24:45Matthew 24:45

Christ as master though absent in heaven entrusts his household and its interests to his servants and appoints them to oversee it and feed its members with food at the proper time.ST Aug 22, 1878+4 The faithful and wise servant is the one who carries out that trust while awaiting his lord's sudden unexpected return, continuing in duty without failing, watching and working, purifying the soul by obedience and living each day as the Lord's.9T 269.2+4 If the Lord finds him so doing when he comes he is blessed and set over all his goods with eternal life, while the evil servant who says in his heart his lord delays, neglects the signs, mistreats fellow servants and indulges appetite will be cut asunder and appointed his portion with hypocrites in weeping and gnashing of teeth.9T 269.2+4 Giving meat in due season is imparting the light received by declaring the truth specially applicable to the time, warning that Christ's coming is near, that judgment is underway, and sounding the third angel's message of the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus with the righteousness of Christ in connection with the law.Ms 150, 1899, par. 42–45+4 It is done wisely only by those who first feed on Christ himself and his word, store up practical truth, and then give each person his own portion gradually and skillfully in meekness and love, whether as ministers, publishers, parents, teachers, or church members sharing in word and work.STBk 8.3+4

The question that drew forth this saying was put on the Mount of Olives, when the disciples asked about the destruction of the temple, the coming of Christ, and the end of the world.DA 627.1–3 The answer deliberately joins those two horizons together, binding the overthrow of Jerusalem with the final events of earth's history, so that the discourse was spoken not for the disciples alone but for those who should live amid the last scenes.DA 627.1–3 In that joining, the destruction of Jerusalem stands as a type of the world's final destruction by fire.Ms 77, 1899, par. 4–5

The chapter does not teach that the second coming of Christ took place at the destruction of Jerusalem.LS 75.1–77.4 It gives a brief outline of the whole dispensation from His first advent to His second, setting forth the events that precede the coming of the Son of man.Ms 77, 1899, par. 4–5+2 That outline introduces two classes of servants looking for His appearing, belonging to the same last-days church whose experience is illustrated by the ten virgins in Matthew 25, and it calls for preparation while warning against saying My Lord delayeth His coming and smiting the fellow servant.GC 393.2–394.1+1

Matthew 24 holds prophecy that is the foundation of faith, fulfilling in the present time, and it is to be studied and brought to the attention of all.Ms 62, 1903, par. 9–12+1 Ministers and teachers are to explain it together with the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and with Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, leaving out matters of minor consequence and presenting the present truths that decide the eternal destiny of souls.Ms 62, 1903, par. 9–12+1 Its fulfillment is taking place today, its warnings outline what is coming upon the world and apply to the perils of the last days, those perishing in sin must be warned, and unmistakable fulfilled prophecy shows that Christ's coming is at hand, calling the church to arouse and calling those entrusted with money to use it to advance the work of carrying the last message of mercy to the world.Ms 62, 1903, par. 9–12+1

The saying stands among warnings and predictions about the end, now being fulfilled, that must not be passed by unheeded.Ms 37a, 1909, par. 17–19 It calls for taking heed to self, discerning the fulfillment, and refusing the self-deception that forfeits blessing.Ms 37a, 1909, par. 17–19 It urges the use of lingering probation to lay hold of the hope set before the gospel through diligent repentance, conversion, and forsaking of sin so that sins may be blotted out while mercy's voice is still heard, watching and praying always to be counted worthy to escape the coming danger and to stand before the Son of man.Ms 37a, 1909, par. 17–19

The setting stresses watchfulness and readiness because no one knows what hour the Lord comes, for the Son of man comes in an hour not thought of.Ms 150, 1899, par. 42–45+1 He comes as a thief breaking in at night upon the unwatching householder, and His coming is like the coming of the time of trouble, unexpected and decisive.Ms 32a, 1896, par. 7+1 The day and hour of Christ's second appearing is kept in secrecy by the Father and could not be made known even by Christ, yet signs show that His coming is near, as Noah was given warning of the approaching flood so the world is to be warned of its approaching doom.LS 56.1–57.3+1

The verse pictures a servant whom his lord sets over the household to supply its members with what they need at the proper time.9T 269.2+4 Christ as master entrusts His household to servants and assigns each one work to do.ST Aug 22, 1878 Though absent and returned to heaven, He leaves His people in charge of His household and His interests, the interests of service He came into this world to serve.8T 37.2 He expects them to watch and wait for His appearing and to be faithful to their trust, lest coming suddenly He find them sleeping.Lt 108, 1896, par. 10–12+3

A steward identifies himself with his master, accepts a steward's responsibilities, acts in his master's place as his master would act if presiding, and makes his master's interests his own.Ms 65a, 1898, par. 6–8 His position is one of dignity because his master trusts him, and of sacred trust as steward of the Lord's entrusted capital and of the mysteries of the grace of Christ.Ms 65a, 1898, par. 6–8+1 The faithful and wise servant cooperates with his Lord with all physical, mental, and spiritual powers and allows Christ to be formed within as the hope of glory.Lt 10, 1884, par. 16–17 By that union he binds his life with Christ in God and gains experience in the things of God.Lt 132, 1907, par. 6–8

The question who then is faithful and wise calls each person to examine whether he is carrying out his responsibility.ST Aug 22, 1878 Every person is given work to do, and faithfulness in doing it earns the Master's commendation while neglect brings condemnation.ST Aug 22, 1878 Everyone to whom the Lord has given light from His Word is put as servant over His household to provide timely spiritual food, and each must ask individually whether this refers to him.18MR 59.2–3+3 That personal charge includes serving as watchman to discern danger and sound warning, unfolding truth to those in darkness, calling every knowing soul into active service, and sounding the third angel's message rather than following opponents.Lt 64a, 1895, par. 17–20+1

If the servant acts selfishly and turns to his own advantage what is gained by using his lord's goods, he perverts the trust placed in him and can no longer be regarded as trustworthy and dependable.Ms 65a, 1898, par. 6–8 Those giving counsel to God's people must therefore not betray sacred interests or work against God's purpose, but give counsel faithful to Him.Ms 65a, 1898, par. 6–8+1

The faithful and wise servant is the one who keeps on doing the appointed household work while awaiting a return that comes when it is not expected.9T 269.2+3 Faithfulness is proved by continuing that work until the lord comes, persisting without failing or becoming discouraged and bringing the truths of God's Word clearly whether people accept or reject them.9T 269.2+2 The servant so found is pronounced blessed and is set over greater responsibility, even over all the lord's goods, as readiness for the Son of man shown through faithful service.9T 269.2+3 The opposite course proves unfaithfulness, for the servant who concludes in his heart that the lord delays, mistreats fellow servants and gives himself to indulgence will be overtaken by a coming on a day and hour he does not expect and will face judgment and cutting asunder.9T 269.2+3 That call to continue faithfully therefore requires those entrusted with responsibility to repent of forbidden conduct and self-seeking ambition and to serve rather than pursue their own advantage.Ms 104, 1905, par. 21–23

While waiting for the second coming, watching is not idle expectancy but purifying of the soul by obedience to the truth.DA 634.1–2 Expectation of that coming produces fear of the Lord and of His judgments upon transgression and awakens the soul to the great sin of rejecting His offers of mercy.DA 634.1–2 With vigilant watching goes earnest working, with zeal quickened to cooperate with divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls because the Lord is known to be at the door.DA 634.1–2 Such faithful service also includes the duty to understand what spiritual food the flock needs, to teach Scripture with care, and to open the Scriptures to others and share the truth that the Lord is coming, not merely to wait and watch.Ms 10, 1886, par. 1–4 The servant lives in constant expectancy because the day and hour of the second appearing is kept secret by the Father and could not be made known even by Christ, so he lives and works and waits as though each day is not his own but the Lord's, cultivating fidelity, faith and love and purifying the soul through the truth.RH Nov 27, 1900+1 He serves faithfully each day as if it could be his last, using the light of God's Word rightly and giving teaching suited to the time, including warning of the Son of man's soon return and urging preparation rather than saying the coming is delayed.RH Nov 27, 1900

This readiness is a message for every family claiming to know the truth, calling for Christ's self-denial and self-sacrifice to appear in daily life.Ms 36, 1897, par. 18–19 Self must die, and appetite and passion must be overcome, denied for Christ, and brought into strict conformity to God's Word.Ms 36, 1897, par. 18–19+1 That warning reaches brethren and ministers lest, by hindering work meant to reach even the most depraved, those with great light and opportunity who walk in darkness are passed by poor outcasts, publicans and sinners who grasp gospel hope and enter the kingdom before them and are at last shut out when they knock in vain.Lt 51b, 1898, par. 19–22 In the waiting, watching time, when the Son of man comes in an hour not expected, the servant's work is to diffuse light by both eating and working.Ms 9, 1891, par. 13–14 Eating is eating Christ's flesh and drinking His blood, which are His words that are spirit and life; mere assenting faith that believes the Bible does nothing, like the man who buried his talent in the earth.Ms 9, 1891, par. 13–14 The rich jewels and precious ore of truth given must therefore be practiced, sunk into deeper and deeper for more gold, and every ray of light dispensed to others.Ms 9, 1891, par. 13–14

The work of God's living agents in that waiting, watching time is to recover old truths from old forms.Lt 93, 1892, par. 29–30 They are to reset, open and explain the truths Satan concealed, misinterpreted, misapplied and disconnected from the Lord of glory.Lt 93, 1892, par. 29–30 They are to rid those truths of the traditions and maxims of men and give them to the world in native purity and original splendor, with freshness and force, so they appear in heavenly beauty as truths that stand fast forever.Lt 93, 1892, par. 29–30 By that light of truth, error is revealed in its true character.Lt 93, 1892, par. 29–30

Blessed is the servant whom the returning Lord finds carrying out the duty of feeding the household at the proper time, for he is then entrusted with greater responsibility and set over all the Lord's goods.9T 269.2+4 That reward is authority over all that belongs to the Lord, even eternal life and an inheritance enduring through eternity.RH Jul 27, 1905+2 Faithfulness is proved by continuing the work without failing while awaiting an unexpected return, not by mere profession without purification through obedience to truth.9T 269.2+2 The opposite is the evil servant who says in his heart that his lord delays his coming, showing it by listless indifference to daily signs, by mistreating and smiting fellow servants, and by giving himself to indulgence in eating and drinking with the drunken.9T 269.2+4 Carelessness and worldly pursuit of gain cloud spiritual vision and lead to that neglect, abuse, and presumption of delay.RH Jul 27, 1905+1

That lord will come on a day the evil servant does not look for him and at an hour he is unaware of.Ms 65a, 1898, par. 6–8+4 He will cut him asunder and assign him his portion with hypocrites and pretenders, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth with sorrow and anguish.Ms 65a, 1898, par. 6–8+4 The unfaithful servant who spends in self-gratification what should be used for God and turns entrusted goods to his own advantage perverts his trust, can no longer be regarded as trustworthy and dependable, and suffers eternal loss.Ms 65a, 1898, par. 6–8+1 The parable thus sets forth two classes of servants looking for his appearing, concerning the same last-days church whose experience is illustrated by the ten virgins in Matthew 25.ST Apr 21, 1898+3 It portrays the condition of the church at his coming, and the question who is faithful and wise is meant to arouse earnest zeal in the true believer.ST Apr 21, 1898+1

Christ regards and rewards those whom he finds watching for his return and teaching that it is near, while neglecting the warning about its nearness is fatal and denying his coming brings a contrasted reward.GC88 370.2–371.1+2 Trustworthiness matters because those given responsibility to guide and educate others are accountable to God, and misleading them or neglecting their care brings consequences at the final judgment.GC88 370.2–371.1+1 The warning applies to workers including medical missionaries, who are not to hinder but to encourage medical missionary work to reach the most depraved.Lt 51b, 1898, par. 19–22+1 Otherwise those with great light and opportunity who walk in darkness and will not overcome appetite and passion are passed by poor outcasts, publicans and sinners who grasp gospel hope and enter the kingdom before them, and are at last shut out when they knock in vain.Lt 51b, 1898, par. 19–22+1 It also applies to those whose ambitions reach to commercial enterprises and forbidden conduct, who must repent before God, for whatever their calling they will never see the kingdom without repentance.Ms 104, 1905, par. 21–23+1

To say in the heart that the Lord delays his coming marks unfaithfulness in stewardship of means and influence, using entrusted gifts for vanity and self-gratification and neglecting repeated calls to repentance.Lt 63, 1896, par. 3–6 Turning away from God and resisting the Spirit's warnings can lead to blindness to truth and error.Lt 63, 1896, par. 3–6

Giving meat in due season means those who know the truth impart the light they have received, feeding the flock of God only what is appropriate for the time and being guarded against feeding what is not appropriate for the time.Ms 150, 1899, par. 42–45+2 Faithfulness is guarding what is taught and presenting present truth while refusing material unsuited to the time, and everyone to whom light from the Word has been given is put as servant over the household to make right use of that light.18MR 59.2–3+2 It means declaring the truth now specially applicable and giving the special warning for the generation, as Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses each declared the truth for his time.Ms 150, 1899, par. 42–45+1 Like Noah it lifts the voice in warning that the end of all things is at hand, because the same state of eating and drinking, corruption, and rejection of God's law that existed in Noah's days exists now.Ms 150, 1899, par. 42–45+2

For religious teachers this means faithfully giving timely spiritual instruction and warning, for mere profession without purification through obedience to truth leaves people without needed nourishment.RH Jul 23, 1908+1 It means diligently searching the Word and speaking words of truth, calling attention to dangers besetting the world and to judgments coming upon cities, warning that the Lord is near at the door and the end of all things is at hand, with diligent concern for souls in each town and city, and such servants are urgently needed in the cities today.Lt 18a, 1906, par. 16–22+2 Timely food includes warning of the Son of man's soon return and urging preparation, and claiming his coming is delayed leads to neglect of that duty.RH Nov 27, 1900+1 It includes warning that the investigative judgment is underway and calling to confession and repentance so as to be prepared for the day of the Lord, and in this time of judgment presenting present truth about the work of atonement and the need to repent and be ready, which Satan seeks to weaken so the people will not be prepared.ST May 17, 1883+2

It means sounding the third angel flying in the midst of heaven, the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, instead of traveling over opponents' track.Lt 64a, 1895, par. 17–20+1 This is faithfully teaching truths especially applicable to the present, including those connected with the third angel's message, serving as watchman to discern danger and sound certain warning, unfolding truth to those in darkness of error, holding forth words of life, calling every soul with intelligent knowledge into active service, keeping outposts guarded while advancing, and benefiting fellow men by inculcating truth instead of echoing error.Lt 64a, 1895, par. 17–20+1 The meat due now is the righteousness of Christ in connection with the law, which people need to accept, and accepting it keeps prejudice from controlling them so they are fed.Lt 49, 1889, par. 6–7+1 It is keeping Christ before people and preaching him as the one who takes away the world's sin, for Christ himself is the bread of life and his words are spirit and life, while Christless sermons and theory leave the flock starving for timely nourishment centered on Christ crucified and his righteousness.RH Aug 27, 1901+2

It is the Word of God presented in clear and new light, in demonstration of the Spirit and with power, as precious food God's people need and want.Lt 29, 1895, par. 4–6+1 It is plain, simple gospel truth that convicts and converts, enlightens the darkened conscience, convinces of sin and of righteousness and judgment, answers what must be done to be saved, and leads into truth and holiness to drink the water of salvation.Lt 29, 1895, par. 4–6+1 It is green pasture feeding starving souls, not lofty imaginative scenes, favorite subjects, or fanciful discourses that are as Greek to most hearers, divert thought from testing truth, and neither convict nor convert because the Spirit does not speak through them.Lt 29, 1895, par. 4–6+1 It applies to imparting knowledge of events that will occur before the close of the world's history, because this concerns eternal welfare, to be given by pen and voice to young and mature, old and young, saints and sinners.6T 128.3+2

Scripture's lessons of reproof, warning, encouragement, and rich promises, written for admonition upon those living at the ends of the world, are such food for youth in schools and should be studied by the young.CT 457.3+2 Giving meat in due season means speaking what will awaken the church from slumber and meet present necessities of God's people and of the ignorant who know not truth, concerning the eternal warfare of souls and things now to be fulfilled, without delay and leaving aside nonessentials with no bearing on present need.6T 128.3+2 What is not meat in due season includes matter fostering erroneous theories, dissension, and discord, fables or false teachings presented as new or important light, and worthless sayings and falsehoods that leave people starving for the bread of life and bring decline and death.MC 66.1+2 It includes good matter out of proper connection or making much of unimportant theory, treating truth humorously instead of declaring the whole truth without shunning what displeases, common material not pointing to the near coming, and wild gourds poisoning the pot with death instead of meal, the grace of God counteracting death.Lt 190, 1902, par. 4+2

It is not spending precious time answering dishonest quibbles instead of teaching truth and knowledge to those open to conviction who are left hungry, crying and dying for want of it.GW92 179.2+2 It is not pursuing opponents' quibbles, dwelling on slander, misrepresentation, dishonest turns, and senseless quibbles of Satan's invention, or repeating manufactured quibbles to thousands who would never have thought of them, which withholds needed food.3T 36.2–37.1+2 It is not fully following the crooks and turns of an opposer, anticipating unrealized results, bringing limited-circulation work to notice, interesting minds in objections that would never have troubled them, or manufacturing and publishing a train of quibbles and doubts that opposers want published.GW 375.3–4+2

Giving food at the right time means presenting the claims of truth to new believers gradually and carefully rather than all at once, giving them instruction as they are ready for it.GW92 98.2+1 Young disciples are to be led wisely and judiciously step by step onward and upward with thorough work, bringing every essential point of truth before them and keeping nothing back, yet not crowding all points into the first few meetings but giving the right truth at the right time gradually and cautiously.GW92 98.2+1 This is done when the teacher's own heart is filled with the Spirit of God.GW 367.1

It means giving each person an appropriate portion suited to need and circumstance rather than treating people of different knowledge and experience alike.6T 75.3–4+2 The minister must know the nature of the difficulties in minds in order to give every person the right spiritual food at the right time.5MR 156.2+1 Each soul is starving for the bread of life and needs the right kind of instruction applied to the heart, which requires the unction from the Holy One that makes teachers skillful in appropriating righteousness with quick spiritual perception to discern the Spirit's work.6T 75.3–4+1

It means being careful to study and keep a store of practical subjects from inspiration that have been investigated and entered into in spirit, so they can be presented plainly and forcibly at the right time and place as the people need.3T 228.1+2 By this the servant is thoroughly furnished unto all good works, building up the cause by feeding the flock with proper food that gives spiritual health and strength according to their wants.3T 228.1+2 An argumentative subject is not to be presented when the flock needs spiritual food, for it is no more appropriate than a secular oration.3T 228.1+2

Ministers give each a timely portion by diligently studying Scripture and storing up Christ's teachings and lessons, so they can draw from that knowledge in any need or emergency and in every circumstance.STBk 8.3+2 Christ abiding in them makes the ministry a living source of life.STBk 8.3+1 The minister who stays close to Christ receives words from Him to share with the people by voice and pen, giving each a portion in due season as a Bible believer and not merely a reader, serving faithfully by word and example.RH Jan 5, 1868+2

No teacher can do this without wisdom to impart truth as it is in Jesus, which requires conversion, being under Christ's control, beholding Him continually, and learning in His school to be meek and lowly in heart.Ms 12, 1891, par. 21–22+1 It requires spiritual discernment and depth of knowledge and experience rather than self-sufficiency and abundant words without the Holy Spirit, studying the Bible as a mine with humble prayer like a new revelation to understand the depth of Christ's words.Ms 12, 1891, par. 21–22+1 The servant must walk humbly with God, trust in Jesus and not in self, value truths according to their importance, and have the abiding divine influence of the Holy Spirit to impress divine truth, as a diligent student able to bring forth things new and old, for without this experience remains superficial and unfitted to feed others and exaltation of self brings humbling.Ms 12, 1891, par. 21–22+1

Preparation requires individual experience in the truth that comes through God's Word, which readies a person to give others nourishment at the right time and to share the Word widely as part of consecrated service.Ms 186, 1905, par. 4+1 The preacher must first feed upon Christ himself, the living bread, for spiritually he is built up from what he eats.Lt 22, 1890, par. 7–8+1 With Christ formed within as the hope of glory he has wisdom from God not only to eat of Christ but to feed others.Ms 7, 1891, par. 51–52 He must be weighted with the Spirit, carrying a burden for the people with intercession, consecration, and surrender receiving light from God, surmounting obstacles and following God's will and way so God gives strength and grace and power to present truth centered in Jesus, for going to the work light-loaded with no burden shows a mistaken calling.Lt 32a, 1891, par. 27+1

It requires presenting the reasons of faith and the truth as it is in Jesus with meekness and lowliness, which is simplicity and sincerity, and with cautious fear lest anything be spoken unadvisedly.6T 75.3–4+2 It requires watching for souls as one who must give an account, becoming acquainted with people, reading Christ's words, lifting up Jesus crucified, with the tenderness of Christ pervading the heart, love showing in tender solicitude, and humble earnest heartfelt prayer for those visited, so the fragrance of Christ's love is in the work.6T 75.3–4+1 Through this Christ who gave His own life and flesh and blood for the life of the world cooperates with the unselfish worker to impress hearts and minds.6T 75.3–4+1 The food for this time is present truth declared plainly from Scripture with decided assurance and love, not domineeringly or self-importantly, and the Holy Spirit gives this loving spirit while angels impress truth presented in reverence and kindness to feed confused souls with Christ's own instruction.Lt 40, 1908, par. 7+1

It means doing the Master's work as shepherds of the flock, presenting rich practical truth clearly and simply with Christ central and not wasting precious opportunities on trivial or unessential talk.Lt 50, 1892, par. 7–9+1 The faithful steward does not leave souls confused or spiritually unfed but gives them the Bread of life.Lt 9, 1892, par. 30–34 This includes watching over the flock, visiting homes to learn their condition, giving fitting counsel, strengthening the weak, seeking the wandered, and teaching the Bible with practical definite instruction suited to need and understanding, for preaching without personal care and leaving people to understand the Word alone fails the shepherd's duty and leaves the flock weak.Lt 50, 1892, par. 7–9+1

It means feeding not from personal feelings, without hurting and scattering by criticism, condemnation, and sitting in judgment with a whip never put in human hands.GW 127.1+1 It means not seeking to appear ahead of fellow ministers by hints and claims of special new light rooted in self-esteem and ambition while not practicing light already given, drawing after novelty those with no root.Lt 58, 1890, par. 3–4 Teachers must be wise and careful in word and action, not support dissension nor lower the standard, letting faith work through love to purify the soul from selfish and carnal thoughts and desires.GW 127.1+2

It means making wise division of labor by calling into active service every soul with intelligent knowledge of the truth and giving all a work to do, keeping outposts guarded while advancing forces engage in warfare.Lt 64a, 1895, par. 17–20+1 It means benefiting others by inculcating truth instead of echoing error, serving as a watchman discerning danger and sounding warning with keen ears girded for action, unfolding truth to those in darkness and holding forth the words of life.Lt 64a, 1895, par. 17–20+1 To do this servants must be hidden in the cleft to see Jesus and be quickened by the Holy Spirit, working as in full view of heaven with no time to lose, and God strengthens memory and gives words for the occasion which the Spirit makes effective to convict and convert.7T 154.3+1

It means understanding shepherd work that discerns how to deal with different people and combines courage with love and tenderness, for harshness and lack of judgment make one unfit.GW92 15.1–2+2 The solemn truths and the infinite sacrifice valuing souls should stir the servant to earnestness with tender, pitiful, courteous care in all dealing with souls under a full sense of responsibility.GW92 15.1–2+1 This carries tender courteous compassionate consideration for all, especially the tempted, afflicted, and desponding, giving the sympathy their cases and infirmities demand instead of shunning them, and the weight of this responsibility removes jesting, joking, and light frivolous conversation.Lt 29, 1872, par. 3–5+1

God's delegated representatives preach with tact in rightly dividing the Word, giving every person on every occasion what is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness so the man of God is thoroughly furnished.EDFCP 7.3+1 They declare the whole truth without shunning what displeases hearers, instead of treating truth humorously.Ms 27, 1888, par. 3 Giving food in this way requires understanding the Word spiritually and living its teachings, for a teacher who leaves truth outside his own life cannot safely guide others even if presenting it clearly.EDFCP 7.3+1

Pastors are placed over God's household to feed its members with timely truth by ministering to them and faithfully educating them in duty, and those entrusted with the church who neglect that feeding leave it weakened while their work and use of talents will be examined by God.Ms 65a, 1898, par. 6–8+4 Teaching the theory of truth without life-giving power does not feed the flock, and ministers who display themselves but fail to strengthen the flock and care for perishing souls do more harm than good.GW92 65.1+1 At Fresno the people had not received their portion of meat in due season and would famish if left to depend on teaching that confused rather than instructed and enlightened them.Lt 8a, 1890, par. 30–31

Christ appoints ministers as stewards over His household to give timely spiritual nourishment by bringing God's truth plainly and fully, relying on divine power with Christ's love shaping words and work.9T 151.1+1 The household belongs to God and not to ministers, and God alone places His servants where He wills according to His sovereign will.Lt 170, 1902, par. 14–15 Every minister is under most sacred obligation to feed for the edifying of Christ's body, and Christ desires to perfect His household through the perfection of His ministers.9T 151.1+1 To do this they must humble self before God, let precious simple truth shine in full brightness, make God their trust, and work with Christ as their efficiency, for He reads the heart, sees every wound His children receive, will restore them, and holds His laborers very near His heart of love.Lt 170, 1902, par. 14–15

The true shepherd disciplines himself to deal with minds and gives each one right food at the right time and place as needed, beginning with convicting souls of the claims of the law and teaching repentance toward God and faith in Christ, then completing the work with pastoral feeding and not leaving it for others to finish.Lt 29, 1872, par. 3–5+1 For this he must qualify to bear a shepherd's burdens and keep a store of practical Bible subjects investigated and entered into in spirit, so he can present them plainly and forcibly and build up the cause with suitable food giving spiritual strength and health instead of offering an argumentative subject when spiritual food is needed.Lt 29, 1872, par. 3–5 This applies especially to newly converted people, who need watchful attention, teaching of duties, encouragement, prayer, and personal visits so they withstand temptation and grow in faith.Lt 29, 1872, par. 3–5+1 Understanding this shepherd work lays a weight that removes jesting, joking, and light frivolous conversation.Lt 29, 1872, par. 3–5

Those appointed to the publishing house are made rulers over His household to give spiritual food in due season by being loyal and true in appointed work, a light amid moral darkness, advancing in knowledge of God and truth, relishing and loving truth, improving by connection with the work, and coming under God's control so they do not leaven others.Ms 52, 1898, par. 58–59 Faithful stewardship there requires a guard with spiritually discerning judges in touch with Christ to decide what is worthy of endorsement and circulation, winnowing thoroughly so only timely, profitable, pure present truth essential for this time is given.Ms 52, 1898, par. 58–59+1 Matter good in itself but out of proper connection, or making much of one or two unimportant items of theory, or starting erroneous theories to be nourished by human agents unto dissension and discord, is not due-season food even when brought by a good and beloved person.Ms 140, 1901, par. 32–38 Those without love for God whose irreligion and unbelief is felt, through whom evil angels work to mislead youth brought in as apprentices, who say the Lord delays His coming and smite fellow servants and eat and drink with the drunken, are after sufficient trial to be separated from the work.Ms 52, 1898, par. 58–59

For an editor this faithfulness means providing solid sacred teaching pointing to the near coming of the Son of man rather than filling the paper with common material that does not serve that purpose.Lt 89, 1899, par. 1–2 For those who speak at meetings it means seeking the Holy Spirit so their words nourish others when needed.Lt 89, 1899, par. 1–2+1

Parents fulfill this charge by teaching their children how to live as Christians and faithfully using their opportunity to serve God.Ms 80, 1901, par. 11 A physician is likewise such a servant entrusted by an absent lord with care of others, responsible for careful refined work for fellow beings, since careless or inefficient service harms others and brings the work into disrepute.Ms 105, 1902, par. 35+1 Helpers need a living connection with God so they can give patients comfort, strength, grace, and divine light when needed.Ms 57, 1902, par. 44

Those entrusted with the talent of money must act as God's helping hand in the perils of the last days by using entrusted means for God, investing in giving the world the last message of mercy, opening doors for gospel work, sustaining work in places like New York City, and holding up the hands of those ministering in word and doctrine to warn and save perishing souls.Lt 90, 1902, par. 5–9+2 Such a steward is a steward of the Lord's capital and of the mysteries of the grace of Christ under sacred dignity and trust, binding life with Christ in God and gaining experience in things of God.Lt 90, 1902, par. 5–9+1 Means so invested in faith is not lost but safe, for the Lord keeps His eyes on His servants and on what they return to Him and will not let them be losers by giving to further His work, so they can trust their heavenly Father even when trust is not easy.Lt 132, 1907, par. 6–8 The servant found so doing when the Lord comes at an unknown hour is blessed, made ruler over all His goods, and gains eternal life and an inheritance enduring through eternity, while the unfaithful servant who spends in self-gratification what should be used for God suffers eternal loss.Lt 90, 1902, par. 5–9+1

The Southern Field was entitled to its share of the Lord's resources for its work, but funds intended for it were diverted through misrepresentation and misinterpretation, so it did not receive its meat in due season and that part of the vineyard was left without needed provision.Lt 100, 1899, par. 4–5+1

Giving meat in due season happens when church members act their part faithfully through the week in working as Christ worked for conversion of sinners and then tell their experience on the Sabbath, so testimonies are filled with power and joy and bring new life and fresh vigor to all present.RH Mar 5, 1914+4 Those united with the Lord in the covenant of service are bound to unite with Him in soul-saving with earnestness and devotion that draws sinners to Christ.7T 19.3 Such faithful weekly labor rouses from the despondency that ruins body and soul and makes the Sabbath meeting nourishing and timely with precious helpful testimonies and offerings, thinking and talking of the love of Christ and how to become more efficient workers in turning sinners from Satan to serve the living God, instead of dark gloomy talk about faults of brethren and personal trials.7T 19.3+2

This feeding includes personal private words to youth and not sermons only, with each receiving a fitting portion of fresh nourishment from God's Word.RH Sep 17, 1914 It means feeding new believers who have accepted truth so they grow into deeper thorough knowledge of practical godliness, giving babes and newly baptized believers their portion with every encouragement needed in inexperience as a newly organized church.Lt 85, 1894, par. 19–20+1 It means feeding poor hungry starving sheep and lambs on the islands of the sea with Bible truth centered in Jesus, done with sanctified surrendered heart after surmounting long-standing obstacles, when God gives strength and grace and power to speak with ready tongue under the Spirit's inspiration.Lt 32a, 1891, par. 27 It means laboring earnestly for ministers of other churches to save them and bring them among those who do this special work, coming near to them, praying for and with them, and showing deep earnest interest in them as shepherds for whom Christ intercedes, taking part with them in seeking to save the lost.6T 77.3–78.1+1

God appoints servants to give meat and every man He appoints must be given opportunity, for the work does not rest on one man alone but demands varied gifts blended, with fellow ministers trusted, respected, and given their share of preaching.Lt 102, 1893, par. 1–3+1 Success is not in the man but in God behind the man, so to withhold room from appointed laborers is to limit the power of God.Lt 14b, 1898, par. 1–7 His eye is upon both sheep and those who serve them, and when the Lord speaks through a preacher his words nourish hearers with what they need at that time so the seed finds lodgment in hearts.Lt 102, 1893, par. 1–3+1

The image applies to preaching the Advent message as spiritual food for people hungry to hear about Christ's coming.LS 61.3–63.3 Just after the 1844 disappointment the faithful minister feeds the household without letting believers down from their position to go back, strengthening them with expositions showing God's hand in the movement and with cheering vindicating testimonies.LS 117.1–118.1 At that same time the other servant, engaged in the same work, says in his heart his Lord delays His coming, casts away confidence, confesses to a scoffing church and world that the movement was controlled by human or satanic influence, and smites the faithful for refusing to confess with him, marking a division comparable to the ten virgins.LS 117.1–118.1

God gave timely food through the Minneapolis message by Elders Jones and Waggoner, and through Jones's message for that time and for the present crisis, to nourish starving people, so that after a message on faith testimonies nourished those like starved sheep who eagerly fed on timely teaching.11MR 256.2–257.1+4 But many refused it because prejudice, unbelief, jealousy, and suspicion closed hearts, and because it came in an unwanted way.11MR 256.2–257.1+1

God's family on earth, subject to temptations and trials, must be fed, with Christ dwelling in His people sustained by divine ministration giving power and efficiency to the church.Ms 142, 1899, par. 10 To provide this food connection is established between believers below and the church above, communication kept up between heavenly intelligences and God's children, and angels sent from above minister to faithful warriors who partake of Christ's suffering and shall be heirs of salvation, showing how near they are to His heart of love and how God cares for His human creation as a husbandman for a vineyard.Ms 142, 1899, par. 10

Even one not yet united in every belief is recognized as God's child when fed the portion suited to need, and timely light to people in error is part of assigned work bringing glory to God.Lt 87, 1889, par. 3–4+4 Spiritual truth is food in due season that hungry sinners eagerly grasp, and churches hungry and thirsty for meat in due season need timely nourishment and the water of salvation through channels of light, with those who provide it continuing blessed as the householder's appointed steward.Lt 87, 1889, par. 3–4+4 Those responsible for a little flock must feed it with what it needs at the proper time.Ms 68, 1894, par. 9–10

Teachers are faithful and wise servants when they give students timely spiritual food from Scripture, since Christ's words are the bread of life giving life through the Spirit.Lt 85a, 1899, par. 12–14 They must learn from God's Word and share it in practical life rather than feed others mainly on human ideas.Lt 85a, 1899, par. 12–14