DIVINE COMMANDS AND PROMISES SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON Senior Division, No. 297, Third Quarter, 1969 THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY "Set apart a little time each day for study of the Sabbath School lesson."— Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, page 137. "Let the Sabbath School lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance at the lesson scripture 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. My Daily Lesson Study Pledge As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School lesson each day of the week. Name Lesson Titles for the Quarter 1. "Look Now Toward Heaven" 2. "Fear Thou Not" 3. "Be Ye Doers of the Word" 4. "Hope Thou in God" 5. "Follow After . . . Patience" 6. "Love Your Enemies" 7. "Judge Not" 8. "Watch Unto Prayer" 9. "Overcome Evil With Good" 10. "Be Careful for Nothing" 11. "Grieve Not the Holy Spirit" 12. "Be Ye Reconciled" 13. "Be Ye Perfect" Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 297, July-September, 1969. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94040. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses. Copyright, 1969, by Pacific Press Publishing Association COVEft PAINTING BY JOHN STEEL; P.P.P.A. TAKEN FROM • •THE DESIRE OF AGES" LITHO IN U.S.A. Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly DIVINE COMMANDS AND PROMISES GENERAL INTRODUCTION Obedience to all the revealed will of God within the grasp of the humblest, weakest is fundamental for the Christian. Every saint or the most needy sinner. follower of Jesus should be able to say, as "The conditions of eternal life, under He did: "I delight to do Thy will, 0 My grace, are just what they were in Eden— God: yea, Thy law is within my heart." perfect righteousness, harmony with God, Ps. 40:8. The law of which the psalmist perfect conformity to the principles of His here speaks prophetically includes not only law. The standard of character presented the Ten Commandments, but many other commands, admonitions, exhortations, and in the Old Testament is the same that is appeals, all of which mean much in the presented in the New Testament. This Christian's experience. In the lessons which standard is not one to which we cannot follow, some of these significant commands attain. In every command or injunction are examined in order to determine the that God gives there is a promise, the most appropriate responses to God's will. We positive, underlying the command. God has shall learn that the path of obedience made provision that we may become like takes on an aura of glory because "all His unto Him, and He will accomplish this for biddings are enablings," and with every all who do not interpose a perverse will command and admonition is linked a gra- and thus frustrate His grace."—Thoughts cious promise. This brings everlasting life From the Mount of Blessing, page 76. Lesson 1, for July 5, 1969 "Look Now Toward Heaven" MEMORY VERSE: "And He brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto him, So shall thy seed be." Gen. 15:5. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 132-138; "SDA Bible Commen- tary." DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey; Wednesday: Questions 9-12. ❑ learn memory verse. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ helps. Monday: Questions 5-8. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Tuesday: Begin reading study helps. ❑ Lesson Outline: 1. Given by God. Gen. 15:1, 2, 5. 2. Revealed through vision. Introduction Gen. 15:1. I. The Command, "Look Now Toward 3. A command and a promise. Heaven" Gen. 15:5, 7. t 3] 4. Acceptance based upon faith. III. The Gaze Heavenward Gen. 15:6; Heb. 11:6. 9. Assures God's help. Ps. 121:1, 2. II. What the Look Toward Heaven 10. Means power for every need. Reveals Isa. 40:26, 28-31; Matt. 28:18. 5. "Him who is invisible." Heb. 11:27. 6. God's throne room. Rev. 4:1, 2. 11. Helps us to see the nearness of 7. God's mercy seat. Ps. 36:5 ; 90:14. Christ's coming. Luke 21:25-28. 8. God's love. John 3:16; 1 John 12. Keeps our minds centered on 4:7-11. things above. Col. 3:1-4. THE LESSON Introduction reward.'"-Patriarchs and Prophets, page 136. The course of our lives is often veiled in mystery. As Paul says, we see "through 3. What were the promises the Lord a glass, darkly." But we may thank God made to Abram? Gen. 15:5, 7. that beyond the veil lies His highway. Many live from day to day with dissatisfied hearts because they do not look toward NOTE .-Regarding the promises, "So heaven. Even when they do, they fail to shall thy seed be" and "To give thee this see God's mercy seat. Vainly they hope land to inherit it," we read: "For the third that tomorrow will bring the satisfaction time God assures Abram that he is to they do not experience today. But the possess the entire land of Canaan. . . . But secret of greater satisfaction is found in his status had not changed in the least since closer fellowship with Christ. The divine he first entered Canaan. At intervals God directive, "Look now toward heaven," was repeated the promise, and Abram accepted given in order to bring us into a sacred it without ever seeing a visible sign of its nearness to the Redeemer. Obedience to fulfillment."-SDA Bible Commentary, on this command assures us of His everlasting Gen. 15:7. mercy and unquestionable faithfulness. 4. What was Abram's response to The Command, "Look Now God's promises, and how was it Toward Heaven" counted to him? Gen. 15:6; Heb. 11:6. 1. By whom was the command, "Look now toward heaven," given? Gen. 15:1, 2, 5. Compare Isa. 40:26. NOTE.-"Paul used this text as the cornerstone on which he erected the doc- trine of justification by faith (Rom. 4:3; 2. In what way did the Lord reveal Gal. 3:6). Although the possibility that Himself to Abram? Gen. 15:1. Abram would have children had decreased since God's first promise, as his age in- creased, he did not hesitate to take God's word that it would be so. The Hebrew ver- NOTE.-"This shows that the vision was bal form, translated 'he believed,' he'emin, given to Abram at night. Still in vision, is from the same root as the word amen, the patriarch was led out into the open with which we emphasize our desire that and bidden to lift his eyes to the starry sky God may hear and fulfill our prayers. This and count-if he could-its myriad glit- verb expresses complete trust in the power tering orbs, if he would know the number and promises of God. The particular form of his seed."-SDA Bible Commentary, on of the verb here used expresses, further- Gen. 15:5. more, that this was not just Abram's his- "In a vision of the night the divine torical experience at the moment, but an Voice was again heard. 'Fear not, Abram,' abiding character trait as well. He kept on were the words of the Prince of princes; believing."-SDA Bible Commentary, on `I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great Gen. 15:6. [4] What the Look Toward Heaven stating that God's loving-kindness comes `from the heavens.' "—SDA Bible Com- Reveals mentary, on Ps. 36:5. 5. Because of Moses' faith what God's throne is filled with His mercy. The two words "mercy" and "faithfulness" did God permit him to see? Heb. 11: are lovely attributes of God's character. 27. Compare Acts 7:55, 56. Both invite us to look heavenward. God's love and mercy are inseparable; they are seen in the heavens. NOTE.—"Moses did not merely think of 8. When we by faith look unto God; he saw Him. God was the constant God, what outstanding characteristic vision before him; he never lost sight of His face. He saw Jesus as his Saviour, and do we behold? John 3:16; 1 John he believed that the Saviour's merits would 4:7-11. be imputed to him. This faith was to Moses no guesswork; it was a reality. This is the kind of faith we need, faith that will endure the test. Oh, how often we yield to NOTE.—When the great preacher Dr. temptation because we do not keep our eye Samuel Rose spoke on the words in 1 John upon Jesus. Our faith is not continuous 4:7, 8, he made the following analyses: because, through self-indulgence, we sin, 1. A definition of the new birth—"Every- and then we cannot endure `as seeing Him one that loveth is born of God." 2. A defi- who is invisible.'"—Testimonies, Vol. 5, nition of God—"God is love." 3. A test p. 652. of Christian discipleship—"He that loveth not knoweth not God." What a world of 6. When John the Revelator looked thought opens before us. Back of it all we heavenward, what did he see? Rev. see God's divine love. If our lives are des- titute of this love, we do not know Christ 4:1, 2. Compare Isa. 6:1-4. as our personal Saviour.• The purpose of His coming to this world was to reveal the love of God. The greatest discovery is the discovery that "God is love." To make NOTE.—"I looked. Or `I saw,' an expres- this discovery is to know the way of sion John uses repeatedly to introduce new eternal salvation. scenes or important symbols. . . . "A door. Here the door, apparently, into The Gaze Heavenward the throne room of the universe. . . . This throne room has been identified as the 9. What assurance do we receive most holy place of the heavenly sanc- when we look to God? Ps. 121:1, 2. tuary."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rev. 4:1. To appreciate God's greatness, His good- ness, we must by faith look out and up and beyond the narrow confines of our NOTE.—"David composed Ps. 121 in the earth and behold God's throne room. Wilderness of Paran, immediately after learning of the death of Samuel (PP 664). When David realized that his last in- 7. Where did David place God's fluential earthly friend was gone, he turned mercy, and what will it do for us? to the Lord for his sole remaining help. Ps. 36:5; 90:14. The psalm has been a great blessing to countless thousands who at one time or another have found themselves in circum- stances more or less similar to those in NOTE.—"The psalmist seems to soar sud- which the psalmist finds himself."—SDA denly upward, above the depravity of hu- Bible Commentary, Introduction to Psalm manity, to the limitless spaces where dwell 121. the attributes of God. Because the Hebrew "From whence. . . . It is not from the preposition be, `in,' may also mean `from,' hills or the mountains that God's children as shown by Ugaritic parallels . . . , this receive help, but from God."—Ibid., on passage should probably be understood as Ps. 121:1. [5] 10. How all-inclusive is the prom- summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ise of divine help when we look ye, when ye see these things come to pass, toward God? Isa. 40:26, 28-31; Matt. know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh 28:18. at hand.'"—The Great Controversy, pages 308, 309. 12. What is Paul's admonition to NoTE.—"The God who faints not im- those who are risen with Christ? Col. parts strength oto fainting hearts. What- 3:1-4. Compare Matt. 6:33. ever man's nee s may be, God is able to supply them all. . . . Those who in meek- ness and lowliness of spirit realize their own frailties and shortcomings are the NOTE.—"If. There is no doubt implied most certain of having their needs sup- in the Greek. The phrase thus introduced plied. . . . God's ear is always attuned to has an argumentative conditional force. the cry of those who feel themselves in- The condition is assumed as being true. sufficient for the tasks at hand and who "Risen with Christ. Paul's words might desire the help of Heaven. It is in the be paraphrased, 'Since then you have been weakness of humanity that God's strength raised with Christ.' The 'then' takes us is made perfect. . . . This fact has been back to ch. 2:20, and still further back proved in the lives of countless thousands." to vs. 12, 13. Paul is stressing the glorious —SDA Bible Commentary, on Isa. 40:29. position and privileges that the believer "What is this power given to Him for? has in his Saviour. The poor expedient of For us. He desires us to realize that He a legalistic, or mechanical, religion, full has returned to heaven as our Elder of routines and taboos, by contrast with Brother, and that the measureless power vital Christianity, is needless and futile. given Him has been placed at our dis- "Seek. That is, make a habit of seeking, posal."—Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 186. as the Greek implies. . . . "Those things. The drive of the will, 11. In the end-time of history what vitalized by the power of Jesus, should be climactic event becomes the focal directed to heavenly things. Man's ob- point of the Christian's upward gaze? jectives and efforts, turned away from Luke 21:25-28. the rudiments of the world, should be centered in heavenly realities."—SDA Bi- ble Commentary, on Col. 3:1. NoTE.—"Christ had bidden His people watch for the signs of His advent and Thought for Meditation rejoice as they should behold the tokens of We need to "look now toward heaven" their coming King. 'When these things be- and draw spiritual strength from that gin to come to pass,' He said, 'then look surveying. The same stars are there that up, and lift up your heads; for your re- Abraham beheld; the same God is holding demption draweth nigh.' He pointed His them in the hollow of His hand. Troubled followers to the budding trees of spring, hearts that look for help will find it in and said: 'When they now shoot forth, ye the upward look, the look to heaven and see and know of your own selves that God. Lesson 2, for July 12, 1969 "Fear Thou Not" MEMORY VERSE: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." Isa. 41:10. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 333-341; "Testimonies to Ministers," pages 516-520; "SDA Bible Commentary." [6] DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey; Tuesday: Questions 6-9. 0 learn memory verse. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 10, 11. 0 Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 4, 5; begin helps. reading study helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: III. Remedy for Fear 5. Christ. Ps. 34:4. Introduction 6. Redemption. Isa. 43:1-5. I. Age of Fear 7. Love. 1 John 4:18. 1. Prophesied. Luke 21:25, 26. 8. God's promises. Isa. 41:10. 2. Not to be found among God's IV. Examples of Fearlessness people. Luke 12:32 ; Ps. 91:5. 9. Joshua and Caleb. Num. 14:1, 2, II. Causes for Fear 6-9. 3. Sin. Isa. 33:14; 57:20, 21. 10. Daniel. Dan. 6:16-23. 4. Lack of faith. Mark 4:36-40. 11. Paul. Acts 27:21-25. THE LESSON Introduction NOTE.-"Men's hearts. . . . Literally, 'men expiring from fear,' or 'men fainting It is human to fear because the instinct of fear is rooted in our nature. Trust can from fear.' The latter part of the verse be engendered by an acquaintance with gives us the climactic reason for men's God. It is one thing to say, "When I am hearts failing them for fear, the shaking of afraid, I will trust in God," but quite 'the powers of heaven.' The scene here another to say, "I will trust and not be depicted takes place under the seventh afraid." It is good to remember that the plague. . . . Upon this scene 'the wicked fear of God delivers us from the fears in look with terror and amazement,' . . . the world. Earthly fear smothers the best calling for the mountains and the rocks to impulses of our lives; it destroys our joy; it disturbs our peace; it weakens us spiri- fall upon them."-SDA Bible Commentary, tually and physically. on Luke 21:26. The dictionary defines fear as "A feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the 2. What is God's admonition to presence or nearness of danger, evil, pain, His people in a time of fear? Luke etc.; timidity ; dread; terror ; fright ; ap- 12:32; Ps. 91:5. prehension."-New World Dictionary of the American Language, College Edition. "The concept of fear as expressed in the Bible covers a wide range of emotions. . . . The exact shade of thought or degree of fear generally needs to be determined NOTE.-"Fearful tests and trials await from the context; but in most cases the the people of God. The spirit of war is Biblical usage of 'fear' reasonably approxi- stirring the nations from one end of the mates our modern English usage of the earth to the other. But in the midst of term."-SDA Bible Dictionary, on "Fear," the time of trouble that is coming,-a time page 346. of trouble such as has not been since there Age of Fear was a nation,-God's chosen people will stand unmoved. Satan and his host can- 1. What did Jesus say would be one not destroy them, for angels that excel in of the signs of the end? Luke 21: strength will protect them."-Testimonies, 25, 26. Vol. 9, p. 17. I Causes for Fear NorE.—"When for the truth's sake the believer stands at the bar of earthly tri- 3. What is the underlying cause of bunals, Christ stands by his side. When fear? Isa. 33:14; 57:20, 21. See also he is confined within prison walls, Christ Job 11:14, 15. manifests Himself to him and cheers his heart with His love. When he suffers death for Christ's sake, the Saviour says to him, They may kill the body, but they cannot hurt the soul. 'Be of good cheer; NOTE.—"There is no peace. Peace is the I have overcome the world.' Fear thou fruit of righteousness. . . . Among the not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; works of the flesh are 'hatred, variance, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, her- yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold esies' . . . , whereas love, joy, and peace thee with the right hand of My righteous- are among the fruits of the Spirit. . . . ness.'"—The Acts of the Apostles, pages The wicked cannot hope to enjoy either 85, 86. peace of mind within or tranquillity with- out. Where there is a departure from di- vine principles, dissension, variance, and 6. What does God through the strife inevitably arise. If the world would prophet Isaiah give as a remedy for put away strife, it must first put away fear? Isa. 43:1-5. sin, the cause of strife. Only righteousness within can produce peace without."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Isa. 57:21. "Put it far away. Zophar appeals to Job to put away sin, of which he is certain NoTE.—Christ came to redeem us from Job is guilty, as a prerequisite to the return sin. With sin in the life fear is inevitable of security and felicity. —with the eradication of sin fear van- "Then. When you have repented of your ishes. We are redeemed through the pre- sins, you will find confidence and security cious blood of Christ. To us He says, "Fear and absence of fear."—Ibid., on Job 11: not, for I have redeemed thee." Our in- 14, 15. timate relationship with Christ through redemption is expressed thus: "So the work of redeeming us and our 4. What did Jesus say was the inheritance, lost through sin, fell upon Him cause of fear in the lives of His dis- who is 'near of kin' unto us. It was to ciples during a storm? Mark 4:36-40. redeem us that He became our kinsman. Closer than father, mother, brother, friend, or lover is the Lord our Saviour."—The Desire of Ages, page 327. NOTE.—"When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm, He was in perfect peace. 7. What will cast out fear? 1 John There was no trace of fear in word or look, for no fear was in His heart. . . . 4:18. "As Jesus rested by faith in the Fa- ther's care, so we are to rest in the care of our Saviour. If the disciples had trusted in Him, they would have been kept in NOTE.—"Since there is no fear in love, peace. Their fear in the time of danger one who fears demonstrates that he is not revealed their unbelief. In their efforts to yet made perfect in respect to the high save themselves, they forgot Jesus; and form of love of which the apostle is speak- it was only when, in despair of self- ing. . . . As we learn to know the Lord dependence, they turned to Him that He we begin to love Him, and our fear changes could give them help."—The Desire of from a haunting dread of a powerful and Ages, page 336. avenging God to a 'clean' . . . fear that does not wish to disappoint a friend. The Remedy for Fear more we grow in love, the less we fear. When our love is perfectly developed and 5. In what way and through whom freed from all trace of self, we shall be did David overcome fear? Ps. 34:4. without craven fear of God or man. We [81 shall not fear God because we know that ings all that they could desire. Daniel in He is love. We shall not fear man because the lion's den was the same Daniel who we know that our loving Friend will allow stood before the king as chief among the nothing to come upon us that will not ministers of state and as a prophet of the be for our ultimate good, and that He Most High. A man whose heart is stayed will be with us whenever our path leads upon God will be the same in the hour of through trial or danger."—SDA Bible Com- his greatest trial as he is in prosperity, mentary, on 1 John 4:18. when the light and favor of God and of man beam upon him. Faith reaches to the 8. Following the injunction, "Fear unseen and grasps eternal realities. thou not," what five promises does the "Heaven is very near those who suffer prophet Isaiah mention? Isa. 41:10. for righteousness' sake. Christ identifies His interests with the interests of His faith- ful people; He suffers in the person of His saints, and whoever touches His chosen ones touches Him. The power that is near Examples of Fearlessness to deliver from physical harm or distress is also near to save from the greater evil, 9. What noble example of fearless- making it possible for the servant of God ness do we find in the lives of Joshua to maintain his integrity under all cir- and Caleb? Num. 14:1, 2, 6-9. cumstances, and to triumph through di- vine grace."—Prophets and Kings, page 545. 11. While facing death, how did NoTE.—Israel rebelled against God. They Paul show that he did not fear? Acts believed the evil report that the ten spies 27:21-25. brought back, for we read: "And they went so far as to appoint a captain to lead them back to the land of their suffer- ing and bondage, from which they had been delivered by the strong arm of Om- NOTE.—"The apostle, though himself suf- nipotence. fering physically, had words of hope for "In humiliation and distress 'Moses and the darkest hour, a helping hand in every Aaron fell on their faces before all the as- emergency. He grasped by faith the arm sembly of the congregation of the children of Infinite Power, and his heart was stayed of Israel,' not knowing what to do to turn upon God. He had no fears for himself; them from their rash and passionate pur- he knew that God would preserve him to pose. Caleb and Joshua attempted to quiet witness at Rome for the truth of Christ. the tumult. With their garments rent in But his heart yearned with pity for the token of grief and indignation, they rushed poor souls around him, sinful, degraded, in among the people, and their ringing and unprepared to die. As he earnestly voices were heard above the tempest of pleaded with God to spare their lives, it lamentation and rebellious grief."—Patri- was revealed to him that his prayer was archs and Prophets, pages 389, 390. granted. "Taking advantage of a lull in the tem- 10. What experience in the life of pest, Paul stood forth on the deck and, lifting up his voice, said: . . . 'There shall Daniel reveals his fearlessness? Dan. be no loss of any man's life among you. 6:16-23. . . . I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.'"—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 442, 443. Thought for Meditation NOTE.—"From the story of Daniel's de- liverance we may learn that in seasons of Those who fear the Lord most are the trial and gloom God's children should be least fearful of the future. Our trust must just what they were when their prospects be in God who delivers us from the fear were bright with hope and their surround- of men. [ 91 Lesson 3, for July 19, 1969 "Be Ye Doers of the Word" MEMORY VERSE: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 224-240, 627-636; "Steps to Christ," last chapter; "SDA Bible Commentary." DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey; Wednesday: Questions 10-12; read learn memory verse. ❑ further from helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 5-7. ❑ helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; begin Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ reading study helps. ❑ Lesson Outline: II. Hearers, Not Doers of the Word 5. Build their house upon sand. Introduction Matt. 7:26, 27. 6. Deceive themselves. James 1:22. I. Doers of the Word Are Obedient 7. Compared with one who forgets 1. Christ our example in obedience. his true condition. James 1:23, 24. Phil. 2:6-8. III. Characteristics of the Doers of 2. God is not pleased with partial the Word obedience. 1 Sam. 15:22. 8. Born again. 1 Peter 1:22, 23. 3. Doers of the word are blessed 9. Grow spiritually. 2 Peter 3:18. by God. Luke 11:28; Rev. 1:3; 10. Walk in the light. Ps. 119:105. James 1:25. 11. Fortified against sin. Ps. 119:11; 4. They build their house upon a 1 John 2:14. rock. Matt. 7:24, 25. 12. Bear fruit. 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. THE LESSON Introduction helps that God has provided—believe and obey all the divine requirements."—Patri- "By obedience the people were to give archs and Prophets, page 279. evidence of their faith. So all who hope to be saved by the merits of the blood of Doers of the Word Are Christ should realize that they themselves have something to do in securing their Obedient salvation. While it is Christ only that can redeem us from the penalty of transgres- 1. What example of obedience to sion, we are to turn from sin to obedience. God's will has Christ set for us? Man is to be saved by faith, not by works; Phil. 2:6-8. yet his faith must be shown by his works. God has given His Son to die as a propiti- ation for sin, He has manifested the light of truth, the way of life, He has given facilities, ordinances, and privileges; and NoTE.—"Jesus' obedience was rendered now man must cooperate with these saving to the extent of laying down His life. It agencies; he must appreciate and use the was humiliation indeed for God to become [ 10 ] man; and then, being man, to die a shame- Narc.—"It is a dangerous thing to hear ful death on the cross. . . . a divine command if what is heard is not "Christ's obedience was of the same translated into action, for hearing in- nature as ours must be. It was 'in the evitably brings with it responsibility for flesh' . . . that Christ rendered this obedi- corresponding action. . . . Obedience trans- ence. He was man, subject to the same forms the words of Christ into personal desires to preserve His life as we are. He character."—SDA Bible Commentary, on was tempted by Satan, but overcame the Matt. 7:24. devil by the power of the Holy Spirit, It is well to remember that the house even as we may do. He exercised no power is the "house" of character and it is built in His own behalf that we may not em- upon a rock. Regarding this we read, "The ploy."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Phil. Lord Jesus Christ is the 'rock' on which 2:8. the individual Christian and the Christian church as a community of character build- 2. How highly does God regard ers are to be built. . . . According to Luke obedience? 1 Sam. 15:22. Compare 6:48 the builder `digged deep' in order to 2 Cor. 10:5. have a firm foundation. To build firmly requires much time and effort; it is far simpler to build a house without going NOTE.—"In his expedition against Ama- to the trouble of providing a solid founda- lek, Saul thought he had done all that was tion."—Ibid. essential of that which the Lord had com- manded him; but the Lord was not Hearers, Not Doers of pleased with partial obedience, nor willing the Word to pass over what had been neglected through so plausible a motive. God has 5. In the parable to what is a man given men no liberty to depart from His likened who hears God's word but requirements. The Lord had declared to does not do it, and what is the result Israel, 'Ye shall not do . . . every man of his course? Matt. 7:26, 27. whatsoever is right in his own eyes;' but he shall 'observe and hear all these words which I command thee.' . . . In deciding upon any course of action we are not to NoTE.—"Thus Christ set forth the prin- ask whether we can see that harm will re- ciples of His kingdom, and showed them sult from it, but whether it is in keeping to be the great rule of life. To impress the with the will of God. 'There is a way which lesson He adds an illustration. It is not seemeth right unto a man ; but the end enough, He says, for you to hear My words. thereof are the ways of death.' "—Patri- By obedience you must make them the archs and Prophets, page 634. foundation of your character. Self is but shifting sand. If you build upon human 3. What does the Lord pronounce theories and inventions, your house will upon the doers of the word? Luke fall. By the winds of temptation, the 11:28; Rev. 1:3; James 1:25. tempests of trial, it will be swept away. But these principles that I have given will endure. Receive Me; build on My words." NOTE.—God longs to bless us, but His —The Desire of Ages, page 314. blessing is given upon the fulfillment of conditions. In Luke 11:28 two conditions 6. What do those do who are only are given, first to "hear" and second to hearers and not doers of the word? "keep" or do. The choice is ours. We alone James 1:22. can make the decision. The words God spoke anciently to His people have never been altered. He still says, "A blessing, if ye obey . . . : and a curse, if ye will not NOTE.—"Deceiving. Gr. paralogizomai, 'to obey." Deut. 11:27, 28. delude,' to deceive by false reasoning.' The deception is one into which a man betrays 4. To what does Jesus liken the himself by false reasoning. The hearer de- man who hears His words and does ceives himself when he reasons that mere them? Matt. 7:24, 25. listening to the word, or much discussion about truth, or membership in the church Apart from the 'Word of God' man can is sufficient for salvation. There must be a expect no moral transformation, no spiri- complete transformation of the life by tual regeneration."—SDA Bible Commen- the power of the Holy Spirit, which tary, on 1 Peter 1:23. energizes believers into being 'doers of the word.' "—SDA Bible Commentary, on 9. What is said concerning Chris- James 1:22. tian experience? 2 Peter 3:18. Com- pare 1 Peter 1:5-7. 7. What illustration is given to re- veal the attitude of those who are hearers and not doers of the word? James 1:23, 24. NOTE.—There is no spiritual growth without obedience to the Word of God. Jesus said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." NoTE.—"As a mirror reflects the likeness John 6:63. To grow spiritually we must of the human face, soiled or blemished as feed upon spiritual food. This is found in it may be, so the law of God reveals the His Word. moral countenance, marred with defects "Grow. The tense implies 'keep on grow- and stained with sin. To hear and to ing.' . . understand the Word of God is like look- "Growth is characteristic of the true ing into a mirror. In viewing the perfect child of God as it is of all living things, precepts of the law as magnified in the inasmuch as he has found a new life in character of Jesus Christ, we become Christ Jesus. . . . His goal is a character aware of our own shortcomings and de- that resembles the perfect character of his fects. The mirror of truth never flatters. Lord, and a mind that is able to think Paul was unaware of his own corrupt His thoughts after Him. He aspires to nature until he saw himself in the mirror `grow up into Him in all things, which of the law. Without the law he thought is the head, even Christ.' . . In this life, himself morally adequate, 'alive,' but when and thereafter in the life to come, the he really understood its lofty principles he Christian can look forward to endless realized that he was spiritually dead. . . . growth in character and in understanding "The moment he turns from the mirror the will and ways of God. There will ever he forgets his true appearance. The test be new worlds of mind and spirit for him of sincerity and purpose is in the response to conquer, new heights to climb, new a man makes to the challenge of the Word doors of adventure and opportunity to of God. Those who are 'hearers only,' as a open."—SDA Bible Commentary, on 2 Pe- result of either procrastination or 'false ter 3:18. reasoning' . . . , choose not to surrender their lives to God. The man who hears only 10. What has God given us to may be compared to the 'wayside' hearer guide us in the path of obedience? of Matt. 13:4."—SDA Bible Commentary, Ps. 119:105. on James 1:23. Characteristics of the NoTE.—Since God's Word is light, it is Doers of the Word logical to believe that only those who are doers of God's will as revealed in His 8. What is one of the instrumen- Word walk in the light. The more desirous talities through which the new birth we are to know God's will and to live up is brought about? 1 Peter 1:22, 23. to the light He has for us, the brighter and Compare Matt. 18:3; 2 Cor. 5:17. the more secure will be our Christian ex- perience. "The Word of God illuminates the way so that man may walk safely in the spiri- NOTE.—"The Scriptures constitute God's tual darkness of this world. He who has word for man. . . . By adhering to its this light to guide him need not stumble principles any man will experience a 'new even though his path is beset with evil." birth' of hope, strength, and character. —SDA Bible Commentary, on Ps. 119:105. [ 12 ] 11. What fortifies us against sin? unto all good works," indicate that those Ps. 119:11; 1 John 2:14. Compare who accept the Word of God as inspired Matt. 4:4, 7, 10. and live in harmony with it will bear fruit or reveal "good works." To bear fruit we must abide in Him and be doers of His word. We read, "A continuous abiding in NoTE.—"This verse contains the secret of a living connection with Christ is essential true Christian living. A mere knowledge of for growth and fruitfulness. . . . It is not the Word will not keep us from sin, but possible for one branch to depend upon when the Word is treasured up in the another for its vitality; each must main- heart we have the weapons with which to tain its own personal relationship to the meet and conquer the wily foe."—SDA vine. Each member must bear its own Bible Commentary, on Ps. 119 A.1. fruits."—SDA Bible Commentary, on John 15:4. 12. What is revealed in the life of the one who is a doer of the word? Thought for Meditation 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. Compare John 15: "When it is in the heart to obey God, 2-5, 16. when efforts are put forth to this end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man's best service, and He makes up for the deficiency with His own divine NOTE.—The words, "Throughly furnished merit."—My Life Today, page 250. Lesson 4, for July 26, 1969 "Hope Thou in God" MEMORY VERSE: "Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul? and why art thou dis- quieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance." Ps. 42:5. STUDY HELPS: "Prophets and Kings," pages 681-702; "The Ministry of Healing," pages 161-169; "SDA Bible Commentary." DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey; Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read learn memory verse. ❑ further from helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-5. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 6-8; begin helps. reading study helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson. Tuesday: Questions 9-11. ❑ Lesson Outline: 2. To counteract the false hope. Job. 8:13-15; 11:20. Introduction II. Source of the Christian's Hope I. Importance of the Command 3. Christ. 1 Tim. 1:1; Jer. 17:7. 1. By nature we are without 4. The Scriptures. Rom. 15:4. hope. Eph. 2:12. 5. Faith. Heb. 11:1. [ 13] III. The Hope in God 10. Brings joy and happiness to the 6. A lively hope. 1 Peter 1:3. heart. Ps. 146:5. 7. An anchor, sure and steadfast. 11. Purifies the life. 1 John 3:2, 3. Heb. 6:17-19. 12. Sustains in time of trouble. 8. A blessed hope. Titus 2:13. Joel 3:16. IV. What Hope Does for Us 13. Comforts when we face death. 9. Engenders courage. Ps. 31:24. Prov. 14:32. THE LESSON Introduction 2. What is said of the false hope of the hypocrites and the wicked? Job "Hope and courage are essential to per- 8:13-15; 11:20. fect service for God. These are the fruit of faith. Despondency is sinful and unreason- able. God is able and willing 'more abun- dantly' . . . to bestow upon His servants the strength they need for test and trial. Source of the Christian's Hope The plans of the enemies of His work may 3. What do Paul and Jeremiah say seem to be well laid and firmly established, about our hope? 1 Tim. 1:1; Jet. 17:7. but God can overthrow the strongest of these. And this He does in His own time and way, when He sees that the faith of His servants has been sufficiently tested." NOTE.-"Hope. . . . Christ is not only -Prophets and Kings, page 164. the object of man's hope but also its source. Men find their basis for 'hope' for Importance of the Command temporal support as well as for future 1. What is the condition of those immortality in Christ."-SDA Bible Com- who are without Christ? Eph. 2:12. mentary, on 1 Tim. 1:1. 4. What does the Word of God do for us? Rom. 15:4. NOTE.-"Without Christ. Or, 'apart from Christ,' separated from Him. This is no condemnation of the Gentiles, but simply an assertion of the fact that, being without NorE.-"Thecripturei inspire hope in connection with the Messiah, they were those who endure suffering for God's sake without the source of regenerative power. and for the sake of their fellowmen. The `Without Christ' is the tragic opposite endurance that the Christian is enabled to of Paul's oft-repeated theme phrase, 'in display, and the comfort that he receives Christ.' "-SDA Bible Commentary, on in his affliction confirm and strengthen this Eph. 2:12. hope. For the connection between patience "The hearts of Paul and his associate and hope see Rom. 5:3-5; 1 Thess. 1:3."- workers were drawn out in behalf of those SDA Bible Commentary, on Rom. 15:4. who were 'without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and 5. What is the relation between strangers from the covenants of promise, faith and hope, according to the having no hope, and without God in the world.' Through the untiring ministrations writer of the book of Hebrews? Heb. of the apostles to the Gentiles, the 'stran- 11:1. gers and foreigners,' who 'sometimes were far off,' learned that they had been 'made nigh by the blood of Christ,' and that through faith in His atoning sacrifice they Nom.-Faith and hope are inseparable. might become 'fellow citizens with the The stronger the faith the brighter the saints, and of the household of God.' "- hope. Through a living faith our fond The Acts of the Apostles, page 175. hopes will be realized. "By faith the Chris- [14] tian considers himself already in posses- NoTE.—One of the important and neces- sion of what has been promised him. His sary parts of the equipment of a ship is its utter confidence in the One who has made anchor. It must be able to function in an the promises leaves no uncertainty as to emergency. It must not fail to hold. As their fulfillment in due time. Faith thus Christians are confronted by the storms of enables a Christian not only to lay claim life, they have an anchor that will hold; to promised blessings but to receive and it is "both sure and steadfast." This an- to enjoy them now. Thus, the promised chor is our hope in Jesus. He will keep inheritance becomes a present possession. us through all the storms and secure us The good things to come are no longer in the harbor of eternal calm. only dreams to be fulfilled in the future, but living realities in the present. To the 8. With what does Paul connect eye of faith what is otherwise invisible hope, and what does he call it? becomes visible."—SDA Bible Commen- Titus 2 : 1 3 . tary, on Heb. 11:1. The Hope in God NOTE .—"Blessed hope. The hope of 6. By what event in the life of Christ's return has been the grand in- centive of the Christian faith for nearly Jesus Christ are we "begotten again 2,000 years, buoying the believer's spirit unto a lively hope"? 1 Peter 1:3. and steeling his courage amid all vicissi- Compare Acts 26:6-8; Isa. 26:19. tudes of life. The dark moments of dis- couragement, disillusionments, or sorrow in this life's experience are gloriously com- pensated for by the Christian's hope of NOTE.—Our hope rests upon a past fact, the second advent."—SDA Bible Commen- that of the resurrection of Christ. The one tary, on Titus 2:13. real proof that when we paint heaven we are not painting myth is the fact that What Hope Does for Us Christ rose from the dead. "In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, 9. What words of inspiration come underived. 'He that hath the Son bath to those who hope in the Lord? Ps. life.' . . . The divinity of Christ is the 31:24. believer's assurance of eternal life. 'He that believeth in Me,' said Jesus, 'though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whoso- ever liveth and believeth in Me shall never NOTE.—"Ps. 31 is a heartfelt prayer for die.'"—The Desire of Ages, page 530. deliverance from trouble, enlivened by a "The voice that cried from the cross, sincere trust in God's ability to deliver. It `It is finished,' was heard among the is characterized by a galaxy of rich figures dead. It pierced the walls of sepulchers, describing the distress of the persecuted and summoned the sleepers to arise. Thus and the hope that comes in time of trou- will it be when the voice of Christ shall be ble."—SDA Bible Commentary, introduc- heard from heaven. That voice will pene- tion to Psalm 31. trate the graves and unbar the tombs, "Hope in the Lord. Literally, 'wait for and the dead in Christ shall arise. At the the Lord.' Hoping and waiting go hand in Saviour's resurrection a few graves were hand along the Christian way. Hope is a opened, but at His second coming all the tonic to Christian experience."—Ibid., on precious dead shall hear His voice, and Ps. 31:24. shall come forth to glorious immortal life. The same power that raised Christ from 10. According to the psalmist, how the dead will raise His church, and glorify does hope affect the life? Ps. 146:5. it with Him, above all principalities, above all powers, above every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in NOTE.—"Hope is the balm of life and the the world to come."—/bid., p. 787. joy of existence. It buoys our spirits up as we meet with trials and sorrows along 7. With what is the hope of the the way."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Christian compared? Heb. 6:17-19. Ps. 146:5. [ 15] Where there is hope there is joy and of God. Thus it will be when the wicked happiness. When hope goes, worry sets in. powers of earth, under the influence of Worry takes the joy out of life. Life at Satan, seek to destroy the faithful remnant best is soon cut off. How stupid to cripple (Rev. 13:15). God will intervene to de- it with worry when heaven and earth and liver His people."—SDA Bible Commen- God cry, "Hope." It is good to know that tary, on Joel 3:16. Christ, our hope, is master of all our problems. With Him in the life hope grows 13. What is said of the righteous stronger and brighter day by day. when he faces death? Prov. 14:32. Compare 1 Thess. 4:16, 17. 11. What change is wrought in the life of the one who hopes to see his Lord face to face? 1 John 3:2, 3. NOTE.—"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Ps. 116:15. "The righteous bath hope in his death." Prov. 14:32. With the psalmist, NOTE.—"John was a teacher of holiness, Elisha could say in confidence, "God will and in his letters to the church he laid redeem my soul from the power of the down unerring rules for the conduct—of grave: for He shall receive me." Ps. 49:15. Christians. . . . 'He that saith hCabidet And with rejoicing he could testify, "I in Him ought himself also so to wilkTe en know that my Redeemer liveth, and that as He walked.' . . . He taught that the He shall stand at the latter day upon Christian must be pure in heart and life. the earth." Job 19:25. "As for me, I will Never should he be satisfied with an empty behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall profession. As God is holy in His sphere, be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy like- so fallen man, through faith in Christ, is ness." Ps. 17:15. to be holy in his sphere."—The Acts of the Because of this wonderful hope of the Apostles, page 559. Christian, "Satan is ready to steal away 12. What does Joel say that the the blessed assurances of God. He desires Lord will be to His people when "the to take every glimmer of hope and every ray of light from the soul; but we must heavens and the earth shall shake"? not permit him to do this."—Steps to Joel 3:16. Christ, page 53. Thought for Meditation NOTE.—"Hope. Heb. machaseh, 'a ref- The Christian's hope is like a staff. When uge,' a shelter.' Judgment upon the enemies we walk with it, we shall manage to keep of Judah means deliverance for the people despairing thoughts from our lives. Lesson 5, for August 2, 1969 "Follow After . . . Patience" MEMORY VERSE: "But thou, 0 man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." 1 Tim. 6:11. STUDY HELPS: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 529-538; "SDA Bible Commen- tary." DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey; Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; read learn memory verse. ❑ further from helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-5. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 6-8. ❑ helps. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑ reading study helps. ❑ [ 16 ] Lesson Outline: 7. Spiritual growth. 2 Peter 1:5-7. 8. Trials and tribulations. Introduction Rom. 5:3-5. I. The Need of Patience 1. Because of the nearness of Christ's III. Examples of Patience coming. James 5:7, 8. 9. Moses. Num. 12:3. 2. Patience makes us fruitful. 10. The prophets and Job. Luke 8:15. James 5:10, 11. 3. In the lives of God's people. 1 Tim. 6:11; Heb. 10:36. 4. Patience leads to perfection. IV. Patience and the Second Coming James 1:2-4. 11. Distinguishing characteristics of 5. To win in the Christian race. the redeemed. Rev. 14:12 (first Heb. 12:1, 2. part). II. Aids in the Development of Patience 12. Pilgrims at last rewarded. 6. Self-control and full surrender Isa. 25:9. to God. 1 Cor. 9:25-27. THE LESSON Introduction "Look up, look up, and let your faith continually increase. Let this faith guide "Patience is the quality of steadfast en- you along the narrow path that leads durance, in confident expectation of some through the gates of the city into the desired end, despite difficult, discouraging, great beyond, the wide, unbounded future and disappointing circumstances, and often of glory that is for the redeemed. 'Be suffering. . . . In view of the fact that patient therefore, brethren, unto the com- `we must through much tribulation enter ing of the Lord.' "-Prophets and Kings, into the kingdom of God' . . . and particu- page 732. larly because entrance into the coming kingdom of glory involves a prolonged period of waiting, patience or steadfast 2. What does the seed of God's endurance becomes a cardinal Christian Word do when it falls into an honest, virtue. . . . Patience ever reminds us that patient heart? Luke 8:15. `the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed.' "-SDA Bible Dictionary, on "Patience," page 818. 3. To whom is the command "Fol- The Need of Patience low after . . . patience" especially directed? 1 Tim. 6:11; Heb. 10:36. 1. Because of the nearness of the coming of the Lord, what does James advise us to do? James 5:7, 8. Nom.-The admonition to "follow after . . . patience" was not given to a sinner, but to Timothy, a "man of God." If it NOTE.-"Be patient. In view of the ulti- was good for him then, it must be good mate vindication of the righteous at the for us today, for we are living in an im- return of Christ, James urges his fellow patient age. These are days that try the believers to be long-suffering under prov- souls of men. While world conditions seem ocation and not lose their courage. The to be beyond control, they should not perspective of the shortness of earth's discourage us, but rather inspire us to troubles compared with the unending joy follow after patience. To us God says, of eternal life has always been a source "Ye have need of patience. . . . For yet a of encouragement to the upright in heart." little while, and He that shall come will -SDA Bible Commentary, on James 5:7. come, and will not tarry." Heb. 10:36, 37. f 17] 4. What does James say the ulti- acter and to mislead others."—The Acts mate result of patience will be in our of the Apostles, page 312. lives? James 1:2-4. Aids in the Development NoTE.—The expression "perfect work" of Patience means "completed work." Patient •endur- 6. What did Paul do in order to ance is to be continued until it has win in the Christian race? 1 Cor. 9: completed its task. Regarding the words "perfect and entire" we read: "Not a 25-27. single desirable character trait is to be lacking; each is to be developed to per- fection. These two words together suggest the fullest possible attainment of the Christ- NOTE.—"Every athlete practices self-re- like life. Patient endurance will help us to straint all round." 1 Cor. 9:25, Moffatt. fulfill this task of reproducing the char- The King James Version is, "And every acter of Christ, which is the 'work' God man that striveth for the mastery is tem- has given us to do."—SDA Bible Com- perate in all things." Both words "self- mentary, on James 1:4. restraint" and "temperate" require much patience. To win in the Christian race 5. What admonition are we to heed Paul taught self-control and complete sur- render when he said, "I keep under my if we hope to win in the Christian body, and bring it into subjection." race? Heb. 12:1, 2. "In referring to these races as a figure of the Christian warfare, Paul emphasized the preparation necessary to the success of the contestants in the race—the pre- liminary discipline, the abstemious diet, the NOTE.—"Patience. Gr. hupomone, 'pa- necessity for temperance. 'Every man that tience,' 'endurance ,"fortitude,'steadfast- striveth for the mastery,' he declared, 'is ness,' perseverance.' Because the Christian temperate in all things.' The runners put race is a lifelong experience, it calls for aside every indulgence that would tend to patience and perseverance—perseverance in weaken the physical powers, and by severe the face of successive difficulties and dis- and continuous discipline trained their mus- appointments and patience to await the cles to strength and endurance, that when reward at the end of the course. Admoni- the day of the contest should arrive, they tions to patient endurance occur again and might put the heaviest tax upon their again in the book of Hebrews."—SDA Bi- powers. How much more important that ble Commentary, on Heb. 12:1. the Christian whose eternal interests are "In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed at stake, bring appetite and passion under out the single-hearted purpose that should subjection to reason and the will of God! characterize the Christian's race for eternal Never must he allow his attention to life: 'Let us lay aside every weight, and be diverted by amusements, luxuries, or the sin which doth so easily beset us, and ease. All his habits and passions must be let us run with patience the race that is brought under the strictest discipline. Rea- set before us, looking unto Jesus the son, enlightened by the teachings of God's author and finisher of our faith.' Hebrews Word and guided by His Spirit, must hold 12:1, 2. Envy, malice, evil thinking, evil- the reins of control."—The Acts of the speaking, covetousness—these are weights Apostles, page 311. that the Christian must lay aside if he would run successfully the race for im- mortality. Every habit or practice that 7. In what setting does Peter place leads into sin and brings dishonor upon the virtue of patience? 2 Peter 1:5-7. Christ must be put away, whatever the sacrifice. The blessing of heaven cannot attend any man in violating the eternal principles of right. One sin cherished is NOTE.—"These words are full of instruc- sufficient to work degradation of char- tion, and strike the keynote of victory. [18] The apostle presents before the believers above all others."—Patriarchs and Proph- the ladder of Christian progress, every step ets, page 384.. of which represents advancement in the knowledge of God, and in the climbing of 10. Whom .does James cite as ex- which there is to be no -standstill. Faith, amples of patience? James 5:10, 11. virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity are the rounds of the ladder. We are saved by climbing round after round, mounting step after step, to the height of Christ's NOTE.—"Patience. . . . As the example ideal for us. Thus He is made unto us of the suffering of the prophets should wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctifica- prevent our discouragement, the example tion, and redemption."—The Acts of the of their patience should likewise encourage Apostles, page 530. us to be patient."—SDA Bible Commen- tary, on James 5:10. 8. Why are we admonished to glory Patience and the Second Coming• in tribulation? Rom. 5:3-5. Compare 1 Peter 4:12, 13. 11. At the coming of Christ what will be one of the outstanding char- acteristics in the lives of His remnant people? Rev. 14:12 (first part). NoTE.—The early Christians were called upon to endure various forms of persecu- tion. They suffered intensely. They were not promised any exemption from sorrow. 12. What will those who have Paul said, "We' must through much trib- ulation enter into the kingdom of God." waited patiently for the coming of Acts 14:22. Jesus say when He appears? Isa. 25:9. "In the natural man, who has not been born again of the Holy Spirit, tribulation, delay, and opposition often produce only impatience, or even a surrender of the good NOTE.—"To his faithful followers Christ cause he may have espoused. . . . But in has been a daily companion and familiar those who are spiritual, and thus under friend. They have lived in close contact, in the influence of the Spirit of love, affliction constant communion.with God. Upon them and trial produce more perfect patience and the glory of the Lord has risen. In them the manly endurance."—SDA Bible Commen- light of the knowledge of the glory of God tary, on Rom. 5:3. in the face of Jesus Christ has been re- flected. Now they rejoice in the undimmed rays of the brightness and glory, of the Examples of Patience King in His majesty. They are prepared 9. What was one of the outstand- for the communion of heaven; for they ing characteristics in the life of have heaven in their hearts. Moses? Num. 12:3. "With uplifted heads, with the bright' beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining upon them, with rejoicing that their re- demption 'draweth nigh, they go forth to meet the Bridegroom, saying, To, this is NOTE.—"It was the experience gained our God; we have waited for Him, and during the years of toil and waiting in He will save us.' "—Christ's Object Les- Midian—the spirit of humility and long- sons, page 421. suffering there developed—that prepared Moses to meet with patience the unbelief Thought for Meditation and murmuring of the people and the pride and envy of those who should have been Waiting patiently helps 'us to know the his unswerving helpers. Moses 'was very will of God more perfectly. There are meek, above all the men which were upon times when God says to us: "Be silent, be the face of the earth,' and this is why he patient, and believe that your tears are was granted divine wisdom- and guidance not unnoticed." [,19.] Lesson 6, for August 9, 1969 "Love Your Enemies" MEMORY VERSE: "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Matt. 5:44. STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 185-197; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 73-75 (1943 ed., pp. 113-115); "SDA Bible Commentary." DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey; Wednesday: Questions 11-13; read learn memory verse. further from helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-4. Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 5-7; begin helps. reading from study helps. 0 Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 Tuesday: Questions 8-10. 0 Lesson Outline: 6. They are not truthful. 1 John 4:20. Introduction 7. They are murderers. 1 John 3:15. I. The Command to Love Our Enemies III. The Love That Loves the Enemy 1. Contrary to human nature. 8. Heaven-born. John 3:16; 1 John Rom. 8:7. 4:9. 2. Not a new commandment. 9. A fruit of the Spirit. Lev. 19:18; Deut. 10:17-19. Rom. 5:5; Gal. 5:22. 3. For God's people today. 10. The outgrowth of forgiveness. John 13:34; Luke 6:27-29. Luke 7:47. 4. Lack of love in time of the end IV. Examples of Those Who Loved prophesied. 2 Tim. 3:1, 2 (first part) ; Matt. 24:12. Their Enemies II. Those Who Hate Are Earmarked 11. Christ. Luke 23:34. 12. Stephen. Acts 7:55-60. 5. They walk in darkness. 13. Paul. 2 Cor. 2:4-8. 1 John 2:9, 11. THE LESSON Introduction The Command to Love Our "While we were yet unloving and un- Enemies lovely in character, 'hateful, and hating one another,' our heavenly Father had 1. What does Paul say about the mercy on us. 'After that the kindness and unconverted, carnal mind? Rom. 8:7. love of God our Saviour toward man ap- peared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.' . . . His love, received, NOTE.-The command, "Love your en- will make us, in like manner, kind and emies," is not easy to carry out. Humanly tender, not merely toward those who please speaking it is impossible because the nat- us, but to the most faulty and erring and ural feeling of the heart is, "an eye for an sinful."-Thoughts From the Mount of eye, and a tooth for a tooth." Matt. 5:38. Blessing, page 75. But the Christlike way is, "Love your [20 ] enemies." He treated us this way, and He the death of Christ. If the law could have bids us to follow in His footsteps. been changed or done away with, then "The Spirit of love, meekness, and for- the death of Christ would not have been bearance pervading our life will have power necessary. to soften and subdue hard hearts and win to Christ bitter opposers of the faith."— 4. What is one of the signs of the Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 174. last days? 2 Tim. 3:1, 2 (first part); Matt. 24:12. 2. What did God bid ancient Israel to do? Lev. 19:18; Deut. 10:17-19. NoTE.—" 'A new commandment I give unto you,' Christ said, 'That ye love one NOTE.—"Thou shalt not avenge. It is another; as I have loved you, that ye also human weakness to desire to 'get even' love one another.' John 13:34. What a with one who has done us harm, but the wonderful statement; but, oh, how poorly Bible countenances no such procedure. Says practiced! In the church of God today Paul, 'Dearly beloved, avenge not your- brotherly love is sadly lacking. Many who selves, but rather give place unto wrath' profess to love the Saviour do not love (Rom. 12:19). To bear a grudge is quite one another. Unbelievers are watching to useless. It does no one good, and does see if the,--faith,of_professed Christians is the bearer much harm. It sours the dis- exertink-a_sanctifyi0 influence upon their position, and gives a warped view of life. lives; and they are quick to discern the "Love thy neighbor. In this injunction defects in character, the inconsistencies in are summed up the last six of the com- action. Let Christians not make it possible mandments. . . . Said Christ, 'Ye have for the enemy to point to them and say, heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt Behold how these people, standing under the love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. banner of Christ, hate one another. Chris- But I say unto you, Love your enemies.'" tians are all members of one family, all —SDA Bible Commentary, on Lev. 19:18. children of the same heavenly Father, with the same blessed hope of immortality. Very 3. What great example of love did close and tender should be the tie that Christ leave us, and what does He binds them together."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 550. bid us to do? John 13:34; Luke 6: 27-29. Those Who Hate Are Earmarked 5. What is an evidence that we walk in darkness? 1 John 2:9, 11. NOTE.—Many believe that the new com- mandment is, "Love thy neighbor as thy- self." This is an old commandment. Lev. 19:18. The new commandment is one of NOTE.—"Nothing is said about the de- special, of unusual love. It is expressed in gree of hatred. It can exist as a state of the words, "As I have loved you." This passive "nonloving," as an active dislike, or love could not be understood before the as a malignant hate that seeks to harm cross. its object. The slightest trace of hatred is The new commandment has not re- sufficient to show that the God of love placed the Ten Commandment law. The does not have full sway in the heart."— law is as eternal as God because it is a SDA Bible Commentary, on 1 John 2:9. revelation of His character. The new com- "Darkness. . . . He who claims spiritual mandment supports the perpetuity of God's enlightenment yet harbors hatred for a law. Jesus said, "If ye keep My command- fellow believer clearly-demonstrates that ments, ye shall abide in My love [as I have he is dwelling in 'spiritual dackness even loved you] ; even as I have kept My Fa- 'until now,' that is,'"at---the-ve'ry moment ther's commandments, and abide in His he makes the false claim."—Ibid. love." John 15:10. The best proof for the perpetuity of the law of God is found in 6. In the sight of the Lord, who is the statement, "As I have loved you," or looked upon as a liar? 1 John 4:20. [ 213 NoTE.—"I love God. It is easy to make Nare.—" 'Seeing •ye have purified your such a verbal claim, but the apostle shows souls in obeying the truth through the that it is no less easy to test the truth of Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren,' the claim. Verbal profession is natural Peter continued, 'see that ye love •one an- and necessary . . . , but it is not sufficient. other with. a pure heart fervently.' The It needs to be corroborated by the pro- Word of God—the truth—is the channel fessor's attitude toward his fellowmen. An th-Fough---which the Lord manifests His examination of the quality of a man's love Spirit and power. Obedience to the Word for his brethren will reveal much concern- produces fruit of the required quality— ing the genuineness of his love for God. `unfeigned love of the brethren.' This love "Hateth his brother. John clearly shows is heaven-barn and leads to high motives what he means by 'hate' when he equates and unselfish actions."—The Acts of the it with `loveth not' in the second half of Apostles, pages 519, 520. the verse. Elsewhere in the Bible, hatred often implies no more than preferring 9. Through what agency is the love oneself above another, or loving another of God supplied? Rom. 5:5; 'Gal. less than one should. . . . 5:22. "A liar. John gives a plain test by which we can know whether we love God. If we fail in the test, but still claim to have passed it, we are indeed deliberate liars." NOTE.—"God's law is fulfilled _only as —SDA Bible Commentary, on 1 John 4:20. men love Him with heart, mind, soul, and strength, and their neighbor as them- selves. It is the manifestation of this love 7. What does John say about the that brings glory to God in the highest, and one who hates his brother, and what on earth peace and good will to men. The are his chances of inheriting eternal Lord is glorified when the great end of life? 1 John 3:15. His law is attained. It is the work of the Holy Spirit from age to age to impart love to human hearts, for love is the living principle of brotherhood."—Testimonies, Vol. 8, p. 139. NOTE.—"Hateth. Comparison with v. 14 "Wherever there is an impulse of love shows that `hateth' is synonymous with and sympathy, wherever the heart reaches 'loveth not.' Absence of love marks the out to bless and uplift others, there is presence of hate. In God's eyes there is revealed the working of God's Holy Spirit." evidently no neutral ground. —Christ's Object Lessons, page 385. "Murderer. Gr. anthropoktonos, literally, `man-killer.' The word occurs in the NT 10. What is the result of genuine only here and in John 8:44. John strikingly points out the end result of hatred. There forgiveness? Luke 7:47. are other ways of killing a man than by physical violence that takes his life. Slan- der can so dishearten him as to prevent him from fully developing his innate abil- NoTE.—Concerning the parable of the ities, and thus is destroyed part of the life lost and found we read, "Though you will he might have led. The very conscious- not join in the greeting to the lost, the ness of being disliked by church members joy will go on, the restored one will have of good reputation is enough to quench his place by the Father's side and in the the ardor of some and may even cause Father's work. He that is forgiven much, them to lose their faith in Christ, and the same loves much. But you will be in thus destroy their spiritual lives."—SDA the darkness without. For 'he that loveth Bible Commentary, on 1 John 3:15. not knoweth not God: for God is love.'" —Christ's Object Lessons, page 211. "We are not forgiven because we forgive, The Love that Loves the Enemy but as we forgive. The ground of all for- giveness is found in the unmerited love of 8. What act reveals that true love God, but by our attitude toward others is heaven-born? John 3:16; 1 John we show whether we have made that love 4:9. our own., Wherefore Christ says, 'With [ 22 ] what judgment ye judge, ye shall be 13. What attitude did Paul show judged; and with what measure ye mete, toward those who deserved punish- it shall be measured to you again.' "—Ibid.,. ment? 2 Cor. 2:4-8. p. 251. Examples of Those Who Loved Their Enemies 11. On what special occasion did NoTE.—"Successful dealing with sinners Christ reveal. His love of His enemies? is not achieved by bitter denunciation, by Luke 23:34. Compare Rom. 5:6-10. ridicule or sarcasm, by making public their sins. What these harsh weapons cannot accomplish may be done by affectionate concern, with 'many tears.' The unfortu- NOTE.—"Yet sinners. There was nothing nate spectacle of a church member falling in -man to deserve God's love. The hypo- into sin awakens anguish and distress in thetical 'good man' of v. 7 was benevolent the mind of every true follower of Christ. and loveable and inspired affection. But Godly concern and Christlike love unite the love that God exercised toward, us was the church and prevent differences of opin- not a response to any love we had for ion concerning those disciplined."—SDA Him, for we were His enemies. 'Herein is Bible Commentary, on 2 Cor. 2:4. love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.' "—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rom. 5:8. Thought for Meditation 12. What was Stephen's attitude We are true children of God not be- toward those who were his enemies? cause we know most, but because we love Acts 7:55-60. most. Lesson. 7, for August 16, 1969 "Judge Not" MEMORY VERSE: "Judge not, that ye be not judged." Matt. 7:1. STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 164-180; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 123-129 (1943 ed., pp. 177-185); "SDA Bible Commentary." DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey; Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; read learn memory verse.. further from helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-4. Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 5-8. helps. Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin Friday: Review entire lesson. reading from study helps. ❑ Lesson Outline: 2. Condemns and reveals one's self. Rom. 2:1. Introduction 3. Places us on the side of Satan. Rev. 12:10. I. Judging Others 4. Makes talebearers and spiritual 1. Condemned by Christ. Matt. cannibals out of us. Lev. 19:15, 7:1, 2. 16;. Gal. 5:15. [ 23 ] II. The Work of Judging III. Cures for Judging Others 5. Belongs to God. Heb. 12:23. 9. Christ within the heart. Gal. 6:1. 6. God judges righteously. Acts 17: 10. True love. John 15:12, 17. 30, 31; 2 Tim. 4:8. 11. Keeping in mind that we are 7. God judges our words. Matt. judgment-bound. Rom. 14:10, 12:36, 37. 12, 13. 8. According to the law of God. 12. Seeing the beam in our own eyes. James 2:10-12 ; Eccl. 12:13, 14. Matt. 7:3-5. THE LESSON Introduction NoTE.—"Those who condemn or criti- cize others, proclaim themselves guilty, for "If we have a sense of the long-suffering they do the same things. In condemning of God toward us, we shall not be found others, they are passing sentence upon judging or accusing others. When Christ themselves, and God declares that this was living on the earth, how surprised His sentence is just. He accepts their own ver- associates would have been, if, after be- dict against themselves."—Thoughts From coming acquainted with Him, they had the Mount of Blessing, page 124. heard Him speak one word of accusation, of faultfinding, or of impatience. Let us 3. With whom do we associate our- never forget that those who love Him are selves when we sit in judgment over to represent Him in character. "Be kindly affectioned one to another others? Rev. 12:10. Compare Zech. with brotherly love; in honor preferring 3:1-3. one another.' Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise bless- ing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, NOTE.—"Satan has many helpers. Many that ye should inherit a blessing.' "—The who profess to be Christians are aiding Ministry of Healing, page 489. the tempter to catch away the seeds of truth from other hearts. Many who listen Judging Others to the preaching of the Word of God 1. What warning does Christ give make it the subject of criticism at home. to those who judge? Matt. 7:1, 2. They sit in judgment on the sermon as they would on the words of a lecturer or a political speaker. The message that should be regarded as the word of the Lord to NOTE. "Judge not. Jesus here refers them is dwelt upon with trifling or sar- particularly to judging another's motives, castic comment. The minister's character, not to judging the right or wrong of his motives, and actions, and the conduct of acts. God alone is competent to judge men's fellow members of the church, are freely motives, because of the fact that He alone discussed. Severe judgment is pronounced, is able to read men's innermost thoughts. gossip or slander repeated, and this in the . . . Looking thus on men's hearts, God hearing of the unconverted. Often these loves the sinner the while He hates the things are spoken by parents in the hear- sin. Able to discern only the 'outward ap- ing of their own children."—Christ's Ob- pearance' . . . and not the heart, men in- ject Lessons, pages 45, 46. evitably make mistakes. Jesus does not here refer to that fine sense of discrimina- 4. Why are we admonished not to tion by which the Christian is to dis- be talebearers or to devour one an- tinguish between right and wrong . . . , other? Lev. 19:15, 16; Gal. 5:15. but rather to the habit of censorious, sharp, and usually unjust criticism."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Matt. 7:1. NOTE.—"Bite and devour one another. 2. What are we generally guilty of A vivid metaphor that paints a picture when we judge others? Rom. 2:1. of cannibalism. The Galatians were con- [24] ducting themselves like wild, ravenous future, had been fixed upon for the judg- beasts. By word and deed they were ment of the world."—The Great Contro- preying upon one another. Activities such versy, page 548. as gossip, slander, and sharp dealing are no doubt included. 7. What does Jesus say concerning "Consumed one of another. Church his- the judging of our words? Matt. 12: tory records the sad fate of one religious 36, 37. Compare Prov. 18:21. group after another in which Paul's fateful warning was fulfilled. The unity of the faith, and the unity of believers within the unity of the faith, was the subject of our Lord's 8. What- will be the measuring rod prayer recorded in John 17. With such a when our lives are judged by God? condition prevailing as that here described James 2:10-12; Eccl. 12:13, 14. by Paul, no Christian group can enjoy a healthy religious experience."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Gal. 5:15. Cures for Judging Others The Work of Judging 9. In dealing with the faults of 5. Who is to be the judge of man's others, what should be our attitude? work? Heb. 12:23. Gal. 6:1. NoTE.—"It is not given to any human NOTE.—"If Christ is in you 'the hope of being to judge between the different ser- glory,' you will have no disposition to vants of God. The Lord alone is the judge watch others, to expose their errors. In- of man's work, and He will give to each stead of seeking to accuse and condemn, his just reward."—The Acts of the Apos- it will be your object to help, to bless, tles, page 276. and to save. In dealing with those who "God was the lawgiver at Mt. Sinai; on are in error, you will heed the injunction, Mt. Zion He appears as 'the Judge of all' Consider 'thyself, lest thou also be tempted.' men, to judge them by the law He pro- . . . You will call to mind the many claimed from Sinai. It will be no less awe times you have erred and how hard it inspiring to stand before God when He has been to find the right way when you judges all men according to the standard had once left it. You will not push your of the law."—SDA Bible Commentary, on brother into greater darkness, but with a Heb. 12:23. heart full of pity you will tell him of his danger."—Thoughts From the Mount of 6. Whom has Ged appointed to do Blessing, page 128. the judging? Acts 17:30, 31; 2 Tim. 4:8. 10. What does Jesus say that our relationship should be to each other? John 15:12, 17. Compare 1 Peter 4:8. NOTE.—"Before any can enter the man- sions of the blessed, their cases must be investigated, and their characters and their NoTE.—One of the best cures for judging deeds must pass in review before God. All others is expressed in the word "love." are to be judged according to the things Love and kindness are inseparable twins. written in the books and to be rewarded as When these are in the heart, the spirit of their works have been. This judgment does judging vanishes. not take place at death. Mark the words of True love never judges unjustly, it does Paul: 'He bath appointed a day, in the not see the faults and failures in others. which He will judge the world in righ- Our love for each other is to be different teousness by that Man whom He hath from the love displayed by the Pharisees. ordained, whereof He hath given assurance Christ's requirements are always plus re- unto all men, in that He hath raised Him quirements. If our lives are destitute of from the dead.' . . . Here the apostle Christ's divine love, then we do not know plainly stated that a specified time, then Him as we should. Let us remember that [ 25 ] the spirit of judging, of condemning, is in a harsh and condemnatory spirit that not the spirit that prays, "Abba, Father." would drive anybody nearer damnation. Only the spirit of love can do that. "We shall all stand. In the Greek the word for 'all' is in the position of emphasis. All of us, both weak and strong, are to 11. What should we always re- stand before the divine tribunal. Since all member when we are prone to judge believers are alike subjects and servants of others? Rom. 14:10, 12, 13. God, and must all stand before the same judgment seat, they have no right to sit in judgment on one another. Such judging usurps a prerogative of God."—SDA Bible. Commentary, on Rom. 14:10. NoTE.—That judging which the Bible prohibits is that which is done in a harsh 12. Before attempting to judge and condemnatory spirit. The Lord does others, what should we do first? Matt. not forbid the exercise of sound judgment in dealing with others. It is said of one 7:3-5. man's experience that "there has been a failure to read character. He believed others to be as honest as himself, and in some cases he has been deceived."—Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 630. Your safety and that of NOTE.-"Why beholdest thou? . . . Our others calls for the exercise of good judg- proverb, 'Those who live ih glass houses ment. should not throw stones,' has a similar im- We often have to make decisions that port. There is also an Arabic proverb that concern other persons, and to do that we runs, 'How seest thou the splinter in thy must evaluate and judge whether this or brother's eye, and seest not the cross-beam that is the right thing to do in each case. in thine eye?'—SDA Bible Commentary, on We have been warned to "try the spirits Matt. 7:3. whether they are of God: because many "But the difficulty lies with the individual false prophets are gone out into the world." members of the church, and it is here that 1 John 4:1. Proposals for marriage, re- the cure must be wrought. Jesus bids the quests for baptism, nominaticns for church accuser first cast the beam out of his offices, calls for church discipline, employ- own eye, renounce his censorious spirit, ment of persons for gospel work and secular confess and forsake his own sin, before work, election and appointment of persons trying to correct others."—Thoughts From for service in the civil government, the trial the Mount of Blessing, page 127. of the accused in courts of justice, and many other things call for the exercise of Thought for Meditation good judgment concerning the mental, phy- sical, and moral aptitudes, qualifications, Those who judge others labor in vain, and intentions of individuals. In every case they err often and sin easily; but when the judging should be just and in the spirit they judge and examine themselves, their of the golden rule (Matt. 7:12), but not labor will not be in vain. Lesson 8, for August 23, 1969 "Watch Unto Prayer" MEMORY VERSE: "Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning." Mark 13:35. STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapter 32; "SDA Bible Commentary." [261 DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey; Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; learn memory verse. ❑ read further from helps. 0 Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 5-8. ❑. helps. Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin Friday: Review entire lesson. reading study helps. ❑ Lesson Outline: 6. Satan is on our trail. 1 Peter 5:8. 7. A bulwark against temptation. Introduction Matt. 26:41. I. The Command to Watch 8. Because of apostasies and decep- 1. Addressed to whole church. tions. Acts 20:29-31. Mark 13:37. 9. To escape the evils to come. 2. To be observed with diligence. Luke 21:36.. Eph. 6:18. 10. To protect ourselves and the 3. To be accompanied by prayer. doctrines. 1 Tim. 4:16. Col. 4:2. III. Two Classes When Christ Comes 4. To be combined with service. 11. The careless, indifferent, and Rev. 3:2. unprepared. Luke 12:45, 46. II. Reasons for Watching and Praying 12. Those who have watched unto 5. Nearness of Christ's coming. prayer and are ready. 1 Peter 4:7. Luke 12:35-37; 1 John 3:3. THE LESSON Introduction you sleeping.' The church of God is re- In the thirteenth chapter of Mark where quired to fulfill her night watch, however the words, "Watch ye therefore," are re- perilous, whether long or short. Sorrow is corded, Jesus, talking to His disciples, fore- no excuse for her to be less watchful. Trib- tells the destruction of the temple. He ulation should not lead to carelessness, but warns them against the danger of being to double vigilance. Christ has directed deceived and tells them how they will be the church by His own example to the hated for the sake of the gospel that is Source of their strength in times of need, to go to all the world. Verses 24 and 25 de- distress, and peril. The attitude of watch- scribe the signs that indicate the nearness ing is to designate the church as God's of His return. At the close of the chapter people indeed. By this sign the waiting ones He tells us that no one knows the day or are distinguished from the world and show the hour of His return, not even He or the that they are pilgrims and strangers upon angels, but only the Father. Because of this the earth."—Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 205. He gives the warning, "Watch ye therefore." And why should we watch? "Lest coming 2. How diligent are we to be in suddenly He find you sleeping." our watchfulness and prayer? Eph. 6:18. The Command to Watch 1. How inclusive did Christ make the command to watch? Mark 13:37. NOTE.—"Perseverance in prayer is not for the purpose, by sheer persistence, of mak- ing God change His mind, in some such NOTE.—"Jesus has left us this warning: fashion as a begging child finally extracts `Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when what he wants from an unwilling parent. the Master of the house cometh, at even, or Perseverance in prayer, however, clearly in- at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in dicates on the part of the suppliant a state the morning: lest coming suddenly He find of mind that gives God an opportunity to [27l' do things He could not safely do for him and see with what subtlety Satan worked to otherwise."—SDA Bible Commentary, on weaken and destroy, the better we shall be Eph. 6:18. prepared to resist his devices and meet com- ing perils. We are in the time when trib- 3. What is the apostle Paul's ad- ulations such as the world has never yet seen will prevail. Woe to the inhabitors of monition to the church regarding the earth and of the sea! for the devil is prayer? Col. 4:2. Compare 1 Thess. come down unto you, having great wrath, 5:2-6. because he knoweth that he bath but a short time.' But God has set bounds that Satan cannot pass. Our most holy faith is this barrier; and if we build ourselves up 4. In addition to being watchful, in the faith, we shall be safe in the keeping what does God tell us to do? Rev. of the Mighty One."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, 3:2. Compare Isa. 35:3, 4. p. 297. "Through deceptive means and unseen channels, Satan is working to strengthen NoTE.—The importance of doing mission- his authority and to place obstacles in the ary work is expressed clearly to all. God way of God's people, that souls may not calls every church member to enter His be freed from his power and gathered un- -service. "Everyone who is added to the der the banner of Christ. By his deceptions ranks by conversion is to be assigned his he is seeking to allure souls from Christ, post of duty."—Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 30. and those who are not established upon "Were every one of you a living missionary, the truth will surely be taken in his snare. the message for this time would speedily be And those whom he cannot lead into sin proclaimed in all countries, to every people he will persecute, as the Jews did Christ." and nation and tongue. This is the work —Ibid., p. 295. that must be done before Christ shall come in power and great glory."—Ibid., Vol. 6, 7. By what means are we able to p. 438. escape temptations? Matt. 26:41. Reasons for Watching and Praying NOTE.—"Christ was a perfect overcomer; and we must be perfect and entire, want- 5. Why are we admonished to ing nothing, without spot or blemish. The watch and pray? 1 Peter 4:7. Com- redemption which Christ achieved for man pare Mark 13: 33-36. was at infinite cost to Himself. The victory we gain over our own evil hearts and over the temptations of Satan will cost us strong effort, constant watchfulness, and NoTE.—"End of all things. That is, the persevering prayer; and we shall then not end of the world. . . . only reap the reward, which is the gift of "Is at hand. Literally, 'has come near.' eternal life, but shall increase our happi- The imminent prospect of facing the great ness on earth by a consciousness of duty Judge of the universe . . . is, indeed, a performed, and by the greater respect and sobering thought. Peter's counsel to be- love of those about us."—Testimonies, Vol. lievers, particularly that of the verses that 4, p. 39. follow, is given in a spirit of urgency, be- cause 'the end of all things is at hand.' "— 8. What warning does Paul give SDA Bible Commentary, on 1 Peter 4:7. regarding apostasies and deceptions? Acts 20:29-31. 6. With what adversary are we confronted? 1 Peter 5:8. Compare Rev. 12:12. NOTE.—"Satan hopes to involve the rem- nant people of God in the general ruin that is coming upon the earth. As the coming NOTE.—"The more we learn in reference of Christ draws nigh, he will be more de- to the early days of the Christian church, termined and decisive in his efforts to over- 28 throw them. Men and women will arise NoTE.—"That evil servant who said in professing to have some new light or some his heart, 'My Lord delayeth His com- new revelation whose tendency is to un- ing,' professed to be waiting for Christ. settle faith in the old landmarks. Their He was a 'servant,' outwardly devoted to doctrines will not bear the test of God's the service of God while at heart he had Word, yet souls will be deceived. False re- yielded to Satan. He does not, like the ports will be circulated, and some will be scoffer, openly deny the truth, but reveals taken in this snare. They will believe these in his life the sentiment of the heart—that rumors and in their turn will repeat them, the Lord's coming is delayed. Presumption and thus a link will be formed connecting renders him careless of eternal interests. He them with the archdeceiver. This spirit will accepts the world's maxims and conforms not always be manifested in an open de- to its customs and practices. Selfishness, fiance of the messages that God sends, but worldly pride, and ambitions predominate. a settled unbelief is expressed in many Fearing that his brethren may stand higher ways. Every false statement that is made than himself, he begins to disparage their feeds and strengthens this unbelief, and efforts and impugn their motives. Thus he through this means many souls will be smites his fellow servants. As he alienates balanced in the wrong direction. himself from the people of God, he unites "We cannot be too watchful against more and more with the ungodly. He is every form of error, for Satan is constantly found eating and drinking 'with the seeking to draw men from the truth."— drunken'—joining with worldlings and par- Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 295, 296. taking of their spirit. Thus he is lulled into a carnal security and overcome by forget- 9. How is it possible to escape the fulness, indifference, and sloth."—Testimo- evils that are coming upon the world? nies, Vol. 5, pp. 101, 102. Luke 21:36. 12. Explain why, on the other hand, an opposite ennobling transforma- 10. What personal counsel con- tion takes place in those who joy- cerning doctrine is given by the fully await their Lord's return. Luke apostle Paul? 1 Tim. 4:16. 12:35-37; 1 John 3:3. NoTE.—One of the easiest things for us to do is to watch others and to forget to NorE.—"Because we know not the exact watch self. This is not God's plan for us. time of His coming, we are commanded to Through Paul He says, "Take heed unto watch. . . . Those who are watching for thyself." This admonition we also find in the Lord are purifying their souls by Acts 20:28: "Take heed therefore unto obedience to the truth. With vigilant watch- yourselves." This we need to do constantly, ing they combine earnest working. Because because Satan's arrows are ever pointed they know that the Lord is at the door, at us. He knows that when our eyes are on their zeal is quickened to cooperate with others we become easy targets for him. the divine intelligences in working for the "Doctrine. . . . The successful church salvation of souls. These are the faithful leader will not only live an exemplary life and wise servants who give to the Lord's but will also possess a keen understanding household 'their portion of meat in due of the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit cannot season.' Luke 12:42. They are declaring the bless the labors of those who work for truth that is now specially applicable."— souls while willfully neglecting the thorough The Desire of Ages, page 634. study of the Word."—SDA Bible Com- mentary, on 1 Tim. 4:16. Two Classes When Christ Comes Thought for Meditation 11. Describe the adverse effects on Those who do not watch unto prayer character resulting from a careless and are like a city without walls; they are ex- indifferent attitude toward Christ's posed to the inroads of the enemy of our coming. Luke 12:45, 46. souls. [ 29 ] Lesson 9, for August 30, 1969 "Overcome Evil With Good" MEMORY VERSE: "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Rom. 12:21. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 114-131; "The Ministry of Healing," pages 484-496; "SDA Bible Commentary." DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey; Wednesday: Questions 10-12; learn memory verse. read further from helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-4. Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 5, 6; begin helps. reading study helps. Friday: Review entire lesson. Tuesday: Questions 7-9. Lesson Outline: 6. God says, "Depart from evil and do good." Ps. 34:14; 37:27. Introduction II. Evil Can Be Overcome I. Contrast Between Evil and Good 1. The Lord beholds both. 7. Through Christ. '1 Cor. 15:57; Rom. 8:37. Prov. 15:3. 2. Constant conflict between them. 8. Through faith. 1 John 5:4, 5. Rom. 7:15-19. 9. By doing good. Rom. 12:21. 3. By nature all are evil, none good. Ps. 14:2, 3 ; Rom. 3:12; Jer. 17:9. III. Promises tc Those Who Overcome 4. The evil hate light; the good love it. John 3:19-21. 10. To eat of the tree of life. Rev. 2:7. 5. Deceived call evil good and 11. A white raiment. Rev. 3:5. good evil. Isa. 5:20, 24. 12. To inherit all things. Rev. 21:7. THE LESSON Introduction and feelings suggested and aroused by Satan that annoy even the best of men; One of the most heartening parts of the but if they are not cherished, if they are gospel is the assurance of personal victory. repulsed as hateful, the soul is not con- Human nature says, "It can't be done." taminated with guilt, and no other is de- But Paul, through inspiration says, "Over- filed by their influence."-That I May come evil with good." Rom. 12:21. Christ Know Him, page 140. is not indifferent to our struggle in over- coming all that is evil. He knows that the Contrast Between Evil and Good human heart is inadequate to cope with the many evils in the world, evils that 1. What does the wise man say reach into the inner recesses of the heart, concerning the eyes of the Lord? that concern the daily realities of life. The Prov. Chron. 16:9. first step in dealing with evil is to realize that we must face it and believe that it can be overcome through the power of Christ. Evil becomes sinful only as we NOTE.-"Beholding. Better, 'keeping cherish it. We read: "There are thoughts watch.' Sometimes children are given the [30] impression that God watches them in NOTE.—"He who persistently resists the order to find cause for blame; but our warnings that God in His mercy sends, heavenly Father watches with the pitiful, will ultimately become so perverse in his loving eye of One who knows the frailty thoughts that he is unable longer to dis- of our nature."—SDA Bible Commentary, tinguish between good and evil. He honestly on Prov. 15:3. thinks right is wrong and wrong is right. When perversity reaches such a pass, doom 2. What frustrating experience did cannot be long delayed."—SDA Bible Com- Paul have regarding the conflict be- mentary, on Isa. 5:20. "God has pronounced a curse upon those tween evil and good? Rom. 7:15-19. who depart from His commandments, and put no difference between common and holy things. . . . Let no one deceive himself with the belief that a part of God's com- NoTE.—"No good thing. It is impossible mandments are nonessential, or that He for man of himself to resist the power of will accept a substitute for that which He evil. A higher power must take possession has required."—Patriarchs and Prophets, of the soul before the evil passions can be page 360. subdued. Paul experienced the painful frus- tration that comes to all who seek to at- 6. What does God command His tain to righteousness in their own strength." children to do? Ps. 34:14; 37:27. —SDA Bible Commentary, on Rom. 7:18. 3. What is the natural condition of our human nature? Ps. 14:2, 3; Rom. NoTE.—"Christian living is both negative 3:12; Jer. 17:9. and positive; we must go away from evil, and we must do good. Merely refraining from evil is not enough. We must be ac- tive in doing good."—SDA Bible Commen- tary, on Ps. 34:14. "The opinion which prevails in some 4. What contrasting attitudes are classes of society, that religion is not con- manifested by those who do evil and ducive to health or to happiness in this those who love truth? John 3:19-21. life, is one of the most mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: 'The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied.' . . . 'What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, NOTE.—"Cain hated and killed his that he may see good? Keep thy tongue brother, not for any wrong that Abel had from evil, and thy lips from speaking done, but 'because his own works were guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek evil, and his brother's righteous.' . . . So peace, and pursue it.'"—Patriarchs and in all ages the wicked have hated those Prophets, page 600. who were better than themselves. Abel's life of obedience and unswerving faith was to Cain a perpetual reproof. 'Everyone Evil Can Be Overcome that doeth evil hateth the light, neither 7. Through whom is our victory cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.' . .. The brighter the heavenly assured? 1 Cor. 15:57; Rom. 8:37. light that is reflected from the character Compare Phil. 4:13. of God's faithful servants, the more clearly the sins of the ungodly are revealed, and the more determined will be their efforts to destroy those who disturb their peace." NOTE.—"Christ's victory was as com- —Patriarchs and Prophets, page 74. plete as had been the failure of Adam. "So we may resist temptation, and force Satan to depart from us. Jesus gained the 5. What does Isaiah say will be the victory through submission and faith in reward of those who are deceived God, and by the apostle He says to us, about good and evil? Isa. 5:20, 24. `Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist [ 31 ] the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw of weakness. The one who allows his tem- nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to per to be stirred up and his Christian you.' . . . We cannot save ourselves from principles of love and self-control to be the tempter's power; he has conquered abandoned suffers defeat. But the person humanity, and when we try to stand in who represses the desire for revenge and our own strength, we shall become a prey turns a wrong done to him into an op- to his devices; but 'the name of the Lord portunity for showing kindness gains a is a strong tower: the righteous runneth victory over himself and over the powers into it, and is safe.' . . . Satan trembles of evil. This is not only nobler in itself and flees before the weakest soul who finds but will be much more effective. It may refuge in that mighty name."—The Desire disarm an enemy . . . and win another of Ages, pages 130, 131. soul. Thus God has not meted out to sinners the vengeance they have long de- 8. What weapon are we to use in served, but rather has overwhelmed them gaining the victory over evil? 1 John with love and mercy. And it is the good- 5:4, 5. ness, forbearance, and long-suffering of God that leads men to repentance. . . . The Christian who is being tranformed into the image of God . . . will show by his treat- NOTE.—"Faith. Gr. pistis. . . . This is ment of his enemies that day by day his the only occurrence of this word in John's character is becoming more and more like Gospel or epistles. How can 'our faith' the character of God, who is love."—SDA enable us to overcome the world? John Bible Commentary, on Rom. 12:21. provides the answer in v. 5, where he im- plies that the faith to which he is referring Promises to Those Who is that which accepts Jesus as the Son of Overcome God. Such a faith appropriates the Sav- iour's victory over the world and dupli- 10. What promise did the Lord cates it in the life of the believer. It does make to the overcomer in the Ephesus not stop at mental assent but leads to church? Rev. 2:7. positive action. Like the paralytic who was commanded to rise, we attempt what seems impossible. . . . As our will chooses to rise from the thralldom of sin, the life- 11. According to the message given giving power of God comes into every the Sardis church, what are the prom- moral fiber and enables us to accomplish what we by faith have willed. Were we to ises to the overcomer? Rev. 3:5. lie back and wait for the Lord to lift us up from sin, nothing would happen. Our faith must lay hold of His promises, and must desire, choose, and will to act NOTE.—Notice the three promises in this upon them before that strength can aid us." one text, promises not only for those in —SDA Bible Commentary, on 1 John 5:4. the Sardis church, but to all the children of God who will overcome. "Shall be clothed in white raiment"; "I will not 9. How does Paul say that evil can blot out his name out of the book of life"; be overcome? Rom. 12:21. "I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels." 12. How all-inclusive is the prom- NOTE.—The twelfth chapter of Romans ise to the overcomer? Rev. 21:7. presents many wonderful and helpful sug- gestions for overcoming evil with good. From verses 9 to 21 Paul gives not less than twenty things the Christian is to NOTE.—When the conflict is ended, the practice and do in his daily living. When saints will have overcome. Their reward we heed them we shall have no trouble in is sure. They shall "inherit all things." overcoming evil with good. What a glorious inheritance! Tongue can- "Be not overcome of evil. The infliction not describe its beauty, its grandeur. The of vengeance is a sign, not of strength, but overcomers over all that is evil and sinful ( 32] are those who have a Christlike character. Thought for Meditation They are pure in heart, for the pure in heart "shall see God." They are the ones God would never bid us to be victorious who were willing to follow their Lord or to overcome if this were impossible. He wherever He led them. Now, they shall "follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth." does not ask the impossible. It was Whittier Rev. 14:4. who said, "The smile of God is victory." Lesson 10, for September 6, 1969 "Be Careful for Nothing" MEMORY VERSE: "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and sup- plication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Phil. 4:6. STUDY HELPS: "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 109-113 (1943 ed., pp. 161-165); "The Desire of Ages," pages 364-371; "SDA Bible Commentary." DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey; Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; learn memory verse. ❑ read further from helps. Wednesday: Questions 10-13. Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin Thursday: Finish reading study reading study helps. O helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 3-7. O Friday: Review entire lesson. Lesson Outline: III. Aids in Obeying the Command Introduction 8. Prayer and faith. Phil. 4:6. 9. Full surrender and trust in God. I. Importance of the Command Ps. 37:3-5. 1. God displeased when we worry. Matt. 6:25-34. 2. Especially for our time. IV. Examples of God's Care for Luke 21:34. His Children II. Reasons for Heeding the Command 10. Revealed in Joseph's experience. Gen. 45:5-7. 3. God remembers us. Isa. 49:14-16. 11. The miracle of the oil. 4. God cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7. 2 Kings 4:1-7. 5. God promises to supply all our needs. Phil. 4:19. 12. Paul's bonds contributed to the 6. Effects of our mental attitudes. "furtherance of the gospel." Prov. 17:22. Phil. 1:12, 19. 7. Because God remembers the 13. Christ's contact with the Syro- sparrow. Luke 12:6, 7. phoenician woman. Matt. 15 :21-28. [ 33 ] THE LESSON Introduction more does He care for man, who is the image and glory of God. He longs to see It is interesting to notice the following His children reveal a character after His translations of our memory verse: "Don't similitude. As the sunbeam imparts to the worry over anything whatever; tell God flowers their varied and delicate tints, so every detail of your needs in earnest and does God impart to the soul the beauty of thankful prayer." J. B. Phillips.* "Never His own character."—The Desire of Ages, be anxious, but always make your requests page 313. known to God in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving." James Moffatt.t 2. What warning are we to heed Let us remember that God is pitiful and tender in mercy. His heart of love is as we near the end of time? Luke touched when we sorrow. We are invited 21:34. to take to Him all our perplexities and know that nothing is too great for Him to bear. He who upholds the worlds, who rules over all the affairs of the universe, is NoTE.—The twenty-first chapter of Luke the same God who notices the things that deals with conditions that will prevail prior affect our peace. He unravels the dark ex- to the coming of the Lord. When the peo- periences that come to us. He will not let ple of God see the fulfillment of these signs go by unnoticed the calamities that befall that are so prevalent, they are warned not us, the anxieties that harrass our soul, or to have the cares of this life to worry them. the sincere prayers we offer to Him. The word "cares" might well be rendered "anxieties" or "worries." Importance of the Command Reasons for Heeding the 1. What are some of the reasons Jesus gives why we should not worry? Command Matt. 6:25-34. 3. What assurance has God given us that He will always remember us? Isa. 49:14-16. Compare Ps. 40:17. NOTE.—"All who have chosen God's ser- vice are to rest in His care. Christ pointed to the birds flying in the heavens, to the NOTE.—"Graven thee. Or, 'inscribed thee,' flowers of the field, and bade His hearers or 'engraved thee.' Israel feared that God consider these objects of God's creation. had forgotten the covenant promises made `Are not ye of much more value than to the fathers. . . . The state of Israel in they?' . . . The measure of divine attention Isaiah's time may seem to imply such for- bestowed on any object is proportionate to getfulness. But Isaiah declares that they its rank in the scale of being. The little had no conception of the depth and en- brown sparrow is watched over by Provi- during quality of His love for them as a dence. The flowers of the field, the grass people. . . . Throughout eternity the nail that carpets the earth, share the notice and prints in the hands of Christ will be a care of our heavenly Father. The great perpetual reminder of His love for sinners." Master Artist has taken thought for the —SDA Bible Commentary, on Isa. 49:16. lilies, making them so beautiful that they "Will the Lord forget His people in this outshine the glory of Solomon. How much trying hour? Did He forget faithful Noah when judgments were visited upon the ante- *The New Testament in Modern English diluvian world? Did He forget Lot when by J. B. Phillips, copyright 1958. Used by the fire came down from heaven to con- permission of the Macmillan Company. sume the cities of the plain? Did He forget t The Moffatt Bible: A New Translation, Joseph surrounded by idolaters in Egypt? by James Moffatt. Copyright by James Did He forget Elijah when the oath of Moffatt, 1954, reprinted by permission of Jezebel threatened him with the fate of Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., New York the prophets of Baal? Did He forget Jere- City. miah in the dark and dismal pit of his [ 34 prison house? Did He forget the three severe, the bread and water of God's peo- worthies in the fiery furnace? or Daniel ple will be sure. . . . None who serve the in the den of lions? Lord need fear that He will leave them " 'Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken uncared for."—SDA Bible Commentary, on me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can Phil. 4:19. a woman forget her sucking child, that she "Our heavenly Father has a thousand should not have compassion on the son of ways to provide for us of which we know her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will nothing. Those who accept the one prin- I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven ciple of making the service of God supreme, thee upon the palms of My hands.' . . . will find perplexities vanish and a plain The Lord of hosts has said: 'He that path before their feet."—The Ministry of toucheth you toucheth the apple of His Healing, page 481. eye.' "—The Great Controversy, page 626. 6. How do our mental attitudes af- 4. What are we bidden to do with fect us? Prov. 17:22. our cares? 1 Peter 5:7. Compare Ps. 37:18, 19, 25. NOTE.—"There are many whose hearts are aching under a load of care because they seek to reach the world's standard. They NOTE.—"Whatever your anxieties and have chosen its service, accepted its per- trials, spread out your case before the Lord. plexities, adopted its customs. Thus their Your spirit will be braced for endurance. character is marred and their life made a The way will be open for you to disen- weariness. The continual worry is wearing tangle yourself from embarrassment and out the life forces. Our Lord desires them to difficulty. The weaker and more helpless lay aside this yoke of bondage. He invites you know yourself to be, the stronger will them to accept His yoke; He says, 'My you become in His strength. The heavier yoke is easy, and My burden is light.' your burdens, the more blessed the rest in Worry is blind and cannot discern the fu- casting them upon your Burden Bearer. ture; but Jesus sees the end from the be- "Circumstances may separate friends; the ginning. In every difficulty He has His way restless waters of the wide sea may roll prepared to bring relief. `No good thing between us and them. But no circumstances, will He withhold from them that walk up- no distance, can separate us from the Sav- rightly.'"—The Ministry of Healing, page iour. Wherever we may be, He is at our 481. right hand, to support, maintain, uphold, and cheer. Greater than the love of a mother for her child is Christ's love for 7. What lesson of God's care for His redeemed. It is our privilege to rest in us does the fifth sparrow teach? Luke His love, to say, 'I will trust Him ; for 12:6, 7. Compare Matt. 10:29-31. He gave His life for me.' "—The Ministry of Healing, page 72. NOTE.—A sparrow was sold as an article 5. To what extent will God supply of food in the markets of Palestine. Two our needs? Phil. 4:19. were sold for a farthing, but an extra one was thrown in when the buyer came along with two farthings. Yet this extra sparrow, almost worthless, was remembered by the NOTE.—"Supply. Literally, 'fulfill,' that Lord. We read, "Not one of them is for- is, God will supply to the full any needs the gotten before God." Luke 12:6. Christian might have. Elijah in exile was "Many limit divine Providence and di- sustained by ravens. . . . The lives of the vorce mercy and love from His character. three young men were preserved in the They urge that the greatness and majesty fiery furnace. . . . God's angels serve as of God would forbid His interesting Him- ministering spirits to supply the needs of self in the concerns of the weakest of His those who shall be heirs of salvation. . creatures. 'Are not two sparrows sold for In the last days, immediately prior to the a farthing? and one of them shall not fall coming of Christ, when conditions are on the ground without your Father. But the [ 36 ] very hairs of your head are all numbered. Examples of God's Care for Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.'"—Testimonies, Vol. His Children 4, p. 522. 10. How was God's hand revealed Aids in Obeying the Command in Joseph's experience? Gen. 45:5-7. 8. What does Paul suggest that will help us to "be careful for noth- ing"? Phil. 4:6. 11. On another occasion, how did He work to relieve the want of the family of one of the prophets? NOTE.—It is well to remember that 2 Kings 4:1-7. prayer and faith are essential in obeying the command, "Be careful for nothing." Notice how Paul emphasizes prayer, "But in everything by prayer and supplication." 12. In what way did Paul explain Then faith is implied when he says, "Let the failure of the plans of his en- your requests be made known unto God." emies, and God's work on his behalf? Only those who have faith in Him make Phil. 1:12, 19. known their requests to Him. 9. With what admonitions and promises does the psalmist encourage 13. When traveling in the region God's faithful followers? Ps. 37:3-5. of Tyre and Sidon, how did Jesus demonstrate His love and care for the Gentiles as well as the Jews? Matt. NOTE.—Notice the first word in each of 15:21-28. these verses: "Trust," "Delight," and "Commit." Each word has a promise at- tached to it. "Trust . . . , and verily thou shalt be fed." "Delight . . . , and He shall Thought for Meditation give thee the desires of thine heart." "Com- mit . . , and He shall bring it to pass." Our security is not found in laying up Those who trust in the Lord, who delight goods for years to come, for often they in Him, and who commit their ways unto melt in an hour. Our safety is found in Him, will have no trouble in obeying the the words, "Your heavenly Father knoweth command: "Be careful for nothing." that ye have need of all these things." Lesson 11, for September 13, 1969 "Grieve Not the Holy Spirit" MEMORY VERSE: "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." Eph. 4:30. STUDY HELPS: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 35-56; "SDA Bible Commentary." DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey; Wednesday: Questions 11-13; learn memory verse. read further from helps. Sunday: Questions 1-4. Thursday: Finish reading study Monday: Questions 5-7. helps. 0 Tuesday: Questions 8-10; begin Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 reading study helps. 0 [ 36 ] Lesson Outline: II. Conditions of Receiving the Holy Spirit Introduction 8. Asking. Luke 11:11-13. I. The Spirit's Work 9. Confessing and forsaking sin. 1. Reveals sins. John 16:8. Acts 2:37, 38. 2. Leads. Rom. 8:14. 10. Obedience. Acts 5:32. 3. Guides into all truth. John 16:13. 4. Testifies of Christ. John 15:26. III. Grieve Not the Spirit 5. The agency of communication. Rom. 8:26, 27. 11. Warning against grieving the Spirit. 6. Unites the believers. Eph. 4:30. Eph. 4:12-15. 12. Grieving the Spirit leads to the 7. Aids in the battle against the unpardonable sin. Matt. 12:31, 32. enemy. Isa. 59:19. 13. Our daily prayer. Ps. 51:11. THE LESSON Introduction 2. What work of the Holy Spirit "In every age there is given to men their is evident in the sons of God? Rom. day of light and privilege, a probationary 8:14. time in which they may become reconciled to God. But there is a limit to this grace. Mercy may plead for years and be slighted and rejected; but there comes a time when NOTE.-"Are led. Or, 'are being led.' The mercy makes her last plea. The heart be- present tense indicates •continuous action. comes so hardened that it ceases to respond The leading of the Spirit does not mean to the Spirit of God. Then the sweet, win- a momentary impulse but a steady, habitual ning voice entreats the sinner no longer, influence. It is not those whose hearts are and reproofs and warnings cease. occasionally touched by the Spirit, or those "That day had come to Jerusalem. Je- who now and then yield to His power, who sus wept in anguish over the doomed city, are the sons of God. God recognizes as but He could not deliver her. He had ex- His sons only those who are continually hausted every resource. In rejecting the led by His Spirit. warnings of God's Spirit, Israel had re- "It is important to notice that the guid- jected the only means of help. There was ing and transforming power of the Holy no other power by which they could be Spirit is described as leading, not forcing. delivered."-The Desire of Ages, page 587. There is no coercion in the plan of sal- vation. The Spirit dwells only in the hearts The Spirit's Work of those who accept Him in faith. And faith implies a loving and willing sub- 1. What is one of the functions of mission to the will of God and the direct- the Holy Spirit? John 16:8. ing influence of the Holy Spirit."-SDA Bible Commentary, on Rom. 8:14. 3. What title does Jesus bestow NoTE.-"The office of the Holy Spirit is upon the Holy Spirit, and into what distinctly specified in the words of Christ: does He guide us? John 16:13. `When He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.' . . . It is the Holy Spirit that convicts of sin. If the sinner responds to the quickening influence of the Spirit, he NOTE.-"Spirit of Truth. This expression will be brought to repentance and aroused occurs again in chs. 15:26; 16:13. The to the importance of obeying the divine emphasis seems to be upon the fact that the requirements."-The Acts of the Apostles, Spirit defines, imparts, and defends truth. page 52. . . . The Spirit would guide the disciples [371 `into all truth!"—SDA Bible Commen- unity for which Christ prayed, that which tary, on John 14:17. the apostle describes, 'the unity of the Through the centuries searchers for Spirit in the bond of peace.' There is, he truth have asked, "What is truth?" God says, 'one body, and one Spirit, even as ye has placed the desire in the heart, and it are called in one hope of your calling; one must not be quenched. The world is filled Lord, one faith, one baptism.' "—The Great with error. The best way to expose error Controversy, page 379. , is to present truth. Truth needs no de- fender. We can know what truth is, so 7. What has the Lord promised to Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth." do for us when we are confronted John 8:32. The Bible gives these answers to the question, "What is truth?" (1) "I by the enemy? Isa. 59:19. am the . . . truth." John 14:6; (2) "The Spirit is truth." 1 John 5:6; (3) "Thy Word is truth." John 17:17; (4) "Thy law [all of God's revealed will] is the truth." NOTE.—"Temptations often appear irre- Ps. 119:142. To reject any one of these, sistible because, through neglect of prayer Jesus, the Spirit, the Word, or His re- and the study of the Bible, the tempted one vealed will, means to grieve the Spirit. cannot readily remember God's promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weap- 4. How intimate is the work and ons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; relationship between Christ and the and in the time of great necessity they will Holy Spirit? John 15:26. bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus 'when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against 5. What part does the Spirit have him.'"—The Great Controversy, page 600. in our communion with God? Rom. "When the enemy comes in with seem- ingly irresistible force, and it appears that 8:26, 27. nothing can prevent him from pouring out his wrath on the righteous, God reveals His mighty power. . . . Again and again throughout history God has intervened in NOTE.—"We must not only _pray in the most marvelous ways to deliver His Christ's name, but by the inspiration of people. Such will again be the experience the Holy Spirit. This explains what is of God's people in the great crisis at the meant when it is said that the Spirit end of time. At the moment the wicked of `maketh intercession for us, with groan- earth think they have the saints completely ings which cannot be uttered.' . . . Such within their power, the Lord will mani- prayers God delights to answer. When with fest Himself, destroying their enemies and earnestness and intensity we breathe a taking the saints home with Him to receive prayer in the name of Christ, there is in their inheritance."—SDA Bible Commen- that very intensity a pledge from God that tary, on Isa. 59:19. He is about to answer our prayer 'exceed- ing abundantly above all that we ask or Conditions of Receiving the think.' "—Christ's Object Lessons, page 147. Holy Spirit 6. What effects do the gifts of the 8. How does Jesus impress us with Spirit have upon the church? Eph. the importance of asking for the Holy 4:12-15. Compare Eph. 4:3, 4; Acts Spirit? Luke 11:11-13. 2:1-4, 46. 9. In his sermon on the Day of NOTE.—"If God's professed people would Pentecost, what did Peter say was receive the light as it shines upon them vital in order to receive the Holy from His Word, they would reach that Spirit? Acts 2:37, 38. t38] 10. How does God respond to man's out devils, by whom do your children cast attitude of submission and obedience? them out?" Matt. 12:26, 27. These ques- Acts 5:32. tions closed their mouths. These words against Jesus led up to the unpardonable sin referred to in verse 31. We read: "In rejecting Christ the Jewish NOTE.—"The Spirit of God is given to people committed the unpardonable sin; the obedient: in proportion as a man who and by refusing the invitation of mercy, has received the first influences of it (for we may commit the same error."—The without this he cannot move in the spiri- Desire of Ages, page 324. According to this tual life) is obedient to these influences, in statement the sin against the Holy Spirit the same proportion the gifts and graces, is expressed in the words, "Refusing the the light, life, and power, of the Holy invitation of mercy." Another answer to Spirit, are increased in His soul."—Clarke's the question, "What is the unpardonable Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 720. sin?" is found in the words, "The most common manifestation of the sin against Grieve Not the Spirit the Holy Spirit is in persistently slighting 11. What important warning does Heaven's invitation to repent. Every step in the rejection of Christ is a step toward Paul give concerning the Spirit? Eph. the rejection of salvation, and toward the 4:30. Compare 1 Thess. 5:19; Gen. sin against the Holy Spirit."—Ibid. 6:3. As long as God calls us to repentance, to forsake sin, whatever it may be, so long there is hope for us. But if we refuse to NoTE.—"Grieve. Gr. lupeO, 'to cause forsake it, and do not turn from it or pain,' to distress,' to grieve.' The Greek leave it alone, that sin will become un- phrase may be translated, 'stop grieving.' pardonable, for God will cease to ask us The personality of the Holy Spirit is here to forsake it. This thought is borne out in clearly implied; only persons can be the experience of Saul. Of him we read, "It grieved."—SDA Bible Commentary, on was not pardon for sin and reconciliation Eph. 4:30. with God, that he sought, but deliverance We are warned not to grieve the Spirit from his foes. By his own stubbornness and because we are sealed by Him unto the day rebellion he had cut himself off from God." of redemption. Regarding this thought we —Patriarchs and Prophets, page 676. read: "It is hoped that the believer will persevere and that he will be glorified. 13. Realizing the seriousness of This can be only if he holds 'fast the con- quenching the Holy Spirit, what fidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm should be our daily prayer? Ps. 51:11. unto the end.' . . . The act of sealing does not forever guarantee salvation, for it is possible to sin against the Holy Spirit and thus forfeit redemption. . . . The sin for Thought for Meditation which there is no pardon comes as a climax to a series of grievings. It is important "Conscience is the voice of God, heard therefore to guard against even a single act amid the conflict of human passions; when of grieving."—Ibid. it is resisted, the Spirit of God is grieved." —Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 120. 12. What is the ultimate result of sinning against the Holy Spirit? Matt. 12:31, 32. "Talk unbelief, and you will have unbelief; but talk faith, NOTE.—The Pharisees charged Jesus with being in league with Satan. They said, You and you will have faith. Ac- have the devil. Furthermore, they said, cording to the seed sown You cast out devils through the prince of will be the harvest."—His- devils. Matt. 9:34. Christ answered, "If torical Sketches, page 142. Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself. . . . And if I by Beelzebub cast [397 Lesson 12, for September 20, 1969 "Be Ye Reconciled" MEMORY VERSE: "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor. 5:20. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 63-70; "SDA Bible Commentary." DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey; Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; learn memory verse. 0 read further from helps. 0 Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin Thursday: Finish reading study reading study helps. ❑ helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 3-7. 0 Friday: Review entire lesson. 0 Tuesday: Questions 8-10. 0 Lesson Outline: 5. Reveals suffering of God with Christ. 2 Cor. 5:19 (first part). Introduction 6. Through the death of Christ. Rom. 5:10. I. The Need of Reconciliation 7. Purpose of reconciliation. Col. 1:21, 22. 1. Sinful man not reconciled. Isa. 59:2. III. Sinners' Hope Centers in Reconcili- 2. Scope of reconciliation. ation and Redemption 2 Cor. 5:18, 19. 8. Redemption. Eph. 1:7. 9. Reconciliation. Heb. 2:17. II. Thoughts Concerning Reconciliation 10. Propitiation. 1 John 4:10. 3. Foretold. Dan. 9:24. 11. Salvation. Rom. 5:10; Heb. 7:25. 4. Taught by Christ's ambassadors. 12. The home of the saved. 2 Cor. 5:20. Rev. 21:1-7. THE LESSON Introduction merits of Christ he can be restored to harmony with his Maker. His heart must "It is the work of conversion and sancti be renewed by divine grace; he must have fication to reconcile men to God b-y'bring- a new life from above. This change is the ing them into accord with the principles new birth, without which, says Jesus, 'he of His law. In the beginning, man was cannot see the kingdom of God.' "—The created in the image of God. He was in Great Controversy, page 467. perfect harmony with the nature and the law of God; the principles of righteous- ness were written upon his heart. But sin The Need of Reconciliation alienated him from his Maker. He no longer reflected the divine image. His heart 1. What has sin brought about be- was at war with the principles of God's tween man and God? Isa. 59:2. law. 'The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.' Romans 8:7. But 'God so loved the world, that He NOTE. "The first step in reconciliation gave His only-begotten Son,' that man to God is the conviction of sin. 'Sin is the might be reconciled to God. Through the transgression of the law.' By the law is [ 40 ] the knowledge of sin.' . . In order to see NOTE.—"As though God. It is the am- his guilt, the sinner must test his character bassador for Christ who speaks 'the word by God's great standard of righteousness. of reconciliation' (v. 19). God speaks to It is a mirror which shows the oerfection men through His ambassadors, even as of a righteous character and en les him He reconciled the world to Himself through to discern the defects in his own."—The Christ. . . . See Isa. 1:18; Jer. 44:4; Eze. Great Controversy, page 467. 33:11; Hosea 11:8. "Sin erects a barrier between man and "In Christ's stead. Literally, 'for Christ,' God. If heaven seems far distant from that is, on behalf of Christ. The Christian earth, it is because sin has hung a veil of ambassador is in no sense a substitute for separation between man and God."—SDA Christ, but simply the one through whom Bible Commentary, on Isa. 59:2. reconciliation is effected. He is in no sense a priestly mediator, for there is only 'one 2. What does Paul say is the scope mediator between God and men, the Man of reconciliation? 2 Cor. 5:18, 19. Christ Jesus.' . . . Reconciliation has al- ready been provided in Christ. The minis- ter is simply the agent by whom 'the word of reconciliation' . . is proclaimed to others. He is not the creator or dispenser NOTE.—Regarding the scope of reconcili- of it. He leads men and women into the ation we read: presence of God, where they experience "Reconciling the world. The plan of reconciliation for themselves. His task is salvation does not consist in reconciling to convince men that God has provided God to men, but in reconciling men to God. reconciliation in Christ. Each believer thus The entrance of sin had set men at enmity has access to and deals directly with God." with God, and it was the purpose of Christ —SDA Bible Commentary, on 2 Cor. 5:20. in coming to this world to win back the "The example of those who minister in affection and loyalty of men toward God." holy things should be such as to impress —SDA Bible Commentary, on 2 Cor. 5:19. the people with reverence for God and "Satan's lying charges against the divine with fear to offend Him. When men, character and government appeared in their standing 'in Christ's stead' . . . to speak true light. He had accused God of seeking to the people God's message of mercy and merely the exaltation of Himself in re- reconciliation, use their sacred calling as a quiring submission and obedience from His cloak for selfish or sensual gratification, creatures, and had declared that, while the they make themselves the most effective Creator exacted self-denial from all others, agents of Satan."—Patriarchs and Proph- He Himself practiced no self-denial and ets, page 580. made no sacrifice. Now it was seen that for the salvation of a fallen and sinful race, 5. What was the relationship be- the Ruler of the universe had made the tween the Father and the Son in the greatest sacrifice which love could make; work of reconciliation? 2 Cor. 5:19 for 'God was in Christ, reconciling the (first part). world unto Himself.' "—The Great Con- troversy, page 502. Thoughts Concerning NoTE.—The work of reconciliation takes Reconciliation on a deeper meaning when we know that "God was in Christ," and that He suffered 3. What prophecy foretold the with His Son in bringing about reconcilia- work of reconciliation? Dan. 9:24. tion. We read: " 'And the counsel of peace shall be between Them both.' The love of the Father, no less than of the Son, is the fountain of salvation for the lost race. Said Jesus to His disciples before He went away: 'I say not unto you, that I 4. What have Christ's ambassadors will pray the Father for you: for the Fa- been commissioned to do? 2 Cor. ther Himself loveth you.' . . . God was 'in 5:20. Christ, reconciling the world unto Him- [ 41] self.' . . . And in the ministration in the condemnation that sin brings into the life. sanctuary above, 'The counsel of peace Redemption brings about a new life. Paul shall be between Them both.' "—The Great speaks of it as "newness of life." Rom. Controversy, pages 416, 417. 6:4. It is the Christ life within the heart. It is the life referred to when he said, 6. What does Paul say was the "Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ price of reconciliation? Rom. 5:10. liveth in me." Gal. 2:20. Christ does not live within a heart unless we have been reconciled with God and man. His redeem- ing grace accomplishes all this for sinful NOTE.—"The Bible nowhere speaks of man. God being reconciled to man. It is true that the death of Christ made it possible 9. Why was Christ "made like for God to do for man what He otherwise unto His brethren"? Heb. 2:17. could not have done. . . . By bearing the penalty of transgression Christ provided a way by which men might be restored to God's favor and be brought back to their NorE.—The writer of the book of He- Eden home . . . ; and but for the sacrifice brews makes it very clear that Christ was of Christ all men would have reaped the "made like unto His brethren," for two inevitable results of sin and rebellion in reasons: one, "that He might be a merci- final destruction under the wrath of God. ful and faithful high priest in things per- . . . But this does not mean that God taining to God"; and two, "to make needed to be reconciled. The alienation was reconciliation for the sins of the people." entirely on man's part . . . , and it is God Reconciliation is the result of the acceptance who, in His great love, initiates the recon- of redemption. Concerning this word we ciliation: 'God was in Christ, reconciling should note that it is an act of God's the world unto Himself.' . . . Though God grace that leads men and women to accept strongly hates sin, His love for sinners is forgiveness and gives them a determination even stronger, and He has spared nothing, to live a new life in Christ. The work of however dear, to bring about a reconcili- conversion and sanctification reconciles us ation. . . . Christ did not die to win God's to God and brings us into accord with the love for man, but to win man back to principles of His Word. God."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rom. 5:10. 10. What does John say concerning the Father's purpose in sending Christ 7. What does Paul say about to this world? 1 John 4:10. Christ's purpose in His work of recon- ciliation? Col. 1:21, 22. NoTE.—The word "propitiation," or "ex- piation," conveys the idea of mercy or Sinners' Hope Centers in reconciliation. This does not mean that God's anger requires appeasement, but that Reconciliation and Redemption Jesus came to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. The Greek emphasizes 8. What is the apostle's message to that Christ Himself is the propitiation as the Ephesians regarding redemption? well as the propitiator. He is both priest Eph. 1:7. and victim. 11. What does the sinner need "much more" than reconciliation? NoTE.—It impossible to separate recon- Rom. 5:10; Heb. 7:25. ciliation and redemptiOn. The word "re- demption" irl'EphesiapsA :7 carries with it the thought of releasing, a buying back, or a ransom. In plain words it is defined as NoTE.—Christ's death made reconcilia- "the forgiveness of sins." This means that tion possible, that is art eiiiiimtion of a the sinner is liberated from the filth and peaceful relationship with-..Geld. Christ's [ 42 ] life makes possible the maintenance of in His presence the trials and sufferings of such a relationship. this life will seem as nothingness. . . . "If the death of Christ had such saving "Look up, look up, and let your faith power in effecting our reconciliation, how continually increase. Let this faith guide much more will His risen life have power you along the narrow path that leads to bring our salvation to joyous fulfill- through the gates of the city into the ment."-SDA Bible Commentary, on Rom. great beyond, the wide, unbounded future 5:10. of glory that is for the redeemed. [James 5:7, 8 quoted.] "-Prophets and Kings, 12. What will be the grand result page 732. of God's plan of reconciliation? Rev. 21:1-7. Thought for Meditation We cannot wrestle with God and wrangle with men. To be reconciled with NOTE.-"Soon we shall see Him in whom our fellowmen is an essential preparation our hopes of eternal life are centered. And to meet God in peace. Lesson 13, for September 27, 1969 "Be Ye Perfect" MEMORY VERSE: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matt. 5:48. STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 95-102; "Steps to Christ," pages 43-48, 67-75; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 76-78 (1943 ed., pp. 116-118); "SDA Bible Commentary." DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD Check Here Check Here Sabbath afternoon: General survey; Wednesday: Read further from learn memory verse. 0 study helps. ❑ Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin Thursday: Finish reading study reading study helps. helps. ❑ Monday: Questions 4-9. Friday: Review entire lesson. Tuesday: Questions 10-12. Lesson Outline: 5. Through complete surrender. Matt. 16:24, 25. Introduction 6. Through the Word. 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. I. Importance of the Command 7. Through patience. James 1:4. 8. Step-by-step process. Heb. 6:1. 1. Perfection lost through sin. 9. By beholding Christ. 2 Cor. 3:18. Gen. 3:7. 2. Taught by Christ. Matt. 5:48. III. Perfection to Become a Reality 3. Paul's conception of the command, "Be ye perfect." Phil. 3:12-14. 10. In Christ. Col. 2:9, 10. 11. Christ's ideal for His church. II. Means of Attaining Perfection Eph. 5:25-27. 4. Not through outward display or 12. In His people before the coming aims. 1 Sam. 16:7. of the Lord. 1 John 3:2. 1 43 THE LESSON Introduction nakedness. Their fig-leaf aprons were a pitiful substitute for the radiant garments "In the OT tam signifies completeness, of innocence they had forfeited."—SDA integrity, and sincerity, but always in a Bible Commentary, on Gen. 3:7. relative sense when used of man. A person with a 'perfect heart' was a man whose life was completely devoted to the Lord. 2. In the Sermon on the Mount, . . . Thus Job was designated as 'perfect' what standard did Jesus uphold be- . . . despite weaknesses revealed later by fore His hearers? Matt. 5:48. adversity . . . , showing that his perfection was relative rather than absolute. Sim- ilarly, Noah was said to be 'perfect' . . . though later he succumbed to the weakness NOTE.—"The word 'therefore' implies a of the flesh. . . . Perfection was the ideal conclusion, an inference from what has God set before Abraham. . . . The RSV gone before. Jesus has been describing to generally translates tam, 'blameless.' . . . His hearers the unfailing mercy and love "In the NT 'perfection' consists essen- of God, and He bids them therefore to tially in maturity as distinguished from im- be perfect. . . . maturity, as adults differ from children and "The conditions of eternal life, under youth. A mature person is one who has grace, are just what they were in Eden— attained the normal limits of stature, perfect righteousness, harmony with God, strength, and mental power. This concept perfect conformity to the principles of His of maturity is clearly evident in such law. The standard of character presented passages as 1 Cor. 2:6; 14:20; Eph. 4:13, in the Old Testament is the same that is 14; Phil. 3:15; Heb. 5:14. Paul speaks of presented in the New Testament. This himself and his fellow Christians as already standard is not one to which we cannot perfect . . . , but in almost the same attain. In every command or injunction breath makes it evident that there is a that God gives, there is a promise, the sense in which perfection is a goal yet to most positive, underlying the command. be attained."—SDA Bible Dictionary, on God has made provision that we may be- "Perfect," "Perfection," page 840. come like unto Him, and He will accom- plish this for all who do not interpose a Importance of the Command perverse will and thus frustrate His grace." —Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 1. After Adam and Eve sinned, page 76. what sudden realization came to them? Gen. 3:7. 3. How did Paul express his feel- ing regarding perfection? Phil. 3: 12-14. NoTE.—The first record of man's crea- tion reads: "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him." Gen. 1:27. A perfect creation ! NOTE.—It is most dangerous to sit at A perfect being! But sin marred man's ease and say, "I have reached perfection." perfect life; it caused him to lose his With Paul we must say, "I count not my- perfect character. self to have apprehended: . . . I press "The eyes of them both were opened. toward the mark for the prize of the high What irony lies in these words, which calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3: record the fulfillment of Satan's ambigu- 13, 14. Those who boast of their perfection ous promise! The eyes of their intellect are as imperfect as were the Pharisees in were open—they realized that they were the days of Christ. It was Spurgeon who no longer innocent. Their physical eyes said, "He who boasts of being perfect is were opened—they saw that they were perfect in folly. I never saw a perfect man. naked. Every rose has its thorns and every day "And made themselves aprons. Standing its night. Even the sun shows spots, and ashamed in each other's presence, they the skies are darkened with clouds. And sought to evade the disgrace of their faults of some kind nestle in every bosom." 1 44 Means of Attaining Perfection 6. What does God's Word do for us in the development of a perfect 4. In what way does God evaluate character? 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. a man's true character? 1 Sam. 16:7. Compare Rom. 14:17. 7. What does James admonish us to do in order to reach perfection? James 1:4. NoTE.—In all the illustrations Christ shows that in the kingdom to be established it is the inner attitude and motive that will determine perfection of character and not that which appears on the outside. It 8. How does the writer of the book is human to look on outward appearances of Hebrews suggest that we develop and divine to look into the heart. perfection? Heb. 6:1. Compare Mark We read: "The Jews were toiling wearily 4:28. to become righteous by their own efforts, to earn salvation by works. But in their scrupulous legalism they paid so much at- tention to the minute details of the letter Noit:--"S4nctific.atibn is not the work of the law that they lost sight completely of a momentTaVhour, a day, but of a of its spirit. . . . In the Sermon on the lifetime. It is not gained by a happy flight Mount Christ sought to turn their atten- of feeling, but is the result of constantly tion from the husks to the wheat. They dying to sin, and constantly living for had made the law an end in itself, some- Christ. Wrongs cannot be righted nor thing to be kept for its own sake, and had reformations wrought in the character by forgotten that its purpose was to lift their feeble, intermittent efforts. It is only by gaze to the high ideals of supreme love long, persevering effort, sore discipline, and toward God and self-sacrificing love stern conflict, that we shall overcome. We toward one's fellowmen. . . . The rabbis know not one day how strong will be our taught that righteousness consists in having conflict the next. So long as Satan reigns, an excess of good deeds over evil deeds to we shall have self to subdue, besetting sins one's account in heaven. to overcome; so long as life shall last, there "It is important to note the relationship will be no stopping place, no point which between vs. 48 and 45 (ch. 5), for to be we can reach and say, I have fully at- `children of your Father which is in heaven' tained. Sanctification is the result of life- (v. 45) is equivalent to being 'perfect, even long obedience."—The Acts of the Apostles, as your Father which is in heaven is per- pages 560, 561. fect' (v. 48)."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Matt. 5:48.. 9. What takes place in the lives of those who behold Christ? 2 Cor. 3:18. 5. What initial step is essential in order to obtain perfection? Matt. 16: 24, 25. Compare Matt. 10:37, 38; NOTE.—"Thso_ptemplai;tIpn of the image 26:39 (last part). of Christ acts uporillie olal and spiritual nature as the presence of God did upon the face of Moses. The humblest Christian who constantly looks to Christ as his Re- deemer will reflect in his own life some- NOTE.—"When one surrenders to Christ, thing of the glory of Christ. If he faith- the mind is brought under the control of fully continues to do so, he will go on the law; but it is the royal law, which `from glory to glory' in his personal Chris- proclaims liberty to every captive. By be- tian experience. . . coming one with Christ, man is made free. "From glory to glory. This transforma- Subjection to the will of Christ means tion is progressive. It advances from one restoration to perfect manhood."—The stage of glory to another. Our spiritual Ministry of Healing, page 131. assimilation of Christ comes through His [ 45 ] glory and results in a reflection of glory 11. What is Christ's ideal for His like unto His."—SDA Bible Commentary, church? Eph. 5:25-27. on 2 Cor. 3:18. Perfection to Become a Reality 12. What will be the condition of 10. In whom is perfection of char- the church at the coming of Christ? acter realized? Col. 2:9, 10. Compare 1 John 3:2. 2 Peter 1:4-8. NOTE.—"When this work shall have been NOTE.—Goodspeed renders Colossians 2: accomplished, the followers of Christ will 9, 10 thus: "It is in Him [Christ] that be ready for His appearing. 'Then shall all the fullness of God's nature lives em- the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be bodied, and in union with Him you too pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of are filled with it." old, and as in former years.' Malachi 3:4. "The Scriptures teach us to seek for the Then the church which our Lord at His sanctification to God of body, soul, and coming is to receive to Himself will be a spirit. In this work we are to be laborers 'glorious church, not having spot, or together with God. Much may be done to wrinkle, or any such thing.' Ephesians 5: restore the moral image of God in man, 27. Then she will look 'forth as the morn- to improve the physical, mental, and moral ing, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and capabilities. Great changes can be made in terrible as an army with banners.' Song of the physical system by obeying the laws Solomon 6:10."—The Great Controversy, of God and bringing into the body nothing page 425. that defiles. And while we cannot claim "Christ will clothe His faithful ones with perfection of the flesh, we may have Chris- His own righteousness, that He may pre- tian perfection of the soul. Through the sent them to His Father 'a glorious church, sacrifice made in our behalf, sins may be not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such perfectly forgiven. Our dependence is not thing.' Ephesians 5:27. Their names stand in what man can do; it is in what God enrolled in the book of life, and concerning can do for man through Christ. When we them it is written: 'They shall walk with surrender ourselves wholly to God, and Me in white: for they are worthy.' Revela- fully believe, the blood of Christ cleanses tion 3:4. from all sin. The conscience can be freed "Thus will be realized the complete ful- from condemnation. Through faith in His fillment of the new-covenant promise: 'I blood, all may be made perfect in Christ will forgive their iniquity, and I will re- Jesus. Thank God that we are not dealing member their sin no more.' In those days, with impossibilities. We may claim sancti- and in that time, saith the Lord, the in- fication. We may enjoy the favor of God. iquity of Israel shall be sought for, and We are not to be anxious about what there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, Christ and God think of us, but about and they shall not be found.' Jeremiah what God thinks of Christ, our Substitute. 31:34; 50:20."—/bid., pp. 484, 485. Ye are accepted in the Beloved. The Lord shows, to the repenting, believing one, that Thought for Meditation Christ accepts the surrender of the soul, to be molded and fashioned after His own It was Augustine who said, "This is the likeness."—Selected Messages, Bk. 2, pp. very perfection of a man, to find out his 32, 33. own imperfection." The teacher's edition of the "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is a valuable aid to every Sabbath-school teacher, because every other page is blank, providing space for writing out texts, notes, comments, etc. Ask your Sabbath-school secretary to secure one for you along with the order for regular "Quarterlies." [ 46 ] THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING September 27, 1969 Far Eastern Division The lure of exotic tropical islands, the challenge of a land gripped in the horrors of war, the demand for more national workers with graduate degrees to keep pace with rising standards of nations newly proud of their progress—these are all reflected in the projects chosen for special assistance from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow this quarter. The three projects are: 1. A training school in the islands of Palau. The administration build- ing of the old school was destroyed by a typhoon; and now, with the purchase of a new plot of ground in a better location, the time has come to build a larger and better school that will serve the children and youth of this whole area and prepare workers for the entire Trust Territories of the South Pacific. The need is both urgent and outstanding. 2. A new hospital for the city of Saigon. Our small hospital in this war-torn city has done excellent service for the sick and injured. A new hospital will be constructed less than a mile from the old one but in a spot where there is not so much constant traffic. The new hospital will enable the medical staff to give more efficient and effective service. 3. The construction of the administration building for the Far Eastern Division School of Advanced Studies on the grounds of the Philippine Union College. This school is urgently needed to meet the demand for qualified workers in all parts of the Far East. Lessons for the Fourth Quarter of 1969 Sabbath School members who have not received a senior Lesson Quarterly for the fourth quarter of 1969 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The title of the series is "Keys of the Kingdom." The title of the first lesson is, "Christ, the Author and the Theme of Scripture." The memory verse is John 5:39. The texts to be studied are: Ques. 1. Col. 3:16 (first part). Ques. 9. Luke 4:32; Matt. 7:29. Ques. 2. 1 Peter 1:10-12. Ques. 10. Matt. 5:21, 22, 27, 28, Ques. 3. John 5:39. 38, 39, 43, 44. Ques. 4. Isa. 11:1-3. Ques. 11. Matt. 21:42 (first part) ; Ques. 5. Ps. 40:7, 8. Luke 10:26. Ques. 6. Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13. Ques. 12. John 3:19-21; 1:9-11, 5. Ques. 7. Heb. 4:12. Ques. 13. Luke 24:25-27. Ques. 8. Hosea 6:5. [47 ] FAR EASTERN DIVISION Church Sab. Sch. Unions Population Churches Members Members KOREAN U. M. Central Philippine U.M. 8,109,702 295 32,068 40,806 East Indonesia U.M. 8,165,000 215 15,695 21,583 JAPAN U. M. Japan U.M. 100,558,851 72 6,798 6,541 KOREA Korean U.M. 29,207,856 239 31,702 27,479 TOKYO North Philippine U.M. 18,042,000 517 39,789 43,031 South China Island U.M. 17,036,206 38 7,718 7,749 JAPAN South Philippine U.M. 7,757,277 307 39,542 47,583 Southeast Asia U.M. 69,833,430 95 12,221 14,490 West Indonesia U.M. 109,205,000 256 21,337 29,049 A .4C Far Eastern Island Mission 175,000 8 625 614 410 OKINAWA Division Totals 368,090,322 2,042 207,495 238,925 TAIPEI SOUTH CHINA ISLAND U.M. HONG KONG MACAO TAIWAN T \N1...../KRUNG THEP NORTH PHILIPPINE U.M. \IC 4i1•10;$ • Y, .. PE „,„ f AIGON AlP$1.M§SPlie SOUTHEAST ASIA U M. IESSELTON Scam CENTRAL PHILIPPINE U.M. °GuAm mow scap PALAU ft •YAP • KUALA LUMNR }EALAYSIA BRUNEI SOUTH PHILIPPINE U.M. • FAR EASTERN ISLAND M. NINSULA SARAW No,Th Borneo, • KUCHING O O SINGAPORE EQUATOR V rI ALEMBAN I t=sept, a EAST INDONESIA U.M. 41111 EBES MAKASAR O I DJAKARTA ESS1 e ti SURABAIA O WEST INDONESIA U.M. e coa to 0:11 1ti 44P OPP a G 0 c EqN