Participants:
Series Code: SSP
Program Code: SSP200035S
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00:01 Welcome to 3ABN Sabbath School Panel,
00:03 lesson number nine. 00:05 This quarter's title 00:06 has been "Making Friends for God." 00:08 Today is "Developing a Winning Attitude." 00:11 And so, we'd like to encourage you 00:13 to get your Bibles, 00:14 invite people that are with you 00:15 to sit down and enjoy this lesson study. 00:18 If you'd like to get a copy of it, 00:19 go to absg.advenist.org. 00:23 You can download a copy, but better yet, 00:25 go to your local Seventh-day Adventist Church 00:28 and sit down and enjoy an excursion 00:30 through the Word of God. 00:32 We know this is going to be a thought-provoking topic, 00:34 how to develop a winning attitude. 00:36 So, stay tuned and enjoy this lesson along with us. 01:11 Welcome to 3ABN Sabbath School Panel, 01:14 what a lesson study, 01:15 developing a winning attitude. 01:18 That's something that makes the difference. 01:20 The attitude brings gratitude, or if not gratitude, 01:25 just a bad attitude. 01:27 Today we're going to find out how to have a winning attitude 01:30 because it makes a difference in winning people for Christ. 01:33 Before we go into our lesson study 01:35 and have prayer, 01:36 we're going to go ahead and introduce our panel. 01:38 To my immediate left 01:39 is my brother, the singer of Israel. 01:42 I don't know about that. 01:43 But, hey, I'm excited. 01:45 I'm gonna be talking about "An Attitude Adjustment." 01:47 Oh, man, I can't wait for that one. 01:50 Pastor John Dinzey. Good to have you here. 01:52 It's a blessing to be here and we'll be talking about 01:55 "Preaching the Truth with Love." 01:57 Okay. Amen. 01:58 That's a great title because I, 02:01 you know, you have some amazing stories, 02:02 but I think that's a wonderful title 02:04 God picked just for you 02:05 because I've always seen that in your ministry. 02:07 Amen. Pastor Kenny Shelton. 02:09 Yeah. 02:10 Good to be here as always, 02:11 gonna be talking about "Foundation." 02:13 And so, as a carpenter, 02:14 I always go back to the foundation. 02:15 Okay. 02:17 And, Jill, 02:18 what lists are you going to be covering today? 02:20 A few lists. 02:21 My topic seems similar to Pastor Johnny's, 02:22 "Truth Lovingly Presented." 02:25 Okay. Wow. 02:26 So today, as you can see, it's about attitude. 02:29 Get your Bibles, enjoy us, enjoy this time with us. 02:33 And I know that you're going to enjoy us too. 02:35 I think I said it inadvertently. 02:36 But I think hopefully that's true, 02:38 that you've enjoyed what God has done through us. 02:41 And, but before we go any further, 02:43 we'd like to invite the Lord to be here with prayer. 02:45 Jill, would you have our prayer for us today? 02:47 Holy Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus. 02:50 Grateful 02:51 that You want to give us the mind of Christ. 02:53 Right now, as we open up Your Word, 02:55 would You open up our minds and hearts to the power 02:58 and anointing of the Holy Spirit. 03:01 In Jesus' name, amen. 03:03 Amen. Amen. 03:04 Thank you. 03:06 Attitude is everything. 03:08 Attitude is everything. 03:10 You know, oftentimes we've said, 03:11 it's not what you do, 03:13 but it's the attitude behind you doing it. 03:16 Even Jesus says, God loves a cheerful giver. 03:20 So, attitude is everything that we do. 03:23 And that's why I'd like to begin 03:25 with this passage in 1 Peter 3:15. 03:29 Let's look there together. 03:31 As this lesson has been wonderfully put together. 03:35 Lesson number nine, that means we have four left. 03:37 That's right. 03:39 And I hope you've been with all, 03:40 with us throughout all of them, 03:41 if not, thank you for joining us today. 03:43 But here's what the Bible says, 03:45 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, 03:48 and always be ready to give a defense to everyone 03:53 who asks you a reason 03:55 for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." 04:00 You know, I like that... 04:01 I think the King James Version says, 04:03 "Always be ready to give an answer." 04:06 Okay, I like answering in defense is nice, 04:09 answer sounds less defense. 04:11 It sounds defensive, not defensive. 04:15 But I understand what it means. 04:17 In other words, be ready 04:19 to give a reason for the hope that is within you. 04:22 And the reason should not be, 04:24 well, what do you think I believe that for. 04:26 We should come across with the right attitude. 04:28 That's why it begins by saying, 04:30 sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. 04:32 Why? 04:33 Because out of the heart, proceed the issues of life. 04:38 Now think about the people that live around you, 04:40 and I just kind of do a little indirect counseling, 04:45 because whether you are a Christian or not, 04:47 if there's one thing you notice about everything you do, 04:50 is the attitude by which it's done. 04:52 I've heard some people have asked 04:54 for help some, 04:55 sometimes a person might ask for help. 04:56 And I said, I don't have time to help you, 04:58 call somebody else, 05:00 the attitude or somebody might see you 05:02 carrying groceries 05:04 or they would help you without even asking. 05:08 And you'll say, 05:09 well, what a nice attitude that person had. 05:11 Or somebody might be checking you 05:13 out of the grocery 05:14 and you could see them with the very... 05:17 Doing like they don't want to work things, 05:18 you say, boy, what? 05:20 They had a bad attitude today. 05:21 If you start noticing your world around you, 05:24 so much has to do with attitude. 05:27 And that's why we're going to talk 05:28 about this topic today. 05:30 And we find a couple of examples 05:32 how Pastor Finley pointed out in the lesson. 05:36 And I want to also add there were other contributors, 05:38 but Pastor Finley was the chief main contributor. 05:41 On Sabbath afternoon we find these words here. 05:45 It says the more we studied Jesus' life, 05:48 the more we marvel at His ability 05:51 to accept and affirm people. 05:54 Although He issued scathing rebukes 05:57 to the religious leaders of His day, 05:59 He gladly received 06:01 those who were struggling with sin, 06:04 plagued with guilt, 06:05 and hopelessly condemned. 06:07 His grace was for them. 06:10 His mercy extended to even the vilest sinners, 06:14 the depth of His forgiveness 06:16 was infinitely deeper than the depth of their sin. 06:21 His love knew no bounds. 06:23 And I've often said the only thing that is, 06:26 is higher than God's law is God's grace. 06:30 When you look at the mercy seat, 06:32 the mercy seat 06:33 inside of the Ark of the Covenant 06:35 is the law of God, 06:37 but above it is the mercy seat. 06:39 The only thing higher than God's law 06:41 is His mercy. 06:42 Praise the Lord for that. 06:43 Let's go to John Chapter 4, 06:45 and we're going to answer the question, 06:47 how does Jesus, 06:50 Jesus' interaction with a Samaritan woman 06:53 demonstrate the truth 06:55 that all sorts of people are open to the gospel 06:57 even in unexpected places? 06:59 This is a beautiful story because it brings out the fact 07:02 that sometimes we can be a hindrance 07:04 to the gospel going forward. 07:06 And as you look at the developing of the story 07:08 in John Chapter 4, 07:09 I'm turning there. 07:11 In John Chapter 4, 07:13 Jesus had to send His disciples away, 07:15 because the disciples had not yet been developed 07:19 beyond their attitude. 07:21 And you find a number of instances 07:23 in the scriptures 07:24 where, you know, they say, 07:26 well, don't cast the bread of the children to the swine. 07:29 And then also, when it came to the Samaritans, 07:32 even the woman at the well communicated to Christ 07:37 that you're a Jew, 07:39 I'm a Samaritan, 07:40 we don't have any dealings with you. 07:42 But let's look at verse 27. 07:44 Let's look at verse 27. 07:46 And the story, 07:47 and the Bible says, "And at this point, 07:51 His disciples came and they marveled 07:54 that He talked with a woman 07:56 yet no one said, 07:58 'What do you seek 08:00 or why are you talking with her?' 08:03 The woman then left her water pot, 08:06 went her way into the city and said to the men, 08:10 'Come see a man 08:11 who told me all things that I ever did, 08:14 could this be the Christ.' 08:17 Then they went out of the city and came to Him.'" 08:21 Now I want you to notice something, 08:23 the attitude that Jesus conveyed 08:26 broke a cycle in her life. 08:28 Now, I want to communicate this 08:30 because there are cycles in our lives 08:31 that keep us bound. 08:33 She came to that well every day, every day. 08:37 And she carried her water pot, 08:40 which represents in so many of our lives, 08:42 the burden that we carry every day. 08:44 She was proud of the well. 08:46 She said it came from her father. 08:48 And then when Jesus was trying 08:49 to open up a door to communicate, 08:51 she focused on worship. 08:54 She began to continue to try to avert the conversation. 08:57 But when the Lord connected to her 08:59 and this is a very important aspect 09:01 of the story. 09:03 When she says, 09:04 "Come see a man 09:05 who told me all things I ever did." 09:08 Remember, the conversation began 09:10 with Jesus saying, 09:11 "Go get your husbands." 09:13 And He said, "You had five husbands 09:16 and the one you're with right now 09:17 is not even yours." 09:18 He became the seventh man in her life. 09:21 Nice. 09:23 The seventh man in her life. 09:24 When she found the man that transforms, 09:29 she left her water pot. 09:31 Now this is important. 09:32 The man that transforms when she met Christ, 09:35 she left her water pot, 09:37 meaning I don't need that water anymore. 09:40 I found the real water. Amen. 09:42 I don't need to go into a well that's been sitting here 09:44 for 1000 plus years. 09:46 I found the living water, she left her water pot. 09:50 How beautiful it is that we could help people 09:53 lay down their burdens 09:55 by the attitude of our communication. 09:57 Look at verses 39 to 42 in this very same story, 10:02 and many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him. 10:05 Why? 10:06 Because of the word of the woman who testified, 10:10 using a symbolic comparison, 10:12 if the church would testify about the man 10:15 that they met named Jesus Christ, 10:17 how many people will believe on Him? 10:20 The woman testifying. 10:22 And it says, "He told me all that I ever did." 10:25 So, when the Samaritans had come to Him, 10:27 they urged him to stay with them. 10:30 And He stayed there two days, and many more believed, 10:34 because of his own word. 10:36 First of all, they believe because of the woman's word, 10:38 but the woman believed because of His attitude. 10:41 The attitude opened the door to her heart, 10:43 and the door to her heart 10:44 opened the door to other people's hearts. 10:46 It makes all the difference. 10:48 You can mess up somebody's day with your attitude, 10:50 or you can send them out 10:51 going to work with such a positive attitude. 10:53 I saw a story many years ago. 10:55 It's an illustration. 10:56 I may not remember all the components, 10:58 but it was kind of like this. 10:59 You know, guy got angry, 11:01 here at the house and kicked the dog, 11:03 got into a car accident. 11:05 You know, and I remember one day leaving home 11:07 in New York City 11:08 when I was on my way to the bank. 11:11 And there was a guy 11:13 that was walking with a big German Shepherd dog 11:17 and it was not on a leash. 11:18 And it was raining. 11:20 And thankfully that dog came after me. 11:22 I had a big golf umbrella, 11:23 and I put it down to hold the dog back 11:26 until the owner got his dog. 11:27 I was so glad for that big umbrella. 11:30 I was so angry, I said, man, what else could happen? 11:33 I got arrested that day. 11:37 I'm on my way to work, I got arrested, 11:39 falsely accused by a police officer 11:42 in plain clothes. 11:45 Now I know you will know the rest of the story, 11:47 I'll leave that anonymous. 11:48 But here's the point. 11:50 So here I am, I'm on my way to work, 11:52 I end up in jail, get arrested, 11:54 falsely accused and I was so angry. 11:56 I said to that officer, 11:58 "If I lose my job, I'm coming after you." 12:01 I mean, I was not converted yet. 12:03 Come on now. 12:05 And I went to jail. 12:06 I'm supposed to go to, I'm on my way to the bank, 12:11 end up in jail. 12:12 Oh, wow. 12:13 So, I stand before the judge, he said, "Why are you here?" 12:16 I said, "This police officer falsely accused me 12:20 of putting a ticket in a machine 12:22 when I bought a token." 12:24 The judge said, "Can you prove that?" 12:25 I said, "Here's my receipt and here's the change." 12:28 He said, "Go home." 12:29 Yeah. 12:31 The next week 12:32 that police was on regular patrol, 12:34 he was no longer in plain clothes. 12:36 Now I kind of felt satisfied that was a bad attitude. 12:39 But the point of the matter is, 12:41 when I left my house with the wrong attitude, 12:45 and I said what else could happen, 12:47 it got worse. 12:49 So, we could determine what happens in our day 12:51 just by our attitude. 12:52 Now please forget that story, 12:54 it's just for illustration purposes, 12:56 but here's... 12:59 Here is something that's very important. 13:01 Here is something very important. 13:03 We must pray that our attitudes are led 13:04 by God's Spirit. 13:06 Look at Romans 8:14, Romans 8:14, 13:09 and this is important. 13:11 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, 13:15 these are sons of God or children of God." 13:18 When we are led by the Spirit of God, 13:20 our attitudes are transformed, 13:22 because the Spirit of God 13:23 activate the fruit of the Spirit, right? 13:26 What's the fruit of the Spirit? 13:28 I think on couple of our past lessons, 13:30 I think you were saying that the fruit are evidence 13:33 not the gifts, 13:34 the fruit of the Spirit. 13:36 Here's the attitude fruits. 13:37 Love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, 13:40 meekness, patience. 13:42 Those are good fruits. 13:43 And by the way, there are good attitudes, 13:45 by the way. 13:46 And the Bible also points out 13:47 the Spirit is the one that can make a difference 13:50 in your life. 13:51 Ezekiel 36:26, 13:53 what promise have we been given 13:55 by the Spirit of God? 13:57 I will give you a new heart 14:01 and put a new attitude within you. 14:04 The word there, 14:05 spirit means disposition, attitude, 14:08 and put a new attitude within you. 14:11 I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh 14:14 and give you a heart of flesh. 14:17 When we have a heart of flesh. 14:19 Many, many years ago there was a song came out, 14:20 well, Ryan, you may remember, 14:22 because you were just shouting, I got a new attitude. 14:24 Oh, yeah. 14:26 Friends, what many Christians need? 14:28 I'm not talking about worldlings 14:30 because there's no need for them to, 14:32 there's no need to look for the right attitude 14:34 in the life of someone who doesn't know Jesus. 14:36 But if you know Jesus, today, 14:39 pray for God to give you a new attitude. 14:42 Because it can be the reason 14:43 why somebody who doesn't know Him 14:45 will find Him and leave their water pot. 14:49 Man, I like it. 14:50 I like it, good job. I appreciate that. 14:52 That was a blessing, 14:53 especially the illustration, that was good. 14:54 Forget that. 14:56 You said forget it, but I can't forget it. 14:57 That was too good. 14:59 Amen. It actually happened. 15:00 Yeah, I believe it. 15:02 Monday's lesson, "An Attitude Adjustment." 15:05 Oh, this one was perfect for me. 15:07 I really, really enjoyed this one 15:08 just because I have, 15:10 I have again personally experienced myself 15:12 with how, you know, 15:13 I received many attitude adjustments 15:15 growing up. 15:17 I've often told people about the Day family household 15:20 and how my family, 15:22 my parents definitely believed in not sparing the rod 15:25 so that the child wouldn't be spoiled. 15:28 You know, we had a board in our house that my mom, 15:31 mom used frequently and they would remind us 15:33 that this is the attitude adjustment. 15:34 And, you know, 15:36 I know people have different parenting techniques 15:39 and theories of how to parent, 15:40 but I praise the Lord for all of those butt whippings 15:42 that I got growing up 15:44 because they helped adjust some attitude 15:46 that I needed help with growing up. 15:49 And, but the beautiful thing about this particular lesson 15:52 and the truth behind this 15:53 is that Jesus does not force His kingdom upon us. 15:58 He does not force His way upon us. 15:59 He's not going to beat us into submission, 16:02 even though I did wasn't beaten by my family. 16:04 I want to clarify that. 16:06 But it's interesting. 16:08 I just want to open up with this 16:09 because I thought Pastor Mark Finley 16:11 did a wonderful job 16:12 in establishing this particular lesson, 16:15 An Attitude Adjustment. 16:17 He says our attitudes often determine our ability 16:20 to influence others. 16:22 A harsh, critical and unfriendly attitude 16:24 is going to drive people away from you. 16:27 And even if you are able to witness, 16:29 get this, I love this. 16:30 Even if you are able to witness your words, 16:33 no matter how truthful 16:34 are much less likely to be received. 16:38 In contrast, a positive attitude 16:40 and a belief in others draw them to us. 16:44 It creates a bond of and here's the key word, 16:47 friendship. 16:48 Friendship evangelism, 16:50 I've always, I learned that when I was at AFCO, 16:52 learning how to be a friend, 16:53 to befriend people in order to lead them to Jesus. 16:56 You know, I remember, I, 16:58 not only did I receive lots of attitude adjustments 17:00 growing up as a kid, 17:01 but God has had to adjust my attitude 17:03 even in ministry over the years. 17:05 You know, I came on 17:06 as this fireball excited about the truth 17:08 that I was learning. 17:10 And there was a time 17:11 when I had just freshly learned the truth about the Sabbath. 17:14 It was like the light bulb came up in my mind. 17:17 And I thought, "Wow, this is so clear." 17:19 How can, and here's my thinking, 17:21 how can no one see this in Scripture? 17:23 How are all these people out here in the world, 17:26 not seeing the plain truth of God's Word 17:28 as it's written right here. 17:29 And I almost had this attitude with me like, 17:31 man, these people, how can we be so ignorant? 17:34 You know, I kind of had this attitude. 17:35 And I remember thinking, 17:37 I remember doing a Bible study with this guy. 17:38 He rejected the Sabbath messages 17:40 I was sharing with him and I remember saying to him, 17:42 you could not be a bigger idiot. 17:44 I remember saying that to him. 17:46 Do you think I won that brother to Christ? 17:48 I wasn't bringing him any closer to Jesus, 17:50 my attitude 17:51 as brother Mark Finley said here, 17:53 it drove him away. 17:55 And so that's why I love John 15:15. 17:58 And by the way, 18:00 if I offend anyone by that word, idiot, 18:01 I know some people don't like that, 18:03 that was illustration, I said that to that guy. 18:05 And I feel I had to repent later in life 18:07 and say, Lord, forgive me for the attitude 18:09 that I used for people. 18:11 I drove a lot of people away trying to witness 18:13 but I wasn't doing any good. 18:15 I was driving people away. 18:16 John 15:15, I love this. 18:18 Jesus said to His disciples, 18:20 "No longer do I call you servants, 18:22 for a servant does not know what his master is doing. 18:25 But I have called you friends for all things 18:28 I heard from My Father, 18:30 I have made known to you." 18:32 Jesus considers everyone 18:33 He encounters as His friend and He wants to befriend you. 18:37 He wants to share the gospel with you 18:39 in such a way that He draws you into a loving friendship. 18:43 Friends, accept one another in spite of their weaknesses 18:47 and mistakes 18:48 and freely share their joys and sorrows. 18:51 You know, I believe 18:53 that we probably need some attitude adjustments 18:55 even in the church. 18:57 You know, I've come in contact with many people 18:59 who are well advanced 19:01 even in their years of service for the Lord, 19:03 but in the way that they share the truth, 19:05 it doesn't make me want to study. 19:07 You don't want to study with them. 19:09 It doesn't make me want to receive the message 19:11 that they're sharing with me 19:13 because in the way that they are sharing it 19:14 in a very dogmatic and very in your face way. 19:18 It's not done with a loving, kind heart. 19:21 It's not done with a passionate heart. 19:23 It's done with a very critical and judgmental spirit. 19:25 And so, we can pray right now for the church, 19:27 we need to be praying. 19:29 Lord, help Your church have an attitude adjustment 19:31 because we certainly need that. 19:32 In this lesson, He gives a couple of examples, 19:35 contrasting examples here, because that one, 19:37 it seems like Jesus is being a little harsh 19:41 with the person that He's sharing with. 19:43 But yet, in the end, 19:45 He worked out for the good 19:47 because Jesus actually was ministering 19:49 to this woman's needs. 19:50 And, of course, Pastor, 19:51 you referenced this just few minutes ago, 19:53 and it's the story of the Canaanite woman 19:55 in Matthew Chapter 15. 19:57 So, let's read that really quickly. 19:58 I love this story 19:59 because Jesus ended up using this situation 20:03 and addressing her in a way 20:04 because He was helping to build her faith. 20:06 And that's exactly what He got here. 20:08 Matthew 15:21-28. 20:10 It says "Then Jesus went out from there 20:13 and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon, 20:15 and behold, a woman of Canaan 20:17 came from the region and cried out to Him saying, 20:20 'Have mercy on me, oh, Lord, son of David, 20:23 my daughter is severely demon possessed.' 20:26 But He answered not a word.'" 20:28 It's almost as if He just ignored it, 20:30 like I get to talk with this woman. 20:31 But that's not what was happening here. 20:33 Notice what He continues to say. 20:35 "And His disciples came and urged Him saying, 20:37 'Send her away for she cries out after us.'" 20:39 Well, His disciples needed an attitude adjustment. 20:41 And we see that over the period of three years 20:43 that they were with Christ. 20:45 You know, Jesus gave them an attitude adjustment 20:46 a few times. 20:48 But notice verse 24, 20:50 "But He answered and said, 20:52 'I was not sick, 20:53 except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' 20:56 Then she came and worshipped Him saying, 20:58 'Lord, help me.' 20:59 But He answered and said, 21:01 'It is not good to take the children's bread 21:03 and throw it to the little dogs.'" 21:05 It almost makes it sound like He's saying, yeah, 21:07 you're not really, you're not really, 21:09 you know, worth my time, you're kind of the dogs, 21:11 I'm not gonna waste my time with you. 21:12 But notice what it says next. 21:15 "And she said, 'Yes, Lord, 21:17 yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs 21:19 which fall from the master's table.'" 21:21 And then I love Jesus' response. 21:23 "Then Jesus answered and said to her, 21:25 'Oh, woman, great is your faith, 21:28 let it be to you as you desire.' 21:30 And her daughter was healed that very hour.'" 21:33 I love the story 21:34 because it shows us that Jesus intentionally refuses 21:38 this woman 21:40 so that as she persists, as she persisted Him, 21:44 her faith grew. 21:46 And so, you know, 21:47 I personally would probably not go out 21:49 and, you know, refer to someone as dogs 21:51 or personally ignore them. 21:53 But Jesus knew the heart and in this situation, 21:55 He set up a perfect situation, 21:57 to be able to witness to her 21:58 so that He could build her up. 22:01 And that's one of the greatest things 22:02 about witnessing to people 22:04 is we need to put ourselves in a situation 22:05 where when we're witnessing to someone, 22:07 we're befriending them, we're building them up, 22:09 not tearing them down, 22:11 not telling them and showing them 22:12 about all they don't know, 22:13 and all 22:15 that they're going to experience that it's bad, 22:16 on it we need to build them up. 22:17 We need to build their faith. 22:19 And that's exactly what Jesus was doing here. 22:20 Another story, Mark 14:3-9. 22:25 This would be kind of in context 22:26 with Mary Magdalene 22:27 and the woman who would come and pour out 22:30 the oil upon Jesus. 22:31 It says there in verse 3, 22:32 "And being in Bethany 22:34 at the house of Simon the leper." 22:36 So, this is Mark 14:3-9. 22:39 It says, "And being in Bethany 22:41 at the house of Simon the leper, 22:43 as he sat at the table, 22:44 a woman came having an alabaster flask 22:46 of very costly oil of spikenard." 22:49 Is this spik-nerd or spikenard. 22:50 Spikenard. Spikenard. 22:51 "She broke the flask and poured it on his head, 22:54 but there were some 22:55 who were indignant among themselves and said, 22:58 'Why was this fragrant oil wasted 23:00 for it might have been sold for more than 300 denarii 23:04 and given to the poor, 23:06 and they criticized her sharply. 23:08 But Jesus said, 'Let her alone. 23:10 Why do you trouble her? 23:12 She has done a good work for me. 23:14 For you have the poor with you always 23:17 and whenever you wish, 23:18 you may do them good, 23:20 but Me, you do not always have.'" 23:22 I love this. 23:23 "She has done what she could. 23:26 She has come beforehand to anoint my body for burial. 23:30 Assured that I say to you, 23:31 wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, 23:34 what this woman has done 23:35 will also be told as a memorial to her." 23:38 And here we are nearly 2000 years later, 23:40 we're still talking about that woman, 23:42 Jesus was right, 23:43 you can imagine as this woman walked in, 23:45 you know, a chief of sinners in her eyes, 23:48 I'm sure. 23:49 The gasp in the room as people were, 23:51 you know, what is she doing here? 23:53 Right? 23:54 Oh, you know, look, she was looked down upon 23:56 not welcomed amongst certain social classes. 24:00 And while others were quick to criticize her, 24:02 Jesus complements her and commends her 24:06 for her form of worship. 24:07 You know, we must adopt 24:09 better methods and better attitudes 24:11 if we're going to reach people for Christ. 24:13 And I'm, you know, Christ method alone. 24:16 Amen. That's what it said. 24:18 Christ method alone, 24:19 this is Ministry of Healing, page 143. 24:21 "Christ method alone will give true success 24:24 in reaching the people. 24:26 The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. 24:30 He showed His sympathy for them, 24:32 ministered to their needs, and won their confidence." 24:36 Now once He done all that, once He, 24:39 you know, sympathize with them, minister to their needs, 24:41 and won their confidence then finally, Pastor, 24:45 He would bid them to follow Him. 24:46 That's what we have to do. 24:48 I run into people all the time who say, 24:49 you know, I'm, I gotta tell people this 24:52 they're doing this wrong, they're doing that, 24:53 shouldn't be drinking coffee, 24:54 shouldn't be eating pork, shouldn't be doing this. 24:56 But yet if we would approach them, 24:57 win them, 24:58 you sympathize with them and build them up, 25:02 you know, and then bid them to follow us 25:04 once we've gained their confidence. 25:05 That is Christ method alone 25:07 and that is a winning attitude indeed. 25:09 Amen. Thank you, Ryan. 25:10 We appreciate that. Wow. 25:12 Two topics about attitude. 25:15 And so, we have three more remaining, 25:17 so don't go away. We'll be right back. 25:25 Ever wish you could watch 25:27 a 3ABN Sabbath School Panel again, 25:29 or share it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter? 25:32 Well, you can by visiting 3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com. 25:37 A clean design makes it easy 25:39 to find the program you're looking for. 25:42 There are also links to the Adult Bible Study Guide 25:45 so you can follow along. 25:47 Sharing is easy. 25:48 Just click share 25:50 and choose your favorite social media. 25:51 Share a link, save a life for eternity. 25:55 Welcome back 25:56 to our Sabbath School Lesson Study 25:58 with 3ABN panel. 26:00 We had a wonderful presentation with Pastor Ryan. 26:02 What was yours called? 26:04 An Attitude Adjustment. 26:05 An Attitude Adjustment. 26:06 We're going to go from an Attitude Adjustment 26:08 to Presenting the Truth in Love, 26:10 Pastor Dinzey. 26:11 Thank you. I have been blessed so far. 26:13 So, praise the Lord for that. 26:14 Yes, Tuesday's lesson is titled, 26:17 "Presenting the Truth in Love." 26:19 And I like to read this opening remark here 26:22 in Tuesday's lesson 26:23 because it is brought out very well. 26:26 Friendship alone does not win people to Christ, 26:30 we might have many friends, 26:32 people we enjoy being with and who enjoy being with us. 26:36 But if we never tell them that Jesus, 26:38 what Jesus means to us and how He changed our lives, 26:42 our friendship may make a little eternal... 26:45 Our friendship may make little eternal difference. 26:48 Sure, we might be fun to be around. 26:51 But God calls us 26:52 to be more than just fun to be around. 26:55 That's right. 26:56 So we must transition be, not only to be friends, 27:01 but also to love them enough to share the truth with them. 27:05 And, you know, 27:07 when we talk about presenting the truth in love, 27:11 we have to understand that Satan, 27:15 although the Bible mentions that he is as a roaring lion 27:18 seeking who he may devour, he's also very sneaky. 27:23 And when you are sharing the truth with someone, 27:27 he may try to put 27:29 thought in the minds of that person 27:31 to bring the conversation 27:33 into a discussion almost to a fight. 27:37 So, we have to be very, very careful. 27:39 And that's why we have to heed the counsel of God's Word. 27:44 Ephesians 4:15, is brought out in the lesson, 27:49 very well chosen scripture. 27:51 Notice what Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:15." 27:55 But speaking the truth in love 27:59 may grow up into him in all things, 28:03 which is the head, even Christ." 28:05 So, we should endeavor 28:08 to present the truth in love with others, 28:12 and that will have a greater impact upon people. 28:18 I would like to share with you about Jesus. 28:21 This is the way Jesus presented the truth. 28:24 In Gospel Workers 117, page 117 it says, 28:29 "In the work of soul winning, 28:32 great tact and wisdom are needed. 28:35 The Savior never suppressed the truth." 28:38 We have to present the truth, 28:40 the undiluted message of God's Word. 28:43 It says, "He never suppressed the truth, 28:45 but He ordered it always in love. 28:48 In His interaction with others, 28:50 He exercised the greatest tact 28:52 and He was always kind and thoughtful. 28:55 He was never rude, 28:56 never needlessly spoke a severe word, 28:59 never gave unnecessary pain to a sensitive soul. 29:02 He did not censure human weakness. 29:04 He fearlessly denounced hypocrisy 29:07 on belief and inequity 29:09 but tears were in His voice 29:11 as He uttered His scathing rebukes. 29:14 He never made truth, cruel, 29:16 but ever manifested a deep tenderness for humanity. 29:19 Every soul was precious in His sight." 29:23 And so, we, by God's grace should pray 29:25 for that love for others 29:28 that every soul is precious in His sight. 29:31 I have heard some speakers 29:34 and it seems like they even delight 29:36 in bringing out truth 29:39 in such a way to make people sorry, 29:43 but to make people look stupid. 29:44 Well, can't you see the truth that I'm sharing with you? 29:48 Are you that stupid, that dumb 29:50 that you can't understand what I'm sharing with you? 29:53 Some people present the truth that way 29:55 and unfortunately 29:58 will not reach the hearts because you raise defense. 30:02 And throughout my time on this sojourn of earth, 30:07 I've learned that sometimes 30:09 when you're sharing truth with others, 30:10 you have to be very, very careful 30:12 because when, 30:14 even when you're sharing the truth, 30:16 and you're letting them know 30:18 that what you have believed in for years 30:20 is error to some people, 30:23 their church, their doctrine that they hold, dear. 30:25 It's like, you are talking bad about my mother. 30:27 That's right. 30:29 So, I remember when I was little. 30:32 If you wanted to insult somebody, 30:34 you said something bad about their mother, 30:36 even when I, that was in Dominican Republic. 30:38 When I came to the US, 30:39 I said, well, they have the same practice here. 30:41 You just insult their mothers 30:43 and all of a sudden there is a fight. 30:45 And so, when you are sharing the truth with other people, 30:48 bear in mind that to them, 30:50 they believe what they understand 30:52 to be doctrine. 30:55 It's like, they love this truth as their mother 30:58 and so if you tell them this is wrong, 31:00 wait a minute, 31:01 you know, they're ready to fight. 31:02 So, you have to ask for God's grace. 31:06 Pray, pray for the Lord to use you in such a way 31:10 that when you present the truth, 31:11 it is not like you're coming with a bulldozer 31:14 to destroy things, but to bring a flashlight, 31:18 a light that will say, like a lamp. 31:21 I understand I was wrong all these years. 31:24 And so, this is the way 31:26 that God wants us to deal with people. 31:29 That's why we have this principle 31:31 presented in Matthew 10:16. 31:35 Matthew Chapter 10, verse, actually, yes, verse 16. 31:39 "Behold, I send you out 31:42 as sheep in the midst of wolves. 31:45 Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." 31:50 Notice, "You're as sheep in the midst of wolves 31:54 but yet He wants you to be wise as serpents 31:56 and harmless as doves, 31:58 presenting the truth in love." 32:02 And by this, you will have greater success. 32:05 You're giving the Lord, 32:07 the Holy Spirit an opportunity to soften the heart 32:10 and understand that you care about them, 32:13 that you have their salvation in mind, 32:17 their interest for eternal life 32:19 and their desire to learn the truth of God's Word 32:22 in your heart. 32:24 And this is why you are sharing with them, 32:25 you're not here to tear them down 32:27 and destroy them 32:29 but to share with them the wonderful light 32:32 that God has blessed you with. 32:35 So while there are some 32:37 who delight in looking for things 32:39 that are wrong with others, and sometimes, you know, 32:41 unfortunately, some people as they see 32:45 they're having a hard time getting through, 32:47 then they start to attack 32:48 the character of the individual, 32:50 and that becomes also an obstacle, 32:52 a wall 32:53 that you are unfortunately building up 32:56 to create an obstacle for the person 32:58 to accept the truth. 32:59 So, tact must be exercised. 33:02 And in the lesson, we have a quote 33:05 from Testimonies for the Church, 33:07 volume nine, page 189. 33:09 Pointing that out, 33:10 "If we would humble ourselves 33:12 before God and be kind, 33:15 and courteous and tenderhearted and pitiful, 33:19 in other words, full of pity, 33:20 there will be 100 conversions to the truth 33:24 where now there is only one." 33:27 So, this is a principle 33:29 to bring into our presenting of the truth. 33:33 And I see the time is escaping. 33:35 So now we have to select, 33:39 you know, there are people that they think 33:42 that whenever you're presented the truth 33:44 every time you present the truth, 33:45 you have to cry aloud and spare not, right? 33:47 You know, and so, this is why I'm bringing to you 33:50 this quote from page 63, 33:52 Counsels to Writers and Editors. 33:54 It says, "It is true 33:56 that we are commanded to cry aloud and spare not, 33:58 lift up thy voice like a trumpet 34:00 and show my people their transgression, 34:03 and the house of Jacob their sins." 34:05 Isaiah 58:1, "This message must be given, 34:08 but while it must be given, 34:10 we should be careful not to thrust 34:13 and crowd and condemn 34:14 those who have not the light that we have." 34:17 So, there is a balance, 34:19 we have to ask the Lord for wisdom 34:21 in presenting the truth. 34:22 Finally, I see that I have time to share one more here 34:25 from Counsel to Writers and Editors, page 58. 34:29 Notice, "What course 34:31 shall the advocates of truth pursue. 34:34 They have the unchangeable, eternal Word of God, 34:38 and they should reveal the fact 34:39 that they have the truth as it is in Jesus. 34:43 Their words must not be rugged and sharp, 34:46 in their presentation of truth 34:48 they must manifest the love and meekness 34:52 and gentleness of Christ, 34:54 let the truth do the cutting. 34:57 The Word of God is as a sharp two edged sword, 35:01 and will cut its way to the heart surgically." 35:04 That's right. 35:05 "Those who know that they have the truth, 35:08 truth should not by the use of harsh and severe expressions 35:13 give Satan one chance to misinterpret their spirit." 35:19 So, this is why we should be careful 35:22 to present the truth in love 35:23 because as I said before, 35:25 Satan is seeking some way to interrupt this opportunity 35:30 to share the truth with people in such a way 35:33 that they would accept it. 35:35 So, when you know that you're going to be 35:38 before someone to share the truth. 35:41 I encourage you to spend a lot of time in prayer, 35:45 asking for the Lord 35:47 to bless you with the Holy Spirit 35:49 so that you will present the truth in love 35:52 and that the Holy Spirit can do the work of leading people 35:59 into the truth of God. 36:01 So, thank you for this opportunity 36:04 to consider these things and pray, 36:07 because the truth must be made known 36:10 and it is high time for God's people to study, 36:12 to show themselves, approve them to God, 36:14 a workman that need not be ashamed, 36:17 rightly dividing the word of truth. 36:18 Amen. Amen. 36:20 Thank you for that. 36:21 I can do like my mother used to say 36:22 after some time hearing a message. 36:24 She used to say, son, thank you, 36:26 you stepped all over my toes. 36:27 So, every one of those good points 36:29 which are true 36:31 I found that I've failed many times, 36:33 in your experience, 36:34 where it's early in or you know, continuing on, 36:37 it's like, you know, maybe we failed. 36:40 And so, we want to read these and by the grace of God, 36:42 we want to just continue to, 36:44 you know, to move forward and say God, 36:45 by Your grace and strength, we want to do the right thing. 36:48 Praise the Lord for that. 36:49 Wednesday's lesson, "Foundation of Acceptance." 36:53 This was good for me also, 36:54 every lesson seemed like good for me 36:55 and it kind of hit, 36:57 you know, my own personal life 36:58 and always go back to it every time we talk about. 37:00 When you say a foundation, 37:02 I have to think about the foundation 37:03 because, you know, a foundation, 37:06 when you put a foundation in, 37:08 you need to consider where you're at. 37:10 But in this country, let's say, if you're up north, 37:13 you're going to dig the footings a lot deeper 37:15 because of the frost line, you do not want to get, 37:19 you know, put in a lesser vaults, 37:21 you know, this is deep enough for a footing and foundation, 37:24 but you can take into consideration 37:26 the freezing of the ground, the freezing and the thawing. 37:29 And if your foundation is not down deep enough, 37:32 when there's pressure is applied as the earth, 37:34 you know, is expanding and contracting, 37:36 it will push up that foundation 37:38 which will push against the blocks 37:40 which will destroy your house or your basement, 37:42 wherever it might be. 37:43 Very interesting. 37:45 So, you need to know 37:46 when you put in that foundation, 37:48 that number one when you do it, it needs to be square. 37:50 You know, take your tape measure 37:52 and you make sure that it's square, 37:54 foundation we had to make sure it's square 37:56 as I squared up with Jesus in the teaching of His Word. 37:59 Foundation needs to be level, 38:01 if your foundation is not level, 38:03 I think balance was the word I like, 38:05 balance, there's a time, 38:06 there's a season for everything. 38:09 So, we need to balance it with the Word of God. 38:12 Remember, if the foundation is not level, 38:14 that means 38:15 you're not going to be balanced. 38:17 Everything that you go to do is not level, 38:20 it's out of balance. 38:22 Because you know, you say, 38:23 well, I'm going to be working up on the roof 38:24 regardless you started down here. 38:26 Your house is going to be tilted 38:27 a little bit this way or that, all the windows everything. 38:30 Is it okay I guess I remember 38:31 working on a church many years ago 38:34 and a good block laid, 38:36 he laid the block on the wrong side of the line. 38:39 The line was there, think spiritually with me, 38:42 the line was there 38:43 but he accidentally laid the 12-inch block 38:45 on the wrong side of the line down on one end. 38:47 When he got done 38:49 when you went to square this building, 38:50 which was like 48 by 80 some odd feet. 38:53 When he went to square it was a foot out of square. 38:57 That simply mean 38:58 that everything that we went to do 39:02 was not square, 39:03 was not, well, it's pretty level 39:05 but it wasn't square. 39:06 That mean every sheet that you put on the floor, 39:08 plywood, it had to be cut at an angle, 39:10 every sheet on the roof 39:12 had to be cut at angles to get it to work 39:14 because everything was out of square, 39:16 we need to be square with God. 39:17 Foundation, it's very important 39:19 to have a good foundation, right? 39:20 And we're talking about this foundation, 39:21 we're talking about here must be relationship 39:24 that we have with God. 39:25 Our relationship must be built on love, 39:27 I think it has been brought out with each one 39:28 I'm thankful for that. 39:30 Love, the Bible says is the fulfilling of the law. 39:33 Jesus sets the example for us. 39:36 You know, His love toward us 39:37 becomes the very foundation of our acceptance 39:41 and our forgiveness toward others. 39:43 You might not think the foundation 39:45 or of acceptance is important, 39:47 I might say and I hope we get to it 39:48 is we're talking life and death issue here. 39:51 The way we accept people, the way we deal with people. 39:54 You see, our eternal interest certainly could ride on that 39:57 because we're talking forgiveness here, 39:59 acceptance forgiveness. 40:00 Now foundation built on what? Love. 40:03 1 Corinthians, what is it, 13:13. 40:05 The Bible simply says, 40:07 "And now by faith, hope 40:08 and yeah, love charity, 40:10 you know, and of these three 40:12 the greatest is charity or is love." 40:15 Romans 5:6, 8 says, 40:17 "For when we were yet without strength, 40:20 when we were weak, right, 40:21 when we just, 40:23 you know, we without Him 40:24 in due time Christ died for us or the ungodly." 40:28 Verse 8, in Romans 5:6, 8, 40:31 "But God commended His love toward us, 40:33 praise God, that while we were yet..." 40:35 Sinners. 40:37 Oh, so many times you've read this 40:38 but yet it comes back every time 40:39 while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 40:42 Good news, I love good news. 40:44 John 6:37. 40:48 So Him that cometh to Me, what is it? 40:50 I will in no wise cast out. 40:52 What a promise based upon God's love for man. 40:58 And my Bible in 1 John 4:8 says, 41:00 God is what? 41:01 God is love. 41:03 This is the basis, 41:04 this is the foundation of ministries, 41:06 outreach, everything that we do. 41:08 If it's not based upon the love for God 41:10 and love for our fellowman, 41:11 where's it going to go? 41:13 It's doomed for failure. 41:15 We have to have that love of God. 41:17 Little magazine called The Youth Instructor 113, 41:21 1898 simply says this. 41:23 "Love is of a heavenly attribute." 41:27 The world talks about love today, 41:29 it's a whole different thing 41:30 than what heaven has to do when we talk about love. 41:33 Where love exists, 41:34 there is power and truth in the life. 41:38 I love this, love does nothing, nothing but good, right? 41:45 Love does good and nothing but good. 41:49 Those who had been know have love, 41:51 they bear fruit and to holiness 41:53 and to the end everlasting life. 41:55 Romans 15:17. 41:57 Moving on quickly. 41:58 It also describes the foundation of acceptance. 42:02 Wherefore receive you one another, Romans 15:7. 42:05 You receive what? 42:06 One another as Christ also did what? 42:09 Received us to the glory of God. 42:11 We have an obligation here, 42:13 we have to receive others the way 42:14 that Christ receives me. 42:15 Why? Because I'm a sinner. 42:17 All right, we're going to be saved, 42:18 be saved by the grace of God. 42:20 And it's not just well, we've done things one time, 42:22 we may have done things over and over and over. 42:24 Receive you one another, God is merciful. 42:27 Again, this is a reason 42:28 that the Christians are to receive others 42:30 is because of that love that Christ has shown us. 42:34 Let's put this principle in play. 42:36 This is a principle here in play. 42:38 Can we possibly ask this question, 42:40 could we do this? 42:41 Has God been good to me? 42:43 I've heard that beautiful song, has God been good to me? 42:45 Yeah, well, okay, yes. 42:46 We say, yeah, He's been good to me. 42:48 Then should we not be good to others? 42:50 That's right. Yeah. 42:52 Has God supplied all my needs as He's promised to do? 42:55 Yes, He has. 42:56 So, should we not help others, right, 42:58 to meet their needs that they have. 43:00 That's right. 43:01 You know, so we, as God invited us 43:03 to be part of His family. 43:05 I like this, has God invited us to be part of His family? 43:07 Absolutely. 43:09 How many have we invited to become, 43:10 not only part of our family but the family of God. 43:14 The invitation who must be given, 43:15 God has certainly invited us 43:17 to give that invitation to the world come unto me. 43:20 So our lesson makes this point, 43:22 I think very clear about acceptance 43:24 of one another. 43:25 Because Christ has what? 43:26 He's forgiven, He's accepted each one of us. 43:30 I think this was brought out by someone else, 43:32 we can, how can we possibly refuse 43:35 to forgive and accept one another? 43:37 Again, in spite of their flaws. 43:41 I've heard people say, no matter how long I live, 43:43 no matter what happens 43:44 is what I will not forgive them. 43:46 That's dangerous, dangerous talk. 43:48 Eternal life, 43:50 we're going to miss out on heaven, 43:51 we have to forgive as Christ has forgiven us. 43:54 Our eternal life depends upon it. 43:57 Peter came to Christ, you remember this well, right, 43:58 Peter came to Christ 44:00 and how often shall my brothers sin against me 44:02 and I, I forgive him. 44:03 Matthew 18, it goes in there verse 21. 44:06 How often shall I give, 44:07 so, I guess Peter thought he was really doing very well 44:10 because he had been following around Jesus, 44:12 wasn't the rabbi, said you do it three times. 44:14 You forgive them three times. 44:16 Peter went on. 44:17 So I'm gonna just double this and I'm going to add one. 44:19 I'm going to be doing and he said, 44:21 well, no, he said, well, how about seven times, Lord. 44:23 And Jesus too came to him and said, 44:25 oh, my never, principle, 44:27 never get weary of forgiving your fellowman. 44:30 Jesus said 70 times 70, 490 offenses. 44:34 Now I must bring this out. 44:36 You thought back if you want to, 44:37 the 490 offenses for the same cause. 44:43 Well, there's silence. 44:45 Think about it, 70 times 7. 44:47 We can't just say well, 44:48 for this amount will go this far, 44:50 for this amount. 44:51 Now you think about how forgiving that to be? 44:54 Well, I'm gonna illustration here. 44:56 I definitely don't want to do this. 44:57 But I didn't like what Ryan said 44:59 so, I mean, I was got a little uptight. 45:00 So, when I walked by, I slapped him, 45:03 didn't say punches, said slap. 45:05 Then I said, oh, I came to my senses. 45:06 Which you didn't really do. 45:08 No, I didn't really do, oh, no, my. 45:10 And I wouldn't want to do that. 45:12 Probably just one way or the other. 45:14 Well, you might have deserved it but still yeah. 45:17 We come right. 45:18 And I say quickly, I come to my senses. 45:19 I lost my patience. 45:21 I said, Brother Ryan, I'm sorry. 45:24 You have big heart. You love Jesus. 45:25 You said, okay, Kenny, that's good. 45:27 Next day, we go through the same thing. 45:28 I smack you again. Second time. 45:31 I'm saying, oh, Ryan, I'm sorry, man, 45:33 I wish I hadn't done that, please forgive me. 45:35 I don't know if you'd be hesitate or not. 45:37 You'd say well, now that's the second time. 45:39 What if I did it the third time and the fourth time 45:40 and the fifth time, 45:42 the same thing and each time 45:43 pretty soon you might begin to doubt that 45:44 I'm really sorry. 45:46 That's true. 45:47 But you know, this is the challenge 45:49 is even if it's the same thing over and over, you know why? 45:51 Because we have done the same thing 45:54 over and over to Jesus. 45:57 And He has forgiven us over and over and over 46:00 for the same offense. 46:01 Oh, mercy. 46:03 What mercy that is and what a lesson I can learn, 46:06 you see by looking at the life of Christ. 46:08 Seventy times seven. 46:11 And I might mention this, you know that people say, 46:13 accept people as they are, you do that, 46:15 you win them to Christ with love 46:16 that we were talking about. 46:17 But remember, you accept them to Christ. 46:19 Somebody's out in the world that haven't accepted Christ. 46:21 But there comes a time you need to take the Bible. 46:23 You need to take the Scripture and you sit down in love 46:26 after you won their, 46:27 you know, their admiration and so on. 46:28 They know you love Jesus and point out what truth is, 46:32 because that is real love. 46:35 If you love someone, 46:36 you're going to point out 46:37 which scripture after you've won 46:39 you see them over. 46:40 They know you love Jesus and point them to Jesus. 46:44 I'm telling you, that's what our mission is, 46:46 that's what our goal, point people to Jesus. 46:47 Amen. 46:49 Thank you so much, Pastor Kenny, 46:50 what an incredible lesson about forgiveness, 46:54 I'm going to be thinking about that for quite a while, 46:56 that was really powerful. 46:58 Thursday's lesson we have "Truth Lovingly Presented." 47:02 Now Pastor Johnny had, presenting the truth in love. 47:06 And this is truth lovingly presented. 47:09 The lesson says, 47:10 Jesus did not neglect presenting truth 47:13 for love's sake 47:14 because that would not have been love. 47:17 There is no conflict between truth and love. 47:20 That's right. 47:22 Truth presented humbly 47:23 and kindly is a statement of love. 47:26 The thing about what Jesus said in John 14:6, 47:28 what did He say? 47:30 I am the way, the truth and the life 47:33 but yet He also in 1 John, we read that God is love. 47:38 So, Jesus is truth, but He is also love. 47:42 There is no conflict between truth and love. 47:46 The lesson had a wonderful statement, 47:47 which I want to read here, 47:49 and then we're going to unpack it 47:50 for a moment. 47:51 It said, truth without love leads to stifling legalism 47:57 which strangles spiritual life. 48:00 Love without truth 48:02 leads to tolerant sentimentalism, 48:05 with no substance, 48:07 leaving an individual adrift on a sea of uncertainty. 48:12 Truth presented in love 48:14 leads to an authentic Christian experience 48:18 that provides direction, peace and hope. 48:21 So, I want to unpack that a moment. 48:22 We're going to start with a legalistic side. 48:25 Truth without love leads to stifling legalism 48:29 which strangles spiritual life. 48:32 So, what is legalism? 48:33 I'm going to give you four definitions, 48:35 you can pick which one, 48:36 maybe they all could apply in some matters. 48:39 Maybe there's probably more as well. 48:41 Definition number one. This is according to Jill. 48:44 Legalism is a strict adherence, 48:46 or the principle of strict adherence to the law, 48:50 especially the letter of the law 48:52 versus the spirit of the law. 48:54 It's the doctrine, here's the second definition, 48:56 it's the doctrine that salvation can be gained 48:58 through works. 49:00 Third definition, 49:02 legalism is being a slave to performance based religion. 49:07 Fourth definition, 49:08 legalism is not pursuing the law, 49:10 it's pursuing the law the wrong way. 49:14 Let's look at seven signs of a legalist. 49:18 If you ever wonder, am I a legalist? 49:21 I have to tell you, I've probably seen 49:23 all seven of these signs in my life 49:25 at one point or another. 49:26 And the Lord says, Jill, I want to pour my grace 49:29 in your heart. 49:30 Sign number one, lack of true joy. 49:33 Legalism kills joy in the life of a Christian. 49:39 Sign number two. 49:41 Now this is deep, no real victory over sin. 49:44 We might think a legalist holds the law up 49:47 and so they would be the ones upholding the law. 49:50 But the sign of a legalist is no real victory over sin 49:53 because they try to be good in their own strength, 49:57 but fail because our righteousness 49:59 is as filthy rags. 50:01 Sign number three, 50:02 an unhealthy performance orientation, 50:05 trying to somehow earn or merit favor with God. 50:11 Sign number four, a critical, 50:13 unloving attitude toward others. 50:16 You see, if you don't understand grace, 50:18 there's no way that you can extend grace 50:21 to someone else. 50:23 Sign number five, 50:24 an obsessive focus on outward standards. 50:27 This is what I call the man-made religious code. 50:31 Sign number six, bondage to religious tradition. 50:35 This is the way we've always done it. 50:37 This is the way my mama did it and grandma before that, 50:39 and this is the way I was raised in the church. 50:41 This is the way we did it. 50:43 Bondage to tradition. 50:46 Sign number seven, 50:48 little or no assurance of salvation. 50:52 Thinking, I'm not good enough and I'm trying harder 50:56 and I don't know, am I going to be saved or not? 50:59 Now, let's look at the flip side of that. 51:01 Love without truth 51:02 leads to tolerance sentimentalism, 51:05 with no substance, 51:07 leaving an individual adrift on the sea of uncertainty. 51:11 So, what is this we call it "love" in quotes, 51:14 this tolerant sentimentality. 51:16 Here's definitions, tolerant sentimentality. 51:20 Number one, it's a pseudo spirituality, 51:22 that clouds truth, and it distorts reality. 51:26 That's right. 51:28 Definition number two, 51:29 it's an emotional idealism 51:32 resulting from feeling rather than reason or thought, 51:36 having an excess of emotion 51:38 holding that above the Word of God. 51:41 Definition number three, 51:43 tolerant sentimentality is placing my emotions 51:46 and feelings as the standard by which all other truth, 51:51 beliefs and actions are measured. 51:54 Definition number four, 51:56 tolerant sentimentality is not practicing 51:58 the love of Christ. 51:59 It is a false love and a false emotion 52:02 that has nothing to do 52:04 with Christ self-sacrificing love 52:07 and grace. 52:08 So what are the signs if you fall into the camp 52:11 of a tolerant sentimentalist. 52:14 Six signs, number one, 52:16 holding your emotions and feelings 52:19 above the Word of God, 52:21 saying if it feels right, 52:23 if this is the way I feel, if this is what I think, 52:26 then surely that must be right. 52:28 And when someone presents, 52:30 you know, this is the truth from the Word of God, 52:31 you say no, this other feels better to me. 52:35 So, I'm going to hold my feelings 52:37 about the Word of God. 52:38 Sign number two is self deception, 52:41 no real knowledge of self or sin. 52:44 It's the lack of self-examination 52:47 in the light of the truth of God's Word. 52:49 You know, the Word of God says we are to examine ourselves 52:52 whether we are in the faith. 52:54 Yes. 52:55 Sign number three 52:56 is covering oneself in one sins of slackness, 53:00 complacency, laziness, 53:03 pride and superiority with a gauze of emotion 53:08 and supposed tolerance, 53:09 saying, okay, 53:11 I'm just being tolerant of this, 53:12 I'm being tolerant of that 53:13 when really it's my own laziness 53:15 or my complacency or even my spirit of pride 53:18 or superiority. 53:20 Sign number four, 53:21 of someone who engages 53:23 in this tolerant sentimentality. 53:25 It's the spirit of pride 53:27 toward those who still maintain righteousness 53:30 and the law according to God's Word. 53:33 So, if you see someone preaching truth in the law, 53:36 according to God's Word, you say, 53:37 oh no, we're past that, 53:39 we're beyond that, 53:40 we just hold on to this emotions, this love. 53:42 Sign number five, 53:44 holding to fleeting emotion 53:46 instead of the genuine love and grace of God. 53:49 And sign number six, 53:51 blurring the lines between truth and error, 53:54 covering everything with what makes me feel good. 53:58 By contrast, the truth presented in love 54:01 leads to an authentic Christian experience 54:04 that provides direction, peace and hope. 54:07 You see the Bible always blends truth and love, 54:11 grace and law, compassion and honesty 54:15 because Jesus is the truth and He is also love. 54:20 So how do we present the truth in love? 54:22 Here's five ways to present the truth in love. 54:25 And we're going to read our memory text. 54:27 1 Peter 3:15. 54:28 And the first three ways I get from that one verse. 54:31 1 Peter 3:15, "But sanctify the Lord God 54:34 in your hearts, 54:36 and always be ready to give a defense, " 54:38 or as Pastor John said, 54:39 "an answer to everyone who asks you a reason 54:42 for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." 54:46 Way number one, to present the truth in love 54:48 is to allow God to sanctify you first 54:52 before you attempt to present the truth. 54:56 You know, many times we attempt to present truth 54:58 without an attitude adjustment, 54:59 without knowing Jesus for ourselves, 55:02 and we start to hit people over the head with the truth, 55:05 without first being sanctified by that truth. 55:10 1 Corinthians 9:27. 55:12 Paul says, I discipline my body, 55:14 and I bring it into subjection, 55:16 lest when I have preached to others, 55:18 I myself would become a castaway. 55:21 That verse is really heavy to me. 55:24 Because at 3ABN, we want to proclaim the truth, 55:27 we want to teach the truth, 55:29 but it's also vitally important that we live the truth. 55:34 There we go. Amen. 55:35 Way number two to present the truth in love 55:37 always be ready to share truth. 55:39 We already read that verse. 55:41 First, we need to be sanctified, 55:43 then we need to always be ready. 55:45 We need to be instant in season and out of season, 55:48 always ready to share the truth. 55:50 Way number three, 55:51 share the truth with humility and fear. 55:55 That was the same verse, 1 Peter 3:15. 55:57 At the end of it, it says always be ready to share. 56:00 And then it says with meekness and fear. 56:03 It makes a difference if we present truth with 56:05 arrogance and superiority 56:08 or if we present it with meekness and fear. 56:12 Way number four, 56:13 speak the truth boldly yet with patience. 56:17 2 Timothy 4:2, 56:19 Paul tells Timothy, preach the word, 56:22 be instant in season and out of season, 56:24 convince, rebuke, exhort 56:26 with all long suffering and teaching. 56:28 So, we're bold in what we preach and teach, 56:32 but we share it with patience. 56:34 And way number five is we tell 56:36 what we have already experienced. 56:40 You see, you can't present truth, 56:41 you can't present Jesus, 56:43 if you've never met the Master for yourself. 56:47 Fall in love with Jesus, 56:49 and then you can share Him with someone else. 56:51 That's right. Praise the Lord. 56:53 Brother Ryan, what do we have? 56:54 Yeah, I just want to give 1 John 2:10, 56:58 "He who loves his brother abides in the light 57:00 and there is no cause for him to stumble." 57:03 Pastor Dinzey? 57:04 I would say pray 57:06 that as you present the truth in love, 57:07 it will awaken love for the truth in others. 57:09 That's right. Amen. 57:11 There's a thought here Manuscript 339, 1911 says, 57:14 "It should be our aim to bring all the pleasantness 57:16 possible into our lives 57:18 and do all the kindness possible to those around us." 57:21 Okay. Amen. 57:23 It's difficult to share truth if you have not allowed God 57:26 by the power of His Spirit to change you. 57:28 So, open up your heart to Him today. 57:30 Amen. And thank you all. 57:31 Jill, it was a wonderful presentation. 57:32 And so was the case with every one of you. 57:35 As you can see this whole thing, 57:37 the winning attitude makes all the difference 57:39 in the way people hear Christ. 57:42 It's not enough to say, we know of Him, 57:44 but it's important for people to say that, 57:46 hey, you have been with Him. 57:48 And so, the Bible says make sure as Peter did, 57:51 that you never call anyone common or unclean 57:53 and you deal with everyone as a candidate for the kingdom 57:57 because they have found Christ in your life. 57:58 Our next study, 58:00 an exciting way to get involved. 58:02 See you then. Amen. |
Revised 2020-09-04