Stones Master Teacher Second Quarte r 1970 Adult Division, No. 300, Second Quarter, 1970 OUTLINE OF TOPICS Lesson 1. Heaven's Search and Rescue 2. My God Is Concerned 3. Is It Nothing to Thee? 4. People Can Change 5. Give a Man a Chance! 6. Satan's Strategems 7. What's Bothering You? 8. It Pays to Pray 9. Counting the Cost and Building Well 10. Vigil at Midnight 11. Day of Reckoning 12. Final Decision 13. The Payoff Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 300, April-June, 1970. 40 cents a single copy, $1.60 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, Cali- fornia. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses. Copyright, 1970, by Pacific Press Publishing Association Cover art by Charles Zingaro, artist; © P.P.P.A. Drawings by Vance Locke The Blessing of Daily Study "He who by faith receives the Word is receiving the very life and character of God. Every seed brings forth fruit after its kind. . . . Receive into the soul by faith the incorruptible seed of the Word, and it will bring forth a character and a life after the similitude of the character and the life of God."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 38. "Appreciation of the Bible grows with its study." Ibid., p. 132. "God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personal Saviour. As they feed upon His Word, they find that it is spirit and life. The Word destroys the natural, earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus."—The Desire of Ages, page 391. "The neglect of the Word means starvation to the soul." —Counsels on Sabbath School Work, page 44. My Pledge As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayer- ful study of some portion of my Sabbath School lesson each day of the week. (signed) 3 Stordes o the Master Teacher SECOND QUARTER, 1970 Jesus Christ was the greatest teacher who their worst enemy. But our Father wishes ever lived. He was the righteous One. His us to ask for His help at every juncture, character added weight to His ideas and suggesting we turn from weakness to accept ideals. He could say, Do as I do, as well as, His strength. The last four lessons look Do as I tell you. forward to the end of the road. Vigilance, Jesus Christ presented deeper and more faithfulness, and accepting His program will exalted teachings than has any other man. make the payoff pay ! And most of His teachings are in parables. And now a word about studying these Some declare that parables should not be lessons. You will find a text for each day, used to teach doctrines. Christ, however, with further texts covering the area of in- used parables exclusively for this purpose. vestigation more adequately. For lack of "Parable teaching was popular, and com- space we did not print them out in full. manded the respect and attention, not only Read the entire section and note each key of the Jews, but of the people of other word in the parable. The questions in the nations. No more effective method of in- body of material in your study guide will struction could He have employed."— call attention to important truths. Look Christ's Object Lessons, page 21. the important words up in your concor- Parables are pleasant to listen to and dance and find other Biblical references. Do simple to remember. "In parables and com- the same with the writings of Ellen G. parisons He found the best method of White by using the Scriptural and Topical communicating divine truth. In simple lan- sections of the three-volume Index to her guage, using figures and illustrations drawn writings. When you have found the mean- from the natural world, He opened spiritual ing of each word, fill in the mosaic of truth. truth to His hearers, and gave expression to Always allow Inspiration to be its own in- precious principles that would have passed terpreter. When you have done this, tell the from their minds, and left scarcely a trace, parable in your own words. The thought had He not connected His words with stir- questions will direct your study inward and ring scenes of life, experience, or nature." will help you to apply Christ's teaching to —Fundamentals of Christian Education, your own life. This, of course, is the main page 236. purpose in studying His parables. This quarter we are to study these stories At the end of the week think of the titles of the Master Teacher. They have been for the week's parables and see how they all grouped under thirteen general topics. Many fit together and round out the picture sug- other groupings have been made through gested by the general caption. You will find the centuries. But in the arrangement se- that the last page of your study guide con- lected their teachings cover the seeking love tains some interesting questions. Answer of God and the concern our Father shows these, and compare your answers with the for His wandering children. Man's indiffer- Bible. ence to His solicitude is clearly shown. But And now may our blessed Lord, through God believes people can change and so the inspiration of His good Spirit, aid your gives every man a chance. Satan, on the study and clarify your mind and bless your other hand, is constantly laying his booby life as you continue to study THE STOR- traps for the unwary whose very nature is IES OF THE MASTER TEACHER. 4 LESSON 1 April 4 psi:. psk tO. HEAVEN'S SEARCH AND RESCUE 1 "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10. The parables which we are studying this seek to analyze our attitudes and modify week were spoken by Christ to show the them through Christ's grace to comply with love of the heavenly Father in seeking the our heavenly Father's plans for us. lost. They include the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, and the two lost sons. The main point of the story about the LESSON OUTLINE lost sheep is the world view—there is only one lost planet. It knows it is lost but can- 1. God's Seeking Love not find its way back. So the Shepherd Luke 15:3, 4 leaves everything to find it. In the story of the lost coin the mother/bride mislays one 2. The Ideal Shepherd of her treasured coins. It cannot move it- John 10:7-11 self. So she retraces her steps and fulfills her responsibilities and finds it. In the third 3. The Lost Dowry story, each boy has a will of his own. Luke 15:8, 9 Neither appreciates his father's love or the privileges of his home. Each in his own 4. Death of a Prodigal way rebels against his father's authority. Luke 15:11-13 The patient, solicitious love of the father shines through in brilliant contrast with 5. Life of a Prodigal their selfishness and pride. In the parable Luke 15:14-16 of the door of the sheepfold Christ is seen as the only way into peace and fulfillment. 6. How Good Was He? As we study these matchless stories let us Luke 15:25-28 5 Heaven's Search and Rescue LESSON 1 ❑ Sunday Part 1 "And He spake this parable unto them, saying, What GOD'S SEEKING man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of LOVE them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilder- Luke 15:3, 4 ness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?" "In the company about Jesus there were shepherds, and also men who had money invested in flocks and herds, and all could appreciate His illustration."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 187. Note the immediate circumstances for this parable as outlined in Luke 15:1, 2. The verb indicates they continually came to Jesus. Jesus identified the owner of the flock as being also the shepherd. He had a double interest—personal affection as well as personal investment. His heart was with his treasure. Did he hesitate because only 1 percent of his sheep was lost? It is as a mother who concentrates all her love and attention on her one sick child. "The shepherd goes out to search for one sheep —the very least that can be numbered. So if there had been but one lost soul, Christ would have died for that one."—Ibid., p. 187. Who are the ninety-nine that need no repentance? Is there any such person since Adam's fall? Rom. 5:12. Whom does the psalmist identify as the lost sheep? Ps. 119:176. And God's saints in every age know the answer. Do you? Micah 7:18. What is Christ's warning? Ezek. 34:2-6. Upon whom is attention focused—the shepherd who sought, or the sheep that strayed? What is meant by "the wilderness" or "the mountains"? Why do sheep stray? THINK IT THROUGH Christ willingly left all to seek His lost sheep. Do I appre- ciate what He has done for me? Am I willing to follow His example and go into the dark and cold after those who are straying around me? Do I care enough? "By the lost sheep Christ represents rowful shepherd returning without the not only the individual sinner but the sheep. The parable does not speak of one world that has apostatized and has failure but of success and joy in the been ruined by sin. The world is but an recovery. Here is the divine guarantee atom in the vast dominions over which that not even one of the straying sheep God presides, yet this little fallen world of God's fold is overlooked, not one is —the one lost sheep—is more precious left unsuccored. Everyone that will in His sight than are the ninety and submit to be ransomed, Christ will nine that went not astray from the rescue from the pit of corruption and fold."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page from the briers of sin."—"Ibid.," p. 188. 190. For deeper study: "Christ's Object "Thank God, He has presented to Lessons," pages 186-192 (1923 ed., our imagination no picture of a sor- pages 187-193). 6 Heaven's Search and Rescue LESSON 1 ❑ Monday Part 2 "Jesus said unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto THE IDEAL SHEPHERD you, I am the door of the sheep. . . . I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. . . . I am the Good Shep- John 10:7-11 herd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." Read also Luke 15:5-7. "Again Jesus found access to the minds of His hearers by the pathway of their familiar associations.... No picture was more familiar to His hearers than this, and Christ's words linked it forever with Himself. Never could the disciples look on the shepherds tending their flocks without recalling the Saviour's lesson. They would see Christ in each faithful shepherd. They would see themselves in each helpless and dependent flock."— The Desire of Ages, page 476. In the Scriptures Christ is termed the "Great Shepherd" (Heb. 13:20) and the "Chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4). "The Great Shepherd has undershepherds, to whom He delegates the care of His sheep and lambs."—Gospel Workers, page 182. He calls Himself the "Good Shepherd." John 10:11. "The Bible reveals Christ to us as the Good Shepherd, seeking with unwearied feet for the lost sheep."—Counsels to Teachers, page 261. Everyone who accepts the care of the Good Shepherd is himself to be an undershepherd. Christ told Peter to show his love by feeding His sheep and lambs. John 21:15, 17. See also Evan- gelism, page 346. Who is the door of the fold? John 10:9; 14:6. Is it blood- marked? Ex. 12:7. Does a door keep out (shelter) or let in (protect) ? What is suggested of Christ through the characteristics of effective shepherds? Tender and careful; watchful and solicitous (Luke 15:4, 5) ; sacrificial and unselfish (John 10:14, 15) ; known by His sheep and knows them (John 10:14) ; prepared to help (Ps. 80:1) ; seeking the straying (Ps. 119:176). What warnings to undershepherds are given in some char- acteristics of evil shepherds? They feed themselves (Ezek. 34: 2-6) ; are idol (worthless) shepherds (Zech. 11:17, margin) ; foolish shepherds (Zech. 11:15) ; hireling, fleeing ones (John 10:11-13). THINK IT THROUGH With such a Shepherd and fold and provisions, why would I as a sheep want to stray? Am I a shepherd or a sheep? Do I always wish to get or to give of myself? "In this work all the angels of heaven And when one is brought back to God, are ready to cooperate. All the re- all heaven is made glad."—"Christ's sources of heaven are at the command Object Lessons," page 197. of those who are seeking to save the For deeper study: "The Desire of lost. Angels will help you to reach the Ages," pages 476-484. most careless and the most hardened. 7 Heaven's Search and Rescue LESSON 1 ❑ Tuesday Part 3 "Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she THE LOST DOWRY lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the Luke 15:8, 9 piece which I had lost." In the parable of the lost sheep the creature was aware that it was lost but was helpless to do anything. The lost coin was not aware of its condition. This thought applies particularly to children, lost to Christ in our very homes. The coin is stamped with the image of the king. Compare Gen. 1:27. Does it cease to be silver though it is lost? "The lost coin represents those who are lost in trespasses and sins, but who have no sense of their condition. They are estranged from God, but they know it not. Their souls are in peril, but they are unconscious and unconcerned."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 193, 194. The shepherd searches the wilderness, the woman her home. The woman in this story well illustrates a mother in the home as well as the maternal church. What three things does the woman do to meet her problem? She lights a candle to dispel darkness (in her environment) ; she carefully sweeps her house to remove all defilement (her negligence has allowed to accumulate). This is not accomplished without dust! Then she finally searches diligently. The gospel still turns things upside down! Acts 17:6. Does a coin lose itself? "Let the candle be lighted. Search the Word of God, and by its light let everything in the home be diligently examined, to see why this child is lost. Let parents search their own hearts, examine their habits and practices. Children are the heritage of the Lord, and we are answerable to Him for our management of His property." —Ibid., p. 195. THINK IT THROUGH Am I lighting the candle of the Lord (Prow. 20:27) and scouring my soul (Zeph. 1:12) and my home? Am I care- fully sweeping away all that obstructs to find the lost? Is there a coin lost in my home? my church? "This parable has a lesson to fami- down to death, you will not rest in lies. In the household there is often quiet indifference and ease. The greater great carelessness concerning the souls their sin and the deeper their misery, of its members. Among their number the more earnest and tender will be may be one who is estranged from your efforts for their recovery." "Ibid.," God; but how little anxiety is felt lest p. 197. in the family relationship there be lost For deeper study: "Christ's Object one of God's entrusted gifts."—"Christ's Lessons," pages 192-197 (1923 ed., Object Lessons," page 194. pages 193-199). "When you see those who are going 8 Heaven's Search and Rescue LESSON 1 ❑ Wednesday Part 4 "And He said, A certain man had two sons: and the DEATH OF A younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the PRODIGAL portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous liv- Luke 15:11-13 ing." This has been called the pearl and crown of all parables. Who is represented by the "father"? the "sons"? Are they Jews and Gentiles, Pharisees and publicans, classes of Christians in the same church? Where do you think you fit in? The first boy was young, inexperienced, and brash. Unlike the sheep and the coin, he knew what he wanted and how to get it! What attitude toward his father did the boy show by his request? Luke 15:12. Would it have profited the father or the boy if the father had insisted that he remain at home? Com- pare Rom. 1:24, 26, 28. How much of the father's property would the younger of two sons inherit? The elder brother al- ways received a "double portion," and the other sons shared the rest equally. So he would get one third. "Not many days after" (Luke 15:13) suggests a slight delay. Do you agree with Bernard of Clairvaux that apostasy of the heart runs ahead of apostasy of the life and deed? List some of the resources which our heavenly Father has to divide to us. Into what did the boy change his resources? Cash! To where did he journey? Do you think Augustine was right in suggesting this "far land" is forgetfulness of God? Who were his new "friends" and what "substance" did he squander? Contrast all he "gathered" in his father's house with what he "scattered" (literal Greek) in the foreign land. The son sought freedom from restraint. Did he get it? THINK IT THROUGH Do I value my share of my Father's home? Am I demand- ing my rights without earning them? Am 1 longing for freedom from restraint, or freedom to serve? "Whatever the appearance may be, The mind that God created for the com- every life centered in self is squan- panionship of angels has become de- dered. Whoever attempts to live apart graded to the service of that which is from God is wasting his substance. He earthly and bestial. This is the end to is squandering the precious years, which self-serving tends."—"Christ's squandering the powers of mind and Object Lessons," pages 200, 201. heart and soul, and working to make For deeper study: "Christ's Object himself bankrupt for eternity. The man Lessons," pages 198-200 (1923 ed., who separates from God that he may pages 201-203). serve himself, is the slave of mammon. 9 Heaven's Search and Rescue LESSON 1 ❑ Thursday Part 5 "And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty LIFE OF A famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And PRODIGAL he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the Luke 15:14-16 swine did eat: and no man gave unto him." Read Luke 15:17-24. What things in his new life were "foreign" to those of his father's home? Is it true that all who seek freedom from the Father find captivity with Satan? Rom. 6:16. What is suggested by the "mighty famine"? Read Amos 8:11-13 and Jer. 2:13. Do these texts bear upon life apart from God? He found himself in "want." This means complete empti- ness. In what ways may the life of a sinner be empty in spite of his endless round of activities? What did the boy actually do when he hired himself (literally "glued himself") to a citi- zen of that land? Why is he not called a citizen himself? With all his guilt and desire to rid himself of his father, why was the boy not yet a citizen of the bad land? Something in his heart evidently made him feel alien. What are "husks"? What sort of companions did the prodigal now have? Consider Christ's words in Matt. 7:6. How do Paul's words apply to the prodigal? Rom. 7:24. What is the answer to Paul's question? Rom. 7:25; 8:1. What did Christ mean when He observed of the prodigal that "he came to himself" before "he came to his father"? In order to come to himself he must have gone out of himself. What does this mean to you? John 6:44. What part did the son play in his reinstatement in his fath- er's home? Luke 15:18. The word for "hired servants" places these in the lowest category in the household. Was he able to announce all his own plans for his future to his father? Com- pare his confession with that in Ex. 10:16 and Ps. 51:4. Did his father have better plans? What do you understand by the "robe" (Rev. 19:8; Zech. 3:4), and the "ring" (Eph. 1:13, 14; Esther 3:10, 12) and the "shoes" of possession? Ruth 4:8; Eph. 6:15. THINK IT THROUGH How do I see my Father's character in this story? How does this story picture God to me? Am I delaying my complete return to my Father's home and mine? "The parables of the lost sheep, the "Arise and go to your Father. He will lost coin, and the prodigal son, bring meet you a great way off. If you take out in distinct lines God's pitying love even one step toward Him in repent- for those who are straying from Him. ance, He will hasten to enfold you in Although they have turned away from His arms of infinite love."—"Ibid.," p. God, He does not leave them in their 206. misery. He is full of kindness and ten- For deeper study: "Christ's Object der pity toward all who are exposed Lessons," pages 200-207 (1923 ed., to the temptations of the artful foe." pages 203-209). —"Christ's Object Lessons," page 198. 10 Heaven's Search and Rescue LESSON 1 0 Friday Part 6 "Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came HOW GOOD and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. WAS HE? . . . Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came Luke 15:25-28 his father out, and intreated him." Read also Luke 15:29-32. The prodigal son had been dead in sin (Eph. 2:1-5) and was not alive to God and righteousness. To all outward ap- pearances this elder son was a "good son." He did not share the obvious faults of his brother—filial ingratitude, greed, uncon- cern for others—but this incident shows up what was in his heart—pride and malignity. He was working "in the field." What does this suggest to you? Does this quiet questioning of one of the servants indicate a suspicious character? Why should his father not have a feast when he wished? The servant read the father's heart and ex- pressed it in the words "safe and sound." But the elder brother showed no concern for his brother's condition and experienced no joy at his return. He was coldly "angry" (Matt. 5:22) and heartless. How did the father treat him? In response, the elder son spoke of "this thy son"—not "my brother"! There was nothing in Christ's story about "harlots" (though it was true) but the "senior saint" called attention to this fact! Was the elder brother falling into the sin of the younger man in demanding "his portion" of his father's goods? He did not identify with his father's joys. In what sense was he also "dead"? Why did not the father strongly rebuke the elder son? Like others of the Master Teacher's stories, the end of this one is not given. It is still being enacted. It rests with each one to see what the outcome is. This other son's part in this parable points out to us the danger of self-righteousness and of harbor- ing a cold, critical spirit. What is the only way to counteract this? Isa. 58:6, 7. What is included in "all that I have is thine"? THINK IT THROUGH Am I a "sour saint" wanting to put his father straight? The older brother was right; yet how wrong he was in proving his righteousness. He never left home, but he was lost! Did Christ focus attention on the father or on his sons? What is the significance for me in this? Am I to all outward appearances a law-abiding Christian, while in- wardly I harbor a cold, critical self-righteousness that is an offense to God? Am I guilty of playing the part of the "older brother"? Do I go off in a huff? Why did Christ end with, "He would not go in"? "By the elder son were represented strance with the elder son was Heaven's the unrepenting Jews of Christ's day, tender appeal to the Pharisees."— and also the Pharisees in every age, "Christ's Object Lessons," page 209. who look with contempt upon those For deeper study: "Christ's Object whom they regard as publicans and Lessons," pages 207-211 (1923 ed, sinners. . . . pages 209-213). "In the parable the father's remon- 11 ZL I. The sheep, the coin, the younger son, the older son. 2. (a) The one who is lost but can't find his way back, the lost world; (b) the one who does not know he is lost and does not know his way, the child in the home; (c) the one who knows he is lost and knows his way home; (d) the one who thinks he is all right but is lost. 3. (a) The shepherd is Christ; (b) the woman is the church; (c) the heavenly Father. 4. Rejoicing. 5. Welcomed, clothed, fed, rejoiced. 6. a, c. , SUHNISNV •snomq2p-31as (a) fiatp9 siq of injwej (q) :uzapuoD pin anoi ui 2uppui (v) sum uos iapio au :palm° an sauo alp qoaqD .9 .13A0 01 'ALIN !Rim J am :uos 2tquiniai ay RI pip ntpuj alp 4eqm lull spaom asap IsIuLd .s e,punoj st riot alp Jo TEO uaqm amid sal-el augur 41sol alp vas oqm amp atp Aq palso22ns s! lutim .E 4qoua Aq paluasazdai s!l-eqm 7 •Tp!m spap uossal sp.p „s2Ultp lsoL atuEN •1 S3MOd Tanis anoA 1931 01 .0. SNOLLS3(10 Aavwwns O L Pod L NOSS31 anosag puv llamas .9,uactvaH LESSON 2 April 11 MY GOD IS CONCERNED 2 "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7. In these fast-moving, materialistic days, God has supplied all we need, and that if men rush to grasp immediate rewards and we seriously and continuously search we quick profits. Many times they remain un- shall find, are painted by Christ in bird satisfied with their prizes. Christ was well plumes and lily fragrance. aware of man's basic needs. In the parable of the treasure trove the prize was dis- LESSON OUTLINE covered almost by accident. Certainly there was no prior realization of what lay con- 1. Treasure Trove cealed under the sod. But the treasure had Matt. 13:44 already been hidden there. It was treasure whether the finder realized it or not. 2. Pearls—Sought and Bought Matt. 13:45 In the story about the pearl the merchant deliberately and methodically set out to 3. Bargain Hunter find the superior pearl. When he had dis- Matt. 13:46 covered it, he exchanged all he had for it. He was very deeply concerned for what he 4. Vision Glorious regarded as of supreme value. John 12:20-22 In the episodes of the wise men at 5. Dying to Live Christ's birth and of the Greeks immedi- John 12:24, 25 ately before His crucifixion, man's quest for the Saviour is epitomized. We find 6. Look Around and Learn when we seek. These basic truths, that Maft. 6:26-29 13 My God Is Concerned LESSON 2 ❑ Sunday Part 1 "The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a TREASURE TROVE field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and Matt. 13:44 buyeth that field." In this parable, spoken to those in "the house" (Matt. 13:36), Jesus referred to the ancient custom of hiding treasure for safety. Treasure is the center of this story. Whenever dan- ger threatened by invasion, by hordes of robbers, or by the gov- ernment tax gatherers demanding illegal amounts in tribute money, those who had possessions hid them till times were better. Burying them in the earth was a common practice. On occasion the treasure was abandoned either because the owner had been killed or because he had forgotten where he hid it. It was not uncommon for a man plowing in a field to unearth jewelry or coins. In Christ's parable of the treasure, who do you think hid it? What was an occupation of some in olden times? Job 3:21; Prov. 2:4. It was while he was about his daily tasks that the farmer came upon the treasure. This was a result of his per- sonal effort. Was he actually looking for it? Contrast this atti- tude with the man who deliberately set out to find good pearls. How do these two men illustrate characters on their way to heaven? "A man might pass over the place where treasure had been concealed. In dire necessity he might sit down to rest at the foot of a tree, not knowing of the riches hidden at its roots. So it was with the Jews. As a golden treasure, truth had been en- trusted to the Hebrew people. The Jewish economy, bearing the signature of Heaven, had been instituted by Christ Himself. In types and symbols the great truths of redemption were veiled. Yet when Christ came, the Jews did not recognize Him to whom these symbols pointed. . . . The spiritual import of the sacred writings was lost. The treasure house of all knowl- edge was open to them, but they knew it not."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 104, 105. THINK IT THROUGH Am I really searching for true treasure? Or am I content with what is actually tinsel? How diligently am I plowing the Scripture fields? "This parable illustrates the value count no labor too great and no sacri- of the heavenly treasure, and the effort fice too dear, in order to gain the trea- that should be made to secure it. The sures of truth."—"Christ's Object Les- finder of the treasure in the field was sons," page 104. ready to part with all that he had, For deeper study: "Christ's Object ready to put forth untiring labor, in Lessons," pages 103-114 (1923 ed., order to secure the hidden riches. So pages 101-113). the finder of heavenly treasure will 14 My God Is Concerned LESSON 2 ❑ Monday Part 2 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a mer- PEARLS—SOUGHT chantman, seeking goodly pearls." AND BOUGHT Matt. 13:45 In the previous parable the kingdom of heaven is like trea- sure. Here it is like a merchant seeking. What is the difference? With deliberate intent Christ has set side by side the finders and the seekers. This parable has a double meaning. It repre- sents those who seek the kingdom of heaven, but it also ap- plies to Christ who seeks for His lost inheritance. Why did Christ call the man a "merchantman"? He "represents a class who were sincerely desiring truth."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 116. The term "merchantman" means one who travels around and buys. His search shows resolution, planning, and appropri- ate direction. "Christ, the heavenly merchantman seeking goodly pearls, saw in lost humanity the pearl of price. In man, defiled and ruined by sin, He saw the possibilities of redemp- tion. Hearts that have been the battleground of the conflict with Satan, and that have been rescued by the power of love, are more precious to the Redeemer than are those who have never fallen. God looked upon humanity, not as vile and worthless; He looked upon it in Christ, saw it as it might become through redeeming love. He collected all the riches of the universe, and laid them down in order to buy the pearl. And Jesus, having found it, resets it in His own diadem. Tor they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon His land.' Zech. 9:16."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 118. How will Christ regard those who give up all to obtain the pearl of great price? Mal. 3:17. What did Mary find? Luke 10:41, 42. THINK IT THROUGH Do I consistently seek only those things that are of eternal value—the goodly pearls of life? By what attitude may I turn from the pearls Christ places before us? Matt. 7:6. What do I see of Christ's quest in this parable? "We are to seek for the pearl of overcometh,' Christ declares, 'will I great price, but not in worldly marts or grant to sit with Me in My throne, even in worldly ways. The price we are re- as I also overcame, and am set down quired to pay is not gold or silver, for with My Father in His throne.' Rev. this belongs to God. Abandon the idea 3:21."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page that temporal or spiritual advantages 117. will win for you salvation. God calls For deeper study: "Christ's Object for your willing obedience. He asks Lessons," pages 115-117 (1923 ed., you to give up your sins. 'To him that same). 15 My God Is Concerned LESSON 2 ❑ Tuesday Part 3 BARGAIN HUNTER "Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, Matt. 13:46 went and sold all that he had, and bought it." Read Col. 2:3. As he went from market to market, the merchantman kept his eyes open for an exceptional pearl. At last he found just what he had long been searching for—a lustrous, beautiful pearl of great value. He longed to have it for himself, but he did not immediately have the money it would take to purchase it. What do you understand is involved in his "selling his all" to obtain it? Compare Isa. 55:1; Matt. 25:9, 10; Rev. 3:18; Prov. 23:23. How do we indicate our eagerness to possess the Pearl? Does Christ's parable apply to us? Matt. 6:21. What is the measure of the value of the salvation Christ offers us? I Peter 1:18, 19. "All that can satisfy the needs and longings of the human soul, for this world and for the world to come, is found in Christ. Our Redeemer is the pearl so precious that in compari- son all things else may be accounted loss."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 115. Of what are the gates of the New Jerusalem made? Rev. 21:21. What is suggested by the history of a pearl? The pearl is the product of an injury or irritation to the living oyster. By the defense mechanism of the mollusk the irritant becomes the nucleus of a pearl as it is encrusted by layer upon layer of nacre. Thus the injury is turned into a precious jewel. It was only through injury inflicted on the Pearl of great price, our Lord Himself, that we can obtain an entrance to the heavenly city. THINK IT THROUGH Do I appreciate the Pearl of great price enough and value the suffering He endured to provide for my entrance into the city of life? How much am I prepared to exchange for this eternal reward? "There are some who seem to be the path of self-denial and sacrifice. always seeking for the heavenly pearl. Almost Christians, yet not fully Chris- But they do not make an entire sur- tians, they seem near the kingdom of render of their wrong habits. They do heaven, but they cannot enter there. not die to self that Christ may live in Almost but not wholly saved, means them. Therefore they do not find the to be not almost but wholly lost."— precious pearl. They have not over- "Christ's Object Lessons," page 118. come unholy ambition and their love For deeper study: "Christ's Object for worldly attractions. They do not Lessons," pages 117-121 (1923 ed., take up the cross and follow Christ in same). 16 My God Is Concerned LESSON 2 ❑ Wednesdaz Part 4 "And there were certain Greeks among them that VISION GLORIOUS came up to worship at the feast: the same came therefore John 12:20-22 to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus." Read also Matt. 2:1, 2. Through all ages and in every land thinking men have been seeking for the Pearl of great price without realizing exactly what they wanted. Centuries ago Augustine put this longing into beautiful language: "0 Lord, Thou hast made us for Thy- self, and our heart is restless till it find rest in Thee." At the beginning of our Saviour's life on earth "wise men" came from the "east" seeking Him. Matt. 2:1. Just before the end of His earthly sojourn Greeks came from the "west." What was their request? John 12:21. What kind of men are represented by these two groups? Do you think that these two incidents are a representation of man's response to the plan of salvation? What did Jesus mean by His response? John 12:23. "When Christ heard the eager request, 'We would see Jesus,' echoing the hungering cry of the world, His countenance lighted up, and He said, 'The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.' In the request of the Greeks He saw an earnest of the results of His great sacrifice."—The Desire of Ages, page 621. THINK IT THROUGH How far had these two groups come to seek Christ? Am I as eager in my search for Christ the Pearl of great price as were the wise men from the east or the Greeks from the west? What characteristics do I possess in common with these men? Are my motivations similar to theirs? "These men came from the west to people of the world, came to see Jesus. find the Saviour at the close of His life, So the people of all lands and all ages as the wise men had come from the would be drawn by the Saviour's cross. east at the beginning. At the time of So shall many 'come from the east and Christ's birth the Jewish people were west, and shall sit down with Abra- so engrossed with their own ambitious ham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the king- plans that they knew not of His ad- dom of heaven.' Matt. 8:11."—"The De- vent. The magi from a heathen land sire of Ages," pages 621, 622. came to the manger with their gifts, to For deeper study: "The Desire of worship the Saviour. So these Greeks, Ages," pages 621, 622. representing the nations, tribes, and 17 My God Is Concerned LESSON 2 ❑ Thursday Part 5 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat DYING TO LIVE fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall John 12:24, 25 keep it unto life eternal." This parable given at the time of the Greeks' inquiry, has a double meaning. It refers to Christ's dying to obtain our re- demption. It also refers to His disciples, who must die to self before they can live for Christ. Does what Jesus meant in Matt. 16:24 apply to you? Who is represented by the "corn of wheat"? When does it fall? What causes its death? The botanist observes that a potato rots in the soil before the new crop is produced. What does this mean in your life? Rom. 7:9, 10. Is there significance to the "ground" where it is buried? "The life must be cast into the furrow of the world's need. Self-love, self-interest, must perish. But the law of self-sacrifice is the law of self-preservation. The seed buried in the ground produces fruit, and in turn this is planted. Thus the harvest is multiplied. The husbandman preserves his grain by casting it away. So in human life, to give is to live. The life that will be preserved is the life that is freely given in service to God and man. Those who for Christ's sake sacrifice their life in this world, will keep it unto life eternal."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 86, 87. What do you understand by "the furrow of the world's need"? What does Christ mean by saying we should hate our lives? How may we keep our lives unto eternal life? What is the death to which Christ refers? Read Paul's point of view in Phil. 1:21; Gal. 2:20, 21. THINK IT THROUGH Am I willing to be cast like the seed into the soil to die to self before I can live for Christ? Was it easy for our Saviour to cast Himself into this world's furrow? "The seed dies to spring forth into corruption: it is sown in dishonor; it is new life, and in this we are taught the raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; lesson of the resurrection. All who love it is raised in power.' 1 Cor. 15:42, 43." God will live again in the Eden above. —"Christ's Object Lessons," page 87. Of the human body laid away to For deeper study: "Christ's Object molder in the grave God has said, 'It is Lessons," pages 86, 87 (1923 ed., pages sown in corruption; it is raised in in- 88, 89). 18 My God Is Concerned LESSON 2 ❑ Friday Part 6 "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither LOOK AROUND do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly AND LEARN Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? . . . Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like Matt. 6:26-29 one of these." Read also Job 38:41. God feeds every creature. He spreads a table for the birds everywhere. What means does He use to do this? Why does He not put the food in their nests? The birds must do their part by searching for the food that is all around them. In the same way God provides for us. What must we do for our part? Isa. 55:1, 2. Do you truly believe that since God takes care of the sparrow, He will take care of you? God clothes the lilies of the field in rainbow beauty. He sup- plies the sun and rain and the nutrients of the soil to promote their growth. They press their roots into the ground to take up needed nourishment. They obey the laws of the universe. "God's law is the law of love. He has surrounded you with beauty to teach you that you are not placed on earth merely to delve for self, to dig and build, to toil and spin, but to make life bright and joyous and beautiful with the love of Christ—like the flowers, to gladden other lives by the ministry of love."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 97. THINK IT THROUGH Do I take time to allow the beautiful things of nature to speak their silent messages to my heart and bring it peace? "In the loveliness of the things of content to provide what would suffice nature you may learn more of the wis- for mere existence. He has filled earth dom of God than the schoolmen know. and air and sky with glimpses of On the lily's petals, God has written a beauty to tell you of His loving thought message for you, written in language for you. The beauty of all created things that your heart can read only as it un- is but a gleam from the shining of His learns the lessons of distrust and sel- glory. If He has lavished such infinite fishness and corroding care. Why has skill upon the things of nature, for He given you the singing birds and the your happiness and joy, can you doubt gentle blossoms, but from the over- that He will give you every needed flowing love of a Father's heart, that blessing?"—"Thoughts From the Mount would brighten and gladden your path of Blessing," pages 96, 97. of life? All that was needed for exis- For deeper study: "Thoughts From the tence would have been yours without Mount of Blessing," pages 95-98 (1943 the flowers and birds, but God was not ed., pages 141-146). 19 OZ 1. Give up everything to obtain it. 2. True. 3. Delete "James" and "Paul." 4. The wise men, the Greeks. 5. The grain of wheat falling into the earth. 6. The fowls of the air, the lilies of the field. SHHAASNV isrul jo uossai atp 93-e.n -snit! 01 zap) ul pasn lsptip tp!qm annuu tuoij suossai pacqo onu autEN .9 e.„retuala own 3! daaI pp ppm snp apt slit paluti 1utp aq pue !i! asoi IIEgs apt slq panoi zetp aH„ :3spqD jo slalom asap papapazd aiqued janq lutim .s osam aq1 wog aureo otim. pue 'aond jo 'nod puu ainsuan ann ap SE atm pas 01 snsaf Jo atunagi ap Supnp ism atp tuoIj aum oqm -3snto jo poopq sno!Dald ap p!m inq sSunp aiqndnizoo tp!m patuaapai lou an am lutp plus Red ‘sautuf ‘Jaiad :Ankh 3ou op lup sautuu ap alapa •E qitu4 ap ai!sap AtanDuIs oqm asotp swasaidai uuunueqpiatu ata anu, 7 01 Sullum aq asnuz ants -Ball AILMAE311 aqa ssassod o1 sappin oqm auo ata :aDualuas sip 3131dUlOD e13MOd Aar-us 21110A 1S31 01 G sNous3no Ativwwns G L 4JDd xvpRa ❑ NOSS31 patuaduoD si pop fin LESSON 3 April 18 IS IT NOTHING TO THEE? 3 "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Luke 10:27. This is an age in which everyone minds LESSON OUTLINE his own business. We often read of inno- cent persons being robbed or beaten in full 1. Earning Merit Points With God view of several indifferent and curious by- Luke 10:25-27 standers who do nothing whatever to help. We hear over the news of large popula- 2. Why Worry About Him? tions of our fellow human beings in dire Luke 10:28, 29 need, of thousands dying of starvation, and we shrug it off and do nothing. We 3. Should I Get Involved? read of accidents by land and sea and air, Luke 10:30-32 of tragedies almost next door, and hardly give them a second passing thought. The 4. Love Power characteristic of a large segment of our Luke 10:33-37 society is to shrug off all personal involve- ment with an offhand, "So what?" Our 5. Who Cares Enough? Lord has a message to correct this attitude Luke 12:42-44 and to indicate areas in which His follow- ers should be vitally concerned. 6. Something New, Something Old Matt. 13:52 21 Is It Nothing to Thee? LESSON 3 0 Sunday Part 1 "And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted EARNING MERIT Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal POINTS WITH GOD life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; Luke 10:25-27 and thy neighbor as thyself." Was the lawyer genuinely worried about what he should "do"? What is meant by "tempting Him"? Compare Matt. 22:35. Tempting means testing and may not have bad conno- tations. James 1:13; Gen. 22:1. Most of us would rather "do" than "be." But can we sinful persons become right before God by what we do? Rom. 3:12, 20. The lawyer wondered whether he could "inherit." How only does one become an heir? John 3:3, 5. Inheritance is thus the natural result of being. How may we become "heirs" of God? Gal. 3:29. Does it ever follow that eternal life comes naturally on the heels of "doing"? Rom. 6:23. Jesus in His reply to the lawyer asked two questions— "What is written in the law?" and "How readest thou?" What did He mean? How may we read what we want into the Bible? Would you apply Christ's questions to our situation today? What passages did the lawyer readily quote? Deut. 6:5; Lev. 19:18. "The words of Deut. 6:5 were recited by every devout Jew morning and evening as a part of the shema' . . . , and were worn also in the phylacteries. . . . Jews who had an insight into the inner meaning of 'the law' . . . should have realized that its principles were not arbitrary but based on fundamen- tal principles of right which might properly be summed up in the command 'to love.'"—SDA Bible Commentary, on Luke 10:27. THINK IT THROUGH' 'Am I interested merely in getting so much of the Bible read _ daily, or am I seeking divine insights for my own spiritual growth and for the_help of others? Am I more interested in a disciple of Christ than in "doing" deeds to earn merit points with man and Gain How- do I demonstrate what I am? See James 3. "The lawyer was not satisfied with and the prophets. This answer, being the position and works of the Pharisees. commended by Christ, placed the. Sav- He had been studying the Scriptures iour on vantage ground with the rab- with a desire to learn their real mean- bis. They could not condemn Him for ing. He had a vital interest in the mat- sanctioning that which had been ad- ter, and had asked in sincerity, 'What vanced by an expositor of the law."— shall I do?' In his answer as to the re- "The Desire of Ages," pages 497, 498. quirements of the law, he passed by For deeper study: "Christ's Object all the mass of ceremonial and ritual- Lessons," pages 376-378 (1923 ed., istic precepts. For these he claimed no pages 381, 382); "The Desire of Ages," value, but presented the two great pages 497, 498. principles on which hang all the law 22 Is It Nothing to Thee? LESSON 3 ❑ Monday Part 2 WHY WORRY "And he said unto him, Thou host answered right: this ABOUT HIM? do, and tho-u shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, Luke 10:28, 29 said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?" The lawyer's reply to Christ's question about what was written in the law was right. Love is the answer—love to God and toward our fellowmen. Figure out how this applies to each command of God. Christ commended him for his good response, and said, "This do, and thou shalt live." What are "works" in God's sight? John 6:29. Our doing consists in loving. Has loving to do with "being" or "doing"? But the lawyer felt threatened by Christ's question. The Teacher before him was aware of the secrets in his life. "The lawyer knew that he had kept neither the first four nor the last six commandments. He was convicted under Christ's searching words, but instead of confessing his sin he tried to excuse it. Rather than acknowledge the truth, he endeavored to show how difficult of fulfillment the commandment is. Thus he hoped both to parry conviction and to vindicate himself in the eyes of the people. The Saviour's words had shown that his question was needless, since he was able to answer it himself. Yet he put another question, saying, 'Who is my neighbor?'" —Christ's Object Lessons, pages 378, 379. He wanted to draw Christ into a controversy by this ques- tion, for it was heatedly disputed among the Jews. This would distract attention from his personal religion by irrelevant dia- logue. He wanted an argument to confirm his own ideas, which limited the circle of those about whom he felt he should worry. But to whom is every true Christian in debt? Rom. 13:8. THINK IT THROUGH Do I ever try to evade vital issues by sidetracking the discussion into theoretical arguments? Am I really honest with myself and others in all my speaking and doing and believing? What does self-justification reveal in my char- acter? "Among the Jews the question, 'Who make themselves pure. Contact with is my neighbor?' caused endless dis- the ignorant and careless multitude, pute. They had no doubt as to the they taught, would cause defilement heathen and the Samaritans. These that would require wearisome effort to were strangers and enemies. But where remove. Were they to regard the 'un- should the distinction be made among clean' as neighbors?"—"Christ's Object the people of their own nation and Lessons," page 376. among the different classes of society? For deeper study: "The Desire of Whom should the priest, the rabbi, the Ages," page 498; "Christ's Object Les- elder, regard as neighbor? They spent sons," pages 378, 379 (1923 ed., page their lives in a round of ceremonies to 383). 23 Is It Nothing to Thee? LESSON 3 ❑ Tuesday Part 3 "And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down SHOULD I GET from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which INVOLVED? stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and de- parted, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and Luke 10:30-32 passed by on the other side." Jesus was relating what had recently occurred. The details were fresh in the memories of his hearers. Compare what the bandits did with Satan's work against mankind in Eden— "stripped" them (Gen. 3:7)—left them "half dead" (Gen. 2:17). Who is the arch robber? John 8:44. " 'Down' is the correct word to describe the descent from Jerusalem, more than 2,500 ft. above sea level, to Jericho, about 700 ft. below sea level. The main road from Jerusalem to Jericho follows the Wddi Qelt down through a portion of the dry, barren, uninhabited hills of the wilderness of Judah. [Cf. Deut. 34:3 ; Josh. 16:1.] At one point the Wadi Qelt nar- rows into a rocky defile that from time immemorial has been the haunt of robbers. The entire region, with its many caves and rocks, provides a perfect hideout for outlaws."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Luke 10:30. What instruction had God given His people concerning the treatment of strangers? Lev. 19:34. What lies behind the words "by chance" or "by coincidence"? The priest at a glance took in what had happened and passed by on the other side. The Levite at least went and looked at the victim! But he, too, passed by on the other side. From their reactions, what do you discover about the characters of the two religious officials? Did they obey God's law? Deut. 22:4; Ex. 23:5. A man is more important than a beast. Compare Isa. 58:7. What principles do you find in the story which are applicable to our conditions today? THINK IT THROUGH Am I afraid to share another's problems, or am I ready to try to help all I can wherever the opportunity is brought to my notice? What are my motives when confronted with basic human needs? "The angels of heaven look upon the from the pillar of cloud and of fire He distress of God's family upon the earth, had taught a very different lesson from and they are prepared to cooperate that which the people were now re- with men in relieving oppression and ceiving from their priests and teachers. suffering. God in His providence had The merciful provisions of the law ex- brought the priest and the Levite along tended even to the lower animals, the road where the wounded sufferer which cannot express in words their lay, that they might see his need of want and suffering."—"The Desire of mercy and help. All heaven watched Ages," page 500. to see if the hearts of these men would For deeper study: "Christ's Object be touched with pity for human woe. Lessons," page 379 (1923 ed., pages The Saviour was the One who had in- 383, 384); "The Desire of Ages," pages structed the Hebrews in the wilderness; 499, 500. 24 Is It Nothing to Thee? LESSON 3 ❑ Wednesday Part 4 "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where LOVE POWER he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, think- est thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Luke 10:33-37 Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." Who were the Samaritans? Jesus called a Samaritan a "stranger." Luke 17:18. For an understanding of the conditions during which their hositility with the Jews first developed, read Josephus, Antiquities 9:14:3; 11:8:6; and SD A Bible Dic- tionary, art. "Samaritans." The Samaritan in Christ's story went to where the unfor- tunate man was lying. Should we ever wait for the needy to come to us for help? There is no substitute for personal con- tacts. The Samaritan acted immediately—"when he saw him." Our help must be timely. He "had compassion." Are our acts of mercy accompanied by a feeling of genuine sympathy for those we help? Or are we patronizing and activated by baser motives? His service to the victim of brutality was personal. He might have argued that he lacked equipment, but instead he did what he could. He poured in wine to cleanse and oil (Isa. 1:6) to soothe. He ministered to the man's needs with his own hands and from his own supplies, using his own beast (cf. 2 Chron. 28:15) to trans- port the victim to a place of safety and comfort. THINK IT THROUGH Does Jesus always have some deficiency in our service to make up? Is one who needs love or one who shows love a neighbor? Did the lawyer get the point of the story? The lawyer inquired, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "To whom should I be neighborly?" List oppor- tunities which you think are parallel today for us to show the power of love in our lives. "This Samaritan represents Christ. died to save His enemies. He prayed Our Saviour manifested for us a love for His murderers. Pointing to His own that the love of man can never equal. example, He says to His followers, When we were bruised and dying, He 'These things I command you, that ye had pity upon us. He did not pass us love one another'; 'as I have loved you, by on the other side, and leave us, that ye also love one another.' John helpless and hopeless, to perish. He did 15:17; 13:34."—"Christ's Object Les- not remain in His holy, happy home, sons," pages 381, 382. where He was beloved by all the heav- For deeper study: "Christ's Object enly host. He beheld our sore need, He Lessons," pages 379, 380 (1923 ed., undertook our case, and identified His pages 384, 385); "The Desire of Ages," interests with those of humanity. He page 503. 25 Is It Nothing to Thee? LESSON 3 ❑ Thursday Part 5 "And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise WHO CARES steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his house- ENOUGH? hold, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will Luke 12:42-44 make him ruler over all that he hath." To what time "when he [his lord] cometh" does this parable apply? What factors lead you personally to conclude that we are living in the "time" Christ had in mind? What should all "good stewards" be doing? Whom do they represent? What did Jesus mean by giving "meat in due season"? Why? Who laid this duty on the steward? What is the "meat"? What did Jesus indicate constituted the most important "diet" for His disciples? John 6:53-58, 63. How should those who are waiting for the second advent of Christ be spending their time? What happens to the servant who is not faithful in his watching? Luke 12:45-48. Over what is Jesus going to set the faithful as rulers? Matt. 19:28. What is suggested by the words "his heart"? Prov. 4:23. In what ways did the servant "beat" his fellows? Isa. 58:4. With what may the unwary become drunk? Rev. 17:2. Upon what basis did Jesus say the sentences in the judgment will be handed out? THINK IT THROUGH When did I last give a Bible study? What do I consider is "present truth"? Do I ever think, without actually saying it out loud, that my Lord is delaying His coming? Am I tempted to become more and more absorbed in the things of the world instead of studying to give others "meat in due season"? How may I prepare for my Lord's coming? Be specific. "'Unto whomsoever much is given, we ought to have done, but did not of him shall be much required.' Luke accomplish because we did not use our 12:48. We shall individually be held powers to glorify God. Even if we do responsible for doing one jot less than not lose our souls, we shall realize in we have ability to do. The Lord mea- eternity the result of our unused talents. sures with exactness every possibility For all the knowledge and ability that for service. The unused capabilities are we might have gained and did not, as much brought into account as are there will be an eternal loss."—"Christ's those that are improved. For all that Object Lessons," pages 362, 363. we might become through the right use For deeper study: "SDA Bible Com- of our talents God holds us responsible. mentary," on Luke 12:42-48. We shall be judged according to what 26 Is It Nothing to Thee? LESSON 3 0 Friday Part 6 "Then said He unto them, Therefore every scribe which SOMETHING NEW, is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a SOMETHING OLD man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of Matt. 13:52 his treasure things new and old." Who is represented by the "scribe"? What does Jesus mean by "the kingdom of heaven"? Have I accepted the instruction God gives? What are the treasures "new and old"? Why are they termed "treasures"? What makes some of them "new" and others "old"? "The Word of God includes the Scriptures of the Old Testament as well as of the New. One is not com- plete without the other. Christ declared that the truths of the Old Testament are as valuable as those of the New. Christ was as much man's Redeemer in the beginning of the world as He is today."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 126. Christ often presented old truths to His hearers, but He shed on them a new light. He did this by placing them in the setting of the people's needs. So His representatives are to -•••,- teach the age-old truths—the old treasures—but make them -4,0j\,- 0\4 _sparkle with new light and close personal relevance. Am I a faithful "scribe" or "householdeT"? Should rbe—Opealing to my family or close associates as did the jailer at Philippi? Acts 16:30-33. THINK IT THROUGH Is my main concern for others, bruised and wounded and dying, to share my spiritual birthright? Are there any members of my "house" whom I am neglecting? Am I instructing others in the way of life? Do I study to bring a freshness and vitality into the old truths of the Word? Do I strive for originality or the finding of "new light"? Actually, is the Bible really vivid and timely in my own _life? "The Old Testament sheds light upon Christ's workers are to draw. In the the New, and the New upon the Old. search after truth they are to depend Each is a revelation of the glory of upon God, not upon human intelli- God in Christ. Both present truths that gences, the great men whose wisdom will continually reveal new depths of is foolishness with God. Through His meaning to the earnest seeker."— own appointed channels the Lord will "Christ's Object Lessons," page 128. impart a knowledge of Himself to every "The great storehouse of truth is the seeker."—"Ibid.," p. 125. word .of God—the written word, the For deeper study: "Christ's Object book of nature, and the book of ex- Lessons," pages 124-134 (1923 ed., perience in God's dealing with human pages 125-135). life. Here are the treasures from which :27 8L 1. "What is written in the law?" and "How readest thou?" 2. "Who is my neighbor?" 3. The Levite, the priest. 4. Had compassion on him, rendered him first aid, provided transportation for him, nursed him, provided financially for him. 5. Feed, word. 6. True. S2IHMSNV quautulsa j, No pus maN atp Jo stpng aqi of Iajat alquied alp In „No pus matt s5una„ osiud JO allli, .9 'aPI JO 3143 of sapllNucivo sm sasn oqm auo Si luunias injtpyej li :swum alp Ti Hu .s uutu papunom age Joj plp umputuus atp s2nnp anq autuN •{7 :./Cci passed Apiatu tionim !Aq passud pus papoi tarn 11.13A.A. Rau oqapaf atp uo sJapivap omi Dip Jo tionim .E snsaf Ise .1a/cm% atp pfp uopsanb 2uppvilapIs lvtim 7 .‘tajll Letua4a ipaqut, 01 op 1 Hugs luqm„ "H pals-e oqM zaAmEt alp Isu ispy plp suopsanb ow 3-eqm •I 213MOd Aanis ?moil. 1S31 01 G sNolismo Aavwwns G L Pod E NOSS31 ddaYI o/ 32uppoN 4 s/ LESSON 4 April 25 PEOPLE CAN CHANGE 4 "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52. There are many problems in life that LESSON OUTLINE often make it difficult for us to bring our plans to maturity. In agriculture, for ex- 1. Size Does Not Matter ample, pests devour the seed before it has time to germinate. Animals seek to eat the Matt. 13:31, 32 young shoots. Fungi and other destructive diseases devastate the fruit. The question 2. Power From Within naturally arises, Can a bountiful harvest Luke 13:20, 21 ever be gathered? The same question may well be asked of conditions in "the kingdom 3. What Counts Is Growth of God." Will the Great Harvester ever be Mark 4:26, 27 able to gather a bountiful crop of souls from the seed He has sown? The enemies 4. The Lavish Sower of God's government constantly employ Matt. 13:2, 3 every means to thwart the divine pur- poses. Through thousands of years Satan 5. Of Seeds and Soils has manipulated the environment and de- based the human stock until it almost seems Luke 8:5-7 that nothing can be done to transform lives. But people can change! The power that 6. Fertile Soil created can recreate. Luke 8:8, 15 29 People Can Change LESSON 4 ❑ Sunday Part 1 "Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The SIZE DOES NOT kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, MATTER which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the Matt. 13:31,32 birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof." As in other parables the "man" refers first to our Lord Jesus Christ and secondarily to human beings. "Sowing" sug- gests scattering seed to gain a harvest. Christ sows, man sows. This act is used with a larger meaning than it has in the preci- sion of gardening. The seed is cast forth far and wide. What universal law governs the sowing of the seed and the reaping of the harvest? Gal. 6:7. How would you apply this to your busi- ness ventures, your social contacts, and your missionary activ- ities? Among the Jews the mustard seed was proverbial for small- ness (Luke 17:6), as it is among the Arabs (Koran, sura 31). Christ uses the mustard plant because of its tiny seed and ulti- mately large size. Its small seed might lead the thoughtless to consider it powerless. It is not the beginning but the ending that counts. The mustard seed possesses mighty potential to multiply its size many times, becoming the "greatest among herbs." It works extensively and visibly and outwardly. THINK IT THROUGH In what way does the truth taught by the parable of the mustard seed apply to each human heart and also to the growth of the Christian church in the world? Am I tempted to think that size of beginning is important? If the seed can change into a tree, can "faith as a grain of mustard seed" remove my difficulties and help my transformation? "At first it [the mustard seed] sent erty, the fewness of their numbers, up a tender shoot, but it was of strong were urged over and over again as a vitality, and grew and flourished until reason why men should not connect it reached its present great size. So themselves with these simple-minded the kingdom of Christ in its beginning fishermen who followed Jesus. But the seemed humble and insignificant. Com- mustard seed was to grow and spread pared with earthly kingdoms it ap- forth its branches throughout the world. peared to be the least of all. By the When the earthly kingdoms whose rulers of this world Christ's claim to be glory then filled the hearts of men a king was ridiculed. Yet in the mighty should perish, the kingdom of Christ truths committed to His followers the would remain, a mighty and far-reach- kingdom of the gospel possessed a ing power."—"Christ's Object Lessons," divine life. And how rapid was its pages 77, 78. growth, how widespread its influence! For deeper study: "Christ's Object When Christ spoke this parable, there Lessons," pages 76-79 (1923 ed., pages were only a few Galilean peasants to 75-79). represent the new kingdom. Their pov- 30 People Can Change LESSON 4 ❑ Monday Part 2 "And again He said, Whereunto shall I liken the king- POWER FROM dom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and WITHIN hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leav- Luke 13:20, 21 ened." Read also 1 Cor. 5:6, 7. Leaven works silently and unobtrusively. Unlike the mus- tard seed, it works intensively from within, and its processes are not seen by anyone. Leaven thus represents hidden principles that alter our nature, our thinking, and our entire life. In the Scriptures leaven may stand for both good and evil influences. Christ gave His disciples warnings against three insidious con- tacts. They should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. What was this? Luke 12:1. What bearing may the leaven of the Sadducees have on our lives? Matt. 16:11, 12. What did the Sadducees deny? This philosophy would lead to certain negative attitudes. Can you list some results in your life that might spring from this leaven? Acts 23:8. The leaven of Herod (Mark 8:15) reflected that pol- itic Edomite's attitude to life. What were characteristics of Esau-Edom? Can we develop this philosophy today? "As the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works from within outward, so it is by the renewing of the heart that the grace of God works to transform the life. No mere external change is sufficient to bring us into harmony with God. There are many who try to reform by correcting this or that bad habit, and they hope in this way to become Christians, but they are beginning in the wrong place. Our first work is with the heart."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 97. For the leaven to work, it must be kneaded into the dough. As with the woman and the lost silver coin, this woman's ministry is the quiet work in the home, of putting into the pliable minds of her little ones the transforming principles of the kingdom of God. THINK IT THROUGH Which kind of leaven am I choosing to place in my life? Do I trust the transforming power of the invisible grace of God in my life? Am I worried about how my children are going to develop without making certain that the true leaven is kneaded in? "In the Saviour's parable, leaven is subdued. New thoughts, new feelings, used to represent the kingdom of new motives, are implanted. A new heaven. It illustrates the quickening, standard of character is set up—the assimilating power of the grace of life of Christ. The mind is changed; the God." "The leaven hidden in the flour faculties are roused to action in new works invisibly to bring the whole mass lines."—"Christ's Object Lessons," pages under its leavening process; so the 96, 98, 99. leaven of truth works secretly, silently, For deeper study: "Christ's Object steadily, to transform the soul. The Lessons," pages 95-102 (1923 ed., natural inclinations are softened and pages 93-99). 31 People Can Change LESSON 4 111 Tuesday Part 3 "And He said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man WHAT COUNTS should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and IS GROWTH rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow Mark 4:26, 27 up, he knoweth not how." In this parable (unique in Mark) Jesus stresses the truth that the man who sows the seed may not know the processes by which it develops. Who is the "man," ignorant of the power of growth and indifferent to the development of the seed? Is he the same as the Harvester at the end of the story—Jesus? Is Christ trying to show that there are things that He does not know or is not overly concerned with, trusting all to His heavenly Father? While the farmer goes about his other necessary daily activ- ities, the seed he has sown fulfills its function. He can do little about it; "the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself" ("herself" in Mark 4:28 is from the Greek root for "automatic"). This is a comforting thought both for our own growth and for our confidence in the mental and spiritual development of those for whom we work. God has designed that the soil shall change the seed. The missionaries, the teachers, the parents, who im- plant the seed of righteousness in the fertile soil of the minds of those with whom they have to do can take both courage and warning from this. This parable also has a personal message for us as individ- ual disciples. Christ's responsibility is at the beginning, to sow seed; and at the end, to reap the harvest. In between the soil causes change. We accept the seed of the Word into our own souls. With our eyes fixed on the Ideal, we may sometimes wonder whether we shall ever be able to grow like Him. This parable of the silent seed assures us that the transforming Word will carry out God's design in our lives so long as we ra it do its natural work. THINK IT THROUGH After I have accepted the right principles of the kingdom, do I worry unnecessarily about every little detail of my spiritual progress, or do I leave it, as the husbandman leaves the implanted seed, to develop under the Spirit's care? See 1 Peter 5:7. "The parable of the seed reveals of man can bring forth from the seed that God is at work in nature. The seed the living plant. Let man put forth his has in itself a germinating principle, a efforts to the utmost limit, he must still principle that God Himself has im- depend upon One who has connected planted; yet if left to itself the seed the sowing and the reaping by won- would have no power to spring up. derful links of His own omnipotent Man has his part to act in promoting power."—"Christ's Object Lessons," the growth of the grain. He must pre- page 63. pare and enrich the soil and cast in the For deeper study: "Christ's Object seed. He must till the fields. But there Lessons," pages 62-69 (1923 ed., pages is a point beyond which he can accom- 61-67); "Education," pages 104-106. plish nothing. No strength or wisdom 32 People Can Change LESSON 4 ❑ Wednesday Part 4 "And great multitudes were gathered together unto THE LAVISH SOWER Him, so that He went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And He spoke many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth Matt. 13:2, 3 to sow." The sower left his home to do his work. What did Jesus leave to come to the world—"the field"—to cast abroad the seeds of truth? Christ's expression does not indicate that the sower put delicate plants one by one in a hothouse, but that He cast abroad the seed so as to cover every spot. This truth of generous sowing is emphasized in the Scriptures. See 2 Cor. 9:6; Prov. 11:24-26. To whom are the illuminating principles of the Word to be given? John 1:9. "For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all." Rom. 11:32. The Husbandman scatters the gospel seed across all the areas of the field, that is, the world. The sower may also represent the evangelist. The "sower" is representative of all who scatter the seed of truth so as to leave no part of the field unworked. THINK IT THROUGH Am I doing my work as a sower in the portion of the field in which Christ has placed me? Does Paul have anything to say to me in Gal. 6:7, 8? "Christ had come, not as a king, but with the Father before the world was, as a sower; not for the overthrow of left His position upon the throne of the kingdoms, but for the scattering of universe. He went forth, a suffering, seed; not to point His followers to tempted man; went forth in solitude, to earthly triumphs and national great- sow in tears, to water with His blood, ness, but to a harvest to be gathered the seed of life for a world lost. after patient toil and through losses "His servants in like manner must and disappointments."—"Christ's Ob- go forth to sow. . . . Those who are' ject Lessons," page 35. called to unite with Christ must leave "'The sower went forth to sow' all, in order to follow Him. Old asso- (R.V.). In the East the state of affairs ciations must be broken up, plans of was so unsettled, and there was so life relinquished, earthly hopes surren- great danger from violence that the dered. In toil and tears, in solitude, and people dwelt chiefly in walled towns, through sacrifice, must The seed be and the husbandmen went forth daily sown."—"Ibid.," pp. 36, 37. to their labor outside the walls. So For deeper study: "Christ's Object Christ, the heavenly Sower, went forth Lessons," pages 33-43 (1923 ed., pages to sow. He left His home of security 27-37). and peace, left the glory that He had 33 People Can Change LESSON 4 Thursday Part 5 "And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it OF SEEDS AND was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. SOILS And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with Luke 8:5-7 it, and choked it." How did Jesus explain the meaning of the types of soil? Luke 8:12-15. "The seed sown by the wayside represents the word of God as it falls upon the heart of an inattentive hearer. Like the hard-beaten path, trodden down by the feet of men and beasts, is the heart that becomes a highway for the world's traffic, its pleasures and sins."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 44. What hardens the heart to resist the seed's penetration? Heb. 3:13. Are you allowing this to happen to you? What crushes the seed as it is trodden down? Why did Christ remark that this kind represents those who do not understand? Matt. 13:19. Does this type of man sense his danger? How quickly does the evil one remove the seed? Mark 4:15. What is represented by "fowls"? Luke 8:12, "the devil"; Mark 4:15, "Satan"; Matt. 13:19, "the wicked one." "Many who make a profession of religion are stony-ground hearers. Like the rock underlying the layer of earth, the selfish- ness of the natural heart underlies the soil of their good desires and aspirations. The love of self is not subdued. They have not seen the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the heart has not been humbled under a sense of its guilt. This class may be easily convinced, and appear to be bright converts, but they have only a superficial religion."—Ibid., p. 46. Thorns are the work of Satan. "He [God] never made a thorn, a thistle, or a tare. These are Satan's work, the result of degeneration, introduced by him among the precious things." —Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 186. So in our lives criticism may take the place of good judgment; lust, the place of true love. THINK IT THROUGH What things does Christ specifically mention as choking the seed? Is the soil of• my heart unprepared by wrong habits for the sowing of the good seed of the gospel? Am I seeking to get rid of "stones"? Are there the roots of noxious weeds in the recesses of my life which are ready to spring up and strangle my Christian growth? "Throughout the parable of the our control. True, we cannot change sower, Christ represents the different ourselves; but the power of choice is results of the sowing as depending ours, and it rests with us to determine upon the soil. In every case the sower what we will become."—"Christ's Ob- and the seed are the same. Thus He ject Lessons," page 56. teaches that if the Word of God fails For deeper study: "Christ's Object of accomplishing its work in our hearts Lessons," pages 43-56 (1923 ed., pages and lives, the reason is to be found in 37-53). ourselves. But the result is not beyond . 34 People Can Change LESSON 4 Friday Part 6 "And other fell on good ground, and sprang up; and FERTILE SOIL bare fruit an hundredfold." "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with pa- Luke 8:8, 15 tience." Much of the seed that came from the sower's hand had been wasted. But now the story turns to seed that fell on good ground. How do the three verbs in Christ's explanation fit into your heart when you hear "truth"? Luke 8:15. What is "an honest and .good heart"? Is the heart "good" before it hears the Word? See John 8:47; 18:37. "He has an honest heart who yields to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He confesses his guilt, and feels his need of the mercy and love of —6-6-cl.—Ri has a sincere desire to know the truth, that he may obey R."— Christ's Object Lessons, page 58. Were Levi Matthew and Zacchaeus "good and honest"?.or Nathanael? John 1:47. Does this type of hearer picture you? 1 Thess. 2:13. "The good-ground hearers, having heard the word, keep it. Satan with all his agencies of evil is not able to catch it away."—Ibid., p. 59. What results may we expect when the gospel seed falls into this kind of heart-soil? "The Word of God, received into the soul, will be manifest in good works. Its results will be seen in a Christlike character."—Ibid., p. 60. What accompanies his succesiffirbearing of fruit? "And he brings forth fruit 'with patience.' None who receive God's Word are exempt from diffi- culty and trial; but when affliction comes, the true Christian does not become restless, distrustful, or despondent. Though we cannot see the definite outcome of affairs, or discern the purpose of God's providences, we are not to cast away our confidence. Remembering the tender mercies of the Lord, we should cast our care upon Him, and with patience wait for His salvation." —Ibid., pp. 60, 61. What is our responsibility in this matter? Jer. 4:3 ; Hos. 10:12. THINK IT THROUGH What am I doing to break up the fallow ground of my heart so that the seed of the gospel can develop within me to the bringing forth of fruit? Am I' allowing the Divine Gardener to remove the weeds and the stones? Am I turning my thoughts from my business to His busi- ness? "The good-ground hearer receives living reality. He opens his understand- the Word 'not as the word of men, but ing and his heart to receive it."— as it is in truth, the Word of God.' "Christ's Object Lessons," page 59. 1 Thess. 2:13. Only he who receives the For deeper study: "Christ's Object Scriptures as the voice of God speaking Lessons," pages 56-61 (1923 ed., pages to himself is a true learner. He trem- 53-59). bles at the Word; for to him it is a 35 People Can Change LESSON 4 Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS 0 TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER 1. Which plant does Christ use as an illustration of the growth of the king- dom of heaven? Mustard, lily, anise 2. Which common household commodity did Jesus cite as an illustration of the development of grace in the MO 3. Complete this sentence : "So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the )1 seed should spring and grow up, he 4. What is represented by the sower going forth to sow? 5. Match these four types of soil with the kinds of hearts they represent: 1. wayside ( ) a. a heart prepared 2. stony ground ( ) b. a heart that makes a profession but is 3. thorny ground ( ) selfish 4. good soil ( ) c. the inattentive hearer d. a heart in which old habits of life are left to choke the seed 6. How liberally does the seed sown in good ground bring forth ANSWERS: •Nopaiputui try .9 •(e)I, `(p)E '(q)3 `(o)/ *9 .ppom o4 uollen Supq atuot/ iquaAuati sal 2ulnuai Isgqo .M011 40U zIlamoux .3 •tionval .3 pielsnim •I 36 LESSON 5 May 2 GIVE A MAN A CHANCE! 5 "And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." Acts 9:6. We often hear remarks to the effect that roadblock to a full and rich life is man some people never have a chance to make himself. anything of themselves. It is said that they are born into poverty and ignorance and grow up among associates who have no LESSON OUTLINE more ambition than they; hence these individuals never improve themselves and 1. Everyone Gets a Break drift from bad to worse. The Bible no- Matt. 20:1, 2 where subscribes to this picture of man's state and potential. The grace of the Lord 2. Same Pay for Each Jesus Christ is pervasive and powerful Matt. 20:8-16 enough to transform any life and to lead to ultimate complete victory. 3. Settle Out of Court In His parables Christ highlighted some Matt. 5:25, 26 of these questions which have plagued minds that refused to look at things from 4. Nothing Could Be Better the viewpoint of God's eternal purposes Matt. 21:33 for fallen humanity. In the parables we are to study this week, eternal truth is em- 5. Greedy Tenants bedded in perennial circumstances and un- Matt. 21:34-39 folding episodes. Let us study them from the perspective of our title, "Give a Man 6. What Will Be the Payoff? a Chance!" We shall see that the major Matt. 21:40-43 37 Give a Man a Chance! LESSON 5 ❑ Sunday Part 1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is EVERYONE GETS an householder, which went out early in the morning to A BREAK hire laborers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into Matt. 20:1, 2 his vineyard." This parable was preceded by the incident of the young ruler who approached the Master Teacher asking what good thing he should do to have eternal life. Then came Peter's ques- tion, "What shall we have therefore?" Matt. 19:27-30. In an- swer to this question Christ showed the part played 'by grace in the Christian life. Who does the "householder" represent? John 15:16; Mark 3:13. What is his "vineyard"? Who are in- cluded in the "laborers"? What is the "marketplace"? All are called by the Master to work. They do not ask for work. What covenant did the owner of the vineyard make when he hired the laborers early in the morning? What is suggested by the "early morning" of life? When the householder called others at the third hour, what promises of reward did he make to them? Matt. 20:3, 4. As he still needed help later in the day, what did he do? Matt. 20:5-7. What is meant by the "penny"? It was a liberal day's wage and the daily pay for a Roman soldier. Did those in each group "earn" their wages? To whom was it a gift? Rom. 6:23. Do you think that all our activity, separated from Christ's purpose in our lives, is "standing idle in the marketplace"? What is the significance of the phrase "no man hath hired us"? Where were they on the previous expeditions of the house- holder to find laborers? On what basis does Christ reward those who work for Him? Titus 3:5. How generous is He in His rewards? Eph. 3:20. THINK IT THROUGH Am I always comparing the rewards which come to me in life with those of others? Am I tempted to indulge in self-pity? Do I murmur against the "injustices" of life and reproach God? "The householder's dealing with the ing the principles of His kingdom—a workers in his vineyard represents kingdom not of this world. He is not God's dealing with the human family. controlled by any human standard." It is contrary to the customs that pre- —"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 396, vail among men. In worldly business, 397. compensation is given according to the For deeper study: "Christ's Object work accomplished. The laborer expects Lessons," pages 396-399 (1923 ed., to be paid only that which he earns. 402-406). But in the parable, Christ was illustrat- 38 Give a Man a Chance! LESSON 5 ❑ Monday Part 2 "So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard SAME PAY FOR saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them - EACH their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he an- swered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, Matt. 20:8-16 but few chosen." Do the laborers first called into service represent the Jewish nation? Had they any just cause for complaint when the Gen- tiles were called into the fold? They had been given what they had agreed to work for. The cause of their grievance lay in themselves—in their jealousy of those who worked but one hour and received a full day's wages. Did they exhibit the spirit of a hireling? "The Lord desires us to rest in Him without a question as to our measure of re- ward. When Christ abides in the soul, the thought of reward is not uppermost. This is not the motive that actuates our service."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 398. Upon what does God measure our service? Do the mur- murers remind us of the prodigal's brother? Did they murmur at how much the eleventh-hour servants received or because they themselves did not get more? THINK IT THROUGH What is my motive in serving the Lord? Do I work because of my love for Him and my desire to see His work fin- ished? Am I guilty of comparing what I have with what others appear to have? "Not the amount of labor performed nance of their employer filled them or its visible results but the spirit in with joy. They never forgot the good- which the work is done makes it of ness of the householder or the generous value with God. Those who came into compensation they had received. Thus the vineyard at the eleventh hour were it is with the sinner who, knowing his thankful for an opportunity to work. unworthiness, has entered the Master's Their hearts were full of gratitude to vineyard at the eleventh hour."— the one who had accepted them; and "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 397, when at the close of the day the house- 398. holder paid them for a full day's work, For deeper study: "Christ's Object they were greatly surprised. They knew Lessons," pages 399-404 (1923 ed., they had not earned such wages. And pages 406-413). the kindness expressed in the counte- 39 Give a Man a Chance! LESSON 5 ❑ Tuesday Part 3 "Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art SETTLE OUT OF in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary de- COURT liver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou Matt. 5:25, 26 host paid the uttermost farthing." This is one of the most complex of Christ's parables. It has at least two meanings. Its obvious import lies on the surface. Settle difficulties out of court! Our Lord emphasizes that there is an opportune time for this which should be seized. Christ's parables reveal spiritual truths, and this parable certainly does. Life is a "walk to the Judge with an adversary by our side." What a picture! Does Satan accompany us to the judgment? See Zech. 3:1-4; Rev. 12:10-12; 1 Peter 5:8. Phillips's New Testament in Modern English and the New English Bible render "agree" by the words "come to terms." How did Jesus "come to terms" with His adversary in the wilderness? Or did He? Matt. 4:10, 11. What are we admon- ished to do? James 4:7; Eph. 6:13-16. What assurance does our Saviour give us? John 16:33. Upon what "terms" only can we live through our earthly lives with any hope of being ac- quitted during the judgment? Who is to be our judge? John 5:22. Who do you think Christ refers to as "officer," or literally, "under rower," regu- lated by the master of the ship? In the "harvest" who takes care of the separations? Matt.13:30; 39. What is meant by "the prison"? Isa. 61:1, last part; Ps. 142:7. What was Christ's ministry to include? Isa. 42:6, 7. THINK IT THROUGH What am I doing day by day to ensure acquittal in the judgment? Who is my Advocate? 1 John 2:1. My Judge? John 5:22. My Witness? Rev. 3:14. Would the prisoner ever be able to pay his debts? "It is true, many an ordinary debtor after death and judgment because the who has been thrown into prison has Scriptures know of no such possibility. somehow managed to pay his debt. ... The only answer the Scriptures give . . . But this possibility pertains only is: 'Payment there is impossible.'"--- to the figurative language of Jesus. It R. C. H. Lenski, "The Interpretation of presents no possibility for a sinner St. Matthew's Gospel," page 225. 40 Give a Man a Chance! LESSON 5 ❑ Wednesday Part 4 "Hear another parable: There was a certain house- NOTHING COULD holder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round BE BETTER about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far Matt. 21:33 country." Read also Luke 20:9-19. The Jews were familiar with Isaiah's touching parable of the vineyard and the Lord's care for it. Isa. 5:1-7. The householder planted the vineyard. Ex. 15:17; Ps. 44:2. The "hedge" set around it represents the law that keeps evil out and righteous- ness safe within. The "tower" portrays the sanctuary or tem- ple—a place where the lookout watched and also a place for the defense of God's people. See Hab. 2:1. Read the introduc- tion to Prophets and Kings. The vineyard was rented out to "husbandmen." Did it ever belong to them? What more could be done? the Lord asks. Isa. 5:4. Can you think of anything? What a chance man has! God has done everything possible for His servants that they may fulfill His plans for them. See Ps. 84:11. God's leaving His vineyard to His husbandmen demonstrates His patience. THINK IT THROUGH Do I ever tally up all that God has done for the best development of my character? Can I suggest to my heav- enly Father any good thing He has withheld from me? Has God been patient with my weakness? "The parable of the two sons was world to be trained and educated by followed by the parable of the vine- Christ. The prophet says, 'The vineyard yard. In the one, Christ had set before of the Lord of hosts is the house of the Jewish teachers the importance of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleas- obedience. In the other, He pointed to ant plant.' Isa. 5:7. Upon this people the rich blessings bestowed upon Israel, God had bestowed great privileges, and in these showed God's claim to blessing them richly from His abundant their obedience. He set before them goodness. He looked for them to honor the glory of God's purpose, which Him by yielding fruit. They were to re- through obedience they might have ful- veal the principles of His kingdom. In filled. Withdrawing the veil from the the midst of a fallen, wicked world future, He showed how, by failure to they were to represent the character of fulfill His purpose, the whole nation God."—"Ibid.," p. 285. was forfeiting His blessing, and bring- For deeper study: "Christ's Object ing ruin upon itself."—"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 284-292 (1923 ed., Lessons," page 284. pages 287-295). "God had chosen a people from the 41 Give a Man a Chance! LESSON 5 ❑ Thursday Part 5 "And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent GREEDY TENANTS his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and Matt. 21:34-39 cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him." What is meant by the "time of the fruit"? "Fruit" represents both character development and souls saved for the kingdom. The fruit of the Spirit must be seen in the life. Gal. 5:22, 23. Who were the "servants" sent by the owner of the vineyard? See Heb. 1:1, 2; Jer. 44:4. They would include prophets, judges, kings, and leaders in Old Testament times. Who are they today? How were these messengers from God treated? What details do Luke and Mark add to Matthew's account? See Mark 12:1-9; Luke 20:9-16. Note Mark's terms "wounded in the head," and "shamefully handled." Can you think of Old Testament examples of this? See Jer. 20:1, 2; 37: 15; 1 Kings 18:13. And in the New Testament? See Acts 7:52; 1 Thess. 2:15. Compare Heb. 11:37, 38. How do you regard those who would help you to present good fruit for your Master? Has this response been found true in each era of God's church? Finally, whom did God send? See Mark 12:6; John 5:18. Did the husbandmen recognize the position of this Messenger? Compare Heb. 1:2. Does the parable accurately portray what happened to the Son when He was sent to the vineyard? Com- pare John 11:47-53. What is the significance of the fact that Jesus was slain, "cast out of the vineyard"? Heb. 13:12, 13. How was the husbandmen's plot carried out? What is signified by their throwing Him outside of the vineyard? THINK IT THROUGH We are horrified in this story at the manner in which the servants and the son were treated by the husbandmen. But am I by my attitude and actions giving the same treatment to His messengers and to Him? "The Jewish rulers did not love God; choice. Their decision was registered in therefore they cut themselves away the book which John saw in the hand from Him, and rejected all His over- of Him that sat upon the throne, the tures for a just settlement. Christ, the book which no man could open."— Beloved of God, came to assert the ."Christ's Object Lessons," pages 293, claims of the Owner of the vineyard; 294. but the husbandmen treated Him with For deeper study: "Christ's Object marked contempt, saying, We will not Lessons," pages 292-304 (1923 ed., have this man to rule over us. . . pages 295-308). "Thus the Jewish leaders made their 42 Give a Man a Chance! LESSON 5 ❑ Friday Part 6 "When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what WHAT WILL BE will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto him, THE PAYOFF? He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation Matt. 21:40-43 bringing forth the fruits thereof." What application can be made of the expression "when the Lord . . . cometh," individually, nationally to the Jews, and at the end of the world? The priests had been listening so in- tently to the story that they did not immediately grasp its full application. In reply to Christ's question, what sentence did they pass on the wicked husbandmen? "Unwittingly they had pro- nounced their own doom."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 295. The kingdom was indeed taken from the Jews and given to those who should bring forth its fruit—the Christians. The prophecy of the Jewish leaders came to pass exactly! See Gal. 3:9, 29 for the role of the church. In The Desire of Ages, pages 597, 598, we are told the story of the rejected stone: "When the temple of Solomon was erected, the immense stones for the walls and the foundation were entirely prepared at the quarry; after they were brought to the place of building, not an instrument was to be used upon them; the workmen had only to place them in position. For use in the foundation, one stone of unusual size and pecu- liar shape had been brought; but the workmen could find no place for it, and would not accept it. It was an annc yance to them as it lay unused in their way. Long it remained a rejected stone. But when the builders came to the laying of the corner, they searched for a long time to find a stone of sufficient size and strength, and of the proper shape, to take that particular place, and bear the great weight which would rest upon it. . . . The builders examined this stone. It had borne every test but one. If it could bear the test of severe pressure, they de- cided to accept it for the cornerstone. The trial was made. The stone was accepted, brought to its assigned position, and found to be an exact fit. In prophetic vision, Isaiah was shown that this stone was a symbol of Christ." THINK IT THROUGH Have I ever brushed aside Christ's will for me because it was apposed to my desires, only to find later that He was the answer to my problems? What should I do to ensure that my spiritual eyesight is clear and discerning? Rev. 3:18 (last part); 2 Peter 1:9. "The parable of the vineyard applies great privileges and blessings, and not alone to the Jewish nation. It has He expects corresponding returns."— a lesson for us. The church in this gen- "Christ's Object Lessons," page 296. eration has been endowed by God with 43 Give a Man a Chance! LESSON 5 Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER 1. What did the householder promise those he called to work in his vineyard at the third, the sixth, the ninth, and the eleventh hours? 2. Delete the incorrect phrases of the ones in parentheses in this sentence. The laborers called (first, at the third hour, at the sixth hour, at the ninth hour, at the eleventh hour) were the ones who were satisfied with their wages. 3. Which parable taught that it is never wise to procrastinate in making things right? 4. In the parable of the vineyard match these with what they represent: 1. the vineyard ( ) a. God 2. the householder ( ) b. the temple 3. the hedge ( ) c. the church 4. the tower ( ) d. the law 5. Who were represented in the parable by the servants? By the son? 6. What does the owner of the vineyard do to his faithless servants? ANSWERS: mrayl Aoa;saa g •;sago ‘sptidoid *g •(q)b '(p)g '(u)z .(3)T •6aesaanpe aq4 qwe Ilupeav „•;say„ apiea •Z sem ienaos3eIIM •I 44 LESSON 6 May 9 SATAN'S STRATAGEMS "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple." Luke 14:33. In every war resourceful men devise LESSON OUTLINE many sinister tricks to destroy the enemy. They set up booby traps in the most un- expected places. When an unthinking soldier 1. Fields of Paradise touches some part of one of these, he sets Matt. 13:24 off an explosion that kills him and those near him. Retreating soldiers attach lethal 2. While Men Slept devices to items which are designed to Matt. 13:25 arouse the curiosity or cupidity of those who follow. Valuable binoculars, pistols, 3. Counterfeit Grain water bottles, and other articles are fixed as alluring bait. As soon as a foolish soldier Mal. 3:18 picks up one of these, he is blown to pieces. By his training and desire for self-preser- 4. Devils Love a Vacuum vation the soldier should have been on the Matt. 12:43-45 alert for these booby traps. Satan employs ten thousand other strate- 5. Gauging the Enemy gems in most cunning deceptions. In the Luke 14:31-33 parables that we shall study this week our Lord calls attention to some of the knavery against which we should be continually on 6. Two Champions War the alert. Luke 11:21-23 45 Satan's Stratagems LESSON 6 0 Sunday Part 1 "Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The FIELDS OF PARADISE kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed Matt. 13:24 good seed in his field." Whom does the sower represent? Matt. 13:37. What is the significance of this appellation? The seed that God sowed is the only perfect seed. When Christ created the world, what was His estimate of all He had made? Gen. 1:31. "Before the en- trance of evil there was peace and joy throughout the universe. All was perfect harmony with the Creator's will. Love for God was supreme, love for one another impartial."—The Great Con- troversy, page 493. The field was ruined by an enemy's oversowing it with tares. What is represented originally by the "field" and the "good seed"? After sin entered the world, where did the Lord obtain further good seed? Now "the good seed represents those who are born of the word of God, the truth."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 70, 71. See Matt. 13:38. "The field,' Christ said, 'is the world.' But we must understand this as signifying the church of Christ in the world. The parable is a description of that which pertains to the kingdom of God, His work of salvation of men; and this work is accomplished through the church."—Ibid., p. 70. In our present circumstances in the world, who or what are represented by the sower? the seed? (consider James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23) the field? Satan traps us into thinking tares are wheat! THINK IT THROUGH Does a perfect environment guarantee freedom from sin and temptation? Could God have done more to improve the conditions in His field? See Isa. 5:4. "We have each of us an individual enter that will harm or destroy its work to do, to gird up the loins of our healthy vigor. But to prevent this, it minds, to be sober, to watch unto should be preoccupied with good seed, prayer. The mind must be firmly con- which, springing to life, will bring — trolled to dwell upon subjects that will forth fruit-bearing branches. . . . A strengthen the moral powers. . . . The field left uncultivated speedily produces thoughts must be pure, the meditations a rank growth of thistles and tangled of the heart must be clean, if the words vines, which exhaust the soil and are of the mouth are to be words accept- worthless to the owner."—"My Life To- able to Heaven and helpful to your day," page 83. associates. For deeper study: "Christ's Object "The mind should be guarded care- Lessons," page 70 (1923 ed., pages fully. Nothing should be allowed to 69, 70). 46 Satan's Stratagems LESSON 6 0 Monday Part 2 "But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed WHILE MEN SLEPT tares among the wheat, and went his way." Matt. 13:25 When did the enemy do his evil work in the field? Matt. 13:25, first part. He is called "The wicked one." Whose enemy is he? Today the devil takes advantage of every opportunity to catch men off guard. Eve was off guard—spiritually asleep— when she wandered from Adam's side and was tempted by the devil in Eden. Her statement to God (Gen. 3:13) literally means "The serpent caused me to forget." In another illustration Jesus said, "Know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suf- fered his house to be broken up." Matt. 24:43. What are some of the symptoms of spiritual sleep? Lack of prayer and Bible _study,,lack of self-examination, lack of one's faith With others, absorption in things of the world—social, business, material things. Can—Foi l -Aftei7 Sitin had done his foul business, what is said of him? Was his work immediately apparent? Satan traps us into a com- placent lack of vigilance. THINK IT THROUGH Am I allowing myself to be lulled into spiritual sleep by worldly interests? What was one of the problems of the foolish virgins? "Satan is making earnest, persever- the enemy sowed tares; and while you, ing efforts to corrupt the mind and my brethren and sisters, are uncon- debase the character of every young scious of his work, he is gathering an person; and shall we who have more army of youth under his banner; and experience stand as mere spectators, he exults, for through them he carries and see him accomplish his purpose on his warfare against God."—"Fun- without hindrance? Let us stand at our damentals of Christian Education," post as minutemen, to work for these page 90. youth, and through the help of God For deeper study: "Testimonies," hold them back from the pit of destruc- Vol. 2, p. 205. tion. In the parable, while men slept, 47 Satan's Stratagems LESSON 6 ❑ Tuesday Part 3 "Then shall ye return, and discern between the righ- COUNTERFEIT teous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and- GRAIN him that serveth Him not." Mal. 3:18 Read the rest of the parable of the tares—Matt. 13: 26-30. What custom helped Christ's hearers in the understanding of this parable? "In the East, men sometimes took revenge upon an enemy by strewing his newly sown fields with the seeds of some noxious weed that, while growing, closely resem- bled wheat. Springing up with the wheat, it injured the crop and brought trouble and loss to the owner of the field."— Christ's Object Lessons, page 71. What were the first evidences that something was amiss? By what may we recognize evil? Matt. 7:20. Who are represented by the "tares"? "The tares represent a class who are the fruit or embodiment of error, of false principles."—Ibid., p. 71. Some Bible versions use the word "darnel" instead of "tares." Darnel is a weed which until ripe resembles wheat. Can the question of the origin of evil receive a more explicit answer than Christ gave? Matt. 13:28, first part. What course of action was recommended by the owner's servants? Compare Luke 9:54. Why did the owner of the field decide not to do as they suggested? Matt. 13:29. How does his statement foreshadow what will occur at the end of time? Matt. 13:30. What is the difference between "the servants" and "the reapers"? "I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying angel, 'Fearful is his work. Awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should engross the whole mind, the whole attention.'"—Early Writings, page 118. THINK IT THROUGH Do I show impatience when the "tares" (in the church) are not cleaned out immediately, or do I patiently wait for the heavenly Owner to do the work of separation in His own time? Who will finally separate the good and bad? "Do not forcibly pull up the tares, in any church prematurely. We shall lest in rooting them up the precious have to exercise the greatest care, blades will become loosened. Both patience, and self-control to bear these ministers and church members should things and not go to work in our own be very cautious, lest they get a zeal spirit to set them in order."—"Testi- not according to knowledge. There is monies," Vol. 3, pp. 113, 114. danger of doing too much to cure diffi- For deeper study: "Christ's Object culties in the church, which if let alone, Lessons," pages 70-75 (1923 ed., pages will frequently work their own cure. 70-73). It is bad policy to take hold of matters 48 Satan's Stratagems LESSON 6 ❑ Wednesday Part 4 "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he DEVILS LOVE A walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth VACUUM none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than him- self, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be Matt. 12:43-45 also unto this wicked generation." This parable is a warning to those who seem impressed with the message of the gospel but who do not give themselves up entirely to the control of the Holy Spirit. After their conversion their lives and minds are empty -of heavenly principles. With what was the mind decorated? An unoccupied house is in dan- ger. It invites burglars. Vandals may break in and wreak havoc. So with the one whose heart is empty of the influences of righ- teousness. "Christ shows that there can be no such thing as neutrality in His service. The soul must not be satisfied with anything short of entire consecration—consecration of thought, voice, spirit, and every organ of mind and body. It is not enough that the vessel be emptied: it must be filled with the grace of Christ." —Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1093. With his defenses down, the last state of the man in this parable was worse than the first. He then allowed every kind of evil to control him. So today we see those who have at first seemed favorable to the gospel turn back to become worse than they were before they saw the light of the truth. THINK IT THROUGH Am I allowing the Spirit of God to occupy my life, or is my mind a dangerously empty house? With what should I seek to fill my mind? Can a rich and full mind ever be the result of cheap reading and entertainment and empty talk? "There were many in Christ's day, as surrender themselves to God daily, that there are today, over whom the control Christ might dwell in the heart; and of Satan for the time seemed broken; when the evil spirit returned, with through the grace of God they were set 'seven other spirits more wicked than free from the evil spirits that had held himself,' they were wholly dominated dominion over the soul. They rejoiced by the power of evil."—"The Desire of in the love of God; but, like the stony- Ages," pages 323, 324. ground hearers of the parable, they For deeper study: "The Desire of did not abide in His love. They did not Ages," pages 323, 324. 49 Satan's Stratagems LESSON 6 ❑ Thursday Part 5 "Or what king, gOing to make war against -another GAUGING THE king, sittetItnot down first, and consulteth whether he--be ENEMY able with -ten thousandlo meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?'Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions-of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he -hath, he cannot be My Luke.14:31-33 disciple." Like the parable of the man who builds a tower, the parable of the king who went to war against another king teaches us the-need to count the cost before embarking on any enterprise. The king takes counsel with others and carefully assesses the strength of his resources before setting out to meet his enemy. Life is a battle. Who_are the adversaries we have to meet? Do we have any assurance that we can overcome? Diverting our attention from making necessary preparation'to meet the enemy is one of Satan's stratagems. Is. Satan now a defeated foe? See Rev. 12:10. Do,we join forces with the King of all, or with the""prince of this world" who comes against Him? THINK IT THROUGH -Are -there any valid reasons why I do -not employ the- help God gives to .me? Are complacency, procrastination, or carelessness my downfall? "To us as well as to the disciples, the world, if they Will-take hold of His- Christ has given -the work of-carrying strength, they will make peace with the truth to the world. But -before •en- Him, and obtain supernatural assist- gaging in -this great and aggressive - ante that will enable them in their warfare, upon which eternal results weakness to do the deeds of Omnipo- depend, Christ invites all -to count the• -tence."—Ellen G. White. Comments, "SDA cost. He assures them that if they take Bible Commentary," Vol. 5, p.. 1121. hold of the work with -undivided hearts, For deeper study: "Testimonies," Vol. giving - themselves as light bearers to 5, p. 83. 50 Satan's Stratagems- LESSON 6 ❑ Friday Pa rt 6 "When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his TWO CHAMPIONS goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall WAR come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and- divideth his spoils. He that is not with Me is against Me: and he that gather- Luke 11':21-23 eth not with Me scattereth." Read also Luke 11:17-20. This parable is about two champions, a strong man and•a stronger man. In the spiritual picture presented in the Bible, power to resist our foe results from: 1. Wearing the- whole armor of God. Eph. 6:11-18. 2. Obeying the Captain of our salvation. 3. Fighting to the end. 2 Tim. 4:7, 8; Rev. 2:10, last part. This strong man appeared to have all these -qualities. He was also "armed." From the very beginning there is in this- "war" a king leader. Rev. 12:7. He has his own weapons. But lack of accurate appraisal of the enemy, failure to rely on the• General of God's army, always leads to defeat. Leading a man to trust in himself is another of Satan's devious methods. How does this take from us all our armor? In what ways does Samson illustrate this perennial truth? Judges 13 to 16. Upon whose side in this great controversy do the details of my daily life place me—with Christ or among those who "scatter"? Satan traps us into laying down our arms and giving up too soon-. THINK IT THROUGH. Do I keep my spiritual armor• (described by Paul) in good condition, ready for the assaults of Satan? Am I ever tempted into self-confidence? What is. the. difference be- tween presumption and faith? "It is as true now as when Christ strong man armed, his overthrow will was upon the earth, that every inroad be complete, and everyone who unites made by the gospel upon the enemy's with him in choosing apostasy rather dominion is met by fierce opposition than loyalty will perish with him."— from his vast. armies. The conflict that "Testimonies," Vol. 6, p: 407. is right upon us will be the most ter- For deeper study: "Messages to rible ever witnessed. But though Satan Young People," page 104. is represented as being as strong as the Sr Satan's Stratagems LESSON 6 Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER 1. What is the field where the sower sows his seed) 2. Fill in the missing words. "Men ought always to 1) and not to 3. Why did the householder not want the tares to be pulled up as soon as they were detected) 4. "Satan finds mischief still for idle hands to do." What parable that we have been studying this week is suggested by this well-known proverb) 5. Who carefully counted the cost before an important undertaking? 6. Finish this sentence: The parable of the strong man armed teaches the necessity of being completely on ANSWERS: lsptio Jo oms ota •g •xern ol ;own otim 2upi arty •g •osnoti Acicuo oto Jo °Ivied atu, •osie 4eatim. oto ;ooadn Aaq; ;so,' *g luieJ 'dead *Z .P11°M 0114 0? 4s!•010 30 ,ID10143 0tra, •I 52 LESSON 7 May 16 WHAT'S BOTHERING YOU? 7 "For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee." Psalm 86:5. Among the dangers which beset us in thing to irritate me and destroy my peace our relationships with one another and of mind? with God is the tendency to be unkind and unforgiving. In the parables we shall study LESSON OUTLINE this week, Christ deals with the condition of man's heart. 1. Runaway Debt In our first parable, a man, after he had Matt. 18:23-27 been forgiven his enormous debt, was neither grateful nor kind. He went and 2. "As I Have Loved You" gave vent to his feelings against one who Matt. 18:28-35 had injured him only slightly. At the feast in his house Simon the sin- 3. What Was Bothering Simon? ner blamed Christ for not condemning Luke 7:36-39 Mary the forgiven sinner. Feelings of self- justification overrode all his feelings of love. 4. Love Power In the story of the two boys, independ- Luke 7:40-43 ence and rebellion were causing their prob- lems. 5. The Easy Yes! The crooked manager looked only to Matt. 21:28-32 himself. As we study these stories we may well 6. The Shark inquire of ourselves, Am I allowing any- Luke 16:1-9 53 What's Bothering You? LESSON 7 ❑ Sunday Part I "Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a .RUNAWAY DEBT certain king, which would take. account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuCh as he. had -not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and . payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, .and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with - me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, -and :.for- Matt. 18:23-27 gave .him the debt." This parable points to the time and the basis for the settling of life's accounts. It tells of -debts between master and servant and between servants. Who is the "king"? What question of Peter's preceded the telling of this parable? Matt. 18:21. -Why did he ask it? How often did Jews forgive in Christ's day? "The rabbis limited the exercise of forgiveness to three offenses. Peter, carrying out, as he supposed, the teaching of Christ, thought to extend it to seven, the number signifying perfection." — Christ's Object Lessons, page 243. What was Christ's reply? Matt. 1'8:22. The size of the debt owed the king was staggering—"about $6,221,880 . . . , though worth much more in purchasing power."—SDA Bible Commen- tary, on Matt. 18:24. Christ emphasized that the man could never repay such a debt. What ..do we owe our Master? Is it ever possible for us to pay the debt we owe? The king ordered the man and all he had to be "sold"' to liquidate his debt. This was according to custom. What did the debtor do before he begged forgiveness and pleaded for mercy? What did •he show a willingness to acknowledge and to do? How freely was he forgiven? What are the most important requirements made of us in our indebtedness to Christ in order to gain forgiveness? Who actually pays our debt? Isa. 1:18; 1 .Peter 1:18, 19. THINK IT THROUGH Can 1 ever .pay.my debt to God? 'Do I regularly contem- plate.the kindness of Him who has paid it all? "The pardon granted by this king He gave -Himself for aur sins, and to represents divine forgiveness of all every soul He freely offers the blood- sin. Christ is represented by the king, bought pardon. 'With the Lord there who, moved with compassion, forgave is mercy, and with Him is ,plenteous the debt of his servant. -Man .was under redemption.' Ps. 130:7."—"Christ's Ob, the condemnation of the broken law. ject Lessons," pages 244, 245. He could not save himself, and for this For deeper study: "Christ's Object Les- reason Christ came to this world, sons," pages 243, 244 (1-923 ed., clothed -His divinity with humanity, and same). gave His life, the just for the unjust. 54 What's Bothering You? LESSON 7 ❑ Monday Part 2 "But the same-servant went-out, and found oneofhis "AS I HAVE. fellow servants,..which owed him--an hundred pence: and LOVED YOU" .he laid hands on-him,. and took him by the throat, saying,, Pay me that thou °west. And his4ellow servant fell down at his, feet, and besought- him; saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went -Matt: 18:28-30 and cast him into prison, till he should. pay the debt." Finish reading-the parable.—verses 31-35.. This section of the parable covers a debt between one ser- vant and - another. The ratio of the debts is about- half a million to one! The forgiven servant was owed by his fellbw, one, hun- dred pence—a sum comparatively small, which he might earn -in-four months at the rate of "a penny a day." Matt.. 20:2. Did• the creditor go and look for him? Notice the rough treatment this servant gave to his debtor. He-"took him- by the throat:"•This was far rougher treatment than he himself had received at the hands of his-creditor. The plea made by his debtor is worded exactly the same as the one he himself had made to his king. Is it always right to press our rights? Contrast the attitudes of the- two creditors—the king and the servant. Why were the other fellow servants "very sorry"? When they reported the matter, what was the feeling aroused in the king? Does this have a lesson for us? Was.this just? What does Christ teach about- forgiveness? Luke 17:3. The wickedness of the servant is shown by his refusing to be mer- ciful after he had" received. mercy. James 2:13; 1 John 4:11. So he is delivered• to the "tormentors." Who or what are these? Why does the king revoke his previous decision? Ezek. 33:12, 13. Do sins once forgiven return on the sinner? THINK IT THROUGH- Am I expecting to enjoy the forgiveness of God for my shortcoming while at the same time I refuse to forgive those who have wronged me? "How many are today manifesting grace of God- as a free gift, but are the same spirit. When the debtor trying to build themselves up in self- pleaded, with .his lord for mercy, he •righteousness. Their own hearts are not had< no true sense of the greatness of broken and humbled on account- of his debt. He did not realize his help- sin, and they are exacting and unfor- lessness. _He hoped to deliver himself. giving toward others.:'—"Christ!s,Object 'Have patience with me,' he said, 'and Lessons," pages 245-246. will pay thee. all.' So there area-many For deeper study: "Christ's Object who hope by their own works to meri-t• =lessons," pages 244-251 (1923 ed., Gad's-favor. They do not.realize their pages 244,250). helplessness. They do not .accept the 55 What's Bothering You? LESSON 7 ❑ Tuesday Part 3 "And one of the Pharisees desired Him that He would WHAT WAS eat with him. And He went into the Pharisee's house, and BOTHERING sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, SIMON? which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of oint- ment, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping, and began to wash His feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed His feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden Him saw it, he spoke within himself, saying, This Man, if He were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth Him: Luke 7:36-39 for she is a sinner." Read also John 12:1-3. The setting for this parable is the home of Simon the Phari- see. There was no cordiality in his invitation to Christ. He deliberately ignored the courtesy of giving his Guest water to wash His feet! Do you get the impression that it was conde- scension that led Simon to ask Jesus to his home? He was certainly patronizing in his attitude to Mary, whom he regarded as a sinful woman. How did he have such a clear knowledge of her past? See The Desire of Ages, page 566. Simon's Pharisaic pride was offended by Mary's show of gratitude and affection. He still had some misgivings about the identity of Jesus, for he said to himself, "If He were a prophet." Luke 7:39. What other lessons besides the need for appreciation and gratitude did our Lord wish to teach as He told the parable of the two debtors? THINK IT THROUGH Is my eagerness to pronounce other people sinners caus- ing me to overlook my own misdeeds? Am I, like Simon, so ignorant of Christ that I judge the real or imagined misdeeds of others by my own standards? "By curing Simon of leprosy, Christ "But it was Simon's ignorance of God had saved him from a living death. and of Christ that led him to think as But now Simon questioned whether the he did. He did not realize that God's Saviour were a prophet. Because Christ Son must act in God's way, with com- allowed this woman to approach Him, passion, tenderness, and mercy. Simon's because He did not indignantly spurn way was to take no notice of Mary's her as one whose sins were too great penitent service."—"The Desire of to be forgiven, because He did not Ages," page 566. show that he realized she had fallen, For deeper study: "The Desire of Simon was tempted to think that He Ages," pages 557-566. was not a prophet. . . . 56 What's Bothering You? LESSON 7 ❑ Wednesday Part 4 "And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have LOVE POWER somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And He said unto him, Thou Luke 7:40-43 hast rightly judged." By this story Christ sought to meet Simon's need for an un- derstanding of forgiveness. What does His method reveal of Christ's character? Ps. 18:35. Do we exhibit the same gentle attitude in dealing with those in need? What was the ratio of the two debts? Did the difference in the debts make any differ- ence to the attitude of the creditor? Does God allow any dif- ference in the "amount" of sins to affect His forgiving us? Is He as ready to forgive the one who has sinned greatly as the one who has sinned little? Ps. 103:3. What actually affects His forgiveness? "Jesus did not design to teach that different degrees of obli- gation should be felt by the two persons, for each owed a debt of gratitude that never could be repaid. But Simon felt himself more righteous than Mary, and Jesus desired him to see how great his guilt really was. He would show him that his sin was greater than hers, as much greater as a debt of five hundred pence exceeds a debt of fifty pence."—The Desire of Ages, pages 566, 567. Did Simon get the point of the parable? What was it that won his heart? "Simon was touched by the kindness of Jesus in not openly rebuking him before the guests. . . . Stern denun- ciation would have hardened Simon against repentance, but patient admonition convinced him of his error. He saw the mag- nitude of the debt which he owed his Lord. His pride was humbled, he repented, and the proud Pharisee became a lowly, self-sacrificing disciple."—/bid., pp. 567, 568. THINK IT THROUGH How great do I consider my debt to the divine Creator? Do I ever try to brush it under the rug by calling atten- tion to the debts of others? In what ways is my Saviour appealing to me to make all things right? "Jesus knows the circumstances of bling soul take courage. Freely will He every soul. You may say, I am sinful, pardon all who come to Him for for- very sinful. You may be; but the worse giveness and restoration."—"The Desire you are, the more you need Jesus. He of Ages," page 568. turns no weeping, contrite one away. For deeper study: "The Desire of He does not tell to any all that He Ages," pages 566-568. might reveal, but He bids every trem- 57 What's Bothering You?i LESSON ,7_ D Thursday. `Part 5 ""But.what think ye? A certain man.had twersonsvand THE' EASY YES! he came to the first; and. said, Son, go work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, (.will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and .said. likewise. And hw,answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That-the publicans -and.the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye be- lieved him not: but the publicans and the harlots be- lieved him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not Matt. 21:28-32 afterward, that ye might believe him." This parable followed the question of the chief priests and' the scribes concerning the authority by which Christ carried out His works. It was not evidence of Christ's authority that they needed—they knew what it was. But they desired a dec- laration by Jesus Himself that He was the Messiah. With this they hoped that they would be able to stir up the people and procure His death. What was the significance of the question Jesus asked them (Matt. 21:24, 25) concerning the baptism-of John? Why did this question discomfit them so greatly? Be- cause they were on the spot, how •did they reply? This was a lie and a weak reply, but it was all they could do to save face in the situation. Jesus then told the parable we have just read. What was "bugging" the first son when he rudely replied, "No, sir"? Why- did he not wish to be about his father's business? What might have induced him afterward to repent and go? The Spirit,had worked on his heart revealing the character of his father: and, his own obligations. The second son said, "Yes, sir." Compare Israel's reaction in Ex. 24:7. This boy talked a lot but did nothing. Compare Isa. 29:13. What was "bugging" him? Who actually did the father's will ? -On what does God-judge us, on our words or our works? THINK IT THROUGH' What shows in my life—my words or my works? De I ' refuse to.do God's will through rude ingratitude? What goodnesses of God have induced me to enter His service? "Self-righteousness is not true righ- saying, 'I go, sir.' They do not go. They teousness, and those who cling• to it do not cooperate with those who are will be left-to take• the consequences doing. God's. service. They are idlers. of holding a fatal deception. Many to- Like the unfaithful son, they make false day claim to obey the commandments promises.to.Goct."—"Christ's Object Les- of God, but they have not the love of .sons," page 279. God in their hearts to flow 'forth to For deeper study: "Christ's Object others. Christ calls them to unite with Lessons," pages 272-2.83 (1923. ed., Him in His work for the saving of the pages 27.3-285). world, but they content themselves with 58' What's. Bothering You? . LESSON 7 ❑ Friday --Part 6 "And He said also unto.His disciples, There was a cer- JHE SHARK tain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was ,accused unto him that he had wasted, his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this . of thee? give an account,of thy stewardship; for thou may- est be no longer steward. Then the steward said within himself, What shall.) do? for my.lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig;-to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the 'Luke. 16:1-4 stewardship, they may receive me into their houses." Read the rest of the parable and its conclusion in verses 5-9. "And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations." In this story Jesus immediately continued the discussion introduced at the end of the story of the prodigal son. This was an account of events which had• actually happened: "With the prospect of discharge 'before him, the steward saw - three paths- open to his choice. He must labor, beg, or starve."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 367. The steward's solution was to defraud his master to the advantage of the master's debtors, so placing them under obli- -gation to him-so that they in turn would be good to him. How urgently did he act? His lord commended this "prudence." Who are "the children of this world"? Who are "the children of light"? The unfaithful steward was a picture of the Jews themselves. To them had been entrusted the oracles of God, but 'they had used God's gifts, of which they were stewards, for selfish purposes to exalt and enrich themselves. THINK IT THROUGH Am I putting all my talents and resources, my energy and my knowledge, into the-work God calls me to do so that when-the end comes I may be ready for eternity? "Those who spend their lives in lay- .their -generation are these professed ing up worldly treasure,show less wis- children of the light."—"Christ's Object • dam, less thought and care for their Lessons," page 372. eternal well-being, than did the unjust For deeper study: "Christ's Object steward for his earthly support. Less Lessons," pages 366-375 (1923 ed., wise than the•.children of this world in pages-371-379). 59 What's Bothering You? LESSON 7 Part 7 O SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER 1. Who are represented by the man who owed his master a vast sum of money) 2. What quality was the king's debtor lacking in? 3. Which of these qualities would you say Simon lacked—true hospitality, reverence, gratitude, compassion) 4. To whom did Jesus say the words, "Thou hast rightly judged"? and why? 5. What classes, despised by the Jews, did Jesus commend for their willing- ness to do the Father's will? 6. COMPLETE this sentence : This parable teaches that worldly men often show more wisdom in looking after their own interests than do the servants of God in looking after ANSWERS: •s,aalsuw aptly .9 .slotieg pue sueolignd .9 •;sow u!!,1 patio! Luns sjs!1113 u! ao;qap ialeal2 all; ;my. pa;llurpu at! uatpu 'uowi5 '1, 30 •uo!ssuchuo3 Z •lautus Aiana •I 60 LESSON 8 May 23 IT PAYS TO PRAY "And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." Luke 11:1. Prayer is often not valued highly be- LESSON OUTLINE cause its mystery and power are not un- derstood or realized through experiment. 1. Teach Us to Pray Jesus has left us several parables to teach Luke 11:1-4 us attitudes and approaches to effective prayer. He Himself set an amazing exam- 2. A Friend Comes Asking ple. Even those disciples who were nearest Luke 11:5-8 to Him soon realized that they actually knew very little about true praying. So 3. Widow in Need they asked Him to teach them. Luke 18:1-8 After giving them a pattern prayer, our Lord illustrated attitudes in the petitioner 4. The Snob which were to blend with attitudes in God. Luke 18:9-12 We should ask in order to share our bless- ing with those in need. There is no one 5. Heart's Cry time to pray—we may pray in all circum- Luke 18:13, 14 stances and places and times. Persistence and heart's need will always gain an an- 6. Peter—Pharisee or Publican? swer from our prayer-hearing God. Mark 14:27-29 61 It Pays to Pray LESSON 8- 0 Sunday Part 1' "And it came to pass, that; as He was praying in a TEACH US TO PRAY' certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his . Luke 11:1 disciples:" •Read also verses 2-4.. Did not the disciples know how to pray before this? They must have been taught both in their homes and also in the synagogues. What then made them ask Jesus to teach them to pray? What was there about Christ's prayer life that made them feel that their own praying was inadequate? They knew the theory of praying, the form of words, and pious phrases; but they now longed to pray as their Master .prayed. They had noted on many occasions that His seasons of prayer did something for Him that their prayers had never done for them. "The Saviour's face was .irradiated with a celestial bright- ness. He seemed to bein the very presence of the Unseen, and there was a living power in His words as.of one who spoke with God."—Thoughts.From the Mount-of Blessing, page 102. How did Jesus treat their request for instruction? Luke 11:2-4. He gave them a model prayer. It was not new to them, for He had already given -it to them in the Sermon on the Mount. "That which He has before taught them He repeats, as if He would say, You need to understand what I have al- ready given. It has a depth of meaning you have -not yet fathomed."—Ibid., p. 103. THINK IT THROUGH Is-prayer a real experience-in my life, or is it merely the repetition of well-worn phrases? Do I pray according to the spirit and intent of my Master's prayer? "The hearts of the listening disciples freshment that seemed to pervade His were deeply moved. They had marked presence. It was from hours spent with how often He spent long hours in soli- God that He ,came forth, morning by tude in communion with His Father: His morning, to bring the light of heaven to days were passed in ministering to the men. The disciples had come to connect crowds that pressed upon Him, and in- His hours of prayer with the power of unveiling- the treacherous• sophistry of His words and works. Now, as they the rabbis, and this incessant labor listened-to His supplication, their hearts often left Him so utterly• wearied that were awed and humbled."—"Thoughts His mother and brothers, and even His From the Mount of Blessing," -pages disciples, had feared that His life would 102, 103. be sacrificed. But as He returned from- For deeper study: "Thoughts- From the hours of 'prayer that closed -the the Mount of Blessing," pages 102, toilsome day, they marked the look of 103 (1943 ed., pages 151-153). peace upon His face, the sense of re 62 It Pays to Pray LESSON 8 ❑ Monday. 'Part' 2 "And He said unto`• them,' Which of you 'shall have a - A FRIEND COMES friend, and shall go-,unto him at midnight, -and say unto ASKING' him, Friend, lend -me three 'loaves; for -a •friend of mine in- his journey is come-to me, and I have nothing to set before' him?. And he from within shall .answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, -and my children are with,me.-in .bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say, unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will Luke 11:5-8- rise and give him as many as he needeth." Jesus told this parable to illustrate the-lesson He desired His disciples to learn concerning the motivation behind their prayers. Jesus prayed for strength ,to help others in their -needs. John 17:9, 20-23. What-should be our motive in praying? Eph. 6:18-20. It is significant that the importunate man in the par- able asked his friend for bread with which to feed others. Who is his unexpected guest? .Bread in the Scriptures is a symbol of spiritual food. What made the man so desperately diligent? Christ's word for "im- portunity" means "shamelessness." Have we a supply of the bread of life on hand to give to those who ask us? 1 Peter 3:15. We must•. note that the selfish, lazy neighbor in the parable does not represent the character of our heavenly Father: "The lesson is.drawn, not by comparison,- but by contrast. - A selfish man will grant an urgent request, in order to rid himself of one who disturbs his rest. But God delights to give. He is full of compassion, and He longs to grant the requests of those who come unto Him in faith. He gives to us that we may minister to others and thus become like Himself."—Christ's Object Les- sons, page 141. How did Jesus illustrate the Father's willingness to answer the prayers of His children? Luke 11:9-13. Compare Eph. 3:20. Instead of the three loaves.the man.requested, how...many is he actually given? THINKAT THROUGH Is it perhaps because my. prayers are too formal or• too selfish that they do. not seem ..to be effective? Do" I ask to.have, or to give? "Our prayers are notto be a -selfish votion, the same self-sacrifice, the same asking, merely-for our own benefit. •We subjection to the claims of the .Word are to ask that we may give. The•pri.n- of God, that• were manifest in Christ, ciple of Christ's life must be'the prin- mustbe seen in His servants."—"Christ's . ciple of our lives. 'For•their sakes,'•He Object Lessons," page 142. said; speaking-of -His disciples, 'I sanc- For deeper study: "Christ's Object tify Myself, that they also might be Lessons," pages 139-149 (1923 ed., sanctified.' John 17:19'.-The same de- pages 137-149). 63 It Pays to Pray LESSON 8 ❑ Tuesday Part 3 "And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that WIDOW IN NEED men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adver- sary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge Luke 18:1-5 her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." Read also verses 6-8. The emphasis of this parable went beyond praying. It under- lined the thought "and not to faint." The judge had treated the widow both unjustly and contemptuously. He delighted in showing his authority. Although she had a just cause, he drove her many times from the judgment seat. Finally her per- sistence compelled him to give her a hearing. Apparently some enemy was trying to wrest her money from her, for her prayer was, "Avenge me of mine adversary." Who is the enemy of God's people? 1 Peter 5:8. It is for deliverance from the power of Satan and his agents that in this parable Christ teaches His disciples to pray. A prophetic picture of the victory which will result is given us by the prophet Zechariah. Zech. 3 :1-5. What expression did the judge use to describe the woman's effect on him? It literally means "smite me below the eye"; figuratively, "beat me out," or "wear me out." THINK IT THROUGH Am I daily thankful that I have a compassionate Listener in the heavenly courts, ready to free me from my ad- versary, ready to supply all my needs for time and for eternity? "The character of the judge in the "In the parable of the unjust judge, parable, who feared not God nor re- Christ has shown what we should garded man, was presented by Christ do. 'Shall not God avenge His own to show the kind of judgment that was elect, which cry day and night unto then being executed, and that would Him?' Christ, our example, did nothing soon be witnessed at His trial. He de- to vindicate or deliver. Himself. He com- sires His people in all time to realize mitted His case to God. So His followers how little dependence can be placed are not to accuse or condemn, or to on earthly rulers or judges in the day resort to force in order to deliver them- of adversity. Often the elect people of selves."—"Christ's Object Lessons," God have to stand before men in offi- page 171. cial positions who do not make the For deeper study: "Christ's Object Word of God their guide and counselor, Lessons," pages 164-180 (1923 ed., but who follow their own unconse- pages 167-183). crated, undisciplined impulses. 64 It Pays to Pray LESSON 8 ❑ Wednesday Part 4 "And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted THE SNOB in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the Luke 18:9-12 week, I give tithes of all that I possess." What attitude did Jesus notice in some to whom He directed this parable? The Pharisees were the conservative sect of the Jews and were proud and boastful. They made a great display of praying in public to demonstrate their piety. With whom does Jesus say the Pharisee prayed? How far did his prayers reach? For what does he give thanks? What is his aim in praying? His prayer is entirely negative. He omits any reference to the goodness or the mercy of His Creator. Does he acknowledge his sin and need? How high was his estimate of himself above his fellow human beings? Notice what he said of the publican. What bearing to us has Christ's warning against the philosophy of the Pharisees? Matt. 16:6. Is self-congratulation ever in place? THINK IT THROUGH As I kneel to pray, what picture of my attitudes and de- sires do the angels see? With whom am I talking? By stressing the diseases of others do I make my health any better? "The religion of the Pharisee does righteous by contrast he appears. His not touch the soul. He is not seeking self-righteousness leads to accusing. Godlikeness of character, a heart filled Other men he condemns as transgressors with love and mercy. He is satisfied of God's law. Thus he is making mani- with a religion that has to do only fest the very spirit of Satan, the accuser with the outward life. His righteousness of the brethren. With this spirit it is im- is his own—the fruit of his own works possible for him to enter into com- —and judged by a human standard. munion with God. He goes down to "Whoever trusts in himself that he his house destitute of the divine bless- is righteous, will despise others. As the ing."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page Pharisee judges himself by other men, 151. so he judges other men by himself. For deeper study: "Christ's Object His righteousness is estimated by theirs, Lessons," pages 150, 151 (1923 ed., and the worse they are the more pages 151, 152). 65 It Pays to Pray LESSON 8 ❑ Thursday Part 5 "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift HEART'S CRY up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be Luke 18:13, 14 abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." While the Pharisee stood where all could see and witness his praying, the publican stood "afar off." What picture of his relationship to God does this convey? So great was the sense of his own sinfulness that he felt he was unworthy to mingle with the other worshipers in the temple court. In what other ways was his humility manifested? His was a short prayer, but effective. What did his prayer reveal about his understanding of God? Compare Ezra's prayer in Ezra 9:6. "Overwhelmed with a sense of guilt, he stood as if alone in God's presence. His only desire was for pardon and peace, his only plea was the mercy of God."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 152. "God be merciful"—the word "merciful" from the same root as "mercy seat." See Rom. 3:25, where the word is "propitia- tion." What did Christ say about the effectiveness of this man's prayer? Do repetitions and oratory have any place in effectual prayer? Matt. 6:5-8; Prov. 29:23. In what attitude should we constantly be? 1 Thess. 5:17. What is "justification" by faith through prayer? THINK IT THROUGH Do I sometimes perform actions or make visits on which 1 am unable to ask God's blessing? What is my attitude toward the majesty of God as well as His mercy when I kneel to pray? Do I make myself the center of my prayers? "The prayer of the publican was seen by all who seek God."—"Christ's heard because it showed dependence Object Lessons," page 159. reaching forth to lay hold upon Omnip- For deeper study: "Christ's Object otence. Self to the publican appeared Lessons," pages 150, 151 (1923 ed., nothing but shame. Thus it must be pages 151, 152). 66 It Pays to Pray LESSON 8 ❑ Friday Part 6 "And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended PETER—PHARISEE because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite OR PUBLICAN? the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto Him, Although all shall be offended, yet will Mark 14:27-29 not I." Did the apostle Peter represent the attitude of the Pharisee or the publican in his protestations before the crucifixion? "For each of the classes represented by the Pharisee and the publi- can there is a lesson in the history of the apostle Peter."— Christ's Object Lessons, page 152. To what instances in his life would you apply this statement? During his years with Christ Peter exhibited self-confidence. He thought he was quite able to meet any temptation or test which might come his way. What experience did he have that showed how inadequate his self-confidence was? Mark 14:66-72. In what words does the apostle Paul warn us about the dangers of self-confidence? 1 Cor. 10:12. But Peter learned his lesson. His experience in the court of the high priest engraved the truth deeply on his heart, and he never again asserted him- self or relied upon his own strength. What incident just before our Lord's ascension shows how well Peter had learned his lesson of trust in the Lord for strength? John 21:15-17. "The once restless, boastful, self-confident disciple had be- come subdued and contrite. Henceforth he followed his Lord in self-denial and self-sacrifice."—Ibid., p. 154. How did Jesus suggest to Peter that his victorious life might display daily service to needy human beings? Why did Peter have to wait for a terrible crisis before he learned his lesson? What aspects of Christ's character does His treatment of His self-confident disciple reveal? THINK IT THROUGH Is the subduing of self a daily business with me? Am I waiting for some future time or great crisis in which to display my discipleship, or am I daily doing my duty to Christ's sheep and lambs? "It was through self-sufficiency that thy faith fail not.' Luke 22:32. In his Peter fell; and it was through repent- bitter agony of remorse, this prayer, ance and humiliation that his feet were and the memory of Christ's look of again established. In the record of his love and pity, gave him hope."— experience every repenting sinner may "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 155, find encouragement. Though Peter had 156. grievously sinned, he was not forsaken. For deeper study: "Christ's Object The words of Christ were written upon Lessons," pages 151-163 (1923 ed., his soul, 'I have prayed for thee, that pages 152-165). 67 89 1. During the Sermon on the Mount. 2. False; he wanted it to give to others. 3. Importunity. 4. With himself. 5. The publican. 6. Peter. SIIHMSNIf oaspuqd SupCeld alp Jo sopspape -Imp alp pawn's aidpsIp E su mat( Ap sIq u! oqm apsodu alp aluuN .9 paupst-4 sum oqm aq3 ut paiCuid oqm uaul om3 Jo .s 4Auid aaspeqd ay pp uloqm ql!AA e.pualq Joj pa4su oqm uum alp puu aSpuc alp of wank oqm uutuom tpoq Act pamisuotuap SEM Dpspalaump augur •E asn umo sni Ioj 3! plum 'peazq Joj 2up[su 31.0!upui puapj sag luam oqm anzi 7 oakum spo-1 aqi said!osIp s!H 3145n-e1 snsaf pug UOISEDDO snoplaid 3uqm up •I 213/4A0d Aanis anoA 1S31 01 <> sNousno Aavwwns O L PIM 8 NOSS31 Mud O1 sfivd LESSON 9 May 30 COUNTING THE COST AND BUILDING WELL "And now, 0 inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt Me and My vineyard. What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?" Isa. 5:3, 4. Human nature, apart from the_trans:: LESSON OUTLINE forming grace of Christ, changes'little from generation to One illustration 1. Permanent Foundations of this is that men always look for the Matt. 7:24, 25 easiest and criickest ways to do things, often with no long view of the permanent 2. Shifting and Slippery results of their plans. Desire for immediate Matt. 7:26, 27 profits and the struggle to gain what they want right now often lead to evil. Christ 3. Robes for Rags emphasized that preoccupation with the Mark 2:21 permanent and eternal rather than the im- mediate and transitory should characterize 4. Old Bags and Holy Patches our lives. What He recommends in the Mark 2:22 stories we are to study is that we act from principle, carefully counting the cost and 5. Building a Tower building well. Luke 14:25-30 6. Children at Play Luke 7:31-35 69 Counting the Cost and Building Well LESSON 9 ❑ Sunday Part "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, PERMANENT and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which FOUNDATIONS built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that Matt. 7:24, 25 house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock." What is the "wisdom" to which Christ refers? Is it possible to escape the responsibility of building some sort of character? To whom does the symbol "rock" point in the Scriptures? Deut. 32:4; 1 Cor. 10:4. "Rock" is also representative of God's Word. His "Word" is both incarnate in Christ and inspired in the Bible. "The word of our God shall stand forever." Isa. 40:8. "The Word of God is the only steadfast thing our world knows. It is the sure foundation."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 148. Christ's listeners knew well what Jesus was talking about when He contrasted the two kinds of houses—those built on sand, for in the valleys were many such, and others built on rock. The houses built upon rock were unmoved by the violent storms and floods that frequently visited the area of the lake of Galilee. Did the fact that the builders were sincere and meant well guarantee that they were safe from storm? What connec- tion did Jesus make between hearing and doing? It was not as easy to build upon the rock as on the sands of the riverbeds, but it paid off in the end. So it may not be easy for us to build our characters upon Christ and His Word, but it pays! Who is the Master Architect? What materials should be used in char- acter building? 1 Cor. 3:9-15. THINK IT THROUGH Am I building my life on the sure foundation of Christ and His law and Word? Am I afraid of preparing the hard and difficult material for my character building? "The great principles of the law, whereby we must be saved.' Acts 4:12. of the very nature of God, are em- Christ, the Word, the revelation of bodied in the words of Christ on the God,—the manifestation of His char- mount. Whoever builds upon them is acter, His law, His love, His life,—is the building upon Christ, the Rock of Ages. only foundation upon which we can In receiving the Word, we receive build a character that will endure."— Christ. And only those who thus receive "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," His words are building upon Him. pages 148, 149. 'Other foundation can no man lay than For deeper study: "Thoughts From that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.' the Mount of Blessing," pages 147-152 1 Cor. 3:11. 'There is none other name (1943 ed., pages 211-218). under heaven, given among men, 70 Counting the Cost and Building Well LESSON 9 ❑ Monday Part 2 "And everyone that heareth these sayings of Mine, and SHIFTING AND doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which SLIPPERY built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon Matt. 7:26, 27 that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." Sand is shifting, easy to arrange, and apparently docile under our efforts. But it is unstable and easily moved again by some- one else. It may be blown by the wind for miles. The man who built upon the sand was sincere but stupid. He wanted the easy and quick way. Is sincerity enough? We need sound common sense and true knowledge in building a character house which will survive the storms of life. Those who trust to themselves to earn salvation are building upon sand. What other illustra- tions of sandy foundations can you think of? What characters in the Bible thus built? The man who built on sand was in danger from: overwhelm- ing rainstorms which cause washouts and waterlogging of fields; floods (Satan is compared in the Scriptures to a flood—Isa. 59:19) ; raging winds (these represent strife and false doctrines —Eph. 4:14) . What sort of person does the Bible depict as a "fool"? Luke 24:25; 1 Cor. 1:18; 2:14; Ps. 14:1. How did Christ say this foolish man reacted to the preaching of the Word? What mate- rials does a fool build into his character? 1 Cor. 3:12, last part. What do these represent? THINK IT THROUGH Have I selected the only firm Foundation, or am I build- ing on the shifting sands of self-dependence and human philosophy? Is my problem laziness which looks for the easy row to hoe? "Every building erected on other The fierce tempests of temptation will foundation than God's Word will fall. sweep away the sandy foundation and He who, like the-Jews in Christ's day, leave his house a wreck on the shores builds on the foundation of human of time."—"Thoughts From the Mount ideas and opinions, of forms and cere- of Blessing," pages T50, 151. monies of man's invention, or on any For deeper study: "Patriarchs and works that he can do independently of Prophets," page 460; "The Desire of the grace of Christ, is erecting his struc- Ages," page 314. ture of character upon the shifting sand. 71 Counting the Cost and Building Well LESSON 9 ❑ Tuesday Part 3 "No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old ROBES FOR RAGS garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away Mark 2:21 from the old, and the rent is made worse." What were the two kinds of "garments" discussed in Gen. 3:7, 21? What do "garments" represent in the Scriptures and in this parable? Rev. 19:8. What is the cloth and where is it woven? Is it possible to repair old clothes with new cloth? Why does new cloth pull away from the old material and make the rent even worse? What meaning has this in spiritual things? Can I patch up my character by leaving some of my sinful ways and adding a few new patches? Why must there be completely new raiment? This parable shows us the need, not for trying to patch up the characters we have, but for ob- taining new robes—the righteousness of Christ. Peter was con- tinually endeavoring to patch up the old garments of his character. It was not until he accepted Christ's robe of righ- teousness in its entirety that he became a true disciple of the Lord Jesus. THINK IT THROUGH What are the functions of my garments? Do they only cover my nakedness, or do they make me attractive to others? Am I contenting myself with mere patchwork when I might obtain a whole new garment of righteous- ness for the asking? Should I be satisfied with rags when there are available to me the most beautiful robes? "God makes no compromise with When the warp and woof of character sin. A genuine conversion changes he- will not stand the test of trial, the ma- reditary and cultivated tendencies to terial of which it is composed is worth- wrong. The religion of God is a firm less. The efforts made to patch the fabric, composed of innumerable old with a new piece do not better the threads, and woven together with tact condition of things; for the old, flimsy and skill. Only the wisdom which comes material breaks away from the new, from God can make this fabric com- leaving the rent much larger than plete. There are a great many kinds before. Patching will not do. The only of cloth which at first have a fine ap- way is to discard the old garment al- pearance, but they cannot endure the together, and procure one entirely test. They wash out. The colors are not new."—Ellen G. White Comments, "SDA fast. Under the heat of summer they Bible Commentary," Vol. 6, p. 1101. fade away and are lost. The cloth can- For deeper study: "Christ's Object not endure rough handling. Lessons," page 311 (1923 ed., page "So it is with the religion of many. 318). 72 Counting the Cost and Building Well LESSON 9 ❑ Wednesday Part 4 "No man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the OLD BAGS AND new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, HOLY PATCHES and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be Mark 2:22 put into new bottles." Read also Ezek. 36:26. Wine bottles were made from the skins of goats. After being stretched to their capacity they would harden with age. Then they could not be repaired with new skin patches. They were used also as containers for other liquids. What does the "new wine" represent? Luke 22:20. The product of the crushed fruit of the true Vine illustrates certain aspects of our Saviour's mission. Can you add to these: the new teaching of the kingdom of God, righteousness by faith, the sacrifice of Calvary? Why cannot this new teaching be put into the old, rotten wineskins of our past lives and pat- terns of thought? New wine needs new wineskins. Where can you get these? John 3:3, 5. Christ was not able to work through the Jewish leaders of His day—they were the old wine bottles—so He called upon those who had not been educated by the rabbis and were not members of the Sanhedrin to become educators for Him. "He could make them as new bottles for the new wine of His king- dom."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, pp. 1088, 1089. Animal skins were made into both garments and bottles. Compare and contrast the old garments with the old bottles, and the new garments and new bottles. What is the significance to you of the robes which covered and the bottles which con- tained? THINK IT THROUGH Have I cleared away all my old prejudices and concepts and allowed Christ to have full control of my heart and mind? Am I dominated by a desire to hold on to the outworn past? "When God's people are one in the of God is shed abroad in the heart; but unity of the Spirit, all of Phariseeism, it is impossible to endow men with the all of self-righteousness, which was the Holy Spirit, who are set in their ideas, sin of the Jewish nation, will be ex- whose doctrines are all stereotyped, pelled from all hearts. The mold of and unchangeable, who are walking Christ will be upon each individual after the traditions and commandments member of His body, and His people of men, as were the Jews in the time will be new bottles into which He can of Christ."—"Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pour His new wine, and the new wine p. 386. will not break the bottles. . . . For deeper study: Ellen G. White "Jesus came to impart to the human Comments, "SDA Bible Commentary," soul the Holy Spirit, by which the love Vol. 5, pp. 1088, 1089. 73 Counting the Cost and Building Well LESSON 9 ❑ Thursday Part 5 "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth BUILDING A TOWER not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, Luke 14:28-30 and was not able to finish." Read also verses 25-27. What did Jesus mean by a "tower"? Was it a place of de- fense, storage, lookout, or worship? 2 Sam. 22:3, 51; Prov. 18:10; Jer. 6:27; Hab. 2:1. This parable shows us another problem that can bring dis- couragement and ruin—a failure to count the cost. This story was told during the last months of Christ's ministry. The Pharisees and scribes had rejected Christ and condemned all who followed Him. Some did not wish to incur their displea- sure. But there were others who were carried forward by their own eagerness. They apparently wanted above all things to be followers of the Man who was different from any other leader they had known. Christ wanted to warn these that there was a price to be paid for discipleship, just as there is a price to be paid for every good thing that we enjoy. The price for success is energy, persistence, and wholehearted devotion. Can you add to this list? In what words did He hint at this? Luke 14:26, 27, 33. This parable has an application to any practical undertak- ing, whether soul-winning projects or material buildings. Our faith and activity must be coupled with common sense. THINK IT THROUGH Am I at times carried away by enthusiasm, or do I quietly sit down and count the cost of each of my enterprises? Do I consider the reputation of the great Master Builder should I fail? Is my problem a lack of mature forethought and reckless and impulsive activity? "Let everyone take time to consider about. This God does not require. Think carefully; and not be like the man candidly, prayerfully, studying the in the parable who began to build, and Word with all carefulness and prayer- was not able to finish. Not a move fulness, with mind and heart awake to should be made but that movement and hear the voice of God. . . . To under- all that it portends are carefully con- stand the will of God is a great thing." sidered—everything weighed.. . . —"Selected Messages," Bk. 2, p. 362. "There may be individuals who will For deeper study: "Evangelism," make a rush to do something, and enter pages 362, 340. into some business they know nothing 74 Counting the Cost and Building Well LESSON 9 ❑ Friday Part 6 "And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the CHILDREN AT PLAY men of this generation? and to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified Luke 7:31-35 of all her children." This parable has a lesson for those who are never satisfied with what is done for them. Christ had often observed children playing in the evening in the open areas of cities where the stalls of the market had been dismantled for the night. The fickle changeability of these young people was the point He brought out. Some led out in the game of weddings while others played funerals. The first cried, "Dance!" The second called out, "Weep !" The wedding players were disgruntled at those who would not play their game, while the funeral players felt the same about the wedding children. "If you don't do what I want, I won't play with you !" is the attitude depicted. Christ compared the solemn message of the Baptist with the "funeral" players, while His own happier messages were lik- ened to the "wedding." The people had responded to neither approach except by criticism. Few seemed genuinely satisfied. His age was a childish, unreasonable one. John, many felt, lacked the gentle, human touch. And Christ, they thought, went to unnecessary extremes to be friendly with sinners! Do not listen to either leader, they urged. Our generation, too, Jesus might observe, is like a group of petulent, unpredictable chil- dren. THINK IT THROUGH Do I ever childishly say, "If you don't— I won't play with you!"? Do I always want my own way? Am I fickle or steady, petulant or reasonable? "The sinner must be led to look to of self-esteem, and put away the nat- Calvary; with the simple faith of a little ural defects of your character, and child he must trust in the merits of the overcome your love of supremacy, and Saviour, accepting His righteousness, come to God as little children, He will believing in His mercy."—"Gospel bestow on you His Holy Spirit."—"Tes- Workers," pages 156, 157. timonies to Ministers," page 323. "If you will sincerely humble your For deeper study: Consider Solomon's hearts before Him, empty your souls prayer: 1 Kings 3:5-15. 75 Counting the Cost and Building Well LESSON 9 Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS 0 TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER 1. Who is the wise man who builds his house upon the rock) 2. Who is the foolish man who builds his house upon the sand? 3. What does the new cloth used to patch an old garment do to it? 4. Finish this sentence: Christ said that putting new wine into old bottles would 5. Fill in the missing words: "Whosoever doth not his ,, and come after me, cannot be my 6. Which is correct? Jesus likens this generation to (a) children playing in the marketplace, bidding for attention, (b) children competing against each other? ANSWERS: e g *aidpslp 'SS= `nag S •samoq alp wing 1, •IT tuo1; Avow may 7 luau; op lou swop 4nq 'aupfes sjspci3 snag mot auo aqy 7 •2umplq sjspzio swop pue slew{ mon auo aqy •I 76 LESSON 10 June 6 VIGIL AT MIDNIGHT "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: lest coming sud- denly he find you sleeping." Mark 13:35, 36. The Bible presents in many ways the Have we not heard the bridegroom is truth that constant vigilance is the price so sweet? all must pay in order to escape the attacks 0 let us in, though late, to kiss his of the enemy of souls and attain to final feet! victory. Christ Himself told several stories No, no, too late! ye cannot enter now. to emphasize different aspects of this vital —Mired, Lord Tennyson, truth. In the parables which we shall study "The Poet's Life of Christ." this week two main relationships are indi- cated. The first deals with that relation- ship which exists between a faithful ser- LESSON OUTLINE vant and his trusting master. The second has to do with that relationship entered I. Watchful Servants into by willing volunteers, and is illustrated Mark 13:32-34 by bridal attendants at a wedding. In the first, service is paid for. In the other, all 2. What Time Is It? service is rendered joyfully and freely. The Luke 12:35-40 emphasis is on the point that we must be faithful right up to the end, vigilant and 3. Religion Like a Wedding prepared to serve when called upon. Matt. 25:1-4 Late, late, so late ! but we can enter 4. Cry at Midnight still.... Matt. 25:5-7 No light had we; for that we do repent; 5. Oh, We Meant Well! And learning this, the bridegroom will Matt. 25:8, 9 relent. Too late, too late! ye cannot enter 6. What! Too Late? now.... Matt. 25:10-13 77 Vigil at Midnight LESSON 10 ❑ Sunday Part 1 "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, WATCHFUL not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but SERVANTS the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave au- thority to his servants, and to every man his work, and Mark 13:32-34 commanded the porter to watch." What does Christ say about the day and the hour of His coming? Matt. 24:36. Jesus here repeats the warning that no one except the Father in heaven knows the exact time of His coming; therefore it behooves all to be prepared constantly. Does this suggest that Christ Himself does not know the time of His advent? Is it wise, then, for us to try to predict this event? At what period did all "time prophecies" come to their end? Rev. 10:6, last part. The "far journey" undertaken by the man in the parable is Christ's return to His home in heaven. What is the "house" that the man in the parable leaves to the care of his servants? The authority Christ invested in the "servants" is the power of the gospel, the message of salvation. Everyone has been assigned his own task. The "porter" is commanded to watch. The emphasis is on watchfulness in this parable. The word "watch" occurs three times. What blessing is pronounced on those who are watchful? Luke 12:37. How may we keep awake? Our waiting for the Lord of the house- hold is not to be idle waiting. Each is to do his appointed work. What do you understand by "suddenly"? THINK IT THROUGH By my occupation, my choices, my interests, am I show- ing that I am constantly on the watch? Against what in my life should I personally be on guard? "Because we know not the exact awaken them to the great sin of reject- time of His coming, we are commanded ing His offers of mercy. Those who are to watch. 'Blessed are those servants, watching for the Lord are purifying whom the Lord when He cometh shall their souls by obedience to the truth. find watching.' Luke 12:37. Those who With vigilant watching they combine watch for the Lord's coming are not earnest working."—"The Desire of waiting in idle expectancy. The expec- Ages," page 634. tation of Christ's coming is to make For deeper study: "The Desire of men fear the Lord, and fear His judg- Ages," pages 635, 636. ments upon transgression. It is to 78 Vigil at Midnight LESSON 10 ❑ Monday Part 2 "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burn- WHAT TIME IS IT? ing; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him im- mediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit Luke 12:35-37 down to meat, and will come forth and serve them." Read also verses 38-40. How did Christ express the Father's great desire for His chil- dren? Luke 12:32. What is suggested by "loins"? 1 Peter 1:13. How may they be "girded"? See Patriarchs and Prophets, page 460. What are our "lights"? Prov. 20:27. How may they grow dim? See Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, pp. 123, 124. God's longing for His children to inherit the kingdom will do no good unless they, for their part, also want it with all their hearts. And this desire must include constant vigilance. "The Lord intimates a delay before the morning finally dawns. But He would not have them give way to weariness, nor relax their earnest watchfulness, because the morning does not open upon them as soon as they expected."—Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 192. Three "watches" are mentioned in the parable. Understand- ably it is easy to be watchful in the first watch, but watchful- ness has a tendency to slacken off as time goes by and the second watch passes into the third. But "the third watch calls for threefold earnestness. To become impatient now would be to lose all our earnest, persevering watching heretofore. The long night of gloom is trying; but the morning is deferred in mercy, because if the Master should come, so many would be found unready."—Ibid., p. 194. THINK IT THROUGH Am I allowing my vigilance to slacken as the time goes by, or am I more alert as the advent seems delayed? In what ways may I allow my light to grow dim? "The desire of our Lord is that we ter of assemblies? Are we prepared should be watching, so that when He without delay to open to Him imme- cometh and knocketh we may open to diately and welcome Him in? Watch, Him immediately. A blessing is pro- watch, watch. Nearly all have ceased nounced upon those servants whom He their watching and waiting; we are not finds watching. 'He shall gird Himself, ready to open to Him immediately." and make them to sit down to meat, —"Testimonies," Vol. 2, p. 195. and will come forth and serve them.' For deeper study: "The Desire of Who among us in these last days will Ages," pages 634, 635. be thus specially honored by the Mas- 79 Vigil at Midnight LESSON 10 ❑ Tuesday Part 3 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten RELIGION LIKE virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet A WEDDING the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their Matt. 25:1-4 vessels with their lamps." Christ and the disciples were seated on the Mount of Olives when He told this parable. Christ had just concluded Matthew 24. "Then" ties the two chapters together. Looking toward the city, they could see a house all lighted up, with people gathered expectantly, waiting for a marriage procession to begin. It was the custom for the bridegroom with his friends (Matt. 9:15; John 3:29) to leave his home and go to meet his bride and bring her to his home, accompanied by her attendants and relatives and friends. See Ps. 45:14, 15. "The two classes of watchers represent the two classes who profess to be waiting for their Lord. They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 406. See Rev. 14:4; 2 Cor. 11:2. What does the "lamp" represent? Ps. 119:105. What two aspects of Christ's mission is portrayed by the coming of the bridegroom? To what periods do the double applications of this parable apply? What precautions (2 Peter 1:5-8) did the "wise" virgins take that the "foolish" ones did not (2 Peter 1:9) ? "Oil" in the Scriptures is often used as a symbol of certain aspects of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Can you list some? Acts 10:38; Heb. 1:9; 1 John 2:20, 27. We find a special use in Zechariah 4. What does "vessel" signify? THINK IT THROUGH Am I guilty of the same foolishness as demonstrated by the five unthoughtful virgins? What may I do to awaken? What are my feelings and reactions to the teaching of the advent? "The parable of the ten virgins of lation of the church under the pagan Matthew 25 also illustrates the experi- and papal persecutions, the darkening ence of the Adventist people. In Mat- of the sun and moon, and the falling thew 24, in answer to the question of of the stars. After this He spoke of His His disciples concerning the sign of His coming in His kingdom, and related the coming and of the end of the world, parable describing the two classes of Christ had pointed out some of the most servants who look for His appearing." important events in the history of the —"The Great Controversy," page 393. world and of the church from His first For deeper study: "Christ's Object to His second advent; namely, the de- Lessons," pages 405-408 (1923 ed., struction of Jerusalem, the great tribu- pages 415-417). 80 Vigil at Midnight LESSON . 10 ❑ Wednesday Part 4 "While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and CRY AT MIDNIGHT slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those Matt. 25:5-7 virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps." The bridegroom seemed to be delayed in his journey to the home of the bride; and as the hour grew late, the bridal party and guests began to fall asleep. To what, spiritual conditions do "slumber" and "sleep" point? Then at midnight one who was watching raised the cry, "The bridegroom cometh !" "Cometh" is a supplied word in the text. We are to look to Jesus. His advent will fit into place. Immediately all were wakened. This is a twofold picture of the coming of the heavenly Bridegroom. The first points to His coming to the sanctuary (Dan. 7:10, 13, 14) to determine who will constitute the bridal party. His second advent also is portrayed. The first cry "Be- hold the Bridegroom" went out in 1844. The second is now! We should notice that "the coming of the bridegroom was at midnight—the darkest hour. So the coming of Christ will take place in the darkest period of this earth's history."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 414. How may I gain a better appreciation of God? Will the message of Rev. 14:6, 7 help? What condition of the church is represented by the foolish virgins? Rev. 3:15-18. "The state of the church represented by the foolish virgins is also spoken of as the Laodicean state."—Ellen G. White, in The Review and Herald, Aug. 19, 1890. THINK IT THROUGH Am I being engulfed by the darkness of unbelief and superstition around me, or am I a light in my neighbor- hood? Do I have sufficient "oil" for the journey? "The days of Noah and Lot pictured great apostasy will develop into dark- the condition of the world just before ness deep as midnight, impenetrable the coming of the Son of man. The as sackcloth of hair. To God's people Scriptures pointing forward to this time it will be a night of trial, a night of declare that Satan will work with all weeping, a night of persecution for the power and 'with all deceivableness of truth's sake. But out of that night of unrighteousness.' 2 Thess. 2:9, 10. His darkness God's light will shine."— working is plainly revealed by the "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 414, rapidly increasing darkness, the multi- 415. tudinous errors, heresies, and delusions For deeper study: "Christ's Object of these last days. Not only is Satan Lessons," pages 408-412 (1923 ed., leading the world captive, but his de- pages 418-420); "The Great Contro- ceptions are leavening the professed versy," page 426. churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. The 81 Vigil at Midnight LESSON ' 10 ❑ Thursday Part 5 "And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your OH, WE oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, MEANT WELL! saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for your- Matt. 25:8, 9 selves." Why was there no problem for the five wise virgins? When had they taken the precaution of buying oil to replenish their lamps? Where had they obtained this? The foolish girls cried out, "Our lamps are going out!" (Greek). Where only could they go to find oil? Zech. 4:6, 11-14. In their predicament what did the five foolish virgins seek to get from the others? Why could not the wise virgins comply with the request and share their "oil"? -The reply, "Not so !" is abrupt and final. What did they suggest that the young women should do? The "oil" also represents the character developed by the indwelling Spirit. One person cannot develop character for an- other. What -does the Bible teach about the impossibility of transferring human goodness from one to another? Ezek. 14:14, 20; Jer. 15:1. To what occasions does this message apply? "Character is not transferable. No man can believe for another. No man can receive the Spirit for another. No man can impart to another the character which is the fruit of the Spirit's work- ing." — Christ's Object Lessons, page 412. In what ways did Moses, Samuel, Noah, Daniel, Job, each in his generation help to save his fellows? THINK IT THROUGH Through careful Bible study and submission to the mold- ing of the Spirit day by day am I building a character that Christ will accept in His kingdom? Or am I hopefully relying on others to discipline me in worship and in Bible study? "It is in a crisis that character is brings the soul face to face with death, revealed. When the earnest voice pro- will show whether there is any real claimed at midnight, 'Behold, the bride- faith in the promises of God. It will groom cometh; go ye out to meet him,' show whether the soul is sustained by and the sleeping virgins were roused grace. The great final test comes at the from their slumbers, it was seen who close of human probation, when it will had made preparation for the event. be too late for the soul's need to be Both parties were taken unawares; but supplied."—"Christ's Object Lessons," one was prepared for the emergency, page 412. and the other was found without prep- For deeper study: Ellen G. White aration. So now, a sudden and un- Comments, "SDA Bible Commentary," looked-for calamity, something that Vol. 5, p. 1099. 82 Vigil at Midnight LESSON 10 D Friday Part 6 "And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; WHAT! TOO LATE? and they that were ready went in with him - to the mar- riage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he an- swered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither • the day nor the Matt. 25:10-13 hour wherein the Son of man cometh." Read also Luke 13:26, 27. The foolish set out on a vain mission to buy oil. This sug- gests that it will be useless and too late to try to develop a godlike character through a sudden burst of Bible study to obtain the oil of the Spirit after the close of probation. While they were gone, the bridegroom came, and the procession made its way back to his home. By the time the five foolish virgins returned, the ready ones had gone inside and the door was shut. The foolish girls were too late! What two periods of church history are portrayed by all this? In what ways did the movement of 1844, the first angel's message, fulfill this part of the parabolic prophecy? How will the end, the third angel's message and its rejection, fulfill it? What is the "door," and what is meant by "the shut door"? What were the foolish ones told, when they pleaded to be admitted? Luke 13:24-30. "Saddest of all words that ever fell on mortal ear are those words of doom, 'I know you not.',The_fellowship of the Spirit, which you have slighted, could alone Mike- you one with the joyous throng at the marriage feast. In that scene you cannot participate. Its light would fall on blinded eyes, its melody upon deaf ears. Its love and joy could awake no chord of gladness in the world-benumbed heart. You are shut out from heaven by your own unfitness for its companionship."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 413. Who is pictured by "the door"? John 10:7. How permanent is this exclusion? What will those who have not redeemed the time and built characters worthy of heaven have said to them? Matt. 7:22, 23. THINK IT THROUGH Do I value the time given me before the end of my pro- bation to prepare a character for eternity? Am I allowing any earthly considerations to absorb my attention and keep me unprepared? "We cannot be ready to meet the oil in their vessels with their lamps. Lord by waking when the cry is heard, Their light burned with undimmed 'Behold, the Bridegroom!' and then flame through the night of watching." gathering up our empty lamps to have —"Christ's Object •Lessons," pages 413, them replenished. We cannot keep 414. Christ apart from our lives here, and For deeper study: "Christ's Object yet be fitted for His companionship in Lessons," pages 412-421 (1923 ed., heaven. pages 421-431). "In the parable the wise virgins had 83 Vigil at Midnight LESSON 10 Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS 0 TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER 1. When the Son of man took his "far journey," what did He give to each of His servants) 2. What is meant by having one's loins girded about) 3. What was the difference between what the wise virgins had with them and what the foolish ones took) 4. Of what is "midnight" a symbol) 5. True or False: When the five foolish virgins asked for oil, the five wise ones refused them and told them to ask others for some 6. With what were the five foolish virgins confronted when they arrived at the house of the bridegroom) ANSWERS: .mop ;Tle •samastuatp Jo' Aug 04 luaq; pp; Awn :esrea .9 poped leanzep aux 1, 'gas u! Ei4xa g •sseupaiedezd Jo a;e4s e u! 2u!ag 7 rap o; 4.104111 91110S 11080 ane2 aH 84 LESSON 11 DAY OF RECKONING 111 "No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Luke 16:13. It is true in the physical as well as the Am I allowing the principles of the king- spiritual life that every seed brings forth dom to regulate my life as I move toward its appropriate harvest. This obvious and the showdown at sunset? inescapable fact is difficult of acceptance by many. Especially do some young people feel that it will be different for them! LESSON OUTLINE Others may have had to face up to the consequences of their decisions and activ- 1. All or Nothing ities; but, they think, somehow things will Luke 16:13-21 turn out differently. They will be able to get away with their misdeeds in the end. 2. Shocked by Hell Everything will, in the final accounting, Luke 16:22-26 work to their advantage. Christ used several parables to teach the 3. No Second Chance inescapable truth that at the end of the Luke 16:27-31 road of life there comes a day of reckon- ing. Its findings ought not to prove sur- 4. Thanks for Nothing prising to anyone, for the fruit of the life Luke 17:5-10 will depend precisely upon the kind of seed sown and the care given to the develop- 5. Stupid Millionaire ment of the plant. Our Saviour often re- Luke 12:16-21 peated His lessons against hypocrisy and self-justification. As we study the stories 6. Weather Vane He told, let us continually ask ourselves, Mark 13:28, 29 85 Day of Reckoning LESSON 11 ❑ Sunday Part 1 "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in ALL OR NOTHING purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was, a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: Luke 16:19-21 moreover the dogs came and licked his sores." Read verses 13-18. Against how many Pharisaic characteristics did Christ direct this parable of the rich man and Lazarus? It is one of the least understood of all His stories. Yet it is rich in meaning for us today. In it Christ contrasts two men who lived at different levels of wealth and social position here on earth. Through the parable Christ teaches that it is impossible for men to secure the salvation of the soul after death, and that every man is given sufficient light for the discharge of the duties required of him. The Pharisees despised what they considered to be Christ's excesses; but their own covetous unbelief they ignored. To show them that if a man rejected light on earth he might be surprised by the hereafter, Jesus told this parable. What significance do you see in the various advantages the rich man possessed? Does he represent the Jewish nation? They, like the rich man, were decked in the "purple" of royalty and the "fine linen" of the priesthood. He lived in "jovial splendor" (liberal translation of "sumptuously") daily. The Jews believed that material prosperity was an index of divine blessing and spiritual power. Is there anything revealed by Christ to condemn this rich man? Was he kind for tolerating the beggar near his home? Is indifference to want a sin? THINK IT THROUGH Am I tempted to say when I am prosperous materially, "The Lord has blessed me"? or to think when times are hard, "I wonder why the Lord has not blessed me"? Are material conditions necessarily • evidence of Heaven's blessings? "This parable draws a contrast be- one day be exalted above those who tween the rich who have not made God now hold the highest positions the their dependence, and the poor who world can give but who have not sur- have made God their dependence. rendered their life to God."—"Christ's Christ shows that the time is coming Object Lessons," page 260. when the position of the two classes For deeper study: "Christ's Object will be reversed. Those who are poor Lessons," pages 261, 262 (1923 ed., in this world's, goods, yet who trust in pages 262, 263). God and-are patient in suffering, will 86 Day of Reckoning LESSON 11 ❑ Monday Part 2 "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was SHOCKED BY HELL carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And be- side all this, between us.and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come Luke 16:22-26 from thence." The Saviour used a belief widely held among the Jews to teach a lesson. "In this parable Christ was meeting the people on their own ground. The doctrine of a conscious state of existence between death and the resurrection was held by many of those who were listening to Christ's words. The Sav- iour knew of their ideas, and He framed His parable so as to inculcate important truths through these preconceived opin- ions."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 263. According to the Jewish historian Josephus, Abraham's bosom was the place where the just were taken after death to await eternal life in heaven. To whom did the rich man pray? Why not to God? He evidently felt that being a child of Abraham was more impor- tant than being a child of God ! But Lazarus could not help the rich man. The Jews pictured a "great gulf" between "Abra- ham's bosom" and Hades, which separated Lazarus from the rich man. Jesus desires us to learn from this that it is only in this life that we have probation. There is no further chance after death. THINK IT THROUGH Am I tempted to think that selfish pleasure and enjoy- ment is the sum of happiness? Was the rich man's cry for help in his desperate situation genuine? Am I in- clined to turn to God In a crisis and to forget Him when all goes well? "Christ desires His hearers to under- eternity."—"Christ's Object Lessons," stand that it is impossible for man to page 263. secure the salvation of the soul after For deeper study: "Christ's Object death. . . . This life is the only time. Lessons," pages 263, 264 (1923 ed., given to man in which to prepare_for. pages 264, 265). 87 Day of Reckoning LESSON 11 ❑ Tuesday Part 3 "Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou NO SECOND wouldest send him to my father's house: for I have five CHANCE brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the proph- ets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose Luke 16:27-31 from the dead." Realizing the mistake in being callous toward the poor and suffering during his lifetime, and of justifying his conduct, the rich man wanted his brothers to be warned not to follow in his footsteps and receive the fate he had received. Abraham said, "Son, remember." We either remember in time to correct our mistakes; or, when it is too late, we remember in fear and remorse. "Abraham in his answer to this request is represented as saying, Your brothers have been sufficiently warned. Light has been given them, but they would not see; truth has been pre- sented to them, but they would not hear."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 264, 265. The message is clear: if we do not accept present light, we shut off the source of future light. The Jews asked for some spectacular sign or evidence, but they rejected even the resur- rection of the real Lazarus later on. We have ample evidence in the inspired writings. Let us take heed to it. THINK IT THROUGH Am I allowing prejudice to keep me from accepting all the light of this message? If I refuse to study and follow the Scriptures, will I ever yield to other evidence? Am I expecting some spectacular revelation? "The conversation between Abraham He has given him to do. If man fails and the once-rich man is figurative. to do that which a little light shows to The lesson to be gathered from it is be his duty, greater light would only that every man is given sufficient light reveal unfaithfulness, neglect to im- for the discharge of the duties required prove the blessings given."—"Christ's of him. Man's responsibilities are pro- Object Lessons," page 265. portionate to his opportunities and For deeper study: "Christ's Object privileges. God gives to everyone suffi- Lessons," pages 264-271 (1923 ed., cient light and grace to do the work pages 265-272). 88 Day of Reckoning LESSON 11 ❑ Wednesday Part 4 "And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our THANKS FOR faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of NOTHING mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? and will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable Luke 17:5-10 servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." As the Twelve listened to Christ's challenging message, they doubted the effectiveness of their spiritual powers and prayed for an increase of faith. Theirs is a magnificent request we should make daily. Christ divided His answer to His disciples into two parts. The first had to do with the amount and source of their faith. The second covered the motive of service which was exhibited in the exercise of their faith. The heavenly seed contains the life principle which is capable of vast and unpredictable results. What is the relationship in which God purposes our faith shall be energized? Rom. 10:17. Did the size of the seed used as an illustration (the mustard seed is among the smallest) indicate that the disciples needed more faith or a better understanding of their own worth? "Those who labor wholeheartedly in the Lord's vineyard, working to the utmost of their ability, are not the ones to set the highest estimate on their own services. Instead of swelling with pride and self-importance, and measuring with exactness every hour's work, they compare their efforts with the Saviour's work and account themselves unprofitable servants."—Testi- monies, Vol. 7, p. 209. THINK IT THROUGH Am I depending on good works to save me? If good works will not save me, why should I bother about work- ing? "Our good works alone will not save are not to think that we have made any of us, but we cannot be saved great sacrifices and that we should re- without good works. And after we ceive great reward for our feeble ser- have done all that we can do, in the vices."—"Testimonies," Vol. 4, p. 228. name and strength of Jesus we are to For deeper study: "Testimonies," Vol. say: 'We are unprofitable servants.' We 3, p. 526. 89 Day of Reckoning LESSON 11 ❑ Thursday Part 5 "And He spake a parable unto them, saying, The STUPID ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: MILLIONAIRE and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not Luke 12:16-21 rich toward God." What occasioned the telling of this parable? Luke 12:13, 14. How did Jesus reply to the man's request? Verse 15. What factors do you think kept the two brothers from solving their own problem? Christ's warning includes all covetousness. Why did Christ not assume any responsibilities as an arbitrator in settling business squabbles? Is this an example to the church in religious matters? Compare John 8:3-11; Matt. 22:17-21. What has the parable of the rich man to say of the folly of making' worldly possessions the be-all and end-all of life? What is the significance of Christ's word "things"? What does Jesus tell us about the man that indicates the man's intelli- gence? As the wealthy farmer harvested his good crops and sur- veyed his gains, what far-reaching plans did he make? Was there anything wrong about such plans since there is no sug- gestion that he made his gains by fraudulent means? But what was basically wrong with him and his schemes? See Eccl. 5:10. Had he forgotten the demands of Christian stewardship? In the eyes of the world he was probably a sensible man, but see Job 27:8. What is said, however, of the wisdom of the world? 1 Cor. 3:19. How does the Bible characterize a fool? Ps. 14:1. A fool is one who leaves God out of his reckoning, as this man left God out of his plans for the future. See Prov. 12:15. THINK IT THROUGH Am I right in saying, "My soul," or does it belong to God? Is God in all my plans, or am I laying up treasure on earth instead of in heaven? "This man's aims were no higher he possessed were his own, and he than those of the beasts that perish. He owed nothing to God or man."—"Christ's lived as if there were no God, no Object Lessons," pages 257, 258. heaven, no future life; as if everything 90 Day of Reckoning LESSON 1 Friday Part 6 "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her WEATHER VANE branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near so ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even Mark 13:28, 29 at the doors." This short parable was given when Christ was answering the question of the disciples concerning the signs by which they and we would be able to recognize the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world. What expression did Luke add (Luke 21:29) to show that while Christ emphasized the fig tree, He also included others? Fig trees abound in the Holy Land, and Christ's listeners were familiar with the sight of buds forming on the fig tree—heralds of the approach of summer. What did Jesus mean by the phrase, "Ye see and know of your own selves"? Luke 21:30. As we welcome signs of summer in the natural world, so we are to analyze Christ's clues in the world around us as given in Matthew 24, Mark 14, and Luke 21, as signs of the summertime of the earth when Christ will appear. On what do these "signs" focus? Matt. 24:33, margin. "We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Prophecy is fast fulfilling. The Lord is at the door. There is soon to open before us a period of overwhelming interest to all living. The controversies of the past are to be revived; new controversies will arise. The scenes to be enacted in our world are not yet even dreamed of. Satan is at work through human agencies. . . . A crisis is just upon us. "But God's servants are not to trust to themselves in this great emergency. . . . The program of coming events is in the hands of the Lord. The Majesty of heaven has the destiny of nations, as well as the concerns of His church, in His own charge."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 753. The budding fig tree and all trees have a message, which is to help us prepare for the summer harvest of this world. THINK IT THROUGH Am I using the preparation techniques of the Master Gardener so as to bring forth much fruit? Am I satisfied merely with budding and leafing? Do I discern the signs of coming judgment? Do I believe He—Christ—is near? "Christ has given signs of His com- appeared. Now we know of a surety ing. He declares that we may know that the Lord's coming is at hand. when He is near, even at the doors. He 'Heaven and earth shall pass away,' says of those who see these signs, 'This He says, 'but My words shall not pass generation shall not pass, till all these away.'"—"The Desire of Ages," page things be fulfilled.' These signs have 632. 91 E6 1. He was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared well. 2. Abraham. 3. That Lazarus be sent to warn his five brothers still living. 4. That they serve expecting nothing more than their just pay. 5. For himself. 6. The fig tree putting forth its leaves. SHRIVISNV 42unuoo sm Jo su2ls atp JoJ uare aq sn 2umal u1 zaJai is!JID pip Jatutuns Jo tpuoiddu atp Jo u2ls luqm .9 4sueid alum uiuz qop atp pip auoiu upqm Kid .s 4s1ttunias Jo papadxa s! lutim .t, 4isanbal s‘uutu qop alp sum 19AA •E 4CIODEf quEquicoi `OFFS' i(DIOLLI J03 U0 'IUD uutu qop aqi pip stplupiud aanp asatp Jo tionim 7 4anutl alquiud aqi ut uutu qap atp pip tpluam Jo saDuapIna leLIM • I 113MOd Aanis ?mod!. 1S31 01 <> sNolismo Aavwwns O L I 10d L NOSS31 Jo five LESSON 12 June 20 FINAL DECISION 12 "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them." Eccl. 12:1. A small airplane with limited fuel supply loom large. Excuses for poor choice avail flying across the ocean reaches a critical nothing. Improper preparation brings dis- position known as the point of no return. aster. Consider carefully the factors which At that juncture the pilot no longer has bring all of us to our individual points of sufficient fuel to return to the shore he left no return. behind; his only hope is to proceed to the distant shore ahead. The parables we shall study this week take to its logical conclu- LESSON OUTLINE sion the line of thought we considered last week—that the course of life each man chooses to follow determines his ultimate 1. Banquet Without Guests destination. Each individual comes to a Luke 14:16-20 point of no return in his personal expe- rience; this is the close of his probation. 2. Substitute Invitations Up to this point each one has navigated his Luke 14:21-24 course by his daily decisions. His direction is determined, not by isolated acts either 3. The Status Symbol good or bad, but by the general tendency Luke 14:7-10 of his life. Each man is invited to steer his craft to 4. The Best Man the heavenly shore. The Master furnishes Mark 2:18, 19 all the necessary equipment for a safe crossing. But the actual setting of the 5. Too Late to Change course depends on individual choice. Matthew 22:2-7 The parables in this week's study have to do with feasts—not airplanes. But the 6. What! No Proper Clothes? elements of choice and proper preparation Matthew 22:11-14 93 Final Decision LESSON 12 El Sunday Part 1 "Then said He unto him, A certain man made a great BANQUET WITHOUT supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper- GUESTS time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, 1 have married a Luke 14:16-20 wife, and therefore I cannot come." Christ told this parable while He was a guest at a feast in the home of a Pharisee. What is the significance of the phrases, "They watched Him," and He "marked" them? Luke 14:1, 7. He desired to show the Jews that God's mercy was extended to the Gentiles as well as to them, and also to point out that by their attitude they were slighting the gospel invitation. What lesson in true hospitality had been given to Israel of old? Deut. 14:29. How many are included in the invitation? What period of world history is suggested by the term "at suppertime"? Who are the "servants" who should repeat the invitation? "None of the excuses were founded on a real necessity. The man who 'must needs go and see' his piece of ground, had already purchased it. His haste to go and see it was due to the fact that his interest was absorbed in his purchase. The oxen, too, had been bought. The proving of them was only to satisfy the interest of the buyer. The third excuse had no more semblance of reason. The fact that the intended guest had married a wife need not have prevented his presence at the feast. His wife also would have been made welcome."— Christ's Object Lessons, page 222. The excuses made by the guests in the parable are still being made today. They represent, first, those who are absorbed by their possessions; then, those who put their business first; and, last, those who allow their relatives to stand in the way of their fully accepting the gospel. THINK IT THROUGH Am 1 adept at making excuses to avoid the gospel call and the invitation to take part in the Lord's service? Which of these three is my excuse? Is there any reason whatever why an excuse for declining Heaven's invita- tion is ever justifiable? "By the great supper, Christ rep- flow."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page resents the blessings offered through 222. the gospel. The provision is nothing less For deeper study: "Christ's Object than Christ Himself. He is the bread Lessons," pages 219-225 (1923 ed., that comes down from heaven; and pages 223-229). from Him the streams of salvation 94 Final Decision LESSON 12 Monday Part 2 "So that servant came, and showed his lord these SUBSTITUTE things. Then the master of the house being angry said INVITATIONS to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou host commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my Luke 14:21-24 supper." How did the giver of the feast react when the servant brought back his report? Whom did he then tell his servant to invite? Who did the first invited guests represent? In what ways did they react to the gospel invitation? What did Jesus mean by the "streets and lanes of the city"? What is further suggested by the terms "highways and hedges"? What did Christ indicate by "my house"? By the "poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind" are represented those whom the Jewish leaders despised, the common people of the land. Why do men still take this attitude? Since there were still places, after these had been brought in, what did the giver of the feast tell his servant to do? Those in the highways and hedges represent the ones outside the Jewish nation. Christ stresses here that the "good news" was to go to the Gentile world. To what extent is the gospel invita- tion now to be given? Rev. 14:6. "None of those men" points to so-called noble and wise men, not to mankind in general. To what supper will these "mighty men" be invited? Rev. 19:17, 18. THINK IT THROUGH What do I learn of God's character through His repeated invitations? What do I understand is the "anger" of God? Should it ever be compared with the anger of man? "The gospel invitation is to be given 'Go out into the highways and hedges,' to all the world—'to every nation, and Christ says, 'and compel them to come kindred, and tongue, and people.' Rev. in, that My house may be filled.' "— 14:6. The last message of warning and "Christ's Object Lessons," page 228. mercy is to lighten the whole earth For deeper study: "Christ's Object with its glory. It is to reach all classes Lessons," pages 225-237 (1923 ed., of men, rich and poor, high and low. pages 229-241). 95' Final Decision LESSON 12 ❑ Tuesday Part 3 "And He put forth a parable to those which were THE STATUS bidden, when He marked how they chose out the chief SYMBOL rooms; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him; and he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them Luke 14:7-10 that sit at meat with thee." This story reminds us of the way in which the disciples con- tended about who should have the best places at the Last Supper. Luke 22:24-27; compare Mark 9:33-37. Jesus must have often noted how this question of pride and protocol oc- cupied the minds of the people. The most important seats at a feast were typical of various status symbols men cherish. But Christ sought to show that we obtain honor not by seeking high places, but by being willing to take the lowliest place and to do the humblest tasks. What did Jesus teach about true greatness? Matt. 23:11, 12. What illustration did He select to emphasize His lesson? Matt. 18:1-4. "The principle here enunciated strikes at the very root of pride, the desire to exalt oneself in the opinion of others; and pride, in turn, along with selfishness, is the root of all sin. Jesus Himself set the supreme example of humility (see Isa. 52:13, 14; Phil. 2:6-10)."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Luke 14:11. THINK IT THROUGH What conclusion did Jesus draw? Luke 14:11. How do I feel when someone I know gets a better job or a raise in pay? Am I always comparing another's good fortune with my own conditions in life? "The followers of Jesus will not be sufferings and sharers with Him of His popular, but will be like their Master, glory in His kingdom. The Lord has meek and Gs;ly of heart. You are seek- blessed you, but how little have you ing to climb to the highest seat, but appreciated His loving-kindness)"— will find yourselves at last in the low- "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 502. est. If you seek to deal justly, to love For deeper study: "The Ministry of mercy, to walk humbly with God, you Healing," page 477. will be partakers with Christ of His 96 Final Decision LESSON 12 ❑ Wednesday Part 4 "And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used THE BEST MAN to fast: and they come and say unto Him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with Mark 2:18, 19 them, they cannot fast." Christ's willingness to eat even at the homes of publicans and sinners caused no small stir among those who considered themselves more righteous. The Pharisees, as part of their requirements, fasted regularly, some of them even on two days a week. But Jesus and His disciples appeared to disregard this custom entirely. When John's disciples asked the reason why, how did Christ reply? Compare Matt. 9:14, 15. What is the true fast commanded by the Scriptures? Isa. 58:6, 7. "Here is set forth the very spirit and character of the work of Christ. His whole life was a sacrifice of Himself for the saving of the world. Whether fasting in the wilderness of temp- tation or eating with the publicans at Matthew's feast, He was giving His life for the redemption of the lost. Not in idle mourning, in mere bodily humiliaton and multitudinous sacri- fices, is the true spirit of devotion manifested, but it is shown in the surrender of self in willing service to God and man." —The Desire of Ages, page 278. Who is the "Bridegroom"? What is the difference between the "bride" and "the children of the bridechamber"? THINK IT THROUGH What modern day applications do I find in God's recom- mendation to "fast"? Does this mean going without food for the body or going without "food" for the ego and the carnal nature? "When they should see their Lord That ye shall weep and lament, but the betrayed and crucified, the disciples world shall rejoice: and ye shall be would mourn and fast. In His last words sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be to them in the upper chamber, He said, turned into joy.' John 16:19, 20."— 'A little while, and ye shall not see Me: "The Desire of Ages," page 277. and again, a little while, and ye shall For deeper study: "The Desire of see Me. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ages," pages 276-278. 97 Final Decision, LESSON 12 ❑ Thursday Part 5 "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, TOO LATE which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his TO CHANGE servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the mar- riage. But they made light of it, and went their ways; one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those Matt. 22:2-7 murderers, and burned up their city." Who are represented by the "king" and the "son"? When will this "marriage" take place? Who is the Bridegroom? and the bride? What actually is the marriage? Has this any mean- ing for us today? What second invitation was sent out? Matt. 22:8-10. "In this parable, as that of the great supper, are illustrated the gospel invitation, its rejection by the Jewish people, and the call of mercy to the Gentiles."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 307. Athough similar to the parable of the great supper, this story teaches different truths. Like the former, it illustrated the re- jection of the gospel invitation by the Jews and the giving of the invitation to the Gentiles. "This was the message borne to the Jewish nation after the crucifixion of Christ; but the nation that claimed to be God's peculiar people rejected the gospel brought to them in the power of the Holy Spirit." —Ibid., p. 308. How did those invited to the wedding treat God's servants sent out to tell them that everything was ready? THINK IT THROUGH Can I show any more intense rebellion than by making excuses? How do I treat the messengers of truth, both dead and living? Do I welcome them and their message? "The spiritual banquet has been set assurance of eternal life in the kingdom before us in rich abundance. We have of God. We ask, What could God do for had presented to us by the messengers us that He has not done in preparing of God the richest feast—the righteous- the great supper, the heavenly ban- ness of Christ, justification by faith, the quet?"—E. G. White Comments, "SDA exceeding great and precious promises Bible Commentary," Vol. 5, p. 1097. of God in His Word, free access to the For deeper study: "Christ's Object Father by Jesus Christ, the comforts of Lessons," pages 307, 308 (1923 ed., the Holy Spirit, and the well-grounded pages 313, 314). 98 Final Decision LESSON 12 0 Friday Part 6 "And when the king came in to see the guests, he WHAT! NO saw there a man which had not on a wedding, garment: PROPER CLOTHES? and he saith unto him, Friend, how tamest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer dark- ness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For Matt. 22:11-14 many are called, but few are chosen." What group is represented by the guests? "The guests at the gospel feast are those who profess to serve God, those whose names are written in the book of life." — Christ's Object Lessons, page 310. What do we understand by the examination of the guests conducted by the king? When does, this take place? "By the king's examination of the guests at the feast is represented a work of judgment."—/bid. What is meant by the "robe"? Rev. 19:8. "By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless char- acter which Christ's true followers will possess."—Ibid. Where only can this garment of righteousness be obtained? Rev. 3:18. In Eastern weddings the garment was provided by the king. Whom did the king notice among the guests? "But one man was clothed in his common citizen dress. He had re- fused to make the preparation required by the king. The gar- ment provided for him at great cost he disdained to wear." —Ibid., p. 309. THINK IT THROUGH Am I postponing obtaining the garment of righteousness provided by my heavenly King, or do I think my own robes of self-righteousness are good enough? Is there any chance to change clothes once the King comes? "The guests at the marriage feast lieges of the gospel; yet they feel no were inspected by the king. Only those need of a transformation of character." were accepted who had obeyed his re- —"Ibid.," 1 -37-3-T5-..— quirements and put on the wedding "There will be no future probation in garment. So it is with the guests at the which to prepare for eternity. It is in gospel feast. All must pass the scrutiny this life that we are to put on the robe of the great King, and only those are of Christ's righteousness. This is our received who have put on the robe of only opportunity to form characters for Christ's righteousness."—"Christ's Ob- the home which Christ has made ready ject Lessons," page 312. for those who obey His command- "The man who came to the feast ments,"—"Ibid.," p. 319. without a wedding garment represents For deeper study: "Christ's Object the condition of many in our world Lessons," pages 308-319 (1923 ed., today. They profess to be Christians, pages 315-325). and lay claim to the blessings and priv- 99 00 L 1. c. 2. Three times. 3. How people chose the best places. 4. "Why do the disciples of John fast, but Thy disciples fast not?" 5. Spitefully killing them. 6. He was speechless. SUISMSNV E 30J pa4st SEM aq uagm luau.uu2 2uTpann E lnotp!m lsanS alp Jo uouotai atp sum lutim - 9 uoununs Oa luas smunias agi 1uaJ1 5u14 agi Jo slsan2 pa4purl aip pip nnoH •S icup auo snsaf 01 02 ugof Jo saidpsIp ag1 uopsanb lugm gluk •i, („4Iutu„ aq pip lEgm papuallu snsaf lstaJ u!tuao t 1F7 .E suouelInuI glifm lugs lstaJ t pa2LIEJJE oqM UEUI ag1 Jo siuunlas ay antIA satup iCutui MoH •Z •aym E pauittu pug oqM auo agi (o) ‘uaxo Jo apiC anu 1g2nog peg oqM auo aq1 (q) 'putt Jo aaalcl E 142noq pug own auo atp (u) :pasnaxa aq o1 4st lou pip oqM 1san2 alp Jo uoucluasap ag1 aullaapun •I 213MOd Aanis snoA 1S31 01 o sNous3n0 Asvwwns <> L NOSS31 uolsloaa ivuld LESSON 13 THE PAYOFF 13 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His com- mandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Eccl. 12:13, 14. During the last week of this quarter we lows and worship to Him will be justified shall think of the final "payoff" of Chris- and rewarded with eternal life. Let us study tian living. We are well aware that every these matchless stories as mirrors of our business is started in the hope of ultimate lives. reward. Time, effort, energy, and capital are all expended to achieve this one goal. When there are no favorable results, the LESSON OUTLINE venture fails. In the kingdom of God there are also investments. God has given His I. Subject to Inspection Son and with Him every needed resource Matt. 13:47-50 of heaven—grace, power, the Holy Spirit, and the ministry of angels. The disciple 2. The Investors has also invested his all—time, energy, Matt. 25:14-23 motives, and ambitions. Satan has set and sprung many a booby trap. Life's decisions 3. The Audit have become permanent, and the Christian Matt. 25:24-30 reaches the point of no return. Then God will arraign all before the judgment bar 4. The Arrest of Christ to be judged according to the Matt. 25:31-46 deeds done in this life. Those who have rejected the proffered aid of Heaven and 5. The Sentence have chosen their own way will be con- Luke 13:6-9. demned to perish. Those who have sub- mitted to their Lord and allowed Him to 6. The Settlement regulate their lives in service to their fel- Luke 19:11-27 101 The Payoff LESSON 13 ❑ Sunday Part 1 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that SUBJECT TO was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which, INSPECTION when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall Matt. 13:47-50 be wailing and gnashing of teeth." The setting of this parable was the lake of Galilee. Christ's story conjured up a scene which was familiar to those brought up by the waterside. The net was literally a "dragnet," one pulled through the water by the fisherman. What is represented by the "net" that is cast into the sea? What is suggested by the sea? Rev. 17:15. "The casting of the net is the preaching of the gospel."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 122. See Ezek. 47: 9, 10. The great dragnet gathers in all kinds of creatures from the sea, good and bad. Compare Matt. 22:10. At the close of his day's work, the fisherman returns to the harbor to sort out his catch. He then discards what is not of value. What aspect of the kingdom of heaven does this sifting work depict? By what means is the separation brought about? When is this accomplished in the case of individuals and then in the case of all mankind? Does God delight in this work of rejecting some men? Ezek. 33:11. Has man a part to play? Matt. 4:19; Luke 5:10; Jer. 16:16. "Throughout the period of probationary time His Spirit is entreating men to accept the gift of life. It is only those who reject His pleading that will be left to perish. God has de- clared that sin must be destroyed as an evil ruinous to the uni- verse. Those who cling to sin will perish in its destruction." —Christ's Object Lessons, page 123. To the "end" of what "age" or "world" did Jesus point? Do you think Christ's emphasis was on "gathering" or "sep- arating"? The work is of cleansing the kingdom from those who defile it. This means that not all will be saved. THINK IT THROUGH Am I making good use of the probationary time God has granted me that I may be chosen when the angels come to do the work of separating the good from the evil? How may I close my own probation before the general close of probation? "Both the parable of the tares and drawn ashore for a final separation." that of the net plainly teach that there —"Christ's Object Lessons," page 123. is no time when all the wicked will For deeper study: "Christ's Object turn to God. The wheat and the tares Lessons," pages 122, 123 (1923 ed., grow together until the harvest. The pages 123, 124). good and the bad fish are together 102 The Payoff LESSON 13 0 Monday Part 2 "For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into THE INVESTORS a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man ac- cording to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went Matt. 25:14-18 and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money." Read also verses 19-23. The parable of the ten virgins emphasizes personal prepara- tion in waiting for Christ's return. The parable of the talents lays stress on what His disciples should be doing as they work in preparation for His advent. It also teaches the basis upon which Christ separates His faithful and unfaithful servants. The "man" is Christ returning to His Father. The entrusted talents are the gifts to the church (Eph. 4:8-12) as well as natural abilities. Is Jesus your Lord today? John 20:28; Rom. 6:16-18. What are some of His gifts? 1 Cor. 12:8-11. Are they only on loan? "The special gifts of the Spirit are not the only talents rep- resented in the parable. It includes all gifts and endowments, whether original or acquired, natural or spiritual."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 328. The talents have to do with the riches of Christ lent to the servants and not the fitness of His servants themselves. The measure by which Heaven entrusts divine resources is depen- dent on each servant's ability. Rom. 12:6. Mental faculties, speech, influence, time, health, strength, money, and kindly im- pulses and affections are some that are also mentioned by Mrs. White. See Christ's Object Lessons, pages 333-353. Can you find others? What is the significance to Seventh-day Adventists in the thought of His "return after a long time"? On what basis did the Lord commend His servants after His inspection? Was there any difference in the commendation of the two servants? What is the "joy of thy Lord"? Compare Heb. 12:2. THINK IT THROUGH Have I invested the gifts entrusted to me in the Master's service? For how long must 1 continue this work? "Talents used are talents multiplied. we shall have greater gifts to use. He Success is not the result of chance or does not supernaturally endow us with of destiny; it is the outworking of God's the qualifications we lack; but while own providence, the reward of faith we use that which we have, He will and discretion, of virtue and persever- work with us to increase and strengthen ing effort. The Lord desires us to use every faculty."—"Christ's Object Les- every gift we have; and if we do this, sons," page 353. 103 The Payoff LESSON 13 ❑ Tuesday Part 3 "Then he which had received the one talent came and THE AUDIT said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reap- ing where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant . . . : thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto everyone that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: Matt. 25:24-30 there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." What excuses did the man with only one talent offer? What is pictured by Christ's phrase, "buried it in the earth"? Was this man any worse than the unjust steward? Luke 16:1. Is hoarding misusing? What are the "exchangers"? He was "wicked" in relationship to God and "slothful" in his service to his fellows. "In this is given a warning to all who feel that the smallness of their endowments excuses them from service for Christ. If they could do some great thing, how gladly would they under- take it; but because they can serve only in little things, they think themselves justified in doing nothing. In this they err. The Lord in His distribution of gifts is testing character. The man who neglected to improve his talent proved himself an unfaithful servant."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 355. How does Christ stress the importance of little things? Luke 16:10. On what basis was the negligent servant reproved? What were the results in His life for "time" and also for "eternity"? What did the lord order to be done with the talent that had been neglected? Was this fair? "As in the natural, so in the spiritual world: every power unused will weaken and decay. Activity is the law of life. . . . He who refuses to impart that which he has received will at last find that he has nothing to give."—Ibid., p. 364. THINK IT THROUGH Am I ever tempted to feel that I have been endowed with very few gifts? In what ways may I multiply the talents I already have? "However small your talent, God has come the most precious influences in His a place for it. That one talent, wisely work."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page used, will accomplish its appointed 360. work. By faithfulness in little duties, For deeper study: "Christ's Object we are to work on the plan of addition, Lessons," pages 355-360, 362-365 and God will work for us on the plan (1923 ed., pages 358-363, 365-369). of multiplication. These littles will be- 104 The Payoff LESSON 13 ❑ Wednesday Part 4 "When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and THE ARREST all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from an- other, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the Matt. 25:31-33 goats on the left." Read also verses 34-46. Like the parables that have preceded this one in the twenty- fifth chapter of Matthew, the parable of the sheep and the goats has to do with the settling of human accountability at the second coming of Christ. Why is Jesus to be the Judge? John 5:26, 27. What is the "glory" of the Son's throne? Does this picture of the judgment scene embrace more than merely the Jewish nation and any particular age of history? What should be the significance to us of the fact that there are only two classes into which the nations of the earth are finally divided ? Since every national barrier is broken down at the foot of this throne, upon what basis are all nations finally judged and separated? What place is there in this decision for doctrines and beliefs? What of all the "gray" areas of conduct when even- tually there will be only black and white, right and wrong? Why does "right side," designated for the sheep, suggest favor? Christ is spoken of in heaven as standing on the right hand of God (Acts 7:55), and the elect are to be on the right hand of Christ. What blessing is pronounced on those on Christ's right side? For how long has the kingdom been prepared for them? What does this mean to you? Matt. 25:34. THINK IT THROUGH Are my thoughts, my words, my actions such that they are preparing me so that Christ can accept me for a place at the right hand of the Father? What does Christ's word "inasmuch" mean to me in my daily contacts and per- sonal relationships? "We cannot afford to live with no At that day the wicked will be sep- reference to the day of judgment; for arated from the just, as the shepherd though long delayed, it is now near, divides the goats from the sheep."— even at the door, and hasteth greatly. "Child Guidance," pages 560, 561. The trumpet of the Archangel will soon For deeper study: "The Desire of startle the living and wake the dead. Ages," pages 637-641. 105 The Payoff LESSON 13 ❑ Thursday Part 5 "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; THE SENTENCE and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the' dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: and if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt Luke 13:6-9 cut it down." Read also Matt. 21:18-22. What is represented by Christ's vineyard? Isa. 5:7. "The generation to whom the Saviour had come were represented by the fig tree in the Lord's vineyard—within the circle of His special care and blessing."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 214. In what ways had Israel cumbered the ground? How may we? Who is the Gardener, and in what spirit does He plead for the tree? Does He need to plead for me in this way? "The owner and the dresser of the vineyard are one in their interest in the fig tree. So the Father and the Son were one in their love for the chosen people."—Ibid., p. 216. What had John warned the Jewish leaders was to be laid at the root of the fruitless tree? Matt. 3:10. The cursing of the actual fig tree by Jesus is the sequel to His parable of the fig tree. See The Desire of Ages, page 584. The barren fig tree disappointed Jesus. Everything had been done for it that the gardener could. It had developed only a good showing of leaves. These normally should indicate that the tree was laden with fruit. But on careful examination none was found. So the people of Israel disappointed our Lord: Ev- erything possible had been done for them, but they bore no fruit in righteousness. "Christ's act in cursing the fig tree had aston- ished the disciples. It seemed to them unlike His ways and works."—The Desire of Ages, page 582. THINK IT THROUGH Is Christ needing to bear too long with me, or am I caus- ing Him joy because of the fruits of the Spirit I am bear- ing? "You realize, though it may be fierceness of Mine anger. I will not re- dimly, that you are a cumberer of the turn to destroy Ephraim; for I am God, ground. Yet in His great mercy God and not man.' Hos. 11:8, 9. The pitying has not cut you down. He does not Saviour is saying concerning you, Spare look coldly upon you. He does not turn it this year also, till I shall dig about away with indifference, or leave you to it and dress it."—"Christ's Object Les- destruction. Looking upon you He cries, sons," pages 217, 218. as He cried so many centuries ago con- For deeper study: "Christ's Object cerning Israel, 'How shall I give thee Lessons," pages 212-218 (1923 ed., up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, pages 215-221). Israel? . . . I will not execute the 106 The Payoff LESSON 13 ❑ Friday Part 6 "He . . . spake a parable, because He was nigh to THE SETTLEMENT Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how Luke 19:11-15 much every man had gained by trading." Read also verses 16-27. Note carefully the circumstances which led to the need for this story. The people expected "the kingdom" right now; but Jesus told them He, the "nobleman," was to go away in order to obtain the kingdom. Compare Mark 13:34; Phil. 2:9-11. This parable is in some ways similar to that of the talents. In one the servants received according to their abilities, in the other each received equal opportunities. The Lord was leaving responsibilities upon His servants. The one-talent servant represents those who use their talents for worldly interests. "Like the unfaithful servant they are afraid that the increase of the talent that God has lent them will be called for to advance the spread of truth; therefore they tie it up by investing it in earthly treasures and burying it in the world, thus making it so fast that they have nothing, or next to nothing, to invest in the cause of God. They have buried it, fearing that God would call for some of the principal or increase."—Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 386. THINK IT THROUGH Am I occupying till Christ comes, using the life and op- portunity He has given me as something He has put in trust to me? "The Master will require each of His pound,' not their own. When they speak stewards to give an account of his of their gain, they are careful to state stewardship, to show what he has whence it came. The capital was ad- gained with the talents entrusted to vanced by the Master. They have him. Those to whom rewards are given traded upon it successfully, and return will impute no merit to themselves for the principal and interest to the Giver." their diligent trading; they will give —"Testimonies," Vol. 2, pp. 284, 285. all the glory to God. They speak of that For deeper study: "Testimonies," Vol. which was delivered to them, as 'Thy 3, pp. 385-390. 107 SOL 1. The angels. 2. The first and second. 3. Wicked and slothful. 4. All nations. 5. Three. 6. b. S112/ASNV tuaapai (0) ‘ssauisnq of pual (q) '1.1! damp (E) spunod ay jo aiqund aqi uf Imam „SolnDoo„ 'mom ay saop iuqm :Jamsue ;oailoo ay asooqo .9 .1aumo sll lupdclesT an Su ay pp UEDA SUM moq zod .s elsiaSuu Slog ay HE q1Im swum aH uaqm uvw Jo uos ay azojaq pazayES an oqm .t, ouarm auo ay asn 01 paloaiSau peq oqm ;Tomas ay aqposap 01 asn Jamul ay pup sampacpe oml 1-eqm •E 4.1a1sEtu sm zoj u!uS map iad 001 apuul sluenzas aanp ay Jo qomm . isric atp WOJJ pavpn. ay Supanas Jo vom ay op upin oqm •1 /13MOd ',anis lino), 1S31 01 <> SNOUS3110 Aavwwns o L 4'°d E l NOSS31 ilofivd °ILL Human or Divi ion of some question od's perfec versus man' ect humanity ChMSt, THE INCOMPARABLE BY J. L. SHULER is a challenging ex pansion of topics it next quarter's Sab bath School lessons $195 ORDER FROM YOUR BOOK AND BIBLE HOUSE. SOUTHERN PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION Thousands are becoming involved. It's spreading across America. Your church may be next. "TESTIMONY COUNTDOWN" is a new program. In these study groups many are finding new and relevant meaning in Ellen G. White's "Testimonies for the Church." Materials are now available for your personal or group study. TESTIMONY COUNTDOWN Study Guide $ .95 TESTIMONY COUNTDOWN Quiz Booklet .35 TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH (9 volumes) cloth 26.50 deluxe 31.50 These special prices expire December 31, 1970. Thirteenth Sabbath Offering JUNE 27, 1970 • CENTRAL EUROPEAN DIVISION East and West—The Divided City . . . The Brandenburg Gate . . . Air raids of World War II . . . The American Airlift . . . the city with the most suicides. When someone mentions Berlin, scenes and reports of these incidents and landmarks flash into our minds. Our members in Berlin are conscientious workers for Christ. Taped telephone sermons, personal family visitations, brass band evangelism, and Branch Sabbath Schools are just a few of the activ- ities they have initiated in the city to entice souls for Christ. An - evangelistic center located in Berlin is one project of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow. The new, modern building will attract the masses of Berlin who otherwise might not hear of Christ. Half of the citizens of Berlin are over sixty-five years of age. The Seventh-day Adventist Church feels a responsibility toward these elderly people. With the help of the overflow, a six-story retirement home will be completed in a Berlin suburb. The Waldfriede Hospital needs funds for expansion and mod- ernization. Without these additions, the hospital will lose its im- portance and attraction among the people of Germany. The believers in Central Europe are looking to their fellow believers in the Sab- bath Schools around the world to help meet these needs on June 27. Lessons for the Third Quarter of 1970 Sabbath School members who have not received an adult Lesson Quarterly for the third quarter of 1970 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The title of the series is "Christ, the Incomparable." The title of the first lesson is "Christ, the Answer to Man's Quest." The memory verse is 1 John 5:11. The outline is as follows: 1. Life's Great Quest. Acts 16:25-31. 2. The Gift of Infinite Love. John 3:16-18. 3. God's Provision for Man's Need. John 6:51, 54, 55. 4. Jesus Christ Is God Incarnate. Matthew 16:13-17. 5. The Great Invitation. Matthew 11:28-30. 6. The Two Doors to Destiny. 1 John 5:6-12. Litho in U.S.A. DENMARK BALTIC SEA NORTH SEA Hamburg • okHrta mow. bran Bremen • POLAND NETHERLANDS • Hanover WEST GERMAN UNION Leipzig BELGIUM ® Dusseldorf Cologne UNION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS Bonn IN THE DDR GERMANY Frankfort Darmstadt • NUREMBERG • CZECHOSLOVAKIA FRANCE Stuttgart • SOUTH GERMAN UNION AUSTRIA CENTRAL EUROPEAN DIVISION Union PomMloo Clutches Chrcti South German 29,087,468 240 12,961 15,601 Union of S. D.A. In DOG 18,403,800 341 12,670 14,107 West German 28,021,371 197 11,784 13,639 West Berlin Conference 2,197,300 15 1,571 1,727 Division Totals 77,709,939 793 38,986 46,014