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Red Script = Main Point / Blue Script= Directive / Double underline= Important to remember / Boxed= Biblical Text & SDA Commentary Reference / GREEN SCRIPT: A Possible AnswerLesson 7Honesty With GodFebruary 10-16/17
Memory Text:“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15).
What is an honest heart, and how is it revealed? Contemporary culture often views honesty as some vague, relativistic ethic; most people are occasionally dishonest but consider it acceptable as long as the infringement is not too great. Also specific circumstances, it is claimed, could justify some dishonesty.
Truth and honesty are always together. Yet, we were not born with an inclination to be honest; it is a learned moral virtue and is at the core of a steward’s moral character.
When we practice honesty good things come of it. For instance, there is never a worry about being caught in a lie or then having to cover it up. For this reason and more, honesty is a valuable personality trait, especially under difficult situations when the temptation might easily be toward dishonesty.
In this week’s lesson we will study the spiritual concept of honesty through the practice of tithing and see why tithing is vitally important to the steward and stewardship.
SundayA Matter of Simple HonestyFebruary 11
One thing most of us have in common is that we do not like dishonesty. We especially do not like it when we see it manifested in others. It’s not easy, though, to see it in ourselves, and when we do, we tend to rationalize our actions, to justify them, to downplay their significance: Oh, it’s not that bad; it’s only a small thing, not really important.We might fool ourselves even, most of the time; but we never fool God.
“Dishonesty is practiced all through our ranks, and this is the cause of lukewarmness on the part of many who profess to believe the truth. They are not connected with Christ and are deceiving their own souls.” - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 310.
Read Luke 16:10. What important principle does Jesus express here that should help us see how important it is to be honest, even in the “little things” (NLT)?
Luke 16:10He whoisfaithful inwhat isleast is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust inwhat isleast is unjust also in much.10. That which is least. Here it is implied that mammon (or, riches) is “least,” or “little.” Again it should be pointed out that Jesus did not commend the dishonesty of the steward (see on v. 8). Lest the disciples, or others in the audience, should seize upon this parable as providing, in any measure, an excuse for dishonesty, Jesus here clearly states the profound truth that all who would be His disciples must be characterized by scrupulous integrity and diligence. According to the Midrash (Rabbah, on Ex. 3:1, Soncino ed., p. 49), God does not give a big thing to a man until He has tested him in a small matter; afterward He promotes him to a great thing. The Midrash then gives as an example the supposed words of God to David: “Thou hast been found trustworthy with thy sheep; come, therefore, and tend my sheep.”
Faithful also in much. He will be promoted (see on Matt. 25:21).[1]
A POSSIBLE ANSWER: The principle of personal consistency. What one does as an expression of who he/she is will be replicated in other areas of their lives irrespective to time or circumstance.‘Jesus here clearly states the profound truth that all who would be His disciples must be characterized by scrupulous integrity and diligence.’(Ibid, above)
God, though, knows just how easily we can be dishonest, especially when it comes to the things that we possess. Hence, He has given us a powerful antidote to dishonesty and selfishness, at least when it comes to material possessions.
Read Leviticus 27:30 and Malachi 3:8. What do these texts teach and how can what they talk about help keep us honest?
Leviticus 27:30 And all the tithe of the land,whetherof the seed of the landorof the fruit of the tree,istheLord’s. Itisholy to theLord. Malachi 3:8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.8. Will a man rob God? Strong language indeed! Mincing no words, Malachi shows specifically in what way the people have “robbed” God: by withholding from Him the “tithes and offerings” that are His due (see Lev. 27:30, 32; Num. 18:21; Neh. 10:37–39). Offerings.Some fail to realize that it is possible to “rob” God in “offerings” even as in tithe. One who senses his obligations as a steward of God’s bounties will freely give the Lord offerings according to his ability, “as God hath prospered him” (1 Cor. 16:2).
A POSSIBLE ANSWER: These texts teaches us that... A) The tithe belongs to God, B) It is holy and C) That we can rob God of what He considers as His. Both texts can help us to be honest in that they identify one of the particular ways a person can rob God... in tithes and offerings.
“No appeal is made to gratitude or to generosity. This is a matter of simple honesty. The tithe is the Lord’s; and He bids us return to Him that which is His own. . . . If honesty is an essential principle of business life, must we not recognize our obligation to God - the obligation that underlies every other?” - Ellen G. White, Education, pp. 138, 139.
How can paying tithe help you remember who, ultimately, owns all that you have? A POSSIBLE ANSWER:It can help us in that every time we return it, we generally do itwith a consciousness we are but returning what is already His or based on the fact of God’s ownership. The knowledge of God’s ownership is the stated basis for the return and propels us to return it. Why is it important never to forget who owns all our possessions anyway?A POSSIBLE ANSWER:It is important because... A) The memory or knowledge of it will make it easier to be obedient and return it. B) It will be an additional factor in keeping us humble and trusting. C) It will enable us to assume the correct position of a dependent and that in turn will awaken gratitude for all of God blessings.
MondayThe Life of FaithFebruary 12
Read Genesis 22:1-12. What does this story tell us about the reality of Abraham’s faith?
Genesis 22:1-12(Abraham’s Faith Confirmed)1Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2Then He said, “Take now your son, your onlysonIsaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”3So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.4Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off.5And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the ladand I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”6So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laiditon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together.7But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but whereisthe lamb for a burnt offering?” 8And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.9Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood.10And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.11But the Angel of theLordcalled to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” 12And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your onlyson,from Me.”
Read Genesis 22
Saddled his ass.The series of terse statements in this verse admirably reflect the calm deliberation and unflinching heroism with which the patriarch proceeded to carry out the divine command. His calm voice and steady hands in no way betrayed the inner emotion of a broken and bleeding heart. Everything needed for the long journey was quickly prepared in a matter-of-fact way. There was no trace of past moments of weakness. As a noble hero of faith, his training complete, Abraham responded immediately when called upon to meet his supreme hour of test. This was the climax of his spiritual experience. He serenely rose to a height never surpassed by mortal man, and qualified for the honor of being called “father of the faithful.” 5. I and the lad. Each of the three verbs of the sequence thus introduced contains the pronoun “we.” The English translation does not reflect the prophetic faith implicit in the Hebrew. Literally, Abraham said to his two servants, “I and the youth, we will go yonder, and we will worship, and we will come again.” Though he did not understand God’s purpose, he did believe that God would raise Isaac from the dead (Heb. 11:19). Had not God promised, without qualification, that Isaac was to be his heir (Gen. 21:12)? Abraham did not anticipate being spared the gruesome act of slaying his own son, but believed that Isaac would be restored to him. Accordingly, he spoke in faith when he said, “We will come again.” Only by faith was it possible not to expect to return alone, to report to the men that with his own hands he had taken the life of his son and offered him to God (see PP 151, 152).The height of his spiritual experience is evident, not only in his unwavering obedience, but also in his unflinching faith in God’s unfailing promises. 8. God will provide.Abraham’s reply constitutes a prophetic utterance from the heights of heroic faith to which his soul had risen. By inspiration it pointed both to the ram of v. 13 and to the Lamb of God, which at the moment were equally beyond his ken. Except for the conviction that he was doing the will of God and that his “only son” would be restored to him, Abraham’s agony at the thought of parting from Isaac would have been beyond endurance. 12. Lay not thine hand.The patriarch had amply demonstrated his faith and obedience and had fully satisfied the requirements of his God. Jehovah did not desire the death of Isaac; in fact, He was not interested in any sacrificial offerings as such. But He has ever desired the willing obedience of His servants (1 Sam. 15:22; Hosea 6:6). So far as the will and purpose of father and son could go, the sacrifice was complete. God accepted the devotion of their hearts as a gift far more acceptable in His sight, and took the will for the deed (Heb. 11:17). The heavenly voice also testifies to God’s rejection of human sacrifices (see Deut. 12:31; 2 Kings 17:17; 2 Chron. 28:3; Jer. 19:5; Eze. 16:20, 21).
A POSSIBLE ANSWER:It tells us that Abraham’s faith was so real, so powerful and so moving that, that faithpossessed him.Thus having faith colored his views, elevated his thoughts and moved him to demonstrate it by being trusting and obedient.
The life of faith is not a one-time event.We don’t just express faith in a powerful way one time, and thus prove that we are, indeed, loyal and faithful Christians living by grace and covered by the blood of Christ.
For example, the religious world still after thousands of years remains astonished at the act of faith displayed by Abraham with Isaac on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22). Yet, this act of faith wasn’t something that Abraham just conjured up when he needed it.His life of faithfulness and obedience beforehand was what enabled him to do as he did.Had he often been unfaithful before this event, he never would have passed the test as he did. There is no question, either, that a man with that kind of faith surely lived it out after the event as well.
The point is that the faith of a steward is not a one-time act either.Over time, it will either grow deeper and stronger or shallower and weaker, depending upon how the one who claims that faith exercises it.
Read Hebrews 12:2. What does this tell us about the source of our faith and how to have faith?
Hebrews 12:2looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher ofourfaith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
2. Looking unto Jesus. That is, for grace and strength to overcome every difficulty and to endure unto the end. As Peter found when he essayed to walk on the wind-tossed waves of Galilee (see Matt. 14:24–32), it is dangerous to turn one’s eyes away from the Saviour, even for a moment. To keep the eye of faith fixed upon Jesus is to maintain uninterrupted contact with Him who is the source of power, Him who can strengthen us to endure and to overcome. Author. Gr. archēgos, “leader,” “originator,” “founder,” “pioneer” (RSV). Archēgos is rendered “Prince” in Acts 3:15; 5:31 and “captain” in Heb. 2:10, in each instance with reference to Christ, as here. Christ is the center of the plan of salvation and the source of every Christian grace. It is He who calls fallen men out of the dismal darkness of sin and into the glorious light of the gospel. It is He who cleanses them from their previous life of sin and qualifies them to become sons and daughters of God. It is He who justifies them by His grace, by virtue of His atonement on Calvary. It is He who plants their feet on the pathway to heaven. Finisher. Gr. telēiotēs, “perfecter.” The work of justification is only the beginning of the Christian experience. We are not only to lay the “foundation of repentance from dead works” but are to “go on unto perfection” (see on ch. 6:1). We are to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). We are to gain victory after victory over our besetting sins (see on Heb. 12:1) and to “grow up into him [Christ] in all things” (Eph. 4:15). Our characters are to be “transformed” by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). This is the work of the indwelling Christ (Gal. 2:20) as the “perfecter” of faith. This is the work of sanctification. See on Matt. 5:48. Our faith. That is, faith as an active principle in our lives.
A POSSIBLE ANSWER: It tells us that the source of our faith is in the person Jesus, Christ.... His character makes Him one who can be trusted. We have it or can get it by fastening our attention on the person and life of Jesus. ‘To keep the eye of faith fixed upon Jesus is to maintain uninterrupted contact with Him who is the source of power, Him who can strengthen us to endure and to overcome.’ (Ibid, above)
Our only recourse as faithful stewards is to look “unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2, NKJV). The word “finisher” is used only in this one instance in the New Testament and also can be translated as “perfecter.” It means that Jesus is intent on bringing our faith to maturity and completeness (Heb. 6:1, 2). Thus, faith, the life of faith, is a dynamic experience: it grows, it matures, and it increases.
In what ways have you seen your faith grow and mature over time? Or has it?A POSSIBLE ANSWER:1) The heightened peace I have during what can be disturbing times. 2) I have been more trusting during adversity and need. 3) Whereas once I would feel insecure with little or less because of my giving to the Lord, now I trust Him to do as He sees fit or best. 4) I don’t worry or fret or take things in my own hands when the natural heart moves me to do just the opposite.5. The confidence I have when I have mounting financial bills with a limited or fixed income.
TuesdayA Statement of FaithFebruary 13
As we saw yesterday, faith is a process, a dynamic experience that, ideally, grows and matures. And one way God is “finishing” our faith and bringing it to completeness is through the act of tithing.Rightly understood, tithe returned to God is not legalism; when we tithe we are not working or seeking to earn our way to heaven. Instead, tithing is a statement of faith.It is an outward, visible, personal expression of the reality of our faith.
After all, anyone can claim to have faith and to believe in God, and even to believe in Jesus. As we know, “even the demons believe” in God (James 2:19, NKJV). But to take 10 percent of your income and give it back to God? That is an act of faith.