September 1929
T h e
K i n g ’ s
B u s i n e s s
441
I n t e r n a t i o n a l L e s s o n C o m m e n t a r y By David L. Cooper I
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FRED S. SHEPARD ’S BLACKBOARD OUTL INE C ' ONSIDERAT ION i O N C E R N ) for Others OPERATION J Toward all men.—Gal. 6:10. movement, which was well advertised in the newspapers, club meetings, and churches. The result of the campaign was that large contributions were ob tained. When the list of contributors was examined, to the amazement of all it was found that 98 per cent of them were churchgoing people. This circumstance shows conclusively who are the ones who have consideration for others—the people of God, not the irreligious masses. I. Nehemiah’s Idea of Duty to and Service for Others. Neh. 4:15-23. When Nehemiah began the reconstruc tion of the wall of Jerusalem, Satan stirred up the enemies of Israel and caused them to oppose the work. Their plots became known to Nehemiah, who very wisely took measures in order to thwart the plans of his opponents. In Neh. 4:16 the information is given “that half of my servants wrought in the work, and, half of them held the spears, the shields,' and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.” Knowing the subtlety of the enemy and not willing to take any chances, Nehemiah thus had his men who were working, under the protection of armed guards. According to verse 17, those who were actively engaged in the reconstruction of the wall and those who bore the burdens, held a weapon in one hand and with the other continued their work, or had their swords girded at their sides. The work was well organized and instructions were given that should there be an attack at one portion of the wall, when the trumpet was sounded all should hasten thither and assist in warding off the attack. In a community or society each must lay aside his selfish purposes and plans and work for the good of the community. II. A Scribe’s Idea of Duty to and Ser vice for Others. Mk. 12:28-34. It was probably on the last day of the public ministry of our Lord that one of the scribes, who had listened to the discussion between Christ and the Sad- ducees, came to Him and asked in re gard to the first commandment. To this question Jesus answered by quoting Deut. 6:4—the great confession of Israel—• which literally translated is, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our Gods is the Lord a Unity.” To this statement He added that
one shall love God with all of his being. This constituted the first commandment. The statement, “The Lord our Gods is the Lord a Unity,” is a reflection of the Trinity of the Eternal God. The second commandment is, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." These two com mandments, said Jesus, are the greatest. The scribe acknowledged the wisdom and the truthfulness of Christ’s answers. In continuing his comment he said, “To love Him (God) with all of the heart, and with all o f , the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself” is much more than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices. This scribe was able to see, beyond the outward ceremonial forms of religion, the real heart and soul of the same. He was, moreover, able to put first things first, namely, that one’s duty to God comes first. When one'is right toward God, his attitude will be right and just toward his fellow man. Thus he realized that the Lord prefers mercy—as exemplified in deeds of kindness and goodness to others rather than mechanical ceremonial ritual ism and worship—to that of sacrifice. Seeing his clear understanding of spirit ual matters, Jesus replied that he was not far from the kingdom of God. III. The Christian’s Idea of Duty to and Service for Others. Rom. 15:1-7, In the church at Rome there were those who, notwithstanding the advantages which they' had, did not treat, very well certain brethren who were less informed in regard to spiritual matters than they, as is seen in chapter 14—they tried to impose their ideas upon the weaker brethren. In 15:1-7 Paul showed that the stronger brethren—those with knowledge—should be kind and considerate toward the weaker ones—those who lacked knowl edge and a clear insight into spiritual matters. In order to emphasize his point Paul called attention to the fact that Jesus pleased not Himself but, in accord ance with the prediction of Scripture, re proaches were heaped upon Him. Then he emphasized his lesson by saying that the things written aforetime were written for the instruction of the saints. In verses 5 and 6 he prayed to God that the Roman Christians might be considerate one to wards another and that they might be bound together in unity in order to glo rify God. There, was his exhortation, each should receive the other in love. IV. Christ’s Idea of Duty to and Service for Others. Phil.. 2:1-8. Paul approaches the subject of the proper attitude which should obtain among brethren with the following state ment : “I f there is therefore any exhorta tion in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, make full my joy, that ye be of {he same mind,
October 6, 1929 Recognizing Our Debt to Others Scripture References: Neh. 4:15-23; Mk. 12:28-34; Rom. 15:1-7; Phil. 2:1-8; Col. 3:12; 4:1; Jas. 2:14-17. Devotional Reading: Psa. 40:5-10. Lesson Text : Mk. 12:28-34 ; Jas. 2 :14-17. Golden Text: “Not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others" (Phil. 2:4). L esson in O utline Introduction : Historical Setting. Beginning the Lesson. I. Nehemiah’s Idea of Duty to and Service for Others. Neh. ,4:15-23. II. A Scribe’s Idea of Duty to and Ser vice for Others. Mk. 12:28-34. III. The Christian’s Idea of Duty to and Service for Others. Rom. 15:1-7. IV. Christ’s Idea of Duty to and Service for Others. Phil. 2:1-8. V. Paul’s Idea of a Christian Master’s Duty to and Service for Others. Col. 3:12; 4:1. VI. James’ Idea of a Christian’s Duty to and Service for the Poor. Jas. 2 i 14-17.
— o — Introduction: Historical Setting.
T N today’s lesson six sections of Scrip- ture are under consideration. They are drawn from various portions of the Word. The one unifying principle is that
of s e i f-forgetful- ness, consideration for and service to others. The passage from Nehemiah is dated after the re turn of the J e w s f r o m Babylonian captivity. The pas
sage in Mark is dated in the last week of our Lord’s personal ministry, in the year 30 A. D. The Roman passage was writ ten by Paul in the early part of 58 A. D., from Corinth. The Philippian letter was written from Rome by Paul, probably in 63 A. D. ; the same is true of the Colos- sian letter. James, the earliest portion of the New Testament, was written around 50 A. D. Beginning the Lesson: According to the reports of the Youth’s Companion, there was a certain charitable home for sick children which was main tained wholly by contributions from church members. Finally the committee in charge decided to appeal to the non- chtirchgoing people of the community to contribute to thè work. The leading citi zens in the community got behind the
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