Page 221 - Lift Him Up (1988)

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Feeding the Flock, July 22
And they went ... unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their
flocks. And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and
quiet, and peaceable.
1 Chronicles 4:39, 40
.
God’s word is true philosophy, true science. Human opinions and sensational
preaching amount to very little. Those who are imbued with the word of God will
teach it in the same simple way that Christ taught it. The world’s greatest Teacher
used the simplest language and the plainest symbols.
The Lord calls upon His shepherds to feed the flock with pure provender. He
would have them present the truth in its simplicity. When this work is faithfully
done, many will be convicted and converted by the power of the Holy Spirit. There is
need of Bible teachers who will come close to the unconverted, who will search for
the lost sheep, who will do personal labor, and will give clear, definite instruction.
Never utter sentiments of doubt. Christ’s teaching was always positive in its
nature. With a tone of assurance bear an affirmative message. Lift up the Man of
Calvary higher and still higher; there is power in the exaltation of the cross of Christ.
It is the student’s privilege to have clear and accurate ideas of the truth of the
Word, that he may be prepared to present these truths to other minds. He should be
rooted and grounded in the faith. Students should be led to think for themselves, to
see the force of truth for themselves, and to speak every word from a heart full of
love and tenderness. Urge upon their minds the vital truths of the Bible. Let them
repeat these truths in their own language, that you may be sure that they clearly
comprehend them. Be sure that every point is fastened upon the mind. This may be
a slow process, but it is of 10 times more value than rushing over important subjects
without giving them due consideration. It is not enough that the student believe the
truth for himself. He must be drawn out to state this truth clearly in his own words,
that it may be evident that he sees the force of the lesson and makes its application....
Never forget that the greatest lesson to be taught and to be learned is the lesson
of copartnership with Christ in the work of salvation. The education to be secured
by searching the Scriptures is an experimental knowledge of the plan of salvation.
Such an education will restore the image of God in the soul. It will strengthen and
fortify the mind against temptation, and fit the learner to become a worker with
Christ in His mission of mercy to the world. It will make him a member of the
heavenly family, prepare him to share the inheritance of the saints in light.... The
Bible becomes a lesson book such as God designed it to be, giving clear conceptions
to those who strive to grasp its grand and glorious truths.... There is shed into the
mind a flood of light (
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 433-437
).
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