Sharing Scripture — July 11 – 17, 2021
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This is a tool for you to use if you lead a Sabbath School (SS) class or small group. It is keyed to the Bible texts used in the current week’s Adult SS lesson and includes a brief story from current news you can use to introduce the discussion and then a series of discussion questions in a relational pattern designed to build fellowship and spiritual reflection.
For use: July 11 – 17 2021
Texts: Matthew 10:34-39; Luke 12:13-21; Philippians 2:5-8; Luke 22:14-30; Matthew 23:1-13
It’s not every day that a Canadian receives a national honor bestowed upon them by the country’s governor general, the federal viceregal representative of Queen Elizabeth II.
“When I got it, there was a lot of warm fuzzies,” warmly shared Romeo Levasseur, the 81-year-old recipient of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. And the accolade, the highest award for volunteerism given in the nation, has not drained his humbleness. “It’s not greater than the satisfaction of seeing the smile in people’s eyes or on their lips when you’ve done something,” he enthused.
Even at his ripe age, Levasseur sometimes volunteers in his community up to 30 hours in one week. He claims that as long as his body can hold out, he won’t cease his involvement.
As we study Scripture this week, we can contrast Levasseur’s humbleness and selflessness with the selfish acts of ancient Israel and the surrounding communities.
Christ came with a figurative sword to abolish selfishness (Matthew 10:34-39), calling on all to give up greed for a life dedicated to God (Luke 12:13-21). Christ also set the example for Israel and all believers, living in humble service to others all while accepting an inevitable death because He had faith in God’s promises (Philippians 2:5-8).
Although most of us know not to expect a viceregal medallion in recognition of our volunteerism, what our real ambition should be is to genuinely serve others for their sake and to seek the true goal, salvation, through Jesus Christ.
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Connecting: It’s easy for us to fall into the same trap as the Pharisees by either loudly proclaiming our good deeds and accolades for others to notice, or by being hypocritical. How do you implement the balance between them in your life? Is this something you need to improve?
Sharing: What examples did Jesus give us to combat the following emotions and behaviors? You may wish to reference this week’s Scripture lesson, and the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide.
- Jealousy
- Selfishness
- Ambition
- Hypocrisy
- Restlessness
- Pride
Applying: Think of a business, organization, charity, etc. that means a lot to you, and how you can give back. Consider giving a donation or volunteering time to assisting it once COVID-19 regulations are relaxed.
Valuing: Topeka, Kansas’ Washburn University just received a $10.2 million anonymous donation. That’s a lot of money not to put a name behind it! Is it more ego-friendly to give an anonymous $5 donation or an anonymous $5 million donation? Is feeling pride in anonymity a sin?
~ Stefani Leeper
Photo credit: https://bensonbaptist.org/zoom/