Sabbath Afternoon - November 4, 2023

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Luke 24:1-12; Luke 24:36-49; Acts 1:12-26; Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:1-41; 1 Corinthians 11:1. 

Meditation Thought:
Success Demands Aim.--Success in any line demands a definite aim. He who would achieve true success in life must keep steadily in view the aim worthy of his endeavor. Such an aim is set before the youth of today.--Ed 262 (1903).  {1MCP 341.1}  

Should Aim as High as Possible.--The specific place appointed us in life is determined by our capabilities. Not all reach the same development or do with equal efficiency the same work. God does not expect the hyssop to attain the proportions of the cedar, or the olive the height of the stately palm. But each should aim just as high as the union of human with divine power makes it possible for him to reach.--Ed 267 (1903).  {1MCP 341.2}   

Memory Text:

“ ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me’ ” (Luke 24:44). 


This week's SSLesson will describe the intrinsic motivation where there's a need for individual experience in sharing the mission of the salvation of others. This includes the prophetic significance of correct understanding and its relative application to a person's life.


Study Outline:

Motivations for the Missions

Sunday - November 5, 2023

To Share the Good News - A Personal Experience 

Luke 24:1-12.  

Monday - November 6, 2023

A Prophetic Foundation

Luke 24:36-49. 


Preparation for the Mission

Tuesday - November 7, 2023

Waiting and Mission - Prayer and Preparation 

Luke 24:1-53;  Acts 1:4-8; Acts 1:12-26;  Hebrews 10:24-25,    


Practicing the Mission

Wednesday - November 8, 2023

“Whom You Crucified” - Unanimous Activity

Acts 2:1-47.  

Thursday - November 9, 2023

Continue Without Failing

Acts 2:1-47; 1 Corinthians 11:1.   

Friday - November 10, 2023

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration


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Motivations for the Missions

Sunday - November 5, 2023

A Personal Experience 

Luke 24:1-12.  

“And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word…” (Matthew 28:8)


Religion is a Practical, Saving Energy, a Principle Wholly from God

The apostle showed that religion does not consist in rites and ceremonies, creeds and theories. If it did, the natural man could understand it by investigation, as he understands worldly things. Paul taught that religion is a practical, saving energy, a principle wholly from God, a personal experience of God's renewing power upon the soul.  {AA 451.3}  


An Individual Choice to Be Made Through the Grace of God

Watch and pray, and obtain a personal experience in the things of God. Your parents may teach you, they may try to guide your feet into safe paths; but it is impossible for them to change your heart. You must give your heart to Jesus and walk in the precious light of truth that He has given you. Faithfully take up your duties in the home life, and, through the grace of God, you may grow up unto the full stature of what Christ would have a child grow to be in Him. The fact that your parents keep the Sabbath, and obey the truth, will not insure your salvation. For though Noah and Job and Daniel were in the land, "As I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness."  {AH 298.1}  


God's Servant's Teaching Embodied the Teaching of Christ

But the teacher of sacred truth can impart only that which he himself knows by experience. “The sower sowed his seed.” Christ taught the truth because He was the truth. His own thought, His character, His life-experience, were embodied in His teaching. So with His servants: those who would teach the word are to make it their own by a personal experience.{CSA 24.3} 


Consider the Following

A group of women went to the tomb and some angels told them that Jesus had risen. They ran to share the news. On the way, Jesus himself appeared to them. Full of joy, they told the news (Lk. 24:1-9; Mt. 28:8-10).

Peter ran to the tomb, corroborated the women's story, and was amazed (Luke 24:12). However, he did not share the news until he had a personal encounter with Jesus (Luke 24:34).

Two other disciples ran from Emmaus to Jerusalem to tell that they had had an encounter with the resurrected Jesus (Luke 24:30-33).

Finally, the disciples believed when they saw Jesus in person (Luke 24:36). At that moment, Jesus entrusted them with the mission that, until then, they were not prepared to carry out (Luke 24:46-49).

What was the element that motivated all of them to share the gospel? A personal experience with Jesus.

Our personal experience with Jesus is what motivates us to tell others what He has done for us.


Monday - November 6, 2023

A Prophetic Foundation

Luke 24:36-49. 

“These are the words that I spoke to you while I was still with you: that everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the law of Moses, in the prophets, and in the psalms”     (Luke 24:44)


The Whole System of Types and Symbols - A Compacted Prophecy

Through the teachings of the sacrificial service, Christ was to be uplifted before all nations, and all who would look to Him should live. Christ was the foundation of the Jewish economy. The whole system of types and symbols was a compacted prophecy of the gospel, a presentation in which were bound up the promises of redemption.  {AA 14.1} But the people of Israel lost sight of their high privileges as God's representatives. 


Christ the Living Stone, and His Followers are Lively Stones

Centuries before the Saviour's advent Moses had pointed to the Rock of Israel's salvation. The psalmist had sung of "the Rock of my strength." Isaiah had written, "Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation." Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 62:7; Isaiah 28:16. Peter himself, writing by inspiration, applies this prophecy to Jesus. He says, "If ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious: unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious, ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house." 1 Peter 2:3-5, R. V.  {DA 413.1} 

In Isaiah's prophecy, Christ is declared to be both a sure foundation and a stone of stumbling. The apostle Peter, writing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, clearly shows to whom Christ is a foundation stone, and to whom a rock of offense:  {DA 599.1}  


When United becomes a Spiritual House, a Holy Priesthood

"If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient." 1 Peter 2:3-8.  {DA 599.2}  

Please see the sure world of Prophecy that depicts a STONE cut out of the mountain - becomes Christ's KINGDOM on earth "as it is in Heaven" Matt. 6:10.


Consider the Following

Although personal experience is extremely important, Jesus was not satisfied with this. He led the disciples to a second experience: the knowledge of the prophetic Word of God (Luke 24:44-46).

Through the Old and New Testaments we can see how God announced historical events, and how they were fulfilled, especially those related to the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

By studying the prophecies we can see how history has developed as it was announced in the Bible (see, for example, Daniel 2). With this knowledge we will be able to share with others these prophecies and others that have yet to be fulfilled, especially those related to the Second Coming of Jesus and eternal life.


Preparation for the Mission

Tuesday - November 7, 2023

Prayer and Preparation 

Luke 24:1-53;  Acts 1:4-8; Acts 1:12-26;  Hebrews 10:24-25,  

“And while they were together, he commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said to them, you heard from me” (Acts 1:4)


Careful Preparation Necessary, Prayer in Simple Words, Praise and Thanksgiving

By a little thought and careful preparation for this season, when we come into the presence of God, family worship can be made pleasant and will be fraught with results that eternity alone will reveal. Let the father select a portion of Scripture that is interesting and easily understood; a few verses will be sufficient to furnish a lesson which may be studied and practiced through the day. Questions may be asked, a few earnest, interesting remarks made, or incident, short and to the point, may be brought in by way of illustration. At least a few verses of spirited song may be sung, and the prayer offered should be short and pointed. The one who leads in prayer should not pray about everything, but should express his needs in simple words and praise God with thanksgiving.  {CG 521.4} 


Persevering Faith of Jacob and Unyielding Persistence of Elijah

Personal effort for others should be preceded by much secret prayer; for it requires great wisdom to understand the science of saving souls. Before communicating with men, commune with Christ. At the throne of heavenly grace obtain a preparation for ministering to the people.  {COL 149.1}  

Let your heart break for the longing it has for God, for the living God. The life of Christ has shown what humanity can do by being partaker of the divine nature. All that Christ received from God we too may have. Then ask and receive. With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persistence of Elijah, claim for yourself all that God has promised.  {COL 149.2}  


Consider the Following

Although they were motivated, and had already been commissioned to carry out the mission, they were asked to wait a while (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4). What did they spend that waiting time on?

To prayer (Acts 1:14). “The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to meet men and in their daily intercourse to speak words that would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences” (EGW, AA . pg. 37).

To preparation (Acts 1:15-26). The 12 being in charge of directing the mission, they proposed to repair the absence of one of them (Judas), so that the original plan could be followed.

Before beginning any project for God's work, we must seek His guidance in prayer, and prepare the logistics of the action: what will we need? Who will carry out each part? How will we get the resources? …


Practicing the Mission

Wednesday - November 8, 2023

Unanimous Activity

Acts 2:1-47.  

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4)


The Tongues of Fire, an Emblem of God's Gift - a Power that Works.

"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." The Holy Spirit, assuming the form of tongues of fire, rested upon those assembled. This was an emblem of the gift then bestowed on the disciples, which enabled them to speak with fluency languages with which they had heretofore been unacquainted. The appearance of fire signified the fervent zeal with which the apostles would labor and the power  that would attend their work.  {AA 39.1}  


God's People are Enabled to Catch a Glimpse of His Character 

When people are enabled to catch a glimpse of the character of God, they see not in Him the heartless, vindictive spirit manifested by human agents; they see that affliction and trial are God’s appointed means of disciplining His children, and teaching them His way, that they may lay hold of His grace. . . . As poor backsliding souls are led to the river of God’s love, they exclaim, When He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold purified. Suffering souls are made patient, trustful, triumphant in God under adverse circumstances. . . . {CTr 152.4}  


The Glory of a Divine Power, Full of Grace and Truth

God has been pleased to communicate His truth to the world by human agencies, and He Himself, by His Holy Spirit, qualified men and enabled them to do this work. He guided the mind in the selection of what to speak and what to write. The treasure was intrusted to earthen vessels, yet it is, none the less, from Heaven. . . . The obedient, believing child of God beholds in it [the testimony of God] the glory of a divine power, full of grace and truth.  {FLB 11.2}   


Consecrated Life is Enabled to do the Deeds of Omnipotence

Those who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to God, will constantly receive a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of His own Spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth His highest energies to work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multiplies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls. Through co-operation with Christ, they are made complete in Him, and in their human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipotence.  {GW 112.3}  


Consider the Following

The preparation was over. The time for action had arrived (Acts 2:1-8, 32, 36-41): they acted unanimously; everyone received gifts of the Holy Spirit; they used these gifts to talk about Jesus; In the face of criticism, a leader defended the group; Jesus was presented to the people; they were accused of having crucified him; They were also assured that they could receive forgiveness; there was a call to repentance; many people accepted Jesus.

We all have a part to play in the mission. To do this, each one is endowed with the gifts that the Spirit considers necessary (1Co. 12:11). In this way, the entire church, unanimously, proclaims the same message: Jesus has the power to save the vilest sinner.


Thursday - November 9, 2023

Continue Without Failing

Acts 2:1-47; 1 Corinthians 11:1.   

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42)


The Line of Distinction Must Continue

"Believe, only believe," is the burden of the instruction from the sacred desk. Repentance, confession, and thorough reformation in life and character are not dwelt on, or required from those who would take part in the privileges of church-fellowship. The line of distinction between the church and the world has become less positive, because the great standard of righteousness has not been the standard by which the faith of men and women was tested and proven. "Only believe" is echoed by thousands who catch up the words parrot-fashion, and repeat them with no sense of their importance or significance. Says the prophet, "They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace."  {ST, March 30, 1888 par. 1}  


Solemn Responsibility - Pure and Consistent Life is Acceptable to God

Paul desired to impress upon believers the solemn responsibility of the gospel ministry. Faithfulness in preaching the word, united with a pure, consistent life, can alone make the efforts of ministers acceptable to God and profitable to souls. Ministers of our day, burdened with a sense of the greatness of the work, may well exclaim with the apostle, "Who is sufficient for these things?"  {AA 326.2}  


Consider the Following

In a single day, the church added 3,000 new members (Acts 2:41). Should they stop preaching and minister to new members? Should they stop serving new members and continue preaching?

The solution included both aspects (Acts 2:42-47):

✓ Attention to new members:

Doctrine (teaching)

Communion (comradeship)

Breaking of bread (Holy Supper)

Prayers (in group)

✓ Gospel Preaching:

Everyone gathered in the Temple [of the Jews, not in a Christian church] to testify about Jesus.

They interacted with the entire town, earning their favor.

Under the direction of the apostles, new members became preachers of the Word. Their lives showed the change brought about by Jesus in their hearts.


Friday - November 10, 2023

Insights and Further Study

Many of the views held by Seventh-day Adventists differ widely from those held by the world in general. Those who advocate an unpopular truth should, above all others, seek to be consistent in their own life. They should not try to see how different they can be from others, but how near they can come to those whom they wish to influence, that they may help them to the positions they themselves so highly prize. Such a course will commend the truths they hold.  {CME 36.4}  

Those who are advocating a reform in diet should, by the provision they make for their own table, present the advantages of hygiene in the best light. They should so exemplify its principles as to commend it to the judgment of candid minds. . . .  {CME 37.1} 


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“Those who are of the household of faith should never neglect the assembling of themselves together; for this is God's appointed means of leading His children into unity, in order that in Christian love and fellowship they may help, strengthen, and encourage one another” EGW (Our High Calling, 166)


https://online.fliphtml5.com/nhmzi/lvbj/

https://3angelscry.org/pdf-ss-q4-l6-motivation-and-preparation-for-mission/