Submissão Para O Serviço

Domingo, 11 de Setembro

1. Leia Filipenses 2:5-9. Que mensagem importante há para nós nestes versos?

A cultura contemporânea exorta-nos a exigir e fazer valer os nossos direitos. Isto é bom e em geral é o que deve ser feito. Contudo, como aconteceu com Jesus, a vontade de Deus pode-nos pedir que abramos mão dos nossos direitos livremente para servir ao Pai de maneiras que terão um impacto eterno para o reino de Deus. Este processo de renúncia pode ser difícil e desconfortável, criando as condições de um cadinho.

Em Filipenses 2:5-8, vemos como Jesus fez isto. Paulo descreveu três passos que o Senhor deu ao Se submeter à vontade do Pai. Logo no início, o apóstolo exortou-nos de modo solene: “[...] haja em vós o mesmo sentimento que houve também em Cristo Jesus” (Filipenses 2:5).

Para nos poder salvar, Jesus desistiu da Sua igualdade com o Pai e mudou-Se para a Terra na forma e nas limitações de um ser humano (Filipenses 2:6, 7).

Ele não veio como alguém grande e glorioso, mas como Servo de outros seres humanos (Filipenses 2:7).

Como Servo, não teve uma vida longa e pacífica, e foi “obediente até à morte”. Ele nem morreu de maneira nobre e gloriosa. Não, Ele foi “obediente até à morte, e morte de cruz.” (Filipenses 2:8).

2. Em que aspectos é que este exemplo de Jesus é um modelo para nós? Se os direitos e a igualdade são bons e devem ser protegidos, como explicaria a lógica de às vezes precisar desistir deles? Leia Filipenses 2:9. De que forma este verso nos ajuda a entender a lógica da submissão à vontade do Pai?

Ore pedindo sabedoria ao Espírito Santo, e pergunte a si mesmo: “A que direitos me estou a apegar agora que podem impedir a minha submissão à vontade de Jesus em servir a minha família, a minha igreja e as pessoas ao meu redor? Até que ponto estou disposto a suportar o desconforto para servir aos outros de maneira mais eficaz?”

Submission for Service

Sunday, September 11

Read Philippians 2:5-9. What important message is there for us in these verses?

Contemporary culture urges us all to demand and assert our rights. And all this is good and is often the way it should be. But as with Jesus, the will of God may ask us to give up our rights freely in order to serve the Father in ways that will make an eternal impact for God’s kingdom. This process of giving them up may be difficult and uncomfortable, creating the conditions of a crucible.

Look at how Jesus did this (Philippians 2:5-8). These verses describe three steps that Jesus took in submitting Himself to the Father’s will. And at the beginning, Paul alarmingly reminds us: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5).

In order to be in a position to save us, Jesus gave up His equality with the Father and moved to earth in the form and limitations of a human being (Philippians 2:6, 7).

Jesus did not come as a great and glorious human being, but as a servant of other human beings (Philippians 2:7).

As a human servant, Jesus did not live a peaceful and long life but became “obedient to death.” But He did not even die in a noble and glorious manner. No, He was “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

In what areas of life is this example of Jesus a model for us? If rights and equality are good and should be protected, how would you explain the logic of sometimes needing to give them up? Now read Philippians 2:9. In what way does this verse help us to understand the logic of submission to the Father’s will?

Pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit, asking, “What rights am I holding on to right now that actually might be a barrier to submitting to Jesus’ will in serving my family, my church, and those around me? To what extent am I willing to endure discomfort to serve others more effectively?”

Dying Like a Seed

Lesson 12, September 10 - 16

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Lesson: Philippians 2:5-9; Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Samuel 2:12-3:18; 13:1-14; Zechariah 4:1-14.

Memory Text: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” John 12:24

Jesus’ picture of a kernel of wheat dying is a fascinating analogy of our submission to God’s will. First, there is the falling. The kernel that falls from the wheat stalk has no control over where or how it falls to the ground. It has no control over the ground that surrounds and then presses over it.

Second, there is the waiting. As the kernel lies in the earth, it does not know what the future holds. It cannot “imagine” what life will be like in the future, for it is only a kernel of wheat.

Third, there is the dying. The kernel cannot possibly become a wheat stalk unless it gives up its safe, comfortable situation as a kernel. It must “die”; that is, it must give up what it has always been before so it may be transformed from a seed into a fruit-bearing plant.

The Week at a Glance: If we know that God’s will is best for us, why do we have such a hard time accepting it? What example of submission has Christ left for us? How do you see the analogy of the kernel of wheat applying to your own life?

Morrer Como Uma Semente

Lição 12, 10 a 16 de Setembro

Sábado à tarde

VERSO ÁUREO: “Na verdade, na verdade vos digo que, se o grão de trigo, caindo na terra, não morrer, fica ele só; mas se morrer, dá muito fruto.” João 12:24

LEITURAS DA SEMANA: Filipenses 2:5-9; Romanos 12:1, 2; 1 Samuel 2:12–3:18; 13:1-14; Zacarias 4:1-14

Jesus descreveu um grão de trigo a morrer e fez uma analogia fascinante dessa figura com a nossa submissão à vontade divina. Primeiro, existe a queda. O grão que cai do talo do trigo não tem controle sobre onde nem como ele cai no chão. Também não tem o controle sobre o solo que o circunda e o pressiona.

Em segundo lugar, existe a espera. Uma vez no solo, ele não sabe o que o futuro lhe reserva. Não pode “imaginar” o que vai acontecer, pois é apenas um grão de trigo.

Terceiro, existe a morte. O grão não pode se tornar um talo de trigo, a menos que desista da sua situação segura e confortável de grão. Deve “morrer”; isto é, deve abandonar o que sempre foi para que possa ser transformado de semente numa planta frutífera.

Resumo da semana: Se sabemos que a vontade de Deus é a melhor para nós, porque temos tanta dificuldade em a aceitar? Que exemplo de submissão Cristo nos deixou? Como podemos aplicar a analogia do grão de trigo à nossa vida?

Mudanças Climáticas, Bloqueios E Histeria Para Impulsionar As Leis Dominicais

No episódio 132 discutimos as secas e o clima extremo em várias partes do mundo. A Europa está supostamente a passar por algumas das piores secas em 1200 anos; a seca na China é a pior desde que os registos começaram e os EUA também não são poupados. Há registos de chuvas e inundações noutras áreas. Tudo isto pode realmente ser atribuído às Mudanças Climáticas? Para onde estamos a ir?

Waiting in the Crucible - Lesson 11 [Full]

Lesson 11, September 3 - 9

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: Romans 15:4, 5; 5:3-5; 1 Samuel 26; Psalms 37:1-11.

Memory Text: “But the fruit of the Spirit is [...] longsuffering [...].” Galatians 5:22

Scientists did an experiment with 4-year-old children and marshmallows. Each child was told by a scientist that they could have a marshmallow; however, if the child waited until the scientist returned from an errand, they would be given two. Some of the children stuffed the marshmallow into their mouths the moment the scientist left; others waited. The differences were noted.

The scientists then kept track of these children into their teenage years. The ones who had waited turned out to be better adjusted, better students, and more confident than those who didn’t. It seemed that patience was indicative of something greater, something important in the human character. It is no wonder, then, that the Lord tells us to cultivate it.

This week, we’ll look at what could be behind some of the most trying of all crucibles: the crucible of waiting.

The Week at a Glance: Why do we sometimes have to wait so long for things? What lessons can we learn about patience while in the crucible?

Sunday, September 4

The God of Patience

Read Romans 15:4, 5. What is found in these verses for us?

We are normally impatient about things that we really want or have been promised but don’t have yet. We are often satisfied only when we get what we are longing for. And because we rarely get what we want when we want it, it means that we are often doomed to irritation and impatience. And when we are in this state, it is almost impossible to maintain a peace and trust in God.

Waiting is painful by definition. In Hebrew, one of the words for “wait patiently” (Psalm 37:7) comes from a Hebrew word that can be translated “to be much pained,” “to shake,” “to tremble,” “to be wounded,” “to be sorrowful.” Learning patience is not easy; sometimes it’s the very essence of what it means to be in the crucible.

Read Psalm 27:14, Psalm 37:7, and Romans 5:3-5. What are these verses saying to us? What does patience lead to?

While we wait, we can concentrate on one of two things. We can focus on the things that we are waiting for, or we can focus on the One who holds those things in His hands. What makes such a difference when we wait for something isn’t so much how long we have to wait, but our attitude while we wait. If we trust the Lord, if we have placed our lives in His hands, if we have surrendered our wills to Him, then we can trust that He will do what’s best for us when it’s best for us, no matter how hard it is sometimes to believe it.

What things are you desperately waiting for? How can you learn to surrender everything to God and to His timing? Pray your way into an attitude of complete surrender and submission to the Lord.

Monday, September 5

In God’s Time

Read Romans 5:6 and Galatians 4:4. What do they tell us about God’s timing?

In these verses, Paul tells us that Jesus came to die for us at exactly the right time. But Paul does not tell us why it was the right time. It is very easy to read these verses and wonder, Why did Jesus wait for thousands of years until He came to the earth to deal with sin — didn’t the universe understand that sin was a very bad thing long before then? We may ask why Jesus is waiting to come the second time also. We may also ask, Why is the Lord waiting so long to answer my prayer?

Think about, for instance, the 70-week prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27, the prophecy that points to Jesus as the Messiah (review it if you need to). How long was this time period? What does this tell you about learning to wait for things in God’s time, even if it takes what seems to us a long time?

There are many important spiritual reasons why we will experience waiting times. First, waiting can refocus our attention away from “things” and back to God Himself. Second, waiting allows us to develop a clearer picture of our own motives and desires. Third, waiting builds perseverance — spiritual stamina. Fourth, waiting opens the door to developing many spiritual strengths, such as faith and trust. Fifth, waiting allows God to put down other pieces in the puzzle of the bigger picture. Sixth, we may never know the reason we have to wait; hence, we learn to live by faith. Can you think of any other reasons for waiting?

What examples can you find in the Bible of God’s doing things in His own time that can help you learn to trust that He will do for you what’s right in His own time, as well? (Think, for instance, about Abraham and Sarah and the promise of a son.) At the same time, ask yourself, “What might I be doing that could be delaying the answer to a prayer that could have been answered long ago?”

Tuesday, September 6

David: An Object Lesson in Waiting

In 1 Samuel 16:1-13, we see the young lad David anointed by Samuel as king. However, it was a long journey from the fields of his father, Jesse, to the throne in Jerusalem. No doubt, at times he felt in the midst of a crucible.

First, the lad is called to play music to soothe Saul’s troubled spirit (1 Samuel 16). Later, he becomes Israel’s hero as he kills Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Then there are many years during which David is running for his life. Both Saul and his son Jonathan know that David is destined to be the next king (1 Samuel 23:17, 24:20). But David does nothing to advance his God-given destiny. In fact, he appears to do the opposite. Even when Saul tried to kill him and David snipped a piece of cloth off the king’s robe, he wished he had never done such a thing (1 Samuel 24:5-7). Again when Saul is trying to kill David, David refuses to kill Saul when the opportunity arises (1 Samuel 26:7-11).

Read 1 Samuel 26:1-11. Why does David refuse to kill Saul? What principles does this teach us about the way God brings about His plans for our lives?

Now read 1 Samuel 26:12-25. How does David’s refusal to kill Saul affect Saul? What does this teach us about the advantages of waiting for God?

Looking at the whole of David’s road to the throne, we could perhaps summarize it in a short sentence — don’t grab what God has not yet given. God’s gifts are always best received from His hand and in His time. This may require a very long time of waiting. Bean sprouts may literally grow up within hours, while an oak tree will take many years. But then when the strong winds come, the tree will not be uprooted.

Think how easily David could have justified killing Saul. (After all, David was told he’d have the throne, and Saul was so evil anyway.) Yet, his actions speak of true faith in God. What might you be able to draw from this example for yourself in whatever you might be waiting for?

Wednesday, September 7

Elijah: The Problem of Rushing

The showdown on top of Mount Carmel had ended (1 Kings 18). Fire had come out of heaven, all the people had acknowledged the true God, and the false prophets had been put to death. God had been vindicated. You would have thought that Elijah had been growing in spiritual strength as the day went on, but suddenly he heard something that terrified him so much that he wanted to die. Read the rest of the story in 1 Kings 19:1-9. The last words in the verses are worrisome: “and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9). Evidently, Elijah’s fear caused him to run and find himself in the wrong place.

After such a powerful intervention by the Lord on Mount Carmel, Elijah should have been full of faith and trust; instead, he runs in fear for his life. What lesson can we learn from this bad example?

This story illustrates something important: when we rush, we can very easily find ourselves in the wrong place. In Elijah’s case, it was his fear that caused him to be overwhelmed and rush into the desert, wishing that he had never been born. But there are other things that cause us to rush outside of God’s plan for us.

Read the following verses. Genesis 16:1-3; Numbers 20:10-12; Judges 14:1-3; Matthew 20:20, 21; Luke 9:52-56; Acts 9:1. What things caused the characters depicted here to rush outside of God’s will?

How easy to let such things as ambition, anger, passion, lack of faith, or a supposed “zeal” for the Lord cause us to rush ahead to where we shouldn’t be. No one is immune to this danger. The key is to cultivate a trusting faith in the goodness and mercy of God, who we know loves us and wants what’s best for us. This doesn’t happen automatically. Faith might be a gift, but it’s a gift that needs to be cultivated, nurtured, and jealously guarded.

Thursday, September 8

Learning to Take Delight in the Lord

“Delight thyself also in the Lord; And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4

Psalm 37:4 is a wonderful promise. Imagine getting what you have always wanted. But getting the desires of our hearts hinges on having a heart that takes delight in the Lord. So what does it mean to “take delight in the LORD”?

Read Psalm 37:1-11. The context for Psalm 37:4 is perhaps a little surprising. David is writing about being surrounded by people who are working against God and against him. When people are working against us, the natural response is often to get angry or to set out to justify ourselves. But David advises something different.

In the following verses, what is David’s counsel to God’s people in this situation?

Psalms 37:1; 37:5; 37:7; 37:8

Read Psalm 37:4 again. In the context of the verses you have just made comments on, what does it mean to “take delight in the LORD”?

David is repeating again and again, in different ways, “Trust God.” Trust Him to act. Don’t get upset, because God is your God, and He is working for you — even right now. You don’t have to charge in and try to sort things out by yourself. Your Father in heaven is in charge. Trust Him. Trust Him completely.

It is in this context that David writes about taking delight in the Lord. To take delight in God means that we live in a state of perfect trust. Nothing can ruffle our peace, because God is here and at work. We can praise Him, we can even smile, because no one can outwit our God! When we can learn to do this, we really will receive what our hearts long for, because we will receive what our loving Father wants to give us, at the time that most benefits us and His kingdom.

How can you learn to “take delight in the LORD”? Spend some time in prayer, seeking God’s guidance in how this may become a reality in your life.

Friday, September 9

Further Thought

Read from the Spirit of Prophecy “The Anointing of David,” pp. 637-642, in Patriarchs and Prophets.

God’s plan for us may require that we do a lot of waiting, and this really can feel like a crucible. Learning patience during this time can happen as we focus on the person of God and trust that He is acting for us. There are many reasons for waiting, but all are concerned with the fulfillment of God’s plans for us and His kingdom. We can lose much if we rush ahead of God, but we can gain much by maintaining an attitude of trust and delight in Him.

The Lord weighs and measures every trial.

“I cannot read the purpose of God in my affliction, but He knows what is best, and I will commit my soul, body, and spirit to Him as unto my faithful Creator. “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). If we educated and trained our souls to have more faith, more love, greater patience, and a more perfect trust in our heavenly Father, I know we would have more peace and happiness day by day as we pass through the conflicts of this life.

The Lord is not pleased to have us fret and worry ourselves out of the arms of Jesus. More is needed of the quiet waiting and watching combined. We think unless we have feeling that we are not in the right track, and we keep looking within for some sign befitting the occasion; but the reckoning is not of feeling but of faith.” Selected Messages, book 2, p. 242

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean that Jesus “weighs and measures” every trial? How can knowing this help us while we wait?

2. Ask people in class to give personal testimonies to what patient waiting is all about. What were their fears, their joys? How did they cope? What did they learn? What promises did they cling to?

3. What can you do as a church or a class to help others who are in the crucible as they await God’s timing for something?

4. What is the role of prayer in the development of patience? Are there others you can pray for so that the Spirit will develop patience in their lives?

Ataque Secreto Contra La Verdad (01 Octubre 2016 - David Gates)

"Descubre los propositos de Satanas contra la verdad de Dios para los ultimos dias de oportunidad para la raza humana. A las puertas de un Juicio en el Santuario Celestial en el cual se decidira nuestros casos, el enemigo de Dios quiere evitar que miremos por FE a nuestro gran Sumo Sacerdote. Hebreos 12: 2, 9: 24"