The Role of the Church in the Community

Jesus Won Their Confidence

Lesson #10 for September 3, 2016

Scriptures: [Genesis 15:6; Numbers 14:11; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Daniel 6:1-3; Nehemiah 2:1-9; Deuteronomy 4:1-9; Acts 2:42-47][1].

1.    The Gospels make it clear that the appeal of Jesus was widespread. What kinds of health and/or healing services were available in Jesus day? Were there hospitals? Were there doctors?

Luke 6:17-19 (GNB): 17 When Jesus had come down from the hill with the apostles, he stood on a level place with a large number of his disciples. A large crowd of people was there from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from the coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon; 18they had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those who were troubled by evil spirits also came and were healed. 19All the people tried to touch him, for power was going out from him and healing them all.

Matthew 4:24-25 (GNB): 24 The news about him spread through the whole country of Syria, so that people brought to him all those who were sick, suffering from all kinds of diseases and disorders: people with demons, and epileptics, and paralytics—and Jesus healed them all. 25Large crowds followed him from Galilee and the Ten Towns, from Jerusalem, Judea, and the land on the other side of the Jordan.

2.    How do you suppose the Pharisees felt about mixing with that crowd?

For several years, a Seventh-day Adventist church has provided breakfast five days a week for a local public elementary school. Though the nation itself was very secular, it just had passed a law providing enough money for each public school to have a chaplain, and the school and community wanted the Seventh-day Adventist church to provide one (it is rare to ask only one church to do that). The chaplain’s role is to help look after the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the students and even the wider school community. The opportunities are amazing. “I enjoy the unique and special relationship we have with your church,” the school principal had said to the church pastor, who was visiting the school, “and just wish other churches could be involved the way you are.” When the pastor was leaving the grounds, the school’s community liaison officer thanked him for what the church was doing and asked if she could attend one Sabbath.—Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide for Sabbath, August 27, 2016.

3.    The challenge for our study this week is to find ways in which we can win the confidence of people and attract them as Jesus did. As we have studied over the last few weeks and as in the titles of the recent lessons, Jesus “... desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence.”—Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing 143.3.

4.    Confidence is a Latin word composed of two parts: con meaning with and fides meaning faith. What does that imply? Jesus inspired trust.

5.    In Hebrew the main root for faith is amn. That is the word from which we derive our word amen. Its basic meaning is constancy, continuity, and especially reliability. It means something you can trust and believe. It also implies truth. Jesus inspired confidence by mingling with, having compass for, sympathizing with, and serving the people. How many people were attracted by His healings?

6.    Read [Genesis 15:6; Numbers 14:11; Isaiah 7:9; and Habakkuk 2:4][2]. What do these texts teach us about trust and confidence? Abraham trusted God. To the Jews, Abraham was/is the quintessential example of faith. However, the Israelites, his descendants, did not trust God. Nevertheless, we know that real trust in God endures. And those who live in trust of God are living by faith.

7.    The word for faith in Greek is pistis. It means belief, trust, absolute certainty, reliability, assurance, and confidence. Virtually every aspect of Christ’s ministry inspired faith and confidence.

8.    But, we know from reading all of Scripture that human beings often destroy confidence and trust by their behavior. (See [Micah 7:5 and Psalm 118:9].[3]) But, when properly understood, God’s actions always inspire trust and confidence.

9.    Could you write out your best definition of faith?

A biblical definition of faith based on all of Scripture and stated many times so well by one of God’s best modern friends, Dr. A. Graham Maxwell, is as follows:

Faith is [just] a word we use to denote a relationship with God as with a Person well known. The better we know Him, the better this relationship may be.

Faith implies an attitude toward God of love, trust, and deep admiration. It means having enough confidence in Him, based upon the more than adequate evidence revealed, to be willing to believe whatever He says [as soon as we are sure that He has said it], to accept whatever He offers [as soon as we are sure that He is the one who is offering it], and to do whatever He wishes [as soon as we are sure He is the one who wishes it]- without reservation-for the rest of eternity.

Anyone who has such faith is perfectly safe to save. This is why faith is the only requirement for heaven.

[Faith also means that like Abraham and Moses, God’s friends, we know God well enough to reverently ask Him, “Why?”]—A. Graham Maxwell, You Can Trust the Bible, p. 81. [Content in brackets is added based on Dr. Maxwell's lectures.]

But, what is the relationship between faith and evidence? There has been a discussion about that relationship for hundreds of years. Is the most important point that you have some verified evidence on which to trust God? Or, is it more important that you are prepared to take the “leap of faith”? How do we determine what God’s will is?

10.    There are several African countries in which Seventh-day Adventist schools and hospitals are held in great respect. While working in Zambia and as a representative of our hospital at Mwami, I was personally invited to attend a gathering sponsored by Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, the first president of Zambia. While it is gratifying to know that Adventist institutions are held in such respect, it is important for us to recognize that even under the best of circumstances, we are merely conduits for the love of God.

11.    Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; 5:1[4]. Paul had to deal with some very difficult situations in Corinth. After he left Corinth, having worked there for one-and-a-half years, he later found that they had been persuaded to reject much of what they had learned. The church was full of jealousy, conflicts, even open immorality. Of course, none of us will be able to represent Jesus perfectly; we are all human. And that was after years of work by Paul and Apollos.

12.    But, Paul was able to say: “Imitate me, then, just as I imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1, GNB) Would you dare to say that?

13.    If people came to your church or to your Sabbath school class, what would be their initial impressions? What would they see in you personally?

14.    Christians need to develop social capital. What is the meaning of the term social capital?

Proverbs 22:1 (GNB): If you have to choose between a good reputation and great wealth, choose a good reputation.

15.    How do we develop the skill of focusing people’s attention on Jesus Christ instead of on ourselves or even our church? We have been challenged by God and by Jesus to become as much like Him as possible; but, we will certainly never be a perfect image. (Compare Jeremiah 9:23[5].) If we do not represent Him correctly, will people be attracted? Misrepresenting Him would certainly not help!

16.    Social capital is like having good will or a good reputation in the community. It is like depositing money in the bank. When people have a good impression of you, then you have a better chance of correctly influencing them for Christ.

The Church Manual reminds us that Seventh-day Adventists “should be recognized as outstanding citizens . . . in working for the common good.” We “should support by our service and our means, as far as possible and consistent with our beliefs, efforts for social order and betterment,” maintaining “an uncompromising stand for justice and right in civic affairs.”—“Standards of Christian Living,” in the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 2010), pp. 137, 138. (As quoted in Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide for Tuesday, August 30)

17.    Read [Acts 7:9-10; Genesis 41:38-45; and Daniel 2:46-49; 6:1-3][6]. These passages show us that even in the times of the Old Testament, people like Joseph and Daniel were able to inspire confidence in themselves by acting in Christlike ways wherever they were. Joseph ended up as prime minister of Egypt and Daniel as prime minister of Babylon and later Medo-Persia. And Daniel did it even though he was quite elderly when he entered Medo-Persia!

18.    If you can, read [Patriarchs and Prophets pages 217, 218, 221 and Prophets and Kings 628][7]. In those pages you will find many positive words describing Joseph and Daniel-words like gentleness, fidelity, wisdom, sound judgment, abilities, noble dignity, unswerving integrity, purity, uprightness, a good practical education, trustworthiness, constant awareness of God’s presence, modesty, innocence, justice, sympathy, mercy, wisdom, compassion, reasonableness, consistency, shrewdness, gifted with divine power, well qualified, and having wisdom and sound judgment. How would you compare the character of Paul?

19.    Many human beings are motivated by the desire for a good reputation among their fellow humans. But, notice these words from Ellen White.

The very motives of his heart are open to divine inspection. Every act, every word, every thought, is as distinctly marked as though there were only one person in the whole world, and the attention of heaven were centered upon him.—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets 217.4.

20.    Churches are voluntary organizations. No one is compelled to join or to continue serving or even attending. That also means that churches often have limited funds for carrying out projects. So, what can we do to develop more social capital? Nehemiah had inspired confidence in the emperor of the Medo-Persian government by his faithful service. (Nehemiah 2:1-9) As a result, at his heaven-inspired request, Nehemiah was appointed governor of Judea and was able to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem.

Nehemiah did not depend upon uncertainty. The means that he lacked he solicited from those who were able to bestow. And the Lord is still willing to move upon the hearts of those in possession of His goods, in behalf of the cause of truth. Those who labor for Him are to avail themselves of the help that He prompts men to give.... The donors may have no faith in Christ, no acquaintance with His word; but their gifts are not on this account to be refused.—Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings 634.1.

21.    Nehemiah got a great deal of support, including money and materials, from the Medo-Persian government. Despite the fact that he was opposed by a number of local enemies, he accomplished what he went to do. How can we as Seventh-day Adventists gain the confidence and support of businesses and even governments in our communities?

22.    A very successful local businessman and his family have recently donated $100 million for the building of the new hospital at Loma Linda University Health. He and his family were impressed by the medical care that they have received there. Their gift matches the largest donation ever made to a university in California.

23.    About the same time, a local Indian tribe was impressed to give $10 million for the building of a low-income outreach community clinic and school operated by Loma Linda University Health in a needy local city.

24.    One of the challenges that the church sometimes faces is what do we do with gifts given by groups that represent businesses or industries that are doing things contrary to our beliefs? This will always be a delicate question and must be answered on a case-by-case basis.

25.    What is the best way to build social capital? Would it not be to practice the golden rule?

26.    As Seventh-day Adventists, we have been blessed with more light than any other people in the history of our world. That light includes not only a correct theology including a correct understanding of the cross, the sanctuary, the state of the dead, the Sabbath, and the great controversy, but also important ideas about health and healing and also about education and ministry.

27.    How much of what we have received do you think God wants us to share? Are we to hoard God’s gifts? Or, to share them? Look at the advice given by Moses to the children of Israel as recorded in Deuteronomy 4:7-9[8].

28.    A few years ago, a Seventh-day Adventist congregation asked themselves the question: “Would our community miss us if somehow we disappeared overnight?” They did not like the answer they got. So, they began to reach out into the community, building bridges instead of walls. They became involved in various community projects; attitudes toward Adventism changed. What a surprise!

29.    Read Acts 2:42-47[9]. How did this positive attitude toward Christianity affect the number of people joining the church? Even Pharisees and priests became members of the early Christian church! (Acts 6:7 and 15:5[10])

30.    How did Jesus impact the communities He served?

As He [Jesus] passed [20] through the towns and cities He was like a vital current, diffusing life and joy.—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, 19.4

Christ recognized no distinction of nationality or rank or creed. The scribes and Pharisees desired to make a local and a national benefit of the gifts of heaven and to exclude the rest of God’s family in the world. But Christ came to break down every wall of partition. He came to show that His gift of mercy and love is as unconfined as the air, the light, or the showers of rain that refresh the earth.—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing 25.3.

A kind, courteous Christian is the most powerful argument in favor of the gospel that can be produced.—Ellen G. White, 2 Manuscript Releases 109.2; Selected Messages, book 3, 238.4. [Bold type and content in brackets are added.]

31.    Remember that every merciful act to the needy or the suffering is regarded as though it had been done to Jesus. (Matthew 25:31-46)[11]

32.    So, as we are approaching the end of this world’s history, has the time come for Seventh-day Adventist Christians to learn of the needs of the community and reach out like Jesus did?

33.    Matthew 10:22 (GNB): Everyone will hate you because of me. But whoever holds out to the end will be saved.

34.    How does this verse fit with what we have been studying this week? Doesn’t it seem like a contradiction?

35.    There is no question about the fact that those people who are attracted to our church by becoming friends and gaining confidence in a church member are much more likely to remain members after they have joined the church than those who are brought in simply by a brief evangelist series. So, we as church members must find ways to mingle, to show sympathy, to minister to people’s needs, and to win their confidence. Do we need to speak the truth as well as act like Jesus in order to win their confidence? Could we win their confidence by actions alone? Or, by words alone?

36.    What did Jesus say about the crowds that gathered around Him on a daily basis?

37.    Matthew 9:36 (GNB): As he saw the crowds, his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were worried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

38.    We must constantly recognize that we are not winning people to us as individuals or even to our church; instead, we are winning people to Christ.

39.    It is very difficult to know what influence you might have by even a few simple acts of kindness.

In August 1980, nine-week-old baby Azaria Chamberlain disappeared from the family tent at a campground near Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock), in Australia’s Northern Territory. The parents, Pastor Michael Chamberlain and his wife, Lindy, maintained that a dingo, an Australian native dog, had taken her. However, public opinion turned against the family, and eventually Lindy Chamberlain was tried and convicted of murder. At the time, lawyer and author John Bryson couldn’t believe what he was seeing. As a boy, Bryson was friendly with a well-known Seventh-day Adventist family in Melbourne who took him on skiing trips. When rumors about the Chamberlains and the Adventist Church were circulating, he knew it didn’t fit with what he knew of

Adventists. This led him to research and write a book called Evil Angels, a powerful account of the Chamberlain case that proved influential in changing public opinion and bringing about a retrial-which proved Lindy Chamberlain innocent. Although Bryson was not a Seventh-day Adventist, nor even a Christian, the childhood influence and example of that well-known Adventist family won his confidence and positively shaped his convictions about Adventists, which in turn spurred him to intercede on behalf of an Adventist woman wrongly convicted. What a testament to the power of influence and the importance of living out our faith.—Adult Teacher’s Sabbath School Bible Study Guide 133.

40.    Try to imagine being in the situation of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Almost certainly, they were merely teenagers. But, somehow, they excelled in their education and won the confidence of a pagan emperor. They rose to the highest levels in the Babylonian government. How was that possible? (See Daniel 6:1-3; 2:1,47-49[12].)

41.    So, how are Adventists known in your community? There is a story told about a time in the 1960s when the religious liberty secretary of the General Conference had the opportunity to visit then retired President Eisenhower. When he introduced himself as a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Eisenhower looked puzzled briefly and then brightened up and said: “Didn’t Adventists have something to do with the development of peanut butter?” While there may be nothing wrong with peanut butter unless one is allergic to peanuts, Seventh-day Adventists certainly need to be known for more than that!

42.    Read Matthew 9:9-10[13]. Jesus was despised by the Pharisees in particular because He was so good at mingling with and sympathizing with the despised lower classes. He seemed to love them. Perhaps even more amazing was that sinners seemed to love Him and wanted to spend time with Him! What was His secret? As recorded in Matthew 23, Jesus spelled out reasons why the Pharisees did so poorly at winning people to their cause.

43.    We have the difficult task of standing firm for principle; but, through love, patience, and kindness, we also have the ability of making sinners feel comfortable in our presence so that we can win them to be friends of God.

44.    Why is it that opinions about Seventh-day Adventists vary so much around the world? In some places, Adventism is very popular and very respected. In many other areas, it is hardly known. What can we do about that? There was a very interesting comment reportedly made by Mahatma Gandhi as published in Christianity Today, August 14, 2008.

Oh, I don’t reject Christ. I love Christ. It’s just that so many of you Christians are so unlike Christ. If Christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the Bible, all of India would be Christian today.—Samuel, D. (2008). “Mahatma Gandhi and Christianity.” Christian Today. http://in.christiantoday.com/articledir/print.htm?id=2837. Retrieved on May 18, 2012 and also on July 31, 2016.

45.    What do you think it was that inspired such popularity for the very early apostles as described in Acts 2[14]? How can we inspire that same degree of popularity and excitement? We know the day is coming when we will not be popular, but rather, will be persecuted. How much time do we have left? How popular is the Adventist Church in your area? We are not just trying to become popular; we are trying to win people to Jesus Christ!

1-Genesis 15:6 Abram put his trust in the Lord, and because of this the Lord was pleased with him and accepted him

Numbers 14:11 The Lord said to Moses, "How much longer will these people reject me? How much longer will they refuse to trust in me, even though I have performed so many miracles among them?

1 Corinthians 3:1 As a matter of fact, my friends, I could not talk to you as I talk to people who have the Spirit; I had to talk to you as though you belonged to this world, as children in the Christian faith. 2 I had to feed you milk, not solid food, because you were not ready for it. And even now you are not ready for it, 3 because you still live as the people of this world live. When there is jealousy among you and you quarrel with one another, doesn't this prove that you belong to this world, living by its standards? 4 When one of you says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos" - aren't you acting like worldly people? 5 After all, who is Apollos? And who is Paul? We are simply God's servants, by whom you were led to believe. Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do: 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. 7 The one who plants and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because he makes the plant grow. 8 There is no difference between the one who plants and the one who waters; God will reward each one according to the work each has done. 9 For we are partners working together for God, and you are God's field. You are also God's building.

Daniel 6:1 Darius decided to appoint a hundred and twenty governors to hold office throughout his empire. 2 In addition, he chose Daniel and two others to supervise the governors and to look after the king's interests. 3 Daniel soon showed that he could do better work than the other supervisors or the governors. Because he was so outstanding, the king considered putting him in charge of the whole empire.

Nehemiah 2:1 One day four months later, when Emperor Artaxerxes was dining, I took the wine to him. He had never seen me look sad before, 2 so he asked, "Why are you looking so sad? You aren't sick, so it must be that you're unhappy." I was startled 3 and answered, "May Your Majesty live forever! How can I keep from looking sad when the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" 4 The emperor asked, "What is it that you want?" I prayed to the God of Heaven, 5 and then I said to the emperor, "If Your Majesty is pleased with me and is willing to grant my request, let me go to the land of Judah, to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I can rebuild the city." 6 The emperor, with the empress sitting at his side, approved my request. He asked me how long I would be gone and when I would return, and I told him. 7 Then I asked him to grant me the favor of giving me letters to the governors of West-of-Euphrates Province, instructing them to let me travel to Judah. 8 I asked also for a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal forests, instructing him to supply me with timber for the gates of the fort that guards the Temple, for the city walls, and for the house I was to live in. The emperor gave me all I asked for, because God was with me. 9 The emperor sent some army officers and a troop of cavalry with me, and I made the journey to West-of-Euphrates. There I gave the emperor's letters to the governors.

Deuteronomy 4:1 Then Moses said to the people, "Obey all the laws that I am teaching you, and you will live and occupy the land which the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. 2 Do not add anything to what I command you, and do not take anything away. Obey the commands of the Lord your God that I have given you. 3 You yourselves saw what the Lord did at Mount Peor. He destroyed everyone who worshiped Baal there, 4 but those of you who were faithful to the Lord your God are still alive today. 5 "I have taught you all the laws, as the Lord my God told me to do. Obey them in the land that you are about to invade and occupy. 6 Obey them faithfully, and this will show the people of other nations how wise you are. When they hear of all these laws, they will say, "What wisdom and understanding this great nation has!' 7 "No other nation, no matter how great, has a god who is so near when they need him as the Lord our God is to us. He answers us whenever we call for help. 8 No other nation, no matter how great, has laws so just as those that I have taught you today. 9 Be on your guard! Make certain that you do not forget, as long as you live, what you have seen with your own eyes. Tell your children and your grandchildren

Acts 2:42 They spent their time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals and the prayers. 43 Many miracles and wonders were being done through the apostles, and everyone was filled with awe. 44 All the believers continued together in close fellowship and shared their belongings with one another. 45 They would sell their property and possessions, and distribute the money among all, according to what each one needed. 46 Day after day they met as a group in the Temple, and they had their meals together in their homes, eating with glad and humble hearts, 47 praising God, and enjoying the good will of all the people. And every day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.

2-Genesis 15:6 Abram put his trust in the Lord, and because of this the Lord was pleased with him and accepted him.

Numbers 14:11 The Lord said to Moses, "How much longer will these people reject me? How much longer will they refuse to trust in me, even though I have performed so many miracles among them?

Isaiah 7:11 The Lord said to Moses, "How much longer will these people reject me? How much longer will they refuse to trust in me, even though I have performed so many miracles among them?

Habakkuk 2:4 And this is the message: "Those who are evil will not survive, but those who are righteous will live because they are faithful to God.' "

3-Micah 7:5 Don't believe your neighbor or trust your friend. Be careful what you say even to your husband or wife.

Psalm 118:9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to depend on human leaders.

4-1 Corinthians 3:1 As a matter of fact, my friends, I could not talk to you as I talk to people who have the Spirit; I had to talk to you as though you belonged to this world, as children in the Christian faith. 2 I had to feed you milk, not solid food, because you were not ready for it. And even now you are not ready for it, 3 because you still live as the people of this world live. When there is jealousy among you and you quarrel with one another, doesn't this prove that you belong to this world, living by its standards? 4 When one of you says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos" - aren't you acting like worldly people? 5 After all, who is Apollos? And who is Paul? We are simply God's servants, by whom you were led to believe. Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do: 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. 7 The one who plants and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because he makes the plant grow. 8 There is no difference between the one who plants and the one who waters; God will reward each one according to the work each has done. 9 For we are partners working together for God, and you are God's field. You are also God's building.

5:1 Now, it is actually being said that there is sexual immorality among you so terrible that not even the heathen would be guilty of it. I am told that a man is sleeping with his stepmother!

5-Jeremiah 9:23 The Lord says, "The wise should not boast of their wisdom, nor the strong of their strength, nor the rich of their wealth.

6-Acts 7:9 "Jacob's sons became jealous of their brother Joseph and sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him 10 and brought him safely through all his troubles. When Joseph appeared before the king of Egypt, God gave him a pleasing manner and wisdom, and the king made Joseph governor over the country and the royal household.

Genesis 41:38 and he said to them, "We will never find a better man than Joseph, a man who has God's spirit in him." 39 The king said to Joseph, "God has shown you all this, so it is obvious that you have greater wisdom and insight than anyone else. 40 I will put you in charge of my country, and all my people will obey your orders. Your authority will be second only to mine. 41 I now appoint you governor over all Egypt." 42 The king removed from his finger the ring engraved with the royal seal and put it on Joseph's finger. He put a fine linen robe on him, and placed a gold chain around his neck. 43 He gave him the second royal chariot to ride in, and his guard of honor went ahead of him and cried out, "Make way! Make way!" And so Joseph was appointed governor over all Egypt. 44 The king said to him, "I am the king - and no one in all Egypt shall so much as lift a hand or a foot without your permission." 45 He gave Joseph the Egyptian name Zaphenath Paneah, and he gave him a wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, a priest in the city of Heliopolis. Joseph was thirty years old when he began to serve the king of Egypt. He left the king's court and traveled all over the land.

Daniel 2:46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar bowed to the ground and gave orders for sacrifices and offerings to be made to Daniel. 47 The king said, "Your God is the greatest of all gods, the Lord over kings, and the one who reveals mysteries. I know this because you have been able to explain this mystery." 48 Then he gave Daniel a high position, presented him with many splendid gifts, put him in charge of the province of Babylon, and made him the head of all the royal advisers. 49 At Daniel's request the king put Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in charge of the affairs of the province of Babylon; Daniel, however, remained at the royal court.

6:1 Darius decided to appoint a hundred and twenty governors to hold office throughout his empire. 2 In addition, he chose Daniel and two others to supervise the governors and to look after the king's interests. 3 Daniel soon showed that he could do better work than the other supervisors or the governors. Because he was so outstanding, the king considered putting him in charge of the whole empire.

7-Patriarchs and Prophets pages 217 Joseph’s gentleness and fidelity won the heart of the chief captain, who came to regard him as a son rather than a slave. The youth was brought in contact with men of rank and learning, and he acquired a knowledge of science, of languages, and of affairs—an education needful to the future prime minister of Egypt. {PP 217.1}

But Joseph’s faith and integrity were to be tested by fiery trials. His master’s wife endeavored to entice the young man to transgress the law of God. Heretofore he had remained untainted by the corruption teeming in that heathen land; but this temptation, so sudden, so strong, so seductive—how should it be met? Joseph knew well what would be the consequence of resistance. On the one hand were concealment, favor, and rewards; on the other, disgrace, imprisonment, perhaps death. His whole future life depended upon the decision of the moment. Would principle triumph? Would Joseph still be true to God? With inexpressible anxiety, angels looked upon the scene. {PP 217.2}

Joseph’s answer reveals the power of religious principle. He would not betray the confidence of his master on earth, and, whatever the consequences, he would be true to his Master in heaven. Under the inspecting eye of God and holy angels many take liberties of which they would not be guilty in the presence of their fellow men, but Joseph’s first thought was of God. “How ... can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” he said. {PP 217.3}

If we were to cherish an habitual impression that God sees and hears all that we do and say and keeps a faithful record of our words and actions, and that we must meet it all, we would fear to sin. Let the young ever remember that wherever they are, and whatever they do, they are in the presence of God. No part of our conduct escapes observation. We cannot hide our ways from the Most High. Human laws, though sometimes severe, are often transgressed without detection, and hence with impunity. But not so with the law of God. The deepest midnight is no cover for the guilty one. He may think himself alone, but to every deed there is an unseen witness. The very motives of his heart are open to divine inspection. Every act, every word, every thought, is as distinctly marked as though there were only one person in the whole world, and the attention of heaven were centered upon him. {PP 217.4}

Joseph suffered for his integrity, for his tempter revenged herself by accusing him of a foul crime, and causing him to be thrust into prison. Had Potiphar believed his wife’s charge against Joseph, the young Hebrew would have lost his life; but the modesty and uprightness that had uniformly characterized his conduct were proof of his innocence; and yet, to save the reputation of his master’s house, he was abandoned to disgrace and bondage. {PP 218.1}

At the first Joseph was treated with great severity by his jailers. The psalmist says, “His feet they hurt with fetters; he was laid in chains of iron: until the time that his word came to pass; the word of the Lord tried him.” Psalm 105:18, 19, R.V. But Joseph’s real character shines out, even in the darkness of the dungeon. He held fast his faith and patience; his years of faithful service had been most cruelly repaid, yet this did not render him morose or distrustful. He had the peace that comes from conscious innocence, and he trusted his case with God. He did not brood upon his own wrongs, but forgot his sorrow in trying to lighten the sorrows of others. He found a work to do, even in the prison. God was preparing him in the school of affliction for greater usefulness, and he did not refuse the needful discipline. In the prison, witnessing the results of oppression and tyranny and the effects of crime, he learned lessons of justice, sympathy, and mercy, that prepared him to exercise power with wisdom and compassion. {PP 218.2}

Joseph gradually gained the confidence of the keeper of the prison, and was finally entrusted with the charge of all the prisoners. It was the part he acted in the prison—the integrity of his daily life and his sympathy for those who were in trouble and distress—that opened the way for his future prosperity and honor. Every ray of light that we shed upon others is reflected upon ourselves. Every kind and sympathizing word spoken to the sorrowful, every act to relieve the oppressed, and every gift to the needy, if prompted by a right motive, will result in blessings to the giver. {PP 218.3}

be for store to the land against the seven years of famine.” {PP 220.4}

The interpretation was so reasonable and consistent, and the policy which it recommended was so sound and shrewd, that its correctness could not be doubted. But who was to be entrusted with the execution of the plan? Upon the wisdom of this choice depended the nation’s preservation. The king was troubled. For some time the matter of the appointment was under consideration. Through the chief butler the monarch had learned of the wisdom and prudence displayed by Joseph in the management of the prison; it was evident that he possessed administrative ability in a pre-eminent degree. The cupbearer, now filled with self-reproach, endeavored to atone for his former ingratitude, by the warmest praise of his benefactor; and further inquiry by the king proved the correctness of his report. In all the realm Joseph was the only man gifted with wisdom to point out the danger that threatened the kingdom and the preparation necessary to meet it; and the king was convinced that he was the one best qualified to execute the plans which he had proposed. It was evident that a divine power was with him, and that there were none among the king’s officers of state so well qualified to conduct the affairs of the nation at this crisis. The fact that he was a Hebrew and a slave was of little moment when weighed against his evident wisdom and sound judgment. “Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” said the king to his counselors. {PP 221.1}

The appointment was decided upon, and to Joseph the astonishing announcement was made, “Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.” The king proceeded to invest Joseph with the insignia of his high office. “And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; and he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee.” {PP 221.2}

There are few who realize the influence of the little things of life upon the development of character. Nothing with which we have to do is really small. The varied circumstances that we meet day by day are designed to test our faithfulness and to qualify us for greater trusts. By adherence to principle in the transactions of ordinary life, the mind becomes accustomed to hold the claims of duty above those of pleasure and inclination. Minds thus disciplined are not wavering between right and wrong, like the reed trembling in the wind; they are loyal to duty because they have trained themselves to habits of fidelity and truth. By faithfulness in that which is least they acquire strength to be faithful in greater matters. {PP 222.3}

Prophets and Kings 628 Nehemiah, one of the Hebrew exiles, occupied a position of influence and honor in the Persian court. As cupbearer to the king he was admitted freely to the royal presence. By virtue of his position, and because of his abilities and fidelity, he had become the monarch’s friend and counselor. The recipient of royal favor, however, though surrounded by pomp and splendor, did not forget his God nor his people. With deepest interest his heart turned toward Jerusalem; his hopes and joys were bound up with her prosperity. Through this man, prepared by his residence in the Persian court for the work to which he was to be called, God purposed to bring blessing to His people in the land of their fathers. {PK 628.1}

By messengers from Judea the Hebrew patriot learned that days of trial had come to Jerusalem, the chosen city. The returned exiles were suffering affliction and reproach. The temple and portions of the city had been rebuilt; but the work of restoration was hindered, the temple services were disturbed, and the people kept in constant alarm by the fact that the walls of the city were still largely in ruins. {PK 628.2}

Overwhelmed with sorrow, Nehemiah could neither eat nor drink; he “wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted.” In his grief he turned to the divine Helper. “I ... prayed,” he said, “before the God of heaven.” Faithfully he made confession of his sins and the sins of his people. He pleaded that God would maintain the cause of Israel, restore their courage and strength, and help them to build up the waste places of Judah. {PK 629.1}

8-Deuteronomy 4: 7 "No other nation, no matter how great, has a god who is so near when they need him as the Lord our God is to us. He answers us whenever we call for help.

8 No other nation, no matter how great, has laws so just as those that I have taught you today.

9 Be on your guard! Make certain that you do not forget, as long as you live, what you have seen with your own eyes. Tell your children and your grandchildren

9-Acts 2:42 They spent their time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals and the prayers.

43 Many miracles and wonders were being done through the apostles, and everyone was filled with awe.

44 All the believers continued together in close fellowship and shared their belongings with one another.

45 They would sell their property and possessions, and distribute the money among all, according to what each one needed.

46 Day after day they met as a group in the Temple, and they had their meals together in their homes, eating with glad and humble hearts,

47 praising God, and enjoying the good will of all the people. And every day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.

10-Acts 6:7 And so the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew larger and larger, and a great number of priests accepted the faith.

15:5 But some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and told to obey the Law of Moses."

11-Matthew 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes as King and all the angels with him, he will sit on his royal throne,

32 and the people of all the nations will be gathered before him. Then he will divide them into two groups, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

33 He will put the righteous people at his right and the others at his left.

34 Then the King will say to the people on his right, "Come, you that are blessed by my Father! Come and possess the kingdom which has been prepared for you ever since the creation of the world.

35 I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes,

36 naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.'

37 The righteous will then answer him, "When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink?

38 When did we ever see you a stranger and welcome you in our homes, or naked and clothe you?

39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?'

40 The King will reply, "I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!'

41 "Then he will say to those on his left, "Away from me, you that are under God's curse! Away to the eternal fire which has been prepared for the Devil and his angels!

42 I was hungry but you would not feed me, thirsty but you would not give me a drink;

43 I was a stranger but you would not welcome me in your homes, naked but you would not clothe me; I was sick and in prison but you would not take care of me.'

44 Then they will answer him, "When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and we would not help you?'

45 The King will reply, "I tell you, whenever you refused to help one of these least important ones, you refused to help me.'

46 These, then, will be sent off to eternal punishment, but the righteous will go to eternal life."

12-Daniel 6:1 Darius decided to appoint a hundred and twenty governors to hold office throughout his empire. 2 In addition, he chose Daniel and two others to supervise the governors and to look after the king's interests. 3 Daniel soon showed that he could do better work than the other supervisors or the governors. Because he was so outstanding, the king considered putting him in charge of the whole empire.

2:1 In the second year that Nebuchadnezzar was king, he had a dream. It worried him so much that he couldn't sleep,

47 The king said, "Your God is the greatest of all gods, the Lord over kings, and the one who reveals mysteries. I know this because you have been able to explain this mystery."

48 Then he gave Daniel a high position, presented him with many splendid gifts, put him in charge of the province of Babylon, and made him the head of all the royal advisers.

49 At Daniel's request the king put Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in charge of the affairs of the province of Babylon; Daniel, however, remained at the royal court.

13-Matthew 9:9 Jesus left that place, and as he walked along, he saw a tax collector, named Matthew, sitting in his office. He said to him, "Follow me." Matthew got up and followed him.

10 While Jesus was having a meal in Matthew's house, many tax collectors and other outcasts came and joined Jesus and his disciples at the table.

14-Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, all the believers were gathered together in one place.

2 Suddenly there was a noise from the sky which sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

3 Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire which spread out and touched each person there.

4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.

5 There were Jews living in Jerusalem, religious people who had come from every country in the world.

6 When they heard this noise, a large crowd gathered. They were all excited, because all of them heard the believers talking in their own languages.

7 In amazement and wonder they exclaimed, "These people who are talking like this are Galileans!

8 How is it, then, that all of us hear them speaking in our own native languages?

9 We are from Parthia, Media, and Elam; from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia; from Pontus and Asia,

10 from Phrygia and Pamphylia, from Egypt and the regions of Libya near Cyrene. Some of us are from Rome,

11 both Jews and Gentiles converted to Judaism, and some of us are from Crete and Arabia - yet all of us hear them speaking in our own languages about the great things that God has done!"

12 Amazed and confused, they kept asking each other, "What does this mean?"

13 But others made fun of the believers, saying, "These people are drunk!"

14 Then Peter stood up with the other eleven apostles and in a loud voice began to speak to the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, listen to me and let me tell you what this means.

15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose; it is only nine o'clock in the morning.

16 Instead, this is what the prophet Joel spoke about:

17 "This is what I will do in the last days, God says: I will pour out my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and daughters will proclaim my message; your young men will see visions, and your old men will have dreams.

18 Yes, even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will proclaim my message.

19 I will perform miracles in the sky above and wonders on the earth below. There will be blood, fire, and thick smoke;

20 the sun will be darkened, and the moon will turn red as blood, before the great and glorious Day of the Lord comes.

21 And then, whoever calls out to the Lord for help will be saved.'

22 "Listen to these words, fellow Israelites! Jesus of Nazareth was a man whose divine authority was clearly proven to you by all the miracles and wonders which God performed through him. You yourselves know this, for it happened here among you.

23 In accordance with his own plan God had already decided that Jesus would be handed over to you; and you killed him by letting sinful men crucify him.

24 But God raised him from death, setting him free from its power, because it was impossible that death should hold him prisoner.

25 For David said about him, "I saw the Lord before me at all times; he is near me, and I will not be troubled.

26 And so I am filled with gladness, and my words are full of joy. And I, mortal though I am, will rest assured in hope,

27 because you will not abandon me in the world of the dead; you will not allow your faithful servant to rot in the grave.

28 You have shown me the paths that lead to life, and your presence will fill me with joy.'

29 "My friends, I must speak to you plainly about our famous ancestor King David. He died and was buried, and his grave is here with us to this very day.

30 He was a prophet, and he knew what God had promised him: God had made a vow that he would make one of David's descendants a king, just as David was.

31 David saw what God was going to do in the future, and so he spoke about the resurrection of the Messiah when he said, "He was not abandoned in the world of the dead; his body did not rot in the grave.'

32 God has raised this very Jesus from death, and we are all witnesses to this fact.

33 He has been raised to the right side of God, his Father, and has received from him the Holy Spirit, as he had promised. What you now see and hear is his gift that he has poured out on us.

34 For it was not David who went up into heaven; rather he said, "The Lord said to my Lord: Sit here at my right side

35 until I put your enemies as a footstool under your feet.'

36 "All the people of Israel, then, are to know for sure that this Jesus, whom you crucified, is the one that God has made Lord and Messiah!"

37 When the people heard this, they were deeply troubled and said to Peter and the other apostles, "What shall we do, brothers?"

38 Peter said to them, "Each one of you must turn away from your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven; and you will receive God's gift, the Holy Spirit.

39 For God's promise was made to you and your children, and to all who are far away - all whom the Lord our God calls to himself."

40 Peter made his appeal to them and with many other words he urged them, saying, "Save yourselves from the punishment coming on this wicked people!"

41 Many of them believed his message and were baptized, and about three thousand people were added to the group that day.

42 They spent their time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals and the prayers.

43 Many miracles and wonders were being done through the apostles, and everyone was filled with awe.

44 All the believers continued together in close fellowship and shared their belongings with one another.

45 They would sell their property and possessions, and distribute the money among all, according to what each one needed.

46 Day after day they met as a group in the Temple, and they had their meals together in their homes, eating with glad and humble hearts,

47 praising God, and enjoying the good will of all the people. And every day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.

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