1:28Colossians 1:28

Paul describes his God-given ministry as proclaiming Christ Himself, warning and teaching each person individually with wisdom so they may be presented mature and complete in Christ.4T 269.1+3 The mystery made known is Christ dwelling in believers as the hope of glory, preached among the Gentiles to reveal the riches of redemption.Ms 44, 1901, par. 16–17+2 This warning includes reproving sin, correcting error and defects of character, and giving the full counsel of God, while teaching must be thorough house-to-house instruction that binds off the work completely.Ms 67, 1895, par. 1–3+4 Such labor succeeds not by human strength but by God's power working mightily within the worker through humble faith, prayer, and reliance on Christ.GW92 422.3+3 Perfection means mature completeness in Christ's likeness, attained by laying hold on His righteousness and cooperating with divine power in faithful obedience, to be sought now while atonement continues in heaven.5T 500.2+4

The mystery now made manifest is Christ in believers, the hope of glory, preached among the Gentiles to make known the riches of God's plan of redemption and the power of His grace through human workers and saints.Ms 44, 1901, par. 16–17+4 Warning every person and teaching every person in all wisdom means winning souls with guarded actions that make no wrong impression, dealing faithfully with minds in spiritual and temporal lines, putting on Christ and continually advancing in knowledge and understanding.Ms 44, 1901, par. 16–17+2 It means daily learning meekness and lowliness so Christ can lead, having Christ go before as righteousness, following in His footsteps and fulfilling His requirements, conforming life to truth and revealing the Saviour's character, being changed from glory to glory and character to character by beholding Him, and striving for His peace and gentleness while laboring according to His working which works mightily within.Ms 44, 1901, par. 16–17+4 Christ formed within is the hope of glory, and the aim is to lead people into that likeness through God's working rather than reliance on human counselors alone, for Christ is a complete Saviour and His salvation is for all who believe.ST Mar 25, 1897+2 That warning and teaching fulfills the Word of God by making known the mystery, and its goal is seen in a church whose members are renewed in Christ and united in love.Ms 84, 1894, par. 7–9+1

The Gentiles among whom this mystery is made known represent the world.15MR 257.1+1 Power and grace for the work come not by reaching to human agencies for strength but by going directly to Christ as the Fountain Head in trouble, discouragement and perplexity, becoming acquainted with Jesus, knowing His love and the power of His grace, and taking hold of Him by faith to receive needed strength.Ms 13, 1888, par. 72–74 The repeated every man stresses personal, individual labor for each person rather than general preaching alone, making personal house-to-house labor an essential part of ministerial work that is not to be left entirely to assistants or avoided through personal preference.ASCOP 11.1–12.1 The verse belongs to Paul's account of his ministry in Colossians 1:25-29, a divine trust to preach Christ and Him crucified as the burden of the message to all nations, with the precious saving truth made to stand out clear and prominent in every discourse.Lt 48a, 1900, par. 16+1 That trust requires rightly dividing the Word of truth, speaking not as pleasing men but God who tries the heart, sanctifying God with holy fear and dread, feeding the church and presenting every person perfect in Christ, alongside the warning not to harm God's people by teaching or example.Lt 48a, 1900, par. 16+1

This warning and teaching work belongs to the solemn period of the antitypical day of atonement while atonement goes on in heaven and judgment hastens.Ms 3, 1885, par. 23+1 Those sent to people in Christ's place and ministering in sacred things must therefore be holy and clean, pure in life and pure in conversation, sanctified and examples to the flock, laboring and striving according to Christ's mighty working in them.Ms 3, 1885, par. 23+1 The Bible is the only book that can present every person complete in Christ, containing true philosophy most perfect and complete and opening a sure and safe path for those seeking a better country, even a heavenly one.Ms 69, 1897, par. 19 Teachers must therefore not be timid in acknowledging the power of divine revelation but become acquainted with that philosophy in the Word of God.Ms 69, 1897, par. 19 Preached with the Spirit of God, the verse brings blessing in speaking and hearing, being heard with intense interest even through interpreters and leading to gratitude to God, confession of unconsecrated condition and independence, humbling of self before God, and receiving reproof of sin as the voice of God.Lt 23, 1885, par. 6–10

The religion of Christ in the chapter makes all who possess it truly benevolent, kind and courteous, bearing fruit in good works that bear the endorsement of heaven.Lt 58, 1900, par. 18–20 It countenances no littleness and no mean transactions, and gives a nobility that allows none of the cheap, covetous actions that are a disgrace to the doer.Lt 58, 1900, par. 18–20 It calls men in responsible positions to make straight paths for their feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way.Lt 58, 1900, par. 18–20

Christ Himself is the One proclaimed, by warning and teaching every person with wisdom so that each may be presented mature and complete in Christ.4T 269.1+4 The aim is to help people grow in grace and knowledge of the truth through instruction and example, rather than relying on blame or censure.4T 269.1 This work goes beyond preaching to representing Christ in character and living as a witness others can read.GW92 422.3 It is done in Christ's stead, calling people to be reconciled to God, as part of carrying the message of mercy to the world and calling people to obey God's commandments.Lt 78, 1901, par. 9–10+1 The goal is within reach of all who submit to the great Teacher and learn daily in His school.AA 368.3–4

Refusal to be satisfied with anything less than that completeness belongs to the work, for completeness is accomplished by the power of God working mightily in the worker.STOM 21.2 That same power will work in present ministers if allowed, to make them able ministers of Christ rather than leaving them in feeble, unsuccessful efforts of merely preaching sermons.STOM 21.2 Ministers who fall short of such Spirit-empowered labor have not earned support from the treasury.STOM 21.2 The labor is carried out through God's powerful work within the minister, which strengthens the minister who seeks the Lord and works with those who submit to Him.GW92 422.3+2

Presenting Christ means setting His character, words, and work before people to bring spiritual life and discernment.Ms 27, 1889, par. 12–14+1 Where Christ is not lifted up, churches lack spiritual life and discernment.8MR 273.1–3 Christ's infinitely perfect character is the power, sanctification, and righteousness of those who believe in Him.8MR 273.1–3

Presenting people perfect in Christ requires more than teaching the theory of truth.GW92 40.1–2+3 They must be instructed in what is essential to a balanced Christian character and brought to true conversion and vital godliness and an abiding life in Christ.GW92 40.1–2+1 Accepting the truth in name or as theory is not enough; people need instruction and prayerful care, visiting and praying with those interested, so that the truth's sanctifying power leads to genuine conversion and is seen in their lives.4T 316.2–317.1+3 Ministers fail in this work when they lack faith and a living knowledge of godliness, for their labor must depend on God's power working in them.GW92 40.1–2+1 They must make clear that accepting truth and living godly lives are matters of eternal consequence, and press the need for thorough reform upon the conscience, lest hearers without thorough reform and awakened responsibility fall back when novelty passes, like one who sees flaws in the mirror of God's law and forgets them.4T 398.2–3+1

Christ dwelling in the heart is the hope of glory and is revealed through holiness and unselfish love.Ms 121, 1899, par. 38–40 Self-exaltation and devotion to self have no place in a life ruled by Christ.Ms 121, 1899, par. 38–40 The teaching is to be given with wisdom from God and centered on Christ's sacrifice: the blood of the Son redeems people from transgression of God's law, and Christ is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world.Lt 63, 1895, par. 39–41 Those who see Christ's sacrifice are led to hate the sins that wounded Him and to approach Him as a compassionate High Priest, and the work of teaching and warning aims to prepare them to stand before God in Christ.Lt 63, 1895, par. 39–41 Christ ministers strength to His body so that every member increases with the increase of God and becomes perfect in Him.ST Nov 13, 1884 Holding fast to Christ as the Head supplies and knits the body together through joints and bands for this growth, while denying Him cuts off that strength and leaves people puffed up in fleshly minds instead of reaching perfection.ST Nov 13, 1884

Warning every person means giving faithful warnings when needed, reproving and rebuking sins, correcting error and wrongs and defects of character and conduct, counseling, entreating, encouraging, advising and appealing, and declaring the full counsel of God even when unwelcome, both in the pulpit and by personal labor.Lt 48, 1888, par. 6–8+4 This warning and teaching is done through the Spirit working mightily within the worker, and such labor is acknowledged in heaven as following Christ's example.GW92 171.2+2 Ministers who so labor follow Paul's standard of godliness, which none may safely lower.Lt 3, 1892, par. 24–27

The work is to be done in all wisdom, with discretion, kindness, sympathy, grace, intelligence, and meekness, faithfully explaining God's word rather than conforming to worldly practices.Lt 78, 1893, par. 7+2 Those who have heavenly grace show discretion, kindness and sympathy, reflecting Christ's sympathy and tenderness in character.Lt 78, 1893, par. 7 Those who speak for God present truth with grace and intelligence, taking care that poor or unnatural speech does not detract from it.Ms 107, 1898, par. 19

Presenting people perfect requires thorough work that binds off completely, not merely pleasing, comforting preaching that confirms selfishness.Lt 48, 1888, par. 6–8+1 It means fully instructing every member, pointing out duty and urging it, touching the plague spot of the heart, refusing to sanction a wrong act, giving faithful warnings, reproofs and corrections, with deep, earnest, solid heart work that inspires confidence and leads to faithfulness in duty.Lt 48, 1888, par. 6–8+1 It requires understanding people's difficulties, speaking and praying with them, and giving wise, practical, direct instruction that brings conviction, thoroughly teaching all essential matters so converts are truly established in the faith and firmly established with no part left incomplete.GW 369.2–3+2 This demands consecrating all powers to God, concentrating mind and energy on eternal things over temporal and minor matters, refusing added burdens that drain energy, holding to an interest with perseverance and zeal until bound off completely and thoroughly, not closing abruptly but keeping confidence so deciding souls find the true path to life, cultivating educator qualities, watching for souls, repulsing Satan who plays the game of life for souls, gaining victory with wisdom, knowledge of his devices, and strength from the Source of strength without discouragement or leaving the field.Lt 39, 1887, par. 17–18+1

The work does not end when the minister leaves the pulpit but calls for thorough instruction beyond preaching.Ms 67, 1895, par. 1–3 It includes diligent house-to-house labor as evidence of the Savior's love, following up personally, visiting interested people in homes, becoming acquainted with them, opening the Scriptures, explaining essential truth, answering objections, and helping establish an ordered church.Lt 43, 1894, par. 10+2 Open-air meetings may sometimes do good, but they cannot as a regular method provide this complete, personal work.Lt 23, 1885, par. 11–15+1 Converts must be educated step by step, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, taught to let light shine and hold forth the Word of life, to become intelligent in Scripture and familiar with its power, and to become laborers together with God who communicate the Word to others, under deep responsibility where failure, inefficiency, unfaithfulness, and receiving a human rather than divine mold imperil both minister and church and render knowledge, eloquence, miracles and views of eternal scenes unavailing, since unused God-given powers decay and perish.Lt 9, 1892, par. 19–24

Christ must be made known in life as well as speech, with words, conduct and example guiding people toward correct beliefs and practices.Ms 27, 1885, par. 9–15+1 Conduct should represent God's character and make truth attractive, not give unbelievers a false impression, honoring God's requirements rather than weakening them or replacing them with human tests, especially the Sabbath commandment.Ms 27, 1885, par. 9–15+1 The minister's work continues after preaching and leading to repentance by watchful care, teaching and example, keeping Jesus before the people and sanctifying self so hearers may also be sanctified, with ministers and people together growing in godliness from grace to grace until each can be presented mature, in which the ministerial office is seen in its true sacred character.STA 12.2+3

The work includes training every church member to take part in gospel work according to ability God has given, bringing the church into working order by repeated education through precept and example, forming workers who have the Spirit of Christ, love of God in the heart, wisdom from above, and inoffensive hearts, minds, ways and manners so they represent the cause well and grow in interest and usefulness.Ms 10, 1888, par. 2–4 Those who train others bear a constant burden for the education and mold they give, because that mold passes to others with influence reaching to eternity, always building workers up in holy faith by both teaching and example through the Spirit working powerfully as with Paul.Ms 14, 1887, par. 39 Preaching alone is insufficient; believers must be taught continually and carefully to advance in Christ's work and win others, lest through neglect they fail to receive God's grace.AA 206.1–207.1 This requires proper education and training before entering the field without hurrying workers out prematurely, linking the inexperienced with the experienced, blending in praying, working and searching Scripture with contrite hearts, speaking with simplicity in warning and counsel rather than offensive high-flown discourses above common comprehension, so sheep and lambs are fed nourishing food and talents are put to use in educating others, patiently developing inexperienced workers through prayer, personal effort, encouragement and wise instruction so they become mature and lack nothing.Lt 50, 1892, par. 19–20+2

Those instructed must have a teachable spirit and willingness to receive instruction, taking heed to ways and correcting every wrong habit as soon as made plain to understanding.Ms 97, 1893, par. 1–2+1 One who cherishes a wrong may not see defects plainly seen by associates, so those connected by relationship or association are obligated not indifferently but seriously to set wrongs and defects before the erring one, since they mar character and conduct, harm usefulness, exercise evil influence, and take away peace and happiness of family and associates.Ms 97, 1893, par. 3–4 Love for souls forbids looking on indifferently or keeping silent for fear of offense when a relative or friend takes a course hindering usefulness, harming self and injuring others while flattering self as all right; faithful love must advise, counsel and caution of danger and that work will not stand the judgment test.Ms 97, 1893, par. 3–4 Laborers together with God must show greater sympathy, love and care for obedient children of God's commandments seeking to obey and serve Jesus than for those who neither love nor fear God, treating fellow Christians who err with all patience and earnest effort to lead them to see and correct mistakes, since the unfallen universe is interested in souls struggling for eternal life beset with temptations and opposed by Satan at every step.Lt 46, 1891, par. 18–19 This correcting work must be done with meekness, prayer, self-control and the spirit of Christ rather than harshness, dictatorial demands or neglect of needed correction, and leaving the duty to others is unfaithfulness to one's own work.Ms 4a, 1881, par. 23–25

The warning and teaching that presents every person mature and complete in Christ is accomplished not by human strength but by God's limitless power working mightily within the worker.GW92 422.3+4 That inward working shapes the life and actions, represents Christ in character, and makes the labor a living witness others can read, bringing life to hearers who seek the Lord.GW92 422.3+2 This goal remains within reach of all who submit to the great Teacher and learn daily in His school.AA 368.3–4+1

That same power will work in present ministers if allowed, making them able ministers of Christ rather than leaving them in feeble, unsuccessful efforts of merely preaching sermons.STOM 21.2+2 There is therefore no reason to rest content with surface preaching, and one who does not labor earnestly and devotedly in this Spirit-empowered way has not earned support from the treasury.STOM 21.2+2 Power and grace for the work come not by reaching to human agencies for strength but by going directly to Christ as the Fountain Head, becoming acquainted with Him and taking hold by faith in trouble, discouragement, and perplexity.Ms 13, 1888, par. 72–74+1 The minister must first receive from the living fountain himself if he is to lead others to it faithfully and wisely, knowing Christ's love and the power of His grace.Ms 13, 1888, par. 72–74+1 God alone can reach and soften the heart and bring a person to Christ, speaking through reformers and teachers with a felt power beyond their own to which people yield.Ms 13, 1888, par. 72–74+1

Labor is striving according to His working which works mightily within, following Paul's standard of godliness that none may safely lower.Lt 48, 1888, par. 6–8+4 That striving binds off the work thoroughly rather than ministering merely as an acceptable, pleasing speaker, giving faithful warnings, reproofs, and corrections, pointing out duty, and touching the plague spot of the heart instead of confirming selfishness with surface work.Lt 48, 1888, par. 6–8+2 It keeps partition walls down between nationalities, trusting God who knows how to meet peculiarities rather than interposing human judgment, so He clothes the message with power to reach hearts, unite believers, and give the trumpet a certain sound in warning the world.Lt 23, 1885, par. 39–42+1 It requires connection with God, separation from worldliness, ambition, and lust, and a close walk by faith that gives the right mold to those labored for and makes people ready to stand in the day of appearing, demonstrating the riches of redemption and the power of grace through human agents by guarded action, conformity of life to truth, revealing the Saviour's character, and change from glory to glory.Lt 6, 1883, par. 13–17+2 Those who teach God's Word carry solemn responsibility and must themselves be worked by the Holy Spirit rather than trying to direct His work.Ms 148, 1897, par. 2+1

Success requires humble faith, complete reliance on Jesus, earnest prayer, and constant communion with God.5T 371.2+3 Workers put self aside and labor with Christ, putting eternal interests first with loyalty to the crucified Redeemer, devoting abilities and opportunities to saving souls and building up the church in truth and righteousness.5T 371.2+3 Moral and intellectual ability alone is not enough, for tact, wisdom, and strength are gained through that communion to win souls and help every person become complete in Christ, wanting in nothing.5T 371.2+2

Perfect means mature and complete, wanting in nothing, growing up into Christ and His likeness as the standard through lifelong painstaking steps in which rough character is shaped and polished, not surface holiness or an easy shortcut, and teaching that does not uphold God's law as the standard of religious character cannot bring it about.5T 500.2+4 This completeness is the completeness of an ideal Christian reached by thorough, diligent labor, watchfulness, prayer, and work, with tact, wisdom, and strength gained through constant communion with God and loyalty to the crucified Redeemer with eternal interests first, and the call is especially urgent near the close of earth's history.5T 371.2+4

To be presented perfect is to be presented holy and unblameable and unreproveable, pardoned from sin not in order to continue in sin but on condition of receiving Christ, confessing and repenting, giving up indulged wrong habits, and bringing unsubdued, unchristlike tendencies under His control in renovation.Lt 161, 1905, par. 16+1 Conversion is renovation in which the sinner enters the renovating process, Christ works and the sinner works, and the life of Christ becomes the life of the human agent through the renewing power of the divine Spirit fashioning a perfect man in Christ, without which subjection none can be a laborer together with God.Lt 161, 1905, par. 16 Repentant people who take God's messages to heart receive pardon and renewed lives, and as they work out salvation with reverence God sustains their efforts and leads them onward by many wise means, so that by holding to Christ and growing in strength they reach perfection and stand before God as trophies of grace, complete in Christ and clothed in His righteousness.Ms 141, 1902, par. 14–15

Perfection is character in Christ's likeness shown in refined speech, conduct, habits, thoughts, and conversation, including superiority in intellect, understanding, skill, and knowledge, correctness in speech and habits, and a sanctified education reflecting God's light and grace to the world.Lt 41, 1899, par. 16–18+3 It is formed by studying Jesus' life and character as the pattern, training thoughts and conversation, developing habits fitting a life of usefulness and duty, putting away rough, careless, and uncourteous words through grace, and letting truth sanctify the soul until His character is revealed in word and deed.Lt 23, 1893, par. 11+2 God's ideal is the perfect man without spot or wrinkle, marked by unselfishness and scrupulous integrity with no taint of dishonesty in buying, selling, or any transaction, developed by working for time and eternity under God's all-seeing eye, asking in all that is done whether it is the way of the Lord, and living the life Christ lived and desires His followers to live so that work guided by Christian motives bears witness for God.Lt 15, 1905, par. 3–5 This maturity places all entrusted abilities under Christ's influence, and in family life it includes tender love, sympathy, mercy, and restraint rather than harsh demands, threats, or criticism, as defects are realized and lessons learned in Christ's school to the highest round of the ladder for His glory.Lt 41, 1899, par. 16–18+1

Becoming perfect comes by laying hold on Christ's righteousness, whose infinitely perfect character is the believer's power, sanctification, and righteousness, with constant gain in fitness for the heavenly mansions by working from a high standpoint, following His example, and growing up into His likeness with more refinement.STA 10.1+2 The believing sinner is uncondemned because Christ's perfect obedience is counted as his, and through repentance and faith becomes like Christ in holiness, yet must cooperate with divine power in human effort to subdue sin.STMW7 24.4 All may now be made perfect through union with Christ, which is Christian perfection of the soul claimable in this life, not holy flesh which no human on earth has and cannot be obtained by faith, depending not on what man can do but on what God can do through Christ.Ms 76a, 1901, par. 1–5 When the repenting believer surrenders wholly and believes fully, sins are perfectly forgiven, Christ's blood cleanses from all sin, the conscience is freed from condemnation, sanctification may be claimed, God's favor enjoyed, and the moral image restored as Christ accepts the surrendered soul to mold after His likeness, so there is no need for anxiety about what Christ and God think of us but about what God thinks of Christ our Substitute.Ms 76a, 1901, par. 1–5+1 Believers diligently search Scripture to understand God's will and then do it, disciplined by truth toward maturity in Christ.Ms 19, 1890, par. 10–11

This high attainment is possible to all who learn daily from Christ, learn meekness and lowliness in His school, put themselves entirely under His control, make straight paths lest the lame be turned aside, allow no root of bitterness to injure others, and work out salvation with fear and trembling because God works in them to will and to do, with labor striving according to His mighty working.GW 59.3–60.1+1 It requires cooperation of human faithfulness and diligence with divine influence, confessing and forsaking sin, praying earnestly, consecrating to God, living up to given light, and continuing in preparation rather than neglecting grace already given, since receiving greater grace depends on advancing the work begun through light and knowledge.Lt 23, 1893, par. 11+1 Completeness comes only after enduring test and trial and showing temptation can be overcome, with no truthful claim of being saved at the moment of being prayed with apart from real understanding of receiving Christ, and those who fail God's appointed work lose right perception of spiritual things, become blinded to truth's character, and remain unfitted for the work that would make them complete.Ms 34, 1900, par. 84–85 It cannot be reached with a divided mind but by standing firm in God's Word, giving self wholly to God, striving to be pure and holy with Christ formed within and self set aside.Lt 32, 1890, par. 10–11+1

Truth contemplated under the Spirit's power purifies and ennobles the receiver, enlarges mental power, and brings nearer to completeness in Christ the standard of perfection.Ms 117, 1902, par. 14 Receiving truth in genuine faith opens the heart to Jesus its light and life, and never degrades but lifts, refines, sanctifies judgment, ennobles character, and fits for companionship with angels, Christ, and the Father.Lt 12, 1894, par. 6–7 Completeness requires hearts united in love and tender union with mutual respect, for no one can carry God's work by his own mind and desire, but God uses many as threads in one fabric with different talents blending into a perfect whole patterned after Christ.Lt 63a, 1898, par. 10–11 No worker has all wisdom, gifts, knowledge, or experience, so different minds, gifts, plans, and methods must be brought together through counsel and prayer, with teachable studentship in Christ's school before teaching others, since working only with those who agree or acting as if one can complete the work alone leaves the work defective and people less fully prepared.Lt 63a, 1898, par. 10–11+2

It calls for vigilant working, watching, praying, and thorough study and training, exercising and perfecting talents, improving every opportunity to become wise and efficient, laboring with greater thoroughness, and not remaining a novice, especially as earth's close nears and events swell in importance.Ms 33, 1896, par. 7+1 Christian life must balance active service with personal piety while awaiting the second coming, neither passive waiting nor busy activity neglecting communion with Jesus, but keeping the heart's door open to His invitation and learning deep lessons that remove self as the controlling power.14MR 308.2+1 Correcting personal deficiencies and developing abilities for faithful service in varied circumstances belongs to being complete and lacking nothing.3T 505.3–506.1 Every person is to strive through grace to become perfect by using aright entrusted talents and capabilities, for God will not excuse neglect in His blood-bought heritage, and there is no room for pride in greatness or taking honor to self, since nothing makes a man truly great except being truly good by partaking of Christ's grace.Lt 29, 1902, par. 19 Faithful, exact, unselfish performance of God-given work even in smallest duties prepares for life in God's presence, and God Himself raises and honors the faithful as the perfect man in Christ.Ms 108, 1901, par. 7–9

A person is measured not by pulpit work but by home, daily life, and conduct among brethren, seeking God for access to Him and the power of grace to be filled with all fullness of love toward bringing each to perfection.Ms 26, 1888, par. 9–10 Those so perfected have faces shining with God's glory and reflecting divine rays, talking of heaven, heavenly things, and redemption through Christ, revealing the power of truth as a shining light, while failure to represent truth as it is in Jesus leaves professors guilty, with others rising in judgment to condemn them for not helping pave the way to heaven.Ms 26, 1888, par. 9–10 Mere hearing of sermons Sabbath after Sabbath, reading the Bible through, or explaining it verse by verse benefits neither speaker nor hearers unless precious truths enter individual experience, become personal, shape life and character, and are practiced as doers of the Word in harmony with the Saviour.6MR 182.2–3+1 Efficiency in educating people is lost when physical and mental vitality is spent needlessly on constant sermonizing, brain work, and writing, leaving no strength for the real work at the right time, and only by being sanctified through truth, strong in God's strength, taking time to be a Christian and remaining Christlike under difficulties does one meet God's requirement.6MR 182.2–3 The aim must be sought now while Christ makes atonement, in God's providence as the school of meekness and lowliness, as preparation for the coming time of trouble, and neglecting or delaying it places the soul in great peril.4SP 440.2

Ministry must refuse to rest satisfied with anything less than bringing every person served to completeness in Christ, laboring earnestly and devotedly through proclamation of Christ with warning and instruction in wisdom toward that end.STOM 21.2+2 That thorough work is accomplished not by human strength but by God's power working mightily within the worker, and that same power will work in present ministers if allowed to make them able ministers of Christ instead of leaving them in feeble, unsuccessful efforts.STOM 21.2+2 There is therefore no reason for resting content with merely preaching a sermon, and one who does not so labor with earnest, devoted, Spirit-empowered effort has not earned support from the Lord's treasury.STOM 21.2+2

The minister's aim requires diligence with the fullness and efficiency needed for Spirit-enabled work to help every person reach maturity in Christ.Ms 76, 1900, par. 12–14 It requires consecrating all powers and abilities to God for saving perishing souls, concentrating mind and energy on ministerial duties and eternal things rather than temporal things and matters of minor importance, refusing added burdens that would draw energies away from the work.Lt 39, 1887, par. 17–18+1 An awakened interest must be held with perseverance and zeal until it is bound off completely and thoroughly, not closed abruptly or left to ravel out, but kept so the confidence of the people is retained and those deciding may find the true path and walk in the way to life.Lt 39, 1887, par. 17–18+2 God's work must be made primary and other interests secondary, giving less devotion to temporal things and more thought and deep earnestness to eternal things, working intelligently in the strength of God while watching for souls and refusing to be interrupted by the enemy's devices to break up an urgent interest.Lt 39, 1887, par. 17–18+1

Workers must keep partition walls down and build up no separate interests between different nationalities, but preach, warn every person, and teach every person in all wisdom to present every person perfect in Christ Jesus.Lt 23, 1885, par. 39–42+1 This means trusting God who knows just how to meet the peculiarities of the different nationalities, instead of interposing human fallibility and judgment between the work and God.Lt 23, 1885, par. 39–42+1 It is done only by striving according to His working which works mightily within, and then He will clothe the message with power to reach hearts, unite believers of every nation into Christ's character and a united faith, and give the trumpet a certain sound in warning the world.Lt 23, 1885, par. 39–42+1

To present others perfect, the minister must himself stand perfect in Christ, wanting in nothing and coming behind in no grace.Lt 47, 1886, par. 23+2 Selfishness and deficiency in God's grace hinder building up the church and helping it reach the position God requires, so holiness and cleanness in life and speech, separation from worldliness, and seeing one's own deficiencies, weakness, and errors with thorough reform are required rather than seeking supremacy over fellow laborers or sinking into discouragement.2T 551.2+1 He must work diligently to help others reach the Christian standard while continuing to grow in grace himself, for when he stops growing his usefulness ends and instead of lifting others he draws them down to his own diminished standard, leaving their experience weak and stunted.Lt 47, 1886, par. 23+1

The charge belongs also to every church member, whose work is to preach Christ, warn and teach everyone with wisdom, and labor so everyone may be presented perfect in Christ.Ms 18, 1902, par. 14–15 Christ dwelling within, with His Spirit guiding actions, produces pity, tenderness, love, patience, kindness, and long-forbearance that reveal Him to others.Ms 18, 1902, par. 14–15 The same specification governs missionary effort, which is to proclaim Christ, warn and teach every person with wisdom, and bring each person to maturity in Christ, for activity alone is not enough unless wisely directed toward successful results.Ms 82, 1900, par. 18–22+1

Ministers are to warn and teach every person with wisdom after Paul's example, so each may be presented complete in Christ Jesus.5T 300.3 That developing work is patient, carried on by prayer, effort, encouragement, and wise instruction.5T 300.3 For teachers the aim means educating every youth toward Christlike character, following Christ as the divine model and relying on His help, though some may resist discipline and fail to reach that aim.ST Aug 12, 1886 Church and school are to be bound together working earnestly to glorify God and reach the high standard of perfection in Christ, never repeating past failures, with the church helping the school and the school helping the church by devotion and spirituality and with teachers showing by their lives what it means to follow Jesus.Ms 24, 1901, par. 44–46 The same patient, loving labor belongs to parents, who with God's help should patiently sow good influences in children and shape character, and if even one soul is brought to maturity in Christ their work has not been in vain; where labor remains narrowly centered on one feeble man as authority for everything, broader united labor is called for to help people grow and become complete.Lt 113, 1886, par. 1+1

Fulfilling the word of God is making known the hidden mystery now made manifest to the saints.Ms 7, 1868, par. 11–12+1 That mystery is Christ in believers, the hope of glory, the riches of glory made known among the Gentiles.Ms 7, 1868, par. 11–12+1 It is fulfilled by preaching Christ, warning every person and teaching every person in all wisdom, with the aim of presenting every person perfect in Christ Jesus.Ms 7, 1868, par. 11–12+1 That labor is done by striving according to His working which works mightily within the worker.Ms 7, 1868, par. 11–12+1

To present every person perfect is to present them holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight.Ms 48, 1904, par. 20–21 This is a very high attainment, yet it is possible to all who learn meekness and lowliness daily in the school of Christ and put themselves entirely under His control.Ms 48, 1904, par. 20–21 They make straight paths for their feet lest the lame be turned out of the way, allow no root of bitterness to spring up lest others be injured, and work out their own salvation with fear and trembling because God works in them both to will and to do of His good pleasure.Ms 48, 1904, par. 20–21

The work is not preaching alone but educating converts step by step, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.Lt 9, 1892, par. 19–24 The church must be taught to let its light shine and to hold forth the word of life, to become intelligent in Scripture and familiar with its power, and to become laborers together with God who communicate the word to others.Lt 9, 1892, par. 19–24 This charge lays deep responsibility on the minister, whose own salvation is imperiled and hope of heaven dimmed if he fails in duty and the church fails to cooperate, proves inefficient and unfaithful, and receives the mold of the human instead of the divine, so that knowledge, eloquence, miracles, and views of eternal scenes would all prove unavailing, a defeat and a dishonor.Lt 9, 1892, par. 19–24 The urgency rests on the principle that whenever one will not use his God-given powers, these powers decay and perish.Lt 9, 1892, par. 19–24

Faithful labor must bring each person to maturity in Christ by making clear that accepting truth and practicing godliness are matters of eternal consequence.GW92 16.3 Faithfulness and self-sacrifice must show that souls are in danger without response.GW92 16.3 Those brought from error to truth need thorough reform impressed upon conscience, and their sense of responsibility must be kept awake.GW92 16.3 Otherwise, like one who sees flaws in the mirror of God's law and then forgets them, they may fall back into careless inattention when novelty passes.GW92 16.3