Participants:
Series Code: SSP
Program Code: SSP230007S
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00:01 Hello Friends, I'm Jill Morikone.
00:02 I just want to welcome you 00:04 to another 3ABN Sabbath School Panel. 00:05 This Quarter we are studying: 00:06 Managing for the Master Till He Comes. 00:09 If you would like your own copy of the Adult Bible Study Guide, 00:13 we encourage you to visit 00:14 your local Seventh-Day Adventist Church. 00:16 They will give you a copy 00:17 or you can go to our website: 3abnsabbathschoolpanel. com 00:22 Download the Study and follow along with us for Lesson 7: 00:26 Unto the Least of These. 00:28 Music... 00:59 Jill: Hello Friends, I'm Jill Morikone, 01:01 we look forward to this time 01:02 when we get to open up the Word of God 01:04 and study with you for the Sabbath School Panel. 01:07 I can't believe we're in Lesson Number 7: 01:09 Unto the Least of These. 01:11 I want to introduce your family, my family here at the table, 01:14 To my left, Brother Ryan Day, so glad you're here. 01:17 Ryan: Amen, I'm excited to be here 01:19 and I actually have Mondays lesson entitled: 01:22 God's Provision for the Poor. 01:23 Jill: Wonderful... 01:25 in the middle, Pastor John Lomacang, 01:26 glad you're here. 01:28 Lomacang: Yes, I have The Rich Young Ruler. 01:29 Wow! we're going to talk a lot about him. 01:32 Jill: Sounds like a great study. 01:34 Brother John Dinzey, so glad you're here. 01:36 Dinzey: It's a blessing to be here, 01:38 I'm talking about another rich individual named: Zacchaeus. 01:41 Jill: Ooooh, I like that, 01:43 then, last but not least, Brother Daniel Perrin 01:46 who's a newer member of the Sabbath School Panel family 01:49 and we're so glad you're here. 01:50 Perrin: And I get to help you consider another rich man, 01:53 consider the man Job. 01:54 Jill: Oh, wonderful, 01:56 well, we're going to go to the Lord in prayer 01:57 before we go any further 01:59 and Daniel, would you pray for us? 02:00 Perrin: I will be happy to. 02:01 "Dear Father in heaven, 02:03 Lord, it's Your Word that we desire 02:05 to not only change our minds and our hearts 02:07 but change our priorities and our actions 02:09 and Lord, as we study today, 02:11 fill us with the heart that You have, 02:13 the heart that cares for those around us 02:15 because You cared for us. 02:17 Thank you for leading us in this discussion 02:19 in this study today, 02:21 we pray in Jesus' name, amen. " 02:23 Panel: Amen. 02:24 Jill: We're looking at Lesson Number 7: 02:27 Unto the Least of These. 02:29 There's a... at least the Lesson brought out 02:31 there are at least four individuals 02:32 mentioned in Scripture 02:34 called the least of these. 02:36 Now, I'm going to read a couple of Bible verses 02:37 and let's see if we can find out who those individuals are. 02:40 First one is James 1:27, 02:42 "Pure and undefiled religion 02:43 before God and the Father is this, 02:45 to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, 02:48 and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. " 02:50 So, who are the least of these in that passage? 02:53 The orphans... ah ha... and the widows, yes, 02:56 the orphans and the widows, so those are two. 02:58 Let's read another verse, Deuteronomy 24 verse 17, 03:02 "You shall not pervert justice due to the stranger 03:06 or the fatherless, 03:08 nor take a widow's garment as a pledge. " 03:10 There are three mentioned in that passage 03:13 any guesses what they were? 03:15 Panel: Stranger. Jill: Stranger, yes, 03:17 stranger... fatherless... 03:18 now, fatherless and orphans are kind of used synonymously 03:21 and widows. 03:23 Now, we're going to look at Zachariah 7:9 and 10 03:25 and you see all four of them mentioned here. 03:28 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 03:30 'Execute true justice, 03:32 show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother. 03:35 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, 03:38 the alien or the poor. '" 03:41 Now, here its reference is alien 03:42 but it could also be stranger. 03:44 "Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother. " 03:49 Those four groups are mentioned... Old Testament 03:52 and New Testament. 03:54 The orphans or the fatherless. 03:56 Today, we would say, those would be kids who don't have parents. 03:59 Maybe their parents died through an accident 04:02 or an illness. 04:03 Or maybe their parents are in prison 04:06 for whatever reason... they don't have parents with them. 04:09 The widows... those who would be maybe single-parent homes 04:12 where a spouse has died 04:14 or a spouse through divorce is no longer in the picture. 04:17 We have the strangers or the aliens... 04:19 now, that's an interesting concept in Scripture. 04:22 The word in Hebrew of for stranger 04:25 often used to refer to those who left their homeland 04:30 perhaps because of famine or war. 04:32 In Genesis 15... it says Abraham's descendants 04:36 were to be strangers in Egypt 04:38 because they had left their homeland 04:40 and they were sojourning there. 04:41 In Exodus 2, Moses named his son, Gershom 04:45 which means... a stranger in a foreign land 04:48 because they were in that land of captivity. 04:51 In Exodus 12, the strangers to the nation of Israel 04:55 could partake of the heritage 04:57 and join the Israelites and become a native of the land. 05:02 And in Exodus 22, they were told not to oppress 05:06 the strangers in the land. 05:08 And then we have the fourth category of the least of these 05:12 which would be poor and we know Jesus said, what? 05:15 "The poor you will always have with you. " 05:19 Our memory text is Matthew 25 verse 34. 05:23 It says, "Then the king will say to those on His right hand, 05:25 'Come, you blessed of My Father, 05:27 inherit the kingdom prepared for you 05:29 from the foundation of the world. '" 05:31 And if you read the context, why do they inherit the kingdom? 05:34 One of the reasons... 05:35 they ministered to the least of these. 05:38 On Sunday's Lesson, we look at the life and ministry of Jesus 05:41 and we discover... remember the Jews thought what? 05:44 Jesus was coming to proclaim Himself King 05:47 and He would overthrow the Roman oppression 05:51 but yet, Jesus came to minister unto the least of these. 05:56 Let's read His mission statement, 05:58 that's actually my lesson on Sunday 06:00 is Jesus' mission statement. 06:01 We find it in Luke chapter 4, let's turn there. 06:03 We're going to read Luke chapter 4, 06:06 we pick it up in verse 16. 06:08 This is Jesus' Messianic ministry being announced 06:13 or you could say, His mission statement 06:15 for coming to this world. 06:17 He chose to announce His ministry of preaching... 06:20 of healing... of liberty here in Nazareth. 06:23 We're in Luke 4:16, 06:25 "So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. 06:27 And as His custom was, 06:29 He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, 06:31 and stood up to read. " 06:33 He was very well known by this time. 06:35 In fact, verse 14 says that He had returned from Galilee 06:40 and the news of Him 06:42 went out through all the surrounding regions. 06:45 So, Jesus was well known and the hometown Boy... 06:48 I say that with the most respect, 06:50 but that's what we would say, 06:51 He came home for a visit... He came to Nazareth 06:55 and the people had heard of his miracles 06:58 and they'd seen what He had done 07:01 and then, He comes into the synagogue 07:05 and what happens? Verse 17, 07:07 "He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. 07:09 And when He had opened the book, 07:11 He found the place where it was written... " 07:14 here we see... coming forward His mission statement. 07:17 Of course, He's quoting from Isaiah chapter 61 07:20 and verse 18, 07:22 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, 07:24 because He has anointed Me... " 07:27 Before we go any further 07:28 I just want to stop with that word "anointed Me. " 07:31 Remember Jesus at His baptism, what happened? 07:33 The Holy Spirit descended like a dove 07:36 in bodily form upon Him. 07:39 He was, you could say, anointed with the Spirit 07:42 for His mission. 07:44 Peter in Acts chapter 10 verse 38, 07:46 he is speaking to Cornelius and he says 07:49 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth 07:52 with the Holy Spirit and with power... 07:55 Anointing is essential for service. 07:59 We cannot work effectively for God 08:02 without the anointing of the Holy Spirit... 08:05 without the infilling of the Holy Spirit. 08:08 Now, of course, we know 08:10 Jesus was filled with the Spirit from His birth in a special way 08:14 because the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary 08:17 with the conception of Jesus and we know that 08:20 but in another fuller measure, 08:22 the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus at His baptism. 08:25 So, Jesus is saying, "He has anointed me. " 08:28 He's speaking of Himself 08:29 even though it's quoting the words back here from Isaiah 08:31 but He's speaking of Himself. 08:32 The Holy Spirit anointed Him for His mission 08:34 and what was that mission? 08:36 We're going to talk about the six-fold mission 08:39 of the Messiah 08:40 and for each one of those points we have a takeaway, 08:43 so, let's jump into the six-fold mission. 08:45 What was His mission? 08:46 Number 1: To preach the gospel to the poor. 08:49 In Greek, the word "poor" means one who crouches 08:53 and cowers... 08:55 one who is deeply destitute. 08:58 Takeaway Number 1: 09:00 The Gospel is for those who need it most. 09:03 The gospel is for the least of these. 09:05 The gospel is for the orphans... 09:07 for the widows... 09:09 for the strangers... 09:10 for the fatherless... the gospel is for the poor. 09:14 Jesus came for those who are deeply destitute. 09:18 He came for me... 09:19 He came for you. 09:21 Let's look at the second part of His mission. 09:24 Not only did He come to preach the gospel to the poor, 09:26 He came to heal the brokenhearted. 09:30 Now, that word in Greek means to break in pieces... 09:34 to crush... 09:35 literally or figuratively to scatter those pieces. 09:41 The gospel... Takeaway Number 2: The gospel is for the broken. 09:45 Jesus came for the broken. 09:48 Those who are broken emotionally... 09:51 those who are broken spiritually... 09:53 He came... remember He cast out the money changers in the temple 09:57 remember that story... 09:59 and all those people who thought that they were something 10:02 and thought that they were worth... worthy... they left, 10:06 but it was the poor who stayed. 10:07 It was the needy who stayed. 10:09 It was the destitute who stayed. 10:12 Those were the ones. 10:13 Of course, He came for all 10:15 but those were the ones who received Him. 10:17 Part 3 of His six-fold mission: 10:21 To proclaim liberty to the captives. 10:24 Now, this word is fascinating to me... 10:27 that word "liberty" in Greek means deliverance or forgiveness 10:31 and almost every time, 10:33 if you look, almost every time, 10:34 it is translated in the New Testament 10:36 is translated: forgiveness. 10:38 Now, if you understand that in context, 10:41 to proclaim liberty to the captives... 10:43 what does that mean? 10:45 You and I are bound... stuck in addiction and sin 10:49 and Jesus came to give us forgiveness. 10:52 Jesus came to set us free. 10:55 The captive... it's amazing to me 10:58 the word means: a prisoner of war... 11:01 to buy back. 11:03 You know, you think about how He redeemed us 11:06 and bought us back. 11:07 Takeaway Number 3: 11:08 The gospel... it's for the sinful. 11:11 Jesus came to offer forgiveness. 11:14 We know all have sinned 11:15 and fallen short of the glory of God. 11:18 Let's look at the fourth part of His mission: 11:22 To grant recovery of sight to the blind. 11:26 Now, that blind sometimes is translated in Greek... 11:29 physical blindness... 11:30 sometimes it's translated "spiritual blindness" 11:34 like when Jesus talked about the Pharisees and Sadducees 11:37 being blind or blind guides. 11:39 So either way, the gospel is for those who cannot see. 11:44 Jesus came to heal us of our spiritual blindness. 11:49 He didn't come to just take away our sin 11:50 and to forgive our sin and to cleanse us from that. 11:53 He came to open our eyes so that we could see... 11:56 so that we could know... 11:57 so that we could understand and comprehend truth. 12:00 You know, without Jesus, 12:03 we can't understand the Word of God. 12:05 Without the infilling of the Holy Spirit... 12:08 spiritual things are spiritually discerned 12:10 and it takes that to understand that... 12:13 to open our eyes spiritually. 12:15 Let's look at the fifth aspect. 12:18 To set at liberty those who are oppressed. 12:21 Now, I told you Jesus was quoting from Isaiah 61 12:24 in the previous Section is 12:25 but this Section is from Isaiah chapter 58, 12:28 "To set at liberty those who are oppressed. " 12:31 The word "liberty" is the same word used before 12:34 it means forgiveness 12:36 or that liberty or setting free. 12:39 So, to set at liberty... those who are oppressed. 12:41 Oppressed is translated to crush, bruise, oppressed... 12:46 in Isaiah 42 verse 4, it is translated "discouraged. " 12:50 So, you know what my takeaway is from this Number 5, 12:54 the gospel is for the bruised. 12:56 The gospel is for the crushed. 12:58 The gospel is for the discouraged. 13:01 If you say, "I don't even know a way out, 13:04 I don't even know what to do. " 13:06 Jesus came to set you free. 13:09 Finally, the last part, Number 6, 13:11 He came to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. 13:15 This is an illusion to the Year of Jubilee 13:17 which would be the 50th year. 13:19 The year of universal release for persons and property. 13:23 The year when the slaves were set free 13:25 and the debts were forgiven 13:26 and the land returned to its original owner. 13:29 Jesus was saying... what's the final takeaway? 13:32 The gospel is now. 13:33 He's saying that My time is now... 13:36 I am here now as your Messiah. 13:39 God's grace is for now. 13:41 God's forgiveness is for now. 13:43 His deliverance from sin is for now 13:46 so, what an incredible gift. 13:48 He did not come to break the oppressor's yoke... 13:51 yoke as in from Rome, 13:53 but He came to deliver us all and to set us free. 13:57 Ryan: Amen, wow! 13:59 Thank you so much, Jill, for that... I appreciate it. 14:01 Powerful truth 14:02 and this Lesson continues on with Monday's Lesson 14:06 entitled: God's Provision for the Poor. 14:08 There is so many rich counsels that we find in the Word of God 14:11 that helps us to come to understand 14:13 God's heart on these issues 14:14 and, you know, God's heart on these issues 14:16 and how He sees it... how He views it 14:18 should also be ours if we are in relationship with Him 14:22 and we're growing in Him 14:23 and we are coming in full harmony with His plan 14:26 and His will for our life. 14:27 We also should be sharing in the heart of the Lord 14:30 especially in our relationship 14:32 and in our actions and our thoughts towards others. 14:35 God's Provision for the Poor. 14:37 As I was studying this Lesson, 14:39 it brought me back to some of my own experiences. 14:43 You know, there are different levels of poverty 14:46 or different levels of poor, 14:47 and, you know, there are those in the extreme cases 14:51 are literally homeless 14:52 and, you know, you can see these very extreme situations 14:56 if you just go to some of the big cities 14:57 in... in the world... 14:59 some of the big cities even here in the United States. 15:01 But then there is... maybe... not so extreme 15:04 but yet still levels of poverty that exists out there 15:07 for instance, there are people that are not necessarily 15:10 homeless but yet they have hit some misfortunes 15:12 or for whatever reason they are in a situation 15:15 in which they're living in an extreme poverty level 15:17 or in a level of poverty that is... 15:20 is in the lower level of things. 15:22 I guess I could just say it like that. 15:24 It brought me back to a little bit of time in my life 15:27 when I and my family experienced some levels of poverty 15:31 and, you know, there was a time... 15:34 you know, my parents... 15:35 while growing up my parents were extremely... 15:37 extremely hard workers 15:39 and they instilled that within me and my brother and my sister. 15:41 They taught us what it meant to work hard. 15:44 They... they taught us to work hard... 15:46 they taught us to be honest, 15:47 to give our all... 15:49 to do everything not in a half-hearted way. 15:51 Not to do things, you know, 15:53 to start something and not finish it, 15:55 but to finish it... to do it the right way 15:57 and do it the best way... the most efficient way, 15:59 and so, I watched as both of my parents just labored very hard, 16:03 they were very hard workers all their lives, 16:05 well, this ultimately led to a time in which both of my parents 16:09 were declared "disabled" 16:10 because my dad had had a string of... of surgeries, 16:13 my mom had had a string of surgeries 16:14 and this was in my... you know, latter years of High School 16:17 and... and, you know, my dad and my mom usually worked 16:20 and I worked as I got a little older 16:22 but there came a time when I was the only one working 16:24 in the house and also going to school 16:26 and so, you know, making less... 16:28 less than ten to 15 thousand dollars a year 16:31 which is, you know, again, extreme poverty level 16:33 in terms of what Americans make in regards to an income. 16:36 But, you know, I say all of that because there were times 16:39 when I remember, you know, 16:40 we didn't know where the money was going to come from 16:42 come from to keep the lights on 16:44 but didn't know where the money was going to come, you know, 16:47 for the... sometimes for the next day's meal 16:49 even though God... we knew God would provide 16:51 but there was times when we're like, 16:52 you know, what are we going to eat tomorrow? 16:54 we don't... we don't have enough money but... 16:56 but you know it's amazing God always came through 16:58 but we still lived in a situation where it was like 17:00 where... where are these things going to come 17:02 because we were in a situation where I was the only one working 17:04 and my money... my salary was not enough to provide. 17:07 There were times when we were wondering, you know, 17:09 when... when... how are we going to put gas in the vehicle 17:12 to get to here... to get to there... 17:13 or get to school or wherever it was we were going, 17:15 and, of course, some misfortunes and some misunderstandings 17:18 led to a point in time in which 17:20 there was a cop showing up at our door... serving papers 17:22 and threatening to take away our home 17:24 and threatening to take away our vehicles 17:25 and every time we would hear a knock at the door, 17:28 you know, my heart would sink 17:29 because I'd think, "Oh no, 17:30 is it that cop again coming to threaten to take away 17:32 our belongings... " 17:33 you know, but if it wasn't for friends and family 17:36 and others that God had placed in our life 17:39 to help us through this time of... of trouble... 17:41 this time of trial for us and difficulty, 17:43 you know, praise God that there are people out there 17:46 that understand God's heart on this issue. 17:48 I just want to read through a few texts in Scripture 17:50 and... and just share with you 17:52 what the Bible teaches on this subject 17:53 because God has commanded us, 17:55 He has... He has counseled us and told us 17:58 how we should make provisions for the poor 18:00 and how we should relate 18:02 and treat those who are less fortunate than we are. 18:04 Exodus chapter 23 verses 10 and 11, 18:06 the Bible says this, 18:08 it says, again, this is Exodus 23 verses 10 and 11, 18:10 it says, "Six years you shall sow your land 18:13 and gather in its produce, 18:15 but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, 18:18 that the poor of your people shall eat; 18:21 and what they leave, the beasts of the field may eat. 18:24 In like manner, you shall do with your vineyard 18:26 and your olive grove. " 18:28 So, here God is saying, "Look, 18:29 you know, it's not all for you, 18:31 it's not all for just your business 18:32 and for your personal gain, 18:33 leave a little bit for someone else 18:35 who might be less fortunate than you. " 18:36 Leviticus chapter 23 verses 22... 18:39 again Leviticus 23 verse 22, 18:41 it says, "When you reap the harvest of your land, 18:44 you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field 18:46 when you reap, 18:47 nor shall you gather any gleaning from your harvest. 18:50 You shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger: 18:52 I am the LORD your God. " 18:54 So, again, God telling His people, 18:55 "You're My people, 18:57 you're My beacons of light to this world, 18:58 I want you to be those people 19:01 who are compassionate for your brothers and sisters 19:03 who are poor... who are less fortunate than you, 19:05 when you go out and gather that harvest, 19:06 don't gather it all, leave the corners there 19:08 so the people can come around 19:09 and they can gather some food for them and their families 19:12 and their home. " 19:13 Deuteronomy chapter 15 verse 11, 19:15 it says, "For the poor will never cease from the land; 19:17 therefore I command you, saying, 19:19 'You shall open your hand wide to your brother, 19:22 you shall open your hand wide to your brother, 19:25 to your poor and your needy, in your land. '" 19:28 These are just some general principles 19:30 that God instilled within His people 19:32 and commanded and counseled His people to do. 19:34 Also, we have a responsibility not just for the physical needs 19:37 but just the needs in general... 19:39 to be there... to represent and to stand up for those in need. 19:43 Psalm chapter 82 verses 3 and 4, 19:46 makes it very clear, 19:47 it says "Defend the poor and the fatherless; 19:50 do justice to the afflicted and needy. 19:53 Deliver the poor and needy; 19:55 free them from the hand of the wicked. " 19:57 You know what? We are to treat others 20:00 the way we would want to be treated 20:02 and I can tell you being on again... 20:03 I'm not going to go as far as to say that we were homeless 20:06 and that we were in extreme, extreme, extremes 20:08 but I've been in the situation and I have a heart for people 20:10 who... who... because I've been there 20:12 and I know what it's like 20:14 and the Lesson just goes on and brings that 20:16 it says, "Then there are promises 20:17 to those who help the needy. " 20:18 and it gives... Proverbs 28 verse 27 where it says, 20:21 "He who gives to the poor will not lack. " 20:23 That's a beautiful promise. 20:25 Proverbs 29 verse 14, 20:27 I know these are rapid-fire Scriptures 20:29 but just go with me on this, 20:31 Proverbs chapter 29 verse 14, 20:32 "The king who judges the poor with truth, 20:35 his throne will be established forever. " 20:37 And, of course, the blessing also brings out 20:39 and King David noted in Psalm chapter 41 verse 1, 20:42 "Blessed is he who considers the poor; 20:44 the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. " 20:47 So, these are promises that are given to us 20:49 if we will share in the heart of God on these issues. 20:52 It goes on to say, "This, then, always had been a priority 20:56 in ancient Israel even if, at times, 20:58 it had been lost sight of. " 21:00 In contrast though, get this, 21:02 and this... this really hit home. 21:05 "In contrast, even in modern times, 21:08 particularly in England, Western Europe, 21:11 under the impact of what was known as 'Social Darwinism,' 21:15 many thought that not only was there no moral imperative 21:19 to help the poor 21:20 but that it was, in fact, wrong to do so. " 21:23 When I read this, my mind immediately went to... 21:25 you know, I've met a lot of Christians with this mindset... 21:27 professed Christians, I'll say that. 21:29 I met a lot of people in this culture, especially in our time, 21:31 we have this mentality... 21:33 well, they need to help themselves 21:34 and so, we don't need to help these individuals 21:36 because they have a problem, 21:38 they're just lazy. 21:39 No... are there... 21:40 is it truthful that there are some lazy people out there 21:42 that need to get up and do something for themselves, 21:43 and to provide for themselves and their family? 21:45 Absolutely. 21:46 That's why I'm not saying that, you know, 21:48 everyone falls under this category, 21:49 but at the same time, there are people in need out there 21:51 that have experienced misfortunes 21:52 that we cannot throw under the bus and put into the category 21:55 that... well, they just need to help themselves, 21:57 it's... it's wrong for me to help this person 21:59 because I am enabling them. 22:00 Well, that's not always the case. 22:02 I remember there was a time 22:03 when me and my family were on EBT Food Stamps 22:05 and that was a difficult thing because in my culture... 22:09 especially in the South, you'd hear people say, 22:11 "Well, you know, those people on EBT... 22:13 I'm just paying for their groceries and I'm just... " 22:16 and they have all these ideas where it's... it's... 22:18 it's a harsh mentality of 22:19 "I'm the one paying to support this family 22:22 and my tax dollars are going to help these people 22:24 they should go out and get a job and do for themselves. " 22:26 Well, you know what? 22:27 I could tell you with absolute certainty 22:29 that we were a hardworking family... 22:30 we went through some misfortunes 22:32 and praise God for them EBT Food Stamps 22:33 during the time that they were provided to us and given to us, 22:36 that it was very much of a help. 22:38 Now, praise God... God also brought us out of that 22:41 because the happy ending of the story is, 22:42 there came a time 22:44 in which my father was able to gain a little bit better health, 22:45 my mother was able to gain a little bit better health, 22:48 I was able to become of age where I could get a better job 22:51 and we let go of those food stamps 22:52 because we no longer needed them 22:54 and God brought us out of that 22:56 through blessings down the road. 22:57 But my Friends, we have to understand 22:59 that the Bible does not have... 23:00 does not place upon us this mentality 23:02 always for those who are in the poor 23:04 that everyone should just help themselves 23:07 and figure out their own problems, 23:08 God has placed us there to be a blessing to others 23:11 and to give and share the heart of the Lord 23:13 in being there for them when they are needed. 23:15 "Instead," it says, 23:16 "following the forces of nature, 23:18 in which the strong survive at the expense of the weak, 23:21 'Social Darwinists' believed that it would be detrimental 23:25 to society to help the poor, 23:27 the sickly, and the indigent because, 23:30 if they multiplied, they would only weaken 23:32 the social fabric of the nation as a whole. " 23:35 This is just a cruel thinking, this is not the heart of God. 23:38 You know, I had another passage, I was going to read 23:40 but I don't have enough time 23:42 but go read Revelation 18. 23:43 Go read Revelation 18 and look and see 23:47 how God will bring punishment upon those in the end 23:50 who have built wealth off of... 23:52 of the lower-class people 23:53 who built wealth off the needy 23:55 and who have, you know, just hoarded all the riches 23:57 and all the wealth for themselves and not sharing... 23:59 they... they will meet their demise, 24:01 my Friends, God has called us to love one another 24:04 as we love ourselves 24:05 and as He loves us 24:07 and that, my Friends, is what we see here in Monday's Lesson... 24:09 God's Provision for the Poor. 24:11 Let us read the Bible and let us bring our lives 24:13 in harmony with His counsel. 24:15 Jill: Amen, thank you so much, Ryan, 24:17 what a wonderful reminder for each one of us. 24:20 We're going to take a short break, we'll be right back. 24:22 Music... 24:28 Ever wish you could watch a 3ABN Sabbath School Panel again 24:31 or share it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter? 24:34 Well, you can by visiting 3abnsabbathschoolpanel. com 24:39 A clean design makes it easy 24:41 to find the Program you are looking for. 24:43 There are also links to the Adult Bible Study Guide 24:47 so you can follow along. 24:49 Sharing is easy. 24:50 Just click "Share" and choose your favorite Social Media. 24:53 Share a Link... 24:55 Save a Life for Eternity. 24:57 Jill: Welcome back to Lesson Number 7, 24:59 our Study on: Unto the Least of These 25:02 and we continue the Study with Pastor John Lomacang. 25:04 Lomacang: Yes, and I'm talking about: The Rich Young Ruler 25:08 which describes our society today. 25:10 Young people are rich in things that they don't recognize 25:14 like health and strength 25:17 and they are wasting their wealth on a world 25:21 that's just sapping the God-given riches from them 25:24 much like the rich young ruler, he had many things. 25:27 Let's go to Mark chapter 10 and peek into his story. 25:31 As a matter of fact, Mark 10... let's go to Matthew 19, 25:34 I actually feel like Matthew 19. 25:35 There are so many parallels in the story 25:37 of the rich young ruler that we could identify with 25:39 regardless of our age 25:41 and this even bridges over into one of the Commandments 25:46 and I'll talk about that in a moment. 25:47 Let's pick up the story in Matthew chapter 19 25:49 verses 16 to 21, 25:51 "And behold, one came and said to Him, 25:54 'Good Teacher, 25:56 what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?'" 26:01 The first takeaway, or the first application is this 26:05 there's a presumption that 26:06 or an assumption that there's something good that we can do 26:09 you know, like people say, 26:11 "Why do bad things happen to good people?" 26:13 Well, I've said that's a presumption to think 26:15 that we're all good 26:16 but there's none that are good, no not one 26:18 and so, when he talked about that, 26:20 he came with the mentality that there's something he can do 26:23 to contribute to his standing before God. 26:25 So, let me lay that fallacy aside. 26:28 There's nothing we can do... 26:29 nothing... no good thing we can do 26:31 to contribute to our salvation. 26:33 We are saved by grace through faith 26:35 and that not of ourselves, it is a gift of God... 26:37 not of works lest anyone should boast 26:40 and this young man being a Jewish young man 26:42 should have known that 26:44 but that's what happens 26:45 when you are possessed by your possessions... 26:47 it clouds your understanding 26:48 thinking that I did all this to gain all this... 26:51 there must be something that I can do 26:53 to gain something even more valuable 26:55 which is eternal life. 26:56 The story picks up in the next verse. 26:58 Verse 17, "So He said to him, 27:00 'Why do you call Me good? 27:03 No one is good but One, that is, God. 27:06 But if you want to enter into life, 27:09 keep the commandments. " 27:10 I could spend a lot of time on 17... 27:12 Jesus was introducing to him 27:14 the God that he thought about as just the Teacher. 27:18 He says, "There must be a reason you're calling Me good, 27:21 are you recognizing something in Me 27:23 that's greater than the rabbis?" 27:24 And Jesus is in essence saying to him, 27:27 "This is in fact true but I'm not going to tell you I'm God 27:30 but, in fact, I'm better than just a teacher. " 27:33 Verse 18, He said to Him, "Which ones?" 27:37 And this is really a question that many Christians ask today, 27:41 "Which commandments do I need to keep?" 27:43 Rather than keeping them all, which ones do I need to keep? 27:46 There are those people that think that Sabbath is irrelevant 27:49 "I don't have to keep that one to enter into eternal life" 27:52 because many people link that to "works" 27:55 but it's in fact not. 27:56 "And the Lord said to him... " 27:58 knowing this young man's heart He made it clear 28:01 and notice he didn't focus on the first four Commandments 28:04 because those were things that were very, very stringent 28:07 among the Jewish people. 28:09 They were very strict about keeping the Commandments. 28:11 The Lord focused on the issues of his heart. 28:14 He says in the verse continuing, 28:16 "You shall not murder, 28:18 you shall not commit adultery, 28:20 you shall not steal, 28:21 you shall not bear false witness, 28:23 honor your father and your mother, 28:25 and, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. " 28:27 So, He focused on the social aspects of the Ten Commandments. 28:32 Verse 20, "The young man said to Him... " 28:35 now, notice this, his perfection came out, 28:38 "I'm just so spotless, Lord, 28:40 all these things I have kept from my youth, 28:43 why do I still lack? 28:45 I mean, I've been very particular 28:47 about keeping the Commandments, 28:49 you mean to tell me, 28:50 I've been so particular about the letter of the law 28:53 but there's a spirit of the law that's still being violated?" 28:57 The Lord was saying "yes" to him, 28:59 so he says, "What do I still lack?" 29:01 And Jesus said to him, 29:03 "If you want to be perfect, 29:04 go, sell what you have and give to the poor, 29:09 and you will have treasure in heaven; 29:11 and come follow Me. " 29:12 Now, this story caused a lot of consternation 29:15 among the disciples. 29:16 Those who were listening, they were thinking, 29:17 "Well, this is really not... 29:19 You're making eternal life hard. " 29:21 Peter said, "Who then can be saved?" 29:22 The disciples, as a matter of fact, 29:24 almost in chorus, "Well, who then can be saved?" 29:27 And the Lord said, 29:28 "You know, if you could leave houses and lands 29:30 and mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers 29:32 for my sake and the kingdom, 29:34 I'm going to bless you tremendously. 29:36 You will have eternal life 29:38 but in this life you'll have a 100 times more 29:41 than you presently have. " 29:43 Let me put a pin in that. 29:45 God can provide more for us 29:47 than we can provide for ourselves. 29:49 So, this provisional aspect of our mindset 29:52 thinking that, well, if I get a really good job, 29:54 very good education, 29:55 a really good position in a company, 29:57 a really good house... 29:58 a really good standard in the community, 30:00 then all my needs are going to be provided. 30:01 God is saying, "You can get all that, 30:02 and you still cannot beat My ability to provide for you. " 30:06 So, the question is, "What did Jesus mean when He said, 30:09 'If you want to be perfect... ' " 30:11 this is where his possessions conflicted with his God 30:15 because his possession became his god. 30:18 That's why he couldn't see beyond who Jesus really is. 30:21 Now, let's look at the impact. 30:23 The impact of money and things above God. 30:26 Matthew 19 verse 22, 30:29 the impact comes out in verse 22, 30:31 "But when the young man heard that saying, 30:34 he went away... " how? 30:36 "sorrowful, for he had great possessions. " 30:41 This is a very significant aspect 30:43 especially in the world we live in today. 30:45 I mean, I've been around the world quite a bit, 30:47 seen a lot of countries... 30:48 and whenever I come back home, 30:49 the thing I remember the most is either the... 30:53 the amazing poverty or the opulent luxury. 30:57 I'm often impressed, 30:59 "Wow! that country hardly had anything. " 31:01 "Wow! that country had just too much. " 31:03 We are very few times in a place that is very perfectly balanced 31:07 because the mindset... 31:09 that's why it's important like us to live in the country 31:11 because we got trees... 31:13 we got an abundance of trees. 31:15 We can breathe clean oxygen, praise God for that. 31:18 We don't walk out of our doors every day and think, 31:21 "Let me go to the mall across the street... " 31:22 no, across the street is a field. 31:25 We don't even have a Stop Light. 31:26 So, it helps to kind of minimize the mentality of possessions 31:31 when you live out in the country. 31:33 But the impact of it is verse 26, 31:35 the impact of money on the things... 31:37 on things... the impact of money in things on salvation. 31:40 Matthew 16:26, 31:43 "For what profit is it to a man 31:45 if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" 31:49 Or "What will a man give in exchange for his soul?" 31:52 When you're grasping for things remember that passage. 31:56 Even when its brand new and shiny, 31:58 in just a short period of time, 32:01 it loses its impact on satisfaction. 32:04 When a person is ill and near death, 32:06 they don't say, "I need more possessions... " 32:08 they're praying for more time. 32:10 Don't let your possessions possess you. 32:12 Secondly, don't allow yourself to be covetous. 32:16 Don't let your possessions covet you 32:18 or covet your possessions. 32:20 Let's look at a couple of examples. 32:21 Luke 12 and verse 15, 32:22 "And He said to them, 32:24 'Take heed and beware of covetousness, 32:27 for one's life does not consist 32:28 in the abundance of the things he possesses. '" 32:30 When you die... all that stuff is left behind 32:33 who are you going to give it to? 32:34 Nobody ever went to the cemetery with a U-Haul. 32:38 Nobody ever got buried in a mausoleum of stuff. 32:41 Now, in Egypt, they did that... 32:43 but nobody was rowing, 32:45 bones... when they got into there too, they turned into dust 32:47 and those bones stayed there 32:48 and stayed in those... those tombs for decades... 32:51 for millennia as it were. 32:52 Possessions often affect people's lives, 32:55 like for example, 32:57 Abraham and Lot were affected by their possessions. 32:58 Look at Genesis 13 verse 6, 33:00 "Now the land was not able to support them, 33:02 that they might dwell together, 33:04 for their possessions were so great 33:06 that they could not dwell together. " 33:08 That's how it happens in some family members... 33:10 some homes are so packed with stuff... 33:12 you move into somebody's house, you're bringing your stuff. 33:14 I remember moving... 33:16 we were moving to Thompsonville here 33:17 and we were moving around from house to house 33:19 until we finally got a place to live. 33:21 We still have stuff in our barn 33:23 that we haven't touched for ten years. 33:25 because we said... 33:27 and somebody said, "Well, just throw it away. " 33:28 But the mindset is, "Well, we might throw away something 33:31 that really is needed for us. " 33:33 That's the impact of possessions. 33:35 It also affected Isaac in the minds of the Philistines. 33:38 Look at Genesis chapter 26 verse 12, 33:40 "Then Isaac sowed in that land, 33:42 and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; 33:44 and the LORD blessed him. " 33:45 And verse 13, 33:47 "The man began to prosper, 33:48 and continued prospering until he became very prosperous... " 33:50 Notice, he had to prosper... became very prosperous 33:53 until he prospered. 33:55 Verse 14, "For he had possessions of flocks 33:57 and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. 34:00 So the Philistines envied him. " 34:02 That's what happens when your possessions possess you, 34:05 people become envious of your possessions. 34:07 If somebody comes to visit you, don't show them your stuff... 34:10 show them, Christ. 34:12 Panel: Amen... amen. 34:13 Lomacang: Also, Jacob and Esau had troubles in this area. 34:14 Look at Genesis 36 verse 6, 34:16 "Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, 34:19 and all the persons of his household, 34:20 his cattle and all his animals, 34:22 and all his goods which he had gained in the land of Canaan, 34:24 and went to a country away from the presence 34:27 of his brother Jacob. 34:28 For their possessions were too great 34:30 for them to dwell together, 34:31 and the land where they were strangers could not support them 34:34 because of their livestock. " 34:36 Possessions possessing us. 34:37 Third point: The Deception of possessions. 34:40 1st Timothy 6 verse 17, 34:42 verse 7, "For we brought nothing into this world, 34:45 and it is certain we can carry nothing out. " 34:48 The prioritizing of possessions, Matthew 6:33, 34:51 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, 34:53 and all these things will be added to you. " 34:55 And the divinity that brings to us the promise of our needs. 35:01 Philippians 4:19, 35:02 "And my God shall supply all your need 35:04 according to His riches in glory... " 35:06 here's the point, 35:07 Don't let your possessions possess you. 35:09 Panel: Hmmm... amen... amen... amen. 35:11 Dinzey: I'm going to have to remember that... 35:13 don't let your possessions possess you. 35:14 And now we are now on 35:16 Wednesday's portion of the Lesson: Zacchaeus 35:20 and that's the title of the Lesson 35:22 and Zacchaeus was a wealthy Jew. 35:25 He was very rich 35:27 and we take his story in Luke chapter 19, 35:30 please join me beginning in verse 1, 35:33 "Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 35:36 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus 35:40 who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich... " 35:45 the Bible says. 35:47 Now, here we see something interesting that the... 35:51 that the tax collectors or publicans 35:53 as you have also, they've been referred to, 35:54 they were considered that they had gained their riches 36:00 through taking more than they were supposed to 36:03 and they were hated. 36:05 They were hated by... 36:07 here we have Zacchaeus that is a Chief Tax Collector. 36:10 So, you may consider that 36:12 if they hated the regular tax collectors, 36:14 they hated him more because he was a Chief Tax Collector. 36:18 And notice how we see verse 3, 36:21 "And he sought to see who Jesus was; 36:24 he could not because of crowd for he was a short... 36:28 he was of short stature. " 36:29 And perhaps some people are remembering that little song, 36:32 Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he. 36:35 Panel: Laughter. 36:36 Dinzey: And so, because he was short of stature, 36:38 it says in verse 4, 36:40 "So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree 36:45 to see Him. " 36:47 Who knows when the last time was that when he climbed a tree 36:50 but because Jesus was coming by, 36:53 and he was eager to see Him, 36:55 it says that he ran up into... 36:58 and climbed up on a sycamore tree. 36:59 For He was going to pass by that way 37:01 he calculated his move 37:03 and he was going to take a look at Jesus. 37:05 Apparently, he wasn't even interested in talking to Him. 37:07 He just wanted to see who Jesus was. 37:09 And when Jesus came to the place, 37:11 He stopped... 37:13 He looked up and saw him and said to him, 37:16 "Zacchaeus, make haste, 37:19 and come down; 37:21 for today I must stay at your house. " 37:25 Wow! I love that part. 37:28 What a wonderful thing to hear for Zacchaeus. 37:31 He got even better than he hoped. 37:34 "Jesus... coming to my house?" 37:36 He knew that people didn't really like him, 37:39 but here comes Jesus to his house. 37:42 You know, 37:43 and I think Jesus wants to come to your house as well... 37:45 wants to come to my house 37:47 and would you do the same? 37:49 Make haste and make preparations for Jesus. 37:53 Now, it says there in verse 6, 37:55 "And he made haste, and came down, 37:57 and received Him joyfully. " 38:00 But when they saw it... now here are the people, 38:03 the people sometimes create problems for us don't they? 38:08 So, he... when the people saw... they all complained, saying, 38:13 "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner. " 38:17 Isn't that interesting... 38:19 that sinners call other people sinners. 38:21 Panel: Laughter. 38:23 Dinzey: Apparently, they're trying to say, 38:24 "Well, we're not sinners... " 38:26 They are really saying, "He is worse than we are, 38:28 why is He going to their house?" 38:31 And I take you now to Luke chapter 5 38:33 because here's an interesting story that we must consider 38:37 as we talk about Zacchaeus. 38:38 And we are also comparing a little bit... 38:40 the rich young ruler and Zacchaeus. 38:43 Let's look at Luke chapter 5 really quick, 38:45 and begin in verse 27, 38:46 "After these things, He went out and saw a tax collector... " 38:49 that's Jesus... 38:50 that He was... He saw a tax collector... 38:52 "named, Levi... " or Levee... 38:55 "sitting at the tax office. 38:57 And He said to him, 'Follow Me. ' 38:59 So he left all, rose up, and followed Him. " 39:03 That's Luke chapter 5. 39:04 "Then, Levee or Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. 39:10 And there was a great number of tax collectors 39:13 and others who sat down with them. 39:15 And their scribes and the Pharisees 39:17 complained against His disciples, saying, 39:19 'Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?' 39:22 Jesus answered and said to them, 39:24 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, 39:29 but those who are sick, 39:30 I have not come to call the righteous, 39:34 but sinners, to repentance. " 39:35 And this is why Jesus went to the house of Zacchaeus. 39:40 So, as we consider this story, 39:44 we must consider 39:45 that Jesus went there not to have a good meal. 39:48 Jesus went there because this man needed salvation. 39:52 And the Bible doesn't tell us what... 39:54 what conversation they had 39:56 but it's the result of Jesus being there 39:59 tells you that it was a conversation 40:02 that drew Zacchaeus to Jesus... 40:05 drew Zacchaeus to Jesus 40:07 to understand that he needed the salvation 40:10 that Jesus came to offer. 40:11 Now, let's go back to Luke chapter 19 40:15 and go to verse 8, 40:16 "Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, 40:18 'Lord... 40:19 Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; 40:24 and if I have taken anything from anyone 40:28 by false accusation, I restore fourfold. " 40:32 Wow! now this is a marvelous thing that he said 40:35 and notice verse 9, "And Jesus said to him, 40:39 'today... '" there must have been joy 40:41 because the Bible says, "There's joy... 40:44 more joy in heaven over one sinner that repents 40:46 than the ninety-nine who need no repentance. " 40:49 And Jesus surely was full of joy 40:51 "And Jesus said to him, 40:53 'Today salvation has come to this house, 40:57 because he also is a son of Abraham... " 41:01 Praise the Lord! 41:03 When Zacchaeus heard that he must have rejoiced 41:06 to understand, "Hey, you are accepted... 41:09 you are a son of Abraham. " 41:11 And it says there in verse 10, 41:13 "For the Son of Man has come 41:15 to seek and to save that which was lost. " 41:19 Great rejoicing... 41:21 the best thing that Zacchaeus could have ever done 41:23 in his life... he did it on that day. 41:25 Went to see Jesus... 41:27 went to find... made time to spend time with Jesus 41:31 or to just look at Him. 41:34 But here Jesus went further. 41:36 You know, the Bible says that Jesus came to seek and to save 41:40 that which was lost. 41:41 Panel: That's right. 41:42 Dinzey: Jesus knew that He would meet Zacchaeus that day 41:44 and this is a marvelous thing. 41:47 Now, I'm going to read to you from Desire of Ages, page 555, 41:50 it says, "No repentance is genuine 41:53 that does not work reformation. 41:56 The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak 41:59 to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sin; 42:03 it is the principle of life that transforms the character 42:08 and controls the conduct. 42:09 Holiness is wholeness for God; 42:12 it is the entire surrender of heart and life 42:15 to the indwelling of the principles of heaven. " 42:19 We don't have any record that Jesus says, 42:21 "Hey, Zacchaeus, you're going to have to... 42:23 you're going to have to turn... return things back 42:25 and give fourfold. " 42:27 No, this came out of his heart 42:29 and we praise the Lord that Zacchaeus made that decision. 42:34 Now, in the Lesson, 42:35 I'm going to read this from the Lesson, 42:37 it says, "Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler 42:39 had some things in common. 42:41 Both were rich, 42:43 both wanted to see Jesus, and both wanted eternal life. 42:49 But here the similarities stop. " 42:52 And that's a very good point that the Lesson brings out. 42:56 And it says, "And notice that when Zacchaeus said 42:58 that he would give 'half of my goods... '" 43:01 Luke 19:8, "to the poor 43:03 Jesus accepted this gesture 43:05 as an expression of a true conversion experience. " 43:08 And the Lesson brings this thing out 43:11 and I think it's kind of cute... a little bit interesting. 43:13 "He didn't say to him, 'Sorry, Zac... tsk... 43:17 but like the rich young ruler, it's all or nothing. 43:21 Half is not going to cut it. '" 43:25 Why? You see the rich young ruler, 43:28 his God became his possessions. 43:31 He let possessions possess him. 43:34 That was his idol 43:35 but apparently to Zacchaeus, that was not an issue. 43:38 That was not an issue for Zacchaeus... 43:40 his possessions were not his God. 43:42 When we look at this Desire of Ages, page 555, 43:46 we read this... very powerful, 43:48 "When the rich young ruler had turned away from Jesus, 43:51 the disciples had marveled at their Master's saying, 43:54 'How hard... '" 43:55 notice I said, "rich young ruler" 43:57 "When the rich young ruler had turned away from Jesus, 44:00 the disciples had marveled at their Master's saying, 44:03 'How hard is it for them that trust in riches 44:07 to enter into the kingdom of God!' 44:10 They had exclaimed one to another, 44:12 'Who then can be saved?' 44:14 Now they had a demonstration of the truth of Christ's words, 44:19 'The things which are impossible with men 44:22 are possible with God. '" 44:23 Mark 10:24 and 26 and Luke 18:27. 44:26 "They saw how, through the grace of God, 44:30 a rich man could enter into the kingdom. " 44:34 So, we see here that every single individual 44:38 has the opportunity for salvation. 44:40 We're talking about the least of these. 44:42 Even people that others say, "Oh no, that person over there... 44:46 can't be saved... impossible. " 44:48 Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. 44:52 And today, Jesus continues to seek and to save 44:55 that which was lost. 44:56 We may not see Him physically going from place to place, 44:59 but in the person of His disciples, 45:01 which you and we are, 45:03 Jesus is seeking to save that which was lost. 45:06 And I praise the Lord for 3ABN 45:07 because through 3ABN, Jesus continues to seek and to save 45:12 that which was lost. 45:13 And if you have been a recipient of being saved through Jesus 45:16 through 3ABN, we want to hear about it. 45:18 Give us a call or write us. 45:20 Jill: Amen. 45:22 Perrin: Wow, I love the thoughts there about the rich young ruler 45:25 and Zacchaeus because it reminds us 45:27 that: God loves the poor... God loves the rich 45:30 and He certainly cares about each person... 45:33 that we have the same need 45:34 and so I lead us to another rich man... 45:37 consider the man Job. 45:39 There's a lot to consider in 42 chapters 45:41 of spiritual wrestling with God over suffering. 45:44 But it's in that spiritual wrestling with God 45:47 that Job's character is revealed here. 45:50 Now, I ask you, "What would you love to hear 45:53 God say about you?" 45:55 There are some things that God says in the Bible about 45:58 people that we wouldn't want to hear. 45:59 But I don't care what others might say about me 46:02 but I want to know what God says about me 46:05 and so, we find out what God says about Job here 46:07 in chapter 1... 46:09 Satan... whose name means the adversary, 46:12 has come into God's presence... 46:13 we're not told exactly when or where this happens 46:16 but based on what God says here in chapter 1 verse 8, 46:20 we realize that he's making a claim that 46:23 his kingdom of sinfulness and selfishness 46:26 is superior to God's Kingdom and God's Government 46:28 of love and submission. 46:30 And so, God responds in chapter 1 verse 8 saying, 46:34 "Lord God said to Satan, 46:35 'Have you considered My servant Job?'" 46:38 And there's the title of the Lesson. 46:40 "There is none like him on the earth, 46:43 a blameless and upright man, 46:45 one who fears God, and shuns evil?" 46:48 Ah, man! 46:49 That is the equivalent of 46:51 "Well done good and faithful servant. " 46:52 God points to Job and says, 46:54 "Here is a person who has My righteousness... 46:57 he's just like Me. " 46:58 Well, Satan is unconvinced. 47:00 He accuses God essentially of abusing His power 47:03 and buying Job's righteousness 47:05 as if you can pay for a person to love you 47:08 and to take on your righteousness. 47:10 And so, all of Job's physical carnal prosperity 47:15 is wiped away 47:16 and again, Satan comes before the Lord 47:18 and in chapter 2 verse 3, 47:20 God points again to Job and says, 47:23 "Have you considered My servant Job?" 47:25 And repeats the same... the same words there. 47:28 So, Job's righteousness was not based upon 47:31 the things that he owned. 47:33 God said, "I look into his heart and I see that he loves me 47:37 and he is displaying what I am like. " 47:39 Even when Job's wife says, 47:41 "Why do you hold fast to your integrity?" 47:43 In chapter 2, 47:45 "Curse God and die!" 47:46 In verse 10 of chapter 2, 47:48 it says, "In all of this, Job did not sin with his lips. " 47:53 Job doesn't hear these words spoken about him... 47:56 he just does what is right because it is right. 47:59 His blessings have not gone to his head 48:02 and this becomes then the backdrop 48:05 for the conversation we're going to hear next. 48:07 In Job chapter 29, verses 12 to 16, 48:11 Job is... he's kind of looking into the past and saying, 48:15 "I... I long for the old days when I sat at the city gate... 48:20 when the young and the old respected me 48:22 and longed for my wisdom. " 48:24 But in verse 12, 48:25 we see one of the other things that he longs for. 48:27 "I delivered the poor who cried out, 48:30 the fatherless and the one who had no helper. 48:33 The blessing of a perishing man came upon me, 48:36 and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. 48:39 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; 48:42 My justice was like a robe and a turban. 48:44 I was eyes to the blind, 48:46 and I was feet to the lame. 48:48 I was a father to the poor... " 48:50 and this phrase right here 48:52 the end of verse 16, 48:53 "I searched out the case that I did not know. " 48:57 Panel: Hmmm... 48:58 Perrin: Job takes the initiative 49:00 he doesn't wait for someone to appear upon his doorstep, 49:03 he goes out and looks for those who are in need 49:06 and if you're applying for a job 49:07 and someone writes a reference letter for you, 49:09 you want them to say, "He takes initiative... 49:12 he doesn't wait to be told what to do, 49:14 he searches for what needs to be done. " 49:16 And Job here is just doing exactly what God does... 49:20 who is the good Shepherd... 49:21 who goes out into the night 49:23 searching for the sheep who is lost. 49:24 Revelation 3 verse 20, 49:26 we find that Jesus comes to our door... 49:29 He takes the initiative... 49:31 He says, "I'm standing at your door knocking 49:33 and calling to you. " 49:34 And Job does the same because 49:36 as 1st Peter says there in chapter 1 verse 4, 49:40 he is a partaker of the divine nature. 49:42 He is simply displaying the characteristics of God 49:46 that he has witnessed. 49:47 He's not waiting for someone to appear 49:49 to the window of his car with a cardboard sign... 49:51 he is the words of Jesus... 49:53 going out into the highways and the hedges, 49:55 rolling up his sleeves to be eyes to the blind... 49:58 feet to the lame... 50:00 and I know, sometimes, we might say, 50:02 "Lord, I'm willing to serve You if You do all the work for me. 50:06 If you plop it right here in my lap, 50:08 and make it impossible for me to step... step around, 50:12 then, I'm willing to take the last step 50:14 because I'm really kind of reluctant. " 50:16 Job... with the character of Christ that he has allowed 50:20 to fill him and cover him... 50:21 that's not what he does. 50:23 He does not do the bare minimum. 50:25 He says, "Lord, I'm going to go wherever you go 50:27 and I'm going to share with whoever it is 50:29 that... that you helped me to find. " 50:31 And he's not doing this because he read about it in Leviticus, 50:35 or Deuteronomy or Proverbs 50:37 which hadn't been written about yet, 50:38 he is doing it because of the prompting of the Holy Spirit 50:41 and that's what does it to us. 50:43 The Spirit moves upon us and says, 50:45 "Look at what I've given to you. 50:46 I've helped you when you were needy 50:48 and I have help for you to share with others. " 50:50 So, how can we look for those opportunities? 50:53 It can be as simple as becoming familiar with 50:56 other outreach ministries in your church... 50:59 in your city... 51:00 other believers who already have a network 51:02 of reaching out to those in need 51:04 and you then get on their e- mail list 51:07 so, you can be encouraged by seeing what's happening 51:09 and pray for missionaries and ministers 51:11 in other places 51:13 and using your finances if God directs you. 51:14 But a little closer to home, 51:16 I want to share from 6th volume of Testimonies, 296, 51:20 it says, "Wherever there is a church established, 51:23 all the members should engage actively in missionary work. 51:26 They should visit every family in the neighborhood 51:29 and know their spiritual condition. " 51:31 In our world today, 51:32 we shut our blinds... 51:34 we... we stay in our homes 51:36 and we're unaware... 51:37 some of the needs right there nearby us 51:39 but I would encourage you to begin by... 51:41 by looking around and saying, 51:43 "I'm going to at least start praying for him... 51:44 I may not know his name 51:46 but I'm going to pray for the man with the red car. 51:48 I'm going to pray for the grumpy person who walks the dog 51:51 and doesn't like children. " 51:53 And you put those names on your prayer list 51:55 and say, "Lord, help me to understand their needs 51:58 and begin to then have the desire and willingness 52:01 to reach out to them and talk to them. " 52:03 Maybe you're saying to yourself, 52:05 "I'm the poor and the needy, 52:07 I... I don't have much to share 52:09 with people who are in the same situation as I am. " 52:12 And in most situations, 52:13 those with limited resources, I found, 52:15 are really are quick to share 52:17 with those who share their situation. 52:19 And Jesus comes to share the lot of the poor. 52:22 He who was rich became poor for us. 52:26 So, caring for those who are less fortunate, 52:29 is more than just money. 52:31 It's saying, "Lord, put upon my heart 52:33 the needs of the others. 52:34 Help me to become aware of the needs around me 52:36 so that I can begin by praying for them. " 52:39 And maybe sharing an encouraging word 52:41 or pointing others to the resources 52:43 that I have found 52:44 that have been useful and helpful to me. 52:45 In all of this, 52:47 we should keep in mind Romans chapter 13. 52:51 I love verse 8 of Romans 13. 52:53 It says, "Owe nothing to anyone. " 52:57 All right, and I know in a previous Lesson, 52:59 we talked about staying out of debt 53:01 and so, Paul confirms that here. 53:03 He says, "Owe nothing to anyone, 53:05 except to love one another. " 53:08 Now, when we think about finances, 53:10 we think about business. 53:12 We want to be in the black. 53:14 We don't want our accounts to plunge below zero 53:17 and to be in debt 53:18 and... a... a... 53:19 but when we think about our spiritual life, 53:21 God says to us, 53:23 "I want you to recognize 53:24 that you're always living in the red... 53:26 that you always have a debt that you cannot pay. " 53:30 Based upon the priceless gift 53:32 that God has paid for you, 53:34 you need to then pay it back 53:36 but recognize you can never pay it back. 53:38 And we begin to pay it back by looking around us 53:40 and saying, "Lord, are there those around me 53:43 who are also in need?" 53:44 I should not ever get to the point where I say, 53:47 "I'm even with God... 53:49 I've... I've given my amount... 53:51 that... that equals His sacrifice to me. " 53:54 Listen to what Paul says in Romans 1:14, 53:57 he says, "I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, 54:01 to the wise and the unwise. " 54:04 Look at what God's given to me and I know it 54:07 and there are those out there who don't know it. 54:09 It's not just their physical needs that need to be met 54:12 but their spiritual needs... 54:14 those suffering and as we meet the... 54:16 the physical needs, it gives us opportunity to say, 54:18 "Let me share with you what God has done for me, 54:21 the gifts that He's given to me... " 54:23 and so, Paul then tell us, 54:24 "I want to go to a place 54:26 where no one's ever talked about Jesus before. " 54:28 And so, we learn that he wants to go on to Spain... 54:31 a place where nobody had ever been 54:32 to share the good news of Jesus. 54:34 A final point as we consider the man, Job. 54:38 Take you to Job chapter 22 verse 6 and 7, 54:41 and we're listening to Eliphaz one of his friends. 54:44 Listen to what he says in verse 6 and 7, 54:47 "For you... " he's talking to Job now, 54:49 "For you have taken pledges from your brother for no reason, 54:53 and stripped the naked of their clothing. 54:56 You have not given the weary water to drink; 54:58 and you have withheld bread from the hungry. " 55:01 We've already heard God's testimony about Job 55:04 and maybe sometime in the past, Job had... had been like that 55:08 and his character had changed. 55:09 But I want you to notice here 55:11 that when we give and share with others, 55:13 it may not get a response... 55:16 a human response here on the earth. 55:18 In fact, people might not even witness it, 55:20 notice it and it might be misrepresented. 55:23 But God knows the heart 55:25 and we don't serve and we don't give for the accolades 55:28 and the applause of others, 55:29 we simply do it because of what God prompts us to do 55:32 because of what He's done for us. 55:34 Jill: Amen, thank you so much. 55:36 What an incredible study Daniel... each one of you, 55:39 Brother Johnny and Pastor John and Ryan, 55:41 thank you for your study of the Word of God. 55:43 You have blessed my heart today. 55:45 Want to give you an opportunity for closing thoughts. 55:47 Ryan: Absolutely, you know simply it all comes down to 55:50 Philippians 2 verse 5 for me. 55:52 "Let this mind be in you, 55:54 which was also in Christ Jesus. " 55:56 Jesus had compassion on those who... who were in need 55:59 and even had compassion on those 56:01 who were, maybe, physically or... 56:03 or carnally or worldly rich 56:05 but were spiritually lost. 56:07 We should also share 56:08 in that compassionate heart of Jesus Christ. 56:11 Lomacang: You may miss your greatest opportunity 56:13 for eternal life 56:15 if you think that your possessions can contribute 56:18 in the least to giving you eternal life. 56:20 Be willing to let go of what possesses you 56:23 so that Christ can possess you. 56:25 Jill: Amen. Dinzey: Thank you so much. 56:27 Ezekiel chapter 33:15 says, 56:29 "If the wicked restore the pledge, 56:31 give again that he had robbed, 56:33 walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; 56:36 he shall surely live, he shall not die. " 56:38 We see Zacchaeus... not only was willing to give one, 56:42 he was willing to give fourfold. 56:44 This is evidence of genuine repentance, praise the Lord. 56:47 Opportunity for all is there in Jesus. 56:49 Jill: Amen. Perrin: Thank you. 56:51 When we consider the man Job, 56:53 we remember that he was simply wearing the character of Christ. 56:57 He didn't seek out the needy because of his goodness 57:01 but because of God's goodness. 57:02 And so, when we consider the man Job, 57:05 he points us to consider the Son of Man 57:07 who came to seek and to save the lost 57:10 and that's where we should look. 57:12 Jill: Amen, thank you all so much. 57:14 Just so grateful for this opportunity 57:16 this time we had to study together 57:18 and we love sharing this time with you at home. 57:20 You are a part of the 3ABN family. 57:23 Whether the Lord has blessed you with much 57:25 and He's asking you share that with others... 57:27 or whether you don't have so much 57:29 and the Lord is going to bring someone to your doorstep 57:32 to help move that forward. 57:34 Know that we love you and we pray for you. 57:36 I want to leave you with this verse, 57:37 this is Hebrews 13:16, 57:39 "Do not forget to do good and to share 57:43 for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. " 57:48 What a blessing to submit our lives to God 57:51 and to then share with those who are in need. 57:54 Join us next week... 57:56 Lesson Number 8: Planning for Success. |
Revised 2023-03-27