The Victorious Life

1950 Quater 3

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                                SENIOR DIVISION
                                THIRD QUARTER, 1950
                                NUMBER 221




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Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, September 30, 1950

 Australasian Inter-Union Conference

INDIVIDUAL SABBATH SCHOOL OFFERING GOAL “As God hath prospered him” MY WEEKLY GOAL (Check Amount)

    I 5.00 1 2.00 1 1.50 1 1.00 I                      .50          1   .35   I

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               DAILY LESSON STUDY PLEDGE    As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school lesson each day of the week.

Name Place a check mark in each space below for the days you have studied STUDY RECORD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1ST DAY’S STUDY 2D DAY’S STUDY 3D DAY’S STUDY 4TH DAY’S STUDY 5TH DAY’S STUDY 6TH DAY’S STUDY 7TH DAY’S STUDY

"Let the Sabbath school lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance at the lesson scrip- ture on Sabbath morning, but by careful study for the next week on Sabbath afternoon, with daily review or illustration during the week. Thus the lesson will become fixed in the memory, a treasure never to be wholly lost."—"Education," pages 251, 252.

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 221, July-September, 1950. 10 cents a single copy, 35 cents a year, in U. S. A.; 12 cents a single copy, 45 cents a year, in Can-. ada and foreign countries. Published in the U. S. A. by Pacific Press Publishing Asso- ciation (a corporation of S. D. A.), Mountain View, California. Entered as second- class matter Oct. 13, 1904, at the post office in Mountain View, California, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of Oct. 3, 1917, and authorized Sept. 18, 1918. Copyright, 1950, by Pacific Press Publishing Association. Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly THE VICTORIOUS LIFE

                     Lesson 1, for July 1, 1950

        The Word of God the Basis of Victory
 MEMORY VERSE: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profit- able for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 114-123, 257, 258; "Christ's Ob- ject Lessons," pages 107-114 (new ed., pp. 103-113).
                        DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.   General survey of the lesson. 5. "The Desire of Ages," pp. 114-123;
2.   Questions 1-5.                      257, 258.
3.   Questions 6-9.                6. "Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 107-
4.   Questions 10-15.                    114 (new ed., pp. 103-113).
                                    7. Review.

                            Life in the Word
1. By what should man live? Matt. 4:4.

  1. What does Jesus say concerning the study of the Scriptures? Of whom do they testify? John 5:39.

                           Inspired of God

  2. How was the Scripture given? How much of the Scripture was given in this way? For what is it profitable? 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

NoTE.—The Scriptures here mentioned, and which Timothy had known from a child (2 Tim. 3:15), are those writings now collected under the general name of the Old Testament. That these now may properly include the New Testament is attested by the fact that Peter spoke of those who wrested the writings of Paul, as they do “the other Scriptures,” to their own destruction. See 2 Peter 3:16. “The Bible points to God as its author; yet it was written by human hands; and in the varied style of its different books it presents the characteristics of the several writers. The truths revealed are all ‘given by inspiration of God’ (2 Tim. 3:16) ; yet they are expressed in the words of men. The Infinite One by His Holy Spirit has shed light into the minds and hearts of His servants. He has given dreams and visions, symbols and figures; and those to whom the truth was thus revealed, have themselves embodied the thought in human language. “The Ten Commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were written by His own hand. They are of divine, and not of human composition. But the [3] Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the mature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.’ John 1:14.”—The Great Controversy, Introduction, pages v, vi.

  1. By what agency were holy men of God, or prophets, moved to speak? 2 Peter 1:21.

NoTE.—In the Revised Version 2 Peter 1:21 reads: “For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.” Men were the instruments; but when they spoke for God, they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

  1. Who spoke to the fathers in times past? Through whom did He speak? Heb. 1:1.

              The Testimony of the Prophets

  2. Whence did Isaiah receive his messages? Isa. 6:7.9; 8:1.

  3. Who was the source of the message of Ezekiel the prophet? Ezek. 1:3; 3:4, 10, 11; 33:7.

NOTE.—” ‘It is not the words of the Bible that are inspired, but the men that were inspired. Inspiration acts not on the man’s words or his expressions but on the man himself, who, under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with thoughts. But the words receive the impress of the individual mind. The divine mind is diffused. The divine mind and will is combined with the human mind and will; thus the utterances of the man are the word of God.’ “—Ellen G. White, manuscript No. 24, quoted by F. M. Wilcox in The Testimony of Jesus, 1944 ed., p. 18.

  1. What carefulness was demanded of Jeremiah in delivering his God-given messages? Jer. 26:2.

  2. How much higher are God’s thoughts than man’s thoughts? Isa. 55:8, 9.

NOTE.—God's words contain a depth of meaning which only His Spirit can fully reveal to us.
"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.

                        The Word of Life    10. What are the words of the Lord said to be? John 6:63, 68.
                                  14]

NOTE.—”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.

  1. What does the apostle call these words? Phil. 2:16.
NoTE.—In 1 John 1:1 the same expression, "Word of life," is also applied to Christ. As the written word is the revelation of God to man, so Christ, the Word made flesh, revealed His Father's love and opened the way to eternal life. Both rightly are called the "Word of life," for in each the life and love of God is manifested, and each has, and is able to impart, the attributes of eternal life. See 1 Peter 1:24, 25; John 6:47.    12. What is the place of the word in the Christian's armor? Eph. 6:17. Compare Rev. 1:16.

NOTE.—"The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son." —Steps to Christ, page 105.

                      Esteeming the Word   13. How did Jeremiah express his appreciation of the words of God? Jer. 15:16.
  1. What estimation did Job place upon the words of God? Job 23:12.

NOTE.—”Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and the searching of the Scriptures, will be overcome by his attacks. Therefore he invents every possible device to engross the mind.”—The Great Controversy, page 519.

  1. How do God’s words affect the believer’s life? Ps. 119:103, 130. NOTE.—”As our physical life is sustained by food, so our spiritual life is sustained by the word of God. And every soul is to receive life from God’s word for himself. As we must eat for ourselves in order to receive nourish- ment, so we must receive the word for ourselves. . . . We should carefully study the Bible, asking God for the aid of the Holy Spirit, that we may under- stand His word.”—The Desire of Ages, page 390.

Have you formed the habit of daily lesson study? “None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict.”—The Great Controversy, pages 593, 594. L53 Lesson 2, for July 8, 1950

    Power of God's Word in Victorious Living
MEMORY VERSE: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper- than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb. 4:12.
STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 593-602 (new ed., pp. 669- 679); "Education," pages 189-192; "Steps to Christ," pages 92-96.
                       DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT                      •    1.   General survey of the lesson.  5. "The Great Controversy," pp. 593-    2.   Questions 1-3.                      602 (new ed., pp. 669-679).    3.   Questions 4-7.                6. "Education," pp. 189-192.    4.   Questions 8-14.                     "Steps to Christ," pp. 92-96.
                                   7. Review.

                      Authority of the Word    1. What is said of God's word in heaven? Ps. 119:89.

NOTE.—There was once a controversy in heaven concerning the authority of God's word. "Michael [Christ] and His angels fought against the dragon [Satan] ; and the dragon fought and his angels." Rev. 12:7. The integrity and power of God's word were sustained, and it was forever settled in heaven among the angelic host and unfallen worlds that God's word is true, and must stand forever.   2. How were the heavens made? How was the power of the Lord manifested? Ps. 33:6, 9. Compare Heb. 11:3.

NOTE.—"The creative energy that called the worlds into existence is in the word of God. This word imparts power; it begets life. Every command is a promise; accepted by the will, received into the soul, it brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It transforms the nature, and re-creates the soul in the image of God."—Education, page 126.    3. Of what are men willingly ignorant? How are the present heavens and earth kept? 2 Peter 3:5-7.

NoTE.—While scientists may speculate and guess concerning the origin of the world, the one who believes God's word knows how it came into existence. It is only because men "willfully forget" (2 Peter 3:5, A.R.V.), that they are ignorant concerning creation.
                         Power of the Word    4. By what forceful figures is the power of God's word set forth? Jer. 23:29.
  1. What is the regenerating agency in the new birth? 1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18. [ 6] No7E.—The power of living things to reproduce themselves is the highest manifestation of life in nature. So in spiritual things, the life in the word has power to reproduce itself in human lives through the experience of the new birth, and this supremely important re-creative experience is accomplished through the regenerating power of God’s word when its life-giving power is planted in the heart.

  2. What are some of the characteristics of God’s word? Heb. 4:12.

  3. How should this word be received? What will the word of God do? 1 Thess. 2:13.

          Healing and-Deliverance in the Word

  4. When God’s people in distress cry to Him, what is sent to heal their troubles? Ps. 107:19, 20.

  5. How did the centurion whose servant was sick show his faith in the power of Jesus’ word? Matt.•8:5-8.

  6. What reply did Jesus make? What was the result? Matt. 8:13.

  7. What effect did the word of Jesus have upon the stormy sea? Mark 4:37-39, 41.
NOTE.—The difference between God's word and man's word is infinite. Only the Spirit of God can reveal its depth and meaning to us. When spoken faithfully and received, it will have effect, and produce righteousness in the hearts of those who believe.

           Effect of the Word in the Heart   12. What will be the effect of the word when hidden in the heart? Ps. 119:11.

NorE.—”Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons.”—The Great Controversy, page 600.

13. By what do we grow? 1 Peter 2:1, 2.

NOTE.—”The word of God is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germi- nating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God’s word. Christ says, The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life.’ . . . In every command and in every promise of the word of God f7 ) is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God. Every seed brings forth fruit after its kind. Sow the seed under right conditions, and it will develop its own life in the plant. 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 char- acter and the life of God.”—Christ’s.Object Lessons, page 38.

  1. By what is the heart cleansed? john 15:3.

              Lesson 3, for July 15, 1950

    Victory—The Mission of Jesus
MEMORY VERSE: "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15:57.
STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 19-26,124-131.
              DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
  2. General survey of the lesson. 5. “The Desire of Ages,” pp. 19-26.
  3. Questions 1-4. 6. “The Desire of Ages,” pp. 124-131.
  4. Questions 5-9. 7. Review.
  5. Questions 10-14. Christ’s Mission

  6. Through whom has God designed victory to be gained? 1 Cor. 15:57.

  7. What was the mission of Jesus to this world? Matt. 1:21, 23. Compare Luke 19:10.
NOTE.—Jesus saves His people not in sin, but from sin.
"From the beginning, God and Christ knew of the apostasy of. Satan, and of the fall of man through the deceptive power of the apostate. God did not ordain that sin should rxist, but He foresaw its existence, and made provision to meet the terrible emergency."—The Desire of Ages, page 22.
                   Victor in Human Flesh    3. Whose nature did Jesus take upon Himself? What four rea- sons for this are listed by the apostle? Heb. 2:14-18.

NOTE.—"It was Satan's purpose to bring about an eternal separation be- tween God and man; but in Christ we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen. In taking our nature, the Saviour has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only- begotten Son.' He gave Him not only to bear our sins, and to die as our sacri- fice; He gave Him to the fallen race. To assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature."—The Desire of Ages, page 25.
                                 [s]

4. What testimony is borne concerning His life? 1 Peter 2:22; John 19:4.

NOTE.—Pilate was the trial judge. After he had heard all the evidence which the enemies of Christ could bring against Him who, when reviled, reviled not, when suffering, threatened not, Pilate was not able to find any fault in Him. No one since Pilate’s day has been able to find any fault in Him. We have a sinless Saviour. Looking Unto Jesus

  1. To whom are we to look for salvation? Isa. 45:22, 25; Heb. 12:1, 2.

  2. How did Jesus illustrate this in His night talk with Nicode- mus? John 3:14, 15. Compare Num. 21:5-9.

NOTE.—"To the cross of Calvary, bearing a dying Saviour, we must look. Our eternal interests demand that we show faith in Christ."—The Desire of Ages, page 660.
"The lifting up of the brazen serpent was to teach Israel an important lesson. They could not save themselves from the fatal effect of the poison in their wounds. God alone was able to heal them. Yet they were required to show their faith in the provision which He had made. They must look, in order to live. It was their faith that was acceptable with God, and by looking upon the serpent their faith was shown. . . . So the sinner may look to Christ, and live. He receives pardon through faith in the atoning sacrifice. Unlike the inert and lifeless symbol, Christ has power and virtue in Himself to heal the repenting sinner."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 430, 431.    7. In whom only can salvation be found? Acts 4:12. Compare Isaiah 63:1-3.
                         Mighty to Save    8. To what extent is Jesus able to save? Heb. 7:25. Compare Isa. 63:1.

NOTE.—"Those whose course has been most offensive to Him He freely accepts; when they repent, He imparts to them His divine Spirit, places them in the highest positions of trust, and sends them forth into the camp of the disloyal to proclaim His boundless mercy."—The Desire of Ages, page 826.
"When Satan seeks to cover the people of God with blackness, and ruin them, Christ interposes. Although they have sinned, Christ has taken the guilt of their sins upon His own soul. He has snatched the race as a brand from the fire. By His human nature He is linked with man, while through. His divine nature He is one with the infinite God. Help is brought within the reach of perishing souls. The adversary is rebuked."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 169.
9. Through whom are we washed from our sins? Rev. 1:5.
                         [ s]

10. What assurance have we that the Lord remembers His peo- ple? Ps. 40:17; Ex. 28:29. NOTE.—”So Christ, the great High Priest, pleading His blood before the Father in the sinner’s behalf, bears upon His heart the name of every repent- ant, believing soul.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 351.

  1. What is Christ made to every believer? 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21. Triumph Over Weakness

  2. How is man’s helplessness to save himself expressed? John 15:5; Jer. 13:23.

  3. By what illustration does the Saviour show wherein the strength of the believer lies? John 15:2-4, 7. NOTE.—”The life of the vine becomes the life of the branch. So the soul dead in trespasses and sins receives life through connection with Christ. By faith in Him as a personal Saviour the union is formed. The sinner unites his weakness to Christ’s strength, his emptiness to Christ’s fullness, his frailty to Christ’s enduring might. Then he has the mind of Christ. The humanity of Christ has touched our humanity, and our humanity has touched divinity. Thus through the agency of the Holy Spirit man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He is accepted in the Beloved.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 675, 676.

  4. To whom will the redeemed through all eternity ascribe praise? Rev. 7:9, 10; 19:1.

                Lesson 4, for July 22, 1950

              Promises of Victory
MEMORY VERSE: "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of His knowledge by us in every place." 2 Cor. 2:14.
STUDY HELPS: "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," pages 203-207; "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 309-314.
                DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
  5. General survey of the lesson. 5. “Thoughts From the Mount of Bless-
  6. Questions 1-4. ing,” pp. 203-207.
  7. Questions 5-9. 6. “The Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 309-

  8. Questions 10-14. 314. 7. Review.

           The Standard of Perfection
1. What is sin? 1 John 3:4; 5:17, first part.
                    110 •

    2. What examples are given by the wise man of what sin is? Prov. 24:9; 10:19.

  9. How did the Saviour magnify the law? Matt. 5:21-28.

  10. What standard of moral perfection is to characterize those waiting for the coming of the Lord? 2 Peter 3:14; 1 Thess. 5:23.
NoTE.—"If one sin is cherished in the soul, or one wrong practice retained in the life, the whole being is contaminated. The man becomes an instrument of unrighteousness."—The Desire of Ages, page 313.

                   Victory Assured    5. What will the armor of God enable us to do? Eph. 6:13.

NoTE.—We are to stand, not flee from the enemy. There is no armor for the back. Victory has been defined as the abandonment of every known sin and obedience to every known duty.
"We can overcome. Yes; fully, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that we might overcome every evil temper, every sin, every temptation, and sit down at last with Him."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 144.
"I would not dishonor my Master so much as to admit that a careless, trifling, prayerless person is a Christian. No; a Christian has victory over his besetments, over his passions. There is a remedy for the sin-sick soul. That remedy is in Jesus. Precious Saviour! His grace is sufficient for the weakest; and the strongest must also have His grace or perish."—Ibid., page 158.

6. How continuous may be our victory through Jesus? Where is this victory manifest? 2 Cor. 2:14.

 NOTE.—"The love of God does not lead Him to excuse sin. He did not excuse it in Satan; He did not excuse it in Adam or in Cain ; nor will He excuse it in any other of the children of men. He will not connive at our sins or over- look our defects of character. He expects us to overcome in His name."— Christ's Object Lessons, page 316.
  1. What further assurance of victory is given us through Him who loves us? Rom. 8:35-37. NOTE.—”The tempter’s agency is not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act. Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God.”—The Desire of Ages, page 311. Perfection of Character

  2. To what state of character must we attain in order to see God in peace when He comes? Heb. 12:14. 111] . .NorE.—”The ideal of Christian_ character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life. Jesus was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of man; yet He was the blameless Son of God. He was God in the flesh. His character is to be ours.”—The De- sire of Ages, page 311.

  3. From what does the psalmist say the Lord will preserve us? Ps. 121:7. NOTE.—”Satan carefully studies the constitutional sins of men, and then he begins his work of alluring and ensnaring them. We are in the thickest of temptations, but there is victory for us if we fight manfully the battles of the Lord.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 97.

  4. What standard of life did Jesus set before the man healed of an infirmity? John 5:14. NOTE.—”How many, when they are made well, forget the hand that has healed them, and, instead of gratitude and obedience to God, use their renewed health and strength in the service of sin ! Those who make this use of God’s mercies may consider their restoration as a respite only from perdition.”— Adam Clarke, Commentary, note on John 5:14. The Promised Power
  5. What power is promised to the believer? Eph. 1:17-20; Col. 1:29.

NOTE.—”Satan cannot hold the dead in his grasp when the Son of God bids them live. He cannot’ hold in spiritual death one soul who in faith re- ceives Christ’s word of power.”—The Desire of Ages, page 320.

  1. What assurance of power was given to the disciples? Luke 9:1. Compare James 4:7.

  2. How did the seventy testify concerning the power given to them? What additional assurance was given? What was a greater cause of rejoicing? Luke 10:17-20.

  3. In whom are we complete? Col. 1:19; 2:9, 10.

               A BIRTHDAY GIFT
Birthday offerings reported through the Sabbath school are
            sacredly set apart for
 NEW WORK AND.NEW WORKERS.
     Do not forget your birthday gift.
                          [ 12 ]

    Lesson 5, for July 29, 1950

             Victory Through Surrender
MEMORY VERSE: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." Isaiah 26:3.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 328-332; "Steps to Christ," pages 47-52.
             DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
  4. General survey of the lesson. 5. “The Desire of Ages,” pp. 328-332.
  5. Questions 1-5. 6. “Steps to Christ,” pp. 47-52.
  6. Questions 6-10. 7. Review.

  7. Questions 11-14.

                   Redemption

  8. Who redeemed us? What price was paid for our redemption? 1 Peter 1:18-20; Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:2.

  9. To whom then do we belong? 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; Rom. 14:8.

  10. How do we become children of God? Gal. 3:26.
NOTE.—"The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power."—The Desire of Ages, page 347.

  1. What is the nature of the transaction by which we become children of God? Rom. 10:9-13.

  2. What is our reasonable service? Rom. 12:1. Surrender in the Life of Victory
  3. What surrender does the Lord ask us to make? Prov. 23:26.

NOTE.—”No man who makes any reserve can be the disciple of Christ, much less can he be His colaborer.”—The Desire of Ages, page 273. “We do not belong to Christ unless we are His wholly. It is by halfhearted- ness in the Christian life that men become feeble in purpose and changeable in desire.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, page 50. “Many who profess to be His followers have an anxious, troubled heart, because they are afraid to trust themselves with God. They do not make a complete surrender to Him; for they shrink from the consequences that such a surrender may involve. Unless they do make this surrender, they cannot find peace.”—The Desire of Ages, page 330. [13 7 7. To whom are we to yield ourselves? Rom. 6:13.

NoTE.—It is ourselves for which the Lord calls. We may render service, money, stock, farms, even our own bodies, yet withhold ourselves. “I seek not yours, but you” (2 Cor. 12:14), wrote the apostle. There is no substitute for an unconditional surrender of the heart.

  1. What assurance of victory is given to those who thus yield themselves? Rom. 6:14.
NOTE.—"When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it trans- forms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God."—The Desire of Ages, pages 172, 173.
                  Power Through Surrender    9. What power is promised to the believer? Jude 24; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Isa. 26:3.
NoTE.—"When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes pos- session of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accom- plish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan."—The Desire of Ages, pages 323, 324.    10. What example of a surrendered life is left us by the church of Macedonia? 2 Cor. 8:5.

NOTE.—”First gave their own selves.” When we consecrate ourselves first to God, then we will lay all we have on the altar, to be used as His providences shall indicate. There will then be plenty of workers and funds to finish the work in all the world.

          Wholehearted Seeking of the Lord    11. How fully did all Judah once seek the Lord? With what result? 2 Chron. 15:12, 15.
  1. How fully does the Lord search the heart? 1 Chron. 28:9.

NOTE.—”The righteousness of Christ will not cover one cherished sin.”— Christ’s Object Lessons, page 316. [ 14 ] 13. What solemn exhortation applies to the church at this time? Zeph. 2:1-3.

  1. What encouraging promise is given to those who seek the Lord with all their heart? 2 Chron. 7:14. Narc.—”Many are inquiring, ‘How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?’ You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken prom- ises and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you ; but you need not despair. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man; the power of decision, or of choice. Every- thing depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the .control of the Spirit of Christ ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.”—Steps to Christ, pages 51, 52.

                 Lesson 6, for August 5, 1950

Victory Through an Indwelling Christ
MEMORY VERSE: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the. Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20.
STUDY HELP: "Steps to Christ," pages 71-80.

                 DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
  2. General survey of the lesson. 5. Questions 11-14.
  3. Questions 1-3. 6. “Steps to Christ,” pp. 71-80.
  4. Questions 4-6. 7. Review.

  5. Questions 7-10.

                          Christ Within
  6. How is the close relationship between the Father, the Son, and the believer expressed? John 17:21.
2. What is our hope of glory? Col. 1:27.

NOTE.—”The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indul- • i15 1 gence, and temptation to sin. We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his, bidding in the end.”—The Desire of Ages, page 324.

  1. Whose life is to be manifest in the believer? 2 Cot. 4:10, 11.

NoTE.—It is only through an abiding Christ within the heart, that His life can be manifest in our lives. To dwell there, He must have all the heart. Christ will not share with anything else the throne of the heart. Divinity Revealed in Humanity

  1. Who was revealed in the life of the apostle Paul? For what purpose? Gal. 1:15, 16.

  2. What promise is made to those in whom Christ dwells? Rom. 8:10, 12, 13.

NoTi.—Faith is more than a passive state of mind, a mere acknowledgment of belief. It is an active principle that engages the power of the will. It means such a harmony with the indwelling Christ that sin loses its power in the life, and our desires, our thinking, and our conduct become conformable to His will.    6. For what did Paul have great travail of soul? Gal. 4:19.

        By Faith Through Operation of the Spirit    7. What was the apostle's condition? Who lived in him? What did he say further relative to the life he was living? Gal. 2:20.
  1. How is Christ brought into the heart? Eph. 3:16, 17.
NOTE.-"It is faith that connects us with heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong."—The Desire of Ages, page 428.    9. What was included in Jesus' prayer for all believers? John 17:23.
  1. Through what agency does Jesus come into the heart? John 14:16, 17.

NoTE.—”It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells hi us; and the Spirit of God, received into the heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal.” —The Desire of Ages, page 388. [16 7 11. How willing is Jesus to come into the heart that opens to Him? Rev. 3:20.

NOTE.—" 'Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.' I saw that many have so much rubbish piled up at the door of their heart that they cannot get the door open. Some have difficulties between themselves and their brethren to remove. Others have evil tempers, selfish covetousness, to remove before they can open the door. Others have rolled the world before the door of their heart, which bars the door. AJl this rubbish must be taken away, and then they can open the door and welcome the Saviour in.
"Oh, how precious was this promise, as it was shown to me in vision ! 'I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.' Oh, the love, the wondrous love of God ! After all our lukewarmness and sins He says, 'Return unto Me, and I will return unto thee, and will heal all thy backslidings.' This was repeated by the angel a number of times. 'Return unto Me, and I will return unto thee, and will heal all thy backslidings.' "—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 143.
"Marvelous will be the transformation wrought in him who by faith opens the door of the heart to the Saviour."—The Ministry of Healing, page 93.

                 Assurance of Victory    12. What assurance have we that Christ's dwelling in the heart gives victory? 1 John 4:4.

NOTE.—”Henceforward Christ’s followers were to look upon Satan as a conquered foe. Upon the cross, Jesus was to gain the victory for them ; that victory He desired them to accept as their own.”—The Desire of Ages, page 490. It is encouraging to the struggling child of God to know that he is contend- ing against a foe who has been conquered, whose kingdom has been spoiled and triumphed over. “When Jesus was laid in the grave, Satan triumphed. He dared to hope that the Saviour would not take up His life again. He claimed the Lord’s body, and set his guard about the tomb, seeking to hold Christ a prisoner. He was bitterly angry when his angels fled at the approach of the heavenly messenger. When he saw Christ come forth in triumph, he knew that his kingdom would have an end, and that he must finally die.”— Ibid., page 782.

  1. What is Christ called? 1 Sam. 15:29, margin; Ps. 20:5.
NoTE.—Psalm 20:5, the Revised Version, margin, reads, "We will triumph in Thy victory." Christ met the enemy upon every point where we must meet him (Heb. 4:15), and won the victory. This victory was not for Himself, but for us. When we open our heart and Jesus comes in, He brings to us the victory which He Himself won over all the powers of darkness.

  1. With Christ abiding in the heart, what is our blessed con- dition? Col. 2:9, 10. 117] Lesson 7, for August •12, 1950

          Victory in Word and Thought
 MEMORY VERSE: "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," page 323; "Early Writings," pages 111-114; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 101, 102, 335-339 (new ed., pp. 98, 99, 338-342).

               DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
  2. General survey of the lesson. 5. “The Desire of Ages,” p. 323 ; “Early
  3. Questions 1-4. Writings,” pp. 111-114.
  4. Questions 5-8. 6. “Christ’s Object Lessons,” pp. 101,

  5. Questions 9-14. 102, 335-339 (new ed., pp. 98, 99, 338-342). 7. Review.

                            Self -Control
1. What is a greater achievement than taking a city? Prov. 16:32.
  6. What is one able to do who can control his words? James 3:2.
NOTE.—"The power of speech is a talent that should be diligently culti- vated. Of all the gifts we have received from God, none is capable of being a greater blessing than this. With the voice we convince and persuade; with it we offer prayer and praise to God, and with it we tell others of the Redeem- er's love. How important, then, that it be so trained as to be most effective for good."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 335.

3. What evil is in the power of an unruly tongue? James 3:4-6.
  1. How did Christ emphasize the importance of our words? Matt. 12:34-37.

‘NOTE.—”Not one word is to be spoken unadvisedly. No evilspeaking, no frivolous talk, no fretful repining or impure suggestion, will escape the lips of him who is following Christ. The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, ‘Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.’ A corrupt communication does not mean only words that are vile. It means any expres- sion contrary to holy principles and pure and undefiled religion. It includes impure hints and covert insinuations of evil. ‘Unless instantly resisted, these lead to great sin.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, page 337. “Closely connected with Christ’s warning in regard to the sin against the Holy Spirit is a warning against idle and evil words.”—The Desire of Ages, page 323. [ 18 ] Controlling the Thoughts

  1. What promise of victory over our thoughts is given us? 2 Cor. 10:4, 5.
NoTE.—"There was in Him [Jesus} nothing that responded to Satan's sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us."—The Desire of Ages, page 123.
"The light shining from the cross reveals the love of God. His love is draw- ing us to Himself. If we do not resist this drawing, we shall be led to the, foot of the cross in repentance for the sins that have crucified the Saviour. Then the Spirit of God through faith produces a new life in the soul. The thoughts and desires are brought into obedience to the will of Christ. The heart, the mind, are created anew in the image of Him who works in us to subdue all things to Himself."—Ibid., page 176.    6. Upon what should we think? Phil. 4:8.

NOTE.—”Dwell upon the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and failings. . . . Let nothing but kind, loving words fall from your lips concerning the members of your family or of the church.”—Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 437, 438.

                    Conti-Oiling the Tongue    7. What lies in the power of the tongue? Prov. 18:21.

  1. From what should the tongue be kept? Ps. 34:13.

  2. How is the difficulty of controlling the tongue illustrated? James 3:7, 8.

NOTE.—”If you are striving for the immortal inheritance with an earnest- ness, energy, and zeal proportionate to its value, then can you be a fair candi- date for everlasting life, an heir of glory. You need a fresh conversion every day. Die daily to self, keep your tongue as with a bridle, control your words, cease your murmurings and complaints, let not one word of censure escape your lips. If this requires a great effort, make it; you will be repaid in so doing.”—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 699.

                            Not Judging    10. Instead of judging and condemning others, what should we rather do? Matt. 7:1-5; Rom. 2:1; 14:13.

NOTE.—"He who is guilty of wrong, is the first to suspect wrong. By con- demning another he is trying to conceal or excuse the evil of his own heart. It was through sin that men gained the knowledge of evil; no sooner had the first pair sinned than they began to accuse each other; and this is what
                                  [ 19

human nature will inevitably do, when uncontrolled by the grace of Christ.” —Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pages 181, 182. “If Christ is in you ‘the hope of glory,’ you will have no disposition to watch others, to expose their errors. Instead of seeking to accuse and con- demn, it will be your object to help, to bless, and to save. In dealing with those who are in error, you will heed the injunction, Consider ‘thyself, lest thou also be tempted.’ . . . “He who looks often upon the cross of Calvary, remembering that his sins placed the Saviour there, will never try to estimate the degree of his guilt in comparison with that of others. He will not climb upon the judgment seat to bring accusation against another. There can be no spirit of criticism or self-exaltation on the part of those who walk in the shadow of Calvary’s cross. “Not until you feel that you could sacrifice your own self-dignity, and even lay down your life, in order to save an erring brother, have you cast the beam out of your own eye, so that you are prepared to help your brother. Then you can approach him, and touch his heart. No one has ever been re- claimed from a wrong position by censure and reproach; but many have thus been driven from Christ, and led to seal their hearts against conviction.”— Ibid., pages 183-185.

  1. Who shall abide in the tabernacle of the Lord? Ps. 15:1-3.
NOTE.—"The habit of backbiting, gossip, ungenerous criticism . . . re- veals a lack of culture and refinement and of true goodness of heart; it unfits one both for the society of the truly cultured and refined in this world and for association with the holy ones of heaven. We think with horror of the cannibal who feasts on the still warm and trembling flesh of his victim; but are the results of even this practice more terrible than are the agony and ruin caused by misrepresenting motive, blackening reputation, dissecting character? Let the children, and the youth as well, learn what, God says about these things."—Education, page 235.
  1. How does the apostle Paul commend graceful speech? Col. 4:6; Eph. 4:29.
NOTE.—"Through the apostle Paul, Christ bids us, 'Let your speech be alway with grace.' Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.' In the light of these scriptures the words of Christ upon the mount are seen to condemn jesting, trifling, and unchaste conversa- tion. They require that our words should be not only truthful, but pure."— Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 106.

          The Remnant's Mastery of the Tongue   13. To what high standard in respect to their speech will the remnant attain? Zeph. 3:13.

  1. What should be the daily prayer of the overcomer? Ps. 19:14; 141:3. Compare Rev. 14:5. [ 2o ] Lesson 8, for August 19, 1950

                 Victory Through Prayer
MEMORY VERSE: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Eph. 6:18.
STUDY HELPS: "Steps to Christ," pages 97-109; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," pages 187-191; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 135-149 (new ed., pp. 137-149).
                 DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.   General survey of the lesson.     5. "Steps to Christ," pp. 97-109;
2.   Questions 1-4.                         "Thoughts From the Mount of
3.   Questions 5-9.                          Blessing," pp. 187-191.
4.   Questions 10-14.                  6. "Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 135-
                                       149 (new ed., pp. 137-149).
                                 7. Review.

                       Teach Us to Pray

  2. What request did the disciples make of Jesus upon a certain occasion? Luke 11:1.

NOTE.—"It was from hours spent with God that He came forth, morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. The disciples had come to connect His hours of prayer with the power of His words and works. Now, as they listened to His supplication, their hearts were awed and humbled. As He ceased praying, it was with a conviction of their own deep need that they exclaimed, 'Lord, teach us to pray.' "—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 152.   2. What example of prayer has our Saviour left us? Mark 1:35; Luke 5:15, 16; 6:12.

NOTE.—”The early morning often found Him [Jesus] in some secluded place, meditating, searching the Scriptures, or in prayer.”—The Ministry of Healing, page 52.

  1. What was the Saviour doing when He received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Luke 3:21, 22.
NoTE.—"Upon coming up out of the water, Jesus bowed in prayer on the  riverbank. . . . The Saviour's glance seems to penetrate heaven as He pours  out His soul in prayer. Well He knows how sin has hardened the hearts of  men, and how difficult it will be for them to discern His mission, and accept  the gift of salvation. He pleads with the Father for power to overcome their  unbelief, to break the fetters with which Satan has enthralled them, and in  their behalf to conquer the destroyer. He asks for the witness that God accepts  humanity in the person of His Son.
"Never before have the angels listened to such a prayer. They are eager
                                     [ 21 I

to bear to their loved Commander a message of assurance and comfort. But no; the Father Himself will answer the petition of His Son. Direct from the throne issue the beams of His glory. The heavens are opened, and upon the Saviour’s head descends a dovelike form of purest light,—fit emblem of Him, the meek and lowly One.”—The Desire of Ages, pages 111, 112.

  1. What occurred as Jesus and three of His disciples were pray- ing on a mountain? Luke 9:28-31.
NOTE.—"The Saviour's promise to the disciples was now fulfilled. Upon the mount the future kingdom of glory was represented in miniature,—Christ the King, Moses a representative of the risen saints, and Elijah of the trans- lated ones."—The Desire of Ages, page 422.

                           Secret Prayer    5. What did Jesus teach regarding secret prayer? Matt. 6:5, 6.

NorE.—”The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluc- tant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching, we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path.”—Steps to Christ, pages 98, 99.

  1. What example of secret prayer is left us by the Saviour? Luke 9:18, first part.
NOTE.—"We should pray in the family circle; and above all we must not neglect secret prayer; for this is the life of the soul. It is impossible for the soul to flourish while prayer is neglected. Family or public prayer alone is not sufficient. In solitude let the soul be laid open to the inspecting eye of God. Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God. No curious ear is to receive the burden of such petitions. In secret prayer the soul is free from surrounding influences, free from excitement. Calmly, yet fer- vently, will it reach out after God. Sweet and abiding will be the influence emanating from Him who seeth in secret, whose ear is open to hear the prayer arising from the heart."—Steps to Christ, pages 102, 103.

  1. What special instruction is given concerning continuing in prayer? Eph. 6:18; 1 Tim. 2:8; 1 Thess. 5:17.

  2. In what does the Lord delight? Prov. 15:8.

  3. What promises are given to those who pray? Matt. 21:22; Luke 11:9, 10. [22] Prayer and Victory

  4. How only can victory be gained over the power of the en- emy? Mark 9:29.

  5. How earnestly were the disciples seeking the Lord just before Pentecost? With what results did the apostles pray? Acts 1:14; 4:31.

NOTE.—”The disciples prayed that greater strength might be imparted to them in the work of the ministry; for they saw that they would meet the same determined opposition that Christ had encountered when upon the earth. While their united prayers were ascending in faith to heaven, the answer came.” —The Acts of the Apostles, pages 67, 68.

  1. When we call upon the Lord in time of trouble, what has He promised to do? Ps. 107:6; 50:14, 15.

  2. Upon what condition has the Lord promised to hear prayer? 2 Chron. 7:14.

  3. What admonition should we earnestly heed at this time? Col. 4:2; Rom. 12:12. NOTE.—”Every prayer offered in faith lifts the suppliant above discourag- ing doubts and human passions. Prayer gives strength to renew the conflict with the powers of darkness, to bear trials patiently, and to endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ.”—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 323. “The victory is not won without much earnest prayer, without the hum- bling of self at every step.”—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 204.

              Lesson 9, for August 26, 1950    Examples of Victory Through Prayer
MEMORY VERSE: "Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:13.
STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 195-203; "Prophets and Kings," pages 355-362, 539-548; "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 143-154.
               DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
  4. General survey of the lesSon. 5. “Patriarchs and Prophets,” pp. 195-
  5. Questions 1-5. 203; “Prophets and Kings,” pp.
  6. Questions 6-10. 355-362. 4.. Questions 11-14. 6. “Prophets and Kings;” pp. 539-548; “The Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 143-154. 7. Review. Incentive to Prayer
  7. What cheering promise did Jesus leave as an incentive to prayer? John 14:13. [ 23 ] NoTE.—”Then press your petition to the Father in the name of Jesus. God will honor that name. . . . When we come to Him confessing our unworthi- ness and sin, He has pledged Himself to give heed to our cry. The honor of His throne is staked for the fulfillment of His word unto us.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, page 148. “To pray in the name of Jesus is something more than a mere mention of that name at the beginning and the ending of a prayer. It is to pray in the mind and spirit of Jesus, while we believe His promises, rely upon His grace, and work His works.”—Steps to Christ, page 105.

  8. At what set times did the psalmist call upon God? Ps. 55:17.

  9. What was the custom of Daniel in this matter? Dan. 6:10, 13.

NOTE.—”Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him.”—Prophets and Kings, page 48. Intercessory Prayer

  1. When Israel sinned in making the golden calf, how did God respond to the prayer of Moses? Ex. 32:9-14.

NOTE.—”Moses discerned ground for hope where there appeared only dis- couragement and wrath. The words of God, ‘Let Me alone,’ he understood not to forbid but to encourage intercession, implying that nothing but the prayers of Moses could save Israel, but that if thus entreated, God would spare His people.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 318. “As Moses interceded for Israel, his timidity was lost in his deep interest and love for those for whom he had, in the hands of God, been the means of doing so much. The Lord listened to his pleadings, and granted his unselfish prayer.”—Ibid., page 319.

  1. What did Hezekiah do with the letter of the king of Assyria? Isa. 37:8-20.

  2. What deliverance came from the hand of the Lord in answer to his prayer? Isa. 37:33-36; 2 Chron. 32:20, 21.

Num.—We should not fail to note that when Israel was involved in a terrible crisis, Hezekiah sent to the prophet of God to inquire if he had any instruction for them. And the Lord had not forgotten His people; He sent them a message of hope. What a worthy example is here presented before us by Hezekiah ! He took the threatening letter of the king, and "spread it before the Lord." When in trouble and almost overwhelmed with difficulty, we, too, can obtain help by bringing it to the Lord, and earnestly seeking Him for help.

                 Prayer and Restoration
7. When Elijah was urged by the widow to restore her son to life, what did he do? 1 Kings 17:17-22.
                            L 24 ]

8. For what did Elijah pray on another occasion during a time of great apostasy? James 5:17, 18. Compare 1 Kings 17:1; 18:41-45.

NoTE.—"Faith such as this is needed in the world today,—faith that will lay hold on the promises of God's word, and refuse to let go until Heaven hears. Faith such as this connects us closely with Heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness."—Prophets and Kings, page 157.
  1. When Dorcas died, for whom did the believers send? What scene did Peter behold on his arrival? Acts 9:36-41.
NOTE.—Though we may fall under the dominion of death, be poverty- stricken and comparatively unknown; though there may be no flowers upon the bier, if there are those mourning our death whom, while living, we helped when in need, those who can tell of our unselfish almsgiving and deeds of kindness, the obsequies will be grander than those of the potentates of earth.

                    Prayer and Deliverance    10. When Peter was in prison, what was the church doing? Acts 12:5.
  1. What wonderful deliverance came to the Lord’s servant in answer to the prayers of the church? Acts 12:6-10.
NOTE.—"The same angel who had come from the royal courts to rescue Peter, had been the messenger of wrath and judgment to Herod. The angel smote Peter to arouse him from slumber: it was with a different stroke that he smote the wicked king, laying low his pride, and bringing upon him the punishment of the Almighty. Herod died in great agony of mind and body, under the retributive judgment of God. . .
"We need to understand better than we do the mission of the angels. It would be well to remember that every true child of God has the co-operation of heavenly beings. Invisible armies of light and power attend the meek and lowly ones who believe and claim the promises of God. Cherubim and ser- aphim, and angels that excel in strength, stand at God's right hand, 'all minis- tering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.'"  —The Acts of the Apostles, pages 152-154.    12. When Paul and Silas were in prison, what did they do, and with what results? Acts 16:25-31.

                       Submission in Prayer    13. What example did Jesus give in the matter of submitting to the will of God in His prayer? Matt. 26:39, 42.

NOTE.—”While presenting our petitions with earnestness, we should say, `Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.’ Jesus added these words of [ 25 ] submission to the wisdom and will of God when in the Garden of Gethsemane He pleaded, ‘0 My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.’ And if they were appropriate for Him, the Son of God, how much more are they becoming on the lips of finite, erring mortals! “The consistent course is to commit our desires to our all-wise heavenly Father, and then, in perfect confidence, trust all to Him. We know that God hears us if we ask according to His will. But to press our petitions withotit a submissive spirit is not right; our prayers must take the form, not of com- mand, but of intercession.”—The Ministry of Healing, page 230.

  1. How does the Holy Spirit make intercession for the saints? Rom. 8:26, 27.

               Lesson 10, for September 2, 1950

              Victory Through Faith
MEMORY VERSE: "Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this'is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4.
STUDY HELP: "Steps to Christ," pages 53-60, 110-118.

                DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
  2. General survey of the lesson. 5. “Steps to Christ,” pp. 53-60.
  3. Questions 1-4. 6. “Steps to Christ,” pp. 110-118.
  4. Questions 5-9. 7. Review.

  5. Questions 10-14.

                      Possibilities of Faith
  6. What things are possible to the believer? Mark 9:23; Matt. 21:22.
NoTE.—"Where anxiety begins faith ends, where faith begins anxiety ends." —Muller.
"It is faith that connects us with heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong."—The De- sire of Ages, page 428.   2. What must we have to please God? What must those who come to God believe? Heb. 11:6.

NOTE.—”As you come to Him, believe that He accepts you, because He has promised. You can never perish while you do this—never.”–The Ministry of Healing, page 66. “Faith can endure trial, resist temptation, bear up under disappointment.” —Ibid., page 488. 1 26 ] Overcoming the World

  1. What alone gives victory to the struggling soul? 1 John 5:4.
4. What three basic temptations must be overcome? 1 John 2:16.

5. How does Christ dwell in our hearts? Eph. 3:17.

  1. What shield is given to the believer? What will this shield do? Eph. 6:16.

  2. What hinders the fulfillment of God’s promises to us? James 1:6, 7; Mark 11:24.

NoTE.—"God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character." —The Desire of Ages, page 123.
"As Jesus was in human nature, so God means His followers to be. In His strength we are to live the life of purity and nobility which the Saviour lived." —The Ministry of Healing, page 426.

                            Deliverance   8. What proclamation of deliverance is made to those in the bondage of sin? Isa. 61:1-3.

NoTE.—"Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. The greater the  sinner's guilt, the more he needs the Saviour. His heart of divine love and  sympathy is drawn out most of all for the one who is the most hopelessly  entangled in the snares of the enemy. With His own blood He has signed the  emancipation papers of the race.
"Jesus does not desire those who have been purchased at such a cost to  become the sport of the enemy's temptations. He does not desire us to be  overcome and perish. He who curbed the lions in their den, and walked with  His faithful witnesses amid the fiery flames, is just as ready to work in our  behalf, to subdue every evil in our nature. Today He is standing at the altar -of mercy, presenting before God the prayers of those who desire His help.  He turns no weeping, contrite one away. Freely will He pardon all who come  to Him for forgiveness and restoration."—The Ministry of Healing, pages 89, 90.
  1. What further assurance of deliverance is given the captives? Isa. 49:24, 25.
NOTE.—"The Lord Jesus is making experiments on human hearts through the exhibition of His mercy and abundant grace. He is affecting transforma- tions so amazing that Satan with all his triumphant boasting, with all his con-
                                 [ 27 ]

federacy of evil united against God and the laws of His government, stands viewing them as a fortress impregnable to his sophistries and delusions. They are to Him an incomprehensible mystery. The angels of God, seraphim and cherubim, the powers commissioned to co-operate with human agencies, look on with astonishment and joy, that fallen men, once children of wrath, are through the training of Christ developing characters after the divine similitude, to be sons and daughters of God, to act an important part in the occupations and pleasures of heaven.”—Ellen G. White, in General Conference Bulletin, 1893, page 409.

  1. What assurance is given for every tempted soul? Heb. 2:18. Compare 1 Cor. 10:13.

NOTE.-“Our Redeemer has opened the way so that the most sinful, the most needy, the most oppressed and despised, may find access to the Father.” —The Desire of Ages, page 113.

  1. What should deliverance lead men to do? Ps. 107:20-22.

  2. What declaration of faith did Paul once make under trying circumstances? Acts 27:22-25.

       Abraham's Victory Through Faith

  3. How did Abraham lay hold of a wonderful promise of God? Rom. 4:19-22.

  4. For whom was this written? Rom. 4:23-25.

NoTE.—Victory is not received "by works of righteousness which we have done," but is wholly the gift of God, received by faith. Until we believe that God will give us the victory personally we can never receive it. There can be no victory without faith.
"After the union with Christ has been formed, it can be preserved only by earnest prayer and untiring effort. We must resist, we must deny, we must conquer self. Through the grace of Christ, by courage, by faith, by watchful- ness, we may gain the victory."—Ellen G. White, in Review and Herald, Dec. 13, 1887.
"Victories are not gained by ceremonies or display, but by simple obedi- ence to the highest General, the Lord God of heaven. He who trusts in this Leader will never know defeat. Obedience to God is liberty from the thralldom of sin, deliverance from human passion and impulse. Man may stand conqueror of himself, conqueror of his own inclinations, conqueror of principalities and powers, and of the 'rulers of the darkness of this world,' and 'of spiritual wick- edness in high places.' "—Ellen G. White, in Review and Herald, Dec. 17, 1908.

Make the Thirteenth Sabbath Double Dollar Day in your school. [ 281 Lesson 11, for September 9, 1950

              Victory Through the Spirit    MEMORY VERSE: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts I :8.    STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 172, 173, 176, 181, 668-672; "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 47-56.
                     DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT    I. General survey of the lesson.       5. "The Desire of Ages," pages 172-    2. Questions 1-3.                           181; 668-672.    3. Questions 4-7.                      6. "The Acts of the Apostles," pages    4. Questions 8-14.                          47-56.
                                      7. Review.

                   Power for a Victorious Life    1. How much can we do in our own strength to attain to a life of victory? John 15:5; 2 Cor. 12:9.

NOTE.—"The effort to earn salvation by one's own works, inevitably leads men to pile up human exactions as a barrier against sin. For, seeing that they fail to keep the law, they will devise rules and regulations of their own to force themselves to obey. All this turns the mind away from God to self. His love dies out of the heart, and with it perishes love• for their fellow men. A system of human invention, with its multitudinous exactions, will lead its advocates to judge all who come short of the prescribed human standard. The atmosphere of selfish and narrow criticism stifles the noble and generous emotions, and causes men to become self-centered judges and petty spies.
"The Pharisees were of this class. They came forth from their religious services, not humbled with a sense of their own weakness, not grateful for the great privileges that God had given them. They came forth filled with spiritual pride, and their theme was, 'Myself, my feelings, my knowledge, my ways.' Their own attainments became the standard by which they judged others. Put- ting on the robes of self-dignity, they mounted the judgment seat, to criticize and condemn."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pages 177, 178.

2. Through Christ what are we able to do? Phil. 4:13; Col. 1:11.

NOTE.—"There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God."—The Desire of Ages, page 250.

3. In what is the power of a victorious life? Zech. 4:6.

NOTE.—”The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power. The.Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones.”—The Desire of Ages, page 490. [ 29 ] “Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many this is called sudden conversion ; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God,—a patient, protracted proc- ess.”—I bid., page 172.

                        Promised Power   4. What promise did Jesus make to His disciples concerning the Holy Spirit? John 14:16-18, 26.

  1. Of whom would He testify? John 15:26.

  2. What would be the work of the Holy Spirit? John 16:7-13.

NoxE.—”There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.”—The Desire of Ages, page 172.

  1. Of what did Jesus assure His disciples on the day of His as- cension? Acts 1:4, 5, 8.
NOTE.—"In the great and measureless gift of the Holy Spirit are contained all of heaven's resources. It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to men. If all were willing to receive, all would become filled with His Spirit."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 419.
"In all who will submit themselves to the Holy Spirit a new principle of life is to be implanted; the lost image of God is to be restored in humanity." —Ibid., page 96.
                Operation of the Holy Spirit    8. By what means is victory wrought in the life? Rom. 8:11-14; John 3:3-8.

  1. How is the willingness of the Lord to give us the Holy Spirit expressed? Luke 11:13.

  2. What is the fruit of the Spirit? Gal. 5:22, 23.

NOTE.—"Wherever there is an impulse of love and sympathy, wherever the heart reaches out to bless and uplift others, there is revealed the work- ing of God's Holy Spirit. In the depths of heathenism, men who have had no knowledge of the written law of God, who have never even heard the name of Christ, have been kind to His servants, protecting them at the risk of their own lives. Their acts show the working of a divine power. The Holy
                                C30]

Spirit has implanted the grace of Christ in the heart of the savage, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his education. The ‘Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,’ is shining in his soul; and this light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of. God.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, page 385.

  1. What sentence did the Saviout pronounce upon the fruitless fig tree? Mark 11:12-14, 20, 21.
NoTE.—"Christ's act in cursing the tree which His own power had created stands as a warning to all churches and to all Christians. No one can live the law of God without ministering to others. But there are many who do not live out Christ's merciful, unselfish life. Some who think themselves excellent Christians do not, understand what constitutes service for. God. They plan and study to please themselves. They act only in reference to self. Time is of value to them only as they can gather for themselves. In all the affairs of life this is their object. Not for others but for themselves do they minister. God created them to live in a world where unselfish service must be performed. He designed them to help their fellow men in every possible way. But self is so large that they cannot see anything else. They are not in touch with humanity. Those who thus live for self are like the fig tree, which made every pretension, but was fruitless. They observe the forms of worship, but without repentance or faith. In profession they honor the law of God, but obedience is lacking. They say, but do not. In the sentence pronounced on the fig tree Christ demonstrates how hateful in His eyes is this vain pretense. He declares that the open sinner is less guilty than is he who professes to serve God,,but who bears no fruit to His glory."—The Desire of Ages, page 584.
                      Spiritual Refreshing    12. For what spiritual refreshing are we urged to pray at this time? Zech. 10:1.
  1. What promise of the latter rain is given? Joel 2:23.
NOTE.-"I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth in great power. It had effect. I saw those who had been bound; some wives had been bound by their husbands, and some children had been bound by their parents. The honest who had been held or prevented from hearing the truth, now eagerly laid hold of it. All fear of their relatives was gone. The truth alone was exalted to them. It was dearer and more precious than life. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth. I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, 'It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.'"—Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 182, 183.    14. What blessed invitation is given to all? Rev. 22:17; John 7:37, 38.    NorE.—"The cry of Christ to the thirsty soul is still going forth, and it appeals to us with even greater power than to those who heard it in the temple on that last day of the feast. The fountain is open for all. The weary and exhausted ones are offered the refreshing draft of eternal life."—The Desire of Ages, page 454.
                                1 317

Lesson 12, for September 16, 1950

Repentance and Confession Precede Victoiy
MEMORY VERSE: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19.
STUDY HELPS: "Steps to Christ," pages 26-46; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 202-207 (new ed., pp. 204-209).
                       DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT    1.   General survey of the lesson.  5. "Steps to Christ," pp. 26-46.    2.   Questions 1-4.                6. "Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 202-    3.   Questions 5-8.                       207 (new ed., pp. 204-209).    4.   Questions 9-14.                7. Review.

              Called to Repentance   1. What was the mission of Jesus to this world? Luke 5:32; Matt. 9:13.
  1. What exhortation to repent is given through an ancient prophet? Ezek. 18:30.
NOTE.—"No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation. The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sin; it is a principle of life that transforms the character and controls the conduct. Holiness is wholeness for God; it is the entire surrender of heart and life to the indwelling of the principles of heaven."—The Desire of Ages, page 555.
Repentence is not simply:
a. Fear. In a storm at sea, when all seems lost, passengers may be filled with fear, yet not repent of sin.
b. Feeling. A convict may feel very sorry, not because of the enormity of his sin, but because he has been caught, and must be punished for his crimes.
c. Bodily affliction. We may fast, or punish our bodies, even give ourselves to be burned, yet not repent.
d. Remorse. Judas had such remorse that he committed suicide, but he did not truly repent of his sin.
e. Conviction of sin. Many are under continual condemnation and con- viction of sin, and feel that they should repent of sin by turning away from it; but because they love sin, they refuse to abandon it.
 f. Praying. We may pray, and yet cling to that which is evil, and refuse to repent.
 g. Stopping some sin. A drunkard may "brace up," and stop drinking or using profane language, and yet not really repent of his sins.

  1. How is this exhortation repeated by another prophet of olden times? Jer. 3:12-14. 32 NOTE.—True repentance is a turning away from sin, a surrender of that which is wrong, a facing in an opposite direction, a yielding wholly and un- reservedly to the dictates of the Holy Spirit. It means a reformation of life.

  2. What message did John the Baptist bear? Matt. 3:1, 2, 7, 8.

  3. When Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, was asked by the people what they must do to be saved, what did he answer? Acts 2:38.

NOTE.—”The arguments of the apostles alone, though clear and convinc- ing, would not have removed the prejudice that had withstood so much evidence. But the Holy Spirit sent the arguments home to hearts with divine power. The words of the apostles were as sharp arrows of the Almighty, convicting men of their terrible guilt in rejecting and crucifying the Lord of glory.”—The Acts of the Apostles, page 45.

  1. To what example of repentance did the Saviour direct atten- tion on a certain occasion? Matt. 12:40, 41. Compare Jonah 3:4-10.
NOTE.—"As Jonah entered the city, he began at once to 'cry against' it the message, 'Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.' From street to street he went, sounding the note of warning.
"The message was not in vain. The cry that rang through the streets of the godless city was passed from lip to lip, until all the inhabitants had heard the startling announcement. The Spirit of God pressed the message home to every heart, and caused multitudes to tremble because of their sins, and to repent in deep humiliation."—Prophets and Kings, page 270.

                             Confession    7. What promise is given to those who confess their sins? Prov. 28:13; Lev. 26:39-44.

 No'rE.—"True repentance will lead a man to bear his guilt himself, and acknowledge it without' deception or hypocrisy. Like the poor publican, not lifting up so much as his eyes unto heaven, he will cry, 'God be merciful to me a sinner.' "—Steps to Christ, page 45.

8. To whom is salvation promised? Rom. 10:9, 10.
  1. What example of confession was seen in the life of Daniel? Dan. 9:4, 5.

Nora.—”Secret sins are to be confessed in secret to God; but, for open sin, open confession is required.”—The Desire of Ages, page 811.

                  Pardon Follows Repentance
10. How is pardon for sin received? 1 John 1:9.
                                  [ 33 ]

11. What leads the sinner to repentance? Rom. 2:4, last part.

NOTE.—"The love of God still yearns over the one who has chosen to sep- arate from Him, and He sets in operation influences to bring him back to the Father's house. The prodigal son in his wretchedness 'came to himself.' The deceptive power that Satan had exercised over him was broken. He saw that his suffering was the result of his own folly, and he said, 'How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my Father.' Miserable as he was, the prodigal found hope in the conviction of his father's love. It was that love which was drawing him toward home. So it is the assurance of God's love that con- strains the sinner to return to God. 'The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.' A golden chain, the mercy and compassion of divine love, is passed around every imperiled soul. The Lord declares, 'I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.' " —Christ's Object Lessons, page 202.
  1. From whom do we receive repentance? Acts 5:31; 2 Tim. 2:25. NOTE.—”We cannot even repent without the aid of the Spirit of God. . . . Repentance comes from Christ as truly as does pardon.”—The Desire of Ages, page 175.

  2. How many are called upon to repent? Acts 17:30.

  3. What cheering promises are made to those who come to God by repentance and forsaking of sin? John 6:37; Isa. 1:18; Jer. 3:22, 23.

         Lesson 13, for September 23, 1950

         Obedience and Victory
MEMORY VERSE: "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." Isa. 1:19.
STUDY HELPS: "Steps to Christ," pages 61-70; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 311-319 (new ed., pp. 318-325).
              DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
  4. General survey of the lesson, 5. “Steps to Christ,” . pp., 61-70.
  5. Questions 1-4. 6. “Christ’s Object Lessons,” pp. 311-
  6. Questions 5-10. 319 (new edt, pp. 318-325).

  7. Questions 11-14. 7. Review.

                    Value of Obedience

  8. How did God value obedience in ancient times? 1 Sam. 15:22.

  9. To whom is salvation promised in the New Testament? Heb. 5:9. [ 34 ] 3. What effect did Paul’s preaching have upon the Gentiles? Rom. 15:18.

  10. What effect did the preaching of God’s word have upon the priests in Jerusalem? Acts 6:7.

                    Christ's Obedience
  11. What is said of the obedience of Christ? Heb. 5:8; Phil. 2:8.
NOTE.—"The tempter thought to take advantage of Christ's humanity, and urge Him to presumption. But while Satan can solicit, he cannot compel to sin. He said to Jesus, 'Cast Thyself down,' knowing that he could not cast Him down; for God would interpose to deliver Him. Nor could Satan force Jesus to cast Himself down. Unless Christ should consent to temptation, He could not be overcome. Not all the power of earth or hell could force Him in the slightest degree to depart from the will of His Father."—The Desire of Ages, page 125.
"The foe who in the wilderness had confronted Christ assailed Him now with fierce and subtle temptations. Had Jesus yielded for a moment, had He changed His course in the least particular to save Himself, Satan's agencies would have triumphed, and the world would have been lost."—The Desire of Ages, page 486.

  1. How does this obedience affect us? Rom. 5:19.

                   Complete Obedience

  2. How complete should our obedience be? 2 Cor. 10:5.

  3. How is purity of soul related to obedience? 1 Peter 1:22.

  4. To whom will the Holy Spirit be given? Acts 5:32.

  5. How may we know that we know Christ? 1 John 2:3.

              Obedience From the Heart

  6. For what kind of obedience does Paul thank God? Rom. 6:17. NOTE.—The only obedience worth while is that which comes from the heart. Obedience prompted by fear is slavery. Obedience prompted by love is liberty, “The exercise of force is contrary to the principles of God’s government; He desires only the service of love; and love cannot be commanded; it can- not be won by force or authority: Only by love is love awakened. To know God is to love Him; His character must be manifested in contrast to the character of Satan. This work only one Being in all the universe could do. [ 35 ] Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it known. Upon the world’s dark night the Sun of Righteousness must rise, `with healing in His wings.’ “—The Desire of Ages, page 22. “All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying- Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.”—Ibid., page 668.

  7. What did Abraham’s spirit of obedience cause him to do? Heb. 11:8; Gen. 12:1, 4; 22:1-18.

  8. What was imputed to Abraham because of this experience? What new name did he receive? James 2:23.

  9. To what ultimate experience will obedience lead? 1 Peter 1:14-16.

          Lesson 14, for September 30, 1950

     Ultimate Victory in Translation
MEMORY VERSE: "Therefore thus will I do unto thee, 0 Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, 0 Israel." Amos 4:12.
STUDY HELPS: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 593-602; "The Great Con- troversy," pages 635-652 (new ed., pp. 717-733).

               DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
  10. General survey of the lesson. 5. “The Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 593-
  11. Questions 1-5. 602.
  12. Questions 6-9. 6. “The Great Controversy,” pp. 635-

  13. Questions 10-14. 652 (new ed., pp. 717-733). 7. Review.

                      Victory Over Death

  14. Before His ascension, what cheering promise did the Saviour give His people? John 14:1-3.

  15. What assurance did the apostle Paul give of the translation of the righteous when Jesus appears? 1 Thess. 4:16-18.

NoTE.—That will indeed be a great hour in the experience of God’s people when the dead in Christ and the living righteous are “caught up together.” “Angels ‘gather together the elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven [ 36 ] to the other.’ Little children are borne by holy angels to their mothers’ arms. Friends long separated by death are united, nevermore to part, and with songs of gladness ascend together to the city of God.”—The Great Controversy, page 645.

  1. What physical change will those who are translated experi- ence? 1 Cor. 15:51-54.
NoTE.—"Soon I heard the voice of God which shook the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. Buildings were shaken down, and fell on every side. I then heard a triumphant shout of victory, loud, musical, and clear. I looked upon this company, who, a short time before, were in such distress and bondage. Their captivity was turned. A glorious light shone upon them. How beautiful they then looked! All weariness and marks of care were gone; health and beauty were seen in every countenance. Their enemies, the heathen around them, fell like dead men. They could not endure the light that shone upon the delivered, holy ones. This light and glory remained upon them until Jesus was seen in the clouds of heaven, and the faithful, tried company were changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, from glory to glory."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 184.

4. What will be their spiritual condition? 1 John 3:2; Matt. 5:8.

  1. While the righteous will be “caught up” at the coming of the Lord, what will be the experience of the wicked? 2 Thess. 1:6-10; Jer. 25:30-33.

                Preparation for Translation

  2. As a preparation for translation, what solemn call to a deeper consecration comes to us from the Lord? Amos 4:12; Joel 2:11-17.

  3. How is the same solemn call voiced by another prophet? Zeph. 2:1-3.

NarE.—"I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful, and were looking to the time of 'refreshing' and the 'latter rain' to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord, and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful prep- aration, therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God. Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets, and fail to purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and who are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the building. But there will be no time then to do it and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father."  —Early Writings, page 71.
                                  E 37 ]

Enoch and Elijah

  1. What was Enoch’s experience before his translation? Heb. 11:5; Gen. 5:22-24.

NOTE.—”Pray in your closet; and as you go about your daily labor, let your heart be often uplifted to God. It was thus that Enoch walked with God.”—Steps to Christ, page. 103.

  1. What is said concerning the translation of Elijah? 2 Kings 2:9-11.
NOTE.—"Elijah was a type of the saints who will be living on the earth at the time of the second advent of Christ, and who will be 'changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump,' without tasting of death. It was as a representative of those who shall be thus translated, that Elijah, near the close of Christ's earthly ministry, was permitted to stand with Moses by the side of the Saviour on the mount of transfiguration. In these glorified ones, the disciples saw in miniature a representation of the kingdom of the redeemed. They beheld Jesus clothed with the light of heaven; they heard the 'voice out of the cloud,' acknowledging Him as the Son of God; they saw Moses, representing those who will be raised from the dead at the time of the second advent; and there also stood Elijah, representing those who at the close of earth's history will be changed from mortal to immortal, and be translated to heaven without seeing death."—Prophets and Kings, page 227.
        Character of Candidates for Translation   10. Who only will ascend into the hill of the Lord? Ps. 24:3, 4. Compare Psalm 15.

  1. What description is given of those who will be redeemed from the earth when the Lord comes? Rev. 14:1-5.

  2. What song did the prophet hear sung by those who were raised from the dead at the resurrection of Christ? Rev. 5:9, 10. Compare Matt. 27:50-53; Eph. 4:8.

NOTE.—”All heaven was waiting to welcome.the Saviour to the celestial courts. As He ascended, He led the way, and the multitude of captives set free at His resurrection followed. The heavenly host, with shouts and acclama- tions of praise and celestial song, attended the joyous train. . . . “Then the portals of the city of God are opened wide, and the angelic throng sweep through the gates amid a burst of rapturous music. “There is the throne, and around it the rainbow of promise. There are cherubim and seraphim. The commanders of the angel hosts, the sons of God, the representatives of the unfallen worlds, are assembled. The heavenly council before which Lucifer had accused God and His Son, the representa- tives of those sinless realms over which Satan had thought to establish his f38 ] dominion,-all are there to welcome the Redeemer. They are eager to celebrate His triumph and to glorify their King.”-The Desire of Ages, pages 833, 834.

  1. What spiritual change will have been experienced by those who are saved when the Lord comes? Col. 1:13, 14.

  2. What reward awaits the overcomer? 1 Cor. 2:9; Ps. 17:15; Rev. 21:3-7.

SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS FOR FOURTH QUARTER If you ha’ve not received a senior Lesson Quarterly for the fourth quarter of this year, the following outline will help you in studying the first lesson. You will thus be able to folloW daily study. The general topic is “Studies in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.” Lesson 1 for October 7, is entitled “The Beginning of Knowledge.” The memory verse is Proverbs 1:5. Two of the study helps are Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 207-209; Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 557-559. The texts following questions are: Ques. 1. Prov. 1:1. Ques. 8. Prov. 1:10-15. Ques. 2. 1 Kings 2:1-4. Ques. 9. Prov. 1:20-22. Ques. 3. Prov. 1:1-4, 6. Ques. 10. Prov. 1:23. Ques. 4. Prov. 1:5. Ques. 11. Prov. 1:24-32. Ques. 5. Prov. 1:7. Ques. 12. Prov. 1:33. Ques. 6. Prov. 1:8. Ques. 13. Prov. 2:1-4. Ques. 7. Prov. 1: 9. Ques. 14. Prov. 2:5, 6.

   THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
  September 30, 1950-Central Pacific Union Mission
Sabbath school members have a great opportunity this quarter to assist mightily in the spread of the third angel's message in the islands of the Central Pacific Union Mission, which is part of the territory of the Austral- asian Inter-Union Conference. The great need in this mission field is the establishing of a training school for French Oceania, on the island of Tahiti. You may locate this readily by referring to the map. Although the advent message has long been established in these islands, there has been a great weakness in not having a training school where young people may become efficient workers. Because of the mountainous character of the island, land is costly in Tahiti, and we shall have to give liberally to raise sufficient funds with which to purchase a school site and erect the necessary buildings. On some of these islands whole villages have been wonderfully transformed through the power of the gospel, but a still greater work may be done with the aid of fine young people trained for service.
In 1948 we gave an overflow of $31,304.11 for the establishing of a school on Guadalcanal and also one in interior New Guinea. These schools are already operating.
Please note that September 30 is the fourteenth Sabbath, allowing an extra week to save for a generous gift. Let us give generously that our young people in these islands may have a school in which they may train to quickly finish the great gospel message in that island field.
                                  [ 39 ]

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        •     ItAWMCA
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                  TRA TASMAN ,......          ..._,.....                                  MANN
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                =Um. "Pt 1
                                                              ......                                                                                                                                                                JuiffIN
              UNION aNFERENCE
                             NISIANE                                           .....•                     CENTRAL PACIFIC UNION MISSION                                                                                                               I
                                                                                        ---
             AUSTRALIA P                                - •NONOW
                                                             • r•ALII              SUNDA,.."...               •           •   •   • . •        a     •       •        •      •        • ....... • —••••••••• ••             • .—. • ...... • •-•- • —• 1
                                        •
                                       /LORD NOM                                                          1                               • WHION                          QUAKY              .01 WW1 •            OS MUM
                                                                                      1.1ANDISC
                                                                                   KE.11.
                                                                                                          I                               COOK ISLANDS                           8               232                   589
                   \ • alrett MACE                                                                        •                               FII1                                71                 358                 2.089
                                                                                                                                          GILBERT ISLANDS                        I                  6                   16
                                                                                                                                          LOYALTY
                                                                                                                                          NR,E     ISLANDS                       1                15'                   35
                                                                                                                                          NEW HEBRIDES                           9               436                 1.083
                                                                                                              I                                                                  1                 5                   171
                                                                                                                                          PITCAIRN                               1                46                     III
                                                                                                              11                          SAMOAN                              '4                 294                     545
                                                                                                                                          SOCIETY ISLANDS                       2             . 163                      265
                      TRANS- \                                                                                I                           TONGAN                            ....2                146                     463
                  COMMONWEALTH \
                  TASMANIA                                                                                                                CENTRAL PACIFIC                    103                2.126                  5.4117
                                                                                                                                          CORAL SEA                           98                3.302                 11.882
                  UNION CONFERENCE \                                                                                                      TRANS COMMONWEALTH                 120                7.411                  8.127
                                                                                                                                          TRANS.TASMAN                       149               11.880                 11.826
                                                                                                                                          DIVISION TOTALS                    470               24.519                 37.322

Updated: