2.6 Summary
The Heart of the Christian Faith: Love, Care, and Resistance Against Selfishness

The second lesson focused on the central theme of Christianity: the choice between love and selfishness. The various units of this lesson demonstrated:

A Savior with a Broken Heart: The deep love of Jesus Christ for humanity was portrayed, with His life and suffering representing the ultimate expression of divine love that is willing to selflessly give for others.

Preserved by Providence: It was emphasized that God leads and protects His believers through various life situations and challenges. Even in difficult times, the divine love and care for His children remain evident.

Faithful Amid Persecution: This unit showcased the steadfastness and loyalty of Christians in times of persecution. Despite resistance and dangers, they remained true to their faith convictions, underscoring their deep connection to Christ and His path of love and selflessness.

Caring for the Community: The importance of caring for the well-being of the community was emphasized. Christians were encouraged to serve actively and advocate for the welfare of their fellow human beings, especially in times of crisis, to practically express the love of Christ.

A Legacy of Love: In conclusion, it was emphasized that true Christianity is characterized by selfless and sacrificial love. This kind of love challenges every Christian to set aside their own selves and lead a life of devotion and love that reflects God’s kingdom on Earth.

Overall, the lesson clarifies that the fundamental question of Christianity is to choose love over selfishness. True Christianity is characterized by love, service, and devotion that manifest the kingdom of God in the world.

The connection between Lesson 2 “The Central Question: Love or Selfishness?” and our everyday life as well as faith is profound and shaping. Here are some aspects that highlight this connection:

1. Personal Relationships: In our daily interactions with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers, we often face the choice of acting out of love or selfish motives. Love promotes understanding, compassion, and harmony, while selfishness often leads to conflicts, misunderstandings, and distancing.

2. Decision Making: The choice between love and selfishness also influences our decisions in career, finances, leisure, and other areas of life. A God-centered life characterized by love often leads to decisions that consider the well-being of others and promote community.

3. Community and Society: Love and selfishness directly impact the functioning of communities and society as a whole. Communities built on love, care, and solidarity are often more harmonious, supportive, and resilient to challenges.

4. Spiritual Development: In faith, choosing love over selfishness is central to our spiritual maturity and closeness to God. The Bible teaches us that God is love (1 John 4:8) and that to become more like Him, we must grow in love. This often requires us to let go of our ego, deny ourselves, and devote ourselves to God and others in humility and love.

5. Meaning and Purpose in Life: Choosing love over selfishness gives our life a deeper meaning and purpose. It allows us to be part of something greater, serves a higher goal, and leaves a lasting legacy of love that extends beyond our earthly life.

Overall, Lesson 2 challenges us to reflect on our daily decisions, actions, and relationships in light of the central question of love or selfishness. By choosing love and integrating it into our daily life and faith, we can not only enrich our own lives but also exert a positive influence on our community and the world around us.

The suffering of Christians serves not only as evidence of their innocence but also as a seed that promotes the growth of faith.

1.What value does persecution have? Why do you think God allows His people to suffer sometimes? And even if in some cases, like in the early church, good could come out of it, what about times when it seems like nothing good has come from it? Why is the personal experience of God’s love so crucial in such situations to maintain faith?

The questions about persecution and why God allows suffering are profound and often controversial topics in the Christian faith. Here are some thoughts on this:

1. Value of Persecution:

• Strengthening of Faith: Persecution can strengthen and deepen faith by forcing believers to engage deeply with their convictions and consciously choose their faith.

• Testimony for Faith: Persecution can be a powerful testimony for faith. When Christians remain steadfast under pressure, it can inspire and lead others to faith.

• Focus on the Eternal: Persecution reminds believers that their true home is not in this world but in heaven. It promotes the attitude that material losses and sufferings are temporary compared to the eternal hope in God.

2. Why does God allow suffering?:

• Free Will: God has given humans free will. This means people have the freedom to make good or bad decisions, sometimes leading to suffering.

• Maturation and Character Building: Suffering can also serve as a means for maturation and character building. Through difficulties, we can learn to be patient, loving, humble, and steadfast.

• Mysteries of God: There are many things we cannot fully understand about God’s plan and intentions. Sometimes God allows suffering to fulfill greater purposes that remain hidden to us.

3. No Visible Good: There are times when it seems like nothing good has developed from suffering and persecution. In such times, the personal experience of God’s love is crucial to maintain faith.

• Deep Relationship with God: In times of darkness, the personal experience of God’s love can provide comfort, hope, and strength. It reminds us that God has not abandoned us, even if we cannot see or feel it.

• Eternal Perspective: God’s love helps us maintain an eternal perspective. Even if we suffer in this world, there is an eternal reward and promise of life with God.

In summary, while persecution and suffering are difficult to endure, they also offer opportunities to deepen our faith, testify, and draw closer to God. In difficult times, the personal experience of God’s love is crucial to maintain faith and hope.

2.If a friend were to ask you the following question, what would you answer: “Where is God in my suffering? If He loves me, why am I going through such a difficult time?”

The question about God’s presence in suffering is one of the most profound and challenging questions in faith. Here is a possible answer you could give to a friend:

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I understand how difficult it must be to go through a challenging time and wonder where God is in all of it. It’s important to know that God’s love doesn’t necessarily mean we will be spared from difficulties. In the Bible, we see that many faithful people of God have also gone through tough times.

Firstly, I want to emphasize that God is not the cause of suffering. The world we live in is characterized by sin, imperfection, and the consequences of our decisions. But God is there to accompany us and comfort us in our suffering.

Secondly, the Bible shows us that God is with us in the midst of suffering. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Even if we sometimes feel that God is far away, Scripture assures us that He never leaves us.

Thirdly, God can work through suffering and difficulties to shape and mature us. There are times when we learn patience, endurance, compassion, and other valuable traits through suffering.

Lastly, I want to emphasize that our experience of suffering and difficulties can also give us a deeper insight into God’s love and care. It is often in our toughest moments that we develop a deeper, more authentic relationship with God and experience His love and care in new ways.

It’s okay to have questions and feel distant from God during difficult times. But please remember, you are not alone. God is always there, ready to listen, comfort, and help you through this challenging time.

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It is important to respond with empathy and understanding, as suffering and faith are very personal in such moments. It is about offering support and hope without trivializing the other person’s feelings and experiences.

3.How can our local community become a caring community that makes a difference in the world? Discuss how we can practically apply this week’s reading.

Becoming a caring community that makes a difference in the world requires both individual and collective efforts. Here are some practical steps a local community can take to implement the principles of love and care discussed in this week’s reading:

1. Building Community:

• Host regular community events where members can get to know each other better.

• Create opportunities for shared activities and services to foster cohesion and unity within the community.

2. Caring for the Needy:

• Establish a community service that addresses the needs of the poor, sick, and disadvantaged in the community.

• Organize regular visits to the sick, single, or elderly members of the community to provide companionship and practical assistance.

3. Education and Awareness:

• Offer educational programs and workshops that inform community members about the importance of love, selflessness, and care.

• Organize discussion forums and Bible studies that address topics of suffering, faith, and God’s presence in difficult times.

4. Practical Love in Everyday Life:

• Encourage community members to show acts of kindness and love in their daily lives.

• Provide support for families in need, single parents, or people going through personal crises.

5. Public Testimony:

• Engage in local community projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in the community.

• Use social media and other platforms to share stories and testimonies of love and care, spreading the message of hope and faith in the wider community.

6. Continuous Self-reflection and Adaptation:

• Regularly review and evaluate community activities to ensure they are effective and meet the needs of community members.

• Be open to feedback and suggestions from the community to continually evolve and grow.

By implementing these steps and actively promoting love, care, and practical assistance, the community can have a positive and significant impact in the world and be a living testimony to the love and light of Christ.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-the-central-issue-love-or-selfishness-2-6-summary/

2.5 A Legacy of Love
Love as the Hallmark of True Christianity: A Legacy of Compassion and Selflessness

Read John 13:35 and 1 John 4:21. What do these verses reveal about the challenge to God’s rule by Satan in the Great Controversy? What do they tell us about the nature of true Christianity?

The mentioned Bible verses and historical accounts illustrate the essence of true Christianity and how the Christian community responds to challenges and temptations.

John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

1 John 4:21 says, “And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” These verses emphasize the central importance of love in Christian identity. Love is not just a feeling but manifests itself in concrete acts of care, service, and selflessness, especially towards the needy and the suffering.

The historical accounts cited by Tertullian and Rodney Stark about early Christians during epidemics show how this love was put into action. Instead of fearing the disease and associated risks, Christians showed courage, willingness to sacrifice, and deep compassion for their fellow human beings. They saw the image of God in every sick and needy person and acted accordingly.

This response of Christians to the challenges of their time shows us what true Christianity is about:

1. Selfless Love: True Christianity is characterized by selfless love that goes beyond one’s own needs and securities and actively works for the welfare of others.

2. Courage and Willingness to Sacrifice: True Christianity shows courage and a willingness to take risks to help others and spread the Gospel of love and hope.

3. Practical Neighborly Love: True Christianity is expressed not only in words but primarily in acts of care, support, and solidarity towards the needy and the suffering.

In summary, these Bible verses and historical accounts reveal that true Christianity is characterized by love expressed in concrete acts of care, service, and selflessness. In times of challenges and temptations, the true face of Christianity becomes visible when believers act courageously and sacrificially to help others and bring God’s love into the world.

What is the obvious message for us here? How can we learn to die to self so that we too can embody this selfless spirit? It’s not easy, is it?

The obvious message for us is that true Christianity is characterized by selfless love, which is expressed in concrete acts of care, service, and selflessness. This love is particularly evident in times of challenges and temptations when believers act courageously and sacrificially to help others and bring God’s love into the world.

The “dying to self” is a central concept in the Christian faith and refers to the need to set aside one’s ego, selfishness, and personal desires and needs to truly love God and neighbor. Jesus taught his disciples to take up their cross and follow Him, meaning that we should be ready to deny ourselves and serve others for their well-being (Matthew 16:24). Indeed, dying to self and embodying this selfless spirit is not easy. It requires constant self-reflection, a sincere effort to free oneself from selfish tendencies and motives, and a continuous reliance on God’s grace and power.

Here are some steps and approaches that can help us to die to self and embody this selfless spirit:

1. Daily Self-Reflection and Prayer: Take time to reflect on your behavior, motives, and attitudes. Ask God for help in cleansing your heart and giving you the strength to love selflessly.

2. Study of Scripture: Immerse yourself in the teachings of the Bible and be inspired by the examples and teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Scripture can teach and encourage us on how to live in love and selflessness.

3. Community with Other Believers: Surround yourself with people who are examples of selfless love. Community and mutual encouragement are crucial for growing in faith and learning to love selflessly.

4. Practical Service: Actively look for opportunities to serve others and meet their needs. Practical service and helping others can help us to die to self and grow in love.

5. Cultivate Humility: Recognize that we all are fallible and constantly in need of God’s grace. Cultivate a humble attitude that is willing to learn from others and change.

It is true that dying to self and living in selfless love is a lifelong journey and challenge. But with God’s help, grace, and the support of a community of believers, we can grow and become more like Christ. It is a process of sanctification where we constantly learn, grow, and change to become more like Jesus.

The connection between our daily life and Christian faith lies in the practical application of Christian principles and values in our daily lives. If we want to be true Christians, we must live these principles of love, selflessness, and care not only in special moments or under certain conditions but in every aspect of our lives. Here are some practical steps on how we can realize these principles in our daily lives:

1. Love in Family and Community: Start by unconditionally loving your family, friends, and community members. Show compassion, understanding, and support in everyday situations.

2. Selfless Service: Regularly seek opportunities to serve others, whether through simple acts like sharing time or resources, listening, or supporting needs.

3. Righteous Action: Live according to the ethical and moral values of Christianity in your profession, school, and community. Be a role model for integrity, honesty, and justice.

4. Prayer and Spiritual Practice: Integrate prayer, meditation, and Bible study into your daily schedule. This will help you stay connected with God and seek His guidance and strengthening in your life.

5. Community and Collaboration: Collaborate with other believers to achieve common goals and projects aimed at helping others and building God’s kingdom on earth.

6. Constant Self-Reflection: Regularly take time to review your life, evaluate your relationships, and see where you can grow and improve to become more like Christ.

Living in harmony with these principles is certainly challenging and requires constant effort, dedication, and God’s grace. But over time and with constant practice, these principles become a natural part of our character and identity as Christians. It is a journey of transformation and sanctification where we constantly strive to become more like Christ and reflect His love and mercy in the world.

True Christianity manifests itself through selfless love and practical service to others.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-the-central-issue-love-or-selfishness-2-5-a-legacy-of-love/

2.4 Caring for the Community
Active Compassion and Holistic Healing: Authentic Christianity of the Early Church

Emphasizing care for the community was a central feature of the early Christian communities and remains a timeless lesson for today’s church. Here are some key thoughts on this:

1. Holistic Care: The early church understood that the message of the Gospel encompasses not only spiritual but also physical and social needs. They followed Jesus’ example, who cared for the whole person by not only teaching and preaching but also healing and attending to people’s needs.

2. Selfless Love: Christian care for the community is characterized by selfless love that focuses not only on one’s own needs but also on serving and helping others, regardless of their background, origin, or faith.

3. Commitment to Human Needs: The church should actively engage in its community by paying attention to people’s needs, offering help and support, and advocating for justice, peace, and well-being in the community.

4. Sharing the Good News: While the church cares for the physical and social welfare of the community, it should also continue to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as this is the ultimate solution to people’s spiritual needs.

5. Power of the Holy Spirit: Care for the community should be done in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, who leads, empowers, and inspires the church to be active in serving others.

For today’s end-time church, this means that it should continue to rely on the model of the early church by practicing holistic care for the community. This includes active participation in social, humanitarian, and diaconal services, promoting justice and peace, supporting the needy and disadvantaged, and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. By implementing these principles in its daily life and service, the church can have a positive impact on society, advance the kingdom of God, and proclaim the Gospel in a credible and relevant manner.

Read Acts 2:44–47; 3:6–9; and 6:1–7. What principles can we learn about authentic Christianity from these passages, even though circumstances may vary?

From the mentioned passages in Acts, we can learn several principles about authentic Christianity that remain timeless and universally relevant despite varying circumstances:

1. Community and Participation: Believers in the early church lived in close community and shared their resources with each other. They cared for the needs of their brothers and sisters, ensuring that no one among them lacked anything (Acts 2:44–45; 4:32).

2. Healing and Care: In Acts, we see that the apostles and the early believers cared not only for people’s spiritual needs but also for their physical needs. They healed the sick and helped the needy (Acts 3:6–9).

3. Service and Diaconia: As the church grew, there were challenges in providing for the poor. The apostles recognized the importance of deacons – people who specifically cared for the material needs of the community so that the apostles could continue to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:1–7).

4. Testimony and Proclamation: Despite challenges and persecutions, the church did not stop proclaiming the Gospel. They boldly testified about Jesus Christ and redemption through Him, both in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas (Acts 4:31; 5:42).

5. Unity in Faith and Prayer: The early church was characterized by unity in faith and prayer. They regularly came together to pray, hear the apostles’ teaching, and celebrate the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:42).

6. Living in Light of Eternity: Facing the imminent return of Christ, believers lived in anticipation and hope. They were aware that as ambassadors of Jesus in a broken world, their task was to touch others with the love and grace of Christ (John 10:10).

In summary, these passages from Acts teach us that authentic Christianity is characterized by community, care, service, testimony, unity, and a conscious focus on the return of Christ. These principles are timeless and can serve as a guide today on how we can live our faith in a practical and relevant way, regardless of the circumstances we face.

What role does the church play in collaborating with Christ to refute Satan’s accusations?

The role of the church in collaborating with Christ to refute Satan’s accusations is central to the Christian understanding of spiritual warfare, redemption, and sanctification. The Bible often describes the devil as the “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10), who constantly seeks to accuse believers before God and question their identity and position in Christ.

Here are some key aspects of the role of the church in this collaboration:

1. Proclamation of the Gospel: Through the proclamation of the Gospel, the church testifies to the central message of Christ and His redemption. This Gospel proclaims that through faith in Jesus Christ and His substitutionary sacrifice on the cross, sins are forgiven, and the accusations of the devil against believers can be rejected (Romans 8:1).

2. Community and Encouragement: The community of believers in the church serves as a place of encouragement, comfort, and support. When believers come together to strengthen and encourage each other in faith, the accusation and isolation by the devil are diminished (Hebrews 10:24-25).

3. Practical Sanctification: The church plays a crucial role in instructing and encouraging believers to live a holy life that aligns with God’s will. Through teaching, counseling, and spiritual disciplines, the church helps believers resist temptations and lead a life of purity and dedication (Ephesians 4:22-24).

4. Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool in spiritual warfare against the accusations of the devil. The church is called to continually pray for its members, especially when they are confronted with spiritual temptations, trials, or accusations (Ephesians 6:18).

5. Administration of the Sacraments: The sacraments, especially baptism and the Lord’s Supper, are visible signs of God’s grace and belonging to Christ. By regularly celebrating these sacraments, the church reaffirms the identity and position of believers in Christ and thus refutes the accusations of the devil (Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

In summary, the church plays a crucial role in collaborating with Christ to refute Satan’s accusations by proclaiming the Gospel, offering community, encouraging practical sanctification, interceding in prayer for its members, and administering the sacraments. Through these means, the church testifies to the overcoming power of Christ and His redemption and strengthens believers in the spiritual battle against the accuser.

Connecting these principles with our everyday life and faith is essential for authentic Christianity in today’s world. Here are some key aspects of how these principles are relevant and practically applicable in our daily lives:

1. Holistic Care in Everyday Life: In our daily lives, we should strive to recognize and respond to not only the spiritual but also the physical and emotional needs of people around us. This can be done through simple acts of kindness, supporting the needy in our community, or actively participating in humanitarian and diaconal services.

2. Practicing Selfless Love: Every day, we have the opportunity to practice selfless love by serving others, paying attention to their needs, and supporting them, regardless of their background or beliefs.

3. Engaging with the Community: We should consciously engage in our church and community by advocating for justice, peace, and the well-being of all. This can be done through active participation in community projects, social initiatives, or simple acts of kindness and support.

4. Sharing the Gospel: In our daily lives, we should constantly look for opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, whether through our testimony, actions, or words. By telling others about the love and redemption in Christ, we offer them the ultimate hope and healing.

5. Acting in the Spirit: In everything we do, we should be guided and inspired by the Holy Spirit. This means staying in prayer to seek God’s guidance and wisdom and trusting that the Spirit empowers and inspires us to be active in serving others.

6. Unity and Community: In our fast-paced and often fragmented world, it is important to foster unity and community in our daily lives. This can be done through regular fellowship with other believers, mutual encouragement and support, or participation in church events and activities.

In summary, the authentic Christianity of the early church and the lessons from the Acts of the Apostles provide a solid foundation and guidance on how we can live our faith in our daily lives. By implementing these principles in our daily lives, we can be a living testimony for Christ, bring God’s love into the world, and advance the kingdom of God in our surroundings.

Authentic Christianity recognizes and responds to the holistic needs of the community, united by selfless love, commitment, and the proclaimed Gospel.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-the-central-issue-love-or-selfishness-2-4-caring-for-the-community/