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Study => Seventh-day Adventist Sabbath School Lesson => Topic started by: Wally on July 10, 2015, 04:07:24 PM

Title: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3-Third Quarter 2015-The Unlikely Missionary
Post by: Wally on July 10, 2015, 04:07:24 PM: Lesson 3 July 11-17

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The Unlikely Missionary

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Kings 5; Mark 1:40-45; 2 Kings 2:1-15; John 15:5; Rom. 6:4-11; Rom. 6:1.

Memory Text: "And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed-only Naaman the Syrian" (Luke 4:27 NIV).

The books of Kings, covering the history of the kingdoms of Israel from about 970 to 560 B.C., record exciting and dramatic events and far-reaching political upheavals touching God’s people. Woven in these accounts are the stories of Elijah and Elisha, daring prophets of God whose adventures have gripped the imaginations of children and adults in every age.

Also interesting are the similarities between the ministry of Elisha and the ministry of Jesus. In the ministries of both, dead persons were raised, lepers cleansed, and hungry people fed from small amounts of food.

This week’s lesson deals with one of these miracles: the healing of Naaman, a wealthy, powerful, and very proud idolater who, in his great need, came to experience the power of the living God and first did so through the witness of a very unlikely missionary.

Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 18.

Sunday July 12

He Had It All . . . But

"Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy" (2 Kings 5:1 NIV).

This verse contains no fewer than four descriptions or titles that put Naaman in the top echelon of Syrian, or Aramean, society. He exerted major influence on the king of Aram, was held in high esteem, and was the ing’s right-hand man in religious, as well as military matters (2 Kings 5:18). He was also extremely wealthy (2 Kings 5:5).

However, 2 Kings 5:1 has a major "but." All Naaman’s power, honor, and bravery paled in light of the most feared disease in those days, leprosy. And that is exactly what this poor man had, the major "but" that cast a dark shadow over all else he had achieved. This ailment, however, brought him into contact with God’s prophet, and through that contact he became a believer in the true God.

Read Mark 1:40-45, Luke 8:41-56, and Mark 2:1-12. Despite the obvious fact that Jesus did miraculous healings here, what is the common denominator in these accounts? What is it that brought all these people to Jesus?

Personal life disruptions, tragedies, and transitions can make people more open to spiritual truth and set them on a search for God. Physical, psychological, political, or other disasters can open people up to the reality of the divine. Personal loss, national catastrophes, and wars are major motivators that cause people to seek a power greater than themselves. The church has long been aware that increased soul-winning results tend to come in areas in which people are struck by personal or societal suffering.

On one level Naaman appeared to have it all; on another he was a broken man without much hope. In what ways are we all like that, having good things and bad things in our life? How can we learn to allow both to keep us connected to the Lord?

Monday July 13

An Unlikely Witness

Read 2 Kings 5:1-7. What is going on here? Why would the Syrians even have listened to what a captive slave girl had to say? What might be the hidden implications of what transpired?

The Bible gives us no real details of how this young girl acted in the home, but it’s clear that there was something about her that caught the family’s attention. Think about it: on the word of a captive female child in his household, a wealthy and powerful military leader goes to his king, tells him what she said, and then gets permission from the king to go. Even more so, he loads up on gifts to bring to the prophet. Obviously, more was going on than what is explicitly stated in the texts. Nevertheless, God’s agent to plant the knowledge of Him in the ruling circles of Syria was an unnamed little Hebrew slave girl, cruelly snatched from her home by a Syrian raiding party. Instead of dwelling on the cruelty and meaninglessness of that act, and of her life of servitude, she shared her unshaken faith in the life-changing power of God, who was working through Elisha in Samaria (vs. 3). Thus, like Daniel and his companions in Babylon, she was able to turn her own adversity into a way to glorify God, and thus, God turned her captivity into an opportunity to share her faith. According to Ellen G. White, "The conduct of the captive maid, the way that she bore herself in that heathen home, is a strong witness to the power of early home training."-Prophets and Kings, p. 245.

What should this tell us about how our faith, lifestyle, and actions can draw others to us and to the truths that we have been entrusted with?

What’s fascinating, too, in this story is the reaction of the king of Israel upon getting the letter. Am I God? Can I heal leprosy? His words reveal just how dreaded the disease was and why only a miracle could bring about a cure. For whatever reason, the letter implied the expectation that the king was to bring the cure. He knew that he couldn’t do that, and so he thought it was all a trick to instigate trouble.
Title: Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3-Third Quarter 2015-The Unlikely Missionary
Post by: Wally on July 10, 2015, 04:08:44 PM: Tuesday July 14

Elisha, the Prophet

The ministry of the prophet Elisha in the ninth century B.C. comes to us in a series of 18 episodes, extending over more than fifty years. His ministry was conducted mostly as the head of the school of the prophets and was largely public. It included displays of signs and wonders at both the personal as well as the national level. Elisha was a prophet whose counsel and help were sought by both kings and commoners.

Read 2 Kings 2:1-15. What does this tell us about the calling and ministry of Elisha?

No question that Elisha was called of God; he had some incredible experiences that must have confirmed his calling in his own mind. More important, his request for a "double portion" of the Spirit showed his awareness that for him to do what he was called to do, he would need divine power, because in and of himself he would be helpless. Thus, even back then, this man of God understood what Jesus said many centuries later: ""I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing"" (John 15:5, NKJV). It’s a lesson that no matter our position in the Lord’s work, we all need to recognize.

Obviously, as we can see from the story of Elisha’s calling, this power had, indeed, been granted to him. Thus, Elisha revealed that he had a healthy and honest understanding of his own role and calling when he declared to the king: let Naaman "know that there is a prophet in Israel"> (2 Kings 5:8 ).

Also interesting must have been the scene when this military commander and his retinue showed up in all their glory at the door of Elisha’s house, probably something relatively small and modest in contrast to the luxury that Naaman enjoyed. Elisha, however, didn’t seem all that intimidated by Naaman and his troops. In fact, Elisha did not so much as step outside to meet his powerful caller; instead he sent a messenger, who gave the military commander a command! The only reward for his long trip from Damascus was the blunt directive to go to the Jordan and bathe! But it was accompanied by a promise: "you will be cleansed," (2 Kings 5:10 NIV).

No doubt the pride of this important man was hurt. Perhaps, though, that was the point.

Wednesday July 15

The Healing of Naaman

Read 2 Kings 5:11-14. What does this account teach us about Naaman and some of the lessons he had to learn? What can we take from this for ourselves as well?

Had the prophet Elisha personally met his prominent guest Naaman and employed exorcising gestures accompanied by magic formulas and other rituals so common in pagan religions, Naaman might not have hesitated. But two aspects of his reception insulted him. Not only did the prophet not personally come out of his house to meet Naaman, but he also directed him to the Jordan River as the place to get his leprosy cured.

From the viewpoint of protocol, Naaman was right. Elisha should have left his house to greet him. And the rivers in Damascus were undoubtedly better, since their water was clearer than the muddy Jordan’s. However, through Elisha, God directed Naaman to the Jordan, a river in Israel. The entire cure process was designed to demonstrate, first, that there was a prophet of the true God in Israel and, second, that God rewarded believing compliance.

Naaman’s retinue convinced him to submit to his new, divine "commander" and at least give it a try. Their argument, that if the suggested cure had been complicated he would have endured it, persuaded him. It must have been hard for Naaman to swallow his pride at having to listen to a slave girl, a foreign prophet who showed him little deference, and, finally, to his own servants. He was, though, desperate for healing.

"So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy" (2 Kings 5:14 NIV).

The initial requirements for Naaman’s healing were belief and compliance. As soon as he conquered his pride and complied with God’s expressed will by bathing seven times in the muddy Jordan, he was cured.

Read Romans 6:4-11. How does the story of Naaman reflect some of the principles taught in these verses? In what ways have you experienced the reality of a "new life" in Christ?
Title: Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3-Third Quarter 2015-The Unlikely Missionary
Post by: Wally on July 10, 2015, 04:11:40 PM: Thursday July 16

A New Believer

"Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant" (2 Kings 5:15 NIV). In what way do these words help reveal the experience of salvation? See Rev. 14:12; 1 John 5:2-3; Rom. 6:1.

It would have been easy for Naaman to return directly from Jordan to Damascus after his healing. However, as a gesture of thankfulness, he and his attendants returned to the prophet’s place. This time they met Elisha in person. The confession that the God of Israel is sovereign in the world is the main theme of the Bible. These words coming from a pagan constitute one of the high points in Old Testament revelation. Naaman’s conversion made clear that his new experience had to be tied to the God of Israel. The prophet was Israelite, the river was the most important in Israel, and the number seven was a clear connection to the God of creation.

What we see with Naaman is an example of how true faith works: Naaman received something that He could never have earned on his own. The fact that Elisha refused the gifts (2 Kings 5:16) was a way of showing how salvation cannot be earned or bought, but is wholly of God’s grace. At the same time, however, Naaman’s willingness to give something to Elisha for what he had done for him shows the response of faith, a response out of gratefulness for what had been given him. Elisha refused the gift. Here he followed the example of Abraham when he helped the pagan kings but refused rewards with the words that no one should be able to say, "I made Abram rich (Gen. 14:23 NIV). Elisha knew that acceptance of a gift would have spoiled the lesson Naaman should learn. The healing was the work of God and an act of sheer grace."

"Let this point be fully settled in every mind: If we accept Christ as a Redeemer, we must accept Him as a Ruler. We cannot have the assurance and perfect confiding trust in Christ as our Saviour until we acknowledge Him as our King and are obedient to His commandments. Thus we evidence our allegiance to God. We have then the genuine ring in our faith, for it is a working faith. It works by love."-Ellen G. White, Faith and Works, p. 16.

If others were to look at your life, what would they see in it that reveals your love for God because of what He has done for you in Christ?

Friday July 17

Further Study: "Centuries after Naaman returned to his Syrian home, healed in body and converted in spirit, his wonderful faith was referred to and commended by the Saviour as an object lesson for all who claim to serve God. "Many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet," the Saviour declared; "and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian." Luke 4:27. God passed over the many lepers in Israel because their unbelief closed the door of good to them. A heathen nobleman who had been true to his convictions of right, and who felt his need of help, was in the sight of God more worthy of His blessing than were the afflicted in Israel, who had slighted and despised their God-given privileges. God works for those who appreciate His favors and respond to the light given them from heaven."-Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, pp. 252, 253.

Discussion Questions:

li>Over the years a great deal of discussion has ensued over what happened after the healing of Naaman. In 2 Kings 5:17-19, Naaman makes a powerful confession of faith, saying, ""for your servant will no longer offer either burnt offering or sacrifice to other gods, but to the LORD,"" (2 Kings 5:17, NKJV). However, right after, he says, ""when my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon-when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD please pardon your servant in this thing,"" (2 Kings 5:18, NKJV). What are the implications of Elisha’s reply? To what extent do Christian missionaries have to exercise patience and understanding to new converts, especially when they come to us from a different religious and cultural background?

How rapidly should enculturation of new converts take place? "The widow of Sarepta and Naaman the Syrian had lived up to all the light they had; hence they were accounted more righteous than God’s chosen people who had backslidden from Him and had sacrificed principle to convenience and worldly honor."-Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 416.

Healing and salvation came to Naaman by a faith revealed in his actions. Discuss more the whole question of the relationship between faith and works. Why is it so important to understand the crucial yet distinct roles both have in the Christian life and witness?
Title: Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3-Third Quarter 2015-The Unlikely Missionary
Post by: Richard Myers on July 13, 2015, 09:29:24 PM: Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Kings 5; Mark 1:40-45; 2 Kings 2:1-15; John 15:5; Rom. 6:4-11; Rom. 6:1.

Memory Text: "And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian." Luke 4:27

The verse chosen for our memory verse is "present truth". Put the verse in context and tell our Sabbath School class why Jesus spoke these words of truth to His church. What would happen today if these words were spoken in His church? Is it possible they could be spoken? After all we have been given great light in regards to health and healing.

The books of Kings, covering the history of the kingdoms of Israel from about 970 to 560 B.C., record exciting and dramatic events and far-reaching political upheavals touching God’s people. Woven in these accounts are the stories of Elijah and Elisha, daring prophets of God whose adventures have gripped the imaginations of children and adults in every age.

Also interesting are the similarities between the ministry of Elisha and the ministry of Jesus. In the ministries of both, dead persons were raised, lepers cleansed, and hungry people fed from small amounts of food.

This week’s lesson deals with one of these miracles: the healing of Naaman, a wealthy, powerful, and very proud idolater who, in his great need, came to experience the power of the living God and first did so through the witness of a very unlikely missionary.

Unlikely to those who speak to thousands, but we recall that much of the teachings of Jesus was one to one. What is a missionary? Are they the ones called by the church to the mission field far away? Or is there another definition of missionary? How many today are doing as did the young girl who pointed Naaman in the right direction? And what direction would that be in regards to gaining one's health? We do not have a living prophet amongst us, so where would you point a very sick person? To our hospitals? If so, read this inspired counsel regarding a king of Israel: "And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians." 2 Chron. 16:12.
Title: Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3-Third Quarter 2015-The Unlikely Missionary
Post by: Richard Myers on July 13, 2015, 09:52:14 PM: Sunday July 12

He Had It All . . . But

"Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, [but he was] a leper." 2 Kings 5:1.

This verse contains no fewer than four descriptions or titles that put Naaman in the top echelon of Syrian, or Aramean, society. He exerted major influence on the king of Aram, was held in high esteem, and was the king’s right-hand man in religious, as well as military matters (2 Kings 5:18). He was also extremely wealthy (2 Kings 5:5).

However, 2 Kings 5:1 has a major "but." All Naaman’s power, honor, and bravery paled in light of the most feared disease in those days, leprosy. And that is exactly what this poor man had, the major "but" that cast a dark shadow over all else he had achieved. This ailment, however, brought him into contact with God’s prophet, and through that contact he became a believer in the true God.

Read Mark 1:40-45, Luke 8:41-56, and Mark 2:1-12.

1:40   And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
1:41   And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth [his] hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
1:42   And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.
1:43   And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;
1:44   And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
1:45   But he went out, and began to publish [it] much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

8:41   And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
8:42   For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
8:43   And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
8:44   Came behind [him], and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
8:45   And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press [thee], and sayest thou, Who touched me?
8:46   And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
8:47   And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
8:48   And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
8:49   While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's [house], saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
8:50   But when Jesus heard [it], he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
8:51   And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
8:52   And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
8:53   And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
8:54   And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
8:55   And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
8:56   And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

2:1   And again he entered into Capernaum after [some] days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2:2   And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive [them], no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
2:3   And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
2:4   And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken [it] up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
2:5   When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
2:6   But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
2:7   Why doth this [man] thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
2:8   And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
2:9   Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, [Thy] sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
2:10   But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
2:11   I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
2:12   And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

Despite the obvious fact that Jesus did miraculous healings here, what is the common denominator in these accounts? What is it that brought all these people to Jesus?

Personal life disruptions, tragedies, and transitions can make people more open to spiritual truth and set them on a search for God. Physical, psychological, political, or other disasters can open people up to the reality of the divine. Personal loss, national catastrophes, and wars are major motivators that cause people to seek a power greater than themselves. The church has long been aware that increased soul-winning results tend to come in areas in which people are struck by personal or societal suffering.

It is true. Jesus spoke of how hard it is for a rich man to be converted. How about Laodiceans who believe themselves to be rich, but don't know they are miserable, poor, blind, and naked? Can they be saved?

On one level Naaman appeared to have it all; on another he was a broken man without much hope. In what ways are we all like that, having good things and bad things in our life? How can we learn to allow both to keep us connected to the Lord?

Both do not keep us connected to the Lord. How do we become connected to the Lord each day? And, if we do not do that which Christ has instructed, it may be that He will chastise us. Satan will do both. He will bless and hurt in order to succeed in his rebellion. But, God has only good in mind for all who can still be saved. Now, if we cannot be saved, it may be that in this world, we end up as did those who perished in the great flood. Can we know that we are lost? Forever lost? Probably not. When the heart is so seared that it cannot respond to God's love, then the mind has been so perverted that discernment is lacking. Condemnation is understood, but that the line has been crossed, that is a hard one. How about looking at another? Can we tell the line has been crossed and there is no hope? Absolutely not! That would be sitting on the throne of judgment. Only God knows who is forever lost.
Title: Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3-Third Quarter 2015-The Unlikely Missionary
Post by: Richard Myers on July 14, 2015, 07:44:14 PM: Monday July 13

An Unlikely Witness

Read 2 Kings 5:1-7.

5:1   Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, [but he was] a leper.
5:2   And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
5:3   And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord [were] with the prophet that [is] in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.
5:4   And [one] went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that [is] of the land of Israel.
5:5   And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand [pieces] of gold, and ten changes of raiment.
5:6   And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have [therewith] sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy.
5:7   And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, [Am] I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.

What is going on here? Why would the Syrians even have listened to what a captive slave girl had to say? What might be the hidden implications of what transpired?

The Bible gives us no real details of how this young girl acted in the home, but it’s clear that there was something about her that caught the family’s attention. Think about it: on the word of a captive female child in his household, a wealthy and powerful military leader goes to his king, tells him what she said, and then gets permission from the king to go. Even more so, he loads up on gifts to bring to the prophet. Obviously, more was going on than what is explicitly stated in the texts. Nevertheless, God’s agent to plant the knowledge of Him in the ruling circles of Syria was an unnamed little Hebrew slave girl, cruelly snatched from her home by a Syrian raiding party. Instead of dwelling on the cruelty and meaninglessness of that act, and of her life of servitude, she shared her unshaken faith in the life-changing power of God, who was working through Elisha in Samaria (vs. 3). Thus, like Daniel and his companions in Babylon, she was able to turn her own adversity into a way to glorify God, and thus, God turned her captivity into an opportunity to share her faith. According to Ellen G. White, "The conduct of the captive maid, the way that she bore herself in that heathen home, is a strong witness to the power of early home training."-Prophets and Kings, p. 245.

What should this tell us about how our faith, lifestyle, and actions can draw others to us and to the truths that we have been entrusted with?

What’s fascinating, too, in this story is the reaction of the king of Israel upon getting the letter. Am I God? Can I heal leprosy? His words reveal just how dreaded the disease was and why only a miracle could bring about a cure. For whatever reason, the letter implied the expectation that the king was to bring the cure. He knew that he couldn’t do that, and so he thought it was all a trick to instigate trouble.

A month ago in last quarter's lesson, I quoted Paul. It is just as relevant in today's lesson as it was then.

Quote from: Richard Myers on June 19, 2015, 02:50:58 PM
This week's lesson can bring much understanding to God's church today. Make it real. Do not ignore what you see around you. Look at the last week of Christ's life in the light of what you see in the church today. Paul said of Israel "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." 1 Cor. 10:11.

Is there present truth in today's lesson? Are people dying from incurable diseases today? Does God heal today as He did when He healed Naaman? What would the world church president do if someone was sent to him to be healed of an incurable disease? What would you do? What ought we do? Would you answer in the same manner as did the King of Israel? Has God instructed us as to what we ought to do? If we do not appreciate the light we have been given, and many do not, then what is the end of the matter? "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death." Proverbs 14:12. God has given us wisdom, but if we choose to use our wisdom, then the proverb tells us the end of the matter.
Title: Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3-Third Quarter 2015-The Unlikely Missionary
Post by: Richard Myers on July 17, 2015, 05:36:36 AM: Tuesday July 14

Elisha, the Prophet

The ministry of the prophet Elisha in the ninth century B.C. comes to us in a series of 18 episodes, extending over more than fifty years. His ministry was conducted mostly as the head of the school of the prophets and was largely public. It included displays of signs and wonders at both the personal as well as the national level. Elisha was a prophet whose counsel and help were sought by both kings and commoners.

It is interesting that a modern day prophet while appreciated by many is hated by many 9in the church and whose counsel is not only neglected, but hidden. In the revision of the church's fundamental beliefs we find that even though the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy reveal the Earth is 6,000 years old, the General Conference in session just refused to say so. Why? Because the counsel given by a prophet will not be used even when the Bible is clear on the matter. In order to give influence to the light given by Ellen White who was more than a prophet, we place all of her statements in maroon to show that it is not common human wisdom we are sharing. While the Bible is the foundation of our beliefs, the counsel given by a prophet is just as inspired. The difference being the Spirit of Prophecy is a lesser light pointing us to the Bible which judges the words of those who profess to be inspired. There is need for the reformation in this matter in the church.

Read 2 Kings 2:1-15.

2:1   And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
2:2   And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said [unto him, As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.
2:3   And the sons of the prophets that [were] at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know [it]; hold ye your peace.
2:4   And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.
2:5   And the sons of the prophets that [were] at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know [it]; hold ye your peace.
2:6   And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.
2:7   And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.
2:8   And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped [it] together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
2:9   And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
2:10   And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: [nevertheless], if thou see me [when I am] taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be [so].
2:11   And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
2:12   And Elisha saw [it], and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
2:13   He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;
2:14   And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where [is] the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
2:15   And when the sons of the prophets which [were] to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

What does this tell us about the calling and ministry of Elisha?

No question that Elisha was called of God; he had some incredible experiences that must have confirmed his calling in his own mind. More important, his request for a "double portion" of the Spirit showed his awareness that for him to do what he was called to do, he would need divine power, because in and of himself he would be helpless. Thus, even back then, this man of God understood what Jesus said many centuries later: "I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5). It’s a lesson that no matter our position in the Lord’s work, we all need to recognize.

Amen!! Sadly, there are both liberal and conservative who disagree with this truth. They think they can go to heaven, they are converted, justified before God when they sin. They do not understand they must be abiding in Christ and He in them before they can do any good thing. They think they can be "good" enough to be saved when separated from Christ. They do not understand when they are in a converted state, they will manifest all of the fruits of His Spirit because the Spirit indwells the heart, not one of the fruits is missing. The road to heaven is narrow, not wide as many teach. Christ will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, it is a promise that does not fail. Then, why does it fail for so many? It is a conditional promise. We must be in a converted state, we must be born of His Spirit in order to have power to resist sin and to do any good thing. If we are not reconciled with God, we are in a lost condition and cannot do any good thing. That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. We so appreciate the lesson making this clear. We will appreciate it if the lessons will follow this most basic gospel truth.

Obviously, as we can see from the story of Elisha’s calling, this power had, indeed, been granted to him. Thus, Elisha revealed that he had a healthy and honest understanding of his own role and calling when he declared to the king: let Naaman "know that there is a prophet in Israel"(2 Kings 5:8 ).

Amen! And know that one more than a prophet has come to the world in this our day!

Also interesting must have been the scene when this military commander and his retinue showed up in all their glory at the door of Elisha’s house, probably something relatively small and modest in contrast to the luxury that Naaman enjoyed. Elisha, however, didn’t seem all that intimidated by Naaman and his troops. In fact, Elisha did not so much as step outside to meet his powerful caller; instead he sent a messenger, who gave the military commander a command! The only reward for his long trip from Damascus was the blunt directive to go to the Jordan and bathe! But it was accompanied by a promise: "thou shalt be clean." 2 Kings 5:10.

No doubt the pride of this important man was hurt. Perhaps, though, that was the point.

It is interesting to note that even pride will yield to truth when self sees it may be of value. Naaman listened to his assistants when they told him he had nothing to lose and everything to gain. When bombs are falling all around the foxhole, there are no atheists. But, when one is "rich and increased with goods" there are many.
Title: Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3-Third Quarter 2015-The Unlikely Missionary
Post by: Richard Myers on July 17, 2015, 06:10:49 AM: Wednesday July 15

The Healing of Naaman

Read 2 Kings 5:11-14.

5:11   But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
5:12   [Are] not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
5:13   And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
5:14   Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

What does this account teach us about Naaman and some of the lessons he had to learn? What can we take from this for ourselves as well?

The man was a heathen, are we? When we have the simple straight forward counsel telling us meat is full of disease, do we reject it? When we are told "drugging should be forever abandoned; for while it does not cure any malady, it enfeebles the system, making it more susceptible to disease", do we know better? If one will listen to the side effects given on television commercials when drugs are advertised, they will better understand the light given by a prophet. But, a heathen learned the lesson well when he saw his pride almost kept him from living. What keeps Laodicea from learning the lesson?

Had the prophet Elisha personally met his prominent guest Naaman and employed exorcising gestures accompanied by magic formulas and other rituals so common in pagan religions, Naaman might not have hesitated. But two aspects of his reception insulted him. Not only did the prophet not personally come out of his house to meet Naaman, but he also directed him to the Jordan River as the place to get his leprosy cured.

From the viewpoint of protocol, Naaman was right. Elisha should have left his house to greet him. And the rivers in Damascus were undoubtedly better, since their water was clearer than the muddy Jordan’s. However, through Elisha, God directed Naaman to the Jordan, a river in Israel. The entire cure process was designed to demonstrate, first, that there was a prophet of the true God in Israel and, second, that God rewarded believing compliance.

How is it today? How do you stand in relationship to a modern day prophet who was more than a prophet? Are you studying the light given? Do you read the books published in her day? Do you appreciate the light given? How about the counsels on education? Why do we not follow them? Why is Spectrum and A-today given press credentials to the General Conference Session when they depreciate not only the gospel, but the prophet? We know the church remains in a Laodicean condition, with a majority of the leaders in the NAD and the TED and Australia unconverted and many in rebellion, but how is it with you? Do you believe, or are you filled with "unbelief"? We are running out of time. Even today some will close their own probations by rejecting God and the counsel of His inspired prophets. If we will abide in Christ, if we will come to Him, He will save us from ourselves.

Naaman’s retinue convinced him to submit to his new, divine "commander" and at least give it a try. Their argument, that if the suggested cure had been complicated he would have endured it, persuaded him. It must have been hard for Naaman to swallow his pride at having to listen to a slave girl, a foreign prophet who showed him little deference, and, finally, to his own servants. He was, though, desperate for healing.

"Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." 2 Kings 5:14.

The initial requirements for Naaman’s healing were belief and compliance. As soon as he conquered his pride and complied with God’s expressed will by bathing seven times in the muddy Jordan, he was cured.

There is no greater sin than "unbelief".

Read Romans 6:4-11.

6:4   Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
6:5   For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection:
6:6   Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
6:7   For he that is dead is freed from sin.
6:8   Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
6:9   Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
6:10   For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
6:11   Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

How does the story of Naaman reflect some of the principles taught in these verses? In what ways have you experienced the reality of a "new life" in Christ?

Have you experienced a "new life" "in Christ" or is Christ not in you? If He is not in you, where is He? For many He stands at the door of the heart knocking. He does not forsake us, He loves us. He is not idle, but drawing all men unto Himself. Will we yield to the truth as did Naaman, or will we continue on in our independent spirit? Many will be lost because they were unwilling to do as did Naaman. Pride is a very dangerous thing. It keeps sinful man from bowing down to Christ. If we would learn of Him who gave all for us, we would be converted and willingly fall at His feet.
Title: Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3-Third Quarter 2015-The Unlikely Missionary
Post by: Richard Myers on July 17, 2015, 06:30:04 AM: Thursday July 16

A New Believer

"Now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant." 2 Kings 5:15. In what way do these words help reveal the experience of salvation? See Rev. 14:12; 1 John 5:2-3; Rom. 6:1.

It would have been easy for Naaman to return directly from Jordan to Damascus after his healing. However, as a gesture of thankfulness, he and his attendants returned to the prophet’s place. This time they met Elisha in person. The confession that the God of Israel is sovereign in the world is the main theme of the Bible. These words coming from a pagan constitute one of the high points in Old Testament revelation. Naaman’s conversion made clear that his new experience had to be tied to the God of Israel. The prophet was Israelite, the river was the most important in Israel, and the number seven was a clear connection to the God of creation.

What we see with Naaman is an example of how true faith works: Naaman received something that He could never have earned on his own. The fact that Elisha refused the gifts (2 Kings 5:16) was a way of showing how salvation cannot be earned or bought, but is wholly of God’s grace. At the same time, however, Naaman’s willingness to give something to Elisha for what he had done for him shows the response of faith, a response out of gratefulness for what had been given him. Elisha refused the gift. Here he followed the example of Abraham when he helped the pagan kings but refused rewards with the words that no one should be able to say, "I have made Abram rich (Gen. 14:23). Elisha knew that acceptance of a gift would have spoiled the lesson Naaman should learn. The healing was the work of God and an act of sheer grace."

"Let this point be fully settled in every mind: If we accept Christ as a Redeemer, we must accept Him as a Ruler. We cannot have the assurance and perfect confiding trust in Christ as our Saviour until we acknowledge Him as our King and are obedient to His commandments. Thus we evidence our allegiance to God. We have then the genuine ring in our faith, for it is a working faith. It works by love."-Ellen G. White, Faith and Works, p. 16.

Amen! The evidence of our faith is our works. Why do so many teach contrary to this truth? They are unconverted and have no spiritual discernment. Do we put our faith in man or do we go the Bible to understand the gospel of grace that transforms the life?

If others were to look at your life, what would they see in it that reveals your love for God because of what He has done for you in Christ?

Ummm....does this mean we can see if we love God supremely? How can we see this? Is the life changed when we love God supremely? And if we do not, is this seen also? Can we support this from Scripture? Did Jesus tell us we can know those who are dressed in sheep's clothing, but are not His? Will you trust the Words of Jesus or what you have been told by a mere man? Paul commended the Bereans because they did not place their trust in him, but in Scripture. The true teacher sent from God points all to Christ and His inspired Word. It is a revelation of Christ. "The Word was made flesh." By beholding Him in the Word, we shall become changed into His image, character (2 Cor. 3:18).
Title: Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3-Third Quarter 2015-The Unlikely Missionary
Post by: Richard Myers on July 17, 2015, 06:56:34 AM: Friday July 17

Further Study: "Centuries after Naaman returned to his Syrian home, healed in body and converted in spirit, his wonderful faith was referred to and commended by the Saviour as an object lesson for all who claim to serve God. "Many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet," the Saviour declared; "and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian." Luke 4:27. God passed over the many lepers in Israel because their unbelief closed the door of good to them. A heathen nobleman who had been true to his convictions of right, and who felt his need of help, was in the sight of God more worthy of His blessing than were the afflicted in Israel, who had slighted and despised their God-given privileges. God works for those who appreciate His favors and respond to the light given them from heaven."-Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, pp. 252, 253.

Is it possible to read this and not realize that it is a rebuke to the Seventh-day Adventist Church? God does not work mightily today to bring many into His church because it remains in a Laodicean condition. Many leave when they find hypocrisy in the church. As with Israel then, so it is today, God passes over many sick and dying in our church because their unbelief has closed the door of good to them. Shall we ignore this or will we turn from our unbelief and learn of Him who gave all that we might live?

Discussion Questions:

Over the years a great deal of discussion has ensued over what happened after the healing of Naaman. In 2 Kings 5:17-19, Naaman makes a powerful confession of faith, saying, "for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD" (2 Kings 5:17). However, right after, he says, "when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing." 2 Kings 5:18. What are the implications of Elisha’s reply? To what extent do Christian missionaries have to exercise patience and understanding to new converts, especially when they come to us from a different religious and cultural background?

This is an important question. The response from Elisha reveals the answer in part, but not fully. There are some things that are not to be excused. They are to be made plain before baptism. What are these doctrines and why are they so important? I might add, it is unfair to new converts to bring them into a church where others understand, and they are not told. It is one thing to keep silent when they remain in a church that does not understand, but in many cases converts are brought into churches that do understand. It is cruel to not bring new converts up to the same level of understanding before they are brought into church membership. It is both for the good of the new convert and the good of the church. Bringing wine to a potluck is not good for the new convert.

How rapidly should enculturation of new converts take place? "The widow of Sarepta and Naaman the Syrian had lived up to all the light they had; hence they were accounted more righteous than God’s chosen people who had backslidden from Him and had sacrificed principle to convenience and worldly honor."-Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 416.

Healing and salvation came to Naaman by a faith revealed in his actions. Discuss more the whole question of the relationship between faith and works. Why is it so important to understand the crucial yet distinct roles both have in the Christian life and witness?

We will let one of our Bible scholars answer this most important question. It needs to be answered because there are so many ordained ministers in the church teaching contrary to the truth. Some in high places do not believe one will be judged by their works, which means they reject what is happening today in the Most Holy Place in heaven.
Title: Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3-Third Quarter 2015-The Unlikely Missionary
Post by: Richard Myers on July 17, 2015, 09:41:03 PM: Thirty years ago, a very influential pastor was preaching that God does it all, we don't have any part in our salvation. I objected and told him that our part is coming to Christ, to learn of Him. He is drawing all to Himself, but we must cease resisting that drawing and spend time with Him that we might learn of His character of love and grace. By beholding His glory we shall be converted, changed into His image by the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18).

Ten years later, I was at a camp-meeting in the Northwest and this pastor was doing the morning meetings. I was blessed to hear him preaching that we must behold Jesus, that is our part. I wanted to know if he was teaching the gospel, so I asked him a question after his meeting. I asked if a man sins on Monday and does not repent until Friday, if he retains his salvation while unrepentant? He said by all means he remains "justified" between Monday and Friday, "I teach relationship theology". Well...that was the last time, I presented such beautiful truth to someone who was wise in his own understanding. I later discovered his character reflected his theology. So, the question asked in today's lesson is important. What do our works have to do with our salvation? I

There is another teacher of significant influence in the church today, who does not believe we are the ones being judged in the investigative judgment. He does not understand what it means to "open the books" of heaven. He has inserted his own ideas into the Sabbath School lessons a number of times leading many away from the truth that we are to be judged by our works. Martin Luther did not like the Book of James because he misunderstood the gospel. Yes, he was a converted man and yes he had light for his day, but his lack of understanding has led many astray today. "Just believe" is the mantra in the Evangelical world, but the devils believe and are lost. There is more than "just believing". We are not saved by our works, but neither are we saved without doing something, and neither are we going to heaven unless we are changed in character.

Not my words, but "thus saith the Lord".

2:19   Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
2:20   But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
2:21   Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
2:22   Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
2:23   And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
2:24   Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
2:25   Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent [them] out another way?
2:26   For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Don't trust in the arm of flesh, as many in Israel did. The Son of God came unto His own and they knew Him not. Laodicean was the condition of Israel then and so it is today. We must be reconciled to God, we must feed upon Jesus, we must drink His blood and eat His flesh. And, by beholding Him, we shall fall in love with Him. If we do not make a completed surrender to Him, we shall remain in a lost state. As Jesus told Nicodemus, we must be born again, born of His Spirit. That which is born of the flesh is flesh (lost), that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit (saved). Yes, the deceptions are great. If possible even the very elect shall be deceived, but they will not because they are looking unto Jesus not to erring humanity.

When we surrender completely, then the Spirit takes possession of the heart. When this happens, there is a radical transformation of character. Here is where the deception is greatest. Many have been taught that a baby (newly born Christian) is not holy, that he can't help but sin. This is not true. As long as he clings to Christ, his heart has been cleansed from sin and he has power to resist all temptations that come to him. It is a promise. But, it is a conditional promise. What is the promise and what is the condition?

James did not contradict Paul, they both understood and taught the same gospel. Too many do not see how their teachings are reconciled. Do you? Do you see that we shall be judged by our works in the IJ? Do you believe that when we are in a justified state that all of the fruits of His Spirit are seen in the life, not one is missing? If not, then study until you can reconcile Paul with James. The deceptions run deep. Nicodemus was shocked when he heard that he was not converted. We want to follow the example of Nicodemus. He did not give up.

Be prepared to teach the gospel truth in your Sabbath School class this Sabbath. Explain that the investigative judgment is going to compare our works with the law of God. When the books are opened, it is to reveal not only our works, but our thoughts, and our motives. How many believe this? Far too few. If the heart was not purified, then the books will reveal that self did no die. Unless our motives are pure and holy, we shall not enter heaven. The psalmist exclaims, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).
As God works upon the heart by His Holy Spirit, man must cooperate with Him. The thoughts must be bound about, restricted, withdrawn from branching out and contemplating things that will only weaken and defile the soul. The thoughts must be pure, the meditations of the heart must be clean, if the words of the mouth are to be words acceptable to heaven, and helpful to your associates. Christ said to the Pharisees, "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:34-37).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ presented before His disciples the far-reaching principles of the law of God. He taught His hearers that the law was transgressed by the thoughts before the evil desire was carried out in actual commission. We are under obligation to control our thoughts, and to bring them into subjection to the law of God.--Review and Herald, June 12, 1888.