"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."John 3:16.
"It is the glory of the gospel that it is founded upon the principle of restoring in the fallen race the divine image by a constant magnification of benevolence. This work began in the heavenly courts. There God decided to give human beings unmistakable evidence of the love with which He regarded them. He 'so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' "—Counsels on Health, p. 222.
You can follow the divine example! You can be known as a giver! Be one who excels in ministry!
Sacrifice lies at the heart of the plan of salvation. Christ gave Himself forever to the human race as an offering for sin. In Jesus heaven gave its best for the saving of man. Here is matchless love. The responsive Christian considers it a privilege to join the Master in ministry.
In this lesson you will discover—
HEAVEN'S EXAMPLE
1. What example of giving has God given to the world? John 3:16.
John 3:16 (NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2. Why did Jesus lay aside His riches to become poor? 2 Corinthians 8:9.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
3. What did Jesus say to His disciples regarding the giving spirit when He sent them out to minister? Matthew 10:8.
Matthew 10:8 (NIV) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
4. How did Jesus describe the blessedness of giving? Acts 20:35.
Acts 20:35 (NIV) In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
5. What kind of giving is Jesus asking for in His fellow ministers? Luke 9:23.
Luke 9:23 (NIV) Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
6. How does the Bible counsel church leaders? 1 Peter 5:2. 3.
1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV) Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3) not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
7. What does the Bible say about the generosity of the Macedonian churches? 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NIV) And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2) Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3) For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4) they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5) And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.
8. In what grace are Christians to excel? 2 Corinthians 8:7, 8.
2 Corinthians 8:7-8 (NIV) But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us --see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8) I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.
9. What advice did the apostle Paul offer on the giving spirit? 2 Corinthians 8:10-12.
2 Corinthians 8:10-12 (NIV) And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11) Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12) For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
10. Why did Paul remember the household of Onesiphorus? 2 Timothy 1:16-18.
2 Timothy 1:16-18 (NIV) May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17) On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18) May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.
11. How does the Bible describe the right spirit of giving? 2 Corinthians 9:7.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Note: As love prompted God's great gift, so His love in our hearts will motivate us to give, to minister, and to engage in loving service for the happiness and salvation of others.
12. What is the promise to the generous giver? Proverbs 22:9.
Proverbs 22:9 (NIV) A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
Note: All who receive the blessings of the gospel have the privilege of passing its blessings on to others. In this way the work of salvation is extended. Every soul reclaimed from sin is invited to join in the same work for others. The good things of God are not to be selfishly kept to ourselves. We receive to give!
AN AVENUE OF MINISTRY
Nutrition and Cooking Class
A most interesting and helpful avenue of ministry is the Nutrition and Cooking Class. Such classes are usually featured by a local Adventist church as a community service to benefit not only interested members but also a growing health-conscious public. The classes are a form of health education based on scientific nutritional information usually supplied by our church's Health Ministries Department.
Many local Seventh- day Adventist churches periodically offer these classes to teach the basic principles of good nutrition and healthful cookery. If you are interested in assisting with this ministry, you may contact your pastor or local health ministries leader.
Unless otherwise designated, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION�. Copyright � 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.