Encontrar Descanso Nos Laços Familiares

Lição 6, 31 de Julho a 06 de Agosto

Sábado à tarde

VERSO ÁUREO: “Vós, portanto, amados, sabendo isto de antemão, guardai-vos de que, pelo engano dos homens abomináveis, sejais juntamente arrebatados e descaiais da vossa firmeza; antes, crescei na graça e conhecimento de nosso Senhor e Salvador Jesus Cristo. A ele seja dada a glória, assim agora como no dia da eternidade. Amém!” 2 Pedro 3:17, 18

LEITURAS DA SEMANA: Génesis 34; Hebreus 11:17-22; Deuteronómio 4:29; 1 João 3:1, 2; Génesis 39; Efésios 6:1-13

O jovem olhava para o horizonte. Então, viu-os. Ele estava à procura dos seus irmãos há vários dias. Ao se aproximar, a acenar e chamar o grupo de carrancudos, obteve tudo, menos uma recepção calorosa. Os seus próprios irmãos queriam matá-lo! Se não fosse por Rúben, possivelmente não teria havido história para contar. Rúben convenceu o resto dos irmãos apenas a maltratá-lo um pouco e atirá-lo a um poço seco. Mais tarde, Judá tramou um esquema para se livrar do irmão e ganhar dinheiro, vendendo-o a alguns traficantes de escravos que passavam por ali.

Que exemplo de disfunção familiar!

Podemos escolher muitas coisas na vida, mas não a nossa família. Ninguém é perfeito. Nenhuma família tem relacionamentos perfeitos. Alguns são abençoados por terem familiares que reflectem o amor de Deus, mas muitos têm que se contentar com menos do que o ideal. Os relacionamentos costumam ser complicados e dolorosos, deixando-nos inquietos, magoados e com um peso emocional que, consequentemente, descarregamos sobre os outros.

Como podemos encontrar descanso nesta área da vida? Na história de José e dos seus laços familiares veremos que Deus traz cura e descanso emocional, apesar dos relacionamentos disfuncionais.

Finding Rest in Family Ties

Lesson 6, July 31 - August 6

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: Genesis 34; Hebrews 11:17-22; Deuteronomy 4:29; 1 John 3:1, 2; Genesis 39; Ephesians 6:1-13.

Memory Text: “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17-18

The young man carefully scanned the horizon. Then, finally, he saw them. He had been looking for his brothers for days. As he approached, waving and calling to the grim-faced group, he got anything but a warm welcome. His own brothers actually wanted to kill him. If it hadn’t been for Reuben, there may have been no story to tell. Reuben convinced the rest just to rough him up a bit and throw him into a dry well. Later, Judah came up with the grand scheme to get rid of him and make a bit of money, too, by selling him to some passing slave traders.

What an example of family dysfunction!

We get to choose many things in life, but not our family. No one is perfect, and none of us have perfect families and perfect family relationships. Some of us are blessed by parents, siblings, and other family members that reflect God’s love, but many have to settle for less than the ideal. Family relationships are often complicated and painful, leaving us restless, hurt, and carrying loads of emotional baggage that we, in turn, off-load on others.

How can we find God’s rest in this area of our lives? This week we turn to the story of Joseph and his family ties in order to watch God at work bringing healing and emotional rest despite dysfunctional family relationships.

“For My Yoke Is Easy” and “My Burden Is Light”

Wednesday, July 28

We noticed already that Matthew’s use of “yoke” in this section echoes Judaism’s use of the term and that of other New Testament texts referring to a wrong understanding of the law.

The Greek term translated as “easy” in Matthew 11:30 can also be translated as “good, pleasant, useful, and benevolent.” Many people around us consider God’s law heavy-handed, difficult to comply with, and, at times, irrelevant. How can we help them to discover the beauty of the law and inspire love for the Lawgiver?

Parents always remember the moment when their child took that first step. A wobbly first step is followed by a tentative second step, then a third — and by then it’s most likely that the child will stumble and fall. There may be some tears and perhaps even a bruise, but once the child has felt the freedom of movement, he or she will get up and try again. Walk, fall, get up, walk, fall, get up. The sequence repeats itself many times before the child can walk securely. And yet, amidst stumbles and falls, there is a proud little face triumphantly declaring: Papa, Mama, I can walk!

Walking with Jesus may not always be easy, but it’s always good and the right thing to do. We may stumble; we may even fall; yet, we can get up and continue to walk with Him at our side.

In Galatians 5:1, Paul wrote: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage”. What does that mean? How has Christ made us free? What is the difference between the yoke He asks us to carry and the “yoke of bondage” that Paul warns us against?

We can be sure that whatever exactly Paul meant by the “yoke of bondage,” he was not referring to obedience to God’s law, the Ten Commandments. On the contrary, it’s through obedience, by faith, understanding that our salvation is secure, not based on the law but on Christ’s righteousness covering us, that we can have true rest and freedom.

Why is living a life of obedience to God’s law one of more restfulness than one in which we disobey that law?

Thursday, July 29

Jesus’ final statement in Matthew 11:30 uses the imagery of bearing a burden: “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”.

Moses was delighted to see his father-in-law Jethro after Israel had left Egypt and crossed the sea. Read Exodus 18:13-22. What does bearing another person’s burden look like in this story?

Exodus 18:13 tells us that people came to Moses for judgments from morning until evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw this, he earnestly pleaded with his son-in-law to establish a structure that would allow him to focus on the big things while trusting others to take care of the more mundane things. Scripture tells us that Moses listened to Jethro’s voice and implemented these life-giving changes.

When Jesus told us that His burden is light, He wanted to remind us that we can rely on Him, the ultimate Burden Bearer. Like Moses, we must learn that we need others to share our burdens. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, Paul’s imagery of the body of Christ offers a good illustration of what shared burdens may look like. We need a functioning body to be able to carry any weight. We need legs, arms, shoulders, muscles, and sinews to carry anything.

Read Galatians 6:2. How does bearing one another’s burdens help us fulfill the law of Christ?

The immediate context of this passage may offer some help. In Galatians 6:1, Paul states that if a brother or sister falls into temptation, we are to restore that person in a spirit of gentleness (remember Jesus’ claim in Matthew 11:29 that He is gentle). Burden bearing means restoring someone who has gone off the track in order to help that person see divine grace. But it also means helping one another when we, or they, suffer hardship. The Greek term for “burden” can refer to a heavy weight or stone. It’s a reminder that we all carry burdens and that we all need those who can help us carry the burden. Burden-sharing is a divinely ordained church activity requiring gentleness and producing compassion.

Think about the last time someone helped you carry a burden that you were struggling under. Why did that mean so much to you? Whose burden can you help carry now?

Friday, July 30

Further Thought: “When you find your work hard, when you complain of difficulties and trials, when you say that you have no strength to withstand temptation, that you cannot overcome impatience, and that the Christian life is uphill work, be sure that you are not bearing the yoke of Christ; you are bearing the yoke of another master.” Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, p. 267

“There is need of constant watchfulness and of earnest, loving devotion, but these will come naturally when the soul is kept by the power of God through faith. We can do nothing, absolutely nothing, to commend ourselves to divine favor. We must not trust at all to ourselves or to our good works; but when as erring, sinful beings we come to Christ, we may find rest in His love. God will accept every one that comes to Him trusting wholly in the merits of a crucified Saviour. Love springs up in the heart. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but there is an abiding, peaceful trust. Every burden is light; for the yoke which Christ imposes is easy. Duty becomes a delight, and sacrifice a pleasure. The path that before seemed shrouded in darkness becomes bright with beams from the Sun of Righteousness. This is walking in the light as Christ is in the light.” Ellen G. White, Faith and Works, pp. 38, 39

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you remember the moment in your walk with Jesus when you finally surrendered? Share this moment in your class and focus particularly on the reason why you surrendered.

2. Study Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 11:25-27 and discuss in your class how we gain knowledge of grace. Why does God hide the plan of salvation (“these things”) from the wise and prudent and reveal them to babes?

3. In a practical way, how can we, help those around us struggling with their burdens to come to Jesus and find rest?

4. Dwell more on this idea of being “meek and lowly in heart.” Isn’t that bad for a person’s self-esteem? Shouldn’t we feel good about ourselves, especially someone who struggles with self-doubts anyway? How should the cross, and what the cross represents, help us to understand what Jesus means about being “meek and lowly?” That is, in the presence of the cross, why are meekness and lowliness the only real appropriate attitudes to have?

“Take My Yoke Upon You” - “I Am Gentle and Lowly in Heart”

Monday, July 26

Read Matthew 11:29, 30. Why does Jesus command us to take His yoke right after He has invited us to give Him our burdens and find true rest?

After the first imperative “come” in Matthew 11:28, two more imperatives follow in Matthew 11:29.

“Take” and “learn” focus the attention of the audience (and the reader) on Jesus. We are to take His yoke and learn from Him.

The intimate relationship in the Godhead between the Father and the Son (already intimated in Matthew 11:25-27) offers a powerful illustration that may explain the yoke metaphor in these verses. Both the Father and the Son are working unitedly to save humanity. While the yoke is a symbol of submission (see Jeremiah 27), it is also a metaphor illustrating united purpose. We submit to His yoke and accept the task He gives us to bless those around us. We are not carrying His yoke; we are just yoked to Him because His yoke “is easy” and His burden “is light” (Matthew 11:30).

The second imperative “learn from Me” reiterates this concept. In Greek the verb “learn” is connected to the term “disciple.” When we learn from Jesus, we are truly His disciples. Obedience and commitment are characteristics of discipleship.

What is the difference between being “heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28) and taking up His yoke (Matthew 11:29)?

The yoke was a common metaphor in Judaism for the law. Acts 15:10 uses it in reference to the law of circumcision. Galatians 5:1 contrasts the liberty Jesus offers with the yoke of bondage, which is a reference to the law as a means of salvation. Being yoked to Jesus emphasizes obedience and commitment to follow in His footsteps and to participate in His mission. While we cannot hope to add anything to the salvation that Jesus won for us on the cross, we can become His ambassadors and share the good news with those around us. Jesus’ interpretation of the law, as demonstrated in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is even more radical than the Pharisees’ take on it. It requires heart surgery and transforms our motives — and, His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30).

What a wonderful promise! Rest for your souls. How have you experienced that rest? What is it like? By focusing on Jesus and on what He offers us, how can we begin to know that rest?

Tuesday, July 27

Gentleness is an underrated quality today. Humility is laughed at. Social media has taught us to pay attention to the loud, the noisy, the weird and wild, and the flamboyant. Truly so many of the world’s standards are so opposite of what God deems important and valuable.

“A knowledge of the truth depends not so much upon strength of intellect as upon pureness of purpose, the simplicity of an earnest, dependent faith. To those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance, angels of God draw near. The Holy Spirit is given to open to them the rich treasures of the truth.” Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 59

Read Matthew 5:5, 1 Peter 3:4, and Isaiah 57:15. How would you define meekness and humility based on these texts?

Paul refers to “the meekness and gentleness of Christ” in 2 Corinthians 10:1. Meekness and humility are not descriptions of a pushover, of people who cannot stand their own ground. Jesus Himself did not seek confrontation and often avoided it because His mission had not yet been fulfilled (John 4:1-3). When confrontation came to Him, however, He responded boldly. Yet at the same time, He spoke kindly. His laments over Jerusalem just prior to the cross, for example, were not shouted curses but tear-filled word pictures of a devastating future (Luke 19:41-44).

In the New Testament, Jesus is often portrayed as the second Moses. He speaks from a mountain when He lays out the principles of His kingdom (Matthew 5:1). He provides large crowds with miracle food (Matthew 14:13-21). Numbers 12:3 describes Moses as “meek,” which is echoed in Matthew 11:29. People witnessing the feeding of the 5,000 exclaim in wonder, “This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world” (John 6:14) — a reference to Deuteronomy 18:15 and Moses’ role as a prophet.

Jesus’ humility and meekness clearly supersede Moses’. After all, He is our divine Savior. While Moses offered to give himself to save his people (Exodus 32:32), his death would not have accomplished anything, for Moses was a sinner himself and in need of a Savior, a sin-bearer to pay for his sins. Though we can learn from Moses and the story of his life, we cannot find salvation in him.

Instead, we need a Savior who can stand in our stead, not just as an Intercessor but as our Substitute. Intercession is important, but it is only God hanging on the cross as our Sin-bearer, as the One who paid in Himself the penalty for our sin, who can save us from the legal consequences that our sins would, justly, bring to us. This is why, however great the example Jesus was for us, it would all be for nothing without the Cross and the resurrection.

Building an Off-Grid Log Cabin in a Cedar Woodland using Hand Tools, Bushcraft Survival Shelter ep.4

Building an Off-Grid Log Cabin in a Cedar Woodland using Hand Tools - Bushcraft Shelter Project ep.3

Building an Off Grid Log Cabin in a Woodland - Bushcraft Survival Project Wilderness Shelter ep2.

Building an Off-Grid Log Cabin using Hand Tools - Bushcraft Survival Shelter Eco Project ep.1

Bushcraft Survival Shelter Eco Project ep.1

Building an off-grid log cabin in the primitive bushcraft village using basic hand tools and lots of cedar wood!

“I Will Give You Rest”

Sunday, July 25

Read Matthew 11:20-28, when Jesus says: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. What is the context of this statement? How does Jesus give us this rest?

Like all of us, Jesus never spoke without a context. In order to understand Him, we need to grasp the specific context surrounding a particular statement, especially if we want to avoid misunderstanding Jesus.

Matthew 11 marks a turning point in Matthew’s Gospel. The statements denouncing important Galilean cities are the harshest heard so far in the Gospel. Jesus does not curry favors; He puts the finger where it hurts; He associates with the “wrong” people (Matthew 9:9-13); His claim to be able to forgive sins is scandalous in the eyes of the religious leaders (Matthew 9:1-8).

Indeed, Jesus speaks some powerfully condemning words to the people, even comparing them, unfavorably, to Sodom, viewed then (as today) as a place of implacable wickedness. “But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee” (Matthew 11:24).

Tensions are rising — and yet, in the midst of all of this, Jesus changes gear and offers true rest. He can do so because “All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father” (Matthew 11:27). Jesus’ ability to give rest is based on His divinity and His oneness with the Father.

Before we can come to unload our burdens, we need to understand that we cannot carry them alone. In fact, most of us will not come unless we have recognized our true condition. Jesus’ invitation is need-based.

His statement in Matthew 11:28 begins with an imperative in the Greek original. “Come” is not optional; “come” represents the precondition of finding rest. “Come” means that we need to surrender control. In a time when we can conveniently control many things in our lives via our smartphones, coming to Jesus is not the natural direction. In fact, for most people, surrender is the toughest part of the Christian life.

We love to talk, and rightly so, about all that God does for us in Christ and how we cannot save ourselves and the like. All that is true. But in the end, we still have to make the conscious choice to “come” to Jesus, which means surrender to Him. Here is where the reality of free will becomes front and center in the Christian life.

What burdens are you carrying? How can you learn to give them to Jesus and experience the rest He offers, and at so great a cost to Himself?

Vinde a Mim

Lição 5, 24 a 30 de Julho

Sábado à tarde

VERSO ÁUREO: “Vinde a mim, todos os que estais cansados e oprimidos, e eu vos aliviarei.” Mateus 11:28

LEITURAS DA SEMANA: Mateus 11:20-30; Mateus 5:5; Dt 18:15; Gálatas 5:1; Êxodo 18:13-22; Gálatas 6:2

Que promessa maravilhosa Jesus nos concedeu no texto de Mateus 11:28! Afinal, quem não se sente às vezes sobrecarregado, se não com o trabalho, com as preocupações e a sobrecarga que a própria vida traz? Neste texto, Jesus disse que sabe o que estamos a passar e que nos pode ajudar – isto é, se O permitirmos.

Depois de nos mandar tomar o Seu jugo, Cristo disse: “O Meu jugo é suave, e o Meu fardo é leve” (Mateus 11:30). Noutras palavras: “Livra-te dos jugos e fardos que estás a carregar (dá-mos a Mim) e, em vez disso, toma o Meu jugo, pois ele é mais fácil de levar”.

Como podemos experimentar o descanso de que Jesus estava a falar? Afinal, no mundo em que vivemos, depois do pecado, o Senhor disse a Adão: “No suor do teu rosto, comerás o teu pão” (Génesis 3:19). Portanto, sabemos o que é labutar e carregar fardos que podem parecer muito difíceis de levar, pelo menos sozinhos.

Na lição desta semana, vamos estudar como experimentar o alívio e o descanso espirituais oferecidos por Jesus Cristo a todos os que aceitam aprender com Ele.

“Come to Me … ”

Lesson 5, July 24-30

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: Matthew 11:20-30, Matthew 5:5, Deuteronomy 18:15, Galatians 5:1, Exodus 18:13-22, Galatians 6:2.

Memory Text: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

What a wonderful promise we have been given here by Jesus. After all, who among us at times hasn’t felt heavy-laden, if not so much with work itself (though that can often be the case) but with the labor and heavy-ladenness that life itself brings? And Jesus here is telling us that, yes, He knows what we are going through, and yes, He can help us — that is, if we let Him.

And then, after telling us to bear His yoke, Jesus says, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). In other words, Get rid of the yokes and burdens that you are carrying (give them to Me) and take Mine upon yourself instead, for Mine are easier to bear.

How can we experience the rest that Jesus is talking about? After all, we live in a world where, after sin, the Lord said to Adam “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread” (Genesis 3:19). Thus, we have known what it is like to labor and to be carrying burdens that can seem way too hard to bear, at least by ourselves alone.

Reflectores da Luz de Deus

Quinta-feira, 22 de Julho

Depois de superar um fracasso embaraçoso e experimentar o perdão, a coisa mais natural a fazer é tentar esquecer que o evento aconteceu. As lembranças de derrotas podem ser dolorosas.

9. O que desejava Davi fazer com a sua experiência dolorosa? Salmos 51:13-19

Quando uma tigela ou um vaso precioso cai e se parte, normalmente suspiramos e deitamos fora os cacos inúteis. No Japão, existe uma arte tradicional chamada kintsugi, especializada em recriar cerâmica partida. Um metal precioso, como ouro ou prata líquidos, é usado para colar as peças partidas e transformar o objecto destruído em algo belo e com valor.

Cada vez que Deus perdoa as nossas transgressões e nos recria, algo muda. O precioso perdão de Deus cola os nossos pedaços, e as fissuras visíveis podem chamar a atenção para a Sua graça. Podemos tornar-nos os alto-falantes de Deus. “A minha língua exaltará a Tua justiça” (Salmos 51:14). Não nos tentamos reparar nem melhorar por nós mesmos. O nosso espírito quebrantado, o nosso coração contrito, são louvores suficientes a Deus – e são raios de luz que o mundo pode ver. A nossa experiência de ter sido perdoados atrai aqueles que buscam o perdão.

10. Que relação existe entre o Salmo 51 e 1 João 1:9?

O texto de 1 João 1:9 é um resumo do Salmo 51. Tal como Davi sabia que Deus não desprezaria um coração quebrantado e contrito (Salmos 51:17), João assegurou-nos que, “Se confessarmos os nossos pecados, Ele é fiel e justo para nos perdoar os pecados e nos purificar de toda injustiça” (1 João 1:9). Podemos crer na palavra de Deus.

Davi não conseguiu reparar o tremendo dano que tinha causado à sua família através dos seus actos e exemplo. Ele sofreu as consequências das suas decisões e acções. Mesmo assim, Davi sabia que tinha sido perdoado. Ele sabia que, pela fé, precisava crer que um dia o verdadeiro Cordeiro de Deus viria e tomaria o seu lugar.

Como podemos aplicar as promessas de 1 João 1:9 à nossa vida? O que devemos sentir depois de fazer isto e de saber que a promessa também é para nós?

Sexta-feira, 23 de Julho

Estudo Adicional

“O arrependimento de Davi foi sincero e profundo. Não houve esforço para atenuar seu delito. Sua oração não foi inspirada em nenhum desejo de escapar dos juízos que o ameaçavam. [...], percebeu a contaminação de sua alma e sentiu repugnância por si mesmo em consequência de seu pecado. Não era unicamente pelo perdão que ele orava, mas pela pureza de coração. [...] Nas promessas de Deus aos pecadores arrependidos, ele via a prova de seu perdão e aceitação. ‘[...] Sacrifícios agradáveis a Deus são o espírito quebrantado; Coração compungido e contrito, não o desprezarás, ó Deus’ (Salmos 51:16, 17). [...] Embora Davi tivesse caído, o Senhor o levantou. [...] Davi se humilhou e confessou seu pecado, enquanto Saul desprezou a reprovação e endureceu o coração na impenitência. Esse episódio da história de Davi [...] é uma das mais fortes ilustrações que nos são dadas sobre as lutas e tentações da humanidade, do arrependimento genuíno [...].”

“Em todos os séculos, [...] milhares dos filhos de Deus, quando traídos pelo pecado [...], têm se lembrado [... do] arrependimento e [... da] confissão sincera de Davi [e] essas pessoas têm encontrado ânimo para se arrependerem e para andar novamente no caminho dos mandamentos de Deus. “Todos aqueles que [...] se humilharem em confissão e arrependimento, como fez Davi, podem ter certeza de que existe esperança para eles. [...] O Senhor nunca rejeitará uma pessoa verdadeiramente arrependida.” Ellen G. White, Patriarcas e Profetas, p. 725, 726

Perguntas para consideração:

1. Como podemos equilibrar a consciência do pecado com a certeza do perdão?

2. Porque é que todo o pecado, em última instância, é contra Deus? O que significa isto?

3. O que podemos dizer às pessoas que não aceitam que os inocentes sofram? Como podemos explicar o amor de Deus nestas situações? O grande conflito oferece uma perspectiva proveitosa?

4. A Bíblia narra a sórdida história de Davi e Bate-Seba. Qual é o propósito deste relato?

5. O pecado separa-nos de Deus (Salmos 51:11, 12). Como acontece isto? Porque é que esta separação é tão desconfortável? Porque é que a promessa da graça é o único remédio para a culpa?

Forgiven and Forgotten? - Something New - Reflectors of God’s Light

Tuesday, July 20

After David has unwittingly pronounced judgment on himself (2 Samuel 12:5, 6), Nathan confronts him with the enormity of his sin. David’s heart is broken, and he confesses his sin. Immediately Nathan assures him that “The Lord also hath put away thy sin” (2 Samuel 12:13) and that he is forgiven. There is no waiting period on God’s forgiveness. David doesn’t have to prove that he is really sincere before forgiveness is extended.

However, Nathan, who has already predicted the consequences of David’s sin in 2 Samuel 12:10-12, goes on to state that the child to be born will die.

What does it mean that God had taken away David’s sin? Did He just wipe the slate clean? Does everyone just simply forget about it? Read 2 Samuel 12:10-23 as you contemplate these questions.

David must also have wondered about these questions as he saw his world crumbling — the baby dead, his family in disarray (the stories of Amnon and Absalom are two good examples of real-life family troubles), his future uncertain. And yet, despite the consequences of his sin, which has affected innocent people such as Uriah and the new-born baby, David also begins to understand that God’s grace will cover this and that someday all the consequences of sin will be done away with. In the meantime, he can find rest for his troubled conscience in God’s grace.

What does David feel he really needs? What does he yearn for? Read Psalm 51:1-6.

With Psalm 51, David goes public as he opens his heart and confesses his sins. David’s cry for mercy appeals to God’s unfailing love and His great compassion. He yearns for renewal.

When we consider the cost of rest in Jesus, we need first to recognize that we need outside help; we are sinners and need a Savior; we recognize our sins and cry out to the only One who can wash us, cleanse us, and renew us. When we do this, we can take courage: here is an adulterer, a manipulator, a murderer, and someone who violated at least five of the Ten Commandments who calls for help — and claims the promise of God’s forgiveness.

If God forgave David for what he did, what hope is there, then, for you?

Wednesday, July 21

After David has confessed his sin without trying to excuse it or gloss over it, he goes on to petition God. What does he ask God for? Read Psalm 51:7-12.

David’s reference to cleansing with hyssop utilizes terminology known to every Israelite who had ever visited the sanctuary. As he refers to the ritual acts of cleansing described in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 14:4), he recognized the power of a sacrifice — the Sacrifice — who would come in the future to take away the sins of the world.

David also goes on to ask for “joy” and “gladness.” In the face of the enormity of his sin, isn’t this a little audacious?

Perhaps it may be helpful to listen to this paraphrase: “Tell me I am forgiven so that I may enter the sanctuary again where I can hear the joy and gladness of those worshiping you.”

When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God’s presence (Genesis 3:8). Why do you think David’s request, even after his sin, is so different? Read Psalm 51:11, 12.

David does not want to lose the consciousness of living in God’s presence. He realizes that without the Holy Spirit, he is powerless. He knows that, as easily as he slipped into sin with Bathsheba, he could slip into sin again. His self-confidence is shattered.

David understands that future victories will not come from him; they will come only from God as he depends totally on God.

The victorious Christian life is not all about us. It is all about Jesus. We yearn for His presence; we crave His Spirit; we want His joy of salvation. We recognize our need for renewal and restoration. We need His rest — a divine act of re-creation. Creation rest is not far from forgiveness. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10) uses creation terminology. In the Old Testament only God can “create” (bara’) — and once we have been re-created, we can rest.

If you haven’t experienced the joy and gladness of liberation from a guilty conscience, what is holding you back? If it is guilt, what could you learn from this story that should help you?

Thursday, July 22

Probably the most natural thing for us to do after working through an embarrassing failure and experiencing forgiveness is to try to forget that the event ever happened. Memories of failure can be painful.

What does David want to do with his painful experience? Read Psalm 51:13-19.

When a bowl or a precious vase falls and breaks into pieces, we normally sigh and throw the useless broken pieces away. In Japan there is a traditional art called kintsugi, which specializes in recreating broken pottery. A precious metal, such as liquid gold or silver, is used to glue the broken pieces together and to turn the broken item into something of beauty and value.

Every time God forgives our transgressions and re-creates us again, something changes. God’s precious forgiveness glues our brokenness together, and the visible breaks can draw attention to His grace. We can become God’s loudspeakers. “And my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness” (Psalm 51:14). We don’t attempt to self-repair or auto-improve (even incrementally). Our broken spirits, our contrite hearts, are enough praise for God — and they are beams of light that the world can see surrounding us. Our experience of being forgiven attracts others who are searching for forgiveness.

What relationship is there between Psalm 51 and 1 John 1:9?

First John 1:9 is a short summary of Psalm 51. As David knows that “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalm 51:17), John assures us that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). We can take God at His word.

Again, David could not repair the tremendous damage that he had done through his acts and example to his family. He suffered the consequences of his decisions and actions. And yet, David knew that he had been forgiven. He knew that he needed to trust by faith that one day the true Lamb of God would come and stand in his place.

How can you learn right now to apply the promises of 1 John 1:9 to your own life? How should you feel after you do so and know that the promise is for you, too?

Friday, July 23

Further Thought: “David’s repentance was sincere and deep. There was no effort to palliate his crime. No desire to escape the judgments threatened, inspired his prayer. … He saw the defilement of his soul; he loathed his sin. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of heart. … In the promises of God to repentant sinners he saw the evidence of his pardon and acceptance. … ‘The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.’ Psalm 51:16, 17.

Though David had fallen, the Lord lifted him up …

David humbled himself and confessed his sin, while Saul despised reproof and hardened his heart in impenitence.

This passage in David’s history is … one of the most forcible illustrations given us of the struggles and temptations of humanity, and of genuine repentance. … Through all the ages … thousands of the children of God, who have been betrayed into sin, … have remembered … David’s sincere repentance and confession … and they also have taken courage to repent and try again to walk in the way of God’s commandments.

Whoever … will humble the soul with confession and repentance, as did David, may be sure that there is hope for him. … The Lord will never cast away one truly repentant soul.” Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 725, 726

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we find the balance between recognizing our inherent sinfulness and need for forgiveness, and at the same time, living like the forgiven sons and daughters of the King of the Universe that we are?

2. Why is all sin, ultimately, sin against God? What does it mean to sin against God?

3. What can we say to someone, not a believer, who struggles with the suffering of innocent people, such as Uriah or the newborn son of David and Bathsheba? How do we explain the love and justice of God in such a situation? How does the perspective of the great controversy offer a helpful outlook?

4. Why would the Bible devote two full chapters to the sordid story of David and Bathsheba? What purpose does the recounting of this story serve?

5. Dwell on the idea that sin separates us from God as expressed in Psalm 51:11, 12. What has been your own experience with how this happens? How do you feel? How would you explain to someone what this separation feels like and why it’s so uncomfortable? Why is the promise of grace the only remedy?

Despertar a Consciência - Perdoado e Esquecido? - Algo Novo

Segunda-feira, 19 de Julho

Num momento sombrio da vida de Davi, havia boas-novas: Deus enviou o profeta Natã, que tinha aconselhado Davi nos seus planos de construir um templo (2 Samuel 7). Então, o profeta foi enviado ao rei com uma tarefa diferente.

3. Porque é que Natã preferiu contar uma história, em vez de envergonhar Davi imediatamente? 2 Samuel 12:1-14

Natã soube o que dizer, e o fez de uma forma que Davi entendesse. Ele contou uma história com a qual Davi, o antigo pastor, se identificou. Ele conhecia o senso de justiça e integridade de Davi. Em certo sentido, Natã “armou uma armadilha”, e Davi caiu nela.

Quando Davi pronunciou inadvertidamente a sua própria sentença de morte, Natã disse-lhe: “Tu és este homem” (2 Samuel 12:7). Há modos diferentes de dizer “Tu és este homem”. Podemos gritar, acusar e por o dedo na cara da pessoa, ou podemos expressar preocupação. Natã misturou as suas palavras com graça. Davi sentiu a dor que Deus sente quando os Seus filhos abandonam a Sua vontade. Algo fez Davi cair em si. Algo quebrou o seu coração.

4. Porque respondeu Davi: “Pequei contra o Senhor”, em vez de dizer: “pequei contra Bate-Seba” ou “sou homicida”? 2 Samuel 12:13; Salmos 51:4

Davi reconheceu que o pecado, que inquieta o coração, afronta principalmente a Deus. Quando nos ferimos, afectamos outras pessoas. Trazemos desgraça para a família e a igreja. Mas ferimos também a Deus e colocamos outro prego na cruz que, no Gólgota, apontou para o Céu.

“A repreensão de Natã tocou o coração de Davi, despertou a sua consciência, e a terrível gravidade do seu crime veio à tona. O seu ser curvou-se arrependido diante de Deus. Com lábios trêmulos, disse: “Pequei contra o Senhor!” (v. 13). Todo o mal que é feito a alguém reflecte-se em Deus. Davi tinha cometido um grave pecado contra Urias e Bate-Seba e sentiu isso profundamente. No entanto, o seu pecado contra Deus era infinitamente maior.” Ellen G. White, Patriarcas e Profetas, p. 722

Terça-feira, 20 de julho

Depois de Davi pronunciar involuntariamente juízo sobre si mesmo (2 Samuel 12:5, 6), Natã confrontou-o com a enormidade do seu pecado. O coração de Davi foi quebrado, e ele confessou a sua transgressão. Natã assegurou-lhe Imediatamente: “Também o Senhor traspassou o teu pecado” (2 Samuel 12:13). Ele estava perdoado. Não há prazo de espera para o perdão de Deus. Davi não precisou provar que estava a ser sincero antes que o perdão fosse concedido. No entanto, Natã, que já tinha predito as consequências do pecado de Davi em 2 Samuel 12:10-12, afirmou que aquele filho morreria.

5. Deus tirou o pecado de Davi. Isto significa que Ele simplesmente esqueceu o passado? As pessoas costumam esquecer o que aconteceu? 2 Samuel 12:10-23

Davi também deve ter pensado nestas questões ao ver o seu mundo desmoronar – o bebé morto, a sua família em desordem (as histórias de Amnom e Absalão são dois exemplos de problemas familiares), o seu futuro incerto. Contudo, apesar das consequências deste pecado, que afectou inocentes como Urias e a criança recém-nascida, Davi entendeu que a graça de Deus cobriria o seu pecado, e que um dia todas as consequências seriam eliminadas. Entretanto, ele encontraria na graça de Deus o descanso para a sua consciência atribulada.

6. Na opinião de Davi, do que precisava ele? Pelo que ansiava? Salmos 51:1-6

No Salmo 51, Davi abriu o seu coração e confessou os seus pecados. O clamor por misericórdia foi um apelo ao amor de Deus e à Sua compaixão. Ele ansiava por renovação.

Quando consideramos o custo do descanso em Jesus, devemos reconhecer primeiro que precisamos de ajuda; somos pecadores e necessitamos do Salvador; confessamos os nossos pecados e clamamos ao Único que nos pode lavar e renovar. Quando fazemos isto, somos encorajados. Mesmo sendo um adúltero, manipulador, assassino, que tinha transgredido pelo menos cinco dos Dez Mandamentos, Davi suplicou o perdão de Deus.

Se Deus perdoou Davi pelo que ele fez, certamente há esperança para todos nós!

Quarta-feira, 21 de Julho

7. Davi confessou o seu pecado sem o tentar desculpar nem encobrir. Depois, o que pediu ele a Deus? Salmos 51:7-12

Ao referir-se à purificação com hissopo, Davi utilizou a terminologia conhecida pelos israelitas que visitavam o santuário. Ao referir-se aos rituais de purificação descritos na Lei de Moisés (Levítico 14:4), ele reconheceu o poder do Sacrifício que viria para tirar os pecados do mundo. Davi também pediu “júbilo” e “alegria”. Diante da enormidade do seu pecado, este pedido não era um pouco audacioso?

Talvez seja proveitoso observar esta paráfrase: “Diz-me que estou perdoado para que eu possa entrar outra vez no santuário, onde possa ouvir o júbilo e a alegria daqueles que Te adoram”.

8. Quando Adão e Eva pecaram, eles esconderam-se de Deus (Génesis 3:8). Porque é que o pedido de Davi foi tão diferente, mesmo depois do seu pecado? Salmos 51:11, 12

Davi não queria perder a consciência de viver na presença de Deus. Ele percebia que sem o Espírito Santo, ele era fraco. Sabia que, com a mesma facilidade com que tinha caído em pecado com Bate-Seba, poderia pecar outra vez. A sua autoconfiança foi destruída.

Davi entendia que as vitórias futuras não viriam dele, mas apenas de Deus, à medida que ele dependesse totalmente do Senhor.

A essência da vida cristã vitoriosa não está em nós, mas em Jesus. Ansiamos pela Sua presença; desejamos o Seu Espírito; queremos a alegria da salvação. Precisamos de renovação, restauração e descanso – um acto divino de recriação. O descanso da criação não está longe do perdão. “Cria em mim, ó Deus, um coração puro e renova em mim um espírito reto.” (Salmos 51:10). Este verso usa a terminologia da criação. No Antigo Testamento, apenas Deus podia “criar” (bara’) – e, quando somos recriados, podemos descansar.

Já experimentou o júbilo e a alegria da libertação de uma consciência culpada? Algo o está impedir de viver esta bênção? Como é que esta história o pode ajudar?

Wake-up Call

Monday, July 19

In the midst of one of the darkest times of David’s life there is good news: God sends His prophet. Nathan and David knew each other well. Earlier, Nathan had counseled David on his plans to build a temple (2 Samuel 7). Now, though, the prophet comes with a different task to perform for his king.

Why do you think Nathan chooses to tell a story rather than naming and shaming David immediately? Read 2 Samuel 12:1-14.

Nathan knew what to say, and he said it in a way that David could understand. He told a story that David, the former shepherd, could relate to. He knew David’s highly developed sense of justice and integrity. Thus, in a sense, one could say that Nathan set a trap and that David walked right into it.

When David unwittingly pronounces his own death sentence, Nathan tells him “Thou art the man” (2 Samuel 12:7). There are different ways of saying “You are the man.” One can shout it, one can accuse and stick a finger right into the other person’s face, or one can express concern and care. Nathan’s words must have been laced with grace. At that moment, David must have felt the pain that God must feel when one of His sons or daughters knowingly steps outside of His will. Something clicked in David’s mind. Something tore in his heart.

Why does David respond with: “I have sinned against the LORD” rather than, “I have sinned against Bathsheba” or “I am a murderer” (2 Samuel 12:13; see also Psalms 51:4)?

David recognized that sin, which makes our heart restless, is primarily an affront against God, the Creator and Redeemer. We hurt ourselves; we affect others. We bring disgrace to our families or churches. Yet ultimately, we hurt God and drive another nail into the rough beam pointing heavenward on Golgotha.

“The prophet’s rebuke touched the heart of David; conscience was aroused; his guilt appeared in all its enormity. His soul was bowed in penitence before God. With trembling lips he said, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ All wrong done to others reaches back from the injured one to God. David had committed a grievous sin, toward both Uriah and Bathsheba, and he keenly felt this. But infinitely greater was his sin against God.” Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 722

Cansado e Exausto

Domingo, 18 de Julho

Numa agradável noite de primavera, o inquieto rei Davi caminhava no terraço do seu palácio. Ele deveria estar com o seu exército, do outro lado do Jordão, liderando o povo de Deus para derrotar os amonitas e, finalmente, trazer paz ao reino.

1. O facto de que Davi não estava onde deveria estar abriu-lhe a porta da tentação. Leia a história em 2 Samuel 11:1-5. O que aconteceu e que grande pecado cometeu Davi?

Davi viu uma mulher “muito bonita” a tomar banho na casa dela. Os seus impulsos pecaminosos venceram naquela noite, e ele dormiu com Bate-Seba, esposa de um oficial de confiança do exército. Como todos os reis antigos, Davi tinha poder absoluto. Ele não precisava seguir as regras que governavam as outras pessoas. Contudo, a dolorosa história da família de Davi depois deste momento lembra-nos que, mesmo sendo rei, ele não estava acima da lei de Deus.

A lei existe como protecção, salvaguarda e, quando até o rei a transgride, ele enfrenta terríveis consequências. Logo depois de transgredir os limites da lei, Davi começou a sentir os efeitos em todos os aspectos da sua vida. Ele pensou que a sua impetuosa aventura tinha passado despercebida; no entanto, Bate-Seba estava grávida, e o seu marido, bem longe.

2. Leia 2 Samuel 11:6-27. Como tentou Davi encobrir o seu pecado?

Até os esquemas mais complicados de Davi, para fazer com que Urias voltasse para a sua esposa Bate-Seba, falharam. Urias era um homem de reputação excelente que respondeu às insinuações subtis de Davi assim: “A arca, e Israel, e Judá ficam em tendas; e Joabe, meu senhor, e os servos de meu senhor estão acampados no campo; e hei de eu entrar na minha casa, para comer e beber e para me deitar com minha mulher” (2 Samuel 11:11). Por fim, Davi, desesperado, recorreu a um assassinato por “controle remoto” para encobrir o seu pecado.

É difícil acreditar que Davi, a quem Deus tinha dado tantas coisas, se pudesse ter rebaixado tanto. Não importa quem somos, que advertência temos nesta história?

Worn and Weary

Sunday, July 18

On a balmy spring evening, restless King David paced the roof of his palace. He should have been with his army on the other side of the Jordan. He should have been leading God’s people to defeat the Ammonites and finally bring peace to the kingdom.

Not being where he should have been opened the door to temptation for David. Read the story in 2 Samuel 11:1-5. What happened, and what great sin did David commit?

From his roof, David saw a “very beautiful woman” taking a bath. His sinful impulses got the better of him that evening, and he slept with Bathsheba, the wife of a trusted army officer. Like all ancient kings, David had absolute power. As king he didn’t have to follow the rules that governed everyone else. And yet, the painful story of David’s family following this story-changing moment reminds us of the fact that, even as the king, he was not above God’s law.

Indeed, the law is there as a protection, a safeguard, and when even the king stepped outside it, he faced terrible consequences. As soon as David transgressed the limits of God’s law, he began to feel its effects on all aspects of his life. David thought that his passionate fling had gone unnoticed; yet, Bathsheba was now pregnant and her husband far away.

Read 2 Samuel 11:6-27. How did David try to cover up his sin?

Even David’s most intricate schemes to get Uriah home to his wife Bathsheba fail. Uriah was a man of stellar reputation who responds to David’s subtle hints: “The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife?” (2 Samuel 11:11). Eventually a desperate David reverts to “remote-control” assassination to cover his sin.

It is hard to believe that David, to whom God had given so much, could have stooped so low. No matter who we are, what warning should we all take from this story?

O Custo Do Descanso

Lição 4, 17 a 23 de Julho

Sábado à tarde

VERSO ÁUREO: “Cria em mim, ó Deus, um coração puro e renova em mim um espírito reto.” Salmos 51:10

LEITURAS DA SEMANA: 2 Samuel 11:1-27; 12:1-23; Génesis 3:1-8; 1 João 1:9

Muitas pessoas parecem desesperadas para encontrar paz e quietude. Estão dispostas a pagar por isso. Em cidades grandes, há quartos sem internet, que podem ser alugados por hora. As regras são rígidas – não pode haver barulho nem visitantes. As pessoas pagam para se sentarem em silêncio e apenas pensar ou dormir uma sesta. Cápsulas de dormir são alugadas em aeroportos. Fones com redução de ruído são coisas populares. Há até capuzes de lona ou divisórias dobráveis para colocar sobre a cabeça e o tronco para uma pausa no local de trabalho.

O verdadeiro descanso também tem um custo. Embora os “promotores” da autoajuda nos queiram fazer acreditar que podemos determinar o nosso próprio destino e que o descanso é apenas uma questão de escolha e planeamento, quando consideramos isto honestamente, percebemos a nossa incapacidade de trazer o verdadeiro descanso ao nosso coração. Agostinho, um pai da igreja no século IV, fez uma colocação sucinta no seu famoso Confissões (Livro 1), ao considerar a graça de Deus: “Fizeste-nos para Ti e inquieto está o nosso coração enquanto não repousar em Ti”.

Nesta semana, vamos examinar a vida do homem segundo o coração de Deus e como este servo do Senhor descobriu o custo do descanso espiritual.

The Cost of Rest

Lesson 4, July 17-23

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Samuel 11:1-27, 12:1-23, Genesis 3:1-8, 1 John 1:9.

Memory Text: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10

Many people seem desperate to find a little peace and quiet. They are willing to pay for it, too. In many big cities there are internet-free rooms, which can be rented by the hour. The rules are strict — no noise, no visitors. People are willing to pay to be able to sit quietly and just think or nap. There are sleep pods that can be rented in airports, or noise-reducing earphones are popular items. There are even canvas hoods, or collapsible privacy shields that you can buy to pull over your head and torso for a quick workplace break.

True rest also has a cost. While the spin doctors of the self-help media would like to make us believe that we can determine our own destiny and that rest is just a matter of choice and planning, yet, at least when we consider this honestly, we realize our inability to bring true rest to our hearts. In the fourth-century, Augustine put it succinctly in his famous Confessions (Book 1) as he considered God’s grace: “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in you.”

This week we look briefly into the life of the man after God’s own heart to find out how he discovered the true cost of God’s rest.

Eliminar a Inquietação

Quinta-feira, 15 de Julho

6. Leia João 14:1-6. No meio da nossa inquietação, o que podemos fazer para que o nosso coração tenha descanso? Como podemos vencer a divisão, egoísmo, ambição, hipocrisia e encontrar paz?

A vitória sobre a inquietação começa sempre com Jesus. Ele é o caminho, a verdade e a vida. Ele conhece a direcção certa quando vagamos sem rumo pelo deserto deste mundo saturado pelos meios de comunicação; como Legislador divino, Ele é a verdade personificada, e o Seu Espírito guiar-nos-á em toda a verdade (João 16:13). Quando estamos magoados, cansados, esgotados, enfermos e desanimados, Ele é a vida – e não uma vida qualquer. Ele nos prometeu vida em abundância (João 10:10). Isto inclui o eterno lar e a vida eterna, mas também envolve uma vida diferente aqui. O Criador pode doar agora em abundância e de maneira ilimitada.

“Não se turbe o vosso coração”. Estas palavras são um convite a viver na expectativa. Quando nos sentimos tristes, Ele pode levantar-nos. Ao lutarmos contra o pecado, Ele é Aquele que não apenas começou, mas concluirá a Sua boa obra em nós (Filipenses 1:6).

Ainda que as coisas fiquem más aqui, temos a promessa de Jesus. Ele está a preparar um “lugar” para nós. Nesse lugar a dor, inquietação e sofrimento serão banidos para sempre. Esta é a esperança que recebemos em Cristo Jesus, e ela é oferecida a todos nós, independentemente de quem sejamos, da nossa origem e do nosso pecado.

O segredo, porém, é buscar Deus na nossa fraqueza, na nossa dor, no nosso quebrantamento e no nosso estado decaído, sabendo que Ele nos aceita apesar destas coisas. É disto que se trata a graça. Por isso, devemos crer que a recebemos, se a buscarmos com fé.

7. Leia Jeremias 3:22. O que nos pede Deus que façamos, e o que Ele fará em resposta por nós?

“…virei outra vez e vos levarei para mim mesmo, para que, onde eu estiver, estejais vós também.” (João 14:3). Porque é que as promessas da segunda vinda de Cristo e da ressurreição são tão preciosas, especialmente quando pensamos nos nossos queridos que dormem o sono da morte na sepultura?

Sexta-feira, 16 de Julho

Estudo Adicional

“Na vida que se centraliza no eu não pode haver crescimento nem frutificação. Se vocês aceitaram a Cristo como Salvador pessoal, devem se esquecer de si mesmos e procurar auxiliar a outros. Falem do amor de Cristo, contem de Sua bondade. Cumpram todo dever que se lhes apresenta. Levem sobre o coração o peso da salvação das pessoas, e tentem salvar os perdidos por todos os meios possíveis. Recebendo o Espírito de Cristo – o espírito do amor abnegado e do sacrifício por outrem – vocês crescerão e produzirão fruto. As graças do Espírito amadurecerão em seu caráter. Sua fé aumentará; suas convicções se aprofundarão, seu amor será mais perfeito. Mais e mais vocês refletirão a semelhança de Cristo em tudo que é puro, nobre e amável.” Ellen G. White, Parábolas de Jesus, p. 67, 68

Ao lidarmos com problemas entre membros da igreja “tem-se alongado por horas a conversação entre as partes envolvidas, e não somente seu tempo tem sido perdido, mas os servos de Deus são retidos para ouvi-los, quando o coração de ambas as partes não está subjugado pela graça. Se o orgulho e o egoísmo fossem postos de lado, cinco minutos bastariam para remover a maioria das dificuldades.” Ellen G. White, Primeiros Escritos, p. 119

Perguntas para consideração:

1. Como podemos vencer o egoísmo? Qual é a nossa responsabilidade mútua para que isso ocorra?

2. Podemos esperar grandes coisas de Deus sem ser consumidos pela ambição egoísta?

3. Muitos disfarçam a ambição, a hipocrisia, o egoísmo e a inveja. Como as raízes do álamo, estas características escondem-se sob a superfície. De que modo ocorre a transformação do carácter guiada pelo Espírito? Podemos vencer a raiz da inquietação e encontrar o descanso em Jesus?

4. Que proveito a primeira vinda de Cristo teria trazido se não tivéssemos a esperança da Sua segunda vinda, visto que os mortos ressuscitarão apenas no dia da volta de Jesus?

Uprooting Restlessness

Thursday, July 15

Read John 14:1-6. In the midst of our own restlessness, what can we do that our hearts will not feel troubled? What is the key to overcoming division, selfishness, ambition, hypocrisy, and truly finding rest?

Overcoming restlessness always begins with Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He knows the right direction when we wander aimlessly in the wilderness of our media-saturated world; as the divine Lawgiver He Himself is the personified truth, and His Spirit will guide us into all truth (John 16:13). When we are hurt, tired, worn out, sick, and discouraged, He is the life — not just any life. In fact, He has promised us life in abundance (John 10:10). This includes our eternal home and eternal life, but it also entails a different quality of life here. The Creator surely is able to give abundantly and beyond measure, even now.

“Let not your heart be troubled” is an invitation to live in anticipation. When we feel low, He is able to put us on a higher plain. When we struggle with darkness and sin, He is the One who not only began but will also finish His good work in us (Philippians 1:6).

No matter how bad things get here (and yes, they can get bad) look at the promise we have been given in Jesus. He is preparing a “place” for us, a place where our pain, restlessness, and suffering will forever be banished. That is the hope we have been given in Christ Jesus, and it is offered to all of us, no matter who we are, no matter our background, no matter how sordid our lives have been or are now.

The key, however, is for us to come to God anyway in our weakness, in our hurt, in our brokenness, and in our general fallen state, knowing that He accepts us despite these things. That is what grace is all about, and why we must believe that we have been given it if we seek for it in faith.

Read Jeremiah 3:22. What does God ask us to do, and then, what will He do in response for us?

Think about Jesus’ words: “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). What should this tell us about how central and crucial the promise of the Second Coming is? Especially for us as Adventists (with our understanding of death), why is the promise of the Second Coming so precious?

Friday, July 16

Further Thought: “There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is centered in self. If you have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, you are to forget yourself, and try to help others. Talk of the love of Christ, tell of His goodness. Do every duty that presents itself. Carry the burden of souls upon your heart, and by every means in your power seek to save the lost. As you receive the Spirit of Christ — the Spirit of unselfish love and labor for others — you will grow and bring forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit will ripen in your character. Your faith will increase, your convictions deepen, your love be made perfect. More and more you will reflect the likeness of Christ in all that is pure, noble, and lovely.” Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 67, 68

In dealing with issues between church members, “conversation has been protracted for hours between the parties concerned, and not only has their time been wasted, but the servants of God are held to listen to them, when the hearts of both parties are unsubdued by grace. If pride and selfishness were laid aside, five minutes would remove most difficulties.” Ellen G. White, Early Writings, p. 119

Discussion Questions:

1. In class, think about practical ways of overcoming selfishness. How can you keep each other accountable so that these ideas can become a reality?

2. Ambitions are not inherently bad. Yet, how can we anticipate and imagine great things from God without falling into the trap of being consumed by ambition?

3. Most of us don’t show ambition, hypocrisy, selfishness, or envy on the outside. We are very capable of offering a more benign outside facade. Like the huge root system of an aspen tree, however, all these negative characteristics lurk below the surface. What does Spirit-guided character transformation look like in practice? How can we overcome the root of restlessness and find true rest in Jesus?

4. Dwell more on your answer to Thursday’s final question about the importance of the Second Coming. After all, without it, what hope do we have? Without it, what good would Christ’s first coming have done for us, knowing that the dead sleep until the resurrection, which happens only at the Second Coming?

Ambição e Hipocrisia

Terça-feira, 13 de Julho

Estudar a última semana do ministério de Jesus antes da Sua morte é uma fonte de inspiração. Vemos ali que a inquietação e a ambição levam as pessoas a fazer e dizer coisas imprudentes.

4. Leia Lucas 22:14-30. O que sentiu Jesus ao ouvir os discípulos a discutir naquela solene refeição sobre quem deveria ser considerado o maior (Lucas 22:24)? Porque perderam os discípulos o foco daquela ocasião e se concentraram na grandeza humana?

Raramente discutimos sobre quem é o melhor na igreja, família ou local de trabalho. Podemos até pensar muito sobre isso, mas quem fala abertamente sobre este assunto?

Aquela não tinha sido a primeira vez que esta questão tinha sido levantada na comunidade de seguidores de Jesus. Mateus 18:1 relata que os discípulos trouxeram esta pergunta a Jesus e a formularam de maneira mais abstracta: “Quem é o maior no Reino dos Céus?” A resposta de Cristo envolveu uma lição prática. Depois de chamar uma criança, Ele colocou-a no centro do grupo. As pessoas arregalaram os olhos e levantaram as sobrancelhas. A acção de Jesus exigia uma explicação, e em Mateus 18:3 o Mestre também ofereceu esta explicação: “Em verdade vos digo: se não se converterem e não se tornarem como crianças, de maneira nenhuma entrarão no Reino dos Céus”.

A conversão é fundamental para encontrarmos o descanso em Cristo. Precisamos de ajuda externa. De repente, percebemos que não podemos depender de nós mesmos, mas precisamos confiar em Jesus. Vivemos uma transformação dos nossos valores e ambições. Jesus disse: “Confiem em Mim e dependam de Mim como esta criança. A verdadeira grandeza é abrir mão dos seus direitos e abraçar os valores do reino.”

Os discípulos ainda não tinham aprendido esta lição quando Jesus realizou a última ceia. As suas disputas e rivalidades arruinaram um momento de comunhão que jamais se repetiria.

Isto aconteceu depois de os discípulos estarem com Jesus durante anos, ministrando com Ele e aprendendo aos Seus pés. Que triste exemplo de como o coração humano é corrupto! Contudo, no aspecto positivo, pense na graça do Senhor. Apesar desta discussão patética, Jesus não desistiu deles.

Olhar para a cruz é o remédio contra o desejo de exaltação própria, do qual somos vítimas?

Quarta-feira, 14 de Julho

Um hipócrita é um fingidor, que deseja parecer ser alguém que não é. O termo é usado sete vezes em Mateus 23 no discurso em que Jesus humilhou os escribas e os fariseus, a principal liderança religiosa judaica (Mateus 23:13, 14, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29). Nos evangelhos, Jesus ofereceu graça e perdão aos adúlteros, cobradores de impostos, prostitutas e assassinos, mas Ele demonstrou pouca compaixão pelos hipócritas (Mateus 6:2, 5, 16; Mateus 7:5; Mateus 15:7-9; Mateus 22:18).

5. Quais são as quatro características principais de um hipócrita? Mateus 23:1-13

Jesus associou quatro características aos escribas e fariseus. No âmbito do judaísmo do 1º século d.C., os fariseus representavam os conservadores religiosos. Eles estavam interessados na lei escrita e oral e enfatizavam a pureza ritual. No outro âmbito estavam os saduceus, um grupo de líderes, na sua maioria ricos, associados frequentemente à elite da classe sacerdotal. Eles eram muito helenizados (falavam grego e estavam familiarizados com a filosofia grega) e não acreditavam no juízo nem na ressurreição. Poderíamos descrevê-los como liberais. Ambos os grupos eram culpados de hipocrisia.

De acordo com Jesus, somos hipócritas quando não fazemos o que dizemos, quando tornamos a religião mais difícil para os outros sem aplicar os mesmos padrões a nós mesmos, quando queremos que outros aplaudam o nosso fervor religioso e quando exigimos honra e reconhecimento que pertencem apenas ao Pai celestial.

Jesus proferiu palavras severas e directas, mas o Seu envolvimento com aqueles que Ele chamou de hipócritas foi cheio de amor e preocupação.

“Jesus olhou demoradamente para o templo e, depois, para os ouvintes. No rosto do Filho de Deus, estava estampada a misericórdia divina. Com uma voz agitada por profunda angústia de coração e amargas lágrimas, Ele exclamou: ‘Jerusalém, Jerusalém, que matas os profetas e apedrejas os que te foram enviados! Quantas vezes quis Eu reunir os teus filhos, como a galinha ajunta os seus pintinhos debaixo das asas, e vós não o quisestes!’” Mateus 23:37; Ellen G. White, O Desejado de Todas as Nações, p. 620

É preciso ser líder religioso para ser culpado da hipocrisia que Jesus tão veementemente condenou neste texto? Vemos hipocrisia em nós mesmos? Como nos podemos livrar dela?

Ambition and Hypocrisy

Tuesday, July 13

Studying the last week of Jesus’ ministry on earth prior to His crucifixion is always a source of encouragement and inspiration. It also offers a snapshot of how restlessness and ambition drive people to do and say ill-advised things.

Read Luke 22:14-30 and think about Jesus’ emotions as He hears His disciples argue during this solemn meal over who among them should be considered the greatest (Luke 22:24). Why did the disciples get sidetracked from this momentous occasion and focus on human greatness?

We seldom discuss with others who is the greatest in our church, our family, or our workplace. We may think about it a lot, but who, really, openly talks about it?

This was not the first time that this question was raised in the community of Jesus’ followers. Matthew 18:1 reports the disciples’ bringing the question to Jesus and framing it in a more abstract way: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”. Jesus’ answer involves an object lesson. After calling a child, he sets the child in the center of the group. Eyes are opened wide; eyebrows are raised. Jesus’ action requires an explanation, and in Matthew 18:3 the Master offers that, too: “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”.

Conversion is foundational for finding true rest in Jesus. We recognize that we need outside help. We suddenly realize that we cannot depend on ourselves but need to rely on Jesus. We experience a transformation of our values and ambitions. Jesus tells His disciples: Trust Me and rely on Me like this child. True greatness is giving up your rights and embracing kingdom values.

Unfortunately, it seems that the disciples had not yet learned this lesson by the time Jesus ate the last supper with them. Their bickering and infighting ruined a moment of perfect communion that was never to be repeated.

All this, even after years of being with Jesus, ministering with Jesus, and hearing and learning at His feet? What a sad example of just how corrupt the human heart remains! On the more positive side, however, think about the ever-present reality of the Lord’s grace, that despite this pathetic discussion among His followers, Jesus didn’t give up on them.

Why should keeping our focus on Jesus on the cross be a powerful remedy against the desire for self-exaltation, which, as fallen human beings, all of us are prey to?

Wednesday, July 14

A hypocrite is somebody who play-acts, who wants to appear to be somebody who he or she is not. The term is used seven times in Matthew 23 in a discourse in which Jesus publicly shames the scribes and Pharisees, the very center of Jewish religious leadership (Matthew 23:13, 14, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29). The Gospels show us Jesus offering grace and forgiveness to adulterers, tax collectors, prostitutes, and even murderers, but He demonstrated little tolerance for hypocrites (see the many additional references in Matthew 6:2, 5, 16; 7:5; 15:7-9; 22:18).

Read Matthew 23:1-13 and list four main characteristics of a hypocrite mentioned by Jesus.

Jesus associates four characteristics with the scribes and Pharisees. In the spectrum of Judaism in the first century A.D., the Pharisees represented the conservative religious right. They were interested in the written and oral law and emphasized ritual purity. On the other side of the spectrum were the Sadducees, a group of mostly wealthy leaders, often associated with the elite priestly class. They were highly Hellenized (i.e., they spoke Greek and were at home in Greek philosophy) and did not believe in a judgment or an afterlife. We would describe them as liberals. Both groups were guilty of hypocrisy.

According to Jesus, we are hypocrites if we don’t do what we say, when we make religion harder for others without applying the same standards to ourselves, when we want others to applaud our religious fervor, and when we require honor and recognition that belongs only to our heavenly Father.

No matter how sharp and to-the-point His words, Jesus’ engagement with those He called hypocrites was nevertheless full of love and concern, even for these hypocrites.

“Divine pity marked the countenance of the Son of God as He cast one lingering look upon the temple and then upon His hearers. In a voice choked by deep anguish of heart and bitter tears He exclaimed, ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!’” Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 620.

Why do you not need to be a religious leader to be guilty of the kind of hypocrisy that Jesus so soundly condemns here? How can we learn to see any such hypocrisy in ourselves if it exists, and how can we get rid of it?