Sabbath Afternoon - October 21, 2023
Scripture Reading for the Week:
Genesis 18:1-33; James 5:16; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; Genesis 19:1-29; Genesis 12:1-9.
Thought for Meditation:
Never forget that the greatest lesson to be taught and to be learned is the lesson of copartnership with Christ in the work of salvation. The education to be secured by searching the Scriptures is an experimental knowledge of the plan of salvation. Such an education will restore the image of God in the soul. It will strengthen and fortify the mind against temptation, and fit the learner to become a worker with Christ in His mission of mercy to the world. It will make him a member of the heavenly family, prepare him to share the inheritance of the saints in light. . . . The Bible becomes a lesson book such as God designed it to be, giving clear conceptions to those who strive to grasp its grand and glorious truths. . . . There is shed into the mind a flood of light (Counsels to Parents and Teachers, pp. 433-437). {LHU 217.6}
Memory Text:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
This week's SSLesson will gaze into the personal experience and life of Abraham, on how he deals with the people around him. This includes the characteristic of a renewed life in Christ which accepts the challenges to share the mission of God for humanity.
Study Outline:
Sharing God's Mission
Sunday - October 22, 2023
The Gift of Hospitality (Gen. 18:1-15)
Monday - October 23, 2023
Abraham's Love for Everyone (Gen. 18:16-23)
Tuesday - October 24, 2023
Abraham's Spirit of Prayer (Gen. 18:24-33)
Genesis 18:23-32; 14:21; James 5:16; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25.
Mission Results
Wednesday - October 25, 2023
Abraham's Mission - Accept Individual Decisions (Gen. 19:1-29)
Genesis 19:1-29; 18:1; 19:1; 18:3-4; 18:4-8; 19:3, 2; 2 Samuel 19:8; Jeremiah 38:7; Ruth 4:1
Thursday - October 26, 2023
Submission to God's Will (Gen. 12:1-9)
Friday - October 27, 2023
Insights and Further Study
From the Pen of Inspiration
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Sharing God's Mission
Sunday - October 22, 2023
The Gift of Hospitality (Gen. 18:1-15)
“Do not forget hospitality, for by it some have hosted angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2)
Hospitality a Christian Duty
Our work in this world is to live for others' good, to bless others, to be hospitable; and frequently it may be only at some inconvenience that we can entertain those who really need our care and the benefit of our society and our homes. Some avoid these necessary burdens. But someone must bear them; and because the brethren in general are not lovers of hospitality, and do not share equally in these Christian duties, a few who have willing hearts, and who cheerfully make the cases of those who need help their own, are burdened.--Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 645. {ChS 191.1}
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." These words have lost none of their force through the lapse of time. Our heavenly Father still continues to place in the pathway of His children opportunities that are blessings in disguise; and those who improve these opportunities find great joy.--Prophets and Kings, p. 132. {ChS 191.2}
A Chosen Generation. A Royal Priesthood. An Holy Nation. A Peculiar People
Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ." {RH, August 28, 1900 par. 4}
"Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but now are the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conscience honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." {RH, August 28, 1900 par. 5}
Love Should Be Expressed
In many families there is a great lack in expressing affection one for another. While there is no need of sentimentalism, there is need of expressing love and tenderness in a chaste, pure, dignified way. Many absolutely cultivate hardness of heart and in word and action reveal the satanic side of the character. Tender affection should ever be cherished between husband and wife, parents and children, brothers and sisters. Every hasty word should be checked, and there should not be even the appearance of the lack of love one for another. It is the duty of everyone in the family to be pleasant, to speak kindly. {AH 198.2}
Cultivate tenderness, affection, and love that have expression in little courtesies, in speech, in thoughtful attentions. {AH 198.3}
Consider the Following
Sitting in the shade of the door of his tent, Abraham saw three people pass by him. Immediately, he ran towards them. He did not wait for them to request his hospitality (if they intended to do so), but took the initiative and offered them what he had (Gen. 18:1-8).
Abraham wanted to satisfy, to the best of his ability, the needs of those with whom he interacted – not only the material ones, but also the spiritual ones. Therefore, he built an altar wherever he went (Gen. 12:7-8; 13:18).
In this way, he became a blessing to those around him. An example to imitate.
Monday - October 23, 2023
Abraham's Love for Everyone (Gen. 18:16-23)
“And Abraham came and said: Will you also destroy the righteous with the wicked?” (Genesis 18:23)
By His Love We are Born of God
John, realizing that brotherly love was waning in the church, urged upon believers the constant need of this love. His letters to the church are full of this thought. "Beloved, let us love one another," he writes; "for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." {AA 548.2}
In Serving and Saving the Homeless Everyone's Business
Place your love upon the homeless little ones that are around you. Instead of closing your heart to the members of the human family, see how many of these little homeless ones you can bring up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. There is an abundance of work for everyone who wants work to do. By engaging in this line of Christian endeavor, the church may be increased in members and enriched in spirit. The work of saving the homeless and the fatherless is everyone's business. {AH 168.1}
Consider the Following
Abraham had had the opportunity to meet the inhabitants of Sodom when he rescued them from Chedorlaomer and accompanied them back to their city (Gen. 14:14-16, 21).
He knew they were wicked. He also knew that a righteous family dwelt among them (2 Pet. 2:7).
If Abraham had not loved the wicked inhabitants of Sodom, he would have said: “Rescue my nephew, do not let him perish with the wicked.” But that wasn't what he asked for.
We are to love others because God died for them, and there is still hope that, at some point in their lives, they will accept salvation.
Tuesday - October 24, 2023
Abraham's Spirit of Prayer (Gen. 18:24-33)
Genesis 18:23-32; 14:21; James 5:16; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25.
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16)
The Comforter Abides as Answer to Prayer of Faith
With the consecrated worker for God, in whatever place he may be, the Holy Spirit abides. The words spoken to the disciples are spoken also to us. The Comforter is ours as well as theirs. The Spirit furnishes the strength that sustains striving, wrestling souls in every emergency, amidst the hatred of the world, and the realization of their own failures and mistakes. In sorrow and affliction, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone,--these are the times when, in answer to the prayer of faith, the Holy Spirit brings comfort to the heart. {AA 51.1}
Continual Prayer and the Ministry of the Word
Summoning a meeting of the believers, the apostles were led by the Holy Spirit to outline a plan for the better organization of all the working forces of the church. The time had come, the apostles stated, when the spiritual leaders having the oversight of the church should be relieved from the task of distributing to the poor and from similar burdens, so that they might be free to carry forward the work of preaching the gospel. "Wherefore, brethren," they said, "look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." This advice was followed, and by prayer and the laying on of hands, seven chosen men were solemnly set apart for their duties as deacons. {AA 89.1}
Prayer: Heaven's Ordained Means of Success
Prayer is heaven's ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian character. The divine influences that come in answer to the prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul of the suppliant all for which he pleads. For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; and the promise is, "Ye shall receive." {AA 564.1}
Consider the Following
Upon hearing the sentence on Sodom and the neighboring cities, Abraham interceded with God on behalf of its unworthy inhabitants (Gen. 18:24).
Surely among them there are fair people who do not deserve to die. Maybe 50… 45…40… 30… 20… 10? (Gen. 18:25-32).
Actually, there were 4 (minus 1). And God spared an entire city – Zoar – for his love for them (Gen. 19:20-21)! That was the answer to Abraham's intercessory prayer.
Fasting and Prayer shouldn't be actuated by a Self-justifying Spirit
A legal religion can never lead souls to Christ; for it is a loveless, Christless religion. Fasting or prayer that is actuated by a self-justifying spirit is an abomination in the sight of God. The solemn assembly for worship, the round of religious ceremonies, the external humiliation, the imposing sacrifice, proclaim that the doer of these things regards himself as righteous, and as entitled to heaven; but it is all a deception. Our own works can never purchase salvation. . . . {CSA 17.1}
Mission Results
Wednesday - October 25, 2023
Abraham's Mission - Accept Individual Decisions (Gen. 19:1-29)
Genesis 19:1-29; 18:1; 19:1; 18:3-4; 18:4-8; 19:3, 2; 2 Samuel 19:8; Jeremiah 38:7; Ruth 4:1
“Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25)
The Individual Act in the Last Conflict
In this last conflict God has committed to our hands the banner of truth and religious liberty that these reformers held aloft. Those whom He has blessed with the knowledge of His Word are held responsible for this great gift. We are to receive God’s Word as supreme authority. We must accept its truths for ourselves, as our own individual act. And we shall be able to appreciate these truths only as we shall search them out for ourselves, by personal study of the Word of God. . . . {CTr 323.4}
An Individual Self-renunciation, Faith, and Obedience
Every individual, by his own act, either puts Christ from him by refusing to cherish His spirit and follow His example, or he enters into a personal union with Christ by self-renunciation, faith, and obedience. We must, each for himself, choose Christ, because He has first chosen us. This union with Christ is to be formed by those who are naturally at enmity with Him. It is a relation of utter dependence, to be entered into by a proud heart. This is close work, and many who profess to be followers of Christ know nothing of it. They nominally accept the Saviour, but not as the sole ruler of their hearts. {FLB 135.2}
Live Out a Powerful Testimony - a Corrected, Proven, and Purified People
Stand out of the way of the work of God, step not in between God and His people. You have too long wrapped up the sharp testimony, and stood opposed to the severe censure which God lays upon individual wrongs. God is correcting, and proving, and purifying His people. Stand out of the way that His work be not hindered. He will not accept a smooth testimony. Ministers must cry aloud, and spare not. The Lord has given you a powerful testimony, calculated to strengthen the church and arouse unbelievers. But these things wherein you lack must be corrected, or your testimony will become powerless, and your influence injure the cause of God. The people look to you for an example. Do not mislead them. Let your influence be to correct wrongs in your family and in the church." {1T 215.2}
Witnesses As Stewards of Sacred Things
Again and again I am instructed to charge our people with their individual responsibility to work, and believe, and pray. The reception of Bible truth will lead to continual self-denial; for self-indulgence can never be found in a Christlike experience. Truly converted men and women will reveal the cross of Calvary in their daily actions. There are many Seventh-day Adventists who do not understand that to accept the cause of Christ means to accept his cross. The only evidence they give in their lives of their discipleship is in the name they bear. But the true Christian regards his stewardship as a sacred thing. He perseveringly studies the Word, and yields up his life to the service of Christ. {RH, February 25, 1909 par. 1}
Consider the Following
Abraham interceded for Sodom, but only 3 people survived. Lot interceded for his sons, daughters, and sons-in-law, but only 2 daughters survived.
Was the intercession of these righteous men a failure? No.
God will not save anyone against their own will. Salvation depends on each person's choice.
However, intercessory prayer offers opportunities for change that would not otherwise be offered.
Thursday - October 26, 2023
Submission to God's Will (Gen. 12:1-9)
“And Abraham went up in the morning […] And he looked towards Sodom and Gomorrah, […] and, behold, the smoke was rising from the earth like the smoke of a furnace” (Genesis 19:27-28)
God-Designed Character Exist in the Family
Parents should themselves be converted and know what it is to be in submission to God's will, as little children, bringing into captivity their thoughts to the will of Jesus Christ, before they can rightly represent the government that God designed should exist in the family. {AH 306.2}
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up." The purest joy springs from the deepest humiliation. The strongest and noblest characters are built on the foundation of patience, love, and submission to God's will. {AA 319.1}
Children and Citizens of the Kingdom Above
Children will be happier, far happier, under proper discipline than if left to do as their untrained impulses suggest. {CG 79.2}
Prompt and continual obedience to wise parental rule will promote the happiness of the children themselves, as well as the honor of God and the good of society. Children should learn that in submission to the laws of the household is their perfect liberty. Christians will learn the same lesson--that in their obedience to God's law is their perfect freedom. {CG 79.3}
The will of God is the law of heaven.
Faith Renewed in the Image of God
When we speak of faith, there is a distinction that should be borne in mind. There is a kind of belief that is wholly distinct from faith. The existence and power of God, the truth of His Word, are facts that even Satan and his hosts cannot at heart deny. The Bible says that "the devils also believe, and tremble"; but this is not faith. Where there is not only a belief in God's Word, but a submission of the will to Him; where the heart is yielded to Him, the affections fixed upon Him, there is faith--faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Through this faith the heart is renewed in the image of God. And the heart that in its unrenewed state is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be, now delights in its holy precepts, exclaiming with the psalmist, "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." Psalm 119:97. And the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us, "who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1. {FLB 90.4}
Consider the Following
When God called him to go to Canaan and be a blessing to the world, Abraham obeyed (Gen. 12:1-5). He did not ignore the call, nor did he give it any ifs or buts.
Having to separate from his nephew, he let him choose the territory, knowing that God would fulfill his will in any case (Gen. 13:8-12, 14-15).
After his intercessory prayer for Sodom, Abraham left the next morning hoping to see his request fulfilled. But what he saw was destruction (Gen. 19:27-28).
— There were no complaints from him. Once again he submitted to the divine will. We must always accept God's will, even if it differs from ours.
Friday - October 27, 2023
Insights and Further Study
Faith earns nothing for us; it is the gift of God, which we may receive and cherish by making Christ our personal Saviour. {FLB 90.5}
Where there is not only a belief in God's Word, but a submission of the will to Him; where the heart is yielded to Him, the affections fixed upon Him, there is faith--faith that works by love, and purifies the soul. Through this faith the heart is renewed in the image of God. And the heart that in its unrenewed state is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be, now delights in its holy precepts, exclaiming with the psalmist, "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (Psalm 119:97). And the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us, "who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:1). {AG 137.5}
Questions to Ponder
How important is hospitality as displayed in the life of Abraham? And what are the examples we need to adopt in our lives?
In what way do we apply the love for all without leaving others who may have diverse ideas and backgrounds?
When will be the right time to intercede for others?
How can our prayers help us as well with regard to our spiritual growth?
What is the connection of hospitality, love, and prayer in God's mission to save humanity?
What are the elements that cause us to be discouraged?
Based on the statement above, {FLB 90.5; AG 137.5}, Are we to give our faith to others or share our faith? How does this faith work for others?
From the Pen of Inspiration
“Love for perishing souls inspired Abraham's prayer. While he loathed the sins of that corrupt city, he desired that the sinners might be saved. His deep interest for Sodom shows the anxiety that we should feel for the impenitent. We should cherish hatred of sin, but pity and love for the sinner” EGW (Patriarchs and Prophets, pg. 140)
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