View this lesson in a browser and print a "take-away" weekly copy. CLICK HERE (see link below)
Further Study:
Discussion Questions:
| FRIDAY | December 17 |
| “Solemn are the lessons taught by this experience of one to whom had been given high and holy privileges. The course of Gehazi was such as to place a stumbling block in the pathway of Naaman, upon whose mind had broken a wonderful light, and who was favorably disposed toward the service of the living God. For the deception practiced by Gehazi there could be pleaded no excuse. To the day of his death he remained a leper, cursed of God and shunned by his fellow men. “ ‘A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.’ Proverbs 19:5. Men may think to hide their evil deeds from human eyes, but they cannot deceive God. ‘All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.’ Heb. 4:13. Gehazi thought to deceive Elisha, but God revealed to His prophet the words that Gehazi had spoken to Naaman, and every detail of the scene between the two men.”—Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 252. |
 What are some of the warning signs that money or the pursuit of it is taking the place of God in our lives? How can we learn to use money and not let it use us? What role do tithing and giving offerings play in connection with the whole question of the influence and power of money over our lives?  As a class, go over your response to Thursday’s question. What are the things that really matter in life, and why is it so easy to lose track of what really matters?  What reasons might have led Gehazi to think that he could get away with his deception? He knew God existed; he had seen miracles take place, some quite incredible, in fact. Yet, despite all this, he tried to deceive his master. Perhaps he had done similar things before and gotten away with it. Perhaps in his own mind he truly rationalized his actions. We don’t know. What we do know, however, is that it’s not that hard to deceive ourselves. What are ways we can learn to protect ourselves from falling into the same self-deception?  Go back to 2 Kings 5:17–19. What lessons should or should we not draw from Naaman’s request to Elisha about bowing down in the house of Rimmon?  What are some practical ways you can serve others? |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Unexpected Christmas Gift by NATALIA CHRISTOVA Last year, as soon as I accepted the Adventist message, I wanted to share my new joy and love for God with others. But I wasn't sure how. Then at Christmastime the pastor gave us copies of a short version of The Great Controversy and challenged us to give them away. I took one and prayed that God would show me the person He wanted me to give it to. I decided to give the book to a former classmate, Antonia. She thanked me and looked at the table of contents. One chapter that deals with what happens when a person dies intrigued her. She wanted to know more about what I believe, especially about what happens after death. But since I was a new Adventist Christian, I didn't know how to explain it to her. I offered to visit her every week and share the previous week's Sabbath School lesson. While I was visiting with Antonia, her older sister, Antonetta, came over. Antonetta seemed interested in what we were discussing, and I decided to visit her too, even though I hadn't been invited. She invited me in, and after we talked for a while, I offered to present a set of Bible lectures that included pictures and Bible texts that were designed for public evangelism. I told her that I would do it for Antonetta and anyone she wanted to join her in her home. Antonetta accepted and invited her husband and children to join her. I needed some moral support, so I invited the youth leader from my church to join me. We presented the material in Antonetta's home, and then we invited her and her husband to visit our little church. Antonetta and her husband agreed to attend. They were thrilled with the friendly congregation of believers and with the new truths she was learning in her home. "I've been a Christian for some time," she says. "But it was only when Natalia invited me to the Adventist church that my eyes were opened to the truth. "I never expected to receive a gift of God's love when I visited my sister last Christmas," Antonetta adds. "That gift of love has transformed my family forever. Our lives are happier, and we're healthier now that we understand God's will for our lives." Antonetta and her husband are preparing for baptism, the fruits of a small Christmas gift to a friend. Antonetta's sister, Antonia, is still interested in learning more, so Antonetta and I visit her and share our faith with her. NATALIA CHRISTOVA shares her faith in Chirpan. Bulgaria. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org |
No comments:
Post a Comment