SDA Sabbath School Lesson 5--1st Quarter 2018--Stewards After Eden

[Wally]

Lesson 5 January 27-February 2

Stewards After Eden

Commentary in Navy                  Inspiration in Maroon

[Richard Myers]

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: Isa. 22:14-18; 1 Cor. 4:1, 2; Col. 2:2, 3; Eph. 6:13-17; 2 Cor. 5:10.

Memory verse: “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.” 1 Thess. 2:4

Adam and Eve’s first job involved stewardship. The garden and all creation were given to them to care for, to enjoy, and to have dominion over (Gen. 2:15), even though they owned none of it. Instead, they were stewards of what the Lord had entrusted to them.

This week we will look more closely at the definition of a steward but after the Fall, after our first parents were driven from Eden. That is, we also are stewards, but we are stewards in an environment quite different from the one Adam and Eve first enjoyed.

What is stewardship? Certain Bible characters reveal what a steward is by how they lived. Other scriptures define it more clearly. When we become God’s stewards, our focus on the world and its materialistic values changes to a focus on the Creator and His mission. As with Adam and Eve, God entrusts to us responsibilities of divine origin. Since the Fall in Eden, however, the task of stewardship has changed, because, along with the responsibilities of caring for the material world, we are also entrusted to be good stewards of spiritual truths.

Amen!! What a joy to see the author bringing into our lessons the stewardship we have been entrusted with pertaining to the sacred oracles of God. How much more important is the gospel truth than mere money. God has trusted us with the knowledge of His Son and the plan of salvation! Are we taking this responsibility seriously? Think about those who are ordained local elders and pastors. They are standing on vantage ground and are responsible for the truths entrusted to them. What if they are teaching a false gospel?

Maybe somewhere in our lessons we will discover what happens to stewards who do not do what they have been entrusted to do. We have two classes of stewards. Those who have material possessions entrusted to them, and those who have spiritual truth entrusted to them. What do you suppose God will do to the unfaithful steward? Will He treat both classes the same?

[Richard Myers]

Sunday January 28

Stewards in the Old Testament

The word “steward” itself is translated only a few times in the Old Testament. In most cases it comes from the phrase regarding the one who is “upon the house,” the idea of being in charge of the running of a house; that is, a “steward” (Gen. 43:19; 44:1, 4; 1 Kings 16:9). Stewards had responsibilities to manage household affairs and their master’s possessions, doing whatever was asked of them. The definition of a steward in the Old Testament can be found by identifying the characteristics of a steward. Stewards cannot be separated from their stewardship, for it reveals their identity.

Some characteristics of a steward are made clear in the Old Testament. First, the position of a steward was one of great responsibility (Gen. 39:4). Stewards were chosen because of their abilities, and they received respect and trust from their owners for getting the job done. Second, stewards knew that what had been entrusted to them belonged to their owner (Gen. 24:34-38). This is the supreme difference between a steward and an owner. Stewards understand their position. Third, when stewards took for their own use what had been entrusted to them, the relationship of trust between them and the owner was broken, and the stewards were dismissed (Gen. 3:23, Hos. 6:7).

Read Isaiah 22:14-18.

 22:14   And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts. 
 22:15   Thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, [even] unto Shebna, which [is] over the house, [and say], 
 22:16   What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, [as] he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, [and] that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock? 
 22:17   Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee. 
 22:18   He will surely violently turn and toss thee [like] a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory [shall be] the shame of thy lord's house. 

 During Hezekiah’s reign, Shebna was appointed steward, as well as treasurer, both very important positions of authority. What happened to him as a result of his abuse of his position?

“A steward identifies himself with his master. He accepts the responsibilities of a steward, and he must act in his master’s stead, doing as his master would do were he presiding. His master’s interests become his. The position of a steward is one of dignity because his master trusts him. If in any wise he acts selfishly and turns the advantages gained by trading with his lord’s goods to his own advantage, he has perverted the trust reposed in him.” - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 246.

How can we better learn the important concept that we are indeed stewards of what we possess in this life? How should this realization impact all that we do?

Somewhere, sometime, would it not be good to make this application to those who have been entrusted with the sacred oracles of God? The Words chosen to share in today's lesson, are very strong. What did God say He would do? "Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee. He will surely violently turn and toss thee [like] a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die." Imagine someone making the application to those preaching in the pulpit a false gospel. Or imagine someone making the application to those who print false gospels in our magazines or publish false doctrine on our internet news. That last time I am familiar with this being done was when the prophet was in the church.

Here is one such statement that is pretty strong. "But very few have an experimental knowledge of the sanctifying influence of the truths which they profess. Their obedience and devotion have not been in accordance with their light and privileges. They have no real sense of the obligation resting upon them to walk as children of the light, and not as children of darkness. If the light that has been given to these had been given Sodom and Gomorrah, they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes, and would have escaped the signal wrath of God. It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for those who have been privileged with the clear light, and have had a vast amount of labor, but have not profited by it. They have neglected the great salvation which God in mercy was willing to bestow. They were so blinded by the devil that they verily thought themselves rich and in the favor of God, when the True Witness declares them to be wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."  2T 488.

Our tithes and offerings are important to further the cause of God, but how much important is the truth that we are to proclaim and live! Those who speak things that God never spoke, unless they repent, will one day understand how God feels about it. "Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?" Job 38:1,2. Job repented, and God blessed him. But, God is not pleased as we read here.

And, when it comes to spiritual truth, the Apostle Paul speaks more pointedly than I have ever heard when it comes to teachers of false "gospels."  "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:8,9.

Off topic? No, we all are stewards of God's Word as Sabbath's lesson pointed out. We have been entrusted with the truth. Ministers stand on vantage ground and indeed are stewards which have been given the responsibility for knowing the truth and teaching the truth. And, they are being paid for doing this work. And, along side of the ministers are the local elders who have accepted ordination. What a responsibility they have accepted as stewards of God's Word!

[Richard Myers]

Monday January 29

Stewards in the New Testament

The two basic words for “steward” in the New Testament are epitropos, occurring three times, and oikonomos, occurring 10 times. Both these words describe positions that incorporate managerial responsibilities entrusted to the steward by the owner.

In both the New and Old Testaments, stewards are defined by what they do. The New Testament specifically describes the steward in terms of accountability (Luke 12:48) and expectations (1 Cor. 4:2). The Old Testament, though, is more focused on declaring God’s ownership than directly defining us as His stewards. Thus, while the concept of a steward is very similar for both Testaments, the New Testament expands the concept beyond just household management.

In the parable of the dishonest steward (Luke 16:1-15), Jesus expands the definition of steward. His lesson is about more than a steward escaping financial disaster. It is also applicable to those escaping spiritual disaster through a wise manifestation of faith. A wise steward will prepare for the future of Jesus’ return beyond the here and now (Matt. 25:21).

Read 1 Corinthians 4:1, 2; Titus 1:7; and 1 Peter 4:10.

4:1   Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 
 4:2   Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 
 1:7   For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
4:10   As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 


What do they tell us about stewards and stewardship?

God has entrusted something much more valuable than material things. He has entrusted us with His sacred truth that we might live it and impart it to others. In other words, He has entrusted us with the souls on this Earth.

“Shall I open my heart to the Holy Spirit, that every faculty and energy may be aroused, which God has given me in trust? I am Christ’s property, and am employed in His service. I am a steward of His grace.” - Ellen G. White, Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 301.

In Luke 12:35-48, Jesus also uses the term “steward” metaphorically. He tells of the wise steward being ready for the Son of man’s return, and describes the unfaithful steward as one who has given up caring because the master has delayed His return. The unfaithful steward has turned into a tyrant and has become abusive to those around him. He is no longer a pattern of good works or a manager of grace.

When we accept Christ, we are stewards, called to manage God’s resources. But more important, we are to manage the spiritual realities of the Christian life in preparation for heaven.

Read Luke 12:45.

But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 

Why must we as Seventh-day Adventists, who often struggle with a sense of “delay,” be especially careful about falling into this deception?

We ought not struggle with the delay. When we understand that we are the cause of the delay, it helps since we can do something about it. The leadership of a church with a representative government, can look to the membership of the church if the leadership is not consecrated. And, if we study the New Testament we find a parable that speaks of the unfaithful servant who did not render to the landowner his expected return. From Matthew:

 21:33   Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: 
 21:34   And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. 
 21:35   And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. 
 21:36   Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. 
 21:37   But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. 
 21:38   But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. 
 21:39   And they caught him, and cast [him] out of the vineyard, and slew [him]. 
 21:40   When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? 
 21:41   They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out [his] vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. 

This is not a materialistic story, but one of Biblical truth. What does the vineyard represent? And the fruit? And the hedge? So many spiritual lessons dealing with responsibility to God for what He has given to His church, you and me.

We would not kill the Son, would we? What happens when we let the mind wander away from Jesus? Do we not "crucify Christ afresh"?

[Richard Myers]

Tuesday January 30

Stewards of the Mysteries of God

Read Colossians 2:2, 3 and 1 Timothy 3:16.

 2:2   That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 
 2:3   In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 
 3:16   And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 

What do these texts identify as a “mystery”? What does the fact that it is a “mystery” say to us about the limits of what we can know about it?

Zophar the Naamathite says to Job, “Canst thou by searching find out God?” Job 11:7. The word “mystery” means puzzling, obscure, unknown, unexplained, or incomprehensible. The mysteries of God have been recorded in Scripture, even though understanding them fully is still beyond our comprehension. That’s why they are mysteries. It is like each of us is a nearsighted person looking into the heavens, hoping to see the smallest detail. We can’t see that far unless God reveals it to us.

There are even greater mysteries of God that are not revealed in Scripture. There will always remain mysteries of God, for He is God and we are not, neither have we the ability to understand all of the mysteries of God. He is past finding out. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" Romans 11:33.

What does Deuteronomy 29:29 say about what is revealed to us?

The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God: but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law. 
 
We are stewards of things that we do not fully understand. We know only as much as revelation and Scripture reveal. Our greatest stewardship is to live “as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” 1 Cor. 4:1.

God wants us, as His stewards, to preserve, teach, protect, and care for divine truth that He has revealed. How we do this is the ultimate stewardship, and it means we are “holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” 1 Tim. 3:9.

The greatest of all mysteries is that we all can experience Christ, the “hope of glory.” The plan of salvation is supernatural and impossible for us to understand fully. That the Creator of all that was made (John 1:1-3) would come down to this earth and be “manifested in the flesh” (Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 6, p. 112) only to offer Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity, entails mysteries that will probably never be fully comprehended by any of the creation. Even angels study to understand the mystery of why Jesus came to earth (1 Pet. 1:12). Nevertheless, what they do know causes us all to praise the Lord for His glory and goodness (see Rev. 5:13).

You have been called to be a steward of the gospel. What responsibilities does that automatically mean you have?

How would God feel if those entrusted with the gospel did not understand it? And, worse, preached and taught a false gospel. Does Scripture speak to this issue? Yes, it does. Where?

[Richard Myers]

Wednesday January 31

Stewards of Spiritual Truth

When we think of stewardship, we think of tangibles and rightly so. But as we have now seen, stewardship goes beyond that. Like tangible possessions, intangible gifts come from God as well. These intangibles are spiritual possessions that God gives to us (1 Pet. 4:10) so that we can, in Christ, develop Christian characters and become the people we can be in Him. Thus, we must manage intangible gifts even more carefully than tangible ones, because they are infinitely more valuable.

Read Ephesians 6:13-17.

 6:13   Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 
 6:14   Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 
 6:15   And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 
 6:16   Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 
 6:17   And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

What have we been given by God that we are to be stewards of? Why is the proper management of these things so crucial to us?

We have been given His innocent Son who at great expense offers us salvation. He has entrusted to His church the truth. He has trusted us to be His witnesses in a world soon to perish. He has given to His church a modern day prophet. What have we done with the truths so graciously given to us? When the sacred oracles of God are not appreciated, when they are not managed correctly, what is the result? One result is the continued suffering of humanity. Jesus would have come long long ago if we had been faithful stewards of His Word. And what of the little ones? If they had been reared in families and churches that had walked in the light of God's glory, what would have been the result? And, when we have not followed the truth entrusted to us, what has happened to the little ones?

“The gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:2). The world, and all that it offers, cannot offer us the redemption that we have in Christ. Redemption, a gift God gives to us, is our most valuable possession. Keeping the reality of this redemption always before us helps us maintain perspective in our stewardship of other possessions given to us from God as well.

It may help us to turn to Jesus, but it is only the reception into the heart of the grace of God that can give us an unselfish perspective regarding our stewardship of material things. It is not the promise of heaven, nor the threat of hell that motivates the Christian to good works, it is the love of Jesus received into the heart.

“Only in the light that shines from Calvary can nature’s teaching be read aright. Through the story of Bethlehem and the cross let it be shown how good is to conquer evil, and how every blessing that comes to us is a gift of redemption.” - Ellen G. White, Education, p. 101.

Amen! It is indeed the revelation of Calvary (God's grace) whereby we can be transformed in character so that we live unselfish lives. Being evil by nature, we must be born again and filled with the Spirit.

Redemption is ours only because Jesus paid the ultimate price. Paul clearly states, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). The words “we have” mean that we have “redemption.” It is ours, but only because God has given it to us. How crucial, then, that we keep on “the whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:11, KJV), in order that the evil one doesn’t come and take it away. For the only way he can do this is if we allow him to, which will happen only if we don’t obey what is revealed to us in “the word of God” (Eph. 6:17). Our greatest protection is by obeying, in faith, the light we have been given.

It is impossible to "obey" if we do not maintain our connection with Christ. Obedience is in the life when we allow Jesus to take control of the life. When we sin, it is because we have taken our eyes off of Christ. God help us today to keep our eyes upon Jesus. Give us that hour in the morning with you, that we might "die daily."

Read again Ephesians 6:13-17.
 
 6:13   Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 
 6:14   Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 
 6:15   And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 
 6:16   Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 
 6:17   And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

How do we put on the armor of God, and in what ways are we stewards of all that we have been given in that armor?

That is the great question which needs an answer. How do we put on the armor of God? Well....if we do not have on the armor of God, what will happen? Being naked, we will sin and bring reproach upon God, His church, and His Word. Look at the armor, it includes the Spirit and salvation. What does the Bible say about the Spirit and salvation? Romans 8:9 says that if we have not His Spirit, we are none of His. We must have "saving faith" if we expect to resist temptation to sin. Have we accepted the gospel of grace? Do we even know what is the gospel of grace? It is hard to know the gospel message when the pulpits are filled with false gospels and the printing presses are publishing multiple "gospels."

Who will argue that there are not multiple gospels being taught in God's church? Then why is nothing said? Paul said something. Read Galatians 1:8 and 9. What are we to have for a "breastplate"? Righteousness, Christ's righteousness. What does it mean to have His righteousness? Many have been deceived. It means to have His imputed righteousness that covers past sins and sins not known. But, that is not enough. We must possess His imparted righteousness also. Jesus gives us both at the moment we give Him the whole heart. What is the imparted righteousness of Christ? It is His character which is a new heart that has His law written upon it. Christ's righteousness will not cover unconfessed nor unforsaken known sin.

How then are we to obtain the armor of God? Does God give it to everyone? No, else all would be saved. Then how do we obtain this armor?

[Richard Myers]

Thursday February 1

Our Responsibility as Stewards

Wise stewards are defined by their willingness to accept and execute the moral principle of personal responsibility. Acceptance of personal responsibility is the choice we make and the actions we take. It recognizes the relationship between cause and effect. Willingness to accept personal responsibility is a key trait that cannot be ignored when we define what a steward is, for stewards must be single-minded in having the best interest of the Owner at heart. Hence, such willingness is a choice that defines the desired relationship a steward has with God.

“God desires to bring men into direct relation with Himself. In all His dealings with human beings He recognizes the principle of personal responsibility. He seeks to encourage a sense of personal dependence and to impress the need of personal guidance. His gifts are committed to men as individuals. Every man has been made a steward of sacred trusts; each is to discharge his trust according to the direction of the Giver; and by each an account of his stewardship must be rendered to God.” - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 176.

When we become stewards, we will not shift our responsibility to another individual or to an organization. Our personal responsibility is to God and will be reflected in all of our interactions with those around us (Gen. 39:9; see also Dan. 3:16). We will embrace the task at hand to the best of our abilities. Success in God’s eyes will depend more on our faith and on our purity than on intelligence and talent.

Amen. If we have given Jesus the whole heart, then self is dead. If we are not fully surrendered to Jesus, then self is alive. What is seen in the life when self is alive?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:10.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. 

How do we understand these words in the context of what it means to be a wise steward?

Fire and brimstone! If the fruits of the Spirit are not seen in the life, then there is something coming on judgment day! If we do not give back to Jesus what He has given to us, then we shall burn as long as there are still sins to be destroyed. Is this message needed today in the church? There is another side to the story. Those who live for Christ, will receive rewards on judgment day. But, we do not have to wait until judgment day to get something good from Jesus if we will make a whole heart surrender to Him today. He will take our sin polluted heart and exchange it for a new cleansed heart. The Holy Spirit will come into the heart and bring with Him, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance which is self control. When we are truly converted, not one of these fruits will be missing in the life (The Desire of Ages, pg 676).

Theologians and philosophers have for centuries debated the difficult question of free will. But the Scripture is clear: we as human beings do have free will and free choice. The idea of being judged by our deeds makes no sense otherwise. Hence, we do have a personal responsibility, by the grace of God, to choose to make the right decisions in all that we do, which includes being faithful stewards of all our Master’s goods.

Right decisions can be made with wrong motives. Therefore, we cannot always judge another by their keeping of the commandments. Then why is the law of God the standard by which God will judge the professors of religion? How will God know the faithful steward from the unfaithful one?  Are good works going to be required to enter heaven?

[Richard Myers]

Friday February 2

Further Thought: The word translated as “steward” in a few Old Testament texts comes, not from a single word but from a phrase: asher al bayt, the “one who is on or over a house.” For example, Genesis 43:19 can be translated: “And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house.”  If one considers that the family that resides in the house is part of the house itself, then what is more valuable to a person than their own home? Hence, a steward is someone being entrusted with something very valuable that, nevertheless, does not belong to him. In many ways, that makes the responsibility even greater than it would be if the steward were in charge of his or her own possessions.

This same idea is continued in the New Testament as well. “The NT takes OT ideas and joins them with first-century ideas, concepts, and words, thus enriching and enlarging the biblical teaching on stewardship. The most common Greek words used in relationship with stewardship are derived from oikos and oikia, ‘house.’ The oikonomos is one who keeps the house: the steward or manager. Oikonomia is the abstract noun, ‘management of the house,’ the meaning of which is often much broader.” - Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 2000), p. 653.

Discussion Questions:

    Instead of taking responsibility for eating the forbidden fruit, what did Adam say to God when asked about what he had done? Gen. 3:12. How interesting that one of the earliest human responses brought about by sin is to seek to shift the blame from oneself to another. What does his response say about his willingness to accept personal responsibility for his actions? What should it tell us about our own willingness as well? How can we learn to avoid the common trait of blaming others for our mistakes?

There is only one answer, it is always the same. It is impossible to do any good thing for the right reason, unless we be transformed in nature. We must become partakers of God's divine nature if we wish to escape the corruption that is in our flesh. It is only the power of God when He has possession of the whole heart that can keep us from living for self.

    In class, dwell more on the idea of being stewards of things that are not tangible but spiritual. What does that mean? How do we “manage” these things?

It means that those who have been entrusted with God's truth (His sacred oracles) and do not walk in that truth, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for them on judgment day.

    Think about the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12.

Here we go again, fire and brimstone is coming to the unfaithful servant!

14:6   And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 
 14:7   Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 
 14:8   And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 
 14:9   And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 
 14:10   The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 
 14:11   And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 
 14:12   Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 

What important truths are expressed there of which we have been given the responsibility to be stewards?

The gospel truth is revealed. That involves the law of God. We never separate grace from law. They are indissolubly joined. God is both just and merciful. He will pardon the repentant and will burn the unrepentant sinner. If we are not responsible in given the last message of warning then what will God do with us?

There will be two groups that are judged, those who will enter heaven and those who will be burned by fire.

    Why is it so important for us to learn to trust in and believe in spiritual things that we don’t fully understand? In what worldly ways do we do that all the time anyway?

If we do not trust fully in Jesus, we will not obtain salvation and we will not have love, joy, and peace in this world. In worldly ways, we do not trust in Jesus. As our Lord Jesus said "Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

“If ever there was a time when those who claim to be Christians should be all that the name comprehends, it is now. Are we following Christ in very reality? As Seventh-day Adventists we must be on watch, guarding every point lest the enemy shall set up his standard among us. There is not one semblance of an excuse for our churches to be indifferent and careless. If ever there was a time when the members of our churches should see if they have oil in their vessels with their lamps, it is now, just now, without a moment’s hesitancy or delay. This is an individual work. We are to look earnestly to our own standing and accountability. While the Protestant world is being led by the wily sophistry of Catholic doctrines, while the mystery of iniquity is gathering to itself the world of professed Christians, what are we about? Are those who know the truth for this time anchored in Bible doctrine? Are our weapons, ‘Thus sayeth the Lord: ‘It is written?’ Is our anchor cast within the vail? Are we individually rooted and grounded in gospel truth, so that we may be established, strengthened, and settled in the faith? Are we, as those who have the knowledge of the mysteries of God, those to whom God has committed the living oracles, loyal and true to our stewardship? Those who are truly converted will reveal, as missionaries for God, what the truth means to them in its transforming efficiency and sanctifying power. If we are weighted with the treasures of eternal truth, we shall proclaim to a world perishing in sin what it signifies to have the sanctifying, redeeming love of Christ in the soul..

“The world would not be what it now is if professed believers in Christ were receivers of his divine nature. It is the example of men who claim to believe the truth, but who do not practice the truth, that detracts from the influence of Christianity. They hold the truth as a theory, but unrighteousness surely characterizes their course of action. Many reveal that they are far away from Christ, because they are destitute of Christianity. Please read the ninth and tenth chapters of Ezekiel. Should we not seek to understand the work which God requires us to do? Its results are sacred and awful. If one thread of selfishness is woven into God’s service, He is greatly dishonored. Unless those who have knowledge of the truth are sanctified through the truth, their profession counts for nothing, and their condemnation will be proportionate to the light granted them, which they have not honored by walking in the light as Christ is in the light. Truth as it is in Jesus is the creating power of Christ. Those who claim to have advanced light must reveal the influence of that light in their words, their deportment, their voice, their actions, at all times and in all places.  The Gospel Harold, January 1, 1900.