witness

Bible Study Guides – The One-Soul Audience—Nicodemus

by

February 14, 2016 – February 20, 2016

Key Text

“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 167–177.

Introduction

“Consider the incident that Christ presents before Nicodemus in referring to the uplifted serpent.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1449.

1 A PRIVATE INTERVIEW

  • After Nicodemus heard Jesus, he decided to talk with Him. Who was Nicodemus—and why did he come at night? John 3:1, 2, first part.

Note: “Since hearing Jesus, Nicodemus had anxiously studied the prophecies relating to the Messiah. … he beheld the wonderful manifestation of divine power; he saw the Saviour receiving the poor and healing the sick; he saw their looks of joy, and heard their words of praise; and he could not doubt that Jesus of Nazareth was the Sent of God.

“He greatly desired an interview with Jesus, but shrank from seeking Him openly. It would be too humiliating for a ruler of the Jews to acknowledge himself in sympathy with a teacher as yet so little known. And should his visit come to the knowledge of the Sanhedrin, it would draw upon him their scorn and denunciation. He resolved upon a secret interview, excusing this on the ground that if he were to go openly, others might follow his example. Learning by special inquiry the Saviour’s place of retirement in the Mount of Olives, he waited until the city was hushed in slumber, and then sought Him.” The Desire of Ages, 168.

“Nicodemus had witnessed the miracle of Christ, and he came to the Master by night, for he had not the moral courage to approach him openly, since this would excite the criticisms of the priests and Pharisees.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1311.

2 NO THEOLOGICAL DISCUSSION, BUT A REGENERATION

  • As soon as Nicodemus found Jesus in His place of retirement, what did he say to Him? John 3:2, second part.

Note: “Nicodemus had come to the Lord thinking to enter into a discussion with Him, but Jesus laid bare the foundation principles of truth. He said to Nicodemus, It is not theoretical knowledge you need so much as spiritual regeneration. You need not to have your curiosity satisfied, but to have a new heart. You must receive a new life from above before you can appreciate heavenly things. Until this change takes place, making all things new, it will result in no saving good for you to discuss with Me My authority or My mission.

“Nicodemus had heard the preaching of John the Baptist concerning repentance and baptism, and pointing the people to One Who should baptize with the Holy Spirit. He himself had felt that there was a lack of spirituality among the Jews, that, to a great degree, they were controlled by bigotry and worldly ambition. He had hoped for a better state of things at the Messiah’s coming. Yet the heart-searching message of the Baptist had failed to work in him conviction of sin. He was a strict Pharisee, and prided himself on his good works. He was widely esteemed for his benevolence and his liberality in sustaining the temple service, and he felt secure of the favor of God.” The Desire of Ages, 171.

  • Since the Lord realized that Nicodemus didn’t need a theological discussion but a regeneration, with what answer did Jesus startle him? John 3:3.

Note: “The figure of the new birth, which Jesus had used, was not wholly unfamiliar to Nicodemus. Converts from heathenism to the faith of Israel were often compared to children just born. Therefore he must have perceived that the words of Christ were not to be taken in a literal sense. But by virtue of his birth as an Israelite he regarded himself as sure of a place in the kingdom of God. He felt that he needed no change. Hence his surprise at the Saviour’s words.” The Desire of Ages, 171.

3 THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT UPON THE HEART

  • With what ironical question did Nicodemus try to dismiss Christ’s words? John 3:4.
  • Ignoring Nicodemus’ useless argument, how did Jesus emphasize His point? John 3:5–7.

Note: “By nature the heart is evil, and ‘who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one’ (Job 14:4). No human invention can find a remedy for the sinning soul. ‘The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.’ ‘Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies’ (Romans 8:7; Matthew 15:19). The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.” The Desire of Ages, 172.

  • How did Jesus illustrate the work of the Holy Spirit? John 3:8.

Note: “The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves and flowers; yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or whither it goes. So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. It can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or to trace all the circumstances in the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted. By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the living preacher.” The Desire of Ages, 172.

4 “I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT WITHIN YOU”

  • Nicodemus was impressed by the words of Jesus, which he did not fully understand. What did he then ask? John 3:9. What did Jesus answer? Verses 10–13.

Note: “The Jews whom Jesus had driven from the temple claimed to be children of Abraham, but they fled from the Saviour’s presence because they could not endure the glory of God which was manifested in Him. Thus they gave evidence that they were not fitted by the grace of God to participate in the sacred services of the temple. They were zealous to maintain an appearance of holiness, but they neglected holiness of heart. While they were sticklers for the letter of the law, they were constantly violating its spirit. Their great need was that very change which Christ had been explaining to Nicodemus—a new moral birth, a cleansing from sin, and a renewing of knowledge and holiness.” The Desire of Ages, 173, 174.

  • What scriptures did Nicodemus now begin to understand? Psalm 51:10; Isaiah 64:6; Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

Note: “[Isaiah 64:6; Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26, 27 quoted.]

“Nicodemus had read these scriptures with a clouded mind; but he now began to comprehend their meaning. He saw that the most rigid obedience to the mere letter of the law as applied to the outward life could entitle no man to enter the kingdom of heaven. In the estimation of men, his life had been just and honorable; but in the presence of Christ he felt that his heart was unclean, and his life unholy.

“Nicodemus was being drawn to Christ. As the Saviour explained to him concerning the new birth, he longed to have this change wrought in himself.” The Desire of Ages, 174.

  • By what symbol did Christ make plain His mission to Nicodemus? John 3:14–16.

5 A NEW LIFE

  • As Nicodemus wanted to know by what means the new birth could be accomplished, what did Jesus say? John 3:17–21.

Note: “The symbol of the uplifted serpent made plain to him [Nicodemus] the Saviour’s mission. When the people of Israel were dying from the sting of the fiery serpents, God directed Moses to make a serpent of brass, and place it on high in the midst of the congregation. Then the word was sounded throughout the encampment that all who would look upon the serpent should live. The people well knew that in itself the serpent had no power to help them. It was a symbol of Christ. As the image made in the likeness of the destroying serpents was lifted up for their healing, so One made ‘in the likeness of sinful flesh’ was to be their Redeemer (Romans 8:3). Many of the Israelites regarded the sacrificial service as having in itself virtue to set them free from sin. God desired to teach them that it had no more value than that serpent of brass. It was to lead their minds to the Saviour. Whether for the healing of their wounds or the pardon of their sins, they could do nothing for themselves but show their faith in the Gift of God. They were to look and live. …

“The light shining from the cross reveals the love of God. His love is drawing us to Himself. If we do not resist this drawing, we shall be led to the foot of the cross in repentance for the sins that have crucified the Saviour. Then the Spirit of God through faith produces a new life in the soul.” The Desire of Ages, 174, 176.

  • How are we saved? Titus 3:4–6.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What is needed by many people who have a desire to discuss religion?

2 How did Jesus focus on Nicodemus’ need rather than on his words?

3 Why did Christ use the wind to illustrate the work of the Holy Spirit?

4 What symbol did Christ use to explain His mission to Nicodemus?

5 How did Jesus explain to Nicodemus the mystery of a new birth?

Copyright © 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Personal Service

by

February 7, 2016 – February 13, 2016

Key Text

“And who is my neighbour?” Luke 10:29.

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 497–505.

Introduction

“He [Christ] showed that our neighbor does not mean merely one of the church or faith to which we belong. It has no reference to race, color, or class distinction. Our neighbor is every person who needs our help.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 376.

1 AN ACTUAL OCCURRENCE

  • What happened to a man as he was passing through a place infested with robbers? Luke 10:30.

Note: “In journeying from Jerusalem to Jericho, the traveler had to pass through a portion of the wilderness of Judea. The road led down a wild, rocky ravine, which was infested by robbers, and was often the scene of violence.” The Desire of Ages, 499.

  • What did the priest do as he came that way? Luke 10:31.
  • What did the Levite do? Luke 10:32.

Note: “Both these men [the priest and the Levite] were in sacred office, and professed to expound the Scriptures. They were of the class specially chosen to be representatives of God to the people. They were to ‘have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way’ (Hebrews 5:2), that they might lead men to understand God’s great love toward humanity.” The Desire of Ages, 499, 500.

2 THE RIGHT PRINCIPLE EXEMPLIFIED

  • When the Samaritan saw the sufferer, what did he do? Luke 10:33, 34.

Note: “A certain Samaritan, in his journey, came where the sufferer was, and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. He did not question whether the stranger was a Jew or a Gentile. If a Jew, the Samaritan well knew that, were their condition reversed, the man would spit in his face, and pass him by with contempt. But he did not hesitate on account of this. He did not consider that he himself might be in danger of violence by tarrying in the place. It was enough that there was before him a human being in need and suffering. He took off his own garment with which to cover him. The oil and wine provided for his own journey he used to heal and refresh the wounded man. He lifted him on his own beast, and moved slowly along with even pace, so that the stranger might not be jarred, and made to suffer increased pain.” The Desire of Ages, 503.

  • What else did the Samaritan do? Luke 10:34, second part, 35.

Note: “He [the Samaritan] brought him [the wounded traveler] to an inn, and cared for him through the night, watching him tenderly. In the morning, as the sick man had improved, the Samaritan ventured to go on his way. But before doing this, he placed him in the care of the innkeeper, paid the charges, and left a deposit for his benefit; and not satisfied even with this, he made provision for any further need.” The Desire of Ages, 503.

  • Finally, what question did Jesus put to the lawyer? And how was the lawyer led to answer his own question? Luke 10:36, 37.

Note: “The Samaritan had fulfilled the command, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,’ (Matthew 19:19), thus showing that he was more righteous than those by whom he was denounced. … This Samaritan represents Christ. … When we were bruised and dying, He had pity upon us. He did not pass us by on the other side, and leave us, helpless and hopeless, to perish. … He beheld our sore need, He undertook our case, and identified His interests with those of humanity. He died to save His enemies. He prayed for His murderers.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 381, 382.

3 IDENTIFYING OUR NEIGHBOR

  • What command has become a basic principle of Christianity? Luke 10:37, second part.

Note: “Divine truth exerts little influence upon the world, when it should exert much influence through our practice. The mere profession of religion abounds, but it has little weight. We may claim to be followers of Christ, we may claim to believe every truth in the word of God; but this will do our neighbor no good unless our belief is carried into our daily life. Our profession may be as high as heaven, but it will save neither ourselves nor our fellow men unless we are Christians. A right example will do more to benefit the world than all our profession.

“By no selfish practices can the cause of Christ be served. His cause is the cause of the oppressed and the poor. In the hearts of His professed followers there is need of the tender sympathy of Christ—a deeper love for those whom He has so valued as to give His own life for their salvation. These souls are precious, infinitely more precious than any other offering we can bring to God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 383, 384.

  • What reconciliation among races, nationalities, and social classes has been achieved by the cross of Christ? Ephesians 2:13–16.

Note: “It is not possible for the heart in which Christ abides to be destitute of love. If we love God because He first loved us, we shall love all for whom Christ died. We cannot come in touch with divinity without coming in touch with humanity; for in Him Who sits upon the throne of the universe, divinity and humanity are combined. Connected with Christ, we are connected with our fellow men by the golden links of the chain of love. …

“No distinction on account of nationality, race, or caste, is recognized by God. He is the Maker of all mankind. All men are of one family by creation, and all are one through redemption. Christ came to demolish every wall of partition. …

“Whatever the difference in religious belief, a call from suffering humanity must be heard and answered. Where bitterness of feeling exists because of difference in religion, much good may be done by personal service. Loving ministry will break down prejudice, and win souls to God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 384–386.

4 “FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE”

  • In the work of Christ, how do we find reasons for rejoicing and reasons for weeping? Romans 12:15.

Note: “We should anticipate the sorrows, the difficulties, the troubles of others. We should enter into the joys and cares of both high and low, rich and poor. ‘Freely ye have received,’ Christ says, ‘freely give’ (Matthew 10:8). All around us are poor, tried souls that need sympathizing words and helpful deeds. There are widows who need sympathy and assistance. There are orphans whom Christ has bidden His followers receive as a trust from God. Too often these are passed by with neglect. They may be ragged, uncouth, and seemingly in every way unattractive; yet they are God’s property. They have been bought with a price, and they are as precious in His sight as we are. They are members of God’s great household, and Christians as His stewards are responsible for them. ‘Their souls,’ He says, ‘will I require at thine hand.’ ” Christ’s Object Lessons, 386, 387.

  • When words are not enough, how can we reach many people? James 2:15, 16.

Note: “Sin is the greatest of all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner. … There are many who hide their soul hunger. These would be greatly helped by a tender word or a kind remembrance. … Multitudes are so sunken in sin that they have lost the sense of eternal realities, lost the similitude of God, and they hardly know whether they have souls to be saved or not. They have neither faith in God nor confidence in man. Many of these can be reached only through acts of disinterested kindness. … As they see the evidence of your unselfish love, it will be easier for them to believe in the love of Christ.

“There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They look upon their mistakes and errors until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. When one has to swim against the stream, there is all the force of the current driving him back. Let a helping hand then be held out to him as was the Elder Brother’s hand to the sinking Peter. Speak to him hopeful words, words that will establish confidence and awaken love.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 387.

5 ACHIEVING POSITIVE RESULTS

  • How can we help sin-sick people to make peace with God? Isaiah 27:5.

Note: “Thy brother, sick in spirit, needs thee, as thou thyself hast needed a brother’s love. He needs the experience of one who has been as weak as he, one who can sympathize with him and help him. The knowledge of our own weakness should help us to help another in his bitter need. …

“It is fellowship with Christ, personal contact with a living Saviour, that enables the mind and heart and soul to triumph over the lower nature. Tell the wanderer of an almighty Hand that will hold him up, of an infinite humanity in Christ that pities him.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 387, 388.

  • How much does our personal service in behalf of human sufferers affect our preparation for the kingdom of God? Daniel 12:3; Zechariah 3:7.

Note: “Upon your faithfulness in this work not only the well-being of others but your own eternal destiny depends. Christ is seeking to uplift all who will be lifted to companionship with Himself, that we may be one with Him as He is one with the Father. … He seeks to develop in us the attributes of His character—compassion, tenderness, and love. By accepting this work of ministry we place ourselves in His school, to be fitted for the courts of God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 388, 389.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What actions of the Samaritan demonstrated a Christian spirit?

2 What did the lawyer who came to Christ finally realize?

3 How is Christianity unique among religions in this world?

4 Describe the most powerful sermon that can be preached to unbelievers.

5 Name the key elements that draw people to Christ.

Copyright © 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – God Is Calling You!

by

March 20, 2016 – March 26, 2016

Key Text

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come.” Matthew 22:14; Revelation 22:17.

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 824–828.

Introduction

“The Lord has sent His people to different parts of the globe … that they may win souls from darkness to light. Their first work is to bear the message, Christ the crucified One is our Saviour.” The Review and Herald, August 15, 1899.

1 THE CALL OF GOD

  • Does the commission that Christ gave to His disciples include all the believers—or just some who have received special offices in the church? Matthew 28:19, 20.

Note: “The Saviour’s commission to the disciples included all the believers. It includes all believers in Christ to the end of time. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on the ordained minister. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men.” The Desire of Ages, 822.

  • Must the light of the world shine only upon a certain number of people or must it shine upon all human beings without distinction? John 1:9; 8:12; Matthew 24:14.

Note: “Christ tears away the wall of partition, the dividing prejudice of nationality, and teaches a love for all the human family. He lifts men from the narrow circle which their selfishness prescribes; He abolishes all territorial lines and artificial distinctions of society. He makes no difference between neighbors and strangers, friends and enemies.” The Desire of Ages, 823.

2 DIVERSITIES OF GIFTS IN GOD’S WORK

  • Why doesn’t God demand the same kind of service from all His servants? I Corinthians 12:4–7.

Note: “God asks us to give His service the first place in our lives, to allow no day to pass without doing something to advance His work in the earth. He does not expect from all the same kind of service. One may be called to ministry in a foreign land; another may be asked to give of his means for the support of gospel work. God accepts the offering of each. It is the consecration of the life and all its interests, that is necessary. Those who make this consecration will hear and obey the call of Heaven.” Prophets and Kings, 221.

  • When we are convinced that God is calling us to serve, what should we answer? Isaiah 6:8.

Note: “To everyone who becomes a partaker of His grace, the Lord appoints a work for others. Individually we are to stand in our lot, saying, ‘Here am I; send me.’ Whether a man be a minister of the Word or a physician, whether he be merchant or farmer, professional man or mechanic, the responsibility rests upon him. It is his work to reveal to others the gospel of their salvation. Every enterprise in which he engages should be a means to this end.” Prophets and Kings, 222.

  • What did Jesus say about some who hesitated when the call came to them? Matthew 19:23; Luke 9:59–62; 14:33. What should those who lack self-discipline in their preparation for evangelistic work understand?

Note: “There must be men who will begin a work in the right way, and hold to it and push it forward firmly. Everything must be done according to a well-matured plan, and with system. God has entrusted His sacred work to men, and He asks that they shall do it carefully. Regularity in all things is essential. Never be late to an appointment. In no department or office should time be lost in unnecessary conversations. The work of God requires things which it does not receive, because men do not learn from the God of wisdom.” Evangelism, 649.

3 OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT

  • What question does God put to hesitant or discouraged Christians? I Kings 19:9.

Note: “Much depends on the unceasing activity of those who are true and loyal, and for this reason Satan puts forth every possible effort to thwart the divine purpose to be wrought out through the obedient. He causes some to lose sight of their high and holy mission, and to become satisfied with the pleasures of this life. He leads them to settle down at ease, or, for the sake of greater worldly advantages, to remove from places where they might be a power for good. Others he causes to flee in discouragement from duty, because of opposition or persecution. But all such are regarded by Heaven with tenderest pity. To every child of God whose voice the enemy of souls had succeeded in silencing, the question is addressed, ‘What doest thou here?’ I commissioned you to go into all the world and preach the gospel, to prepare a people for the day of God. Why are you here? Who sent you?” Prophets and Kings, 171, 172.

  • When we realize what salvation means to us, how will we be able to view the vast needs of those around us? 2 Corinthians 5:14, 19, 20.

Note: “Those who realize, even in a limited degree, what redemption means to them and to their fellow men, will comprehend in some measure the vast needs of humanity. Their hearts will be moved to compassion as they see the moral and spiritual destitution of thousands who are under the shadow of a terrible doom, in comparison with which physical suffering fades into nothingness.

“Of families, as of individuals, the question is asked, ‘What doest thou here?’ In many churches there are families well instructed in the truths of God’s word, who might widen the sphere of their influence by moving to places in need of the ministry they are capable of giving. God calls for Christian families to go into the dark places of the earth and work wisely and perseveringly for those who are enshrouded in spiritual gloom. To answer this call requires self-sacrifice. While many are waiting to have every obstacle removed, souls are dying, without hope and without God.” Prophets and Kings, 172, 173.

4 OVERCOMING INDIFFERENCE

  • Besides discouragement, what other danger lies at our door? Revelation 3:15.

Note: “The message to the Laodicean church reveals our condition as a people.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 961.

“The fervor of the love of God is wanting in their hearts, but it is this very fervor of love that makes God’s people the light of the world.” Ibid.

“Halfhearted Christians are worse than infidels; for their deceptive words and noncommittal position lead many astray. The infidel shows his colors. The lukewarm Christian deceives both parties. He is neither a good worldling nor a good Christian. Satan uses him to do a work that no one else can do.” Ibid., 963.

  • How can we as individual believers find the way out of the Laodicean indifference? Acts 3:19, 20; Revelation 3:18, 19.

Note: “When the work of repentance is earnest and deep, the individual members of the church will buy the rich goods of heaven. [Revelation 3:18 quoted.]” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, 961.

“The true Witness presents encouragements to all who are seeking to walk in the path of humble obedience, through faith in His name. He declares, ‘To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne’ (Revelation 3:21) …

“He Who is the divine Head of the church, the mightiest of conquerors, would point His followers to His life … that they might be encouraged to press on toward the mark for the prize and reward of the overcomer. Victory is assured through faith and obedience.” Ibid., 966.

  • What sentence will be pronounced on those who decide to remain indifferent? Revelation 3:16, 17; Matthew 24:48–51.

5 HOME AT LAST!

  • What will Christ say to the overcomers who have taken an active part in the work of saving souls? Matthew 25:34.
  • What reward is promised to the redeemed saints? John 14:1–3; I John 3:2.

Note: “Glorious will be the reward bestowed when the faithful workers gather about the throne of God and of the Lamb. When John in his mortal state beheld the glory of God, he fell as one dead; he was not able to endure the sight. But when the children of God shall have put on immortality, they will ‘see Him as He is’ (I John 3:2). They will stand before the throne, accepted in the Beloved. All their sins have been blotted out, all their transgressions borne away. Now they can look upon the undimmed glory of the throne of God.” God’s Amazing Grace, 355.

  • What surprises will the saints have in heaven? I Corinthians 2:9.

Note: “A Christian once said that when he reached heaven he expected to meet with three causes of wonder. He would wonder to find some that he did not expect to see there. He would wonder not to see some that he expected to meet, and, lastly, he would wonder most to find so unworthy a sinner as himself in the Paradise of God.” The Faith I Live By, 370.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Explain the far-reaching extent of the Great Commission.

2 When we truly realize what salvation means to us, how will we be able to view the vast needs of those around us?

3 What question does God put to hesitant or discouraged Christians?

4 How can we be overcomers in the period of Laodicea?

5 What factors compose the eternal joy awaiting successful soul winners?

Copyright © 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Go and Teach All Nations

by

March 13, 2016 – March 19, 2016

Key Text

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 28:19.

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 818–823.

Introduction

“Upon all the inhabitants of the earth, high and low, rich and poor, was the light of heaven to shine in clear, strong rays. The disciples were to be co-laborers with their Redeemer in the work of saving the world.” The Review and Herald, October 9, 1913.

1 THE MEETING IN GALILEE

  • During the Last Supper, what instruction did Jesus give the disciples about a future meeting with all the believers? Matthew 26:32; 28:16.
  • How many were present in that meeting? I Corinthians 15:6.

Note: “At the time appointed, about five hundred believers were collected in little knots on the mountainside, eager to learn all that could be learned from those who had seen Christ since His resurrection. From group to group the disciples passed, telling all they had seen and heard of Jesus, and reasoning from the Scriptures as He had done with them. Thomas recounted the story of his unbelief, and told how his doubts had been swept away. Suddenly Jesus stood among them. No one could tell whence or how He came. Many who were present had never before seen Him; but in His hands and feet they beheld the marks of the crucifixion; His countenance was as the face of God, and when they saw Him, they worshiped Him.” The Desire of Ages, 818, 819.

2 THE SACRED COMMISSION

  • As the disciples were called to be co-laborers with Christ in the work of saving souls, what commission did He give them? Matthew 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15, 16.
  • How was this commission opposed to the exclusivism of the Pharisees? Acts 13:46; 22:21, 22; Galatians 3:28.

Note: “The Jewish people had been made the depositaries of sacred truth; but Pharisaism had made them the most exclusive, the most bigoted, of all the human race. Everything about the priests and rulers—their dress, customs, ceremonies, traditions—made them unfit to be the light of the world. They looked upon themselves, the Jewish nation, as the world. But Christ commissioned His disciples to proclaim a faith and worship that would have in it nothing of caste or country, a faith that would be adapted to all peoples, all nations, all classes of men.” The Desire of Ages, 819, 820.

  • Why did the disciples have to begin the work at Jerusalem? Acts 1:8.

Note: “There were in Jerusalem many who had secretly believed on Jesus, and many who had been deceived by the priests and rulers. To these also the gospel was to be presented. They were to be called to repentance. The wonderful truth that through Christ alone could remission of sins be obtained was to be made plain. While all Jerusalem was stirred by the thrilling events of the past few weeks, the preaching of the gospel would make the deepest impression.

“But the work was not to stop here. It was to be extended to the earth’s remotest bounds. … All who will, may be reconciled to God, and receive everlasting life. To you, My disciples, I commit this message of mercy. It is to be given to Israel first, and then to all nations, tongues, and peoples. It is to be given to Jews and Gentiles. All who believe are to be gathered into one church.” The Desire of Ages, 820, 821.

3 THE PROMISED GIFT

  • How would the disciples be enabled to preach among other nations without taking time to learn their languages? I Corinthians 12:7, 10.

Note: “The disciples were to have the same power which Jesus had to heal ‘all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.’ By healing in His name the diseases of the body, they would testify to His power for the healing of the soul (Matthew 4:23; 9:6). And a new endowment was now promised. The disciples were to preach among other nations, and they would receive power to speak other tongues. The apostles and their associates were unlettered men, yet through the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, their speech, whether in their own or a foreign language, became pure, simple, and accurate, both in word and in accent.

“Thus Christ gave His disciples their commission. He made full provision for the prosecution of the work, and took upon Himself the responsibility for its success. So long as they obeyed His word, and worked in connection with Him, they could not fail. Go to all nations, He bade them. Go to the farthest part of the habitable globe, but know that My presence will be there. Labor in faith and confidence, for the time will never come when I will forsake you.” The Desire of Ages, 821, 822.

  • What miracles would be wrought by the representatives of the gospel through the gift of the Holy Spirit? Mark 16:17, 18; I Corinthians 12:11.

Note: “The gospel still possesses the same power, and why should we not today witness the same results?

“Christ feels the woes of every sufferer. When evil spirits rend a human frame, Christ feels the curse. When fever is burning up the life current, He feels the agony. And He is just as willing to heal the sick now as when He was personally on earth. Christ’s servants are His representatives, the channels for His working. He desires through them to exercise His healing power.” The Desire of Ages, 823, 824.

4 THE SOLEMN DUTY OF CHRIST’S CHURCH

  • What obligation, and what prohibition, was put on the leaders of Israel since their government had been established in the name and by the authority of God? Deuteronomy 4:1, 2.

Note: “The government of Israel was administered in the name and by the authority of God. The work of Moses, of the seventy elders, of the rulers and judges, was simply to enforce the laws that God had given; they had no authority to legislate for the nation. This was, and continued to be, the condition of Israel’s existence as a nation. From age to age men inspired by God were sent to instruct the people and to direct in the enforcement of the laws.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 603.

  • How are we to understand our obligation to teach the people to “observe all things” as Christ commanded? Matthew 28:20.

Note: “In the commission to His disciples, Christ not only outlined their work, but gave them their message. Teach the people, He said, ‘to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you’ (Matthew 28:20). The disciples were to teach what Christ had taught. That which He had spoken, not only in person, but through all the prophets and teachers of the Old Testament, is here included. Human teaching is shut out. There is no place for tradition, for man’s theories and conclusions, or for church legislation. No laws ordained by ecclesiastical authority are included in the commission. None of these are Christ’s servants to teach.” The Desire of Ages, 826.

  • What is the duty of the church toward those who fall into sin? 2 Timothy 4:2.

Note: “Warn every soul that is in danger. Leave none to deceive themselves. Call sin by its right name. Declare what God has said in regard to lying, Sabbathbreaking, stealing, idolatry, and every other evil. ‘They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God’ (Galatians 5:21). If they persist in sin, the judgment you have declared from God’s word is pronounced upon them in heaven.” The Desire of Ages, 806.

5 A BASIC QUESTION FOR EVERY SOUL WINNER

  • What question should every prospective worker for Christ answer? John 21:15–17.
  • How only can we be instruments in the work of Christ? I John 4:7–12.

Note: “The power of love was in all Christ’s healing, and only by partaking of that love, through faith, can we be instruments for His work. If we neglect to link ourselves in divine connection with Christ, the current of life-giving energy cannot flow in rich streams from us to the people. …

“It is in doing Christ’s work that the church has the promise of His presence. Go teach all nations, He said; ‘and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world’ (Matthew 28:20). To take His yoke is one of the first conditions of receiving His power. The very life of the church depends upon her faithfulness in fulfilling the Lord’s commission. To neglect this work is surely to invite spiritual feebleness and decay. Where there is no active labor for others, love wanes, and faith grows dim.

“Christ intends that His ministers shall be educators of the church in gospel work. They are to teach the people how to seek and save the lost. But is this the work they are doing?” The Desire of Ages, 825.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What is Christ’s commission to each of His followers?

2 How are we warned against Pharisaical-style exclusiveness?

3 What specific gift enabled the disciples to take the message of salvation to other nations—and what must we understand about this?

4 Why does the command of Jesus in Matthew 28:20 exclude human teachings?

5 What is the first quality that should characterize every soul winner?

 

Copyright © 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.