Sabbath Afternoon - November 25, 2023

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Daniel 4:1-37; 2 Kings 5:1-19; John 3:1-12; John 7:43-52; Matthew 19:16-22; John 19:38-42. 

Thought for Meditation:
When Christ first announced to the heavenly host His mission and work in the world, He declared that He was to leave His position of dignity and disguise His holy mission by assuming the likeness of a man, when in reality He was the Son of the infinite God. And when the fullness of time was come, He stepped down from His throne of highest command, laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to this earth to exemplify what humanity must do and be in order to overcome the enemy and to sit with the Father upon His throne. . . . He made it possible for Himself to be buffeted by human agencies inspired by Satan, the rebel who had been expelled from heaven. {CTr 227.4} 

As the head of humanity, Christ lived on this earth a perfect, consistent life, in conformity with the will of His heavenly Father. . . . Always uppermost in His mind and heart was the thought “Not My human will, but Thy will, be done.”Letter 303, 1903. {CTr 227.5} 


Memory Text:

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). 


This week's SSLesson will explore into the annals of historical mission of God to every generation that had past and what lessons we may draws from these scriptural experiences of people. This includes the mysterious love of God for those who run against His will, and causing God's people to be captive but He showed the dreams of futures' event.


Study Outline:

Sunday - November 26, 2023

Nebuchadnezzar: Need for Humility

1 Timothy 2:4; 1 John 2:2;  Ephesians 1:4; Daniel 4:1-37;  2 Chronicles 32:25-26; 1 Kings 14:21-31; 1 Samuel 28:1-25. 

Monday - November 27, 2023

Naaman: Need Time to Grow

2 Kings 5:1-19.

Tuesday - November 28, 2023

Witnessing to the Learned: Nicodemus - Need of the Savior

John 3:1-12;  John 7:43-52; John 19:39. 

Wednesday - November 29, 2023

Mission to the Rich: Need to Establish Priorities

Matthew 19:16-22, 24; John 11:25; Luke 19:1-10; Matthew 16:26.  

Thursday - November 30, 2023

Mission to the Powerful: Need to Collaborate

Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:43-47; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38-42

Friday - December 1, 2023

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration


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Sunday - November 26, 2023

Nebuchadnezzar: Need for Humility

1 Timothy 2:4; 1 John 2:2;  Ephesians 1:4; Daniel 4:1-37;  2 Chronicles 32:25-26; 1 Kings 14:21-31; 1 Samuel 28:1-25. 

“[God our Savior] wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4)


Humility Leads to Acknowledgement of God's Authority

For seven years Nebuchadnezzar was an astonishment to all his subjects; for seven years he was humbled before all the world. Then his reason was restored and, looking up in humility to the God of heaven, he recognized the divine hand in his chastisement. In a public proclamation, he acknowledged his guilt and the great mercy of God in his restoration. . . .  {CC 253.4}  

God's purpose that the greatest kingdom in the world should show forth His praise was now fulfilled. This public proclamation, in which Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the mercy, goodness, and authority of God, was the last act of his life recorded in sacred history.  {CC 253.5}  


A Divine Revelation

Nebuchadnezzar felt that he could accept this interpretation as a divine revelation; for to Daniel had been revealed every detail of the dream. The solemn truths conveyed by the interpretation of this vision of the night made a deep impression on the sovereign's mind, and in humility and awe he "fell upon his face, and worshipped." . . .  {4BC 1169.1}  

Nebuchadnezzar saw clearly the difference between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of the most learned men of his kingdom (YI Sept. 8, 1903).  {4BC 1169.2}  


Humility: Following Christ - A Precious Grace 

Humility, self-denial, benevolence, and the payment of a faithful tithe, these show that the grace of God is working in the heart. The greatest Teacher, the greatest Physician the world has ever known, gave many lessons on the need of humility. These lessons His followers are to bring into the practical life. They are to live lives of self-denial and self-sacrifice. To many, this will be a new experience, but on it their salvation depends. "Whosoever will come after Me," Christ said, "let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Mark 8:34. Following Christ produces the virtues of Christ's character. Humility is a precious grace, peculiarly pleasing to God. Christ says, "Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matthew 11:29. Those who follow Christ will overcome temptation and will receive the glorious reward of eternal life. And to Christ, they will render all the praise and glory.  {CH 590.1} 


Consider the Following

The atonement made by Jesus encompasses all humanity (1Tim. 2:4). This, of course, includes the king or president of the nation.

However, it is practically impossible to approach these types of people. On the other hand, their position of power can lead them to think that they do not need anything.

This is what happened to King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4:30). Through his story, we see that God can use special methods to reach the high ones:

— He elevates faithful people, like Daniel, to positions of influence, to use them as bridges to reach the powerful (Dan. 4:19, 27).

— He intervenes directly to humble their pride and arrogance and lead them to recognize their dependence on God (Dan. 4:33-37).


Monday - November 27, 2023

Naaman: Need Time to Grow

2 Kings 5:1-19.

“But may the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I have to bow there also—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for this” (2nd Kings 5 :18)


Children's Role as Missionaries for God

We know not in what line our children may be called to serve. They may spend their lives within the circle of the home; they may engage in life's common vocations, or go as teachers of the gospel to heathen lands; but all are alike called to be missionaries for God, ministers of mercy to the world.  {CC 227.5}  

He who sent . . . the little Israelitish maiden to the help of Naaman, the Syrian captain, sends men and women and youth today as His representatives to those in need of divine help and guidance.  {CC 227.6}  


The True Knowledge of God Brings Healing

It was for the same reason that in Elisha's time the lepers of Israel were passed by. But Naaman, a heathen nobleman, had been faithful to his convictions of right, and had felt his great need of help. He was in a condition to receive the gifts of God's grace. He was not only cleansed from his leprosy, but blessed with a knowledge of the true God.  {DA 239.1} 

Our standing before God depends, not upon the amount of light we have received, but upon the use we make of what we have. Thus even the heathen who choose the right as far as they can distinguish it are in a more favorable condition than are those who have had great light, and profess to serve God, but who disregard the light, and by their daily life contradict their profession.  {DA 239.2}  


Consider the Following

Naaman was a “great” person in Syria (2 Kings 5:1). Upon being healed of his leprosy, Naaman gave his life to God and decided to serve Him (2 Kings 5: 2-3, 9-14, 17).

But his knowledge of God was limited. He needed “a pair of mule loads” to be able to worship the God of Israel (2 Kings 5:17).

His second request was “permission to sin” (2 Kings 5:18). He knew that his political obligations were going to conflict with his new faith. But Elisha did not rebuke him, nor correct his error (2 Kings 5:19).

Naaman needed time to grow, time to know God, time to change. Perhaps to help him grow, Elisha later visited Damascus (2 Kings 8:7).


God Works for those who Appreciate His Favors and Respond to Light

Centuries after Naaman returned to his Syrian home, healed in body and converted in spirit, his wonderful faith was referred to and commended by the Saviour as an object lesson for all who claim to serve God. "Many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet," the Saviour declared; "and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian." Luke 4:27. God passed over the many lepers in Israel because their unbelief closed the door of good to them. A heathen nobleman who had been true to his convictions of right, and who felt his need of help, was in the sight of God more worthy of His blessing than were the afflicted in Israel, who had slighted and despised their God-given privileges. God works for those who appreciate His favors and respond to the light given them from heaven.  {PK 252.4}  


Tuesday - November 28, 2023

Witnessing to the Learned: Nicodemus - Need of the Savior

John 3:1-12;  John 7:43-52; John 19:39. 

“Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.     He came to Jesus at night……” (John 3:1-2a)


Willingness to Enter into Life as Chief of Sinners Do

There are thousands today who need to learn the same truth that was taught to Nicodemus by the uplifted serpent. They depend on their obedience to the law of God to commend them to His favor. When they are bidden to look to Jesus, and believe that He saves them solely through His grace, they exclaim, "How can these things be?"  {DA 175.3}  

Like Nicodemus, we must be willing to enter into life in the same way as the chief of sinners. Than Christ, "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12. Through faith we receive the grace of God; but faith is not our Saviour. It earns nothing. It is the hand by which we lay hold upon Christ, and appropriate His merits, the remedy for sin. And we cannot even repent without the aid of the Spirit of God. The Scripture says of Christ, "Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." Acts 5:31. Repentance comes from Christ as truly as does pardon.  {DA 175.4}  


The Necessity of a Transformed Life by God's Grace

Our teachers need to be constant learners. The reformers need to be themselves reformed, not only in their methods of labor, but in their own hearts. They need to be transformed by the grace of God. When Nicodemus, a great teacher in Israel, came to Jesus, the Master laid before him the conditions of divine life, teaching him the very alphabet of conversion. Nicodemus asked: "How can these things be?" "Art thou a master of Israel," Christ answered, "and knowest not these things?" This question might be addressed to many who are now holding positions as teachers, but who have neglected the preparation essential to qualify them for this work. If Christ's words were received into the soul there would be a much higher intelligence and a much deeper spiritual knowledge of what constitutes a disciple, a sincere follower of Christ, and an educator whom He can approve.  {6T 154.2}  


Consider the Following

Despite recognizing that Jesus' teaching came from God (Jn. 3:2), Nicodemus, the “teacher of Israel” (Jn. 3:10), was reluctant to openly acknowledge that he was a follower of the Teacher of Galilee.

God was patient with him. He even used it to save Jesus' life at critical moments in his ministry (Jn. 7:40-53).

When Nicodemus saw Jesus crucified, he knew without a doubt that he had found the Savior (John 3:14; 19:39-40).

The Lord says to you as to Nicodemus, "Unless ye are born again, ye can never see the kingdom of God." The truth has been accepted and preached by you, but the heart has not been cleansed of its moral defilement. You need the divine impression on your character.  {17MR 102.2}


Wednesday - November 29, 2023

Mission to the Rich: Need to Establish Priorities

Matthew 19:16-22, 24; John 11:25; Luke 19:1-10; Matthew 16:26.  

“Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21)


The Wise unto Salvation, Need of Educating Minds

It is this eternal treasure that ministers of Christ are to present wherever they may go. They are to urge the people to become wise unto salvation. They are not to allow world-loving, timeserving professed believers to influence their course and weaken their faith. It is not their mission to help individuals or churches to contrive how they can save money by narrow plans and circumscribed efforts in the cause of God. Instead of this they are to teach men how to work disinterestedly and thus become rich toward God. They should educate minds to place the right estimate on eternal things and to make the kingdom of heaven first.  {5T 262.2}  


The Greatest Teacher Took Humanity to Give Eternal Life

The character of the mission of Christ is delineated in the words of Isaiah which we have quoted. He did not come to minister simply to the highest grade of society. The Lord pitied those who felt their need of a Saviour, and those who are touched with the Spirit of Christ, if they have had better opportunities than others for cultivation, for refinement and nobility of character, will feel that they are debtors to those who have been less favorably situated, and they will minister as far as possible of their benefits to those who are wanting in these things. God has given this manner of work to his elect people. They are to reveal to the world that they are disciples of the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, and that they are working along the same lines as he worked. They are to open their treasures to those who need them, and this will bring them in contact with the very ones who appreciated the labors of Christ; for we read that the common people heard him gladly. Their hearts were not engrossed with the things of the world, and they could discern the things of eternal value. Those who are in high positions, who are intrusted with rich capabilities, are likely to worship themselves, to make themselves a center, to indulge themselves in intemperate desires, to fear to give back to God his own, and to neglect the example of Christ, who took upon himself the garb of humanity, in order that he might reach and lift humanity by his divine influence.  {ST, February 20, 1896 par. 6}  


Reach All Classes of People - The Last Gospel Invitation

 The gospel invitation is to be given to all the world--"to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." Revelation 14:6. The last message of warning and mercy is to lighten the whole earth with its glory. It is to reach all classes of men, rich and poor, high and low. "Go out into the highways and hedges," Christ says, "and compel them to come in, that My house may be filled."  {COL 228.3} 


Using what they Possess Valuable in God's Sight

The blessings within reach of the rich are also within their reach. If they are faithful in using what little they do possess, their treasure in heaven will increase according to their fidelity. It is the motive with which they work, not the amount they do, that makes their offering valuable in the sight of Heaven.  {GW 222.1}  


Consider the Following

Can a camel pass through the eye of a needle? Can a rich man be saved? (Matt. 19:24). On the other hand, if a rich man cannot be saved, “who then can be saved?” (Matt. 19:25).

Let's go by parts. No matter how rich one is, no one can buy the salvation of his soul (Ps. 49:8).

Furthermore, Jesus did not say that a rich man cannot be saved, but rather that “it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:23).

Do the rich, then, need to divest themselves of their wealth to serve God wholeheartedly?

No, but wealth can be a blindfold that blinds your eyes and prevents you from seeing and meeting the needs of others (Mt. 19:21); or it may be a god that you give priority to in your life (1Tim. 6:10; Col. 3:5). Therefore, for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven, they have to change their priorities, putting God first.


Thursday - November 30, 2023

Mission to the Powerful: Need to Collaborate

Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:43-47; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38-42

“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away”  (John 19:38)


Nature of Christ's Mission - Daily Operation of the Spirit in the Heart

While few understood the nature of Christ’s mission, there was a widespread expectation of a mighty prince who should establish his kingdom in Israel, and who should come as a deliverer to the nations.—The Desire of Ages, pp. 31-34. {CTr 34.5} 

In the light of the truth that is shining in our day, we are reproved for the dearth of the Holy Spirit. . . . As long as individuals are content with a mere theory of truth, and are yet lacking in the daily operation of the Spirit of God upon the heart, which is manifested in outward transformation of character, they are cutting themselves off from the qualification that would fit them for greater efficiency in the Master’s work. . . . {CTr 371.3} 


Partakers of Divine nature Shown by Christ

We need not retain one sinful propensity. . . . As we partake of the divine nature, hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong are cut away from the character, and we are made a living power for good. Ever learning of the divine Teacher, daily partaking of His nature, we cooperate with God in overcoming Satan's temptations.  {FLB 23.4}  

How this is accomplished, Christ has shown us. By what means did He overcome in the conflict with Satan? By the Word of God. Only by the Word could He resist temptation. "It is written," He said. And unto us are given "exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature. . . ." Every promise in God's Word is ours. . . . When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the Word. All its strength is yours.  {FLB 23.5}  

Grasp His promises as leaves from the tree of life: "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37. As you come to Him, believe that He accepts you because He has promised. You can never perish while you do this--never. 


Consider the Following

Joseph openly declared himself a disciple of Jesus when he had the opportunity to do something for Him. In this way, he was used by God to fulfill Isaiah's prophecy (Isa. 53:9; Mt. 27:57-60).

One way to fulfill the mission on behalf of the rich and powerful is to offer them the opportunity to collaborate with the mission (it really seems paradoxical).

Let's propose a community help project (for example). A project that visibly impacts the well-being of those in need. The rich and powerful will feel the need to collaborate in it. Maybe it's for prestige or for other reasons. But, perhaps it is to be able to express their desire for help, their desire to do something for others. Let's give them the opportunity to participate in something good so that, in turn, they can also be reached by Jesus.


Friday - December 1, 2023

Insights and Further Study

We are to cooperate with the Lord Jesus in restoring the inefficient and the erring to intelligence and purity. This work ranks equally in importance with the work of the gospel ministry. We are called upon by God to manifest an untiring, patient interest in the salvation of those who need divine polishing.--Lt 113, 1905. (MM 209.)  {2MCP 439.2}  

Deal Gently.--Let us not try to work ourselves or others, but let us depend upon the Holy Spirit. Deal gently with human beings. With hearts full of spiritual tenderness, melt your way into convicted hearts. Let your words be dipped in the heavenly oil from the two olive branches. We need the golden oil emptied into prepared vessels, that it may be communicated to those who are seeking for the truth. Ever remember that it is "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."--Lt 200, 1899.  {2MCP 440.2}  

Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

““Those who belong to the higher ranks of society are to be sought out with tender affection and brotherly regard. Men in business life, in high positions of trust, men with large inventive faculties and scientific insight, men of genius, teachers of the gospel whose minds have not been called to the special truths for this time, —these should be the first to hear the call. They should be given the invitation […]

Many in high social positions are heart-sore and sick of vanity. They are longing for a peace that they have not. Even those in the highest ranks are not to be passed by. Many of them are hungering and thirsting for salvation” E. G. W. (Christ's Object Lessons, p.230)


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