Sabbath Afternoon - February 18, 2023

Reading for the Week

 Eccles. 12:1; Gen. 2:15; 1 Tim. 5:8; Col. 3:23, 24; Gen. 39:2–5; Prov. 3:5–8.


Prayer Thought

Good and evil angels are taking a part in the planning of God in His earthly kingdom. It is God's purpose to carry forward His work in correct lines, in ways that will advance His glory. But Satan is ever trying to counterwork God's purpose. Only by humbling themselves before God can God's servants advance His work. Never are they to depend on their own efforts or on outward display for success (Letter 201, 1899).  {4BC 1173.3}  


Memory Text

And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  {Col. 3:23, 24}


This week's SS Lesson will explore the principles of a successful life in work, in family, and in the workplace, and find the sole source of success in the scriptures. This includes the mental and spiritual aspects of an individual in facing the challenges and circumstantial events that enable a person to overcome and attain success.


Outline of the Study

Sunday - February 19, 2023

First Things First - Planning for Success

Eccl. 12:1; Matt. 6:33; Gen. 28:13, 20-22; 29:9-20; 2 Cor. 6:14, 15


Monday - February 20, 2023

The Blessing of Work (Ideally) - A Successful Marriage

Gen. 2:15; Eccl. 9:10; 2 Thess 3:8-10


Tuesday - February 21, 2023

The Earning Year - Successful Families

1 Timothy 5:8; Proverbs 14:23; Colossians 3:23, 24; Ps. 127:3


Wednesday - February 22, 2023

Working With Integrity - Working Successfully

Jer. 31:33; Prov. 22:1; gen. 30:27; 39:2-5; 1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Chron 29:11, 12


Thursday - February 23, 2023

Seeking Godly Counsel  - Advice on Achieving Success

Ps. 1:1-3; Prov. 3:5-8; 6:6-8; 13:4; 15:16; 22:7; 27:23, 24; Deut. 28:1-14; Matt. 25:14-21


Friday - February  24, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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Sunday - February 19, 2023

First Things First - Planning for Success

Eccl. 12:1; Matt. 6:33; Gen. 28:13, 20-22; 29:9-20; 2 Cor. 6:14, 15

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might;” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)


Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33.

This promise will never fail. We cannot enjoy the favor of God unless we comply with the conditions upon which His favor is bestowed. By so doing there will come to us that peace, contentment, and wisdom that the world can neither give nor take away. . . . A humble mind and a grateful heart will elevate us above petty trials and real difficulties. The less earnest, energetic, and vigilant we are in the service of the Master, the more will the mind dwell upon self, magnifying molehills into mountains of difficulty. . . .  {CC 370.2}  


Weapons of our Warfare

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. All are free moral agents, and as such they must train their thoughts to run in the right channel. The first work of those who would reform is to purify the imagination. Our meditations should be such as will elevate the mind. “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” [Philippians 4:8.] Here is a wide field in which the mind can safely range. If Satan seeks to turn it to low and sensual things, bring it back. When corrupt imaginings seek to gain possession of your mind, flee to the throne of grace, and pray for strength from heaven. By the grace of Christ it is possible for us to reject impure thoughts. Jesus will attract the mind, purify the thoughts, and cleanse the heart from every secret sin. “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God; . . . casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” [2 Corinthians 10:4, 5.]  {CTBH 136.1}


Consider the Following

If you want to be successful in this life and be ready for the following, follow this piece of advice: don’t stand idly by (Proverbs 6:9-11; 13:4; 20:4).

Times of leisure and rest are necessary, but God made us to be active (Genesis 2:15). He didn’t want us to be burdened by work, but to work joyfully.

Adults and young adults should work on something (either paid or not). Children and teenagers must develop their physical and metal skills by studying and learning.

Even the elderly are blessed when being active, according to their faculties.


Let us bear in mind that Jesus is in our midst. Then an elevating, controlling influence from the Spirit of God will pervade the assembly. There will be manifested that wisdom which is "from above," which is "first pure, then peaceable, . . .full of mercy and good fruits," [James 3:17.] which cannot err. In all the plans and decisions there will be that charity that "seeketh not her own;" that is "not easily provoked;" that "thinketh no evil;" that "rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;" that "beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." [1 Corinthians 13:5-7.] {GW 448.1}


Monday - February 20, 2023

The Blessing of Work (Ideally) - A Successful Marriage

Gen. 2:15; Eccl. 9:10; 2 Thess 3:8-10

“Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him, and charged him, and said to him: ‘You shall not take a wife from the daughters of Canaan.’” (Genesis 28:1)


True Love Preparation for Successful Marriage

True love is a high and holy principle, altogether different in character from that love which is awakened by impulse and which suddenly dies when severely tested. It is by faithfulness to duty in the parental home that the youth are to prepare themselves for homes of their own. Let them here practice self-denial and manifest kindness, courtesy, and Christian sympathy. Thus love will be kept warm in the heart, and he who goes out from such a household to stand at the head of a family of his own will know how to promote the happiness of her whom he has chosen as a companion for life. Marriage, instead of being the end of love, will be only its beginning.--PP 176 (1890).  {1MCP 213.2}  


 Mature Judgment Essential

The good of society, as well as the highest interest of the students, demands that they shall not attempt to select a life partner while their own character is yet undeveloped, their judgment immature, and while they are at the same time deprived of parental care and guidance. . . .  {MYP 442.2}  

Those who are seeking to shield the youth from temptation and to prepare them for a life of usefulness are engaged in a good work. We are glad to see in any institution of learning a recognition of the importance of proper restraint and discipline for the young. May the efforts of all such instructors be crowned with success.--"Fundamentals of Christian Education," pp. 62, 63.  {MYP 442.3}


Consider the Following

“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

How should our Creator be involved when choosing a life partner?

First, imitate Him by caring more about the inside than the outside (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 31:30). Also make sure you can share your whole life—including your spiritual life—with your partner (Exodus 34:15-16; Deuteronomy 7:3-4; 2 Corinthians 6:14).


Tuesday - February 21, 2023

The Earning Year - Successful Families

1 Timothy 5:8; Proverbs 14:23; Colossians 3:23, 24; Ps. 127:3

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)


Christian family Must Live Helpful and unselfish Life

God expects personal service from everyone to whom He has entrusted a knowledge of the truth for this time. Not all can go as missionaries to foreign lands, but all can be home missionaries in their families and neighborhoods. There are many ways in which church members may give the message to those around them. One of the most successful is by living helpful, unselfish, Christian lives. Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be refreshed and strengthened by little attentions which cost nothing. Kindly words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temptation and doubt that gather over the soul. The true heart expression of Christlike sympathy, given in simplicity, has power to open the door of hearts that need the simple, delicate touch of the spirit of Christ.  {9T 30.1}  

 

The Christian Home a Power for Good. 

A deeper and more successful work will be done in the church when the families composing it stand in right relation to God. The church will then reap the advantage of the Christlike influence exerted in the homes of the members.  {SW, January 19, 1904 par. 18}  

The Holy Spirit produces actions that are in harmony with the law of God. The regenerating work of the Spirit will be seen in families where painstaking efforts are put forth to manifest kindness, patience, and love. Almighty power is at work, preparing minds and hearts to submit to the moulding influence of the Holy Spirit, leading parents to sanctify themselves, that their children also may be sanctified.  {SW, January 19, 1904 par. 19}  

The home in which the members are polite, courteous Christians exerts a far-reaching influence for good. Other families will mark the results attained by such a home, and will follow the example set, in their turn guarding the home against Satanic influences.  {SW, January 19, 1904 par. 20}  


Consider the Following

In an ideal setting, the husband would be the main economic provider of the family. This way the wife can educate their children so that they become independent people eventually and they are ready to consciously accept eternal life.

The modern lifestyle or some exceptional circumstances may make sharing those responsibilities or swapping them a must.

According to the Bible, every Christian family must take care of their children and…

Provide them with a Christian setting at home.

Teach them to have a good attitude towards work.

Ensure that they get a good education.


Wednesday - February 22, 2023

Working With Integrity - Working Successfully

Jer. 31:33; Prov. 22:1; gen. 30:27; 39:2-5; 1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Chron 29:11, 12

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,” (Colossians 3:23)


The Path of Strict Integrity

David was caused to feel that he had missed his path. Far better would it have been for him to find refuge in God's strong fortresses of the mountains than with the avowed enemies of Jehovah and His people. But the Lord in His great mercy did not punish this error of His servant by leaving him to himself in his distress and perplexity; for though David, losing his grasp on divine power, had faltered and turned aside from the path of strict integrity, it was still the purpose of his heart to be true to God. While Satan and his host were busy helping the adversaries of God and of Israel to plan against a king who had forsaken God, the angels of the Lord were working to deliver David from the peril into which he had fallen. Heavenly messengers moved upon the Philistine princes to protest against the presence of David and his force with the army in the approaching conflict. {PP 690.2}  


Moral Power Must Stand the Strongest

In order for a man to become a successful minister, something more than book knowledge is essential. The laborer for souls needs integrity, intelligence, industry, energy, and tact. All these are highly essential for the success of a minister of Christ. No man with these qualifications can be inferior, but will have commanding influence. Unless the laborer in God's cause can gain the confidence of those for whom he is laboring, he can do but little good. The worker in the Lord's vineyard must daily derive strength from above to resist wrong and to maintain uprightness through the varied trials of life, and his soul must be brought into harmony with his Redeemer. He can be a co-worker with Jesus, working as He worked, loving as He loved, and possessing, like Him, moral power to stand the strongest tests of character.  {3T 553.3}


Consider the Following

Paul advised us to do our job well always, “not only to win their favor when their eye is on you” (Ephesians 6:6). We’re called to work with integrity and to please God always, instead of pleasing our managers or clients before God (Colossians 3:23).

Many employers will be blessed by upright workers, like Laban was blessed by Jacob’s faithful work (Genesis 30:27).

Joseph’s story is another example. Potiphar appreciated the integrity of Joseph and God’s blessings through him (Genesis 39:1-5).


Thursday - February 23, 2023

Seeking Godly Counsel  - Advice on Achieving Success

Ps. 1:1-3; Prov. 3:5-8; 6:6-8; 13:4; 15:16; 22:7; 27:23, 24; Deut. 28:1-14; Matt. 25:14-21

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:3)


Confide in Godly Parents

If you are blessed with God-fearing parents, seek counsel of them. Open to them your hopes and plans; learn the lessons which their life experiences have taught.  {AH 73.2}  

They should listen to the counsel of godly parents, and not feel because a few years are added to their life, that they have grown out of their duty to them. There is a commandment with promise to those who honor their father and their mother.  {4bSG 48.3}


The Bible Man of Counsel

Make the Bible Your Man of Counsel. Your Acquaintance with it Will Grow Rapidly If You Keep Your Mind from Rubbish. B 241 '03 (Oct. 17 '03)

The one book that is essential for all to study is the Bible. Studied with reverence and godly fear, it is the greatest of all educators. In it there is no sophistry. Its pages are filled with truth. Would you gain a knowledge of God and Christ, whom He sent into the world to live and die for sinners? An earnest diligent study of the Bible is necessary in order to gain this knowledge.  {LLM 64.3}


Consider the Following

The main Biblical piece of advice on achieving success is to avoid evil and to make the law of God our delight (Psalm 1:1-2). Other pieces of advice in the Bible are:

— Proverbs 3:5. Don’t lean on your own understanding but seek God’s advice.

— Proverbs 27:23-24. Keep track of your income and your expenses.

— Proverbs 15:16. Live within your means, spend less than you earn.

— Proverbs 6:6-8. Save part of your income.

— Proverbs 22:7. Avoid debt like COVID-19.

— Proverbs 13:4. Be a diligent worker.

— Malachi 3:10. Be faithful by giving back your tithe and offerings to God.

— Matthew 25:14-21. Keep eternal life in mind as you live this life.


Friday - February  24, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

Never should it be thought necessary to give an appearance of wealth.  Never should appearance be depended on as a means of success.  This is a delusion.  The desire to make an appearance that is not in every way appropriate to the work that God has given us to do, an appearance that could be kept up only by expending a large sum of money, is a merciless tyrant.  It is like a canker that is ever eating into the vitals.  {SR1: 187.1}

 "Men of common sense appreciate comfort above elegance and display.  It is a mistake to suppose that by keeping up an appearance, more patients, and therefore more means, would be gained.  But even if this course would bring an increase of patronage, we would not consent to have our sanitariums furnished according to the luxurious ideas of the age."  {SR1: 187.2}


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“Our business or calling is a part of God's great plan, and, so long as it is conducted in accordance with His will, He Himself is responsible for the results. ‘Laborers together with God’
(1 Corinthians 3:9), our part is faithful compliance with His directions. Thus there is no place for anxious care. Diligence, fidelity, caretaking, thrift, and discretion are called for. Every faculty is to be exercised to its highest capacity. But the dependence will be, not on the successful outcome of our efforts, but on the promise of God.” E. G. W. (Education, cp. 15, p. 138)


SSL-Q1-L8-Planning-for-Success-Feb.-18-24-2023 (fliphtml5.com) 

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