1. “We are not trying to please people but God.” Who framed these words? Was it a New Testament teacher working for SSNET before that organization began? Our Bible friend Paul writing to believers in Thessalonica? Is it possible to please people without being pleasing to God? Study this week’s lesson carefully as we consider … Continue reading –>
In studying this week’s lesson on being stewards of the gospel I remembered this story which I had previously shared several years ago. When Jesus fed the multitude He had the leftovers gathered so nothing would be wasted. I believe God wants us to be good stewards of the gospel, and I don’t believe God wants … Continue reading –>
Read Colossians 2:2-3 and 1 Timothy 3:16. What do these texts identify as a “mystery”? What does the fact that it is a “mystery” say to us about the limits of what we can know about it? Zophar the Naamathite says to Job, “Can you fathom the mysteries of God?” (Job 11:7, NIV). The word “mystery” means puzzling, obscure, … Continue reading –>
The two basic words for “steward” in the New Testament are epitropos, occurring three times, and oikonomos, occurring 10 times. Both these words describe positions that incorporate managerial responsibilities entrusted to the steward by the owner. In both the New and Old Testaments, stewards are defined by what they do. The New Testament specifically describes the steward in … Continue reading –>
As a Church, we are entrusted with the gospel, says our memory text. Here are two hymns that encourage us: Hymn 368, “Watchman, Blow the Gospel Trumpet” and Hymn 378, “Go, Preach My Gospel”. There are just a few hymns that have the word ‘steward’ or ‘stewardship’ in them: Hymn 637, “Son of God, Eternal Savior” in … Continue reading –>
The word “steward” itself is translated only a few times in the Old Testament. In most cases it comes from the phrase regarding the one who is “upon the house,” the idea of being in charge of the running of a house; that is, a “steward” (Gen. 43:19; Gen. 44:1, Gen. 44:4; 1 Kings 16:9). Stewards had responsibilities to … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Isa. 22:14-18; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; Col. 2:2-3; Eph. 6:13-17; 2 Cor. 5:10. Memory Text: “On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts” (1 Thess. 2:4, NIV). Adam and Eve’s first job involved stewardship. The garden and … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: A steward operates from the twin principles of duty and love. “Remember that duty has a twin sister, Love; these united can accomplish almost everything, but separated, neither is capable of good.” – Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 62. Duty is love in action. We need only to dwell on … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: To escape worldliness we need to cultivate the spiritual life in Bible study, prayer, Christian service, fellowship, and contemplating the wonders of nature. January 27, 2018, Lesson 4 1. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 11:1-6. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. … Continue reading –>
The great controversy is real; two sides are battling for our souls. One is drawing us to Christ (John 6:44) and one to the world (1 John 2:16). The power of the Holy Spirit in our lives can and will draw us in the right direction if we will but submit to Him. “However, when He, the Spirit of … Continue reading –>
One of the most beautiful stories in the Bible is found in the story of Solomon’s request to God, to give him above all things “an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9, NKJV). What important … Continue reading –>
Memory verse: “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. . . . He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage” (Proverbs 11:4, 28, NKJV). Does a strong relationship with Christ protect us from evil and prepare us for eternal life with Him? What do you … Continue reading –>
