Sabbath: The Great Controversy and the Early Church
Read for This Week’s Study: Acts 1:6-8, Acts 2:5-12, Gen. 11:1-9, Acts 4:1-30, Acts 7:54, Acts 10:12-29.
Memory Text: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, NIV).
Image © Lars Justinen Goodsalt.com
The greatest barrier Jesus faced with His followers was their preconceived opinions. The disciples took little notice of what Jesus said if it did not fit in with their own ideas of who He should be. Right up to the time of His ascension, the disciples still quizzed Jesus about freeing Israel from the Romans.
It was only after ten days of prayer and close fellowship in the presence of God that dominant preconceptions were finally beginning to be replaced with the truth, and the disciples were ready to hear what God told them. This paved the way for the incredible events at that first Pentecost after the death of Jesus.
Of course, the church still faced many challenges, especially from local religious leaders, some of whom were just as determined to stop the church as they were to stop Jesus.
Thus, in this week’s lesson, we will see the great- controversy theme played out in different ways. We will see it manifested openly, as those in power are inspired by Satan to repress the truth. But we will also see it played out in a subtler but more crucial area: the human heart.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 27.
(33)
Lacking financial security and education some may look to Jesus to supply these; while those already in possession of same may see little need for help, and therefore shun Christ. It is no secret that the rich and highly educated are among the people who are least receptive to the Gospel message; and this likely because of a sense of self-sufficiency (Hosea 12:8).
The poor and the ‘unschooled’ are brought into contact with Jesus, often sensing a temporal need, but some take time to know Him and find that He offers more than temporal provisions; even spiritual regeneration to the soul which was not at first conscious of its spiritual depravity (Luke 5:32).
Here is an unusual advantage that those without much may find it easier to be saved simply by being conscious of their need. Christ’s disciples, largely unschooled were in such a situation. Like their Master Peter and John did not attend the schools of the prophets and rabbis and were more receptive to being taught by Christ than those who had otherwise qualified themselves.
The secular schools with their own human philosophy and system of qualifications offer sought after titles and worldly honor, which will not be transferred to Heaven. The earthly transcripts recommend none to the Father and to underscore this the Messiah discouraged His followers from assuming elevated titles (Matthew 23:6-10)
As well religious schools may produce graduates with their own ideas. It is hard for these to be used if they do not acquire a teachable spirit and learn in the school of Christ. Here again submission is of greater value than knowledge.
The humble and unlearned may be ridiculed and slighted by members of the schooled class, but their qualification is for eternity. The Holy Spirit stirs courage in the meek who see themselves as ordinary and unworthy. And when the Spirit moves others may be astonished, and more than that take note that they have been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). The faithful are honored just to be identified with Jesus.
"The greatest victories to the church of Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power." PP 203
"An ordinary mind, well disciplined, will accomplish more and higher work than will the most highly educated mind and the greatest talents without self-control." COL 335.
The disciples' situation is not so much different from ours. While they sought Christ's immediate relief from the affliction imposed on them by the Romann empire our generation equally spends almost all the time praying for temporal relief from economic hardships, health problems which many a time result from our disobedience, social pressures/problem caused by our choices/life style and many more personal discomfort. Like Israel, we have not Taken our roles as Ambassadors for Christ. Just as he came to save the lost, we are to be co workers with him in making the world know him, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, healing the sick, consoling the afflicted but alas, we desire all these things unto ourselves. Satan knows that if we played our role, like the disciples when they got converted, we will turn the world upside down. God be with his children and apportion us the Holy spirit according to his riches in glory to help us accomplish the mission.
I love the last part of this scripture, it says ‘‘they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus”. I have learnt that when you have been with Jesus people out there can actually see a transformation in you. Your life can never be the same again if you spend time with Him. They say show me your friend and I will tell you who you are. The character of Jesus will rub in you when you choose to have an intimate relationship with Him. Time spent with Jesus is time well spent and well invested and the world can actually see the difference in you. You will become Christ like. I am encouraged that we need to desire and crave to spend time with Jesus and our lives will never be the same again.
Spending time with Jesus makes a huge difference. I see things differently, my judgement is more christian centered when I spend meaningful time at the feet of Jesus. We really need to build this habit of spending time with Jesus, and when we do, we will impact the world. We will be like Enock. We will also be like Moses when he descended from Mount Sinai. His face was shining and people couldn't just stand him.
I can appreciate this lesson for what it is a warning against the worldly philosophy that teach outside the context of biblical truth. I am so glad I knew Jesus before I studied at the university. I had to take Christ into the classroom. The evil one wants to control the mind of unbelieving, unsaved, people. We must remain humble to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The fear or Go is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom.