses 7, 8.

Note: “Cornelius was a Roman centurion. He was a man of wealth and noble birth, and his position was one of trust and honor. A heathen by birth, training, and education, through contact with the Jews he had gained a knowledge of God, and he worshiped Him with a true heart, showing the sincerity of his faith by compassion to the poor. He was known far and near for his beneficence, and his righteous life made him of good repute among both Jews and Gentiles. His influence was a blessing to all with whom he came in contact.” The Acts of the Apostles, 132, 133.

3 GOD SPEAKS TO UNCONSECRATED PEOPLE

  • What kind of person was Cain when God talked with him? Genesis 4:3–5, 8.

Note: “Notwithstanding Cain’s disregard of the divine command, God did not leave him to himself; but He condescended to reason with the man who had shown himself so unreasonable. And the Lord said unto Cain, ‘Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?’ Through an angel messenger the divine warning was conveyed: ‘If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door’ (Genesis 4:6, 7). The choice lay with Cain himself. If he would trust to the merits of the promised Saviour, and would obey God’s requirements, he would enjoy His favor. But should he persist in unbelief and transgression, he would have no ground for complaint because he was rejected by the Lord.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 74.

  • What kind of woman was Hagar at the time that God talked to her? Genesis 16:1–9.
  • What kind of person was the unnamed woman whom the Scribes and Pharisees brought to Christ? John 8:3, 4. What was she like after her conversation with Him? Verses 10, 11.

Note: The woman had stood before Jesus, cowering with fear. His words, ‘He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone’ (John 8:7), had come to her as a death sentence. She dared not lift her eyes to the Saviour’s face, but silently awaited her doom. In astonishment she saw her accusers depart speechless and confounded; then those words of hope fell upon her ear, ‘Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more’ (verse 11). Her heart was melted, and she cast herself at the feet of Jesus, sobbing out her grateful love, and with bitter tears confessing her sins.

“This was to her the beginning of a new life, a life of purity and peace, devoted to the service of God. … This penitent woman became one of His most steadfast followers. With self-sacrificing love and devotion she repaid His forgiving mercy.” The Desire of Ages, 462.

4 WHEN GOD REFUSES TO SPEAK

  • Why wouldn’t Jesus talk to Caiaphas during part of His trial? Matthew 26:62, 63; Isaiah 53:7.

Note: “Caiaphas was a proud and cruel man, overbearing and intolerant.” The Desire of Ages, 539.

“Caiaphas had regarded Jesus as his rival. The eagerness of the people to hear the Saviour, and their apparent readiness to accept His teachings, had aroused the bitter jealousy of the high priest. But as Caiaphas now looked upon the prisoner, he was struck with admiration for His noble and dignified bearing. A conviction came over him that this Man was akin to God. The next instant he scornfully banished the thought. Immediately his voice was heard in sneering, haughty tones demanding that Jesus work one of His mighty miracles before them. But his words fell upon the Saviour’s ears as though He heard them not.” Ibid., 704, 705.

“The Lord reads the hearts of all and understands their motives and purposes.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 534.

  • Would God talk to King Saul near the end of his life? I Samuel 28:5, 6. Why did God treat him this way? I Samuel 15:22, 23.

Note: “The Lord never turned away a soul that came to Him in sincerity and humility. Why did He turn Saul away unanswered? The king had by his own act forfeited the benefits of all the methods of inquiring of God. He had rejected the counsel of Samuel the prophet; he had exiled David, the chosen of God; he had slain the priests of the Lord. Could he expect to be answered by God when he had cut off the channels of communication that Heaven had ordained? He had sinned away the Spirit of grace, and could he be answered by dreams and revelations from the Lord? Saul did not turn to God with humility and repentance. It was not pardon for sin and reconciliation with God, that he sought, but deliverance from his foes. By his own stubbornness and rebellion he had cut himself off from God. There could be no return but by the way of penitence and contrition; but the proud monarch, in his anguish and despair, determined to seek help from another source.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 676.

5 GOD WANTS OUR ATTENTION

  • How has God tried to get the attention of various people in the past?

Moses: Exodus 3:2, 3

Elijah: I Kings 19:9–13

Balaam: Numbers 22:27, 28

  • Under what conditions will God speak to us today? Psalm 46:10.

Note: “All who are under the training of God need the quiet hour for communion with their own hearts, with nature, and with God. In them is to be revealed a life that is not in harmony with the world, its customs, or its practices; and they need to have a personal experience in obtaining a knowledge of the will of God. We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He bids us, ‘Be still, and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10). This is the effectual preparation for all labor for God. Amidst the hurrying throng, and the strain of life’s intense activities, he who is thus refreshed will be surrounded with an atmosphere of light and peace. He will receive a new endowment of both physical and mental strength. His life will breathe out a fragrance, and will reveal a divine power that will reach men’s hearts.” The Ministry of Healing, 58.

“He who is made complete in Christ must first be emptied of pride, of self-sufficiency. Then there is silence in the soul, and God’s voice can be heard.” The Signs of the Times, April 9, 1902.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How do we know that God wants to talk with each of us personally?

2 How do we know that God talks to people who are devoted to Him?

3 How do we know if God talks to those who are not walking with Him?

4 To whom does God refuse to speak, and why?

5 How is God trying to get our attention today?

Copyright © 2015 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.