Sunday
July 9
1. WHAT DID HE SHOW?
a. In the life of Christ, what was the most important characteristic that He showed? Philippians 2:7.
b. Is it possible that we may have that same attitude? Philippians 2:3–5.
“In choosing men and women for His service, God does not ask whether they possess learning or eloquence or worldly wealth. He asks: ‘Do they walk in such humility that I can teach them My way? Can I put My words into their lips? Will they represent Me?’”–Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 144.
c. How may we gain this experience? Ephesians 4:22–24; Romans 8:1.
d. What will happen when I have this experience? James 5:20.
“The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is the most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity.”–The Acts of the Apostles, p. 511.
Monday
July 10
2. GOD ALREADY PROVIDED
a. Scripture shows that God has already given certain things to help us in this work. What are they? Matthew 25:14, 15.
b. What specific talents are entrusted to almost all individuals? Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 5:19.
“The right culture and use of the power of speech has to do with every line of Christian work. . . . We should accustom ourselves to speak in pleasant tones, to use pure and correct language, and words that are kind and courteous.”–Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 336.
“[Workers, both men and women] will be educated in patience, kindness, affability, and helpfulness. They will practice true Christian courtesy, bearing in mind that Christ, their companion, cannot approve of harsh, unkind words or feelings. Their words will be purified. The power of speech will be regarded as a precious talent, lent them to do a high and holy work.”–Gospel Workers, p. 97.
c. How can these Christian attributes be used to do missionary work? 2 Timothy 4:2.
“The spirit that is kept gentle under provocation will speak more effectively in favor of the truth than will any argument, however forcible.”–The Desire of Ages, p. 353.
d. What must we especially guard against? Proverbs 14:17; 26:21; 29:22.
“Some rash, impulsive, yet honest souls, after a pointed discourse has been given, will accost those who are not with us in a very abrupt manner, and make the truth, which we desire them to receive, repulsive to them. ‘The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.’ Business men and politicians study courtesy. It is their policy to make themselves as attractive as possible. They study to render their address and manners such that they may have the greatest influence over the minds of those about them. They use their knowledge and abilities as skillfully as possible in order to gain this object.”–Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 68.
Tuesday
July 11
3. AT LEAST ONE
a. What should we remember about the use of any talent? Matthew 25:23.
“We must not enter into the Lord’s work haphazard and expect success. The Lord needs men of mind, men of thought. Jesus calls for coworkers, not blunderers. God wants right-thinking and intelligent men to do the great work necessary to the salvation of souls.”–Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 67.
b. Is there effort required in the cultivation of talents or are all talents inherited? 1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Corinthians 7:1.
“The special gifts of the Spirit are not the only talents represented in the parable. It includes all gifts and endowments, whether original or acquired, natural or spiritual. All are to be employed in Christ’s service. In becoming His disciples, we surrender ourselves to Him with all that we are and have. These gifts He returns to us purified and ennobled, to be used for His glory in blessing our fellow men.”–Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 328.
c. What attitude should accompany the using of every ability? 1 Corinthians 13:1–3; James 3:13–17.
“The talents, however few, are to be put to use. The question that most concerns us is not, How much have I received? but, What am I doing with that which I have? The development of all our powers is the first duty we owe to God and to our fellow men. No one who is not growing daily in capability and usefulness is fulfilling the purpose of life. In making a profession of faith in Christ we pledge ourselves to become all that it is possible for us to be as workers for the Master, and we should cultivate every faculty to the highest degree of perfection, that we may do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable.”–Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 329, 330.
d. What happens if I don’t use my skills for helping the cause of God? Matthew 25:25, 28, 30.
Wednesday
July 12
4. BE EFFICIENT
a. What other attributes are needed in laboring for Christ? 2 Timothy 2:15.
“Mechanics, lawyers, merchants, men of all trades and professions, educate themselves that they may become masters of their business. Should the followers of Christ be less intelligent, and while professedly engaged in His service, be ignorant of the ways and means to be employed? The enterprise of gaining everlasting life is above every earthly consideration. In order to lead souls to Jesus there must be a knowledge of human nature and a study of the human mind. Much careful thought and fervent prayer are required to know how to approach men and women upon the great subject of truth.”–Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 67.
“Be sure to maintain the dignity of the work by a well-ordered life and godly conversation. Never be afraid of raising the standard too high. . . . All coarseness and roughness must be put away from us. Courtesy, refinement, Christian politeness, must be cherished. Guard against being abrupt and blunt. Do not regard such peculiarities as virtues; for God does not so regard them. Endeavor not to offend any unnecessarily.”–The Review and Herald, November 25, 1890.
b. Will it be easy? What should we remember? Joshua 1:7.
“Often the Christian life is beset by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, ‘Go forward.’ We should obey this command, even though our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, and we feel the cold waves about our feet. The obstacles that hinder our progress will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obedience till every shadow of uncertainty disappears and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey at all. Unbelief whispers, ‘Let us wait till the obstructions are removed, and we can see our way clearly;’ but faith courageously urges an advance, hoping all things, believing all things.”–Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 290.
Thursday
July 13
5. THE EVIDENCE
a. What will show if my heart is transformed? 1 John 3:17; 4:21.
“But not to any class is Christ’s love restricted. . . . His followers are not to feel themselves detached from the perishing world around them. They are a part of the great web of humanity; and Heaven looks upon them as brothers to sinners as well as to saints. The fallen, the erring, and the sinful, Christ’s love embraces; and every deed of kindness done to uplift a fallen soul, every act of mercy, is accepted as done to Him.”–The Desire of Ages, p. 638.
“It is earnest Christian zeal that is wanted–a zeal that will be manifested by doing something. . . . No more could a soul who possesses Christ be hindered from confessing Him than could the waters of Niagara be stopped from flowing over the falls.”–Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 233.
b. What can the world see that I may deny? Titus 1:16.
“There must be no pretense in the lives of those who have so sacred and solemn a message as we have been called to bear. The world is watching Seventh-day Adventists because it knows something of their profession of faith and of their high standard, and when it sees those who do not live up to their profession, it points at them with scorn.”–Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 23.
“In the work of soul-winning, great tact and wisdom are needed. The Saviour never suppressed the truth, but He uttered it always in love. In His intercourse with others, He exercised the greatest tact, and He was always kind and thoughtful. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave unnecessary pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity, but tears were in His voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes. He never made truth cruel, but ever manifested a deep tenderness for humanity. Every soul was precious in His sight. He bore Himself with divine dignity; yet He bowed with the tenderest compassion and regard to every member of the family of God. He saw in all, souls whom it was His mission to save.”–Gospel Workers, p. 117.
Friday
July 14
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What is the attitude of Christ towards sinners, and why is it important that I have the same?
2. What talents should I seek to improve for the Lord’s honor and work?
3. Am I warm, loving, and joyful as I meet people? Am I showing Christ?
4. Do I exhibit the energy and perseverance necessary to be a worker for God?
5. Is there anything in my life that is keeping the Holy Spirit from shining through me?
Conveying Light to the World. “True character is not shaped from without, and put on; it radiates from within. If we wish to direct others in the path of righteousness, the principles of righteousness must be enshrined in our own hearts. Our profession of faith may proclaim the theory of religion, but it is our practical piety that holds for the word of truth. The consistent life, the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent spirit, the godly example–these are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world.”–The Desire of Ages, p. 307.
Entire Surrender to God. “It is not a conclusive evidence that a man is a Christian because he manifests spiritual ecstasy under extraordinary circumstances. Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God; it is living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as in the light; it is walking by faith and not by sight; it is relying on God with unquestioning confidence, and resting in His love.”–The Acts of the Apostles, p. 51.
A Daily Manifestation of Christ. “A tender spirit, a gentle, winning deportment, may save the erring and hide a multitude of sins. The revelation of Christ in your own character will have a transforming power upon all with whom you come in contact. Let Christ be daily made manifest in you, and He will reveal through you the creative energy of His words–a gentle, persuasive, yet mighty influence to re-create other souls in the beauty of the Lord our God.”–Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 128.
The Power of His Grace. “As you seek to draw others within the circle of His love, let the purity of your language, the unselfishness of your service, the joyfulness of your demeanor, bear witness to the power of His grace.”–The Ministry of Healing, p. 156.