1Copyright© 2019 by the Sabbath School/Personal Ministries Department, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA.

July–September 2019 A General Conference Sabbath School/Personal Ministries Department Publication

“The Least of These”: Ministering to Those in Need

Third Quarter 2019

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cq“The Least of These”: Ministering to Those in Need

July–September 2019

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Pages 2 and 3

“The Least of These”: Ministering to Those in Need

1. God Created . . .Michelle Solheiro, Alexandra Yeboah, Jonthue Michel, Peter Watson, Jannelle Spencer, Zelinda Sealy-Scavella, Jennifer Alicia Alvarado

2. Blueprint for a Better WorldTiphaine Molina Rosario, Benjamin Garcia, Lo-Ammi Richardson, Angie Decev, Grigore Decev, David Moncada, Isaí Almeida McGrath

3. Sabbath: A Day of FreedomJuan Antialon, Michel Lee, Oliver Bragg, Jonathan Wheeler, Jason Miller, Thando Malambo Amankwah, Lucien Nana Yobo

4. Mercy and Justice in Psalms and ProverbsSukeshini Goonatilleke, Alec Janli Bofetiado, Herman Tambo, Wendy Reyes, Clara Kolinek, Brody Wiedemann, Keith Barrow

5. The Cry of the ProphetsSeth D. Roberts, Anthony Bosman, Eric Louw, Samuel Smith, Kurt Osena, Justin Dane Spady, Esther Louw

6. Worship the CreatorKepha Otieno, Beatrice Bernard, Seline Khavetsa, Bernard Okoth, Jayne George, Phyllis Nafula, Charles Waithaka

7. Jesus and Those in NeedMichael W. Campbell, Miguel Alejandro Patiño Ramirez, Ismael Patiño Ramirez, Karan Kenneth Swansi, Miguel Angel Correa Carrion, Ashley Natasha Odhiambo, Ronald Injety, Komal Nunfeli Swansi

8. The Least of TheseMilos Tomic, James Mello, Rayshaun Williams, Joshua Hester, J-Fiah Reeves, David Deemer, Cassi Fitzpatrick

9. Ministry in the New Testament ChurchRegina Onyango, Tony Philip Oreso, Silas Onyango, Mark Gift, Emily Grace, Nelly Achieng’, George Otieno

10. Living the GospelDawnette Chambers, Claudia M. Allen, Mark Anthony Reid, Yolanda Pugh, Daniel Madden, Charles Eaton, Robert Allen Bailey

11. Living the Advent Hope

Lesa Downs, Malcolm S. Douglas, John Simon, Gabriel Taylor, Brandy Taylor, Arthur Ujlaki-Nagy, Alden J. Ho

12. To Love MercyJuliana Baioni, Chad Stuart, Andrea Jakobsons, Brianna Lale, Jamaal Roberts, Kayla J. Ewert, Lerone Carson

13. A Community of ServantsSteven Ignacio, Marijka Johnson, Khaffi Beckles, Bernice Batson, Hanetta Savary, Danielle Ignacio, Cadia Daniel

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Getting the Most Out of CQ

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOWCQ is based on the conviction that the Word of God offers transforming power and that

group study is one important way to tap into that power. CQ’s purpose is to provide Seventh-day Adventist young adults with a resource for devotional study on mutual topics with the Adult Bible Study Guide, which can then be discussed each week in Sabbath School. Many who use the Adult Bible Study Guide find that because CQ deals with the same topics, it enriches lesson study and discussion as a supplemental aid.

About four hundred Adventist young adults contribute to CQ each year. The wide variety and occasional repetition of the content reflects the great diversity of its contributors around the world as they respond creatively and individually to the subject.

POINTERS FOR STUDY1. Through prayer, open your mind to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you study.2. The Bible passages on which each week’s lesson are based appear in bold type in the

“Logos” portion of the lesson. Read these entire passages.3. The Bible passages for the week are usually divided into sections on the “Logos”

pages. When studying these sections, carefully reread the Bible passages indicated in bold headings before reading the comments beneath the headings.

4. Read the other sections for the week with the perspective you have gained from your own study of the biblical passages.

5. Keep in mind the purposes of each section of the Bible study guide:Introduction is designed to stimulate your interest and focus your thinking on the week’s

theme.Logos is a guide for direct study of the Bible passages for the week.Testimony presents Ellen White’s perspective on the lesson theme.Evidence approaches issues raised by the lesson from a historical, scientific,

philosophical, or theological perspective.How-to discusses what the abstractions in the lesson mean for day-to-day living.Opinion is a personal viewpoint on the lesson meant to encourage further thought and

discussion.

Exploration provides the reader with a variety of open-ended, creative ways to explore the topic of the week’s lesson.

CQ AND THE CHURCHCQ is the General Conference-approved Bible study guide for the young-adult age group.

It upholds the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. However, its contents should not be regarded as official pronouncements of the church.

lesson one

June 29–July 5

God Created . . .

“He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the

needy” (Prov. 14:31, NKJV).

Sabbath

June 29

The Millennial Solution

Introduction

Gen. 1:1, 26–31; 2:7; 4:9; Prov. 14:31

For quite some time, the millennial issue has come up in the workplace, society and even in our

church. Often this generation is labeled as distracted, entitled, selfish, apathetic, and the like.

This generation has so many resources available at its fingertips, but are they doing anything

with those resources?

This week’s lesson got me thinking about what our true mission and purpose is as Christian

young people while living in an age of technology and distractions—and that mission hasn’t

changed. Micah 6:8 says our mission is “to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with

your God” (NKJV), and this still rings true, no matter what period of history we are in.

In Genesis 1, starting with verse 1 and continuing in verses 26 to 31, we see that God created

Adam and Eve in His image and then gave them dominion and responsibility to care for the earth

and everything and everyone in it. Only when we look to be changed into His image once again

can we be trusted to have the responsibility to care for those around us. God wants to breathe His

image into us once more so that that we can make a difference in our community and to the

people under our direct influence. As we continue to fall in love with our Creator, our hearts and

minds will be changed to have the desire, focus, and heart to continue to do what is right and to

do good to those around us. It is not something we can do in our own strength, and if we

continue to be influenced by and to conform to society’s standards on what is seen as appropriate

for young people, we won’t be able to make that impact.

Don’t let society label you based on when you were born and, therefore, settle. Instead, become

the best you can be and choose to be different. I encourage you to choose to accept the

responsibility for and to fulfill the purpose God has for you—the purpose that only you can fill—

and to impact the people that God has placed in your path because “who knows whether you

have come . . . for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). If you’re alive today, it is because you are

a recipient of incredible grace and love; every breath that we draw is another reminder of a

chance to make a difference today that one day will make all the difference.

Michelle Solheiro, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Callout: God wants to breathe His image into us once more.

Sunday

June 30

An Ordained Mission of Justice

Logos

Ps. 73:17; Eccles. 12:14; Isa. 61:8; Mic. 6:8; Rom. 12:19; James 1:27

Sentenced for Life

Cyntoia Brown was brought up in circumstances that would shake up a large majority of us. She

grew up in an abusive home with an alcoholic stepfather while her biological mother worked as a

prostitute to support a drug addiction.

At sixteen, Brown was a teen runaway. While on the run from her Nashville home, she got

caught up in a life of drugs and prostitution. One night, a man who had “solicited her services”

picked her up and drove her to his home. At some point, she felt her life was in danger, and she

responded by shooting him with a gun. Though she claimed self-defense, she was sentenced as

an adult to life in prison and will not be eligible for parole until she is sixty-nine.1

How the World Sees Justice (Prov. 28:5; Rom. 12:19)

1. You can read more of her story in Christine Hauser, “Cyntoia Brown, Trafficking Victim Serving Life Sentence for Murder, Will Get Clemency Hearing,” New York Times, May 3, 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/03/us/cyntoia-brown-clemency-hearing-.html.

Although some details in the story are a bit gray, there is no denying that Brown was a clear

victim of human trafficking and that the American justice system sealed Brown’s fate behind

bars. Justice is not always won.

Hollywood wants to define justice by portraying crusading heroes who appeal to our inner desire

to glorify human strength. We want someone to save the day. That’s why we love this imagined

world, one where the good guy will always win the fight against the villain. This same flawed

spirit at times compels individuals to hastily join causes in the hope that, by doing so, they can

make a better world. We want the solution to be easily pieced together, and we want all of the

answers to life’s hardest questions. This is what we want social justice to mean. But in this

corrupted world, all justice means is that no matter what the cause, somebody will always pay.

When the System Fails (Pss. 58:11; 73:17; 119:126–136)

According to the United Nations, four billion people live outside the law. That means for this

group of people, the public justice systems have failed them and done nothing to protect them

from violence. In our world today, one of the ways this violence reveals itself is through human

trafficking, an industry that generates about $150 billion every year.

Unjust systems prevail in our society, which can be seen further in the oppression of the poor,

persons with disabilities, women, and racialized persons in several countries all over the world.

Some well-meaning people have taken to addressing these inequities through violence and other

militant means, but their efforts won’t bring about the solution they seek.

This Is Biblical Justice (Isa. 61:8; James 1:27; 1 John 2; Rev. 12:17)

When we look at what justice means in the Bible, we get a completely different picture. The

Hebrew word for “justice” is mispat, which means that we are to treat people equally. The

definition extends to more than the punishment of wrongdoing and includes giving people back

their rights. When used, it is often associated with taking up the cause and care of widows,

orphans, and other vulnerable ones (James 1:27).

In the eyes of God, justice involves becoming intimately involved in the lives of the people you

are fighting for. It means seeing pain and oppression the way God sees it. The founder of World

Vision, Bob Pierce, is quoted as saying: “Let my heart be broken with the things that break the

heart of God.” When you let your heart be broken this way, you come to recognize that it is our

duty to do our part to advocate for the poor, marginalized, and oppressed—not to make some

kind of name for ourselves but simply because it is right.

This further means that we should choose to unite ourselves with the bigger cause of God, who is

described as being our Advocate (1 John 2:1) in saving people from a lost world and a ruthless

prosecutor.

On a grander level, our Father is looking to restore what has been lost in our world: dignity,

beauty, freedom, love, and peace. By enacting justice, we uphold God’s moral law and vindicate

His name.

Do Justly and Love Mercy (Eccles. 12:14; Isa. 1:17–19; Mic. 6:8; John 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:10, 11;

Rev. 16:7)

While we may not have the quick-fix solution we often desire as a society, our duty to humanity

doesn’t change. Though feeding a homeless man won’t eradicate hunger and taking in a young

girl from the streets will not minimize the prevalence of human trafficking, we do so anyway.

True justice means doing right even when the solution is not easily in sight. No, we may never be

able to save the day as fashionably as a Marvel superhero, but we are still called to our duty to

“do justly, . . . love mercy, and to walk humbly with [our] God” (Mic. 6:8). As a Toronto native,

I have been exposed to economic disparity on numerous levels. However, it has most often

revealed itself through the faces of homeless men and women who appear throughout the city

with provocative signs and hands extended, begging for change.

At times, I find myself getting overwhelmed as the reality of world issues such as this sinks in.

But when I find myself tempted to just walk away, I remember that every man and woman out

there is a child of God.

In bringing up the justice discussion, we should never forget a most crucial component, which is

mercy. Just as God demonstrated mercy toward us in sending us His Son to pay the penalty for

our sins (John 3:16), so must we move forward with our appointed mission as His advocates to

bring hope and healing to a dying world.

REACT

1. As you look at all of the oppression in the world around you, what causes might God lay on

your heart? How might you seek to get involved?

2. What words and images come to your mind when you think of justice? What does this mean to

you?

3. What Scriptures can you reflect on to give you a clearer understanding of biblical justice?

Alexandra Yeboah, Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Callout: At times, I find myself getting overwhelmed as the reality of world issues such as this

sinks in.

Monday

July 1

A Debtor Not Only to God

Testimony

Gal. 5:13

“By the terms of our stewardship we are placed under obligation, not only to God, but to man.

To the infinite love of the Redeemer every human being is indebted for the gifts of life. Food and

raiment and shelter, body and mind and soul—all are the purchase of His blood. And by the

obligation of gratitude and service thus imposed, Christ has bound us to our fellow men. He bids

us, ‘By love serve one another.’ Galatians 5:13. ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the

least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.’ Matthew 25:40.

“ ‘I am debtor,’ Paul declares, ‘both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to

the unwise.’ Romans 1:14. So also are we. By all that has blessed our life above others, we are

placed under obligation to every human being whom we might benefit.

“. . . We are but stewards, and on the discharge of our obligation to God and man depend both

the welfare of our fellow beings and our own destiny for this life and for the life to come.”2

2. Ellen G. White, Education, p. 139.

“When men who have been abundantly blessed of heaven with large wealth fail to carry out

God’s design, and do not relieve the poor and the oppressed, the Lord is displeased and will

surely visit them. They have no excuse for withholding from their neighbors the help that God

has put it into their power to provide; and God is dishonored, his character is misinterpreted by

Satan, and he is represented as a stern judge who causes suffering to come upon the creatures he

has made. This misrepresentation of God’s character is made to appear as truth, and thus through

the temptation of the enemy, men’s hearts are hardened against God. Satan charges upon God the

very evil he himself has caused men to commit by withholding their means from the suffering.

He attributes to God his own characteristics.”3

REACT

1. Whom do society, local cultures, and local groups consider least?

2. God has given us life, food, raiment, shelter, and many more blessings, so name thirteen things

that God has given you that can benefit the least.

3. Ponder deeply what the last paragraph says, and discuss what this means to you personally.

Jonthue Michel, Newport, New Hampshire, USA

Callout: “To the infinite love of the Redeemer every human being is indebted for the gifts of

life.”

3. Ellen G. White, “Parable of the Rich Man,” The Review and Herald, June 26, 1894.

Tuesday

July 2

No Resting Place

Evidence

Prov. 14:31

Whenever I go on a journey, much planning goes into it: choosing a hotel, flight times, who will

pick me up from the airport or whether I rent a car—and if so will I get lost while driving—how

much money I need for food, and so on. I always have a sense of anticipation because sometimes

things don’t go as planned. In addition, I never sleep in full rest mode when I’m on the road

because of everything going on—and these are controlled trips, planned trips I would have

consented to and normally enjoyed, so I should be at ease and “place all my cares on Jesus”

(1 Pet. 5:7). Yes?

Then I observe men, women, and children sometimes forced from their homes, fleeing poverty,

starvation, violence, and even death. In some cases, they don’t know their destination, and their

means of transportation is a container wherein they are packed like sardines or an overcrowded,

unseaworthy boat or walking hundreds of miles by foot. The only clothes they have are what’s

on their back; the only money they had is what they paid smugglers to get them as far as they

got. No one is picking them up; they have no bed for a night’s rest, no food to satisfy days or

weeks of hunger. I never got comfortable with the scene of little children at entrances of borders

or fleeing in the arms of mothers, crying because of harsh treatment and fear of the unknown.4

Our privileges should be used to help those in need. We should take a moment and consider how

blessed we are and then remember that God is Creator of all. “Human beings” are to treat their

neighbors as they would want to be treated. “ ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the

least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ ” (Matt. 25:40, NIV). In a world

where there is so much confusion, injustice, and moral decay, let us not dishonor God by asking

the question like Cain, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen. 4:9). We have only a period of time

to exist on this earth; this life as it is, is not our resting place. How we live and how we care for

one another will have a lot to do with our destiny. We are our brother’s keeper.

REACT

1. Should you feel an obligation to welcom strangers into your country, community, schools,

home?

2. What does the Bible reveal about Christ’s attitude toward people in need?

3. Can you remember the last time you honored God by helping someone by denying yourself?

Peter Watson, Abaco, Bahamas

Callout: How we live and how we care for one another will have a lot to do with our destiny.

4. Dara Lind, “The Trump Administration’s Separation of Families at the Border, Explained,” Vox, updated June 15, 2018, 1–9.

Wednesday

July 3

The Trip of Your Lifetime

How-to

Luke 12:40

Preparing for a trip can take weeks, sometimes months. It all depends on important factors such

as the time of year, destination, and length of stay. When my family traveled earlier this year, we

had to get passports for three out of the four family members. Much planning went into making

sure that we had the required documentation just to leave our island home.

When preparing for travel, you must consider accommodation, spending money, and appropriate

clothes for the destination climate. You must think about these things early so that on the day of

your departure, you have everything in place. It would be terrible to be at the airport and, when

your flight number is called at the gate, realize that you forgot some vital document or piece of

luggage that you really needed.

It’s the same when we’re preparing for the trip when Jesus comes, that all-important journey

through the clouds to heaven. We’ll be there a short thousand years before we settle into our new

earth home. Before we make that trip though, we need to prepare.

Important documentation to peruse before travel will be our Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy,

which contain information about what is required for life at our destination. We can learn how to

love God and our neighbors (Exod. 20), the best foods to eat (Rev. 22:2), and the best time for

rest and restoration (Exod. 20:8–11). There is also information about the landscape (Rev. 21:21)

and the wildlife (Isa. 65:25).

Excess baggage will not be permitted (Matt. 6:15). Be sure to forgive others so that God can

forgive you. There also will not be any heavy hearts because sorrow, sadness, death, and pain are

not permitted at our destination. The joy of the Lord will keep our luggage light, so make sure to

stuff all the corners of your suitcase with that.

No need to worry about clothing because God our Father will be our host. He has promised us all

robes of righteousness. God has you covered. He will also take care of our food (twelve kinds of

fruit) and our accommodation (mansions).

Pack obedience and trust in God. Once you live in God’s will and trust His promises, you will be

sure to reach your destination in one “peace.” God is the master Pilot, so there’s no need to

worry; even though we may experience turbulence at times, our safe arrival is ensured.

For any trip to be successful, you must prepare. You don’t just jump up one day and decide to go

see God. In the same way we put things in place for our earthly trips, let’s make ten times the

effort to prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

REACT

1. Are we leaving our preparation for the last minute? (When should you start to pack?)

2. What can we do to ensure that we don’t miss the final boarding call?

Jannelle Spencer, Brittons Hill, Bridgetown, Barbados

Callout: You must think about these things early so that on the day of your departure, you have

everything in place.

Thursday

July 4

Boomerang

Opinion

Gen. 1:26–31

A former colleague of mine expressed his dislike for the song “I Need You to Survive” by

Hezekiah Walker. It was out of character for him to use the following heavy expression, “I don’t

need people to survive; I only need God!” I understood how he felt but respectfully explained

that the body of Christ must take care of even the least of its members for many reasons, but the

most important would be to reflect the love of God to the world. They need us.

Neglecting to minister to the immediate needs of our community has created a problem that has

metastasized to alarming proportions. People who are neglected often turn to crime, which ends

up hurting more than just the perpetrators. As author and philosopher Elbert Hubbard puts it,

“Down in their hearts, wise men know this truth: the only way to help yourself is to help

others.”5 Unfortunately, we are more into helping ourselves.

Are we so busy saving ourselves and close family members that we are forgetting the needy in

our communities? The Bible did predict that the increase of wickedness would affect our love for

others (Matt. 24:12). Social media does not help the situation because it exposes us to more

5. Elbert Hubbard, The Philistine 18, no. 1 (Dec. 1903): 12.

negative information than we have ever seen before. Yet, God commands us to continue showing

love in the most impossible of situations (John 13:34, 35).

Thankfully, our Savior is ready to use any people who are willing to deny themselves to love

their neighbor as themselves. Through us, He is ready to show our needful community members

that they have a Creator who loves them and wants the best for them.

True awareness of the needs around us can be so overwhelming, and like the servant with the one

talent, it is tempting to think that we cannot make a difference. However, we must not believe

that whatever we do will be in vain. Jesus has promised to help us with everything that will bring

Him honor. Let’s show justice, stand up for the weak, and share what little we have. God knew

that by taking care of our weakest, we would automatically be taking care of ourselves and

preparing a generation to accept what Christ did for them on the cross.

REACT

1. Reflect on the following quote by James Lendall Basford: “Wishing good, merely, is a

lukewarm charity; but doing good is divine.”6 Were there times when you could have offered

more than words to anyone?

2. Do you find helping others challenging (the homeless, beggars, the elderly, unbelieving family

members)?

Zelinda Sealy-Scavella, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

6. James Lendall Basford, Sparks From the Philosopher’s Stone (London: David Bogue, 1882), 15.

Callout: Neglecting to minister to the immediate needs of our community has created a problem

that has metastasized to alarming proportions.

Friday

July 5

Revealing God’s Heart

Exploration

Prov. 14:31

CONCLUDE

Reflecting on the theme for this week, it should touch our hearts to notice just how God feels

toward the poor and the suffering. He is reproached when we oppress or offend another who is

less fortunate. Because God is love, He calls us also to walk in that same love (Eph. 5:1, 2) and

to show who He really is by revealing His heart for those under trying circumstances. When they

see, through our actions, that God truly cares about their lives and wants to save them, their

hearts will naturally open up to receive God’s wonderful, healing love.

CONSIDER

Getting to know your neighbors. Be a friend to them and find out how you can help them

and show you appreciate them.

Writing a letter about how God feels toward those who are hurting, suffering, and

oppressed and how that impacts you.

Listening to the song “People Need the Lord” by Steve Green. Reflect on how God seeks

to help those in need through you.

Planning a bake sale in your community or your church. Donate the funds raised to a

local shelter or a charity that aims to help those who are less fortunate.

Writing a poem about God’s love. Give it as a gift to someone who’s hurting to brighten

their day. Write the poem with fancy lettering and be creative with the overall

presentation.

Memorizing the lyrics to the song “I’m Available to You” by Milton Brunson. As you

think about the words, jot down some ways you can do more for others. Then put those

ideas into action! Invite your family and/or friends to join you.

Putting together care packages that have fruit, clothing items (e.g., socks), toiletries, and

a book about Jesus. Plan a trip into the city with family and friends, and hand out the

packages to the homeless.

CONNECT

1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 9:9, 10; 17:5; 147:3.

Ellen G. White, Christian Service, pp. 186–188.

Jennifer Alicia Alvarado, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

lesson two

July 6–12

Blueprint for a Better World

“ ‘ “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but

you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD” ’ ” (Lev. 19:18, NKJV).

Sabbath

July 6

To Know God Is to Know Justice

Introduction

Prov. 31:8; Mic. 6:8; Zech. 7:9, 10; John 13:34, 35

In the past few hundred years, it seems that humanity has made great strides toward justice and

equality for all people. We have witnessed the human rights movement (1899–1920), the black

lives matter movement (2013) and the #MeToo movement (2017). However, when we look at

our world in its current state, with political oppression, racial and educational inequality,

economic injustice, exploitation, and violations of all kinds toward those most vulnerable, it is

evident that we are far from God’s ideal.

We fall short because our justice system and our human ideas about social justice are inherently

flawed. We cannot exercise justice correctly with our secular laws while ignoring the justice

Giver and the Creator of all that is fair.

We realize that in the grand scheme of things, only God can deliver ultimate justice to this

wicked world when He returns. Yet, we recognize that we must be actively engaged in all

aspects of social justice as followers of the One who is perfectly just.

Our knowledge and understanding of God are reflected by how much we share His passion for

justice.

His instructions to us while we are on this earth are to care for the vulnerable and to demonstrate

His character through our loving actions.

In Micah 6:8 God tells us, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD

require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (NIV). Here

God is telling us to take action when we see injustice. It is not optional for God’s people; it is an

integral part of who we should be.

To take it further, acting justly is to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the

rights of all who are destitute” (Prov. 31:8, NIV) and to base our lives on love toward God and

man. Take it from Him: “ ‘ “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.

Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against

each other” ’ ” (Zech. 7:9, 10, NIV).

In essence, at the very center of justice is the simple, yet profound, principle of love. Our love for

God is measured by our love for people. This is why Jesus commands us to “love one another”

(John 13:34), which results in our dealing justly with everyone. This, according to Jesus, is what

demonstrates to the world that we are Christians: our love for others (John 13:35).

Tiphaine Molina Rosario, Panama City, Florida, USA

Callout: At the very center of justice is the simple, yet profound, principle of love.

Sunday

July 7

A Model of Love and Forgiveness

Evidence

Lev. 19:18

The book of Leviticus outlines the priestly duties and sacrificial system of the sanctuary. God

established the system to model His love to us in dealing with our sin (Rom. 5:8; Heb. 9:22). The

book of Leviticus also outlines the conduct that God expected of His people in relationship with

one another. He desired them to be a holy people to Himself and a channel of blessing to one

another and the surrounding nations.

We must remember that God had just delivered the children of Israel from Egypt, where they had

been slaves for roughly four hundred years. During that time, they had been exposed to and

learned many of the customs of Egypt. Furthermore, God was leading them back to Canaan,

where there were customs and practices that were considered an abomination to the Lord. He

wanted to teach His people a heavenly culture and lifestyle that was rooted in love, not in selfish

practices based on sensual desires.

Through Moses, God gave specific instructions for how the priests were to conduct the ritual

services that pointed to Christ shedding His blood as the ultimate sacrifice to forgive the people

of their sins (John 1:29). God wanted to demonstrate that He is a loving God and made a way to

cover our sins so that He could be in communion with us. By design, when a person would kill

the animal sacrifice, it would leave a lasting impression on the person’s mind and cause that

person to abhor sin and turn away from it.7

God also wanted to demonstrate that if He can forgive us, we should be kind to one another and

forgive each other (Eph. 4:32). Vengeance and holding a grudge toward someone who may have

wronged us is something that He did not want in the character of His people (Exod. 2:13; Lev.

19:18). His people were to be a loving people; a people with a moral character far different from

that of the nations around them (1 Pet. 4:8, 9).

REACT

1. Have you accepted the reality that God has forgiven you through the sacrifice of His Son,

Jesus Christ?

2. What is keeping you from extending forgiveness to others?

Benjamin Garcia, Saginaw, Michigan, USA

Callout: He wanted to teach His people a heavenly culture and lifestyle that was rooted in love,

not in selfish practices based on sensual desires.

7. Francis D. Nichol, ed., The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, 2nd ed., vol. 1 (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald, 1978), pp. 693–696.

Monday

July 8

Blessed to Be a Blessing

Logos

Prov. 11:25; Isa. 58:1–8; Matt. 5:16; Rev. 18:1

Cry Aloud (Isa. 58:1)

The call of Israel was a call to be a blessing to the nations that surrounded them. In Isaiah 58:1

we see a cry to call out the iniquities and transgressions of God’s people. To better understand

the reason for the cry, we must consider the context. The Lord gives a command in Isaiah 56:1 to

“Keep justice, and do righteousness, for My salvation is about to come, and My righteousness to

be revealed” (NKJV). We see in this passage that justice and righteousness are interconnected.

Both justice and righteousness are part of God’s plan of salvation and part of His plan to

demonstrate His character to the world.

This leads to the condemnation of the leaders of Israel. The leaders of Israel failed to fulfill the

call that God gave them. Isaiah 57 lists the unrighteous deeds of the leaders of Israel. One of

those unrighteous deeds was that “the righteous perishes, and no man takes it to heart” (Isa. 57:1,

NKJV). The leadership of Israel allowed the people of God to completely forget the moral

obligation and blessing they needed to be to the world.

False Religion (Isa. 58:1–5)

As we continue in Isaiah 58, we see false religion being demonstrated in verses 1–5. The nation

of Israel thought that by doing their religious works of fasting, praying, and offering sacrifices,

they were doing their religious duty. Yet even though Israel was doing their religious duties,

their religion was superficial because the sacrifices themselves lacked the justice and

righteousness needed to demonstrate the righteousness of God to the world. The appropriate fast

God wanted from Israel was to demonstrate justice and mercy to the surrounding nations. So

God asks, in verse 5, what is the acceptable fast for Me?

True Religion (Isa. 58:5–7)

True religion, according to verses 6–9, includes loosing the bonds of wickedness, letting the

oppressed go free, sharing your bread with the hungry, giving a place for the homeless, and

clothing those who are naked. True religion is to be concerned for the less fortunate and to fight

for those who aren’t receiving justice. It brings satisfaction when we match our care for the less

fortunate with our religious practices. The purpose of the gospel and the plan of salvation is to

combine both justice and righteousness. This was how Israel would be a blessing to the world.

Once the gospel is experienced and demonstrated, the world will see the glory of God’s

character.

The Glory (Isa. 58:8, 9; Matt. 5:16; Rev. 18:1)

When God’s people combine their religious fast with their religious experience, God’s character

is revealed to the world. The promise is given in verse 8: “Then your light shall break forth like

the morning” (NKJV). The conjunction then denotes that what follows results from what

precedes it. As Israel fed the poor, clothed the naked, provided homes for the homeless, and

fought for the oppressed—this combined with their religious duties—the result would be God’s

light (glory) breaking forth like the morning.

Light is synonymous with God’s glory in the Bible (cf. 2 Cor. 4:6). In a world darkened by the

lack of a revelation of God’s character, our actions reveal whether or not we are living out the

message we claim to proclaim. In Revelation 14:6–13 God gives modern Israel the final message

that must be given to the world. One of the first injunctions is to give glory to God. Then

Revelation 18:1 gives the result of demonstrating His glory (character) to the world: “After these

things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was

illuminated with his glory” (NKJV). This glory is why Jesus emphasized the importance of

demonstrating good works in His sermon on the mount, found in Matthew 5, when He stated that

our lights should shine before men. The purpose? “ ‘That they may see your good works and

glorify your Father in heaven’ ” (verse 16, NKJV). The world desperately needs to see this glory,

and the Lord has mandated us to share it.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving (Prov. 11:25)

King Solomon, the wisest man on earth, emphasized the importance of being generous and

giving. Solomon stated, “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be

watered himself” (Prov. 11:25, NKJV). The apostle Paul emphasized the same point in

2 Corinthians 9:6 “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully

will also reap bountifully.” God wants us to experience the happiness and joy that comes with

service. He has blessed us with homes, jobs, food, family, and more, but when we keep those

blessings to ourselves and do not impart the blessings to others, we miss the special blessing God

wants us to receive. All that He has given to us is so that we may be a blessing to others. For as

we water, we will be refreshed as well. Service is a gift that keeps on giving.

REACT

1. Is there a call as Christians to be actively involved with the social justice issues of the day

(immigration, distribution of wealth, poverty, crime, etc.)?

2. Has there been a time you have gone out of your way to help someone when it seemed to be

an inconvenience? How did you feel afterward?

Lo-Ammi Richardson, Orlando, Florida, USA

Callout: When God’s people combine their religious fast with their religious experience, God’s

character is revealed to the world.

Tuesday

July 9

Second Tithe: Israel’s Blueprint for Welfare

Testimony

Deut. 15:11

“A second tithe of all the increase was required. . . . This tithe, or its equivalent in money, [the

Israelites] were for two years to bring to the place where the sanctuary was established. After

presenting a thank offering to God, and a specified portion to the priest, the offerers were to use

the remainder for a religious feast, in which the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the

widow should participate. . . .

“Every third year, however, this second tithe was to be used at home, in entertaining the Levite

and the poor, as Moses said, ‘That they may eat within thy gates, and be filled.’ Deuteronomy

26:12. This tithe would provide a fund for the uses of charity and hospitality. . . .

“The law of God gave the poor a right to a certain portion of the produce of the soil. When

hungry, a man was at liberty to go to his neighbor’s field or orchard or vineyard, and eat of the

grain or fruit to satisfy his hunger. . . .

“All the gleanings of harvest field, orchard, and vineyard, belonged to the poor. . . .

“Every seventh year special provision was made for the poor. The sabbatical year, as it was

called, began at the end of the harvest. At the seedtime, which followed the ingathering, the

people were not to sow; they should not dress the vineyard in the spring; and they must expect

neither harvest nor vintage. Of that which the land produced spontaneously they might eat while

fresh, but they were not to lay up any portion of it in their storehouses. The yield of this year was

to be free for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and even for the creatures of the field.”8

“Such were the provisions made by our merciful Creator, to lessen suffering, to bring some ray

of hope, to flash some gleam of sunshine, into the life of the destitute and distressed.

“The Lord would place a check upon the inordinate love of property and power. Great evils

would result from the continued accumulation of wealth by one class, and the poverty and

degradation of another. Without some restraint the power of the wealthy would become a

monopoly, and the poor, though in every respect fully as worthy in God’s sight, would be

regarded and treated as inferior to their more prosperous brethren.”9

REACT

1. Although the Lord, through Moses, gave Israel many laws to “place a check upon the

inordinate love of property and power,” was the nation’s system immune to corruption or

hoarding of goods?

8. Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 530, 531.9. Ibid., p. 534.

2. How can we apply similar principles to managing our personal finances to better help those in

need?

3. How are these laws, made to help the unfortunate, designed so wisely to encourage diligence

in the beneficiaries?

Angie Decev, Gatineau, Québec, Canada

Callout: “Great evils would result from the continued accumulation of wealth by one class, and

the poverty and degradation of another.”

Wednesday

July 10

Selfless in a Selfish World: Is It Possible?

How-to

Phil. 2:3, 4

We live in a pretty selfish world where, each day, we are bombarded with advertisements to buy

more things that can please us, watch more entertainment, and eat more food to satisfy our

appetites. How can we, as Bible-believing Christ followers, live selflessly in a world immersed

in selfishness? How can we not slip into the trap of living for our own pleasure? Isn’t the

influence of those surrounding us too great and overwhelming?

Yes, it may seem impossible, but since God has called us to put aside self, it is possible through

Him and Him alone! Here are some tips drawn from the Bible to help with that goal.

Spend time with God. Do it. Every day, learn from the supreme Model of selflessness. Make sure

the influence of Jesus on you is stronger than the world’s! If we come to God, He promises to

teach, instruct, and counsel us (Ps. 32:8).

Give (Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35). Learn the lesson of giving. It is important to develop the joy of

giving rather than receiving. It is important to give from the heart, “not reluctantly or under

compulsion,” as the Bible teaches us (2 Cor. 9:7, NIV)

Serve (Matt. 20:26, 27; 1 Cor. 10:24; Phil. 2:3, 4). Besides giving, we must learn to serve. Many

people give money to different charities, mission projects, and other causes but may never be

involved in any of them through personal service. Serving others is as important as giving

money, if not more important. Serving others should be our priority. In serving others we learn to

think less of ourselves. In the life of Jesus, we can see daily selfless service for others. Be

intentional, every day, to help and serve other people in any capacity you can. Pray to God for

His leading for you to be a blessing for someone every day.

REACT

1. How are giving and serving different? Which one do you think is harder for most people to

do? Which one do you find harder?

2. How does Jesus’ selflessness sharply contrast with the selfishness of those around you?

3. Does there seem to be an unacceptable level of selfishness in our modern culture? How does it

compare to what Jesus calls us to do?

Grigore Decev, Gatineau, Québec, Canada

Callout: Since God has called us to put aside self, it is possible through Him and Him alone!

Thursday

July 11

Heavenly Versus Earthly Things

Opinion

Matt. 6:33

Many people who come to the United States come with one thing in mind: achieve the American

dream. People want to work hard to obtain an education and a well-paying job, start a family,

and buy a house, a car, and other commodities that give a sense of accomplishment.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve your lifestyle or to provide commodities for

your family to enjoy. However, many times “the dream” becomes the focus of our attention,

which in turn becomes our reason to live. Many times it goes so far that it takes the place that

God should have in our lives. Thus, we often make decisions based on getting us closer to the

dream instead of getting us closer to God.

Losing sight of heaven changes who we are and what we live for. It makes us focus on ourselves.

We become so self-centered that others become unimportant; our wants supersede others’ needs.

That is exactly what the devil wants. He wants to divert our attention from what God has called

us to do—to serve and be a blessing to others. Instead of growing to be more like Christ, we do

the opposite.

Matthew 19:16–22 tells of a young ruler who had been blessed with great possessions. Not only

was he rich, he also was a decent person. However, his wealth was the center of his life; it was

the god before the real God. Jesus told this young ruler to stop focusing on his “American

dream” and start using his blessing to be a blessing to others by meeting their needs. Sadly, the

young ruler did not love his neighbor as himself.

Reflecting on the life of Jesus, we see evidence that Jesus focused on helping others and being a

blessing to them. He always took care of others’ needs, both physical and, more important,

spiritual. Jesus was more interested in meeting people’s needs than in obtaining a title, earning

good money, or having possessions and commodities. He focused on His mission and did not

deviate from it.

Let’s look at the bigger picture of life and meditate on the things that really matter. God has

blessed us in many ways; let’s be a blessing to others. Focus on people instead of temporal

possessions. “ ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things

shall be added to you’ ” (Matt. 6:33, NKJV). May our investments be in heaven instead of in

earthly things.

REACT

1. Is your “American dream” getting in the way of blessing others?

2. What are some ways we can invest in heaven? What would this look like in our daily lives?

3. How can we remind ourselves to be a blessing with our blessings?

David Moncada, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Callout: Focus on people instead of temporal possessions.

Friday

July 12

The Mindset to Be a Blessing

Exploration

Matt. 24:12; 1 Cor. 13:1–4

CONCLUDE

God’s people are vessels through which He can pour out His blessings on the earth. Our selfish

nature makes it easy for us to forget and be content to say a prayer of thankfulness and go about

our own lives. To fulfill our original purpose, we must change not only our actions but our way

of thinking. In Matthew, we are warned that the abundance of evil would make us indifferent and

that the “love of many” would “grow cold” (Matt. 24:12, NKJV). Many think it’s “Christian” to

avoid conflict, but we should be standing up for the weak. We are followers of Christ first,

upholding the Bible, and representing Him wherever we go through whatever we do,

remembering that without love, whether we are standing against the unjust or being a blessing to

those in need, it is nothing (1 Cor. 13:1–3).

CONSIDER

Baking bread or some cookies and taking them to a neighbor, using the opportunity to get

to know the neighbor.

Gathering a group of friends and getting involved with your local food pantry, homeless

shelter, or community center.

Putting together care packages for refugees.

Rewriting the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) using modern-day

circumstances.

Thinking about, discussing, and comparing circumstances in which the biblical, Christian

thing to do is to remain silent and others in which it is to take action.

Writing a journal entry or illustrating the different ways in which God could use you to

be a blessing to those you come in contact with.

Researching different agencies and organizations that you can get involved with to help

those in need.

CONNECT

Exodus 13:14–22

Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, chap. 46, “Duty to the Unfortunate”;

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, chap. 6, “Not Judging, but Doing.”

Isaí Almeida McGrath, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

lesson three

July 13–19

Sabbath: A Day of Freedom

“And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath’ ” (Mark

2:27, NKJV).

Sabbath

July 13

The Bondage of the Sabbath?

Introduction

Matt. 11:28; John 8:31–36

Have you ever felt out of place? Have you ever felt this way at church and thought, Isn’t church

supposed to be a haven for those in desperate need of a Savior? I’ve had the privilege to travel to

many states in the United States and, sadly, have felt out of place in church many times: no warm

welcomes, no potlucks or time to engage with like-minded believers, not even a “come back

again” farewell. If I, as a member of the church, felt this way, can you imagine how many

visitors have had a similar experience? Perhaps this sad reality is rooted in our view of the

Sabbath and its purpose. In the book of Mark, we read that the “sabbath was made for man, and

not man for the sabbath” (Mark 2:27). But at times we lose sight of the purpose of the Sabbath

and end up breaking it without even realizing it.

What is the purpose of the Sabbath? Adam and Eve used this time to strengthen their relationship

with God and with each other. In the Old Testament, the Israelites had laws that demonstrated

the beauty of trusting God by keeping the Sabbath, as in the story of the manna and even the

sabbatical year. The early church in Acts used the Sabbath not only to worship but to build a

community that would strengthen the families and church as a whole. In the very passionate local

church in Peru in which I grew up, there were rules that you did not break and things you did not

say on Sabbath. Looking back now, I appreciate how passionate members were about reverence

and Sabbath-keeping. However, I often wonder whether there is a better way to convey the same

message without losing the “joy” of the Sabbath.

One of the main struggles for the Israelites was the burden of Sabbath-keeping upon them. They

had so many rabbinical rules that many became “stiff-necked” and hardened their hearts toward

God. A burdensome Sabbath without joy and without communing with God is not the Sabbath

God intended for us. Do you feel burdened every Sabbath? John 8:32 reminds us that “the truth

shall make you free.” Our Savior wants to make us free. He gave us the Sabbath to rest,

commune, worship, and break free from the things holding us down (school, work, problems,

debts, etc.). Why do we still hold on to our burdens when we have someone who promised us,

“ ‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’ ” (Matt. 11:28,

NKJV)? Is it because we are so focused on the dos and don’ts that we cannot enjoy the Sabbath?

Once we realize the freedom the Sabbath offers and how we can enjoy it every week, our

keeping of it will drastically change. We will be a blessing to others because we have learned to

receive the blessing of the Sabbath. I challenge you to make the Sabbath a day of freedom and

not of bondage!

Juan Antialon, Rahway, New Jersey, USA

Callout: In the very passionate local church in Peru in which I grew up, there were rules that you

did not break and things you did not say on Sabbath.

Sunday

July 14

Sabbath, Day of Freedoms

Logos

Exod. 16:16–26; 20:8–11; Lev. 25:1–11; Deut. 5:12–15; 15:1–11; Mark 3:1–6; Luke 6:6–11;

13:10–17; 14:1–6; John 5:1–18; 9:1–34

Historically, religious discourse over the Sabbath has focused on its legal and calendrical

dimensions. But what relationship, if any, is there between the Sabbath and the themes raised in

the work of social justice? This week, we’ll look particularly at what the Bible says about

freedom and its connection to the Sabbath.

The Sabbath, Day of Dignity

Observed even after the fall of humankind, the Sabbath offers, in our sin-ridden world, a radical

vision for society. The seventh-day Sabbath commandment, recorded in Exodus 20:8–11 and

Deuteronomy 5:12–15, recognizes the day as one of rest for all humankind. On the Sabbath day,

“ ‘ “you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter or your male servant or your

female servant, or your ox or your donkey or any of your livestock, or the sojourner who is

within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you” ’ ”

(Deut. 5:14, ESV). The Sabbath is not just for the believer or the citizens of just one country—or

even just humans!

In the civil law revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, God also granted a sabbatical year (shmita, in

Hebrew) to the Israelites. Every seven years, they were to release fellow believers from debts

owed, including releasing those who had indentured themselves because of their debt. God

reassured Israelites with the promise that “the Lord your God will bless you” in the keeping of

the shmita (Deut. 15:6, ESV).

Moreover, God commanded the children of Israel in this sabbatical year to allow their land to

rest after six years of cultivation (Lev. 25:1–11). But how, then, were they supposed to eat in the

Sabbath year? Amazingly, but expectedly, God promised that He would produce “a crop

sufficient for three years” in the sixth year (Lev. 25:20, ESV). God promised abundantly greater

than what the Israelites could expect: He provided food for the sixth year and the seventh year of

rest as well as for the first year of the next seven-year cycle when new crops were being sown. In

a similar manner, God provided a double portion of manna on the sixth day of the week to the

Israelites, since manna would not fall on the seventh-day Sabbath (Exod. 16:16–26).

The Sabbath offers freedom from the burdens of human toil. This divinely granted freedom

compels us to recognize the dignity and humanity of all humankind—values that are diminishing

in today’s world. Moreover, by keeping both the weekly Sabbath and the Sabbath year, God’s

people acknowledged that everything ultimately comes from God, not from their own works.

When we accept God’s divine power to provide by keeping the Sabbath, we safeguard against

avarice and selfishness and the inhumanity that results.

The Sabbath, Day of Identity

As you may have gathered from the lesson so far, the Sabbath is more than a day marked by

what we can and cannot do. Like no other day, it teaches us about both God’s desired

relationship with us and His desired relationship for us with one another. Moreover, as a twofold

memorial, it reminds us of our God-given identity.

The Sabbath is a memorial—or remembrance—of Creation and redemption. When we remember

the Sabbath day, we remember that God is our Creator and our Redeemer (Exod. 20:11; Deut.

5:15). And when we know God’s relation to us, we come to know ourselves as He intended:

created with a purpose and redeemed for service.

The Sabbath reminds us of the freedom that lies in knowing God’s identity in relation to us. The

world is searching for the meaning of humanity and the meaning of existence. So much

existential pain—and vast social consequences—come from not knowing the true answers to

these questions. On the seventh day, we remember our origins, our present condition, our

redemption, and all that Christ is to us. The Sabbath reminds us that God furnishes our deepest

ontological desires.

The Sabbath, Day of Healing

Throughout His ministry, Jesus dispelled long-perpetuated misconceptions about the Sabbath. In

six of the seven miracles that He performed on the Sabbath—the healings of the lame man at the

pool of Bethesda (John 5:1–13), the man with the shriveled hand (Mark 3:1–6; Luke 6:6–11); the

woman with the eighteen-year disability (Luke 13:10–17), the man with dropsy (Luke 14:1–6),

and the blind man (John 9:1–34)—the Jewish religious leaders accused Jesus of breaking the

Sabbath. But by performing these miracles, Jesus revealed the true meaning of the Sabbath as a

day for healing in Christ.

The Sabbath reminds us of the offer of freedom in Jesus in a world of sickness. He wants to set

us free from our spiritual and physical ailments. He wants to set us free from the bondage of

society that clouds the true meaning of His Word. He wants to free us from the tiring toll of sin.

The Sabbath, Day of Freedom

By remembering the seventh day as God commands, we recognize our ultimate dependence on

Him alone for our spiritual, physical, social, and mental sustentation. In the Sermon on the

Mount, Jesus exhorted, “ ‘Therefore do not be anxious, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What

shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” . . . But seek first the kingdom of God and his

righteousness, and all these things will be added to you’ ” (Matt. 6:31, 33, ESV).

The Sabbath is an experience of the true freedom that comes from trusting in the merits of Jesus

alone to redeem us, sustain us, and teach us love for one another.

REACT

1. Can you think of other instances in Scripture in which the Sabbath offers freedom?

2. Now having studied a few aspects of the Sabbath as they pertain to social justice, why and

how do you think the Sabbath is relevant in your culture and country, and more broadly, in our

world today?

Michel Lee, Austin, Texas, USA

Callout: He wants to free us from the tiring toll of sin.

Monday

July 15

Sabbatical Principles for All Humankind

Testimony

Exod. 23:10, 11; Lev. 25:1, 11; John 5:1, 18

“Jesus stated to them that the work of relieving the afflicted was in harmony with the Sabbath

law. It was in harmony with the work of God’s angels, who are ever descending and ascending

between heaven and earth to minister to suffering humanity. Jesus declared, ‘My Father worketh

hitherto, and I work.’ All days are God’s, in which to carry out His plans for the human race. If

the Jews’ interpretation of the law was correct, then Jehovah was at fault, whose work has

quickened and upheld every living thing since first He laid the foundations of the earth; then He

who pronounced His work good, and instituted the Sabbath to commemorate its completion,

must put a period to His labor, and stop the never-ending routine of the universe.”10

“God could not for a moment stay His hand, or man would faint and die. And man also has a

work to perform on this day. The necessities of life must be attended to, the sick must be cared

for, the wants of the needy must be supplied. He will not be held guiltless who neglects to relieve

suffering on the Sabbath. God’s holy rest day was made for man, and acts of mercy are in perfect

10. Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 206.

harmony with its intent. God does not desire His creatures to suffer an hour’s pain that may be

relieved upon the Sabbath or any other day.”11

“Every seventh year special provision was made for the poor. The sabbatical year, as it was

called, began at the end of the harvest. At the seedtime, which followed the ingathering, the

people were not to sow; they should not dress the vineyard in the spring; and they must expect

neither harvest nor vintage. Of that which the land produced spontaneously they might eat while

fresh, but they were not to lay up any portion of it in their storehouses. The yield of this year was

to be free for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and even for the creatures of the field.

Exodus 23:10, 11; Leviticus 25:5.”12

REACT

1. In the second passage above, the phrase perfect harmony is used to describe the synergy

between “acts of mercy” and God’s intent for the Sabbath. In music, harmony adds to melody

and makes the song fuller and richer. How could “acts of mercy” done on the Sabbath add to our

experience of that day?

2. There is a clear relationship between Sabbath and acts of social justice. How can the principles

of the sabbatical year be made part of our lives today?

Oliver Bragg, Madison, New Hampshire, USA

Callout: He will not be held guiltless who neglects to relieve suffering on the Sabbath.

11. Ibid., p. 207.12. Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 531.

Tuesday

July 16

“Going to Church”: God’s Antidote for Gun Violence?

Evidence

Isa. 58:10–14; 61:1, 2; Luke 4:17–19

One day at lunch, I asked my friend Chris, an atheist, what he thought the solution was to school

shootings and gun violence across America. I was surprised when he said, “Church is the only

thing I know of that can solve these problems. The problem with gun violence is that these

troubled individuals begin to seclude themselves from their community. The solution is to build

communities that reach out to people like this. Atheists have tried but have never mastered this

notion of church.”

Chris’s statement challenged me to expand what it meant to “go to church on Sabbath.” What

Chris described to me was a community center where the elderly sat next to the youth, the

doctors ate lunch alongside the homeless, and families could share their burdens with each other,

reaching out to those who were hard-pressed in their local community. In Chris’s mind, church

was the ideal place for the lonely, the addicts, the troubled, the marginalized, and the desperate to

go to find rest and community. Could it be that God designed Sabbath, and all of the gatherings

that often happen on Friday evening and Saturday, to be an antidote to the problems of society?

Chris reminded me of what Christ did when He went to church on Sabbath. In Luke 4:17–19,

Christ read a selection from Isaiah 61:1, 2 (c.f. Isaiah 58:6), an Old Testament passage on social

justice. Isaiah 58 is particularly interesting, as it ties social justice (verses 1–12) to true Sabbath-

keeping (verses 13, 14). Jesus was very keen on doing those things written in Isaiah 58 on the

Sabbath (Mark 2:23–28; Luke 6:6–11; 13:11–17; 14:1–6; John 5:2–9).

My church has a potluck meal every Sabbath after the sermon. When I encounter the hungry

during the week, I invite them to join us at our church for our potluck, where they can take

leftovers afterward. Our church provides a program on Sabbath afternoons for immigrants who

want to improve their conversational English. Many lonely people who just want to talk and be

listened to also find community in these Sabbath-afternoon events.

At the end of our lunch conversation, Chris told me, “As an atheist, I’ve often considered coming

to church, purely because they are the best community builders that I know and what our society

needs to overcome social problems of racism, classism, and gun violence.” As Christians, we

shouldn’t be surprised. Chris is calling us what Isaiah prophesied Sabbath-keepers would be

called: “The repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isa. 58:12).

REACT

1. Ask your friends what they think the solutions are to specific problems in your community.

Truly listen to what they think, and respond with common ground.

2. Pick up a local newspaper, and browse through some articles to identify the specific needs of

your local community. Then search the Bible and pray about activities your church could

sponsor on Sabbath afternoons that would care for the lonely, the marginalized, and the troubled.

Jonathan Wheeler, Stanford, California, USA

Callout: As an atheist, I’ve often considered coming to church, purely because they are the best

community builders that I know.

Wednesday

July 17

Make Sabbath Just Again

How-to

Ps. 92:5; Isa. 66:23; Luke 6:9

What does Sabbath freedom truly mean? Is it simply a day focused on ourselves? Or maybe a

time of one-on-one communion with God? Sabbath, in fact, is a day set aside to show us how to

live in harmony with the creation and, more importantly, with our Creator. What does this look

like in real life? How can Sabbath show us what it means to love our fellow man as Christ

commanded us to love “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40, 45)?

Understand the purpose of Sabbath. To appreciate the practical meaning of Sabbath, we have to

look back. We must go back to the Ten Commandments and even further back to the creation of

the Sabbath. The origin of Sabbath is all about rest. Rest for the person, rest for the stranger, rest

for the land (Lev. 25). When we understand it’s all about rest, we’ll find little ways to provide

rest for the wonderful creation of God, whether human or not.

Find those around you who need a break. The Sabbath was intended for all humanity, not just

those of one religion (Mark 2:27). After all, everyone needs rest. Do you know a young mother

who never gets a break because she’s always taking care of her kids? Offer to take the family on

a nature hike where you take care of the kids and let the mother get a break. Do you know

someone who works on a farm and has to do some necessary labor on Sabbath morning like

milking cows? Offer to lend a helping hand before heading off to church.

Worship with others who have a heart for God. While we may not always realize it, worship

itself is a form of rest. It separates us from the daily activities of labor and connects our hearts

and minds heavenward so that we may be renewed spiritually. As we sing, share, pray, and listen

with fellow believers, we help each other lift the burdens of the week. As we unite at the foot of

the cross, we lead our fellow believers to the place where Christ took the ultimate stress for us so

that we could have an eternal Sabbath rest in Him.

Take care of yourself, too. Sabbath rest applies to everyone, and that includes you. This means

ensuring you keep yourself in good health. Give yourself those eight hours of sleep and a

nutritious diet, and get outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Spending time in God’s creation will

help you renew your commitment to Sabbath freedom.

REACT

1. Make a list of practical ways you can relieve the burdens of those around you.

2. How can those of us Christians who know the Sabbath truth ensure we remember to apply it

when it comes to caring for our fellow human beings?

Jason Miller, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA

Callout: Spending time in God’s creation will help you renew your commitment to Sabbath

freedom.

Thursday

July 18

A Gift Worth Sharing

Opinion

Matt. 12:11, 12

“Who among you wouldn’t rescue your donkey from a pit on the Sabbath day?” This question

was posed by Jesus to the Pharisees well over two thousand years ago (see Luke 14:5). While

many of us might deride their pretentiousness, we, like them, are often shy about actively

engaging in acts of mercy on the Sabbath. But Jesus shows us, by example and precept, that on

the Sabbath, more than on any other day, we are called to rescue His sheep.

Jesus delighted in performing acts of mercy and kindness on the Sabbath. It was on a Sabbath

day that He healed the lame man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5), opened the eyes of a man born

blind (John 9:14), delivered a woman who had been afflicted by a spirit for eighteen years (Luke

13:11–16), and restored a man’s withered hand (Matt. 12:9–13).

By lifting people out of suffering, sickness, and sin on the Sabbath, Jesus granted them rest from

the things that ailed them and so shared the Sabbath with them in the truest sense. His highest

and purest joy was to ensure that others could rest from their burdens on the Sabbath.

And if we think of Sabbath in this way, as a rest we can actively invite others to share in, service

becomes foundational to our worship experience. Recognizing those around us as Jesus’ sheep,

we cannot leave them lying in the pits of sin, pain, and suffering while we enjoy Sabbath in the

comfort of our churches and homes. We will want them to enjoy the same rest that we do, not

just by sharing the biblical teaching of the Sabbath with them but through practical acts of

kindness. Whether it be visiting the sick, comforting the mourning, or feeding the homeless, we

invite them, even if for a little bit, to rest from the heavy burdens they carry.

This kind of service takes us out of ourselves and blesses us as much as it blesses others.

Compassion, empathy, and mercy gladden the receiver as well as the giver. The “helper’s high”

is real: giving truly does make us happy.13

Deeper yet, at its core, Sabbath reminds us that God is our Creator and Redeemer and that

everything we have is a gift from Him. But His blessings are given so that we can be a blessing

to others. The Sabbath is one of His greatest gifts; why not share it?

REACT

1. Why are acts of kindness and mercy on the Sabbath day that much more special?

2. In what practical ways can you, your family, and your church extend the Sabbath rest to your

community?

Thando Malambo Amankwah, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

13. Sander van der Linden, “The Helper’s High: Why It Feels So Good to Give,” OdeWire.com, December 2011, 26, 27.

Callout: While many of us might deride their pretentiousness, we like them, are often shy about

actively engaging in acts of mercy on the Sabbath.

Friday

July 19

Sabbath: Made for Man

Exploration

Mark 2:27

CONCLUDE

In this week’s lesson, we have learned about the Sabbath and some ways in which we can keep

and enjoy the many freedoms of the Sabbath. As we stop to take relief from our busy lives and to

worship on the Sabbath, we are reminded that the Sabbath commemorates Creation and affirms

God as Creator of the earth.

In Mark 2:27, Jesus says, “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.” Christ

reminds us that the Sabbath isn’t just a weekly ritual filled with liturgy or one more thing we

have to do at the end of the week. Rather He has given us the freedom to understand and

celebrate the Sabbath in its multifaceted biblical depth and beauty.

CONSIDER

Helping someone prepare for the Sabbath. For example, if you have a roommate who

doesn’t observe the Sabbath, as you prepare for Sabbath, do not only clean up your space

but also clean up your roommate’s space so that they can experience rest on the Sabbath.

Inviting your friends to worship with you on Sabbath.

Spending the Sabbath in nature alone or with friends and worshiping God through the

natural beauties of creation.

Taking some time on Sabbath to volunteer and provide services to the weak and needy

within your community. Remember, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.

Creating an activity that illustrates to others the importance of the Sabbath.

Sharing a testimony of how keeping the Sabbath has been a blessing to you.

CONNECT

Mark 2; 3; Luke 6.

Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, chap. 29, “The Sabbath”; Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1,

chap. 91, “Proper Observance of the Sabbath.”

Lucien Nana Yobo, Houston, Texas, USA

lesson four

July 20–26

Mercy and Justice in Psalms and Proverbs

“Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and

needy; free them from the hand of the wicked” (Ps. 82:3, 4, NKJV).

Sabbath

July 20

One Little Act of Kindness

Introduction

Ps. 82:3, 4

“I don’t think I can go another step,” Martin said as he shook his head wearily and motioned for

his friend to stop. They stood at the edges of Saint George’s Square in Eisenach, Germany. His

friend nodded. “I feel the same, Martin,” he agreed, “but we have not eaten anything all day.”

Martin looked out across the square. “I know,” he said, dejectedly. “But after the way they

treated us at that last door, I think I don’t want to try another one.”

It was 1497, and Martin Luther was fourteen years old. His father wanted him to have a good

education but couldn’t afford to give him one. The best option available to Hans Luther was to

send his son to a chorister school.

The church ran the chorister schools and made provision for poor scholars to “earn” their way

through school. They were required to do odd jobs at the local parish church and sing from door-

to-door to beg for food.

Life was hard for chorister scholars. They were abused, belittled, and antagonized and often went

to bed hungry.

One particularly bleak day, Martin and a friend were begging for food as usual. It was bitterly

cold, and they were starving. As they made their way down the street, a young woman named

Ursula watched them from the second-story window of her home.

She recognized them from her local church and knew they were chorister scholars. She saw how

they were abused as they made their way down the street, and her heart was touched. She was

determined to give them a different experience.

When they reached her door, she threw it open and greeted them with a warm smile. Then, to

their amazement, she invited them in, seated them in front of a warm fire, and gave them a hearty

meal. Martin Luther was so overwhelmed by her kindness that he broke down in tears.

Ursula soon found out that Martin’s parents were relatives of her husband, Conrad Cotta. The

Cottas invited Martin Luther to live with them and financially supported him for the remainder

of his time in Eisenach. He lived with them until 1501, when he went to the University of Erfurt.

Ursula Cotta’s simple act of kindness had a profound impact on Martin Luther’s life. Amidst the

despair and oppression that colored his daily life, her kindness was a lifeline that not only lifted

his spirits but gave him a glimpse of the character of God that he had never seen before.14

14. Story of Ursula Cotta and Martin Luther taken from James Anderson, Ladies of The Reformation (Edinburgh, Scotland: Blackie and Son, 1855).

Sukeshini Goonatilleke, Melbourne, Australia

Callout: But we have not eaten anything all day.

Sunday

July 21

Twenty-First-Century Samaritan

Evidence

Luke 10:25–37

In 723–722 B.C., many of the Jews in Israel were exiled to Assyria. During that exile, however,

some were left behind and intermingled with the people of pagan cultures who were brought

there. This corrupted the Jewish religion as Judaism and pagan customs were mixed together.15

Practices such as idolatry, which was heavily opposed by God and His prophets (Exod. 20:4, 5),

were now being accepted by this remnant in Israel. Due to their differences in religion and other

contentious events leading up to Christ’s time, the Jews shunned the Samaritans (John 4:9).

With this historical context in mind, Jesus, a Jew, talking about the story of the good Samaritan

(Luke 10:25–37) is appreciated with greater significance. Jesus talks about this Samaritan in a

good light, which was not a common perspective among the Jews. In the story, two people, a

priest and a Levite, passed by the Jewish man who was lying on the road nearly dead. A religious

man and one of his own ethnicity passed by him! Though they were technically enemies, it was

the Samaritan who stopped and cared for the man, going to great lengths to make sure he was

cared for. Likewise, Jesus asks for us to do the same within our own context.

15. Francis D. Nichol, ed., The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5 (Washington, DC: Review and Herald, 1953), pp. 45, 46.

The story of the good Samaritan teaches us to “ ‘ “love your neighbor as yourself” ’ ” (Mark

12:31, NKJV). If you can love your enemy, how much easier will it be to love your friend? As

the world becomes more broken, as it becomes more like the days before the Flood, more selfish

desire will arise, and the well-being of people will be increasingly ignored. The greater focus

will be on self.

It is our responsibility to develop immunity from these growing worldly trends and to care for

the needy around us. We must focus not only on the physical needs but also the spiritual. God’s

mercy toward us should transform us; He promises to meet our needs (Phil. 4:19). To think that

the King of the universe supports us—what a great joy that is! Should not this mercy of God

prompt us to show the same mercy to others? Just as God meets our needs, should we not try to

help meet the needs of others?

REACT

1. Is it possible to love God but at the same time disregard everyone around us?

2. Through action, how can we represent ourselves to the world as Christians?

Alec Janli Bofetiado, Glen Allen, Virginia, USA

Callout: God’s mercy toward us should transform us.

Monday

July 22

A Refuge for the Oppressed

Logos

Psalms 82; 101; 146

Psalms: Songs of Hope for the Oppressed (Ps. 9:7–9, 13–20)

The book of Psalms is a delightful read not only for its richness of themes, which cut across

many aspects of worship, but also because of the numerous messages of comfort. A legitimate

question about life asked by believers and unbelievers alike has to do with God’s justice: “O

God, how long shall the adversary reproach? Shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?”

(Ps. 74:10). It is a meaningful question, and God’s apparent silence does not amount to

indifference. All the difficulties in making sense of why some prosper at the expense of others

will be answered in judgment, where each one will be rewarded “according to his work” (Rev.

22:12, NKJV). This does not mean that even presently God does not act on behalf of His people

(Ps. 9:9). Through willing human instrumentalities, God clothes the naked, feeds the hungry, and

visits the ones locked up in prison (Matt. 25:40).

“Do Something, God” (Ps. 82)

Every time we have an unprecedented bite of life’s bitter lemons, our cries for the justice of God

rise up. The realization of the glaring inequality between the rich and the poor and how the

former exploits that advantage at the expense of the latter are enough ammunition for the skeptic

to discredit the acclaimed fairness and love of God. The Scriptures affirm that He is concerned

with us intimately, even keeping count of the hairs on our heads (Matt. 10:30). He may not visit

immediate judgment on the wicked, but He does not keep quiet forever. His promise cannot be

better news: “ ‘I’ve had enough; I’m on my way to heal the ache in the heart of the wretched’ ”

(Ps. 12:5, The Message).

A King’s Promises (Ps. 101)

While hardship does not entitle anyone to the blessings of God, who allows His sun to “rise on

the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matt. 5:45, ESV), it does

make us realize more intimately our need of God. The ones who have experienced the worst that

this present life has to offer have more reason to look forward to the next one. God promises

them the life they have never experienced if only they remain faithful. Proud and independent

people will not need the “reward in heaven” (Matt. 5:12) when they have had theirs now while

trampling over the weak and helpless.

Walking With the Lord (Ps. 146)

It is a sign of tremendous faith when we can praise God in the midst of affliction. When darkness

seems to veil His face, we can rest on His unchanging grace. David speaks of walking in the

valley of the shadow of death with no fear. He knows what it’s like to live with his heart in his

mouth, given how badly Saul wanted him dead. This kind of confidence in God’s power does not

take away the reality of hardship, but it does give hope of conquering “through him that loved

us” (Rom. 8:37). This is the work we have been called to as Christians (Mic. 6:8).

When we share Jesus, we share hope and faith that comes with knowing Him. The little we have

to offer to alleviate the temporal suffering is nothing compared to the abundant life that comes

from knowing and experiencing Him (John 10:10). This joy smiles through sorrow and longs

with bated breath for the revelation of the King of kings.

Proverbs: Mercy on the Needy (Prov. 10:4; 13:23, 25; 14:31; 15:15, 16; 19:15, 17; 22:2, 22,

23; 30:7–9)

The Proverbs are known to be succinct yet punchy. One cannot help notice the close relationship

that they depict between wealth and character. There is something about how we relate to money

and power depending on where we stand as far as the law of God is concerned. It is even better

to have little with character than abundance with none (Prov. 15:16).

This relationship probably has something to do with the law of love. At the core of love is

unselfishness; the willingness to lay down our lives, if that is what it takes, for the benefit of

someone else (John 15:13). Perhaps wealth is a curse when all the purpose it can serve is

gratifying our desires. Jesus made it clear that there will always be poor people (Matt. 26:11). Is

this an arbitrary curse for God to keep some people poor? That would make God a mean and

unfair ruler. But we must remember that there is also a “prince of this world” who wields a

considerable amount of control (John 12:31).

Poverty is not the only problem aching humanity today; disease, death, war, and hunger, among

others, are equally destructive to peace of mind. We are to recognize these as openings to

introduce people to the Savior. After all, more than just coming to die, Jesus came to give

“beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair” (Isa.

61:3, NLT).

We cannot do this if we are selfish and living only for excess and indulgent gratification. Our

work is cut out for us.

REACT

1. Does God care about suffering and pain? If He does, why isn’t He doing anything to stop it?

2. Can Christians be poor if God has anything to do with it?

3. What is more important? Relieving human suffering or presenting the gospel? How can our

humanitarian efforts be different from what secular organizations do?

Herman Tambo, Nairobi, Kenya

Callout: The ones who have experienced the worst that this present life has to offer have more

reason to look forward to the next one.

Tuesday

July 23

Freely You Have Received; Freely Give

Testimony

Matt. 10:8

“Those who, so far as it is possible, engage in the work of doing good to others by giving

practical demonstration of their interest in them, are not only relieving the ills of human life in

helping them bear their burdens, but are at the same time contributing largely to their own health

of soul and body. Doing good is a work that benefits both giver and receiver. If you forget self in

your interest for others, you gain a victory over your infirmities. The satisfaction you will realize

in doing good will aid you greatly in the recovery of the healthy tone of the imagination.”16

“Dear young friends, remember that it is not necessary to be an ordained minister in order to

serve the Lord. There are many ways of working for Christ. Human hands may never have been

laid on you in ordination, but God can give you fitness for His service. He can work through you

to the saving of souls. If, having learned in the school of Christ, you are meek and lowly in heart,

He will give you words to speak for Him.”17

16. Ellen G. White, Messages to Young People, p. 209.17. Ibid. p. 226.

“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with

men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs,

and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’

“There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort. If less time were given to

sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen. The

poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the

ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counseled. We are to weep with those that weep, and

rejoice with those that rejoice. Accompanied by the power of persuasion, the power of prayer,

the power of the love of God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit.”18

REACT

1. Knowing that Christ’s method (serving before calling) is the best way to reach out to others,

what “small” acts can you start practicing in service to others?

2. “Actions speak louder than words.” How did Jesus serve others in such a way that they would

be willing to leave everything behind to follow Him?

Wendy Reyes, Falls Church, Virginia, USA

Callout: If you forget self in your interest for others, you gain a victory over your infirmities.

18. Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, pp. 143, 144.

Wednesday

July 24

Being Just and Merciful

How-to

Ps. 82:3, 4

God is the greatest Judge in the universe. He is the One we should seek to emulate in justice and

mercy. In the Bible, He outlines some basic guidelines to help us be more like Him.

God tells us that first, to be just and merciful, we must be righteous. But we cannot be righteous

by ourselves. Even the Ten Commandments are far too difficult for us to follow on our own.

Only by the grace of Jesus are we able to obey and follow God’s will for us. This means we must

commune with God daily through prayer and meditating upon His Word to be able to discern His

will and find strength in Him to obey.

Justice and mercy are not easy concepts for humans to grasp. Because of our inherently sinful

natures, we desire to seek revenge and “get back” at those who have wronged us. However, God

tells us that we should do good to those who have mistreated us (Luke 6:27, 28). He challenges

us to rise above our sinful natures and strive to emulate His character. We should forgive others

and not let past events tarnish our actions when we interact with those who have wronged us.

Instead, we should be courteous and respectful, maintaining an open mind and an optimistic

attitude about giving second chances. Jesus tells us that we should forgive seventy times seven

times. This instruction means to forgive more times than we can count—we should forgive

others countless times (Matt. 18:21, 22).

God also instructs us to help those who are less fortunate. He asks us to have mercy on those

who are poor, to give to them, but not to take from them or oppress them (Prov. 14:31; 19:17;

22:22). This instruction means we should do our best to help people who are in need, like

volunteering at a food drive, giving a homeless person some spare change, or donating items like

clothes or toothbrushes to a shelter. Although we may not always see the full spectrum of the

impact we can have on others, we should serve anyway because we love Jesus and desire to be

more like Him.

We are called to help those in need, to do justly and mercifully, and to imitate God’s loving

character by surrendering our lives to Jesus. We are to give 100 percent of ourselves to God and

allow Him to work through us to help guide others closer to Him. If we follow the guidelines

given to us in the Bible, we can shine with God’s character and bring others closer to Him,

showing them that our God is a just and merciful God.

REACT

1. Why, do you think, does God ask us to help others by being just and merciful to them, and

how can we do that if they are unkind to us?

2. How does our being just and merciful to others relate to God being just and merciful to us?

Clara Kolinek, Richmond, Virginia, USA

Callout: Only by the grace of Jesus are we able to obey and follow God’s will for us.

Thursday

July 25

Alms for the . . . Responsible People

Opinion

Deut. 15:7–11

If you give a homeless person a dollar, have you helped?

I would suspect/expect that for most of us, the easy answer to this questions is “yes,” or at least a

sympathetic “sure” (said with a shrug).

What if the homeless person spends the dollar on drugs or alcohol? Have you still helped?

I will not claim to be an expert in ethics or philosophy, but I have done a little reading and

exploration into deontology versus consequentialism. Deontology “uses rules to distinguish right

from wrong,”19 meaning the world and choices are very black and white. Consequentialism

determines, as the name suggests, “whether or not something is right by what its consequences

are.”20 (I encourage you to Google “trolley problem” later.) I will not try to convince you God is

one way or the other. However, I think it is pretty black and white that God calls us to help, and I

19. “Deontology,” Ethics Unwrapped, http://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/deontology.20. “Consequentialism,” Ethics Unwrapped, http://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/consequentialism.

do not think that He will judge us based on the consequences of our attempts to help. Most

importantly, He knows the best way to help.

Yes, the homeless person could spend that dollar on something that you might not agree with,

but you do not know whether they will or not. Should we not help because of a stereotype or a

possibility? I think the answer becomes clear if we look at examples of times that Jesus helped.

Did He stop to think about the day of the week, the person’s race, the seriousness of the situation

(demon possession versus running out of wine), or the person’s past? He simply helped.

We do not know what happened to everyone after their miracles occurred, and it is technically

possible that the crippled man from Matthew 9 went home and said mean things to his mother! I

highly doubt it, but the point I am trying to make is that I believe Jesus helped because helping is

good, and it is the right thing to do. Jesus helped, and by helping others, He led people to the

Father.

We, as Christians, can get so bogged down in the details that I think we underestimate the power

of God. In a situation where we are not sure what to do, we can ask Him for wisdom. Moreover,

we should simply be Christlike examples to those we are helping and lead them to the Father.

REACT

1. Has a fear of consequences ever prevented you from helping?

2. As the world becomes a more complicated place, what does helping look like?

Brody Wiedemann, Richmond, Virginia, USA

Callout: Jesus helped because helping is good, and it is the right thing to do.

Friday

July 26

The Least of These

Exploration

Ps. 82:3, 4; Matt. 25:45

CONCLUDE

Paul tells us to be imitators of Christ (Eph. 5:1, 2). While Jesus was on earth, He spent a lot of

time ministering to those who were considered outcasts in society. If we profess to be followers

of God, we will work to meet the needs of others. We must be a refuge for the poor and seek

justice for the afflicted. In our ministry to the less fortunate, we should also point them to the

Savior and eternal life. When we assist those who are least amongst us, we are doing it to Christ!

CONSIDER

Searching the Scriptures for stories about someone who helped those in need.

Contemplate telling one of the stories you found to a small group or for a children’s story

at church.

Listening to the song “Not Too Far From Here” by Hilary Weeks, which talks about how

people around you are hurting and need your help.

Writing the names of people that you know personally who are sick, poor, depressed, or

in need of help. Pray for these people, and ask God to show you just how you can make a

difference in their lives.

Volunteering at a food pantry, homeless shelter, nursing home, or a hospital for a few

hours.

Looking for opportunities to lend a hand to anyone who needs help throughout the day.

Going on a mission trip with your local church or a Christian organization. This is an

excellent way to minister to those who are less fortunate.

CONNECT

Psalms 9:9, 17, 18; 82:3–5; Micah 6:8; Matthew 25:45; Ephesians 5:1, 2; Isaiah 58:6–10; James

1:27.

Ellen G. White, A Call To Stand Apart, chap. 15, “Social Justice.”

Keith Barrow, Clinton, Maryland, USA

lesson five

July 27–August 2

The Cry of the Prophets

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do

justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic. 6:8, NKJV).

Sabbath

July 27

Misplaced Zeal

Introduction

Isa. 58:2–7

It’s pretty easy to make the argument that our spiritual well-being stems from our relationship

with God. After all, if God is the source of our salvation, shouldn’t seeking after Him, in heart

and deed, be our primary concern?

If you’re following this thought, you might understand how confused the Israelites would have

been by Isaiah’s condemnation of their efforts to draw nearer to God. In short order, he

condemned their seeking after God (Isa. 58:2), their delight in knowing His ways (verse 2), their

fasting (verse 3), and the afflicting of their souls (verse 3). Weren’t they doing everything

possible to draw nearer to God? How could that possibly be abhorrent to Him?

As it turns out, the answer is that while they had been making haste to draw near to God, they

had been neglecting the needs of the poor and helpless (verses 6, 7). While they may have

considered this to be irrelevant to their spiritual condition, God saw things very differently.

For instance, in Amos 5:12 and Isaiah 59:12, God declares injustice toward others to be

“transgression” and “sin” in His eyes. Furthermore, in Ezekiel 16, He lists an unwillingness to

“strengthen the hand of the poor and needy” (verse 49) as one of the great sins of Sodom (c.f.

Genesis 19).

But why such a focus on our relationships with others? Aren’t such emphases ultimately

secondary to our spiritual relationship with God? If our primary spiritual “task” is to love God

with all our heart, soul, and might (Deut. 6:5), why should we concern ourselves with the

temporal needs of others?

Herein lies the great caveat: God’s character, the source of all His thoughts and actions, is

centered on a selfless love for others (c.f. 1 John 4:8, 10)—a love that all those who seek to

follow Him are called to emulate (c.f. Phil. 2:5–8) by loving their neighbor—whether they be

white, black, gay, straight, homeless, immigrant, disabled, or addicted—as themselves (Lev.

19:18).

There could, therefore, be no clearer illustration of spiritual hypocrisy than the Christian who

claims to follow God with all his heart, soul, and strength but who simultaneously neglects to

love his neighbor as himself, instead selfishly turning his back on the needs of those around him.

Thus, we recognize that God’s grievance with Israel was not over their religious zeal but over

their hypocrisy. He saw a people who claimed to love God with all their hearts while their

actions demonstrated that His love was all but absent from their hearts. As you study this week, I

invite you to explore the depths of your own heart for hypocrisy and surrender it to the only One

who can cleanse from every defilement.

Seth D. Roberts, Walla Walla, Washington, USA

Callout: While they had been making haste to draw near to God, they had been neglecting the

needs of the poor and helpless.

Sunday

July 28

Do Justice

Logos

1 Sam. 8:5, 10–18; Isa. 1:15–23; 3:13–15; 5:7; 9:6, 7; 11:1–5; 42:1–7; 53:4–6; 59:14, 20; Ezek.

16:49; 34:2–4, 7–16; 47:13–48:29; Amos 1:3–2:5; 3:9–11; 4:1, 2; 5:10–15, 24; 7:14, 15; 8:4–6;

9:11–15; Mic. 2:8–11; 3:8–12; 6:8; 7:18–20

Amos 1:3–2:5; 3:9–11; 7:14, 15; 9:11–15

The message of justice permeates the writings of the Hebrew prophets. Though Amos was

merely a shepherd, not trained as a prophet nor a son of a prophet (Amos 7:14), he was

compelled to communicate the Word of the Lord. “The lion has roared; who will not fear? The

Lord GOD has spoken; who can but prophesy?” (Amos 3:8, ESV). The message he gives is one

of judgment against the nations: delivering to each nation an account of their sins and the

judgment that they will face because of them. The repeated formula “for three sins . . . , even for

four” (Amos 1:3–2:5, NIV) indicates that the sins of the nations had reached their full measure

and were overflowing. Here we see God, as judge of all nations, justly executing a fair judgment.

The sins listed include slavery, taking advantage of the poor, oppressing the vulnerable, and

other sins against humanity.

God judges because God loves—He cannot keep silent in the face of injustice, nor can His

people. Here, though, we find Judah and Israel included in the list of nations that will face God’s

judgment. The law of God entrusted to them should have made them a light to the other nations;

rather, we find that Israel has the longest list of sins of any nation. When they turned away from

God’s law, they not only sinned against God but also violated the most vulnerable people living

among them.

Interspersed in Amos’s message of judgment are no words of hope. Israel is told that they will go

into captivity (Amos 7:11). Rather than respond in repentance, they proudly resist the Lord’s

message through Amos, only further ensuring their demise (Amos 9:10). But, the God who

judges remains faithful to His covenant, even when Israel has broken it. Amos ends by

anticipating a day when God shall bring His people out of captivity (verses 14, 15). Their sins

will be met with judgment, but ultimately the judgment will serve to restore God’s people unto

Himself.

Micah 3:8–12; 6:6–8

Micah, like Amos, has a word of judgment for all the world (Mic. 1:2) that focuses, in particular,

on the people of Israel (verse 5). God identifies that His people “have risen up as an enemy” for

the way they mistreat strangers, women, and children (Mic. 2:8, 9). All of the leaders are corrupt.

Even the priests and prophets, who should serve to direct the people back to the way of God,

have compromised their message for the sake of material prosperity (Mic. 3:9–12). They find

false comfort in God’s temple presence, saying, “ ‘Is not the LORD in the midst of us? No

disaster shall come upon us’ ” (verse 11, ESV).

Micah exposes their sin, leading them to ask how they might right themselves before God:

“ ‘Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? . . . Shall I give my

firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?’ ” (Mic. 6:6, 7, ESV).

Their response indicates that they have become captive to the thinking of the surrounding

nations, believing that the gods were to be appeased by multiplying sacrifices. But the LORD

requires something else: “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”

(verse 8, ESV). God desires an entire reorientation of the individual.

Sin corrupts the way we relate to others, to ourselves, and to God, with pride taking the place of

love. Micah reminds us that God seeks to restore proper relationships with others (do justice),

ourselves (love kindness), and Himself (walk humbly). Ultimately, God is calling us to live as

divine image bearers, as God Himself is One who does justice, loves kindness, and desires to

walk humbly with His people—even to the point of the Eternal One condescending to be born in

Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2). It is through His ultimate sacrifice that we can truly come into right

relationship with God and humanity.

Ezekiel 34:2–4 and Isaiah 1:15–23

The theme of justice that we have found throughout the messages of Amos and Micah also

permeates the messages of the other Hebrew prophets. Ezekiel rebukes Sodom for failing to aid

the poor and needy while they enjoyed prosperity (Ezek. 16:49). Israel, too, stood condemned:

“The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not

bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force

and harshness you have ruled them” (Ezek. 34:4, ESV).

Isaiah joins the appeal for God’s people to “ ‘learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression;

bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause’ ” (Isa. 1:17, ESV). Ultimately, these

prophets recognize that the problem of injustice (Isa. 59:14) is too severe to be solved merely

through education or social reform—though these play important roles. Rather, Isaiah recognizes

that the ultimate solution to humanity’s inclination to oppress and abuse is One who will Himself

enter into and experience oppression and abuse to be “pierced for our transgressions” (Isa. 53:4–

6, ESV) to bring peace—both with God and with one another.

REACT

1. Identify the sins of the nations listed in Amos 1–2. What sins might God list if He were to

announce judgment on His people today?

2. What does it mean “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”

(Mic. 6:8, ESV)? Write a brief description for each of these.

3. Where else do you find the call to do justice in the writings of the other Hebrew prophets?

Anthony Bosman, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA

Callout: These prophets recognize that the problem of injustice . . . is too severe to be solved

merely through education or social reform.

Monday

July 29

God’s Mission: Heaven in Our Hearts

Testimony

John 15:12

In reference to Isaiah 58:6, 7 and our part in helping those in need, Ellen White writes, “Here is

set forth the very spirit and character of the work of Christ. His whole life was a sacrifice of

Himself for the saving of the world. Whether fasting in the wilderness of temptation or eating

with the publicans at Matthew’s feast, He was giving His life for the redemption of the lost. Not

in idle mourning, in mere bodily humiliation and multitudinous sacrifices, is the true spirit of

devotion manifested, but it is shown in the surrender of self in willing service to God and man.”21

“In God’s great plan for the redemption of a lost race, He has placed Himself under the necessity

of using human agencies as His helping hand. He must have a helping hand, in order to reach

humanity. He must have the cooperation of those who will be active, quick to see opportunities,

quick to discern what must be done for their fellow men.”22

“When the cases of all come in review before God, the question, What did they profess? is never

asked, but, What have they done? Have they been doers of the word? Have they lived for

21. Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 278.22. Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 99.

themselves? or have they been exercised in works of benevolence, in deeds of kindness, in love,

preferring others before themselves, and denying themselves that they might bless others? If the

record shows that this has been their life, that their characters have been marked with tenderness,

self-denial, and benevolence, they will receive the blessed assurance and benediction from

Christ, ‘Well done.’ ”23

“Thus Christ on the Mount of Olives pictured to His disciples the scene of the great judgment

day. And He represented its decision as turning upon one point. When the nations are gathered

before Him, there will be but two classes, and their eternal destiny will be determined by what

they have done or have neglected to do for Him in the person of the poor and the suffering.”24

“ ‘Love one another, as I have loved you’ (John 15:12); when we love the world as He has loved

it, then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven; for we have heaven in our

hearts.”25

REACT

1. How can we experience a shift from serving others because we believe it is expected of us and

the right thing to do to where we want to be a blessing to those in need?

2. What one step can you take this week either to begin or to continue growing your experience

blessing others through service? What would be the next step after that?

Eric Louw, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA

23. Ellen G. White, “The Sin of Selfishness,” Review and Herald, July 13, 1886.24. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 637.25. Ibid., p. 641.

Callout: “His whole life was a sacrifice of Himself for the saving of the world.”

Tuesday

July 30

A Vengeful God

Evidence

Psalm 94

Most people don’t like the idea of a vengeful God. Fear of a recklessly angry god is the stuff that

made sailors of old tremble and shake with the possibility of being destroyed on the open waves

of the ocean. Some, to this day, have images of a powerful old man with lightning bolts ready to

go in case those he is interested in decide to go against his decrees. Many favor the gentler

picture of God described in Psalm 103:8: “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to

anger, abounding in love” (NIV). Certainly, this describes God, and His love is certainly for and

to everyone. This is especially true for those who have been dispossessed and ripped from their

homes, have received injustice, or have no other support.

On the other hand, Psalm 94:1 proclaims, “The LORD is a God who avenges. O God who

avenges, shine forth” (NIV). In this powerful chapter, the psalmist echoes the concerns that

many of us may have when we hear news of the numerous atrocities done to those God cares

about. “Where is He?” “When will He show up?” “Why is He so silent?” We might be tempted

to cry out in frustration with the scoffers, “ ‘The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob takes no

notice’ ” (Ps. 94:7, NIV). But God does see.

This world is full of hurting people who are hurting people. God’s grace is for everyone.

Ultimately, God has given His church to bring justice to those who are oppressed. “And let us

consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting

together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as

you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:24, 25, NIV).

Those experiencing incredible pain and need are often closer than you think. I recently had the

opportunity to lead a group of students to reach out to Syrian refugees in Central California. The

students who attend the Adventist academy nearby were shocked at how close the refugees lived

to their school and homes! God’s people ought to seek out the hurting, not wait for the hurting to

find them (Luke 15:3–7). Many of us aren’t opposed to this idea, but we lack the knowledge of

how to find or recognize them. As a church, we have a special calling, message, and identity that

should not be compromised. However, this does not mean that we cannot befriend those of other

faiths. Look for imams, Buddhist priests, and pastors and ask whether they have members who

are in need of tangible love through action. Then share our Adventist message of love with the

entire community through your service.

REACT

1. Psalm 94:12 supplies God’s solution for His people with regard to dealing with injustice.

What does God’s law have to do with justice for orphans and widows?

2. How could the church seek justice for the oppressed and yet continue to uphold the separation

of church and state?

Samuel Smith, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA

Callout: God’s people ought to seek out the hurting, not wait for the hurting to find them.

Wednesday

July 31

The Great Physician’s Approach

How-to

Deut. 15:11

We have been learning that it is our God-given responsibility to intentionally help others.

Actually, to be so direct as to be blunt, to neglect those we are privileged to reach is considered

sinful in the eyes of God. In fact, you might recall the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke

16:19–31). God’s people, represented by the rich man, ignored their role as ministers to the

needy represented by the character Lazarus. In the parable, as a result of his negligence and after

both characters died, the rich man found himself to be lost, while Lazarus was saved.

For some of us, helping others in need may not come as an easy task. When we think about

Jesus’ ministry, helping others seemed to come easily for Him. He selflessly served anyone who

could benefit from His words or touch of life. We call Him the Great Physician—a title worth

keeping in mind as we ponder practical ways to reach those in need. As the greatest Physician of

all time, Jesus Christ did the following:

Served out of love. In light of the parable, it is easy for us to obey God out of fear of either

missing out on salvation or displeasing Him. But that certainly is not God’s intention in sharing

the parable or reminding us to help others. In fact, Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 that love

should motivate all that we do. Therefore, we need to first ask God for a heart to love others as

He does because He is the source of love (Rom. 5:5). Possessing a love for souls not only makes

our service acceptable but makes it much easier too.

Diagnosed the problem. Any wise and professional doctor will assess the patient’s problem

carefully before giving the appropriate diagnosis. Who would want to be treated by a doctor who

diagnoses via sheer guesswork? Nobody. Therefore, it is important to make use of our ears and

listen to others when they speak so that we can become aware of their needs (Prov. 18:13).

Prayed for wisdom and power. Jesus exemplified the importance of prayer before service (Mark

1:32–35). Each day, before reaching out to the multitudes of needy people, He prayed for divine

wisdom and power. We are encouraged by the words and the example of the apostles to pray for

both of those virtues (Acts 1:8; 2:1–4; James 1:5).

Obeyed. After praying, it would be good to listen to God’s instructions for service and to obey.

When we adhere to the voice of truth, the Holy Spirit can work through us powerfully for the

good of those in need (Acts 5:32).

REACT

1. Who is the Lazarus in your life?

2. What steps would you add to or change in the four practical steps listed above?

3. If you already do help the needy, what motivation do you have for doing that?

Kurt Osena, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA

Callout: Who would want to be treated by a doctor who diagnoses via guesswork?

Thursday

August 1

It’s Time to Act!

Opinion

Isa. 42:1–7; 53:4–6; Phil. 2:13

What would a prophet of God warn us about today? What can replace our allegiance to God in

2019? How are the poor and helpless oppressed in these “enlightened” and “scientific” times?

Ask the impoverished: they know that oppression still happens today. Even though we are

educated through secular programming to live moral lives and work for the common good, greed

and corruption still infect every level of business, politics, and even—gasp!—religion.

Knowing what is right and what is wrong is not enough. The fruit from the tree of knowledge of

good and evil is not sufficient for an abundant life. As digital natives, we are used to being

bombarded by information; we are given but a couple of seconds to dwell on some righteous

thought before the next bright and exciting topic flashes on our screen. That overload of

emotional responses without action programs us into apathy. Perhaps if a prophet spoke up

today, no one would respond amid the clamor of billions of other voices.

The Bible texts in this week’s lesson call for action. Micah 6:8 calls us to do justly, to love

mercy, to walk humbly with our God. To fulfill that call requires more than social meetings and

feel-good rallies; we must be a catalyst for change in the workplace and in our homes. Our

church has a long history of social activism, birthed from our value of all life being created and

redeemed by God, our emphasis on wholistic and not just religious health, and our urgency from

living at the end of this world’s history. How can we continue that legacy?

As with every dilemma, the solution the Bible gives to overcoming inaction and injustice is

Jesus. Throughout his book, Isaiah gives credit to the Messiah for rescuing the oppressed. Jesus

breaks the slavery of sin at the cross, He atones all injustice with judgment, and He can use you

today to relieve the downtrodden. He can get you off your bed and out of your dorm room or

apartment to make those friendships. Just ask Him, and He will make it happen. Do not put Jesus

on a to-do list. Act now.

REACT

1. What small but significant changes should be made right now in your prayer life and social

activities to better reflect the compassion of Jesus?

2. What ongoing outreach could you start in your Sabbath School group?

Justin Dane Spady, Portage, Wisconsin, USA

Callout: He can use you today to relieve the downtrodden.

Friday

August 2

Engaged or Indifferent?

Exploration

Isa. 42:1–7

CONCLUDE

True religion is following after the heart of God. As a prophet of God, Isaiah’s message was all

about calling God’s people to live a life that reflected the character of the One they claimed to

obey. Amos, Ezekiel, Micah, and other prophets also shared a similar perspective on the

compassionate nature of God, pointing out our responsibility to respond to the needs of those

around us. The biblical narrative in both the Old and New Testaments brings our attention back,

again and again, to the necessity of caring for society’s most vulnerable and defining passivity or

indifference to their suffering as sin against God. Ultimately, as the passage in Isaiah 42

expresses clearly, relieving suffering is the very work of Christ and the work that He was

commissioned to do while He was on earth. The question then remains: what are we willing to

do in response to His example?

CONSIDER

Listening to the song “Beauty for Brokenness (God of the Poor),” by Graham Kendrick,

in which the writer prays for the compassion and justice of God to become a personal

reality in his own life.

Volunteering for a local community welfare event such as a canned food drive or soup

kitchen.

Sponsoring a vulnerable child through an organization such as Child Impact

(https://childimpact.org) or International Children’s Care (http://www.forhiskids.org).

Watching the short film “Depraved Indifference” by Eric Ludy on YouTube.

Taking part in a two-dollar challenge (http://twodollarchallenge.org) to discover what it’s

like to live on two US dollars or less per day and raise donations for an organization of

your choice at the same time.

Writing about your own needs and difficulties. How has the church demonstrated Christ

to you? How has it failed? In what ways can you learn from your experiences to help you

offer compassion to others who are in need?

CONNECT

Proverbs 14:31; Matthew 25:31–46; James 1:19–26.

Ellen G. White, A Call to Stand Apart, chap. 15, “Social Justice”; The Ministry of Healing, pp.

140–145.

Sikhu Daco, “Social Justice: A Systematic Case for Adventist Engagement in Christian

Benevolence,” Pondering... (blog), http://www.sikhu.org/social-justice.

Esther Louw, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA

lesson six

August 3–9

Worship the Creator

“ ‘Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy

burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your

bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see

the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?’ ” (Isa. 58:6, 7,

NKJV).

Sabbath

August 3

Worship—Different Versions

Introduction

Exod. 32:6

From the time of the prophets to modern-day Christianity, various forms of worship have

existed. Some people use the word worship to describe a particular piece of music. Similarly,

many Christians consider their Sabbath or Sunday morning services to be worship.

However, amidst the different versions of worship, we need to know God’s idea of worship. To

worship to His standards, we need to understand what God means by worship.

“We have enough how-to-do-it books and not enough reflection on worship as a total biblical

idea. Worship is a subject that should dominate our lives seven days a week.”26

The essence of worship is an inner, authentic experience of the heart. Christ confirmed this in the

New Testament when He said, “ ‘The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers

will worship the Father in spirit and truth: for the Father is seeking such people to worship

Him’ ” (John 4:23, 24, ESV).

26. David Peterson, Engaging With God: A Biblical Theology of Worship (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1992), p. 21.

Contrastingly, some of the things that people worship, and the manner in which they do it, are

nowhere near the value and magnitude of the Creator. To worship the Creator in spirit and truth

is to engage in an act of reverence, adoration, and praise that is right, good, and pleasing to God.

Therefore, we must recognize God as the Creator of the universe and everything it holds.

If we worship an idol, money, or anything that we create, we are not worshiping the Creator. We

equally need to have the right spiritual heart that recognizes God’s supreme value. When we

exalt God above all other objects, we emulate His qualities as displayed in Jesus Christ.

True worship leads us to salvation and puts us right with both God the Creator and our fellow

brothers and sisters on earth. True worship makes us live as one family in Christ, showing

compassion, mercy, and love to one another.

The same sin of idolatry that blinded the children of Israel exists even today. Many people, even

in the church, have left worshiping the Creator to give adoration, praise, and reverence to objects

and other worldly possessions.

However, as young adults in this generation, we need to understand that true worship includes

how we live our lives on a daily basis. How we relate to God and man is an important part of

worship. What we do on the outside must reflect what we are within. When we know God and

value Him above everything else, we can experience a joyful satisfaction that leads us to perform

acts of kindness to others while we maintain intimacy with the Creator.

Kepha Otieno, Nairobi, Kenya

Callout: How we relate to God and man is an important part of worship.

Sunday

August 4

Concepts of Worship

Evidence

Ps. 115:1–8

The act of worship has two major aspects: the inner essence and the public expression. The latter

refers to the daily acts and services that we do in connection to worship. Paul alludes to this

aspect of worship in Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that

you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable

service” (NKJV). One thing stands out from Paul’s statement: whatever we do with our lives

must match heavenly standards. That is spiritual worship.

To illustrate the inner essence of worship, Christ declared a type of faith that the Pharisees and

the scribes demonstrated. He said, “ ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor

Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me’ ” (Matt. 15:8, NKJV). Christ called this type of

worship “vain” (verse 9), meaning zero, or nothing.

Worship is vain if there is no heart connection in it. Therefore, even if we perform many good

deeds and go to church every Sabbath, if we don’t have that intimate connection with God, our

worship amounts to nothing.

In the act of true worship, we exalt God and acknowledge that He exists above us and is worthy

of our affection, adoration, and attention. Exaltation can be direct (Exod. 15:2) through the

proclamation of God’s greatness, His absolute say on our lives, and the beauty and magnificence

of His creation.

Similarly, we can exalt God through nonverbal actions and responses (Job 1:20; John 12:2, 3). In

the end, the concept of exaltation helps us recognize God and what He does.

Then there is the concept of expression in worship. While exaltation involves recognizing God

and His works, His nature, and His character, expression deals with declaring the truths that God

has revealed to us in Scripture. In addition to acknowledging the facts about God and what He

does, we must proceed to respond to what He has shown us.

Expression can be either physical or verbal. Singing songs of praise, clapping, kneeling or

bowing in reverence, shouting, or lifting of hands are all examples of physical responses. On the

other hand, verbal expression happens when we communicate to God our love and desire for

Him and our need for His grace and His holiness.

In expressing ourselves in worship, we must focus on God and His character as revealed in the

Bible. Our expression must have biblical precedent and support. Both exaltation and expression

in worship must demonstrate faith in the finished work of Christ and glorify God.

REACT

1. Apart from exaltation and expression, what other concept of worship do you know?

2. Is it possible to do good deeds without having faith in God? Why does God consider this form

of worship useless?

Beatrice Bernard, Kasarani, Nairobi, Kenya

Callout: Worship is vain if there is no heart connection in it.

Monday

August 5

Worship the Creator

Logos

Exod. 20:2–6; Job 34:12; Pss. 115:1–8; 146:5–10; Isa. 1:17; Mark 12:38–40

Idolatry and Oppression (Exod. 20:2–6; Ps. 115:1–8)

In His Word, God has given specific commands about how He wants us to worship Him. These

commands show that the form and style with which we choose to worship God must match His

standards, not ours.

In Exodus 20:2–6, God starts by reminding us of His position as the sovereign Creator and Ruler

of all the things created, both seen and unseen. As such, the worship, glory, and honor that He

deserves should not go to other things. If we stop worshiping God according to His standards, we

lose spiritual direction and begin to entertain selfish ambitions. This eventually leads us to

frustration, physical pain, and death.

The psalmist also reminds us that the idols or other gods that people worship do not have the

qualities of the Creator. God gave the first four commandments to define the type of relationship

that should exist between Him and His children. In that regard, we are called to worship the

Creator, who is the Author of our lives. When that happens, we can develop the right relationship

with Him.

Moreover, if our values and practices spring from Him, we shall know how to relate with our

fellow men in a manner that brings glory and honor to God’s name. Idolatry, as the psalmist

says, simply takes us back to the bondage of sin and the interests of the world.

A Reason to Worship (Ps. 146:5–10)

In Psalm 146, the psalmist underscores the point that God is the sovereign Creator of the

universe, and if we trust in Him, He can bless us abundantly. Even in our physical weaknesses,

we still have a reason to worship the Creator because when we are weak and trust in Him, He can

bless us because He sustains the needy who trust in Him.

As opposed to idols that cannot render any form of help (Ps. 115:1–8), we can rely on the

Creator for help because He is forever a faithful God. As the writer of Hebrew observes, “Let us

hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb.

10:23, NKJV).

Another lesson that the psalmist points out here is that God can bless us because He delights in

sustaining the weak and the needy. Many times, we see the needy and the suffering as neglected.

Sometimes we think they did something wrong to deserve their misfortune.

However, the Bible explains that the weak and the oppressed have a place in God’s heart,

especially when they trust in Him. The psalmist agrees that the Lord “executes justice for the

oppressed” (NKJV). This shows that any act of oppression upon the less fortunate members of

society will be judged, and no oppressor will escape the wrath of God.

Religious Oppressors (Isa. 1:17)

God requires us to do good deeds at all times and not to stand idle. The prophet Isaiah

emphasizes that the oppressed need protection and support.

In our societies, the oppressed are more vulnerable and exposed to wrongs, especially under poor

or weak administration of justice. In such situations, it’s the duty of people with influence in the

community to protect the weak and the oppressed.

In the lenses of God, we are all His children regardless of our situation under the sun. The first

line of protection, therefore, comes from God. All the same, as children of God, we also have a

duty to relieve the oppressed by offering support where necessary. God will pronounce judgment

on those who overlook this duty and inflict wrong on the weak and suffering. In acts of

benevolence, justice, and support for widows and orphans, we emulate the example of God, who

is the Source of our values.

By learning to do good deeds, we adopt the practice of living righteously by upholding God’s

character. And when we judge the fatherless, we demonstrate true worship to the Creator by

defending, delivering, and practicing justice to the needy in our society. To God’s faithful who

may be weak and suffering, there is good news that God Himself is fighting for you.

“ ‘The Lord will be our avenger. Though men disregard us, he takes care of us. He will aid the

destitute, and will defend their cause.’ ”27

Mercy and Faithfulness (Mark 12:38–40)

During His ministry on earth, Christ witnessed situations in which religious leaders used their

positions to fleece innocent and weak members of the society.

Using the example of the scribes, who were the official teachers of the law, Jesus taught that

these people were more interested in what they could get than what they could give. In their long

robes, which were unsuitable for manual labor, the scribes used their religious positions to obtain

wealth from the unsuspecting public and the oppressed.

Are we any different? We prefer red carpet treatment and fine linen garments. We cherish titles.

We command respect. However, all these could be poisonous depending on how they affect our

relationship with the Creator. Christ taught that if anyone wants to be the first, then he must be a

servant first (Mark 9:35). As Christians in this age, we must remember that the responsibility of

stewardship is not only for the ordained church ministers but also for every member.

REACT

27. John Calvin, “Isaiah 1: Verse 17,” Calvin's Commentary on the Bible, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/cal/isaiah-1.html.

1. In what ways do we behave as the scribes in our era?

2. What are some of the sources of modern-day idolatry?

3. What can we do as young adults to help others see Christ in us?

Seline Khavetsa, Pipeline, Nairobi, Kenya

Callout: If we stop worshiping God according to His standards, we lose spiritual direction and

begin to entertain selfish ambitions.

Tuesday

August 6

Doing Good in Worship

Testimony

Exod. 32:6

Ellen G. White states, in agreement with the Bible, that God alone is worthy of worship:

“Jehovah, the eternal, self-existent, uncreated One, Himself the Source and Sustainer of all, is

alone entitled to supreme reverence and worship. Man is forbidden to give to any other object the

first place in his affections or his service. Whatever we cherish that tends to lessen our love for

God or to interfere with the service due Him, of that do we make a god.”28

“The second commandment forbids the worship of the true God by images or similitudes. Many

heathen nations claimed that their images were mere figures or symbols by which the Deity was

worshiped, but God has declared such worship to be sin. The attempt to represent the Eternal

One by material objects would lower man’s conception of God. The mind, turned away from the

infinite perfection of Jehovah, would be attracted to the creature rather than to the Creator. And

as his conceptions of God were lowered, so would man become degraded.”29

28. Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 305.29. Ibid., p. 306.

A couple of days after God had specified how He wanted the children of Israel to worship Him,

the people changed their mind and yielded to the pressures of the world.

“Aaron feared for his own safety; and instead of nobly standing up for the honor of God, he

yielded to the demands of the multitude. His first act was to direct that the golden earrings be

collected from all the people and brought to him, hoping that pride would lead them to refuse

such a sacrifice. But they willingly yielded up their ornaments; and from these he made a molten

calf, in imitation of the gods of Egypt. . . .

“How often, in our own day, is the love of pleasure disguised by a ‘form of godliness’! A

religion that permits men, while observing the rites of worship, to devote themselves to selfish or

sensual gratification, is as pleasing to the multitudes now as in the days of Israel. And there are

still pliant Aarons, who, while holding positions of authority in the church, will yield to the

desires of the unconsecrated, and thus encourage them in sin.

“Only a few days had passed since the Hebrews had made a solemn covenant with God to obey

His voice. They had stood trembling with terror before the mount, listening to the words of the

Lord, ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.’ The glory of God still hovered above Sinai in

the sight of the congregation; but they turned away, and asked for other gods.”30

REACT

1. The people of Israel worshiped a golden calf. What idols do people worship in our time?

2. What are the consequences of worshiping idols or objects?

30. Ibid., p. 317.

Bernard Okoth, Kasarani, Nairobi, Kenya

Callout: “Whatever we cherish that tends to lessen our love for God or to interfere with the

service due Him, of that do we make a god.”

Wednesday

August 7

The God of Gods

How-to

Deut. 10:17–22

Worshiping in the twenty-first century could be tricky for many reasons. In an era when

technology and resources have developed a great deal, we could easily get sidetracked if we use

them in the wrong way.

However, with so many distractions out there, we still have a reason to worship God. One thing

that stands out about God is that He is incomparable. In Deuteronomy 10:17–22, Moses speaks

to Israel about the attributes of God that place Him above everything else. He begins by

describing God as the Omnipotent God of gods.

It is important to realize that God created the entire universe and everything that’s in it.

However, knowing that is one thing, and doing what God wants is another. When that sinks into

our heart, we will know that He alone deserves our worship. Any other thing, seen or unseen,

cannot match the value and the sovereignty of the Creator. The moment we accept that truth, we

adopt His character and begin to walk in His ways.

The Bible makes it clear that God executes “judgment for the fatherless and widow, and loveth

the stranger, in giving him food and raiment” (Deut. 10:18). When we love God and worship

Him as our Creator, we adopt the same attributes. We will have mercy toward the suffering and

the oppressed; we will support the poor and clothe the orphans.

What does this tell us? As long as we uphold the rulership of God and His value in our lives as

the Creator, we shall be able to extend acts of mercy and kindness to our fellow people in need.

Even in an age where Satan works harder to deceive God’s people, we still have a reason to

worship the God of gods.

We worship Him for several reasons:

He is the Creator. God created the universe—and us. Amazing things that we can see, including

the planets, galaxies, and the stars, are all works of God. Above all, when we look at ourselves in

the mirror, we see the image of God (Gen. 1:26, 27).

He loves us unconditionally. Regardless of how we feel towards Him, despite our prevailing

circumstances, God loves us immeasurably. And He has a plan for our future (Jer. 29:11).

He is faithful. God will remain faithful to us even when we’re unfaithful to Him. When we stray,

He leads us back to Himself.

REACT

1. What other qualities of God do you know that cause us to worship Him?

2. How is God’s love evident in the lives of the less fortunate members of society?

3. Why do you worship God?

Jayne George, Homabay, Kenya

Callout: With so many distractions out there, we still have a reason to worship God.

Thursday

August 8

Worshiping as a Church

Opinion

Isa. 58:14

The manner in which we worship the LORD says a lot about our state as a church. When we

worship, we should exalt, glorify, honor, and praise God in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

Through contrite submission and humble supplication, our worship must demonstrate our loyalty

to God for giving us the opportunity to escape the bondage of sin.

How can we put this into practice as a church? Worshiping as a church plays an important role in

rekindling the spiritual fire, as witnessed on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4). It also brings us

together to study God’s Word and to pray and fellowship. It’s one of the greatest ways of

keeping God’s grace in our lives.

Worship should not be a purely private experience. Individual, private worship is not bad, but, as

one author puts it, “There’s an element of worship and Christianity that cannot be experienced in

private worship or by watching worship. There are some graces and blessings that God gives

only in the ‘meeting together’ with other believers.”31

31. Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Colorado Springs, CO: NAVPRESS, 1991), p. 92.

Here are some of the blessings we experience when we come together as a church to worship the

Creator:

Corporate worship awakens our spiritual vigor. When we worship together, we support each

other. Unity in prayer can yield amazing results. Martin Luther once said, “At home, in my own

house, there is no warmth or vigor in me; but in the church when the multitude is gathered

together, a fire is kindled in my heart and it breaks its way through.”32

Community brings assurance. Being part of a church community assures us that we are one

family in Christ. Worship in our local churches points to the worship in the collective church of

which Christ is the head (Rev. 7:9).

Corporate worship makes us advance in our faith. During community worship, we participate in

building, encouragement, and consolation (1 Cor. 14:3). At the same time, worshiping together

as a church helps us behold Christ together. “We all . . . are being transformed into the same

image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Cor. 3:18, ESV).

As we grow together as a church, we can adopt practices that enable us to conduct social justice

collectively as one body in Christ.

REACT

32. David Mathis, “Kindle the Fire in Corporate Worship,” desiringGod (blog), May 19, 2014, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/kindle-the-fire-in-corporate-worship.

1. In what situations are we supposed to worship God corporately and privately?

2. How does worshiping as a church help us execute social justice?

Phyllis Nafula, Kakamega, Kenya

Callout: Worshiping as a church plays an important role in rekindling the spiritual fire.

Friday

August 9

Worship in Spirit and in Truth

Exploration

Exod. 20:2–6

CONCLUDE

God requires us to recognize His presence in our lives through worship. He wants us to render

true worship that brings honor and glory to His name. If we worship Him in Spirit and truth, we

can have a lasting connection with Him in our hearts, and this will be demonstrated in our

actions. Besides, God has provided, in His Word, everything that we need for our spiritual

growth and development. The truth in the Bible sets us free to worship God and to serve our

fellow man by His standards.

CONSIDER

Writing down ten differences between an idol and God the Creator. Keep reminding

yourself of the differences and ask God to give you the power to worship Him alone.

Making a worship timetable for the whole week. Ask God to help you follow the

timetable so that you can worship Him each day.

Practicing different activities that constitute worship, such as singing, praying,

meditation, and extending acts of mercy and kindness to people in need.

Forming a worship group in your church that can meet once or twice a week to connect to

God as a community. Write down some of the changes you experience when you worship

as a group.

Imagining some of the things that people consider amazing, such as the tallest buildings,

fastest cars, or any other thing that people might consider worthy of worship. Write down

reasons why these things cannot take the place of God in your life.

CONNECT

Revelation 14:6, 7; Psalm 95:6; 1 Chronicles 16:29; John 4:24.

Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 16, 17.

David Peterson, Engaging With God, pp. 20–26.

Charles Waithaka, Kikuyu Town, Kenya

lesson seven

August 10–16

Jesus and Those in Need

“ ‘The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the

poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery

of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of

the LORD’ ” (Luke 4:18, 19, NKJV).

Sabbath

August 10

Following in the Footsteps of Jesus to Help Those in Need

Introduction

Luke 4:18, 19

We live in a world where there are enormous inequities. The top 1 percent of the world’s

wealthiest individuals now owns 50.1 percent of the world’s wealth33. As the world’s richest

individuals grow richer, it seems mass poverty increases and people’s ability to find basic needs

for survival, such as clean water, food, and work, decreases. Our family served for the past five

years in the Philippines. It amazed me to see large slums with people in abject poverty while

only a few minutes away we could be driving on a brand-new freeway with the latest Ferraris

racing past us. Life just is not fair.

While serving as missionaries in a developing part of the world, we were overwhelmed at times

by the great need we saw all around us. When you see so much need, the temptation is to give

up. One person can’t possibly save them all! And it is true; by myself, I could not combat such

massive inequities in the world. It reminds me that the reason our world suffers from so much

inequity is the utter selfishness of humanity. Thankfully, we have hope in Jesus Christ because

He did not partake of such a sentiment but took upon Himself human nature to become one of us

33. Robert Frank, “Richest 1% Now Owns Half the World’s Wealth,” CNBC, November 14, 2017, https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/14/richest-1-percent-now-own-half-the-worlds-wealth.html.

(Phil. 2:5–8) to save us. When He was born and as He grew up, as this week’s lesson will show

us, He lived in abject poverty. Jesus knew what it was like to go hungry and suffer, and in the

midst of so much suffering, He still worked to alleviate the suffering of others.

So how could Jesus do this? What was His secret? This week we will look at a number of

different ways that young people reflect on the example of Jesus, who, one life at a time, showed

others about the true character of God—a God of selfless love—who ultimately sacrificed His

own life so that we can experience reconciliation and peace with God. No matter what our

economic position may be in this world, what counts is to make sure that we secure the riches of

eternal life in the kingdom to come. The kingdom of this world, with all of its supposed wealth,

will not matter in terms of true heavenly riches—the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, and

peace, which are the true currency of heaven. After all, the things of this earth will grow

strangely dim, as the old hymn says, in the shadow of His glory and grace. We will not be able to

take the physical things accumulated on this earth with us to heaven. The example of Jesus

reminds us that it is our characters—demonstrated through our everyday actions, including how

we treat the poor and marginalized within our sphere of influence—that matters most in the

kingdom of heaven.

Michael W. Campbell, Silang, Cavite, Philippines

Callout: One person can’t possibly save them all!

Sunday

August 11

The Mission

Logos

Isa. 61:1, 2; Luke 1:46–55; Matt. 12:15–21; 5:1–15; Phil. 2:7, 8

Mary’s Song (Luke 1:46–55)

Mary was given a great task: She was to be the mother of Jesus. She had to raise the Savior of

the world and teach Him how to do simple things such as eating, walking, and talking. One can

only imagine how Mary must have felt. She had a gift from God that came with a responsibility,

and as a young mother, she had no easy task. The Bible, however, says in Luke 1:46–55 that

Mary praised God. In fact, she glorified His name, for He had blessed her and had “filled the

hungry with good things” (verse 53). The Lord brought joy to her body and soul. Mary had a

gift, a mission, but that gift came with a responsibility. Today we have that same gift—that same

mission—the beautiful gift of knowing Jesus. At the same time, that gift comes with a

responsibility to share it with others. It doesn’t matter the race, gender, or financial status, the

responsibility to share that gift remains the same.

His Mission (Isa. 61:1, 2)

Jesus came to this earth out of love. He came to save, to forgive, and to serve. Jesus was sent to

bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and to release prisoners from

cells of darkness (Isa. 61:1, 2). His mission was to proclaim to everyone that the kingdom of

heaven is at hand (Matt. 10:7, 8). When Jesus saves, He redeems every aspect of someone’s life.

Even if you were sick, poor, full of sin, or whatever your condition might be, both saving you

and changing you into a new person were equally important aspects of His mission. He did all of

this through love that came from the Father above, and that is what is sometimes hard to

understand.

How is it that an all-powerful God loves me? How is it that He, who created the whole

universe, cares about me and whether I am saved or not? God sent His Son to earth with a

mission. God wants you to understand that He loves you and would do anything for you to be

saved. He says, “Come now, and let us reason together . . . : though your sins be as scarlet, they

shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isa. 1:18).

Jesus came to heal us physically and spiritually. He came to heal and free us from our physical

and spiritual slavery. Jesus came to serve.

Jesus Heals (Matt. 12:15–21)

Being sick is not only hard for the patient but also expensive. In many societies, only those with

insurance or with a lot of money can afford proper health care; the rest are left to fight their

sickness alone. Jesus healed everyone, not caring whether they were important and not caring

whether they had insurance. All Jesus cared about was their faith: if they had faith that He could

heal them, He would. Such was the case with the centurion found in Matthew 8:5–13.

The centurion came to ask Jesus to heal his servant, and when Jesus asked whether He should go

to the centurion’s house to heal the servant, the centurion answered, “ ‘Lord, I do not deserve to

have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed’ ” (verse 8,

NIV). The centurion had faith in Jesus, and he was rewarded for his faith.

Jesus also healed a man who was born blind (John 9). People believed he was blind due to the

sins of his parents. Jesus healed him and then asked him whether he believed in the Son of man.

“ ‘Who is he, sir?’ the man asked. ‘Tell me so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said, ‘You have

now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.’ Then the man said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and

he worshiped Him” (verses 36–38, NIV). God healed people because they believed He could do

so.

The Cross of Christ (Isa. 53:3–6)

Jesus came to help those in need. Isaiah 53:3–6 describes what Jesus took upon Himself to help

those in need. Jesus was despised and rejected; He took up our pain and suffering so that we

wouldn’t have to do it. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our

iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed”

(verse 5, NIV). How can wounds heal us? How can salvation come from someone else’s

suffering?

His sacrifice saves us because He lived a life without sin. Jesus showed us that salvation is for all

those who believe and for those who accept His cross. When Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave

us a mission: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness

unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matt. 24:14). His mission was to tell everyone of

His Father’s kingdom—He did so by serving others. Jesus was tempted, hurt, and crucified for

the entire human race so that we all could be saved. It is our turn to take that mission and, like

Simon of Cyrene, carry that cross to tell others about His second coming. Let us reason together,

and let us humble ourselves in preparation for His coming.

REACT

1. Why do we sometimes limit the circle of people we help?

2. How can we carry out Jesus’ mission in modern society?

Miguel Alejandro Patiño Ramirez and Ismael Patiño Ramirez, Silang, Cavite, Philippines

Callout: God wants you to understand that He loves you and would do anything for you to be

saved.

Monday

August 12

Jesus Was Poor, Too—But He Helped!

Testimony

Matt. 25:40; 19:21

Was Jesus poor? Jesus was not born in a palace; He was born in a barn! He was not placed in a

nice crib; He lay in a feeding trough. He was not dressed in fine silk; he was wrapped in

swaddling clothes. As an adult, He said, “The Son of Man has no place even to lay his head”

(Luke 9:58, NLT). Jesus, the Owner of the universe, chose to identify Himself with the poorest

of society.

How did Jesus relate to the poor and needy?

Jesus fed, healed, and associated with the poor (Matt. 14:13–21; Luke 18:35–43). He equated

serving the poor with serving God (Matt. 25:31–40). He invited the poor and other social

outcasts into God’s kingdom (Luke 14:15–24). And He preached the good news to the poor. His

mission was to give sight to the blind, enable the lame to walk, cleanse the lepers, give the deaf

their hearing, raise the dead, and proclaim the good news to the poor (Matt. 11:4–6).

We, likewise, should care for the poor for the following reasons:

Jesus will judge us by how we treat the poor. “In placing among them the helpless and the poor,

to be dependent upon their care, Christ tests His professed followers. By our love and service for

His needy children we prove the genuineness of our love for Him. To neglect them is to declare

ourselves false disciples, strangers to Christ and His love.”34

The poor have a claim on our sympathy. “The Lord provides for the widow and the fatherless,

not by a miracle in sending manna from heaven, not by sending ravens to bring them food; but

by a miracle upon human hearts, expelling selfishness, and unsealing the fountains of Christlike

love. The afflicted and bereaved ones He commits to His followers as a precious trust. They have

the very strongest claim upon our sympathy.”35

It encourages temperance. “How much means is expended for things that are mere idols, things

that engross thought and time and strength which should be put to a higher use! How much

money is wasted on expensive houses and furniture, on selfish pleasures, luxurious and

unwholesome food, hurtful indulgences! How much is squandered on gifts that benefit no one!

For things that are needless, often harmful, professed Christians are today spending more, many

times more, than they spend in seeking to rescue souls from the tempter.”36

No matter what our financial situation may be, every disciple of Christ is called to care for the

poor with the full force of resources at their disposal. In doing so, we profess our love for God.

34. Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 205.35. Ibid., p. 202.36. Ibid., p. 207.

Such a service is not an option but an obligation. This is so because everything we already have

belongs to God, and He has commanded us to serve!

REACT

1. Why was Jesus Christ, the King of kings, born so lowly?

2. How can the poor have a claim on my hard-earned wealth?

Karan Kenneth Swansi, Silang, Philippines

Callout: “How much is squandered on gifts that benefit no one!”

Tuesday

August 13

Anointed to Reach the Poor

Evidence

Luke 4

At the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus went into the synagogue and delivered a message

about His purpose in this world, which was to preach and lend a hand to the needy or afflicted

across the many aspects of life.

He took the scroll of the book of Isaiah and read: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he

hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to

preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that

are bruised” (Luke 4:18).

This passage has a meaningful message. The expression has anointed in its Hebrew form (ח מש\

mashach) is derived from the word messiah ( יח\ bמש), which means “the anointed one.” In Jewish

tradition, prophets and kings were anointed through a ceremony that involved pouring oil on

their head. So the important idea here is that God called Jesus and now calls His followers and

anoints them in the same way kings and prophets were anointed. This gives Christians authority

and responsibility to act according to His will.

Then the task as stated means to preach to the anavim (ענוים), which refers to the “afflicted” or

“meek,” those who are both in spiritual and material poverty; whose hearts are oppressed

through a sense of their sins. Finally, Jesus delivers the prisoners and captives—the gospel

releases the mind captive under sin; it gives relief and peace.

The biblical account in John 9 narrates the story of Jesus healing a man who was blind from

birth. The passage also mentions the “pool of Siloam.” This pool was possibly built in the first

century B.C., and its ruins were discovered in 2004. This discovery proves the historicity of the

Bible and its teachings. The Hebrew word shiloah means “sent.” It was this same pool where

Jesus sent the blind man to be healed. John 9:6, 7 says: “And He anointed the eyes of the blind

man with the clay. And said to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ ” (NKJV). Upon washing,

the blind man was then able to see, and he who once was an afflicted person became an anointed

man who not only glorified God but, without having seen Him with his own eyes, also testified

about His mercy and love.

This biblical account demonstrates the effect that divine power has, and sharing this gospel is

the task entrusted to Christians.

REACT

1. As a believer, reflect about your experience with the needy people whom you have

encountered in your life.

2. Can you think of any examples in the Bible where people took the initiative to help others,

expecting nothing in return?

Miguel Angel Correa Carrion, Silang, Philippines

Callout: Jesus delivers the prisoners and captives.

Wednesday

August 14

Charity Begins at Home

How-to

Matt. 20:28; 2 Cor. 5:14; Rom. 14:7; 1 Tim. 1:6

We may be tempted to show our love to God by doing “big things” for the church or giving a

large amount of money to a charity. This is not how God views things. We express the pure love

of Christ by showing heartfelt concern for one another (Matt. 25:35, 40). If God’s love motivates

our actions, we will do everything within our power to show His love and, thus, proclaim the

gospel by using our gifts and talents to serve others (2 Cor. 5:14).

Each of us has the privilege to represent the Savior by ministering to others. Peter gives the best

description of the Savior’s earthly ministry in five words: “who went about doing good” (Acts

10:38). Speaking about the purpose of His life, Jesus said, “ ‘the Son of Man did not come to be

served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many’ ” (Matt. 20:28, NKJV). He modeled

a life worth living. Paul exhorts: “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself”

(Rom. 14:7, NKJV). Ellen White shares the same idea: “Every act of our lives affects others for

good or evil.”37 Each of us has the privilege to represent the Savior by ministering to others. We

need to ask ourselves: How can I use my talents and gifts to share the light of the gospel with

37. Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 133.

those around me? What is the impression of the Spirit on me in this situation? Here are a few

ways that we can make a difference by shining for Christ in the lives of those around us:

Ask God for guidance and strength. When we ask God for guidance, we surrender control of our

lives so that we do not do anything through our own power or for our own good, but rather, we

do it to glorify God and act to alleviate the problems of others.

Be bold to share your talents. Ellen White, in reflecting upon the person who received one talent,

says: “The talents, however few, are to be put to use. The question that most concerns us is not,

How much have I received? but, What am I doing with that which I have?”38 Each one of us has

been blessed with different gifts and talents for the purpose of ministering (1 Cor. 12:4, 5).

Have a mission. We must be ambitious for the glory of God, determined to overcome all

obstacles and fulfill the purpose of our existence to glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31). Jesus had a

mission to save the lost, and we should carry on this mission in helping others (Luke 4:16–21;

c.f. Isaiah 58; Matthew 25).

Be strong in the Lord. There will always be challenges and temptations when we try to do good

deeds. Just like the Pharisees or the Sadducees who perceived Jesus as a threat, some people will

not support our ministry. They can do horrible acts of cruelty and injustice. We need to be strong

in the Lord. We have the privilege of following Christ’s example through every challenge and

triumph to work toward the salvation of others.

38. Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 329.

REACT

1. In what practical ways can we show love to God by ministering to others?

2. What challenges can we alleviate that oppress those in our communities?

Ashley Natasha Odhiambo, Silang Cavite, Philippines

Callout: Each of us has the privilege to represent the Savior by ministering to others.

Thursday

August 15

The God of the Needy

Opinion

Matt. 21:12–17

The greatest sermon ever preached by Christ was the life He lived. His interactions with the

common person portray how the God of heaven is interested in the life and affairs of each

person. The religious teachers failed to accept Jesus as the promised Messiah because He did not

meet their expectations to deliver them from Roman bondage. Jesus did not drive the Romans

away but, rather, ministered to the people, healed them, and demonstrated compassion even to

the poor and oppressed.

Isaiah 58:5–7 talks about how true fasting is more than outward demonstration but comes with

setting free the oppressed and caring for the poor and hungry. The religious leaders loved to fast

for outward show. From outward appearances, they looked pious as they covered themselves

with sackcloth and ashes, but they failed to observe that the true fast that God desires is

something more. The same religious leaders who were supposed to be guardians on behalf of the

weak and the poor were, in reality, despising them. The poor and oppressed were left to fend for

themselves. These religious leaders had betrayed the trust God had given them.

In Matthew 21:12–17, as Jesus entered the temple, He saw all the buying and selling (think of all

the animals and birds, and the shouting filling the air). Jesus was furious. He saw how God’s

house had become a house of trade, a den of thieves, where cheating and corruption were carried

out within this supposedly holy place. The temple was a symbol of the dwelling place of God in

Israel, but how could God dwell in such a place?

Jesus cleansed the temple. The religious leaders left in fear as those they despised, the sick and

poor, now gathered around Jesus. Even the little children sat at his feet. Now the blind, lame,

poor, and sick found a place in God’s temple. This simple act of cleansing the temple seemed to

drive business and religious people away from Christ, but Christ was demonstrating a principle

of His kingdom, that all have a right to God’s kingdom. A key principle of His kingdom is that

space needs to be made for all who are poor, sick, or are in need. Jesus cares and provides for all

of His children. Luke 4:18 states that Jesus was anointed by the Spirit to proclaim good news to

the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoner, the recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the

oppressed free. We must reach out to the poor in the same way that Jesus did.

REACT

1. How can the simple act of clearing the temple have an effect on the religious leaders in

contrast to how they treated the poor and oppressed?

2. What can we do to follow Christ’s example in reaching out to the poor and oppressed? What

group of people whom you can reach in your community is overlooked or needs help?

Ronald Injety, Andhra Pradesh, India

Callout: These religious leaders had betrayed the trust God had given them.

Friday

August 16

The Golden Standard

Exploration

Prov. 19:17

CONCLUDE

Indeed, Christ’s greatest sermon was the life He lived. His life was a personification of service,

sacrifice, forgiving, healing, teaching, and caring. This was especially true of the poor, sick,

deprived, oppressed, and needy around Him. Such a life is the golden standard for all Christians.

In a world that discriminates, exploits, and subjugates the disadvantaged, the sweet embrace of

Jesus engulfs those who are marginalized and outcast. In Luke 4:18 Jesus said He was anointed

by the Spirit to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoner, to give

recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free. Just like Mary Magdalene, the

apostle Peter, the blind, the deaf, and the Jews who were blessed by Jesus, today as Christians we

have a duty to share our gift of knowing Christ to those who are in spiritual needy. This will

enable those around us to experience Jesus’ embrace, too. Let us follow in the footsteps of

Christ, the epitome of service, salvation, and sacrifice.

CONSIDER

Identifying a local cause or charity near you and finding a way to contribute, whether as a

volunteer or in some other way, in order to serve those who are in financial need.

Coming up with an acronym, like WWJD (what would Jesus do?), that you can

remember whenever you encounter a difficult situation in which you need to help

someone. Use this acronym to make a wallpaper/background for your phone that can help

you remember to help others.

Challenging yourself to visit the imprisoned, volunteer to help at an orphanage, or care

for someone who is sick next Sabbath afternoon. Try doing this each week for the next

month.

Identifying someone in your life who is in spiritual need and spending time with them.

Together you can pray and sing a favorite Christian song.

Putting together a simple care package of food, books, or other useful items and giving

them to a family or friend who may be financially struggling. Small acts of kindness

count the most. You may be an answer to a prayer!

CONNECT

Deuteronomy 15:7, 8; Luke 14:12–14; Acts 20:35.

Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 201, 202.

Komal Nunfeli Swansi, Silang, Cavite, Philippines

lesson eight

August 17–23

The Least of These

“ ‘And the King will answer and say to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to

one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” ’ ” (Matthew 25:40, NKJV).

Sabbath

August 17

A Walk of Shame

Introduction

Matt. 9:36

A vacation in Italy. Not a worry in the world, except maybe finding good cell-phone reception to

upload my Instagram photos. As we were trekking Florence, a man on the street reached out,

offering us something. I waved my hand, brushing him off, not even looking his way. So many

of them. Everywhere!

“Let’s buy something from him,” my wife said.

Oh, c’mon! We barely had time to see David, and the gardens are closing soon. My thoughts

were nagging at me while my feet unwillingly turned to take me the few yards back to a

homeless-looking guy selling some thrifts on a cardboard box.

“OK, what do you want?” I asked my wife while pulling out my wallet, not trying to hide

annoyance in my voice.

She replied, “I don’t know. But, take something.”

All this time I was avoiding looking at this guy who was wasting my valuable vacation time and

money. And then, inadvertently, our eyes met. And I saw it. Not just an urge to survive, not a

desire to take a few euros from me, but a desperate cry to be acknowledged.

At that moment I saw my own, long forgotten, eyes.

Long ago, while stuck in a vertigo of endless immigration limbo, I faced those looks. Frowning

looks that just saw me as something in their way. And now, this man faced the same frowning

look—in my eyes.

Tables turn . . . and we forget.

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless,

like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt. 9:36, NIV).

Jesus presents something almost extinct in our society: compassion. I say “almost extinct”

because compassion requires giving attention. And we are so smothered with demands for

attention that that silent stranger on the corner stands absolutely no chance.

But . . . if only . . . if we would only stop and ask ourselves if the compassion of our Savior lives

in us; really lives—oh, my!

So, we got some bracelets from him, spent a few minutes talking, and gave him a few euros

extra. The bracelets will wear out, but I’ll keep a memory of a smile as he waved at us, yelling

“Ciao amici.”

But I walked away ashamed.

“Why didn’t we just give him some money?” I asked.

“Charity with dignity, my dear,” my wife said.

Charity with dignity.

As Mahatma Gandhi is reputed to have said, “Compassion is a muscle that gets stronger with

use.” May God find us working out hard so that He can surprise us with the words “When you

did it to one of the least of these, you were doing it to me!”

Milos Tomic, Denver, Colorado, USA

Callout: And now, this man faced the same frowning look—in my eyes.

Sunday

August 18

Hot Coals, Warm Hearts

Evidence

Prov. 25:21, 22; Rom. 12:20

By and large, the Bible gives us clear counsel in regard to vengeance:

“ ‘Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other

cheek also’ ” (Matt. 5:39, NIV). “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”

(1 Cor. 6:7, NIV). “If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before

God” (1 Pet. 2:20, NIV).

The difficult truth for Christians is that, in the face of great evil, we must keep our Spirit-led

composure. We cannot stoop to the level of the oppressor in any situation.

But what about Romans 12:20? What does it mean to “heap burning coals” on an enemy’s head?

Is this supposed to mean that we can do good in order to hurt our enemy? Can our motives for

well doing be to ultimately destroy our enemy? Not exactly.

The verse in Romans is a direct quote from Proverbs 25:21, 22, a section of the book that is

attributed to King Solomon, though compiled at a later date by King Hezekiah’s men (Prov.

25:1). Many of these proverbs have interesting parallels to Egyptian writings of the time, such as

the Instruction of Amenemope. Solomon also made political alliances with Egypt, even marrying

a daughter of the pharaoh (1 Kings 3:1). It seems that Egyptian culture was still influential in

Israel during this time. This background helps to explain the meaning of our particular proverb.

There is a story of an Egyptian thief who stole a book from a gravesite.39 After being caught, the

thief returned the book to the gravesite—this time while carrying a basin of fiery coals on his

head. These coals were the outward symbol of his repentance and regret for having committed

his unrighteous act. It signified recognition of wrongs and a willingness to endure the shame and

guilt in order to change.

This old story gives a fresh understanding of the intent of both the proverb and Paul’s quote in

Romans 12. A Christian is compassionate toward his or her enemy in the hope of redeeming a

friend. In doing so, we are simply modeling to others what God has done for us, for “God’s

kindness is intended to lead [us] to repentance” (Rom. 2:4, NIV).

The Bible is remarkably consistent in every point from beginning to end. When it comes to

social justice, Christians are expected to be the first to stand in the way of injustice. We must

always fight for the good of the oppressed. But we are called to do so in a way that is honorable

and redemptive even to the oppressor. May our conduct be so filled with the character of Christ

that those who are in the wrong willingly bear the heated coals of repentance on their heads.

39. Bruce K. Waltke, The Book of Proverbs: Chapters 15–31 (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005), p. 33.

REACT

1. How can we balance God’s call for social justice with his command to be peaceful?

2. In what ways should Adventists be involved in political and social movements for justice?

James Mello, Thomasville, Georgia, USA

Callout: These coals were the outward symbol of his repentance.

Monday

August 19

Recovered Connection

Logos

Heb. 10:24, 25

Fellowship Is Imperative (1 Thess. 4:17; Heb. 10:24, 25)

Being part of any community takes a lot of work. The temptation is to stay away from the

community to avoid the drama. But, especially as the second coming of Christ approaches, it is

imperative that we come together in fellowship. “And let us consider one another to provoke

unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner

of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching”

(Heb. 10:24, 25). According to this passage, Paul understands the necessity of banding together

here on earth as a prerequisite to being “caught up together . . . to meet the Lord in the air”

(1 Thess. 4:17).

This necessity for humanity to connect can be found throughout the Bible, as part of God’s

original design. It is sin that has caused separation from God and division from each other. As

God brings spiritual healing into our lives, we will draw closer together in relationship with one

another. We might rightly ask, if we are not drawing closer to one another, are we truly being

transformed by God?

Fellowship Is Inevitable (John 13:34, 35; 15:9, 12)

Drawing closer to others as we draw closer to God is not just a function of obedience to God’s

injunction to assemble together. Rather, it is a natural outflow of the love that God places in our

hearts. As we experience God’s unfathomable love and forgiveness, it inspires love and

forgiveness in our hearts toward others. Beholding the love of Jesus, we are transformed into His

likeness, and we become loving Christians ourselves (2 Cor. 3:18).

Moreover, we were originally designed to live in community. When God created humanity, He

created two beings who could relate to each other but were altogether different from each other.

Together, Adam and Eve were the image of God, who Himself exists as the Godhead, three

Beings yet one God.

Made from the image of God, three and one, it is unnatural for humans to live divided. At the

foundation of this division can be found the deteriorating influence of fear. Examining the lives

of Adam and Eve, we can see that through indulged disobedience, they ran from the sound of

God’s voice and, sadly, from each other. Instead of taking responsibility for their actions, they

looked to cast blame elsewhere, abandoning the foundation of their relationship—cleaving to

become one. However, their fears are relieved by the promised defeat of the serpent, the very

source that instigated their separation.

Jesus being the fulfillment of this promise, crushing the head of the serpent, comforts His

followers, “Let not your heart be troubled. . . . Where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1–3).

This brings hope to the hearts of those who follow Him and opens the doors for proper

connection to exist among one another.

Hope is the single most powerful weapon against fear!

Fellowship Is Intuitive (Acts 2:1)

After Christ’s ascension, the disciples gathered in the upper room to wait for the promise of the

Holy Spirit. As they focused their minds on Christ’s teachings, the walls of jealousy and evil

surmising began to break down, and they joined together in unity. Being in the same room

together, they had the opportunity to resolve their differences right there and then. While they

may very well have realized their need for reconciliation even if they were praying in separate

locations, being in the same location gave them the opportunity to act on their conviction

immediately.

Banding together is essential to facilitate proper relationships among one another. We need to

come together physically to see the needs of others and meet those needs right away. Even if we

are individually convicted on the importance of ministering to the downtrodden, we may not act

on that conviction unless we come into physical contact with said people. For anyone who wants

to minister as Christ ministered, physically coming into contact with other people is intuitive.

The disciples, in Acts 2, are together in one place, in one accord, ready to receive the power that

will enable them to preach the gospel to the world. They understood that connection with each

other and God was key in fulfilling the command Jesus gave in Matthew 28:19: go to all the

world.

Going back to Hebrews 10:24, 25, Paul exhorts the people of God not to forsake the assembling

of themselves as they see the day approaching. What day? The second coming of Christ! The

blessed hope is that one day you and I, together, will be able to enjoy the presence of the Lord

for all eternity. Nonetheless, before that day comes, we must enjoy the sweet fellowship that

comes with banding together. As we grow in wisdom and stature, let us never forget to grow in

favor with both God and those whom we come in contact with every day!

Rayshaun Williams, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA

Callout: Being part of any community takes a lot of work.

Tuesday

August 20

All That He Has

Testimony

James 1:27

It’s all too easy to sit around in circles talking about how broken the rest of the world is; how

they don’t understand the truth; how they’re bound in sin and addiction; and if they would just

pull themselves up by their bootstraps, they’d be all right. If they could think more logically, or

be in less pain and confusion, they’d stop sinning. We talk about it as though it is their job to

save themselves from sin, addiction, or poor lifestyle choices.

I often wonder whether we keep the ball in their court because we prefer that over the truth, the

truth that puts the responsibility in the hands of Christ, which includes His body, the church.

Have you ever felt like the church wasn’t what you’d hoped for, or maybe like it was little more

than a relaxing place to hang out, lacking any life-changing power? Well, take this perspective as

food for thought: “The real character of the church is measured, not by the high profession she

makes, not by the names enrolled upon the church book, but by what she is actually doing for the

Master, by the number of her persevering, faithful workers. Personal interest and vigilant,

individual effort will accomplish more for the cause of Christ than can be wrought by sermons or

creeds.”40

40. Ellen G. White, “Scattered Churches,” The Review and Herald, September 6, 1881.

Could it be that we’ve relied on sermons to get the message out and to keep the church healthy,

forgetting that we all have a gift to return to God? Imagine a church full of “ministers” sharing

their gifts fully with the world. As Ellen White implies in the following statement, we are given

this desire to help sinners out of Satan’s power by the truth and power of God, which we will

have flowing through us as much as our hearts are fully His.

“The Christian has no desire to live for self. He delights to consecrate all that he has and is to the

Master’s service. He is moved by an inexpressible desire to win souls to Christ. Those who have

nothing of this desire might better be concerned for their own salvation. Let them pray for the

spirit of service.

“How can I best glorify Him whose I am by creation and by redemption? This is to be the

question that we are to ask ourselves. With anxious solicitude the one who is truly converted

seeks to rescue those who are still in Satan’s power. He refuses to do anything that would hinder

him in his work.”41

REACT

1. Do you have a heart to serve the lost?

2. What ways has God impressed you to serve in the past but you never were able to follow

through?

3. Who do you know that is struggling with sin, and how might you help them?

4. How might your group serve someone in the church together?

41. Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 10.

Joshua Hester, Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA

Callout: Imagine a church full of “ministers” sharing their gifts fully with the world.

Wednesday

August 21

Title

How-to

Matt. 12:34, 35

It can be difficult and even overwhelming to put into practice what we are discussing in this

quarterly. How do you figure out where God is calling you to help? What if you feel

uncomfortable helping in certain popular ways or don’t feel like helping? How do you awaken in

yourself the desire to serve if it isn’t there or if it is covered by fear? Jesus asks the same

question of the Pharisees in Matthew 12:34: “ ‘How can you speak good, when you are evil? For

out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks’ ” (ESV).

We cannot give what we do not have and have not experienced. Jesus confirms this as He

continues in verse 35, “ ‘The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil

person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil’ ” (ESV). If we have a heart filled with good, we

can give to others. So how do we have a heart that is filled enough to serve others?

Spend time reading the Bible and listening to God. The only way we can recognize Jesus in the

least of these is by spending time with Him and letting Him speak to us through His Word. Our

relationship with God will change our hearts so that we want to serve others.

Ask God to show you the least of these around you. We must also look for God in our daily life.

He may be asking you to give time at a homeless shelter, talk to the person at work or school

whom people avoid, pay for someone’s meal or fuel, or just speak an encouraging word. If He

calls us, however, we must be ready to answer.

Make knowing God your priority. Knowing Him will transform you so that you can serve the

least of these. To be effective servants of God, we must know Him.

When we have a relationship with Jesus, reaching out to those around us will come naturally to

us. We see this clearly illustrated in the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25. When

Jesus commends the sheep for their service to Him, they are baffled. They don’t remember doing

any of the things that Jesus claims they did. It seems that these righteous people didn’t even

notice they were serving; they simply served because it was who they were. The same is true for

us: before we can give treasures of God’s love and grace to others, we must first be filled to

overflowing ourselves.

REACT

1. Why do you find it hard to serve others?

2. How has knowing God changed you from who you used to be?

3. Have you noticed a correlation between your relationship with Jesus and how you relate to

others?

J-Fiah Reeves, Gilbert, Arizona, USA

Callout: To be effective servants of God, we must know Him.

Thursday

August 22

Hitler’s Health Message

Opinion

Rom. 5:8

Speaking on behalf of many German and Austrian Adventist churches of the day, Wilhelm

Mueller wrote in 1933 that Hitler “has his office from the hand of God, and . . . knows himself to

be responsible to Him. As an anti-alcoholic, non-smoker, and vegetarian, he is closer to our own

view of health reform than anybody else.”42 I’ve always remembered one particular word of the

previous quote—vegetarian.

Vegetarianism is a good thing. As a diet, it’s been linked to lower rates of heart disease, many

cancers, and type II diabetes mellitus.43 As a ministry vehicle, it has helped usher thousands to

our churches for health seminars. And for the good stewards of the planet and its population, one

study estimated that worldwide adoption of a vegetarian diet could save 7.3 million lives by the

year 2050 due to the decreased environmental impact of vegetarian food growing practices.44

42. R. Cooter, “The Nazi War on Cancer,” British Medical Journal 320 (March 11, 2000): 721; Wilhelm Mueller, “Berlin, Ende August 1933,” AEA, Ul2, no. 0113. The German and Austrian churches have since publicly apologized, as noted in Mark A. Kellner, “Europe: German, Austrian Churches Apologize for Holocaust Actions,” Adventist New Network, August 15, 2005, https://news.adventist.org/en/all-news/news/go/2005-08-15/europe-german-austrian-churches-apologize-for-holocaust-actions/.

43. Harvard Women’s Health Watch, “Becoming a Vegetarian,” Harvard Health Publishing, updated December 4, 2017, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/becoming-a-vegetarian.

44. Marco Springmann et al., “Analysis and Valuation of the Health and Climate Change Cobenefits of Dietary Change,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 113, no. 15 (April 12, 2016), http://www.pnas.org/content/113/15/4146.

However, vegetarianism has a dark side. Many who grew up in our church can recall times when

food engendered feelings of superiority. Some stories are fairly innocent, like the first time I saw

a “heathen” eat a hot dog with mustard at a local baseball game; I thought of all the filth inside

that piece of meat, all the while judging its eater similarly. Other stories are more damaging, like

when well-meaning newcomers to an after-church potluck brought a casserole with cheese. As

the label “Contains Cheese” was placed by their dish, they felt its connotation applied to them

more than to their casserole.

Pride should never motivate evangelism. Pride should never motivate charity. Pride should never

motivate our interactions with “the least of these.” But how many times has our outreach been

motivated by the kind of selfless love demonstrated in Jesus’ interactions with “the least of

these”? Has it instead emerged from a desire to feel better about ourselves by comparison?

Jesus did not serve “the least of these” to help Him feel better about His own life. His charity

was motivated by a primary desire for each person’s wholeness. Followers of Jesus should do

likewise and love every soul simply for its own sake. Love reaches to “the least of these” without

pumping itself up in the process. Love, just because. That’s how He loves.

REACT

1. Do you think Jesus wants to interact with someone who is, by their own choice, hopelessly

lost? Why, or why not?

2. How should we be ministering to the “least of these” in our local communities? Provide three

examples.

3. Is it possible to do more harm than good when we endeavor to help the “least of these”? How

can we ensure that good intentions translate into reality? Explain.

David Deemer, Loma Linda, California, USA

Callout: Love, just because. That’s how He loves.

Friday

August 23

Same Story Book, Just a Different Page

Exploration

Eph. 4:1, 2

CONCLUDE

“Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins” (Eccles. 7:20,

ESV). All of us are in need of a savior. All of us need help at times. We are the body of Christ—

created beautifully to support each other without pride or looking down on one another. And

what an honor it is to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. “Walk . . . with all humility

and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:1, 2, ESV). That “small”

act of compassion could make all the difference in the world. So let’s actively look to see how

we can make a positive difference.

CONSIDER

Looking for a local chapter of Amnesty International. This organization is a great way to

be behind the scenes for the cause of social justice and meet other people with similar

interests. “Through petitions, letters and protests, campaigners worldwide press for action

from the people and institutions who can make change happen.”45

45 Amnesty International, “What We Do,” https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/.

Working together as a group to serve people in your community. There are plenty of

traditional ways to be of service. But brainstorm creatively. For example, one church

group went to a grocery store (in an area with lower incomes) and used the money they

had raised to surprise customers by buying their groceries.

Praying a special prayer every morning for the next week. Ask God for a giving and

willing spirit to have your eyes and heart open to the people you come in contact with

and how to make their day extra special.

Serving the people closest to you. It’s easy to forget to show special attention to our own

family and roommates. Surprise someone close to you with a special dinner or act of

kindness that they would especially appreciate.

Searching at a local bookstore or online for a good read that will help inspire you to

action in the world around you.

Getting people together for a movie night and watching an inspirational documentary

about people making a difference in other countries, such as the 2013 documentary Blood

Brother.

CONNECT

Proverbs 3:7; 29:23; 31:8, 9; Isaiah 1:17; Zechariah 7:9, 10; Matthew 25:31–46; Colossians 3:12.

Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, chap. 79, “ ‘It Is Finished.’ ”

Cassi Fitzpatrick, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

lesson nine

August 24–30

Ministry in the New Testament Church

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in

their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27, NKJV).

Sabbath

August 24

Living as a Community

Introduction

Acts 2:46, 47

I have had the privilege to live in some of the high-end residential areas of Nairobi, the capital

city of my country. I have realized that in each of those communities, there is a presence of

people in need, and I believe that is the case not only in my country but also in other parts of the

world.

Nearly every time we drive into the gated community, we spot people begging literally across the

highway, perhaps for what might be their only meal for the day. In the health facilities nearby,

people are sick and in need of compassion, love, and care. The correctional facilities of our

countries have inmates who need spiritual, mental, and physical food.

These circumstances remind us of one thing: there is a great need to live in a community rather

than as an individual. We need to respond to the needs of the people and the environment around

us, which will fulfill our commission as a church community.

The idea of ministering to the needs of those around us is not something new in Christian circles.

In the Old Testament, God used the prophets to deliver the same message of the need to help the

less fortunate members of the society (cf. Isa. 1:17). In the New Testament, Christ initiated the

Great Commission, which remains the axis of evangelism, witnessing, and service for all

Christians around the world. Even in the twenty-first century, governments and institutions

recognize the practice of social justice.

By upholding the idea of living as a community, we can create a new society in which everyone

is “praising God and having favor with all the people” (Acts 2:47).

The disciples practiced social justice even after Christ went to heaven. In fulfilling the objective

of the Great Commission, they helped spread the Word of God to various parts of the world,

responding to the needs of the people they met in the course of their ministry.

For Christians in this era, community service is a call to use what we have to meet the practical

needs of the less fortunate members of our society. Some of the recipients of community service

include children, vulnerable senior citizens, people with disabilities, and the natural environment.

Learning from the work of the apostles, we can also develop communities in which the Word of

God thrives as we meet practical needs of the unfortunate.

Regina Onyango, Homa Bay, Kenya

Callout: In the health facilities nearby, people are sick and in need of compassion, love, and care.

Sunday

August 25

Ministry in the New Testament Church

Logos

Matt. 25:38–40; Acts 5:12–16; Gal. 2:10; James 2:14–16

The Healing Ministry (Acts 5:12–16)

In a show of unity after Christ ascended to heaven, the apostles continued to perform signs and

wonders. In Acts 5:12–16, the healing ministry takes center stage as people with all kinds of

sicknesses are healed at the hands of the apostles. It is a demonstration of God’s power working

through His witnesses.

In healing the sick, the apostles put into practice the precepts they learned from Christ during His

ministry (Matt. 10:8; Luke 4:40, 41; 6:17–19). Therefore, we can see the early church, led by the

apostles, alive with God’s power that makes it grow from strength to strength.

Armed with the commission to be witnesses in all Judea, they delivered healing to everyone

regardless of race, background, or condition. All of them received total healing.

As witnesses of Christ today, we have the responsibility to continue advancing the message of

healing ministry. We do this by responding to the health needs of the less fortunate members of

our communities. Those who cannot afford the hefty medical bills charged in private hospitals

are counting on our contribution to make a difference in their lives.

We have a duty as a church and as young adults, in word and deed, to deliver the message of the

saving and healing power of God.

Showing Pity and Compassion (Matt. 25:38–40)

God requires His children to demonstrate pity, compassion, and kindness to people in difficult

situations. God expects us to have a merciful attitude at all times.

However, this does not mean we become so softhearted that the world can take advantage of us.

In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Christ illustrates the basis of His judgment upon people

when the final trumpet will blow. An important lesson in this parable is that Christ is interested

in how we treat Him in our present life. This reflects itself in how we treat the lowliest in our

midst. Christ requires us to demonstrate genuine love to our brothers and sisters in need.

“The true love of God is seen in the sheep. As the sheep respond to their brother’s need, they are

united in their distress and at the same time, unwittingly, unconsciously, without hypocrisy, align

themselves with Christ. . . . This is a kind of love that cannot be faked or put on. ‘By this all will

know that you’re My disciples, if you have love for one another.’ ”46

46 John W. Ritenbaugh, “The World, the Church, and Laodiceanism: Matthew 25:31–46,” Forerunner Commentary, BibleTools, accessed August 19, 2018, https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Bible.show/sVerseID/24047/eVerseID/24047.

Christ, who practiced mercy, love, and compassion, requires His followers to adopt the character

of the sheep—to be genuinely good, sympathetic, kind, and concerned.

Remembering the Poor (Gal. 2:10)

In the Old Testament, the Bible recognizes the practice of giving to the poor and sharing with the

less fortunate members of our society (Deut. 14:28, 29). Poor people are found in every age and

community, and it’s a divine duty to be there for them.

In helping the poor in our communities, we should address their material needs up front and then

provide the spiritual food that draws them closer and makes them stay in Christ. Even so, we

need to remain vigilant of the tactics of the enemy (1 Pet. 5:8). In the practice of helping the poor

in our society, we must not support habits that lead to poverty, such as drinking beer, laziness,

licentiousness, and every sort of evil. In such situations, we should help the victims to come out

of the sin first.

We should also distinguish between those who are poor but strong and healthy and those who are

poverty-stricken, sick, and disabled. In the latter case, we should offer sympathy and help.

We are bound by divine authority to support the poor because they are our brethren. In most

cases, the poor cultivate our farms, manage our capital, do our laundry, prepare our meals, tend

our businesses, and more. In essence, we depend on them as much as they do on us. When we

remember and support them, we remember ourselves. And according to God’s Word, we gain

good by doing good (Ps. 41:1–3).

Faith and Action (James 2:14–16)

James 2 emphasizes how faith and good deeds are inseparable in the life of a Christian. When we

speak of our faith without doing it, we cannot meet practical needs. It’s easier to talk about faith

than to do and live it. However, talking of our faith does not mean we have done it.

If we don’t act on our faith and simply talk of it, we risk ending up self-deceived, thinking that

we’re doing well before God (James 1:22, 26). The world will see our faith through the good

deeds that we perform. Adding good deeds to our faith shows we are mature in Christ. We

cannot achieve this level of maturity before we participate in solving the needs of the less

fortunate members of our society such as the poor, widows, orphans, and sick.

REACT

1. How can we participate in social justice without slipping into sin?

2. What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “ ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be

shown mercy’ ” (Matt. 5:7, NKJV)?

3. Why is it important to meet both practical and spiritual needs?

Tony Philip Oreso, Nairobi, Kenya

Callout: God expects us to have a merciful attitude at all times.

Monday

August 26

The Least of These

Testimony

2 Cor. 9:6–9

“Christ on the Mount of Olives pictured to His disciples the scene of the great judgment day.

And He represented its decision as turning upon one point. When the nations are gathered before

Him, there will be but two classes, and their eternal destiny will be determined by what they

have done or have neglected to do for Him in the person of the poor and the suffering.

“In that day Christ does not present before men the great work He has done for them in giving

His life for their redemption. He presents the faithful work they have done for Him. To those

whom He sets upon His right hand He will say, ‘Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the

kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave

Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: naked, and ye

clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.’ But those

whom Christ commends know not that they have been ministering unto Him. To their perplexed

inquiries He answers, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye

have done it unto Me.’

“Jesus had told His disciples that they were to be hated of all men, to be persecuted and afflicted.

Many would be driven from their homes, and brought to poverty. Many would be in distress

through disease and privation. Many would be cast into prison. To all who forsook friends or

home for His sake He had promised in this life a hundredfold. Now He assured a special blessing

to all who should minister to their brethren. In all who suffer for My name, said Jesus, you are to

recognize Me. As you would minister to Me, so you are to minister to them. This is the evidence

that you are My disciples.”47

“As you open your door to Christ’s needy and suffering ones, you are welcoming unseen angels.

You invite the companionship of heavenly beings. They bring a sacred atmosphere of joy and

peace. They come with praises upon their lips, and an answering strain is heard in heaven. Every

deed of mercy makes music there. The Father from His throne numbers the unselfish workers

among His most precious treasures.”48

REACT

How can we differentiate between genuinely needy people and false ones?

Silas Onyango, Nairobi, Kenya

Callout: “Their eternal destiny will be determined by what they have done or have neglected to

do for Him in the person of the poor and the suffering.”

47. Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 637, 638.48. Ibid., p. 639.

Tuesday

August 27

The Scope of Witnessing and Community Service

Evidence

Acts 1:8

On May 4, 2011, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) received a Best

Practice Award for empowering rural women through its community projects.

Speaking during the ceremony held in Silver Spring, Maryland, Ken Flemmer, then ADRA

International vice president for programs, said, “The evidence of this project’s impact confirms

we have developed a successful project model, and we look forward to implement it across

similar cultural settings.”49

In promoting social justice, we can execute several different activities. Empowering women

(especially the ones living in rural areas) is just one of the ways of accomplishing our objective.

In addition, we need to understand that the practice of community service is in line with our

Lord’s command to “be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria,

and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In fulfilling this grand assignment, the Holy

Spirit is to guide us in doing what is right and to convict us when we do wrong.

49. Christina Zaiback, “ADRA Receives Best Practice Award for Woment Empowerment Project,” ADRA, May 12, 2011, https://adra.org/best-practice-award-for-adra/

During His ministry on earth, Christ recruited followers by meeting their needs at different

levels. He healed the sick and fed the hungry. Above all, Christ provided the spiritual food and

water that could satisfy hunger and thirst forever.

After His death and ascension to heaven, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to guide His followers in

executing activities that promoted social justice. In the footsteps of Christ, the apostles healed the

sick, helped widows and orphans, and ministered to the spiritual needs of the people. Therefore,

meeting the practical needs of others is the duty of every Christian because it goes together with

the commission to evangelize the world before Christ’s second coming.

God has given us enough resources to help us effectively carry out community service. We can

deploy skills, our time and energy, monetary resources, or material donations to make a

difference in the lives of people across the world.

True fellowship requires that we work together as children and witnesses of Christ, such that

even as we carry out community service, we must guard our relationship with Him to remain

“unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).

REACT

1. What are some of the activities we can engage in to promote social justice?

2. How can we use the skills we acquire from our learning institutions to make a difference in

our communities?

Mark Gift, Nairobi, Kenya

Callout: Above all, Christ provided the spiritual food and water that could satisfy hunger and

thirst forever.

Wednesday

August 28

Benefits of Engaging in Community Service

How-to

2 Cor. 8:7–9

Youthfulness comes with several advantages that we can use to accomplish the goals of social

justice. We have the time; we have the skills that we acquire from university and talents that we

can use to carry out activities for the good of others in our communities.

While we expect no payment for meeting the practical needs of others, we can experience several

benefits from participating in community service. The Bible teaches that Christ, “though He was

rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich” (2 Cor.

8:7–9, NKJV).

Making a difference in the lives of others comes with a fulfilling satisfaction that money cannot

buy. By addressing the temporal needs of the less fortunate members of our societies, we give

them the opportunity to draw closer to Christ, especially when they see the good deeds we

perform. Above all, Christ is our example when it comes to community service (Matt. 8:14, 15;

14:14).

And as we seek to draw more souls to Jesus, we get something in return. Doing good is a win-

win situation for the provider and the recipient. Here are some of the benefits of serving others:

The opportunity to make a difference. Participating in meeting the needs of others gives us the

opportunity to know that we are doing something to improve someone’s life and make our

community a better place.

Experience personal growth. A Christian’s life is one of growth and development. By engaging

in activities that help us meet the needs of others, we cultivate skills in organization,

responsibility, and compassion, which are all qualities of Christ. The same qualities are also

important for young adults to build their careers, family, and overall future life.

Acquire hands-on experience. By meeting the needs of others through community service, we

can acquire hands-on experience in various activities such as painting, construction, customer

service, or medical care. These can go a long way to boost our résumés.

Make new friends. Importantly, being close to people in need and helping them to meet those

needs enables us to make new friends, many of whom we may treasure for the rest of our lives.

REACT

1. What other personal benefits can you derive from meeting the needs of others?

2. How can we make a difference in the communities that we cannot reach physically?

Emily Grace, Homa Bay, Kenya

Callout: Making a difference in the lives of others comes with a fulfilling satisfaction that money

cannot buy.

Thursday

August 29

It’s About Serving Christ

Opinion

Matt. 25:38–40

The parable of the rich young man (Matt. 19:16–30) paints a picture of how important it is for a

Christian to practice social justice.

The material possessions and resources we have in this world are for us to use to improve the

lives of others. We often think that our possessions belong to us alone, without recognizing that

God, who has endowed us with the resources, also created our brothers and sisters who do not

have enough.

If we maintain the notion that our wealth is for us alone, we miss the blessings of heaven. The

Bible teaches us, “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack” (Prov. 28:27).

God requires His children to cultivate and embrace the Spirit of giving so that we can uplift the

less fortunate members of our society. When we love our neighbors (1 Pet. 1:22) and respond to

their needs, we reflect the love of Christ embedded in His habit of compassion upon the less

fortunate and the suffering. The act of giving to the poor or helping the sick should come from

the heart, without expecting any favor in return.

The story of the rich young man illustrates the point that many people are unwilling to let go of

their worldly possessions, especially when it comes to helping others. However, Christ Himself

says that whoever forsakes material possessions and worldly riches for His sake shall inherit

eternal life (Matt. 19:29).

The little acts of kindness that we show to “the least of these” constitute our service for Christ.

Each day is an opportunity to make a difference in the life of another person who is struggling

with life in one way or another. The apostles learned the habit of giving and sharing from Christ,

and He expects us to do the same in our generation.

It is said that Oscar Wilde said, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest

intention.” Today, you can offer a small act of kindness to change your community. And if all of

us can do that, we can change the world.

REACT

1. What are some of the little acts of kindness that you can offer to show that you care about the

lives of others?

2. It might be easy for an individual to show compassion, but how can we do the same as a

church, with so many people of different backgrounds under one roof?

3. Whom do you consider “the least of these” in your community?

Nelly Achieng’, Homa Bay, Kenya

Callout: The material possessions and resources we have in this world are for us to use to

improve the lives of others.

Friday

August 30

Touching Lives

Exploration

Acts 20:35

CONCLUDE

As Seventh-day Adventist young adults, it behooves us to touch lives so as to create a

community in which everyone contributes to the needs of other people. Christ left for us the

mantle of service, which we must hold high until He comes to take us home. When our hearts fill

with compassion, we can passionately reach out to touch the lives of the people around us

through material donations, service, and more importantly, drawing them closer to Christ. This

week’s lesson is a challenge for us to put our faith into practice.

CONSIDER

Volunteering to teach a foreign language or creative class to young pupils in your

community. How does this service fit into the context of this week’s lesson?

Starting a YouTube channel on which you share teachings about social justice and its

benefits. Include as many benefits as you can.

Forming a community support group with like-minded young people, in which you go

out once a week to visit the less fortunate members of your community. Think of material

donations or service, which you can deliver to improve their situations.

Reading Acts 9:36–42. On a piece of paper, make a column with the headline, “What I

Can Do to Support My Community.” List all the things you can do and put them into

practice.

Creating Bible tracts that you can share with members of your church. Include stories of

people who did or are doing good to improve the lives of the poor and the suffering in

various communities. At the bottom of each tract, share Romans 12:21 as a memory text.

Visiting specific places in your community such as hospitals, aged care homes, or prisons

to identify with the people in these situations. In addition to praying and sharing Jesus

with them, what can you do to meet their practical needs?

Using digital animation technology to give life to the following characters: Mercy,

Sympathy, Compassion, Love. How do these qualities help you contribute better to social

justice?

CONNECT

Deuteronomy 14:28, 29; Psalm 41:1–3; Matthew 5:3–11.

Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, chap. 31, “The Sermon on the Mount”; chap. 70, “The Least

of These My Brethren.”

George Otieno, Migori, Kenya

lesson ten

August 31–September 6

Living the Gospel

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of

God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ

Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:8–

10, NKJV).

Sabbath

August 31

The Deeper Mantra

Introduction

Mal. 2:10; 1 Cor. 12:13; Phil. 2:1–8

Social justice. When you hear that term, what do you think about? How do those two words

make you feel? Are you compelled to act, or are you enraged by the inaction of others, whether

they are in your classes or on your campus, whether they sit in your pew or preach from a pulpit?

When you see injustice played out in your mirror, what then? What happens next?

Our generation is not alone in its selfishness, in its inability to advocate for those in our

communities who need to know that they, though poor, needy, lame, naked, or imprisoned,

belong to the body of Christ, that salvation is a gift offered to them freely. We are so caught up

in the blame game that we neglect our responsibilities. Yes, the church is a collective; however,

we are not saved as the church, an entity. Meaning, just because the local congregation I belong

to is not active or is indifferent to the needs of the community doesn’t mean I have that same

luxury.

Israel Houghton’s song “Deeper” speaks to what our heart’s posture should be as we consider

social justice: “Lord I reach for You lead me to Your heart / And I thirst for You draw me deeper

still / . . . Close enough to feel the cadence of Your heart / For justice Lord / Streams of justice

flow to the least of these.”50 Whenever I hear the words of this song, I am compelled to reflect on

every person I didn’t deem worthy of my assistance.

In a society seemingly committed to diversity, we are struggling to follow Paul’s instructions to

fulfill his joy by being “likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let

nothing be done through strife or vainglory;” he continues, “but in lowliness of mind let each

esteem other better than themselves” (Phil. 2:3, 4). We are increasingly selfish and falsely

unaware of the fact that we are all brothers and sisters and that we should fight for the needs of

those less fortunate than ourselves. In light of social justice, we fail when we don’t consider

others as strongly as we consider ourselves. We fail when we don’t seek God’s heart for His

people.

As you study this week, let this be your prayer: “God give us a heart for the least of these.”

Dawnette Chambers, Round Rock, Texas, USA

Callout: We are so caught up in the blame game that we neglect our responsibilities.

50. Israel Houghton, “Deeper,” A Deeper Level, Integrity Music B000UCH5LU, 2007.

Sunday

September 1

Service: The Nearness of God

Evidence

Isa. 58:1–12

Isaiah was a prophet who was faithful in crying out loudly and sharing the messages that God

gave him. After the Israelites returned from Babylonian exile in 539 B.C., they became passionate

about what the Christian Standard Bible translates as “the nearness of God” (Isa. 58:2). Isaiah

writes of how the Israelites devoted themselves to praying, fasting, and sacrificing burnt

offerings as a means of acquiring God’s presence and His favor. But for some reason, these acts

of worship weren’t bringing the Israelites any closer to God. Rather, they seemed to be pushing

Him away.

Isaiah 58 is a critical chapter in the book of Isaiah because it is a record of God telling the

Israelites why their attempts to draw near to Him weren’t working. God says, “ ‘Look, you do as

you please on the day of your fast, and oppress all your workers. You fast with contention and

strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today, hoping to make your

voice heard on high’ ” (verses 3, 4, CSB). In other words, the Israelites were worshiping God

while oppressing people. They were taking advantage of their servants and the poor.

Isaiah 58 challenges the Israelites to understand that drawing near to God is not just about

sacrifices and fasting. God says, if you want to draw near to Me, then “ ‘break the chains of

wickedness, . . . set the oppressed free. . . . Share your bread with the hungry, . . . bring the poor

and homeless into your house, . . . clothe the naked when you see him, and [do not] ignore your

own flesh and blood” (verses 6, 7, CSB). God says that when we put the needs of others before

our own, we put ourselves in a position to receive His presence and His favor.

If prayer, fasting, singing, and other acts of worship are the only way we come to God but we

still practice hate, discrimination, selfishness, and mean-spiritedness, then God too will look to

us and say, “ ‘you cannot fast as you do today, hoping to make your voice heard on high’ ”

(verse 4, CSB). Our praise will reach Heaven sounding like a “noisy gong or a clanging cymbal”

(1 Cor. 13:1, CSB) because we have not love. When we draw near to those in need and show the

love of Jesus Christ through service, then we are granted access to draw near to God. It is then

that we are given His presence and His favor: “ ‘At that time, when you call, the LORD will

answer; when you cry out, He will say, “Here I am” ’ ” (Isa. 58:9,CSB).

REACT

1. This week, what are some practical ways you can draw near to God and show the nearness of

God through service?

2. Has your church restricted worship to a church service on Sabbath morning? How can you

“cry out loudly” and encourage them to draw near to God and show the nearness of God through

service?

Claudia M. Allen, College Park, Maryland, USA

Callout: The Israelites were worshiping God while oppressing people.

Monday

September 2

Serving Right

Logos

Isa. 58:1–8; Acts 10; Matt. 9:37

The Right Service

Nobody likes doing something the wrong way. No one enjoys building something backward,

driving to the wrong destination, or purchasing the wrong product. We are inclined to do a task

and do it right. When we find ourselves failing to achieve what we set out to do, we often go

through a vast array of emotions: anger, being distraught, embarrassment, and a host of other

things. It can be demoralizing when we have a goal in mind, but in our attempt to attain that goal,

we find out we have been going about it the wrong way. It’s one thing to fall short in our

individual aspirations, but it is another thing when we go about our spiritual practice wrong;

when we get it wrong, it can have a grave impact on those around us.

Serving Those in Need (Isa. 58)

In Isaiah 58 God speaks through the prophet Isaiah and tells the Israelites that they have been

fasting wrong. This message challenges the very core of the community. The Israelites fast

because of their supposed relationship with the Creator. They posited that when they abstained

from food for an extended period and committed to God, they would be seen and noticed (Isa.

58:3). They know the right posture for the fast: bowing of the head, spreading out sackcloth and

ashes. But God says this is not what He wants. Going through the motions is not sufficient for

God.

God tells them that they have a greater responsibility, that the fast that He is calling them to is

one of justice for the world and relief to the heavy laden. He tells them that they ought to

“ ‘loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go

free’ ” (verse 6, NASB). In the next verse, God tells them to share their bread with the hungry,

bring the poor and homeless in their house, and clothe those who are naked. Those in society

who can help others less fortunate should extend their resources. God says this is the fast He

requires. And God reminds the Israelites that in helping others, they help themselves. When we

serve those in need, when we finally get it right, healing comes forth, and not just healing but

also righteousness will be in front of us, and God’s glory will be behind us (verse 8).

Serving Despite Our Difference (Acts 10)

Peter, too, thinks he is living his life the right way. Peter is a devout Jew who has accepted the

teachings of the God-Man, Jesus of Nazareth. Peter spent years as a disciple of Jesus, saw Jesus

taken away to be executed, saw the risen Lord, and received the Holy Spirit. Peter is committed

to following Jesus. While Peter’s motivation is right, his methodology is wrong. Peter is still

influenced and affected by his culture and upbringing. Peter struggles to accept those who are not

Jewish (Acts 10; Gal. 2:11–14). Peter is attempting to live right, but he gets it wrong.

Peter falls into a trance and sees a strange vision. He sees all kinds of four-footed animals and is

told to kill and eat. Peter, being a good Jew, opposes the message because the animals are unholy

and unclean. But Peter hears a voice that says, “ ‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider

unholy’ ” (Acts 10:15, NASB). The message is finally made clear when Cornelius’s men arrive

at his house. Cornelius is a Gentile, deemed unholy by Jewish culture. But Cornelius is in need

of the service Peter can provide. Peter must put aside his prejudices and presuppositions and do

the right thing that God is asking of him.

Serving in the Harvest (Matt. 9:37)

In Matthew 9:37 Jesus laments to the disciples that the harvest is plenteous but the laborers are

few. We tend to view this text as a call for more workers, and while that aspect is true, this text is

also highlighting the vastness of people in need. The harvest is plentiful of broken families,

oppressed individuals, unfair systems and policies, and communities lacking adequate food,

clothes, and resources. If we are to be laborers for Christ, we must prepare to face this harvest

ahead of us.

REACT

1. What, if anything, does the church do wrong even though it has the right motivation? How can

that be corrected?

2. How can we overcome cultural assumptions about individuals who are different (ethnically,

financially, etc.) from us?

3. Why are the laborers few for the harvest, if people love God?

Mark Anthony Reid, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA

Callout: Going through the motions is not sufficient for God.

Tuesday

September 3

A Recipe for Success

Testimony

Isa. 58:6, 7

“I have been instructed to refer our people to the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. Read this chapter

carefully, and understand the kind of ministry that will bring life into the churches. The work of

the gospel is to be carried by means of our liberality as well as by our labors. When you meet

suffering souls who need help, give it to them. When you find those who are hungry, feed them.

In doing this you will be working in lines of Christ’s ministry. The Master’s holy work was a

benevolent work. Let our people everywhere be encouraged to have a part in it.”51

“As believers in Christ we need greater faith. We need to be more fervent in prayer. Many

wonder why their prayers are so lifeless, their faith so feeble and wavering, their Christian

experience so dark and uncertain. ‘Have we not fasted,’ they say, ‘and walked mournfully before

the Lord of hosts?’ In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah Christ has shown how this condition of

things may be changed. He says: ‘Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of

wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every

yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy

house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine

51. Ellen G. White, Manuscript 7, 1908.

own flesh?’ Verses 6, 7. This is the recipe that Christ has prescribed for the faint-hearted,

doubting, trembling soul. Let the sorrowful ones, who walk mournfully before the Lord, arise

and help someone who needs help.”52

“The fast which God can accept is described. It is to deal thy bread to the hungry and to bring the

poor which are cast out to thy house. Wait not for them to come to you. The labor rests not on

them to hunt you up and entreat of you a home for themselves. You are to search for them and

bring them to your house. You are to draw out your soul after them. You are with one hand to

reach up and by faith take hold of the mighty arm which brings salvation, while with the other

hand of love you reach the oppressed and relieve them. It is impossible for you to fasten upon the

arm of God with one hand while the other is employed in ministering to your own pleasure.”53

REACT

1. How should church members respond to the homeless or those who stand on the corner

begging for money?

2. Why would serving others be called a fast?

Yolanda Pugh, Tallahassee, Florida, USA

Callout: “It is impossible for you to fasten upon the arm of God with one hand while the other is

employed in ministering to your own pleasure.”

52. Ellen G. White, A Call to Medical Evangelism and Health Education, p. 25.53. Ellen G. White, Welfare Ministry, p. 30.

Wednesday

September 4

See. Say. Do.

How-to

Ps. 82:3; Prov. 31:9

It is a misconception to think that we are above getting involved in social activism or protesting.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. The Bible is riddled with passages of Scripture reminding

us of our duties to our surrounding communities. Those who claim to be righteous by means of

the blood of Jesus should be able to bring relief, not only to the poor but to all who are afflicted,

weak, fatherless, and destitute (Ps. 82:3). Sounds nice, but how does one help those who can’t

help themselves?

The first thing to do is see the issues around you. Sounds simple enough, but for some of us, it

may take some training. We are naturally selfish, so seeing an issue that affects someone other

than us may be difficult. Always take notes on what can be done to bring relief to the community

around your house or church. If you can’t see, then ask your local city hall community organizers

what you can do to help the city.

The second thing you do after identifying a need is “say something.” Start the conversation and

bring awareness to the issue. Some may not even know that there is a need in their own

backyard. Bringing awareness to issues in our society brings people that much closer to wanting

to help solve those issues. It is our job as Christians to identify and bring awareness, but that is

where so many of us stop. We see an article or post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or

Snapchat, and our hearts break. We talk about it with our immediate circle of friends, and then

we do nothing.

In America, Homeland Security and many police departments have the slogan “See something,

say something.” While it may be enough for those entities, it is not enough for us. Saying

something shouldn’t be the extent of your contribution to solving the problem. The next step is to

organize and bring relief to those who need it. We must do something now. You don’t have to go

far to be of service. Missions are one way of addressing a need, but you can also pour yourself

into your surrounding community. We can’t reach people for Christ unless they know we care.

So, see the issues, say something, and then organize and do something.

SEE. SAY. DO!

REACT

1. What are the needs of the community you or your church belongs to?

2. What organizations are bringing awareness to the issues?

3. How can you contribute to helping solve the issues within your community?

Daniel Madden, Alberta, Canada

Callout: SEE. SAY. DO!

Thursday

September 5

An Inescapable Responsibility

Opinion

Prov. 31:8, 9; Jer. 22:3; Luke 4:18, 19

The first phrase of Proverbs 31:8 reads, “Open your mouth” in the English Standard Version.

The New International Version renders it “Speak up,” and it is “Open thy mouth” in the King

James Version.

The term social justice evokes emotions that illuminate two easily conflated realities. First, the

term has become politicized, frequently used as a surrogate for policies that benefit racial

minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, immigrants, and other marginalized groups. Second,

policies that benefit these individuals are generally associated with one particular political party.

Together, these twisting realities generate an atmosphere of politically driven hostility toward

those who advocate on behalf of these individuals. For proof, look no further than the scathing

epitaphs used to diminish and dismiss those known as social justice warriors, or SJWs. Many

first-world Christians struggle to accept policies that have a social justice flavor.

However, while some Christians would prefer to live out these verses through their political

participation, Scripture is perfectly clear about our individual obligation. Open thy mouth. Speak

up. This biblical principle is repeated ad nauseam throughout both testaments. As written in

Proverbs, this is a two-step process:

First, we must identify who are our mute, our poor, and our needy. This is no easy task. Serious

and difficult questions surround merely the scope of this prong. Should we pick out the poor in

the world? In our hemisphere? Country? State? County? City? Neighborhood? Block? While the

Adventist denomination often has a global institutional emphasis, it may be easier for the

individual to maintain a localized focus.

Once we choose a geographic space, we must decide who, within that space, qualifies as the

mute, the poor, and the needy. The poor and needy are somewhat self-explanatory, but what

about the mute? Sure, this could literally mean “those who cannot speak,” but this may also

mean “those who cannot stand up for themselves.” Who these people may be will vary greatly

from community to community. However, powerlessness is as universal as sin. Those with the

ability to speak must speak. Open thy mouth.

REACT

1. Should the biblical command to speak up on behalf of the mute, poor, and needy be limited to

individual contributions or expanded to political action?

2. How should one determine who qualifies as the mute, the poor, and the needy?

3. What role does the local church have, as a collective body of voices, in advocating for social

justice causes?

Charles Eaton, Loma Linda, California, USA

Callout: Scripture is perfectly clear about our individual obligation.

Friday

September 6

Consider Their Cause

Exploration

Prov. 29:7

CONCLUDE

“The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, the wicked does not understand such

concern” (Prov. 29:7, NASB). There is a basic nature to the righteous, and a portion of that is

how we respond to the cause of the oppressed. This is not something you do to gain favor with

God; it is evidence that the Spirit of the Most High God dwells within you. And here we find that

a marker of the wicked is their inability to empathize with those whom God empathizes with.

And is not the God of the Bible the God of the oppressed? We would do well to consider our

positions on the issues that will define our times, lest our opinions condemn us before a righteous

God.

CONSIDER

Educating yourself. Find documentaries, books, and news articles that challenge your

perspectives on hot-button topics such as illegal immigration, overseas conflicts, the

global refugee crisis, LBGTQ+ issues, global warming, mass incarceration, and other

social justice issues.

Connecting with needy communities. Immerse yourself in communities that are facing

obstacles and oppression and listen to their stories. And after listening to them, ask

questions from a place of humility and empathy with a desire to find common ground.

Getting involved. Ask how you can be of service in communities that have needs and

enter the fight as just that, a servant. Remember that they are the experts, and your duty is

to use your privileges to assist their cause, not to define their cause for them.

Challenging others to engage the needs around them. When you come across people in

your community, challenge them with your newfound information and experiences and

hold them accountable for their words and actions.

Defending the weak. If you are out in the streets or online and see someone from an

oppressed community being accosted, with wisdom, stand in the gap and defend them.

That could look like speaking on their behalf, contacting a manager or a police officer, or

escorting that person to safety and waiting with them until the situation has de-escalated.

Committing yourself to a cause. Find a cause(s) or community that you are passionate

about and become their lifelong advocate.

Remembering why you are involved. Remember that this is true religion.

CONNECT

Deuteronomy 10:18; 27:19; Proverbs 14:31; 28:27; Micah 6:8; Luke 10:30–37.

Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, pp. 25, 26; The Desire of Ages, p. 640.

Robert Allen Bailey, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA

lesson eleven

September 7–13

Living the Advent Hope

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the

Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58, NKJV).

Sabbath

September 7

A Hope or a Promise?

Introduction

Titus 2:12, 13

Like most of us, I hope that one day I will get married. It is a nice dream, and I look forward to

seeing it fulfilled. There are things that I can do to prepare for this step in life, but a person can

go only so far. I can get an education, learn life skills, and continue to grow in my walk with the

Lord, but other steps in preparation will have to wait till later.

But what if I get engaged? I would still be hoping to get married, but there’s a difference now:

promise. It has been promised to me that I will get married. Now I will buy a dress, make

wedding arrangements, maybe look for good deals on kitchen appliances, and prepare to move to

a new home. See the difference? Before I had only a hope to get married, but when I had a

promise that I would get married, everything changed.

What about us in our Christian walk? Do we simply hope that Jesus is coming again, or do we

have a promise? The Bible says it’s a promise. Jesus Himself said, “I will come again” (John

14:3). This is something we can truly put confidence in. But if our belief in Christ does not

govern every thought and action, do we really believe it? His words are so powerful that it is

impossible to fully embrace this promise without it changing every aspect of our existence. It

will change how we live. It will change our perspective and our actions. It will change how we

interact with other people.

For far too many Christians today, and yes, even Seventh-day Adventists, Christianity is just a

convenient culture. It governs the things we do, where we go, what we listen to, and what we

watch only when it conveniently aligns with our preferences. We choose to do what we like and

hope that God will be OK with it. We become very selfish in our mindset and care only about

making ourselves successful. We forget that there is a world to reach, and not much time to do it.

And the world to reach is not just in a remote jungle. It can be in our communities, schools,

churches, and associations.

Do you live to show others how the promise of Jesus’ soon return has changed your life, or do

you hope that someone else will share the light? We have a duty to spread this good news to

everyone, especially the least of these, so that they can also be saved in His kingdom. We are

called to live this hope—this promise—every day of our lives!

Lesa Downs, Missouri, USA

Callout: Like most of us, I hope that one day I will get married.

Sunday

September 8

Living the Advent Hope

Logos

Eccles. 12:13, 14; Job 19:25; 2 Cor. 5:19; Eph. 2:14; Heb. 2:14, 15; Rev. 13:8

The First Hope (2 Cor. 5:19; Eph. 2:14; Rev. 13:8)

After the fall of Adam and Eve the first sign of hope was seen. Adam and Eve, because of their

disobedience, lost everything—their occupation, their livelihood, their clothing, their home, and

their hope. But, God came down and promised them that a Savior would be born through their

seed (Gen. 3:15).

Although they would be subject to death, Adam and Eve did not die that day in the Garden of

Eden. The “lamb [was] slain from the foundation of the world,” and the plan to save humanity

was put in place (Rev. 13:8). Through the depth of unknown love, God loved a world that did not

love Him in return. He gave up His Son to a people who “did not receive Him” (John 3:16, 17;

1:11, NKJV). Thus, through the sacrifice of Jesus, the barrier of sin would be broken down

(2 Cor. 5:19; Eph. 2:14) and all could have hope again.

Therefore this plan, although difficult in its execution, allowed Jesus to come into the world to

redeem, to buy back, His people (Ps. 34:22; Isa. 44:22–24). Through this method of redemption,

God’s people could once again be heirs of salvation (Heb. 1:14). Jesus would live among us as

one of us. He would be “made like” us and be tempted “in all points” like us, yet He would not

succumb to temptation (Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:15). Because He overcame, tempted humanity would

now have hope (Rev. 3:21).

Hope in Temptation

Although humanity has become “subject to bondage” through their disobedience to God and

their obedience to Satan, Jesus gives us hope (Heb. 2:14, 15). There is no longer a fear that

temptation, regardless of its apparent difficulty, cannot be overcome. Because Jesus “has

suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (Heb. 2:18, NKJV). Humanity

now has hope in the same power through which Jesus overcame. Through acceptance of Jesus,

humanity can be reborn (John 1:12, 13; Rom. 1:16).

Jesus “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for

Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14, NKJV). God is faithful,

and He always provides a way of escape in the midst of any temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). Hope is

offered even in temptation.

Hope After Death

As a conclusion to life, death is often pictured as the end. That’s how it appeared when Jesus

died. The disciples hid “for fear of the Jews” (John 20:19). But, it was through the death of

Christ that hope was secured for our salvation, and it was through the resurrection of Christ that

hope was restored (1 Pet. 1:3, 21).

Without the resurrection of Christ, our preaching, our lives, our faith—everything is futile

(1 Cor. 15:12–19, 22, 23). However, because Christ was resurrected, our final enemy, death, will

be destroyed (1 Cor. 15:26).

It may appear that sin, and its results, will continue to raise its ugly head and that it will never be

avenged (Hab. 1:2; Luke 18:1–8). However, when Cain killed Abel, the Lord responded, “ ‘The

voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground’ ” (Gen. 4:10, NKJV). Each of

God’s faithful who have been persecuted and oppressed will see the Lord’s justice and judgment.

Moses, in his final address to the children of Israel, described God’s vengeance in these words:

“ ‘ “And there is no God besides Me; . . . nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.” ’ ”

“ ‘ “ ‘My hand takes hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to My enemies, and repay those

who hate Me.’ ” ’ ” “ ‘For He will avenge the blood of His servants, and render vengeance to His

adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people’ ” (Deut. 32:39, 41, 43,

NKJV). What greater adversary does God have than sin and the originator of temptation, Satan?

The Blessed Hope

One day soon, Jesus will come to gather His own. He who suffered and tasted “death for

everyone” is alive (Heb. 2:9, NKJV). The Redeemer lives (Job 19:25). And, because Christ is

alive, His promises can be trusted. He has overcome the world, and therefore He offers peace

and hope (John 16:33). He is preparing a place for His own. He is coming again to take us to

where He is (John 14:1–3). “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not

tarry. Now the just shall live by faith” (Heb. 10:37, 38). He has paid the price; He has redeemed

His own; He is coming soon.

Hope in the New

When all is said and done, when sin has run its course, then judgment will complete its course

(Eccles. 12:13, 14). “ ‘The God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be

destroyed; . . . and it shall stand forever’ ” (Dan. 2:44, NKJV). In that kingdom, whose streets are

paved with gold, every tear will wiped away. In that city, “ ‘there shall be no more death, nor

sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain’ ” there because He who sits on the throne will

say, “ ‘Behold, I make all things new’ ” (Rev. 21:4, 5, NKJV).

REACT

1. How can I allow the hope of Jesus’ redemption shape my life?

2. What aspects of God’s hope mean the most to me?

Malcolm S. Douglas, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Callout: Because Christ is alive, His promises can be trusted.

Monday

September 9

People of the Book: Keep Reading

Testimony

Matt. 25:40

Many of us have a wealth of experience in discussing Matthew 24 within a variety of contexts—

evangelistic seminars, small group Bible studies, and Sabbath afternoon conversations, for

instance. This is clearly worthwhile, for the words of Jesus about what will unfold before His

glorious return to earth are of immeasurable value. With that said, His discourse includes many

more components besides false christs, natural disasters, and international conflict. It even goes

beyond the parables He shared to help His followers better perceive the nature of His kingdom

from multiple angles.

We would do well to devote just as much time and attention to chapter 25, especially the latter

half. Feeding the hungry, covering the exposed, healing the sick, and visiting the lonely mean

just as much (if not more) to our preparation for eternityas does being keenly aware of

apocalyptic signs.

“Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have known little of theology, but they

have cherished His principles. Through the influence of the divine Spirit they have been a

blessing to those about them. Even among the heathen are those who have cherished the spirit of

kindness; before the words of life had fallen upon their ears, they have befriended the

missionaries, even ministering to them at the peril of their own lives. Among the heathen are

those who worship God ignorantly, those to whom the light is never brought by human

instrumentality, yet they will not perish. Though ignorant of the written law of God, they have

heard His voice speaking to them in nature, and have done the things that the law required. Their

works are evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recognized as the

children of God.

“How surprised and gladdened will be the lowly among the nations, and among the heathen, to

hear from the lips of the Saviour, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My

brethren, ye have done it unto Me’! How glad will be the heart of Infinite Love as His followers

look up with surprise and joy at His words of approval!”54

“Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to

make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us. And when His

parting words are fulfilled, ‘Love one another, as I have loved you’ (John 15:12); when we love

the world as He has loved it, then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven;

for we have heaven in our hearts.”55

REACT

54. Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 638.55. Ibid., p. 641.

1. What is the ideal motivation for exercising loving service to others, even—especially—those

who are particularly difficult to love?

2. Are there any connections between meeting people’s needs and proclaiming the three angels’

messages and other missives of prophetic import?

John Simon, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA

Callout: Feeding the hungry, covering the exposed, healing the sick, and visiting the lonely mean

just as much (if not more) to our preparation for eternity as does being keenly aware of

apocalyptic signs.

Tuesday

September 10

The Patience of the Saints

Evidence

Hab. 1:2; Luke 18:1–8; Rev. 21:1–5

God’s people have looked forward to the end of sin ever since Adam and Eve were kicked out of

the Garden of Eden. When God made them leave the Garden, He made known to them His plan

for Jesus to come someday and die in their place.

Throughout the centuries and millennia, the faith of God’s people in the blessed hope fluctuated.

Even the prophet Habakkuk experienced this. Within the first few verses of the book that bears

his name, the prophet cried, “O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! Even cry out

unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!” (Hab. 1:2).

Habakkuk didn’t understand why God wasn’t dealing with the sins of his day. But in Luke 18,

Jesus told a parable that helps to answer Habakkuk’s question. No doubt, many of us share the

same question today. In this parable, there is a woman who is a widow. She went to a judge and

continued going time after time. And time after time, she was rejected.

Eventually, the judge took care of her problem because he was tired of her coming. This parable,

by contrast, helps us to understand God’s character. God will one day put an end to sin, and that,

quite soon. “Nevertheless,” Jesus says, “when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the

earth?” (Luke 18:8).

God has promised. The challenge is with us. Will we let Him transform our hearts? As difficult

as waiting may be, God’s people are described in His Word as being patient. “Here is the

patience of the saints” (Rev. 14:12). The word in this verse for patience literally means “cheerful

(or hopeful) endurance.”

Many, many people have experienced the heartache of losing loved ones. Others have been

abused. Still others have been attacked and robbed. Whatever the issue is, we have God’s

promises in His Word that it will all end someday soon. It is often difficult to wait cheerfully for

God’s deliverance. But this is why He gave us His promises.

Toward the end of Revelation, God gives us a beautiful promise of what He has prepared for His

faithful children. He tells us, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall

be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former

things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4).

God will blot out our tears. He will make all things new, and nothing that has made this life

miserable will be allowed to bother His children ever again.

REACT

1. What are some ways that we can encourage each other to persevere on the way to heaven?

2. How can we be cheerfully and patiently waiting for God to fulfill His promise of a new earth?

Gabriel Taylor, Jefferson, Texas, USA

Callout: God has promised. The challenge is with us.

Wednesday

September 11

Shout It Out

How-to

Matt. 10:5–8; 25:31–46; 28:18–20

There is something about getting good news that makes it hard to keep it to yourself. There is a

need to share it with others. It makes you want to grab a megaphone and shout it from the

mountaintop—or, rather, post it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat.

There is good news that needs to be shared. The Advent hope! The hope of Jesus’ soon return!

Along with great hope comes great responsibility. The world needs to know He is coming soon.

Not only do they need to know of His soon return, but they need to be ready.

How do you tell the world about the Advent hope?

The lost sheep (Matt. 10:5–8). Take the message to those who do not know about God. Start with

your friends. Do all of them know who God is? Do they all believe in Jesus? Do they all know

that Jesus’ return is imminent? Invite them to church socials and vespers. Invite them to church.

Offer to do a Bible study with them. Walk the walk and talk the talk. Show them through the

way you live that God is love. But reach the lost sheep.

Do unto the least of these (Matt. 25:31–46). One of the greatest witnesses is treating others the

way you would treat Jesus. Share your food with someone who is hungry. It could be a homeless

person, or it could be someone who didn’t have enough money for groceries that day. Get

involved in prison ministries outreach. Sing at a nursing home. Donate unneeded clothing to a

shelter or community services. Maybe someone is hungry for the Word of God and not for food.

Share the gospel through GLOW tracts, pamphlets, and Bible studies. Whatever you have done

to the least of these, you have done it to God.

The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20). Tell all the world. Teach all nations. The Great

Commission is an imperative. You do not have to go to another country to be a missionary. Each

person has their own mission field. It could be in your home, at school, at your job, in your

neighborhood. Tell your neighbors about the wonderful coming of our Lord and Savior. The

hardest place to be a missionary is sometimes right in your own home. Teach others about the

love of Jesus.

REACT

1. Think of three people in your circle who do not have a relationship with Jesus. Pray for them.

Pray for a way to share Jesus with them.

2. Do you find it easy or hard to share Jesus with your family? What is one way you could share

Jesus with your family this week?

3. The great Advent hope helps us prepare others for the hope to come. Think of people outside

your circle. What steps could you take to share this great hope? What is something that is

preventing you from sharing? Pray that God can help you overcome this obstacle.

Brandy Taylor, Jefferson, Texas, USA

Callout: The hardest place to be a missionary is sometimes right in your own home.

Thursday

September 12

Restore the Breach

Opinion

Isaiah 58:1–14

Isaiah 58 starts out by introducing to us a people who are extremely religious. These people

delight to worship God. They are fasting for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They are going to

a camp meeting in search of a special blessing upon their lives. But God says that they are all

wrong. They will not receive a special blessing. They will not receive the Spirit. Why?

They are fasting for the wrong reasons. They are doing this for all the wrong reasons. They are

going to a camp meeting for strife. They want to fight, argue, and debate with each other. But the

Lord also points out another reason they won’t receive the Spirit. His people cherish a spirit of

selfishness within their hearts. They take whatever blessings God has given to them and keep

them all for themselves.

Isaiah 58 isn’t about political parties. It isn’t about telling you which political agenda or group to

identify with and follow on social media so that you can be trending. It’s about character

development. It’s about taking personal responsibility for the things that are happening in this

world and doing something about it. Since when has Christianity relied upon legislation to tell

them it’s OK to do good things? If we believe that we can offload our moral obligation to some

political party or government to do the things that we should be doing, how, then, will our

character grow?

Isaiah 58 is about God wanting us to restore His law and His character in this world. When we

set about to do this, His righteousness will shine through us. When we purpose in our hearts to

reproduce the character of Christ through actions of Christlike selflessness, we will start to see

the breach restored in this world. Remember, Christ said that “the poor you will always have

with you” (Matt. 26:11, NIV). So the goal isn’t to eradicate poverty. It’s to give us the

opportunity to express the Father’s loving kindness to those in need. Once we learn this self-

sacrifice, we will learn the true nature of the Sabbath, which is sacrificing ourselves and learning

to delight ourselves in the Lord. This is a promise God wants to keep.

REACT

1. If God’s nature of being is one of selflessness and self-sacrifice, how could we possibly get

along with Him in heaven if we don’t build up a similar character here on earth?

2. In many cases, mission trips have become a form of tourism, for example, “Let’s do mission

work in Egypt so that we can also visit the pyramids.” Might it be a more efficient use of

resources to reach out to one’s own country and repurpose the funds that would have been used

on overly expensive missio-tourism?

Arthur Ujlaki-Nagy, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA

Callout: They are fasting for the wrong reasons.

Friday

September 13

Hope That Is Above and Beyond

Exploration

Eccles. 12:13, 14

CONCLUDE

In this desolate world on the brink of the most cataclysmic finale, we have been placed for such a

time as this. With despair, suffering, homelessness, disease, and death knocking at the door, we

need hope. You and I are the ones who must teach people today to look with confidence to the

promised return of Jesus to save us from this sin-filled world. The truths of the Bible must be

visible in our lives so that we might be living examples to testify of what we profess to believe,

as light shining in the darkness.

CONSIDER

Writing down why you have hope in Jesus.

Looking on YouTube for videos of people who sacrifice to bring hope to others. Then

share the videos on your social media accounts.

Drawing or painting a scene that brings you hope. Share the picture with your class on

Sabbath.

Gathering (GLOW) tracts that talk about hope and passing them out to people in a busy

area or throughout your day.

Singing or playing a song that gives you the hope and encouragement that you need to

make it through trials and difficulties.

Visiting the elderly and asking them about times when they needed hope to make it

through challenges.

Reading stories in the Bible of other Bible characters who leaned heavily upon hope.

Consider Moses, Abraham, Noah, Elijah, Daniel, or Paul, to name a few.

CONNECT

Matthew 24:32–35; 25:1–13.

Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, chap. 40, “God’s People Delivered.”

Alden J. Ho, Jefferson, Texas, USA

lesson twelve

September 14–20

To Love Mercy

“Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; he is gracious, and full of compassion, and

righteous. A good man deals graciously and lends; he will guide his affairs with discretion” (Ps.

112:4, 5, NKJV).

Sabbath

September 14

Called to Make a Difference

Introduction

Ps. 112:4, 5

As a Christian, I feel I have a moral obligation to share the good news of salvation with the

world—in doing so, I follow the example of Christ. To fully follow His example, however, I

have to do more than speak truth—I have to live it.

We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ to those around us, seeking, in whatever way

possible, to lighten the load and ease the burden of our neighbor. If we overlook meeting the

physical, mental, and emotional needs of those to whom we long to share the gospel, we will

never truly be able to meet their spiritual needs.

It’s like people say: “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”

This task of ministering to the whole person, especially in times of dire need, may be

conceivable when considering those we consider dear to our hearts—our family and friends—but

when we expand our view . . .

It can be overwhelming.

Everywhere you turn, something terrible is happening in the world. Groups of people are being

subjected to extreme violence and oppression, communities are going hungry, children are being

exploited and separated from their families, abject poverty seems to be spreading, and the greed

and selfishness of leaders at various levels of government victimize those most vulnerable in

their communities.

How can we expect to meet all of these needs? Is it even feasible to do or to try?

In and of ourselves, tackling the trials and challenges of the human race as a result of sin is an

impossible feat. But when God calls us to accomplish a task, He does not leave us without the

means to succeed. We are granted the tools needed to make a difference in our congregations,

our communities, and sometimes even the world.

We have a world to win for Christ, but we are not meant to do it alone. By the power and

guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can be compassionate, creative, and courageous in showing

people that we care. Doing this opens the door to sharing the truths of Scripture that will not only

improve people’s lives today but also give them a chance to accept eternity with a loving Savior

and Friend.

I encourage you to look at your community today. As you study this week’s lesson, ask yourself,

What can I, with the Holy Spirit’s help, do to show others that I care and want to make a

difference? You may be surprised what doors will open when you start looking for opportunities

to show mercy and love to a hurting world.

Juliana Baioni, Rockville, Maryland, USA

Callout: We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ to those around us, seeking, in whatever

way possible, to lighten the load and ease the burden of our neighbor.

Sunday

September 15

The Sin of Inequality

Evidence

Ps. 139:13–16; Jer. 1:5; Matt. 6:25–33

Matthew 6:25–33 indicates that the God who provides for the birds, flowers, and grass can meet

our needs for food, water, and clothing—we need not worry. But such an understanding of this

text generates troubling questions to the social conscience of the believer.

More than three million children die from hunger in the world each year.56 They don’t say “I’m

starving to death” when they’ve missed a couple of meals. They really are starving to death!

Moreover, particularly in the developed world, many of us have practiced the principle of “shop

till you drop.” But to quote David Bornstein, “For very poor people, clothing is shelter. ‘In

earthquakes, the shake kills people; in a tsunami, the water kills people; but in winter, the cold

does not kill people. It’s the lack of proper clothing.’ ”57

How do I reconcile this teaching in Matthew 6 with those realities? First, we can’t simply say,

“Those people don’t trust God enough.” Nonsense! A baby doesn’t even know how to trust yet.

And the God I know, the God who loves me and whom I love, according to Scripture, loves and 56. “World Child Hunger Facts,” Hunger Notes, updated July 2018, https://www.worldhunger.org/world-child-

hunger-facts/.57. David Bornstein, “Bridging the Clothing Divide,” New York Times, October 3, 2012,

https://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/03/clothing-the-poorest-for-survival/.

values the life of each baby even before it comes forth from its mother’s womb (cf. Ps. 139:13–

16; Jer. 1:5)!

So, what is the answer to this dilemma?

Based on Scripture, I conclude that the number one cause of hunger, poverty, and lack of

clothing in this world is people’s sinful decisions that cause inequity. The truth is, God has

provided amply, but we have hoarded, damaged, or wasted the resources He has provided.

Romans tells us that creation—and Paul is not speaking there of humanity but the earth—groans

under the consequence of sin.

It is not lack of divine provision but lack of equity through my sinful choices and yours that

contribute to the suffering in this world. We can’t be Bible believers and deny that our choices

affect the impoverished of this world. When I read Matthew 6, I see that I have a personal

responsibility that I can’t ignore. I must have some role in feeding and clothing humanity.

REACT

1. What am I doing to contribute to the inequity of food and clothing in our world?

2. What can I do to decrease the suffering in our world in the following four areas: (1) time, (2)

finances, (3) spiritual witness, (4) mission service?

Chad Stuart, Ashton, Maryland, USA

Callout: More than three million children die from hunger in the world each year.

Monday

September 16

The Least of These

Logos

Matt. 6:25–34; 7:12; James 2:15, 16; 1 John 3:16–18

Kingdom Priorities (Matt. 6:25–34)

Jesus speaks to His listeners about worrying. He exhorts them to not worry about their life—

about what they will eat or drink, or what clothes they will wear—and gives examples of birds

and flowers that are taken care of. How much more will the heavenly Father give them all they

need? He knows what we need.

Then Jesus adds the punchline to His lesson: “ ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His

righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ ” (Matt. 6:33, NKJV). Life is about

priorities. Not worrying comes with focusing on what is most important—the kingdom of God,

which stands for a relationship with God. When we focus on building our relationship with God

first and foremost, Jesus promises that God will provide what we need. That doesn’t mean that

God will give us everything we want every time but that we will have what we need and more.

Therefore, helping the needy also most importantly means pointing them toward the One who

provides all we need. When we give things over to God, we are free from nagging thoughts and

anxieties about life. Difficulties happen in everyone’s life, but those who prioritize Jesus, claim

God’s Word, and call on God for help can trust that He holds it all in His hands and will take

care of them. Sometimes we have to wait for circumstances to change as God teaches us about

Himself and develops us through the process. Yes, we can be assured that God is working.

Compassion Fatigue (Matt. 7:12; James 2:15, 16)

There are times when we hear about someone’s need and realize that we don’t have compassion

for their situation, at least not enough to do anything about it. We can become desensitized to

need when we are bombarded by news of tragedies or when they are far enough removed that

they don’t directly affect us. If we see a homeless person begging day after day, we can lose the

desire to help—we become compassion fatigued.

That is perhaps why Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, stated, “ ‘Whatever you want men to do

to you, do also to them’ ” (Matt. 7:12, NKJV). We call it the golden rule. Interestingly, Jesus

emphasizes that doing so is the “Law and the Prophets.” In other words, treating others well is a

summary of the main message found in the Bible. In Jesus’ estimation, when we read the Bible

properly, we will be impressed to do good deeds.

Thus, being immersed in the Word of God and spending time with Him every day will keep us

from having compassion fatigue and inspire us to make a difference for others. James

emphasizes that we are not to send someone away when we see a need and just tell them that we

will pray for them; instead, we need to act. He ends the passage with “faith by itself, if it does

not have works, is dead” (James 2:17, NKJV). He is talking about a practical demonstration of

having faith—by our works we show faith.

Generosity (1 John 3:16–18)

In several places, the Bible encourages us to give generously. First John 3:17 says, “Whoever has

this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the

love of God abide in him?” (NKJV). This verse comes after John explains what real love is—

Jesus laying down His life for us. Then he urges us to do the same for one another.

The word kleio means “to close” or “to shut” and is used in the New Testament for doors, gates,

or heavens being shut or locked. The image is about the door of our hearts being locked so that

we don’t respond to the needs that we see. We may use such excuses as “I have my own bills to

pay,” “I have school debts still,” or “we are already doing enough.” This verse does not promote

irresponsible giving when the needy person is fiscally reckless, but, rather, it speaks against

closing our eyes to another’s need. We may not always give financially; giving of time or other

resources may be just as important.

Peacemaking (Matt. 5:9, 21–26, 43–48)

“Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt. 5:9). Doing good deeds includes peacemaking.

Jesus uplifts peacemakers in the Sermon on the Mount and further explains what He means by it

through a couple of examples: “be reconciled to your brother” (Matt. 5:24, NKJV) and “love

your enemies” (verse 44, NKJV).

Reconciliation and asking for forgiveness are important aspects of relationships. One cannot

have a successful marriage without the willingness to forgive and move on when the other

person fails to live up to expectations. In any friendship, people must be willing to forgive.

However, Jesus goes beyond peacemaking in friendship when He says that we are to love our

enemies and to “agree with [our] adversary” (verse 25). Loving those who love us, Jesus says,

everyone does. But as believers, we are to love and bless those who curse us, use us, and

persecute us. Jesus ends the passage with “you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is

perfect” (verse 48). Clearly, in the context, Jesus asks us to be perfect in love. We can do that

only when we are full of God’s love and understand His love for us.

A Voice for the Voiceless (Prov. 31:8, 9)

Lastly, the Bible exhorts us to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. In

Proverbs 31, King Lemuel prods his son, “open your mouth for the speechless” (verse 8, NKJV)

and “plead the cause of the poor and needy” (verse 9, NKJV). He doesn’t want his son to

overlook the importance of speaking up for those who can’t do it for themselves. Sometimes they

won’t do it for themselves because they either don’t see it making any difference or have never

seen anyone standing up for them and don’t expect it or believe that something better is possible.

Thus, God calls us to be the voice against injustice and oppression.

Andrea Jakobsons, Laurel, Maryland, USA

Callout: Being immersed in the Word of God and spending time with Him every day will keep

us from having compassion fatigue.

Tuesday

September 17

The Cause

Testimony

Prov. 31:8, 9

“Among all whose needs demand our interest, the widow and the fatherless have the strongest

claims upon our tender sympathy and care. ‘Pure religion and undefiled before God and the

Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted

from the world.’

“. . . And how does the Lord provide for these bereaved ones? . . . He works a miracle upon

human hearts. He expels selfishness from the soul; He unseals the fountain of benevolence. He

tests the love of His professed followers by committing to their tender mercies the afflicted and

bereaved ones, the poor and the orphan. . . . Every kind act done to them in the name of Jesus is

accepted by Him as if done to Himself, for He identifies His interest with that of suffering

humanity, and He has entrusted to His church the grand work of ministering to Jesus by helping

and blessing the needy and suffering. On all who shall minister to them with willing hearts the

blessing of the Lord will rest.”58

58. Ellen G. White, Welfare Ministry, p. 214.

“Those who do not recognize the claims of God are not the only ones who are in distress and in

need of help. In the world today, where selfishness, greed, and oppression rule, many of the

Lord’s true children are in need and affliction. In lowly, miserable places, surrounded with

poverty, disease, and guilt, many are patiently bearing their own burden of suffering, and trying

to comfort the hopeless and sin-stricken about them. Many of them are almost unknown to the

churches or to the ministers; but they are the Lord’s lights, shining amid the darkness. For these

the Lord has a special care, and He calls upon His people to be His helping hand in relieving

their wants. Wherever there is a church, special attention should be given to searching out this

class and ministering to them.”59

“ ‘As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are

of the household of faith’ (Gal. 6:10).

“In a special sense Christ has laid upon His church the duty of caring for the needy among its

own members. He suffers His poor to be in the borders of every church. They are always to be

among us, and He places upon the members of the church a personal responsibility to care for

them. As the members of a true family care for one another, ministering to the sick, supporting

the weak, teaching the ignorant, training the inexperienced, so is the ‘household of faith’ to care

for its needy and helpless ones.

“It is the duty of each church to make careful, judicious arrangements for the care of its poor and

sick.”60

59. Ellen G. White, Counsels on Health, p. 14.60. Ellen G. White, My Life Today, p. 245.

REACT

1. God asks us to take up the cause of those who are poor, widowed, or orphaned. Why does He

ask this of us? What does it have to do with our relationship with Him?

2. Has God given the task of caring for the needy to the church or to the individual? Why?

Brianna Lale, Nice, France

Callout: “He suffers His poor to be in the borders of every church.”

Wednesday

September 18

SJW: So as Jesus Walked

How-to

1 John 2:5, 6

Social justice issues flood the headlines of the media. Injustice affects all from the rich down to

the poor of all ethnicities. Some take the causes of social injustices to the extreme, perhaps even

using them for selfish reasons; these are called social justice warriors, or SJWs.

Followers of Christ are encouraged “to walk, even as he [Christ] walked” (1 John 2:6), and He

walked in love because “in him verily is the love of God perfected” (verse 5). We see examples

of this walk in the early church in Acts 2 and 4. We see examples of this in our Master Himself

in His ministry to the untouchables: lepers, blind, lame, prostitutes, and social outcasts. But what

are we to do in the twenty-first century? And how are we different from the next SJW?

Always point to Christ and the blessed hope soon to come. When you go out to minister to

others, you may be asked why you do it. Point them to Christ (cf. 1 Pet. 3:15). Confess Christ

before men (cf. Luke 12:8). Tell them of what He has done in your life. Even if you think of it as

small or uninteresting, confess Him. Take God at His promise that as you acknowledge Him

publicly, He will do likewise for you (Matt. 10:32). Tell them that this present life of sorrow and

pain will soon end. Tell them of the promise of a “new heavens and a new earth, wherein

dwelleth righteousness” (2 Pet. 3:13) and of the glories that come with the earth made new (Rev.

21; 22). Herein lies one difference between us helping and ministering to others and others who

know not Christ—we have hope to share.

Remember and share why you are doing this. When going out to help in any respect, remember

that you are a tool. You are not doing this, but Christ working in you (Phil. 2:13). Christ is the

handyman; you are the hammer.

Seek to minister every day. Before embarking on your day, ask God to place opportunities in

your way so that you can minister to others and share Christ. Ask for discernment to see

situations as God sees.

REACT

1. Why do we go out and march for social reforms?

2. What are some of the social injustices are you passionate about?

3. Do you think Jesus would march, and for what cause?

Jamaal Roberts, College Park, Maryland, USA

Callout: Tell them of what He has done in your life.

Thursday

September 19

It’s Easy! (Or Is It?)

Opinion

Matt. 22:35–40; 1 Corinthians 13

In church, we tend to skip over the “love” mandate (Matt. 22:35–40), because, well, we already

know that part. And love is easy. Isn’t it?

Truthfully, it’s the hardest thing God asks of us, and it’s not something that we can do on our

own. Why not? Simply, people are terrible. Just take one look at this world: people traffick other

people, selling them into the sex trade or forcing them to work for nothing. People are greedy,

working the system to maximize their profits at the expense of others’ well-being. People are

lazy, avoiding the trials of life because of fear and insecurity and taking the easy way out. People

cruelly voice the darkest parts of themselves online and in person. People cause destruction

everywhere they go.

So no, it’s not easy to love because Christ never clarified that He meant for us to love only those

who look and live like us; the ones whose lives we approve of; those who have the “right”

aspirations. He never even said we only had to love the nice ones. There is no clarification

because it’s a blanket statement. He means everyone.

The challenge for each of us is figuring out what this looks like in our lives, practically speaking.

As everything gets busier and more chaotic, finding time and energy to put into loving nonstop

gets harder. Because love is hard work. It requires vulnerability, authenticity, and a God-given

love for others. This doesn’t come naturally, and it also takes practice.

You can be too busy to love. You can also forget that this is your most important mission from

God. Find a way to plan for love—schedule it, come up with creative ways to demonstrate God’s

love in your community, and keep yourself accountable. Love multiplies. When you share it, you

never run out, because love keeps growing.

You can and should be generous—recklessly so—with your love. It’s God’s gift that we are

meant to share, and it takes many forms. Love looks like standing up with and for the voiceless

(Prov. 31:8, 9), advocating for the downtrodden and outcasts (Isa. 1:17), and treating the

strangers among us fairly and kindly (Lev. 19:33, 34). The Bible makes it clear that actions are

expected, not just words. Jesus tells of a people so dedicated to living out God’s love in practical

ways that they don’t question who they are helping (Matt. 25:31–46). They just love.

Trust God to figure out the details. Trust Him to be glorified through your humility. Trust Him to

work miracles. He only asked you to love. He didn’t ask you to save the world. But by throwing

yourself wholeheartedly into love, the world just might be saved anyway, one person at a time.

Try saying this prayer: “God, I need help loving the way You love. I don’t have it in me, but You

are strong enough to fill my heart with Your love. Show me where I often choose to be unloving,

and teach me to be excited about sharing Your love with everyone.”

REACT

1. What is the connection between social justice and love? Why are these intertwined?

2. What holds you back from being recklessly generous with your love?

Kayla J. Ewert, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA

Callout: You can be too busy to love.

Friday

September 20

Come, You Blessed of My Father

Exploration

Isa. 61:1, 2; 58:6

CONCLUDE

Social justice has become heavily politicized in recent decades, and especially so in recent years.

This has caused many Christians to abstain from becoming involved in such issues. However, by

Jesus’ example, we see that we are called to be active participants in this arena.

Much of Jesus’ ministry while on earth was focused on providing justice and mercy to oppressed

and marginalized individuals. Jesus fulfilled the words of Isaiah that stated that He would “ ‘tell

the Good News to the poor’ ” and “ ‘tell the prisoners of sin that they are free, . . . tell the blind

that they can see again’ ”and “ ‘free those who have been treated unfairly, and to announce the

time when the Lord will show kindness to his people’ ” (Luke 4:18, 19, ICB).

Ultimately, as we seek to follow Jesus’ mandate to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe

the naked, take care of the sick, and visit the imprisoned, our involvement must be rooted in a

desire to see God’s love and mercy shared with all people across all sectors of life.

CONSIDER

Reading a few of Jesus’ miracles and interactions with people of questionable character

(suggestions: Mark 2:13–17; Luke 5:12–16; 7:1–10; 14:1–6; John 7:53–8:11) and

identifying the individuals who received His physical and spiritual healing. Compare and

contrast how He treated each person with how society might treat that person today.

Researching the term social justice and prayerfully allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your

personal philosophy on issues of social justice.

Connecting with a local community organization to learn more about how you can

become involved in current projects to assist marginalized individuals in your

community. If no opportunities exist, consider creating an opportunity.

Writing an encouraging letter to someone you know who may be experiencing injustice

or discrimination in their life.

Creating a visual representation of compassion through a drawing, painting, or another art

form.

Listening to and meditating on the song “God of the Poor (Beauty for Brokenness)” by

Graham Kendrick at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08utbDFP9AE.

CONNECT

Matthew 25:31–46; Luke 4:14–30; 17:1–4; John 4:5–42.

Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, chap. 43, “Barriers Broken Down.”

C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, chap. 23

Lerone Carson, Columbia, Maryland, USA

lesson thirteen

September 21–27

A Community of Servants

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Heb. 10:23, 24,

NKJV).

Sabbath

September 21

The Pride Ride

Introduction

Matt. 17:28; Heb. 10:22–24

Sean took pride in his new car. Aside from the novelty of owning his first car, he was also one of

those people who truly valued the things that he worked hard to obtain. He would take great

pride in washing and cleaning his car himself with the greatest attention to detail. He would

spend hours vacuuming the floor carpets, steam cleaning the seats, and cleaning every possible

cranny where dust could be found. He would polish his car regularly and even bought

professional equipment to guarantee maximum aesthetic excellence. He was no stranger to

flattering comments on the pristine condition of his vehicle—his pride and joy.

Regrettably, Sean’s car served little purpose for anyone besides himself. Any passenger would

have to endure scornful remarks about their dirty feet soiling his plush floor mats or crumbs from

their meal getting into his seats. Sean would outright refuse friends and family members a ride

simply because he had just cleaned his car and didn’t want to get it dirty again. He would

complain about the price of fuel if anyone requested his assistance. Sean’s car became an idol to

which he was devoted and committed. People around him soon became reluctant to approach

him on anything to do with his precious car. What’s worse is that Sean’s pride in his ride

prevented him from realizing that he was being cold to the people whom he was meant to care

for.

As an organized community of believers, we often find ourselves in Sean’s position. We go to

great lengths to equip our churches with everything necessary for their maintenance. We become

so consumed with the physical condition of the church that we lose sight of our purpose. The

church was established to be a lighthouse in the community, a shining beacon of hope, the body

of Christ wholly engaged in service to those around it. Just as Christ came “not to be ministered

unto, but to minister” (Matt. 17:28), we are to serve others. Ministering not only refers to our

commission to teach, preach, and baptize but includes responding to the cries for help in our

communities and meeting those specific needs. This week let us remember our true purpose as

the body of Christ. Let us seek to draw others to Him. Let the church not be consumed in the

pride ride but be consumed with the journey to becoming a mission-minded community.

Steven Ignacio, Arima, Trinidad

Callout: People around him soon became reluctant to approach him on anything to do with his

precious car.

Sunday

September 22

The Greatest Gift

Logos

Exod. 32:1–14, 28; John 3:16; Rom. 12:10; 1 Cor. 2:14; 13:3; Gal. 6:9; Heb. 10:23, 24; Rev.

14:12

Living in the Past (Exod. 32:1–14, 28; 1 Cor. 2:14)

In the book of Exodus, God’s chosen people openly disregard His covenant as they worship the

golden calf. The past life of bondage in Egypt seemed but a fleeting memory as they were caught

up in their selfish lusts and propensity for pagan worship. As they continued to live in the past,

not forsaking their old ways, the people suffered a fatal blow in Exodus 32:28 when “the sons of

Levi did according to the words of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that

day” (NKJV). Instead of serving God through worship and keeping His commandments, they

chose to serve fallible gods and their carnal indulgences.

The church today faces similar setbacks. Besides the common distractions of day-to-day

operations, many are caught up in their personal agendas and disputes. In 1 Corinthians, Paul

addresses the problems, pressures, and struggles of a church called out of pagan society. In his

words of counsel he states, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the

churches of the saints” (1 Cor. 14:33, NKJV). He beseeches the people to love the church and the

people in it so that they can show that love to the community.

Transformed to Serve (John 3:16; Rev. 14:12)

When we surrender our lives to Christ, we become transformed and understand that the gospel is

not just a mere set of facts to believe; it is a life to be lived. The life of a Christian is a life of

service. God’s remnant people are referred to as “those who keep the commandments of God and

the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12). To keep God’s commandments, we must love Him, and to love

Him is to serve Him. The foundation of our very existence is love.

In John 3:16 Jesus tells Nicodemus, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten

Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (NKJV). God’s

love for us is unconditional, but we do not fully comprehend what this means: There is nothing

we can do or say to earn His love. We need to believe and serve—not to be saved but because we

are saved. As God continues His work in us, His character is revealed and we become more like

Him. It is through this transformation that we can do His work with sincerity and passion.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving (1 Cor. 13:3; Rom. 12:10)

God’s love is the gift that keeps on giving. As Christians, having experienced this love, we ought

not to keep it to ourselves. It is with great consideration that we must take heed to the words of

the apostle Paul in Romans 12, where he beseeches the people to present themselves as living

sacrifices to God, serving Him with spiritual gifts. Paul also encourages to “be kindly

affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another”

(verse 10, NKJV).

Now comes the outworking of love, which can sometimes be challenging even for the church.

For can we love others and not serve them? In Paul’s words, “And though I bestow all my goods

to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me

nothing” (1 Cor. 13:3, NKJV). For us to minister to those in need, we need to understand this

love and experience it ourselves. God knows our hearts, and if we do His work with an insincere

heart, it will certainly displease Him. The love of God needs to abide in us. Only then can we be

motivated to manifest this love to those within the church and the community.

Excel in Giving (Gal. 6:9; Heb. 10: 23, 24)

As a community of servants for Christ, we must also be generous and do good without

complaining and disputing (cf. Gal. 6:9). As we live before the world, to excel in giving, we

must not become disheartened by the evil that surrounds us. We must keep our focus on God, the

One who gives us all that we need to serve Him in the church and in the community. God’s work

must continue, even with the challenges that may appear from time to time.

Paul writes, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised

is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Heb. 10:23,

24, ESV). The church must understand that its main function is to serve as a beacon of light in a

world of darkness, guiding the lost men and women to a place of protection and safety: the

sanctuary of God. To guide the lost, we are to encourage one another in love and mingle with the

community as Jesus did in the gospels. Jesus ministered to the people at their point of need but

not from a distance. He went out and met with them. He spoke to them and showed compassion.

It is by His example that we must serve among the brethren and minister to those in our

community.

REACT

1. What are some ways you can show love to the people in your community?

2. What should you do if you are challenged by showing love to those in your community?

3. How would you minister to someone in need who does not believe in God?

Marijka Johnson, Arima, Trinidad and Tobago

Callout: We need to believe and serve—not to be saved but because we are saved.

Monday

September 23

Service Versus Service

Testimony

Rom. 1:21; Heb. 10:26, 27; 1 John 3:17–24

“God chose Israel to reveal His character to men. He desired them to be as wells of salvation in

the world. To them were committed the oracles of heaven, the revelation of God’s will. In the

early days of Israel the nations of the world, through corrupt practices, had lost the knowledge of

God. They had once known Him; but because ‘they glorified Him not as God, neither were

thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, . . . their foolish heart was darkened.’ Romans

1:21. Yet in His mercy God did not blot them out of existence. He purposed to give them an

opportunity of again becoming acquainted with Him through His chosen people. . . .

“But the people of Israel lost sight of their high privileges as God’s representatives. They forgot

God and failed to fulfill their holy mission. The blessings they received brought no blessing to

the world. All their advantages they appropriated for their own glorification. They shut

themselves away from the world in order to escape temptation. The restrictions that God had

placed upon their association with idolaters as a means of preventing them from conforming to

the practices of the heathen, they used to build up a wall of separation between themselves and

all other nations. They robbed God of the service He required of them, and they robbed their

fellow men of religious guidance and a holy example.

“Priests and rulers became fixed in a rut of ceremonialism. They were satisfied with a legal

religion, and it was impossible for them to give to others the living truths of heaven. They

thought their own righteousness all-sufficient, and did not desire that a new element should be

brought into their religion. The good will of God to men they did not accept as something apart

from themselves, but connected it with their own merit because of their good works. The faith

that works by love and purifies the soul could find no place for union with the religion of the

Pharisees, made up of ceremonies and the injunctions of men.

“Of Israel God declared: ‘I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou

turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?’ Jeremiah 2:21. ‘Israel is an empty

vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself.’ Hosea 10:1. ‘And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt Me and My vineyard. What could have been done

more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring

forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?’ ”61 Upon investigation, will God come to the same

conclusion of us?

REACT

1. Christ has given the perfect example for us in ministry to those in need. What factors have

caused us to divert from His plan?

61. Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 14, 15.

2. What are the similarities between the Pharisees of Israel and the church today pertaining to

mission?

3. How can we counteract this derision and spark unity and a community of servants?

Khaffi Beckles, Arima, Trinidad and Tobago

Callout: The blessings they received brought no blessing to the world.

Tuesday

September 24

Levels of Organization

Evidence

1 Cor. 12:12–20

Corinth, during the time of Paul’s ministry, was a cosmopolitan city. Apart from their cultural

diversity, they were wealthy and immorality was so rampant, it was accepted as the norm.62 The

church as a microcosm of the Corinthian society was not exempt from these influences. Upon

reaching the Corinthians, Paul would have been faced with a slew of issues within the church

that caused major divisions. Two main issues that he addressed were (1) socioeconomic status—

the rift between the rich, poor, and enslaved, and (2) religious culture—the differences between

Jewish and Gentile practices and beliefs.

Paul uses the illustration of the functioning of the human body to present the concept of the

church as both an organization and community. The body, from a scientific perspective, follows

a formula: cells make up tissues, which make up organs, which are organized in systems. This

illustrates how minuscule elements form the foundation for a fully functional mass. A lack of

integration and harmony between these elements would likely result in deformity or disability.

62. G. Lacoste Munn, “The Historical Background of First Corinthians,” Southwestern Journal of Theology 3 (Fall 1960), para. 7–17, http://preachingsource.com/journal/the-historical-background-of-first-corinthians/.

The Greek word sarx translates as “flesh,” which refers to the biological makeup of a human, our

bodies.63 The use of sarx in this context reinforces the humanistic qualities of the church. The

church is the combination of individuals (cells), ministries (tissues), churches (organs), and

conferences, unions, and divisions (systems). However, its ability to sense the need for social

identity, support, and purpose should extend further than itself. Its innate tendency shouldn’t be

just one-dimensional worship but worship in service to others. When the humanity of the church

is made a topic of consideration, the united work that has gone undone becomes obvious. When

newfound respect and appreciation are placed on our purpose, our abilities, gifts, and talents

united, only then can we function as a healthy working body.

The present-day church faces a dilemma similar to that of the church of Corinth. It contains

persons of varying socioeconomic backgrounds. There also exists a rift between persons who

have been “groomed” in Adventism as opposed to those who have recently joined the body in the

height of the millennial movement. In seeking to fulfill the Christian mission, the church should

consider their humanity, which points to not only their need for a Savior but a need for

collaboration. Optimum performance can be attained only when the various parts of the body

work in unison. The ingenuity that would be emitted by such a body allows for a more

comprehensive missionary approach when seeking to meet the needs of the oppressed, hungry,

naked, and helpless in society.

REACT

63. “The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon,” s.v. “Sarx,” https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/sarx.html.

1. How can the illustration of the church as having human characteristics impact your approach

to missionary work?

2. What individual changes can you make to encourage a spirit of unity at your local church

without compromising biblical principles?

Bernice Batson, Arima, Trinidad and Tobago

Callout: The present-day church faces a dilemma similar to that of the church of Corinth.

Wednesday

September 25

Your Body as a Living Sacrifice

How-to

Rom. 12:1; 1 Cor. 12:13, 24; 1 John 3:16–18

“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies as a living

sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto to God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1). Since we

live in Christ and not of ourselves, we must be an example to others as Christ was an example to

us. Oftentimes we become distracted with the daily running of the church as an organization, and

we neglect our duty to do God’s work in our communities. We get so caught up in ensuring that

the church building looks good and maintaining the order of the church service that we forget

that the church is not a building but a people and that we have a God-mandated mission to go out

into the world. First John 3:16–18 reminds us to stay focused. Here are two things we can do to

help us stay focused on our mission.

Take note of the way you live. Extend the knowledge you’ve gathered outside of the church. We

are to spread the gospel to all nations, and you might be the only expression of God’s love to

another person for that week. Let the gospel shape your lifestyle. If we are not focused and

constantly seeking the call of God in our lives, we will be held accountable. Once you walk and

talk as Jesus did, you will be given the opportunity to expose someone to the grace and mercy of

our Lord and Savior. “For our comely parts have no need; but God hath tempered the body

together, having given more abundantly honour to that part which lacked” (1 Cor. 12:24).

Stay faithful in your works. Recognition is something we desire as humans beings, but the only

recognition you should seek is from the Lord. We are not of this world, and, thus, our minds

should be set on higher things. Listen to the instruction of the Holy One as it relates to your

purpose and duty here on earth, whether it be joining the children’s ministry or sharing the

gospel with your coworker or friend. Continue to love and serve one another. Our minds cannot

foresee the talents and ideas that God will instill in us once we obey His call. Never surrender to

the discouraging tactics of the devil because God is ever faithful, and He will complete the work

He started in us.

REACT

1. How do we avoid falling into the trap of discouragement when doing God’s work?

2. What are some ways we can discern the instruction of God in our lives?

Hanetta Savary, Arima, Trinidad and Tobago

Callout: Our minds cannot foresee the talents and ideas that God will instill in us once we obey

His call.

Thursday

September 26

One God, One People

Opinion

Rom. 12:3, 6

Music fascinates me. When done properly, various instruments can be played together, each

playing different musical notes, yet a harmonious sound is heard. Each musician is dedicated to

playing his or her part and playing it well, resulting in a glorious sound. Through the workings of

an orchestra, one can see and understand the workings of the church. Each musician must play

their part for the composition to sound how the composer intended it to sound. So each member

of the church must play a part in the working of the church.

For the church to make a positive impact in service to those around us as Jesus did when He

walked the earth, we must be united in Him; we must work as one. In the orchestra, each

musician has abilities: some can play the violin, some the cello, some the flute. So we in the

church have different abilities: teaching, prophecy, wisdom, knowledge, healing, and languages.

We are to use our gifts and abilities in harmony with one another (1 Cor. 12:4). We are to work

as well-oiled machinery; each member must be functioning at their best for the church to be as

effective as Jesus was in His ministry here on earth.

Back to the orchestra. All the musicians are playing the same song but different parts. Even the

smallest part, like the tinkling of the triangle, brings a sweetness to the overall sound produced.

So, too, all members of the church must have the same goal, though we carry out different

functions. We must also keep in mind that each function, no matter how small or insignificant it

seems to you, is needed for the church to properly represent Christ to this dying world.

It’s also important to remember to encourage our brothers and sisters. Service to God is not

always like instant soup, where you put in work for three minutes and get results. It’s sometimes

like learning a musical instrument: you have to invest time and effort to get results. Do not

become disheartened when you do not see the immediate effects of the efforts of your service.

God reminds us not to be weary in doing good (Gal. 6:9). When we see our brothers and sisters

losing faith, we are to encourage them with love to stay on the path (Heb. 10:24). Remember that

Jesus is faithful concerning his promises, and if we continue to do His good works, we will reap

what we sow (Gal. 6:9; Heb. 10:23).

REACT

1. Do you know what your gifts or talents are, and are you using them to the best of your ability

as a member of the community of servants for Christ?

2. What can you do to encourage those who seem to be losing the faith?

Danielle Ignacio, D’Abadie, Trinidad and Tobago

Callout: Service to God is not always like instant soup, where you put in work for three minutes

and get results.

Friday

September 27

Genuine Service

Exploration

Hebrews 10

CONCLUDE

There is a well-known saying that goes, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over

and over and expecting different results.” Christ in his Word has time and time again outlined his

perfect will for the church. He not only teaches us but came to this earth to give us a living

example and make a way for us to walk in the “new and living way” (Heb. 10:20). Christ calls us

to reject the easy, mechanical, and cold way we’ve been purporting service to be. He’s made a

way for us to reach out in true service to those who need it the most. Hebrews 10 is a love letter;

it’s a call for God’s people to be who he’s called them to be. To be authentic. To be real. To be a

community of servants in a world where to be served seems most important. Let us support each

other and encourage each other, and by God’s Holy Spirit, let us hold fast, without wavering, and

do the good works we have been chosen to do.

CONSIDER

Administering a spiritual gift assessment tool to the members of your class to help them

understand their service niche.

Compiling a skills and talents bank to become aware of the resources available to you for

mission.

Brainstorming an outreach program that utilizes the talents of each person in the class.

Making the word service into an acronym.

Planning a skit that illustrates the differences between service (church) and service

(mission).

Performing a small-scale needs assessment in your community to assess the field to

which you are accountable.

CONNECT

1 Corinthians 12

Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, chap. 1, “God’s Purpose for His Church.”

Cadia Daniel, D’Abadie, Trinidad and Tobago