God’s Way of Setting Men Right
God’s Way of Setting Men Right
1972 Quater 2
Studies From the Book of Romans
Second Quarter
1972 Adult Division, No. 308, Second Quarter, 1972 Outline of Topics
1. God's Way of Dealing With Sin
2. The Just Judgment of God
3. Made Right With God by Faith
4. Justification Versus Condemnation
5. Christ, the Deliverer From Sin
6. Walking With Jesus
7. God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile
8. Justification by Faith, an Old Testament Principle
9. The Sovereignty and Mercy of God
10. Exhortations to Church Members
11. Love and Tolerance in the Life of the Christian
12. Mercy for the Gentiles
13. Called According to His Purpose
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 308, April-June, 1972. 35 cents a single copy, $1.40 a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94040. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, Cali- fornia. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright, 1972, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Cover painting by Charles Zingaro; PPPA
The Blessing of Daily Study “Every day some portion of time should be appropri- ated to the study of the lessons, not merely in learning to mechanically repeat the words, while the mind does not comprehend the meaning; but to go to the very founda- tion, and become familiar with what is brought out in the lesson.”—Counsels on Sabbath School Work, page 53.
My Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School lesson each day of the week.
(signed)
The regular Sabbath School senior division lessons and reg- ular Sabbath School World Mission Report are available free each month in Braille and 16 2/3 rpm records to blind and phys- ically handicapped persons who cannot read normal inkprint. This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth, cannot hold or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506. GOD’S WAY O SETING MIEN REGFETI (Studies From the Book of Romans) General Introduction
The Jewish colony at Rome to whom the apostle Paul addresses the epistle to the Romans represents in large part people who had come to the city be- cause of its commercial advantages. Some were wealthy and influential. Others were slaves brought from Jerusalem by Pompey to adorn his triumph and later set free. Although the Jews dwelling in Rome enjoyed the favor of the Caesars, they were held in contempt by the general population of the Romans.
There were Jews of the synagogue to whom the gospel had not yet been preached, or by whom it had long since been rejected. Others were in con- temptuous ignorance of "this sect" which was "everywhere spoken against." Acts 28:22. It was to these chief spokesmen that Paul expounded the kingdom of God; and in the epistle he wrote, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Rom. 1:16.
The message of Romans shows how the gospel and the gospel alone fully answers the need which all men have for salvation. It deals with the law, with sin, and with grace. By exaggerating some features and disregarding others, it is easy to give an air of plausibility to very different and widely separated views about Romans. There could be lengthy discussions also about the pur- pose of the epistle.
We could hope that a discussion of the lessons will center not so much about Paul and his background and his times as around what the Lord was saying to that generation and to this one through His servant. All Scripture is given to us "by inspiration of God." There are deep veins of truth in the book of Romans that the people of God need for this time of revival and reformation. Let us not overlook them.
LESSON 1 March 26 to April 1
GOD'S WAY OF DEALING WITH SIN 1
“This epistle [Romans] is really the chief part of the New Testament and the pur- est gospel, which not only deserves to be known by heart by a Christian, word for word, but to be studied daily as the daily bread of the soul.” Martin Luther.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Rom. 1:16.
The Christians at Rome were a commu- by the Jews over others, ‘chiefly, because nity of diverse people drawn from various that unto them were committed the oracles nations and creeds in which practically of God.’ . . . It is of this gospel of Christ, every variety of Christian thought and equally efficacious for Jew and Gentile, that feeling then current found a place. One of Paul in his epistle to the Romans declared the great religious questions of the time he was not ashamed.”—The Acts of the was the relationship of Judaism to Chris- Apostles, page 380. tianity and of Gentile converts to Jewish practices then being observed by Jewish Christians. LESSON OUTLINE Paul hoped to be able to preach the gos- 1. Messenger of the Gospel pel to the Jews of the synagogue in Rome, some of whom held the followers of Christ Rom. 1:1,2 in contempt. It is clear also that Paul hoped 2. The Divine Purpose to preach the gospel to the Gentiles at Rome who had not yet heard it. Rom. 1:5, 6 The book of Romans represents a de- tailed exposition of God’s plan for the sal- 3. The Church in Rome vation of mankind as it is revealed in the Rom. 1:7-10 gospel. The substance of its teaching is that the gospel and the gospel alone fully an- 4. Theme of the Epistle swers the soul’s need for salvation, and this Rom. 1:16 is a need which neither paganism nor Ju- daism could satisfy. 5. Sinners Without Excuse “The apostle regarded himself as ‘debtor Rom. 1:18 both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians,’ as well as to the Jews; but he never lost 6. Results of Apostasy sight of the decided advantages possessed Rom. 1:23-25
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God’s Way of Dealing With Sin LESSON 1 ❑ Sunday March 26 Part 1 “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apos- MESSENGER tle, separated unto the gospel of God, (which He had OF THE GOSPEL promised afore by His prophets in the Holy Scriptures).” Rom. 1:1, 2 While the twelve disciples had been chosen by Jesus and were with Him during His earthly ministry (Acts 1:21), Paul had not enjoyed this advantage. But he was nonetheless an apostle by divine call. Gal. 1:1. Though he considered himself as “one born out of due time” (1 Cor. 15:8), perhaps a refer- ence to the lateness of his conversion, his call was no less real or effectual.
What was the good news Paul sought to preach? Rom.
1:3.
The gospel that tells of Christ's sacrifice for the lost is the
fulfillment of all that was old, the starting point of all that was
new. It says that God has been with us, that He has unveiled
Himself to us here, so that He might be, as man, the restorer
of mankind.
What did Paul offer as proof of the divinity of Christ?
Rom. 1:4.
THINK IT THROUGH We are commissioned, as was Paul, to carry the gospel
to our generation. But now, when transgression has al-
most reached its limit, am I readily satisfied with offering
the Lord trifling acts of service?
“For the epistle to the church at tioning God to work in behalf of the Rome, every Christian has reason to Israelites who had failed to recognize thank God. Jesus of Nazareth as the promised “In this letter Paul gave free expres- Messiah. ‘I say the truth in Christ,’ he sion to his burden in behalf of the Jews. assured the believers at Rome, ‘my con- Ever since his conversion, he had longed science also bearing me witness in the to help his Jewish brethren to gain a Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness clear understanding of the gospel mes- and continual sorrow in my heart. For sage. ‘My heart’s desire and prayer to I could wish that myself were accursed God for Israel is,’ he declared, ‘that from Christ for my brethren, my kins- they might be saved.’ men according to the flesh.’ “—”The “It was no ordinary desire that the Acts of the Apostles,” page 374. apostle felt. Constantly he was peti-
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Prophets and Kings,” page 105; “Gospel Workers,” pages 264, 265.
6 God’s Way of Dealing With Sin LESSON 1 ❑ Monday March 27 Part 2 “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, THE DIVINE for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His PURPOSE name: among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Rom. 1:5, 6 Christ.”
The Scriptures speak of various kinds of calls. One is a call
to civil service. God called Cyrus to the conquest of nations
and to be the protector of Israel. Isa. 45:1, 4. A person's secular
employment is said to be his calling; it is the work to which
God invites him. 1 Cor. 7:20. There is also a call to office, as
when Paul was called to the apostleship. Rom. 1:1. Thus every
true minister of the gospel is called of God. 1 Cor. 12:7-11.
There is also a call to mankind, wherever the gospel is preached,
to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. But though
all without exception are thus invited, few accept and hence
few are chosen. Matt. 22:1-10; Acts 17:30; compare Prov.
8:4; Isa. 55:6, 7.
Through his apostleship, what was Paul to lead the
Gentiles to do? Rom. 1:5, 6.
Today's English Version captures the meaning of the Greek
in a very interesting way:
"Through Him God gave me the privilege of being an apos-
tle, for the sake of Christ, in order to lead people of all nations
to believe and obey. This also includes you who are in Rome,
whom God has called to belong to Jesus Christ."
The gospel calls for a response on the part of the hearer.
1 Peter 1:22; Acts 6:7. God commands as well as invites and
offers. 1 John 3:23. Unbelief and rejection of Christ constitute
rebellion against God. Faith is itself obedience. When God
speaks, men are not to quibble and offer their own reasoning,
but they are to believe and accept.
Who are called of Christ? 1 Cor. 1:2, 7; Acts 9:32;
Eph. 1:1.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I willing to obey all that the Lord has said, or do I have some reservations about what His Word plainly says I should do?
“The warfare against God’s law, the laws of men. Here the dividing line which was begun in heaven, will be will be drawn. There will be but two continued until the end of time. Every classes. Every character will be fully man will be tested. Obedience or dis- developed; and all will show whether obedience is the question to be decided they have chosen the side of loyalty by the whole world. All will be called or that of rebellion.”—”The Desire of to choose between the law of God and Ages,” page 763.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Steps to Christ,” pages 60,61.
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God’s Way of Dealing With Sin LESSON 1 ❑ Tuesday
March 28
Part 3 "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be
THE CHURCH saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and
IN ROME the Lord Jesus Christ.-First, I thank my God through Jesus
Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout
the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve
with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceas-
ing I make mention of you always in my prayers; making
request, if by any means now at length I might have a
Rom. 1:7-10 prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you."
--- It is the grace of God that transforms man into the likeness
of his Maker.
"Through the power of Christ men and women have broken
the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The
profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate
pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satan have become
transformed into the image of God. This change is in itself the
miracle of miracles. A change wrought_by the Word, it is one
of the deepest mysteries-of - the—Word. We—rmot
ca understand
it; we can only believe, as declared by the Scriptures, it is
Christ in you, the hope of glory.'"—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 476.
Why did Paul wish to visit Rome? How does he speak
of those to whom he must preach? Rom. 1:11-15.
Faith is strengthened when it is shared. There is a law per-
vading God's works by which the giver becomes the receiver.
The seed comes back in the harvest; the ocean receives the
rain that it gives off in evaporation. Nothing is so injurious
as selfishness; nothing is so remunerative as benevolence.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I so living that my neighbors will better under-
stand and love God? Am I living up to my privilege to
advance daily in the Christian life?
"In His wisdom the Lord brings those gospel exercises its transforming power who are seeking for truth into touch on mind and heart."—"The Acts of the with fellow beings who know the truth. Apostles," page 134. It is the plan of Heaven that those who "God could have reached His object have received light shall impart it to in saving sinners without our aid; but those in darkness. Humanity, drawing in order for us to develop a character its efficiency from the great Source of like Christ's, we must share in His wisdom, is made the instrumentality, work."—"The Desire of Ages," page the working agency, through which the 142.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Selected Messages,” Bk. 1, pp. 359-361; “Gospel Workers,” pages 265, 266.
8 God’s Way of Dealing With Sin LESSON 1 ❑ Wednesday March 29 Part 4 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it THEME OF THE is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that be- EPISTLE lieveth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” ROM. 1:16 The gospel is power. This power is manifested when a sinner abandons his life of sin. Paul himself was a living illustration of what the power of God can do for a man. The gospel of Christ succeeds even when imprisonment, stripes, destitution, and disgrace have been powerless to reform.
"What is the nature of the righteousness that comes
to us through the gospel? Rom. 1:17.
God's way of dealing with sin is the dominant theme of the
whole epistle. Compare Romans 3:21-26, in which God's righ-
teousness is especially revealed in the death of Christ. Compare
Rom. 10:2 ; Phil. 3:9.
"The righteousness of Christ will not cover one cherished
sin. A man may be a lawbreaker in heart; yet if he commits
no outward act of transgression, he may be regarded by the
world as possessing great integrity. But God's law looks into
the secrets of the heart. Every act is judged by the motives
that prompt it. Only that which is in accord with the principles
of God's law will stand in judgment."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 316.
"Nor is it a righteousness that the sinner must work out for
himself through long and weary processes of thought or evolu-
tion or sacrifice and penance and pilgrimage; it comes to the
believer wholly apart from all that human power can do."—
Milton Charles Wilcox, Studies in Romans, page 21. THINK IT THROUGH If nature shows God's power in creation, and the Flood
furnishes proof of His destructive power, then the gospel
reveals His power to save. Are you ashamed of the gos-
pel? Are you fearful to make known your identification
with it?
“In the matchless gift of His Son, God “As the flower turns to the sun, that has encircled the whole world with an the bright beams may aid in perfecting atmosphere of grace as real as the air its beauty and symmetry, so should we which circulates around the globe. All turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that who choose to breathe this life-giving heaven’s light may shine upon us, that atmosphere will live and grow up to our character may be developed into the stature of men and women in the likeness of Christ.”—”Steps to Christ Jesus. Christ,” page 68.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 3, pp. 333, 377; “The Ministry of Heal- ing,” page 147.
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God’s Way of Dealing With Sin LESSON 1 ❑ Thursday March 30 Part 5 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against SINNERS WITHOUT all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold EXCUSE the truth in unrighteousness.” Rom. 1:18 When men renounce God, they turn to substitutes. In Bible times they chose to worship the works of God’s hands and objects of their own making, including images of themselves. Nothing has been too mean, or too obscene, for man to worship.
What reason does Paul give for the wrath of God
against man? Rom. 1:19, 20.
"Not only the things of nature, but the sacrificial service
and the Scriptures themselves—all given to reveal God—were
so perverted that they became the means of concealing Him."—
Christ's Object Lessons, page 18.
What is the terrible result of apostasy? Rom. 1:21, 22.
Men stand condemned because their conduct does not mea-
sure up to their knowledge of God. Having this knowledge,
they failed to glorify and worship Him who is disclosed in crea-
tion and in their consciences. A darkened mind leads to futility
and frustrated thinking which always ends in foolishness and
chaos.
"It is a mistake to suppose that idolatry was the gradual
growth of well-disposed but unenlightened human thinking. Its
rise was sudden. It was conceived in intentional rebellion. . . .
It was brought into being to counteract the will and worship
of the true and known God."—Seiss, Lectures on the Apoca-
lypse, Vol. 3, p. 119.
"The heathen systems of sacrifice were a perversion of the
system that God had appointed."—The Desire of Ages, page 28. THINK IT THROUGH Could I fall under condemnation because I am not
learning all I could learn about God and the Scriptures?
“God allows men a period of proba- mercy will no longer be heard, and the tion; but there is a point beyond which rebellious element that continues to re- divine patience is exhausted, and the ject the light of truth will be blotted judgments of God are sure to follow. out, in mercy to themselves and to those The Lord bears long with men, and with who would otherwise be influenced by cities, mercifully giving warnings to their example.”—”Prophets and Kings,” save them from divine wrath; but a page 276. time will come when pleadings for
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Great Controversy,” pages 561, 562, 627-629.
10 God’s Way of Dealing With Sin LESSON 1 ❑ Friday
March 31
Part 6 "And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into
RESULTS OF an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and
APOSTASY four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God
also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of
their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between
themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and
worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator,
Rom. 1:23-25 who is blessed forever. Amen."
A hoist operator in a slope mine needs merely to loose the
connection, and the cars by their own weight rush down the
incline and dash themselves to pieces. A physician has merely
to retire when his orders have been repeatedly disregarded, to
deliver his patient to protracted suffering and possibly to a
premature grave. In like manner, if God delivers men who
reject Him to their lusts, they will sink into the lowest depths
and finally to everlasting destruction.
To what extent did God forsake these wicked men?
Rom. 1:26-28.
How complete was their apostasy? Rom. 1:29-32.
"Sin had become a science, and vice was consecrated as a
part of religion. Rebellion had struck its roots deep into the
heart, and the hostility of man was most violent against
heaven."—The Desire of Ages, page 37.
THINK IT THROUGH What form does apostasy take in modern-day churches?
“In its human wisdom the world themselves to be wise, they will become cannot know God. Its wise men gather fools. an imperfect knowledge of God from “Those who think they can obtain a His created works, and then in their knowledge of God aside from His Rep- foolishness they exalt nature and the resentative whom the Word declares is laws of nature above nature’s God. ‘the express image of His person’ (Heb. Those who have not a knowledge of 1:3), will need to become fools in their God through an acceptance of the own estimation before they can be revelation He has made of Himself in wise. It is impossible to gain a perfect Christ, will obtain only an imperfect knowledge of God from nature alone; knowledge of Him in nature; and this for nature itself is imperfect. In its im- knowledge, so far from giving elevated perfection it cannot represent God, it conceptions of God, and bringing the cannot reveal the character of God in whole being into conformity to His will, its moral perfection.”—”Selected Mes- will make men idolators. Professing sages,” Bk. 1, p. 295.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Prophets and Kings, “ pages 305, 306.
11
LL Answers: (1) False; (2) obedience; (3) impart, spiritual gift, established; (4) True; (5) wrath, ungodliness, unrighteousness, truth; (6) Sin had become a science, vice a religion.
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THE JUST JUDGMENT OF GOD 2
"Many professed Christians are in
a fair way to lose both worlds.
To be half a Christian and half a
worldly man makes you about
one-hundredth part a Christian
and all the rest worldly." Ellen
G. White.
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20.
Impartiality is one of the most important LESSON OUTLINE qualifications of a judge. Without it no amount of knowledge or ability can inspire I. Human Versus Divine Judgment confidence. Yet it is by no means a common Rom. 2:1-3 quality. Even the judge who sets out to be conscientious is often influenced by preju- 2. Righteous Judgment of God dices and by the law itself, which, in some Rom. 2:5 instances, may favor the rich above the poor. But God is strictly impartial, and His 3. According to Man’s Deeds law does not favor the rich. He who is righ- Rom. 2:6-10 teous Himself could not favor the unrigh- teous without being implicated in their sin. 4. The Jewish Moralist But God’s impartiality is seen in the fact Rom. 2:17-20 that anyone can ask for and receive His goodness. 5. Circumcision and the Law “God is too pure to behold iniquity. A Rom. 2:25-27 sin is just as grievous in His sight in one case as in another. No exception will be 6. How to Be a True Jew made by an impartial God.”—Testimonies, Rom. 2:28, 29 Vol. 2, p. 447. 13 The Just Judgment of God LESSON 2 ❑ Sunday April 2 Part 1 “Therefore thou art inexcusable, 0 man, whosoever HUMAN VERSUS thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, DIVINE JUDGMENT thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, 0 man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt Rom. 2:1-3 escape the judgment of God?”
It is easy to discover sin in others, and it is simple to join
in general confessions of sin in which we seem to include our-
selves. But it is hard to acknowledge penitently a specific sin
before God. There is in every man a subtle element of self-
flattery which leads him to deny his own offenses while he is
quick to condemn the sins of his neighbors.
What is the attitude toward God's goodness of the
man who judges another yet practices the same things?
Rom. 2:1-3.
"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed
speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in
them to do evil." Eccl. 8:11. It is the goodness of God that
leads Him to bless us; it is His forbearance that holds back
the avenging stroke against sin; it is His long-suffering that
endures much provocation from the sons of men. . . .
"The Pharisees . . . came forth from their religious services,
not humbled with a sense of their own weakness, not grateful
for the great privileges that God had given them. They came
forth filled with spiritual pride. . . .
"The people partook largely of the same spirit, intruding
upon the province of conscience and judging one another in
matters that lay between the soul and God. It was in reference
to this spirit and practice that Jesus said, 'Judge not, that ye
be not judged.'"—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pages
123, 124. THINK IT THROUGH In what ways have I learned the magnitude of sin?
How do I look upon degrees of guilt when I am the guilty
one? Am I looking to the imperfect judgment of my
friends rather than to the true estimate of God?
“Do not set yourself up as a stan- come up to your ideal. Do not criticize dard. Do not make your opinions, your others, conjecturing as to their motives views of duty, your interpretations of and passing judgment upon them.”— Scripture, a criterion for others and in “Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,” your heart condemn them if they do not page 124. FOR FURTHER STUDY: “SDA Bible Commentary,” on Rom. 2:1-3.
14 The Just Judgment of God LESSON 2 ❑ Monday
April 3
Part 2 "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest
RIGHTEOUS up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and reve- JUDGMENT OF GOD lotion of the righteous judgment of God."
Rom. 2:5
The person who continues in sin is not only living danger-
ously today, but he is also treasuring up wrath against the day
of wrath. The man who hardens his heart makes the wrath
that will come upon him at last heavier and heavier by adding
new sins day after day.
What is the difference between what is treasured in
Rom. 2:5 and the "treasure" of Matt. 6:20?
"God has given in His Word decisive evidence that He will
punish the transgressors of His law. Those who flatter them-
selves that He is too merciful to execute justice upon the sinner,
have only to look to the cross of Calvary.. . . All this sacrifice
was made that sinners might be redeemed. In no other way
could man be freed from the penalty of sin. And every soul
that refuses to become a partaker of the atonement provided
at such a cost must bear in his own person the guilt and pun-
ishment of transgression."—The Great Controversy, pages 539,
540.
THINK IT THROUGH What treasure am I storing in my heart? Is there any bad “treasure” that I must clean out in order to make room for the treasure of His Word?
“Every man’s work passes in review men will be tested in the judgment…. before God and is registered for faith- “Those who in the judgment are fulness or unfaithfulness. Opposite each ‘counted worthy’ will have a part •in name in the books of heaven is entered the resurrection of the just. . . . The with terrible exactness every wrong righteous dead will not be raised until word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled after the judgment at which they are duty, and every secret sin, with every accounted worthy of ‘the resurrection artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warn- of life.’ Hence they will not be present ings or reproofs neglected, wasted mo- in person at the tribunal when their ments, unimproved opportunities, the records are examined and their cases influence exerted for good or for evil, decided. Jesus will appear as their ad- with its far-reaching results, all are vocate, to plead in their behalf before chronicled by the recording angel. God.”—”The Great Controversy,” page “The law of God is the standard by 482. which the characters and the lives of
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 4, pp. 384-387.
15
The Just Judgment of God LESSON 2 ❑ Tuesday April 4 Part 3 “Who will render to every man according to his deeds: ACCORDING to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek TO MAN’S DEEDS for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh Rom. 2:6-10 good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.”
Deeds are seeds that continue to produce crops through
many generations. The consequences of man's evil deeds may
end only with the world's end. An ungodly example, wicked
instructions, evil institutions, the blasphemous books which
men write, are on this order. For their good deeds, those who
believe in Jesus receive a reward of grace. Matt. 25:34-36; Heb.
6:10. For their evil deeds those who reject the counsel of God
will be cast into outer darkness.
"Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have
known little of theology, but they have cherished His principles.
. . . Though ignorant of the written law of God, they have
heard His voice speaking to them in nature, and have done
the things that the law required. Their works are evidence that
the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recog-
nized as the children of God."—The Desire of Ages, page 638.
How is God's impartiality in judgment described in
Rom. 2:11-13?
How does God deal with those who do not know the
law? Rom. 2:14-16.
THINK IT THROUGH Do I have a humble and broken heart, subdued by genuine repentance? Do I appreciate the cost of Calvary? Am I truly penitent as I come before God?
“Every day we have been associating low travelers? What efforts have we put with men and women who are judg- forth to bring them to Christ? ment bound. Each day may have been “It is a solemn thing to die, but a the dividing line to some soul; someone far more solemn thing to live. Every may have made the decision which thought and word and deed of our lives shall determine his future destiny. What will meet us again.”—”Testimonies,” has been our influence over these fel- Vol. 5, p. 466.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 5, p. 466; “Christ’s Object Lessons,” pages 310-312.
16 The Just Judgment of God LESSON 2 ❑ Wednesday April 5 Part 4 “Behold thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, THE JEWISH and makest thy boast of God, and knowest His will, and MORALIST approvest the things that are more excellent, being in- structed out of the law; and art confident that thou thy- self art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the Rom. 2:17-20 truth in the law.”
The Jew boasted of his covenant relation with God. The
Jew expected salvation because he was a Jew. He also rested
on his superior knowledge. Divine things had been especially
revealed to him, and on this premise he expected a special favor
from God. The Jew forgot that superior knowledge often
heightens the guilt of sin and increases the certainty, the neces-
sity, and the severity of punishment.
Although the Jewish moralists were preaching to the
Gentiles, what were they themselves doing? Rom. 2:21-23.
"The apostle showed that religion does not consist in rites
and ceremonies, creeds and theories. If it did, the natural man
could understand it by investigation, as he understands worldly
things. Paul taught that religion is a practical, saving energy, a
principle wholly from God, a personal experience of God's
renewing power upon the soul."—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 451.
By their hypocrisy how were the Jews causing the
name of God to be regarded? Rom. 2:24.
THINK IT THROUGH Is my life consistent with the things which I say I believe? Is my standard of conduct only a little above the world’s standards? Or is the distinction decidedly apparent?
“A legal religion can never lead external humiliation, the imposing sac- souls to Christ; for it is a loveless, rifice, proclaim that the doer of these Christless religion. Fasting or prayer things regards himself as righteous, that is actuated by a self-justifying and as entitled to heaven; but it is all spirit is an abomination in the sight of a deception. Our own works can never God. The solemn assembly for worship, purchase salvation.”—”The Desire of the round of religious ceremonies, the Ages,” page 280.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “SDA Bible Commentary,” on Rom. 2:17-20.
17 3—AQT2-71
The Just Judgment of God LESSON 2 ❑ Thursday April 6 Part 5 “For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: CIRCUMCISION but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is AND THE LAW made uncircumcision. . . . And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who Rom. 2:25-27 by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?”
Abraham received circumcision as a sign or seal that he was
a worshiper of the true God. Unfortunately, many of his de-
scendants had the seal without the corresponding experience of
true worship.
What further significance had the rite of circumcision?
Gen. 17:9-14; Acts 7:8.
"The Lord appeared unto Abraham, and said unto him, 'I
am the Almighty God. Walk before Me, and be thou perfect,
and I will make a covenant between Me and thee, and will
multiply thee exceedingly.... '
"He then required of Abraham and his seed circumcision,
which was a circle cut in the flesh, as a token that God had
cut them out and separated them from all nations as His pecu-
liar treasure. By this sign they solemnly pledged themselves that
they would not intermarry with other nations; for by so doing
they would lose their reverence for God and His holy law,
and would become like the idolatrous nations around them."
—Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, pp. 296, 297.
What other sign designated the Jews as worshipers
of the true God? Eze. 20:20.
THINK IT THROUGH In what way ought Christians today to follow the injunction, “come out from among” the world, “be ye separate,” and “touch not the unclean thing”?
“For nearly forty years the children not to receive the sign of the covenant, of Israel are lost to view in the obscur- the rite of circumcision. Their desire to ity of the desert…. During these years return to the land of slavery had shown the people were constantly reminded them to be unworthy of freedom, and that they were under the divine rebuke. the ordinance of the Passover, instituted In the rebellion at Kadesh they had to commemorate the deliverance from rejected God, and God had for the time bondage, was not to be observed.”— rejected them. Since they had proved “Patriarchs and Prophets,” page 406. unfaithful to His convenant, they were
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 189-196, 200.
18 The Just Judgment of God LESSON 2 ❑ Friday April 7 Part 6 “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither HOW TO BE is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he A TRUE JEW is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose Rom. 2:28, 29 praise is not of men, but of God.”
The apostle is proving that both Jews and Gentiles are under
sin. Because the Jew was so blinded, prejudiced, and self-righ-
teous, this was a difficult proposition for him to accept.
What is the meaning of the word Jew? Rom. 2:28, 29.
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary defines "Jew"
as follows:
"A term occurring first in the time of Jeremiah designating
a citizen or subject of the kingdom of Judah (2 Ki 25:25; Jer
32:12; 34:9; etc.). But the derived Hebrew term Yehiidith
occurs much earlier, in the days of King Hezekiah, to designate
the Hebrew language (2 Ki 18:26; Is 36:11). Most of the re-
turning exiles belonged to the tribe of Judah, since this restored
community was established by those who had been carried cap-
tive from the kingdom of Judah nearly 70 years before."—
Page 575.
What is true circumcision? Rom. 2:29. Compare Jer.
4:4.
"True circumcision is the worship of Christ in spirit and
truth, not in forms and ceremonies, with hypocritical pretense."
—Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 399. THINK IT THROUGH What is there in outward rites and practices which,
of itself, can be acceptable to God? Since I have been
baptized with water, have I ever examined myself to
determine if I have been baptized with the Holy Spirit?
“In the past, Christ had been ap- vice was passing away, and possessed proached through forms and cere- no virtue. ‘The hour cometh,’ He said, monies, but now He was upon the ‘and now is, when the true worshipers earth, calling attention directly to Him- shall worship the Father in spirit and self, presenting a spiritual priesthood, in truth; for the Father seeketh such to and placing the sinful human agent at worship Him. God is a Spirit; and they the footstool of mercy. . . . that worship Him must worship Him in “These lessons Christ gave in His spirit and in truth.’ “—”Fundamentals of teaching, showing that the ritual ser- Christian Education,” page 399.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “SDA Bible Commentary,” on Rom. 2:28, 29; “The Acts of the Apostles,” page 204; “Fundamentals of Christian Education,” page 399.
19
The Just Judgment of God LESSON 2 April 8
Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
- True or False: It is easier to discover sin in others than to acknowledge
one’s own sins
-
True or False: One who continues in sin is not necessarily in any danger.
-
Complete: “But , and , to every man that worketh good,
to the first, and also to the
- True or False: Our religious experience is based mainly on rites, cere-
monies, and creeds
- Complete: “And hallow • and they shIall be a between
Me and you, that ye may know that I am the
- How does God look upon the spiritual attainments of Jews as against
Gentiles)
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LESSON 3 April 9-15
MADE RIGHT WITH GOD BY FAITH 3
"Faith is the only condition upon
which justification can be ob-
tained, and faith includes not
only belief but trust." Ellen G.
White.
“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Rom. 3:24.
“Since men have nothing by which they may set themselves right with God, justifi- LESSON OUTLINE cation must come as a free gift. Only when in all humility a man is prepared to ac- 1. Sinners Justified by Faith knowledge that he is destitute of the glory Rom. 3:21, 22 of God and that he has nothing in himself that would commend him to God is he 2. Boasting Excluded enabled by faith to accept justification as Rom. 3:25-30 a free gift. . . . “The distinctive meaning attached to the 3. Faith Establishes the Law term ‘grace’ in the NT, and especially in the Rom. 3:31 writings of Paul, is that of the abundant, saving love of God toward sinners as re- 4. How God Justifies the Ungodly vealed in Jesus Christ. . . . Rom. 4:4-8 “As in the case of the Israelites in their deliverance from Egypt, so also now our 5. Not Through Law, but Through participation in the divine plan of redemp- Faith tion from sin requires the exercise of faith, Rom. 4:13 a personal acknowledgment and acceptance of Jesus as our Redeemer, with all that such 6. Imputed Righteousness a step implies.”—SDA Bible Commentary, Rom. 4:20-22 on Rom. 3:24. 21 Made Right With God by Faith LESSON 3 ❑ Sunday April 9 Part 1 “But now the righteousness of God without the law is SINNERS JUSTIFIED manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; BY FAITH even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there Rom. 3:21, 22 is no difference.”
"When God pardons the sinner, remits the punishment he
deserves, and treats him as though he had not sinned, He
receives him into divine favor, and justifies him through the
merits of Christ's righteousness. The sinner can be justified only
through faith in the atonement made through God's dear Son,
who became a sacrifice for the sins of the guilty world. No one
can be justified by any works of his own. He can be delivered
from the guilt of sin, from the condemnation of the law, from
the penalty of transgression, only by virtue of the suffering,
death, and resurrection of Christ. Faith is the only condition
upon which justification can be obtained, and faith includes
not only belief but trust." — Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 389.
Why is God's means of righteousness needed? Rom.
3:22, 23.
By what means is justification freely supplied? Rom.
3:24.
"What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in
laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that
which is not in his power to do for himself. When men see
their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with
the righteousness of Christ."—Ellen G. White, The Faith I
Live By, page 111.
THINK IT THROUGH What is there in Israel’s experience of putting blood on the lintels and doorposts that suggests how I might accept the righteousness of Christ? Is this experience of accepting the righteousness of Christ one that I can say is truly my own?
“We have no righteousness of our If you give yourself to Him, and accept own with which to meet the claims of Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as the law of God. But Christ has made a your life may have been, for His sake way of escape for us. He lived on earth you are accounted righteous. Christ’s amid trials and temptations such as we character stands in place of your Char- have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He aCteriand’you-are-accepte-d’before God died for us, and now He offers to take just as if you had not sinned.”—”Steps our sins and give us His righteousness. tc Christ,” page 62.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1109; “Selected Mes- sages,” Bk. 1, pp. 359-361.
22 Made Right With God by Faith LESSON 3 El Monday April 10 Part 2 “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through BOASTING faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the EXCLUDED remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which be- lieveth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is He the God of the Jews only? is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circum- Rom. 3:25-30 cision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.”
When we speak of Christ as being a propitiation for sin, we
imply that He was appointed by God the Father to make an
atonement for mankind. We indicate also that He took upon
Himself the guilt of His people and that He suffered the punish-
ment which they deserved.
"Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated
as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He
had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness,
in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was
ours, that we might receive the life which was His. 'With His
stripes we are healed.' "—The Desire of Ages, page 25.
Of what specific boasting does Paul say the Jews were
guilty? Rom. 2:17, 23.
Are there places for good works in the life of a Chris-
tian? 1 Tim. 5:9, 10; 6:18; 2 Tim. 3:17.
THINK IT THROUGH Righteousness is a condition of character rather than conduct. Am I struggling to make an impression upon my fellow believers, or am I asking the Lord to help me to be right with Him?
“We do not earn salvation by our will of God as expressed in the precepts obedience; for salvation is the free gift of His holy law. . . . Righteousness is of God to be received by faith. But defined by the standard of God’s holy obedience is the fruit of faith…. If we law, as expressed in the ten precepts abide in Christ, if the love of God given on Sinai.”—”Steps to Christ,” dwells in us, our feelings, our thoughts, page 61. our actions, will be in harmony with the
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Great Controversy,” pages 467, 468; “SDA Bible Com- mentary,” on Rom. 3:25-30.
23
Made Right With God by Faith LESSON 3 ❑ Tuesday April 11 Part 3 “Do we then make void the law through faith? God FAITH ESTABLISHES forbid: yea, we establish the law.” THE LAW Rom. 3:31 “God does not use His great and precious grace to make of none effect His law, but to establish His law. What is the decision of Paul? He says: ‘What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law. . . . For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and [the commandment then ended?—No.] I [Paul] died. . . . Wherefore the law is [stand- ing directly in the way of my having liberty and peace?—No.] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good’ (Rom. 7:7-12).”—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 347.
What besides faith operates in justification? James
2:20-24.
"That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men
from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but pre-
sumption. 'By grace are ye saved through faith.' But 'faith, if
it bath not works, is dead.' . . . Jesus said of Himself before
He came to earth, `I delight to do Thy will, 0 My God: yea,
Thy law is within My heart.' . . . And just before He ascended
again to heaven He declared, `I have kept My Father's com-
mandments, and abide in His love.'"—Steps to Christ, page 61.
Are the statements in the book of James contrary to
those in Romans?
At first they may seem to be in contradiction, but actually
the teaching of James complements the teaching of Paul. To
establish the connection between faith and works is one of
the purposes of the epistle of James. THINK IT THROUGH Those who have accepted the gospel as a revelation
of the righteousness of Christ and have known its power
in the life will never be ashamed of it. Have I accepted
His righteousness?
“It was to atone for man’s transgres- sacrifice, not to destroy God’s law, not sion of the law that Christ laid down to create a lower standard, but that His life. Could the law have been justice might be maintained, that the changed or set aside, then Christ need law might be shown to be immutable, not have died. By His life on earth He that it might stand fast forever.”— honored the law of God. By His death “Christ’s Object Lessons,” page 314. He established it. He gave His life as a FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Christ’s Object Lessons,” page 128; “The Great Contro- versy,” pages 468, 584. 24 Made Right With God by Faith LESSON 3 ❑ Wednesday April 12 Part 4 “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned HOW GOD of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but JUSTIFIES believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is THE UNGODLY counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are cov- ered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute Rom. 4:4-8 sin.”
When Jesus confers sight upon a blind man, the man ceases
to be in darkness; and when a rich man confers wealth upon
a poor man, the poor man ceases to be in poverty. Just so
surely, when justification is conferred upon the ungodly, his
ungodliness is done away. His godliness is not the ground upon
which the gift was awarded. But just as sight and riches come
from outside, so a life of godliness comes out of the gift of
justification.
"We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet
the claims of the law of God. But Christ has made a way of
escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations
such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for
us, and now He offers to take our sins and give us His righ-
teousness. If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your
Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake
you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place
of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if
you had not sinned."—Steps to Christ, page 62.
What Old Testament example does Paul use to prove
that justification by faith is imbedded in the Scriptures
of the old covenant? Rom. 4:1-3.
THINK IT THROUGH If you were walking in a dark place, not knowing the road, and someone offered you a light, would you refuse to accept it? But have you fully accepted the provi- sion of the light of the gospel? Have you accepted the pardon which Jesus offers for all your sins?
“Having made us righteous through being justified by faith, we have peace the imputed righteousness of Christ, with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: God pronounces us just, and treats us by whom also we have access by faith as just. He looks upon us as His dear into this grace wherein we stand, and children. Christ works against the rejoice in hope of the glory of God.’” power of sin, and where sin abounded, —”Selected Messages,” Bk. 1, p. 394. grace much more abounds. ‘Therefore
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Selected Messages,’ ‘ Bk. 1, pp. 330, 367, 377, 389, 391.
25 4—AQT2-71
Made Right With God by Faith LESSON 3 ❑ Thursday
April 13
Part 5 “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the
NOT THROUGH LAW world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the
BUT THROUGH FAITH law, but through the righteousness of faith.”
Rom. 4:13
“The Bible plainly teaches that the promises made to Abra-
ham are to be fulfilled through Christ. All that are Christ’s are
Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise'—heirs to
an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth
not away’—the earth freed from the curse of sin.”—Patriarchs
and Prophets, page 170.
What argument does Paul make to point out the con-
nection between law and promise? Rom. 4:13-15.
"The fulfillment of God's promise may seem to be long de-
layed—for 'one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and
a thousand years as one day' . . . ; it may appear to tarry; but
at the appointed time 'it will surely come, it will not tarry.'
. . . The gift to Abraham and his seed included not merely the
land of Canaan, but the whole earth. So says the apostle, `The
promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to
Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the
righteousness of faith.' . . . And the Bible plainly teaches that
the promises made to Abraham are to be fulfilled through
Christ."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 170.
To how many is the promise made sure through faith?
Rom. 4:16, 17.
The expression, "a father of many nations," is taken from
Gen. 17:5. God gave him that name because He foresaw the
multitudes from among all peoples who would exercise the
same faith that Abraham manifested. THINK IT THROUGH If a man is truly free only in proportion as he lives
within God's law, then how free am I?
“The Saviour longs to manifest His there are triumphs to be achieved that grace and stamp His character on the will bring glory to God and the Lamb. whole world. It is His purchased posses- Christ will not be satisfied till the vic- sion, and He desires to make men free, tory is complete, and ‘He shall see of and pure, and holy. Though Satan the travail of His soul, and shall be works to hinder this purpose, yet satisfied.’ Isa. 53:11.”—”The Desire of through the blood shed for the world Ages,” pages 827, 828.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Patriarchs and Prophets,” page 170; “Gospel Workers,” pages 161, 162, 301.
26 Made Right With God by Faith LESSON 3 ❑ Friday April 14 Part 6 “He [Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God IMPUTED through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to RIGHTEOUSNESS God; and being fully persuaded that, what He had prom- ised, He was able also to perform. And therefore it was Rom. 4:20-22 imputed to him for righteousness.”
It was God's purpose that Abraham should be an outstand-
ing example of the power of faith. It was therefore necessary
that his faith should be tested in a special way. To this end
God gave him a promise that in his seed should all the nations
of the earth be blessed, and yet for many years he remained
without an heir. His faith triumphed through it all, and he
believed the promises of God. By such unquestioning faith and
confidence Abraham brought glory to God. The more difficult
the fulfillment of the promise, the more wonderful was Abra-
ham's faith.
Why was Abraham's faith imputed to him for righ-
teousness? Rom. 4:18-21.
"Faith that enables us to receive God's gifts is itself a gift,
of which some measure is imparted to every human being. It
grows as exercised in appropriating the Word of God. In order
to strengthen faith, we must often bring it in contact with the
Word."—Education, pages 253, 254.
To whom else shall faith be imputed for righteousness?
Rom. 4:24, 25.
THINK IT THROUGH Being justified, or accounted righteous, I have a title to heaven. Am I growing as I should through sanctifica- tion? Do I love God and His Word better as the days go by?
“When we submit ourselves to Christ, of sin, but His own robe of righteous- the heart is united with His heart, the ness, which is perfect obedience to the will is merged in His will, the mind be- law of Jehovah…. comes one with His mind, the thoughts “Righteousness is rightdoing, and it are brought into captivity to Him; we is by their deeds that all will be judged. live His life. This is what it means to Our characters are revealed by what be clothed with the garment of His we do. The works show whether the righteousness. Then as the Lord looks faith is genuine.”—”Christ’s Object Les- upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf gar- sons,” page 312. ment, not the nakedness and deformity
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Selected Messages,” Bk. 1, pp. 215, 236-241, 317, 363, 392.
27
Made Right With God by Faith LESSON 3 April 15
Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS 0 TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
-
How many ways are listed by which man may obtain righteousness?
-
Complete: “It is one , which shall justify the circumcision by
, and through faith." -
True or False: God uses grace to make His law of none effect
-
Complete: “Abraham , and it was unto him
for
- True or False: The Bible teaches that the promises made to Abraham are
fulfilled through Christ.
-
What does imputed righteousness do for the person who accepts it?
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28 LESSON 4 April I6-22
JUSTIFICATION VERSUS CONDEMNATION 4
"One step off a precipice consti-
tutes the fall that kills. Negatives
are like that. Christ, on the other
hand, had to finish His work in
order to attain its goal and result.
Positives are like that." R. C. H.
Lenski.
“God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8.
Many passages of Scripture show that LESSON OUTLINE God alone justifies. See Micah 6:7; Ps. 49:7; Isa. 45:21, 22. “Paul has plainly shown that all men, 1. Peace Through Christ Jews and Gentiles alike, are sinners under Rom. 5:1, 2 condemnation and in need of righteousness. He has proved that this need of righteous- 2. Christ Died for the Ungodly ness cannot be met legalistically by works of Rom. 5:5-8 obedience (ch. 3:20). But as revealed in the good news of the gospel, God has done 3. Saved From Wrath and everything necessary to supply man’s need. Reconciled God offers to everyone, as a free gift of His Rom. 5:9, 10 grace, complete pardon and reconciliation through faith in Jesus Christ, who has lived, 4. Relationship Between Sin and died, and risen again for the redemption Law and restoration of fallen man. Having thus Rom. 5:12, 13 established the doctrine of righteousness by faith as the only way in which Jews and 5. From Condemnation to Gentiles together may, like Abraham, ob- Justification tain justification, Paul now proceeds to ex- Rom. 5:18, 19 plain some of the benefits that come to those who have shared in this saving ex- 6. Death and Resurrection perience.”—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rom. 6:1-4 Rom. 5:1. 29 29 Justification Versus Condemnation LESSON 4 ❑ Sunday April 16 Part 1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace PEACE THROUGH with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we CHRIST have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, Rom. 5:1, 2 and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
A man who owes a debt can be justified only when that debt
is paid, either by him or by someone who pays it on his
behalf. Similarly, a man defiled in sin can be justified. The only
way by which God can count a sinner righteous is through
justification. Faith unites a man with Christ and enables him
to appropriate the Saviour's righteousness.
"Christ is 'the Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6), and it is His
mission to restore to earth and heaven the peace that sin has
broken. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ.' Romans 5:1. Whoever con-
sents to renounce sin and open his heart to the love of Christ,
becomes a partaker of this heavenly peace."—Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing, page 27.
In what other experience should the Christian rejoice?
Rom. 5:3.
What blessing in addition to peace does the believer
receive through Christ? Rom. 5:3, 4.
Having spoken of rejoicing in God, Paul now declares that
the Christian should rejoice in tribulations also. Not, that is, in
the sense of enjoying them while he endures them (for the
children of God suffer when they experience pain, depression,
et cetera), but in the knowledge that trials develop endurance,
provide experience, and inspire hope.
The word translated "patience" includes the qualities of
endurance and constancy. Certainly God is seeking not.only one
who will merely endure suffering, but one who will speak up
when his godly witness is needed.
The English word "tribulation" comes from the Old Latin
word tribulum, a threshing instrument used to pound out the
grain. THINK IT THROUGH Jesus never spoke of the cross as His, but always as
ours. What important lesson does this have for me?
“Whoever consents to renounce sin with love. He who is at peace with and open his heart to the love of Christ, God and his fellowmen cannot be made becomes a partaker of this heavenly miserable. Envy will not be in his heart; peace. There is no other ground of evil surmisings will find no room there; peace than this. The grace of Christ, hatred cannot exist.”—Ellen G. White, received into the heart, subdues en- “In Heavenly Places,” page 35. mity; it allays strife and fills the soul
30 Justification Versus Condemnation LESSON 4 ❑ Monday
April 17
Part 2 "Hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God
CHRIST DIED is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is FOR THE UNGODLY given unto us. For when we were yet without strength,
in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for
a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a
good man some would even dare to die. But God corn-
mendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet
Rom. 5:5-8 sinners, Christ died for us."
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every pur-
pose under the heaven," wrote Solomon (Eccl. 3:1) ; thus there
was an appropriate time for the manifestation of God in the
flesh. When the world was weary of waiting, like a sufferer
worn out with a long sickness, in "due" time, the Saviour came.
Christ was a friend to us in our time of urgent need. We
were in sin. We did not deserve the great sacrifice He came to
make on our behalf. Our utter unworthiness is the measure of
His infinite, condescending love. From a human standpoint,
He had every reason to abandon us to our fate; but He did
not, and therein lies the supreme vindication of the divine char-
acter and government.
What basis did Paul have for being so certain that
"hope maketh not ashamed"? Ps. 22:5.
In what way is the "due time" of Christ's first coming
elsewhere referred to in Scripture? Gal. 4:4; Mark 1:15.
THINK IT THROUGH God commended, not His wisdom, power, holiness, or wealth, toward us, but His love. While we were at the worst, He did the best for us. What are we doing for Him?
“Think of how much it cost Christ to to lie in the tomb as human beings leave the heavenly courts, and take His must, and to be raised for our justifica- position at the head of humanity. Why tion. He came to become acquainted did He do this? Because He was the with all the temptations wherewith man only one who could redeem the fallen is beset. He rose from the grave and race. There was not a human being in proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of the world who was without sin. The Son Joseph, ‘I am the resurrection, and the of God stepped down from His heav- life.’ One equal with God passed enly throne, laid off His royal robe and through death in our behalf.”—Ellen G. kingly crown, and clothed His divinity White, “In Heavenly Places,” page 13. with humanity. He came to die for us,
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Prophets and Kings,” pages 369, 370; “Testimonies,” Vol. 6, pages 479-482.
31
Justification Versus Condemnation LESSON 4 ❑ Tuesday April 18 Part 3 “Much more then, being now justified by His blood, SAVED FROM WRATH we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when AND RECONCILED we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall Rom. 5:9, 10 be saved by His life.”
The death of Christ was substitutionary. We might compare
it to the death of a mother bird hovering over her young in
order to protect them, and giving her own life that they might
live. Christ is our protection against the fiery darts of tempta-
tion the evil one hurls at us, and our shield against the sting
of eternal death that would otherwise be the inevitable result
of sin. He overcame sin and its penalty, death, in order that we
might overcome.
What is reconciliation? 2 Cor. 5:18-20.
What does reconciliation bring to the sinner? Rom.
5:11.
The believer is fully reconciled to the Father. There is now
no gulf of separation, for the justified one has benefited by
Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Reconciliation begins with a con-
viction of sin and is followed by repentance, remission of sin,
partaking of the divine nature, and adoption into the family
of God.
"Christ's sacrifice in behalf of man was full and complete.
The condition of the atonement had been fulfilled. The work
for which He had come to this world had been accomplished."
—The Acts of the Apostles, page 29. THINK IT THROUGH Have I with the eye of faith beheld Jesus uplifted on
the cross for my redemption? Is He real to me? Do I
know with what infinite patience and love His face is
turned toward me, seeking to win me from death to life?
“Reconciliation means that every bar- pardon the transgressor who accepts rier between the soul and God is re- the merits of Christ. Christ was the moved, and that the sinner realizes channel through which the mercy, love, what the pardoning love of God means. and righteousness might flow from the By reason of the sacrifice made by heart of God to the heart of the sinner.” Christ for fallen men, God can justly —”Selected Messages,” Bk. 1, p. 396.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 9, pp. 191-193; “Selected Messages,” Bk. 1, pp. 326-330.
32 Justification Versus Condemnation LESSON 4 ❑ Wednesday April 19 Part 4 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, RELATIONSHIP and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for BETWEEN that all have sinned: (for until the law sin was in the SIN AND LAW world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law).” Rom. 5:12, 13 Sin entered the world as a wolf into a fold, as a plague into a house, as an enemy to destroy, as a thief to rob, as a poison to contaminate. Furthermore, it was “by one man” that “sin entered into the world.” Sin is “the transgression of the law,” and the “one man” by whom it entered into the world was Adam. Satan, filled with malignant hatred against God, became the tempter. Our first parents yielded, thus changing the course of nature and bringing about consequences which will be felt till the end of time.
What is the difference between Adam's sin and the
sins of his descendants? Rom. 5:14.
"Adam could not transmit to his posterity that which he
did not possess; and there could have been no hope for the
fallen race had not God, by the sacrifice of His Son, brought
immortality within their reach. While 'death passed upon all
men, for that all have sinned,' Christ 'bath brought life and
immortality to light through the gospel.' "—The Great Con-
troversy, page 533.
What is the relationship between Adam's sin and the
law?
THINK IT THROUGH Do I take sin seriously? Do I appreciate the intense suffering of Jesus on my behalf?
“With what intense interest the whole Will they accept his falsehoods as universe watched the conflict that was truth? to decide the position of Adam and Eve. “Adam and Eve persuaded them- How attentively the angels listened to selves that in so small a matter as eat- the words of Satan, the originator of ing of the forbidden fruit, there could sin, as he . . . sought to make of none not result such terrible consequences as effect the law of God through his de- God had declared. But this small matter ceptive reasoning! How anxiously they was sin, the transgression of God’s im- waited to see if the holy pair would be mutable and holy law, and it opened deluded by the tempter, and yield to the floodgates of death and untold woe his arts! They asked therbselves, Will upon our world. . . . Let us not esteem the holy pair transfer their faith and sin as a trivial thing.”—Ellen G. White, love from the Father and Son to Satan? “That I May Know Him,” page 14.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Early Writings,” page 149.
33 5— AQT2-7 1
Justification Versus Condemnation LESSON 4 El Thursday April 20 Part 5 “Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came FROM upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteous- CONDEMNATION ness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justifica- TO JUSTIFICATION tion of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many Rom. 5:18, 19 be made righteous.”
Both sin and death entered the world by the first man,
Adam. The origin of evil is a deep mystery, but its introduc-
tion to our world is a historical fact clearly stated in the Bible.
God made Adam the father of all living, and gave him dominion
over all creation. But Adam failed. He was this world's original
sinner, and his descendants today continue to sin and die. Only
the grace of God can keep them from becoming victims of their
own transgression.
What result came from Adam's disobedience? Rom.
5:18-20.
"Man has fallen; and it will be the work of a lifetime, be
it longer or shorter, to recover from that fall, and regain,
through Christ, the image of the divine, which he lost by sin
and continued transgression. God requires a thorough transfor-
mation of soul, body, and spirit in order to regain the estate
lost through Adam."—Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 448.
"To learn of Christ means to receive His grace, which is His
character. But those who do not appreciate and utilize the
precious opportunities and sacred influences granted them on
earth, are not fitted to take part in the pure devotion of heaven.
Their characters are not molded according to the divine simili-
tude. By their own neglect they have formed a chasm which
nothing can bridge."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 271. THINK IT THROUGH Do we appreciate the great honor God has bestowed
upon us, of making us His sons and daughters, heirs of
His kingdom?
“Christ was tempted by Satan in a lived the law of God, and honored it hundredfold severer manner than was in a world of transgression, revealing Adam, and under circumstances in ev- to the heavenly universe, to Satan, and ery way more trying. The deceiver to all the fallen sons and daughters of presented himself as an angel of light, Adam that through His grace humanity but Christ withstood his temptations. can keep the law of God. He came to He redeemed Adam’s disgraceful fall, impart His own divine nature, His own and saved the world. . . . jci.e, to the repentant, believing “In His human nature He maintained -sOur”—Ellen G. White, “My Life Today,” the purity of His divine character. He page 323.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 5, p. 384.
34 Justification Versus Condemnation LESSON 4 ❑ Friday April 21 Part 6 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, DEATH AND that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that RESURRECTION are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were bapized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even Rom. 6:1-4 so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Abounding sin required abounding grace. Those who accept
the provisions of the gospel renounce sin and are "dead" to it.
"Those who have put on Christ by baptism, by this act
showing their separation from the world, and that they have
covenanted to walk in newness of life, should not set up idols
in their hearts. Those who have once rejoiced in the evidence
of sins forgiven, who have tasted the Saviour's love and who
then persist in uniting with the foes of Christ, rejecting the
perfect righteousness that Jesus offers them and choosing the
ways that He has condemned, will be more severely judged
than the heathen who have never had the light and have never
known God or His law."—Testimonies, Vol. 3, pp. 365, 366.
What is the underlying purpose of baptism? Rom.
6:5-1 1.
Baptism is, first, a figure of the death of the believer to sin.
Then, having been buried with Christ, we rise with Him in
newness of life. Christ was raised by "the glory of the Father"
so that we might begin a new kind of life.
What three great gospel facts does baptism represent?
1 Cor. 15:3,4.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I as diligent in living by my baptismal vows as when I first accepted Christ?
“Christ made baptism the entrance their new relations. Publicly they have to His spiritual kingdom. . . . Those declared that they will no longer live who receive the ordinance of baptism in pride and self-indulgence. . . . They thereby make a public declaration that are bound by a solemn covenant to live they have renounced the world, and to the Lord. They are to use for Him all have become members of the royal their entrusted capabilities.”—Ellen G. family. . . . White Comments, “SDA Bible Commen- “Those who do this are to make all tary,” Vol. 6, p. 1075. worldly considerations secondary to
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Child Guidance,” page 499.
35
Justification Versus Condemnation LESSON 4 April 22
Part 7 ‘0’ SUMMARY QUESTIONS G TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
- True or False: Whoever consents to renounce sin and open his heart to
Jesus becomes a partaker of His heavenly peace.
-
At what time in our experience did God commend His love toward us?
-
Complete: “Much more then, being now by His , we ,, shall be from through
-
Multiple choice: Adam violated a command of God that was (a) not un-
derstood (b) specific and plain (e) only comprehended afterward.
23
-
Complete: “But where abounded, did much more
-
Of what is baptism a symbol>
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36 LESSON 5 April 23-29
CHRIST, THE DELIVERER FROM SIN 5
"If a judge pardons and releases
a thief who has deserved the
gallows, this is abrogating the
law through grace. If, now, the
thief were rashly to conclude and
boast: I am now under grace and
may do as I please, for now there
is no law of which I need be
afraid—who would put up with
such a fellow?" Martin Luther. "Now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." Rom. 6:22.
“The Christian does not look for salva- LESSON OUTLINE tion legalistically, as if he could be saved by his own works of obedience. . . He 1. Sin Not to Reign acknowledges that he is a transgressor of Rom. 6:12, 13 the divine law, that in his own strength he is wholly incapable of fulfilling its require- 2. A Wonderful Promise ments, that he justly deserves to be under Rom. 6:14, 15 its condemnation, and surrenders himself through faith in Christ to the grace and 3. From Servants of Sin mercy of God. Then, by the grace of God to Servants of God . . . his sinful past is forgiven and he re- Rom. 6:19-22 ceives divine power to walk in newness of life. When a man is ‘under law,’ despite his 4. Marriage Law Binding for Life best efforts sin continues to have dominion Rom. 7: 1 -3 over him, because the law cannot set him free from the power of sin. Under grace, 5. Carnal Nature and the Law however, the struggle against sin is no Rom. 7:13-16 longer a forlorn hope, but a certain tri- umph.”—SDA Bible Contmentary, on Rom. 6. A Clash of Laws 6 : 14. Rom. 7:17-20
37
Christ, The Deliverer From Sin LESSON 5 ❑ Sunday
April 23
Part 1 "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that SIN NOT TO REIGN ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye
your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto
sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive
from the dead, and your members as instruments of
Rom. 6:12, 13 righteousness unto God."
Peace, moral beauty, and strength are destroyed wherever
sin has the ruling power. It is a cancer that eats its way grad-
ually, yet effectually, to the very roots of our being. We are
all subject to some authority; it is for us to decide whose
government it will be. We cannot govern ourselves; we must
serve either righteousness or sin. How thankful we ought to be
that there is a higher, stronger, purer power ready to enter the
heart and rule there. We are under no obligation to let sin
have the throne. The Holy Spirit is willing to govern if man
will open his heart and let Him have His way.
"I was referred to this scripture: [Rom. 6:12, 13, quoted].
. . . Professed Christians, if no further light is given you than
that contained in this text, you will be without excuse if you
suffer yourselves to be controlled by base passions."—Counsels
on Health, page 569.
How does Paul emphasize the relationship of the
physical body to the Christian's experience? Rom. 6:12,
13.
In what graphic words does Paul describe his own
fight against the lusts of the flesh? 1 Cor. 9:27.
THINK IT THROUGH Do I keep constant guard against the entrance of sin to which I know I am prone? If I do not, and sin has my consent, it is said to reign over me.
“In this conflict of righteousness soul.”—”Messages to Young People,” against unrighteousness we can be suc- page 55. cessful only by divine aid. Our finite “When you suffer the fires of unhal- will must be brought into submission lowed passion to light up the eye, when to the will of the Infinite; the human you speak words that drive the holy will must be blended with the divine. angels from you, when you think evil This will bring the Holy Spirit to our of your brethren, when you profane aid; and every conquest will tend to the your hands with the gains of ungodli- recovery of God’s purchased possession, ness, you are yielding your members to the restoration of His image in the as instruments of unrighteousness.”— “Testimonies,” Vol. 5, p. 116.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 5, pp. 117-121.
38 Christ, The Deliverer From Sin LESSON 5 ❑ Monday April 24 Part 2 “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are A WONDERFUL not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall PROMISE we sin, because we are not under the law, but under Rom. 6:14, 15 grace? God forbid.”
We must never forget that it is the nature of sin to grow.
Weeds generally grow faster than flowers. First, there is an
empty space, a life unfenced, no sense of danger. Sin enters
unobserved and grows stronger and stronger until it over-
shadows the whole moral being.
What promise is given those who yield themselves to
God? Rom. 6:14, 15.
Sin shall not be allowed to rule over us because of our faith
in Christ's atoning death on the cross and our death to sin. The
penalty demanded by the law has been paid; therefore be-
lievers are not subject to the law's claims. In contrast, the
believer is now under grace; that is, he is the subject of God's
gracious kindness, and God imparts the grace that enables His
children to conquer sin.
If we are not under sin's dominion, can we still be
slaves? Rom. 6:16.
"From the slavery of sin it is possible to pass into the service
and slavery of God. We may get free from sin, and then shall
we be at liberty to serve God and be His slaves. . . . The
slavery . . . is a yielding of ourselves. In both slaveries we must
remember that the will is not forced, but free. . . . No one
forces our hand."—The Pulpit Commentary, on Rom. 6:12-23,
page 180. THINK IT THROUGH Am I content to be a servant of Satan, or am I earnestly
striving to serve the Lord? Has sin warped my judgment
and dimmed my eyes to what I ought to do to bring my
life into harmony with Heaven?
"If we indulge anger, lust, covetous- ing up a constant warfare. Here is ness, hatred, selfishness, or any other where Christ's help is needed. Human sin, we become servants of sin. 'No man weakness becomes united to divine can serve two masters.' If we serve sin, strength, and faith exclaims, 'Thanks we cannot serve Christ. The Christian be to God, which giveth us the victory will feel the promptings of sin, for the through our Lord Jesus Christ!'"—"Mes- flesh lusteth against the Spirit; but the sages to Young People," page 114. Spirit striveth against the flesh, keep-
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 5, pp. 130-132.
39
Christ, The Deliverer From Sin LESSON 5 ❑ Tuesday April 25 Part 3 “I speak after the manner of men because of the FROM SERVANTS infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your mem- OF SIN TO bers servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniq- SERVANTS OF GOD uity; even so now yield your members servants to righ- teousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have Rom. 6:19-22 your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
There is no condition so sad as that of a slave, and no slavery
so hard as that of sin. There was once a tyrant who ordered
one of his subjects to make an iron chain of a certain length.
The man completed the task, and the tyrant bade him make
it longer still. He continued to add link to link, and at length
the cruel taskmaster ordered his servants to bind the worker
with his own chain and cast him into the fire. That hardest of
tyrants, the devil, treats his slaves in like manner.
How does Paul describe the deliverance wrought in the
life of the believer? Rom. 6:19-22.
What is the reward for serving the master of sin?
Rom. 6:23, first part.
What is the reward for serving the Master of righ-
teousness? Rom. 6:23, last part.
THINK IT THROUGH What fruit in my life indicates that it is freed from sin? What does the future hold in store for me if I con- tinue on my present course?
“By pouring the whole treasury of to do right, the heart is cleansed from heaven into this world, by giving us in selfishness, and filled with Christlike Christ all heaven, God has purchased love. The mind yields to the authority the will, the affections, the mind, the of the law of love, and every thought soul, of every human being. When man is brought into captivity to the obedi- places himself under the control of ence of Christ.”—Ellen G. White, “Our God, the will becomes firm and strong High Calling,” page 104.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 2, pp. 346-352.
40 Christ, The Deliverer From Sin LESSON 5 ❑ Wednesday April 26 Part 4 “Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that MARRIAGE LAW know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a BINDING FOR LIFE man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she Rom. 7:1-3 be married to another man.”
The death of either partner dissolves a marriage. The law
has no more power over a dead subject than a husband has
over his dead wife. The believer, released from the condemna-
tion of the law by dying in fellowship with Christ, is one with
his risen Master anrfnciFt-o—Feir-The fruits of holiness to His
glory.
What conclusion does Paul draw from his illustration
of the marriage law? Rom. 7:4, 5.
The law does not die; it condemns the sinner, and the sinner
is counted dead. Faith in Christ's death is taken by the sinner
for his death; with Christ he dies to sin, and the law no longer
condemns him. With Christ he rises by faith to a new life,
married to Him who rose from the dead, that he may bring
forth fruit unto God.
What is the apostle's conclusion with respect to the
t;
law? Rom. 7:6-8. Of what law is Paul speaking? Verse 7.
THINK IT THROUGH How would I answer one who claimed to be under grace but not under law?
“The law of God, spoken in awful “The law and the gospel are in grandeur from Sinai, is the utterance perfect harmony. Each upholds the of condemnation to the sinner. It is the other. In all its majesty the law con- province of the law to condemn, but fronts the conscience, causing the sinner there is in it no power to pardon or to to feel his need for Christ as the propi- redeem. It is ordained to life; those who tiation for sin. The gospel recognizes the walk in harmony with its precepts will power and immutability of the law. receive the reward of obedience. But it … The sense of sin, urged home by the brings bondage and death to those who law, drives the sinner to the Saviour.”— remain under its condemnation.”—”Se- “Ibid.,” pp. 240, 241. lected Messages,” Bk. 1, pp. 236, 237.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Adventist Home,” page 85.
41 6— AQT2-7 1
Christ, The Deliverer From Sin LESSON 5 ❑ Thursday April 27 Part 5 “Was then that which is good made death unto me? CARNAL NATURE God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working AND THE LAW ‘death in’ me by that which is good; that sin by the com- mandment might become exceedingly sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.’ For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do 1 not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that Rom. 7:13-16 which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.”
Paul here explains two statements that appear to be con-
tradictory—the law is holy, but it works death. Foreseeing that
some would have difficulty regarding this, Paul assumes the
position of an objector: "Was then that which is good made
death unto me?"
What is the sinner's condition without the law? Rom.
7:9.
. "He is speaking of the unperturbed, self-complacent, self-
righteous life which he once lived before the turbulent motions
and convictions of sin, described in the two preceding verses,
overtook him. We are not able to determine the time in the
apostle's career when the commandment began to arouse the
sinful passions."—The New International Commentary on the
New Testament, The Epistle to the Romans, Vol. 1, p. 251.
How doe's Paul evaluate the law? Rom. 7:12.
THINK IT THROUGH Has my knowledge of God’s law tended to make me a better Christian? Am I living up to what I know to be the truth for this time?
“There is little enmity against Satan versy,” pages 507, 508. and his works, because there is so great “God’s ministers must come into close ignorance concerning his power and companionship with Christ, and follow malice, and the vast extent of his war- His example in all things—in purity of fare against Christ and His church. Mul- life, in self-denial, in benevolence, in titudes are deluded here. They do not diligence; in perseverance. To win souls know that their enemy is a mighty gen- to the kingdom of God must be their eral who controls the minds of evil first consideration. With sorrow for sin angels, and that with well-matured and with patient love, they must work plans and skillful movements he is war- as Christ worked, putting forth deter- ring against Christ to prevent the sal- mined, unceasing effort.”—”Gospel vation of souls.”—”The Great Contro- Workers,” page 31.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Evangelism,” pages 596, 597.
42 Christ, The Deliverer From Sin- LESSON 5 ❑ Friday April 28 Part 6 “Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that A CLASH OF LAWS dwelleth in me. For I know that in: me• (that, is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no’good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is Rom. 7:17-20 no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”
If there is no sin, there is no need of redemption. If sin
consists merely in action, and it can be avoided, then redemp-
tion is a small matter. But if sin is a universal and incurable
wickedness, a part of our very nature, then redemption has to
be a work of God.
"None of the apostles and prophets ever claimed to be with-
out sin. Men who have lived the nearest to God, men who
would sacrifice life, itself rather than knowingly commit a
wrong act, men whom God has• honored with divine light and
power, have confessed the sinfulness of their nature. They have
put no confidence in the flesh, have claimed no righteousness of
their own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of
Christ.
"So will it be with all who behold Christ. The nearer we
come to Jesus, and the more clear -713-r-TAie discern the purity of
His character, the more clearly shall we see the exceeding sin-
fulness of sin, and the less shall we feel like exalting ourselves."
—The Acts of the Apostles, page 561.
What conflict often occurs in the life of a professed
Christian? Rom. 7:17-20
In respect to weak, fallen human nature, of what
was Paul fully aware? Rom. 7:21-23.
THINK IT THROUGH Have I renounced all obedience to the law of sin? Have I given myself wholly to obedience to the law of God? Is this law written in my heart?
“God does not bid you fear that He great Master Worker. Fear lest self-will will fail to fulfill His promises, that His shall mar the high purpose that through patience will weary, or His compassion you God desires to accomplish. Fear be found wanting. Fear lest your will to trust to your own strength, fear to shall not be held in subjection to withdraw your hand from the hand of Christ’s will, lest your hereditary and Christ and attempt to walk life’s path- cultivated traits of character shall con- way without His abiding presence.”— trol your life. . . . Fear lest self shall “Christ’s Object Lessons,” page 161. interpose between your soul and the
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 561, 562.
43
Christ, The Deliverer From Sin LESSON 5 April 29
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
-
Complete: “The thought is to be Every is to 21 be brought into to
-
True or False: We are all subject to some authority. It is for us to decide
whose authority.
- Multiple choice: Sanctification is a work that is done (a) at baptism, (b)
at death, (c) during all of life, (d) at conversion.
- Complete: “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become to
the by the of Christ.”
- True or False: When Paul recognized the true character of the law, he
felt proud of himself as a Christian.
- Complete: “Who shall me from the of this
I thank God through Our
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744 LESSON 6 April 30 to May 6
WALKING WITH. JESUS 6
"We cannot for one moment
separate ourselves from Christ
with safety. We may have His
presence to attend us at every
step, but only by observing the
conditions which He has Himself
laid down." Ellen G. White. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:1.
Christ is the High Priest who ever lives best service, and He makes up for the de- to make intercession for us, and faith in ficiency with His own divine merit.’ — Him gives us a personal interest in that SDA Bible Commentary, on Rom. 8:1. intercession. No sentence of condemnation is recorded against those who by faith ac- cept His salvation. LESSON OUTLINE “There is therefore. This introductory phrase indicates the close connection be- 1. Freedom From Condemnation tween chs. 7 and 8. Chapter 8 is an expan- Rom. 8:1, 2 sion of Paul’s thankful exclamation in ch. 7:25, ‘I thank God through Jesus Christ 2. Righteousness Not Possible our Lord.’ He passes on now from his anal- in Man’s Natural State ysis of the painful struggle with sin to an Rom. 8:6-8 explanation of the life of peace and freedom that is offered to those who live ‘in Christ 3. Spirit Is Life Jesus.’ Rom. 8:9, 10 “No condemnation. The good news of the gospel is that Christ came to condemn sin, 4. Sons of God not sinners. . . . To those who believe and Rom. 8:14, 15 accept the generous provisions of the gospel and who in faith commit themselves to 5. Children and Heirs lives of loving obedience, Christ offers jus- Rom. 8:18, 19 tification and freedom. There may yet be deficiencies in the believer’s character, but 6. Assurance of Hope `when it is in the heart to obey God, when Rom. 8:22-25 efforts are put forth to this end, Jesus ac- cepts this disposition and effort as man’s 45 Walking With Jesus LESSON 6 ❑ Sunday April 30 Part 1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them FREEDOM FROM which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, CONDEMNATION but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus path made me free from the law of sin and Rom. 8:1, 2 death.”
One natural law often cancels out another. For example, a
child gathering mushrooms might unwittingly eat a poisonous
fungus, with potentially fatal results. But an antidote is given
to counteract the poison. Acting as "the law of life," it sets the
child "free from the law of death" that had already begun to
work in his members. In the spring, in the same way, the law
of life sets the flowers free from winter's law of death. The
"law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" set Lazarus "free from
the law of sin and death" that had imprisoned him in the tomb.
So also the law of life communicated through the Holy Spirit
will set us "free from the law of sin and death" that has so
long reigned in our hearts.
"It is our privilege to go to Jesus and be cleansed, and to
stand before the law without shame or remorse."—Steps to
Christ, page 51.
How can righteousness be achieved? Rom. 8:3-5.
What does Paul list as the "works of the flesh"? Gal.
5:19-21.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I in captivity to the law of sin—to selfishness, jealousy, envy, sensual indulgence, the love of money? It is not God’s will that I should spend my days bound in this way. I was born to be free.
“While the Cliristian’s life Will be cleansed, and stand before the law characterized by humility, it should not without shame and remorse.”—”The be marked with sadness and self-de- Great Controversy,” page 477. preciation. It is the privilege of every- “He who opens his heart to the Spirit one so to live that God will approve of Christ becomes a partaker of that and bless him. It is not the will of our mighty power which will bring forth heavenly Father that we should be ever his body from the grave.”—”The Desire under condemnation and darkness. of Ages,” page 210. There is no evidence of true, humility “Every soul that refuses to give him- in going with the head bowed down self to God is under the control of an- and the heart filled with thoughts of other power. He is not his own.”— self. We may go to Jesus and be “Ibid.,” p. 466.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Steps to Christ,” pages 51, 63, 64.
46 Walking With Jesus LESSON 6 Monday. May 1 Part 2 “For to be carnally minded is death;;but to be spiri- RIGHTEOUSNESS tually minded is ,life and peace,,Because,the, carnal mind NOT POSSIBLE IN is enmity against God: for it. is not subject to the law of MAN’S NATURAL God, neither, indeed can be. So Then they that are in the STATE flesh cannot please God.” Rom. 8:6-8 The phrase “carnal ;mind” does not necessarily imply gross sensuality.. It may reflect, no more. than a preference for carnal things over spiritual things. , Nevertheless, such a mind is “en- mity against God.” It deems His holiness too strict, His justice too severe,. His truth too inflexible. Even His mercy may seem abhorrent, because of the humiliating way in which men some- times ‘misrepresent it. The, carnal mind and the law of God are as far apart as darkness and light. “We have great victories to gain, and a heaven to lose if we do not gain them. The carnal heart must be crucified; for its tendency, is to moral corruption, and the end thereof is death. Nothing but the life-giving influences of the gospel can help the soui.”—T.estinionies, Vol. 5, page 267.
How does sin in the life affect our relationship with
God? Isa. 59:2. In contrast to separation from God, what
is the basis of "life eternal"? John 17:3.
" 'Life' is contrasted with 'death' and,in its highest expres-
sion, which must be in view here, it means the knowledge and
fellowship of God . . . the communion which is the apex of
true religIon. 'Peace' can readily be seen to be the correlate of
life. In this case it is no doubt the subjective effect of peace
with God . . . that is contemplated, the sense of being at one
with God: . . . Peace is the .antithesis of the" aanation and
misery which sin creates."—The New International Commen-
tary on the New Testament, The Epistle to the Romans, Vol.
1, pp. 285, 286. THINK IT THROUGH Am I commanded to reconcile myself to God or to
renovate my own nature? If so, should I sit down in de-
spair? No! for God has provided me with a Saviour. ,
“The ability to enjoy the riches of powers weaken and die for lack of ex- glory will be developed in proportion to ercise. In a mind wholly given up -to the desire we have for these riches. earthly things every, inlet through which How shall an appreciation of God and light from heaven may enter is closed. heavenly things be developed unless God’s transfoiming grace cannot be it is in this life? If the claims and cares TeIrs67’ mind—61: character.”—Ellen, G. of the world are allowed to engross all White, “Review —and Herald,” May 28, our time and attention, our spiritual 1901.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 8, pp. 315-316.
47,
Walking With Jesus LESSON 6 Tuesday May 2 Part 3 “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be SPIRIT IS LIFE that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but Rom. 8:9, 10 the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”
By nature we are blind to spiritual things. We are assured
on the highest authority that the natural man accounts the
things of the Spirit to be foolishness, and that he not only
does not accept but cannot even know them, "because they
are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor. 2:14. With respect to the
knowledge of Christ in particular our Lord tells us that, as no
man knoweth the Father but the Son, so no man knoweth the
Son but the Father and he to whom God shall be pleased to
reveal Him. The Spirit of God must take of the things that
are Christ's and show them to us (see John 16:14, 15) ; He
must open our minds to understand them. Unless we allow
Him to guide us into all truth, we shall wander in a maze of
ignorance and error to the end of our days and perish at last
through lack of knowledge.
How is the life-giving power of the Spirit expressed?
Rom. 8:11.
What is the result of living after the flesh? What
better experience is there for every believer? Rom. 8:13.
THINK IT THROUGH Knowing we have Christ as our Redeemer, ought we not to be willing to break every yoke, sever every tie, that would bind us to sin and the world?
“Everyone who has tasted of the which Jesus manifested for us in leav- powers of the world to come, whether ing the realms of glory and coming to he be young or old, learned or un- a fallen world to save the perishing.” learned, will be stirred with the spirit —”Testimonies,” Vol. 5, p. 386. which actuated Christ. The very first “The tenderness and mercy that impulse of the renewed heart is to bring Christ has revealTd-iii-His own precious others also to the Saviour. Those who life will be seen in those who become do not possess this desire give evidence sharers of His grace. But ‘if any man that they have lost their first love; they have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none should closely examine their own hearts of His.’. . . He is alienated from God, in the light of God’s Word, and ear- fitted only for eternal separation from nestly seek a fresh baptism of the Spirit Him.”—”Christ’s Object Lessons,” page of Christ; they should pray for a deeper 251. comprehension of that wondrous love
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Christ’s Object Lessons,” page 251.
48 Walking With Jesus LESSON 6 ❑ Wednesday May 3 Part 4 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are SONS OF GOD the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit Rom. 8:14, 15 of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
As a result of sin, human beings have lost their right to be
sons of God. We are essentially orphans as we wander far from
our Father and live in rebellion against Him. To be reconciled
to God is practically to be made sons again in a fuller sense
than before. Paul speaks of this as adoption (verse 15, KJV) ;
Jesus called it a second birth (John 3:3, 5). This restoration
should be the source of our deepest joy. The son is not simply
saved; he is honored. The returned prodigal is not treated as
a hired servant, but as a privileged heir. Luke 15:22, 23.
Who are designated sons of God? Rom. 8:14, 15.
What witness do we have of our relationship with
God? Verse 16.
"You may have the witness of the Spirit that your ways
please God. This is obtained by believing in the Word of God,
by appropriating that Word to your own soul. This is eating
the bread of life, and this will bring eternal life. Compare
scripture with scripture. Study the representation of the life of
a true Christian as delineated in the Word of God."—Ellen G.
White, In Heavenly Places, page 144.
What logically follows if we are the children of God?
Rom. 8:17.
THINK IT THROUGH What can I see of God’s truth, of God’s mind, of God’s will, on my own? It involves leading, and I cannot lead myself. Moreover, the Holy Spirit does not undertake to lead a spiritual corpse, a soul dead in sins.
“Through trial and persecution the disappointments; but thus they learn glory—the character—of God is revealed the guilt and woe of sin, and they look in His Cluilen— ones:”The believers in upon it with abhorrence. Being par- Christ, hated and persecuted by the takers of Christ’s sufferings, they can world, are educated and disciplined in look beyond the gloom to the glory, the school of Christ. On earth they walk saying, ‘I reckon that the sufferings of in narrow paths; they are purified in this present time are not worthy to be the furnace of affliction. They follow compared with the glory which shall Christ through sore conflicts; they en- be revealed in us.’ Rom. 8:18.”—”The dure self-denial and experience bitter Acts of the Apostles,” pages 576, 577.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,” page 28.
49 7—AQT2-71
Walking With Jesus LESSON 6 ❑ Thursday May 4 Part 5 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time CHILDREN are not worthy to be compared with the glory which AND HEIRS shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons Rom. 8:18, 19 of God.”
Sonship does not exempt a person from suffering—sometimes
it may even cause suffering—as when we are called to suffer
because of our faith, especially in times of persecution. But we
need not look for "some great things," to bring the text into con-
formity with daily experience. No sufferings are small that have
power to affect the mind. The strife of tongues, the petty per-
secutions of home, the long continuance of some chronic dis-
ease, the anxiety connected with our occupation, may be doing
for us what greater trials did for the martyrs. We may be
sufferers in the intensity of emotion, even when the instruments
of suffering may not be the prison or the stake. The gospel,
then, does not imply immunity from suffering.
How do the sufferings of this present time compare
with the glory to be revealed? 2 Cor. 4:17, 18.
In writing of the saints' reward Ellen G. White says: "I was
shown the saints' reward, the immortal inheritance. Then I
was shown how much God's people had endured for the truth's
sake, and that they would count heaven cheap enough. They
reckoned that the sufferings of this present time were not
worthy to be compared with the glory which should be re-
vealed in them. The people of God in these last days will be
tried. But soon their last trial will come, and then they will
receive the gift of eternal life."—Testimonies, Vol. 1, p. 432.
When will the manifestation of the sons of God take
place? 1 John 3:1-3.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I earnestly looking forward to this manifestation? If I am, what am I doing to get myself and others ready?
“There are toils and conflicts and ceptable to God. It takes the entire self-denials for us all. Not one will es- being. There is no chamber of the mind cape them. We must tread the path where Satan can hold sway and carry where Jesus leads the way. It may be out his devices. Self must’ be crucified. in tears, in trials, in bereavements, in Consecration, submission, and sacrifices sorrow for sins, or in seeking for the must be made that will seem like tak- mastery over depraved desires, unbal- ing the very lifeblood from the heart.” anced characters, and unholy _tempers. —Ellen G. White, “That I May Know It requires earnest effort to present Him,” page 280. ourselves a living sacrifice, holy and ac-
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 576-577.
50 Walking With Jesus LESSON 6 ❑ Friday May 5 Part 6 “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and ASSURANCE travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, OF HOPE but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience Rom. 8:22-25 wait for it.”
The whole creation is worn out with the necessity to serve
the demands of man. The earth is digged, wasted, polluted, and
deprived of its rest. The rivers have lost their vitality, and even
the oceans are dying. Thus creation groans for the slavery we
have imposed upon it. We live in a groaning world, but we
must hope in the midst of this sorrow. The throes of our
sorrow may be sharp, but the coming of Jesus will bring joy
enough to offset them.
For what do we especially need the aid of the Holy
Spirit? Rom. 8:26.
God gives us hope and enables us to be patient in waiting.
But God has another Helper for us—the Holy Spirit. The Holy
Spirit dwelling in us, and knowing our wants better than we,
pleads in our prayers and raises us to a higher and holier desire
than we can express in words.
How does Paul express his hope? Rom. 8:31-39.
THINK IT THROUGH In this world, are we to be hidden away in Christ as gems in a box, so that by and by we may be revealed as jewels in a crown? What is our work?
“God gives us sufficient evidence to tion of the Sacred Record. . . . What- enable us to accept the truth under- ever is clearly established by the Word standingly, but He does not propose to of God we should accept, without at- remove all occasion for doubt and un- tempting to meet every doubt which belief. Should He do this, there would Satan may suggest, or with our finite no longer be a necessity for the exercise understanding to fathom the counsels of faith; for we would be able to walk of the Infinite One, or to criticize the by sight. All who with a teachable spirit manifestations of His grace or power.” study the Word of God may learn there- —Ellen G. White, “In Heavenly Places,” from the Way of salvation, yet they may page 105. not be able to understand every por-
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Education,” pages 263,264.
51
Walking With Jesus LESSON 6 May 6
Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
- True or False: After his fall, Satan had hoped that heaven and earth would
not be eternally separated.
-
How does sin in the life affect our relationship with God)
-
Complete: “And if Christ be in you, the is because of
; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." -
Multiple choice: Those who are led by the Spirit of God are called (a)
partners (b) sons (c) good people (d) friends.
- Complete: “The of this present time are not worthy to be
compared with the which shall be in us.”
- True or False: God gives us sufficient evidence to enable us to accept the
truth understandingly, but He does not propose to remove all occasion for
doubt and unbelief.
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LESSON 7 May 7-13
GOD'S DEALING WITH JEW AND GENTILE 7
"God owes no one anything. Therefore
He does no one wrong although they
[proud sinners] remain in their hardness
of heart. But God has a way of helping
the lowly and paying little attention to
the great and the wise, no matter how
furious they are." Martin Luther.
“For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” Rom. 9:15.
Paul had a great solicitude for his the question has been reserved for chs. 9; brethren in the flesh. Although they were 10; 11.”—SDA Bible Commentary, on outwardly moral and religious, they had Rom. 9:1. committed the greatest sin—the sin of re- jecting Christ. “Paul now turns from the triumphant LESSON OUTLINE and joyful climax of chapter 8 to consider a problem that fills him with ‘great heavi- 1. The Apostle’s Concern for His ness and continual sorrow’ (ch. 9:2). Why People is it that the Jews, God’s chosen people, Rom. 9:1-3 have so largely rejected the gospel? If the gospel brings sure salvation to God’s elect, 2. God’s Purpose Not a Failure why are His chosen people Israel not found Rom. 9:6, 7 among the heirs of this salvation? If the good news of salvation is the fulfillment of 3. Children of Promise the promises made to Israel, then surely Rom. 9:7-9 it should meet with the approval of those for whom it was especially intended. But 4. God’s Mercy Emphasized instead, it has stirred most of them to bitter Rom. 9:14-16 opposition. “Paul has been preparing the way for his 5. Gentiles Included in Purpose discussion of this difficult and delicate of God question by stressing the fact that, though Rom. 9:24-26 the gospel is for both Jew and Gentile, it is for the Jew first (chs. 1:16; 2:10). . . . 6. Reason for Israel’s Failure In ch. 3:1 he even began to consider the Rom. 9:32, 33 problem directly, but his full discussion of 53 God’s Dealing With Jew and Gentile LESSON 7 ❑ Sunday May 7 Part 1 “I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also THE APOSTLE’S bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great CONCERN FOR heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could HIS PEOPLE wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my Rom. 9:1-3 brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.”
Paul closes the previous chapter with the triumphant con-
fidence that "neither death, nor life" should be able to "sepa-
rate" him from "the love of God, which is in Christ." The list
of separating forces is comprehensive enough, but it is not ex-
haustive. The apostle omitted one potentiality which is con-
stantly separating men from the love of Christ—self. The
citadel which can resist any combination of external adversaries
may fall through the voluntary act of the garrison within. The
gate which cannot be battered down can be opened. Men cannot
be driven from Christ, but they can "go away." But Paul's
desire and prayer for Israel was that they might be saved.
What privileges of the Jews does Paul enumerate?
Rom. 9:3-5.
Upon what occasion did another devoted man of God
express a similar love for his people? Ex. 32:30-32.
"Moses supplicated God in behalf of sinning Israel. He did
not try to lessen their sin before God; he did not excuse them in
their sin. He frankly acknowledged that they had sinned a
great sin, and had made them gods of gold. Then he loses his
timidity, and the interest of Israel is so closely interwoven with
his life that he comes with boldness to God and prays for Him
to forgive His people. If their sin, he pleads, is so great that
God cannot forgive them, if their names must be blotted from
His book, he prays the Lord to blot out his name also."—
Testimonies, Vol. 3, pp. 303, 304. THINK IT THROUGH To secure the world's redemption the Master did not
shrink from the possibility of divine abandonment. Do
I have the same great burden for those who are not
saved?
“Many have heard and received the put in practice, loses its power. The word of life, and have been strongly heart is closed to its divine influence, moved by the truth, but have allowed and those who should be workers for their souls to become cold, their faith Christ are idle, and souls whom they dim, through self-righteousness, self- might help are left in discouragement importance, and pride in the posses- and darkness and despair.”—”Testimo- sion of a knowledge of truth which they nies to Ministers,” pages 352, 353. fail to practice. The truth which is not
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Acts of the Apostles,” page 374.
54 God’s Dealing With Jew and Gentile LESSON 7 ❑ Monday May 8 Part 2 “Not as though the word of God hath taken none GOD’S PURPOSE effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of ‘Israel: NOT A FAILURE neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they Rom. 9:6, 7 all children.”
Some possess the name, the form, but deny the power. This
does not suggest that the word of God is without effect. Some
recognize its power, but to others who do not believe, the arm
of the Lord is not revealed.
All men are God's offspring (Acts 17:28), and thus His
children. The pure in heart, the benevolent, and the unrevenge-
ful, these in particular are His children (Matt. 5:43-45). And
if from among the wayward some arise to answer the call
toward purity, then all these are accepted as "children of God
by faith in Christ Jesus." Gal. 3:26. Having received Christ
they have received "power [authority] to become the sons of
God." John 1:12.
What does it mean to be a spiritual Jew? Gal. 3:29.
"As a son of Abraham, Christ became, in a special sense, heir
to the covenant promises. . . . By baptism we acquire kinship
to Christ, and through Him acquire the right to participate
in the promises made to Abraham....
"As spiritual children of Abraham, Christians become 'joint-
heirs with Christ.' . . . As Son of God, Christ is likewise heir
to the honor and glory of heaven, and those who believe in
Him fall heir to a position of honor in the universe that would
never have been possible for created beings to enjoy had the
Word not become flesh. . . . As heirs with Abraham to the
covenant prOmises, all who emulate his lofty example of faith
will enter the 'city which hath foundations,' to which he him-
self ever looked forward in faith."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Gal. 3:29.
THINK IT THROUGH I Am I making sure that day by day I am included in God’s lirael?
“God declares, ‘I will pour water is still going forth, and it appeals to us upon him that is thirsty, and floods with even greater power than -to those upon the dry ground.’ Unto the upright who heard it in the temple on that last there ariseth light in the darkness.’ … day of the feast. The fountain is open To those who are, seeking for •light, and for all. The weary and exhausted ones who accept it with gladness, the bright are offered the refreshing draught of rays from the throne of God will shine.” eternal life. Jesus is still crying, ‘Ifany —”The Desire of Ages,” page 47. man thirst, let him come unto Me, and “The cry of Christ to the thirsty soul drink.’“—”Ibid.,” p. 454.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Selected Messages,” Bk. 1, pp. 68,69.
55
God’s Dealing With Jew and Gentile LESSON 7 ❑ Tuesday May 9 Part 3 “In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which CHILDREN OF are the children of the flesh, these are not the children PROMISE of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. For this is the word of promise, At this time Rom. 9:7-9 will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.”
The seven words from Rom. 9:7 (above) are quoted from
the Septuagint version as used in Paul's day. Compare Heb.
11:18. There was, however, now a better promise about all the
families of the earth being blessed through a particular seed.
God promised that Abraham's seed would come through Isaac.
Gen. 21:12. In other words, the promise of a Messiah was now
held before them as their highest hope. Isaac and Jacob foresaw
the call through the promised Messiah.
How does Paul state that God's purpose was alto-
gether through the promised seed of faith? Rom. 9:8.
What was to be the relationship between the two
brothers? Rom. 9:12, 13.
"Esau had no love for devotion, no inclination to a religious
life. The requirements that accompanied the spiritual birthright
were an unwelcome and even hateful restraint to him. The law
of God, which was the condition of the divine covenant with
Abraham, was regarded by Esau as a yoke of bondage. . . .
"Jacob had learned from his mother of the divine intimation
that the birthright should fall to him, and he was filled with
an unspeakable desire for the privileges which it would confer."
—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 178.
THINK IT THROUGH As in Isaac’s family there was a profane Esau as well as a godly Jacob, so is the remnant church a mixed com- pany, as our Saviour teaches by numerous parables. How do I stand in the church? Am I an Esau or a Jacob?
“The Redeemer will not accept di- the character that is to stand in the vided service. Daily the worker for God time of final test. And day by day the must learn the meaning of self-sur- believer is working out before men and render. He must study the Word of God, angels a sublime experiment, showing learning its meaning and obeying its what the gospel can do for fallen hu- precepts. Thus he may reach the stan- man beings.”—”Gospel Workers,” page dard of Christian excellence. Day by 113. day God works with him, perfecting
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 2, p. 109.
56 God’s Dealing With Jew and Gentile LESSON 7 ❑ Wednesday May 10 Part 4 “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness GOD’S MERCY with God? God forbid. For He saith to Moses, I will have EMPHASIZED mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have com- passion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God Rom. 9:14-16 that showeth mercy.”
Paul now answers two objections that a Jew might raise to
his reasoning about the called seed through Isaac, and in
verse 19 he continues to answer their objections.
How does Paul illustrate the sovereignty of God?
Rom. 9:17, 18.
"Though this haughty tyrant [Pharaoh] had by his crimes
forfeited the mercy of God, yet his life had been preserved that
through his stubbornness the Lord might manifest His wonders
in the land of Egypt. The disposing of events is of God's provi-
dence. He could have placed upon the throne a more merciful
king, who would not have dared to withstand the mighty mani-
festations of divine power. But in that case the Lord's purposes
would not have been accomplished. His people were permitted
to experience the grinding cruelty of the Egyptians, that they
might not be deceived concerning the debasing influence of
idolatry. In His dealing with Pharaoh, the Lord manifested His
hatred of idolatry and His determination to punish cruelty and
oppression."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 267, 268.
What further illustration is used by Paul to stress
God's sovereignty? Rom. 9:19-23.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I willing to be saved? When the Lord says to me, “Whosoever will, let him come,” I cannot say this does not refer to me. If I am willing, He bids me come and take the water of life freely.
“The Saviour watches for a response is no longer susceptible to the influence to His offers of love and forgiveness, of the grace of God. Fearful will be the with a more tender compassion than doom of that soul of whom the plead- that which moves the heart of an ing Saviour shall finally declare, he ‘is earthly parent to forgive a wayward, joined to idols: let him alone.’ . . . It suffering son. . . . But if the erring one will be more tolerable in the day of persistently refuses to heed the voice judgment for the cities of the plain than that calls him with pitying, tender love, for those who have known the love of he will at last be left in darkness. The Christ, and yet have turned away to heart that has long slighted God’s choose the pleasures of a world of sin.” mercy, becomes hardened in sin, and —”Patriarchs and Prophets,” page 165.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies to Min isters,” pages 202, 203.
57
God’s Dealing With Jew and Gentile LESSON 7 ❑ Thursday May 11 Part 5 “Even us, whom He hath called, not of the Jews only, GENTILES INCLUDED but also of the Gentiles? As He saith also in Hosea, 1 will IN PURPOSE OF GOD call them My people, which were not My people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not My people; there shall they be called the children Rom. 9:24-26 of the living God.”
Paul strongly intimated that the Jews as a nation were now
to be rejected as God's special people and that the Gentiles were
to be considered in a new light. This he knew was a most offen-
sive subject to many; and therefore he had shown, both from
God's word to Moses and from His dealings with Pharaoh, that
God had a right to communicate His blessings, or execute His
judgments, in His own way and according to His own wisdom.
"Called" is in the sense of the gospel summons, as in 1 Cor.
1:9.
Does He call Jews and Gentiles in the same way?
Rom. 9:24. What had Isaiah said about the remnant?
Rom. 9:27; Isa. 10:22.
What name is given to the once unfaithful who turn
to God through Christ? Rom. 9:26.
What is God's basis in dealing with both Jew and
Gentile? Rom. 9:30, 31.
THINK IT THROUGH • Those who give themselves to Christ become not only God’s people, but God’s children; not only His servants, but His heirs. He manifests the power of divine grace which can transform “stones” into children. Am I pre- pared to let Him have His way with me?
“That which God purposed to do for has the Lord been without true repre- the world through Israel, the chosen sentatives on this earth who have made nation, He will finally accomplish His interests their own. These witnesses through His church on earth today. He for God are numbered among the spir- has ‘let out His vineyard unto other itual Israel, and to them will be ful- husbandmen,’ even to His covenant- filled all the covenant promises made keeping people, who faithfully ‘render by Jehovah to His ancient people.”— Him the fruits in their seasons.’ Never “Prophets and Kings,” pages 713, 714.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Acts of the Apostles,” page 376.
58 God’s Dealing With Jew and Gentile LESSON 7 ❑ Friday May 12 Part 6 “Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but REASON FOR as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at ISRAEL’S FAILURE that stumbling stone; as it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense: and whosoever Rom. 9:32, 33 believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.”
"Why was this?" Paul asks why Israel had not achieved
righteousness. Then he answers his own question. It is because
the religion of the Jews was "not based on faith, but (as they
supposed) on deeds." NEB. The great lesson is for all genera-
tions, that righteousness can be attained only by faith. See
Rom. 3:21, 22.
Any kind of working to be righteous is men's way, and it
causes them to stumble. (See Rom. 14:13 on stumbling blocks.)
In what way is Christ considered to be a "stumbling
stone"? 1 Cor. 1:23, 24; 1 Peter 2:7, 8.
"How is Christ a "cornerstone"? 1 Peter 2:5, 6.
"To those who believe, Christ is the sure foundation. These
are they who fall upon the Rock and are broken. Submission
to Christ and faith in Him are here represented. . . .
"Our eternal safety depends upon our building upon the sure
foundation. Multitudes are today building upon foundations
that have not been tested. When the rain falls, and the tempest
rages, and the floods come, their house will fall, because it is
not founded upon the eternal Rock, the chief cornerstone Christ
Jesus."—The Desire 4f Ages, pages 599, 600.
THINK IT THROUGH Why is Jesus, the Saviour of men, called “a stumbling stone and rock of offense”?, To cause us to consider what our own attitude is toward Christ. Am I clinging to Him as my Rock of safety,.or am I being repelled from Him as from a rock of offense?
“‘To them which stumble at the the dead He would be declared ‘the Word, being disobedient,’ Christ is a Son of God with power.’ . . . At His rock of offense. But ‘the stone which the second coming He would be revealed builders disallowed, the same is made as Lord of heaven and earth. Those who the head of ,the corner.’ Like the re- were now about to crucify Him would jected stone, Christ in His earthly mis- recognize His greatness. Before the uni- sion had borne neglect and abuse. . . . verse the rejected stone would become But the time was near when He would the head of the corner.”—”The Desire be glorified. By the resurrection from of Ages,” page 600.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Story of Redemption,” page 252.
59
God’s Dealing With Jew and Gentile LESSON 7 May 13
Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS 0 TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
- What does the apostle say he wished had happened to him in behalf of
his brethren?
- Complete: “And if ye be , then are ye
seed, and according to the )1
- True or False: The selection of Jacob over Esau was made before he or
his brother was born.
- Complete: “It is not of him that , nor of him that
but of that showeth mercy.”
- True or False: Paul did not believe that the Jews were to be rejected as
a people.
- Multiple choice: Our eternal safety depends upon (a) associating with
the best people (b) working for Christ, (c) our building upon Christ as the
sure foundation, (d) reading good books.
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60 LESSON 8 May 14-20
JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH,
AN OLD TESTAMENT PRINCIPLE 8
"God's light and glory, manifest
to us as gracious privileges and
blessings, if slighted, unused,
unapplied, will lead to the same
results that wrecked Israel of
old." M. C. Wilcox.
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.” Rom. 10:4.
The topic of justification by faith comes to many as water to a thirsty traveler. To LESSON OUTLINE all it should be a precious thought. “The subject he [Paul] discusses in this 1. Zealous but Ignorant chapter is the fact asserted in Rom. 9:31- Rom. 10:1-3 33, that Israel had failed to attain to righ- teousness because they had been seeking for 2. Moses’ Declaration a righteousness based upon the merits of Rom. 10:5-7 their own works. But before entering upon the painful task of pointing out the failure 3. The Basis of Faith and guilt of his own people, Paul renews Rom. 10:14, 15, 17 his assurance of heartfelt concern for their salvation.”—SDA Bible Commentary, on 4. Israel’s Lack of Comprehension Rom. 10:1. Rom. 10:19-21 He proceeds to cite Moses and Isaiah and Joel as authority for the fact that only 5. Paul’s Own Experience faith in Christ can bring salvation. He ends Rom. 11:1, 2 his discourse with the assurance that God has not rejected His people as individuals. 6. By Grace, Not Works Salvation is still open to them and to the Rom. 11:5, 6 Gentiles alike. 61 Justification by Faith, an Old Testament LESSON 8 ❑ Sunday Principle May 14 Part 1 “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for ZEALOUS BUT Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record IGNORANT that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowl- edge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have Rom. 10:1-3 not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”
It was his "heart's desire." Not all today who are interested
in the salvation of men are influenced by Paul's great yearning
for Israel "that they might be saved." This great burden shows
that all included in this desire (9:3) were not beyond hope.
Compare Rom. 11:23.
What does Rom. 10:2 teach us about the relationship be-
tween earnestness and correct knowledge? Earnestness that is
not built on an intelligent knowledge of God's truth may leave
us unsaved. Our zeal must be based on true knowledge.
"It was no ordinary desire that the apostle felt. Constantly
he was petitioning God to work in behalf of the Israelites who
had failed to recognize Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Mes-
siah."— The Acts of the Apostles, page 374.
Whom did the Jews fail to see in the law? Rom. 10:4.
How did the Jews seek to "establish" their own righ-
teousness?
"They were unable to discern the deep spiritual significance
of their symbolic service. In their self-righteousness they trusted
to their own works, to the sacrifices and ordinances themselves,
instead of relying upon the merits of Him to whom all these
things pointed. Thus 'going about to establish their own righ-
teousness' . . . , they built themselves up in a self-sufficient
formalism."—Prophets and Kings, pages 708, 709. THINK IT THROUGH The heart that goes up first to God must then go out
to men. Often the shortest and surest way to reach men
is by way of God's throne. Am I now working and pray-
ing for the salvation of some soul?
“Priests and rulers became fixed in not accept as something apart from a rut of ceremonialism. They were sat- themselves,. but connected it with their isfied with a legal religion, and it was own merit because of their good works. impossible for them to give to others the The faith that works by love and puri- living truths of heaven. They thought fies the soul could find no place for their own righteousness all-sufficient, union with the religion of the Pharisees, and did not desire that a new element made up of ceremonies and the injunc- should be brought into their religion. tions of men.”—”The Acts of the Apos- The goodwill of God to men they did tles,” page 15.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Acts of the Apostles,” page 219.
62 Justification by Faith, an Old Testament LESSON 8 ❑ Monday
Principle May 15
Part 2 "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of
MOSES' the law, That the man which, doeth those things shall live
DECLARATION by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh
on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into
heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or,
Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up
Rom. 10:5-7 Christ again from the dead)."
If we wish to be saved by the law, we must do its com-
mands, Paul is saying, quoting Lev. 18:5 almost word for word.
Paul is using a Jewish concept that if you think salvation comes
by law, you must keep it absolutely literally, without grace and
mercy. Faith introduces both grace and mercy. The law is
spelled out in the Ten Commandments. We know them, and
if we desire eternal life, we must ask for God's grace and mercy
to keep them. Obedience follows faith and surrender. Thus the
law gives us a knowledge of God's will, and the gospel gives us
grace to conform.
"Many have said: 'You must do good works, and you will
live'; but apart from Christ no one can do good works. Many
at the present day say, 'Believe, only believe, and live.' Faith
and works go together, believing and doing are blended. The
Lord requires no less 'of the soul now, than He required of
Adam in Paradise before he fell—perfect obedience, unblem-
ished righteousness. . . . The gospel does not weaken the claims
of the law; it exalts the law and makes it honorable."—Selected
Messages, Bk. 1, p. 373.
What does "say not in thine heart," et cetera, mean?
To determine to find salvation by our own deeds is to act
as though Christ had never come down from heaven to teach
us faith and grace, as if we do not really believe that He rose
from the dead. Only by faith in what he has done can the
believer receive life and power to obey God in all things.
Could men be saved anciently by the righteousness
that "Moses describeth"?
THINK IT THROUGH Shall we place anyone outside of God’s limit and power to reach and save? For how many then should we pray?
“When we bring our lives to corn- righteousness, God will work in our plete obedience to the law of God, re- behalf.”—Ellen G. White Comments, garding God as our supreme Guide, “SDA Bible Commentary,” Vol. 1, p. and clinging to Christ as our, hope of 1118.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Selected Messages,” Bk. 1, pp. 391, 392.
63
Justification by Faith, an Old Testament LESSON 8 ❑ Tuesday Principle May 16 Part 3 “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have THE BASIS OF FAITH not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Rom. 10:14, 15, 17 Word of God.” Now come four questions arising from the quotation in Rom. 10:14, 15. What is the first answer? None can call on God unless they believe in Him. See Heb. 11:6. Joel prophesied that men would believe and call. Joel 2:32. How can we believe in God whose voice we have not heard? In great part through words spoken from burning hearts of men and women chosen and sent, both by God and by men. “A preacher.” A herald proclaiming good news. Compare verse 8. “How beautiful are the feet,” et cetera. Quotation from Isa. 52:7, which prophecy found no worthwhile fulfillment in the return from Babylon (especially not chapter 53) and must have pointed forward to a great future day. “The greatest work, the noblest effort, in which men can engage, is to point sinners to the Lamb of God. True ministers are colaborers with the Lord in the accomplishment of His purposes. God says to them, Go, teach and preach Christ. In- struct and educate all who know not of His grace, His good- ness, and His mercy. Teach the people.” — Gospel Workers, pages 18, 19.
What was Israel's attitude toward the gospel they
had heard? Rom. 10:16, 18.
THINK IT THROUGH Is true devotion to Christ, in my thinking, a luxury of first-century believers, which can find no lasting home in our modern civilization? Does my heart find in Him, as in no one else, its rest? What is my attitude toward the gospel?
“Here is where thousands fail; they not meant for you. They are for every do not believe that Jesus pardons them repentant transgressor. . . . He is wait- personally, individually. They do not ing to strip them of their garments take God at His word. It is the privilege stained and polluted with sin, and to of all who comply with the conditions put upon them the white robes of righ- to know for themselves that pardon is teousness; He bids them live and not freely extended for every sin. Put away die.”—”Steps to Christ,” pages 52, 53. the suspicion that God’s promises are
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Christ’s Object Lessons,” page 100.
64 Justification by Faith, an Old Testament LESSON 8 ❑ Wednesday Principle May 17 Part 4 “But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I ISRAEL’S LACK OF will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, COMPREHENSION and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after Me. But to Israel He saith, All day long I have stretched forth My hands unto a disobedient and gain- Rom. 10:19-21 saying people.”
The question expects a negative answer when rendered, "Can
it be that Israel failed to recognize the message?" The quotations
prove that they should have known.
"Moses saith," et cetera, is from Deut. 32:21. In verse 20
Moses called them "children in whom is no faith."
The words, "I will provoke," do not suggest provoking to
anger, but an attempt to stir them up by showing mercy and
love toward other peoples. See Rom. 9:25.
What should the expression "I was found of them that sought
Me not" have done to Jewish thinking? They should have re-
joiced in such an accessible, merciful God. Now it is God in
person who is making Himself to be found, even when the man
is not seeking after Him.
Why could the Jews not claim that they had never
heard of righteousness by faith?
"The prophet Isaiah, looking down through the centuries
and witnessing the rejection of prophet after prophet and finally
of the Son of God, was inspired to write concerning the accept-
ance of the Redeemer by those who had never before been
numbered among the children of Israel."—The Acts of the
Apostles, page 375.
Another man made the same charge as Paul made.
Acts 7:51-53.
THINK IT THROUGH There are in everyday life two ways of waking a man out of deep slumber. We may shout in his ear and rudely shake his person; or we may bring a lamp into the room and leave it burning. The latter is the way God most often works. Has He left a lamp burning for me that I have not yet noticed?
“To Isaiah it was given to make very of his age, yet he fearlessly proclaimed plain to Judah the truth that among the messages given him of God and the Israel of God were to be numbered brought hope to many a longing heart many who were not descendants of reaching out after the spiritual blessings Abraham after the flesh. This teaching promised to the seed of Abraham.”— was not in harmony with the theology “Prophets and Kings,” page 367.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Acts of the Apostles,” page 375.
65
Justification by Faith, an-Old Testament LESSON 8 ❑ Thursday Principle May 18 „ . Part 5 “I say then, Hath God cast away His people? God PAUL’S OWN: forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of. the seed of Abra- - EXPERIENCE - ham, of the tribe of Benjamin, God hath not cast away Rom. 11:1, 2 His people which He:foreknew.” “Cast away His people” is from the Septuagint version of Ps. 94:14 (“for the .Lord will not cast off His people”), hence the answer to Paul’s question here is that God did not cast away His remnant in Israel who were of faith. However, hence- forth they were no longer to be saved as a nation. Even when admitted into the kingdom of God, into which they still might enter by “the obedience of faith,” they should have no pre- eminence over their believing Gentile brethren. John 10 : 16. “Notwithstanding Israel’s failure as a nation, there remained among them a goodly remnant of such as should be saved. At the time of the Saviour’s advent there were faithful men and women who had received with gladness the message of John the Baptist, and had thus been led to study anew the prophe- ‘ cies concerning the Messiah; When the early Christian church was founded, it was composed of these faithful Jews who recognized Jesus of Nazareth as the One for whose advent they had been longing.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 376, 377.
What was Paul seeking to prove by citing his own
tribal descent?
That he was of a remnant of a tribe (Benjamin) that re-
turned from captivity. See Ezra 4:1; 10:9.
What experience does .the apostle cite to establish his
point further? Rom. 11:2-4.
0. Why hasn't God cast away His people if they are
unfaithful?
THINK IT THROUGH There are many who are called. The few are the chosen who accept the call. Am I among the small minor- ity whose faith is proved by character and by works?
“The -work for the Jews, as outlined to our people. In all wisdom and righ- in’ the eleventh chapter of Romans, is teousness we must clear the King’s high- a work that is to be treated with special way. The Jews are to be given every wisdom. It is a work that must not be opportunity of coming to the light.”— ignored. The wisdom of God must come Ellen G. White, Letter 96, 1910.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Prophets and Kings,” page 171.
66 Justification by Faith, an Old Testament LESSON 8 El • Friday Principle May 19 • Part 6 “Even so then at this present time ‘also there is a rem- BY GRACE, nant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, NOT WORKS then is it no more of works: otherwise grace’ is no more grace. But •if it be of works, then is it no more grace: Rom. 11:5, 6 otherwise work is no more work.” Grace is pardon to the guilty, restoration to the undone. It never pauses until it has discovered our low estate, and never relaxes until it has lifted us from it. Jesus “poured out His soul unto death” to follow in the train of the sinner who strives to save himself. The Pharisee’ said,’ “God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are.” Luke 18:11. The publican implored, “God be merciful to me a,sinner.” Verse 13. The gospel repeats, “By grace are ye saved.” Eph. 2:8. And it adds the reason: “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Verse 9.
What disappointment must necessarily come to Israel,
who sought righteousness by works? Rom. 11:7, 8.
"There is no such thing in the Word of God as unconditional
election—once in grace, always in grace. In the second chapter
of Second ,Peter the subject is made plain and distinct. After
a history of sonic who followed an evil course, the explanation
is given: 'which have forsaken the 'right way, . . . following
the way of Balsam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of
unrighteousness.' . . . [2 Peter 2:15-20 quoted.] Here is a class
of whom the apostle warns, Tor it had been better for them
not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they
have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered
unto them.' "—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commen-
tary, Vol. 6, p. 11.14.
Of what are the willfully impenitent said to be
worthy? Rom. 11:9, 10.
THINK IT THROUGH A succession of works forms a habit, a variety of habits molds a character. This can be good or bad. But am I proceeding upon the merits of my past conduct, or am I relying upon the righteousness of Christ?
“Everything must be viewed in the in character which He possesses to be light of the example of Christ. He is the bestowed on you. Those who follow truth. He is the true Light that lighteth Christ live not to =please themselves. every man who cometh into the world. Human standards are like feeble reeds. Listen to His words, copy His example The Lord’s standard is perfection of in self-denial and self-sacrifice, and character.”—”Testimonies to Ministers,” look to the merits of Christ for the glory pages 419, 420. FOR FURTHER STUDY: “SDA Bible Commentary,” Vol. 6, p.1114.
67
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THE SOVEREIGNTY AND MERCY OF GOD 9
"He who has chosen Christ has
joined himself to a power that
no array of human wisdom or
strength can overthrow." Ellen
G. White.
“0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!” Rom. 11:33.
The law of God reveals the love and White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, mercy of God. It also says something about Vol. 6, p. 1080. His sovereignty, and all of these are dis- cussed in the lesson before us. In the mem- LESSON OUTLINE ory verse, “depth” suggests something to deep for man to express about God’s wis- 1. Twofold Purpose dom. In chapter 8:39 the same word indi- Rom. 11:11, 12 cates that unfathomable depth cannot sep- arate us from God’s love. 2. Examples of Grafting “Riches” is used in Rom. 2:4 and 9:23, Rom. 11:16-20 and it expresses God’s illimitable goodness and mercy in saving sinners. In 10:12 it 3. Goodness and Severity of God represents the same rich grace and love Rom. 11:21-24 manifested to both Jew and Gentile. God’s judgments and ways in the plan of salva- 4. God’s Unchanging Purpose for tion are beyond man’s knowledge. Israel “God works in us by the light of His Rom. 11:28, 29 truth, which lighteneth every man that cometh into the world. The Scriptures refer 5. Conclusions Drawn From Old to the works of God as they are revealed Testament in our world, as so many teachers whose voices have gone out through the whole Rom. 11:34-36 earth, proclaiming the attributes of God. The mind must see the truth, and will bend 6. Call to Sacrifice and to its claims, when it is presented to us Nonconformity based upon Scriptural evidence.”—Ellen G. Rom. 12:1, 2
69
The Sovereignty and Mercy of God LESSON 9 ❑ Sunday May 21 Part 1 “I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? TWOFOLD PURPOSE God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how Rom. 11:11, 12 much more their fullness?”
The Jews stumbled at "that stumbling stone" and at the
gospel of Christ, and in consequence of their unbelief, preachers
of the first century turned to the Gentiles. However, God makes
all conditions serve the good of His elect. If the individual
Jews stand, it is all to the good. But if they fall, God's pro-
gram still moves on. If they rise again and stand as individuals
saved by the merits of Jesus, this, too, will be marvelous in our
eyes.
Is it possible to "fall" and rise again as Christians?
1 Cor. 10:12; Prov. 24:16.
What did Paul hope to accomplish through the gospel
to the Gentiles? Rom. 11:13, 14.
What comparison is drawn between the casting away
and the receiving of the Hebrew people? Rom. 11:15.
Rejection, or casting away, describes what happened to the
nation which might have become the light of the world. As a
result the world was enlightened by Gentile evangelism. THINK IT THROUGH A stumbling block is that which causes men to fall
into a snare or a trap. The gospel, when believed, raises
men to heaven; when rejected, it remains only for men
to fall into the pit of eternal death. To those who have
faith the grace of God brings salvation; to those bound
by unbelief, it is incomprehensible. What is it for me?
“Salvation is a free gift, and yet it is to Christ as His own purchased posses- to be bought and sold… . sion…. “The gospel of Christ is a blessing “We cannot earn salvation, but we that all may possess. The poorest are are to seek for it with as much interest as well able as the richest to purchase and perseverance as though we would salvation; for no amount of worldly abandon everything in the world for wealth can secure it. It is obtained by it.”—”Christ’s Object Lessons,” pages willing obedience, by giving ourselves 116, 117.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 375-376.
70 The Sovereignty and Mercy of. God ‘,LESSON 9 El Monday May 22 Part 2 , “For,,if,the firstfruit be holy, the lump.is also holy: and EXAMPLES OF• if the ‘root be holy, so are the branches. And if;some of GRAFTING , the, branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them par- takest of•,the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou Rom. 11:16:20 standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear.”
"Firstfruit" is a term referring to the portion of dough re-
served for the making of a cake for the priests. See Num. 15:17-
21; compare Rom. 8:23. The whole lump becomes holy, so to
speak, in the Christian church.
Why were the old branches, cut off? Why were new
ones taking their places? Rom. 11:20.
What custom was to be followed by the Israelites when
they Came into the Promised Land? Num. 15:18-21.
God commanded these ceremonies to teach the Jews that
they received all blessings from the Lord. They were ways
by which they could have recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
"When the early Christian church was founded, it was com-
posed of these faithful Jews who recognized Jesus of Nazareth
as the one for whose advent they had been longing. It is to
this- remnant that Paul refers when he writes, 'If the firstfruit
be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are
the branches!"—The Acts of the Apostles, page 377. THINK IT THROUGH God had to break off the branches of natural Israel
because they failed to spread the knowledge of salvation
among the nations. Am I better than they in the work of
winning souls?
“This entire chapter is a lesson which Human influence is to draw its efficacy I entreat all who claim to be members from the One who is able to save and of the body of Christ to study…. Very to keep saved all who recognize their plainly these words show that there is dependence on Him. By the union of to be no disparaging of the agencies church members with Christ and with which God has placed in the church. one another the transforming power of “Sanctified ministry calls for self- the gospel is to be diffused through- denial. The cross must be uplifted and out the world.”—”Testimonies,” Vol. 6, its place in the gospel work shown. pages 239, 240.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Christ’s Object Lessons,” page 306.
71
The Sovereignty and Mercy of God LESSON 9 ❑ Tuesday May 23 Part 3 “For if God spared not the natural branches, take GOODNESS AND heed lest He also spare not thee. Behold therefore the SEVERITY OF GOD goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, sever- ity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, Rom. 11:21-24 be grafted into their own olive tree?”
The "fear" in verse 20 is here given a reason. God is not
disposed to tolerate in His vineyard those who only cumber
the ground. If an Israelite be left out of the reckoning, what
will happen to a Canaanite, or a hyprocrite, or a rebel? God's
goodness and severity are conditional on the faith or unbelief
of the branches, whether they are natural or grafted.
For what purpose does Paul mention the two char-
acteristics of God? Rom. 11:22.
What was the underlying cause of Israel's rejection?
Rom. 11:25.
What provision will yet be effective for Israel? Rom.
11:26, 27.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I putting off the idea of uniting myself fully to Christ until I have tasted more of the pleasures of the world, and thereby creating the probability that I may never know the fullness of His blessing and His presence? Am I becoming a little too sure of myself because I am of the “remnant church”? Could the same thing happen today that happened in Israel’s time?
“God’s dealings with the Gentiles tion they enjoy. But on the other hand, show that He is full of kindness and God’s treatment of the Jews reveals the long-suffering toward men. . . . His severity He must exercise upon those goodness will always be shown toward who trust in themselves.”—”SDA Bible those who trust in Him rather than in Commentary,” on Rom. 11:22. their own merits or the privileged posi-
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 5, p. 47.
72 The Sovereignty and Mercy of God LESSON 9 ❑ Wednesday. May 24 Part 4 “As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your GOD’S sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for UNCHANGING the fathers’ sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are PURPOSE FOR without repentance.” ISRAEL Rom. 11:28,29 What unbelieving Jews rejected in enmity, the believing Gen- tiles accepted in faith and love. But unbelievers are still God’s friends if they turn to Him. “For the fathers’ sakes” probably means that the promises to the faithful fathers were still regarded by God as open to the children who elected to accept them, and thus become children of the election, or the elect children of God. They are still “beloved of God.”
How will divine mercy extended to the Gentiles affect
the Jews? Rom. 11:30-32.
The Gentile nations were then heathen, but now number
millions of believers; the Jews became hostile in refusing faith
in Jesus, but many of them will yet find a way to accept Him
through the mercy extended to the Gentiles. Verse 32 states
the divine prophecy, which is that God has included the whole
world as candidates for salvation by the exercise of individual
faith.
What is said of God's wisdom? Rom. 11:33.
THINK IT THROUGH God loved the world for His own sake. He loves sin- ners also for His Son’s sake. His love to fathers is remem- bered in behalf of their children. Lev. 26:42. Children are loved for their parents’ sakes. How privileged I am if I have godly parents. How great is my responsibility! How deep should be my gratitude!
“Even Paul, with his great intellect “There is need today of such a revi- and his keen insight into the things of val of true heart religion as was ex- God, is constrained to acknowledge perienced by ancient Israel. Repentance that God’s decisions and ways are be- is the first step that must be taken by yond man’s limited understanding. God all who would return to God. No one reveals to us as much of His wisdom can do this work for another. We must and purposes as is for our best good. individually humble our souls before Beyond that we must rely upon the God and put away our idols. When we ample evidences of His love, mercy, and have done all that we can do, the Lord power.”—”SDA Bible Commentary,” on will manifest to us His salvation.”— Rom. 11:33. “Patriarchs and Prophets,” page 590.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Prophets and Kings,” page 720.
73
The Sovereignty and Mercy of God LESSON 9 ❑ Thursday May 25 Part 5 “For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who CONCLUSIONS hath been His counselor? or who hath first given to Him, DRAWN FROM and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, OLD TESTAMENT and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom Rom. 11:34-36 be glory forever. Amen.”
"Who hath known the mind of the Lord?" is taken from
Isa. 40:13. Our knowledge is theoretical, but God's wisdom is
practical. His gifts are not given for something He first re-
ceived from us. They are favors given freely (Job. 41:11), for
He is the beginning, continuance, and end of all things except
sin.
What Old Testament characters does Paul quote? Isa.
40:13; Job 41:11.
"We are wholly dependent upon God, and our faith is
strengthened by still believing, though we cannot see God's
purpose in His dealing with us, or the consequence of this
dealing."—Temperance, page 195.
What is one of the most conclusive proofs of the deity
of Christ? Rom. 11:36. Compare Col. 1:16.
"If Christ made all things, He existed before all things. The
words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need
be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest
sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed
forevermore."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com-
mentary, Vol. 5, p. 1126. THINK IT THROUGH Man knows only what God reveals. Do we talk as
though we know God's mind on everything? Christ is the
fullest revelation of God, but do we know all the mys-
teries surrounding His incarnation, nature, and resurrec-
tion? Does this increase my awe and reverence for the
Deity?
“As we learn more and more of what daring was signally punished.”—”The God is, and of what we ourselves are Ministry of Healing,” pages 435, 436. in His sight, we shall fear and tremble “No mortal mind can penetrate the before Him. Let men of today take secrecy in which the Mighty One dwells warning from the fate of those who in and works. Only that which He sees fit ancient times presumed to make free to reveal can we comprehend of Him. with that which God had declared sa- Reason must acknowledge an authority cred. When the Israelites ventured to superior to itself. Heart and intellect open the ark on its return from the must bow to the great I AM.”—”Ibid.,” land of the Philistines, their irreverent p. 438.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Ministry of Healing,” pages 433, 434. 74 The Sovereignty and Mercy of God LESSON 9 ❑ Friday May 26 Part 6 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of CALL TO God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, SACRIFICE AND acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. NONCONFORMITY And be not conformed to this world: but be ye trans- formed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Rom. 12:1, 2 God.”
Paul now makes practical application of the doctrine of righ-
teousness by faith by reference to the Old Testament sacrifices
—which to have any moral value must be dead. The sacrifice
of which Paul speaks must be presented living. The believer is
therefore a priest who lays upon the altar his own living body.
And as it was the work of the Jewish priest not only to present
the sacrifice, but to see that it was without blemish and properly
offered, so the Christian's sacrifice is to be kept from all contact
with the degrading or sensual. Hence it is to be "acceptable to
God" as our reasonable service.
"In that ancient ritual, which was the gospel in symbol, no
blemished offering could be brought to God's altar. The sacri-
fice that was to represent Christ must be spotless. The Word
of God points to this as an illustration of what His children
are to be—`a living sacrifice,' holy and without blemish,' well-
pleasing to God.'"—The Ministry of Healing, page 130.
How does Paul esteem the human body? 1 Cor. 6:13,
15-20; 7:4, 34; 2 Cor. 5:6, 8, 10.
Is God's will for each individual fixed by predeter-
mined purpose, or is it related to the believer's obedience
to the commandments? Matt. 7:21; Acts 13:22; Eph. 5:17.
THINK IT THROUGH The priestly service is required of all believers without distinction. Have I been anointed with the Holy Spirit? Have I been called and separated and consecrated to God’s service?
“The apostle entreats his brethren to dulge appetite at the expense of health, consecrate their bodies to God. . . . or when we indulge habits which lessen When we pursue a course to lessen our vitality and mental vigor, we can- mental and physical vigor—in eating, not have a high appreciation of the drinking, or in any of our habits—we atonement and a right estimate of eter- dishonor God, for we rob Him of the nal things.”—Ellen G. White, “In Heav- service He claims of us. When we in- enly Places,” page 193.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Fundamentals of Christian Education,” pages 289,290.
75
The Sovereignty and Mercy of God LESSON 9 May 27
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
- True or False: The poor are not in as fortunate a position as the rich to
obtain salvation, because they are not usually as well educated
- Complete: “For if the be holy, the is also holy: and if
the root be holy, so are the
- Who arc the “natural” branches? Who are the “grafted”
branches?
-
Complete: “Our Father in heaven orders everything in and
-
What is one of the most conclusive proofs of the deity of Christ)
-
True or False: The Old Testament sacrifice that represented Christ was
to be without blemish.
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76 LESSON 10 May 28 to June 3
EXHORTATIONS TO CHURCH MEMBERS 1O
"The Christian, filled with the
knowledge of an eternal love,
is told how not to dream, but to
serve, with all the mercies of God
for his motive." Handley C. G.
Moule.
“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of another.” Rom. 12:4, 5.
In the latter portion of his letter to the LESSON OUTLINE Romans Paul deals with the practical ap- plication of the gospel in relation to certain Exhortations to Humility problems faced by the followers of Christ and Unity from that age to the end of time. Rom. 12:3-5 In sending these exhortations to the church, the apostle bases them on the pro- 2. Brotherly Love gressive development of the Christian ex- Rom. 12:9, 10 perience as presented in the preceding chap- ters. 3. Sympathy and Humility “Since the believer has been justified by Rom. 12:15, 16 faith in Christ and has been restored to a 4. Right Attitude Toward Enemies position of love and trust as an adopted son of God, he ought to lead a life of purity Rom. 12:19-21 and holiness that befits his new status. Paul 5. Christian’s Attitude to Civil thus makes plain that the doctrine of righ- teousness by faith and salvation by grace Power does not encourage or permit lawlessness or Rom. 13:1, 2 a careless disregard of God’s command- ments.”—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rom. 6. Render to Caesar 12:1. Rom. 13:5-7
77
Exhortations to Church Members LESSON 10 ❑ Sunday May 28 Part 1 “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every EXHORTATIONS man that is among you, not to think of himself more TO HUMILITY highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, accord- AND UNITY ing as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of Rom. 12:3-5 another.”
If a man thinks more highly of himself than he ought to
think, he is likely to despise the service to which God has
called him, and thus seek to undertake work which is beyond
his God-given ability. The plan of God will be marred and the
person humiliated, as the task is passed to more humble hands.
In Christ's church the surest way to honorable promotion is by
rendering prompt, earnest, humble service in the position to
which one has been called.
What exhortation did Paul give the Roman Christians
in regard to exercising their God-given capabilities? Rom.
12:6-8.
"The Lord desires His chosen servants to learn how to unite
together in harmonious effort. It may seem to some that the
contrast between their gifts and the gifts of a fellow laborer
is too great to allow them to unite in harmonious effort; but
when they remember that there are varied minds to be reached,
and that some will reject the truth as it is presented by one
laborer, only to open their hearts to God's truth as it is pre-
sented in a different manner by another laborer, they will hope-
fully endeavor to labor together in unity."—Testimonies, Vol.
9, p. 145.
THINK IT THROUGH Is there danger that I might go to the other extreme and discount my abilities? Did any Bible characters do this? See Judges 6:15; 1 Sam. 9:21; 1 Kings 19:4.
“The forms of unbelief are varied, earnestly and zealously you may labor, for Satan watches every opportunity to unless you put away your own tenden- crowd in some of his attributes. There cies to pride and submit to be guided is in the natural heart a tendency to be by the Spirit of God, you will be on exalted or puffed up if success attends losing ground.”—Ellen G. White Com- the efforts put forth. But self-exaltation ments, “SDA Bible Commentary,” Vol. can find no place in the work of God. 6, p. 1080. Whatever your intelligence, however
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Education,” page 253.
78 Exhortations to Church Members LESSON 10 ❑ Monday May 29 Part 2 “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which BROTHERLY LOVE is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring Rom. 12:9, 10 one another.”
When we truly love, there is no need for boasting. If we
have love, it will shine forth in the life. Actors represent char-
acters which are not their own without intending to deceive.
But in proportion to the excellence of their performance is
the degree of illusion in the person who beholds it. We should
be certain that we are not merely acting a part in the kindness
we show to men or in the reverence we show to God. We
should feel what we profess to feel. We should think as we
seem to think. Otherwise our lives will be little else than stage
play.
"The fact that we are under so great obligation to Christ
places us under the most sacred obligation to those whom He
died to redeem. We are to manifest toward them the same
sympathy, the same tender compassion and unselfish love, which
Christ has manifested toward us. Selfish ambition, desire for
supremacy, will die when Christ takes possession of the affec-
tions."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 170.
What are some other attributes manifested by the
Christian? Rom. 12:1 1-13.
"These admonitions have been strangely neglected. Even
among those who profess to be Christians true hospitality is
little exercised. Among our own people the opportunity of show-
ing hospitality is not regarded as it should be, as a privilege
and blessing. There is altogether too little •sociability, too little
of a disposition to make room for two or three more at the
family board without embarrassment or parade."—The Ad-
ventist Home, pages 445, 446. THINK IT THROUGH In my church am I attempting to pass off counterfeit
love as the real thing? Do I conceal my lack of love by
hiding behind a mask of words that are supposed to
sound like love?
“As, long as we are in this world, we the very one who needs help the most. must be linked one with another. Hu- Thy brother, sick in spirit, needs you as manity is interlaced and interwoven you needed him. He needs the experi- with humanity. As Christians we are ence of one who has been as weak as members one of another. . . . The Lord himself, who can sympathize with and designs us as His sons and daughters, help him. The very knowledge of his whom He calls His friends, to help one own weakness helps that one to help another. This is to be a part of our prac- another in his weakness.”—Ellen G. tical Christian work. White, “Our High Calling,” page 184. “‘Who is my neighbor?’ . . . He is
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 3, p. 361.
79
Exhortations to Church Members LESSON 10 ❑ Tuesday May 30 Part 3 “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with SYMPATHY AND them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. HUMILITY Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low Rom. 12:15, 16 estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
There are some who rejoice only over their own happiness,
who weep only over their own miseries. If they are in good
health, if they are doing well in business, if the world smiles
upon them, they are happy. If they are sick, or poor, or ignored,
they are miserable. A thoroughly selfish man grieves more over
an attack of dyspepsia or the loss of a twenty-dollar bill than
over much greater trouble that comes to another.
"Christ identified Himself with the necessities of His people.
Their needs and their sufferings were His. He says: 'I was
anhungered, and ye gave Me meat: . . . I was sick, and ye vis-
ited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.' God's servants
should have hearts of tender affection and sincere love for the
followers of Christ."—Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 186.
How did Jesus identify Himself with those who re-
joiced and with those who wept? John 2:1-11; 11:35.
"Though He was the Son of God, yet He had taken human
nature upon Him, and He was moved by human sorrow. His
tender, pitying heart is ever awakened to sympathy by suffer-
ing. He weeps with those that weep, and rejoices with those
that rejoice."—The Desire of Ages, page 533.
What kind of a reputation should the Christian have
in his neighborhood? Romans 12:17.
THINK IT THROUGH The more shallow any person’s nature is, the less capacity it has for joy and grief; the finer and deeper one’s nature, the more sensitive it is to both. Do I expe- rience deeper joy or grief than those who know not the Lord? Does my heart vibrate in sympathy with human gladness and sorrow?
“The Lord Jesus is our only helper. those who weep, to rejoice with them Through His grace we shall learn to cul- that rejoice. We are to cultivate heav- tivate love, to educate ourselves to enly excellences of character. We are speak kindly and tenderly. Through His to learn what it means to have good- grace our cold, harsh manners will be will toward all men, a sincere desire to transformed. The law of kindness will be as sunshine and not as a shadow in be upon our lips, and those who are the lives of others.”—Ellen G. White under the precious influences of the Comments, “SDA Bible Commentary,” Holy Spirit, will not feel that it is an Vol. 3, p. 1164. evidence of weakness to weep with
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 4, p. 20.
80 Exhortations to Church Members LESSON 10 ❑ Wednesday May 31 Part 4 “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather RIGHT ATTITUDE give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is TOWARD ENEMIES Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be Rom. 12:19-21 not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
The common practice is to return evil for evil. "Give him as
good as he sends." "Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander."
"Be six to his half dozen." There are a score of proverbs which
suggest meeting evil with evil. But does any man dare to stand
before God on those terms?
"Give place unto wrath. Literally, 'give place unto the wrath.'
The definite article before 'wrath' indicates that the reference
is to the wrath of God. . . . This interpretation is confirmed
by the following words, 'vengeance is Mine; I will repay.'
`Give place' means 'give room' for the avenging wrath of God
to work. Christians are never to attempt to seek revenge upon
those who treat them unjustly. They should leave the matter
with God."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rom. 12:19.
What are we instructed about holding a grudge? Eph.
4:26.
"If impatient words are spoken to you, never reply in the
same spirit. Remember that 'a soft answer turneth away wrath.'
. And there is wonderful power in silence. Words spoken
in reply to one who is angry sometimes serve only to exasper-
ate. But anger met with silence, in a tender, forbearing spirit,
quickly dies away."—The Ministry of Healing, page 486.
What is the best tool for overthrowing evil? Rom.
12:21.
THINK IT THROUGH There are many evils in the world in reading, asso- ciation, recreation, music, eating, and drinking. How may Christians overcome these evils today most satis- factorily?
“There is not an impulse of our na- the soul, if we give him the least ad- ture, not a faculty of the mind or an vantage. Therefore however great one’s inclination of the heart, but needs to spiritual light, however much he may be, moment by moment, under the con- enjoy of the divine favor and blessing, trol of the Spirit of God. There is not a he should ever walk humbly before the blessing which God bestows upon man, Lord, pleading in faith that God will nor a trial which He permits to befall direct every thought and control every him, but Satan both can and will seize impulse.”—”Patriarchs and Prophets,” upon it to tempt, to harass and destroy page 421.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Medical Ministry,” pages 209, 210.
81
Exhortations to Church Members LESSON 10 ❑ Thursday June 1 Part 5 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For CHRISTIAN’S there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ATTITUDE TO ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the CIVIL POWER power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that Rom. 13:1, 2 resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
In no society or government will we find an ideal situation.
We must remember that the basis of society is mutual forbear-
ance and self-sacrifice for the common good. The apostle's
teaching shows that we are bound to render obedience on the
ground that government is an "ordinance of God."
"Let every man be obedient to the civil government under
which the providence of God has cast his lot. For there is no
power but of God. As God is the origin of power, and the
supreme Governor of the universe, He delegates authority to
whomsoever He will; and though in many cases the governor
himself may not be of God, yet civil government is of Him;
for without this there could be no society, no security, no pri-
vate property; all would be confusion and anarchy, and the
habitable world would soon be depopulated."—Clarke's Com-
mentary, on Rom. 13:1.
What frees the Christian from fear of the civil power?
Rom. 13:3, 4.
"In general, rulers are not to be dreaded except when wrong
is done. In actuality, of course, not all rulers belong to this
class, for many of them have persecuted the good; for example,
Nero, the Roman emperor at the time Paul wrote this epistle,
who was later responsible for Paul's martyrdom. Nevertheless,
it is generally true that those who are virtuous have nothing to
fear from civil authorities."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rom.
13:3.
What should be the Christian's motive as he seeks to
be a good citizen? 1 Peter 2:13, 14.
THINK IT THROUGH Do I obey the civil powers from a sense of duty? Or am I afraid of punishment? Am I strictly honest when making up my income tax returns? What is my attitude toward speed laws and traffic ordinances?
“David’s power had been given him ‘The powers that be are ordained of by God, but to be exercised only in God,’ . . . but we are not to obey them harmony with the divine law. When he contrary to God’s law.”—”Patriarchs commanded that which was contrary and Prophets,” page 719. to God’s law, it became sin to obey.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 5, p. 712.
82 Exhortations to Church Members LESSON 10 ❑ Friday June 2 Part 6 “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for RENDER TO CAESAR wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom Rom. 13:5-7 custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”
The Christian's subjection to civil authority is necessary
because it is a divine ordinance. It is also essential to the gen-
eral good. If society is to be effective, it must have laws and
people to enforce them.
"If public order is part of a divine purpose, it is an exceed-
ingly serious thing to set ourselves against it. It means that we
have willfully preferred our private aims to the well-being of
society; we have exalted our own preferences above the needs
of the collective whole. This kind of gratuitous individualism
is destructive of all the values which a community exists to
serve; and in a tradition where its virtues have been praised
and its dangers overlooked, it is well to ponder the seriousness
with which Paul regarded irresponsible opposition to the state."
—The Interpreter's Bible, Vol. 9, p. 602.
How did Jesus emphasize this same principle? Matt.
22:15-21.
When only is the Christian to disobey the law of the
state? Acts 5:29.
"When the laws of men conflict with the word and law of
God, we are to obey the latter, whatever the consequences may
be. The law of our land requiring us to deliver a slave to his
master, we are not to obey; and we must abide the consequences
of violating this law."—Testimonies, Vol. 1, pp. 201, 202. THINK IT THROUGH Before the return of Jesus, what issue will confront the
Christian and serve to divide the world into groups, one
to receive the seal of God, the other the mark of the
beast?
“The Saviour’s words, ‘Render . . . presumption, and in doing this He had unto God the things that are God’s,’ stated a great principle, a principle that were a severe rebuke to the intriguing clearly defines the limits of man’s duty Jews. Had they faithfully fulfilled their to the civil government and his duty to obligations to God, they would not have God. In many minds a vexed question become a broken nation, ‘subject to a had been settled. Ever after they held foreign power…. to the right principle.”—”The Desire of “He had rebuked their hypocrisy and Ages,” pages 602, 603.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Acts of the Apostles,” page 69.
83
Exhortations to Church Members LESSON 10 June 3
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
- True or False: There is in the natural heart a tendency to be exalted or
puffed up if success attends one’s efforts.
- When we are under great obligation to Christ, what will be our attitude
toward those for whom He has died
-
Complete: “Mind not high things, but condescend to men of
Be not in your own conceits." -
True or False: The person who represses the desire for revenge and returns
evil with kindness gains a victory over himself and over the powers of evil.
- Complete: “Whosoever therefore resisteth the , resisteth the
ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves
- Multiple choice: Our attitude to the state is to be guided by (a) commu-
nity sentiment (b) the precepts of the Bible (c) whether or not we feel the
right political party is in office (d) whether or not our interests are affected.
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84 LESSON 11
June 4-10
LOVE AND TOLERANCE IN THE
LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN 11
"Ye owe to your fellow brethren
nothing but mutual love, and this
is what the law of God requires,
and this is the law fulfilled."
Adam Clarke.
“For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.” Rom. 14:18.
“Paul’s statements in Rom. 14 have been has been recognized by such conservative variously interpreted, and have been used commentators, for example as Jamieson, by some: (1) to disparage a vegetarian diet, Fausset, and Brown.”—SDA Bible Com- (2) to abolish the distinction between clean mentary, on Rom. 14:1. and unclean meats, and (3) to remove all distinction between days, thus abolishing LESSON OUTLINE the seventh-day Sabbath. That Paul is do- ing none of these three becomes evident 1. Debt and the Christian when this chapter is studied in the light of certain religious and related problems that Rom. 13:8 troubled some of the 1st-century Christians. 2. Urgency of the Time “Paul mentions various problems that are an occasion of misunderstanding between Rom. 13:11, 12 brethren: (1) those relating to diet (v. 2), 3. Need to Be Tolerant and (2) those relating to the observance of certain days (vs. 5, 6). In 1 Cor. 8 the Rom. 14:1-3 problem of the strong versus the weak 4. Respect the Convictions of brother, as regards diet, is also dealt with. The letter to the Corinthians was written Others less than a year before that to the Romans. Rom. 14:5, 6 It seems reasonable to conclude that in 1 Cor. 8 and Rom. 14 Paul is dealing with 5. The Christian’s Influence essentially the same problem [foods sacri- Rom. 14:7 ficed to idols]. • • • “That Paul does not teach or even imply 6. No Stumbling Block the abolition of the seventh-day Sabbath Rom. 14:14, 15
85
Love and Tolerance in the Life of the LESSON 11 ❑ Sunday
Christian June 4
Part 1 "Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for
DEBT AND THE he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."
CHRISTIAN
As private individuals we must accept responsibility for
Rom. 13:8
goods and commodities we accept from others. We owe the
person working for us. It is not against this type of transaction
that the apostle warns, but against wanton debt and needless
obligation. Debt of this kind strikes a blow at love. There is
usually little affection lost between debtor and creditor.
"When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest,
but by love, they show the working of an influence that is
above every human influence. Where this oneness exists, it is
evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity,
that a new principle of life has been implanted. It shows that
there is power in the divine nature to withstand the superna-
tural agencies of evil, and that the grace of God subdues the
selfishness inherent in the natural heart."—The Desire of Ages,
page 678.
To which commandment embracing all others does the
apostle point? Rom. 13:9.
"This obligation [love thy neighbor as thyself] is resting
upon all. All are required to labor to diminish the ills and mul-
tiply the blessings of their fellow creatures."—Testinsonies,
Vol. 5, p. 606.
1). In what way does Paul link love and the law? Rom.
13:10.
THINK IT THROUGH How does the example of Jesus show us a better ideal of service for God than the life of any recluse?
“The nature and scope of love is but preciative reaction which your friends briefly indicated in the verses under awaken within you. Love must mean study; the important place it occupies in the settled will to seek the good of those Paul’s thought, however, warrants a who come within the range of our influ- glance at the development it receives ence, whatever may be their attitude elsewhere in his teaching. Love as a toward us. By the grace of God we will religious motive is never confused with treat even those who do us wrong in an emotional response to those who ap- the way which natural impulse would peal to our affections. If you are to ‘love teach us to treat only those to whom your enemies,’ the word must have we respond emotionally.”—”The Inter- some connotation other than the ap- preter’s Bible,” Vol. 9, pp. 607,608.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 1 , p. 220.
86 Love and Tolerance in the Life of the LESSON 11 ❑ Monday Christian June 5 Part 2 “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time URGENCY OF to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer THE TIME than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, Rom. 13:11, 12 and let us put on the armor of light.”
It is a sad fact that many professing Christians seem to be
asleep so far as their personal obligations and responsibilities to
others go. They are insensible to the sins and sorrows of those
around them. They say, "What is to be will be; the Lord's will
be done. Some will be saved, others will be lost." The nearer
we come to the return of our Lord, the more awake we should
be and the more zealous in advancing His cause on earth.
"The coming of the Lord is nearer than when we first be-
lieved. The great controversy is nearing its end. Every report
of calamity by sea or land is a testimony to the fact that the
end of all things is at hand. Wars and rumors of wars declare
it. Is there a Christian whose pulse does not beat with quickened
action as he anticipates the great events opening before us?"
—Evangelism, page 219.
What will the Christian do before putting on the armor
of light? Rom. 13:12.
How is the Christian to walk? Rom. 13:13.
How may the Christian "put on" the Lord Jesus? Rom.
13:14.
THINK IT THROUGH Being wakened out of sleep (Rom. 13:11) is a term which can be applied only to Christians. The unconverted are dead in their trespasses and sins and require not an awakening, but a resurrection. In what way may I be asleep, and what can I do about it?
“We must have a knowledge of the been [fulfilled] and are fulfilling. Let us Scriptures, that we may trace down the lift up our heads and rejoice, for our lines of prophecy and . . . see that the redemption draweth nigh. It is nearer day is approaching, so that with in- than when we first believed. Shall we creased zeal and effort we may exhort not wait patiently, filled with courage one another to faithfulness. . . . Give and faith? Shall we not make ready a up our faith? lose our confidence? be- people to stand in the day of final come impatient? No, no. We will not reckoning?”—Ellen G. White, “That I think of such a thing. . . . See how the May Know Him,” page 348. specifications of the prophecies have
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Counsels on Health,” page 579.
87
Love and Tolerance in the Life of the LESSON.11 ❑ Tuesday
Christian June 6
Part 3 "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to
NEED TO BE doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat
TOLERANT all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not
him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not
him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God
Rom. 14:1-3 hath received him."
The so-called law of Moses was actually given by God. Many
of its features pointed forward to the death of Christ, when
type would meet antitype, and the endless round of rites and
ceremonies would lose their significance. It is not surprising
that some Jewish converts to Christianity objected to the elimi-
nation of these features of the law which had been in force for
fifteen centuries. To them it was a matter of conscience. And
the man who regards his conscience must be respected even
when he is wrong. The strong should not put a stumbling block
in the way of the weak. The problem of eating meats offered
to idols probably entered in here also, a decision that would
vitally affect the Gentile believers. In this passage, Paul is
pleading for toleration of one another. He also suggests a sur-
render of what strong Christians regarded as their "right" in
order not to cause weaker brothers to stumble.
What question did Paul ask concerning judging others?
Rom. 14:4.
"True Christians will not exult in exposing the faults and
deficiencies of others. They will turn away from vileness and
deformity, to fix the mind upon that which is attractive and
lovely. To the Christian every act of faultfinding, every word
of censure or condemnation, is painful."—Testimonies, Vol. 5,
p. 96.
What similar admonition did Jesus give? Matt. 7:1-3.
THINK IT THROUGH When my brethren do things which I feel are wrong, how do I respond? How do I react when they condemn my practices? How only can peace between us be pre- served?
“More and more we ought to recog- also make us more charitable in con- nize that we are answerable to God— ceding that our brother too is answer- and to God alone—both for the obliga- able to God alone. The secret of a tions which we accept and for those respectful tolerance of his practice is to which we repudiate. This might make recognize that he does not stand or fall us more scrupulous in discharging the at the bar of our judgment.”—”The In- duties of our discipleship, but it would terpreter’s Bible,” Vol. 9, p. 618.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Ministry of Healing,” pages 489, 490.
88 Love and Tolerance in the Life of the LESSON 11 ❑ Wednesday Christian June 7 Part 4 “One man esteemeth one day above another: another RESPECT THE esteemeth every clay alike. Let every man be fully per- CONVICTIONS suaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, re- OF OTHERS gardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he cloth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God Rom. 14:5, 6 thanks.”
There is no evidence that the apostle was here referring to
the seventh-day Sabbath. The whole discussion was in refer-
ence to observances that were distinctly Jewish. The Sabbath
was not in this classification, since it was instituted for all man-
kind at creation. Again Paul is pleading for tolerance. The
thought is that we should not try to rein up someone else and
expect him to follow the dictates of another's conscience.
"They climb upon the judgment seat, and as soon as they
see one of their brethren and sisters, they look to find some-
thing to criticize. This is one of the most effectual means of
becoming narrow-minded and of dwarfing spiritual growth.
God would have them step down from the judgment seat, for
He has never placed them there."—Child Guidance, page 429.
To what kind of "day" is Paul referring here? Lev.
•16:29-31; 23:24, 39.
The first and seventh days of the Jewish Passover week were
to be "sabbaths." Fifty days later came the Feast of Weeks,
another "sabbath." Then the tenth day of the seventh month
was always to be a "sabbath." That these were not seventh-
day-of-the-week Sabbaths is evident from the fact that they
fell on the same day of the month each year. These ceremonial
"sabbaths" were still significant to the Jewish Christians, but
meant little or nothing to the Gentiles.
What wise admonition did Paul give the Roman Chris-
tians? Rom. 14:5 (last part).
THINK IT THROUGH Is it best for me to remain silent when I am in the com- pany of those who oppose the truth? What should be my attitude toward my own children when they willfully violate the commandments of God?
“It is right that you should both cher- of an enlightened conscience, and your ish integrity and be true to your sense convictions of duty; but you should of right. The straight path of duty guard against bigotry and prejudice. should be yours from choice. . . . You Do not run into a pharisaical spirit.” should be firm in following the dictates —”Testimonies,” Vol. 4, pp. 62, 63.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Desire of Ages ,” page 550.
89
Love and Tolerance in the Life of the LESSON 11 ❑ Thursday Christian June 8 Part 5 “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth THE CHRISTIAN’S to himself.” INFLUENCE Rom. 14:7 God turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends. A completely selfish man may appear very religious if he goes to church, reads religious books, and now and then makes a contribution to some worthy cause. But every con- secrated Christian is a leavening element, placed in the world to proclaim and extend the truth. As John Donne reminds us, “No man is an island, entire of itself.”
To whom do we live and die? What price has been
1$ paid for all? Rom. 14:8, 9.
"Our life is not our own, never was, and never can be. The
question of importance to us is, Is our life interwoven with
that of Jesus? . . . We shall come into judgment for the very
atmosphere that surrounds the soul, for it is vital and is influ-
encing souls for good or evil."—Ellen G. White, That I May
Know Him, page 90.
In view of the price paid equally for everyone, what
pertinent questions does Paul ask? Rom. 14:10-13.
"The apostle presses home the great thought of the lesson
the third time—judge not; condemn not. . . . If we assume to
be judge, we put ourselves in the place of God, the only Judge
and Lawgiver. God forbid that we should thus do."—Milton
Charles Wilcox, Studies in Romans, pages 128, 129. THINK IT THROUGH Does the thought of others occupy only a very small
place in my devotions? Do I thank God for my brethren?
Would Job's experience be mine if I prayed more for
others?
“Christ’s servants are grieved as they arated from the church, but He has not see true and false believers mingled committed to us the work of judging in the church. They long to do some- character and motive. He knows our thing to cleanse the church. Like the nature too well to entrust this work to servants of the householder, they are us. Should we try to uproot from the ready to uproot the tares. But Christ church those whom we suppose to be says to them, ‘Nay; lest while ye spurious Christians, we should be sure gather up the tares, ye root up also to make mistakes. Often we regard as the wheat with them. Let both grow to- hopeless subjects the very ones whom gether until the harvest.’ Christ is drawing to Himself.”—”Christ’s “Christ has plainly taught that those Object Lessons,” page 71. who persist in open sin must be sep-
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Adventist Home,” pages 33, 34.
90 Love and Tolerance in the Life of the LESSON 11 ❑ Friday Christian June 9 Part 6 “I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that NO STUMBLING there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteem- BLOCK eth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Rom. 14:14, 15 Christ died.”
There are a number of practices which we should shun, not
because our conscience would condemn us if we followed them,
or because they would prove harmful in themselves, but be-
cause our example might be such as would mislead others. At
the same time we have no right to be conscience for another.
We can give the light to another, but we cannot decide what
he should do with it.
Paul is not referring to things which are morally wrong, but
to practices which may be debatable. To grieve a brother by
what one does is to sin against the law of love.
On what will Christian emphasis rest? Rom. 14:16-18.
"Take heed lest by your example you place other souls in
peril. It is a terrible thing to lose our own soul, but to pursue
a course that will cause the loss of other souls is still more ter-
rible. That our influence should be a savor of death unto death
is a terrible thought, and yet it is possible. With what earnest-
ness, then, we should guard our thoughts, our words, our
habits, our dispositions. God calls for personal holiness. Only
by revealing the character of Christ can we cooperate with
Him in saving souls."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 158.
What part must faith play in governing the life of the
believer? Rom. 14:22, 23.
THINK IT THROUGH Can I witness my brother doing things which I would condemn in myself, and not be annoyed by it? Is there danger that I may be so “broad-minded” that I tend to ask: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
“Said the angel: ‘Yea, thou art thy that man should be openhearted and brother’s keeper. Thou shouldest have honest, without affectation, meek, hum- a watchful care for thy brother, be in- ble, with simplicity. This is the principle terested for his welfare, and cherish a of heaven; God ordered it so.”—”Testi- kind, loving spirit toward him. Press monies,” Vol. 1, pp. 113, 114. together, press together.’ God designed
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 191-195.
91
Z6 Answers: (1) The debt of love; (2) works, darkness, armor; (3) False; (4) persuaded, mind; (5) he prayed for his friends; (6) True.
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OT ouni LI. NOSS31 uvlispo atg Jo ala mg w aountapoi pup aciou LESSON 12 June 11-17
MERCY FOR THE GENTILES 12
"What the apostle prayed for the
Romans, in view of their contro-
versies, he prays for us, as for
them, in view of everything."
Handley C. G. Moule.
“Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud Him, all ye people.” Rom. 15:11.
In the closing part of his letter Paul cludes his epistle with a typical hymn touched on a number of topics. First he ascribing praise and glory to the Father who reminded the Gentiles that they had every had made all things possible. right to shout and sing because of the won- derful way in which the gospel had been made available to them. They were not LESSON OUTLINE second-rate Christians simply because they had not been born Jews. Next Paul spoke 1. Reasons for Gentile Joy of his own work over the years, traveling from one country to another, not shunning Rom. 15:8-12 the hardest parts, but, like David Living- 2. A Minister to the Gentiles stone so many centuries later, willing to go anywhere provided it was forward. Next Rom. 15:14-16 he touched upon his own plans for the fu, 3. Paul, a Pioneer Missionary ture. First would be a trip to Jerusalem to carry contributions from the Gentile Rom. 15:20-24 churches for the poor saints at headquar- ters. Next would come a journey to Spain, 4. Paul’s Mission to Jerusalem but on the way he anticipated stopping off Rom. 15:25-30 in Rome and visiting the saints there. After his ministry in Spain was completed, he 5. Phebe, Priscilla, and Aquila expected to return to Rome. (There is no Rom. 16:1-4 way of knowing whether he ever reached Spain. Clement intimates that he did.) 6. Closing Salutation and Then followed a lengthy list of individuals Committal to whom Paul sent greetings, and he con- Rom. 16:20-27
93
Mercy for the Gentiles LESSON 12 ❑ Sunday
June II
Part 1 "Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the
REASONS FOR circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises
GENTILE JOY made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify
God for His mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will
confess to Thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto Thy
name. And again He saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His
people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and
laud Him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There
shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign
Rom. 15:8-12 over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust."
Babies are born selfish. Very small children develop strong
attachments to their toys and strongly object to sharing them
with others. The Jews' response to their extraordinary privileges
was to develop selfishness and exclusiveness. The idea ad-
vanced by Jesus that Gentiles might sit down in the kingdom
of God while the Jews would be thrust out, filled them with
rage.
What trait of Jesus should the Christian especially
seek to emulate? Rom. 15:1-7.
"An example is more forceful than an exhortation; but even
more important than the example is the inspiration which en-
ables us to follow it. Paul finds both in Jesus Christ. The dis-
ciple can tell what he ought to do by remembering his Master."
—The Interpreter's Bible, Vol. 9, p. 633.
t(* What triple blessing was the Christian to enjoy through
the ministry of the Holy Spirit? Rom. 15:13.
THINK IT THROUGH Christ, who carried my burden, desires me to help my neighbor carry his, that I may develep_a_Chrjstlike character and at the same time demonstrate Christ’s love to my neighbor. In a practical way, how can I help my neighbor carry his burden?
“No soul who believes in Christ, characteri Christian training, religious though his faith may be weak, and his experience,—we are in debt to those steps wavering as those of a little child, less favored; and, so far as lies in our is to be lightly esteemed. By all that has power, we are to minister unto them.” given us advantage over another,—be —”The Desire of Ages,” page 440. it education and refinement, nobility of
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Evangelism,” page 578.
94 Mercy for the Gentiles LESSON 12 ❑ Monday June l2 Part 2 “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, A MINISTER TO that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowl- THE GENTILES edge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be accept- Rom. 15:14-16 able, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.”
Goodness and knowledge are not always combined in this
world, but both are found in Christ. These constitute the heart
and head of the_new man (Eph. 3:19; 4:24), and are to be
taken in-Th-6r fullness. Paul's largehearted love is shown by
the terms he employs. He obviously delights in pointing to the
depth of experience the believer may enjoy in Christ.
How only may the believer experience this infilling
of goodness and knowledge? Eph. 3:17-21.
In what personal experience did Paul glory? Rom.
15:17-19.
"Truth in Christ and through Christ is measureless. The stu-
dent of Scripture looks, as it were, into a fountain that deepens
and broadens as he gazes into it depths. Not in this life shall
we comprehend the mystery of God's love in giving His Son
to be the propitiation for our sins. The work of our Redeemer
on this earth is and ever will be a subject that will put th the
stretch our highest imagination."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 128, 129. THINK IT THROUGH Does the fact that I cannot preach like Paul excuse me
from any responsibility to make known to others what
has been done for me?
“In the very family, the neighbor- health of body and of soul than does hood, the town, where we live, there a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a is work for us to do as missionaries for positive duty to resist melancholy, dis- Christ. If we are Christians, this work contented thoughts and feelings—as will be our delight. No sooner is one much a duty as it is to pray. If we are converted than there is born within him heaven-bound, how can we go as a a desire to make known to others what band of mourners, groaning and com- a precious friend he has found in plaining all along the way to our Fath- Jesus.”—”The Desire of Ages,” page er’s house?”—”The Ministry of Heal-
- ing,” page 251. “Nothing tends more to promote
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 2, p. 319.
95
Mercy for the Gentiles LESSON 12 ❑ Tuesday June 13 Part 3 “Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not PAUL, A PIONEER where Christ was named, lest I should build upon an- MISSIONARY other man’s foundation: but as it is written, To whom He was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with Rom. 15:20-24 your company.”
At the time when Paul was converted, he had already made
his mark in the world. As a member of the Sanhedrin, the
Jewish supreme court, he had taken a leading part in hunting
down, imprisoning, and even putting to death, members of
what was contemptuously called the sect of the Nazarenes.
When he changed sides and joined the army of the Lord, he
asked for no position of power in the church at Jerusalem. He
had one great purpose, to preach the gospel in the "regions
beyond." Here we see a marked similarity to the spirit that
later motivated David Livingstone. Like Paul, Livingstone re-
jected the idea that he settle down in some comfortable, well-
established mission and spend his life there. The great unknown
beckoned him. Both walked thousands of miles. Both died in
harness.
What experience inspired Paul to carry the gospel into
Europe? Acts 16:10.
"Paul defends his practice of preaching where Christ's name
was unknown by noting that the procedure was a fulfillment
of OT prediction."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rom. 15:21.
THINK IT THROUGH After Jesus’ work on earth was done, He could look forward to satisfaction at seeing the travail of His soul. May I do the same? On what conditions?
“No man can succeed in the. service the Word of God. Christian is to be of God unless his whole heart is in the united to Christian, church to church, work and he counts all things but loss the human instrumentality cooperating for the excellency of the knowledge of with the divine, every agency to be sub- Christ. No man who makes any reserve ordinated to the Holy Spirit, and all to can be the disciple of Christ, much less be combined in giving to the world the can he be Mira;E:borer.”—”The Desire good tidings of the grace of God.”— of Ages,” page 273. “Christian Service,” page 14. “Our work is plainly laid down in
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Acts of the Apostles,” page 373.
96 Mercy for the Gentiles LESSON 12 ❑ Wednesday June 14 Part 4 “But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the PAUL’S MISSION saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia TO JERUSALEM to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the bless- ing of the gospel of Christ. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers Rom. 15:25-30 to God for me.”
When the apostles in Jerusalem gave Paul and Barnabas
the right hand of fellowship and sent them out to preach the
gospel, they asked them always to remember the poor in Jeru-
salem, a thing Paul did faithfully. Gal. 2:10. Although many
of the Gentiles were poor, they gave willingly to this cause.
Paul asked the Roman believers to pray that this gift might
be accepted kindly by the Judean brethren.
Although Paul was a minister, what did he ask the
believers to do for him? Rom. 15:30-32. Compare 2 Thess.
3:2.
Paul was a mighty man of prayer. "Pray without ceasing,"
he admonished the Thessalonians. There can be no doubt but
that he carried out his own instruction.
"Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of re-
ceiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and
experience. . . . Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the
soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and
from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God."—Steps to
Christ, pages 97, 98. THINK IT THROUGH Paul asked an interest in the prayers of the laity. Do
I remember regularly in prayer my pastor, conference
workers, and the missionaries on the front lines struggling
against almost overwhelming odds?
“I need the prayers of those I love, “I want my friends to pray for me, While trav’ling o’er life’s rugged way, To bear my tempted soul above, That I may true and faithful be, And intercede with God for me; And live for Jesus ev’ry day. I need the prayers of those I love.” —J. D. Vaughan.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 1 , p. 190.
97
Mercy for the Gentiles LESSON 12 ❑ Thursday June 15 Part 5 “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a ser- PHEBE, PRISCILLA, vant of the church which is at Cenchrea: that ye receive AND AQUILA her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succorer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gen- Rom. 16:1-4 tiles.”
It seems evident that Phebe, a Greek name that means
"bright, radiant," was the bearer of Paul's letter. She was
presumably fairly wealthy, and she was going to Rome on
private business. She was an active church member. The Greek
word translated "servant" is the same that is translated in some
other places as "deacon." This suggests that she may have been
a deaconess.
Priscilla and Aquila had apparently run grave risks for Paul's
sake. This is one of the few instances in the Bible in which the
woman's name is given first, indicating, perhaps, that she was
a person of great ability and that she may have done more for
the church than her husband.
What indicates Paul's intimate knowledge of the be-
lievers in Rome? Rom. 16:5-16.
"Here is a window in Paul's heart. He was apparently dis-
owned by his own kindred, yet, as the Lord had promised, he
had mothers, sisters, and brothers a hundredfold. What a con-
trast there is between the spirit of this chapter and that of the
mere disputant cr theologian, the stoic or monk!"—F. B. Meyer,
Through the Bible Day by Day, pages 99, 100.
Against whom did Paul warn the church? Rom. 16:
17-19.
THINK IT THROUGH How did Paul know so much about the Roman Chris- tians? Has all of his correspondence been preserved in the New Testament?
“Those who are fighting the battle the soul. The true heart expression of of life at great odds may be refreshed i_isllike r sympathy, given in simplicity, and strengthened by little attentions has power to open the door—OrFearts which cost nothing. Kindly words simply that need the simple, delicate touch of spoken, little attentions simply be- the spirit of Christ.”—”Testimonies,” stowed, will sweep away the clouds of Vol. 9, p. 30. temptation and doubt that gather over
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 6, pp. 343,344.
98 Mercy for the Gentiles LESSON 12 ❑ Friday June 16 Part 6 “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your CLOSING feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with SALUTATION you. Amen. Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and AND COMMITTAL Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, accord- ing to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to God Rom. 16:20-27 only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.”
Of what coming deliverance did Paul remind the Ro-
man believers? Rom. 16:20. Compare Gen. 3:15.
"The church will yet see troublous times. She will prophesy
in sackcloth. But although she must meet heresies and persecu-
tions, although she must battle with the infidel and the apostate,
yet by the help of God she is bruising the head of Satan. . . .
"The gospel message does not win a single soul to Christ, or
make its way to a single heart, without wounding the head of
Satan. Whenever a captive is wrenched from his grasp, deliv-
ered from his oppression, the tyrant is defeated."—Testimonies,
Vol. 4, pp. 594, 595.
Who had heard of the obedience of the Roman be-
lievers? Rom. 16:19.
THINK IT THROUGH Why were some things hidden from the comprehension of Christ’s followers? John 16:12; Heb. 5:11, 12.
“Jesus longed to unfold the deep “Therefore, to Him be glory for His mysteries of the truth which had been wisdom in devising this most admirable hid for ages, that the Gentiles should be plan; and His goodness in sending fellow heirs with the Jews, and ‘par- Christ Jesus to execute it; to Him, takers of His promise in Christ by the through Christ Jesus, be glory forever! gospel.’ Eph. 5:6. This truth the disci- Because this plan is to last forever; it ples were slow to learn, and the divine is to have no issue but in eternal glory.” Teacher gave them lesson upon lesson.” —Clarke’s “Commentary” on Rom. —”The Desire of Ages,” page 402. 16:27.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “SDA Bible Commentary,” Vol. 6, p. 1107.
99
Mercy for the Gentiles LESSON 12 June 17
Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS *0 TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
- Complete: “There shall be a root of , and He that shall rise to
reign over the ; in Him shall the Gentiles
- True or False: Goodness and knowledge are not always combined in this
world, but in Christ they are inseparable.
- True or False: It was always a disappointment to Paul that he had not
had opportunity to settle down as pastor in some established center.
- Complete: “Now I beseech you, brethren, . . . that ye together
with me in your to for me.”
- Multiple choice: Paul’s attitude toward women was that (a) they should
be housewives only, (b) they should hold the leading offices, (c) they should
be laborers together in the gospel, (d) they should work only outside the
church.
-
How is the bruising of Satan’s head accomplished)
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100 LESSON 13 June 18-24
CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE 13
"As God is no respecter of per-
sons, all human creatures being
equally His offspring, ... there-
fore His endless mercy has
embraced all." Adam Clarke.
“We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Rom. 8:28.
The foregoing lessons have shown that be manifest in the lives of those who have God is at work to save His people from been justified unto salvation. Satan’s pitfalls as well as from their own weaknesses. The great work of redemption is revealed LESSON OUTLINE step by step in the book of Romans. The first chapter reveals man in his lost condi- tion with all his natural depravity. The 1. Forgetful and Unthankful author goes on to show that everyone is Rom. 1:18-21 under condemnation. Jesus is introduced as the One who saves from sin and justifies 2. The Way of Escape the sinner. Having accepted Him, the be- Rom. 3:22-25 liever finds his sense of guilt and condemna- tion gone. 3. Complete in Him The question arises: Since this great sal- Rom. 6;3-8 vation is freely offered, why are so many lost? In Romans 9 to 11 the apostle ex- 4. Now No Condemnation amines God’s dealings with men and vindi- Rom. 8:1-3, 14 cates them. In view of the fact that “who- soever calleth upon the name of the Lord 5. Transformation of Life shall be saved,” any failure on the part of Rom. 12:4, 5 the individual to believe results in self- inflicted condemnation. The last chapters 6. Love and Tolerance point out the Christian virtues which will Rom. 14:4, 13; 15:1, 4
101
Called According to His Purpose LESSON 13 ❑ Sunday June 18 Part 1 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against FORGETFUL AND all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the UNTHANKFUL truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the crea- tion of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imagina- Rom. 1:18-21 tions, and their foolish heart was darkened.”
"Those who have a true knowledge of God will not become
so infatuated with the laws of matter or the operations of
nature as to overlook, or refuse to acknowledge, the continual
working of God in nature. Nature is not God, nor was it ever
God. The voice of nature testifies of God, but nature is not
God. As His created work, it simply bears a testimony to God's
power."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1068.
How widespread had man's departure from God be-
come? Rom. 3:10-12.
"The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies
for depraving the souls of men had been put in operation. The
Son of God, looking upon the world, beheld suffering and mis-
ery. With pity He saw how men had become victims of satanic
cruelty. He looked with compassion upon those who were
being corrupted, murdered, and lost. They had chosen a ruler
who chained them to his car as captives. Bewildered and de-
ceived, they were moving on in gloomy procession toward
eternal ruin,—to death in which is no hope of life, toward
night to which comes no morning."—The Desire of Ages, page
36.
Since Jews and Gentiles alike had sinned, for what
deliverance might both look? Rom. 3:23, 30.
THINK IT THROUGH Prior to the first advent of Christ, was salvation con- fined to the Jews only? What can I do to show that I believe the glad tidings of the gospel are to go to all nations?
“But the command, ‘Go ye into all the ‘regions beyond.’ “—”The Desire of the world,’ is not to be lost sight of. Ages,” page 823. We are called upon to lift our eyes to
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Child Guidance,” page 440.
102 Called According to His Purpose LESSON 13 ❑ Monday June 19 Part 2 “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of THE WAY OF Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for ESCAPE there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission Rom. 3:22-25 of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”
"Faith is the condition upon which God has seen fit to
promise pardon to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith
whereby salvation is merited, but because faith can lay hold
of the merits of Christ, the remedy provided for sin. Faith can
present Christ's perfect obedience instead of the sinner's trans-
gression and defection. When the sinner believes that Christ is
his personal Saviour, then according to His unfailing promises,
God pardons his sin and justifies him freely. The repentant
soul realizes that his justification comes because Christ, as his
substitute and surety, has died for him, is his atonement and
righteousness."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com-
mentary, Vol. 6, p. 1073.
"Justification is God's own bridge which stretches across the
pit of iniquity and leads to our heavenly home. The word tells
us that God is the architect of the bridge, that He fashioned
it through grace, and its cornerstone is redemption through
the blood of Christ, and that its approach is by faith alone."
—Chas. J. Woodbridge, Secrets of Godly Living, page 73.
How long does it take God to justify the sinner? Luke
23:39-43.
"The thief asked in faith, in penitence, in contrition. He
asked in earnestness, as if he fully realized that Jesus could
save him if He would. And the hope in his voice was mingled
with anguish as he realized that if He did not, he would be
lost, eternally lost. He cast his helpless, dying soul and body
on Jesus Christ."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Com-
mentary, Vol. 5, p. 1125. THINK IT THROUGH If I have been justified once, do I need to be justified
again? What does God do in this process? What is my
part?
“The righteousness by which we are The first is our title to heaven, the sec- justified is imputed; the righteousness and is our fitness for heaven.”—”Mes- by which we are sanctified is imparted. sages to Young People,” page 35.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Selected Messages,” Bk. 1, pp. 397, 398.
103
Called According to His Purpose LESSON 13 ❑ Tuesday June 20 Part 3 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized COMPLETE IN HIM into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? There- fore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the like- ness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection. . . . For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall Rom. 6:3-8 also live with Him.”
Such expressions as "dead to sin" and "alive to God," having
"Christ in you" and "you in Christ," are frequently found in
the epistles of Paul. The thought is that Christ must have full
control of the believer.
"The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and
vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must
be enthroned within."—The Desire of Ages, page 494.
What comes into the heart of the justified sinner?
Rom. 5:1, 11.
What threefold step is illustrated by baptism? Gal.
110 2:20; Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:4.
The crucifixion of self comes first. Then comes the burial in
the precious blood of Jesus, who "hath loved us, and washed
us from our sins in His own blood." Rev. 1:5. This is followed
by the resurrection, as the Christian rises to walk in newness of
life. THINK IT THROUGH Now and then we hear of someone who was literally
"buried alive." Is there any danger that someone may
be buried in baptism who is not really dead to sin?
“When the soul surrenders itself to which He holds in a revolted world, Christ, a new power takes possession of and He intends that no authority shall the new heart. A change is wrought be known in it but His own. A soul which man can never accomplish for thus kept in possession by the heavenly himself. It is a supernatural work, agencies is impregnable to the assaults bringing a supernatural element into of Satan.”—”The Desire of Ages,” page human nature. The soul that is yielded 324. to Christ becomes His own fortress,
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Evangelism,” pages 273, 307.
104 Called According to His Purpose LESSON 13 ❑ Wednesday June 21 Part 4 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them NOW NO which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, CONDEMNATION but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are Rom. 8:1-3, 14 the sons of God.”
In the latter part of the seventh chapter of Romans, Paul
presents a rather hopeless outlook. No matter how much he
desired to do the will of God, he found need for a power out-
side himself to carry out those desires. He found the answer!
To his despairing cry, "Who shall deliver me?" come the
reassuring words, "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Rom. 7:24, 25. The delivered saint loses his sense of condemna-
tion and becomes a son of God on one condition: that he sub-
merge his will and accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
"We may go to Jesus and be cleansed, and stand before the
law without shame and remorse. 'There is therefore now no
condemnation.' ...
"Through Jesus the fallen sons of Adam become 'sons of
God.' ... The Christian's life should be one of faith, of victory,
and joy in God. 'Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the
world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even
our faith.' . . . Truly spoke God's servant Nehemiah: 'The joy
of the Lord is your strength.'"—The Great Controversy, page
477.
Through whom does Christian freedom come? John
8:36.
What brings condemnation? John 3:19.
THINK IT THROUGH There is no feeling in a corpse. Do I lack a feeling of condemnation because I am dead in sin, or because I am dead to sin?
“The expulsion of sin is the act of the powers of the soul are imbued with the soul itself. True, we have no power the divine energy of the Holy Spirit, to free ourselves from Satan’s control; and they obey the dictates of the will but when we desire to be set free from in fulfilling the will of God.”—”The De- sin, and in our great need cry out for sire of Ages,” page 466. a power out of and above ourselves,
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 2, p. 170.
105
Called According to His Purpose LESSON 13 ❑ Thursday June 22 Part 5 “For as we have many members in one body, and all TRANSFORMATION members have not the same office: so we, being many, OF LIFE are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of Rom. 12:4, 5 another.”
While the spirit of independence, of strife for supremacy, and
of disorganization is seen everywhere, God's church is to be
different, characterized by its unity and its perfect oneness in
Christ.
"The world is filled with strife for the supremacy. The
spirit of pulling away from fellow-laborers, the spirit of dis-
organization, is in the very air we breathe. By some, all efforts
to establish order are regarded as dangerous,—as a restriction
of personal liberty, and hence to be feared as popery. These de-
ceived souls regard it a virtue to boast of their freedom to
think and act independently. They declare . . . that they are
amenable to no man. I have been instructed that it is Satan's
special effort to lead men to feel that God is pleased to have
them choose their own course, independent of the counsel of
their brethren."—Gospel Workers, page 486.
"The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does
not destroy the personality of either. . . . By partaking of the
Spirit of God, conforming to the law of God, man becomes
a partaker of the divine nature. Christ brings His disciples into
a living union with Himself and with the Father."—Ellen G.
White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1148.
What will unity in the church show to the world? John
17:21, 23.
What was the condition of the disciples when the Holy
Spirit fell on them on the day of Pentecost? Acts 2:1.
"The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness
to meet men and in their daily intercourse to speak words that
would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all
desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian
fellowship."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 37. THINK IT THROUGH "'The keys of the kingdom of heaven' are the words
of Christ."—"The Desire of Ages," page 413. Am I willing
to allow His words to be the final authority in my life?
“On the church has been conferred that is in accordance with the directions the power to act in Christ’s stead. It is given in God’s Word, will be ratified God’s instrumentality for the preserve- in heaven.”—”Gospel Workers,” pages tion of order and discipline among His 501, 502. people. . . . Whatever the church does FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 4, p. 16.
106 Called According to His Purpose LESSON 13 ❑ Friday June 23 Part 6 “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? LOVE AND to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be TOLERANCE holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” Rom. 14:4, 13; “Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and 15:1, 4 comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
The light of truth has been given to God's remnant people.
He has also bestowed the fullness of His love upon those who
keep His commandments. He asks us in turn to manifest this
same love in our dealings with one another. We are not to be
critical of or judge one another.
What law of life should temper our judgment of
others? Luke 6:37, 38.
What is one way to avoid being judged by another?
1 Cor. 11:31.
"Jesus said, 'judge not, that ye be not judged.' That is, do
not set yourself up as a standard. Do not make your opinions,
your views of duty, your interpretations of Scripture, a criterion
for others and in your heart condemn them if they do not
come up to your ideal. Do not criticize others, conjecturing as
to their motives and passing judgment upon them."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing, page 124. THINK IT THROUGH In apostolic times believers were united in doctrine,
in fellowship, and in love for one another. Why is it not
experienced more often today?
"Give the erring one no occasion for er's heart of sympathy to touch his heart discouragement. Suffer not a Pharisai- of humanity. Let him feel the strong cal hardness to come in and hurt your clasp of a sympathizing hand, and hear brother. . . . If you speak a word of the whisper, Let us pray. God will give your own, if you take an attitude of a rich experience to you both. Prayer indifference, or show suspicion or dis- unites us with one another and with trust, it may prove the ruin of a soul. God."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page He needs a brother with the Elder Broth- 250.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: “Testimonies,” Vol. 2, pp. 87, 552.
107
Called According to His Purpose LESSON 13 June 24
Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS 0 TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
- True or False: Nature is not God, nor was it ever God. The voice of nature
testifies of God.
- Complete: “For have and come short of the
of God.”
-
Complete: “Know ye not, that so many of us as. were into
were into His death?" -
Complete: “For as many as are by the of God, they are
the of God.”
- True or False: The unity that exists between Christ and His followers
tends to destroy human personality.
- True or False: God will give a rich experience to the one who sympathizes
with a brother and prays for him even when he is in the wrong.
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108 MORE CHALLENGING Than a Jigsaw Puzzle
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BIBLE HOUSE
Thirteenth Sabbath Overflow Offering North American Division
June 24, 1972
It is normal for each world division to receive an overflow offer- ing about every three years. An exception to this rule always is the North American Division. The last offering scheduled there was eight years ago, the second quarter of 1964. We just don't think of North America as a mission field because it is the source of a large percentage of denominational funds. However, there are groups of people in North America who very much need the material bene- fits money can buy as a means of spreading the gospel and hasten- ing Jesus' return. The Thirteenth Sabbath Overflow Offering will be divided three ways: (1) To give assistance to the medical work of the young clinic
at Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Canada. (2) To build a boys' dormitory for Pine Forge Academy, Penn-
sylvania, one of two boarding academies for the denomina-
tion's black youth in North America. (3) To supply urgently needed equipment for vocational and
industrial training at our North American Indian school in
Holbrook, Arizona. This clinic and these schools will give you special thanks as you give liberally this Thirteenth Sabbath.
Lessons for the Third Quarter of 1972
Sabbath School members who have not received an adult
Lesson Quarterly for the third quarter of 1972 will be helped
by the following outline in studying for the first lesson. The
title of the series is "Christ and the Sabbath." The title of the
first lesson is "Christ's Sign." The memory verse is Exodus
1:13.
r3 The outline is as follows: (1) Christ the Creator. John 1:10; (2) Creator Existent From Eternity. John 1:1, 3, 14; (3) Redemption Is Re-creation. 2 Cor. 5:17, RSV; (4) A Pre- determined Plan. 2 Tim. 1:9; (5) A Sign of the Creator. Ex. 31:15-17; (6) A Sign of the Saviour. Eze. 20:12.
Litho in U.S.A.
Church Sab. Sch. Union Population Churches Memb. Members Atlantic 32,943,699 261 34,845 33,630 Canadian 21,747,100 186 19,349 18,865 Central 11330,547 286 29,224 25,068 Alaska Mission Columbia 40,976,000 459 54,633 51,298 Lake 31,433,872 437 46,371 40,327 Northern 7,840,497 197 12,763 11,487 Northwest Territory North Pacific 6,990,735 320 48,384 44,125 Pacific 24,199,838 446 108,525 92,279 Medical Clinic Southern 31,190,585 509 59,817 52,295 Yellow Knife Southwestern 21,203,707 305 27,206 22,023 Division Totals 229,856,580 3,406 441,117 391,397
British Columbia Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Labrador
Canadian Union
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