HRISIIAIN LIFE AND; SE.RVIE tVrsioST 6-1"1 5'.-FIRS,V,OLIARtER INDIVIDUAL SABBATH SCHOOL OFFERING GOAL "As God hath prospered him" MY WEEKLY GOAL (Check Amount) $5.00 RECORD 1. 7. 13 2.00 2. Birthday 8 1.50 "God loveth a 3. 9 cheerful giver" Investment 1.00 4. 10 .50 5. 11 6. 12 TOTAL .40 DAILY LESSON STUDY PLEDGE As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge my- self to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school lesson each day of the week. Name Place a check mark in each space below for the days you have studied. STUDY RECORD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1st Day's Study 2c1 Day's Study 3rd Day's Study 4th Day's Study 5th Day's Study 6th Day's Study 7th Day's Study "Let the Sabbath school lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance at the lesson scrip- ture on Sabbath morning, but by careful study for the next week on Sabbath afternoon, with daily review or illustration during the week. Thus the lesson will become fixed in the memory, a treasure never to be wholly lost."—"Education," pages 251, 252. Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 235, January-March, 1954. 15 cents a single copy, 50 cent a year, in U. S. A. ; 15 cents a single copy, 60 cents a year, in Canada and foreign countries. Pub lished in the U. S. A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S. D. A.), Mountain View, California. Entered as second-class matter Oct. 13, 1904, at the post office in Mountain View, California, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of Oct. 3, 1917, and authorized Sept. 18, 1918. Copyright, 1953, by Pacific Press Publishing Association Printed in U. S. A. COVER; STANDARD PUB. CO. Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly CHRISTIAN LIFE AND SERVICE GENERAL INTRODUCTION The most powerful argument for Chris- signed to set forth the instruction of the tianity is a loving and lovable Christian, one Bible and the spirit of prophecy on various who knows what the Bible says about him phases of the Christian life. and who lives out that instruction in his One or more main texts in bold-faced type everyday life. The world is looking for such follow each question. These contain the an- people, is expecting much from them, and swer. Frequently, however, supplementary is disappointed when realization falls short texts are added in italics for those who wish of expectation. This series of Sabbath-school to look up others that have a bearing on the lessons on Christian Life and Service is de- subject. Lesson 1, for January 2, 1954 God Is Fitting Men for His Eternal Kingdom MEMORY VERSE: "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye,to be in all holy conversation and godliness?" 2 Peter 3:11. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 647-650 (new ed., pp. 637-643); "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 283, 416-419 (new ed., pp. 285, 426-429). DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 4. Ques. 7-9. of the lesson, based on outline. 5. Ques. 10-12. 2. Memorize 2 Peter 3:11; Key Thought; 6. Read study helps assignment; Con- Ques. 1-3. clusions and Convictions. 3. Ques. 4-6. 7. Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: 2. The two classes contrasted. 3. God's plea to His people. I. A Better World to Come III. The Need of Self-Examination 1. Strangers and pilgrims here. 2. Looking for a better country. 1. Let a man examine himself. 3. A glimpse of that better land. 2. Seeing ourselves as God sees us. 4. The kind of people God wants in His 3. Looking to God for help. kingdom. 4. Preparation for the kingdom of God. II. As God Sees Mankind Key Thought: 1. Only two classes. "The Lord is fitting a people for heaven. [3] The defects of character, the stubborn will, His commandment-keeping people. Those the selfish idolatry, the indulgence of fault- living in these sins are deceived and blinded finding, hatred, and contention, provoke the by the wiles of Satan."—Testimonies, vol. 4, wrath of God and must be put away from p. 180. THE LESSON A Better World to Come 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Eph. 5:1-7; 1 Peter 1:16. 1. What contrasting attitudes should we maintain toward the king- dom of God and toward this world, NOTE.—"A man is estimated at his true value by the Lord of heaven. If he is un- and for what reason? Matt. 6:33; kind in his earthly home, he is unfit for the 1 John 2:15-17. Compare 2 Peter 3:10. heavenly home. If he will have his own way, no matter whom it grieves, he would not be content in heaven, unless he could rule there."—Mrs. E. G. White, in Review and 2. Like Abraham, for what is the Herald, Feb. 21, 1888. Christian to look, and with what as- surance? Heb. 11:10, 14, 16. Com- pare Dan. 7:18, 22, 27. As God Sees Mankind 5. In the judgment, into how many classes does God divide mankind? 3. What glimpses of that better Matt. 25:31-33; Ps. 11:4-7. land are given by' Isaiah and John? Isa. 65:17-19, 21, 22; Rev. 21:1-4. Compare Isa. 11:6-9; 33:24; 35:1, 2, NoTEs.—"There are only two classes in 5-10; 66:22, 23; Rev. 21:10-13, 21-33. the world today, and only two classes will be recognized in the judgment,—those who violate God's law, and those who obey it. Christ gives the test by which to prove our NoTE.—"In the Bible the inheritance of loyalty or disloyalty."—Christ's Object Les- the saved is called a country. There the sons, page 283 (new ed., p. 285). heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to foun- "The eternal God has drawn the line of tains of living waters. The tree of life yields distinction between the saints and the sin- its fruit every month, and the leaves of the ners, the converted and the unconverted. tree are for the service of the nations. There The two classes do not blend into each other are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, imperceptibly, like the colors of the rainbow. and beside them waving trees cast their They are as distinct as midday and mid- shadows upon the paths prepared for the night."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 87. ransomed of the Lord. There the wide- (See also pages 133, 139; and The Desire of spreading plains swell into hills of beauty, Ages, page 763.) and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God's people, so long 6. How are these two classes con- pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home." trasted? Ps. 15:1, 2; 9:17. —The Great Controversy, page 675 (1950 ed., p. 665). NOTE:—"Those who receive Christ by 4. What kind of people does God faith as their personal Saviour cannot be in want in His kingdom? Matt. 5:3, 5; harmony with the world. There are two Ps. 24:3- 5. Compare Rom. 14:17; distinct classes: One is loyal to God, keep- [4] ceitful, proud, boasters. Rom. 1:29, 30. Inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without natural affection, unmerciful, unbelieving, abominable, liars. Rom. 1:30, 31. 7. Of the two ways the Lord has set before His people, which does CITIZENSH IP S He plead with us to choose? Deut. REQUIREMENT 30:15, 19. oar 600s cowm"'c's S PEAK The PARE IN ":„.0 NOTE.—"God had set before Israel 'life ove ALL cHor • LFou_ow and death, blessing and cursing ;' and how • repeatedly they had been urged to choose the way of life, that they might become a praise in the earth, a blessing to all nations." —Prophets and Kings, page 393. ing His commandments, while the other The Need of Self-Examination talks and acts like the world, casting away the word of God, which is truth, and ac- 8. What earnest counsel is given cepting the words of the apostate, who re- with reference to,our personal experi- jected Jesus."—Testimonies to Ministers, ence? 2, Cor. 13:5; Lam. 3:40. page 139. For further study: The Saints NOTE:—"There must be persevering effort Work righteousness. Ps. 15:2. to overcome selfishness and self-confidence. Speak the truth. Ps. 15:2. Self-examination must be thorough, that Clean hands. Ps. 24:4. there be no danger of self-deception. A Pure hearts. Ps. 24:4. little catechizing of self on special occasions Keep tongues from evil. Ps. 34:13. is not sufficient. Daily examine the founda- Depart from evil. Ps. 34:14. tion of your hope, and see whether you are Do good to all men. Ps. 34:14. indeed in the love of Christ. Deal truly Cease from anger. Ps. 37:8. with your own hearts, for you cannot af- Manifest love, joy, peace, long-suffering, ford to run any risk here. Count the cost of gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, being a wholehearted Christian, and then temperance. Gal. 5:22, 23. gird on the armor. Study the Pattern; look Forbear one another, kind, tenderhearted, to Jesus, and be like Him. Your peace of forgiving. Eph. 4:32. mind, your hope of eternal salvation, de- Behave wisely in a perfect way. Ps. pends on faithfulness in this work. As 101:2, 3. Christians we are less thorough in self-ex- The Sinners amination than in anything else ; it is no wonder, then, that we make such slow ad- Say, "There is no God." Ps. 14:1. vancement in understanding self."—Testi- Plot against the just. Ps. 37:12. monies, vol. 5, pp. 332, 333. Commit adultery, fornication, unclean- ness, etc. Gal. 5:19. Full of hatred, variance, wrath, strife, 9. How does unregenerate man ap- envyings, murders, drunkenness, revel- peal before God? Ps. 14:2, 3; Isa. 64:6. ings. Gal. 5:20, 21. Lying, anger, stealing, bitterness, clamor, evilspeaking, malice, covetousness, filth- iness, foolish talking. Eph. 4:25, 31. 10. To whom shall we turn for Whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, de- help? Isa. 45:22; 17:7; Lam. 5:21. [5] NOTE : —"Come with your whole heart to God calls upon us to reach the standard of Jesus. Repent of your sins, make confes- perfection, and places before us the ex- sion to God, forsake all iniquity, and you ample of Christ's character. In His human- may appropriate to yourself all His prom- ity, perfected by a life of constant resistance ises. 'Look unto Me, and be ye saved,' is of evil, the Saviour showed that through His gracious invitation. co-operation with Divinity, human beings "The day will come when the awful de- may in this life attain to perfection of nunciation of God's wrath will be uttered character. This is God's assurance to us against all who have persisted in their dis- that we too may obtain complete victory." loyalty to Him. This will be when God —The Acts of the Apostles, page 531. must speak and do terrible things in right- eousness against the transgressors of His 12. In view of the coming destruc- law. But you need not be among those who will come under the wrath of God. It is now tion of the world, to what admonition the day of His salvation. The light from the should we give heed? 2 Peter 3:11-14. cross of Calvary is now shining forth in clear, bright rays, revealing Jesus, our Sac- Conclusions and Convictions rifice for sin."—Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 634, 635. 1. "We can be fitted for heaven only through the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. . . . It is the work of the Holy 11. What shall we do to be right Spirit to elevate the taste, to sanctify the with God? Job 22:21; John 17:3. heart, to ennoble the whole man."—Mrs. E. G. White, in Review and Herald, vol. 69, No. 43. 2. "The life of Christ on earth was a per- NOTE.—"Through the knowledge of God fect expression of God's law, and when and of His Son Jesus Christ, are given to those who claim to be children of God be- the believer 'all things that pertain unto come Christlike in character, they will be life and godliness.' No good gift is with- obedient to God's commandments. Then the held from him who sincerely desires to ob- Lord can trust them to be of the number tain the righteousness of God. who shall compose the family of heaven."— " 'This is life eternal,' Christ said, 'that Christ's Object Lessons, page 315 .(new ed., they might know Thee the only true God, p. 321). and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.' 3. It is our chief business in life to permit . : . Scarcely can the human mind com- the Lord to remove all sinful traits from our prehend the breadth and depth and height lives and by His grace to cultivate a Christ- of the spiritual attainments of him who like character. gains this knowledge. 4. This transformation in character must "None need fail of attaining, in his be done for us here and now. sphere, to perfection of Christian character. 5. Only by examination of our hearts, and By the sacrifice of Christ, provision has daily co-operation with the Holy Spirit, can been made for the believer to receive all we be fitted for the society of angels and the things that pertain to life and godliness. redeemed. Lesson 2, for January 9, 1954 How a Sinner Becomes a Saint MEMORY VERSE: "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:21. STUDY HELPS: "Prophets and Kings," pages 486, 487, 586-592; "The Desire of Ages," pages 309, 310; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," page 34. [ 6] DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 5. Ques. 9-12. of the lesson, based on outline. 6. Ques. 13, 14; Conclusions and Con- 2. Key thought; Ques. 1-4. victions. 3. Ques. 5-8. 7. Review the entire lesson. 4. Read selections from study helps. Lesson Outline: Key Thought: I. The Sinner Lost in Sin "All who would enter the City of God 1. Sin separates from God. must during their earthly life set forth 2. Man born in sin. Christ in their dealings. It is this that con- 3. The sinner described. stitutes them the messengers of Christ, His 4. The wages of sin. witnesses. They are to bear a plain, decided testimony against all evil practices, pointing II. The Sinner's Need of a Saviour sinners to the Lamb of God, who taketh 1. The cry of the convicted sinner's away the sin of the world. He gives to all heart. who receive Him, power to become the sons 2. Jesus is man's Saviour. of God. Regeneration is the only path by 3. The gospel of Christ. which we can enter the City of God. It is 4. Saved by grace through faith. narrow, and the gate by which we enter is III. Imputed Righteousness strait, but along it we are to lead men and women and children, teaching them that in 1. Man's first duty. order to be saved, they Must have a new 2. Conditions of entrance into God's heart and a new spirit. The old, hereditary kingdom. traits of character must be overcome. The 3. Man's only hope. natural desires of the soul must be changed. 4. Results of imputed righteousness. All deception, all falsifying, all evilspeaking, must be put away. The new life, which IV. Imparted Righteousness makes men and women Christlike, is to be 1. Sanctification. lived."-Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 23. 2. Obtained through faith. THE LESSON The Sinner Lost in Sin NOTES.-"Man was originally endowed with noble powers and a well-balanced mind. 1. What alone separates man from He was perfect in his being, and in harmony God? Isa. 59:1, 2; Hab. 1:13, first part. with God. His thoughts were pure, his aims holy. But through disobedience, his powers were perverted, and selfishness took the 2. How do men come by a sinful place of love. His nature became so weak- nature? Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12. ened through transgression that it was im- possible for him, in his own strength, to resist the power of evil. He was made cap- 3. How are sinners described? Isa. tive by Satan, and would have remained so 59:3-8; Rom. 1:18, 28-32. forever had not God specially interposed. It was the tempter's purpose to thwart the divine plan in man's creation, and fill the 4. What is the end result of sin? earth with woe and desolation. And he Rom. 6:23; James 1:14, 15. would point to all this evil as the result [ 7] of God's work in creating man."—Steps to Christ, page 19. "In his sinless state, man held joyful com- munion with Him 'in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.' But after his sin, he could no longer find joy in holiness, and he sought to hide from the presence of God. . . . The sinner could not be happy in God's presence; he would shrink from the companionship of holy be- ings. Could he be permitted to enter heaven, it would have no joy for him. . . . His thoughts, his interests, his motives, would be alien to those that actuate the sinless dwell- ers there. He would be a discordant note in the melody of heaven. Heaven would be to him a place of torture.... They are shut out by their own unfitness for its companion- ONLY ANT1DOTE-FOR --- SIN IS THE GOSPEL. ship."—Ibid., pp. 19, 20. The Sinner's Need of a Saviour chains of sin."—The Desire of Ages, page 203. 5. When the sinner realizes his helpless condition, what is the cry of 6. To meet this need, what means his heart? Rom. 7:24; Ps. 51:1, 2, 10. of deliverance has been provided? Rom. 7:25 to 8:3; Acts 4:12; John 1:4, 29; 14:6. NoTE.—"By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of 7. How is this salvation revealed? living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. There are many who Rom. 1:16, 17; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Tim. 1:10. realize their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God; they are vainly striv- ing to obtain it. In despair they cry, '0 NOTE.—"The giving of the gospel to the wretched man that I am ! who shall deliver world is the work that God has committed me from this body of death ?' Rom. 7:24, margin. Let these desponding, struggling to those who bear His name. For earth's sin ones look up. The Saviour is bending over and misery the gospel is the only antidote. the purchase of His blood, saying with in- To make known to all mankind the message expressible tenderness and pity, 'Wilt thou of the grace of God is the first work of those be made whole ?' He bids you arise in who know its healing power."—The Min- health and peace. Do not wait to feel that istry of Healing, page 141. you are made whole. Believe His word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and 8. How is the sinner saved? Eph. in acting upon His word you will receive 2:8, 9; Acts 16:31. strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long in- dulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is 'dead in trespasses.' NoTE.—"It is impossible for us, of our- Eph. 2:1. He will set free the captive that selves, to escape from the pit of sin in is held by weakness and misfortune and the which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, [8] and we cannot change them. . . . Education, comes a child of God, a member of the royal culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, family."—Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 371, 372. all have their proper sphere, but here they "The thought that the righteousness of are powerless. They may produce an out- Christ is imputed to us, not because of any ward correctness of behavior, but they can- merit on our part, but as a free gift from not change the heart ; they cannot purify God, is a precious thought. The enemy of the springs of life. There must be a power God and man is not willing that this truth working from within, a new life from above, should be clearly presented; for he knows before men can be changed from sin to holi- that if the people receive it fully, his power ness. That power is Christ. His grace alone will be broken."—Gospel Workers, page 161. can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness."—Steps to Christ, page 20. 11. What is man's only hope? Col. Imputed Righteousness 1:27, 28; Rom. 5:17; Jer. 17:17. 9. What is man's first duty? Matt. 6:33. 12. What does imputed righteous- ness accomplish? Rom. 3:24-26. 10. What are the conditions of en- trance into the kingdom of God? Rom. 14:17, 18; Acts 2:38, 39. NorE.—"Thus they have remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God."—The Desire of Ages, page 762. NoTEs.—"The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has been, ... perfect Imparted Righteousness obedience to the law of God, perfect right- eousness."—Steps to Christ, page 67. 13. Into what experience is the "The law requires righteousness,—a right- justified one to be led? 1 Thess. 4:3, eous life, a perfect character; and this man first part; Rom. 5:9-11; Eph. 3:17, 20; has not to give. . . . But Christ, coming to Jude 24. the earth as man, lived a holy life, and de- veloped a perfect character. These He offers as a free gift to all who will receive them. His life stands for the life of men. Thus NoTEs.—"More than this, Christ imbues they have remission of sins that are past, men with the attributes of God. He builds through the forbearance of God."—The De- up the human character after the similitude sire of Ages, page 762. of the divine character, a goodly fabric of "Christ perfected a righteous character spiritual strength and beauty. Thus the very here upon the earth, not on His own account, righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the for His character was pure and spotless, but believer in Christ."—The Desire of Ages, for fallen man. His character He offers to page 762. -man if he will accept it. The sinner, through "We are abiding in Christ by a living faith. repentance of his sins, faith in Christ, and He is abiding in our hearts by our individual obedience to the perfect law of God, has the appropriating of faith. We have the com- panionship of the divine presence, and as righteousness of Christ imputed to him; it we realize this presence, our thoughts are becomes his righteousness, and his name is brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. Our recorded in the Lamb's book of life. He be- spiritual exercises are in accordance with the [9] vividness of our sense of this companionship. Conclusions and Convictions Enoch walked with God in this way; and Christ is dwelling in our hearts by faith 1. All men have sinned, and their sins have when we will consider what He is to us, and separated them from God and His kingdom. what a work He has wrought out for us in 2. The penalty for sin is death. All sin the plan of redemption. . . . I want to im- and sinners will be destroyed. press upon your mind that you may have a divine companion with you, if you will, al- 3. Only those who are clothed with, the ways."-Testimonies to Ministers, page 388. righteousness of Christ will enter God's ever- lasting kingdom. 4. Man's righteousness is like "filthy rags." 14. How is this experience made Man cannot change or save himself. possible? 1 Peter 1:2, 5; Heb. 11:6; 5. While we were yet sinners, God gave John 17:17. His Son to become our righteousness. His death paid the penalty for our sins. His righteousness is imputed to us for our justi- NOTE.-"We do not earn salvation by our fication and imparted to us for our sanctifi- obedience; for salvation is the free gift of cation. God, to be received by faith. But obedience "So we have nothing in ourselves of which is the fruit of faith. . . . That so-called faith to boast. We have no ground for self-exalta- in Christ which professes to release men from tion. Our only ground of hope is in the the obligation of obedience to God, is not righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and faith, but presumption."-Steps to Christ, in that wrought by His Spirit working in and page 66. through us."-Steps to Christ, page 68. Lesson 3, for January 16, 1954 Christianity and the Christian MEMORY VERSE: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20. STUDY HELPS: "Testimonies," vol. 2, pp. 588-594; "Gospel Workers," pages 282, 283. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 5. Ques. 9-12. of the lesson, based on outline. 6. Read "Gospel Workers" assignment; 2. Key Thought; Ques. 1-4. Conclusions and Convictions. 3. Ques. 5-8. 7. Review the entire lesson. 4. Read study help from "Testimonies." Lesson Outline: II. The One True God 1. There is but one God. I. God and Man 2. Creatorship the mark of the true 1. What is man? God. 3. God's supremacy. 2. God's love for man. 4. The prayer of the righteous. 3. Christ's redemption of man. 4. Man built into the temple of the III. The Meaning of Christianity Lord. 1. True religion. [ 10] 2. Christ and Christianity. maxims and traditions became an obstacle to 3. The indwelling Christ. their understanding and practice of true re- ligion.... They demanded signs instead of a Key Thought: Saviour. . . . Not by force of arms, not by violent interpositions, was the kingdom of "The Lord Jesus was the foundation of God to prevail, but by the implanting of the whole Jewish economy. . . . But the a new principle in the hearts of men."— Jews had exalted the forms and ceremonies, Christ's Object Lessons, pages 34, 35 (new and had lost sight of their object. . . These ed., pp. 28, 29). THE LESSON God and Man The One True God 1. What questions does inspiration 5. In what words does the Bible ask concerning man? Ps. 144:3, 4; emphasize that there is but one true Job 7:17, 18; Ps. 8:3, 4. God? Isa. 45:5, 22; Deut. 6:4. NoTE.—"In the apostasy, man alienated NoTEs.—"The revelation of Himself that himself from God; earth was cut off from God has given in His word is for our study. heaven. Across the gulf that lay between, This we may seek to understand. But be- there could be no communion."—Steps to yond this we are not to penetrate. The Christ, page 23. highest intellect may tax itself until it is wearied out in conjectures regarding the nature of God; but the effort will be fruit- 2. How did God show His love for less. This problem has not been given us to man? John 3:16; 1 John 4:14; Rom. solve. No human mind can comprehend God. Let no finite man attempt to interpret 5:8. Him. Let none indulge in speculation re- garding His nature. Here silence is elo- quence. The Omniscient One is above dis- cussion."—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 279. "As we learn more and more of what NOTE.—"Through Christ, earth is again God is, and of what we ourselves are in His linked with heaven. With His own merits, sight, we shall fear and tremble before Christ has bridged the gulf which sin had Him."—Ibid., p. 283. made, so that the ministering angels can hold communion with man. Christ connects fallen man, in his weakness and helplessness, with 6. How is the true God distin- the Source of infinite power. . . . The only guished? jer. 10:10-12; Isa. 40:25, 26. way to God is Christ."—Steps to Christ, pages 23, 24. 3. What did Christ do for hopeless, NorE.—"God's claim to reverence and helpless man? Col. 1:13, 14, 21; Eph. worship, above the gods of the heathen, is 2:1-5; Rom. 5:6. based upon the fact that He is the Creator, and that to Him all other beings owe their existence. Thus it is presented in the Bible." —Patriarchs and Prophets, page 336. 4. What, then, does that mean for 7. How is the supremacy of God those who accept God's gift by faith? affirmed? Eph. 4:6; Acts 17:24-27; Ps. Eph. 2:19-22. 139:7-12. NOTE.—"He pointed His hearers to the NOT DUSTY TOMES OR HEATED ARGUMENTS, BUT Ruler of the universe, under the new name, A CONSISTENT LIFE IS THE MOST POWERFUL `Our Father.' He would have them under- PROOF OF CHRISTIANITY. „,/e, >.--, stand how tenderly the heart of God yearned over them. He teaches that God cares for every lost soul; that 'like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord ':.=.----.....'X;..„,..,. pitieth them that fear Him.' Such a concep- tion of God was never given to the world by any religion but that of the Bible. Heathenism teaches men to look upon the Supreme Being as an object of fear rather than of love,—a malign deity to be appeased by sacrifices, rather than a Father pouring upon His children the gift of His love. . . . "It is not because of inherent power that year by year the earth produces her boun- ties, and continues her motion round the sun. The hand of God guides the planets, and keeps them in position in their orderly march through the heavens. It is through His power that summer and winter, seed- brushed here and there upon the canvas, but time and harvest, day and night follow each it is to pervade the whole life, as if the can- other in their regular succession. It is by vas were dipped into the color, until every His word that vegetation flourishes, that thread of the fabric were dyed a deep, un- the leaves appear, and the flowers bloom. fading hue."—The Desire o f Ages, page 312. Every good thing we have, each ray of sun- "Religion, pure and undefiled, ennobles shine and shower of rain, every morsel of its possessor. You will ever find with the food, every moment of life, is a gift of love." true Christian a marked cheerfulness, a holy, —Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, happy confidence in God, a submission to pages 113-115. His providences, that is refreshing to the soul."—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 377. 8. What, therefore, should be the 10. How is practical religion set trustful prayer of the righteous? Ps. forth in the teachings of Jesus? Matt. 16:1, 8; 31:1-3, 14, 15. 25:34-40; 10:42. NOTE.—"It. is Christ first and last and al- NOTES.—"Religion is not merely an emo- ways. He is to be with us, not only at the tion, a feeling. It is a principle which is beginning and the end of our course, but at interwoven with all the daily duties and every step of the way."—Steps to Christ, transactions of life. Nothing will be enter- pages 73, 74. tained, no business engaged in, which will prevent the accompaniment of this principle. The Meaning of Christianity To retain pure and undefiled religion, it is necessary to be workers, persevering in ef- 9. How is true religion defined? fort. We must do something ourselves. No James 1:27. one else can do our work. None but our- selves can work out our salvation with fear and trembling. This is the very work which the Lord has left for us to do ."—Testimonies , vol. 2, p. 506. NorEs.—"Bible religion is not one influence "Our profession of faith may proclaim the among many others; its influence is to be theory of religion, but it is our practical supreme, pervading and controlling every piety that holds forth the word of truth. The other. It is not to be like a dash of color consistent life, the holy conversation, the [12 ] unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent NOTES.—"Christianity—how many there spirit, the godly example,—these are the me- are who do not know what it is! It is not diums through which light is conveyed to the something put on the outside. It is a life world."—The Desire of Ages, page 307. inwrought with the life of Jesus. It means that we are wearing the robe of Christ's righteousness."—Testimonies to Ministers, 11. What experience is compre- page 131. hended in Christianity? Col. 1:27; "Christianity has a much broader mean- Eph. 3:17-19; John 15:4, 7; Rev. 3:20. ing than many have hitherto given it. It is not a creed. It is the word of Him who liveth and abideth forever. It is a living, animating principle, that takes possession of mind, heart, motives, and the entire man. NoTEs.—Christianity is "Christ in you, Christianity—oh, that we might experience the hope of glory." The very nature of its operations !"—Ibid., pp. 421, 422. Christ must be implanted in you—Christ's mind, Christ's thoughts, Christ's motives, Conclusions and Convictions Christ's feelings, Christ's words, Christ's acts, become the very warp and woof of the 1. Too many people have a wrong con- Christian's life. These will make a man a ception of Christianity. They have the idea Christian—a real Christian. That is the that Christianity is a philosophy to talk meaning of Christianity. about and debate. "Gospel religion is Christ in the life,—a 2. The Christian religion is something to living, active principle. It is the grace of be, something to do, something to affect Christ revealed in character and wrought every transaction, every business and social out in good works. The principles of the gos- relationship, every phase of everyday life. pel cannot be disconnected from any depart- 3. The strongest and most powerful ar- ment of practical life. Every line of Christian gument for Christianity is a loving and experience and labor is to be a representation lovable Christian. of the life of Christ."—Christ's Object Les- 4. God belongs to every man, every tribe, sons, page 384 (new ed., p. 389). every nation, every people; and you and I who know Him are under obligation to go and make Him known to as many people as 12. How is this fellowship with we can reach. Making God known by pre- Christ further emphasized? Gal. 2:20; cept and by example, that is the business of Rom. 6:11; Col. 3:2, 3. Christians everywhere. Lesson 4, for January 23, 1954 On Becoming a Christian—Steps to Christ MEMORY VERSE: "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." 2 Cor. 6:17, 18. STUDY HELPS: "Testimonies," vol. 9, pp. 165, 166; "The Desire of Ages," pages 519-523; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 402-404 (new ed., pp. 410-413). DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: General survey 5. Ques. 7-10. of the lesson, following the outline. 6. Ques. 11-13; Conclusions and Con- 2. Key Thought; Ques. 1-3. victions. 3. Ques. 4-6. 7. Review the entire lesson. 4. Read suggested study helps. (13 Lesson Outline: 5. Justification. 6. Adoption. I. The Call to Become Christians 7. Sanctification. 1. The business of the Christian church. 2. Separation from the world. Key Thought: 3. Sons of God. "When we submit ourselves to Christ, the II. The Call to Surrender heart is united with His heart, the will is 1. The Master's call. merged in His will, the mind becomes one 2. The meaning of surrender. with His mind, the thoughts are brought into 3. Christ the way. captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the gar- III. Steps to Christ ment of His righteousness.... Righteousness 1. A new birth. is rightdoing, and it is by their deeds that all 2. Conversion. will be judged.... The works show whether 3. Repentance. the faith is genuine."—Christ's Object Les- 4. Confession. sons, page 312 (new ed., p. 319). THE LESSON The Call to Become Christians impress human hearts, and draw them by the cords of His love, so that His servants 1. What is the supreme business of might become 'fishers of men.' . . . the Christian church? Matt. 28:19, 20; "In the apostles of our Lord there was Mark 16:15. nothing to bring glory to themselves. It was evident that the success of their labors was due only to God. The lives of these men, the characters they developed, and the mighty work that God wrought through 2. What must be the experience of them, are a testimony to what He will do everyone who would be a true Chris- for all who are teachable and obedient." tian? 2 Cor. 6:17, 18; Rev. 18:4. —The Desire of Ages, pages 249, 250. 5. What is the meaning of a full surrender? Luke 14:33; Matt. 19:27, 3. Into what family is the Christian first part. adopted? Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. 2:18, 19. NOTES.—"The surrender of all our powers to God greatly simplifies the problem of life. It weakens and cuts short a thousand strug- The Call to Surrender gles with the passions of the natural heart. Religion is as a golden cord that binds the 4. What is the call of the Master to souls of both youth and aged to Christ. those whom He chooses? Matt. 4:18- Through it the willing and obedient are 22; 9:9. brought safely through dark and intricate paths to the City of God."—Mrs. E. G. White, in Youth's Instructor, Feb. 2, 1893. "Many who profess to be .,hrist's follow- ers have an anxious, troubled heart, because NOTE.—"The deeper lesson which the they are afraid to trust themselves with God. miracle conveyed for the disciples is a les- They do not make a complete surrender to son for us also,—that He whose word could Him; for they shrink from the consequences gather the fishes from the sea could also that, such a surrender may involve. Unless 14 RELIGION IS A CORD THAT ing away from sin to righteousness? LEADS CHRISTIANS THROUGH Acts 3:19; Ps. 51:3. THE DARKNESS TO THE ETERNAL HOME- \\ 0)/ GOYA GOO / NOTE.—"The great truth of the conver- 1R111§14--' sion of the heart by the Holy Spirit is, presented in Christ's words to Nicodemus: `Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God. .. . That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every- one that is born of the Spirit.' John 3:3-8, margin."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 98 (new ed., p. 95) . they do make this surrender, they can- not find peace."—The Ministry of Healing, pages 480, 481. 9. What is the first step on our part . in coming to Christ? Acts 2:37, 38; 6. What is Christ's part in the way Luke 13:3; 2 Peter 3:9. back to God? John 14:6; 10:7-9. NorEs.—"Repentance is turning from self to Christ."—Thoughts From the Mount of The Steps to Christ—The Way Blessing, page 131. Back to God "But no man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accom- 7. What essential experience is nec- plish the work. Then the language of the essary in becoming a child of God? soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I can- John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:9. not give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, un-Christlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current NOTE.—"Nicodemus had come to the Lord of Thy love can flow through my soul."— thinking to enter into a discussion with Him, Christ's Object Lessons, page 159. (new ed., but Jesus laid bare the foundation principles p. 161). of truth. He said to Nicodemus, It is not theoretical knowledge you need so much as spiritual regeneration. . . . The Christian's 10. What besides repentance is nec- life is not a modification or improvement of essary? Prov. 28:13; 1 John 1:9; Acts the old, but a transformation of nature. 19:18; James 5:16. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit."—The Dersire of Ages, pages 171, 172. NOTES.—"Those who have not humbled their souls before God in acknowledging their guilt, have not yet fulfilled the first 8. What term does the Scripture condition of acceptance. If we have not ex- use to express the experience of turn- perienced that repentance which is not to [151 be repented of, and have not with true NOTES.—"The Scriptures plainly show humiliation of soul and brokenness of spirit that the work of sanctification is progressive. confessed our sins, abhorring our iniquity, When in conversion the sinner finds peace we have never truly sought for the forgive- with God through the blood of the atone- ness of sin; and if we have never sought, we ment, the Christian life has but just begun. have never found the peace of God."—Steps Now he is to 'go on unto perfection ;' to to Christ, pages 42, 43. grow up 'unto the measure of the stature of "If there have been difficulties, brethren the fullness of Christ.' [Heb. 6:1; Eph. 4:13.1 and sisters,—if envy, malice, bitterness, evil . . . And Peter sets before us the steps by surmisings, have existed, confess these sins, which Bible sanctification is to be attained. not in a general way, but to your brethren 2 Peter 1:5-10."—The Great Controversy, and sisters personally. Be definite."—Mrs. page 470 (new ed., p. 465). E. G. White, in Review and Herald, Dec. "The sanctification set forth in the Scrip- 16, 1884. tures embraces the entire being,—spirit, soul, and body."—Ibid., p. 473. "This is true sanctification; for sanctifica- 11. What does imputed righteous- tion consists in the cheerful performance of ness bring to the believer? Rom. 4:22 daily duties in perfect obedience to the will to 5:1; 3:21-26; Acts 13:39. of God."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 360 (new ed., p. 362). "True sanctification means perfect love, perfect obedience, perfect conformity to the will of God."—The Acts of the Apostles, NOTE.—"What is justification by faith? page 565. It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for him- Conclusions and Convictions self."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 456. 1. God wants men everywhere to be saved. 12. By what formal act do we be- 2. To the church has been given the re- come members of the family of God? sponsibility of carrying the gospel to all the Rom. 8:14, 15; Gal. 4:4-6; Eph. 1:3-7. world and through it call out those who would be free from sin and ready for the second coming of Christ. 3. The Christian religion calls men out of sin, apart from the world, into a union and partnership with Christ. NoTE.—"If you make the sacrifice, if 4. The Christian life is one of full surren- you have to forsake father, mother, sisters, brothers, wife, and children for Christ's sake, der to God to be guided and directed by His Spirit. you will not be friendless. God adopts you 5. To become true Christians we must into His family; you become members of the experience the new birth, following the steps royal household, sons and daughters of the back to God through repentance and confes- King who rules in the heaven of heavens."— sion on to our experience of justification and Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 510. sanctification, which is the process of re- storing in man the character of God. "Sanc- 13. What is the ultimate purpose tification is not the work of a moment, an of God, and what is this experience hour, a day, but of a lifetime. It is not called? 1 Thess. 3:13; 4:3, first part; gained by a happy flight of feeling, but is the 5:23; 2 Thess. 2:13. result of constantly dying to sin, and con- stantly living for Christ."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 560. PLAN FOR THE THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING, MARCH. 27 [ 16 ] • • Lesson-5i. for January 30, 1954 The Christian's Heart and Mind MEMORY VERSE: "My son, give Me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe My ways." Prov. 23:26. STUDY HELPS: "Testimonies," vol. 3, pp. 333-335; "The Acts of the Apostles," page 566; "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 600. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les- 5. Ques. 9, 10. son, following the outline. 6. Ques. 11, 12; Conclusions and Con- 2. Key Thought; Ques. 1-4. victions. 3. Ques. 5-8. 7. Review the entire lesson. 4. Read suggested study helps. Lesson Outline: and holy seraph to man, should be a temple for the indwelling of the Creator. Because of I. The Heart of Man sin, humanity ceased to be a temple for God. 1. The natural condition of man's heart. Darkened and defiled by evil, the heart of 2. God's gracious invitation. man no longer revealed the glory of the 3. The sinner's plea. Divine One. But by the incarnation of the 4. God's response. Son of God, the purpose of Heaven is ful- filled. God dwells in humanity, and through II. The Mind of Christ saving grace the heart of man becomes again 1. The need of a change of mind. His temple. God designed that the temple at 2. "Let this mind be in you." Jerusalem should be a continual witness to 3. Relation of mind to character. the high destiny open to every soul. But the 4. Guarding the avenues to the soul. Jews had not understood the significance of the building they regarded with so much III. Christ Dwells in the Christian's Heart pride. They did not yield themselves as holy 1. Meaning of Christ dwelling in the temples for the divine Spirit. The courts of heart. the temple at Jerusalem, filled with the tu- 2. Results of the indwelling. mult of unholy traffic, represented all too 3. The indwelling Christ revealed in truly the temple of the heart, defiled by the life. the presence of sensual passion and unholy 4. How to become like Christ.. thoughts. In cleansing the temple from the world's buyers and sellers, Jesus announced Key Thought: His mission to cleanse the heart from the de- filement of sin,-from the earthly desires, "From eternal ages it was God's purpose the selfish lusts, the evil habits, that corrupt that every created being, from the bright the soul."-The Desire of Ages, page 161. THE LESSON The Heart of Man hearts; for 'the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.' But God 1. What is the natural condition of understands the tendencies of the depraved man's heart? Jer. 17:9; Matt. 15:19; nature of man."-Patriarchs and Prophets, Mark 7:21-23. page 688. 2. What gracious invitation does God give to men? Prov. 23:26; Rev. Nora.-"Men do not know their own 3:20. [17 7 NoTE.—"Let us not keep back from God that which is His own. . . . He asks for a MIN 11 110111111Ad% Ald# I ill. whole heart; give it to Him; it is His, both by creation and by redemption. He asks for your intellect; give it to Him; it is His."— The Acts of the Apostles, page 566. 3. What should be the sinner's plea? Ps. 51:10, 11. NOTE.—"No man can of himself cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of the heart. Only Christ can cleanse the soul temple. But He will not force an entrance. . . . His presence will cleanse and sanctify the soul, so that it may be a holy temple unto DIVINE SURGERY IS NECESSARY. the Lord, and 'an habitation of God through the Spirit.' "—The Desire of Ages, pages 161, 162. See also pages 171-176. "It is a law both of the intellectual and the spiritual ' nature, that by beholding, 4. What will be God's response? we become changed. The mind gradually Ezek. 36:26; 11:19. adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell. It becomes assimilated to that which it is accustomed to love and reverence. Man will never rise higher than his standard of purity or goodness or NoTEs.—"The fountain of the heart must truth."—The Great Controversy, page 555. be purified before the streams can become pure."—The Desire of Ages, page 172. "When Christ is in the heart it will be so 6. Whose mind will the Christian softened and subdued by love for God and possess? 1 Cor. 2:16; Phil. 2:5. man that fretting, faultfinding, and conten- tion will not exist there. The religion of Christ in the heart will gain for its possessor a complete victory over those passions that are seeking for the mastery."—Testimonies, 7. What is the relation of mind to vol. 4, p. 610. character? Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 15:33. The Mind of Christ 5. Why do we need a change of mind? Rom. 8:5-8; Col. 1:21. NOTE.—The transformation of character begins with the changing of one's thoughts. "The words, 'A new heart also will I give you' (Ezek. 36:26), mean, A new mind will I give you. This change of heart is always NOTES.—"The mind, the heart, that is in- attended by a clear conception of Christian dolent, aimless, falls an easy prey to evil. duty, an understanding of truth. The clear- It is on diseased, lifeless organisms that ness of our view of truth will be proportion- fungus roots. It is the idle mind that is ate to our understanding of the word of Satan's workshop. Let the mind be di- God."—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and rected to high and holy ideals, let the life Students, page 452. have a noble aim, an absorbing purpose, and evil finds little foothold."—Education, page 190. 8. What can and must the Christian 18 do to see that the mind feeds on right abiding within, is the life of the soul. And and proper things? Phil. 4:7-9; Ps. we are to receive Christ through His word. 101:3, 4. It is the truth that sanctifies the soul."— Mrs. E. G. White, in Review and Herald, Feb. 16, 1892. 11. Since Christ is holy, what will NOTES.—"The mind, the soul, is built up His indwelling in our heart do for us? by that upon which it feeds; and it rests 1 Peter 1:15, 16; Eph. 1:4. with us to determine upon what it shall be fed. It is within the power of everyone to choose the topics that shall occupy the thoughts and shape the character."—Edu- cation, pages 126, 127. NoTE.—"Christ abiding in the heart shines "As the mind dwells upon Christ, the char- out in the faces of those who love Him and acter is molded after the divine similitude. keep His commandments. Truth is written The thoughts are pervaded with a sense of there. The sweet peace of heaven is revealed. His goodness, His love. We contemplate His There is expressed a habitual gentleness, a character, and thus He is in all our thoughts. more than human love."—Christ's Object . . . Here again there is the realization of a Lessons, page 102 (new ed., p. 99). • personal, living influence dwelling in our hearts by faith."—Testimonies to Ministers, pages 388, 389. 12. How do we become like Christ? 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 12:2. Christ Dwells in the Christian's Heart 9. What heart experience should NoTE.—"A life in Christ is a life of restful- the Christian have? Eph. 3:17; Gal. ness. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but 2:20; John 14:23. there should bean abiding, peaceful trust. Your hope is not in yourself; it is in Christ. Your weakness is united to His strength, your ignorance to His wisdom, your frailty to His enduring might. So you are not to NOTE.—"Christ dwelling in our hearts by look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell faith means the contemplation of Christ, on self, but look to Christ. Let the mind beholding Christ, ever cherishing the dear dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the Saviour as our very best and honored friend, perfection, of His character. Christ in His so that we would not in any action grieve self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ and offend Him."—Testimonies to Ministers, in His purity and holiness, Christ in His page 387. matchless love,—this is the subject for the soul's contemplation. It is by loving Him, 10. What results will come to the copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, one who is renewed in mind? Eph. that you are to be transformed into His likeness."—Steps to Christ, page 75. 4:20-24; Col. 2:6, 7, 10. Conclusions and Convictions 1. God so loved the world that He gave NoTE.—"The growth of every Christian is His Son to be my Saviour, and I so loved from within, not from without. It is only God that I gave my heart to become His as the Spirit of Christ dwells in the heart by abiding place. "I pray that Christ may make faith that we can grow in grace and the His home in your hearts through your faith." knowledge of Christ. Only through the grace Eph. 3:17, Weymouth. daily drawn from Jesus can the heart be 2. What comes out of a man's heart de- kept. There can be no safety in extolling pends upon what he puts into his heart. self; we must hide self in Jesus. Christ 3. Christianity is not so much how to get [ 19 ] a man into heaven by and by, as it is how to "The officers who were sent to Jesus get heaven into a man's heart here and now. came back with the report that never man 4. "There is an eloquence far more pow- spoke as He spoke. But the reason for this erful than the eloquence of words in the was that never man lived as He lived. Had quiet, consistent life of a pure, true Chris- His life been other than it was, He could tian. What a man is has more influence not have spoken as He did."-The Ministry than what he says. of Healing, page 469. Lesson 6, for February 6, 1954 The Christian's Body MEMORY VERSE: "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Cor. 6:19, 20. STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 346-351 (new ed., pp. 349-354); "Prophets and Kings," page 489. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les- 5. Ques. 7, 8. son, following the outline. 6. Ques. 9-12; Conclusions and Convic- 2. Key Thought; Ques. 1-3. tions. 3. Ques. 4-6. 7. Review the entire lesson. 4. Read suggested study helps. Lesson Outline: IV. Living for God and His Kingdom 1. God's purpose for His people. I. "Ye Are Not Your Own" 2. The attitude of the true Christian. 3. A commendable example. 1. Our bodies are the temple of God. 4. The essence of the kingdom of God. 2. Flesh and spirit contrasted. 3. The result of defiling the body. Key Thought: "The body is the only medium through II. "Present Your Bodies, . . . Holy, which the mind and the soul are developed Acceptable" for the upbuilding of character. Hence it is that the adversary of souls directs his 1. "A living sacrifice." temptations to the enfeebling and degrading 2. The great objective. of the physical powers. His success here 3. The body temple. means the surrender to evil of the whole be- III. Keeping Fit ing. The tendencies of our physical nature, unless under the dominion of a higher 1. God's desire for His people. power, will surely work ruin and death."- 2. Temperate in all things. The Ministry of Healing, page 130. THE LESSON "Ye Are Not Your Own" 2. How does Paul contrast the life 1. What is our body declared to be? "after the flesh" and the life "after the Spirit"? Rom. 8:5-9; 1 Cor. 2:14. 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 2 Cor. 6:16. [ 20 "Sanctification is not merely a theory, an THE SOUL MUST BE CLEANSED IF CHI2 ST IS TO BE emotion, or a form of words, but a living, WELCOMED NTO THE HEART. active principle, entering into the everyday life. It requires that our habits of eating, drinking, and dressing be such as to secure the preservation of physical, mental, and moral health, that we may present to the Lord our bodies—not an offering corrupted by wrong habits, but—`a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.' "—Ibid., p. 67. "As it is through the body that all the evil that is in the unrenewed heart comes forth in palpable manifestation and action, so it is through the body that the gracious princi- ples and affections of believers reveal them- selves in the outward life. The Christian must never forget that as corruption extends to the whole man, so does sanctification."— Critical and Experimental Commentary, vol. 6, p. 623. 3. What Will result from defilement 5. What is the great objective of of the body? 1 Cor. 3:17. all Christian living? 1 Thess. 5:23; Phil. 3:17-21. NoTE.—"The laws that govern our physi- cal organism, God has written upon every nerve, muscle, and fiber of the body. Every NOTE.—"The body is to be brought into careless or willful violation of these laws is a subjection. The higher powers of the being sin against our Creator.. . . are to rule. The passions are to be controlled "The power of the will and the importance by the will, which is itself to be under the of self-control, both in the preservation and control of God. The kingly power of reason, in the recovery of health, the depressing sanctified by divine grace, is to bear sway in and even ruinous effect of anger, discontent, our lives. selfishness, or impurity, and, on the other "The requirements of God must be hand, the marvelous life-giving power to be brought home to the conscience. Men and found in cheerfulness, unselfishness, grati- women must be awakened to the duty of tude, should also be shown."—Education, self-mastery, the need of purity, freedom pages 196, 197. from every depraving appetite and defiling habit. They need to be impressed with the fact that all their powers of mind and body Present Your Bodies—Holy— are the gift of God, and are to be preserved Acceptable in the best possible condition for His serv- ice."—The Ministry of Healing, page 130. 4. What is the Christian enjoined to do? Rom. 12:1. 6. In whose heart does God prom- ise to dwell? Isa. 57:15. NOTES.—"It is impossible for a man to present his body a living sacrifice, holy, ac- ceptable to God, while continuing to in- NOTE.—Only holy people can dwell in dulge habits that are depriving him of physi- God's presence, and God will dwell only in cal, mental, and moral vigor."—Counsels on people whose bodies are holy,—blameless,— Health, page 23. without spot or wrinkle. [ 21 ] Keeping Fit themselves change or periods of rest. . . . It is not essential to our salvation, nor for the 7. What is God's desire for His glory of God, to keep the mind laboring con- people? 3 John 2; Ps. 103:1-5. stantly and excessively, even upon religious themes."—The Adventist Home, page 494. "The time spent in physical exercise is not lost. ... Care needs to be exercised in regard to the regulation of hours for sleeping and Noms.—"We cannot be too often re- laboring. We must take periods of rest, minded that health does not depend on periods of recreation, periods for contempla- chance. It is a result of obedience to law. tion. . . . The principles of temperance have This is recognized by the contestants in ath- a wider range than many think."—Ibid. letic games and trials of strength. These men "There are modes of recreation which are make the most careful preparation. They highly beneficial to both mind and body. An submit to thorough training and strict dis- enlightened, discriminating mind will find cipline. Every physical habit is carefully abundant means for entertainment and di- regulated. They know that neglect, excess, version, from sources not only innocent, but or carelessness, which weakens or cripples instructive."—Ibid., p. 496. any organ or function of the body, would ensure defeat. "How much more important is such care- Living for God and His Kingdom fulness to ensure success in the conflict of life. . . . We are waging a warfare upon 9. What is God's purpose for His which hang eternal results."—The Ministry people? 2 Cor. 3:2-4; Isa. 43:10; of Healing, page 128. Acts 1:8. "Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power,—these are the true reme- dies."—Ibid., p. 127. "Health is an inestimable blessing, and one more closely related to conscience and reli- NoTE.—"It is God's purpose to manifest gion than many realize. .. . The importance through His people the principles of His of caring for the health should be taught as kingdom. That in life and character they a Bible requirement. . . . No one can prop- may reveal these principles, He desires to erly understand his obligations to God un- separate them from the customs, habits, and less he understands clearly his obligations to practices of the world. . . . himself as God's property. He who remains "God expects those who bear the name of in sinful ignorance of the laws of life and Christ to represent Him. Their thoughts are health, or who willfully violates these laws, to be pure, their words noble and uplifting. sins against God."—Counsels to Parents, The religion of Christ is to be interwoven Teachers, and Students, pages 294, 295. with all that they do and say. . . . God desires His people to show by their lives the advantage of Christianity over worldliness, 8. What part does temperance have to show that they are working on a high, in keeping the body under control? holy plane."—The Adventist Home, pages 1 Cor. 9:25-27; Gal. 5:22, 23. 519, 520. 10. What attitude will characterize the followers of Christ? 1 Cor. 10:31; NorEs.—"With our first parents, intem- Col. 3:17; Matt. 26:39, 42. perate desire resulted in the loss of Eden. Temperance in all things has more to do with our restoration to Eden than men realize. . 'Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.' "—The Ministry of Healing, page 129. 11. What commendable example in "I was shown that Sabbathkeepers as a the matter of food and drink is left people labor too hard without allowing on record for our guidance? Dan. 1:8. [ 22 ] NOTES.-"The question of how to preserve Conclusions and Convictions the health is one of primary importance."- Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 153. 1. The spiritual nature must control the "We do not mark out any precise line to lower nature, for the lower nature is in a be followed in diet; but we do say that in state of enmity to God. Rom. 8:7. The countries where there are fruits, grains, and spiritual nature in control means life and nuts in abundance, flesh food is not the right peace. Rom. 8:6. Those controlled by the food for God's people. . . . We are not to lower nature cannot please God. Rom. 8:8. 2. "Christians have many sources of hap- make the use of flesh food a test of fellow- ship."-Ibid, p. 159. piness at their command, and they may tell with unerring accuracy what pleasures are "It is better to know how to keep well lawful and right. They may enjoy such than how to cure disease."-Ibid., p. 161. recreations as will not dissipate the mind or "Eat only plain, simple, wholesome food." debase the soul, such as will not disappoint -Ibid., p. 163. and leave a sad after influence to destroy Workers "must consider carefully before self-respect or bar the way to usefulness. If they specify just what foods should and they can take Jesus with them and maintain should not be eaten" in the various countries a prayerful spirit, they are perfectly safe."- of the world. (Ibid.) The Adventist Home, page 513. 3. Health reform is an intelligent selection of the most healthful articles of food pre- 12. What transcends meat and pared in the most healthful, simplest form. drink in so far as the kingdom of 4. Righteousness is more than eating and heaven is concerned? Rom. 14:17; drinking. Some people may lose their souls Matt. 15:15-20. while sitting as judges of other men's diet. Lesson 7, for February 13, 1954 The Christian's Possessions MEMORY VERSE: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." 1 Tim. 6:6-8. STUDY HELPS: "Testimonies," vol. 1, pp. 170-178; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 351, 352 (new ed., pp. 354, 355). DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les- 5. Ques. 9-11. son, following the outline. 6. Ques. 12, 13; Conclusions and Con- 2. Key Thought; Ques. 1-3. , victions. 3. Ques. 4-8. 7. Review the entire lesson. 4. Read suggested lesson helps. Lesson Outline: 4. God gives power to get wealth. I. God's Plan for Saving Men III. God's Plan for the Support of His 1.. The plan set forth. Work 2. By preaching. 1. Gospel support. 3. God's people provide the means. 2. The tithe. II. God's Ownership 3. Tithepayers. 1. By creation. 4. Tithe paying endorsed by Jesus. 2. By redemption. 5. God's blessing bestowed. 3. Everything belongs to God. 6. Faithful stewardship. [ 23 ] Key Thoughts: has not been given us that we might honor and glorify ourselves. As faithful stewards "A character formed according to the di- we are to use it for the honor and glory of vine likeness is the only treasure that we can God."—Ibid., p. 351. take from this world to the next. . . . How " 'The tithe . . . is the Lord's.' . . . 'The important, then, is the development of char- seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy acter in this life."—Christ's Object Lessons, God.' God reserved to Himself a specified page 332 (new ed., p. 335). portion of man's time and of his means, and "God also entrusts men with means. He no man could, without guilt, appropriate gives them power to get wealth.... And He either for his own interests."—Patriarchs and asks for a return of His own. Our money Frophets, pages 525, 526. THE LESSON God's Plan for Saving Men until word was brought to Moses: 'The people bring much more than enough for 1. How is God's plan to save men the service of the work, which the Lord set forth? Matt. 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15; commanded to make."'—Testimonies, vol. Rev. 14:6. 5, p. 268. God's Ownership 4. On what original basis is God's NotE.—"To Christ's followers today, no less than to the first disciples, these words ownership founded? Gen. 1:1; Ps. are spoken: 33:6, 9. " 'All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.' Go ye into all the, world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' "— 5. What additional claim does God The Ministry of Healing, page 106. have to the world? 1 Peter 1:18, 19; Eph. 1:14. 2. By what method has God chosen to do all this? Rom. 10:13-15; 1 Cor. 1:17-23. .6. How much of the earth belongs to God? Ps. 24:1; 50:10-12; Hag. 2:8. 3. What ancient example do we have of God's people providing the means for His work? Ex. 35:4-10; NOTE.-"All the good that man enjoys 36:5-7; 1 Chron. 29:2, 3, 6, 9. comes because of the mercy of God. He is the great and bountiful Giver. His love is manifest to all in the abundant •provision made for man."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 385. NorE.—"When the people of God were about to build the sanctuary in the wilder- 7. In acquiring means, what should ness, extensive preparations were necessary. man remember? Deut. 8:18; Matt. Costly materials were collected, and among 25:14; 1 Cor. 4:7. them was much gold and silver. As the rightful owner of all their treasures, the Lord called for these offerings from the peo- ple; but He accepted only those that were given freely. The people offered willingly, NoTE.—"God also entrusts men with [ 24 ] means. He gives their' power to get wealth. . . . Our money has not been given us that we might honor and glorify ourselves. . . . All we possess is the Lord's, and we are ' accountable to Him for the use we make of it. In the use of every penny it will be seen whether we love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves."—Christ's Object Les- sons, page 351 (new ed., p. 354). God's Plan for the Support of His Work 8. What is God's plan for the sup- port of His work to evangelize the world? 1 Cor. 9:7, 13, 14; Prov. 3:9. NoTE.—"God's chosen messengers, who the tithe into the storehouse? Mal. are engaged in aggressive labor, should never 3:10, 11. be compelled to go a warfare at their own charges, unaided by the sympathetic and hearty support of their brethren. . . . Is not the work of disseminating truth, and leading souls to Christ, of more importance than any Nora.—"The Lord created every tree in ordinary business? And are not those who Eden pleasant to the eyes and good for food, faithfully engage in this work justly entitled and He bade Adam and Eve freely enjoy His to ample remuneration? By our estimate of bounties. But He made one exception. Of the relative value of labor for moral and for the tree of knowledge of good and evil they physical good, we show our appreciation of were not to eat. This tree God reserved as a the heavenly in contrast with the earthly."— constant reminder of His ownership of all. The Acts of the Apostles, pages 340,341. Thus He gave them opportunity to demon- strate their faith and trust in Him by their 9. What special portion of Israel's perfect obedience to His requirements. "So it is with God's claims upon us. He income did God claim, and how was places His treasures in the hands of men, but it used? Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:21. requires that one tenth shall be faithfully laid aside for His work. He requires this portion to be placed in His treasury. It is to be ren- dered to Him as His own; it is sacred, and 10. Name some ancient examples is to be used for sacred purposes, for the of those who paid a tithe of their support of those who carry the message of increase. Heb. 7:1, 2; Gen. 28:20-22. salvation to all parts of the world. . . . By faithfully obeying this requirement we ac- knowledge that all belongs to God."—Testi- monies, vol. 6, p. 386. 11. With what words did Jesus en- 13. What is required of stewards? dorse the tithe system? Matt. 23:23. 1 Cor. 4:2; Luke 16:1-3. 12. What blessing does God prom- NOTE.—"Every Christian is a steward of ise to bestow on those who bring all God, entrusted with His goods.... A steward 25 identifies himself with his master. He ac- Conclusions and Convictions cepts the responsibilities of a steward, and he must act in his master's stead, doing as 1. God's plan for the saving of the lost his master would do were he presiding. His embraces the whole world. Master's interests become his. The position of 2. God's ownership is based on creation a steward is one of dignity because his mas- and redemption. ter trusts him."—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 246. 3. In God's plan for the support of His work, He calls upon His people to be faithful stewards. Lesson 8, for February 20, 1954 The Christian's Time MEMORY VERSE: "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates." Exodus 20:10. STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 342-346 (new ed., pp. 345-349); "Testimonies," vol. 3, p. 146; vol. 4, p. 412. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les- 5. Ques. 9-11. son, following the outline. 6. Ques. 12-14; Conclusions and Con- 2. Ques. 1-5. victions. 3. Ques. 6-8. 7. Review the entire lesson. 4. Read suggested study helps. Lesson Outline:, 2. The question of obedience. 3. The blessings of obedience. I. Allocation of Our Time Key Thought: 1. A time for everything. 2. A time to work. "Our time belongs to God. Every moment 3. A time to relax. is His, and we are under the most solemn 4. A time to sleep. obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no 5. A time to pray. talent He has given will He require a more strict account than of our time. II. The Sabbath Is God's Time "The value of time is beyond computation. • 1. The Sabbath instituted. Christ regarded every moment as precious, 2. The Sabbath sanctified. and it is thus that we should regard it. Life 3. Man's relation to the Sabbath. is too short to be trifled away. We have but a few days of probation in which to prepare III. God's Memorial a Sign for eternity. We have no time to waste,, no 1. A perpetual memorial. time to devote to selfish pleasure, no time for 2. A sign of sanctification. the indulgence of sin. It is now that we are 3. Christ the Lord of the Sabbath. to form characters for the future, immortal life. It is now that we are to prepare for the IV. The Test and Blessing of Obedience searching judgment."—Christ's Object Les- 1. The third-angel's message. sons, page 342 (new ed., pp. 345, 346)— [26] THE LESSON Allocation of Our Time 1. What does the wise man say re- IE garding the allocation of time? Eccl. 3:1-8. NOTE.—"Our time belongs to God. Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no talent He has given will He require a more strict account than of our time. "The value of time is beyond computa- tion. Christ regarded every moment as precious, and it is thus that we should re- DO THE RADIO AND THE TV SETS KNOW gard it. Life is too short to be trifled away. WHEN THE SABBATH COMES IN OUR HOMES? We have but a few days of probation in which to prepare for eternity. We have no time to waste, no time to devote to selfish pleasure, no time for the indulgence of sin." had become weary in their labors, and that —Christ's Object Lessons, page 342. they needed to rest."—The Desire of Ages, page 359. "He did not urge upon His disciples the 2. What does God say about a time necessity of ceaseless toil."—I bid., p. 361. for work? Ex. 20:9; Eccl. 9:10. 4. How can sleep be either a bless- ing or a curse? Eccl. 5:12; Prov. 6:9-11; 24:33, 34; 3:24. NoTE.—"God gave Adam and Eve em- ployment. . . . They learned how to till the soil and to care for the things which the Lord had planted. They did not regard labor as degrading, but as a great blessing. . . . God NorE.—"The bright morning hours are never meant that man should have nothing wasted by many in bed. These precious to do. . . . Labor is to human beings what hours, once lost, are gone never to return; they make it. . . . Heart and soul are to be they are lost for time and for eternity. Only put into work of any kind; then there is one hour lost each day, and what a waste. of cheerfulness and efficiency. . . . Faithfulness time in the course of a year! Let the slum- in the discharge of every duty makes the berer think of this and pause to consider work noble, and reveals a character that God how he will give an account to God for lost can approve."—Fundamentals of Christian opportunities."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 412. Education, pages 314, 315. 5. What example did Jesus set us 3. What was Christ's instruction to in finding time to pray? Matt. 14:23; His weary disciples concerning a time Luke 6:12; 18:1; 11:1-4. of rest? Mark 6:31. Compare Ps. 46:10, first part. NOTE.—"Have a place for secret prayer. . . . We need often to retire to some spot, NoTEs.—"He [Christ] saw, too, that they however humble, where we can be alone [ 27 ] with God."—Thoughts From the Mount of NOTE.—"The Sabbath was not for Israel Blessing, page 125. merely, but for the world. It had been made known to man in Eden, and, like the other precepts of the Decalogue, it is of imperish- The Sabbath Is God's Time able obligation. Of that law of which the fourth commandment forms a part, Christ 6. At the close of creation what did declares, 'Till heaven and earth pass, one jot God do? Gen. 2:1, 2; Ex. 20:11. or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law.' So long as the heavens and the earth endure, the Sabbath will continue as a sign of the Creator's power. And when Eden shall bloom on earth again, God's holy rest 7. After resting on the seventh day, day will be honored by all beneath the sun. how did God set it apart? Gen. 2:3. `From one Sabbath to another' the inhabit- ants of the glorified new earth shall go up 'to worship before Me, saith the Lord.' Matt. 5:18; Isa. 66:23."—The Desire of Ages, page 283. NOTE.—After resting upon the seventh day, God sanctified it, or set it apart as a day of rest for man. 10. Of what is the seventh-day Sab- "In Eden, God set up the memorial of His bath also a sign? Ezek. 20:12; Ex. work of creation, in placing His blessing 31:13-17. upon the seventh day."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 48. 8. How should we regard God's NorE.—"All who regard the Sabbath as a time? Ex. 20:10; Isa. 58:13, 14. sign between them and God, showing that He is the God who sanctifies them, will represent the principles of His government. They will bring into daily practice the laws of His kingdom. Daily it will be their prayer NorEs.—"God saw that a Sabbath was es- that the sanctification of the Sabbath may sential for man, even in Paradise. He needed rest upon them. Every day they will have to lay aside his own interests and pursuits for the companionship of Christ and will exem- one day of the seven, that he might more plify the perfection of His character."—Tes- fully contemplate the works of God, and timonies, vol. 6, pp. 353, 354. meditate upon His power and goodness. He needed a Sabbath, to remind him more 11. How did Jesus, the Lord of the vividly of God, and to awaken gratitude because all that he enjoyed and possessed Sabbath, make clear how the Sabbath came from the beneficent hand of the Cre- is to be observed? Matt. 12:8-12; Mark ator. God designs that the Sabbath shall 3:1-5. direct the minds of men to the contempla- tion of His created works."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 48. God reserved to Himself a specified por- tion of man's money—one tenth, the tithe; The Test and Blessing of Obedience and of his time—one seventh, the Sabbath. No man can without guilt appropriate either 12. What warning message is borne for his own interests or use. to the world by the third angel of Revelation 14? Rev. 14:9-12. God's Memorial a Sign 9. How long will God's memorial endure? Ps. 135:13; Isa. 66:22, 23; 13. How is the ultimate question of Ex. 31:16, 17. obedience to be settled? Acts 5:29. [ 28 ] NoTEs.-"Every man will be tested. Obe- joyed by those who observe the Sab- dience or disobedience is the question to be bath? Isa. 58:13, 14; 56:6, 7. decided by the whole world. All will be called to choose between the law of God and the laws of men. Here the dividing line will be drawn."-The Desire of Ages, page 763. Conclusions and Convictions "The Sabbath will be the great test of 1. Our days and years are limited. There- loyalty; for it is the point of truth especially fore "teach us to number our days." (Ps. controverted. When the final test shall be 90:10, 12.) brought to bear upon men, then the line of 2. Time is the substance out of which life distinction will be drawn between those who is made. Time must be used, not saved. When serve God and those who serve Him not."- lost it can never be recalled. The Great Controversy, page 605. 3. The seventh-day Sabbath is God's por- tion of the time He gives to man. The use you make of that time is a measure of your 14. What blessings are to be en- love and loyalty to God. Lesson 9, for February 27, 1954 The Christian's Home and Family MEMORY VERSE: "If it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve: ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15. STUDY HELP: "The Adventist Home," pages 15-28. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les- 5. Ques. 11-13. son, following the outline. 6. Ques. 14, 15; read remaining part 2. Key Thought; Ques. 1-3. of study help; Conclusions and 3. Ques. 4, 5; read part of suggested Convictions. study help. 7. Review the entire lesson. 4. Ques. 6-10. Lesson Outline: 5. Christ's estimate of children. IV. Counsel for Children I. The Home Is of God's Planning 1. Obedience and filial piety. 1. God established the home. 2. Best behavior in the home. 2. The ideal wife and mother. 3. Accepting Jesus' invitation. 3. Proper relations between husband and wife. V. The Influence of a Christian Home II. God's Ideal of a Home 1. Maintaining a happy home. 2. Abraham's example. 1. The home of Adam and Eve. 2. The home life of Jesus. Key Thoughts: "Society is composed of families, and is III. Counsel for Parents what the heads of families make it. Out of 1. Love one another. the heart are the issues of life;' and the 2. "Fathers, provoke not your chil- heart of the community, of the church, and dren." of the nation, is the household. The well- 3. Results of neglect. being of society, the success of the church, 4. Instruction of children. the prosperity of the nation, depend upon 29 ] home influences."—The Ministry of Healing, church."—The Adventist Home, page 32. page 349. "The greatest evidence of the power of "One well-ordered, well-disciplined fam- Christianity that can be presented to the ily tells more in behalf of Christianity than world is a well-ordered, well-disciplined all the sermons that can be preached. Such a family. This will recommend the truth as family gives evidence that the parents have nothing else can, for it is a living witness of been successful in following God's directions, its practical power upon the heart."—Testi- and that their children will serve Him in the monies, vol. 4, p. 304. THE LESSON The Home Is of God's Planning husband should have control, as head of the house, when he himself does not submit to 1. How, when, and by whom was Christ. He must be under the rule of Christ the home established? Matt. 19:4-6; that he may represent the relation of Christ Gen. 1:28, 29. to the church. If he is a coarse, rough, boisterous, egotistical, harsh, and overbear- ing man, let him never utter the word that the husband is the head of the wife, and that she must submit to him in everything. . . . NOTE.—"God made from the man a The husband is to be as a Saviour in his woman, to be a companion and helpmeet family."—Ibid., p. 117. for him, to be one with him, to cheer, en- courage, and bless him, he in his turn to be God's Ideal of a Home her strong helper. All who enter into matri- monial relations with a holy purpose—the 4. What kind of home environment husband to obtain the pure affections of did God choose for Adam and Eve? a woman's heart, the wife to soften and Gen. 2:8. improve her husband's character and give it completeness—fulfill God's purpose for them."—The Adventist Home, page 99. 2. What is God's ideal for a wife 5. What glimpse is given of the home life of Jesus? Luke 2:39, 40, and mother? Proverbs 31:10-12, 26-28. 51, 52. 3. What is the proper relationship NOTE.—"Jesus . . . came as God's am- between husbands and wives? Eph. bassador, to show us how to live so as to 5:22-31; Col. 3:16-19. secure life' s best results. What were the con- ditions chosen by the infinite Father for His Son? A secluded home in the Galilean hills; a household sustained by honest, self-re- specting labor; a life of simplicity; daily NOTES.—"Neither the husband nor the conflict with difficulty and hardship ; self- wife should attempt to exercise over the sacrifice, economy, and patient, gladsome other an arbitrary control. Do not try to service; the hour of study at His mother's compel each other to yield to your wishes. side, with the open scroll of Scripture ; the You cannot do this and retain each other's quiet of dawn or twilight in the green valley ; love. Be kind, patient, and forbearing, con- the holy ministries of nature; the' study of siderate, and courteous. By the grace of God creation and providence; and the soul's com- you can succeed in making each other happy, munion with God,—these were the condi- as in your marriage vow you promised to tions and opportunities of the early life do."--The Adventist Home, page 118. of Jesus."—The Ministry of Healing, pages "It was not the design of God that the 365, 366. Doi into close contact with his sons, . . . talking with them in such simplicity, and tenderness that he binds them to his heart. . . . As the priest of the household, he is accountable to God for the 'influence that he exerts over every member of the family."—Counsels to Parents and Teachers, page 128. 8. What happens when children are 'left alone? Prov. 29:15. 9. What commandment did God give to Israel concerning the instruc- A TRUE CHRISTIAN HOME 15 THE tion of their children? Deut. 6:4-9; SERMON TO THE WORLD. GREATEST Ps. 78:4, 6. Counsel for Parents 6. What is the most important fac- 10. What high estimate does Jesus tor in binding the family together? place upon children? Matt. 18:2-6, Col. 3:13-20; Eph. 5:25. 10, 14. Noms.—"From a worldly point of view, NOTE.—"Parents should explain and sim- money is power; but from the Christian plify the plan of salvation to their children that their young minds may comprehend it. standpoint, love is power. . . . Pure love has special efficacy to do good, and can do noth- Children of eight, ten, or twelve Years are old enough to be addressed on the subject of per- ing but good. It prevents discord and misery and brings the truest happiness. .. . Parents, sonal religion. Do not teach your children give your children love: love in babyhood, with reference to some future period when love in childhood, love in youth. Do not they shall be old enough to repent and be- give them frowns, but ever keep a sunshiny lieve the truth. If properly instructed, very countenance."—The Adventist Home, pages young children may have correct views of 195, 196. their state as sinners and of the way of sal- vation through Christ."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 400. 7. What special counsel is given to fathers? Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21. Counsel for Children 11. What two great principles are always found in good and noble chil- NOTE.—"The father of boys should come dren? Eph. 6:1-3; Ex. 20:12. SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS IN BRAILLE The senior Sabbath-school lessons, slightly condensed, are published each quarter in Braille, and they are supplied free to the blind upon request. Address: The Christian Record Benevolent Association, Box 66, Lincoln 6, Nebraska. [ 31 ] 12. Where should children mani- household in the principles of God's law. fest their best behavior?. 1 Tim. 5:4. And that which gave power to Abraham's teaching was the influence of his own life. His great household consisted of more than a thousand souls, many of them heads of families, and not a few but newly converted 13. What gracious and tender invi- from heathenism. Such a household required tation of Jesus should children heed? a firm hand at the helm. No weak, vacillat- Matt. 19:14. ing methods would suffice. Of Abraham God said, 'I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him.' Gen. 18:19. Yet his authority was exercised with such wisdom and tenderness that hearts were The Influence of a Christian Home won."-Education, page 187. 14. What is God's ideal for young Conclusions and Convictions and old in maintaining a happy home? Titus 2:2-9; Eph. 4:31, 32. 1. To a large extent we are what our homes have made us. 2. A home, to be a Christian home, must have Christ abiding there. Jesus makes the difference. 15. What worthy example did 3. "Pleasant voices, gentle manners, and Abraham set us in this regard? Gen. sincere affection that finds expression in all 18:19. the actions, together with industry, neat- ness, and economy, make even a hovel the happiest of homes. The Creator regards such a home with approbation."-The Advent- ist Home, page 422. NOTE.-"God called Abraham to be a 4. "In His wisdom the Lord has decreed teacher of His word, He chose him to be the that the family shall be the greatest of all father of a great nation, because He saw that educational agencies."-Counsels to Parents Abraham would instruct his children and his and Teachers, page 107. Lesson 10, for March 6, 1954 The Christian's Friends and Recreation MEMORY VERSE: "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Prov. 18:24. STUDY HELP: "The Adventist Home," pages 403-430. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les- 5. Read suggested lesson help. son, following the outline. 6. Ques. 11, 12; Conclusions and Con- 2. Key Thought; Ques. 1-4. victions. 3. Ques. 5-7. 7. Review the entire lesson. 4. Ques. 8-10. Lesson Outline: 2. The influence of friends. 3. The secret of having friends. I. We Must and Will Have Friends 4. Be not yoked with unbelievers. 1. Principles in Christian friendships. [32 1 II. True Love the Basis of Friendship Everyone will find companions or make 1. The foundation of true friendships. them. And just in proportion to the strength 2. The sign of a true friend. of the friendship, will be the amount of in- 3. The meaning of love. fluence which friends will exert over one 4. How to choose a life companion. another for good or for evil. All will have associates, and will influence and be in- III. The Social Life of Jesus fluenced in their turn. 1. Jesus the wedding guest. "The link is a mysterious one which binds 2. Jesus the dinner guest. human hearts together, so that the feelings, 3. Jesus in the home of His friends. tastes, and principles of two individuals are IV. Christian Recreation closely blended. One catches the spirit, and copies the ways and acts, of the other. As 1. Come apart and rest. wax retains the figure of the seal, so the 2. Instruction to youth on recreation. mind retains the impression produced by intercourse and association. The influence Key Thought: may be unconscious, yet it is no•less power- "It is natural to seek companionship. ful."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 587. THE LESSON We Must and Will Have Friends 3. What is the secret of having friends? Prov. 18:24. 1. What basic principle should • guide the Christian in the forming of his friendships? James 4:4; Prov. 22:24; Rom. 14:7. NorEs.—Remember, "the best friend to have is Jesus." "Make Christ first and last and best in everything." "As the social and generous impulses are NorE.—"All will have associates and will repressed, they wither, and the heart be- influence and be influenced in their turn.. .. comes desolate and cold. . . . Love cannot The company they keep, the principles they long exist without expression. Let not the adopt, the habits they form, will decide the heart of one connected with you starve for question of their usefulness here and of the want of kindness and sympathy."—The their future destiny."—The Adventist Home, Ministry of Healing, page 360. page 455. 4. What care should be exercised in the selection of lasting friendships? 2. What are some of the results of 2 Cor. 6:14; Amos 3:3. association? Prov. 13:20; 1 Cor. 15:33. NOTE.—"We are not to associate with NorE.—"It is inevitable that the youth the ungodly and partake of their spirit, for will haire associates, and they will necessarily they will lead the heart away from God to feel their influence. There are mysterious the worship of false gods."—The Adventist links that bind souls together so that the Home, page 459. heart of one answers to the heart of another. One catches the ideas, the sentiments, the spirit, of another. This association may be True Love the Basis of Friendship a blessing or a curse. . . . It has been truly said, 'Show me your company, and I will 5. What was the foundation of Da- show you your character. "—The Adventist vid and Jonathan's friendship? 1 Sam. Home, pages 455, 456. 18:1, 4. [ 33 ] Nom—Here are some questions to ask in choosing a lifelong friend: "Is your fiancé (or fiancée) usually happy, cheerful, and optimistic? . . . "Can he discuss controversial questions without indulging in heated arguments? "Are his emotions stable? "Is he conservative in matters of morals, politics, and finance? "Does he co-operate easily with others and work smoothly with his superiors? "Is he benevolent toward his inferiors and does he delight in assisting the under- privileged? "Is he able to receive advice graciously? "Does he give careful attention to the de- tails of his daily work? WHICH WAY DO YOUR FRIENDS "Is he willing to take responsibility, and WANT YOU TO GO? has he succeeded thus far in his business ven- tures and enterprises? "Is he fond of children? NOTE.—"Love will not be a mere ex- "Is he religious and is his religion the same change of soft and flattering words. . . . as yours? Heart will be bound to heart in the golden "Do you love him in spite of his faults? ... bonds of a love that is enduring."—The "Do you take pride in your fiance?"— Ministry of Healing, page 362. Harold Shryock, M.D., Happiness for Hus- • bands and Wives, page 28. 6. What is the sign of a true friend? Prov. 17:17; Ruth 1:16-18. The Social Life of Jesus Our Example 8. Under what circumstances was the first miracle performed by Christ? NOTE.—"Those who are themselves 'com- John 2:1-11. passed with infirmity' should be able to `have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way.' Heb. 5:2. Having been in peril themselves, they are acquainted with the dangers and difficulties NOTE.—"In the festal hall where friends of the way, and for this reason are called to and kindred rejoice together, Christ be- gan His public ministry."—The Ministry of reach out for others in like peril. There are Healing, page 356. souls perplexed with doubt, burdened with infirmities, weak in faith, and unable to grasp the Unseen; but a friend whom they 9. What other instances are re- can see, coming to them in Christ's stead, corded of the social life of Jesus? Luke can be a connecting link to fasten their 19:1-10; Matt. 9:9-13. trembling faith upon Christ."—The Desire of Ages, page 297. 7. What is the real meaning of NOTE.—"The entertainment was given in love? 1 Cor. 13:4-8. honor of Jesus, and He did not hesitate to "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7. [34] accept the courtesy. . . . Jesus sat as an took was not self-indulgent rest. The time honored guest at the table of the publicans, they spent in retirement was not devoted to by His sympathy and social kindliness show- pleasure making. . . . It is not wise to be ing that He recognized the dignity of hu- always under the strain of work and excite- manity; and men longed to become worthy ment, even in ministering to man's spiritual of His confidence."—The Desire of Ages, needs; for in this way personal piety is neg- page 274. lected, and the powers of mind and soul and body are overtaxed."—The Desire of Ages, 10. In whose home was Jesus a pages 360-362. frequent guest? Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-6, 21, 34-36. 12. In all our enjoyment, what should we remember? Eccl. 11:9, 10; 12:1. NOTE.—"What a busy life He led! Day by day He might have been seen entering the humble abodes of want and sorrow, speaking NOTES.—"It is the privilege and duty of hope to the downcast, and peace to the dis- Christians to seek to refresh their spirits and tressed. Gracious, tenderhearted, pitiful, He invigorate their bodies by innocent recre- went about lifting up the bowed-down and ation."—The Adventist Home, page 493. comforting the sorrowful. Wherever He "Our recreations should not be scenes of went, He carried blessing. senseless mirth, taking the form of the non- "While He ministered to the poor, Jesus sensical. We can conduct them in such a studied also to find ways of reaching the manner as will benefit and elevate those with rich. He sought the acquaintance of the whom we associate, and better qualify us wealthy and cultured Pharisee, the Jewish and them to more successfully attend to the nobleman, and the Roman ruler. He accepted duties devolving upon us as Christians." their invitations, attended their feasts, made —Ibid. Himself familiar with their interests and oc- "Recreation is needful to those who are cupations, that He might gain access to their engaged in physical labor and is still more hearts, and reveal to them the imperishable essential for those whose labor is principally riches."—The Ministry of Healing, pages mental."—Ibid., p. 494. 24, 25. Conclusions and Convictions Christian Recreation 1. It is right and proper for Christians 11. How did Christ teach His dis- to have friends, but let them be Christian friends. ciples that they could not and should 2. It is entirely proper for Christians to not work all the time? Mark 6:31. have recreation, but let it be Christian recre- ation. 3. Jesus was social to save—so may we be. 4. There are certain kinds of people with NOTE.—"Christ is full of tenderness and whom Christians cannot associate. There compassion for all in His service. He would are certain types of recreation in which the show His disciples that God does not require Christian cannot engage. sacrifice, but mercy. . . . 5. What would Jesus do? Christians are "The rest which Christ and His disciples safe in doing as Jesus would do. The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in the following foreign languages: Bohemian, Danish-Norwegian, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovakian, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugoslavian. Write to the Inter- national Branch of the Pacific Press at Brookfield, Illinois, for any of these quarterlies for the strangers within your gates. 33-1 Lesson 11, for March 13, 1954 The Christian and His Church MEMORY VERSE: "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are- built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Eph. 2:19-22. STUDY HELP: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 309-345 (new ed., pp. 315-349). DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les- 4. Ques. 7-9. son, following the outline. 5. Ques. 10-12. 2. Key Thought; Ques. 1-4. 6. Read remainder of study help; Con- 3. Ques. 5, 6; read portion of suggested clusions and Convictions. study help. 7. Review the entire lesson. Lesson Outline: IV. The Support of the Church 1. God's basic plan. I. The Meaning of "The Church" 2. Example of liberality. 1. The church in the Old Testament. 3. Cheerful givers. 2. The church in the New Testament. 3. Called out of the world. Key Thought: 4. Regard for the church of God. "During ages of spiritual darkness, the church of God has been as a city set on a hill. II. Joining the Church From age to age, through successive genera- 1. Becoming a member of God's church. tions, the pure doctrines of heaven have been 2. The process of regeneration. unfolding within its borders. Enfeebled and defective as it may appear, the church is the III. The Work of the Church one object upon which God bestows in a 1. God's purpose for His church in Old special sense His supreme regard. It is the Testament times. theater of His grace, in which He delights to 2. The chief service of the church. reveal His power to transform hearts."- 3. "Ye are My witnesses." The Acts of the Apostles, page 12. THE LESSON The Meaning of "The Church" NOTE.-Someone has said, "The church is never a place, but always a people; never a 1. What was the assembly of God's fold, but always a flock; never a sacred people called in Old Testament times? building, but always a believing assembly. Deut. 5:22; Acts 7:38; Ezra 10:12. The church is you who pray, not where you pray." The church is an assembly or society or community of called-out-ones. 2. How were these assemblies desig- 3. What experience must come to nated in the New Testament? Acts all who become members of "the 11:26; 14:27; 1 Cor. 14:23; 1 Thess. church"? 2 Cor. 6:16-18; Rev. 18:4; 1:1; 1 Peter 2:9, 10. Rom. 1:6, 7. [ 36] 4. With what regard should the house of the Lord and the congre- gation of His people be held? Lev. 19:30; Matt. 18:17; 1 Tim. 3:15; 1 Cor. 12:25-27. NOTE.—"Christ designs that heaven's or- der, heaven's plan of government, heaven's divine harmony, shall be represented in His church on earth. Thus in His people He is glorified. Through them the Sun of Right- eousness will shine in undimmed luster to the world."—The Desire of Ages, page 680. )IF WHAT DOES THE CHURCH MEAN TO Joining the Church YOU AS MEASURED BY YOUR GIFTS ? 5. How does a man become a mem- ber of God's church? Acts 2:41, 47; The reason—"Your reasonable service." 16:31-34. The method—"Be not conformed to this world." "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." The result—"That ye may prove what is NOTE.—The steps by which one becomes that good, and acceptable, and per- a Christian and a full member of the church fect, will of God." are outlined in the Bible as follows: a. Come to Christ. Matt. 11:28. b. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." The Work of the ChurCh Acts 16:31-34. c. Repent—be converted. Acts 3:19. 7. What was God's purpose for d. Be baptized. Acts 2:38. His church in Old Testament times? e. Old man must be crucified. Rom. 6:6. Gen. 12:1-3. Compare Ezek. 34:26, f. Become dead to sin, alive unto God. 29-31. Rom. 6:11. g. Be free from sin and become servant of righteousness. Rom. 6:17, 18. h. This brings holiness 'and everlasting life. Rom. 6:22, 23. NoTE.—"God's church is the court of holy i. This makes him a member of "the life, filled with varied gifts, and endowed household of God." Eph. 2:19. with the Holy Spirit. The members are to find their happiness in the happiness of those 6. How does Paul describe the proc- whom they help and bless. ess of regeneration? Rom. 12:1, 2. "Wonderful is the work which the Lord designs to accomplish through His church, that His name may be glorified. . . . From the beginning God has wrought through His people to bring blessing to the world."—The NOTE.—Ro.m. 12:1, 2. The Christian's Acts of the Apostles, pages 12, 13. consecration. The appeal—"I beseech you." The act—To "present your bodies." 8. What is the chief service the The sacrifice—"A living sacrifice, holy, ac- church must render to the world? ceptable." Matt. 28:19, 20; Isa. 56:7. [ 37] NOTE.—"The church is God's appointed NOTE.—"This liberality on the part of the agency for the salvation of men. It was or- believers was the result of the outpouring of ganized for service, and its mission is to the Spirit. . . . One common interest con- carry the gospel to the world. From the be- trolled them,—the success of the mission en- ginning it has been God's plan that through trusted to them; and covetousness had no His church shall be reflected to the world His place in their lives. Their love for their fullness and His sufficiency. The members of brethren and the cause they had espoused, the church, those whom He has called out of was greater than their love of money and darkness into His marvelous light, are to possessions. Their works testified that they show forth His glory. The church is the accounted the souls of men of higher value repository of the riches of the grace of than earthly wealth. . . . Money, time, in- Christ; and through the church will even- fluence,—all the gifts they have received tually be made manifest, even to 'the princi- from God's hand, they will value only as a palities and powers in heavenly places,' the means of advancing the work of the gospel." final and full display of the love of God."— —The Acts of the Apostles, pages 70, 71. The Acts of the Apostles, page 9. 12. In what spirit should our gifts 9. What are we as members of to God be made? 2 Cor. 9:5-7; Luke God's church to be and do? Isa. 43:10- 6:38. 12; 42:6,7; 49:8, 9. NoTE.—"Unselfish liberality threw the NOTE.—"The church is God's fortress, His early church into a transport of joy; for city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted the believers knew that their efforts were world. . . . From the beginning, faithful helping to send the gospel message to those souls have constituted the church on earth. in darkness. Their benevolence testified that In every age the Lord has had His watch- they had not received the grace of God in men, who have borne a faithful testimony to vain. What could produce such liberality the generation in which they lived. . . . God but the sanctification of the Spirit? In the brought these witnesses into covenant rela- eyes of believers and unbelievers it was a tion with Himself, uniting the church on miracle of grace. earth with the church in heaven."—The Acts "Spiritual prosperity is closely bound up of the Apostles, page 11. with Christian liberality. The followers of Christ should rejoice in the privilege of re- vealing in their lives the beneficence of their The Support of the Church Redeemer. As they give to the Lord, they have the assurance that their treasure is 10. What basic plan does God going before them to the heavenly courts." have, to provide for His house? Mal. —The Acts of the Apostles, page 344. 3:10-12. Conclusions and Convictions 1. It is a great privilege to be a Christian NOTE.—"As to the amount required, God and a part of the Christian church. has specified one tenth of the increase. This 2. This privilege also carries with it cer- is left to the conscience and benevolence of tain very definite responsibilities and duties. men, whose judgment in this tithing system 3. The real Christian never thinks of how should have free play. And while it is left much he can get out of his church, but rather free to the conscience, a plan has been laid how much he can give to his church. out definite enough for all. No compulsion is 4. "Not until God ceases to bless His chil- required."—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 394. dren will they cease to be under bonds to return to Him the portion that He claims." —The Acts of the Apostles, page 339. 11. What example of liberality do 5. "God has made the proclamation of the we find in the early apostolic church? gospel dependent upon the labors and the Acts 4:32-35; 2 Cor. 8:1-5, 7. gifts of His people. Voluntary offerings and [ 38 ] the tithe constitute the revenue of the Lord's flow into the treasury in accordance with work. Of the means entrusted to man, God this divinely appointed plan,-a tenth of claims a certain portion,-the tenth. He all the increase, and liberal offerings,-there leaves all free to say whether or not they would be an abundance for the advancement will give more than this. . . . Should means of the Lord's work."-/bid., pp. 74, 75. Lesson 12, for March 20, 1954 The Christian and His Community MEMORY VERSE: "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was anhungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me." Matt. 25:34-36. STUDY HELP: "Welfare Ministry," pgges 29-42. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les- 5. Ques. 12-14. son, following the outline. 6. Read selections from suggested study 2. Key Thought; Ques. 1-3. help; Conclusions and Convictions. 3. Ques. 4-7. 7. Review the entire lesson. 4. Ques. 8-11. Lesson Outline: 2. Ye have done it unto Me. 3. Christ's mission. I. The Christian's Influence in His 4. Influence of Christian welfare work. Community IV. Be Ye Kind 1. God's children to be lights. 2. Living to the glory of God. 1. Christ's method. 3. Abounding in good works. 2. Who is my neighbor? 3. Promise to those who show kindness. II. Alleviating Poverty and Suffering 1. Attitude toward the poor. Key Thought: 2. God's plan for alleviating poverty "Sin has extinguished the love that God and suffering. placed in man's heart. The work of the 3. More blessed to give. church is to rekindle this love. The church 4. A curse follows failure to give. is to co-operate with God by uprooting III. The Christian's Responsibility for selfishness from the human heart, placing in its stead the benevolence that was in man's Others heart in his original state of perfection."- 1. Am I my brother's keeper? Welfare Ministry, page 14. THE LESSON The Christian's Influence in NOTE.-"All who are consecrated to God His Community will be channels of light. God makes them His agents to communicate to others the 1. What are God's children to be riches of His grace. His promise is, 'I will to the community? Matt. 5:14-16; make them and the places round about My Phil. 2:15. hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower [39] they despised, a whole cityful were brought to hear the Saviour. She carried the light at once to her countrymen. "This woman represents the working of a practical faith in Christ. Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a mis- sionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver be- comes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life."—The Desire of Ages, page 195. THE CHURCH IS Alleviating Poverty and Suffering TO BE THE. GOSPEL OF CHRIST IN ACTION. 4. What instruction concerning the poor has the Lord given? Deut. 15:11; John 12:8. to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.' Ezek. 34:26. "Philip said to Nathanael, 'Come and see.' He did not ask him to accept another's testi- NOTE.—"There are many who complain of mony, but to behold Christ for himself. Now God because the world is so full of want and that Jesus has ascended to heaven, His dis- suffering, but God never meant that this ciples are His representatives among men, misery should exist. He never meant that and one of the most effective ways of win- one man should have an abundance of the ning souls to Him is in exemplifying His luxuries of life while the children of others character in our daily life. Our influence cry for bread. The Lord is a God of be- upon others depends not so much upon what nevolence."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 273. we say as upon what we are."—The Desire of Ages, pages 141, 142. 5. How does God further instruct His children in the alleviation of pov- 2. What will be the Christian's in- erty and suffering? Isa. 58:7; Matt. fluence? 1 Peter 2:9, 12. 25:35, 36. 3. In what will the Christian be NOTE.—"The Lord has made ample pro- fruitful? Col. 1:10; 2 Cor. 9:8. vision for all. He has given to thousands of men large supplies with which to alleviate the want of their fellows; but those whom God has made stewards have not stood the 'test, for they have failed to relieve the suf- NoTE.—"As soon as she had found the fering and the needy. . . . If men would Saviour the Samaritan woman brought oth- do their duty as faithful stewards of their ers to Him. She proved herself a more ef- Lord's goods, there would be no cry for fective missionary than His own disciples. bread, none suffering in destitution, none The disciples saw nothing in Samaria to naked and in want."—Welfare Ministry, indicate that it was an encouraging field. page 16. Their thoughts were fixed upon a great work to be done in the future. They did not see that right around them was a harvest to be 6. What is the reward of true be- gathered. But through the woman whom nevolence? Acts 20:35; Matt. 5:7. [ 40 ] NOTE.—"While the world needs sympathy, Nozz.—"The world is in need of workers while it needs the prayers and assistance of who will labor as Christ did for the suffering God's people, while it needs to see Christ in and the sinful. There is indeed a multitude the lives of His followers, the people of God to be reached. The world is full of sickness, are equally in need of opportunities that suffering, distress, and sin. It is full of those draw out their sympathies, give efficiency to who need to be ministered unto—the weak, their prayers, and develop in them a charac- the helpless, the ignorant, the degraded."— ter like that of the divine pattern."—Testi- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 254. monies, vol. 6, p. 261. 11. What are the far-reaching in- 7. What is said of those who fail fluences of Christian welfare work? to use their means in harmony with 2 Cor. 9:11-14. God's plan? James 5:1-6. NOTE.—Phillips's translation reads thus: "Your giving does not end in meeting the NOTE.—"It is because the rich neglect to wants of your fellow Christians. It also do the work for the poor that God designed results in an ever-flowing tide of thanks- they should do, that they grow more proud, giving to God. Moreover, your very giving more self-sufficient, more self-indulgent, and proves the reality of your faith, and that hardhearted."—Welfare Ministry, page 19. means that men thank God that you practice the gospel." Let the church beware lest it lose com- The Christian's Responsibility pletely its most effective key to open the for Others hearts of non-Christians to the gospel. 8. What lessons should we learn from the experience of Cain? Gen. "Be Ye Kind" 4:9, 10; 1 John 3:11, 12. 12. What practical demonstration of Christian service is revealed in the ministry of Christ? Matt. 4:23- 25; Mark 12:37, last part. Nora.—"God designs that the sick, the unfortunate, those possessed of evil spirits, shall hear His voice through us. Through His human agents He desires to be a comforter, NOTE.—"Christ's way of presenting truth such as the world has never before seen."— cannot be improved upon. The Saviour gave Welfare Ministry, page 22. the cEsciples practical lessons, teaching them how to work in such a way as to make souls 9. In what way does Christ identify glad in the truth. He sympathized with the Himself with the poor and needy? weary, the heavy-laden, the oppressed. He fed the hungry and healed the sick. Con- Matt. 25:40. Compare Prov. 19:17. stantly He went about doing good. By the good He accomplished, by His loving words and kindly deeds, He interpreted the gospel to men."—Welfare Ministry, page 56. NoTE.—"Christ's servants are His repre- sentatives, the channels for His working. He 13. To whom should we be kind? desires through them to exercise His healing Luke 10:29-37; 6:27-36. power."—The Desire of Ages, pages 823, 824. 10. How did Christ state His mis- sion? Luke 4:18, 19; Mark 10:45. NoTE.—"He showed that our neighbor [41] does not mean merely one of the church or Conclusions and Convictions faith to which we belong. It has no reference to race, color, or class distinction. Our neigh- 1. The Christian is placed in his com- bor is every person who needs our help."- munity as a "light." Christ's Object Lessons, page 376 (new ed., 2. The Christian lives in his community to pp. 381, 382). represent Christ to his neighbors. 3. The reward for kindness in service 14. What promises are given to will be the blessing of God and an inherit- those who are actuated by a charitable ance in God's everlasting kingdom. (Matt. spirit? Isa. 58:7-11. 25:34-36.) Lesson 13, for March 27, 1954 The Christian and His Eternal Reward MEMORY VERSE: "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." 1 Cor. 2:9. STUDY HELPS: "Testimonies," vol. 1, pp. 127-131; "Prophets and Kings," pages 729-733. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. Sabbath afternoon: Survey the les- 5. Read the suggested study helps. son, following the outline. 6. Ques. 11-13; Conclusions and Con- 2. Key Thought; Ques. 1-3. victions. 3. Ques. 4-6. 7. Review the entire lesson. 4. Ques. 7-10. Lesson Outline: III. We Must Be There I. The Promised Possession 1. Our limited comprehension. 2. Our preparation. 1. The promise to Abraham. 3. Christ's welcome to the saved. 2. Restoration of first dominion. Key Thought: 3. Promise to disciples. 4. Our inheritance assured. "The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has been,-just what it was 5. Our attitude. in Paradise before the fall of our first par- II. That Better Country ents,-perfect obedience to the law of God, perfect righteousness. If eternal life were 1. The earth created not in vain. granted on any condition short of this, then 2. The constant hope of God's people. the happiness of the whole universe would 3. Isaiah's description of the new earth. be imperiled. The way would be open for 4. John's description of the Holy City. sin, with all its train of woe and misery, to 5. Sorrow and suffering no more. be immortalized."-Steps to Christ, page 67. THE LESSON The Promised Possession NoTE.-"The heritage that God has prom- ised to His people is not in this world. Abra- 1. What promise of eternal inher- ham had no possession in the earth, 'no, not itance was made to Abraham? Gen. so much as to set his foot on.' . . . His sole 13:14, 15; Gal. 3:16. possession in the Land of Promise was that [ 42 ] rock-hewn tomb in the cave of Machpelah. "But the word of God had not failed; neither did it meet its final accomplishment in the occupation of Canaan by the Jewish people. 'To Abraham and his seed were the promises made.' Abraham himself was to share the inheritance. The fulfillment of God's promise may seem to be long delayed. . . . The gift to Abraham and his seed in- cluded not merely the land of Canaan, but the whole earth."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 169, 170. 2. To whom was the first dominion to be restored? Micah 4:8. HEAVEN'S GATES WILL OPEN TO THE TOUCH OF A LITTLE CHILD WITH A HEART OF LOVE. NOTE.—"When man became Satan's cap- tive, the dominion which he held, passed to his conqueror. Thus Satan became 'the god should be our attitude? 2 Peter 3:13; of this world.' He had usurped that domin- Heb. 10:23, 35. ion over the earth which had been originally given to Adam. But Christ, by His sacri- fice paying the penalty of sin, would not only redeem man, but recover the dominion which he had forfeited. All that was lost by That Better Country the first Adam will be restored by the sec- ond."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 67. 6. In what words are we assured that God's original purpose for this earth will not be in vain? Isa. 45:18. 3. What comforting promise did Jesus make to His disciples? John 14:1-3. NoTE.—"God created the earth to be the abode of holy, happy beings. The Lord `formed the earth and made it; He bath NOTE.—"Long have we waited for our established it, He created it not in vain, He Saviour's return. But nonetheless sure is the formed it to be inhabited.' That purpose will promise. Soon we shall be in our promised be fulfilled, when, renewed by the power of home. There Jesus will lead us beside the liv- God, and freed from sin and sorrow, it shall ing stream flowing from the throne of God become the eternal abode of the redeemed." and will explain to us the dark providences —Patriarchs and Prophets, page 67. through which on this earth He brought us in order to perfect our characters. There we shall behold with undimmed vision the 7. What has been the buoyant hope beauties of Eden restored."—Testimonies, of God's people down through the vol. 8, p. 254. ages? Heb. 11:10, 13-16. 4. Through whom is our inherit- ance assured? Eph. 1:13, 14. NoTE.—" '0 tower of the flock, the strong- hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion.' The time has come, to which holy men have looked 5. In view of Christ's promise, what . with longing since the flaming sword barred [ 43 1 the first pair from Eden,—the time for 'the never mar the joys of the new earth? redemption of the purchased possession.' Isa. 33:24; Rev. 21:4; 7:17. The earth originally given to man as his kingdom, betrayed by him into the hands of Satan, and so long held by the mighty foe, has been brought back by the great plan of redemption. All that was lost by sin has NOTE.—"Pain cannot exist in the atmos- been restored. . . . God's original purpose in phere of heaven. There will be no more the creation of the earth is, fulfilled as it is tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourn- made the eternal abode of the redeemed. ing. 'There shall be no more death, neither `The righteous shall inherit the land, and sorrow, nor crying, . . . for the former dwell therein forever.' "—The Great Con- things are passed away.' The inhabitant troversy, page 674. shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.' "There is the New Jerusalem, the me- 8. Describe some of the glories of tropolis of the glorified new earth, 'a crown the new earth. Isa. 65:17, 21, 22, 25; of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal 11:6-9; 35:1, 2, 7-9. diadem in the hand of thy God.'"—The Great Controversy, page 676. We Must Be There NOTE.—"A fear of making the future in- heritance seem too material has led many to 11. How limited is the human mind spiritualize away the very truths which lead in comprehending all that God has us to look upon it as our home. Christ as- prepared for those who love Him? sured His disciples that He went to prepare 1 Cor. 2:9. mansions for them in the Father's house. Those who accept the teachings of God's word will not be wholly ignorant concerning the heavenly abode."—The Great Contro- versy, pages 674, 675. NOTE.—"As your senses delight in the at- tractive loveliness of the earth, think of the world that is to come, that shall never know 9. In what sublime language does the blight of sin and death; where the face John describe the City of God? Rev. of nature will no more wear the shadow of 21:1-3, 10-27. the curse. Let your imagination picture the home of the saved, and remember that it will be more glorious than your brightest imagi- nation can portray. In the varied gifts of God in nature we see but the faintest gleam- NOTE.—"There, immortal minds will con- ing of His glory. It is written, 'Eye bath not template with never-failing delight the won- seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered ders of creative power, the mysteries of into the heart of man, the things which God redeeming love. There will be no cruel, hath prepared for them that love Him.' "— deceiving foe to tempt to forgetfulness of Steps to Christ, page 91. God. Every faculty will be developed, every capacity increased. The acquirement of knowledge will not weary the mind or ex- 12. How are we admonished to pre- haust the energies. There the grandest enter- pare ourselves for the coming of prises may be carried forward, the loftiest Christ's kingdom? 2 Peter 3:14. aspirations reached, the highest ambitions realized; and still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of mind and soul and 13. With what words will Jesus body."—The Great Controversy, page 677.welcome those who are found worthy to enter the home He has prepared? 10. What unhappy experiences will . Matt. 25:34. [44] NOTE.—"Better than all the friendship of that "better country" and that city "whose the world is the friendship of Christ's re- builder and maker is God." deemed. Better than a title to the noblest 3. If we are to enter heaven at last, we palace on earth is a title to the mansions our must bring all of heaven into this life that Lord has gone to prepare. And better than we can. all the words of earthly praise, will be the 4. "If you are to be saints in heaven, you Saviour's words to His faithful servants, must first be saints upon the earth."—Testi- `Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the monies to Ministers, page 145. kingdom prepared for you from the founda- 5. The Christian's problem is not so much tion of the world.'"—Christ's Object Les- a matter of how to get a man into heaven sons, page 374 (new ed., p. 379). by and by, as it is how to get heaven into a man here and now. Conclusions and Convictions 6. "Heaven's golden gate opens not to the self-exalted. . . . But the everlasting portals 1. The road we choose to follow in this will open wide to the trembling touch of a life will determine our future destiny. little child."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 2. Like Abraham of old, by faith we seek 404 (new ed., p. 413). SPECIAL NOTICE The Teacher's Edition of the Senior Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly is now available. Because of the many requests received from Sabbath- school members everywhere, it is once more making its appearance. The first-quarter issue of 1954 is the first edition printed. For the convenience of Sabbath-school teachers, officers, and other members one full blank page is provided for every page of lesson copy. Thus ample space is given so that the answers to questions and additional notes may be written. PRICES Yearly subscription (in either singles or clubs) Each, $ .75 Standing orders (in club subscription only) Each, $ .25 Single copy EaCh, $. .25 Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, [45 ] For Every Sabbath School Teacher and Class Member THREE LIONS A major source for the notes and study helps in our Sabbath- school lessons from quarter to quarter is the spirit of ,prophecy. Some of these indispensable volumes which should be in every Sabbath-school member's library for easy reference are: The CONFLICT of the AGES Series , EDUCATION PATRIARCHS and PROPHETS EVANGELISM PROPHETS and KINGS GOSPEL WORKERS The DESIRE of AGES INDEX to the WRITINGS of The ACTS of the APOSTLES ELLEN G. WHITE The GREAT CONTROVERSY MESSAGES to YOUNG PEOPLE TESTIMONIES for the CHURCH The MINISTRY of HEALING TESTIMONY TREASURES STEPS to CHRIST CHRIST'S OBJECT LESSONS THOUGHTS From the MOUNT of BLESSING EARLY WRITINGS [46] THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING March 27, 1954 — South American Division The South American Division is the field to benefit from the Thir- teenth Sabbath Offering overflow this quarter. The South American Division is one of our largest divisions, and within its territory is the largest European population south of the equator. One of their urgent needs is to train young people to carry on the work in the different countries of this great field. Many schools have been established, and they are full to overflowing with students. But facilities and equipment in many of these schools .are altogether inadequate. Therefore the over- flow from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter will help to provide a boys' :dormitory at each of our academies in the South Brazil Union. The medical missionary work done on the rivers of South America is one of the most effective pieces of missionary work we know of. This quarter we will help to add another launch to our medical-evangelistic fleet—this one to operate on the Araguaia River. South America is look- ing to our Sabbath schools around the world for this much-needed help on March 27. LESSONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1954 Sabbath-school members who have failed to receive a senior Lesson Quarterly for the second quarter will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. They will thus be able to follow the daily study of the lesson. The general topic of the lesson is "Love." The first lesson is entitled "The Way of Love." The memory verse is 1 John 4:7, 8. The study helps are: The Acts of the Apostles, pages 70-76; Christ's Object Lessons, pages 260-267, 327, 328 ; Love, by Taylor G. Bunch, pages 9-13. The texts to be studied are: Ques. 1. Ex. 20:17 ; Rom. 7:7. Ques. 8. 1 Cor. 12:31 ; 13. Ques. 2. Eph. 5:3-5. Ques. 9. Gal. 5:22, 23 ; Rom. 5:5, last part. Ques. 3. 1 Cor. 12:31. Ques. 10. 1 John 4:7, 8, 16. Ques. 4. 1 Cor. 14:1. Ques. 11. Matt. 24:9-12. Ques. 5. Eph. 4:8, 11-15. Ques. 12. 2 Tim. 3:1-5. Ques. 6. 1 Cor. 1:6-8; Rev. 12:17. Ques. 13. Luke 21:25-27. Ques. 7. 1 Cor. 12 :1, 4, 7-12, 14-25. Ques. 14. 1 John 4:17,18. [47] ARAGUAIA RIVER ' MEDICAL LAUNCH • ItEciFE • ••• • •••• RIP RE=LT SOUTH BRAZIL UNION CONFERENCE 4,) •J • 4/ .4' • V' i" l4 •44 t . 41 .2* ' ‘ ,.. y '') %46 ...,, 20 , 44, 1.4444411VN. 40+ I .,,,, ! CAMPO GRANDE f ... - -- s ... „/ I ti ,) 5710 PAULO • ‘,./-........CONFERENCE .. A— /RIO DE N.011 0 ,..,.. # . I1PARANA.SANTA1' "1'7° PA" ASUNCION CATARINA i. L. LIMNER SAO PAULO ACADEMY BOYS' DORMITORY ) CONFERENCE AD ••., TAQUARA ACADEMY .--.-_•••• ',, TAW BOYS' DORMITORY ...-4%I i, 4 llu I RIO GRANDE DO SUL ' • CONFERENCE PARANA ACADEMY • BOYS' DORMITORY 0 0 MON. • • TIMM AIRES SOUTH AMERICAN DIVISION CONFERENCE POPULATION CHURCHES 01.6101. SS. MEN. AUSTRAL UNION 25,104,425 135 13,971 15,549 CAST BRAZIL UNION M. 26.605,419 62 9,640 14,800 INCA UNION M. 14910,953 70 17,540 23,132 /NORTH BRAZIL UNION 5950,461 15 1,876 2,862 SOUTH BRAZIL UNION 15,153.724 70 13260 26,609 DIVISION TOTALS 97,634,982 352 61,287 82,952