SS Lesson 2 for the 12th of July, 2008 SS Lesson 2 for the 12th of July, 2008

“All Things to All Men” Paul Preaches to the World”

“All Things to All Men” Paul Preaches to the World”

Introduction

When I think of what the Bible says about the word “world” I recall two key memory verses I have heard from my youth.

“For God so loved the world, that he

gave his only begotten Son, that

whosoever believeth in him should not

perish, but have everlasting life.” Juan

3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he

gave his only begotten Son, that

whosoever believeth in him should not

perish, but have everlasting life.” Juan

3:16

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have

commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have

commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

Our lesson this week talks about Paul

Preaching to the World, and how he became all

things to all men.

Our lesson this week talks about Paul

Preaching to the World, and how he became all

things to all men.

Lesson 2: “All Things to All Men” Paul

Preaches to the World”

Lesson 2: “All Things to All Men” Paul

Preaches to the World”

In this week’s lesson we see the apostle Paul, seeking to bring the gospel to the world, giving us an example of how

we need to learn to adapt the way we present our message, depending on the context and culture in which we are

witnessing.

In this week’s lesson we see the apostle Paul, seeking to bring the gospel to the world, giving us an example of how

we need to learn to adapt the way we present our message, depending on the context and culture in which we are

witnessing.

Adventist missionary pioneers quickly learned that they needed to present our present truth message in as culturally relevant a way as possible. Today the Global Mission initiative of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church sponsors study centers around the world that explore ways to build bridges to people of other religions and cultures. Before we can effectively communicate with other people, we need to understand their culture and ways of thinking.

Adventist missionary pioneers quickly learned that they needed to present our present truth message in as culturally relevant a way as possible. Today the Global Mission initiative of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church sponsors study centers around the world that explore ways to build bridges to people of other religions and cultures. Before we can effectively communicate with other people, we need to understand their culture and ways of thinking.

The memory text tells us how this is done: “To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men,

that I might by all means save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22

This was Paul’s motto for every mission he encountered

Sunday Paul Encouraged for

Mission

Sunday Paul Encouraged for

Mission

Saul, the persecutor, becomes Paul, the

missionary; the gospel of salvation becomes good news for all, not just for the Jews; and now Paul

ministers to a church established indirectly as

a result of his persecution

Saul, the persecutor, becomes Paul, the

missionary; the gospel of salvation becomes good news for all, not just for the Jews; and now Paul

ministers to a church established indirectly as

a result of his persecution

After Paul's Damascus-road

experience, some of the apostles

were not convinced that he

was a true disciple. Who stood up for

Paul and defended him?

After Paul's Damascus-road

experience, some of the apostles

were not convinced that he

was a true disciple. Who stood up for

Paul and defended him?

Barnabas Barnabas

Who was Barnabas? Who was Barnabas?

Barnabas was "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith" (Acts 11:24), and he was a tremendous help to Paul as he began his ministry

Barnabas was "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith" (Acts 11:24), and he was a tremendous help to Paul as he began his ministry

How did the church begin in Antioch? How successful were the missionary endeavors?

“ Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men

from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was

a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” Acts 11:19-24

“Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And

the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Acts 11:25-26

“Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. ..and sent it to the elders by…

hands of Barnabas and Saul.” Acts 11:29-30

What lesson can we learn about helping others with the things that we ourselves have been blessed with?

Do we become all things to all men?

Monday All Things to All

People

What does Paul mean when he says

that he has "become all things

to all people?"

We can be confident that whatever his meaning, the apostle is not advocating compromise. He is not talking about changing the gospel, the doctrines, the ethics,

or any of the truth of God's Word. He is talking about making these things as attractive and understandable as possible for different cultures.

Paul modeled this approach by using different methods to reach different people.

For example, in attempting to reach Jews, Paul would arrive in a city, visit the synagogue, and teach.

How does the way Paul talk to the pagans—who did not believe the Old Testament differ from the way he talks to the Jews?

How does the way Paul talk to the pagans—who did not believe the Old Testament differ from the way he talks to the Jews?

“But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, "who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. "Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." Acts 14:16-18

“But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, "who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. "Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." Acts 14:16-18

He appealed to the natural world and the evidence that nature gives of a Creator God

And he pointed out the futility of worshiping idols

One of Paul's most well-known missionary endeavors occurred in Athens, home of some of the world's greatest philosophers of antiquity, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

One of Paul's most well-known missionary endeavors occurred in Athens, home of some of the world's greatest philosophers of antiquity, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

Epicureans taught that happiness comes from living a good life with modest pleasures. The Stoics, on the other hand, urged people to be content with what they had.

Epicureans taught that happiness comes from living a good life with modest pleasures. The Stoics, on the other hand, urged people to be content with what they had.

Tuesday A Witness to the Philosophers

Tuesday A Witness to the Philosophers

And yet, how interesting: Even with all the philosophy and all its appeals to reason and logic, the city was still "wholly given to idolatry".

And yet, how interesting: Even with all the philosophy and all its appeals to reason and logic, the city was still "wholly given to idolatry".

What a testimony to how, in the end, philosophy cannot answer basic human needs

What a testimony to how, in the end, philosophy cannot answer basic human needs

Together, Stoic and Epicurean philosophers heard Paul…and started to argue with him, calling him a "babbler" (Acts 17:18).

Together, Stoic and Epicurean philosophers heard Paul…and started to argue with him, calling him a "babbler" (Acts 17:18).

Despite ridiculing Paul, these philosophers invited him to speak at a meeting of the Areopagus—a group of philosophers that assessed new

teachings—on what we know as Mars' Hill

Despite ridiculing Paul, these philosophers invited him to speak at a meeting of the Areopagus—a group of philosophers that assessed new

teachings—on what we know as Mars' Hill

Acts 17:16 “Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.”

Here are excerpts of his speech in Areopagus, Mar’s Hill.

“Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a proclaimer of

foreign gods," because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? "For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean." For all the Athenians

and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing. Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said,

"Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; "for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar

with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:

Here are excerpts of his speech in Areopagus, Mar’s Hill.

"God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. "Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He

needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their

preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, "so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of

us; "for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' "Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought

not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, "because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in

righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some

mocked, while others said, "We will hear you again on this matter." So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the

Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. Acts 17:18-34

In his speech, Paul shapes his message to his pagan audience by connecting with their culture. He refers to a statue they had built to the unknown god and identifies

Him as the Creator God.

In his speech, Paul shapes his message to his pagan audience by connecting with their culture. He refers to a statue they had built to the unknown god and identifies

Him as the Creator God.

Although Paul did not use the Scriptures, his message

to them was clear.

Although Paul did not use the Scriptures, his message

to them was clear.

He pointed to the natural world with which they were familiar and connected

it to the supernatural

He pointed to the natural world with which they were familiar and connected

it to the supernatural

In what ways do the things of nature speak to your heart about God?In what ways do the things of nature speak to your heart about God?

How could you better cultivate an appreciation of our Creator through the things of nature?

How could you better cultivate an appreciation of our Creator through the things of nature?

Wednesday The Message on Mars’ Hill

Wednesday The Message on Mars’ Hill

With hand outstretched toward the temple crowded with idols, Paul poured out the burden of his soul, and exposed the fallacies of the religion of the Athenians," writes Ellen G. White. "The wisest of his hearers were astonished as they listened to his reasoning. He showed himself familiar with their works of art, their literature, and their religion."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 237

With hand outstretched toward the temple crowded with idols, Paul poured out the burden of his soul, and exposed the fallacies of the religion of the Athenians," writes Ellen G. White. "The wisest of his hearers were astonished as they listened to his reasoning. He showed himself familiar with their works of art, their literature, and their religion."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 237

Look through Paul's discourse. Where do you find these basic doctrines: creation, redemption, and judgment

Look through Paul's discourse. Where do you find these basic doctrines: creation, redemption, and judgment

Creation: “Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; "for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: "God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. "Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, "so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; "for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' "Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising.” Acts 17:22-29

Redemption & Judgement: "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 "because He has appointed a day

on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."

Acts 17:30, 31

Paul understood that before we can lead people to where we want them to be we must first meet them where they are. That means

focusing on their needs, their interests-and shaping our message in a way that connects with them. This does not mean watering down the

message. It is just an issue of communication-talking to people in terms and in language they can understand.

Ellen White adds: "Paul's words contain a treasure of knowledge for the church. . . . Had his oration been a direct attack upon their gods and the great men of the city, he would have been in danger of meeting the fate of Socrates. But with a tact born of divine love, he carefully drew their minds away from heathen deities, by revealing to them the true God, who was to them unknown."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 241.

Thursday Paul’s Method of Church Planting

Thursday Paul’s Method of Church Planting

Paul chose to start new congregations in strategic cities throughout the region. He chose places that were major transport hubs-on major Roman roads or seaports-and

that were important commercial, trading, or administrative centers. He thus established strategic lighthouses throughout the area, planning that the new groups

of believers would take the good news to the areas surrounding these centers. Although Paul's work was finished, the task of outreach had only begun for the new

believers.

Paul chose to start new congregations in strategic cities throughout the region. He chose places that were major transport hubs-on major Roman roads or seaports-and

that were important commercial, trading, or administrative centers. He thus established strategic lighthouses throughout the area, planning that the new groups

of believers would take the good news to the areas surrounding these centers. Although Paul's work was finished, the task of outreach had only begun for the new

believers.

On his second missionary journey, Paul, with the help of Timothy and Silas, established a Christian church in what cities?

Thessalonica, the largest city in Macedonia.

Where was it located?

It was located at the crossroads of two important Roman highways

and was the major seaport for the entire region.

A strongly established group of believers in this city would provide a center from which other church plants could grow throughout that

area.

A strongly established group of believers in this city would provide a center from which other church plants could grow throughout that

area.

This is exactly what happened. Paul said, "You became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has

become known everywhere" 1 Thess. 1:7, 8. This church was a model for others.

This is exactly what happened. Paul said, "You became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has

become known everywhere" 1 Thess. 1:7, 8. This church was a model for others.

Ellen G. White Gems

Christ drew the hearts of his hearers to him by the manifestation of his love, and then, little by little, as they were able to bear it, he unfolded to them the great

truths of the kingdom. We also must learn to adapt our labors to the condition of the people,--to meet men where they are. While the claims of the law of God are to

be presented to the world, we should never forget that love, the love of Christ, is the only power that can soften the heart, and lead to obedience. All the great truths of the Scriptures center in Christ; and rightly understood, all lead to him. Let Christ be presented as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, of the great plan

of redemption. Present to the people such subjects as will strengthen their confidence in God and in his word, and lead them to investigate its teachings for

themselves. And as they go forward, step by step, in the study of the Bible, they will be better prepared to appreciate the beauty and harmony of its precious truths.

{RH, November 25, 1890 par. 5}

Ellen G. White Gems

We would not be actuated by mere worldly policy; but from love to God, and to souls for whom Christ died, we should seek to reach those who in their turn will labor for others. If we can win to Christ and the truth souls to whom God has intrusted large capabilities, our influence will, through them, be constantly extending, and will become a far-reaching power for good. {RH, November 25, 1890 par. 9}

Ellen G. White Gems

Be sure to maintain the dignity of the work by a well-ordered life and godly conversation. Never be afraid of raising the standard too high. The families who engage in the missionary

work should come close to hearts. The spirit of Jesus should pervade the soul of the worker; it is the pleasant, sympathetic words, the manifestation of disinterested love for their souls, that will break down the barriers of pride and selfishness, and show to unbelievers that we

have the love of Christ; and then the truth will find its way to the heart. This is our work, and the fulfilling of God's plan. All coarseness and roughness must be put away from us. Courtesy, refinement, Christian politeness, must be cherished. Guard against being abrupt and blunt. Do

not regard such peculiarities as virtues; for God does not so regard them. Endeavor not to offend any unnecessarily. {RH, November 25, 1890 par. 12}

Conclusion

Endeavor to prepare a way for Jesus. Next week lesson 3 is called: John the Baptist: Preparing the Way for Jesus

Endeavor to prepare a way for Jesus. Next week lesson 3 is called: John the Baptist: Preparing the Way for Jesus

To prepare the way for Jesus we have to follow John the Baptist’s example. This is found in the memory verse: " 'I tell you the truth: Among those born of women

there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he' " Matthew 11:11.

To prepare the way for Jesus we have to follow John the Baptist’s example. This is found in the memory verse: " 'I tell you the truth: Among those born of women

there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he' " Matthew 11:11.

John the Baptist for being the least, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.!!

John the Baptist for being the least, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.!!