Triumphant in Suffering

1954 Quater 4

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                            DAILY LESSON STUDY PLEDGE
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    "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
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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 238, October-December, 1954. 15 cents a single copy, 50 cents a year, in U.S.A. and Canada; 15 cents a single copy, 60 cents a year to all other countries. Published in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), Mountain View, California. Entered as second-class matter Oct. 13, 1904, at the post office in Mountain View, Califor- nia, 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. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses. Copyright, 1954, by Pacific Press Publishing Association Printed in U.S.A. COVEN CREDIT: RALPH FALLEN COLEMAN, ARTIST; © P.P.P.A. Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly TRIUMPHANT IN SUFFERING

                           GENERAL INTRODUCTION

“It is harder for me to overcome sorrow and pain than to get the victory over doubt and sin,” said an honest Christian. In these days of insecurity, trial, and sorrow, when so many people are acutely aware of suf- fering, we long to know God’s answer to our question, “Why?” It is not easy for the strongest Christian to endure pain, loss of the dearest loved one on earth, or to suffer humiliation and defeat. Sometimes one may grow rebellious and begin to doubt God’s leading in his life, saying, “God does not care what hap- pens to me.” But even when’the shadows are darkest, his loving heavenly Father is by his side. Why do the good have to suffer? Why did God test the patriarchs, such as Abra- ham, Jacob, Job, and Moses? How may I help my neighbor who in his hour of sorrow is rebelling against God? How may I prepare to stand in the time of “Jacob’s trouble” which shall come upon the rem- nant church? These are questions we need to have answered. It is the purpose of these lessons to find the Bible answer for many of the perplexing queries that retard our spiritual growth. To every individual, suffering must come. Whether it makes him bitter and rebellious or produces deeper consecration and more spiritual wisdom, depends upon his attitude in times of test. ‘There is nothing more wonderful than to see a sincere child of God who, burdened by sorrow and almost crushed by trials, still prays on, trusts on, and knows that his Redeemer lives. “This is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.” 1 John 5:4, R.S.V. The trusting child knows that his Father will not allow him to suffer more than he can endure. He knows that after the trial will come the glorious triumph. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 2 Cor. 4:17.

                         Lesson 1, for October 2, 1954

                   The Origin of Sin and Suffering

MEMORY VERSE: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isa. 43:2. STUDY HELP: “Patriarchs and Prophets,” pages 33-43, 67-70.

                          DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. General survey of the lesson.                5. Ques. 9-12. 2. Key Thoughts; Introduction;                  6. Ques. 13, 14; read Study Help.
Ques. 1, 2.                                 7. Review the entire lesson; read the 3. Ques. 3-5.                                       Suggestion for Meditation. 4. Ques. 6-8.


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Lesson Outline: 3. Compassion in affliction. Lam. 3: 31-33. I. Introduction: The Origin of Sin and 4. The promise of comfort and help. Isa. 43:2. Suffering Key Thoughts:

God’s Perfect Plan
1. God’s perfect way. Ps. 18:30. 1. The Power of Choice. “From the
2. God’s perfect creation. Gen. 1:31. moment He [God] bestowed on man the power of choice He had to permit man to Ill. Lucifer Mars God’s Plan make those wrong choices which resulted
3. The origin of sin. 1 John 3:8. in pain and evil for the human race. So
4. Lucifer’s original nature. Ezek. pain and evil are here not because of any 28:15. inherent limitation in God’s sovereignty or
5. Evil traits in Lucifer. Isa. 14:13, 14. defect in His goodness, but because of man’s willful and disastrous wrong choices.” IV. Sin Enters the World -James W. Wilson, “The Conquest of Pain,” Religion in Life, vol. 19, No. 2, p.
6. The original nature of man. Gen. 166. 1:27.
7. The basis of human happiness. Gen. 2. The Inheritance of Suffering. “I 2:16, 17. need not rack my soul with the torturing
8. The result of disobedience. Gen. thought that my illness and pain are my 3:16, 17. fault. . . . We must beware lest by our
9. The wages of sin. Rom. 5:12. own folly or sin, we leave a legacy of pain
10. The suffering of a sinful world. to those who follow later. God cannot pre- Rom. 8:22, 23. vent the suffering of the innocent without altering the whole basis of human life and V. God and Human Suffering rearranging it on a plan which would be
11. The cause of suffering and death. far less good than the present one.”-Leslie Rom. 6:23. D. Weatherhead, The Mystery of Pain
12. The spirit in which God chastens. (quoted in Religion in Life, vol. 19, No. 2, Deut. 8:5. pp. 169, 170).
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                            THE LESSON Introduction: The Origin of Sin
and Suffering
                                            It is sin that brings all the suffering, the Since God is love, and the foundation of         tears, the agony of death. As long as we His government is a law of love, why are            live in a world under the curse, everyone sorrow, pain, and tragedy the common lot            -good and bad-will feel the results of of humanity: In every age man has at-               sin. God may permit trial and suffering to tempted to find the answer to the "mystery          test His children, as He did Job; but it is of suffering." The question is thrust upon          Satan who thrusts the evil and tragedy us with terrible urgency in these tension-          upon man. Living in a world blighted by filled days when death comes suddenly and           sin, we can by faith see a loving God who terrors strike without warning.                     knows the meaning of suffering. We can It is impossible to understand the uni-          know "the comfort, of God," and this com- versal problem of sorrow and suffering              fort will be our strength when we pass without a knowledge of His word and                 through "the valley of the shadow." faith in His divine plan. The Bible story of how Adam and Eve disobeyed their                            God's Perfect Plan Maker and brought the dominion of sin into the world is the only explanation of            1. What is one of the attributes of suffering and death.                                God? Ps. 18:30.
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  English translations “Lucifer” is used in Isaiah 14:12; in other versions, “morning star,” “light bearer,” or “shining star of the dawn.” In Patriarchs and Prophets, page 35, Isaiah 14:1-14 and Ezekiel 28:12- 15 are applied to Lucifer or Satan. 5. What evil traits later appeared in Lucifer’s character? Isa. 14:13, 14.
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                                         NOTE.—"Little by little, Lucifer came to
                                       indulge the desire for self-exaltation. . . .
                                       Though all his glory was from God, this
                                       mighty angel came to regard it as pertain-
                                       ing to himself. Not content with his posi-
                                       tion, though honored above the heavenly
                                       host, he ventured to covet homage due
                                       alone to the Creator. Instead of seeking
                                       to make God supreme in the affections and
                                       allegiance of all created beings, it was his
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As the earth came from the endeavor to secure their service and loyalty hands of the Creator, what was its to himself.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, condition? Gen. 1:31. page 35. Sin Enters the World

NOTE.—”The creation was now complete. 6. In whose image did God create . . . No taint of sin, or shadow of death, man? Gen. 1:26, 27. marred the fair creation.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 47.

   Lucifer Mars God's Plan                      NoTE.—"Man was to bear God's image,
                                              both in outward resemblance and in char-
                                              acter. . . . His nature was in harmony   3. In whom did sin originate? 1                 with the will of God. His mind was capa- John 3:8.                                         ble of comprehending divine things. His
                                              affections were pure; his appetites and pas-
                                              sions were under the control of reason. He
                                              was holy and happy in bearing the image    NoTE.—"Sin originated in self-seeking.         of God, and in perfect obedience to His Lucifer, the covering cherub, desired to be       will."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 45. first in heaven. He sought to gain control of heavenly beings, to draw them away               7. Upon what was man's happiness from their Creator, and to win their hom-         and his enjoyment of a perfect world age to himself."—The Desire of Ages, page 21.
                                              based? Gen. 2:16, 17.

What was the nature of Lucifer as God created him? Ezek. 28:15. NoTE.—”They could obey and live, or disobey and perish. God had made them the recipients of rich blessings; but should they disregard His will, He who spared NOTE.—The historical characters “the not the angels that sinned, could not spare king of Tyrus” (Ezek. 28:12) and “the them; transgression would forfeit His gifts, king of Babylon” (Isa. 14:4) are used to and bring upon them misery and ruin.”– present the nature of Satan. In some Patriarchs and Prophets, page 53. 5 8. When man disobeyed his Crea- that has resulted, he charges upon the tor, what came to the world? Gen. Creator, leading men to look upon God as 3:16, 17. the author of sin, and suffering, and death.” —The Desire of Ages, page 24. 12. In what spirit does God chasten NoTE.—”Instead of the happy . labor His children? Deut. 8:5. heretofore appointed them, anxiety and toil were to be their lot. They would be subject to disappointment, grief, and pain, and finally to death.”—Patriarchs and 13. What is mixed with God’s jus- Prophets, page 59. tice in meting out grief and affliction? Lam. 3:31-33.
In addition to sorrow and suf- fering, what terrible fate befell man as the result of sin? Rom. 5:12. 14. In time of trial and sorrow, what precious promise may the child of God claim? Isa. 43:2.
How did Paul describe the suf- fering of a sinful world? Rom. 8: 22, 23. Suggestion for Meditation “Trials and obstacles are the Lord’s chosen methods of discipline and His ap- God and Human Suffering pointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their char-
What is the cause of suffering acters better than they themselves know and death to the human race? Rom. them. He sees that some have powers and 6:23. susceptibilities which, rightly directed, might be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these persons into different positions and varied NoTEs.—”Siekness, suffering, and death circumstances that they may discover in are work of an antagonistic power. Satan their character the defects which have is the destroyer; God is the restorer.”— been concealed from their own knowledge. The Ministry ofHealing, page 113. He gives them opportunity to correct these “Satan represents God’s law of love as a defects, and to fit themselves for His serv- law of selfishness. He declares that it is ice. Often He permits the fires of affliction impossible for us to obey its precepts. The to assail them that they may be purified.” fall of our first parents, with all the woe —The Ministry of Healing, page 471.
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                  Lesson 2, for October 9, 1954

              Men Who Endured Suffering
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MEMORY VERSE: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to’ be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Rom. 8:18. STUDY HELPS: “Patriarchs and Prophets,” pages 148-155; “The Great Contro- versy,” pages 616-621. 16 ] DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson. 5. Ques. 11-13.
Key Thoughts; Introduction; 6. Read Study Helps. Ques.. 1-3. 7. Review the entire lesson; read the
Ques. 4-6. Suggestion for Meditation.
Ques. 7-10.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction: Examples of Faith and the Bible is that God will so enter into and Patience identify Himself with human suffering that it will become redeeming.”-Walter R.

Abraham Endured Trials Bowie, The Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 1, p.
1. Sustained by faith. Heb. 11:17-19. 645.
2. Abraham’s character. Gen. 22:12. 2. Jacob’s Endurance. “When a man - I11. Jacob Faced Sorrow and Death is forced to wrestle with moral reality and its consequences, he may try to get rid of
3. The patriarch faced Esau. Gen. them as quickly as he can. But Jacob’s 32:7. quality was otherwise. Caught in the grip
4. Triumphant in time of crisis. Gen. of judgment, his prevailing desire was not 32:24-28. for escape. He would hold on until some-
5. The time of “Jacob’s trouble.” Jer. thing decisive happened. In punishment, 30:7. as in prosperity, he would not let the ex- IV. How Moses Was Sustained in Trial perience go until he had wrung a blessing from it.”-Walter R. Bowie, The Interpre-
6. Faith in the eternal reward. Heb. ter’s Bible, vol. 1, p. 724. 11 : 24-27.
7. When faith weakened. Num. 3. The Sin of Moses. “The position of 20:7-11. honor that Moses had heretofore occupied
8. The sin of unbelief. Num. 20:12. did not lessen his guilt, but greatly magni-
9. The final testimony of Moses. Deut. fied it. Here was a man hitherto blameless, 33:27. now fallen. Many in a similar position would reason that their sin would be over- V. Paul’s Suffering and Triumph looked because of their long life of unwav-
10. Paul and Silas in prison. Acts ering fidelity. But no; it was a more se- 16:22-25. rious matter for a man who has been
11. Rejoicing in infirmities. 2 Cor. honored of God to show weakness of 11:23-28; 12:10. character in the exhibition of passion than
12. Triumphant in persecution. Rom. if he had occupied a less responsible posi- 8:37. tion.”-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 370.
13. The ultimate good from suffering. Rom. 5:3-5. 4. Paul’s Need and God’s Grace. “In Paul’s case God’s answer was the assurance Key Thoughts: that His grace was sufficient for all his need. . . . There are divine compensations
Abraham’s Testing. “There came for every handicap in life. There are spir- a moment in the life of Abraham, as there itual resources that can enable a man to may come to every man, when it must be triumph over his defect, and even to win discovered whether he is willing to pay the something outs of it which was not possible utmost price for what his conscience tells before.”-James Reid, The Interpreter’s him ought to be compelling. The faith of Bible, vol. 10, p. 409.
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THE LESSON Introduction: Examples of Faith Adam. Compliance with the prohibition laid upon our first parents involved no and Patience suffering; but the command to Abraham demanded the most agonizing sacrifice. All Following the admonition of the apostle heaven beheld with wonder and admira- James in the fifth chapter and tenth verse tion Abraham’s unfaltering obedience. All of his epistle to “Take . . . the prophets, heaven applauded his fidelity.”—Patriarchs who have spoken in the name of the Lord, and Prophets, page 155. for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience,” we shall study in this lesson the experiences of some of the patriarchs, Jacob Faced Sorrow and Death prophets, and apostles as examples of suf- fering and patience. 3. What was Jacob’s reaction when “These examples of human steadfastnesS, he knew he must meet his vengeful in the might of divine power, are a wit- brother? Gen. 32:7. ness to the world of the faithfulness of God’s promises—of His abiding presence and sustaining grace. As the world looks upon these humble men, it cannot discern 4. In the hour of crisis what ex- their moral value with God. It is a work perience changed the current of Ja- of faith to calmly repose in God in the cob’s life? Gen. 32:24-28. darkest hour—however severely tried and tempest-tossed, to feel that our Father is at the helm.”—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 525. NoTE.—”While he was thus battling for Abraham Endured Trials his life, the sense of his guilt pressed upon his soul; his sins rose up before him, to
What sustained Abraham when shut him out from God. But in his terri- he was faced with the greatest test of ble extremity he remembered God’s prom- his life? Heb. 11:17-19. ises, and his whole heart went out in entreaty for His mercy.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 197. “When tribulation comes upon us, how NOTE.—”Abraham obeyed God. He did many of us are like Jacob ! We think it the not consult his feelings, but with a noble hand of an enemy; and in the darkness we faith and confidence in God he prepared wrestle blindly until our strength is spent, for his journey. With a heart rent with and we find no comfort or deliverance. To anguish he beheld the proud and loving Jacob the divine touch at .break of day mother gazing with fond affection upon the revealed the One with whom he had been son of promise. But he led that loved contending,—the Angel of the covenant; son away. Abraham suffered, yet he did and, weeping and helpless, he fell upon the not let his will rise in rebellion against the breast of Infinite Love, to receive the bless- will of God. Duty, stern duty, controlled ing for which his soul longed. We also him. He dared not consult his feelings or need to learn that trials mean benefit, and yield to them for one moment.”—Testi- not to despise the chastening of the Lord, monies, vol. 1, p. 454. nor faint when we are rebuked of Him.”— Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 25.
In this time of great trial and suffering what was revealed concern- 5. Of what is Jacob’s trial a symbol ing Abrahm’s character? Gen. 22:12. to the church of God? Jer. 30:7.

NoTE.—”The trial was far more severe NOTE.—”Jacob’s trouble” is the term than that which had been brought upon used to describe the testing and trial of [8] God’s people in the final crisis. (See The NOTE.—”Moses and Aaron had assumed Great Controversy, page 616.) power that belongs only to God. . . . “The season of distress and anguish be- Wearied with the continual murmuring fore us will require a faith that can en- and rebellion of the people, Moses had lost dure weariness, delay, and hunger,—a faith sight of his Almighty Helper, and without that will not faint, though severely. tried. the divine strength he had been left to mar The period of probation is granted to all his record by an exhibition of human weak- to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed ness. The man who might have stood pure, because he was persevering and determined. firm, and unselfish to the close of his work, His victory is an evidence of the power of had been overcome at last.”—Patriarchs importunate prayer. All who will lay hold and Prophets, page 418. of God’s promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will 9. Notwithstanding disappoint- succeed as he succeeded. Those who are ment, what was the final testimony of unwilling to deny self, to agonize before Moses? Deut. 33:27, first part. God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God—how few know what it isl”—The Great Controversy, page 621. NOTE.—”As Moses reviewed the result How Moses Was Sustained of his labors, his life of trial and sacrifice in Trial seemed to have been almost in vain. Yet he did not regret the burdens he had borne. He knew that his mission and work

At the time when Moses decided were of God’s own appointing.”—Patri- to “suffer affliction with the people archs and Prophets, page 472. of God,” what assurance upheld and sustained him? Heb. 11:24-27. Paul’s Suffering and Triumph

                                            10. When enduring physical suf-   NOTE. "Moses had been instructed in              fering for the sake of the gospel, what regard to the final reward to be given to          spirit did Paul and Silas manifest? the humble and obedient servants of God,           Acts 16:22-25. and worldly gain sank to its proper insig- nificance in comparison. . . . He looked beyond the gorgeous palace, beyond a mon- arch's crown, to the high honors that will be bestowed on the saints of the Most High in a kingdom untainted by sin. He saw by faith an imperishable crown that the King of heaven would place on the brow of the overcomer. This faith led him to turn away from the lordly ones of earth, and join the humble, poor, despised nation that had chosen to obey God rather than to serve sin."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 246.

In an hour of test how did Mo- ses once show his lack of faith? Num. 20:7-11.
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                                            HWM
8. What was the sin of Moses on                    THE MOST DIFFICULT SONG IS THE ONE
                                                 ACCOMPANIED BY SUFFERING.  this occasion? Nurn. 20:12.
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NOTE.—”Paul and Silas suffered the loss Paul’s testimony of victory? Rom. of all things. They suffered scourging, and 8:37. were in no gentle manner thrown upon the cold floor of a dungeon in a most pain- ful position, their feet elevated and fastened NoTE.—”Paul carried with him the at- in the stocks. Did repinings and complaints mosphere of heaven. All who associated then reach the ear of the jailer? Oh, no ! with him felt the influence of his union From the inner prison, voices broke the with Christ. The fact that his own life silence of midnight with songs of joy and exemplified the truth he proclaimed, gave praise to God. These disciples were cheered convincing power to his preaching. Here by a deep and earnest love for the cause of lies the power of truth. The unstudied, un- their Redeemer, for which they suffered.” conscious influence of a holy life is the —Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 406. most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity.”—The Acts of the
How did Paul accept physical Apostles, pages 510, 511. suffering and hardships? 2 Cor. 11:23- 13. What did Paul see as the ulti- 28; 12:10. mate good to be received by those who endure tribulation with pa- tience? Rom. 5:3-5. NoTE.—”Paul reminded his brethren that as Christ’s messengers, he and his fellow laborers were continually in peril. The Suggestion for Meditation hardships they endured were wearing away their strength. ‘We which live,’ the wrote, “Whatever our distress, we can be sure `are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ that God sees us and that God cares for sake, that the life also of Jesus might be us. If ever we are tempted to cry out with made manifest in our mortal flesh. So the psalmist, ‘No man cared for my soul,’ then death worketh in us, but life in you.’ let us remember that God cares for us and Suffering physically through privation and that His providence is over us. As Jeremy toil, these ministers of Christ were con- Taylor, the master of English style, once forming to His death.”—The Acts of the put it, ‘We are safer in God’s storm, with Apostles, page 331. God present, than we are in the calm of the world.’ “—Clarence Macartney, Chari-

After listing the sorrows and ots of Fire (quoted in The Watchman-Ex- persecutions that come, what was aminer, Sept. 4, 1952, p. 813).

                   Lesson 3, for October 16, 1954

                David's Victory Over Sorrow MEMORY VERSE: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth    him out of them all." Ps. 34:19. STUDY HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 643-648.

                     DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson. 5. Ques. 10-13.
Key Thoughts; Introduction; 6. Read Study Help. Ques. 1-3. 7. Review the entire lesson; read the
Ques. 4-6. Suggestion for Meditation.

Ques. 7-9.

Lesson Outline: Key Thoughts:

I. Introduction: A Man Who Faced 1. David, an Object Lesson. “God in- Many Crises tended the history of David’s fall to serve as a warning that even those whom He has greatly blessed and favored are not to feel

A Young Man of Faith secure, and neglect watchfulness and prayer.
1. Spiritual preparation. 1 Sam. 16:13. And thus it has proved to those who in Z. Walking with God. 1 Sam. 16:18. humility have sought to learn the lesson
2. Faith in time of danger. 1 Sam. that God designed to teach. From genera- 17:45, 47. tion to generation, thousands have thus been led to realize their own danger from Ill. David Suffers at Saul’s Hands the tempter’s power. The fall of David, one so greatly honored by the Lord, has
3. A king’s jealousy. 1 Sam. 18:29.
4. Dangers beset David. 1 Sam. 20:3. awakened in them distrust of self. They
5. Strength from God. Ps. 18:3-6. have felt that God alone could keep them by His power through faith. Knowing that in Him was their strength and safety, IV. David Suffers for His Sins they have feared to take the first step on
6. Sin revealed. 2 Sam. 12:9, 10. Satan’s ground.”-Patriarchs and Prophets,
7. Sorrow after repentance. 2 Sam. page 724. 12:15-18.
8. David’s sons dishonor him. 2 Sam. 2. Suffering Develops Character. The 13:28, 29; 15:10, 14. psalmist declared, “Thou hast enlarged me
9. The king’s humiliation. 2 Sam. when I was in distress.” Ps. 4:1. David 15:30. realized that suffering changed character;
10. The loss of Absalom. 2 Sam. 18:33. it gave him a different perspective on life and made him humble before his God. The word “character” is from the Greek which V. Beyond the Tragedy means to cut out, to carve .or engrave as
11. God is a shield. Ps. 3 : 1-5. with a graving tool. Affliction is the sharp
12. God is my refuge. Ps. 27:5; 34:19; tool by which much of life’s carving is 57:1. done.
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                           THE LESSON   Introduction: A Man Who Faced                 again and his life was in jeopardy because,
                                     as a father, he had failed to discipline his
   Many Crises
                                     sons.
                                        Human weakness almost overwhelmed   David loved God and attempted sin-            David, yet he repented of his evil deeds, cerely to follow the divine precepts, but the   returned to the Lord, and received forgive- man stumbled and fell again and again on        ness. Truly, the life of this king of Israel the pathway to heaven. Young David, af-         illustrates how some of the trials, sorrows, ter being anointed king, suffered at the        and sufferings are the result of enemies; hand of rebellious Saul, who became a           some are the harvest of our own sowing; fierce enemy. Persecution and the threat        while still others are the result of living in of death hung over David for months and         a sin-cursed world. May we be able to say years, yet he continued to trust in the Eter-   as did David: "This poor man cried, and nal One.                                        the Lord heard him, and saved him out of Later in life, when prosperity and honor     all his troubles." Ps. 34:6. came to David, when dangers no longer be- set him, the king brought sorrow and                    A Young Man of Faith tragedy upon himself and upon others by his sins. The crimes of murder and adul- tery brought divine judgment upon David.           1. When the youthful David was Still later in his career the king suffered      anointed king of Israel, what spiritual
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  NOTE.—”It was the providence of God that had connected David with Saul. Da- vid’s position at court would give him a knowledge of affairs, in preparation for his future greatness. It would enable him to gain the confidence of the nation. The vicissitudes and hardships which befell him, through the enmity of Saul, would lead him to feel his dependence upon God, and to put his whole trust in Him. And the friendship of Jonathan for David was also of God’s providence, to preserve the life of the future ruler of Israel. In all these things, God was working out His gracious purposes, both for David and for the peo- NWM ple of Israel.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 649. HIGH POSITION OR HONOR DOES NOT PROTECT ONE FROM SIN OR SORROW. 5. How did David describe the danger he faced at Saul’s hand? 1 Sam. 20:3. experience came to him? 1 Sam. 16:13. 6. On whom did David call in the hour when he suffered innocently at NOTE.—”Daily revelations of the charac- Saul’s hand? Ps. 18:3-6. ter and majesty of his Creator, filled the young poet’s heart with adoration and re- joicing. In contemplation of God and His works, the faculties of David’s mind and David Suffers for His Sin heart were developing and strengthening for the work of his afterlife. He was daily 7. After David had caused the coming into a more intimate communion death of Uriah, what divine message with God.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, page came to the king? 2 Sam. 12:9, 10. 642.
What was the testimony of Saul’s servants concerning David? 1 NOTE.—”The history. of David furnishes Sam. 16:18. no countenance to sin. It was when he was walking in the counsel of God, that he was called a man after God’s own heart. When he sinned, this ceased to be true of him un- til by repentance he had returned to the
When faced by the giant Goli- Lord.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 723. ath, how did David express his con- fidence in God? 1 Sam. 17:45, 47. 8. Though David repented of his sin and was forgiven, what further agony came to him? 2 Sam. 12:15-18, first part. David Suffers at Saul’s Hands
When Saul saw that God blessed NOTE.—”The sentence of death was trans- David, what was the king’s attitude ferred from David to the child of his sin. toward the young man? 1 Sam. 18:29. Thus the king was given opportunity for [ 12 ] repentance; while to him the suffering and vid express his sorrow for the trou- death of the child, as a part of his punish- bled life and tragic death of Absalom? ment, was far more bitter than his own 2 Sam. 18:33. death could have been.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 722.
Because David failed to disci- Beyond the Tragedy pline his sons, what sorrow came upon him? 2 Sam. 13:28, 29; 15:10, 12. Through all his suffering and
sorrow what sustained David? Ps. 3:1-5.

NOTE.—”David had neglected the duty of punishing the crime of Amnon, and be- 13. How did David express his cause of the unfaithfulness of the king and father, and the impenitence of the son, courage and faith in the Eternal One? the Lord permitted events to take their Ps. 27:5; 34:19; 57:1. natural course, and did not restrain Absa- lom. When parents or rulers neglect the duty of punishing iniquity, God Himself will take the case in hand. His restraining NOTE.—”The psalms of David pass power will be in a measure removed from through the whole range of experience, the agencies of evil, so that a train of cir- from the depths of conscious guilt and self- cumstances will arise which will punish condemnation to the loftiest faith and the sin with sin.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, most exalted communing with God. His page 728. life record declares that sin can bring only shame and woe, but that God’s love and

What humiliation came to mercy can reach to the deepest depths, that King David? 2 Sam. 15:30. faith will lift up the repenting soul to share the adoption of the sons of God. Of all the assurances which His word contains, it is one of the strongest testimonies to the NOTE.—”When David went up the faithfulness, the justice, and the covenant Mount Olivet, ‘and wept as he went up, mercy of God.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, and had his head covered, and he went page 754. barefoot,’ the Lord was looking pityingly upon him. David was clothed in sackcloth, Suggestion for Meditation and his conscience was scourging him. The outward signs of humiliation testified of “His [Jesus’] bosom was to mankind his contrition. In tearful, heartbroken ut- what the ocean is to the world. The ocean terances, he presented his case to God, and has its own mighty tide ; but it receives and the Lord did not forsake His servant. responds to, in exact proportion, the tidal Never was David dearer to the heart of influences of every estuary, and river, and Infinite Love than when, conscience-smit- small creek which pours into its bosom. So ten, he fled for his life from his enemies, it was in Christ; His bosom heaved with who had been stirred to rebellion by his the tides of our humanity: but every sepa- own son.”—Thoughts From the Mount of rate sorrow, pain, and joy gave its pulsa- Blessing, pages 24, 25. tion, and received back influence from the sea of His being.”—The Biblical Illustrator,
In what pathetic words did Da- Matthew, page 167.

“Lesson Quarterlies” in Braille are available for the blind. Order from Christian Record, Lincoln 6, Nebraska.

                                        [131

Lesson 4, for October 23, 1954

                      Job, a Man Tested and Tried

MEMORY VERSE: “But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10. STUDY HELP: “Education,” pages 154-156.

                           DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson. 5. Ques. 10-12.
Key Thought; Introduction; 6. Ques. 13-15; read Study Help. Ques. 1, 2. 7. Review the entire lesson; read the
Ques. 3-5. Suggestion for Meditation.
Ques. 6-9.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction: A Saint Suffers for His 2. Teachable in trial. Job 13:15, 16. Faith V. Job’s Faith Rewarded

The Integrity of Job 1. A vision of God’s greatness. Job
1. God’s testimony. Job. 1:8. 40:3, 4; 42:6.
2. Satan’s accusation. Job 1:9-11. 2. Full deliverance. Job 42:10.
3. God permits affliction. Job 1:12. 3. An example to Christians. James
4. Sickness strikes. Job 2:7. 5:11.
5. The counsel of Job’s wife. Job 2:9.
6. Attitude of relatives and friends. Key Thought: Job 19:13, 14. We Shall Come Forth. “According to I11. The Trial of False Reasoning his faith, so was it unto Job. ‘When He
7. Eliphaz’s view. Job 4:7. hath tried me,’ he said, ‘I shall come forth
8. Bildad’s assumption. Job, 8:4. as gold.’ So it came to pass. By his pa-
9. The charge of evil conduct. Job tient endurance he vindicated his own 22:5-9. character, and thus the character of Him
10. Trouble the penalty of sin. Job whose representative he was. And ‘the 22:10, 11. Lord turned the captivity of Job; . . . also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had IV. The Triumph of Job before. . . . So the Lord blessed the latter
11. Job’s confession of faith. Job end of Job more than his beginning.’ “- 23:10. Education, page 156.
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                            THE LESSON  Introduction: A Saint Suffers                that rightdoing brings prosperity, while
                                      wickedness reaps misfortune in this life.
   for His Faith                        The book of Job, centering in the prob-
                                      lem of suffering, is an object lesson of how   The book of Job teaches that suffering          a patient man trusted in God and was may befall the righteous, not as a chasten-       eventually rewarded for his faith. The ing for sin, but as a trial of their faith. The   ordeal of affliction and loss drew Job nearer book also sets forth the danger of thinking       to his heavenly Father. The man thought
                                  [ 14]
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  he knew God, but when pain and trouble pulled the curtain of darkness about his soul, the sufferer longed to be closer to “T KNOW THAT MY heaven. Job cried, “Oh that I knew where REDEEMER LIVETH.” I might find Him!” Although the pain- wracked man could not see the way ahead, he trusted God’s leading. “He knoweth the way that I take,” testified Job; “when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:3, 10. If, like Job, our trials and disappoint- ments draw us closer to the heart of God, they will not have been in vain.
  
  The Integrity of Job

What was God’s testimony con- cerning Job? Job 1:8.

                                          5. What was the attitude of Job's    NoTE.—One basic question answered by          wife toward his suffering and sor- the book of Job is, "Doth Job fear God           row? Job 2:9. for nought?" In other words, "Is there a man anywhere who serves God because it is the right thing to do, and because he loves his Maker?" The answer of Job's life         NoTE.—The woman was puzzled and is "Yes."                                        bewildered by trial and suffering. She had
                                        no faith to help her see beyond the shadow.

What accusation did Satan bring “Satan had taken away Job’s wealth, his against this righteous man? Job 1: children and his health, but he did not take 9-11. away his wife—her influence was used to make Job’s trial greater.”—Gordon Chil- vers, in Moody Monthly, July, 1953, p. 807.

NoTE.—”Unselfishness, the principle of 6. During Job’s affliction, what at- God’s kingdom, is the principle that Satan titude did his relatives and acquaint- hates; its very existence he denies. From ances have toward him? Job 19:13, 14. the beginning of the great controversy he has endeavored to prove God’s principles of action to be selfish, and he deals in the same way with all who serve God. To dis- The Trial of False Reasoning prove Satan’s claim is the work of Christ and of all who bear His name.”—Educa- 7. What false reason for suffering tion, page 154. did Eliphaz imply? Job 4:7.

How fully did God consent to the affliction of Job? Job 1:12. NorE.—The “comforters” of Job saw no possible reason for Job’s suffering other than some hidden sin. “The object of this question is mani-
After Job had lost his posses- festly to show to Job the inconsistency of sions and his children, what further the feelings which he had evinced. He trial came to him? Job 2:7. claimed to be a righteous man. He had 15 ] instructed and counseled many others. He harshly with these souls.”—Testimonies to had professed confidence in God, and in Ministers, page 350. the integrity of his own ways. . . . ‘There must have been,’ is the meaning of Eliphaz, The Triumph of Job `something wrong, when such calamities come upon a man, and when his faith gives 11. In his darkest hour what con- way in such a manner. It would be con- fession of faith in God’s plan for his trary to all the analogy of the divine deal- life did Job express? Job 23:10. ings to suppose that such a man as Job had professed to, be, could be the subject of overwhelming judgments; for who, I ask, ever perished, being innocent? It is a 12. As his trials increased, how did settled principle of the divine government, suffering Job show that his faith was that no one ever perishes who is innocent, growing stronger? Job 13:15, 16. and that great calamities are a proof of great guilt.’ This declaration contains the essence of all the positions held by Eliphaz and his colleagues in this argument.”— NOTE.—”From the depths of discourage- Barnes, Notes on the Old Testament, vol. ment and despondency Job rose to the 1, p. 144. heights of implicit trust in the mercy and the saving power of God. Triumphantly
What reason did Bildad give for he declared: ‘Though He slay me, yet will the death of Job’s children? Job 8:4. I trust in Him.’“—Prophets and Kings, pages 163, 164.

NoTE.—”Bildad here assumes that the Job’s Faith Rewarded children of Job had been wicked, and had been cut off in their sins. This must have 13. After God revealed Himself to cut him to the quick, for there was noth- the suffering one, what change took ing which a bereaved father would feel place in Job’s spiritual experience? more acutely than this.”—Barnes, Notes Job 40:3, 4; 42:6. on the Old Testament, vol. 1, p. 197.

What charge of evil conduct is made against Job? Job 22:5-9. NoTE.—”When Job caught a glimpse of his Creator, he abhorred himself, and re- pented in dust and ashes. Then the Lord was able to bless him abundantly, and to
1. Because of his supposed evil make his last years the best of his life.”— life, what did Eliphaz say had be- Prophets and Kings, page 164. fallen Job? Job 22:10, 11. 14. When did God bring full de- liverance to His faithful servant? Job 42:10. NOTE.—”Job’s professed friends were miserable comforters, making his case more bitter and unbearable, and Job was not guilty as they supposed. Those who are 15. Of what does the apostle James under the pain and distress of their own make Job an example to all Chris- wrongdoing, while Satan is seeking to tians? James 5:11. drive them to despair, are the very ones who need help the most. . . . Most pitia- ble is the condition of one who is suffering under remorse; he is as one stunned, stag- Suggestion for Meditation gering, sinking into the dust. And many who suppose themselves to be righteous, “It is precisely from the company of the become exasperating comforters; they deal sons and daughters of affliction that the [16] most convinced believers of all the ages slain with the sword, destitute, afflicted, have sprung. Who are the men whose tormented; they wandered in deserts, and names stand on the dramatic roll call of in mountains, and in dens and caves of the faithful in Hebrews? Are they men the earth.’ That, declares the New Testa- whose days were happy and unclouded ment, has been in every age faith’s grim and serene, souls for whom the sun was heredity! And it is not from sheltered always shining and the skies unvisited by ways and quiet, sequestered paths, it is storm or midnight? If anyone imagines from a thousand crosses, that the cry as- ‘that such is the background of faith, let cends-‘Hallelujah ! For the Lord God him listen to this-`They were stoned, they omnipotent reigneth.’ “-James S. Steward, were sawn asunder, were tempted, were The Strong Name, page 153.
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                Lesson 5, for October 30, 1954


                   Why Jesus Suffered
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MEMORY VERSE: “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.” Phil. 3:10. STUDY HELPS: “The Desire of Ages,” chapter 1; “Testimonies,” vol. 2, pp. 200-215.

                        DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson. 5. Ques. 11-14.
Key Thought; Introduction; 6. Read Study Helps. Ques. 1, 2. 7. Review the entire lesson; read the
Ques. 3-6. Suggestion for Meditation.
Ques. 7-10.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction: Jesus, “a Man of Sor- IV. The Revelation of Divine Love rows” 1. He suffered for us. 1 Peter 4:1. 2. He grieved over rejection of His

Our Example in Suffering love. Matt. 23:37; Luke 19:41, 42. 3. He sympathizes with us in sorrow.
1. The mystery of God in the flesh. John 11:33, 35. John 1:1, 14.
2. In His steps. 1 Peter 2:21. V. The Fellowship of Christ’s Sufferings
3. Made like His brethren. Heb. 2:17.
4. Made sin for us. 2 Cor. 5:21. 1. Partakers with Christ. 1 Peter
5. Able to save-. Heb. 2:18. 4:12, 13. 2. The gift of love. Rom. 5:8. I11. What Christ Learned in Suffering 3. God afflicted with us. Isa. 63:9.
6. Learned obedience. Heb. 5:8. Key Thought:
7. Made perfect through sufferings. Heb. 2:10. “Suffered Being Tempted.” “This
8. Sympathizes with our infirmities. phrase gives an insight into the nature of Heb. 4:15. Christ’s temptations. The body given Him 117 7 was not such that He was unaffected by been, He would not have experienced the temptations, so that for Him in reality terrific struggle of a poor sinner who is there were no temptations. There are good mightily tempted to yield. Christ must be people whose disposition is such that cer- tempted in all points like as we are! He tain temptations that are very severe to must actually suffer being tempted.”—M. others are no temptation to them. But this L. Andreasen, The Book of Hebrews, page was not Christ’s experience; for if it had 108.
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                         THE LESSON  Introduction: Jesus, "a Mari,               2. What glorious example of suf-
of Sorrows"                        fering has been given to every child
                                   of God? 1 Peter 2:21.    Old Testament prophecies pointed to the coming of the Messiah, the Lamb of God, the Suffering Servant. In stooping to take our nature, Jesus accepted the weight of         NOTE.—"Shall we complain of hardship woe, the agony and suffering, that was the     and trial in the work of overcoming on our lot of the human family because of sin.        own account, when we remember the suf- "In all their affliction He was afflicted."    ferings of our Redeemer in the wilderness Isaiah gives the supreme portrayal of the      of temptation, in the Garden of Geth- suffering Saviour in the fifty-third chapter   semane, and on Calvary? All these were of his book.                                   endured to show us the way and to bring    "Since Jesus came to dwell with us, we      us the divine help that we must have or know that God is acquainted with our           perish."—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 371. trials, and sympathizes with our griefs."— The Desire of Ages, page 24. This is the glorious fellowship that we have with the        3. What was necessary in order for Father and the Son. They are acquainted        Jesus to become a faithful high priest? with all that we suffer.                       Heb. 2:17.
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Our Example in Suffering

What wonderful mystery is re- 4. In what terrible burden of hu- vealed through Jesus Christ? John manity did Jesus share? 2 Cor. 5:21. 1:1, 14.

                                         NOTE.—"Made Him to be sin." Jesus    NOTE.—"The union of the divine with         never yielded to temptation ; therefore He the human nature is one of the most pre-       knew no sin as the result of evil-doing. cious and most mysterious truths of the        David Brown points out that Jesus was plan of redemption. It is this of which        "the representative Sin Bearer (vicar- Paul speaks when he says: 'Without con-        iously) of the aggregate sin of all men past, troversy great is the mystery of godliness:    present, and future. The sin of the world
                                      is one, therefore the singular, not the plural, God was manifest in the flesh.' . . . Christ stooped to take upon Himself human na-         is used."—Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, ture, that He might reach the fallen race      A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory, and lift them up. But the minds of men         on 2 Cor. 5:21. had become darkened by sin, their facul- ties were benumbed and their perceptions          5. What experience in the life of dulled, so that they could not discern His     Jesus Christ makes Him better able divine character beneath the garb of hu-       to help us in the hour of trial? Heb. manity."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 746.          2:18.
                                  [18]

NOTE.—”If we had to bear anything which Jesus did not endure, then upon this THE GREAT PHYSICIAN SAYS: point Satan would represent the power of “MY CHILD, I AM God as insufficient for us. Therefore Jesus WITH YOU IN was ‘in all points tempted like as we are.’ YOUR PAIN AND Heb. 4:15. He endured every trial to SUFFERING.” which we are subject. And He exercised in His own behalf no power that is not freely offered to us. As man, He met temptation, and overcame in the strength given him from God.”—The Desire of Ages, page 24.

What Christ Learned in Suffering

What was the supreme lesson the Saviour learned in His earthly ex- periences? Heb. 5:8.

                                          give it, 'in the way of resemblance.'"—

Through what experiences did M. L. Andreasen, The Book of Hebrews, the Son of God become our perfect pages 179, 180. Saviour and Redeemer? Heb. 2:10. The Revelation of Divine Love 9. For whom did Christ endure suf- NoTE.—”Suffering serves a definite pur- fering? 1 Peter 4:1. pose in the plan of God. If Christ had come to this earth and had done the per- fect will of God; if He had failed in noth- ing but lived blamelessly before God and NOTE.—”None but the Son of God could man; yet He would not have met God’s accomplish our redemption; for only He standard or man’s need without suffering.” who was in the bosom of the Father —M. L. Andreasen, The Book of Hebrews, could declare Him. Only He who knew page 98. the height and depth of the love of God could make it manifest. Nothing less than
How did Jesus become ac- the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in be- quainted with the sorrows and trials half of fallen man could express the Fa- of humanity? Heb. 4:15. Compare ther’s love to lost humanity.”—Steps to Isa. 43:2. Christ, page 16. 10. How did the Son of God treat those who rejected Him? Matt. 23:37; NoTE.—”Christ suffers with us as we suf- Luke 19:41, 42. fer, but He does more. Many of our dif- ficulties are a result of infirmities, not of outright rebellion or wicked stubbornness, but a lamentable weakness that makes us give in instead of resisting, and causes all NoTE.—The Lord suffered the agony of manner of difficulty. Even this condition rejection because sinners were blind to Christ understands. He may not be able their need of salvation and they spurned to excuse us, but we may be assured that the love of God manifest in His Son. He feels with us and understands; for He Himself was tempted in all points like as 11. When Martha and Mary grieved we are, or as a literal translation might because of the death of their. brother, [ 19 how did Jesus reveal His sympathy? 13. How did the Father reveal His John 11:33, 35. infinite love for sinners? Rom. 5:8.

NOTE.—”It was not only because of the NOTE.—”Few give thought to the suffer- scene before Him that Christ wept. The ing that sin has caused our Creator. All weight of the grief of ages was upon Him. heaven suffered in Christ’s agony ; but He saw the terrible effects of the transgres- that suffering did not begin or end with His sion of God’s law. He saw that in the his- manifestation in humanity. The cross is a tory of the world, beginning with the death revelation to our dull senses of the pain of Abel, the conflict between good and that, from its very inception, sin has evil had been unceasing. Looking down brought to the heart of God. Every de- the years to come, He saw the suffering and parture from the right, every deed of cru- sorrow, tears and death, that were to be the elty, every failure of humanity to reach lot of men. His heart was pierced with the His ideal, brings grief to Him.”—Educa- pain of the human family of all ages and tiork, page 263. in all lands.”—The Desire of Ages, page 534. 14. How has the Father’s love been manifested to His children through their testings and trials? Isa. 63:9. The Fellowship of Christ’s Suffering

How may we enter into fel- Suggestion for Meditation lowship with our Saviour? 1 Peter “No sorrow, no agony, can measure with 4:12, 13. that which was endured by the Son of God. Man has not been made a sin bearer, and he will never know the horror of the curse of sin which the Saviour bore. . . . The NOTE.—”God never leads His children agony which Christ endured broadens, otherwise than they would choose to be led, deepens, and gives a more extended concep- if they could see the end from the begin- tion of the character of sin, and the charac- ning, and discern the glory of the purpose ter of the retribution which God will bring which they are fulfilling as co-workers upon those who continue in sin. The wages with Him. . . . And of all the gifts that of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship life through Jesus Christ to the repenting, with Christ in His sufferings is the most believing sinner.”—Ellen G. White, MS, 35, weighty trust and the highest honor.”— 1895, quoted in The Ministry, May, 1938, The Desire of Ages, pages 224, 225. pp. 38, 39.,
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                  Lesson 6, for November 6, 1954


           God's Presence With the Suffering
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MEMORY VERSE: “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Pe- ter 5:7. STUDY HELPS: “Prophets and Kings,” pages 167-176; “The Acts of the. Apostles,” pages 509-513. [20 ] DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson. 5. Ques. 9-12.
Key ,Thought; Introduction; Ques. 1. 6. Ques. 13, 14; read Study Helps.
Ques. 2-4. 7. Review the entire lesson; read the
Ques. 5-8. Suggestion for Meditation.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction: We Are Not Alone 2. Preparation to help others. 2 Cor. 1:4.

The Agony of Loneliness 3. Promises of help. Isa. 41:10.
1. Elijah’s despondency. 1 Kings 19:4, 14. V. Comfort in Sorrow
2. David’s feeling of isolation. Ps. 10:1; 13:1. 1. Sharers of Christ’s sufferings. 2 Cor.
3. Prophecy of Messiah’s loneliness. 1:5. Isa. 63:3. 2. The rod and staff. Ps. 23:4.
4. Christ’s agonizing cry of aloneness. 3. A place for our cares. 1 Peter 5:7. Matt. 27:46.
5. Paul’s loneliness in prison. 2 Tim. Key Thought: 4:16, I11. God Is Beside Us How Little We Know. “Those who
6. The apostle’s Comforter. 2 Tim. have not the peculiar trials to which an- 4:17, 18. other is subjected may flatter themselves
7. God’s chariots and horsemen. that they are better than he. But place 2 Kings 6 : 15-17. them in the furnace of trial, and they
8. The fourth companion. Dan. might not endure it nearly as well as the 3:24, 25. one they censure and misjudge. How lit- tle we can know of the heart anguish of IV. Our Refuge and Strength another. How few understand another’s
9. The source of comfort. 2 Cor. 1:3. circumstances.”-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 55.
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                         THE LESSON  Introduction: We Are Not Alone             as I will, but as Thou.wilt" (Matt. 26:39),
                                  we can triumph over our affliction.    There are times when we feel like throw- ing up our hands and saying, "What have                The Agony of Loneliness ' I done to deserve all this trouble? I can't understand why I must suffer for some-             1. When Elijah was physically ex- thing I haven't done." While much of the hausted and spiritually discouraged, sickness, pain, and sorrow in our world is what request did he make? 1 Kings the result of breaking natural laws, yet 19:4, 14. there is suffering which cannot be ex- plained. There are forces beyond man's control-such as lightning, earthquakes, and disease germs-which destroy him.              NOTE.-He felt lonely and deserted. Life Why should one innocent child be para- seemed worthless, and he wanted to die. lyzed by a virus and another escape?              "If, under trying circumstances, men of    We cannot solve all the mysteries of sor- spiritual power, pressed beyond measure, row and suffering; but we can go forward        become discouraged and desponding; if at by faith, knowing we are not alone. When        times they see nothing desirable in life, that we can sincerely pray, as did Jesus, "Not       they should choose it, this is nothing
                             [ 21 ]
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  strange or new. Let all such remember that one of the mightiest of the prophets fled for his life before the rage of an in- furiated woman. A fugitive, weary and travel-worn, bitter disappointment crush- ing his spirits, he asked that he might die. But it was when hope was gone, and his lifework seemed threatened with defeat, that he learned one of the most precious lessons of his life. In the hour of his greatest weakness he learned the need and the possibility of trusting God under cir- cumstances the most forbidding.”—Proph- ets and Kings, page 173.
How did David express his feel- ing of separation from God? Ps. 10:1; THERE IS PRECIOUS PELLO SHIP IN BEING ABLE 13:1. TO SAY,” I, TOO, HAVE SUFFERED.’
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                                       and keenly felt by the innocent, suffering
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What prophecy was made con- Man of Calvary. He was oppressed by the cerning the loneliness of the Mes- powers of darkness. He had not one ray siah’s life? Isa. 63:3, first part. of light to brighten the future.”—Testi- monies, vol. 2, p. 214.

                                        5. In the days of imprisonment at   NoTE.—"Yet through childhood, youth,          Rome how did Paul reveal his loneli- and manhood, Jesus walked alone. In His         ness? 2 Tim. 4:16. purity and His faithfulness, He trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him. He carried the awful weight of responsibility for the salvation of     NoTE.—"Without money, without friends, men. He knew that unless there was a de-        without counsel, the aged prisoner stood cided change in the principles and purposes     before Nero—the countenance of the em- of the human race, all would be lost. This      peror bearing the shameful record of the was the burden of His soul, and none could      passions that raged within; the face of the appreciate the weight that rested upon          accused telling of a heart at peace with Him."—The Desire of Ages, page 92.              God. Paul's experience had been one of
                                      poverty, self-denial, and suffering. Not-

In what agonizing words did withstanding constant misrepresentation, the suffering Saviour express His feel- reproach; and abuse, by which his enemies ing of despair in His final hours on had endeavored to intimidate him, he had the cross? Matt. 27:46. fearlessly held aloft the standard of the cross.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 493, 494.

NoTE.—”The sins of the world were God Is Beside Us upon Him, also the sense of His Father’s wrath as He suffered the penalty of the 6. Who stood by Paul in his suf- law transgressed. It was these that crushed fering and imprisonment? 2 Tim. His divine soul. It was the hiding of His 4:17, 18. Father’s face—a sense that His own dear Father bad forsaken Him—which brought despair. The separation that sin makes between God and man was fully realized NoTE.—The word “strengthened” in the [22] Greek means “infused power in10.” It is fort in ail our afflictions? 2 Cor. 1:3. Paul’s dynamic description of how the power of Christ filled his life. “If ever his ardor in the path of duty for a moment flagged, one glance at the NorE.—”To see the love of God alters cross and the amazing love of Christ re- our whole outlook. Pain and sorrow are vealed in His unparalleled sacrifice was absorbing facts. They may shut out the enough to cause him to gird up anew the face of God. Yet they can be the means of loins of his mind and press forward in the illumination. Need and despair can make path of self-denial.”—Testimonies, vol. 4, us sensitive to the love of God, from which P. 457. the security and sufficiency of this material world may screen our eyes. Those who

When Elisha’s servant could see turn to God in their deep need find that only enemies surrounding him, what He responds.”—James Reid, The Interpre- did God reveal to him? 2 Kings ter’s Bible, vol. 10, p. 280. 6:15-17. 10. When we have been comforted, what are we prepared to do? 2 Cor. 1:4. Nom—The experience of Elisha’s serv- ant gives courage to God’s remnant people in their final trial, for we read: “Their af- fliction is great, the flames of the furnace NOTE.—”Suffering in which we have seem about to consume them; but Jesus found for ourselves the comfort of God is will bring them forth as gold tried in the an equipment for service. It puts us along- fire. . . . They themselves know not how side of others. It gives us entry to their securely they are shielded. Urged on by pain, making them willing to listen to us. Satan, the rulers of this world are seeking We can speak with authority, for we to destroy them; but could their eyes be have been there. . . . When affliction be- opened, as were the eyes of Elisha’s servant comes the means of the knowledge of God at Dothan, they would see the angels of and of equipment for service, it finds its God encamped about them, by their bright- place in an ordered world. It is taken up ness and glory holding in check the hosts into the purpose of God. It makes sense.” of darkness.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 474, —James Reid, The Interpreter’s Bible, vol.
10, p. 281.
Who appeared with the three 11. What special promise does Hebrew worthies in the fiery furnace? God give to those who are lonely and Dan. 3:24, 25. afraid? Isa. 41:10.

NOTE.—How changed is the suffering we Comfort in Sorrow must endure when we know that Jesus is beside us! 12. How do the sufferings of Christ “The Lord did not forget His own. As bring comfort to the child of God? His witnesses were cast into the furnace, 2 Cor. 1:5. the Saviour revealed Himself to them in person, and together they walked in the midst of the fire. In the presence of the Lord of heat and cold, the flames lost NOTE.—”The thought that in his afflic- their power to consume.”—Prophets and tions he was sharing in Christ’s sufferings Kings, pages 508, 509. was part. of Paul’s comfort.. . . It may mean simply that as Paul was suffering for Our Refuge and Strength his faith and through the love for his breth- ren which Christ had created, his sufferings

To whom can we look for com- were of the same kind as the sufferings of 23 Christ. . . . No one can enter, as He lands, where there is greener pasture.”— [Christ] did, into the full experience of hu- The Expositor’s Bible, on Ps. 23:4. man guilt which He bore on the cross. No one can offer to God the perfect penitence 14. What are we admonished to which comes from His insight into the do with our trials and burdens? 1 Pe- depth of human sin. But there is a real ter 5:7. sense in which Christ died that we might do for others in our degree what He did, carrying the burden of their sin, and re- vealing in the love that suffers the love NOTE.—”Throw the whole of your anxi- that saves.”—James Reid, The Interpre- ety upon Him, because He cares for you.” ter’s Bible, vol. 10, pp. 281, 282. —Weymouth’s translation of 1 Peter 5:7.
In darkness and suffering what Suggestion for Meditation will comfort us? Ps. 23:4. “Oh, was there ever suffering and sorrow like that endured by the dying Saviour ! It was the sense of His Father’s displeasure NoTE.—”No wise forward look can ig- which made His cup so bitter. It was not nore the possibility of many sorrows and bodily suffering which so quickly ended the the certainty of some. Hope has ever life of Christ upon the cross. It was the something of dread in her eyes. The road crushing weight of the sins of the world, will not be always bright and smooth, but and a sense of His Father’s wrath. The will sometimes plunge down into grim Father’s glory and sustaining presence had canyons, where no sunbeams reach. But left Him, and despair pressed its crushing even that anticipation may be calm. ‘Thou weight of darkness upon Him and forced art with me’ is enough. He who guides into from His pale and quivering’ lips the an- the gorge will guide through it. It is not a guished cry: ‘My God, My God, why hast cul-de-sac, shut in with precipices, at the Thou forsaken Me?’ “—Testimonies, vol. 2, far end; but it opens out on shining table- p. 209.
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                 Lesson 7, for November 13, 1954


                   What Suffering Can Do
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MEMORY VERSE: “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us.” 2 Tim. 2:12. STUDY HELP: “Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,” pages 70-72. DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson. 5. Ques. 9-12.
Key Thought; Introduction; 6. Ques. 13, 14; read Study Help. Ques. 1, 2. 7. Review the entire lesson; read the
Ques. 3-5. Suggestion for Meditation.
Ques. 6-8.

Lesson Outline: 11. How to Meet Trials 1. Joyful acceptance. James 1:2.. I. Introduction: The Purpose for Us in 2. Fruit of chastening. Heb. 12:11. Suffering 3. Developing patience. Rom. 5:3. [24] 4. Patience the goal of Christian per- 3.- Persecution, the Christian’s lot. fection. Col. 1:10, 11 ; Rev. 14:12. 2 Tim. 3:12. 4. Promise of victory. James 1:12. Ill. Affliction Has Its Blessings 1. Leads 10. obedience. Ps. 119:67, 71. Key Thought: 2. Causes realization of sin. Ps. 25:18. 3. Manifests God’s works. John 9:3. God Sees the Gold. “The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows IV. Suffering, a Preparation to Meet that the Lord Jesus sees in us. something God precious, which He desires to develop. If 1. Prepares us for Christ’s appearing. He saw in us nothing whereby He might 1 Peter 1 : 7. glorify His name, He would not spend 2. Prepares us to reign with Him. time in refining us. He does not cast worth- 2 Tim. 2:12. less stones into His furnace. It is valuable 3. Prepares the way for witnessing. ore that He refines. The blacksmith puts Luke 21:12, 13. the iron and steel into the fire that he may know what manner of metal they are. The Lord allows His chosen ones to be placed V. Through Trial to Perfection in the furnace of affliction, to prove what 1. Suffering builds character. 1 Peter temper they are of, and whether they can 5:10. be fashioned for His work.”—The Ministry 2. God chastens in love. Heb. 12:5, 6. of Healing, page 471.

                                 THE LESSON

Introduction: The Purpose for Us in Suffering How to Meet Trials The measure of our Christian experience is not how much we suffer but how we ac- 1. What is to be the Christian’s cept the trials and afflictions. When we ac- attitude when trials and suffering cept Jesus Christ as our Saviour we may come? James 1:2. expect to share in His sufferings, for the followers of the Master will always have trials and tribulation thrust upon them by a sinful world. When Paul was converted, 2. If the child of God accepts test God told Ananias, “I will show him how and trial in the right spirit, what may many things he must suffer for My name’s they produce in his life? Heb. 12:11. sake.” Acts 9:16, A.R.V. Suffering may bring many benefits to Christians. It helps us to be understanding of our fellow men and to be sympathetic Nora.—”For the moment all discipline with their problems. Suffering draws many seems painful rather than pleasant; later it men to Christ. They realize their helpless- yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to ness when they are laid low by sickness or those who have been trained by it.” Heb. trouble. In the darkness, they seek God’s 12:11, R.S.V. love. The chastening can produce the “fruit of Beyond sorrow there is a glorious re- righteousness” if the child of God has been ward. We shall receive a crown of life “trained by it.” Suffering and trial are and reign with Christ forever. In that day educative forces. We can learn in this the suffering and cares of this life will school or we can turn away embittered and, fade away and seem as nothing compared at the same time, remain ignorant of God’s with the joys of eternity. plan to train us for His service. [ 26 ] 3. What Christian virtue is devel- affliction was regarded as the penalty of oped through tribulation? Rom. 5:3. some wrongdoing, either of the sufferer Compare James 1:3, 4. himself or of his parents. . . . “The belief of the Jews in regard to the relation of sin and suffering was held by Christ’s disciples. . . . The disciples were NOTE.—”None who receive God’s word not called upon to discuss the question as are exempt from difficulty and trial; but to who had sinned or had not sinned, but when affliction comes, the true Christian to understand the power and mercy of God does not become restless, distrustful, or in giving sight to the blind. It was evident despondent. Though we cannot see the that there was no healing virtue in the clay, definite outcome of affairs, or discern the or in the pool wherein the blind man was purpose of God’s providences, we are not to sent to wash, but that the virtue was in cast away our confidence. Remembering Christ.”—The Desire of Ages, page 471. the tender mercies of the Lord, we should cast our care upon Him, and with patience Suffering, a Preparation to wait for His salvation.”—Christ’s Object Meet God Lessons, pages 60, 61. 8. If we accept trials in the spirit

How is patience spoken of as of Jesus, for what event may they help the goal of Christian perfection? Col. us prepare? 1 Peter 1:7. 1:10, 11; Rev. 14:12.

                                               NOTE.—"Many who profess the name of  Affliction Has Its Blessings                   Christ and claim to be looking for His
                                            speedy coming, know not what it is to suf-

How did affliction benefit the fer for Christ’s sake. Their hearts are not psalmist in his religious experience? subdued by grace, and they are not dead Ps. 119:67, 71. to self, as is often shown in various ways. At the same time they are talking of having trials. Ilut the principal cause of their trials is an unsubdued heart, which makes
When he was afflicted, for what self so sensitive that it is often crossed.”— Early Writings, page 113. did David pray? Ps. 25:18. 9. If we enter into suffering with our blessed Lord, for what honor will it help prepare us? 2 Tim. 2:12. NOTE.—”God’s purpose is not merely to deliver from the suffering that is the in- evitable result of sin, but to save from sin itself. The soul, corrupted and deformed, NOTE.—”The heirs of God have come is to be purified, transformed, that it may from garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, be clothed in the beauty of the Lord our from scaffolds, from mountains, from des- God,' conformed to the image of His erts, from the caves of the earth, from the Son.'"—Thoughts From the Mount of caverns of the sea. On earth they were Blessing, page 95.destitute, afflicted, tormented.’ . . . Now the decisions of earth are reversed. ‘The re-
For what special reason may dis- buke of His people shall He take away.’ ease and suffering sometimes come . . . They are no longer feeble, afflicted, upon an individual? John 9:3. scattered, and oppressed. Henceforth they are to be ever with the Lord. They stand before the throne clad in richer robes than the most honored of the ‘earth have ever NoTE.—”It was generally believed by the worn. They are crowned with diadems Jews that sin is punished in this life. Every more glorious than were ever placed upon 26 Himself to him, and cheers his heart with 1111M1=111. His love.”—The Acts of the Apostles, page 85. 1111111111 • A111111111 111111111111i’lliii111111 Through Trial to Perfection 111.1111.1111111111111111 111111111111M11111111111 11. What will be the effect of suf- UNIMMIUM111111111121111 fering on our character if we bear it 11011111111011.14111111112 IIIIIIIM211111111111111 patiently? 1 Peter 5:10.
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                                             Nozr.—"And after you have suffered a
                                          little while, the God of all grace, who has
                                          called you to His eternal' glory in Christ,  Hot                                               will Himself restore, establish, and   THE FINEST STEEL IS MADE BY THE                  strengthen you." 1 Peter 5:10, R.S.V. HEAT OF THE FURNACE-- THE FINEST   CHARACTER IN THE FIRES OF AFFLICTION.
                                             12. What experience must come to
                                          all of God's children? Heb. 12:5, 6. the brow of earthly monarchs. The days of pain and weeping are forever ended. The King of glory has wiped the tears from all           NoTr.--J43od permits trials to assail His faces; every cause of grief has been re-           people, that by their constancy and obe- moved."—The Great ControverSy, page                dience they themselves may be spiritually
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enriched, and that their example may be a source of strength to others. ‘I know the
Under what circumstances may thoughts that I think toward you, saith some of God’s faithful children be the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of called upon to testify for Him.? Luke evil.’ The very trials that task our faith 21:12, 13. most severely, and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are to lead us closer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet, and experience the peace which Norr.—”Before all this, they will lay He will give us in exchange.”–Patriarchs hands on you and persecute you, and they and Prophets, page 129. will betray you to synagogues and put you in prison, when you will be brought before 13. Even though the Christian kings and governors for the sake of My walks close to God, what will be his name. Then will be your opportunity of lot? 2 Tim. 3:12. witnessing for Me.”—The Twentieth Cen- tury New Testament, on Luke 21:12, 13. “The proclamation of the gospel has ever been carried forward in this world in NOTE.—”Every temptation resisted, every the face of opposition, peril, loss, and suf- trial bravely borne, gives us a new experi- fering. . . . Reproach and persecution have ence, and advances us in the work of char- separated many from earthly friends, but acter building. The soul that through di- never from the love of Christ. Never is the vine power resists temptation, reveals to tempest-tried soul more dearly loved by his the world and to the heavenly universe the Saviour than when he is suffering reproach efficiency of the grace of Christ.”—Thoughts for the truth’s sake. ‘I will love him,’ From the Mount of Blessing, page 171. Christ said, ‘and will manifest Myself to him.’ When for the truth’s sake the be- liever stands at the bar of earthly tribunals, 14. What cheering promise is Christ stands by his side. When he is con- made to those who endure trials and fined within prison walls, Christ manifests temptation? James 1:12. 27 ] Suggestion for Meditation suffering, taken in Christ’s way and in fel- “Sorrow, indeed, is not peculiar to Chris- lowship with Him, in the pain of disap- tians. Of it, all are partakers. But Chris- pointment and of loss, and especially in the tian endurance is part of a fellowship with exercise of submission, we are taught feel- Christ, in which we learn of Him. In the ingly where our true treasure is; and we warm air of prosperity a hot mist rises are trained to consent to-separations and round the soul, that hides from view the privations, for the sake of Christ, and great realities, and that deceives and mis- under the influence of the love of Christ.” leads us with its vain mirage. But in -The Expositor’s Bible, on Phil. 3:10, 11.
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                 Lesson 8, for November 20, 1954

              Beyond the Shadow of Death MEMORY VERSE: "For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our    guide even unto death." Ps. 48:14. STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pages 524-536.

                    DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
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General survey of the lesson. 5. Ques. 11-13.
Key Thought; Introduction; 6. Ques. 14; read Study Help. Ques. 1, 2. 7. Review the entire lesson; read the
Ques. 3-6. Suggestion for Meditation.
Ques. 7-10.

Lesson Outline: 4. Hope beyond sorrow. 1 Thess. 4:13, 14; 1 Cor. 15:19, 20. I. Introduction: The Christian’s Hope V. Victory Over Death 1. Christ holds the keys. Rev. 1:18.

The Giver of Life 2. Death shall be vanquished.. 1 Cor.
1. Our God forever. Ps. 48:14. 15:54.
2. The Prince of life. Acts 3:15. 3. Comfort for the mourners. Jer.
3. The resurrection and life. John 31:16. 11:25.
4. The gift for man. John 10:10. Key Thought:

I11. Death Comes to Every Man The Reality of Christ’s Resurrec- tion. “Let us make no mistake: the reality 1. The universal call. Rom. 5:12; of Christ’s resurrection as a fact has en- Heb. 9:27. tered more deeply than any other historic 2. The sleep of death. John 11:11. event into the lives of millions since those 3. An unconscious state. Job 14:21; early years. It gave the martyrs courage as Ps. 146:4. they faced the perils of the amphitheater. It has dotted the greater part of the civi- IV. The Resurrection Hope lized world with noble shrines, their towers 1. The voice of life. John 5:25, 28. and spires pointing triumphantly to the 2. We shall answer. Job 14:15. skies.”-F. Townley Lord, The Conquest 3. A lively hope. 1 Peter 1:3. of Death, page 73.

                                        [28 7

THE LESSON

Introduction: The Christian’s Hope 3. What glorious promise breaks the hopelessness of death for the We are not asked to make any sacrifice Christian? John 11:25. which the heavenly Father was not willing to make when He gave His Son to redeem a lost world. We see a cross on which an innocent Man died so “that whosoever be- NOTE.—”Christ endured an agonizing lieveth in Him should not perish, but have death under the most humiliating circum- everlasting life.” stances that we might have life. He gave Do we care enough in our sorrow to see up His precious life that He might van- His face? Do we care enough to accept quish death. But He rose from the tomb, His promises as our hope? When death and the myriads of angels who came to be- robs us of our dear ones, there is an empti- hold Him take up the life He had laid ness in our hearts as wide as the heavens. doWn heard His words of triumphant joy There is only One who can fill that empti- as He stood above Joseph’s rent sepulcher ness, and in tender words He says, “I will proclaiming: ‘I am the resurrection, and never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb. the life.’“—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 230. 13:5. 4. What did the Son of God bring The Giver of Life to man as the result of His earthly ministry and sacrifice? John 10:10.

How long will God be our strength and guide? Ps. 48:14. Death Comes to Every Man

NOTE.—”It is true that disappointments 5. How universal is the call of will come; tribulation we must expect; but death? Rom. 5:12; Heb. 9:27. we are to commit everything, great and small, to God. He does not become per- plexed by the multiplicity of our griev- ances nor overpowered by the weight of Norz.—Of the billions of human beings our burdens. His watchcare extends to who have lived on this earth, only two every household and encircles every indi- have escaped from it alive—Enoch and vidual; He is concerned in all our business Elijah, who were translated to heaven. and our sorrows. He marks every tear; Every other being, including the Son of He is touched with the feeling of our in- God, has tasted the bitter cup of death. firmities.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 742. • 6. In the words of Jesus, what is

What does the apostle Peter de- man’s condition in death? John 11:11. clare Jesus Christ to be? Acts 3:15. See margin. NOTE.—”The Bible clearly teaches that the dead do not go immediately to heaven. They are represented as sleeping until the Norz.—”To the believer, Christ is the resurrection. In the very day when the sil- resurrection and the life. In our Saviour ver cord is loosed and the golden bowl the life that was lost through sin is re- broken, man’s thoughts perish. They that stored; for He has life in Himself to go down to the grave are in silence. They quicken whom He will. He is invested know no more of anything that is done with the right to give immortality. The life under the sun. Blessed rest for the weary that He laid down in humanity, He takes righteous! Time, be it long or short, is but up again, and gives to humanity.”—The a moment to them. They sleep; they are Desire of Ages, pages 786,• 787. awakened by the trump of God to a glori- ( 29 1, ous immortality.”—The Great Controversy, page 550.
How do Job and David describe man’s unconscious state in the grave? Job 14:21; Ps. 146:4.

The Resurrection Hope

What does Jesus declare will awaken the dead? John 5:25, 28.

                                         THE   CROSS OF CHRIST
                                         AND  THE RESURRECTION

When the righteous dead hear BECAME THE DOOR TO LIFE ETERNAL. the voice of the Son of God, what will they do? Job 14:15. 13. At the second advent of Christ what victory will be gained? 1 Cor. 15:54.
How is the Christian hope of the resurrection described by the apos- tle Peter? 1 Peter 1:3. 14. What promise is made to those who mourn? Jer. 31:16.
In what respect is the sorrow of a Christian different from that of Suggestion for Meditation an unbeliever in the presence of “Our sorrows do not ,spring out of the death? 1 Thess. 4:13, 14; 1 Cor. 15:. ground. God ‘cloth not afflict willingly nor 19, 20. grieve the children of men.’ When He per- mits trials and afflictions, it is ‘for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.’ If received in faith, the trial that NoTE.—”If the cross and the tomb were seems so bitter and hard to bear will prove the end of Jesus, . . . is there any guar- a blessing. The cruel blow that blights antee at all that the grave is not the end? the joys of earth will be the means of Paul thinks not. . . . The chasm is fixed, turning our eyes to heaven. How many and none may cross it if there is no resur- there are who would never have known rection of the dead. Love and immortal Jesus had not sorrow led them to seek longings are finished forever ‘if Christ has comfort in Him! not been raised.’ Little wonder that Paul’s “The trials of life are God’s workmen, written words throb with deep emotion as to remove the impurities and roughness he faces the full implication of this doubt from our character. Their hewing, squar- of the resurrection of Jesus.”—The Inter- ing, and chiseling, their burnishing and preter’s Bible, vol. 10, p. 232. polishing, is a painful process, it is hard to be pressed down to the grinding wheel. But the stone is brought forth prepared to Victory Over Death fill its place in the heavenly temple. Upon no useless material does the Master bestow
Who holds the keys of death? such careful, thorough work.”—Thoughts Rev. 1:18. From the Mount of Blessing, pages 23, 24. [30] Lesson 9, for November 27, 1954
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                   Facing Our Sorrow
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MEMORY VERSE: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the ever- lasting arms: and He shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.” Deut. 33:27. STUDY HELP: “The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 524, 525, 574, 577.

                        DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson. 5. Ques. 9-12.
Key Thought; Introduction; 6. Ques. 13, 14; read Study Help. Ques. 1, 2. 7. Review the entire lesson; read the
Ques. 3-5. Suggestion for Meditation.
Ques. 6-8.

Lesson Outline: V. Some Day We’ll Understand 1. We see but dimly now. 1 Cor. I. Introduction: Strength to Endure 13:12. 2. We prepare for the kingdom. 2 Cor.

The Universal Experience of Sorrow 4:17; Rom. 8:18.
1. Sorrow causes men to say, “Why 3. We know the glory that awaits us. was I born?” Job 3:20; Jer. 20:18. 1 Cor. 2:9.
2. Sorrow affects our physical nature. Job 17:7; Prov. 15:13, last part. Key Thought:
3. Sorrow overwhelms the weak. 2 Cor. 2:7. The Lifting Power of Jesus. “God would not have us remain pressed down by I11. Reconciled to God’s Will dumb sorrow, with sore and breaking
4. The Christian’s comfort. 1 Thess. hearts. He would have us look up, and be- 4:13. hold His dear face of love. The blessed
5. We are sustained in sorrow. Deut. Saviour stands by many whose eyes are so 33:27. blinded by tears that they do not discern
6. Christ’s example. John 18:11. Him. He longs to clasp our hands, to have
7. “Thy will be done.” Matt. 6:10. us look to Him in simple faith, permitting Him to guide us. His heart is open to our IV. Courage to Carry On griefs, our sorrows, and our trials. He has
8. God gives strength to bear the bur- loved us with an everlasting love, and with den. Ps. 55:22. loving-kindness compassed us about. We
9. Ezekiel had courage in time of loss. may keep the heart stayed upon Him, and Ezek. 24:18. meditate upon His loving-kindness all the
10. There is comfort for those who day. He will lift the soul above the daily mourn. Matt. 5:4; Jer. 31:13. sorrow and perplexity, into a realm of
11. The Lord is nigh the brokenhearted. peace.”-Thoughts From the Mount of Ps. 34:18. Blessing, pages 25, 26.
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                         THE LESSON   Introduction: Strength to Endure            ing the wandering, rebellious individual to
                                   return to the heavenly Father. What is our   Sorrow can be a message from God call-      response when sorrow comes? Do we find
                               [ 31 ]
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  that God is our “Refuge, and underneath ments, . . . but; mixed with grace, our are the everlasting arms,” or do we mis- aches and pains are an ointment supplying understand sorrow and defy it? the heart, and causing the milk of human Men misunderstand suffering and sor- kindness to fill the breast.”—The Biblical row when they see in it nothing but punish- Illustrator, Hebrews, vol. 2, p. 500. ment. They may feel, “This is what I deserve for my sins. Now I’m paying the Reconciled to God’s Will penalty.” Or again they may say, “I’m having some misfortune.” To look upon 4. Though death brings sorrow sorrow in either of these ways is to fail to and grief to all, what comfort has the hear God’s voice. The loving Father does not want us to suffer; but when the or- Christian in his loss? 1 Thess. 4:13, 14. deal comes, He longs to see us turn to Him with a humble and contrite heart that we may learn the spiritual lesson it may teach us. NOTE.—”If we are called upon to meet bereavement, let us accept the bitter cup, remembering that a Father’s hand holds it The Universal Experience to our lips.”—The Ministry of Healing, of Sorrow page 233.
What question comes to many 5. What sustains the child of God in the hour of sorrow? Deut. 33:27. when sorrow and tribulation seem to overwhelm them? Job 3:20; Jer. 20:18. NOTE.—”Underneath are the everlasting arms; that is, the almighty power of God is engaged for the protection and consola-
How may sorrow affect the tion of all that trust in Him, in their great- physical condition of the sufferer? est straits and distresses, and under their Job 17:7; Prov. 15:13, last part. heaviest burdens. . . . How low soever the people of God are at any time brought, everlasting arms are underneath them to keep the spirit from sinking, from fainting, NOTE.—”The relation that exists between and the faith from failing, even when they the mind and the body is very intimate. are pressed above measure.”—Matthew When one is affected, the other sympa- Henry, An Exposition of the Old and New thizes. The condition of the mind affects Testament, vol. 1, Deuteronomy, p. 883. the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from 6. In facing suffering and sorrow, which men suffer are the result of mental what example did the Saviour give depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, re-, His followers? John 18:11; Matt. morse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break 26:42. down the life forces, and to invite decay and death.”—The Ministry of Healing, page 241.
What can anguish and sorrow NOTE.—”Few things are easier than to perceive, to extol the goodness of God, do to those who are weakened by the bounty of Providence, . . . when all their burdens? 2 Cor. 2:7. things go well, when our health, our spirits, our circumstances, conspire to fill our hearts with gladness. . . . But this is not the trial, or the proof [of our submis- NOTE.—”Pain, if sanctified, creates ten- sion to God’s will]. . . It is in the cham- derness towards others. Alone it may bers of pain, the pressures of infirmity; in harden and shut up the man within him- grief, in misfortune: through gloom and self, a student of his own nerves and ail- horror—that it will be seen, whether we [ 32 ] 10. What promise is made to those who mourn? Matt. 5:4; Jer. 31:13.
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                                       11. What sweet assurance is given
                                    to the brokenhearted? Ps. 38:18.


                                          Someday We'll Understand

                                       12. Why can we not in this life
                                     grasp the meaning of all the sorrow
                                     and loss that comes to us? 1 Cor.
                                     13:12.  OFTEN THE BEDSIDE OF THE    HOPELESSLY SICK IS THE SUN-  NIEST SPOT IN THE HOUSE.
                                       13. If sorrow and affliction are ac-
                                     cepted in the spirit of Christ, for what hold fast our hope, our confidence, our       will they prepare us? 2 Cor. 4:17; trust in God; whether this hope and con-      Rom. 8:18. fidence be able to produce in us resigna- tion, acquiescence, and submission."—The Biblical Illustrator, James, page 376.
                                        NOTE.—Affiction here is transmuted
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What is to be our prayer when into glory beyond. The humiliating suf- darkness and sorrow engulf us? Matt. ferings of life in Christ’s service are the 6:10. means by which the spirit is purified, de- veloped, and brought to blossom in the beauty of Christlikeness. The affliction is slight and momentary by comparison with Courage to Carry On the glory which is massive and unfading. Paul can say this because he does not look
How may we receive strength to merely to ‘the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen’ (vs. 18).”—The carry the burden of sorrow? Ps. 55:22. Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 10, pp. 323, 324. 14. As we face trial and grief, to what may we look forward by faith?
How did the faithful prophet 1 Cor. 2:9. Ezekiel face personal loss and sor- row? Ezek. 24:18. NOTE.—”Wonderful as the past had been —and we must remember always that Paul NOTE.—How touching in simplicity and lived on this side of the crucifixion of Je- submission is Ezekiel’s record: “At even sus—his life was centered in the living my wife died.” The loss and bereavement Christ. . . . How foolish of the’ Corinthian came as a shock to the man, for he had Christians to be squabbling about unim- lost “the desire of his eyes.” God asked the portant matters when all these rich pros- prophet to carry on his important mission, pects already guaranteed in their experience and Ezekiel did not fall under the stroke. are open to them! How pertinent is the With faith to believe that God’s way is same thought for our own day and gen- best he carried on in the face of tragic eration: what a rebuke in particular to loss. What a lesson to every sorrowing all defeatism and pessimism !”—The Inter- soul! preter’s Bible, vol. 10, pp. 39, 40. 133] Suggestion for Meditation tunity of demonstrating the nearness and the strength of Christ, as out of weakness “That sorrow, even the deepest and most they have been made strong. Often the suf- hopeless, has been blessed, no one can deny. ferer in a home is the most thankful mem- It has taught many a deeper thoughtful- ber of it. Often the bedside is the sunniest ness, a truer estimate of the world and its spot in the house, though the bedridden interests, a more simple trust in God. It one knows that he or she will never be has opened the eyes of many to the suffer- free again. It is not impossible for a ings of others, and changed boisterous rude- Christian in everything to give thanks (1 ness into tender and delicate sympathy. It Thess. 5:16-18).”-The Expositor’s Bible, has given many weak ones the oppor- vol. 6, p. 354.
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                  Lesson 10, for December 4, 1954


                     Yielding to God's Will MEMORY VERSE: "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall    bring it to pass." Ps. 37:5. STUDY HELP: "Messages to Young People," pages 151-156.

                     DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
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General survey of the lesson. 5. Ques. 10-12.
Key Thought; Introduction; 6. Ques. 13; read Study Help. Ques. 1, 2. 7. Review the entire lesson; read the
Ques. 3-6. Suggestion for Meditation.
Ques. 7-9.

Lesson Outline: 2. Submission to suffering and death. Luke 22:42. I. Introduction: “Have Thine Own Way” 3. Obedience came through suffering. Phil. 2:8; Heb. 5:8.

Renouncing Our Selfish Will V. Ready to Do His Will
1. The way of death for the disobe- 1. Commit our way to God. Ps. 37:5. dient. Prov. 14:12. 2. In suffering commit our ways to
2. God points the way. Isa. 30:20, 21. God. 1 Peter 4:19.
3. To know God’s will. Col. 1:9. 3. Jesus has overcome the world. John 16:33. I11. The Test of Discipleship 4. Obedience brings eternal life.
4. The test of doing God’s will. Matt. 1 John 2:17. 7:21.
5. Obeying God’s will from the heart. Eph. 6:6. Key Thought:
6. Love is manifest in obedience. John 14:23. A Surrendered Will. “It will require a sacrifice to give yourself to God; but IV. Jesus Accepted His Father’s Will it is a sacrifice of the lower for the
7. Jesus did His Father’s will. John higher, the earthly for the spiritual, the per- 4:34; 6:38. ishable for the eternal. God does not f 34] design that our will should be destroyed; that He can pour through us the tides of for it is only through its exercise that we His love and power. However bitter and can accomplish what He would have us do. painful this surrender may appear to the Our will is to be yielded to Him, that we willful, wayward heart, yet ‘it is profitable may receive it again, purified and refined, for thee.’“—Thoughts From the Mount of and so linked in sympathy with the divine Blessing, pages 96, 97.
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                         THE LESSON    Introduction: "Have Thine             the bread of adversity and the water of
                                 affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide
   Own Way"                      Himself any more, but your eyes shall see
                                 your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a    Are we willing to submit our plans to the word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, divine Architect? Or do we snatch the walk in it,' when you turn to the right or blueprints of our life from Him in head- when you turn to the left."—R.S.V. strong defiance? God "is able to deliver."     The heavenly Father is our wonderful Dan. 3:17. He is able to save "to the ut- Teacher. Even in times of adversity and termost." Heb. 7:25. He can do more than affliction He speaks to us, pointing out the "all that 'we ask or think." Eph. 3:20. way we should go. "In offering the prayer This is the .Omnipotent One into whose that Christ has given, we surrender our- hands we commit our ways.                    selves to the guidance of God, asking Him    In every prayer we breathe there must to lead us in safe paths. We cannot offer be a willingness on our part to accept the this prayer in sincerity, and yet decide to divine answer. It is our business to find walk in any way of our own choosing. We God's purpose for us. That was Christ's shall wait for His hand to lead us, we shall way. In His prayer which He taught the listen to His voice, saying, 'This is the way; disciples is the crucial test: "Thy will be walk ye in it.'"—Thoughts From the done in earth, as it is in heaven."           Mount of Blessing, page 171.
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Renouncing Our Selfish Will 3. What did Paul pray would be the experience of every Christian in

What is the end of the way for relation to the will of God? Col. 1:9. those who refuse to know God’s will for their life? Prov. 14:12.

                                             The Test of Discipleship   NOTE.—"Whenever men choose their own way, they place themselves in controversy        4. What did Jesus declare to be the with God. They will have no place in the      supreme test of loyalty in His follow- kingdom of heaven, for they are at war        ers? Matt. 7:21. with the very principles of heaven. In dis- regarding the will of God, they are placing themselves on the side of Satan, the enemy of God and man."—Thoughts From the               5. What admonition did the apos- Mount of Blessing, pages 82, 83.              tle Paul give as to our relation to
                                     God's will? Eph. 6:6.

Through what method does the heavenly Father sometimes show us His plan for our lives? Isa. 30:20, 21. NOTE.—”Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in the life. By yielding up the will to Christ, NOTE.—”And though the Lord give you we ally ourselves with divine power. We 35 receive strength from above to hold us steadfast. A pure and noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to every one who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will of God.”—The Ministry of Healing, page 176.
How will the follower of Jesus manifest his love for his Saviour? John 14:23.

Jesus Accepted His Father’s Will “THE OBEDIENCE THAT CHRIST

What did Christ say concerning RENDERED, GOD REQUIRES His relationship to His Father’s will? FROM HUMAN BEINGS TODAY.” John 4:34; 6:38.

                                                 Ready to Do His Will   NOTE.—"The obedience that Christ ren- dered, God requires from human beings to-          10. What promise is given to the day. He served His Father with love, in          Christian who places himself will- willingness and freedom. 'I delight to do        ingly in the hands of God? Ps. 37:5. Thy will, 0 My God,' He declared; 'yea, Thy law is within My heart.' Ps. 40:8."— Christ's Object Lessons, page 282.

When faced with the anguish NOTE.—”When we submit ourselves to and torture of the cross, how did the Christ, the heart is united with His Saviour express His submission to His LChrist’s] heart, the will is merged in His Father’s will? Luke 22:42. will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of NoTE.–“Jesus’ prayer before the cross ‘His righteousness.”—Christ’s Object Les- holds the secret of all the Christian life sons, page 312. that has come after the cross, ‘Not My will, but Thine be done.’ In the will is the van- 11. What admonition does the tage point of the good and evil alike.. . . apostle Peter give to those who accept Unconditional surrender to Him means that one’s will is freed, purified, renewed. . . . God’s will when faced with the ordeal This is no mechanical slavery, or the of sorrow and suffering? 1 Peter 4:19. cowardly rolling of one’s responsibility over to other shoulders. It is the kind of di- vine-human co-operation that is imperative for growth: ‘Not My will, but Thine.’ As E. H. Pruden has said: ‘When a man is in NoTE.—”Therefore let those who suffer tune with Christ, his lips will be saying and according to God’s will do right and en- his hands will be doing what Christ wants.’ trust their souls to a faithful Creator.”— R.S.V. Here is the highest discipline of the will.” —The Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 10, p. 589. 12. What encouragement does Je-
At what cost did the Son of God sus give us to meet the sorrows and learn obedience? Phil. 2:8, Heb. 5:8. trials of life? John 16:33. [ 36 j 13. How is the acceptance of God’s principle of His government: ‘Yield your- will linked with eternal life? 1 John self up to Me; give Me that will; take it 2:17. from the control of Satan, and I will take possession of it; then I can work in you to will and to do of My good pleasure.’ When He gives you the mind of Christ, your will becomes as His will, and your character is Suggestion for Meditation transformed to be like Christ’s character. . . . There is no such thing as following “This will, that forms so important a Christ unless you refuse to gratify incli- factor in the character of man, was at the nation and determine to obey God. It is Fall given into the control of Satan; and not your feelings, your emotions, that he has ever since been working in man to make you a child of God, but the doing will and to do of his own pleasure, but to of God’s will. A life of usefulness is be- the utter ruin and misery of man. But the fore you if your will becomes God’s will. infinite sacrifice of God in giving Jesus, His Then you may stand in your God-given beloved Son, to become a sacrifice for sin, manhood, an example of good works.”— enables Him to say, without violating one Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 515.
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                  Lesson 11, for December 11, 1954


                Comforting Those Who Mourn
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MEMORY VERSE: “The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wak- eneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.” Isa. 50:4. STUDY HELP: “The Desire of Ages,” pages 478-484.

                           DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. General survey of the lesson.                      5. Ques. 10-12. 2. Key Thoughts; Introduction;                        6. Ques. 13, 14; read Study Help.
Ques. 1, 2.                                       7. Review the entire lesson; read the 3. Ques. 3-6.                                             Suggestion for Meditation. 4. Ques. 7-9.

Lesson Outline: I11. The Sympathy of the Saviour

I. Introduction: Hope for the Helpless 1. Hope for the grief-stricken. Luke 7:13.

Approaching the Sorrowing 2. Compassion for the sick and care-
1. The plight of those without comfort. worn. Matt. 9:36; 14:14. Ps. 69:20.
2. How to become sympathetic. Ezek. 3. “Let not your heart be troubled.” 3:15. John 14:1-3.
3. Our expression of sympathy. Rom. 4. How Jesus became one with the 12:15. sorrowing. Heb. 4:15. 37 IV. Pointing the Brokenhearted to Key Thought: Christ A Word in Season. “In all our associ-
4. Bear the burdens of the heavy- ations it should be remembered that in the laden. Gal. 6:2. experience of others there are chapters
5. Jesus gives rest. Matt. 11:28, 29. sealed from mortal sight. On the pages of memory are sad histories that are sacredly
6. Serve the Saviour by deeds of love. guarded from curious eyes. There stand Matt. 25:40. registered long, hard battles with trying
7. Christians are fitted to comfort circumstances, perhaps troubles in the home others. 2 Cor. 1:3, 4. life, that day by day weaken courage, con- fidence, and faith. Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be V. A Message of Hope strengthened and encouraged by little at-
8. Have faith in God. Mark 11:22. tentions that cost only a loving effort. To such the strong, helpful grasp of the hand
9. Words of comfort for the weary. by a true friend is worth more than gold Isa. 50:4. or silver. Words of kindness are as welcome
10. Pray for those in need. James 5:16. as the smile of angels.
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                         THE LESSON   Introduction: Hope for the               and cruel death of the Promised One, . . .
                                   were rich in promise; for of Him whom 'it
     Helpless                      pleased the Lord to bruise,' . . . Jehovah
                                   declared:   For many a sorrowing man or woman                 `He shall see His seed, He shall prolong the pattern of life has been shattered. Bro-          His days, ken pieces lie about, and the bereaved lacks        And the pleasure of the Lord shall the courage to pick them up and go on                 prosper in His hand.'" again.                                                —Prophets and Kings, pages 691, 692.   To thoSe who mourn in hopeless despair          How comforting it is to know that Jesus we can bring Jesus, "the resurrection, and     went through the deepest agony a human the life." We can point them to Jesus, the     being can suffer, yet He endured all in or- mender of broken lives, who will take the      der that we might be saved from the pen- fragments that have been scattered by sin      alty of sin. and sorrow, and re-create a new life. The Saviour who calmed the storm-tossed Sea of Galilee can speak peace to the grief-         2. By what experience did Ezekiel swept life.                                    learn to be sympathetic with those
                                   who were in trouble? Ezek. 3:15. Approaching the Sorrowing
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How does David describe the condition of those who have no com- 3. What are we admonished to do fort in time of sorrow? Ps. 69:20. to express true sympathy for those who mourn? Rom. 12:15.

NoTE.—”Through the psalmist the Re- The Sympathy of the Saviour deemer had prophesied of Himself: `. . . They gave Me also gall for My meat; 4. How did Jesus express love and And in My thirst they gave Me vine- sympathy for the brokenhearted gar to drink.’ . . . widow who had lost her only son? “These portrayals of the bitter suffering Luke 7:13. [ s8] 5. In what spirit did the Saviour look upon the multitude of sick and careworn souls? Matt. 9:36; 14:14.

NOTE.—”When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for ,them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep with- out a shepherd.” Matt. 9:36, R.S.V. “How does a crowd affect us? It can arouse a vague excitement. It can feed our pride—as in some parades. It can make us combative. It can quicken blood lust or some other frenzy. But does it fill us with compassion? That was its effect on Jesus. TO THE STORM-TOSSED SEA OF The word translated compassion is actually HUMANITY, JESUS SAYS: a much stronger word: it implies pain of “PEACE, BE STILL!” love. He saw the people of His land as shepherdless people. They were as if wolves had harried them and left them bleeding, away the clouds of temptation and • doubt because they had none to lead and protect that gather over the soul. The true heart them.”—The Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 7, p. expression of Christlike sympathy, given in

simplicity, has power to open the door of
With what precious promise did hearts that need the simple, delicate touch of the spirit of Christ.”—Testimonies, vol. Jesus comfort His sorrowing disci- 9, p. 30. ples? John 14:1-3, 16. 9. To whom may the child of God point the distressed and sorrowing? NOTE.—”At all times and in all places, Matt. 11:28, 29. in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future per- plexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the NOTE.—”Whatever your anxieties and prayer of faith.”—The Desire of Ages, trials, spread out your case before the pages 669, 670. Lord. Your spirit will be braced for en- durance. The way will be open for you to
Why is Jesus able to be sympa- disentangle yourself from embarrassment thetic with every human being in his and difficulty. The weaker and more help- trials and sorrows? Heb. 4:15. less you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heav- ier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon your Burden Bearer.” —The Ministry of Healing, page 72. Pointing the Brokenhearted to Christ 10. When we bring comfort and help to the needy and sorrowing, for
How can the Christian help whom do we truly minister? Matt. those who are burdened with anxiety 25:40. and sorrow? Gal. 6:2.
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                                            NoTE.—"What a oneness Jesus here ex-    NoTE.—"Kindly words simply spoken,              presses as existing between Himself and little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep      His suffering disciples! He makes their
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case His own. He identifies Himself as be- 13. If we are filled with God’s ing in person the very sufferer. Mark, self- Spirit, what may be our daily experi- ish Christian: every neglect of the needy ence in bringing comfort to others? poor, the orphan, the fatherless, is a neglect Isa. 50:4. of Jesus in their person.”—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 26.
Why is every follower of Christ NOTE.—”Every kind and sympathizing particularly qualified to comfort those word spoken to the sorrowful, every act to who are in affliction? 2 Cor. 1:3, 4. relieve the oppressed, and every gift to sup- ply the necessities of our fellow beings, given or done with an eye to God’s glory, will result in blessings to the giver.”—Testi- NOTE.—”`The comfort with which we monies, vol. 4, p. 56. ourselves are comforted by God’ is there- 14. How are we to intercede with fore the only form of comfort which is ef- fective. Sympathy which merely assures our heavenly Father for those who people that we feel for them can do little. are in need? James 5:16. It may even increase their trouble by com- municating a sense of our helplessness. It may feed their self-pity. The true com- Suggestion for Meditation forter is one who can carry to others the strength of an experience in which God “There is a reason why the darkness of has given him the victory. This comfort is sorrow deepens our affection for one an- of universal application. It applies to all other. The reason is that we are both situations. It speaks to the hearts of peo- more lovable and more loving when sor- ple in any affliction. All troubles find heal- row softens us. When a man is riding high ing in a right relationship with God, and in unbroken success, we may admire and in the opening of the mind to His message.” applaud him, yet feel little affection for —The Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 10, p. 281. him. But when adversity knocks him off his high horse, and he picks himself up, A Message of Hope mellowed in spirit, courageously showing that he can take it, then our admiration is

What message of Jesus can be enriched by affection. The man is more carried to every sorrowing soul who lovable.”—Ralph W. Sockman, The Higher is weak in faith? Mark 11:22. Happiness, page 51.

                Lesson 12, for December 18, 1954

           Preparing for the Time of Trouble MEMORY VERSE: "Because thou host kept the word of My patience, I also will    keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world,    to try them that dwell upon the earth." Rev. 3:10. STUDY HELP: "The Great Controversy," pages 616-634.

                    DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson. 5. Ques. 9-12.
Key Thought; Introduction; 6. Ques. 13, 14; read Study Help. Ques. 1, 2. 7. Review the entire lesson; read the
Ques. 3-5. Suggestion for Meditation. 4.. Ques. 6-8.
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Lesson Outline: I. Introduction: An “All-Out” Conflict VI. God Delivers His Faithful Ones
A ‘Time of Great Trouble 1. Waiting for Christ’s coming. Isa.
1. When the time of trouble begins. 25:9. Pan. 12:1. 2. Coming out of great tribulation.
2. A day of distress and destruction. Rev. 7:13, 14. Joel 1:15; 2:11. 3. Receiving the blessings of heaven.
3. The time of “Jacob’s trouble.” Jer. Rev. 7:16, 17. 30:5, 7. Ill. The Door of Mercy Is Closed
4. Every man’s fate is sealed. Rev. Key Thought: 22:11.
5. A futile search for God’s word. Wrestling With God. “It was an hour Amos 8:11, 12. of fearful, terrible agony to the saints. IV. God’s People in the Hour of Trial Day and night they cried unto God for de-
6. The promise of protection. Rev. liverance. To outward appearance, there 3:10. was no possibility of their escape. The
7. Sheltered from the storm. Ps. 27:5; wicked had already begun to triumph, cry- 91:9, 10. ing out, ‘Why doesn’t your God deliver you
8. The armor for the Chistian. Eph. out of our hands? ‘Why don’t you go up, 6:11, 12. and save your lives?’ But the saints heeded
9. The weapon against eviL’Aph. 6:17. them not. Like Jacob, they were wrestling with God. The angels longed to deliver V. When the Crisis Comas ••• them, but they must wait a little longer;
10. God’s people will have. defense. the people of God must drink of the cup, Isa. 33:15, 16. and be baptized with the baptism.”-Early
11. The death decree. Xev. 1`3:15. Writings, pages 283, 284.
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                          THE LESSON  Introduction: An "All-Out"                  NoTE.-"When Christ shall cease His
                                    work as Mediator in man's behalf, then
   Conflict                         this time of trouble will begin. Then the Soldiers of the cross will be called upon   case of every soul will have been decided, to face an "all-out" war against the forces    and there will be no atoning blood to of evil that seek to destroy the soul. This    cleanse from sin."-Patriarchs and Proph- is not .a time when Christians can be con-     ets, page 201. tent with half-hearted measures for spir- itual defense. God has warned that "the        • 2. How does the prophet Joel de- devil is come down unto you, having great      scribe the day of the Lord? Joel 1:15; wrath, because he knoweth that he hath         2:11. but a short time." Rev. 12:12. The question for every soldier of the cross to face is, "Am I prepared to meet my Captain when He returns?" The rem- nant people will endure the testing and          3. What does Jeremiah call the trial because they are established upon        period of distress and trial that will God's word. They will possess patience         come on the earth? Jer. 30:5, 7. and the faith of Jesus.   A Time of Great Trouble
                                       NOTE.-"Jacob's experience during that
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When does the time of trouble night of wrestling and anguish represents begin? Dan. 12:1. the trial through which the people of God [ 41 ] must pass just before Christ’s second com- ing. . . . As Jacob was threatened with death by his angry brother, so the people of God will be in peril from the wicked who are seeking to destroy them. And as the patriarch wrestled all night for de- liverance from the hand of Esau, so the righteous will cry to God day and night for deliverance from the enemies that stir- round them.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 201.

The Door of Mercy Is Closed

What divine proclamation is IN THE TIME OF TROUBLE OUR given at that time concerning man’s ONLY WEAPON IS THE SWORD fate? Rev. 22:11. OF THE SPIRIT.

                                           fail to realize the fulfillment of the Sav-    NOTE.—"When Jesus leaves His position             iour's promise, 'I will keep thee from the as man's Intercessor before God, the solemn          hour of tetnptation, which shall come upon announcement is made, 'He that is unjust,            all the Aiorld.' "—The Great Controversy, let him be unjust still; and he which is             page 619.1 filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and          7. HOw will God intervene to save he that is holy, let him be holy still.' Then        His faithful Ames in the time of Ja- the restraining Spirit of God is withdrawn           cob's trouble? Ps. 27:5; 91:9, 10. from the earth."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 201.

                                              NOTE.—"The Lord permits conflicts, to

In the day of trouble for what prepare the soul for peace. The time of will men search in vain? Amos trouble is a fearful ordeal for God’s peo- 8:11, 12. ple; but it is the time for every true be- liever to look up, and by faith he may see the bow of promise encircling him.”—The Great Controversy, page 633. God’s People in the Hour 8. What spiritual equipment will of Trial enable us to stand in the time of trou- ble? Eph. 6:11, 12.
When God’s people must stand alone in the crisis, what promise will be fulfilled for them? Rev. 3:10. 9. What weapon will help us in our fight against evil? Eph. 6:17. NOTE. —”Though God’s people will be surrounded by enemies who are bent upon their destruction, yet the anguish which Nora.—”The sword of the Spirit, which they suffer is not a dread of persecution is the word of God,” will be the strength for the truth’s sake; they fear that every of every Christian in the darkest hours that sin has not been repented of, and that shall come to this earth. “Only those who through some fault in themselves they will have been diligent students of the Scrip- 42 tures, and who have received the love of blow, which shall utterly silence the voice the truth, will be shielded from the power- of dissent and reproof.”—The Great Con- ful delusion that takes the world captive. troversy, page 635. By the Bible testimony these will detect the deceiver in his disguise. To all, the test- ing time will come. By the sifting of temp- God Delivers His Faithful Ones tation, the genuine Christian will be re- 12. As the faithful remnant look vealed. Are the people of God now so firmly established upon His word that they up in the darkness and • see Jesus com- would not yield to the evidence of their ing in power and glory, what do they senses? Would they, in such a crisis, cling say? Isa. 25:9. to the Bible, and the Bible only?”—The Great Controversy, page 625.

’ When the Crisis Comes 13. What words of praise are given to those who have stood steadfast for.
When famine and distress God in the time of trouble? Rev. sweep over the earth, what loving 7:13, 14. care will the Lord have for His faith- ful ones? Isa. 33:15, 16. NOTE.—”In all ages the Saviour’s chosen have been educated and disciplined in the NOTE.—”The people of God will not be school of trial. They walked in narrow free from suffering; but while persecuted paths on earth;’ they were purified in the and distressed, while they endure priva- furnance of affliction. For Jesus’ sake they tion, and suffer for want of food, they will endured opposition, hatred, calumny. They not be left to perish. That God who cared followed Him through conflicts sore; they for Elijah, will not pass by one of His self- endured self-denial and experienced bitter sacrificing children. He who numbers the disappointments. By their own painful hairs of their head, will care for them; and experience they learned the evil of sin, its in time of famine they shall be satisfied. power, its guilt, its woe; and they look While the wicked are dying from hunger upon it with abhorrence. . . . Having and pestilence, angels will shield the right- been partakers of Christ’s sufferings, they eous, and supply their wants.”—The Great are fitted to be partakers with Him of His Controversy, page 629. glory.”—The Great Controversy, pages 649, 650.
What decree against God’s peo- ple will be issued by the enemies of 14. What glorious promise is given truth? Rev. 13:15. to the redeemed concerning the end of all sorrow and suffering? Rev. 7:16, 17.

NorE.—”A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob’s trouble.”—Life Sketches, page Suggestion for Meditation 117. “When the protection of human laws “To us who are standing on the very shall be withdrawn from those who honor verge of their fulfillment, of what deep the law of God, there will be, in different moment, what living interest, are these lands, a simultaneous movement for their delineations of the things to come,—events destruction. As the time appointed in the for which, since our first parents turned decree draws near, the people will conspire their steps from Eden, God’s children have to root out the hated sect. It will be de- watched and waited, longed and prayed!” termined to strike in one night a decisive —Education, page 183. [ 43 ] Lesson 13, for December 25, 1954

                  When Sorrow and Suffering End

MEMORY VERSE: “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isa. 35:10. STUDY HELP: “The Great Controversy,” pages 662-678.

                       DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1. General survey of the lesson.        5. Ques. 9-12. 2. Key Thought; Introduction;           6. Ques. 13, 14; read Study Help.
 Ques. 1, 2.                        7. Review the entire lesson; read the 3. Ques. 3-5.                               Suggestion for Meditation. 4. Ques. 6-8.

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction: Homesick for Heaven 2. Our citizenship is changed. Col. 1:12, 13.

God’s World of Tomorrow 3. Obedience required to enter God’s
1. A city is prepared. Heb. 11:16. kingdom. Rev. 22:14.
2. A promised new heaven and earth. 4. The promise of eternal happiness. 2 Peter 3:13. Isa. 35:10.
3. A new creation. Isa. 65:17. Key Thought: I11. The End of Heartaches and Tears
4. We shall see His face. Rev. 22:4. Perplexities Will End. “There are
5. Disease, pain, and death are ended. homes for the pilgrims of earth. There are Rev. 21:4. robes for the righteous, with crowns of
6. There shall be no more crying. Isa. glory and palms of victory. All that has 65:19. perplexed us in the providences of God will
7. There shall be no night there. Rev. in the world to come be made plain. The 21:23, 25. things hard to be understood will then find IV. Peace and Security for Evermore explanation. The mysteries of grace will unfold before us. Where our finite minds
8. The redeemed will be secure. Isa. discovered only confusion and broken 65:21, 22. promises, we shall see the most perfect and
9. A land of peace and rest. Isa. 32:18; beautiful harmony. We shall know that 60:18. infinite love ordered the experiences that
10. A land where sickness is unknown. seemed most trying. As we realize the ten- Isa. 33:24; 35:5, 6. der care of Him who makes all things work together for our good, we shall re- V. The Land of Beginning Again joice with joy unspeakable and full of
11. Sin cannot enter. Rev. 21:27. glory.”-Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 286.
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                          THE LESSON Introduction: Homesick for Heaven         reach of sin, suffering, and death. The
                               heroes of faith in the eleventh chapter of   Men of God through the ages have been   Hebrews-sometimes called the Westmin- homesick for that better land beyond the  ster Abbey of the Bible-were not satisfied
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  with this world after they had heard of the home God was preparing for them. “We will never prepare for a better world,” says one writer, “until we are tired of the one we are in.” Are we homesick for God’s new creation? Are we prepared to see our Saviour face to face? May we be able to say as did John, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Rev. 22:20. God’s World of Tomorrow
What has God prepared for those who suffered persecution, sor- row, and trial, yet stood firm in the faith? Heb. 11:16. NO OFFER IN REAL ESTATE EVER COMPARED WITH THIS.
How does the apostle Peter ex- press the longing of every follower of 5. From what enemies will the Christ? 2 Peter 3:13. ransomed of the Lord be forever free? Rev. 21:4.

NoTE.—”We are still amidst the shadows and turmoil of earthly activities. Let us consider most earnestly the blessed here- 6. What will never be heard in the after. Let our faith pierce through every home of the redeemed? Isa. 65:19. cloud of darkness and behold Him who died for the sins of the world. He has opened the gates of paradise to all who re- ceive and believe on Him. To them He NOTE.—”Pain cannot exist in the at- gives power to became the sons and daugh- mosphere of heaven. There will be no ters of God. Let the afflictions which pain more tears, no funeral trains, no badges of us so grievously become instructive lessons, mourning.”—The Great Controversy, page teaching us to press forward toward the 676. mark of the prize of our high calling in Christ. Let us be encouraged by the 7. In the glory of God’s presence thought that the Lord is soon to come.”— what is said concerning the light of Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 286, 287. the city? Rev. 21:23, 25.

What does God say concerning His new creation? Isa. 65:17. NOTE.—”In the city of God ‘there shall be no night.’ None will need or desire re- NoTE.—The margin reads: “Come upon pose. There will be no weariness in doing the heart;” that is, •”to be desired.” The the will of God and offering praise to His former world of sin and suffering will not name. We shall ever feel the freshness of be remembered or desired. the morning, and shall ever be far from its close. ‘And they need no candle, neither The End of Heartaches and Tears light of the sun; for’ the Lord God giveth them light.’ The light of the sun will be superseded by a radiance which is not
What will be the greatest joy of painfully dazzling, yet which immeasurably the redeemed as they enter God’s surpasses the brightness of our noontide. kingdom? Rev. 22:4. The glory of God and the Lamb floods the [ 46 ] Holy City with unfading light. The re- NoTE.—”Giving thanks to the Father, deemed walk in the sunless glory of per- who has qualified us to share in the inherit- petual day.”—The Great Controversy, ance of the saints in light. He has de- page 676. livered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His Peace and Security for Evermore beloved Son.”—R.S.V. translation of Col. 1:12, 13.
What promise of eternal secu- rity is given to the dwellers in the 13. What is the requirement for new earth? Isa. 65:21, 22. citizenship in the kingdom of God? Rev. 22:14.
In contrast to the ravages of war and strife suffered by millions 14. Beyond the trial and sorrow today, what will be their experience of this life, what glorious promise in that new land? Isa. 32:18; 60:18. will be fulfilled? Isa. 35:10.
What will be the physical con- NorE.—”The conflict is over. Tribulation dition of all who enjoy God’s king- and strife are at an end. Songs of victory dom? Isa. 33:24; 35:5, 6. fill all heaven as the ransomed ones take up the joyful strain, Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again, a triumphant conqueror.”—The Acts of the The Land of Beginning Again Apostles, page 602.
How can we be certain that the Suggestion for Meditation curse of sin shall not again appear to mar God’s plan? Rev. 21:27. “The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire uni- verse is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. NOTE.—”The nations of the saved will From Him who created all, flow life and know no other law than the law of heaven.” light and gladness, throughout the realms of –Prophets and Kings, page 732. illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate
For what wonderful change of and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty citizenship may every Christian give and perfect joy, declare that God is love.” thanks? Col. 1:12, 13. —The Great Controversy, page 678..

The senior “Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly” is published in the following foreign languages: Bohemian, Danish-Norwegian, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovakian, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugoslavian. Write to the Inter- national Branch of the Pacific Press at Brookfield, Illinois, for any of these quarterlies for the strangers within your gates.
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THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING December 25, 1954—Taiwan (Formosa)

The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow of the fourth quarter, 1954, will help in establishing the first Seventh-day Adventist sanitarium-hospital on the island of Taiwan (Formosa). It is hoped that the honest in heart who come for physical healing to this institution will feel the evangelizing influ- ence of the gospel and will be drawn to the Saviour. A number of former workers in China have taken up work among the people of Taiwan, and a strong work is going forward through•the Voice of Prophecy Bible correspondence courses and other lines of work. Those who have labored long years in the Orient have shouldered the burden in this land of opportunity. They are earnestly laboring here for the twelve million people of the island, who are mainly Chinese. They are looking to Sabbath- school members round the world to give them a helping hand, through the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, in building their much-needed sanitarium- hospital.

              LESSONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1955
Sabbath-school members who have failed to receive a senior Lesson Quarterly for the first quarter of next year will be helped by the following outline in studying the first les- son. They will thus be able to follow the daily study of the lesson.
The general topic of the lessons is "Lessons From the Miracles of Jesus." The first les- son is entitled "Faith at a Wedding Feast." The memory verse is John 2:5. The study help is The Desire of Ages, pages 144-153. The texts to be studied are:
       Ques. 1. John 2:1 (first part), 2.       Ques. 7. John 2:5.
       Ques. 2. John 2:1, last part.            Ques. 8. John 2:6, 7.
       Ques. 3. John 1:40, 41, 43, 45.          Ques. 9. John 2:8.
       Ques. 4. John 2:3.                       Ques. 10. John 2:9, 10.
       Ques. 5. John 2:4.                       Ques. 11. John 2:11, first part.
       Ques. 6. John 7:3-8, 30; 8:20.           Ques. 12. John 2:11, last part.




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• SOUTH CHINA ISLAND UNION MISSION HSINCHU POPULATION CHURCHES CH. MEM. S.S. MEN. HONG KONG—MACAO MISSION 3,000,000 6 739 1.157 TAIWAN MISSION 8,600000 5 376 1.115 l” UNION TOTALS 11,600,000 II 1,115 2272 1-49s Formosa

                                                                                                        (TAIWAN/   •TAICHUNG

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                                                                                       ISLANDS

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              KOWLOON
               ONG KONG
MACAU
                                                                             SOUTH CHINA SEA

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