Sabbath, November 5, 2005

INTRODUCTION

“Mistakes have been made in not seeking to reach ministers and the higher classes with the truth. People not of our faith have been shunned altogether too much. While we should not associate with them to receive their mold, there are honest ones everywhere for whom we should labor cautiously, wisely, and intelligently, full of love for their souls.” –Christian Service, p. 203.

OBJECTIVES

• To learn how to approach the wealthy and lead them to Jesus.
• To learn how to appeal to the higher classes for donations that will support God’s cause.
• To offer the rich the best and only way to peace and rest.

A NEGLECTED PEOPLE

1. Besides the poor, what other class of people should we labor for and not consider them as hopeless and unreachable?
1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

“We talk and write much of the neglected poor: should not some attention be given also to the neglected rich? Many look upon this class as hopeless, and they do little to open the eyes of those who, blinded and dazed by the power of Satan, have lost eternity out of their reckoning. Thousands of wealthy men have gone to their graves unwarned, because they have been judged by appearance, and passed by as hopeless subjects.” –Evangelism, p. 555.

2. Who especially should approach the wealthy and appeal for monetary gifts to support God’s work?
Daniel 12:3
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

“Persons of this class are often the most difficult of access, but Christ will open ways whereby they may be reached. Let the wisest, the most trustful, the most hopeful laborers seek for these souls.” –Welfare Ministry, p. 282. “Some are especially fitted to work for the higher classes. These should seek wisdom from God to know how to reach these persons, to have not merely a casual acquaintance with them, but by personal effort and living faith to awaken them to the needs of the soul, to lead them to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus.” –The Ministry of Healing, p. 213.

GIFTS FROM THE WEALTHY

3. Should God’s people refuse monetary gifts that come from wealthy unbelievers? Why not?
Haggai 2:8
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.

“You inquire with respect to the propriety of receiving gifts from Gentiles or the heathen. The question is not strange; but I would ask you, Who is that owns our world? Who are the real owners of houses and lands? Is it not God? He has an abundance in our world which He has placed in the hands of men, by which the hungry might be supplied with food, the naked with clothing, the homeless with homes. The Lord would move upon worldly men, even idolaters, to give of their abundance for the support of the work, if we would approach them wisely and give them an opportunity of doing those things which it is their privilege to do. What they would give we should be privileged to receive.” –Welfare Ministry, p. 278.

4. What can those of means do to help in building up the cause of God?
Mark 13:10
And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

“The Lord desires that moneyed men shall be converted, and act as His helping hand in reaching others. He desires that those who can help in the work of reform and restoration shall see the precious light of truth, be transformed in character, and be led to use their entrusted capital in His service. He would have them invest the means He has lent them, in doing good, in opening the way for the gospel to be preached to all classes, nigh and afar off.” –Gospel Workers, p. 349.

5. What positive results can be had when we work faithfully for the higher classes of society?
1 Corinthians 3:6
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

THE SEARCH GOES ON

6. What is it that the rich and famous do not have, but are searching for?
Philippians 4:4,7
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice…. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

“Most generally the fashionable, the wealthy, the proud, understand by experience that happiness is not to be secured by the amount of money that they possess, or by costly edifices, and ornamental furniture and pictures. They want something they have not. But this class are attracted toward each other, and it is hard to find access to them; and because of this many are perishing in their sins who long for something that will give them rest and peace and quietude of mind. They need Jesus, the light of righteousness.” –Evangelism, p. 556.

7. What can we offer them so as to turn their attention toward Christ and be saved?
Acts 8:35
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Acts 16:31, 32 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

“Wherever we go, we are to carry Jesus with us, and to reveal to others the preciousness of our Saviour. . . . Through the social relations, Christianity comes in contact with the world. Everyone who has received the divine illumination is to brighten the pathway of those who know not the Light of life. . . . Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that, though human, they are partakers of the divine nature. . . . The light that shines upon them they reflect upon others in works that are luminous with the love of Christ.” –The Desire of Ages, pp. 152, 153.

“Men in high positions of trust in the world will be charmed by a plain, straightforward, Scriptural statement of truth.” –Evangelism, p. 557.

8. What is desperately needed in the church, so a good work can be done among the wealthy and influential?
Psalms 85:6
Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
James 2: 8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well

“There needs to be a waking up among God’s people, that His work may be carried forward with power. We need the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We need to understand that God will add to the ranks of His people men of ability and influence, who are to act their part in warning the world. All in the world are not lawless and sinful. God has many thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal. There are God-fearing men in the fallen churches… “Much more prayer, much more Christlikeness, much more conformity to God’s will, is to be brought into God’s work.” –Evangelism, pp. 558, 559.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

• Have you prayed to the Lord to give you faith and courage to approach the
wealthy in order to help them find Jesus?
• What experiences can you share from your work with wealthy unbelievers?