Sabbath Afternoon - March 4, 2023

Reading for the Week

Luke 12:16–21, Eccles. 2:18–22, Prov. 27:23–27, 2 Cor. 4:18, Eccles. 5:10, Col. 1:15–17


Prayer Thought

   Again, we call your attention to the past and future tense of the scripture; 

while Rev. 14:13, is in future tense, 

Isa. 57:1, is in past.  

This being present truth, it is easy to see that we, at the present time, stand between these two scriptures.  The predicted event for the purification of God's church is by no means a small one.  Those who cannot undergo the trial are laid in their graves, while 144,000 remain and will escape, but the balance in the church (now) shall perish in the ruin.  May God help His people.  {SR1: 219.2}

To the prophet Isaiah, this great apostasy, fostered by blind spiritual guides, was revealed, which he describes in the following scriptures: "And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: Therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him." Isa. 59:16.  "And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: Therefore, mine own arm brought salvation unto me, and my fury, it upheld me." Isa. 63:5.  Micah, looking forward to this wholesale deception, says: "Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide." Micah 7:5.  {SR1: 219.3}


Memory Text

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13).


This week's SS Lesson will explore the counsel of God through His prophets with regard to the last part of our existence. This includes the things we need to do while living and follow the principles of God in order to receive the reward which is eternal life.


Study Outline

Sunday - March 5, 2023

The Rich Fool - Giving Back What is God's

Luke 12:16-21; Matt. 24:14-46 


Monday - March 6, 2023

You Can't Take It with You - Preparing for the Future

Ps. 24:1; 49:17; 39:11; 1Tim 6:6, 7; James 4:14; Eccl. 2:18-22


Tuesday - March 7, 2023

Begin with Personal Needs - Enjoying our Blessings

Prov. 27:23-27 


When Should We Give Back?

Wednesday - March 8, 2023

Deathbed Charity - Delayed Return

Deut.1Tim. 6:17; 2Cor. 4:18; Prov. 30:8; Eccl. 5:10


Thursday - March 9, 2023

Spiritual Legacy - Advantages of "now"

Ps. 24:1; Heb. 3:4; Ps. 50:10; Gen. 14:19; Col. 1:15-17


Friday - March 10, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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Study Outline

Sunday - March 5, 2023

The Rich Fool - Giving Back What is God's

Luke 12:16-21; Matt. 24:14-46 

But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’” (Luke 12:20)


What do you do while living?

"The selfish love of 'me and mine,' keeps many from doing their duty to others.  Do they think that all the work they have to do is for themselves and their own children?  'Inasmuch,' says Christ, 'as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me.'  Are your own children of more value in the sight of God than the children of your neighbors?  God is no respecter of persons.  We are to do all we can to save souls.  None should be passed by because they have not the culture and religious training of more favored children.  Had these erring, neglected ones enjoyed the same home advantages, they might have shown far more nobility of soul and greater talent for usefulness than many who have been watched over day and night with greatest care and overflowing love.  Angels pity these stray lambs; angels weep, while human eyes are dry, and human hearts are closed against them. If God had not given me another work, I would make it the business of my life to care for those whom others will not take the trouble to save.  In the day of God, somebody will be held responsible for the loss of these dear souls."--"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. 4, pp. 423, 424.


Christ's Example - A Wise Use of Time

"The life of Christ from His earliest years was a life of earnest activity."-- COL 345.

"Our time belongs to God.  Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to His glory.  Of no talent He has given will He require a more strict account than of our time. {8SC1-12: 9.1.2} 

"The value of time is beyond computation.  Christ regarded every moment as precious, and it is thus that we should regard it.  Life is too short to be trifled away.  We have but a few days of probation in which to prepare for eternity.  We have no time to waste, no time to devote to selfish pleasure, no time for the indulgence of sin.  It is now that we are to form characters for the future, immortal life.  It is now that we are to prepare for the searching Judgment. {8SC1-12: 9.1.3} 


Consider the Following

The possessions of a rich man were increased. He built larger barns and was satisfied. His pension was secured! What’s wrong with this story (Luke 12:13-21)?

The acts themselves were not wrong. As Jesus pointed out, the issue was that the man was greedy. He wasn’t willing to share what God has given to him with others (Luke 12:15).

As long as we have good physical and mental health, we must be doing right with everything God has put in our hands: strength, talents, resources…

All these things must be returned to its Owner. How?

The Spirit of God Takes Possession of our Lives

Thus it will ever be when the Spirit of God takes possession of the life. Those whose hearts are filled with the love of Christ, will follow the example of Him who for our sake became poor, that through His poverty we might be made rich. Money, time, influence--all the gifts they have received from God's hand, they will value only as a means of advancing the work of the gospel. Thus it was in the early church; and when in the church of today it is seen that by the power of the Spirit the members have taken their affections from the things of the world, and that they are willing to make sacrifices in order that their fellow men may hear the gospel, the truths proclaimed will have a powerful influence upon the hearers.  {AA 71.1}  


Monday - March 6, 2023

You Can't Take It with You - Preparing for the Future

Ps. 24:1; 49:17; 39:11; 1Tim 6:6, 7; James 4:14; Eccl. 2:18-22

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children […]” (Proverbs 13:22)


Things on Earth are Temporal - We can't Bring them in Death

"Life is too solemn to be absorbed in temporal and earthly matters, in a treadmill of care and anxiety for the things that are but an atom in comparison with the things of eternal interest.  Yet God has called us to serve Him in the temporal affairs of life.  Diligence in this work is as much a part of true religion as is devotion.  The Bible gives no endorsement to idleness.  It is the greatest curse that afflicts our world.  Every man and woman who is truly converted will be a diligent worker. {8SC1-12: 9.1.9} 


Prepare for the Coming Events in Quick Succession

Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick succession. Every element of power is about to be set to work. Past history will be repeated, old controversies will arouse to new life, and peril will beset God’s people on every side. Intensity is taking possession of the human family. It is permeating everything upon the earth. And for what? Games, plays, amusements; people are rushing and crowding and contending for the mastery. That which is common and perishable is absorbing their attention, so that things of eternal interest are scarcely thought of. {CTr 313.5} 


Absolute Reformation, Resulting in Perfect Safety

If with but one Achan in the camp, the Israel of Joshua's time was powerless to stand before the  heathen, then what hope has modem Israel, with hundreds of Achans (Testimonies Vol. 5, p. 157) in her midst, to stand through the approaching "time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation"?  Today as yesterday, there is for her but one "door of hope" -- "the valley of Achor."  There setting her free from  sinners forever, God will then bring her out jubilantly singing as in the days of her "youth" and as in the day when she came up "out of the land of Egypt."  {TN4: 38.1}


The Sunday Law a Threatening of the Blowing of the Wind in Rev. 7:1-4

  "The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that hath the mark of the beast. We came near having this realized in California a short time since; but this was only the threatening of the blowing of the four winds. As yet they are held by the four angels. We are not just ready. There is a work yet to be done, and then the angels will be bidden to let go, that the four winds may blow upon the earth. That will be a decisive time for God's children,--a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation."--Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 152. 

For further study on this subject please copy-paste or click the link below:


Consider the Following

What should we do with the things we’re going to leave behind when we die? (1 Timothy 6:7).

It still belongs to God, no matter how much it is. The Bible encourages us to transfer our stewardship to our children and relatives (Proverbs 13:22; 1 Timothy 5:8). If there are no heirs, we should leave it to the Church.

In some countries, inheritance is automatically transferred to the children. If the inheritance laws in your country don’t agree with your plans, you should write a will or testament so your inheritance is left to the right people.


Human-Agent is a Savor of Life unto Life

A defective life is a dishonor to God.  Co-workers with Christ will manifest no harshness, no self-sufficiency.  These elements must be purified from the soul, and the gentleness of Christ take possession.  Never be unkind to any soul, for by the grace of God that soul may become an heir of God and joint heir with Christ.  Do not bruise the hearts of Christ's purchased ones, for in doing this you bruise the heart of Christ.  Ever remember that we must all meet again around the great white throne, there to receive the approval or disapproval of God.  A soul hurt is often a soul destroyed.  Let those who have light and privileges remember that their very position of trust makes them responsible for souls.  They will have to meet again those whom they have driven from Christ bruised and wounded to death. {ChL 8.1} 

The human agent is a savor of life unto life, or he is a savor of death unto death.  He either draws with Christ, or he draws away from Christ.--Manuscript 143, 1899 (Oct. 4, 1899, "Co-Workers With Christ"). {ChL 8.2} 


Tuesday - March 7, 2023

Begin with Personal Needs - Enjoying our Blessings

Prov. 27:23-27 

For riches [are] not forever: and doth the crown [endure] to every generation?  (Prov. 27:24)


Purpose in Life Matters than the Possession of Wealth

Those who are in possession of wealth and leisure, and yet have no purpose in life, have little to arouse them to either mental or physical activity. Thus many a woman loses her health, and is driven to seek some medical institution for treatment. Here attendants are hired, at great expense, to rub, stretch, and exercise the muscles which have become powerless by inaction. She hires servants, that she may live a life of idleness, and then hires other servants to exercise the muscles enfeebled by disuse. What consummate folly! How much wiser and better for women, young or old, to brave the sneers of fashion's votaries, and obey the dictates of common sense and the laws of life! By the cheerful performance of domestic duties, the idle daughters of our land might become useful and happy members of society. For many, such labor is a more effective and profitable “movement cure” than the best inventions of the physicians.  {CTBH 97.2} 


The Deceitfulness of Riches and Pleasures 

The love of riches has an infatuating, deceptive power. Too often those who possess worldly treasure forget that it is God who gives them power to get wealth. They say, “My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:17. Their riches, instead of awakening gratitude to God, lead to the exaltation of self. They lose the sense of their dependence upon God and their obligation to their fellow men. Instead of regarding wealth as a talent to be employed for the glory of God and the uplifting of humanity, they look upon it as a means of serving themselves. Instead of developing in man the attributes of God, riches thus used are developing in him the attributes of Satan. The seed of the word is choked with thorns. {CSA 22.1} 

“And pleasures of this life.” There is danger in amusement that is sought merely for self-gratification. All habits of indulgence that weaken the physical powers, that becloud the mind, or that benumb the spiritual perceptions, are “fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11. {CSA 22.2} 

“And the lusts of other things.” These are not necessarily things sinful in themselves, but something that is made first instead of the kingdom of God. Whatever attracts the mind from God, whatever draws the affections away from Christ, is an enemy to the soul. {CSA 22.3} 


Consider the Following

Have your received blessings from God? Enjoy them! Don’t squander them, use them wisely (Proverbs 27:23). Give God your tithes and offerings (Deuteronomy 12:11). Fulfill the needs of your household (Proverbs 27:27). Don’t forget about those in need (James 1:27).

It is up to us now to make provisions so that what we have been blessed with can be a blessing to others and the furtherance of God’s work.


When Should We Give Back?

Wednesday - March 8, 2023

Deathbed Charity - Delayed Return

Deut.1Tim. 6:17; 2Cor. 4:18; Prov. 30:8; Eccl. 5:10

“while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)


Satan's Attack on Youth - An Index to the Future 

It is the special work of Satan in these last days to take possession of the minds of youth, to corrupt the thoughts and inflame the passions; for he knows that by so doing he can lead to impure actions, and thus all the noble faculties of the mind will become debased, and he can control them to suit his own purposes.  The youth of today are a sure index to the future of society; and as we view them, what can we hope for that future? The majority are fond of amusement and averse to work. . . . They have but little self-control and become excited and angry on the slightest occasion. Very many in every age and station of life are without principle or conscience; and with their idle, spendthrift habits they are rushing into vice and are corrupting society, until our world is becoming a second Sodom. If the appetites and passions were under the control of reason and religion, society would present a widely different aspect. God never designed that the present woeful condition of things should exist; it has been brought about through the gross violation of nature's laws.  {CG 440.4-5}  


Inspiration declares, Search Your Heart Diligently and Inquire

"I beg of you, my brother, to search your heart diligently and inquire, 'What road am I traveling, and where will it end?' You have reason to rejoice that your life has not been cut off while you have no certain hope of eternal life.  God forbid that you should longer neglect this work, and so perish in your sins.  Do not flatter your soul with false hopes.  You see no way to get hold again, but one so humble that you cannot consent to accept it.  Christ presents to you, even to you, my erring brother, a message of mercy, 'Come, for all things are now ready.'  God is ready to accept you, and to pardon all your transgressions, if you will but come.  Though you have been a prodigal, and have separated from God, and stayed away from him so long, he will meet you even now.  'Yes; the Majesty of Heaven invites you to come to Him, that you may have life.  Christ is ready to cleanse you from sin when you lay hold upon Him.  What profit have you found in serving sin?  What profit in serving the flesh and the devil?  Is it not poor wages you receive?  Oh!  turn ye, turn ye; for why will ye die? {6SC7-12: 4.2.1}


The Spirit of Truth will Guide Us for the Future

He says: "When...the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come." (John 16:13.) 

Furthermore, as the definition of the word "inspiration" is to communicate divine instruction free from men's adulteration, it follows that the ultimate aim behind anyone's objection against "inspired truths" instead of against "uninspired" ones is to put God out of sight and bring men to the front -- cutting off the only channel by which God can communicate with His people and by which only He can interpret the Scriptures for His church and interpose the erroneous claims of men. {2SC3,4: 10.2.4-5}


Consider the Following

As we grow older, we tend to cling to our possessions. It’s never enough, the richer you are the richer you want to be (Ecclesiastes 5:10). This is a trap from Satan to move us away from God.

The Bible encourages us to never put our hope in riches (1 Timothy 6:17), but to be content with what we have (Proverbs 30:8).

Some people may not give back to God what they can today because they fear they might not have enough during their old age. We are depriving people of blessings that they could have now, and we’re depriving ourselves of our own blessing.


Thursday - March 9, 2023

Spiritual Legacy - Advantages of "now"

Ps. 24:1; Heb. 3:4; Ps. 50:10; Gen. 14:19; Col. 1:15-17

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day.  (Deut. 8:18)


God Gives the Power to Get Wealth - Faithful Stewards

God also entrusts men with means. He gives them power to get wealth. He waters the earth with the dews of heaven and with the showers of refreshing rain. He gives the sunlight, which warms the earth, awakening to life the things of nature and causing them to flourish and bear fruit. And He asks for a return of His own.  {COL 351.1}  

Our money has not been given us that we might honor and glorify ourselves. As faithful stewards we are to use it for the honor and glory of God. Some think that only a portion of their means is the Lord's. When they have set apart a portion for religious and charitable purposes, they regard the remainder as their own, to be used as they see fit. But in this they mistake. All we possess is the Lord's, and we are accountable to Him for the use we make of it. In the use of every penny, it will be seen whether we love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves.  {COL 351.2}  


God's Command to Bring All into the STOREHOUSE

He who gives men power to get wealth has with the gift bound up an obligation. Of all that we acquire He claims a specified portion. The tithe is the Lord's. "All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree," "the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, . . . shall be holy unto the Lord." Leviticus 27:30, 32. The pledge made by Jacob at Bethel shows the extent of the obligation. "Of all that Thou shalt give me," he said, "I will surely give the tenth unto Thee." Genesis 28:22.  {Ed 138.3}  

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse" (Malachi 3:10), is God's command. No appeal is made to gratitude or to generosity. This is a matter of simple honesty. The tithe is the Lord's; and He bids us return to Him that which is His own.  {Ed 138.4}  

"It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." 1 Corinthians 4:2. If honesty is an essential principle of business life, must we not recognize our obligation to God--the obligation that underlies every other?  {Ed 139.1} 

For further discussion and study visit these links.


Consider the Following

What are the advantages of giving back to God while we are alive?

(1) The giver can see the results of their donation: a new building for the church, a young person studying at the university, a gospel campaign…

(2) The receiving person or ministry can benefit today, when the need is greater

(3) It gives a good example of generosity and loving others

(4) It reduces the impact of the wealth tax

(5) It guarantees that the donation goes to the right entity, as no courts or disgruntled relatives are involved

(6) It shows that the heart of the giver as turned from selfishness to altruism

(7) We’re laying up treasure in Heaven


Friday - March 10, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Isaiah 60:1. To those who go out to meet the Bridegroom is this message given. Christ is coming with power and great glory. He is coming with His own glory and with the glory of the Father. He is coming with all the holy angels with Him. While all the world is plunged in darkness, there will be light in every dwelling of the saints. They will catch the first light of His second appearing. The unsullied light will shine from His splendor, and Christ the Redeemer will be admired by all who have served Him. While the wicked flee from His presence, Christ's followers will rejoice. The patriarch Job, looking down to the time of Christ's second advent, said, "Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not a stranger." Job 19:27, margin. To His faithful followers Christ has been a daily companion and familiar friend. They have lived in close contact, in constant communion with God. Upon them the glory of the Lord has risen. In them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ has been reflected. Now they rejoice in the undimmed rays of the brightness and glory of the King in His majesty. They are prepared for the communion of heaven; for they have heaven in their hearts.  {COL 420.3}  

With uplifted heads, with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining upon them, with rejoicing that their redemption draweth nigh, they go forth to meet the Bridegroom, saying, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us." Isaiah 25:9.  {COL 421.1}  


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“If they [aged people] would take the position which God would have them, their last days might be their best and happiest. Those who have children in whose honesty and judicious management they have reason to confide, should let their children make them happy. Unless they do this, Satan will take advantage of their lack of mental strength and will manage for them. They should lay aside anxiety and burdens, and occupy their time as happily as they can, and be ripening up for heaven.” E. G. W. (Testimonies for the Church, book 1, cp. 77, p. 423)


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