"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."2 Corinthians 4:1, 2.
"God could have proclaimed His truth through sinless angels, but this is not His plan. He chooses human beings, men compassed with infirmity, as instruments in the working out of His designs. The priceless treasure is placed in earthen vessels. Through men His blessings are to be conveyed to the world. Through them His glory is to shine forth into the darkness of sin. In loving ministry they are to meet the sinful and the needy, and lead them to the cross."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 330.
You may be a minister of truth! You are entrusted with the gospel! You can share the wisdom of God!
Jesus Christ is the living truth. He is the embodiment of all converting, saving, sanctifying truth. Christ is the center of all truth. All the treasures of knowledge and wisdom are hid in Him. Colossians 2:3. You can share all of this.
You will discover in this lesson—
MINISTERS OF TRUTH
1. How have Christians been made ministers of truth? 2 Corinthians 4:1, 2.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2) Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
2. Who did Paul say entrusted him with the gospel? 1 Thessalonians 2:3, 4.
1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (NIV) For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4) On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
3. What should our faith rest in? 1 Corinthians 2:4, 5.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV) My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5) so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
4. Where is the truth found which brings salvation? John 8:31, 32.
John 8:31-32 (NIV) To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32) Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
5. In what words did Jesus proclaim Himself to be the answer to all of life's problems? John 14:6.
John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
6. How do you know the term "Word" refers to Jesus? John 1:1-4, 14. List four or five evidences from these texts:
John 1:1-4 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2) He was with God in the beginning. 3) Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4) In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
John 1:14 (NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
7. What special characteristic does the Word have? John 1:4.
John 1:4 (NIV) In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
8. How did the apostle John sum up the truth about Jesus? 1 John 1:1 G
John 1:1 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
9. Why do people today need the Word and the truth? Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 28:26.
Jeremiah 10:23 (NIV) I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Proverbs 28:26 (NIV) He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
True (T) or False (F):
__Trusting in yourself is good.
__A man's life is not his own.
__Man can direct his own steps in the best way.
__Walk in God's wisdom for safety.
10. What is the most essential truth you can give to another? Acts 16:30, 31.
Acts 16:30-31 (NIV) He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31) They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."
Summarize what you get from this scripture:
11. What is the single most important transaction in life? John 1:12.
John 1:12 (NIV) Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--
12. What did Christ mean when He said, "feed on Me"? John 6:57, 58.
John 6:57-58 (NIV) Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58) This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever."
Feeding on Christ as the bread of life means to live by His words. As one has said, "He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God.—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 38.
13. What invitation can the minister of truth extend to others? Psalm 34:8, first part.
Psalms 34:8 (NIV) Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
AN AVENUE OF MINISTRY
Stress-Management Seminar
Life can be enjoyable and rewarding; it should have direction and purpose. But many today suffer from stress and occupational burnout. Stress usually comes when priorities are out of focus and certain areas become imbalanced. Fortunately, solutions are available.
Many people in every community are needing help in experiencing a balanced, more healthful way of life. In the sequence of Adventist-conducted health seminars such as the Addiction Recovery and the Nutritional and Cooking Class, there is also the Stress-Control Seminar. Thousands of people are learning how to cope with life better because of these seminars. If you would like to assist with this program, you should contact your pastor or teacher.
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.