The Christian Life and Work
The Christian Life and Work
1979 Quater 1
YBREAK SERIES M JAN. - MAR./1979
dult Sabbath School Lessons
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK
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WE HAVE IT
Share an understanding Saviour with friends or loved ones on the next “Community Guest Day.” Invite them to Sabbath School and church, and you might gain a friend for eternity.
Community Guest Day, March 17 and October 13. Oeneral Conference Corporation ol ,Seoenik-Day Adventists South American Division Gahm Pond 07.1042 70000 Bruins, DP, Ba.4211
To the Sabbath School Members Around the World
Dear Brethren:
It is my privilege to once again address the members of this wonderful inter- national institution–the Sabbath School.
Although separated by geographical boundaries, national flags, ethnic and language differences, we are united through the ideals of the Blessed Hope and the surety of our faith.
This unity of ideals leads us to a plan of mutual action. Consequently, the church around the world will join together in the carrying out of the following projects with the Thirteenth Sabbath Special Projects Offering for this quarter:
Hospital in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
The 24,000 Adventists in Bolivia unanimously request the establishment of the medical-missionary work in their country. Although they are aware of the challenges they face, they are convinced of the importance of the “right arm of the message” in the finishing of God’s work in their territory.
Belgrano Clinic in Buenos Aires, Argentina
The contribution of the Belgrano Clinic to the Argentine missionary strategy has been notably outstanding. As the clinic enlarges its installations and modernizes its equipment, it will enhance the effectiveness of the Adventist program of penetration in the aristocratic sections of this great capital city. A portion of the Special Projects Offering for this quarter will assist in the modernization of the clinic’s equipment.
Academy in the South Argentine Conference
For our Argentine brethren, Christian education is more than a simple option; it is imperative. Thanks to its educational institutions, the work of God in the Austral Union has cast deep roots, experienced an increase in membership, and reached admirable denominational strength. Keeping this in mind, the members would like to add another school to their chain of institutions in the southern part of the country.
We feel certain that the S Sch•ol members around the world will contribute generously, as in the pa offerings, advancing the projects mentioned.
Wily anticip ted gratefu •rother in the Blessed Hope,
noch de Oli eira, South American
1—A.L. 1-79 ARE Y ENIFENITTELY HAP “Christ would never have left the royal courts . . . had He not seen that man might, with His help, become infinitely happy” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 540).
true nature of Chris-
tian obligation and
responsibility
* how you can re-
spond to—not react
against—a wicked
world
* how you can sur-
mount the ever-
The Southern Publish- changing challenges G. Arthur Keough, au- ing Association presents of life thor of both this quarter's another Sabbath School * how you can select a lessons and Infinitely supplementary book to vocation worthy of Happy, is associate direc- help you get more from Christ's high ideal for tor of the external degree your Sabbath School les- you department of Columbia sons this quarter. * how you can get Union College, where he Infinitely Happy takes along successfully has served for the past seriously Jesus' promise with your daily as- thirteen years. Graduat- to provide His disciples sociates ing with an MA from An- with the more abundant * how you can wit- drews University, he also life and explores the ways ness honestly and holds a diploma in Educa- and means that your life effectively—without tion from London Univer- can measure up to what sounding artificial sity. Founder of Middle Jesus' fondest dreams * how you can achieve East College and its presi- expect it to be for you. God's expectations dent for four years,
for you even at Keough served as a mis- Infinitely Happy, one of home—when you sionary for nearly three the most practical books are most yourself decades. you'll ever read, reveals * how you can help * how you can realize speed the Second
God's desire that Advent You can purchase this
you be happy in all * how you can be infi- Sabbath School lesson
you do nitely happy now— help from your Adventist * how you can enjoy not some time only Book Center or order
the abundant life de- after the millennium from the ABC Mailing
spite the surround- Service, P.O. Box 3748'5,
ing chaos that may Omaha, NE 68137. Send
usher in the twenty- U.S. $3.50 plus 50e for
first century postage on the first book * how you can find and 200 for each addi-
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you understand the sales tax.
PRODUCED FOR YOUR ENRICHMENT BY SOUTHERN PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION In Canada: P.O. Box 398, Oshawa, Ontario UN 7L5 DAYBREAK gli kk “ SERIES Adult Sabbath School Lessons/No. 335, January-March, 1979
Contrt
1. Our Heavenly Father
2. Man's Response to God
3. Motives
4. The Privilege of Work
5. The Call to Service
6. Concern for Others
7. The Grace of Giving
8. Obligations in the Home
9. Responsibilities of Training
10. Facilities for Worship
11. Speeding the Second Advent
12. Rich in Good Works
13. Rejoicing in the Lord
The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Sabbath School Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons is directed by a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of which serve as consulting editors. Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012 Lesson Author: G. Arthur Keough Editor: W. Richard Lesher Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore Circulation Manager: Arthur R. Mazat Art and Design: Pacific Press
Scripture references other than from the King James Version used in this quarterly are as follows: Jerusalem. From The Jerusalem Bible, copyright © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd., and Doubleday & Co., Inc. Used by permission of the publishers. NEB. FromThe New English Bible, copyright © by the Delegates of the Oxford University Press, and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press 1961 and 1970. Used by permission of Cambridge University Press, New York City. Phillips. From The New Testament in Modern English, Revised Edition, copyright © 1958, 1959, 1960, 1972, by J. B. Phillips. Used by permission of The Macmillan Company and Collins Publishers. RSV. From the Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright ©1946 (renewed © 1973), 1952 and © 1971, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and used by permission.
Braille lessons available. See page 112.
Adult Sabbath School Lessons (standard edition). Published quarterly by Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94042, U.S.A. One year subscription in U.S.A., $2.00; single copy, 50 cents. One year sub- scription to countries outside U.S.A., $2.60; single copy, 65 cents. All prices at U.S.A. exchange. Second-class postage paid at Mountain View, California 94042, U.S.A. When a change of address is desired, please send both old and new addresses.
Copyright 1978 by Pacific Press Publishing Association
d 1t sal bath school Lesson, ucation for Eternity
We need a daily contact with God’s Word to stay spiritually strong. The Adult Sabbath School Les- sons present a systematic daily study program on significant Bible topics. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK Introduction
Down through the centuries God has had a people dedicated to Him. While many in the world have followed selfish pleasure, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage without regard to God and His principles of righteousness, others have recognized that life has no meaning if it is not related to God who created the world, and activity is empty and futile if it is not imbued with a spirit of love and gratitude. The basic concept of these lessons is stewardship and responsibility. We are not our own, free to do whatever we please. We are not ourselves the source of what we are and have. All is of grace. We are born into a community where there are duties and obligations to God and to one another. The center of our thinking is to be for others, as God’s concern has been for us. We live in a world of interrelationships, with ties that cannot be lightly severed. Thus we need to learn how we can relate to God and other persons and on what basis we should do so. In this way we can experience a fullness of life. We begin our lessons by noting some characteristics of our heavenly Father. It is because of what God is and does for man that man finds himself willingly acknow- ledging his obligationsto Him. It is not a matter of blind obedience, legal and cold, but a response of love because of God’s love for man. This response may take many forms, and it is these various forms that we will study after the first lesson. We will notice first that there will be a consent to pay a tithe of all increase so that there will always be money in the treasury to do the work of the Lord. Additional offerings will flow from a heart of love and gratitude. Work, which was assigned to man from the beginning, is looked upon as a privilege and a blessing, especially that work which furthers God’s plans and purposes. To witness to the truth, to follow in the footsteps of the Master, and to live on earth as Jesus lived, these are activities that are basic to the person wholly dedicated to God. There is always a concern for others, for others are not always as privileged as some. One must not close one’s eyes to the needy all around. There is therefore a constant giving, which is the corollary of a constant receiving from the heavenly Father. The ties of the family are especially important. The parents are as God to their children, and they have the responsibility of seeing that their children receive a Christian heritage. As the children grow older, they need to be trained for the service of God and man. The Christian school has a definite role to play that may be costly, but that must not be neglected. A suitable place for worship is also the responsibility of God’s dedicated people to provide. Just as God asked for the building of the tabernacle that He might dwell among His people in the days of old, so God expects His people to gather together for worship today. At the same time God’s people preach the gospel to hasten the second coming. None of these responses is of merit toward salvation. Jesus’ righteousness alone gains admission to the kingdom for His people. But those whom He has saved will cooperate with the Lord in His work for this lost world.
7
LESSON 1 December 31 to January 6
Our Heave Father
"The earth is the Lord's, and the one, and this too is provided by God.
fulness thereof; the world and they God builds a protective hedge around
that dwell therein. For he hath us. Further, God invites us to reflect
founded it upon the seas, and His character of goodness and love,
established it upon the floods" (Ps. and then to witness to what He has
24:1, 2). done for us. He calls us friends rather
than servants—partners in vindicating
We have chosen to recognize that God's true character. Can we reject
there is a God. Some have dared to such overtures? The lesson seeks to
deny His existence, but the Scripture lay a sound foundation for recognizing
calls them fools. (See Ps. 53:1.) that we owe so much to God that we
Philosophers argue that there is no cannot even begin to pay back what
proof to establish beyond all doubt God has done for us. We can only
that there is a God. The Bible does not dedicate our lives to God and become
attempt to prove His existence; it just His children.
affirms that "in the beginning God
created the heaven and the earth" DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
(Gen. 1:1). 1. Creator
The psalmist wrote that "the (Ps. 33:8, 9)
heavens declare the glory of God" (Ps. 2. Redeemer
19:1). And Paul was convinced that all (Isa. 43:1)
nature points clearly to God's eternal 3. Sustainer
power and deity. (See Rom. 1:20.) (Acts 14:17)
Thus Scripture and nature provide a 4. Protector
very reasonable basis for belief in a (Ps. 91:2, 3, 11)
sovereign God. 5. Sanctifier
It is the objective of this lesson to (1 Thess. 5:23)
see what God has done. First we note 6. Lord
that He is the Creator, the Source of all (Matt. 28:18-20)
being. He has done all things well, and
the crowning act of His creation was
man, created in His image. By this act
alone God is worthy of allegiance and
honor. But after man sinned, God
provided redemption for him. For this
He paid an inestimable price. This
debt we can never repay. We can only
bow in deep gratitude for all that God
has done. But God does more than pay
a price; He provides the means of
sustenance, a power that enables us to
overcome sin. How can we refuse
such infinite love and favor? But we
also need protection from the evil
MAX THARPE, MONKMEYER Our Heavenly Father LESSON 1 ❑ Sunday December 31 Part 1 What reason does the psalmist give for the command for CREATOR people to stand in awe of God?
"Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the
world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he
commanded, and It stood fast" (Ps. 33:8, 9).
According to the Scriptures, everything we see around us in
nature, including man, has come into being by God's plan and
power. Mere chance cannot account for life on earth.
Ellen White states: "The theories and speculations of
philosophy would make us believe that man has come by slow
degrees, not merely from a savage state, but from the very
lowest form of the brute creation. They destroy man's dignity
because they will not admit God's miraculous power."—Ellen
G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 906.
The Scripture does not teach that the world we live in has
evolved from a chance conjunction of necessary elements and
appropriate circumstances over a long period of time; it tells us
that we owe our existence to a God who spoke the word and it
was done, He gave commands and His commands were obeyed.
What was the quality of God's Creation? Gen. 1:31.
Everything that God makes is good because God is good. For
this we must be eternally grateful.
Theoretically, it could be possible for the world to be in the
hands of an inferior god or a tyrant. Some have thought so and
based their religion on it. If this were the case, we would have no
option but to serve such a god out of fear; and to try to defend
ourselves against his tyranny as best we could. How grateful we
can be that this is not the situation in which we find ourselves!
THINK IT THROUGH What are some of the evidences to you that God is a good God and has done all things well?
"The real evidence of a living God is not merely in theory; it is
in the conviction that God has written in our hearts, illuminated
and explained by His word. It is in the living power in His created
works, seen by the eye which the Holy Spirit has enlightened."
—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 325.
"The Creator of all things, He is the original proprietor. We are
His stewards. All that we have is a trust from Him, to be used
according to His direction."—Education, p. 137.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 44-51.
10 Our Heavenly Father LESSON 1 ❑ Monday January 1 Part 2 “Thus saith the Lord that created thee, 0 Jacob, and he that REDEEMER formed thee, 0 Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine” (Isa. 43:1). That God is the Creator calls for reverence and awe from man. That God is good makes our response to Him a pleasure. But God has done more than create man; He has also redeemed him. What has God done with our iniquity? Isa. 53:6. When man sinned, he sold himself in slavery to Satan. As a sinner under condemnation of death, there was no hope for him except as God had made provision for his salvation. “In all the universe there was but one who could, in behalf of man, satisfy its [the broken law’s] claims. Since the divine law is as sacred as God Himself, only one equal with God could make atonement for its transgression. None but Christ could redeem fallen man from the curse of the law and bring him again into harmony with Heaven. Christ would take upon Himself the guilt and shame of sin—sin so offensive to a holy God that it must separate the Father and His Son. Christ would reach to the depths of misery to rescue the ruined race.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 63. What reason does Paul give for our bodies being temples of the Holy Ghost? 1 Cor. 6:19, 20. “The price paid for our redemption should give us exalted views of what we may become through Christ.”—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 563. John tells us that through God’s marvelous love we become sons of God. (See 1 John 3:1.) “Through the infinite sacrifice of Christ, and faith in His name, the sons of Adam become the sons of God. By assuming human nature, Christ elevates humanity. Fallen men are granted another trial and are placed where, through connection with Christ, they may educate, improve, and elevate themselves, that they may indeed become worthy of the name ‘sons of God.’ “— Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 563. THINK IT THROUGH In view of the fact that God has done so much for man through Jesus Christ, is it reasonable for man to do as he pleases? What do you think are some of his obligations? “Whether we recognize it or not, we are stewards, supplied from God with talents and facilities, and placed in the world to do a work appointed by Him.”—Education, p. 137. “To the infinite love of the Redeemer every human being is indebted for the gifts of life. . . . And by the obligation of gratitude and service thus imposed, Christ has bound us to our fellow men.”—Education, p. 139.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 19-26. 11
2-A.L. 1-79 Our Heavenly Father LESSON 1 ❑ Tuesday January 2 Part 3 What Is the ultimate source of our food? SUSTAINER “Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17).
The extent to which man is indebted to God is not always
realized. Most will acknowledge the sovereignty of God. Many
will admit that He is Creator and Redeemer. But do we recog-
nize the constant sustaining power of our heavenly Father in
daily life?
What did Jesus teach about the heavenly Father's sustain-
ing care? Matt. 6:26-30.
"He who has given you life knows your need of food to sustain
it. He who created the body is not unmindful of your need of
raiment. Will not He who has bestowed the greater gift bestow
also what is needed to make it complete?
"Jesus pointed His hearers to the birds as they warbled their
carols of praise, unencumbered with thoughts of care, for 'they
sow not, neither do they reap;' and yet the great Father provides
for their needs. And He asks, 'Are not ye of much more value
than they?' R.V."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 95.
Paul prayed for God to sustain the Ephesian believers In
what way? Eph. 3:14-16.
The same heavenly Father who supplies food for our tables
and strength for our work sustains the "inner man." The power
to change our sinful selves is not within us by birth. God
supplies the power to conquer sin and to live a godly life. It
comes by the Spirit who is Christ's gift to those who believe on
Him. We have nothing in ourselves to boast of or to trust in. Man
has only to surrender his heart to God, to yield his will to Him,
and God supplies the power. (See Heb. 12:2.) Jesus is the "au-
thor and finisher of our faith."
THINK IT THROUGH When God says that He will care for us, why are so many worried and afraid? Am I as trusting as I ought to be?
"A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by
which, through the grace of Christ, the soul becomes a con-
quering power."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 62.
"In all your work remember that you are bound up with Christ,
a part of the great plan of redemption. The love of Christ, in a
healing, life-giving current, is to flow through your life."—The
Ministry of Healing, p. 156.
FURTHER STUDY The Ministry of Healing, pp. 416, 417.
12 Our Heavenly Father LESSON 1 ❑ Wednesday January 3 Part 4 What promises of protection does God give? PROTECTOR “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways” (Ps. 91:2, 3, 11).
Read the entire psalm.
The Christian is often in physical danger. Satan would like to
bring disease and calamity, just as he did to Job. But God is in
control. No harm can come to any follower of Christ except as
God, in His providence, shall permit.
"The righteous understand God's government, and will
triumph with holy gladness in the everlasting protection and
salvation that Christ through His merits has secured for them.
Let all remember this, and forget not that the wicked, who do
not receive Christ as their personal Saviour, understand not His
providence. The way of righteousness they have not chosen,
and they know not God. Notwithstanding all the benefits He has
so graciously bestowed upon them, they have abused His mercy
by neglecting to acknowledge His goodness and mercy in show-
ing them these favors. At any moment God can withdraw from
the impenitent the tokens of His wonderful mercy and love."—
Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 3,
p. 1150.
What insight is given in Job 1:8-12 on why Christians some-
times suffer calamities?
Suffering is one of the consequences of evil. When we experi-
ence it or watch others pass through agonies, we respond by
hating the sin that has caused all our woes. Suffering may come
because of our own delinquencies, and in that case it is usually
understandable. But calamities may come to test our faith or to
reveal God's glory, or to reveal the full consequences of evil in
the world. See Job's response (Job 13:15), and the experience
of the man born blind (John 9:3).
THINK IT THROUGH Can you think of a personal experience when God protected you from imminent danger? Prepare to tell the experience to the class.
"God never leads His children otherwise than they would
choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning
and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as
co-workers with Him."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 479.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 286-290.
13
Our Heavenly Father LESSON 1 ❑ Thursday January 4 Part 5 What activity of God does Paul pray that the Thessalonian SANCTIFIER believers will experience?
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray
God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blame-
less unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 5:23).
"Our sanctification is the work of the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit. It is the fulfillment of the covenant God has made
with those who bind themselves up with Him, to stand with Him,
His Son, and His Spirit in holy fellowship. Have you been born
again? Have you become a new being in Christ Jesus? Then
cooperate with the three great powers of heaven who are work-
ing in your behalf."—Ellen G. White Comments, S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol. 7, p. 908.
What does Paul say the Roman believers were called to be?
Rom. 1:7.
The words "sanctify" in First Thessalonians 5:23 and "saints"
in Romans 1:7 are two forms of the same Greek word. To
sanctify is to make holy. A saint is a holy one.
What truth about man's response to God's call may be
learned from the parable of the great supper? Luke 14:16-24.
God's call is an invitation which may be rejected. Unfortu-
nately there are many who prefer to go their own way rather than
to fit in with God's plans. But those who reject God's call will
suffer the consequences. (See Matt. 22:13.) But man is abso-
lutely free to make his own decision.
The one who accepts God's invitation is accepting life at its
best. The hardships that the Christian sometimes has to suffer
are not to be compared with the satisfactions that come from a
life wholly dedicated to God. Man has joy when he is able to do
good for his neighbors. By contrast, there is a misery and sense
of guilt that comes to one who has failed to rise up to expecta-
tions, or who has deliberately chosen a life of sin.
THINK IT THROUGH What are some of the joys of the Christian life of service? How do you think the Christian ought to express his gratitude to God? “The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness to the character, and brings peace and happiness to its possessor. The aspirations are elevated. There is no room for sloth or selfishness. Those who thus exercise the Christian graces will grow and will become strong to work for God.”—Steps to Christ, p. 80.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 565-567. 14
Our Heavenly Father LESSON 1 ❑ Friday January 5 Part 6 What is the basis of the gospel commission? LORD “Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disci- ples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that.I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age’ “ (Matt. 28:18-20, RSV).
The commission is given in the words of Jesus, but the author-
ity for His words came from His heavenly Father. The Bible term
to give the meaning of "one who has authority" is the word
"Lord." A commission can be given only by someone who has
the authority (power, KJV) to do so. Jesus claimed that all
authority had been given to Him. What was this authority? Jesus
described it as authority to give eternal life to as many as were
given to Him. (See John 17:2.) Paul described this authority as
exceeding great, "far above all principality, and power, and
might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in
this world, but also in that which is to come" (Eph. 1:21).
Furthermore, Jesus promised that He would be with His dis-
ciples "even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20, KJV). Thus
the commission to witness is not only a command, it is a pro-
mise that Jesus will make the execution of the commission
dynamic and effective.
How do we know that when Jesus sends anyone to preach
He also gives the necessary authority? Matt. 10:1.
When Jesus outlined to His disciples what they should do on
their missionary journey, He said: "Freely ye have received,
freely give." From this we gather that the privilege to witness
and to exercise authority over evil of all kinds was due to their
acceptance of the gospel. As we have had the gospel given to us
freely, so we should be willing to give it to others freely so that
they may enjoy the full benefits of eternal life also.
What would you think of someone who knew the cure for
cancer and kept it to himself? Would he not be responsible for
deaths by cancer when the cure was there to be passed on?
No one will go to heaven alone. He will be accompanied by all
those who learned the way from him.
THINK IT THROUGH Why are some people afraid to witness? What is the basic qualification for effective witnessing?
"Christ's work below is His work above, and our reward for
working with Him in this world will be the greater power and
wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come."—
Education, p. 308.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 465-468. 15 LESSON 2 January 7-13
ItZe§porme to GocL "Despisest thou the riches of his The lesson this week looks at the goodness and forbearance and way men have responded to God's longsuffering; not knowing that the sovereignty in the past as an example goodness of Godleadeth thee to to us who live in thepresent. First of repentance?" (Rom. 2:4). all, we look at the offering of faith
made by Abel. Abel, in contrast to
In view of the sovereignty of God, Cain, accepted the provisions that His goodness and love, how should God had made for man's salvation, we respond? There are two ways in and sacrificed the offering that could which we could do so: typify the Lamb that was slain from the 1.Ignore God altogether. This may foundation of the world. Then we see sound like an impossible thing to do, Abraham honoring God by returning but the fact is that men in the past have the tithe to Melchizedek, king of done exactly this. Paul describes them Salem, priest of the most high God. in his letter to the Romans (Rom. Abraham knew that all he owned was 1:21-32). Not that such people are only by the grace of God, and the tithe wholly ignorant of God. There is in that he paid was a symbol of nature too much evidence of God's stewardship. There is, thirdly, the power and deity. They deliberately interesting story of Jacob and his turn away from the evidence and promise to give a tenth of all he decide to worship the creature rather received to God. The fourth part of the than the Creator (verse 25). Although lesson notes how Joseph considered they enjoy many of the blessings of sin an injustice to God, and therefore life, they refuse to give God the glory he would not have anything to do with for all that He has provided, and do not it. Fifth, we learn from Paul that he was even give thanks (verse 21). Note how in a fight of faith, a struggle against all this decision and attitude leads to utter unrighteousness. He was on God's foolishness and all kinds of side in the controversy against evil. unmentionable evils. Finally, we notice the privilege of 2. Acknowledge the sovereignty of being faithful unto death. The essence God and give Him His due in worship of being loyal to God is to prefer death and praise. This way leads man to live a rather than to do anything wrong. Do life of blessing to himself and to all you agree with this? around.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1. Offering of Faith
(Heb. 11:4)
2. The Basic Tenth
(Gen. 14:20)
3. A Mutual Agreement
(Gen. 28:20-22)
4. The Refusal to Sin
(Gen. 39:9)
5. The Fight of Faith
(2 Tim. 4:7)
6. Faithful Unto Death
(Rev. 2:10)
ERIC KREYE
Man’s Response to God LESSON 2 ❑ Sunday January 7 Part 1 “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice OFFERING than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righ- OF FAITH teous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh” (Heb. 11:4).
Many who read the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 wonder
whether God was altogether fair in accepting Abel's offering
and rejecting Cain's. Was not Cain doing a good thing, they ask,
in bringing the results of his labor in the field? Was not God a
little partial, and Cain somewhat justified in his anger?
What is the basic difference between the sacrifices of the
two brothers? Heb. 11:4.
"Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, differed widely in charac-
ter. Abel had a spirit of loyalty to God; he saw justice and mercy
in the Creator's dealing with the fallen race, and gratefully
accepted the hope of redemption. But Cain cherished feelings
of rebellion, and murmured against God because of the curse
pronounced upon the earth and upon the human race for
Adam's sin. He permitted his mind to run in the same channel
that led to Satan's fall—indulging in the desire for self-
exaltation and questioning the divine justice and authority."—
Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 71.
Obviously Abel had faith and trust in God. This was shown in
the sacrifice and made it acceptable. Cain was out of harmony
with God, and his sacrifice was offered as a favor done to God,
and therefore could not be accepted.
It is a mistake to think that we can worship God as we please.
There is a right way and a wrong way of worshiping. Worship
without a recognition of the need of a Redeemer is presump-
tion. Furthermore, worship in a way other than that prescribed
by God is rebellion.
An adequate response to God means doing what God wants
us to do, recognizing that He is the One who took the initiative.
He is the One who knows best. Obedience to God arises out of a
loving trust. Without such a relationship worship becomes an
empty form, a meaningless ritual.
THINK IT THROUGH What is a basic characteristic of most false religions? Can even a true faith be improperly practiced? How?
"The class of worshipers who follow the example of Cain
includes by far the greater portion of the world; for nearly every
false religion has been based on the same principle—that man
can depend upon his own efforts for salvation."—Patriarchs
and Prophets, p. 73.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 71-79.
18 Man’s Response to God LESSON 2 ❑ Monday January 8 Part 2 What did Melchizedek say to Abram about his victory? THE BASIC TENTH “Blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand” (Gen. 14:20, first part).
Abram was a man of peace rather than of war, but when he
heard how Lot had been taken captive in the invasion of the
valley of Sodom and Gomorrah, he decided to rescue him. He
counseled with God first and then set out after the invading
kings who had escaped with great booty. Catching up with
them, he inflicted a surprise attack and gained a speedy victory.
"To Abraham, under God, the triumph was due. The wor-
shiper of Jehovah had not only rendered a great service to the
country, but had proved himself a man of valor. It was seen that
righteousness is not cowardice, and that Abraham's religion
made him courageous in maintaining the right and defending
the oppressed."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 135.
After Melchizedek's blessing, how did Abram respond?
Gen. 14:20, last part.
By paying tithes of all the spoils, Abraham was letting all the
people know that he recognized God's ownership and God's
blessing. He refused to accept any personal gain in a campaign
which he had undertaken for God without any thought of profit.
What a powerful testimony this must have been to all who knew
Abraham! Abraham was not only a symbol of unselfishness, but
also an example of a worshiper of the true God who returned a
tenth to his Maker.
"When Abraham rescued the captives from the Elamites, the
attention of the people was called to the true faith. Abraham was
not a stranger to the people of Sodom, and his worship of the
unseen God had been a matter of ridicule among them; but his
victory over greatly superior forces, and his magnanimous dis-
position of the prisoners and spoil, excited wonder and admira-
tion. While his skill and valor were extolled, none could avoid
the conviction that a divine power had made him conqueror.
And his noble and unselfish spirit, so foreign to the self-seeking
inhabitants of Sodom, was another evidence of the superiority
of the religion which he had honored by his courage and
fidelity."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 157.
THINK IT THROUGH Do you think it was easy for Abram to pay tithe? What makes tithe paying easy, and what makes it hard?
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 387-391.
19
Man’s Response to God LESSON 2 ❑ Tuesday January 9 Part 3 “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that Igo, A MUTUAL and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I AGREEMENT come again to my father’s house In peace; then shall the lord be my God: and this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee” (Gen. 28:20-22).
To get the full meaning of this vow we must note the cir-
cumstances. Jacob had secured the blessing of the birthright
from his father by a ruse, and had angered his brother Esau.
Now he was fleeing for his life. "He felt that he was an outcast,
and he knew that all this trouble had been brought upon him by
his own wrong course. ... With weeping and deep humiliation
he confessed his sin."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 183.
How did God assure Jacob that He had not forsaken him?
Gen. 28:15.
Jacob responded to God's promise by agreeing that he would
pay a tithe of all that God gave to him. "Jacob was not here seek-
ing to make terms with God. The Lord had already promised him
prosperity, and this vow was the outflow of a heart filled with
gratitude for the assurance of God's love and mercy. Jacob felt
that God had claims upon him which he must acknowledge, and
that the special tokens of divine favor granted him demanded a
return."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 187.
In view of the goodness and generosity of God, what ques-
tion asked by the psalmist ought we to ask also? Ps. 116:12.
"The Christian should often review his past life and recall with
gratitude the precious deliverances that God has wrought for
him, supporting him in trial, opening ways before him when all
seemed dark and forbidding, refreshing him when ready to
faint. . . .
. . . We should acknowledge God's goodness, not only by
expressing our gratitude in words, but, like Jacob, by gifts and
offerings to His cause."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 187, 188.
THINK IT THROUGH In your reading of the Bible who is the one who initiates agreements, God or man? Give examples.
"Shall we who enjoy the full light and privileges of the gospel
be content to give less to God than was given by those who lived
in the former, less favored dispensation? Nay, as the blessings
we enjoy are greater, are not our obligations correspondingly
increased? . . . From the cross of Calvary, Christ calls for an
unreserved consecration. All that we have, all that we are,
should be devoted to God."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 188.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 392-398. 20
Man’s Response to God LESSON 2 ❑ Wednesday January 10 Part 4 In Joseph’s answer to Potiphar’s wife, what do we learn THE REFUSAL about the nature of sin? TO SIN “There is none greater In this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9).
Sin is not merely transgression of the law with consequences
to ourselves; sinning is an affront to God! When God is so good
to us, how can we possibly continue in sin? How can we even
consider performing one act of sin?
Joseph in Egypt lived in the midst of idolatry. He was sur-
rounded by temptation on every side. Yet he determined to be
faithful to his God. And the Lord blessed him. (See Gen. 39:2, 5.)
He never concealed the fact that he was a worshiper of Jehovah.
Thus everyone knew that his success and prosperity were due
to the favor of God. Living as he did in the sight of God, he found
it unthinkable to consent to a wrong act. To sin would be to let
God down!
Against whom did David say that he sinned? Ps. 51:4; 2 Sam.
12:13.
Some people think that because their sins are hidden from
their fellowmen they are not so serious as open sin. They try to
hide their sins, hoping thereby to maintain a certain amount of
dignity. It is a mockery to God to suppose that sins can be hid-
den from His all-seeing eye.
"If we were to cherish an habitual impression that God sees
and hears all that we do and say and keeps a faithful record of
our words and actions, and that we must meet it all, we would
fear to sin. Let the young ever remember that wherever they are,
and whatever they do, they are in the presence of God. No part
of our conduct escapes observation."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets, p. 217.
The key to Joseph's integrity was his recognition that he owed
everything to God. He therefore chose to do nothing that would
hurt that relationship or show ingratitude.
THINK IT THROUGH What is it that keeps you from sinning? Why is sinning an injustice to God?
"He [God] desires us to have the mastery over ourselves, our
own will and ways. But He cannot work in us without our con-
sent and co-operation. The divine Spirit works through the
faculties and powers given to man. Our energies are required to
co-operate with God."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 142.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 213-218. 21 Man’s Response to God LESSON 2 ❑ Thursday January 11 Part 5 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have THE FIGHT kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). OF FAITH Paul encouraged Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12). He said he had done so himself and thus had set the proper example. He looked upon life as a struggle. The Christian is to be like a soldier wearing full armor (Eph. 6:13), or like an athlete running a race (1 Cor. 9:24).
What was the motivating force behind Paul's dedication to
God and the ministry? 2 Cor. 5:14.
"The love of Christ controls us, because we are convinced
that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for
all, that those who live might live no longer for themselves but
for him who for their sake died and was raised" (2 Cor. 5:14, 15,
RSV).
Many factors have motivated men. Some have been ambi-
tious and wanted honor for themselves. Others have been
driven to some kind of action by fear. Paul makes it clear that he
was motivated by love, a love for God that was so strong that
nothing could separate him from God. (See Rom. 8:38, 39.)
What was Paul's attitude to his call to minister? Eph 3.8.
Paul also called himself the "least of the apostles" (1 Cor.
15:9). He also referred to himself as the chief of sinners. (See
1 Tim. 1:15.) It is obvious that Paul considered himself greatly
favored. It is no wonder, then, that he gave his life in complete
dedication to God. He allowed nothing to hinder him from
giving his whole life to the gospel ministry. He was a man of
unusual talent and attainment. At one time he had prided him-
self on his heritage and achievement. But when he met Christ on
the way to Damascus, his whole life pattern was changed. What
he formerly considered important he now considered to be of
no consequence. (See Phil. 3:7, 8.) He had only one object of
glory, and that was Christ. (See Gal. 6:14.) Few people have
experienced the difficulties he passed through. (See 2 Cor.
11:23-28.) But he kept pressing on.
THINK IT THROUGH Why do you think it is appropriate to refer to life as a battle or a race? What was the aspect of God’s love that so gripped Paul that He yielded his life in service to Him? Did God do more for Paul than He has done for you and me?
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 465-468.
22 Man’s Response to God LESSON 2 ❑ Friday January 12 Part 6 “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, FAITHFUL the devil shall cast some of you in prison, that ye may be tried; UNTO DEATH and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
Life is very precious, and instinctively we hold on to it. It takes
more than ordinary courage and dedication to be willing to give
it up for the sake of a person or a principle.
Not everyone is called upon to die for his faith, but everyone
must be prepared to do so if necessary. Note the apostle
James's execution (Acts 12:1, 2); the three who refused to bow
down to Nebuchadnezzar's image (Dan. 3:16-18). Daniel was
put into the lion's den for praying to his God, but the lions were
not permitted to molest him. Some experiences of the people of
God in the Old Testament as they faced opposition are de-
scribed in Hebrews 11:33-38.
What was it that made Jesus willing to give up His life for us
sinners? Rom. 5:7, 8; John 15:13, 14.
The love of Christ for the human family was so great that He
did not withhold anything. When we consider all that He has
done for our salvation, can we legitimately hold back anything
from Him? (See Heb. 12:3, 4.)
What warning and promise did Jesus give to His disciples?
Mark 13:13.
The first death is not the greatest tragedy that can happen to
one. After death comes the resurrection; so that death can be
looked upon as a sleep and a rest. The Christian may die for the
Master now, but he will live with Him throughout eternity. That is
why martyrs have faced death with composure. Christians are
not so much concerned with what happens to them in this life,
but are eager to have a part in the life to come.
THINK IT THROUGH What is the difference between being willing to suffer and die for the Master and having a persecution complex? Do you think that Christians should pray for tribulation?
Jesus taught His disciples not to expose themselves un-
necessarily to persecution. "He Himself often left one field of
labor for another, in order to escape from those who were
seeking His life. . . .
" . . . Those who are true to God need not fear the power of
men nor the enmity of Satan. In Christ their eternal life is secure.
Their only fear should be lest they surrender the truth, and thus
betray the trust with which God has honored them."—The De-
sire of Ages, pp. 355, 356.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 588-592. 23 LESSON 3 January 14-20
"As the hart panteth after the water engaged in selfish aggrandizement.
brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, We move on next to note the example
0 God. My soul thirsteth for God, for that Jesus has set for us. He did this
the living God: when shall I come and deliberately because we need to know
appear before God?" (Ps. 42:1, 2). in specific terms how we ought to
behave. In the fifth part of the lesson
What a striking image! The thirsty we see how Jesus evaluated the
hart, a deer, longs to reach a running offering of a poor widow who put in all
stream of cool, refreshing water. Do that she had. We learn that it is not the
we long for God in the same way? size of the gift that counts, but the
The things we do are first decided degree of sacrifice and dedication that
within us. Why do we do this and not it represents. Finally, we see that the
that? The answer to this question whole law is summed up in love.
would reveal our motives. We may not Legalism easily intrudes into the lives
always know our true motives. of many of us. We are anxious to keep
Sometimes an action may look right, every commandment to the letter. But
but our inner motive for doing it may in doing this do we turn out to be like
be wrong. But God, through the Bible the Pharisees who forgot the weightier
and the Holy Spirit, wants to give us matters of the law? Shall we make the
right motives for doing right actions. same mistake?
We can live a life of-Christlike
actions from heaven-implanted DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
motives. What are these motives? 1. Supreme Love
What are the motives that we should (Rom. 8:32)
shun as being unworthy of a Christian? 2. Seeking. God's Kingdom
(Matt. 6:33)
First, we look at that motive which is 3. The Desire to Have Things
the highest of all motives, love. God is (Luke 12:15)
the Source of love, and we see how 4. The Example of Jesus'
this was manifested to us and how we (John 13:15)
ought to react in consequence. Then 5. Sacrifice
we look at life's priority, the supreme (Mark 12:42)
goal, the establishment of God's 6. Legalism
kingdom of grace and glory. We must (Matt. 23:23)
never lose sight of His goal, nor permit
ourselves to be sidetracked into
activities that detract from the
achievement of this goal. Third, we
note a very common
goal—materialism—and how foolish
this can be. Life is too short for us to be
D. TANK Motives LESSON 3 ❑ Sunday January 14 Part 1 “He who did not grudge his own Son but gave him up for us SUPREME all—can we not trust such a God to give us, with him, every- LOVE thing else that we can need?” (Rom. 8:32, Phillips).
All heaven was given with the gift of God's Son for the fallen
race. But that was not the end of God's giving. He still gives.
Paul asserts that if God was willing to give His Son He is willing
to give everything that a man needs.
What promises did Jesus give that assured His disciples
that they need not lack anything? John 14:14; 16:24.
"The Saviour's promise to His disciples is a promise to His
church to the end of time. God did not design that His wonderful
plan to redeem men should achieve only insignificant results.
All who will go to work, trusting not in what they themselves can
do, but in what God can do for and through them, will certainly
realize the fulfillment of His promise."—The Desire of Ages,
p. 667.
What did Jesus say was the basic motive in His lifework?
Luke 19:10. What is ours? (See John 20:21.)
"Our mission to the world is not to serve or please ourselves;
we are to glorify God by co-operating with Him to save sinners.
We are to ask blessings from God that we may communicate to
others. The capacity for receiving is preserved only by impart-
ing. We cannot continue to receive heavenly treasure without
communicating to those around us."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pp. 142, 143.
God provides us with the necessary qualities so that we can
be successful in our pleading. Note the following statement: "It
was Christ Himself who put into that mother's [the Syrophen-
ician woman's] heart the persistence which would not be re-
pulsed. It was Christ who gave the pleading widow courage and
determination before the judge. It was Christ who, centuries be-
fore, in the mysterious conflict by the Jabbok, had inspired
Jacob with the same persevering faith. And the confidence
which He Himself had implanted, He did not fail to reward."—
Christ's Object Lessons, p. 175. THINK IT THROUGH In view of the provisions that God has supplied to meet
every Christian's need, why are so many weak and helpless in
their testimony to the world?
"Many do not have a sense of the sinfulness of their own
natures nor of the grace of forgiveness. They are in nature's
darkness, subject to temptations and to great deception."—
Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 361.
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “Asking to Give,” pp. 139-143. 26 Motives LESSON 3 ❑ Monday January 15 Part 2 What did Jesus say is the one supreme goal of the Chris- SEEKING GOD’S tian? KINGDOM “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33).
Philosophers have suggested many goals for life. Some have
suggested pleasure; others, virtue; still others, the greatest
good for the greatest number. Some philosophers today
suggest that a person should "do his own thing," throwing off
the trammels of his culture and tradition, refusing to be bound
by the rules and regulations of family, trying everything, and
arriving at his own conclusions regardless of society's approval
or disapproval.
The Christian longs above all else to see the kingdom of God
established. There is a danger that he may be diverted to other
aspects of life—for example, to earning a good living, acquiring
property, building up a bank account, or having as many
gadgets as his neighbor. These are aspects of life that the
Christian sees all around him. Jesus assured His disciples that if
they set their mind on the higher goal of seeking the kingdom of
God by their life and witness, they would have all the necessities
of life provided.
What assurance about life's needs does the psalmist give to
the believer? Ps. 34:10; 37:3-5.
All those who have trusted God have never found Him to fail
them. In fact it is one of the pleasurable experiences in life to
see how God answers prayer and provides all our needs in ways
that are most unexpected. What is needed is a basic commit-
ment to God, a decision to do only what God wants us to do. God
takes the committed life and uses it to His glory, so that His
purposes are accomplished.
Seeking God's kingdom requires a dedication of the whole
life including a dedicated purse. Not all can preach or'engage in
paid activity by the church; but all can give so that the work of
God is advanced.
THINK IT THROUGH What are my life goals?
The child of God may not be rich in this world's goods. In fact,
in the eyes of the world he may be very poor. But the richness of
his faith means that he is content, and in many cases he lives a
happier and fuller life than the man who lives in a palace.
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, “True Motive in Ser- vice” (Matt. 6:33, 34), pp. 98-101.
27
3-A. L. 1-79 Motives LESSON 3 ❑ Tuesday January 16 Part 3 What reason did Jesus give for His warning against cov- THE DESIRE etousness? TO HAVE THINGS “Then he said to them, ‘Watch, and be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for a man’s life is not made secure by what he owns, even when he has more than he needs’ “ (Luke 12:15, Jerusalem).
The tenth commandment forbids covetousness of any kind,
yet the sin of covetousness is "one of the most common and the
most lightly regarded."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 496.
Note two biblical examples of those who coveted. Achan,
Joshua 7; Ananias and Sapphire, Acts 5. What can we learn
from these experiences?
Covetousness is insidious and therefore all the more danger-
ous. Very often those who have it are not aware of it. It grows
upon them imperceptibly, and unless it is rooted out it will bring
about destruction, as in the examples above or in the experi-
ence of Judas.
It is easy to trust in a bank balance. It is very easy to feel that
we ought not to give so much away as we do. The rich young
ruler went away sorrowfully because he could not bring himself
to change his source of security. (See Matt. 19:16-26.)
Read Luke 12:15-21. What lessons about possessions are
taught in this parable?
"Constant, self-denying benevolence is God's remedy for the
cankering sins of selfishness and covetousness. God has ar-
ranged systematic benevolence [later called tithes and offer-
ings] to sustain His cause and relieve the necessities of the
suffering and needy. He has ordained that giving should be-
come a habit, that it may counteract the dangerous and deceit-
ful sin of covetousness. Continual giving starves covetousness
to death."—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 548.
Riches are from the Lord and belong to Him. The rich must
not be tied to their riches. But let not the poor be covetous!
THINK IT THROUGH Can you see some advantages in being poor? Do we give to the church because the Lord needs our money or because we need to give It?
"The oft-repeated and striking warnings of our Redeemer are
in marked contrast with the actions of His professed followers
who evidence in their lives so great eagerness to be rich and
who show that the words of Christ are lost upon them."—
Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 547.
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “Gain That Is Loss,” pp. 252-259. 28 Motives LESSON 3 ❑ Wednesday January 17
Part 4 What was one of the purposes to be served by Christ's
THE EXAMPLE washing the disciples' feet?
OF JESUS
"I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have
done to you" (John 13:15).
God requires nothing of us that is out of harmony with what
He Himself does. In everything that He has done He has gone to
a limit beyond what man could ever reach alone. Whatever God
asks us to do is reasonable, possible, and for our good.
In the Decalogue we have been given a standard of godly
living. But people often become legalistic in living by the law.
They become more concerned with the letter than the spirit,
with regulations rather than principles. When a life is lived in
accordance with the law, the spirit of the law is plainer. Jesus
proved that the law could be kept, and He showed how it should
be kept.
What invitation did Jesus extend to His disciples? Matt.
4:19; 16:24.
"For three years and a half the disciples were under the
instruction of the greatest Teacher the world has ever known.
By personal contact and association, Christ trained them for His
service. Day by day they walked and talked with Him, hearing His
words of cheer to the weary and heavy-laden, and seeing the
manifestation of His power in behalf of the sick and the afflicted.
Sometimes He taught them, sitting among them on the moun-
tainside; sometimes beside the sea or walking by the way, He
revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of God. . . . He did not
command the disciples to do this or that, but said, 'Follow
Me.' "—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 17, 18.
What sentence sums up Christ's way of life? Acts 10:38.
To do as Jesus did, this is the most beautiful life. It does not
require great talent, advanced degrees, high attainments. It
means that we accept the way of Jesus as the best way for us,
and that in everything we do we follow the pattern that is set.
THINK IT THROUGH How can I follow in the footsteps of the Master? “You are not to look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell upon self, but look to Christ. Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the perfection, of His character. Christ in His self- denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity and holi- ness, Christ in His matchless love—this is the subject for the soul’s contemplation. It is by loving Him, copying Him, depend- ing wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His likeness.”—Steps to Christ, pp. 70, 71.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, “The Work and the Life,” pp. 77-79. 29 Motives LESSON 3 ❑ Thursday January 18 Part 5 “A poor widow came and put in two small coins, the equiva- SACRIFICE lent of a penny” (Mark 12:42, Jerusalem).
We often appreciate gifts according to their cost or their
worth. Thus a gift of one thousand dollars is better appreciated
than a gift of one dollar. But in the story of the widow's mite
Jesus pointed out another aspect of giving.
What made the gift of the widow to the treasury more valu-
able in the sight of God than the much larger sums put In by
others? Mark 12:43, 44.
One wonders what the treasurers did with the two mites when
they emptied the box! Did they put the coins into petty cash, not
even troubling themselves to count them among the offerings?
What could they do with two mites anyway? Did the widow
realize that her deed would go down in history as an example of
giving to all succeeding generations? The story points up the
truth that God is aware of everything that is going on; that He is
more concerned with motive than with value.
"The act of the widow who cast two mites—all that she had—
into the treasury, is placed on record for the encouragement of
those who, struggling with poverty, still desire by their gifts to
aid the cause of God.... The value of the gift is estimated not by
the amount, but by the proportion that is given and the motive
that actuates the giver."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 342.
Even we are sometimes more concerned with motives than
with amounts. What mother does not thrill when her child
brings some buttercups or other wild flowers to her in the
kitchen? It is the deed of love, not the value of the flowers, that
strikes to the heart. On the other hand, the gift that is presented
with a fanfare may be accepted as an honor and highly valued,
but lacking the heartfelt simplicity of the child's gift. The giver of
such gifts gets his reward in notice but that is all he gets.
What assurance do we have that the Christian is always in a
position to make an offering when needed? 2 Cor. 9:8.
"A continual imparting of God's gifts wherever the cause of
God or the needs of humanity demand our aid, does not tend to
poverty."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 345.
THINK IT THROUGH How much would I give were Ito give the equivalent, for me, of the widow’s two mites? “Spiritual prosperity is closely bound up with Christian liber- ality. The followers of Christ should rejoice in the privilege of revealing in their lives the beneficence of their Redeemer”— The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 344, 345.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 614-616. 30
Motives LESSON 3 ❑ Friday January 19 Part 6 There is obvious need for law; without the law there is no LEGALISM knowledge of sin. The law is holy, just, and good. (See Rom. 7:12.) The trouble comes when we try to gain salvation by law keeping, when we look at the letter and forget the spirit.
What did Jesus say some of the Jews neglected in their
concern for the letter of the law?
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye
pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the
weightier matters of the law, Judgment, mercy, and faith:
these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other
undone" (Matt. 23:23).
Jesus did not say that mint, dill, and cummin should not be
tithed, but He did say that justice, mercy, and faith are important
aspects of commandment keeping. When the law is kept in an
attempt to rid ourselves of guilt, then that is legalism. Pure
legalism is cold, harsh, unsympathetic, arrogant, and
domineering—characteristics that are far from the nature of
God Himself. Jesus kept the whole law. Yet He was humble, un-
derstanding, kind, merciful, and considerate.
According to Jesus' instructions to the Twelve for their mis-
sionary Journey, what Is the spirit that should motivate the
Christian in his relationship to his fellowmen? Matt. 10:8.
When a person receives mercies and blessings, the least that
he can do is to respond with a life of concern for others and their
needs. The Good Samaritan manifested true neighborly con-
duct, and his actions typify what Jesus came to do. Do we as
Christians manifest the same spirit? Note the following state-
ment: "Although the customs of the world are no criterion for
us, yet I have been shown that the pitying sympathy and the
benevolence of the world for the unfortunate in many cases
shame the professed followers of Christ."—Testimonies, vol. 3,
p. 524. A Christian's love should always exceed the world's!
THINK IT THROUGH What leads one (as Matthew 18:23-35) who has had favors shown to him be inconsiderate of others?
"Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished
the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make
fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost
sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless
there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the
family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever
we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not
Christians."—The Desire of Ages, p. 504.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 497-505. 31 LESSON 4 January 21-27
Prh priville e of work 4.1-0 "Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One order of creation from that which has of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of been brought into existence by God things to come concerning my sons, and which we see all around us. and concerning the work of my hands What is this activity called "work"? command ye me. I have made the What form does it take, and how earth, and created man upon it: I, important is it in the life? These are the even my hands, have stretched out the questions that we take up for study heavens, and all their host have I this week. First of all, we see God as commanded" (Isa. 45:11, 12). the Master Worker. We note
perfection and beauty, a basic pattern The Bible reveals that God is ever for all work which should be profitable active and His activity is called work. and good. Then we note that work is to Thus the universe He has brought into be an important phase of man's life, being is called His handiwork. God is since he was created in the image of active in sustaining the universe and God and granted dominion over all every part of it. The planets in their the earth. Material changes have taken courses are dependent on Him for place because of sin, but man still has continuing motion, and all living his work to do in caring for and creatures are dependent on Him for keeping in order the eFements in his sustenance and life. God is also active environment. Then we look at Jesus in the affairs of men, for example, in and see how He worked on earth, the rise and fall of governments. He setting us an example. The fourth part calls out individuals to serve Him and of thelesson looks at man in his work works out His plans and purposes relationships and explores the through a variety of agencies. He is the Christian attitude to work. Fifth, we judge of all, and the time will come look at the kinds of work that the when His order will be vindicated and Christian can legitimately engage in. evil will be wiped out forever. God And finally, we see howwork is not the never rests. His ear is open to every be-all or end-all of life, but is intended cry. His devotion to His creatures and to be a means of enjoying life to the His work on their behalf is a full. Work is a privilege and a blessing. fundamental characteristic of His being. DAILY HIGHLIGHTS Since this is so, work has 1. God, the Master Worker sacramental value. It is part of the (Gen. 2:2) natural order and cannot be ignored. 2. Man—His Work Responsibilities It is a way of life and cannot be set (Gen. 1:28; 2:15) aside. To envisage existence without 3. Jesus, the Model Workman work is to consider a totally different (Luke 2:52)
4. Relationships at Work
(E h. 6:5, 6) •
5. Work and Vocation
(2 Tim. 1:9)
6. Work, a Blessing
(1 Cor. 3:9)
JOAN WALTER
The Privilege of Work LESSON 4 ❑ Sunday January 21 Part 1 “On the seventh day God ended his work which he had GOD, THE made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work MASTER WORKER which he had made” (Gen. 2:2).
The Bible makes it clear that when God was creating, He was
working. He "divided" light from darkness, waters from waters
(Gen. 1:4-6). He "set" sun, moon, and stars in the heavens (verse
17). He "formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed
into his nostrils the breath of life" (Gen. 2:7). He "planted" a
garden in Eden, and "took" and "put" man in it (verses 8, 15).
Here is activity in human terms that indicates a plan, a purpose,
and the execution of plan and purpose. This is work. Then God
"ended" His work, and "rested" and "blessed" (verses 2, 3).
Here is order and benevolence—work at its best.
How did the psalmist feel about God's work? Ps. 104:24.
Jesus pointed out God's concern for His creation. (See Matt.
6:26.) The psalmist speaks of God's care for His people. (See Ps.
33:13-19.) God's care is very personal. (See Isa. 41:10.) The
whole of creation is sustained by Him. (See Heb. 1:3.) God's
work is to provide for the whole of His creation, but at the same
time it reflects His perfection and beauty of character.
What important work has God done that affects every
human being? How should we react in consequence? Isa.
44:22, 23.
We ought to spend more time considering what God has done
for us. Do we recognize how dependent we are on God for every-
thing? It is not because of our own strength and skill that we are
able to earn a living and enjoy many comforts. It is God who has
given us the health and strength, without which we could do
nothing. It is God who protects us from danger and has enabled
us to keep what we have. Because God is not seen, He is often
forgotten. Only when we fully recognize all that God has done
and continues to do for us, can we be truly grateful and express
our appreciation.
THINK IT THROUGH Looking at God as the Master Worker, what would you say are the basic characteristics of work?
"God would have His children appreciate His works and de-
light in the simple, quiet beauty with which He has adorned our
earthly home. He is a lover of the beautiful, and above all that is
outwardly attractive He loves beauty of character; He would
have us cultivate purity and simplicity, the quiet graces of the
flowers."—Steps to Christ, p. 85.
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "True Motive in Ser-
vice" (Matt. 6:25), pp. 95-98. 34
The Privilege of Work LESSON 4 ❑ Monday January 22 Part 2 What was the work given to Adam and Eve in the garden? MAN, HIS WORK RESPONSIBILITIES “God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Gen. 1:28; 2:15).
In the Genesis story man was given definite assignments of
work. This is understandable, because man was created in the
image of God. Therefore, even as God Himself has responsibil-
ities toward His creation, so man was to exercise dominion over
the territory that was placed under his charge.
"Adam was not to be idle. Our Creator, who understands what
is for man's happiness, appointed Adam his work. The true joy
of life is found only by the working men and women. The angels
are diligent workers; they are the ministers of God to the chil-
dren of men. The Creator has prepared no place for the stagnat-
ing practice of indolence."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 50.
What changes took place in man's work as a result of sin?
Gen. 3:17-19.
"When man became Satan's captive, the dominion which he
held, passed to his conqueror."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 67.
The ground was cursed and would bring forth thorns and
thistles. Man's work would be doubly hard, involving toil and
pain. Yet nature is still dependent on man. Unless man works
with the soil, plants deteriorate into an unprofitable state.
What assurances has God given of reliability in nature?
Gen. 8:22.
Man cannot claim that the world owes him a living and do
nothing. Work is basically a recognition that man has the
responsibility for his own needs.
THINK IT THROUGH What attitude should the Christian take to his work? What can he do to make life more worthwhile for himself and for others?
"From their earliest years children should be led to feel that
they are part of the home firm. Even the little ones should be
trained to share in the daily work and should be made to feel that
their help is needed and is appreciated. The older ones should
be their parents' assistants, entering into their plans and shar-
ing their responsibilities and burdens."—Education, p. 285.
FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 214-218. 35 The Privilege of Work LESSON 4 ❑ Tuesday January 23 Part 3 “Jesus Increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with JESUS, THE God and man” (Luke 2:52). MODEL WORKMAN The ideal development is that development that is Godward and manward. Jesus was the kind of person who received the approbation of God in His life and was appreciated by all right thinking people for His service to man. These are marks of true greatness.
What trade did Jesus learn and use as a young man In
Nazareth? Mark 6:3.
"The life of Christ from His earliest years was a life of earnest
activity. He lived not to please Himself. He was the Son of the
infinite God, yet He worked at the carpenter's trade with His
father Joseph. His trade was significant. He had come into the
world as the character builder, and as such all His work was
perfect. Into all His secular labor He brought the same perfec-
tion as into the characters He was transforming by His divine
power. He is our pattern."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 345.
The years that Jesus spent in Nazareth have been called "the
hidden years." From the time He returned from Jerusalem at the
age of 12, to the time He came to be baptized of John around the
age of 30, He lived a quiet life, being subject to His parents, and
doubtless supporting His mother after the death of Joseph. All
we are told is that He "grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled
with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him" (Luke 2:40).
One thing is certain; Jesus was a hard worker, and in His work
He manifested the spirit and character of His heavenly Father.
What did Jesus say about His work? John 9:4; Matt. 20:28.
There was an urgency in the attitude of Jesus to His work.
Time was moving along, and there were things that had to be
done in the immediate present. We cannot postpone to the
future what needs to be done today. Because of who He was and
what He was, Jesus applied Himself to the tasks that were His to
perform. He was true to His Father and faithful to the people
whom He had come to serve.
THINK IT THROUGH What work of Jesus was more important, His work as a carpenter, or His work of preaching and healing?
"He was doing God's service just as much when laboring at
the carpenter's bench as when working miracles for the
multitude."—The Desire of Ages, p. 74.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 72-74.
36 The Privilege of Work LESSON 4 ❑ Wednesday January 24 Part 4 How does Paul say the Christian ought to relate himself to RELATIONSHIPS his master or employer? AT WORK “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters ac- cording to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleas- ers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Eph. 6:5, 6).
Although slavery as an institution is not practiced in the world
today as it was in the days of Paul, nevertheless, many are
caught in the clutches of an economic system that may be as
harsh and demanding as slavery. Slavery may be gone, but the
problem of relationships, about which Ephesians 6:5, 6 speaks,
still remains for most of us.
The Christian is honest, faithful, respectful, diligent,
wholehearted in his service for his employer. Not because his
employer is worthy of all these characteristics—in many in-
stances, his employer may not be worthy of any of them—but
because that is the way he should work as a Christian employee.
All the time he is working he is really serving his Lord Jesus
Christ. His work is a testimony of his relationship with his God.
The employee may not be able to preach a sermon or give a
Bible study, but his faithful service speaks louder than words
and in many instances is even more effective.
What counsel does Paul give to employers in the matter of
relationships? Eph. 6:9.
Employers, no less than employees, should show that their
relationship to God is right. They are not to lord it over their
employees, nor are they to treat some better than others. James
warns against those who take financial advantage of their
employees. (See James 5:4.) God holds everyone responsible
for the way he uses his authority and position of rank, and He
will not let the one who misuses his power go unpunished.
Whether a person is an employee or an employer, or acts in
both capacities, he is one to whom God has entrusted talents
and opportunities. It is for him to use them faithfully, being
ready to give an account to his Lord for all that he has done.
THINK IT THROUGH When there are abuses in work relationships between employer and employee, what should the Christian do?
God never condones evil, but He is the one to judge, and He is
the best one to take appropriate action. We must be careful not
to try to do God's work for Him!
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “Shall Not God Avenge His Own?” pp. 177-180.
37
The Privilege of Work LESSON 4 ❑ Thursday January 25 Part 5 To what has God called us? WORK AND VOCATION “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Tim. 1:9).
Most of us have to take part in secular activity in order to earn
a living. But we also have a spiritual calling. In all our work,
whatever it may be, we must glorify God, showing that all we do
is done for Him.
It is God who gives the skills necessary to perform the various
types of service. God instructs the farmer. (See Isa. 28:25, 26.)
God called special persons for particular manual skills and
granted them a measure of His spirit for constructing the taber-
nacle. (See Ex. 31:2-6.) One of our responsibilities is to discover
what talent God has given us and then to use it in His service.
What did Paul urge Timothy to make use of? 2 Tim. 1:6.
Some people are governed by personal ambition in their
selection of what they would do in life. The result is often tragic.
"Many a man whose talents are adapted for some other calling,
is ambitious to enter a profession; and he who might have been
successful as a farmer, an artisan, or a nurse, fills inadequately
the position of a minister, a lawyer, or a physician."—Education,
p. 267.
"We need to follow more closely God's plan of life. To do our
best in the work that lies nearest, to commit our ways to God,
and to watch for the indications of His providence—these are
rules that ensure safe guidance in the choice of an occupation."
—Education, p. 267.
It is interesting to note that in the New Testament men were
called to be saints, or apostles, or fishers of men. This suggests
that there is a higher calling that applies to everyone regardless
of his mode of earning a living. The matter of first importance is
not what type of work we do every day for a living, but that we act
as children of God and accomplish God's purposes.
THINK IT THROUGH How can the Christian be guided in choosing that type of work that is best suited to him?
"Christ in His life on earth made no plans for Himself. He
accepted God's plans for Him, and day by day the Father un-
folded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives
may be the simple outworking of His will. As we commit our
ways to Him, He will direct our steps."—The Ministry of Healing,
p. 479.
FURTHER STUDY The Ministry of Healing, pp. 469-482.
38 The Privilege of Work LESSON 4 ❑ Friday January 26
Part 6 • "We are labourers together with God" (1 Cor. 3:9).
WORK,
A BLESSING Those who work as God intends they should are described as
God's fellow workers, workers together with God. They live in
harmony with the laws of the universe, and will live forever.
What advice does the wise man have for the person who
does not like to work? Prov. 6:6-11.
The sluggard is the person who exercises no self-discipline.
He acts according to the impulse of the moment. He soon finds
that by indulging in the pleasures of the moment he misses out
on the real satisfactions of life.
What drastic rule did Paul lay down when he was with the
Thessalonians? 2 Thess. 3:10.
"The Lord does not require the hardworking man to support
others in idleness. With many there is a waste of time, a lack of
effort, which brings to poverty and want. If these faults are not
corrected by those who indulge them, all that might be done in
their behalf would be like putting treasure into a bag with holes.
Yet there is an unavoidable poverty, and we are to manifest
tenderness and compassion toward those who are unfortunate.
We should treat others just as we ourselves, in like cir-
cumstances would wish to be treated."—Christ's Object Les-
sons, pp. 247, 248.
What exhortation did Paul give to the Thessalonians?
1 Thess. 4:11.
Hard work means that we help ourselves and we gain the
respect of the community. But work is not enjoined as an end in
itself; it is a means to an end, and that end is the service of God.
It is not to be limited to labor for life's necessities, but to include
labor "for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life" (John
6:27). There are some types of activity that the Christian can
never engage in because they involve the breaking of the law.
(See Eph. 4:28.) But the work of the Lord is that kind of labor that
will always bring joy and satisfaction.
THINK IT THROUGH Why does work often have therapeutic value?
"Inactivity is the greatest curse that could come upon most
invalids. Light employment in useful labor, while it does not tax
mind or body, has a happy influence upon both. It strengthens
the muscles, improves the circulation, and gives the invalid the
satisfaction of knowing that he is not wholly useless in this busy
World."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 240.
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “Talents,” pp. 358-365.
39
LESSON 5 January 28-February 3
The cal tto Senvicit
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, dependent on man's taking an active
all ye lands. Serve the Lord with part on God's side. He must serve the
gladness: come before his presence Creator against the wishes of the
with singing. Know ye that the Lord he usurper; he must struggle against the
is God: it is he that hath made us, and wiles of the enemy and - overcome.
not we ourselves; we are his people, In our lesson this week we see how
and the sheep of his pasture" (Ps. man can serve his Creator. First of all
100:1-3). he is called to be a watchman. He must
warn of danger that is coming. Then
We all must serve someone. We we see how the Christian is to give a
cannot be so neutral that we serve no testimony to the experiences and
one. A common human problem is knowledge that he has gained. In the
that we want to serve more than one: struggle against evil he must endure to
We want to serve God, but we also the end if he is to be saved. There must
want to serve ourselves; we want to be no turning back on promises made.
give our hearts to God, but we want to In the fourth part of the lesson we
hold on selfishly to our possessions. learn that a man must do as Jesus
Jesus said that this attempt to serve did—take up his cross. Then he must
two masters is impossible. (See Matt. follow in the footsteps of the Master.
6:24.) Finally, we note that the Christian is
Christian service is not a drudgery. called to a high and holy calling, one in
Someone has said that it is "perfect which he must be sanctified. The one
freedom." There is a paradox in who lives this way is serving his Lord in
Christian living, that if we would gain the most acceptable manner.
life we must be prepared to give it up.
As the hymn writer puts it: "Make me a DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
captive, Lord, And then I shall be free; 1. The Call to Watch and Warn
Force me to render up my sword, And I (Eze. 3:17)
shall conqueror be."—The Church 2. The Call to Witnesi_
Hymnal, no. 284. We can find supreme (Acts 1:8)
joy in serving the Lord, because in His 3. The Call to Endure
service we truly find ourselves and (2 Tim. 2:3)
achieve all that the heart can desire. 4. The Call to Take Up the Cross
Furthermore, it does not require (Matt. 16:24)
special talent to serve the Lord. It is 5. The Call to Follow
obvious, of course, that the man with (John 10:27)
five talents can contribute more than 6. The Call to Be Perfect
the man with less. But everyone has at (Matt. 5:48)
least one talent, and if he uses this to
God's honor and glory, he will get the
same reward as the one more gifted
than he, because the reward is of grace
and not of work.
God calls for wholehearted service
to Him. In the controversy with sin
God sees that man's salvation is
D. TANK The Call to Service LESSON 5 ❑ Sunday January 28 Part 1 “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house THE CALL of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them TO WATCH warning from me” (Eze. 3:17). AND WARN Jesus told His disciples that they were to watch because they did not know when their Lord would come. (See Matt. 14:42.) A watching servant is one who is not caught unawares but is busy doing his duty, in spite of distractions of the surroundings.
What Is Jesus' description of the watchful servant? Matt.
24:45-47.
Another dimension of watching is added in the experience of
Ezekiel—he is to watch and to warn. He is to be concerned, not
only with his own welfare, but with the welfare of others.
The figure of speech used by Ezekiel is that of a man stationed
on the wall of a city commissioned to keep his eyes open for the
enemy that might be creeping up stealthily with the purpose of
taking the city unawares. Most of the inhabitants are asleep.
They are dependent on the watchman to stay awake and per-
form his duty. As soon as he sees danger, he blows the trumpet
of warning, and the people arouse to resist the enemy.
Ezekiel says that we are as responsible for giving the warning
to others as we are for knowing it ourselves.
What solemn responsibility Is placed on the watchman?
Eze. 33:7-9.
Since God has given us a truth that involves the whole world,
we cannot, with impunity keep this truth to ourselves. It does not
follow that when we tell someone of the truth that he will accept
it and be saved. But when we have passed on to him the mes-
sage we have received from God, then he alone is responsible
for his reaction to the message. On the other hand, if we have
had a chance to witness and have not seized the opportunity,
the loss of a soul that results is placed at our charge. This
emphasizes how important it is for us to share our faith.
THINK IT THROUGH Instead of coming like a thief in the night and requiring that His disciples watch, why does not our Lord tell us the time when He will come?
If the early church had been told that two thousand years
would pass before the second advent, they would have been
discouraged. At the same time, for every one of us the moment
of death is the end of probation, and the next significant event is
the coming of Jesus. Since death can come at any time, it is
necessary to watch at all times and seize every opportunity to
witness to the truths of the gospel.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 360-362.
42 The Call to Service LESSON 5 ❑ Monday January 29 Part 2 “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost Is come THE CALL upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in TO WITNESS Jerusalem, and in Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the utter- most part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
From the experience of the centurion at Calvary, what can
we learn about the basic qualifications for a witness? Luke
23:47, 48.
One must first of all see with his own eyes, feel with his own
body and mind, and experience in his heart and life, before he
can really give an effective testimony. That which is grasped
only by the mind, or is learned at second hand, cannot be vitally
communicated to another. That is why it is so important to have
a living experience of the truth.
From the last words of Jesus to His disciples, what do we
learn is essential to witnessing besides the firsthand experi-
ence of knowing? Acts 1:8.
It is the Holy Spirit that gives power and effectiveness to the
witness, for it is the Spirit of God that works on the heart of the
listener, to convict and to convince. (See John 16:7-11.) The
Holy Spirit also indites the words that are spoken so that they
are the right words for the occasion. (See Matt. 10:19, 20.)
In an investigation to learn the truth about an event, witnesses
are essential. Their word provides evidence as well as confirms
other evidence. Without witnesses the truth is hidden, and a lie
cannot be discovered. The same principle of testifying to the
truth applies to God and His universe.
God finds His special witnesses in men and women who have
heard His call and testified to what God has been able to do in
and through them. On one occasion the Jews wanted Jesus to
silence the people when they were crying Hosanna to Him. He
said that if the people did not bear their testimony the stones
would cry out. (See Luke 19:39, 40.) In other words, the truth of
what God has done and is doing for man cannot be kept quiet.
The heavens declare the glory of God; every flower and tree
speaks of the love of God; but it is man who has the duty and
responsibility, being the highest order in the earthly sphere, to
raise his voice in testimony to the God who has done so much
for him.
THINK IT THROUGH Why do some people find it difficult to witness to their faith?
It does not require education or advanced learning to tell
what one has seen and heard. It only requires a heart of love and
a tongue, and most people are blessed with this. How do we use
our tongues? Is it to bless or to curse?
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 465-468. 43
4-A.L. 1-79 The Call to Service LESSON 5 ❑ Tuesday January 30 Part 3 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of THE CALL Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3). TO ENDURE In this second letter to Timothy, Paul refers to three types of occupations: the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer. (See verses 3-7.) All of them have to discipline themselves in order to accomplish their tasks.
What characteristics of the Christian does Paul draw from
the experience of the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer?
2 Tim. 2:3-7.
"In the army, no soldier gets himself mixed up in civilian life,"
the Jerusalem Bible translates verse 4. So the Christian must
not get mixed up with the world.
The athlete knows that he must keep all the rules of the
contest if he is to win a crown. Likewise, the Christian knows
that he must order his life according to the principles of living
laid down in the Bible.
The farmer works hard at preparing the soil and sowing the
seed and keeping away anything that would prevent his crop
from coming to full fruition. So also must the Christian be
faithful in applying himself wholly to his task so that he can eat
of the fruit of his endeavors.
What kind of man does James picture as being blessed or
happy? James 1:12.
What type of person did Jesus say would be saved? Matt.
10:22.
It is comparatively easy to begin the Christian life, or even to
begin anything. It takes stamina to continue in the Christian
pathway in spite of difficulties and hardships. To grit one's
teeth, to determine by God's grace not to give up when the
going is hard, this is what is necessary at times, although the
Christian life has many moments of joy and happiness.
THINK IT THROUGH How would you show that the average Christian does not begin to go through the hardships that Jesus had to endure? Heb. 12:3, 4.
"Men are wanted in this work who will not murmur or com-
plain at hardships or trials, knowing that this-isa part of the
legacy that Jesus has left them. They should be willing to go
without the camp and suffer reproach and bear burdens as
good soldiers of Christ. They will bear the cross of Christ with-
out complaint, without murmuring or fretfulness, and will be
patient in tribulation."—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 423.
FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 295-297. 44
The Call to Service LESSON 5 ❑ Wednesday January 31 Part 4 “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and THE CALL TO take up his cross, and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). TAKE UP THE CROSS Jesus knew what was ahead of Him. He told His disciples details which they did not understand, but which they would see fulfilled in every respect. (See Luke 18:31-34.)
What did Jesus say every disciple would have to take up if
he were to be a true follower? Matt. 16:24.
The disciples knew very well what a cross was. They had seen
many in their travels north and south. The Romans used these
instruments of execution to make examples of Jews who had
fallen afoul of Roman law or authority. It was a symbol of the
power of the oppressor, of the bitterness of subjugation. The
language of Jesus must have come as a shock to men and
women who were hoping that the Messiah would free them from
the yoke of the Gentile. But the language is unmistakable. The
words of Jesus are recorded in all three synoptic Gospels.
One of the cruel aspects of a crucifixion was that the victim
had to carry his own cross. Can you imagine how reluctantly a
person would take it up? Yet Jesus says that the Christian is to
"take up his cross." How is this to be understood? It means he is
to deny himself, to die to self.
Let us look at the cross of Jesus and see what happened
there. Note the following aspects: (1) Jesus was being unjustly
treated by other people; (2) the other people should have known
better; (3) the treatment was public and shameful.
It would seem, then, that taking up a cross means being
willing to submit to unjust and shameful treatment at the hands
of people who ought to know better.
Human nature revolts against the idea of submission to unjust
treatment. But that was exactly the experience of Jesus, who
said that the servant is not above his Lord and he must not be
surprised if he is treated as his Lord was. (See John 15:20.)
Can you think of examples of Christians who accepted ig-
nominy and torture in the spirit of Christ? (See Acts 16:22-25.)
"The apostles [Paul and Silas] suffered extreme torture be-
cause of the painful position in which they were left, but they did
not murmur. Instead, in the utter darkness and desolation of the
dungeon, they encouraged each other by words of prayer and
sang praises to God because they were found worthy to suffer
shame for His sake."—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 213, 214.
THINK IT THROUGH Are there times when the Christian should stand up for his rights? Who is the one who can do this best for him?
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 416-418.
45
The Call to Service LESSON 5 ❑ Thursday February 1 Part 5 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow THE CALL me” (John 10:27). TO FOLLOW A few people are called to lead, but most of us follow. Even leaders need to follow a pattern or an ideal. In relation to Jesus, Christian followers and leaders alike are followers. The Chris- tian hears the voice of Jesus and follows Him.
What example in the Old Testament do we have of someone
who learned a true way and decided to follow it to the end?
Ruth 1:16, 17.
The story of Ruth tells of one who had learned about the true
God and decided she could not go back to her people and their
gods. God blessed her richly. She was an ancestress of Christ
even though she was not an Israelite. No one who follows the
true God loses as a consequence of this choice.
What contrast is given in Jude 16-21 between what many
people in the world follow and what the Christian follows?
What is the result to each?
There are only two roads to take; one leads to eternal life and
the other leads to death. One results in being a blessing to one's
self and to others; the other results in being a problem to one's
self and to others. Why do so many take the wrong one?
What conditions did Jesus give for those who would follow
("come after") Him? Matt. 16:24.
Jesus lived a life of self-denying service and taught others to
do the same. Following Jesus means going about doing good
even as He did. (See Acts 10:38.) We need eyes to see where we
can do good to another and a willing spirit to do it. The kind
word spoken, the unpretentious help given glorifies the One
whom we follow.
THINK IT THROUGH Why is it that many do not offer their services to help those in need? Is the average Christian too busy caring for his own interests? How would you try to bring about a change?
"Many have excused themselves from rendering their gifts to
the service of Christ because others were possessed of superior
endowments and advantages. The opinion has prevailed that
only those who are especially talented are required to conse-
crate their abilities to the service of God. . . . But it is not so
represented in the parable. When the master of the house called
his servants, he gave to every man his work."—Steps to Christ,
p. 82.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, "The Work and the Life," pp. 80-83.
46 The Call to Service LESSON 5 ❑ Friday February 2 Part 6 “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in THE CALL TO heaven Is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). BE PERFECT This text has caused many heartaches! How can anyone be perfect, let alone be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect? In Christ the Christian may be perfect. (See Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 32.) The Greek word translated “perfect” in Matthew 5:48 also has the meaning “mature.” It is used in this sense in Hebrews 10:14. The context in Matthew 5 is the impartial love of the heavenly Father (verse 45) for human beings. Jesus calls on us to be mature by loving people impartially as the Father does.
What standard of living is set for the child of God in Leviticus
19:2?
God Himself is the standard that is set for the Christian;
whatever He is, the Christian is expected to be. Since God is
holy, the Christian must be holy in all the phases of his life. Just
as God is perfect in His attitude to all, so the Christian is called to
have a right relationship to everyone.
What does Jeremiah 31:31-34 say about how man can attain
the standards God has set?
When God commands, He also gives the power to obey. To do
otherwise would be unreasonable. The good news of the gospel
is that through Jesus our failure to reach the standard is for-
given. The shortfall of our best efforts is made up by Christ's
merit. We are given power so that in Christ the Christian can do
all things. (See Phil. 4:13.)
How important is holiness and the sanctified life for the
Christian? Heb. 12:14.
"Holiness will lead its possessor to be fruitful and abound in
all good works. He will never become weary in well-doing,
neither will he look for promotion in this world.... Holiness of
heart will produce right actions. It is the absence of spirituality,
of holiness, which leads to unrighteous acts, to envy, hatred,
jealousy, evil surmisings, and every hateful and abominable
sin."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 445.
THINK IT THROUGH Does God set different standards for different people, or does He set one standard for all to attain? What do you think that standard Is?
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “Talents,” pp. 328-333.
47
- - LESSON 6 February 4-10
cern for tilers
"Simon, Simon, take heed: Satan who are without relatives and cannot
has been given leave to sift all of you always support themselves. Third,
like wheat; but for you I have prayed there are those who have fallen upon
that your faith may not fail" (Luke hard times. Their plight has come to
22:31, 32, NEB). our attention in a personal way, and
there is obviously something we can
Jesus often had insights into the and ought to do for them. Like the man
character and experience of those he who had fallen among thieves, they
met, such as Nathanael (John 1:48), are in need of a Good Samaritan. Then
Peter (Luke 22:31, 32), and the woman there are organizations that prepare
of Samaria (John 4:17,18). In each case for emergencies. They stock up with
He showed great concern. There was food and clothing, to be ready when
something very personal about His disaster strikes. These organizations
relationships with everyone. need leadership and sacrifice. But
In this regard Jesus has set an there are spiritual needs to be
important example for His followers; supplied; books and tracts to be
the Christian is to be alive to the needs distributed; Bibles to be given out; the
of those around him, and, whatever truth to be shared in meetings and
the cost, he is to spend and be spent in Bible studies. Both near and far, the
meeting their material and spiritual Christian has a ready ear for needs and
needs. a willing heart and hand to give as the
Perhaps one of the basic Lord has blessed him.
weaknesses of our modern society is
that it tends to be impersonal. There is DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
much good that is being done in the 1. The Needs of Parents and Relatives
world, but it is being done on a (Mark 7:11-13)
computer basis, at second hand. 2. Orphans and Widows
Much money is being distributed, (James 1:27)
much food. But people are numbers, 3. Neighbors Near and Far
and distributors are companies. What (Luke 10:36, 37)
we so much need is the personal 4. Welfare Organizations
concern and touch. (Acts 9:36)
In our lesson this week we look at 5. Reaching the Unlovable
the areas of concern to every (Prov. 25:21, 22)
Christian. We see that he cannot live 6. Sowing the Seed
for himself, closing his eyes and ears (Eccl. 11:6)
to the appeals all around him. As a
faithful steward, blessed with an
abundant supply of all his needs, he
willingly reaches out to help those less
fortunate than himself.
The Christian's first responsibility is
to his kith and kin. He ought not to
allow them to be a public charge, or to
be a burden to the church. Then there
are the orphans and widows, those
JOAN WALTER Concern for Others. LESSON 6 ❑ Sunday February 4 Part 1 What practice in regard to parents did Jesus condemn? NEEDS OF PARENTS AND “Ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is RELATIVES Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye” (Mark 7:11-13).
The fifth commandment states: "Honor thy father and thy
mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord
thy God giveth thee" (Ex. 20:12).
This commandment obviously means more than giving nom-
inal respect to father and mother; it means caring for them
materially according to their need. Jesus made this clear when
He objected to the tradition whereby a son could dedicate his
possessions for religious purposes, and thus escape his obliga-
tions to support his needy parents.
It is only proper that children should care for the needs of
parents in their old age as necessary. Even during the agony of
the cross Jesus remembered His mother. (See John 19:25-27.)
It is the privilege of the Christian family to be tied by bonds of
love and affection. It is sin that causes members of the family to
harm one another, as in the case of Cain. (See Gen. 4:8, 9.)
Families may be broken up because of the truth. (See Matt.
10:21, 22.) But the ideal is that unbroken families can enter the
kingdom of heaven. Furthermore, the truth can enlarge the
boundary of family connections. Note in Mark 10:29, 30 the
promise that is made to the disciple who has had to give up
physical family ties because of opposition to the truth.
What answer is implied by the question in 1 John 3:17?
Love is a gift from God, and the heart that is imbued with love
cannot remain unconcerned when there is a crying need. John
goes on to say (verse 18) that love is not true love that expresses
itself only in words; love finds its true expression in acts of
kindness and deep concern. (See 1 John 3:18.)
What was Paul's view of one who did not support his family?
1 Tim. 5:8.
THINK IT THROUGH Does one’s obligation to the family depend on whether the members of the family are in the church or not? Is It proper sometimes to cut off the financial resources of a member of the family because he refuses to comply with church regula- tions?
FURTHER STUDY First Corinthians 13.
50 Concern for Others LESSON 6 ❑ Monday February 5 Part 2 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is ORPHANS this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and AND WIDOWS to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).
These words of James must come as a shock to those who
think of religion in terms of church services, where one listens
to sacred music, offers prayers, and hears the word of God
presented in a sermon. All this has its place in religious life, but
the point that James makes means that attendance at religious
services without active, loving service in everyday life for others
in need is not "pure religion."
What elements of religion does Micah point to as constitut-
ing the most important features of worship? Micah 6:6-8.
Death snatches away the breadwinner and parent with drastic
consequences to the rest of the family. Shall people be left to
suffer alone in their bereavement? The Bible says, No! Members
of the church, in loving sympathy, are to relieve the burdens as
far as possible. Orphans need to be cared for, and women who
have no means of support are to have their wants supplied.
What rules for the Ephesus church regarding church sup-
port of needy widows does Paul give In 1 Timothy 5:9-16?
Paul recognizes that not all widows are helpless in their situa-
tion. Mere widowhood is not a claim on church finances. But
where there is need and piety on the part of the widow, then the
church members have a responsibility to do what they can to
relieve hardship. After citing James 1:27, Ellen White says: "I
saw that this is not merely to sympathize with them by comfort-
ing words in their affliction, but to aid them, if needy, with our
substance."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 190.
THINK IT THROUGH How can the church meet its obligations by caring for the needy without being hindered from accomplishing its task of preaching the gospel?
"With every gift and offering there should be a suitable object
before the giver, not to uphold any in idleness, not to be seen of
men or to get a great name, but to glorify God by advancing His
cause. Some make large donations to the cause of God while
their brother who is poor, may be suffering close by them, and
they do nothing to relieve him. Little acts of kindness performed
for their brother in a secret manner would bind their hearts
together, and would be noticed in heaven. I saw that in their
prices and wages the rich should make a difference in favor of
the afflicted and widows and the worthy poor among them."—
Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 194.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 27, 28, 33. 51 Concern for Others LESSON 6 ❑ Tuesday February 6 Part 3 “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour NEIGHBORS unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that NEAR AND FAR shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:36, 37).
The Jewish lawyer did not expect to have to confess that a
hated Samaritan could act in a neighborly fashion. Yet the story
Jesus told could not be understood in any other way. Rather
than lisp the word "Samaritan," he used a circumlocution: "He
that shewed mercy on him."
What instruction was given the Jews regarding their
neighbors? Lev. 19:18, 33, 34; Prov. 3:28, 29.
Love is the fulfilling of the law, because God is love. And there
are to be no limits to love just as there are no limits to God's love.
The person who loves only his relatives is doing only what is part
of his natural inclinations; the heathen do likewise. When a
Christian is a partaker of the divine nature, then he finds himself
reaching out in love and mercy to those around him.
Whom, in addition to the neighbor, did Jesus say we are to
love? Matt. 5:43-45.
The Christian is never to return evil for evil. There must always
flow from his heart and lips words and deeds of kindness. This is
not easy to do to those who are ungrateful, unsympathetic, and
openly hostile. But God Himself faces a like situation with the
world, yet He always provides people with their needs. The
Christian is to be generous and helpful, not because of any
reward he receives, but just because he is a child of God and
reflects his Father's image.
Loving one's neighbor will mean sharing one's understand-
ing of the gospel and extending the invitation to accept Jesus as
a personal Saviour. However, it must not be limited to religious
goals and objectives. Man's needs are often physical as in the
case of the one who had fallen among thieves, and the multitude
who had been with Jesus all day and were hungry. The Christian
must be prepared to meet needs, both temporal and spiritual.
THINK IT THROUGH What may happen to the Christian who refuses to share his blessings with his neighbors?
"We need to guard against the first deviation from righteous-
ness; for one transgression, one neglect to manifest the spirit of
Christ, opens the way for another and still another, until the
mind is overmastered by the principles of the enemy."—
Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 265.
FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Who Is My Neighbour?" pp. 376-
382. 52
Concern for Others LESSON 6 ❑ Wednesday February 7 Part 4 “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, WELFARE which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full ORGANIZATIONS of good works and almsdeeds which she did” (Acts 9:36).
The name, "Dorcas Society" has been in many cases
changed for another title, but the same type of work is still
performed and appreciated. Tabitha, or Dorcas, was a woman
who was active in sewing for the poor. When she died, Peter was
called, and he was shown "the coats and garments which Dor-
cas made" (verse 39). Somehow Peter was impressed that he
should pray that she be restored to a life of continued service,
and a miracle occurred. Not everyone who has lived a life of
service is raised to life to continue the service, but the experi-
ence of Dorcas was doubtless given to show God's approval of
this type of activity.
What was the result of the experience of Dorcas? Acts 9:42.
Some may think that it was the miracle alone that brought
many to a knowledge of the truth. But Jesus pointed out that the
performance of a miracle does not necessarily produce faith.
(See Luke 16:31.) It is more likely that the background of the life
of Dorcas, together with her resurrection, called the attention of
people to God who could do such a marvelous act. Dorcas's life
certainly was the kind of life which God approved of and en-
dorsed by raising her to life.
What kind of service does God say He prefers from His
people? Isa. 58:7.
"I cannot too strongly urge all our church members, all who
are true missionaries, all who believe the third angel's message,
all who turn away their feet from the Sabbath, to consider the
message of the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. The work of be-
neficence enjoined in this chapter is the work that God requires
His people to do at this time. It is a work of His own appoint-
ment."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 265.
How did Jesus say men come to glorify God? Matt. 5:14,16.
Too often we belittle the humble deeds of everyday life. But
the fact is that what we do counts for much more than what we
say. People will be more impressed with the life of the minister
than by his sermons, by the kindly deeds of the members of the
church rather than the doctrines.
THINK IT THROUGH Is your church doing all that it might do for its community? Are you sharing in preparations for emergency situations? If not, why not?
FURTHER STUDY The Ministry of Healing, pp. 104-107. 53 Concern for Others LESSON 6 ❑ Thursday February 8 Part 5 “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he REACHING THE be thirsty, give him water to drink: for thou shalt heap coals of UNLOVABLE fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee” (Prov. 25:21, 22).
There are certain people we would rather stay away from,
some that we feel like fighting. The Scripture says that the way
to defeat an enemy is to be kind to him! In other words there is
no one who is outside the pale of our beneficence!
How did God set the pattern of being concerned for sinners
and enemies? Rom. 5:6-10.
If we wait for people to be loving to us before we are loving to
them, we shall probably wait a long time. The Christian goes
about doing good to all because that was exactly what Jesus
did. (See Acts 10:38.)
How may the Christian be saved from being weary of doing
good to those who are not appreciative or thankful? Heb. 12:3.
No one was more rejected than Jesus. He came to the world
which He had created, and the people whom He had chosen
rejected Him. (See John 1:11.) The Christian, too, may be re-
jected on many occasions. He may even have to forfeit his life.
There are times when the Christian may feel that he has a right
to be indignant, that he should teach someone a lesson. But the
fact is that God is the only righteous judge in every situation,
and the Christian must leave it to Him to do what is necessary.
He never pays back evil for evil, but he overcomes evil with
good. (See Rom. 12:17-21.)
Some question the efficacy of such a policy of kindness to all.
They ask the question: May not kindness be interpreted by the
enemy as weakness? Does not the wicked man take advantage
of the kindness of the Christian and never reform? Doubtless
this is often true. But surely the one who continues to do evil in
the face of kindness is going to have to face a righteous judge
who will take all things into account. And the fact is that kind-
ness and love win in the end, even though there may be an
apparent defeat in the present. The Christian is to do the right
thing at all times and leave the consequences to God.
THINK IT THROUGH Can you think of examples of times when love has won out in a conflict between truth and error?
"Love will gain the victory when argument and authority are
powerless. Love works not for profit nor reward; yet God has
ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of every labor
of love."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 135.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 133-136. 54
Concern for Others LESSON 6 ❑ Friday February 9 Part 6 “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold SOWING not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, THE SEED either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good” (Eccl. 11:6).
There is no time when the Christian cannot or should not do
good. Morning, noon, and night are all suitable occasions. In
this regard he is like a sower who sows his seed. It is God who
gives the increase; but the sower must sow the seed.
What parable did Jesus give to show how the kingdom of
heaven is like sowing seeds? Mark 4:26-29.
In this parable Jesus makes it clear that it is God who causes
the seed to grow and develop. "The work of the sower is a work
of faith. The mystery of the germination and growth of the seed
he cannot understand. But he has confidence in the agencies by
which God causes vegetation to flourish. In casting his seed
into the ground, he is apparently throwing away the precious
grain that might furnish bread for his family. But he is only
giving up a present good for a larger return. He casts the seed
away, expecting to gather it manyfold in an abundant harvest.
So Christ's servants are to labor, expecting a harvest from the
seed they sow."—Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 64, 65.
What assurance is given that when a person sows a good
deed, he will rejoice in the consequences? Ps. 126:6; Eccl.
11:1.
It is human to want to see results. We should remember
that the controversy between good and evil is a long, drawn-out
battle, and that we may have to wait until we get into the king-
dom before we can see all the good that has been done.
According to what does God reward those who trust in Him?
Rev. 22:12.
"Not the amount of labor performed or its visible results but
the spirit in which the work is done makes it of value with
God."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 397.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I using my talent in the Master’s service? Am I as con- cerned about others as I am for myself?
The Christian should not devote himself to only one phase of
activity. Just as he needs to eat, work, and sleep in order to meet
his physical requirements, so he must care for his own spiritual
needs and not neglect his obligations to others.
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “First the Blade, Then the Ear,” pp. 62-69. 55 LESSON 7 February 11-17
The Gr ce ff Giving "Give, and it shall be given unto all that makes life worth living. you; good measure, pressed down, Consequently man's response is that and shaken together, and running of giving himself to the One who did over, shall men give into your bosom. so much for him. (See 2 Cor. 5:15.) For with the same measure that ye People who have accepted God's mete withal it shall be measured to you great gift cannot live to themselves, again" (Luke 6:38). but must be concerned about those
around them. (See Phil. 2:4.) There is It takes grace to give. Even though an interesting paradox in giving. The giving is recognized as a good thing, it more one gives the more one receives. is hard for a person in his natural The opposite is also true. The more condition to give up what he has one withholds of what ought to be acquired. The commandment, "Thou distributed, the more one becomes shalt not covet," points up one of poor. (See Prov. 11:24.) How foolish, man's greatest weaknesses, the desire then, to hold on to that which makes to get without giving. one poor! Giving has its own reward in By contrast we see God in Jesus that the giver never loses. With the Christ giving all that He had. "Ye same measure he uses to give to know,' said Paul, "the grace of our others, it will be measured to him in Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was return. (See Luke 6:38.) There is rich, yet for your sakes he became therefore a joy in giving, and it is the poor, that ye through his poverty cheerful giver that God loves. How might be rich" (2 Cor. 8:9). fortunate for all of us that the measure Here is the pattern that the Christian of giving is determined by what we is to follow. He has been the recipient have, and not by what we do not have! of a gift, and so he is under obligation Rich and poor can alike share in this to share his privileges with others. grace of giving. In fact two mites given (See Matt. 10:8.) Not the least part of by a poor widow may be worth more the new gift he has received is a new than the silver and gold of those who nature (see 2 Cor. 5:17), so that giving are affluent and give of their surplus. is natural for him, a way of life in which he finds joy in giving. DAILY HIGHLIGHTS In our lesson this week we notice 1. The Great Giver first of all that God is the greatest (Rom. 8:32) Giver. He gave His Son and through 2. Man's Response to God's Giving Him freely gives us all things. (See (2 Cor. 5:14, 15) Rom. 8:32.) He is the Source of life and 3. The Paradox of Giving
(Prov. 11:24, 25)
4. The Rewards of Giving
(Isa. 58:10, 11)
5. The Measure of a Gift
(2 Cor. 8:12)
6. The Cheerful Giver
(2 Cor. 9:7)
JOAN WALTER
The Grace of Giving LESSON 7 ❑ Sunday February 11 Part 1 “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us THE GREAT all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things” GIVER (Rom. 8:32).
No one can read the gospel without being impressed with the
great sacrifice that God made in giving His Son to die for man.
No wonder the songwriter exclaims, "Amazing grace!"
What is Paul's reaction to God's gift to man? 2 Cor. 9:15.
"Unspeakable. Literally, 'that which cannot be described in
full.' There can be no full and complete exposition of the gift of
divine love. This ascription of praise to God provides a fitting
climax to the section dealing with the collection of a gift for the
saints at Jerusalem.... The divine gift, by which men are saved,
sanctified, and motivated to Christian service for others, is be-
yond human ability to comprehend in its fullness. Christ is often
described in the Scriptures as God's supreme gift to man."—
SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 898.
Having given us His Son, what other provisions has God
made for us? Rom. 8:32.
Paul makes clear that there is no limit to what God is willing to
give to His children. He has not only redeemed man by the death
of His Son, but has also provided everything necessary for a full
and abundant life. (See John 10:10.) These gifts are all given
freely. Man has only to reach out and accept them.
What kind of gifts come from God to man? James 1:17.
God is the Author of only that which is good. His gifts are
perfect. His plans and purposes for man are for his highest good,
so that there is no legitimate ambition that man could dream up
for himself that could be any more desirable than the goal that
God Himself has already set. Just as God is supremely great, so
He is the greatest Giver. At the same time, God never changes;
therefore, the plans He has for man are established forever. It
is only man who causes changes, either by not accepting the
plan outlined for him, or not living up to the requirements that
are set for complete fulfillment.
THINK IT THROUGH Since by definition God is perfect, is it possible for God to have other than a perfect plan for man? Why is it that more people are not seeking to fulfill God’s plan in their lives?
"Every man has his place in the eternal plan of heaven.
Whether we fill that place depends upon our own faithfulness in
co-operating with God."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 476.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, "God's Love for Man," pp. 9-15. 58
The Grace of Giving LESSON 7 ❑ Monday February 12 Part 2 How should the believer react to the love of Christ? MAN’S RESPONSE TO “The love of Christ controls us, because we are convinced GOD’S GIVING that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Cor. 5:14, 15).
As a person faces the plan of redemption, the reasonable
choice is for him to choose to dedicate his life to the One who
gave everything for him. In fact, the price he pays in dedication
cannot come anywhere near the price that has been paid for his
ransom. No wonder Isaac Watts exclaimed:
"When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride."
—The Church Hymnal, no. 118.
How is the believer to relate to things that are his own and
those that belong to others? Phil. 2:4.
Unfortunately man is naturally selfish. He thinks of his own
affairs rather than the affairs of others. Paul noted this rather
sadly when he said: "For all seek their own, not the things which
are Jesus Christ's" (Phil. 2:21).
It is of the nature of love not to seek her own (1 Cor. 13:5), and
when man is filled with the love of Christ, then his thoughts go
out to the needs of others. "Those who feel the constraining
love of God do not ask how little may be given in order to obtain
the heavenly reward; they ask not for the lowest standard, but
aim at a perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer."—
Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 160.
What Is the example that Jesus set for a life of ministry?
Matt. 20:28.
The Christian no longer serves himself; he serves his Lord. He
can put his whole heart into his work because he is not working
for men, but for God. (See Col. 3:23, 24.)
What is the result of such service? Life has more meaning.
Work is done better. Supervisors are more pleased and note the
source of faithfulness. There is greater joy, healthier relation-
ships, and opportunity for wider witness and service. ,
THINK IT THROUGH Is a Christian a better worker for being a Christian? How does religion help a person in accomplishing tasks?
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “Talents,” pp. 325, 326. 59 The Grace of Giving LESSON 7 ❑ Tuesday February 13 Part 3 According to the wise man, what is one cause of poverty? PARADOX OF GIVING “One man gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. A liberal man will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Prov. 11:24, 25, RSV.
It seems strange that a man may have more at the end by
giving away, and that he may find himself with less than he had
at the beginning if he hangs on to what he has.
"Scattereth. Not every kind of scattering brings an increase.
Careless giving often does harm both to the giver and to the
receiver; but the loving, thoughtful endeavor to use one's
means to alleviate the sufferings and aid the struggles of those
in need, brings wealth to both. The more the giver's means are
used to help others, the more he receives. The same is true of
contributions made for the work of God (see v. 25). Withholding
more than is right tends to poverty, both spiritual and material."
—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 986.
What is the secret of successful accomplishment of Christ's
work by the believer? Matt. 25:14-30.
What lesson on giving is taught in 2 Corinthians 9:6?
"As we distribute God's temporal blessings, the evidence of
our love and sympathy awakens in the receiver gratitude and
thanksgiving to God. The soil of the heart is prepared to receive
the seeds of spiritual truth. And He who ministers seed to the
sower will cause the seed to germinate and bear fruit unto
eternal life."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 86.
Are records kept of the offerings given by God's people?
"I was shown that the recording angel makes a faithful record
of every offering dedicated to God and put into the treasury, and
also of the final result of the means thus bestowed."—Testimo-
nies, vol. 2, p. 518.
THINK IT THROUGH When a person has made his offering to the Lord, is he also responsible for the way it is used in the church?
"Even though the means thus consecrated be misapplied, so
that it does not accomplish the object which the donor had in
view,—the glory of God and the salvation of souls,—those who
made the sacrifice in sincerity of soul, with an eye single to the
glory of God, will not lose their reward."—Testimonies, vol. 2,
p. 519.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 335-340. 60
The Grace of Giving LESSON 7 ❑ Wednesday February 14 Part 4 “And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the THE REWARDS afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy OF GIVING darkness be as the noon day: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not” (Isa. 58:10, 11).
Peter asked: "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed
thee; what shall we have therefore?" (Matt. 19:27).
What was Jesus' response to Peter's question regarding a
reward for having made sacrifices? Matt. 19:28-30.
There were times when Jesus did not answer the questions of
His disciples. For instance, when they asked about the time of
the restoration of the kingdom to Israel, Jesus said that it was
not for them to know. (See Acts 1:6, 7.) But when they asked
about the results of doing right, Jesus did not hesitate to tell
them that sacrifice will be rewarded.
From what Jesus said in Matthew 6:31, 32, what did He
regard as an important cause of human anxiety?
There is a sense of security in a large bank balance. But the
parable of the rich fool shows that this is a false security. (See
Luke 12:16-20.) There is only one place where treasure is se-
cure, and that is in heaven. (See verse 33.)
What was a rich young ruler asked to do with his personal
property? Matt. 19:21.
Without knowing it, the rich young ruler had an idol in his
heart. He wanted the privileges of heaven, but he also wanted to
cling to his earthly treasures. He thought he was good because
he kept the commandments. But the fact was that in his selfish-
ness he was a transgressor of the law. It is impossible to serve
God and mammon. (See Luke 16:13.)
THINK IT THROUGH If it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom, why does God bless some people with wealth?
"The ruler's possessions were entrusted to him that he might
prove himself a faithful steward; he was to dispense these
goods for the blessing of those in need. So God now entrusts
men with means, with talents and opportunities, that they may
be His agents in helping the poor and the suffering. He who uses
his entrusted gifts as God designs becomes a co-worker with
the Saviour. He wins souls to Christ, because he is a representa-
tive of Hi6 character."—The Desire of Ages, p. 523.
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “The Reward of Grace,” pp. 390-396.
61
The Grace of Giving LESSON 7 ❑ Thursday February 15
Part 5 "If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to
THE MEASURE that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not" (2 Cor.
OF A GIFT 8:12).
God does not measure a gift by monetary value. If He did, the
poor would feel left out. If you had it in your power to give, would
you give? That is the question.
On what basis was the offering of two mites considered of
great value? Mark 12:44.
Giving can show a dependence upon God, or it can glorify self.
When people give what is left over, they are indicating that God
is last in their priorities. When we place God first in our lives,
then everything else that we need will be supplied.
What promise do we have that God can and will supply all
our needs? Phil. 4:19.
Giving is always an act of faith. It is saying, "0 Lord, I could
make use of this money, but I can see that there is a great need,
and I am willing to help. Thank You for giving me the grace to
give. I know You will always abundantly supply my needs. You
are really good to me. Once again, Thank You."
What is the measure by which we decide the extent of our
giving? 1 Cor. 16:2.
"As God hath prospered." If we get nothing, we give nothing!
Is this a fair enough arrangement? God does not expect the
unreasonable, nor does He intend that we should lack any good
thing. When we recognize that God has been good to us, then
we find it a privilege, not only to turn in our tithes, but also to
turn in a generous offering for all the needy causes around us. In
fact God has promised that He will always give us enough so
that we can be generous in our giving. Here is the pertinent text:
"Now he who provides seed for sowing and bread for food will
provide the seed for you to sow; he will multiply it and swell the
harvest of your benevolence, and you will always be rich
enough to be generous" (2 Cor. 9:10, 11, NEB).
THINK IT THROUGH If God does not really need our gifts, why does He ask us to give?
"When Christ's followers give back to the Lord His own, they
are accumulating treasure which will be given to them when
they shall hear the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant;
. . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' "—The Desire of Ages,
p. 523.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 341-345. 62
The Grace of Giving LESSON 7 ❑ Friday February 16 Part 6 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let THE CHEERFUL him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a GIVER cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).
The way a gift is made determines the way it can be received.
God does not accept a gift made reluctantly. To give cheerfully
is to enjoy giving. This takes the grace of God in the heart.
What did Jesus say was the basis of giving freely? Matt.
10:8.
"Easy come; easy go" is one way that people handle money.
But that is not the meaning of this verse, nor the way the
Christian recognizes his stewardship. The Christian is very
much concerned that his money be given to worthy causes. He
is not extravagant with his money. But once he recognizes a
need, and he knows that God has blessed him with all that he
has, he gladly opens up his purse and places in the offering
plate that which represents a desire that good may come, in a
spirit of gratitude that God has been good to him.
What does Matthew 5:23, 24 teach us about giving and our
relationship with other people?
We do not buy our way into the kingdom by our gifts. Our
giving is part of a religious experience in which we perform our
duty only after we know that we hold no grudge against anyone
and no one has a grudge against us. To be right with God means
that we are right also with our fellowmen.
What statement of Jesus, not referred to in the Gospels, was
quoted by Paul? Acts 20:35.
Luke tells us that Jesus suggested that those who invite
people to dinner ought to invite the poor, rather than relatives or
the rich. In this way hospitality can be given without thought of
returned favor. To give with the thought of return is not to give in
the true sense of the term.
THINK IT THROUGH In what sense is it true that “happiness lies more in giving than in receiving”? Does receiving make one feel inferior? obligated? Does giving make one feel superior? condescend- ing?
"In the days of Israel the tithe and freewill offerings were
needed to maintain the ordinances of divine service. Should the
people of God give less in this age? The principle laid down by
Christ is that our offerings to God should be in proportion to the
light and privileges enjoyed."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 528.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 525-529. 63 LESSON 8 February 18-24
Obli titans in the Home
"I bow my knees unto the Father of sinful condition, we are to strive to
our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the accomplish God's plans and
whole family in heaven and earth is purposes.
named" (Eph. 3:14, 15). In what ways are partners in a
marriage one? Is marriage for keeps?
The Greek text translated "whole These are questions that we must
family" in the KJV is literally "every study this week. What about the
family." There seems to be a play on children? Should one have large
the Greek words for "father" and families or small? How does God look
"family" (pater, patria). "Patria is used upon the children? These are
for any social group descended from a questions that require biblical answers
common ancestor and the one so that we may be sure how the various
ancestor common to human beings persons in the family can value, and
and angels is God, the supreme interrelate to, one another. One of
Father."—Eph. 3:15 note, Jerusalem life's greatest blessings is a family in
Bible. This text tells us that every which parents and children cooperate
family unit is related to that larger to fulfill their obligations to one
family of which God is the Father. another and to God.
In our lesson this week we look at
the family as a very important unit in DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
society. It is composed of individuals 1. Male and Female
who interrelate, and upon the proper (Gen. 1:27)
interrelation of the parts of the family 2. Choosin a Partner
the health of the family depends. (Gen. 2:22)
Furthermore, as each unit is 3. Marriage for Keeps
successful, so society at large is (Mark 10:9)
benefited, and eventually the whole 4. When Children Come
family of God in heaven and on earth is (Ps. 127:3)
united in blessedness. 5. The Worth of a Child
God laid the basis for the family (Matt. 18:6)
when He created male and female, 6. Unity in the Family
and told Adam and Eve to be fruitful (Prov. 31:10, 11, 28).
and multiply. It is important to note
that our first parents were created in
the image of God, so that their
relationship is to reflect the being of
God. Husband and wife and children
are to work harmoniously together in
love to God's honor and glory.
Sin has marred the image of God in
man, but the purpose of redemption is
to restore that image. Even in our
D. TANK Obligations in the Home LESSON 8 ❑ Sunday February 18 Part 1 What characteristics of God and man do we find in the MALE AND creation of Adam and Eve? FEMALE “So God created man in his own Image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Gen. 1:27).
The creation of Adam and Eve has much to tell us regarding
God on the one hand and man on the other.
Why did God create people? Isa. 43:7.
When God created man it was to be his privilege to reflect
God's image in all his relationships of life. We have seen the
tragedy that takes place when man rejects God and decides to
go his own way. But the lesson of Scripture is that man has the
opportunity of accepting a full and free salvation whereby he
can live to the honor and glory of God.
What is the significance of male and female In the creation
of man? Gen. 1:27, 28; 2:20; 3:20.
It is significant that generic man is basically two persons; a
man and a woman. They can anticipate each other's needs,
cooperate in pursuing certain objectives, and share the joys of
achievement and communion. Man and woman together com-
plement each other, and in the ideal always work together to
achieve common goals. Neither one dominates the other or
makes claims from the other that are unreasonable.
This relationship of two persons, each having an individual
personality and experience, coming together to share their lives
in unity and harmony and love, is a part of the image of God that
needs to be reflected in a Christian home.
How did Adam express the closeness of the relationship
between himself and Eve? Gen. 2:23.
The Bible emphasizes a close relationship between husband
and wife which transcends sex.
THINK IT THROUGH How does the relationship between the members of the family reflect the image of God? Does the concept of the Trinity give us any clue?
"As the coin bears the image and superscription of the reign-
ing power, so man at his creation bore the image and
superscription of God; and though now marred and dim
through the influence of sin, the traces of this inscription re-
main upon every soul. God desires to recover that soul and to
retrace upon it His own image in righteousness and
holiness."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 194._ 66
Obligations in the Home LESSON 8 ❑ Monday February 19 Part 2 How did God proceed to provide Adam with a suitable part- CHOOSING ner in life? A PARTNER “And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man” (Gen. 2:22).
Read verses 20-24.
The following aspects of the Bible story should be noted:
1. Adam had a need for a partner. He had just concluded
giving names to the creatures that God had created. But not one
of them could stand by Adam's side as an equal.
2. Eve was a special creation from Adam, so that Adam could
say: "bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh."
3. God provided the one who was to be Adam's partner, one
who was to be suitable in every respect.
4. Adam and Eve became one flesh in marriage. They set up a
family unit that in future generations was to be separate from
that of father and mother.
5. The biological relationship is only one aspect of the family
unit. In the family of man we have two independent people
corning together to live a life of one complementing the other,
neither losing his personality in the other, neither dominating
the other, but both working together in harmony and love to
achieve the purpose of bringing glory to God in their fellowship.
How does one find a partner In life? What example Is given
by Abraham In the choice of a wife for Isaac? Genesis 24.
Customs vary from country to country, but certain principles
are clear:
1. God's counsel and guidance should be sought before a
decision is made.
2. A marriage always involves the other members of the family
so that they should be consulted.
3. The couple must be united on religious principles.
4. The couple should be mature enough, and responsible
enough, so that the decision to marry is not based on sentiment
alone, but on a recognition of all that marriage involves and a
willingness to meet all of life's responsibilities.
THINK IT THROUGH Why is marriage not purely a personal matter? How can one who Is not married find fulfillment In life? (See 1 Cor. 7:8.)
"The grace of Christ, and this alone, can make this institution
[marriage] what God designed it should be—an agent for the
blessing and uplifting of humanity. And thus the families of
earth, in their unity and peace and love, may represent the
family of heaven."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 65.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 171-176. 67 Obligations in the Home LESSON 8 ❑ Tuesday February 20 Part 3 What did Jesus teach about the sanctity of marriage? MARRIAGE FOR KEEPS “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mark 10:9).
Jesus Himself instituted marriage in'Eden. When He was on
earth He attended a marriage feast at Cana, thus placing His
approval on marriage, although He Himself did not marry.
But human nature being what it is, marriages have often
broken up. In the time of Moses, provision was made for di-
vorce. (See Deut. 24:1.) But Jesus pointed out that it is not God's
plan that men and women should marry and divorce. (See Mark
10:5.) Marriage is for keeps!
What was the experience of Hosea that shows that serious
difficulties can arise in a marriage? Hosea 1:2, 3; 3:1-3.
Hosea in his relationship with his wife was experiencing the
heartaches and longings of God Himself toward His people.
God loves His people and wants to be married to them. Yet when
they turn to false gods and accept false doctrines, they are
committing adultery. God desires a relationship of constancy,
and if that relationship is broken, He desires that His people
return to Him in repentance, and He promises that He will not
turn anyone away. (See Hosea 2:19, 20.)
The wise man says, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good
thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord" (Prov. 18:22). Marriage
is an experience that brings joy and fulfillment, and when it is
pursued with the blessing of God, it results in a broader concept
of the meaning of life. This is not to say that there are no
problems, adjustments, or sacrifices. On the contrary, one has
to work hard at a marriage to make it successful. There must be
give and take on both sides if the relationship is to persist. The
devil doubtless seeks to ruin a marriage, but we must not give
him the opportunity. (See Eph. 4:27.) The secret of success in
this is found in James 4:7. "Be submissive then to God. Stand up
to the devil and he will turn and run. Come close to God, and he
will come close to you" (NEB).
THINK IT THROUGH Why did Jesus insist on the indissolubility of marriage?
"Among the Jews a man was permitted to put away his wife
for the most trivial offenses, and the woman was then at liberty
to marry again. This practice led to great wretchedness and sin.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus declared plainly that there
could be no dissolution of the marriage tie, except for unfaith-
fulness to the marriage vow."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing, p. 63.
FURTHER STUDY The Ministry of Healing, pp. 356-362.
68 Obligations in the Home LESSON 8 ❑ Wednesday February 21 Part 4 “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the WHEN womb is his reward” (Ps. 127:3). CHILDREN COME “Children derive life and being from their parents, and yet it is through the creative power of God that your children have life, for God is the Life-giver. Let it be remembered that children are not to be treated as though they were our own personal prop- erty. Children are the heritage of the Lord, and the plan of redemption includes their salvation as well as ours. They have been entrusted to parents in order that they might be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, that they might be qualified to do their work in time and eternity.”—The Adventist Home, p. 280.
What did Jacob recognize in the matter of procreation? Gen.
30:1, 2.
Jacob thought he had some understanding of genetics. (See
Gen. 30:37-42.) But the true explanation is given in Genesis
31:10, 12. He recognized that God was in control, and we cannot
live meaningfully without taking this factor into consideration.
This is not to say that God often interferes with genetic or
biological processes. Man is a free moral agent, and doubtless
God has often permitted him to do things so that he can see the
results. We need only to point up the fact that not everything in
this life is the result of earthly cause and effect. God in His mercy
can withhold the effects of sin, and in His love He can abun-
dantly bless. To have children is a blessing, but not to have them
may also be a blessing in disguise. And parents need to look to
God at all times in supplication and thanksgiving.
Children are a joy and a sacred responsibility, objects of love
and attention. They are individuals who will one day stand on
their own.
THINK IT THROUGH To what extent are parents responsible for the number of children they have?
"Those professing to be Christians should not enter the mar-
riage relation until the matter has been carefully and prayerfully
considered from an elevated standpoint to see if God can be
glorified by the union. Then they should duly consider the result
of every privilege of the marriage relation, and sanctified princi-
ple should be the basis of every action. Before increasing their
family, they should take into consideration whether God would
be glorified or dishonored by bringing children into the world.
. .. They have no right to bring children into the world to be a
burden to others."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 380.
FURTHER STUDY The Adventist Home, pp. 159-161.
69
Obligations in the Home LESSON 8 ❑ Thursday February 22 Part 5 “Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in THE WORTH me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about OF A CHILD his neck, and that he were drowned In the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6).
Jesus had a high regard for children, higher than the disciples
had.
When mothers brought their children to Jesus to be blessed
of Him, what did the disciples try to do? Matt. 19:13-15.
Sometimes adults think their work is so important that they
have no time for the children. And it is true that their work is very
important. But so are the children. Children need to learn of
Jesus, and parents must never be so busy that they cannot de-
vote adequate time to teach their children about Him.
What reason did Jesus give why we should not despise
children? Matt. 18:10.
God has a special care for those who are weak; His angels are
ready to serve in every need. Seeing this is the case, we should
be careful lest we despise anyone who has not reached our
standards. It is not for us to despise anyone, but to cooperate
with the heavenly angels for the salvation of everyone.
What necessary characteristic did Jesus say His followers
must possess in order to enter the kingdom of heaven? Matt.
18:3-5.
It is amazing sometimes how much we can learn from little
children. They have insights that are well worth considering.
Furthermore, they rarely put on airs. They have a faith and trust
in God and in their parents that is exemplary to older people
who soon become sophisticated, hypocritical, and proud. Jesus
would have us emulate children in humility and implicit confi-
dence in God's love and care. Only in this way can we hope to
enter into the kingdom.
THINK IT THROUGH What lessons have you learned from children that are of value to you? In what ways do we fail to give children the care and attention they need?
"The children and youth are Christ's purchased possession;
He has bought them with an infinite price. Jesus loves the little
ones. . . . And Jesus bids the angels to take special charge of
these inexperienced souls, in their homes, in their school life,
and in the Sabbath school."—Counsels on Sabbath School
Work, pp. 158, 159.
FURTHER STUDY The Ministry of Healing, pp. 388-394. 70
Obligations in the Home LESSON 8 ❑ Friday February 23 Part 6 “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above UNITY IN rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.” THE FAMILY “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her” (Prov. 31:10, 11, 28).
Proverbs 31 praises the wife. Is it not true that most things in
the home revolve around the mother?
What duties of the wife mentioned in Proverbs 31 do you
think are most important?
If the family is to be united it must be organized. It must be
known who is responsible for what. Each member of the family
must do his or her duty. No one should usurp the place of the
other. There must be a recognition that there is a head of the
house. Each must realize that no one is perfect, and so everyone
must be forgiving and understanding and willing to do whatever
is necessary for the smooth running of the home. Furthermore,
God must be recognized as the real head of the household. He
must be worshiped and His commandments obeyed. A chil-
dren's song says: "With Jesus in the family, happy, happy
home!" How true this is!
Unity, order, and discipline in the home are essential to gen-
eral well-being. There needs to be respect for one another. All
should know what is right and by God's grace seek to do it.
When someone fails, he must be prepared to acknowledge his
fault and seek to do better. Everyone should use tact and learn
to be gracious in approaching another. The parents should set
the example. They should gather the family when matters of
importance to the home need to be discussed. Thus all may
participate in establishing rules and methods of procedure. All
must work in harmony.
Such a family is not produced in a day! It takes diligent effort
and much prayer. It takes patience and self-control. But such a
family can be a light in the neighborhood. In fact, their witness
may be the strongest argument for Christianity, a more powerful
force for good than all the sermons preached and literature
distributed.
THINK IT THROUGH What do you think are some important factors for producing unity in the family? What principles apply to every family? Give examples of practices that may not be suitable to some families?
"The restoration and uplifting of humanity begins in the
home. The work of parents underlies every other. . . . The
well-being of society, the success of the church, the prosperity
of the nation, depend upon home influences."—The Ministry of
Healing, p. 349.
FURTHER STUDY The Adventist Home, pp. 177-180. 71 LESSON 9 February 25 to March 3
Responsibilities
of Trainin
"The Lord said, Shall I hide from In our lesson this week we look at
Abraham that thing which I do; seeing our responsibility to train the young
that Abraham shall surely become a people and prepare them for the
great and mighty nation, and all the opportunities and challenges of life.
nations of the earth shall be blessed in We note that God gave strict
him? For I know him, that he will commandment to His people that they
command his children and his were to be diligent in teaching their
household after him, and they shall children His laws. (See Deut. 6:6, 7.)
keep the way of the Lord, to do justice We are to recognize that in the world
and judgment; that the Lord may bring we are surrounded by temptations,
upon Abraham that which he hath and the law of God is to be a hedge to
spoken of him" (Gen. 18:17-19). keep us from danger. The word of the
Lord hidden in the heart will keep a
It is significant to note that when person from sinning. (See Ps. 119:11.)
God was dealing with Abraham, He
had at the back of His mind—to speak DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
in a human way—the concept that 1. The Command to Teach
Abraham would pass on to his children (Deut. 6:7)
the heritage of doing what is right and 2. Content of Teaching
just. Communion with God, and (John 17:3)
understanding of God's revelation, is 3. Need of Discipline
not something that we keep to (Prov. 22:6)
ourselves; it is something that we 4. Goals of Education
must pass on to our children. (Col. 2:8)
We have already learned that 5. Knowledge and Action
children are a heritage from the Lord; (John 13:17)
they are a blessing and a responsibility 6. Purpose of Schools
to us as parents. We stand in the place (2 Cor. 6:14-16)
of God to them. When we teach them
to love, trust, and obey us, we are
teaching them to love, trust, and obey
God. We help to mold their characters
by precept and example. Our desire is
that they may grow up to know, love,
and serve God. We want them to be
with us in God's eternal kingdom.
JOAN WALTER Responsibilities of Training LESSON 9 ❑ Sunday February 25
Part 1 "Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and
THE COMMAND shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when
TO TEACH thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when
thou risest up" (Deut. 6:7).
God through Moses gave implicit directions to the children of
Israel that they were to teach their children the laws that had
been handed down to them. They were to do that at all times, in
all places, in every way possible. If the children of Israel were to
fail in anything, they were not to fail in passing on to every
generation the religious precepts that they had received.
Why was God so particular about having parents teach their
children? Deut 6:3.
God's promises of health and prosperity were dependent on
the people keeping and obeying the commandments. The
commandments had been given in the first instance with the
welfare of the people in mind. In order that they would never
forget the laws, they were told to bind them on the hand, place
them on the forehead, and write them on the doorposts of their
houses (verses 8, 9). But more importantly, they were to have
them in their hearts (verse 6).
What instruction was given to Peter regarding the lambs of
the flock? John 21:15-17.
The Bible writers often used the figure of speech of a
shepherd caring for his sheep. Jesus Himself is the Good
Shepherd. (See Psalm 23; John 10:11.) Jesus used this figure
when He commissioned Peter to do the work of an under-
shepherd. He told him to care for the lambs and the sheep. This
charge to Peter points out to the church today their responsibil-
ity to provide the necessary teachers and facilities for the chil-
dren to learn about Jesus and the plan of salvation.
It is to be expected that children will ask their parents why
they do this and that and the other. Parents need to have a ready
answer, telling of their experiences and pointing the children to
the Word of God. (Read Deut. 6:20-25.)
"God had commanded the Hebrews to teach their children
His requirements and to make them acquainted with all His
dealings with their fathers. This was one of the special duties of
every parent—one that was not to be delegated to another....
"Further provision was made for the instruction of the young,
by the establishment of the schools of the prophets."—
Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 592, 593.
FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 185-188.
74 Responsibilities of Training LESSON 9 ❑ Monday February 26 Part 2 “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true CONTENT OF God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). TEACHING There is no higher education than that which teaches about God. We need to know who He is, what He has done, and what He requires of man.
How may all the law and the prophets be summarized? Matt.
22:37-40.
The controversy of the ages has been about the character of
God. People often hate God when they do not know Him. To
know God as He really is, to know what He has done for us and
does for us every day, is to love Him. The most important teach-
ing that any parent can give his child is a knowledge of God and
His great love.
What are the main sources of knowledge about God? Ps.
19:1; 46:10; 2 Tim. 3:15.
Although nature suffers the blight of sin, there is still much
that reveals the greatness and the glory of God. (See Rom. 1:20.)
Just to be still and meditate upon life and its many implications
can reveal to one that there is a God. Experience is another
teacher; a man can have an inner conviction that God loves him
and provides for him. But of course the outstanding source of a
knowledge of God is in His Word, where we learn about His
character and His dealings with men through the centuries. The
Word of God is a light that illuminates the pathway of life and
enables us to understand many things that would otherwise be
incomprehensible. (See Ps. 119:105.)
Where do we find the supreme revelation of God? John 14:9.
When Jesus is lifted up, all men are drawn to Him. (See John
12:32.) We need to learn about Him every day. We need to reveal
Him to others. To the young people He must be presented as
their Saviour and Friend.
"The science of redemption is the science of all sciences; the
science that is the study of the angels and of all the intelligences
of the unfallen worlds.... This is the highest study in which it is
possible for man to engage. As no other study can, it will
quicken the mind and uplift the soul."—Education, p. 126.
THINK IT THROUGH Parents try to give their children the best gifts. What do you think is the best gift that parents can give to their children?
"The Bible should be made the foundation of study and of
teaching."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 401.
FURTHER STUDY Counsels to Teachers, pp. 19-24. 75 Responsibilities of Training LESSON 9 ❑ Tuesday February 27 Part 3 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he Is old, NEED OF he will not depart from It” (Prov. 22:6). DISCIPLINE There are some who believe that children should grow up naturally; that to direct and restrain is to frustrate and cause problems for the future. The Bible does not teach this philosophy. On the contrary, the Bible teaches that children are like plants (Ps. 128:3). Plants need protection and pruning if they are to grow up satisfactorily and produce fruit.
What lesson can we learn from the story of Eli and his
family? 1 Sam. 3:12, 13.
As the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined. Human nature
being what it is, there is always need of correction. Children
inherit from their parents characteristics that need to be re-
strained in some instances and encouraged in others. But a
child without guidance is like a garden without care, a disgrace
to itself and an eyesore to the community.
What points does the wise man make about the occasional
use of physical punishment? Prov. 13:24; 23:13; 29:15.
Children soon know whether punishment is due to loving
care or the anger of the parent. Children respond to justice, but
they grow resentful when parents are unfair. "Be so calm, so
free from anger, that they will be convinced that you love them,
even though you punish them."—Child Guidance, p. 249.
What are fathers counseled not to do to their children? Col.
3:21.
Training needs to be tempered with understanding. The
needs of each child demand special consideration. What suits
one may not suit another. Discipline may not be easy or pleasant
to administer, but properly done it results in happy conse-
quences. (See Heb. 12:11.)
Note that Jesus was subject to His parents as He grew in wis-
dom and stature. (See Luke 2:51, 52.) He also learned obedience
by the things that He suffered. (See Heb. 5:8.)
THINK IT THROUGH To what extent, if at all, can the discipline of a child be delegated to someone else? Is there a time when parents cease to train and the teacher takes over?
"It is the work of parents and teachers, in the education of the
youth, to co-operate with the divine purpose; and in so doing
they are 'laborers together with God.' 1 Corinthians 3:9."—
Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 595.
FURTHER STUDY, Child Guidance, pp. 244-250. 76
Responsibilities of Training LESSON 9 ❑ Wednesday February 28 Part 4 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and GOALS OF vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of EDUCATION the world, and not after Christ” (Col. 2:8).
The highest goal in education is perfection in Christ Jesus. As
a result of sin man has many weaknesses and shortcomings. He
may overcome these by God's grace and attain the destiny for
which God originally created him.
What high ideal does Paul set before us in Ephesians 4:13?
Christ set the pattern of true manhood. In word and deed and
dedication to ministry He set us a perfect example. He has
provided the power by which man can reach that ideal.
What did Jesus encourage His disciples to do? Matt. 4:19.
Everyone needs a type of work to do, a means of earning a
livelihood. But there is more to life than earning a living; there is
a goal to reach which far transcends anything this world can
offer. In every type of occupation a man must ask himself
whether he is also meeting the demands that God has upon him.
Here is where he must be sure that his education prepares him
not only for the present life but also for the life to come.
What does Paul call the wisdom that is of this world? 1 Cor.
3:19.
The Christian must be careful that he is not deceived by the
so-called wisdom of this world. For him "the fear of the Lord is
the beginning of wisdom" (Ps. 111:10). He studies the Word of
God because he knows he needs to be "wise unto salvation"
(2 Tim. 3:15). He knows he has to avoid the mistake the Jews
made of placing the tradition of men above the Word of God.
(See Matt. 15:9.) He remembers that the Israelites failed again
and again because they associated so closely with their heathen
neighbors. The Israelites adopted heathen modes of dress and
worship. Thus they failed to accomplish the purpose that God
had for them to be a distinct people who portray God's loving
care and blessing. God's remnant people must not repeat those
mistakes. They must be true to the principles that God has
outlined for their lives.
THINK IT THROUGH Why is It necessary for Seventh-day Adventists to have their own system of education? Is Christian education an option, or is it a necessity?
"Teaching your students to be Christians is the greatest work
before you."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 590.
FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 13-16. 77 Responsibilities of Training LESSON 9 ❑ Thursday March 1
Part 5 "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (John
KNOWLEDGE 13:17).
AND ACTION
There is a close correlation between truth and action. The one
who knows the truth lives differently from the one who does not
know it. More important than intellectual assent is a practical
application of the truth to the life.
What did Jesus teach about action in Matthew 21:28-31?
What shows that a claim to know God is a true claim? 1 John
2:4, 5.
When we really know God we respond to Him in love and keep
His commandments. Can you imagine anyone saying to a
friend, "I love you," and then not doing anything for the friend?
True knowledge of a person will lead us to come close to him or
to keep him at a distance, depending on what kind of person he
is. When we know the laws of health and welfare, we should
keep them in order to enjoy the blessings that they bring. It is
utter foolishness not to do what we know to be right, and to do
those things that will result in injury.
From where did Daniel and his friends receive their knowl-
edge? Dan. 1:17.
God is the Source of all knowledge, and He will impart this to
those who diligently seek Him. Paul says that knowledge makes
a man proud. (See 1 Cor. 8:1.) But then again people can be
destroyed by lack of knowledge. (See Hosea 4:6.) Paul was a
learned man, but he counted all things as garbage compared to
the knowledge of Christ he wished to have. (See Phil. 3:8, NEB,
TEV, Phillips.)
There are aspects of knowledge that we do not need. Adam
and Eve fell through seeking a knowledge of sin. We do not
need to experience some things in life in order to know them.
We may know what they cause in the lives of others and thus
know to keep away from them. The Christian will want to learn
the knowledge that upbuilds. THINK IT THROUGH Why does forbidden knowledge often seem more attractive
than the truth?
"We have a work to do to resist temptation. Those who would
not fall a prey to Satan's devices must guard well the avenues of
the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which
will suggest impure thoughts. The mind should not be left to
wander at random upon every subject that the adversary of
souls may suggest."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 460.
FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 17-19. 78
Responsibilities of Training LESSON 9 ❑ Friday March 2 Part 6 “Do not harness yourselves in an uneven team with unbe- PURPOSE lievers. Virtue is no companion for crime. Light and darkness OF SCHOOLS have nothing in common. Christ is not the ally of Beliar, nor has a believer anything to share with an unbeliever. The tem- ple of God has no common ground with idols, and that is what we are—the temple of the living God” (2 Cor. 6:14-16, Jerusalem).
"The followers of Christ are to separate themselves from
sinners, choosing their society only when there is opportunity
to do them good. We cannot be too decided in shunning the
company of those who exert an influence to draw us away from
God."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 459.
The first school on earth had the very best location, the finest
teacher, the most relevant course of study, and two diligent stu-
dents. Ellen White says: "The system of education instituted at
the beginning of the world was to be a model for man through-
out all aftertime. As an illustration of its principles a model
school was established in Eden, the home of our first parents.
The Garden of Eden was the schoolroom, nature was the lesson
book, the Creator Himself was the instructor, and the parents of
the human family were the students."—Education, p. 20.
What elements of 2 Kings 2:3-5 and 6:1-7 suggest a school?
The schools of the prophets were to "serve as a barrier
against the widespread corruption, to provide for the moral and
spiritual welfare of the youth, and to promote the future pros-
perity of the nation by furnishing it with men qualified to act in
the fear of God as leaders and counselors."—Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 593.
The students are described as "pious, intelligent, and studi-
ous." The subjects taught were the law of God, sacred history,
sacred music, and poetry. The students met their expenses by
learning and practicing a trade. This plan is still a valid one to
follow in our schools today. There is need for Christian schools
today to serve as a refuge where young people can learn how
best they can serve God and their fellowmen.
THINK IT THROUGH How does a Christian school differ from other schools? Do our schools provide that kind of an education?
"True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowl-
edge or literary acquirements; but above information it values
power; above power, goodness; above intellectual acquire-
ments, character. The world does not so much need men of
great intellect as of noble character. It needs men in whom
ability is controlled by steadfast principle."—Education, p.225.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 592-602.
79
LESSON 10 March 4-10 01- 0- 0 fr
FaitatialleEl Marorup "The Lord is in his holy temple, the asked for a sanctuary to be built He Lord's throne is in heaven: his eyes provided the pattern and the skills; behold, his eyelids try, the children of man was only to give a freewill men" (Ps. 11:4). offering, a sign that he wants the
presence of God. It is astonishing that the Lord of the Sometimes men do not recognize universe consents to meet with His their need to place God first in their people in a p'ace that they prepare for lives. They build houses for Him. God never forces Himself upon themselves but do not erect a house man. He reveals Himself; He for the worship of God. When this communicates; He reaches out happens, they suffer the through various ways to touch man. consequences; for prosperity comes But if man refuses to be reached or to only with the blessing of God, and communicate, if man refuses to accept blessings are related to man's the revelation of God made available fulfillment of his obligations to God. to him, then God can only leave him to The house of God is basically a his own devices, and he will have only house of prayer. There may be himself to blame if he reaps the meaningful ritual and ceremony, but consequences. never is the service to degenerate into In our lesson this week we see how a business transaction. The temple is God is worthy of worship, but this the place where all may come, rich or worship needs to be worthy of God. poor, Jew or Gentile, saint or sinner, God is the Creator. A worship that is and each one finds the fulfillment of formal and external is not worthy of his needs. There is to be reverence the God of the universe. Only and great joy in the presence of the sincerity and truth will do. Lord. This God of the universe is Finally, we note that the temple of everywhere, and therefore He can be God is as close as our hearts. Just as we worshiped everywhere. The attempt dedicate a structure to God, so we are to limit Him to any one location is to to dedicate our hearts and our lives. misunderstand His nature and to make Then one day the dream of the ages His worship difficult. will be fulfilled when "the tabernacle This is not to say that God has not of God is with men" (Rev. 21:3). chosen places where He can be approached. He wants to be among DAILY HIGHLIGHTS His people. Therefore the sanctuary 1. True Worship must be accessible to believers. It is (Ps. 95:1-3) remarkable, however, that when God 2. Places of Worship
(Ps. 139:7, 8)
3. Building a Sanctuary
(Ex. 25:8)
4. The House of God
(Haggai 1:4)
5. A House of Prayer
(Isa. 56:7)
6. The Heart Temple
(1 Cor. 3:16, 17)
JOAN WALTER
Facilities for Worship LESSON 10 ❑ Sunday March 4
Part 1 "0 come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise
TRUE to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence
WORSHIP with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with
psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all
gods" (Ps. 95:1-3).
There is only one who is worthy of worship and praise, and
that is our God. Jesus made that clear to Satan when the latter
asked for worship. (See Matt. 4:10.)
Furthermore, the place of worship is not of paramount impor-
tance. Some people try to pinpoint a particular spot as holy, but
Jesus said to the woman of Samaria that the main thing is to
worship in spirit and in truth. (See John 4:20-24.)
Why is It essential that people should worship in spirit and in
truth? John 4:24.
God is not limited to any one place since He is everywhere.
Wherever His children are, there He can be. If it were true that
the worshiper could meet God only in one place, then a hard-
ship would be imposed on those who could not go there for one
reason or another. Since God is readily accessible in every
place, there is no excuse for anyone not to worship.
What do you understand by the expression "In spirit and in
truth"?
The result of merely formal worship is that the needs of the
worshipers are not met and they go elsewhere to satisfy them.
True worship comes from the heart, and the worshiper has a
sense of reality and meaningfulness.
True worship involves communion, in which there is a recog-
nition of the presence of God, and a desire on the part of the
worshiper to render homage to God.
Whom does the angel flying in the midst of heaven say we
ought to worship? Rev. 14:7.
Only the One who is the Creator of the universe is worthy of
worship.
THINK IT THROUGH How can the Seventh-day Adventist worshiper avoid mak- ing worship a mere round of ceremonies?
"The religion that comes from God is the only religion that will
lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the
divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind,
giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God."—The
Desire of Ages, p. 189.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 188, 189. 82
Facilities for Worship LESSON 10 ❑ Monday March 5 Part 2 “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee PLACES OF from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: WORSHIP if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there” (Ps. 139:7, 8).
The psalmist strikingly indicates that God is everywhere; he
pictures himself trying to flee from Him, and he mentions a
number of places which may be considered out of reach; but, lo,
God is there!
What did Jesus teach the woman of Samaria about the
location of worship? John 4:20, 21.
There is a human tendency to think that one place is more
sacred than another. It is not the place that is sacred, but the
presence of God that makes the place sacred. Thus Sinai was a
holy mount so long as God was there, and the children of Israel
were to approach it with reverence and fear. (See Ex. 19:10-13.)
Today Mount Sinai is like any other mountain.
Where did Jacob recognize the presence of God? Gen.
28:11-17.
Jacob was running away for his life. He knew he had done
wrong in deceiving his father, and he knew he could expect
nothing but death from his brother. Would God forgive him?
Would God even consider him? He lay down in discourage-
ment; but the next morning he awoke with the assurance that
God had not forsaken him; He was by his side, still ready to
communicate with him and bless him. He set up an altar and
made a vow that he would always serve God. In some places we
can say that people are only a telephone call away! With God we
can say that He is only a prayer away.
In the history of the early church, where did the believers
meet for worship? Acts 2:46, 47; Rom. 16:5.
There were no church buildings for the early believers. They
met wherever it was most convenient—usually in a home. This
was a personal fellowship. It tied the members together in
bonds of love.
THINK IT THROUGH How can one make the services in a large church personal? How far does a building help or hinder the spirit of worship?
"In all that pertains to the success of God's work, the very first
victories are to be won in the home life. Here the preparation for
the Sabbath must begin. . . . Train for Him the little church in
your home, that on the Sabbath all may be prepared to worship
in the Lord's sanctuary."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 354.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 268-270. 83 Facilities for Worship LESSON 10 ❑ Tuesday March 6 Part 3 “Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among BUILDING A them” (Ex. 25:8). SANCTUARY Although God meets with His people anywhere, a particular place for worship is what He desires and expects. At first the altar was the center of worship. (See Gen. 12:8.) Then in the wilderness God asked the children of Israel to build a special tent which would be the symbol of His presence.
Why did God ask for a sanctuary to be built? Ex. 25:8.
God wants to dwell with His people. How remarkable that God
desires to be in the midst of those whom He has chosen! In this
way He can guide them, protect them, and meet their every
need. There is a two-way process here; men are constantly
reminded of their obligations to God, and God in His turn makes
them a blessing to themselves and to others.
What was the source of the money and the plans for building
the sanctuary? Ex. 25:2, 9.
This was a joint venture. By giving of their means the people
showed that their hearts and minds were with the project. By
following the pattern that was presented they were ensuring
that the worship would be meaningful and acceptable. Man is
not to worship in his own way, but in God's.
God also provided the skills necessary for the making of every
part of the sanctuary. (See Ex. 31:2-6.) He was concerned about
detail, that everything be perfect. A house for worship needs
every care in the planning stage and careful attention in every
phase. Why is this the case? Is it not to indicate that the house of
God must be a true reflection of His perfection? No cheap or
shoddy work can_ be accepted. Only the best of materials can be
used so that God is honored and exalted.
It is also interesting to note that not everyone could build a
sanctuary. When David wanted to build a temple in Jeru-
salem, he was told that he was not qualified to do so. (See 2
Chron. 6:7-9.) He could gather the materials, and he did; but
another had to build. What does this tell us about the one who
leads out in building a new church? He is to be a dedicated man,
working in harmony with God's plans and purposes.
THINK IT THROUGH How does one choose between qUility and extravagance? What are to be the qualities of a church building that will make it acceptable to God?
"Wherever a company of believers is raised up, a house of
worship should be built. Let not the workers leave the place
without accomplishing this."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 100.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 100-104.
84 Facilities for Worship LESSON 10 0 Wednesday March 7 Part 4 . “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell In your paneled THE HOUSE houses, while this house lies.in ruins?” (Haggai 1:4, RSV). OF GOD Sometimes an unfavorable comparison can be made be- tween the house of God and the houses we live in. We should always do better for the house of worship than for our own houses. This means that the style and furnishing of the house of God will vary from community to community, but always avoid- ing ostentation. People should respond to God in direct propor- tion to the way they have been blessed.
Why was it that the returned exiles worked hard but never
made any economic progress? Haggai 1:5-11.
People live under God, and the way they live determines
whether God can bless them. When the children of Israel re-
turned from exile they had built houses for themselves but had
neglected to rebuild the temple. They had excused themselves
by saying that it was not time to rebuild the temple (verse 2).
Their enemies had destroyed the temple once; they might de-
stroy it again. Yet they had built houses for themselves. Through
the prophet God pointed out their inconsistency, and told them
that they must put God first in their lives. They must consider
the place of worship before their own comfort.
The book of Haggai tells what happened when the people re-
pented and began building the Lord's house. Immediately the
Lord was with them. They were not to fear, but to press on, and
God would make His house glorious (1:4-9; 2:18, 19).
What experience lets us know that God desires His people
as well as the place of worship to be glorious? Zech. 3:1-10.
God loves His people and wants the very best for them. He
reclothes His believing people with the rightousness of Jesus
and turns aside the accusations of Satan. Then God says He will
give them a place close to Himself. (See Haggai 2:23.)
THINK IT THROUGH Why Is it so essential to build a representative house of God?
"A striking illustration of the results of selfishly withholding
even freewill offerings from the cause of God was given in the
days of the prophet Haggai. . . .
"God intended that His people Israel should be light bearers
to all the inhabitants of the earth. In maintaining His public
worship they were bearing a testimony to the existence and
sovereignty of the living God. And this worship it was their
privilege to sustain, as an expression of their loyalty and their
love to Him."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 527, 528.
FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pp. 573-578. 85 Facilities for Worship LESSON 10 ❑ Thursday March 8 Part 5 “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them A HOUSE joyful In my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their OF PRAYER sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people” (Isa. 56:7).
There is a danger that familiarity with the house of God will
breed contempt. One must ever be conscious of the presence
of God and remember that just as we act with dignity and pro-
priety before persons we respect, so before God we must act
with reverence and awe.
How did the people in the time of Jesus show lack of respect
for the temple? Matt. 21:12, 13.
The services at the temple had become a business for many
people. Worshipers who needed temple currency could ex-
change their own for that which alone was acceptable in the
treasury. There were "authorized dealers" in the temple pre-
cincts from whom worshipers could buy animals for sacrifices.
Worship in the temple could involve much sharp bargaining. It
was an expensive process. Could the poor afford to purchase
the necessary sacrifices to fulfill their obligations? Small won-
der that Jesus decided to "cleanse" the temple!
No one should be prevented from enjoying the full privileges
of worship in the house of God because of poverty. Nor should
any activity savor of worldly business and interfere with the
sanctity of the location or the spirit of the Sabbath day. The
house of God is where He meets with His people, and all ac-
tivities in it should harmonize with that purpose. It is here that
one may receive a call from God, as did Isaiah. (See Isa. 6:1-8.)
Or may plead for the answer to one's prayer, as did Hannah.
(See 1 Sam. 1:10-15.) Or serve as a doorkeeper as the psalmist
was willing to do. (See Ps. 84:10.)
How is the Lord to be worshiped in the temple? Ps. 29:2.
There is no beauty like the beauty of holiness. And there is no
place like the sanctuary where such beauty can be found. Man
cannot find rest or satisfaction except as he finds it in God.
THINK IT THROUGH What rules would you set up for maintaining reverence In the house of God?
"Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment
of all who come into the presence of God. In the name of Jesus
we may come before Him with confidence, but we must not
approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as though He
were on a level with ourselves."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 252.
FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pp. 45-50. 86
Facilities for Worship LESSON 10 ❑ Friday March 9 Part 6 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the THE HEART Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of TEMPLE God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Cor. 3:16, 17).
When God dwells among His people, He not only meets them
in the place of worship; He meets with them in the heart.
More than anything else the Lord desires the heart, because
out of it are the issues of life. (See Prov. 23:26; 4:23.) He can take
the heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh. (See Eze. 36:26.)
He writes His laws in the heart so that by continual surrender to
Jesus the believer keeps the commandments. (See Jer. 31:33.)
By dwelling in the heart He is in control of the life.
In view of God's offer to do so much for man, what is the
least thing a man can do? Rom. 6:13.
Man has one of two ways to choose: Either he becomes a
slave of sin and reaps the reward of sin, which is death, or he
surrenders his heart to Christ and receives the gift of eternal life.
(See verses 16, 23.)
What prayer did Paul offer for the Ephesians, and through
them, for the church as a whole? Eph. 3:17.
Because the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, we need to
give it extra care. We should not defile it with such things as the
eating of unclean meats, sexual perversion, or abuse by dis-
obeying other laws of health. It is our privilege to maintain our
bodies at the peak of their powers for use in God's service.
When John the revelator pictures the New Jerusalem com-
ing down to earth from heaven, what does the "great voice"
say? Rev. 21:3.
Sin has caused separation between man and God. It has been
the source of all our woes. All heaven is striving for God's
reunion with His people. This union and joy can begin on earth
by faith in Christ Jesus.
THINK IT THROUGH What did Stephen mean when he said that “the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands” (Acts 7:48)?
"Although God dwells not in temples made with hands, yet He
honors with His presence the assemblies of His people. He has
promised that when they come together to seek Him, to ac-
knowledge their sins, and to pray for one another, He will meet
with them by His Spirit. But those who assemble to worship Him
should put away every evil thing."—Prophets and Kings, p. 50.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 161, 162. 87 LESSON 11 March 11.17 _T o SpecaturD Secone A “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great Apostles, p. 578. Are we as efficient multitude, which no man could today, with all of our advanced number, of all nations, and kindreds, techniques for mass communication? and people, and tongues, stood If not, why not? before the throne, and before the The third angel’s message is a Lamb, clothed with white robes, and message that is to go to the ends of the palms in their hands; and cried with a earth. Who should do this work, and loud voice, saying, Salvation to our how should it be done? God which sitteth upon the throne, The signs of the end are all around and unto the Lamb’ (Rev. 7:9, 10). us, but the church is accused of being lukewarm. Is there any way in which John had a thrilling vision of God’s the church can be aroused from people in great numbers and coming lethargy before it is too late? from all parts,of the world standing The struggles of the last days will be before the throne of God and the fierce ones. The devil knows his time is Lamb. In the vision the second advent short, and he does not make it easy for of Jesus has already taken place. The the saints or anyone else. But he must struggle with sin is over. And now they be overcome. How can this be all cry aloud ascribing salvation to the accomplished? God who has done everythin& for Meanwhile there is a message to be them. There is great joy and rejoicing. given. Every member of the church Can we hasten that great day? Is must give his testimony where he is. there anything we can do to prevent Further, when he cannot go to the delay? These are questions we do well mission field himself, he must be to ask, because we need to know our prepared to help others get there. responsibilities as we live in the last There is no business more important days and watch the closing scenes that than the business of preaching the take place around us. gospel. In our lesson this week we note the It is our responsibility with every promise that Jesus gave of His return. means at our disposal to hasten the The disciples did not appreciate its full second coming of Jesus. He is waiting meaning at the time, but after the for us! ascension they knew what their task was, and they looked forward to His DAILY HIGHLIGHTS early return. 1. The Promise to Return “In the days of the apostles the (John 14:3) Christian believers were filled with 2. A Task Presented earnestness and enthusiasm. So (Mark 16:15, 16) untiringly did they labor for their 3. The Final Message Master that in a comparatively short (Rev. 14:6, 7) time, notwithstanding fierce 4. The Church and the World opposition, the gospel of the kingdom (John 17:15) was sounded to all the inhabited parts 5. The Final Struggle of the earth.”—The Acts of the (1 Peter 5:8)
JOAN WALTER Speeding the Second Advent LESSON 11 ❑ Sunday March 11 Part 1 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and THE PROMISE receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be TO RETURN also” (John 14:3).
Before the crucifixion Jesus told the disciples that He would
be leaving them, but that He would return. They were not to be
concerned about His absence. He had a work to do, one of
preparation for them so that they could eventually be with Him.
Why were the disciples so dull of understanding, when
Jesus was so plain in His statements?
The disciples, like the rest of the Jewish nation, had their
preconceived ideas regarding the Messiah. They thought of
freedom from Roman oppression.
What words does Paul use to refer to the second coming of
Jesus? Titus 2:13.
For Paul the second coming of Jesus was an event he looked
forward to with joy. And Hebrews 10:37 shows full confidence in
the fulfillment of the promise. God's people need patience in
view of delays (see James 5:8), but their hearts should never
waver.
In view of the second coming, what should every Christian
be doing? 1 John 3:3.
Of course no one can cleanse himself of sin. But the will must
be on Christ's side of the controversy, and the believer must
cooperate with the Lord. The Christian who is establishing his
faith ever more strongly has no time for doubt or questioning.
Delay for him is a form of grace in which he has another oppor-
tunity to do what is right and fulfill God's purposes.
What does Peter say Is the reason for apparent delay in
Christ's coming? 2 Peter 3:8, 9.
This truth is a mercy and a challenge. It is a mercy for many of
us that Jesus has not come yet. But it is also a challenge to hurry
up and repent of our I u kewarmness. Why should we detain the
Saviour we are anxious to see?
THINK IT THROUGH What are some things you would like to do before Christ comes?
"God designs that His people shall fix their eyes heavenward,
looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 194.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 32-34.
90 Speeding the Second Advent LESSON 11 ❑ Monday March 12 Part 2 “He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the A TASK gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized PRESENTED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15, 16).
While Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for His people, His
disciples on earth are to be preparing to meet God.
What did Jesus say would happen before the end of the
world came? Matt. 24:14.
There is a task to be done. We speed the day of the second
advent as we accomplish the task that has been entrusted to the
church.
It is to be noted that Jesus said the gospel of the kingdom
would be preached "as a witness." There is no suggestion here
that everyone will accept the testimony given. People are free to
accept or reject. The objective is that everyone will have the
opportunity to know what issues are at stake and will be able to
make a responsible decision one way or the other.
What is the gospel commission? Matt. 28:19, 20.
The New English Bible translates the Greek: "Go forth there-
fore and make all nations my disciples." The gospel is to be
preached with an urgency and a desire that all men should
accept the invitation. There must be no halfhearted measures,
no mere proclamation without attempt to persuade. Christian
witness with a full realization of the issues at stake, eternal life
or eternal loss. When there is love and concern for fellow human
beings, there can only be a pleading that the right decision be
made.
What authority did Jesus say He had, and what promise did
He make? Matt. 28:18, 20.
With all the authority of heaven behind us and the presence of
Jesus with us, we can go forth with confidence and do the
necessary work and that the work will be finished. Problems of
language, culture, politics, and an ever increasing population
will not stand in our way. As we cooperate with God, the task will
be accomplished.
"Christ desires by the fullness of His power so to strengthen
His people that through them the whole world shall be encircled
with an atmosphere of grace. When His people shall make a
wholehearted surrender of themselves to God, this purpose will
be accomplished."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 148.
FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 825-828.
91
Speeding the Second Advent LESSON 11 ❑ Tuesday March 13
Part 3 "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having
THE FINAL the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the
MESSAGE earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and
people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to
him; for the hour of his Judgment Is come: and worship him
that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains
of waters" (Rev. 14:6, 7).
God's final messengers to the world proclaim the everlasting
gospel. The good news of salvation was first announced to
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and repeated century after
century till the time of Christ when there was a visible represen-
tation of it. It was then preached by the apostles and the church
ever since. The only message of vital concern to man is the one
that tells him of a Saviour who has made ample provision for his
freedom from sin and the joy of life everlasting.
What makes the message of the first angel so relevant to
man today? Rev. 14:7.
We are living in the hour of judgment. We are living in a day
when people doubt the Creation story as told in Genesis. God's
last message calls men to recognize God as the One who origin-
ated the world and who brings its civilization to an end.
What religious practice affirms the truth of God's creator-
ship? Ex. 20:10, 11.
The issue of the last days includes the matter of the day of
worship: will it be the day which God blessed and Christ claimed
as His own? (See Mark 2:27, 28.) Or will it be the day chosen by
men as the one most convenient for their purposes and sup-
ported by human legislation? When the issue is clear, people
will be called upon to take a stand for the truth, thus receiving
the seal of God, while others will receive a mark in their hands or
in their foreheads, indicating that they choose to serve an
earthly power rather than the plain command of God.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I making the necessary preparations to be able to stand when the final crisis comes upon the world? What should I be doing now?
"The great, grand work of bringing out a people who will have
Christlike characters, and who will be able to stand in the day of
the Lord, is to be accomplished. As long as we sail with the
current of the world we need neither canvas nor oar. It is when
we turn squarely about to stem the current that our labors
begin."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 129.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 603-606.
92 Speeding the Second Advent LESSON 11 ❑ Wednesday March 14 Part 4 “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, THE CHURCH but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15). AND THE WORLD Christians have had a tendency to run away from the world. But Jesus makes it clear that, although the Christian should rightly fear certain elements in the world, he can serve a pur- pose in the world which he cannot accomplish by being out of it.
What should the Christian seek to do while he is in the
world? Matt. 5:13-16.
The Christian is to be in the world in the sense that he makes a
contribution to righteousness and proper behavior; but he is
not of it, because he cannot associate with evildoers in their
sinful practices.
What is one way in which the Christian can avoid being
associated with the world? 2 Cor. 6:14.
The Christian must seek that kind of occupation in which he is
not involved in partnerships that could be embarrassing to his
Christian principles. In the world there are shady practices,
unjust dealings, unfair representation, even outright lying.
Since the Christian can have nothing to do with these things, he
has no option but to separate himself from any activity that
involves such a policy. How can he, with a clear conscience,
profit from a business that deals with products that are un-
healthful? His objectives in life are not merely to gain a living, or
amass wealth, but to represent his Master.
What example did Jesus set of being in the world but not of
it? Acts 10:38.
When Jesus was condemned for eating with sinners He
pointed out that His mission was to bring sinners to repentance.
(See Matt. 9:10-13.)
THINK IT THROUGH Why is it that the Christian is disliked even though he is engaged in good works and stands for principles of right conduct?
"The world loves sin, and hates righteousness, and this was
the cause of its hostility to Jesus. All who refuse His infinite love
will find Christianity a disturbing element. The light of Christ
sweeps away the darkness that covers their sins, and the need
of reform is made manifest. . . .
"Thus strife is created, and Christ's followers are accused as
troublers of the people."—The Desire of Ages, p. 306.
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, “The Beatitudes” (Matt. 5:13, 14), pp. 35-44. 93 Speeding the Second Advent LESSON 11 ❑ Thursday March 15 Part 5 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as THE FINAL a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” STRUGGLE (1 Peter 5:8).
The closing scenes of earth's history will involve a bitter
struggle between the followers of Jesus on one hand and the
followers of the devil on the other. The devil knows that his time
is short, and he makes a supreme effort to deceive the elect so
that they will be destroyed. (See Matt. 24:24.)
In view of the bitterness of the final struggle, what are
Christians admonished to do? Matt. 24:42; 25:13.
There is one area in which we must be especially watchful:
"Satan will constantly present allurements to induce us to break
this tie [Christ's love]—to choose to separate ourselves from
Christ. Here is where we need to watch, to strive, to pray, that
nothing may entice us to choose another master; for we are
always free to do this."—Steps to Christ, p. 72.
What assurance for the final struggle can we gain from
Paul's remarks in Romans 8:35-39?
The truth of the gospel should be so firmly established in the
heart and mind that nothing can separate the Christian from his
Lord. Yet the devil will present himself as an angel of light, and
his teaching will be so specious that only those who have im-
mersed themselves in the truth will be able to distinguish be-
tween truth and error. As the day of Christ's coming approaches
let us study our Bibles to avoid being deceived by the devil.
There is a danger that we shall underestimate the power of the
evil one and become self-sufficient, relying on our own powers
to gain the victory. It is only as we recognize our weakness and
rely wholly on Christ that we can overcome.
Although the devil is a wily foe, he is a defeated one. "Through
divine strength the weakest saint is more than a match for him
and all his angels."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 293.
THINK IT THROUGH What are some of the devil’s tricks that we should be wary of?
"The watchful Christian is a working Christian, seeking zeal-
ously to do all in his power for the advancement of the gospel.
As love for his Redeemer increases, so also does love for his
fellow men. He has severe trials, as had his Master; but he does
not allow affliction to sour his temper or destroy his peace of
mind. He knows that trial, if well borne, will refine and purify
him, and bring him into closer fellowship with Christ."—The
Acts of the Apostles, p. 261.
FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 607-610. 94
Speeding the Second Advent LESSON 11 ❑ Friday March 16 Part 6 “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that EVERYONE is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye INVOLVED have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father” (1 John 2:13).
John in his letter writes to everyone, because he knows that
everyone is involved in the struggle against evil. The old, the
young, and the very young—all have characteristics that are
important in the controversy.
Whom does the prophet Joel include in the preparation for a
time of emergency? Joel 1:14; 2:15-17, 28.
Sometimes the leaders are saddled with the responsibility of
doing everything for themselves and the people. But this situa-
tion is not biblical. All God's people have specific tasks, and
only as each one does what he can according to his talent can
every emergency be met and overcome.
There is no greater urgency than that of being ready for and
speeding the second advent. If Jesus' coming has been delayed,
this is no reason why believers should be lax. On the contrary, it
means that a Laodicean church needs to awake out of slumber,
and all see to it that the delay is not on their account.
What central theme do you find in the parable recorded in
Matthew 18:11-14?
It is very human to think that some people are more important
than others. And it is true that some people have more talents
than others. But everyone has at least one talent. The work is of
such a nature that every talent is needed, every person has a
part to play in the area where he finds himself. He cannot put his
duty on someone else.
THINK IT THROUGH Why does God often choose the weak things of this world to accomplish His purposes?
"Christ has given to the church a sacred charge. Every
member should be a channel through which God can com-
municate to the world the treasures of His grace, the u nsearch-
able riches of Christ. There is nothing that the Saviour desires
so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and
His character. There is nothing the world needs so much as the
manifestation through humanity of the Saviour's love. All
heaven is waiting for men and women through whom God can
reveal the power of Christianity."—The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 600.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 125-130.
95 '
LESSON 12 March 18-24
Rich in Isaac works "Was not Abraham our father privilege to share his blessings with justified by works, when he had others, even to give a cup of cold water offered Isaac his son upon the altar? to the thirsty and a loaf of bread to the Seest thou how faith wrought with his hungry. It is interesting to note that works, and by works was faith made every service has its reward. (See Mark perfect?" (James 2:21, 22). 9:41.) It is not that the Christian works
for a reward; if he did, his motives
In the mind of many there is might be impugned. He serves his confusion between faith and works. fellowmen in need out of love to God, Such an emphasis has been made on without thought of reward. Yet a faith, that some think works are reward will come to him, for God unnecessary, or even detrimental. never accepts a service for nothing. They think that all they need is a Furthermore, every good deed mental faith in order to enter into the performed for someone is considered kingdom. to be done for God. In the judgment
Faith is basic and important, but some will be rejected because they did faith without works is dead. (See not feed the hungry, visit the sick, or James 2:20,26). Genuine faith leads to show concern for those in prison. It works which are the evidence of faith. will be clearly stated that in neglecting The Christian is a person of faith, but these duties they were neglecting to the life is one of active service in which do anything for their Lord. On the he lives out his faith. other hand, those who fed the hungry,
In our lesson this week we study the visited the sick, andprisoners will be life of the Christian as he expresses his as having done these things faith in works. Being rich in good to Jesus. There will always be works is a kind of investment safer emergencies, times when human than any financial provision that can suffering calls for sacrificial help. The be made for the future. (See 1 Tim. Christian considers these occasions as 6:17-19.) In this regard he is very opportunities to show love for God different from those in the world who and concern for the kingdom. think that their wealth is a source of pride and security. The Christian DAILY HIGHLIGHTS recognizes that his only trust is in God, 1. Works of Faith and that true greatness is expressed in (James 2:21) service. (See Mark 9:35.) It is his 2. Greatness in Service
(Mark 9:3.5)
3. Standard of Judgment
(Eccl. 12:14)
4. Organized for Needs
(Acts 6:3)
5. Meeting Emergencies
(Isa. 58:6, 7)
6. Works Rewarded
(Matt. 10:42)
JOAN WALTER Rich in Good Works LESSON 12 ❑ Sunday March 18 Part 1 “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he WORKS had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?” (James 2:21) OF FAITH James seems to contradict Paul’s emphasis on justification by faith. In fact, Paul seems to depreciate the value of works. (See Rom. 4:2.) As a result some scholars—even Luther himself—have questioned the teaching of James. But a careful study of both James and Paul will show that there is no con- tradiction between the two.
What does James say about the place of faith in the life of
the Christian? James 2:22.
Faith is a basic attitude to God. (See Heb. 11:6.) All those in
the past and the present (and the future) who enter the kingdom
of heaven will do so because they were men of faith. But works
are a mirror that reflect faith, the evidence that faith exists.
Abraham had that kind of faith, and was justified.
What Is taught by James's illustration about the belief of
devils? James 2:19.
Many know the truth but do not live up to it. Some make
promises but never fulfill them. James points out that there
must be a close relationship between faith and works if faith is
to be meaningful and works valuable. He is not contrasting faith
and works, but rather two kinds of faith, one with works and the
other without. The first is living, the second dead.
If a man's works are divorced from his faith, the faith is
spurious. Or it is possible that he will try, without faith, to keep
the law in order to earn salvation. But this is legalistic and futile.
(See Gal. 3:11.) Only when a man's life of good works springs
from faith in God, a daily trusting and seeking to know His will,
can that life be a beautiful and glorious and working expression
of what it means to be saved. It is to be hoped that every
Christian, even as was his Master, is rich in such good works.
THINK IT THROUGH What are the motives behind my actions? Am I kind and loving because I want to project an image of being good? Do I do some things because I do not want to show a lack of Christian commitment?
"It is not the great results we attain, but the motives from
which we act, that weigh with God. He prizes goodness and
faithfulness more than the greatness of the work accom-
plished."—Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 510, 511.
"Every follower of Christ should daily examine himself, that
he may become perfectly acquainted with his own conduct"—
Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 511.
FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 278, 279. 98
Rich in Good Works LESSON 12 ❑ Monday March 19 Part 2 “He sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If GREATNESS any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and IN SERVICE servant of all” (Mark 9:35).
The principles of Christ's kingdom are the exact opposite of
those in the world. People on the whole want to be served rather
than to serve. They would rather give orders than receive them.
What contrast did Jesus make between leaders in the
church and leaders in the world? Matt. 20:25-28.
The Christian must reject the idea of grasping authority. He
seeks to follow in the footsteps of his Master. He finds greatest
joy and fulfillment in service. In everything that he does,
whether he is choosing an occupation and training for it, or
actually following a vocation in life, he has in mind that he will
be helpful to others.
It takes the grace of God to have such an objective. All around
us are those who have selfish motives. Some have these selfish
motives even in spiritual matters. Some are busy with church
affairs because they seek self-gratification. This kind of activity
is no whit different from the life of the Pharisees. It causes
people to misinterpret Scriptures and fail to understand the
teachings of the gospel, even as people did in the time of Jesus.
Just as Jesus rejected Pharisaism, so today the Christian must
turn away from all self-seeking and hypocrisy. But this is possi-
ble only through the power of God.
To what extent did Jesus serve humanity? Matt. 20:28.
Jesus set out to do the Father's will. (See John 4:34.) In doing
this he was best meeting the needs of men. Here is a clue to our
finding true greatness in service. It is not when we go out with a
conscious effort to serve that we render the best service; but it is
when we ask God to lead and to guide, and when we ask for
grace to follow in His leading, that our lives can be truly great
because they are found in the furrow of the world's greatest
needs.
THINK IT THROUGH How would you show that the life of service is a life of joy and satisfaction? Why Is the life of service linked to true great- ness?
"Those who are the partakers of the grace of Christ will be
ready to make any sacrifice, that others for whom He died may
share the heavenly gift. They will do all they can to make the
world better for their stay in it."—Steps to Christ, p. 78.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 223-227.
99
Rich in Good Works LESSON 12 ❑ Tuesday March 20 Part 3 “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every STANDARD secret thing, whether it be good, or whether It be evil” (Eccl. OF JUDGMENT 12:14). It can be frightening to know that everything we do will come up in the judgment and that we shall be held accountable for our actions, whether they be open or secret, good or bad.
How did Jesus describe the process of judgment? Matt.
25:31-46.
The Christian does service for Christ when he aids human
need. Christ's words to "sheep" and "goats" show that Christ
so identifies Himself with people that He considers deeds done
to them as done to Himself. Do we make that equation?
One of the lessons of this passage is that no true Christian
would ever dream of not meeting a need of Christ if He should
present Himself. The Christian should see in every person Christ
Himself asking for help. Is this the way we see appeals that are
made to us, or are we only conscious of the human element? Do
we tire of appeals because we think they have human origin?
It is remarkable that the "sheep" were not aware that they
were doing anything for the Master when they were meeting the
needs of "one of the least" of their fellowmen. What does this
tell you? Does it mean that the Christian meets a need on the
basis of need, without regard to the "quality" of the person
being helped? Does the expression, "one of the least," suggest
someone who does not deserve our help? Can it be that the
Christian is so full of good deeds that he cannot and does not
keep count of them, let alone remember them, or even think of
them as good deeds since they are so natural a part of his life?
The Bible makes it plain that everything is recorded in the
books of heaven, and people are held accountable for their
conduct. This should cause us to pause in all solemnity and ask
ourselves whether we shall be able to face the charges that can
be brought against us. Then we should confess our sins and ask
for grace so to live that we may more perfectly reflect the image
of Jesus who always went about doing good. We must not do
nothing; we must do something, constrained by the love of
Christ.
THINK IT THROUGH Is God fair to bring every “work” into judgment? How can one make sure that he will not be ashamed in the day that God separates the “sheep” from the “goats”? “God’s love has been expressed in His justice no less than in His mercy. Justice is the foundation of His throne, and the fruit of His love. . . . “God will vindicate His law and deliver His people.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 762, 763. FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 637-641.
100 Rich in Good Works LESSON 12 ❑ Wednesday March 21 Part 4 What kind of men were chosen to care for various aspects of ORGANIZED business in the early church? FOR NEEDS “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (Acts 6:3).
The early church soon found it necessary to organize itself for
the care of the needy in its midst. There can be no question
about the importance of welfare activity.
The church exists to provide for people's physical and
spiritual needs. Too often the emphasis is on the spiritual with-
out regard for the physical. But the two must go together; the
one without the other is unsatisfying and unbalanced.
What was one way that Jesus showed that He was in-
terested In the physical needs of the people with whom He
was associated? Matt. 14:16.
Unfortunately some people are interested only in what they
can put in their stomachs. Jesus met such people on the day
after the miracle of the loaves and the fishes and rebuked them
for their shortsighted interests. (See John 6:25-29.) The prime
objective of all missionary endeavor is that people come to
know God and believe on Him. (See verse 29.) But in this life
people have their very real physical needs, and it is idle to think
that the church and its leadership can neglect these needs.
It is noteworthy that the first deacons were men of spiritual
stature. We do not know much about some of them, but we do
know about Stephen and Philip, the one a martyr and the other
an evangelist with four daughters who prophesied. (See Acts
6:5, 8; 7:58; 8:5, 27; 21:8.) Any and all who take part in the
service of the church, whether it be preaching or caring for the
details of church management, must be men and women of
God. Only in this way can they provide for the whole needs of
man.
THINK IT THROUGH How would you establish a balance between welfare work for the community and evangelistic outreach? How could a church fail by being engaged only in one phase or the other?
"The appointment of the seven to take the oversight of special
lines of work, proved a great blessing to the church. These
officers gave careful consideration to individual needs as well
as to the general financial interests of the church, and by their
prudent management and their godly example they were an
important aid to their fellow officers in binding together the
various interests of the church into a united whole."—The Acts
of the Apostles, p. 89.
FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 87-91. 101 Rich in Good Works LESSON 12 ❑ Thursday March 22 Part 5 What persons does Isaiah mention as objects of aid in the MEETING true fast? EMERGENCIES “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the op- pressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” (Isa. 58:6, 7) Ellen White urges that we ought to read Isaiah 58, and after quoting a number of verses she says: “This is the special work now before us.”—Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 33, 34. Life has many emergency situations. They are often tragic but they are also golden opportunities for someone to do good. It is not always easy to ask for help. Some people would rather suffer. But the Christian will make it his business to know the needs of people in the area he lives in.
What lessons are there for us in the experience of Elijah and
the widow of Zarephath? 1 Kings 17:10-16.
"Angels are waiting to see if we embrace opportunities within
our reach of doing good—waiting to see if we will bless others,
that they in their turn may bless us. The Lord Himself has made
us to differ,—some poor, some rich, some afflicted,—that all
may have an opportunity to develop character. The poor are
purposely permitted to be thus of God, that we may be tested
and proved, and develop what is in our hearts."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 28.
What does the story of Joseph teach about how to relate to
emergencies? Gen. 41:33-37.
Adequate preparation needs to be made for future needs and
for emergency situations. The individual and the church must
be ready to meet needs when they arise. THINK IT THROUGH Why are some people not ready to help in time of an
emergency? What blessing do they lose?
"From what has been shown me, Sabbath keepers are grow-
ing more selfish as they increase in riches. Their love for Christ
and His people is decreasing. They do not see the wants of the
needy, nor feel their sufferings and sorrows. They do not realize
that in neglecting the poor and the suffering they neglect Christ,
and that in relieving the wants and sufferings of the poor as far
as possible, they minister to Jesus."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 24.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 24-31.
102 Rich in Good Works LESSON 12 ❑ Friday March 23 Part 6 “Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones WORKS a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say REWARDED unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward” (Matt. 10:42).
Life may be hard, events may involve sacrifice, but the Chris-
tian has a future joy to which he can look. This will make the past
seem negligible as far as pain or suffering is concerned.
What did Jesus say was a Christian's cause for rejoicing?
Matt. 5:12.
No one suffers in the long run when he is faithful to God and
acts as a good steward. God pays good wages. The wages far
outweigh the services rendered. This is made clear by the para-
ble of the laborers in the vineyard. (See Matt. 20:1-16.)
Some people accuse the Christian of being one who is look-
ing forward to "pie in the sky." But the fact is that Christians
receive a reward right in this life for many of the things that they
do. Luke gives an interesting example of this in Luke 5:1-11. The
disciples had toiled all night fishing and gained nothing. Jesus
got into one of the boats in the morning and asked that He be
rowed a little distance from the shore so that He could use it to
speak to the people without having the people pressing around
Him. When Jesus completed His discourse, He told the fisher-
men to go out for a catch, which they did, and they received a
draught of fishes which more than compensated for Jesus' use
of the boat for a short period of time. It is no wonder that the
disciples decided that they would follow Jesus.
What did Jesus assure His disciples about a reward? Luke
18:30.
The Christian does not work for a reward, so that the reward is
in the nature of a bonus. But a reward is always pleasant to
receive! The Christian can rest assured that he is not wasting his
time, nor are his efforts unnoticed. He is working for a Lord and
Master who recognizes everyone's need and gives generously
out of His limitless bounties.
THINK IT THROUGH Contrast the wages of sin with the gift of God. Why is God so good a Master? What experiences have you had that show that God is exceedingly generous with you? “When Christ abides in the soul, the thought of reward is not uppermost. This is not the motive that actuates our service…. God desires us to appreciate His promised blessings. But He would not have us eager for rewards nor feel that for every duty we must receive compensation.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 398.
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “The Reward of Grace,” pp. 395-404.
103
LESSON 13 March 25-31
nekoicira:,,e,in e Lord "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the that they found light and direction in Lord. To write the same things to you, the word of God, and Jeremiah said: to me indeed is not grievous, but for "Thy words were found, and I did eat you it is safe" (Phil. 3:1). them; and thy word was unto me the
joy and rejoicing of mine heart" (Jer. Paul wants the members of the 15:16). Can you witness to the same church at Philippi to be happy. As he experience with your Bible? brings his letter to a close, he says,"I The born-again Christian finds all wish you all joy in the Lord" (4:4, NEB). things new. He is happy that he can He repeats his wish in 4:4, "1 want you follow in the Master's footsteps. The to be happy, always happy in the Lord; world has no more attraction for him, I repeat, what I want is your and with the blessings of God he happiness" (Jerusalem). cannot help but be happy. Even when Why this emphasis on joy and ' he is persecuted or thrown into happiness? Can the Christian truly be prison, he is still happy because he has happy in a world of sin? Can he been found worthy to suffer as Jesus experience joy in the midst of pain and suffered. suffering? This experience of joy in the midst of In our lesson this week we explore hardship is very hard for people of the the Christian's joy and happiness. We world to understand or appreciate, discover, beneath the surface of but that is because they do not know conflict and disappointment, that the Christian has entered into a satisfaction that the struggle will not fellowship of believers, a family of be long. Christ has already gained the men and women in Christ who all victory over sin and made His victory share in the joy of victory and success. available to all who will grasp it. The And in particular they all join in the evil surrounding us only convinces us hope of the second coming, the that we do not wish to have anything to blessed hope. Their spirits are buoyed do with it, and one day soon it will be up, because they know that soon the destroyed. In fact the evil is already controversy will be over and Jesus will being overcome with good, and so we come to take them home. rejoice. One source of joy and happiness is DAILY HIGHLIGHTS our heavenly Father who is revealed in 1. The Joy of Salvation His Word. Prophets in days of old said (1 Peter 1:8, 9)
2. The Joy of God's Word
(Jer. 15:16)
3. The Joy of the Abundant Life
(John 10:10)
4. The Joy of Sharing Christ's
Suffering (Acts 5:41)
5. The Joy of Fellowship
(1 Thess. 3:9)
6. The Joy of Christ's Return
(Titus 2:13)
D. TANK
Rejoicing in the Lord LESSON 13 ❑ Sunday March 25 Part 1 “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye THE JOY OF see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable SALVATION and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8, 9).
Peter writes to "God's scattered people" (1 Peter 1:1, NEB)
that they have been born to an inheritance "that nothing can
destroy or spoil or wither. It is kept for you in heaven, and you,
because you put your faith in God, are under the protection of
his power until salvation comes" (verses 4, 5, NEB).
What does Peter say is the result of such an inheritance?
1 Peter 1:6.
What greater inheritance can one fall heir to than salvation?
We have a Saviour who can save "to the uttermost" (Heb. 7:25;
"save absolutely," NEB). We have a God who can and will keep
His promise. No wonder there is a superabounding joy in the
heart of the Christian even when he is passing through difficult
circumstances and may have a few trials to bear.
What strengthened Jesus so that He could endure the
cross? Heb. 12:2.
Jesus could see the future results of the present conflict. For
Him that future was everything. So it should be with the Chris-
tian.
But there should be joy in the present too. Have you met
those who are always complaining about their inadequacies
and mistreatment?
"Many, walking along the path of life, dwell upon their mis-
takes and failures and disappointments, and their hearts are
filled with grief and discouragement. . . .
"It is not wise to gather together all the unpleasant recollec-
tions of a past life,—its iniquities and disappointments,—to talk
over them and mourn over them until we are overwhelmed with
discouragement. A discouraged soul is filled with darkness,
shutting out the light of God from his own soul and casting a
shadow upon the pathway of others."—Steps to Christ, pp. 116,
117. THINK IT THROUGH Although Jesus was "a man of sorrows, and acquainted
with grief," how did His life affect others?
"Though His life was self-denying and shadowed with pain
and care, His spirit was not crushed. His countenance did not
wear an expression of grief and repining, but ever one of peace-
ful serenity. His heart was a wellspring of life, and wherever He
went He carried rest and peace, joy and gladness."—Steps to
Christ, p. 120.
FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, “Rejoicing in the Lord,” pp. 115-126. 106 Rejoicing in the Lord LESSON 13 ❑ Monday March 26 Part 2 “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word THE JOY OF was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called GOD’S WORD by thy name, 0 Lord God of hosts” (Jer. 15:16).
Jeremiah had a very hard time as a prophet. He saw the flower
of Judean youth taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 B.C.
He saw Jerusalem besieged in 597 B.C. and then the temple
destroyed in 586 B.C. His own countrymen refused to accept his
messages and looked upon him as a traitor. Yet he says he
found joy in the word that came to him from God.
What does the psalmist extol in Psalm 19:7, 8?
Do we recognize the value of the Bible? Do we find the truths
of God fascinating, enlightening, reviving? Do we find God's
words sweeter than honey and more precious than gold?
The Word of God is the word of life. It tells us where we came
from and where we are going. It explains life and the conflict
that we see between good and evil. The light shining from the
Word of God gives deep meaning to life.
Because of the revelation of God in His Word the Christian
can go on his way rejoicing. He can be an optimist because he
knows that truth will triumph in the end. Being on the side of
truth he has nothing to fear and everything to be happy about.
In John 15:11, what reason did Jesus give for the teachings
He had just imparted?
Jesus told His disciples that He treated them as friends, not as
servants, because He let them into all the secrets that the Father
had revealed to Him. (See John 15:15.) This grace whereby God
takes us into His council and treats us, not as we deserve, but as
He would have us to be, His sons and daughters, is a reason for
great rejoicing. We find ourselves lifted up to a position of
honor, and the least that we can do is to be appreciative and live
up to our privileges.
THINK IT THROUGH How does one discover the sweetness of the Word of God?
"When a real love for the Bible is awakened, and the student
begins to realize how vast is the field and how precious its
treasure, he will desire to seize upon every opportunity for
acquainting himself with God's word. Its study will be restricted
to no special time or place. And this continuous study is one of
the best means of cultivating a love for the Scriptures.
" ... Let the youth of today, the youth who are growing up with
the Bible in their hands, become the recipients and the chan-
nels of its life-giving energy, and what streams of blessing
would flow forth to the world!"—Education, pp. 191, 192.
FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 189-192. 107 Rejoicing in the Lord LESSON 13 ❑ Tuesday March 27 Part 3 “I am come that they might have life, and that they might THE JOY OF have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). THE ABUNDANT LIFE Fullness of life is another blessing the Christian can enjoy. Being born again, he is free from the bondage of sin, from the shackles of a lower nature that drags him down to despair.
What does Paul say is the result of being in Christ? 2 Cor.
5:17.
We all know the experience of having something new. We
delight in its newness, its beauty, its efficiency, its charm. Life is
lifted to a new level of enjoyment when we have new things
around us. God will make all things new. That is a time we can all
anticipate with joy. But the joys are not all future; even in this life
we can enter into the joy of being a new creation.
Ellen White wrote: "The Lord desires us to appreciate the
great plan of redemption, to realize our high privilege as the
children of God, and to walk before Him in obedience, with
grateful thanksgiving. He desires us to serve Him in newness of
life, with gladness every day. He longs to see gratitude welling
up in our hearts because our names are written in the Lamb's
book of life, because we may cast all our care upon Him who
cares for us. He bids us rejoice because we are the heritage of
the Lord."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 299.
How did the Ethiopian eunuch respond after he had been
told the meaning of the Bible and had been baptized? Acts
8:39.
There is great pleasure in following in the Master's footsteps.
When we can see the truth plainly and we do what we know is
right, then there is peace and joy.
What picture do we get of the city of Samaria after Philip had
been there and preached Christ? Acts 8:8.
"Joy in the Holy Spirit is health-giving, life-giving joy. In giving
us His Spirit, God gives us Himself, making Himself a fountain of
divine influences, to give health and life to the world."—
Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 273.
THINK IT THROUGH “Have there not been some bright spots in your experience? Have you not had some precious seasons when your heart throbbed with joy in response to the Spirit of God? When you look back into the chapters of your life experience, do you not find some pleasant pages? Are not God’s promises, like the fragrant flowers, growing beside your path on every hand? Will you not let their beauty and sweetness fill your heart with joy?”—Steps to Christ, p. 117.
FURTHER STUDY Christ’s Object Lessons, “The Lord’s Vineyard,” pp. 296-301.
108 Rejoicing in the Lord LESSON 13 ❑ Wednesday March 28 Part 4 “They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing THE JOY OF that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” SHARING (Acts 5:41). CHRIST’S SUFFERING Can you imagine apostles going home rejoicing after a beat- ing? Incredible! Not a very human reaction! The tendency today would be to call in a lawyer and institute legal proceedings. After all, it was unjust to beat them for teaching and preaching the truth. Does not a person have to stand up for his rights? But the apostles went home rejoicing.
How did Jesus say His disciples would be treated? Matt.
10:17.
Jesus warned His disciples that they would suffer persecution
when they witnessed to the truth, but the fact is that not
everyone suffers persecution. Some Christians wonder whether
there is anything the matter with them when they are not being
persecuted. Some have a persecution complex and like to invite
trouble for themselves. Should the Christian be concerned
about persecution?
If persecution does not come, then we can rejoice that we are
free from trials and hardship, unless it is that we are being left
alone because we are doing no good!
If persecution comes, then we can rejoice as did the apostles
that we have been counted worthy to suffer indignity for our
Master's name. In either case we rejoice. "God in His great love
is seeking to develop in us the precious graces of His Spirit. He
permits us to encounter obstacles, persecution, and hardships,
not as a curse, but as the greatest blessing of our lives."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 117.
Persecution in the past gave the early church an impetus to
carry the gospel to the world. Persecution in the future will help
distinguish the real Christian from the false. The true Christian
rejoices that he can have a part. in the controversy between
good and evil, and he prays that he may be a good soldier of
Jesus Christ who knows how to take battle wounds and rejoices
in the battles gained.
THINK IT THROUGH What is the secret of rejoicing even in the most trying cir- cumstances? “So long as we do not consent to sin, there is no power, whether human or satanic, that can bring a stain upon the soul. A man whose heart is stayed upon God is just the same in the hour of his most afflicting trials and most discouraging sur- roundings as when he was in prosperity, when the light and favor of God seemed to be upon him.”—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 32.
FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, “The Beatitudes” (Matt. 5:10), pp. 29-31. 109 Rejoicing in the Lord LESSON 13 ❑ Thursday March 29
Part 5 "How can we thank God enough for you, for all the joy we
THE JOY OF feel before our God on your account?" (1 Thess. 3:9,
FELLOWSHIP Jerusalem)
There can be no communion between light and darkness.
(See 2 Cor. 6:14.) But the fellowship of believers has common
objectives and interests, and this association with others brings
the Christian great joy.
In the parables of Luke 15 what can we learn about joy? (See
verses 6, 9, 32.)
"Never think that you can be Christians and yet withdraw
yourselves within yourselves. Each one is a part of the great web
of humanity, and the experience of each will be largely deter-
mined by the experience of his associates. . . .
. . . Fellowship with one another should make us glad."—
Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 362.
(See Acts 2:42.)
No one denies the importance of right teaching in the church
or of prayer and "breaking of bread." But apparently there is
something else that is equally important—fellowship.
"After the descent of the Holy Spirit the disciples went forth to
proclaim a risen Saviour—their one desire, the salvation of
souls. They rejoiced in the sweetness of the communion with
saints. They were tender, thoughtful, self-denying, willing to
make any sacrifice for the truth's sake. In their daily association
with one another they revealed the love that Christ had com-
manded them to reveal. By unselfish words and deeds they
strove to kindle this love in other hearts."—Testimonies, vol. 8,
p. 241.
What was Paul's attitude when he prayed for the Philip-
pians? Phil. 1:3-5.
Fellowship basically means partnership. Paul was delighted
that the members of the Philippian church had responded in
sharing with him the work of the gospel. Christians are drawn
closer to Christ and to one another when they are engaged in
gospel service.
THINK IT THROUGH What is a solution to the feeling of loneliness? How can the church meet the needs of the lonely and withdrawn? “Many are suffering from maladies of the soul far more than from diseases of the body, and they will find no relief until they shall come to Christ, the wellspring of life…. Satisfying joys will give vigor to the mind and health and vital energy to the body.”—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 579.
FURTHER STUDY First John, chapter one.
110 Rejoicing in the Lord LESSON 13 ❑ Friday March 30 Part 6 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing THE JOY OF of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). CHRIST’S RETURN The Christian has many reasons for rejoicing, but perhaps the most exciting is what Paul calls the “blessed hope.” Two men dressed in white stood by the disciples who were gazing into heaven. Jesus slowly ascended from their sight. The two, who were angels, announced that Jesus would come again “in like manner.” Ever since that moment the church has looked forward to the second advent. His coming continues to be the living hope of many Christians today.
What does Paul say Christians do as they hold hope? Rom.
12:12.
The second coming of Jesus puts an end to all separation.
Disciples are united with their Master. The righteous dead are
brought to life and meet their loved ones. This mortal puts on
incorruption. (See 1 Cor. 15:53.) There is no more sighing, no
more pain. There can only be joy forevermore. This is the hope
of all hopes, the glorious climax of over six thousand years of
struggle. It is no wonder that Christians look forward to this
event as the solution to all the problems of the world.
What advice does James give in relation to the second
advent? James 5:7, 8.
There may be the danger that some will lose patience because
of apparent delay. But everything, even delays, can be a part of
God's providence. We should not question God's timing. (See
Acts 1:7.) We must rest assured in God's promises, and by faith
rejoice in His future coming as though it were a part of today's
happening. Just as the child jumps with glee when the parent
promises a gift to be given on a birthday or at Christmastime, so
the Christian looks forward to a future event with present joy,
knowing that God's promises are sure. (Read Heb. 10:35-39.)
THINK IT THROUGH How can so-called delays in the second coming turn out to be blessings? “Every step in life may bring us closer to Jesus, may give us a deeper experience of His love, and may bring us one step nearer to the blessed home of peace. Then let us not cast away our confidence, but have firm assurance, firmer than ever before.” —Steps to Christ, p. 125. “God wants you to work, not with self-disparagement nor in discouragement, but with the strongest faith and hope, with cheerfulness and joy, representing Christ to the world. The religion of Jesus is joy, peace, and happiness.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 579.
FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 192-199. 111 biT der /1979 Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult Les- sons for the second quarter of 1979 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first two lessons. The title of the series is “The Last Hour.”
First Lesson
FUTURE EVENTS. Memory verse, Rom. 13:11-14.
1. Events During Probation-I (Amos 9:9).
2. Events During Probation-II (Rev. 7:3).
3. Events During Probation-III (Rev. 13:15-17).
4. The Time of Trouble (Dan. 12:1).
5. Events During the Time of Trouble (Rev. 16:1-21).
6. Events From the Liberation of the Saints to the Advent (Rev. 12:11).
Second Lesson
CHRIST WITH HIS CHURCH. Memory verse, (1 Tim. 3:14, 15).
1. Definition and Function (1 Tim. 3:15).
2. God's Ideal for the Church (Eph. 5:25-28).
3. Love and Tender Consideration (Isa. 49:16).
4. Christ With the Church Militant (Matt. 28:18-20).
5. The Church Triumphant (Rev. 6:2).
6. Christ, the Head and the Foundation (Col. 1:18).
Lessons in 3raille The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in Braille and 162/3 rpm records to blind and physically 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.
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Yours for the Asking Edwin Gallagher
The product of a pastor's own search for an enjoyable
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OF Elder Pond, a great-grandson of two of the original MORMONK twelve apostles of the Mormon Church, examines the doc-
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POPolanon Churches Meese Menlo.
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Austral 31,098,000 175 35.628 40,190
Chile 10438.920 126 28,892 22.588
East Bracti 64,002,165 261 72 418 76,021
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