Dr. Colin A. Dunbar



Red Script = Main PointBlue Script= DirectiveYellow Script= Do not miss this point Double underline= Important to rememberBoxed= Biblical Text & SDA Commentary ReferencePURPLE SCRIPT: A Possible Answer INCLUDEPICTURE "/var/folders/kz/w2416nqs3jngmstv8z3lxkjr0000gn/T/com.microsoft.Word/WebArchiveCopyPasteTempFiles/gless11.jpg" \* MERGEFORMATINET 4th Quarter Sabbath School Bible Study Guide“Education”October/November/December 2020Lesson #11‘The Christian and Work’ December 5th - December 11/12th Memory Text: ?“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord”?(1 Corinthians 15:58, NKJV).?Work is God’s idea. In the ideal world before sin, God gave Adam and Eve the task of caring for the garden?(Gen. 2:15). Like their Creator, in whose image they were made, they were to be employed in creative labor and loving service. That is, even in an unfallen world, a world without sin and death and suffering, humanity was to be at work.In this “in-between time” (after the ideal world and prior to the promised one), we are invited to view work as one of God’s blessings. Among the Jews, every child was taught a trade. In fact, it was said that a father who didn’t teach his son a trade would raise a criminal. Meanwhile, Jesus, the Son of God, spent many years doing His Father’s will in honest labor as a skilled craftsman, perhaps providing people of Nazareth with needed furniture and agricultural implements?(Mark 6:3). This, too, was all part of the training to prepare Him for the ministry ahead. The apostle Paul was doing the Lord’s work just as surely when he worked alongside Aquila and Priscilla for a year and a half as a tentmaker as he was on Sabbath debating in the synagogue?(Acts 18:1-4,?2 Thess. 3:8-12). This week we will look at the whole question of work and its role in Christian education.Sunday December 6th 2020 ‘The Many Sides ofWork” “I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift of God”?(Eccles. 3:12,?13, NIV).“Work” – that’s a solid Anglo-Saxon word with no frills. One syllable in English, yet it has many possible meanings. Out of necessity, we work to put food on our tables, pay the bills, and save a little for hard times. Losing a job is often worse than putting up with a poor work situation.Work can give a person a sense of worth. Work is a common way to answer the question “What do you do?” or even “What are you?” Most retirees continue to work part-time as long as they are able, whether for pay or as a volunteer. A job offers a reason for getting up in the morning. Give a teenager a job, and there’s one fewer candidate for delinquency.Read?Genesis 3:19. What is the context here, and what does it say to us about another side of work, at least for some?Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken;For dust you are And to dust you shall return.” 19. In the sweat of thy face. The arduous toil that was to add to man’s burdensome life is now vividly expressed. This refers specifically to the husbandman, who must live by forcing from a reluctant earth food for himself and his family, but it applies equally to all other vocations. Since Adam’s fall human achievement may be realized only through toil. Nevertheless, it should be recognized that this punishment was indeed a blessing in disguise for sinful beings. When a man works he is far less likely to sin than when he spends his days in idleness. Toil and labor develop character and teach man humility and cooperation with God. This is one reason why the Christian church has generally found its most loyal adherents and supporters among the laboring class. Work, even when arduous, should not be despised; “a blessing is in it.” Till thou return unto the ground. The Lord informed Adam that the grave was his certain destination. Man thus understood that the plan of redemption (v. 15) would not prevent the loss of his present life, but it did offer assurance of a new life. With the change in Adam’s nature from conditional immortality to mortality began the fulfillment of the dire prediction, “In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Unless in mercy man had been granted a day of grace, death would have occurred instantaneously. Divine justice required man’s life; divine mercy afforded man an opportunity to regain it.A Possible Answer: A. This text is recorded in the context where God, before passing sentence, explained why it was necessary and appropriate in verse 17. While curses are pronounced only upon the serpent and the ground, God tells Adam of the difficulties to be encountered in eking out a meager living from the cursed ground. In verse 18, the man is told that increased labor necessary to the cultivation of the soil would increase the misery of man’s existence and that there would be a change of diet... all of which was a part of man’s sentence to hard labor in the process of earning a livelihood. Verse 19 is a vivid expression of the arduous toil that was to be added to man’s burdensome life. B. What this says about ‘another side’ of work is that working could also be a “blessing in disguise for sinful beings. When a man works he is far less likely to sin than when he spends his days in idleness. Toil and labor develop character and teach man humility and cooperation with God.” (Ibid, above) Suddenly the work given before the Fall changes after the Fall. Here is reference to another side of work. For some, work means only the drudgery of daily toil, which will end with death. They labor on in jobs that they despise, hoping to retire while they still have their health. For others, work can even take over one’s life, becoming the center of one’s existence, even the all-encompassing source of one’s personal identity. Away from their work, these people feel depressed or disoriented, unsure of what to do or where to turn. In retirement, they may fall apart physically and psychologically, and often die prematurely.Christians need to learn how to work God’s way. Work is more than an economic necessity. Man is more than just an employee. Rightly understood, one’s lifework is an avenue of ministry, an expression of one’s relationship to the Lord. Part of a teacher’s task is helping students find the work where their skills and God-given interests intersect with the needs of the world.What do you do? That is, what are you doing with your life, and how can you better glorify the Lord by doing it? A Possible Answer: No doubt most of us are, hopefully, working in some capacity at home or in the public sector. Hopefully also, we are working in an attempt to reach some immediate or long-term goal and as an expression of our varying capacities or interest. We can better glorify the Lord by... a) discovering exactly what is His will for us in the line of work we are engaged in so that it becomes a ‘vocation’ and not just an ‘occupation’, b) concentrating on the area of work that gives expression to our God-given talents and gifts, c) is an avenue for God’s kingdom to be bult up and d) working in such a manner that we glorify Him in our attitude, disposition, manner and application. Monday December 7th 2020 ‘Work and Nature”Vocation or work deals with the “doingness” of life. Even those with the most cerebral of jobs, end up in some way doing physical labor of some sort, even if it means merely pushing computer keys.What?do the following texts teach us about work – using “hands” as a symbol?Deuteronomy 16:15 Seven days you shall keep a sacred feast to the Lord your God in the place which the Lord chooses, because the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely rejoice.A Possible Answer: This particular verse teaches us that work could be a means of God blessing us. Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. 10. Whatsoever. He who is wise will put his heart into the tasks life brings him, in the realization that after death there will be no chance to make up for opportunities neglected in this life (John 9:4; cf. Gal. 6:10). The grave. Heb. she’ol, the figurative realm of the dead (see on 2 Sam. 12:23; Prov. 15:11). This is the only mention of she’ol in Ecclesiastes. It is evident that Solomon believed in a state of unconsciousness in she’ol (see on Eccl. 3:19–21). Whither thou goest. Death is the lot of all men, for “in Adam all die” (1 Cor. 15:22; see on Eccl. 3:19–21).A Possible Answer: Relative to work, this particular verse teaches us that work is part of life before death and that whatever line of work we are engaged in we should do it wholeheartedly. Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor. 25. Killeth him. Everything that makes for success and honor in this life and the next seems to die away from the slothful, leaving them little better than the brute beasts (see chs. 13:4; 19:24).A Possible Answer: Here, the implication is that the lack of an appropriate work ethic is so non-beneficial that it becomes destructive. Jeremiah 1:16 I will utter My judgments Against them concerning all their wickedness, Because they have forsaken Me, Burned incense to other gods, And worshiped the works of their own hands.A Possible Answer: The works of our hands can be made objects of worship.God has given us “the work of our hands” so that we can find fulfillment and joy?(see?Prov. 10:4,?12:14). In psychology, “self-efficacy” describes the belief that every person has the ability to accomplish something meaningful in life. Self-efficacy is not increased by repeating, “I think I can! I think I can!” Only actually doing something increases self-efficacy.While “the work of our hands” is God’s blessing to us?(see?Ps. 90:17)?and allows us to live a meaningful life, God’s ultimate plan is that “the work of our hands” would bless others. Paul writes that we must work, doing something useful with our hands, so that we may have something to share with others. Paul surely lived by that principle:“You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ ”?(Acts 20:34,?35, NIV).Nehemiah’s simple prayer should be ours: “Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands”?(Neh. 6:9, NKJV). What is your attitude toward your work? A Possible Answer: For some, working... a. is necessary but only as it helps them financially or as a means of reaching some financial goal. b. A means of security and increased self-worth. c. It is something that you engage in up to retirement. d. A means of counteracting boredom by staying busy. For others, their attitude towards work is... i. Work is a blessing and something enjoyable to engage in that adds to just about every aspect of one’s life experience. ii. A privilege and also a necessity in the development of becoming balanced and whole. iii. An expression of a person’s gifts, talents and interest as well as a means of being creative or productive. What ways might you be able to use your work to be more of a blessing to others? A Possible Answer: 1. Use the work we are engaged in to meet the direct or indirect needs of others. 2. By endeavoring to make our work a means of achieving the corporate goals of the company we are working for. 3. Carrying with us a positive attitude and helpful spirit especially at pressuring or disheartening times. 4. Going beyond the acknowledged job description or expectation and working in a disinterested manner for the good of all with whom we are associating. 5. Demonstrating the graces of Christ at all times. Tuesday December 8th 2020 ‘Work and Excellence”Skim?over?Exodus 25:10-30:38. How particular was God when He asked Moses to erect a tabernacle of worship? Exodus 25:23- 30:38 Here, omitted due to size... but we note the components, elements, placements, textures and colors, the functions and purposes that was reflective to the will, purpose, mind and nature of God.A Possible Answer: He was very particular. So much so that He specified in great exactness the components, dimensions, specifications and their relationship to each other. What does this tell us about God’s character? A Possible Answer: It tells us that God’s character expresses itself in perfection, comprehensiveness (Omniscience & wisdom) and total capability (omnipotent) as seen in the exactness, detail and the relational intentionality of each element or part. When God told Moses to build a tent “for Him,” Moses could have said, “No problem, Lord! I have been pitching tents ever since I ran away from Egypt 40 years ago … . Just give me a minute!” For any man living in the seminomadic Midianite culture of the day, putting up a tent was simple stuff. He could have done it blindfolded, reflex-only, with his mind on other, far more important things. What Moses may not have expected was a very detailed set of blueprints (for an otherwise very simple architectural structure) plus a long “how-to-do-it list” regarding every piece of furniture inside, as well as for the priestly garments – nearly 150 point-by-point instructions. To build a simple table, Moses had to follow a seven-step assembly procedure?(Exod. 25:23-30).The attention to detail that God showed in the building of His tent (as well as later on in the instructions for the sacrificial rituals) shows a prevailing spirit of excellence, a desire to produce nothing less than a masterpiece. The materials were of the highest quality, the design was impeccable, the work had to be outstanding – the message was clear: “With God, sloppy work is not accepted!”However, although the standard appeared to be high, it was God Himself who provided not only the impetus but also the human resources for reaching it. We read in?Exodus 31:1-6,?35:30-36:1?that God Himself gave the people the needed skills. These men were “filled with the Spirit,” giving them ability and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, so that the building of the tabernacle and its furniture would proceed as “the LORD has commanded”?(Exod. 36:1, NRSV). Moreover, the same two master designers were also endowed with the “ability to teach”?(Exod. 35:34, NKJV)?so that their knowledge and skill would continue to abide within the Israelite community. Although these two individuals are singled out in the story as being the leaders chosen by God, other people received similar gifts and joined the work?(Exod. 36:2).Thus, being fallen, sinful humans is not a valid excuse for treating any task with anything less than utmost dedication. God expects us always to perform at our best, putting our talents, skills, time, and education to good use for great causes.Wednesday December 9th 2020 ‘Work and Spirituality” “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit”?(Gal. 5:25, NKJV). One’s work and spirituality are inseparable. Christianity is not a garment that can be put on or taken off as one changes moods or passes through different phases of life. Instead, Christianity creates a new being who manifests himself or herself in every dimension of life, including work.Read?Galatians 5:22-26. What gifts that Paul describes also describe you and your work?Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 22. Fruit of the Spirit. That which naturally develops in the life when the Spirit has control (cf. v. 18). The results of such control stand in marked contrast with the works of the flesh (vs. 19–21). The fruit of the Spirit is not the natural product of human nature, but of a power wholly outside of man.Attention may be called to the fact that the word “fruit” is in the singular, whereas the word “works” (v. 19) is plural. There is but one “fruit of the Spirit,” and that one fruit includes all of the Christian graces enumerated in vs. 22, 23. In other words, all of these graces are to be present in the life of the Christian, and it cannot be said that he is bearing the “fruit of the Spirit” if any one is missing. On the other hand, there are many different forms in which evil may manifest itself, and it is necessary for only one of the evil traits listed in vs. 19–21 to be present in the life for a man to be classified with those who produce the “works of the flesh.” It takes all the Christian graces to make a man a true follower of Christ, but only one of the “works of the flesh” to make a man a follower of the evil one. 23. No law. There is no condemnation against those who do so order their lives. Such “works” as these are highly commended (see on vs. 6, 13, 14), as the “works” of the ceremonial system are condemned (vs. 1, 4). Only those who reflect in their lives these characteristics of the Spirit are truly free, and can enjoy genuine happiness. Only they are wholly at peace with God and man.On Roams12:6. Gifts. Gr. charismata, “gifts of grace” (see Rom. 1:11; 5:15, 16; 6:23; 11:29; 1 Cor. 7:7; 12:4, 9, 28). These are special qualities and powers imparted to believers by the Holy Spirit for the service of the church. Often they seem to be natural talents which the Spirit appropriates, increasing their power and sanctifying their use. Al such spiritual gifts are “gifts of grace” bestowed according to the will and purpose of God. Those who receive them have no ground for conceit. The source of their increasing strength and influence is not in themselves.A Possible Answer: While every born-again believer would demonstrate the “FRUIT” of the Spirit mentioned above and possess the gift of repentance and indwelling Spirit, we are given different “GIFTS” of the Spirit as mentioned in passages like Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12. These are special qualities and powers that properly understood are ‘gifts of grace’.The Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words describes the “spiritual” person as “one who manifests the fruits of the Spirit in his own way.” From this, we may conclude that through our connection with Christ, we human beings will function as believers in all aspects of our lives.A patient lay dying at Florida Hospital as his closest friend kept a vigil at his bedside. Nurses moved in and out of the room, caring for the patient’s needs. Seeking to keep the conversation moving, the friend asked the nurses where they had their training. Many had said that they were educated at Florida Hospital College.This made a big impression on the friend. He then subsequently made several visits to Florida Hospital College to see what it was like. Why? Because he had told people that the nurses trained at this school seemed to him to constantly give more tender loving care to his dying friend than did those nurses who had been trained somewhere else. That is, he was able to see a big difference between them and others in regard to their attitude toward his dying friend.Thus, he asked many questions about the college and its mission, and eventually he left a gift of $100,000 to educate more nurses such as those he had seen in action. Yes, spirituality is a way of life.How do you manifest your own spirituality in the day-to-day tasks of your life? A Possible Answer: We trust it is primarily in making manifest in our lives and how we relate to others, the beauties of the Christlike character irrespective to who we are relating to or how we might feel or even what may be going on at any particular time. What kind of impression do you think that you make (because, in the end, you do make an impression)? A Possible Answer: Everyone is making some type of impression and to varying degrees of positivity or negativity. Our hearts and actions will testify to the degree. We purpose to make a good, positive and Christlike impression all the time, under every circumstance and in any possible way. Some of the determining elements relating to the depth of our impression on others would possibly be... a. the purity of our motives, b. the sincerity of our actions, c. the relevance we bring to the encounter, d. the movement/presence of the Holy Spirit and e. the receptivity of the recipient. Thursday December 10th 2020 ‘Work and Stewardship” “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might”?(Eccles. 9:10, NKJV). The wisest of men uses these words of counsel regarding stewardship in every aspect of life.When asked to comment on Christian stewardship, many confine their thoughts to the Christian’s fiscal responsibility. Although money is certainly an important aspect of stewardship, to limit it to money alone is much too narrow. In organizational theory stewardship refers to management’s responsibility to develop and utilize properly all available resources.In the church, what are the resources with which God has blessed us? Peter clearly states that every person has gifts endowed by the Creator; and he refers to such endowed Christians as a “holy priesthood”?(1 Pet. 2:5)?with responsibility to God for their stewardship of all of God’s gifts: money, time, energy, talent, and others.Read?Ecclesiastes 9:10?and?1 Corinthians 10:31. What is the message to us in these verses about how we should work and how we should educate people to work?Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. 10. Whatsoever. He who is wise will put his heart into the tasks life brings him, in the realization that after death there will be no chance to make up for opportunities neglected in this life (John 9:4; cf. Gal. 6:10). The grave. Heb. she’ol, the figurative realm of the dead (see on 2 Sam. 12:23; Prov. 15:11). This is the only mention of she’ol in Ecclesiastes. It is evident that Solomon believed in a state of unconsciousness in she’ol (see on Eccl. 3:19–21). Whither thou goest. Death is the lot of all men, for “in Adam all die” (1 Cor. 15:22; see on Eccl. 3:19–21).1Co 10:31??Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 31. Whether. In conclusion Paul sets forth a rule that is simple, easily understood, yet comprehensive, profound, and far reaching. Consciously and with unwavering determination the Christian must do everything, even the routine items of daily life, in such a way that God, not man, is honored. Such a course calls for constant dedication of all the powers of mind and body to Him, and daily surrender of all one’s being to His Spirit (see Prov. 18:10; 1 Cor. 15:31; 2 Cor. 4:10; Col. 3:17). Eat, or drink. Primarily the application is to the question of eating or drinking that which has any part in idol worship, but the admonition has a general application to food and drink of all kinds. Men are given the power of choice, but the Christian will exercise his choice at all times in a way that meets with the approval of God. Health must be protected as well as character (see 2T 70; Ed 195). Food and drink are of major importance in relation to the preservation of health. Many illnesses that afflict mankind are due to errors in diet (see MH 295; CD 122, 123). God requires men to care for their bodies and to keep them fit to be temples of His Spirit (see 1 Cor. 6:19, 20). Hence, Christians must learn how to select food and drink that will not injure the body, but will promote health, both mental and physical (see CD 118, 119). The ancient Israelites were assured that God would preserve them in health if they would obey His instructions (see Ex. 15:26; Deut. 7:12–15; cf. ch. 28:58–61). This He will do for His people now if they will follow His counsel and take into their bodies only those things that are in harmony with His laws (see Gen. 1:29; 3:18; Lev. 11:2–31; Eccl. 10:17; 1 Cor. 10:6; CD 121; MH 113; DA 824; CH 168). The Christian ideal is the original diet provided by the Creator in Eden (Gen. 1:29). Whatsoever ye do. The injunction is broadened to include all the actions and plans of life. Christians are not at liberty to follow the promptings of the natural, unconverted heart and the impulses of the unregenerate body. They are under obligation to bring every thought, word, and deed into harmony with God’s revealed will (see Col. 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11; AA 482, 483; 2T 590, 591). The religion of Christ concerns all the affairs of man, whether in the physical, the mental, or the spiritual realm. The redemption provided in Christ is a complete redemption that applies to the entire man (see Rom. 8:5–9, 13, 14; 1 Cor. 9:27; Gal. 5:16, 24; 1 Thess. 5:23; CH 67, 68). Glory. Or, “honor” (see on Rom. 3:23). The Christian’s first motive in living in harmony with the laws of God should be to promote the honor of God. This motive arises from his love for God and his desire to please his Maker (see John 14:15; 1 John 5:3). All the energies of the soul should be used to advance the interests of God’s kingdom, and so to honor God.A Possible Answer: The message that everything we do should be characterized by that of bringing glory to God and total involvement, commitment and dedication. That being said, we should educate people to endeavor to... A. “... do everything, even the routine items of daily life, in such a way that God, not man, is honored.” (Ibid. above) B. give everything they’ve got to whatever they are doing and enjoy it in that they will not be able to experience any of that once they die. One of the common pitfalls of life today is the tendency to compartmentalize the different aspects of living. There is one’s work life, one’s family life, one’s spiritual life, and even one’s leisure life. The tendency to separate these areas of life so there is little or no crossover between and among them is to be desired in some instances. For example, it is not good to bring home one’s work so that it interferes with family responsibilities. Neither should the pursuit of leisure curtail the time we spend with God.However, such restriction should not apply to the role our spiritual life must play in all of our existence. The Christian’s work grows out of fellowship and work with God. Work is one way by which we can practice the presence of God. To compartmentalize our religious life, to limit God to one day, one hour, or even just one area of living, is to reject the very presence of God in these other areas.Two questions: First, ask yourself if you do, indeed, compartmentalize your spiritual life. A Possible Answer: Some certainly do, depending on certain things like (arguably)... their views of personal religious application, gender, ethnicity or culture and degree of perceived position in life. Second, if you do, how can you learn to let spirituality reign in all that you do? A Possible Answer: We can do that by.... A. Changing our outlook on life and personal stewardship. B. Praying and asking God to help you see the total person as well as how every aspect of our being is to cater to and expressed in a composite manner. C. Answering questions such as... ‘who’ are we and ‘how’ can we best express that in all that we do. We are created beings made in the image of God who mirrors that image in everything that we do. Hence, our spirituality, being a part of who we are will be seen in every area and at all times. Friday December 11th 2020 ‘Further Thought”Read Genesis 3,?Ecclesiastes 2:18-23,?Ephesians 6:5-8; Read Ellen G. White,?“The Temptation and Fall,” pp. 52-62, in?Patriarchs and Prophets.Work – a curse or blessing? It seemed to come as part of the curse of sin?(Gen. 3:17). A closer reading reveals it was the ground that was cursed, and not the work. Ellen G. White states that God intended this commission to work as a blessing: “The life of toil and care which was henceforth to be man’s lot was appointed in love. It was a discipline rendered needful by his sin, to place a check upon the indulgence of appetite and passion, to develop habits of self-control. It was a part of God’s great plan for man’s recovery from the ruin and degradation of sin.” —?Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 60. Might we perhaps have made it a curse through monotony, overwork, or overvaluing its role in our lives? Whatever our situation, we must learn to put work in its proper perspective. And Christian education must help train people to learn the value of work, while at the same time not making an idol out of it.Discussion Questions:Read?Ecclesiastes 2:18-24. How can Solomon consider work both a blessing and a curse in the same section of the Bible? What are hints in the text about what can make the difference in how we approach our work?It is through work that we care for (nurture) our families. How can we pass on a positive attitude about work to our families?The line between doing an excellent job and being a workaholic is sometimes a fine one. How do we keep from crossing that line? See?Eccles. 2:23.Paul stated very clearly: “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat”?(2 Thess. 3:10, NKJV). This principle, of course, makes great sense. What might be some examples where it doesn’t apply? That is, why must we be sure not to make this an ironclad rule that must never be broken? ................
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