4/93 October - December 1993

Sabbath Bible LessonsSenior Division

All re Are Brethren

Sabbath Bible Lessons

All Ye Are Brethren

Lesson Titles Page

1 Fundamental Differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2 Under the Power of Darkness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 The Kingdom of Christ 114 The Subjects of Christ's Kingdom. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 14

5 Christian Unity 176 Identifying the True People of God . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 217 Gospel Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 248 Leadership............................... 27

9 When Mistakes Are Made 3110 Helping the Erring Souls 3411 You Are the Light ofthe World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 37

12 Watching, Praying, and Working. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4013 Our Great Responsibility 44

Volume 68 Number 4

The Sabbath Bible Lessons (USPS 005-118) is published quarterly by the SeventhDay Adventist Reform Movement General Conference, Sabbath School Department,5248 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048. Telephone (703) 362-1800.

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,FOREWORD

During this quarter we will study a series of lessons under the title, All YeAre Brethren. By these words (Matthew 23:8) Christ meant that all who professthe same faith should understand their mutual relationships and act accordinglyso that the Lord can work .for them and through them.

The principle exalted by Jesus that all ye are brethren is thus explained bythe Spirit of Prophecy:

"The Lord has not qualified anyone of us to bear the burden of the workalone. He has associated together men of different minds, that they may coun­sel with and assist one another. In this way the deficiency in the experience andabilities of one is supplied by the experience and abilities of another. We shouldall study carefully the instructions given in Corinthians and Ephesians regard­ing our relation to one another as members of the body of Christ.

"In our work we must consider the relation that each worker sustains to theother workers connected with the cause of God. We must remember that othersas well as ourselves have a work to do in connection with this cause. We mustnot bar the mind against counsel. In our plans for the carrying forward of thework, our mind must blend with other minds.

"Let us cherish a spirit of confidence in the wisdom of our brethren. Wemust be willing to take advice and caution from our fellow laborers. Connectedwith the service of God, we must individually realize that we are parts of a greatwhole. We must seek wisdom from God, learning what it means to have a wait­ing, watching spirit, and to go to our Saviour when tired and depressed.

"It is a mistake to withdraw from those who do not agree with our ideas.This will not inspire our brethren with confidence in our judgment. It is our du­ty to counsel with our brethren, and to heed their advice. Weare to seek theircounsel, and when they give it, we are not to cast it away, as if they were ourenemies. Unless we humble our hearts before God, we shall not know His will.

"Let us be determined to be in unity with our brethren. This duty God hasplaced upon us. We shall make their hearts glad by following their counsel, andmake ourselves strong through the influence that this will give us. Moreover, ifwe feel that we do not need the counsel of our brethren, we close the door of ourusefulness as counselors to them."- Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 499, 500.

"It is those who accept the warnings and cautions given them who will walkin safe paths. Let not men yield to the burning desire to become great leaders,or to the desire independently to devise and lay plans for themselves and for thework of God."-Ibid., p. 501.

" 'Though we have an individual work and an individual responsibilitybefore God, we are not to follow our own judgment, regardless of the opinionsand feelings of our brethren; for this course would lead to disorder in thechurch. It is the duty of ministers to respect the judgment of their brethren; buttheir relations to one another, as well as the doctrines they teach, should bebrought to the test of the law and the testimony; then, if hearts are teachable,there will be no divisions among us.' "-Ibid., p. 503.

These instructions are unfolded in more detail in the present quarterly.May the Spirit of God enlighten the minds of teachers and students!

- The General Conference Sabbath School Department ~

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Special Project Offeringfor Angola

Angola (481,351 square miles; population nearly 10 million as of 1992) isa Portuguese-speaking country in West Africa. Besides the official languageintroduced by the Portuguese settlers in the early 16th century, many locallanguages are also spoken.

In recent years the nation of Angola has been devastated by a prolongedcivil war, resulting in much poverty. Due to poor sanitary conditions, ma­laria, cholera and other types of disease are common among the people. Yeteven in the face of such hardships, the message of reformation has managedto make its way into that area.

The work in Angola started when a group of concerned Adventists,shocked at the toleration of open violation of principles, began to advocatethe urgent need for revival and reformation (1983). As they saw the apostasygrowing in the church, they could not hold their peace, but continued "sigh­ing and crying" aloud (3T 267). Before long, there was a conflict betweenthese brethren and the leadership. These reform-minded believers were notwilling to compromise the truth. Consequently, they suffered what many othersbefore them had suffered in other parts of the world-they were put out ofthe church (1984). Soon after their disfellowshipment, they got in touch withthe Reform Movement in Portugal and Brazil, from whom they received let­ters of encouragement and supplies of literature.

A brother engaged in ministerial activities in Portugal visited Angolaand organized the work with the first 32 believers who were ready to be bap­tized. Before the end of 1992, there were about 200 members and more than600 people interested in the message of reformation, scattered in some 20groups throughout the country.

Due to their economic situation, these brethren are still meeting in thatchedhuts. They are, nevertheless, encouraged in the truth and determined to pro­mote the message of reformation. A minister from Brazil, who visited themin May 1992, and who accepted the call to work in that area, reports thatthey are now making plans to start building their first chapel with adjoiningrooms for an office to serve as their headquarters. However, in order to imple­ment this project, their own sacrifices will not be enough. Thus they are mak­ing an appeal for help from fellow Sabbath school students around the world.

Dear brethren, please think of the needs of the work in Angola and be pre­pared to make a real sacrifice when the Special Project Offering is brought tothe Lord on December 25, 1993. Remember: "He that hath pity upon the poorlendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again"(Proverbs 19:17). The Lord will certainly bless the gifts and the givers.

- The General Conference Sabbath School Department

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Lesson 1 Sabbath, October 2, 1993

FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES

"In the estimation of Heaven, what is it that constitutes greatness? Not thatwhich the world accounts greatness.... When perverted to self-serving, thegreater the gift, the greater curse it becomes. It is moral worth that Godvalues. Love and purity are the attributes He prizes most," - The Desire of Ages,p.219.

KEY TEXT: "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is thegreatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (Matthew 18:1).

TWO OPPOSITE PRINCIPLESo Sunday

September 26

SELF-SEEKING

1. What was one of the main differences between Lucifer and Christ? Isaiah14:12-14; Philippians 2:5-8.

"While Lucifer counted it a thing to be grasped to be equal with God, Christ, theExalted One, 'made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a ser­vant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, Hehumbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.' Phil.2:7, 8."-The Desire o/Ages, p. 436.

2. What evidence shows that, before their conversion, the disciples were con­trolled by the very spirit and principle of Satan's kingdom? Luke 9:46.

"Now the cross was just before [Jesus]; and His own disciples were so filled withself-seeking-the very principle of Satan's kingdom-that they could not enter intosympathy with their Lord, or even understand Him as He spoke of His humiliation forthem." - The Desire 0/ Ages, p. 436.

"Jesus bears tenderly with [James and John], not rebuking their selfishness inseeking preference above their brethren."-Ibid., p. 548.

"The spirit of selfishness is the spirit of Satan."- The Acts 0/ the Apostles, p. 339.

o MondaySeptember 27

3. What is the most significant evidence of selfishness? Proverbs 20: 10; Ro­mans 2:1.

"Selfishness will require of others that which we are unwilling to give them."­Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 81.

"Selfishness is the root of all evil."-Evangelism. p. 633.

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4. What does selfishness cause everywhere and also in the church? James 4: 1.

"Selfishness prevents the unity that should exist."- The Youth's Instructor, March22, 1900.

"WHO IS THE GREATEST?"o Tuesday

September 28

TRUE GREATNESS

5. When Christ and the disciples were alone in the house at Capernaum, whatquestion did He put to them? Mark 9:33. What led them to keep silent?Mark 9:34.

"Shame and self-condemnation kept them silent. Jesus had told them that Hewas to die for their sake, and their selfish ambition was in painful contrast to His un­selfish love."- The Desire of Ages, p. 435.

6. A little later, how did the disciples make known to Jesus the controversythat was going on among them? Matthew 18:1.

"That which Christ discerned they could not see. They did not understand thenature of Christ's kingdom, and this ignorance was the apparent cause of their conten­tion. But the real cause lay deeper. By explaining the nature of the kingdom, Christmight for the time have quelled their strife; but this would not have touched the under­lying cause. Even after they had received the fullest knowledge, any question of prece­dence might have renewed the trouble. Thus disaster would have been brought to thechurch after Christ's departure. The strife for the highest place was the outworking ofthat same spirit which was the beginning of the great controversy in the worlds above,and which had brought Christ from heaven to die."-The Desire of Ages, p. 435.

o WednesdaySeptember 29

7. How did Christ try to correct the evil discussed in the previous question?Matthew 18:2-4.

"Very tenderly, yet with solemn emphasis, Jesus tried to correct the evil. Heshowed what is the principle that bears sway in the kingdom of heaven, and in whattrue greatness consists, as estimated by the standard of the courts above. Those whowere actuated by pride and love of distinction were thinking of themselves, and of therewards they were to have, rather than how they were to render back to God the giftsthey had received. They would have no place in the kingdom of heaven, for they wereidentified with the ranks of Satan."- The Desire of Ages, p. 436.

8. When and how did Christ teach the disciples a lesson of humble and self­denying service? John 13:4, 5, 12-17.

"No one was so exalted as Christ, and yet He stooped to the humblest duty. ThatHis people might not be misled by the selfishness which dwells in the natural heart,and which strengthens by self-serving, Christ Himself set the example of humility. Hewould not leave this great subject in man's charge. Of so much consequence did Heregard it, that He Himself, One equal with God, acted as servant to His disciples.While they were contending for the highest place, He to whom every knee shall bow,

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He whom the angels of glory count it honor to serve, bowed down to wash the feet ofthose who called Him Lord. He washed the feet of His betrayer.

"In His life and lessons, Christ has given a perfect exemplification of the un­selfish ministry which has its origin in Cod."-The Desire of Ages, p. 649.

CONVERSIONo ThursdaySeptember 30

9. What did the disciples need much more than theoretical and practical in­struction concerning the nature of Christ's kingdom? What did Christ meanwhen He said to them, "Except ye be converted" (Matthew 18:3)? John 3:3.

"It was not enough for the disciples of Jesus to be instructed as to the nature ofHis kingdom. What they needed was a change of heart that would bring them intoharmony with its principles. Calling a little child to Him, Jesus set him in the midst ofthem; then tenderly folding the little one in His arms He said, 'Except ye be con­verted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.'The simplicity, the self-forgetfulness, and the confiding love of a little child are the at­tributes that Heaven values. These are the characteristics of real greatness." - TheDesire of Ages, p. 437.

10. How can we be converted to the point of overcoming the sin of selfishnessand become likeminded? Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 2:2-5.

"When we see Jesus, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, working tosave the lost, slighted, scorned, derided, driven from city to city till His mission wasaccomplished; when we behold Him in Cethsemane, sweating great drops of blood,and on the cross dying in agony-when we see this, self will no longer clamor to berecognized. Looking unto Jesus, we shall be ashamed of our coldness, our lethargy,our self-seeking."- The Desire of Ages, p. 439.

THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONSo FridayOctober 1

a. How is the spirit of Satan revealed in contrast to the Spirit of Christ?

b. Name three bitter fruits of selfishness.

c. Like the disciples, why should we be ashamed if found seeking a position ofprominence?

d. How did Jesus handle this problem among the disciples?

e. What example of Jesus has power to subdue our selfishness?

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Lesson 2 Sabbath, October 9, 1993

UNDER THE POWER OF DARKNESS

"The Lord does not sanction arbitrary authority, nor will He serve with theleast selfishness or overreaching. To Him all such practices are abhorrent."­Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 179.

KEY TEXT: "We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wicked­ness" (1 John 5:19).

PAGANISM AND JUDAISMo Sunday

October 3

1. Who holds control of the kingdoms of this world? John 14:30; 1 John 5:19.What is the basic principle upon which the kingdoms of the world have beenestablished? Matthew 20:25.

"In the kingdoms of the world, position meant self-aggrandizement. The peoplewere supposed to exist for the benefit of the ruling classes. Influence, wealth, educa­tion, were so many means of gaining control of the masses for the use of the leaders.The higher classes were to think, decide, enjoy, and rule; the lower were to obey andserve. Religion, like all things else, was a matter of authority. The people were ex­pected to believe and practice as their superiors directed. The right of man as man, tothink and act for himself, was wholly unrecognized."-The Desire of Ages, p. 550.

2. How far were the leaders of the Jewish nation influenced by the spirit of theworld? Mention three instances confirming the existence of this evil. Mat­thew 21:23; John 9:13-23; Acts 5:27, 28.

"At the time of the first advent of Christ to our world, the men who composedthe Sanhedrin exercised their authority in controlling men according to their will.Thus the souls whom Christ had given His life to free from the bondage of Satan werebrought under bondage to him in another form." - Testimonies to Ministers, p. 361.

ROMANISMo Monday

October 4

3. How did Paul predict the development of the mystery of iniquity in the so­called Christian church? 2 Thessalonians 2:3,5-12. What authority is claimedby the pope and who is actually behind this claim? 2 Thessalonians 2:4.

"It is one of the leading doctrines of Romanism that the pope is the visible headof the universal church of Christ, invested with supreme authority over bishops and

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pastors in all parts of the world.... The same claim urged by Satan in the wildernessof temptation is still urged by him through the Church of Rome, and vast numbers areready to yield him homage."-The Great Controversy, p. 50.

4. What is the first evidence that the Lord did not invest any of the apostles·with superior authority? Luke 22:24.

"God has never given a hint in His word that He has appointed any man to be thehead of the church."-The Great Controversy, p. 51.

"If Jesus had delegated any special authority to one of the disciples above theothers, we should not find them so often contending as to who should be thegreatest."- The Desire of Ages, p. 414.

"If those who are declared to be the successors of Peter had followed his exam­ple, they would always have been content to remain on an equality with theirbrethren."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 195.

STRIFE FOR SUPREMACYD Tuesday

October 5

5. How did James and John reveal that they did not understand the fundamen­tal principle of the kingdom of God? Matthew 20:21; Mark 10:35-37. Whois it that inspires all questions of precedence?

"Lucifer desired God's power, but not His character. He sought for himself thehighest place, and every being who is actuated by his spirit will do the same. Thusalienation, discord, and strife will be inevitable. Dominion becomes the prize of thestrongest. The kingdom of Satan is a kingdom of force; every individual regardsevery other as an obstacle in the way of his own advancement, or a steppingstone onwhich he himself may climb to a higher place."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 435, 436.

6. How did the other disciples react when they noticed that James and Johnwere actually striving to be the first? Matthew 20:24. How has this problembeen repeated among believers in the third angel's message?

"God's frown has been brought upon the church on account of individuals withcorrupt hearts being in it. They have wanted to be foremost, when neither God northeir brethren placed them there. Selfishness and exaltation have marked theircourse."- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 122.

"Many of our people are in danger of trying to exercise a controlling power uponothers and of bringing oppression upon their fellowmen. There is danger that thosewho are entrusted with responsibilities will acknowledge but one power, the power ofan unsanctified will. Some have exercised this power unscrupulously and have causedgreat discomfiture to those whom the Lord is using. One of the greatest curses in ourworld (and it is seen in churches and society everywhere) is the love of supremacy."-Ibid., vol. 6, p. 397.

EXCLUSIVISMD Wednesday

October 6

7. How did Jesus rebuke the spirit of exclusivism revealed by James and Johp.?Mark 9:38-40.

"God has not singled out a few men for His favor and left others uncared for. Hewill not lift up one and cast down and oppress another. All who are truly converted will

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manifest the same spirit. They will treat their fellowmen as they would treat Christ.No one will ignore the rights of another."-Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 209.

"Every line of God's work has a connection with every other line. Exclusivenesscannot exist in an institution where God presides."-Ibid., p. 198.

8. What attitude must we be careful to avoid in our Christian experience?Isaiah 65:5; 66:5.

"God never designed that one man, or four, or twenty, should take an importantwork into their own hands, and carry it forward independently of other workers in thecause. God wants His people to counsel together, to be a united church, in Christ aperfect whole."-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 374.

"Let not men yield to the burning desire to become great leaders, or to the desireindependently to devise and lay plans for themselves and for the work of God."­Testimonies to Ministers, p. 501.

"If they refuse to yoke up with others who have had a long experience in thework, they will become blinded by self-confidence, not discerning between the falseand the true. It is not safe that such ones should stand in the position of leaders, tofollow their own judgment and plans."-Ibid.

THE KINGLY POWERo Thursday

October 7

9. What system of authority will not be adopted by the people of God? Mat­thew 23:8 (first part), 9.

"Instead of appointing one to be their head, Christ said to the disciples, 'Be notye called Rabbi.' "-The Desire of Ages, p. 414.

"In such plain words the Saviour revealed the selfish ambition that was everreaching for place and power."-Ibid., p. 613.

"Organizations, institutions, unless kept by the power of God, will work underSatan's dictation to bring men under the control of men; and fraud and guile will bearthe semblance of zeal for truth and for the advancement of the kingdom of God....

"They desire to reign and become a power, and, in the effort to justify their prin­ciples, they adopt the methods of Satan....

"Thus they follow in the track of Romanism...."Anything that lowers man's conception of righteousness and equity and impar­

tial judgment, any device or precept that brings God's human agents under the con­trol of human minds, impairs their faith in God, and separates the soul from Him.

"God will not vindicate any device whereby man shall in the slightest degree ruleor oppress his fellowman." - Testimonies, vol. 7, pp. 180, 181.

10. How did Peter warn the believers against the danger discussed in question 9?1 Peter 5:1-5. How was the Adventist Church warned against this danger?

"God has not set any kingly power in the Seventh-day Adventist Church to con­trol the whole body or to control any branch of the work." - Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 236.

"Finite men should beware of seeking to control their fellowmen, taking theplace assigned to the Holy Spirit. ... That which makes me feel to the very depths ofmy being, and makes me know that their works are not the works of God, is that theysuppose they have authority to rule their fellowmen. The Lord has given them nomore right to rule others than He has given others to rule them."- Testimonies toMinisters, p. 76.

(Continued on page 20)

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Lesson 3 Sabbath, October 16, 1993

THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST

"The cause of God is free from every taint of injustice. It seeks to gain no ad­vantage by depriving the members of His family of their individuality ortheir rights." - Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 179.

KEY TEXT: "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant" (Matthew23:11).

BASIC CONTRASTo SundayOctober 10

A NEW ORDER OF THINGS

1. Why is it impossible to find a similarity between earthly governments andthe kingdom of Christ? Luke 13: 18.

"Worldly men are governed by worldly principles. They can appreciate no other.Worldly policy and public opinion comprise the principle of action that governs themand leads them to practice the form of rightdoing. But God's people cannot be governedby these motives. The words and commands of God, written in the soul, are spirit andlife, and there is power in them to bring into subjection and enforce obedience. Theten precepts of Jehovah are the foundation of all righteous and good laws."- Tes­timonies, vol. 1, p. 361.

2. What are some of the basic contrasts between the earthly governments andthe kingdom of Christ? Romans 13:3 (d. Luke 13:1-3); Matthew 5:3-11.

"Earthly governments prevail by physical force; they maintain their dominion bywar; but the founder of the new kingdom is the Prince of Peace. The Holy Spirit rep­resents worldly kingdoms under the symbol of fierce beasts of prey; but Christ is 'theLamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.' John 1:29. In His plan of gov­ernment there is no employment of brute force to compel the conscience."-Christ'sObject Lessons, p. 77.

"The government of the kingdom of Christ is like no earthly government. ...His court is one where holy love presides, and whose offices and appointments are gracedby the exercise of charity. He charges His servants to bring pity and loving-kindness,His own attributes, into all their office work, and to find their happiness and satisfactionin reflecting the love and tender compassion of the divine nature on all with whomthey associate."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1111.

o MondayOctober 11

3. How did Christ explain the basic difference between these two forms ofgovernment? Matthew 20:25-28.

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"Christ was establishing a kingdom on different principles. He called men, not toauthority, but to service....

. "In the king·dom of Christ those are greatest who follow the example He hasgiven, and act as shepherds of His flock. ...

"In Christ's kingdom there is no lordly oppression, no compulsion of manner.The angels of heaven do not come to the earth to rule, and to exact homage, but asmessengers of mercy, to cooperate with men in uplifting humanity."-The Desire ofAges, pp. 550, 55l.

4. W!;lat does it mean to be great in the kingdom of Christ? Matthew 23:11;Galatians 6:10.

"In [Christ's] kingdom the principle of preference and supremacy has no place.The only greatness is the greatness of humility. The only distinction is found in devo­tion to the service of others."- The Desire of Ages, p. 650.

"To be great in God's kingdom is to be a little child in humility, in simplicity offaith, and in the purity of love. All pride must perish, all jealousy be overcome, all am­bition for supremacy be given up, and the meekness and trust of the child be encour­aged."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 130.

THE CONSTITUTION OF TIlE KINGDOMD TuesdayOctober 12

5. How did Christ define the basic duties of every Christian? Matthew5:17-~O; 22:36-40. Where and when did He open in detail the principles ofthe Ten Commandments?

"The great principles of the law, of the very nature of God, are embodied in thewords of Christ on the mount."-Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 148.

6. What did Christ say about the iJJlportance of practicing the truths taught inthe sermon on the mount? Matthew 7:24-27. What does the Spirit ofProphecy say about these truths?

"In the lesson of faith that Christ taught on the mount, are revealed the prin­ciples of true religion. Religion brings man into personal relation with God, but notexclusively; for the principles of heaven are to be lived out, that they may help and blesshumanity. A true child of God will love Him with all his heart, and his neighbor as him­self. He will have an interest for his fellowmen." -Sons and Daughters of God, p. 267.

"The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude thatfollowed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of thekingdom of God."-The Desire of Ages, p. 299.

D WednesdayE.SSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE KINGDOM October 13

7. How did Christ mention meekness as one of the first qualifications for Hiskingdom? Mattbew 5:5. How qoes the Spirit of Prophecy explain this quali­fication?

"The independence and self-supremacy in which we glory are seen in their truevileness as tokens of servitude to Satan. Human nature is ever struggling for expres­sion, real;ly for contest; but he who learns of Christ is emptied of self, of pride, of love ofsupreo1aCy, arid there'is silence in' th~ soul. Self is yielded to the disposal of the Holy

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Spirit. Then we are not anxious to have the highest place. We have no ambition tocrowd and elbow ourselves into notice; but we feel that our highest place is at the feetof our Saviour."- Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 15.

8. What does it mean to learn of Christ meekness and humility? Matthew11:29.

"If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above the slights, therebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed, and they will cease to cast agloom over the spirit. The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control.He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trustful spirit robs God ofHis right to reveal in him His own perfection of character. Lowliness of heart is thestrength that gives victory to the followers of Christ; it is the token of their connectionwith the courts above." - The Desire of Ages, p. 301.

THE GOLDEN RULEo Thursday

October 14

9. What principle did Christ establish to cover "all the relations of human fel­lowship?" Matthew 7:12.

"The standard of our obligation to others is found in what we ourselves wouldregard as their obligation to us."- Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 134.

"The standard of the golden rule is the true standard of Christianity; anythingshort of it is a deception."-Ibid., pp. 136, 137.

10. How did Christ repeat, from a negative standpoint, the same truth that Hetaught in the golden rule? Matthew 7:1, 2.

"That which we do to others, whether it be good or evil, will surely react uponourselves, in blessing or in cursing. Whatever we give, we shall receive again. Theearthly blessings which we impart to others may be, and often are, repaid in kind.What we give does, in time of need, often come back to us in fourfold measure in thecoin of the realm. But, besides this, all gifts are repaid, even in this life, in the fuller in­flowing of His love, which is the sum of all heaven's glory and its treasure. And evilimparted also returns again. Everyone who has been free to condemn or discourage,will in his own experience be brought over the ground where he has caused others topass; he will feel what they have suffered because of his want of sympathy and ten­derness."- Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 136.

THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONSo FridayOctober 15

a. How can we be sure that we are governed by God's principles, and not bythose of the world?

b. What is the characteristic keynote of Christ's kingdom?

c. On what principles is Christ's kingdom founded?

d. Describe the character of a person imbued with the qualities of Christ.

e. How does the standard of Christianity affect human lives, both for good andfor evil?

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THE SUBJECTS OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM

Lesson 4 Sabbath, October 23, 1993

"Through faith in Christ we become members of the royal family, heirs ofGod, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. In Christ we are one.... All nationaldistinctions, all sectarian differences are obliterated; all honor of rank, allpride of caste is lost."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 258.

KEY TEXT: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, thereis neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gala­tians 3:28).

ASSURANCE OF ACCEPTANCEo SundayOctober 17

1. What assurance does Christ give us that we are recognized as members ofthe heavenly family? Isaiah 43:1; Matthew 12:49, 50; John 1:12, 13.

"All who would receive Christ by faith were united to Him by a tie closer thanthat of human kinship. They would become one with Him, as He was one with theFather."- The Desire of Ages, p. 325.

"Those who accept Christ as their personal Saviour are not left as orphans, tobear the trials of life alone. He receives them as members of the heavenly family; Hebids them call His Father their Father."-Ibid., p. 327.

2. On what condition does God recognize us as His people? Jeremiah 31:33;Romans 8:14 (d. John 16:13, first part).

"To a people in whose hearts His law is written, the favor of God is assured.They are one with Him."- The Desire of Ages, p. 106.

"[God] has a kingdom prepared, not for disloyal subjects, but for His childrenwhom He has tested and tried in a world marred and corrupted by sin. As obedientchildren, we have the privilege of relationship with God."-The SDA Bible Commentmy[E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1077.

"Obedience to the commandments of God gives us a right to the privileges of Hischurch."-Ibid., vol. 7, p. 1079.

CONDITIONSo MondayOctober 18

3. How will the true people of God relate to the world? 1 John 2:15, 16.

"Christians are to keep themselves distinct and separate from the world, itsspirit, and its influences. God is fully able to keep us in the world, but we are not to beof the world."-Prophets and Kings, p. 59.

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"A profession of Christianity is nothing in the sight of God; but true, humble,willing obedience to His requirements designates the children of His adoption, the re­cipients of His grace, the partakers of His great salvation."-Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 441.

4. In what sense are the people of God a peculiar people? 1 Peter 2:9; Titus2:13, 14; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.

"Christ's followers are required to come out from the world, and be separate,and touch not the unclean, and they have the promise of being the sons and daughtersof the Most High, members of the royal family....

"Such will be peculiar, a spectacle unto the world, to angels, and to men. Theirpeculiar, holy character will be discernible, and will distinctly separate them from theworld, from its affections and lusts."- Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 441.

OUR CREDENTIALSo TuesdayOctober 19

MUTUAL RECOGNITION

5. What credentials do the people of God bear before the universe? Ezekiel11:19,20; John 13:34, 35.

"The church is firmly and decidedly to hold her principles before the wholeheavenly universe and the kingdoms of the world; steadfast fidelity in maintaining thehonor and sacredness of the law of God will attract the notice and admiration of eventhe world, and many will, by the good works which they shall behold, be led to glorifyour Father in heaven. The loyal and true bear the credentials of heaven, not of earthlypotentates."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 17.

"[God's] followers are to bear, as their credentials to the world, the ineffaceablecharacteristics of His immortal principles."-The Ministry of Healing, p. 37.

"The very best credentials we can carry is love for one another."- The SDA BibleCommentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, pp. 1099, 1l00.

6. Besides love for one another and loyalty to the eternal principles of truth,what other credentials will be carried by the people of God? John 17:21.

"When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest, but by love, theyshow the working of an influence that is above every human influence. Where thisoneness exists, it is evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity, thata new principle of life has been implanted."- The Desire of Ages, p. 678.

o WednesdayOctober 20

7. Whom do we have to recognize on earth if we want to be recognized asmembers of the family of God in heaven? 1 Corinthians 12:20-25; 1 John4:20,21; 5:1.

"All who are found worthy to be counted as the members of the family of God inheaven, will recognize one another as sons and daughters of God. They will realizethat they all receive their strength and pardon from the same source, even from JesusChrist who was crucified for their sins."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 259.

"Christ is the center to which all should be attracted; for the nearer we approachthe center, the closer we shall come together in feeling, in sympathy, in love, growinginto the character and image of Jesus. With God there is no respect of persons."­Ibid.

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"It is [God's] plan that every part of His work shall depend on every other part,as a wheel within a wheel, all acting in harmony."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 822, 823.

8. How did Christ set forth the principle of mutual recognition? Matthew 23:8(last part). In what sense is ecclesiastical superiority excluded?

" 'All ye are brethren' will be the sentiment of every child of faith. When thefollowers of Christ are one with Him, there will be no first and last, no less respectedor less important ones. A blessed brotherly fellowship one with another will bind allwho truly receive the Lord Jesus Christ in a firm loyalty that cannot be broken. Allwill be equally one with Christ."- The sDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol.5, p. 1098.

"By these words [in Matthew 23:8] Christ meant that no man is to place hisspiritual interest under another as a child is guided and directed by his earthly father.This has encouraged a spirit to desire ecclesiastical superiority."-Ibid.

ONE BROTHERHOODD Thursday

October 21

9. What kind of brotherhood did Christ establish? Galatians 3:26, 28.

"Christ came to this earth with a message of mercy and forgiveness. He laid thefoundation for a religion by which Jew and Gentile, black and white, free and bond,are linked together in one common brotherhood, recognized as equal in the sight ofGod."-Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 225.

"Whoever of the human family give themselves to Christ, whoever hear thetruth and obey it, become children of one family."-selected Messages, book 2, p. 342.

10. How is the oneness of this brotherhood described? Ephesians 2:17, 18; 4:1-6.

"Those who were actuated by pride and love of distinction were thinking ofthemselves, and of the rewards they were to have, rather than how they were torender back to God the gifts they had received. They would have no place in thekingdom of heaven, for they were identified with the ranks of Satan." - The Desire ofAges, p. 436.

"At the feet of Jesus all ... distinctions are forgotten. The rich and the poor, thelearned and the ignorant, meet together, with no thought of caste or worldly pre- Ieminence."-Ibid., p. 437. .

"In the sight of God all are on an equality, and to the Creator every human beingowes supreme allegiance."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 238.

"Let us as Christians who accept the principle that all men, white and black, arefree and equal, adhere to this principle. "-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 343.

THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONSD Friday

October 22

a. On what basis can I have assurance that I am a child of God?

b. Describe the peculiarities of Christ's true followers.

c. How can I prove that my Christianity is genuine?

d. If I am a real follower of Christ, what will be my attitude toward all others inthe church?

e. When we come into fellowship through Christ, what things are forgotten orobliterated? •

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Lesson 5 Sabbath, October 30, 1993

CHRISTIAN UNITY

"The members of the church need now to confess their backslidings andpress together. My brethren, allow nothing to come in that will separate youfrom one another or from God. Talk not of differences of opinion, but unitein the love of the truth as it is in Jesus." - Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 11, 12.

KEY TEXT: "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship onewith another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us fromall sin" (1 John 1:7).

BARRIERS BROKEN DOWND SundayOctober 24

/

1. What barriers hindered the gospel work to some extent in the early days ofChristianity? John 4:7-9; Acts 6:1; 11:1-3. Wherever these barriers exist;what does Christ want to do, with the help of His followers? Ephesians2:12-14.

"The spirit which built up the partition wall between Jew and Gentile is still ac­tive. Pride and prejudice have built strong walls of separation between differentclasses of men. Christ and His mission have been misrepresented, and multitudes feelthat they are virtually shut away from the ministry of the gospel. But let them not feelthat they are shut away from Christ. There' are no barriers which man or Satan canerect but that faith can penetrate."- The Desire of Ages, p. 403.

"Christ tears away the wall of partition, the dividing prejudice of nationality, andteaches a love for all the human family. He lifts men from the' narrow circle whichtheir selfishness prescribes; He abolishes all territorial lines and artificial distinctionsof society. He makes no difference between neighbors and strangers, friends andenemies. He teaches us to look upon every needy soul as our brother, and the worldas our field."-Ibid., p. 823.

2. What principle exalts the Christian culture? Ephesians 2:19; Romans10:12.' ,

"Caste is hateful to God. He ignores everything of this character. In His sight thesouls of all men are of equal value."- The Desire of Ages, p. 403.

, "Men may converse as equal men.... God would h,we you work with your fel­lowmen with this idea in view, that they are human like yourself, subject to tempta­tion,s; and you are to meet them on equal grourid."-Unpublished MiI,nuscl-ipt Testimonies,p.63.

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UNITY IN DIVERSITYD MondayOctober 25

3. How will a true Christian act when in contact with different nationalitiesand cultures? 1 Corinthians 9:19, 20.

"Weare instructed by our Lord to work in such a way that all classes will bereached."-Medical Ministry, p. 327.

"The worker in foreign fields will come in contact with all classes of people andall varieties of minds, and he will find that different methods of labor are required tomeet the needs of the people. A sense of his own inefficiency will drive him to Godand to the Bible for light and strength and knowledge."-Gospel Workers, p. 468.

4. What rule should we follow in matters of conscience while abiding by a"thus saith the Lord"? Romans 14:12, 13.

"There are rights which belong to every individual. We have an individuality andan identity that is our own. No one can submerge his identity in that of any other. Allmust act for themselves, according to the dictates of their own conscience."- Testi­monies to Ministers, p. 422.

"In matters of conscience the soul must be left untrammeled. No one is to con­trol another's mind, to judge for another, or to prescribe his duty. God gives to everysoul freedom to think, and to follow his own convictions."-The Desire of Ages, p. 550.

UNITY WITH CHRISTON THE BASIS OF THE TRUTH

D TuesdayOctober 26

5. How does connection with Christ promote unity in diversity? John 15:1-12.

"The secret of true unity in the church and in the family is not diplomacy, notmanagement, not a superhuman effort to overcome difficulties-though there will bemuch of this to do-but union with Christ."-The Adventist Home, p. 179.

"The branches in the True Vine are the believers who are brought into onenessby connection with the Vine."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5,p.1143.

"The branches of the vine cannot blend into each other; they are individuallyseparate; yet every branch must be in fellowship with every other if they are united inthe same parent stock. They all draw nourishment from the same source; they drinkin the same life-giving properties. So each branch of the True Vine is separate anddistinct, yet all are bound together in the parent stock. There can be no division. Theyare all linked together by His will to bear fruit wherever they can find place and op­portunity."-Ibid.

6. How does obedience to the truth promote unity among the followers ofChrist? 1 John 1:7.

"Those who are drinking from the same fountain of blessing will draw nearertogether, Truth dwelling in the hearts of believers will lead to blessed and happyassimilation. Thus will be answered the prayer of Christ that His disciples might beone even a$ He is one with the Father. For this oneness every truly converted heartwill be striving."-Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 100, 101.

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UNITY WITH THE BODY

"Those who keep the law of God will be one with Him in the great controversycommenced in heaven between Satan and God."-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 160.

o WednesdayOctober 27

7. In what sense does Christ demand unity with the body? 1 Corinthians 1:10.

"Christ is leading out a people, and bringing them into the unity of the faith, thatthey may be one, as He is one with the Father. Differences of opinion must be yielded,that all may come into union with the body, that they may have one mind and onejudgment."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 324.

"If all had sought to be in union with the body, the fanaticism which has broughtso deep a stain upon the cause of present truth ... would not have arisen; for it is theresult of drawing off from the body, and seeking to have an original, independentfaith, regardless of the faith of the body."-Ibid., p. 327.

8. How does Satan try to destroy the unity of the body? What God·given rulemust be observed, especially in the election of church leaders, to stop Satanfrom dividing the church? Romans 15:5,6.

"The oneness and unity of God's truth-believing remnant people carries power­ful conviction to the world that they have the truth, and are the peculiar, chosen peo­ple of God. This oneness and unity disconcerts the enemy, and he is determined thatit shall not exist."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 327.

"Satan has used as agents individuals professing to believe a part of presenttruth, while they were warring against a part. Such he can use more successfully thanthose who are at war with all our faith. "-Ibid. , p. 326.

"The present truth is not difficult to be understood, and the people whom God isleading will be united upon this broad, firm platform. He will not use individuals ofdifferent faith, opinions, and views, to scatter and divide."-Ibid.

A CAUSE·AND·EFFECT RELATIONSHIPD Thursday

October 28

I

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9. What fundamental principle must be respected in the interest of unity? Mat­thew 7:12. What other rule should never be overlooked? 1 Corinthians 14:40.

"The secret of unity is found in the equality of believers in Christ."-SelectedMessages, book 1, p. 259.

"Those who have the unction from on high will in all their efforts encourageorder, discipline, and union of action, and then the angels of God can cooperate withthem."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 28.

10. What conditions will attend the oneness and love of the remnant church? 1Peter 3:8,9; Romans 13:13. How will the Lord recognize this blessed one­ness? Hosea 6:1,3.

"When the laborers have an abiding Christ in their own souls, when all selfish­ness is dead, when there is no rivalry, no strife for the supremacy, when oneness ex­ists, when they sanctify themselves, so that love for one another is seen and felt, thenthe showers of the grace of the Holy Spirit will just as surely come upon them as thatGod's promise will never fail in one jot or tittle. "-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 175.

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TlIOUGlIT AND REVIEW QUESTIONSo Friday

October 29

TQ;OUGijT AND ~EVI~W QUE:STIONS

c.

a.' What does Christ do with national, racial, and sociological distinctions?

b, How are we as Christians to relate to our brethren whose cultural customsdiffer from our own?

c. For what goal will every converted heart be striving?

d. What are some of S!ltan's tactics to spoil church unity?

e. How can we be sure that unity in the remnant church is really possible?Wh~Qwill it happen? •

1:1 * 1:1 * 1:1 * 1:1

(Continued from page 10)

"Thpse whom God has placed in positions of responsibility should never seek toexalt themselves or to turn the attention of men to their work. They must give all theglory to God. They m'ust not seek for power that they may lord it over God's heritage;for only those who are under the rule of Satan will do this."-Ibid., pp. 279, 280.

o FridayOctober 8

a. Despib~"the sYstem by. Which worldly kingd,oms operate. \ '

b. How Qoes the papal syste~ contrast with tile gospel order established by IGhrist? '.

To what d~ngerouspitfall might wt:' l~ke thl'l early disciples, easily be sub-ject? . ' " ' ". . .

Wh~t warnings do~s God give against tbespirit of exclusiveness and in-qep.eOQeQce ~moll~ 'the beFe~~rs? . '.',. . .

e., . 119'Y c.an C"!u'cll officers, iostit~tio~ljl,~nd orgjlni,zatiops be guilty of nullify-blgGod's~ridorsement'of thei.r Jabors? '. •; •. ', •. ' ',I .'. ~" _ .~ '.' .•• ',_ ", .: • - • -, -

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Lesson 6 Sabbath, November 6, 1993

IDENTIFYINGTHE TRUE PEOPLE OF GOD

"The calling and character of God's people are peculiar, their prospects arepeculiar, and these peculiarities distinguish them from all other people."­Testimonies, voL 1, p. 283.

KEY TEXT: "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continuein my word, then are ye my disciples indeed" (John 8:31).

CRITERION OF IDENTIFICATIONo SurtdayOctober 31

)(

1. What criterion has God used, from the Very beginning, to identify Hischurch on earth? Exodus 19:5,6; Leviticus 26:3, 12; Jeremiah 11:4 (last part).

"From the beginnirtg, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth."-TheActs of the Apostles, p. 11.

"Where two or three are present who love and obey the commandments of God,Jesus there presides, let it be in the desolate place of the earth, in the wilderness, inthe city enclosed in prison walls."- The Upward Look, p. 315.

2. Upon what principle does the apostolic succession rest? Matthew 3:9; John8:39; Romans 9:6....8.

"A mere lineal descent from Abraham was of no value. Without a spiritual con­nection with him, which would be manifested in possessing the same spirit, and doingthe same works, they were not his children.

"This principle bears with equal weight upon a question that has long agitatedthe Christian world-the question of apostolic succession. Descent from Abrahamwas proved, not by rtame and lineage, but by likeness of character. So the apostolicsuccession rests not upon the trartsmissiort of ecclesiastical authority, but upon spiri­tual relationship. A life actuated by the apostles' spirit, the belief and teaching of thetruth they taught, this is the true evidence of apostolic succession. This is what consti:tutes meri the successors ofthe first teachers of the gospel."- The Desire of Ages, p. 467.

o MondayCRITERION OF IDtNTIFICATlbN (continued) Noveinber 1

3. By what standard will the true people of God be distinguishedfrom the rest'of the so-called Christian world? Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 7:21; John 8:31.

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"Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandmentsthat proves the sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we accept killssin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holiness, we mayknow that it is the truth of God. When benevolence, kindness, tenderheartedness,sympathy, are manifest in our lives; when the joy of right doing is in our hearts; whenwe exalt Christ, and not self, we may know that our faith is of the right order."­Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 146, 147.

4. How can we be sure to have the presence of Christ with us? John 14:23; 1John 2:6; 3:24.

"God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national estab­lishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God andkeep His commandments. 'Where two or three are gathered together in my name,there am I in the midst of them' (Matt. 18:20). Where Christ is even among the hum­ble few, this is Christ's church, for the presence of the High and Holy One who in­habiteth eternity can alone constitute a church."- The Upward Look, p. 315.

"To the end of time the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church."­The Acts of the Apostles, p. 55.

UNMISTAKABLE EVIDENCESo TuesdayNovember 2

THE MISSION OF CHRIST/OUR MISSION

5. On what evidence can true Christians be distinguished from false Chris­tians? James 3:13-18.

"When we see men firm in principle, fearless in duty, zealous in the cause ofGod, yet humble and lowly, gentle and tender, patient toward all, ready to forgive,manifesting love for souls for whom Christ died, we do not need to inquire: Are theyChristians? They give unmistakable evidence that they have been with Jesus andlearned of Him. When men reveal the opposite traits, when they are proud, vain,frivolous, worldly-minded, avaricious, unkind, censorious, we need not be told withwhom they are associating, who is their most intimate friend. They may not believe inwitchcraft; but, notwithstanding this, they are holding communion with an evilspirit." - Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 224, 225.

6. What further evidence will be shown by the true followers of Christ? Micah6:8; Ephesians 5:9, 15, 21; Philippians 4:8.

"All who became the subjects of Christ's kingdom, [John the Baptist] said,would give evidence of faith and repentance. Kindness, honesty, and fidelity would beseen in their lives. They would minister to the needy, and bring their offerings to God.They would shield the defenseless, and give an example of virtue and compassion. Sothe followers of Christ will give evidence of the transforming power of the HolySpirit. In the daily life, justice, mercy, and the love of God will be seen. Otherwisethey are like the chaff that is given to the fire."-The Desire of A"es , p. 107.

o WednesdayNovember 3

7. What was the mission of Christ on earth? Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18, 19.

"Christ went about doing good, and when men are united with Him, they lovethe children of God, and meekness and truth guide their footsteps. The expression of

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the countenance reveals their experience, and men take knowledge of them that theyhave been with Jesus and learned of Him. Christ and the believer become one, andHis beauty of character is revealed in those who are vitally connected with the Sourceof power and love."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 398.

8. Through which parable did Christ teach the nature of true religion? Luke10:30-37. How are we to fulfill our mission? 1 Corinthians 2:16 (last part);1 Peter 2:21 (last part); Luke 6:27-35.

"In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the nature of true religion.He shows that it consists not in systems, creeds, or rites, but in the performance ofloving deeds, in bringing the greatest good to others, in genuine goodness."-TheDesire of Ages, p. 497.

HEIRS OF SALVATIONo ThursdayNovember 4

9. What work will decide our eternal destiny in the judgment day? Isaiah 58:7,8; Matthew 25:34-40; James 1:27.

"[Christ] is the Son of man, and thus a brother to every son and daughter ofAdam. His followers are not to feel themselves detached from the perishing worldaround them. They are a part of the great web of humanity; and Heaven looks uponthem as brothers to sinners as well as to saints. The fallen, the erring, and the sinful,Christ's love embraces; and every deed of kindness done to uplift a fallen soul, everyact of mercy, is accepted as done to Him."-The Desire of Ages, p. 638.

"All who have been born into the heavenly family are in a special sense thebrethren of our Lord. The love of Christ binds together the members of His family,and wherever that love is made manifest there the divine relationship is revealed."-Ibid.

10. When shall we know who the heirs of salvation are? Matthew 24: 13; Revela­tion 21:7. How are we to understand the statement that "God is no re­specter of persons"? Romans 2:11; 1 Corinthians 12:25.

"The angels of heaven are sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs ofsalvation. We know not now who they are; it is not yet made manifest who shall over­come, and share the inheritance of the saints in light; but angels of heaven are passingthroughout the length and breadth of the earth, seeking to comfort the sorrowing, toprotect the imperiled, to win the hearts of men to Christ. Not one is neglected or passedby. God is no respecter of persons, and He has an equal care for all the souls He hascreated."- The Desire of Ages, p. 639.

THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONSo Friday

NovemberS

a. Who are the children of Abraham?

b. How do we know that the doctrine we accept is of God?

c. Compare the character traits of true Christians with those whose profes­sion is counterfeit.

d. How can I follow in the footsteps of Christ, and live out His mission to myfellowmen?

e. What is my obligation to the great web of humanity?

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•

Lesson 7 Sabbath, November 13, 1993

GOSPEL ORDER

"Unless the churches are so organized that they can carry out and enforceorder, they have nothing to hope for in the future; they must scatter intofragments." - Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 270.

KEY TEXT: "Now hath God set the members everyone of them in the body, as ithath pleased him" (1 Corinthians 12:18).

WRONG CONCEPTS OF AUTHORITYo Sunday

November 7

1. What warning stands for those who are inclined to ignore the voice of thechurch and act according to their own ideas? Romans 16:17, 18.

"Christ and His church are inseparable. To neglect or despise those whom Godhas appointed to lead out and to bear the responsibilities connected with His work andwith the advancement and spread of the truth is to reject the means which God has or­dained for the help, encouragement, and strength of His people. To pass these by andthink your light must come through no other channel than directly from God placesyou in a position where you are liable to deception and to be overthrown."-Testimo­nies, vol. 3, pp. 418, 419.

2. What is the evidence that God never intended to vest much authority in oneman or in a small group of men? 1 Corinthians 12:28.

"Never should the mind of one man or the minds 6f a few men be regarded assufficient in wisdom and power to control the work and to say what plans shall befollowed....

"The error that some are in danger of committing is in giving to the mind andjudgment of one man, or of a small group of men, the full measure of authority and in­fluence that God has vested in His church."- Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 260, 261.

"Christ in His earthly life gave an example that all can safely follow. He ap­preciates His flock, and He wants no power set over th:em that will restrict theirfreedom in His service. He has never placed man as a ruler over His heritage. True Biblereligion will lead to self-control, not to control of one another.; ,-Ibid., pp. 275, 276.

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TaE CHURCH A UNITED WHOLEo Monday

November 8

3. What scriptural evidence shows that the church of God is an organized body,a united whole? 1 Corinthians 10:17; 12:18; Colossians 2:19; Ephesians 4:16.

"The figure of the members which compose the body represents the church ofGod and the relation its members should sustain to one another."- The SDA Bible Com­mentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1091.

4. What principle of authority was recognized by Paul and Peter? Ephesians5:21; 1 Peter 5:5.

"Notwithstanding the fact that Paul was personally taught by God, he had nostrained ideas of individual responsibility. While looking to God for direct guidance,he was ~ver ready to recognize the authority vested in the body of believers united inchurch fellowship. He felt the need of counsel, and when matters of importance arose,he was glad to lay these before the church and to unite with his brethren in seekingGod for wisdom to make right decisions.... With Peter, he taught that all united inchurch capacity should be 'subject one to another.' 1 Peter 5:5."-The Acts of theApostles, p. 200.

"In His providence [God] places His servants in close connection with His churchin order that they may have less confidence in themselves and greater confidence inothers whom He is leading out to advance His work."-Ibid., p. 163.

"ALL THE MEMBERS" FORM ONE BODYo TuesdayNovember 9

,IIi\

5. Whose voice should we recognize as the highest authority on earth? Mat­thew 18:17.

"The church is God's delegated authority upon earth.... It is the want of defer­ence for the opinions of the church that causes so much trouble among brethren.. . . God has placed a voice in the church which must control its members."- Testi­monies, vol. 5, pp. 107, 108.

"He who despises the authority of the church despises the authority of ChristHimself."-The Desire of Ages, p. 806.

6. What proportion of the membership does the mystic body of Christ com­prise? 1 Corinthians 12:12. How can you prove that the authority of thechurch is the combined atithorityof all of its members?

"Christ gives power to the voice of the church.... No such thing is countenancedas one man's starting out upon his own individual responsibility and advocating whatviews he chooses, irrespective of the judgment of the church. God has bestowed thehighest power under heaven upon His church. It is the voice of God in His united peo­ple in church capacity which is to be respected."-Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 450, 451.

. "As all the different members of the human system unite to form the entirebody, and each· performs its office in obedience to the intelligence that governs thewhole, so the members of the church of Christ should be united in one symmetricalb6CJ.y, subjeCt to the sanctified intelligence of the whole."-Ibid.. vol. 4, p. 16.

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IMPORTANT DISTINCTIONSAND RESPONSIBILITIES

o WednesdayNovember 10

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOSPEL ORDER

7. How and for what purpose was the church of Christ organized? Mark 3: 13,14; Ephesians 4: 11, 12. What distinctions should we make when we use theterm "General Conference"?

a) "The General Conference is the joint connection of all Union Conferences,and hence of the entire denomination in general."-Principles of Faith and Church Order,Part III, Section D.

b) "God has ordained that the representatives of His church from all parts of theearth, when assembled in a General Conference, shall have authority."-Testimonies,vol. 9, p. 261.

c) "When a small group of men entrusted with the general management of thework have, in the name of the General Conference, sought to carry out unwise plansand to restrict God's work, I have said that I could no longer regard the voice of theGeneral Conference, represented by these few men, as the voice of God."-Testimo­nies, vol. 9, pp. 260, 261.

8. Specify two of the most important responsibilities which belong to the Gen­eral Conference delegation in session. Acts 15:1,6; 1:15,21-26.

a) "When dissension arose in a local church, as later it did arise in Antioch andelsewhere, and the believers were unable to come to an agreement among them­selves, such matters were not permitted to create a division in the church, but werereferred to a general council of the entire body of believers, made up of appointeddelegates from the various local churches, with the apostles and elders in positions ofleading responsibility. Thus the efforts of Satan to attack the church in isolated placeswere met by concerted action on the part of all." - The Acts of the Apostles, p. 96.

"The greater the responsibilities placed upon the human agent, and the largerhis opportunities to dictate and control, the more harm he is sure to do if he does notcarefully follow the way of the Lord and labor in harmony with the decisions arrivedat by the general body of believers in united council."-Ibid., p. 199.

b) "Every conference, every institution, every church, and every individual,either directly or through representatives, has a voice in the election of the men who bearthe chief responsibilities in the General Conference."-Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 236, 237.

o ThursdayNovember 11

9. Why is it so important to distinguish between right and wrong concepts asdiscussed in this lesson? 1 Corinthians 14:33,40.

"[God] requires that order and system be observed in the conduct of church af­fairs today no less than in the days of old. He desires His work to be carried forwardwith thoroughness and exactness so that He may place upon it the seal of His ap­proval. Christian is to be united with Christian, church with church, the human in­strumentality cooperating with the divine, every agency subordinate to the HolySpirit, and all combined in giving to the world the good tidings of the grace of God."­The Acts of the Apostles, p. 96.

10. How are impostors to be shut out through the correct application of theprinciples of gospel order? John 10:1, 5; Revelation 2:2 (last part).

(Continued on page 30)

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Lesson 8 Sabbath, November 20, 1993

LEADERSHIP

"God wants minutemen. He will have men who, when important decisionsare to be made, are as true as the needle to the pole; men whose special andpersonal interests are swallowed up, as were our Saviour's, in the one greatgeneral interest for the salvation of souls." - Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 505.

KEY TEXT: "I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but theprofit of many, that they may be saved" (1 Corinthians 10:33).

THE ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONSo Sunday

November 14

1. What rule did Christ establish for leadership and ministry in the church?Luke 22:26,27.

"A man may render effective service for God although he is not the head or theheart of the body of Christ. The service represented in the word of God by that of thehand or the foot, though lowly, is nevertheless important. It is not the greatness of thework, but the love with which it is done, the motive underlying the action, that deter­mines its worth. There is work to be done for our neighbors and for those with whomwe associate. We have no liberty to cease our patient, prayerful labors for souls aslong as any are out of the ark of safety. There is no release in this war. We aresoldiers of Christ, and are under obligation to watch lest the enemy gain the advan­tage and secure to his service souls that we might win to Christ." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p.279.

2. How should we understand the question that Christ, after His resurrection,put to Peter? John 21:15-17.

"The question that Christ had put to Peter was significant. He mentioned onlyone condition of discipleship and service. 'Lovest thou Me?' He said. This is the es­sential qualification. Though Peter might possess every other, yet without the love ofChrist he could not be a faithful shepherd over the Lord's flock. Knowledge, benevo­lence, eloquence, gratitude, and zeal are all aids in the good work; but without thelove of Jesus in the heart, the work of the Christian minister is a failure." - The Desireof Ages, p. 815.

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STRIViNG TO BE A CONQUERORo Monday

November 15

3. What attitude will characterize a true Christian leader? Mark 10:44.

"When a burden bearer desires wisdom more than he desires wealth, power, orfame, he will not be disappointed. Such a one will learn from the Great Teacher notonly what to do, but how to do it in a way that will meet with the divine approval.

"So long as he remains consecrated, the man whom God has endowed with dis­.cernment and ability will not manifest an eagerness for high position, neither will heseek to rule or control. Of necessity men must bear responsibilities; but instead ofstriving for the supremacy, he who is a true leader will pray for an understandingheart, to discern between good and evil."-Prophets and Kings, p. 31.

4. How will a competent leader strive to be a conqueror over self? James 4:6,7,10.

"the path of men who are placed as leaders is not an easy one. But they are tosee in every difficulty a call to prayer. Never are they to fail of consulting the greatSource of all wisdom. Strengthened and enlightened by the Master Worker, they willbe enabled to sta!'J.d firm against unholy influences and to discern right from wrong,good from evil."-Prophets and Kings, p. 31.

"Men of might and power in this cause, whom God will use to His glory, arethose who have been opposed, baffled, and thwarted in their plans."- Testimonies, vol.3, p. 494.

THE MINISTRY OF PAULo Tuesday

November 16

5. By what principles was Paul guided in his ministry? 1 Corinthians 9:19, 22,23; 10:33; 11:1.

"Paul's heart burned with a love fOf souls, and he gave all his energies for theconversion of men. There never lived a more self-denying, earnest, perseveringworker. His life was Christ; he worked the works of Christ. All the blessings hereceived were prized as $0 many advantages to be used in blessing others."- The SDABible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, pp. 1112, 1113.

"The eight-hour system finds no place in the program of the minister of God. Hemust' hold :himself in readiness for serviCe at any hour." -Gospel Workers, p. 451.

6. How did Paul combat the spirit of favoritism? 1 Corinthians 3:1-7.

"There can be no stronger evidence in churches that the truths of the Bible haveriot sanctified the receivers than their attachment to some favorite minister, and theirunwillirigness to acc'ept and be profited by the labors of some other teacher who issent to 'them in the providence of God. The Lord sends help to His church as theyneed, not as they choose; f,or shortsighted mortals cannot discern what is for theirbest good. It is seldom that one minister has all the qualifications necessary to perfectany one ¢hur~h in ali the requirements of Christianity; therefore God sends otherministers 'to follow hiin,one after another, each one possessing some qualifications inwhich;theothers wete deficient.

, "The church should gratefully accept these servants of Christ, even as they,would accept their Master. Himself. They should seek to derive all the benefit possiblefrom the instruction which ministers may give them from the Word of God."- theSDA Bible Cominentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1086.

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THE MINISTRY OF PAUL (continued)o Wednesday

November 17

7. How did Paul act when there was not enough tithe income to cover thewages of all the workers? 1 Corinthians 9:11-18; 2 Corinthians 11:7-9;Acts 18:3.

"Paul did not vacillate. He was established and grounded inthe faith. But as faras possible he sought to make himself one with those for whom he labored...

"As a gospel minister, it was Paul's privilege to claim a support from those forwhom he labored. But though he became the servant of all, yet he worked with hishands to support himself, that none might find occasion to charge him with selfish­ness. He did not receive wages for his labor, though as a minister of the gospel thiswas his right. Thus he made it evident that he was working for souls, not for money."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1088.

8. In his teachings, how did Paul exalt the true spirit of Christianity? 1 Corin­thians 16:14; Romans 12:14-21. What does the Spfrit of Prophecy say onthis point?

"I saw that many prayed for God to humble them; but if God should answer theirprayers, it would be by terrible things in righteousness. It was their duty to humblethemselves. I saw that if self-exaltation was suffered to cOme in, it would surely leadsouls astray, and if not overcome would prove their ruin. When one begins to getlifted up in his own eyes and thinks he can do something, the Spjrit of God iswithdrawn, and he goes on in his own strength until he is overthroWl\. I saw that onesaint, if he were right, could move the arm of God; but a multitude tQgether, if theywere wrong, would be weak and could effect nQthing.

"Many have unsubdued, unhumbled hearts, and think more of their own littlegrievances and trials than of the souls of sinners. If they had the glory of God in vjew,they would feel for perishing souls around them."-Early Writings, p. 120,

"If pride and selfishness were laid aside, five minutes would remove most diffi·culties."-Ibid., p. 119.

A LESSON FROM SOLOMON'S PRAYERo ThursdayNovember is

9. What is significant about the prayer of Solomon? 1 Kings 3:7-9.

"Those who today occupy positions of trust should seek to learn the lessontaught by Solomon's prayer. The higher the position a man occupies, the greater theresponsibility that he has to bear, the wider will be the influence that he exerts andthe greater his need of dependence on God. Ever should he remember that with thecall to work comes the call to walk circumspect.lybefore his felloWmen. He is to standbefore God in the attitude of a learner. Position does not give holiness' of character. Itis by honoring God and obeying HIS commands that it man is made truly 'gre.at."-Prophets and Kings, pp. 30, 31. .

10. What will happen when those who have positiqns of trust in the. cljuxch turnto the only right source in search of Wisdom? ~al1les 1:5. '

"The God whom we serve is no respecter of persons. He who gave to ,S<;>lomonthe spirit of wise discernment is willing to impart the same blessing to His children to·day."-Prophets dnd Kings, p. 31. '. .,.' '" . '

.,.;.. 29-

"Men who are content to let others plan and do their thinking for them are not fullydeveloped. If they were left to plan for themselves they would be found judicious, close­calculating men. But when brought into connection with God's cause, it is entirelyanother thing to them; they lose this faculty almost altogether. They are content to re­main as incompetent and inefficient as though others must do the planning and muchof the thinking for them. Some men appear to be utterly unable to hew out a path forthemselves. Must they ever rely upon others to do their planning and their studying,and to be mind and judgment for them? God is ashamed of such soldiers. He is nothonored by their having any part to act in His work while they are mere machines."­Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 496.

THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONSD Friday

November 19

a. What is the essential qualification for effective service for God?

b. Describe the qualities of a God-fearing leader.

c. Why is it advisable to periodically transfer workers from place to place?

d. What can I learn from the example of Paul?

e. How is the prayer of Solomon applicable to each one of us? •

* * * * * * *

(Continued from page 26)

"Men whose lives are not holy and who are unqualified to teach the present truthenter the field without being acknowledged by the church or the brethren generally,and confusion and disunion are the result."-Early Writings, p. 97.

"If unmistakable evidence is not given that God has called them, and that the'woe' is upon them if they heed not this call, it is the duty of the church to act and let itbe known that these persons are not acknowledged as teachers by the church. This isthe only course the church can take in order to be clear in this matter, for the burdenlies upon them.

"I saw that this door at which the enemy comes in to perplex and trouble theflock can be shut. I inquired of the angel how it could be closed. He said, 'The churchmust flee to God's Word and become established upon gospel order, which has beenoverlooked and neglected.' This is indispensably necessary in order to bring thechurch into the unity of the faith."-Ibid., p. 100.

THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONSD Friday

November 12

a. Explain the warning given by the Spirit of Prophecy to those in positions oftrust, as found in Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 260, 261, 275, 276.

b. Why does God illustrate His church by using the term "body"?

c. Upon whom has God bestowed the highest power under heaven?

d. Explain the functions of a General Conference and the various uses andmisuses of this term.

e. What, according to the Spirit of Prophecy, is indispensably necessary in orderto bring the church into the unity of the faith? Why do you think this is true? •

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Lesson 9 Sabbath, November 27, 1993

WHEN MISTAKES ARE MADE

"Those whom God has set apart as ministers of righteousness have solemnresponsibilities laid upon them to reprove the sins of the people." - Testimonies,vol. 3, pp. 358, 359.

KEY TEXT: "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Letno man despise thee" (Titus 2:15).

THE DUTY TO GIVE REPROOFo Sunday

November 21

1. What is our duty in the presence of open sin in the church? 2 Timothy 4:2;Titus 2:15. When do personal sins become denominational sins? 1 Corin­thians 5:6; 12:26.

"God would have His people disciplined and brought into harmony of action, thatthey may see eye to eye and be of the same mind and of the same judgment. In orderto bring about this state of things, there is much to be done. The carnal heart must besubdued and transformed. God designs that there shall ever be a living testimony inthe church. It will be necessary to reprove and exhort, and some will need to berebuked sharply, as the case demands. We hear the plea: 'Qh, I am so sensitive, I can­not bear the least reflection!' If these persons would state the case correctly, theywould say: 'I am so self-willed, so self-sufficient, so proud-spirited, that I will not bedictated to; I will not be reproved. I claim the right of individual judgment; I have aright to believe and talk as I please.' The Lord would not have us yield up our in­dividuality. But what man is a proper judge of how far this matter of individual in­dependence should be carried?"- Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 360.

"[God] would teach His people that disobedience and sin are exceedingly offen­sive to Him and are not to be lightly regarded. He shows us that when His people arefound in sin they should at once take decided measures to put that sin from them, thatHis frown may not rest upon them all. But if the sins of the people are passed over bythose in responsible positions, His frown will be upon them, and the people of God, asa body, will be held responsible for those sins." -Ibid., p. 265.

2. How does a person destroy himself by refusing to accept reproof? Proverbs10:17; 12:1; 15:10, 12.

"There will be men and women who despise reproof and whose feelings will everrise up against it. It is not pleasant to be told of our wrongs. In almost every casewhere reproof is necessary, there will be some who entirely overlook the fact that theSpirit of the Lord has been grieved and His cause reproached. These will pity thosewho deserved reproof, because personal feelings have been hurt. All this unsanctified

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sympathy places the sympathizers where they are sharers in the guilt of the one re­proved. In nine cases out of ten if the one reproved had been left under a sense of hiswrongs, he might have been helped to see them and thereby have been reformed."­Testimonies, vol. 3, p, 359.

USE THE RIGHT APPROACHo Monday

November 22

THE BIBLICAL RULE

3. How careful should we be in dealing with one another? Galatians 6:1.

"The Lord desires His followers to exercise great care in dealing with one an­other. They are to lift up, to restore, to heal. But there is to be in the church no ne­glect of proper discipline."- Testimonies, vol. 7, p, 264.

"When souls are turned from sin to righteousness, there is joy in the presence ofthe angels. Think you that the ministering spirits who watch over these souls arepleased to see how indifferently they are treated by many who claim to be Christians?Man's preferences rule. Partiality is manifested. One is favored, while another istreated harshly."-Ibid., pp. 265, 266.

4. When someone needs to be corrected, how should this be done? 1 Peter 4:8;1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

"Whenever you see or hear something that needs to be corrected, seek the Lordfor wisdom and grace, that in trying to be faithful you may not be severe,

"It is always humiliating to have one's errors pointed out. Do not make the ex­perience more bitter by needless censure. Unkind criticism brings discouragement,making life sunless and unhappy.

"My brethren, prevail by love rather than by severity. When one at fault be­comes conscious of his error, be careful not to destroy his self-respect. Do not seek tobruise and wound, but rather to bind up and heal."- Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 265.

o '(\lesdayNovember 23

5. When we see that a brother is in error, what is the first step that we shouldtake? Matthew 18: 15; Proverbs 25:8, 9.

"If one of these little ones shall be overcome, and commit a wrong against you,then it is your work to seek his restoration. Do not wait for him to make the first effortfor reconciliation. . . . .

"In the spirit of meekness, 'considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted' (Gal.6:1), go to the erring one, and 'tell him his fault between thee and him alone.' 1)0 notput him to shame by exposing his fault to others, nor bring dishonor upon Christ bymaking public the sin or the error of one who bears His name. Often the truth must beplainly spoken to the erring; he must qe led to see his error, that he may reform. Butypu are not to judge or to c;ondemn. Make no attempt at self-justification. Let all youreffort be for his recovery. In treating the wounds of the soul, there is need Qf the mostdelicate touch, the finest sensibility. Only the love that flows from the Suffering Oneof Calvary can avail here."- The Desire of Ages, p. 440.

6. If the first step remains fruitless, what is the second step? Matthew 18: 16.

"Take with you those who are spiritually minded, and talk with the one if\·errpr inregard to the wrong. H.e may yield to the united appeals of his brethren. As h~ see~ theiragreement in the matter, hi~ mind may be enlightened."-Testimoni(!s. vol. 7, p. 262.

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FOLLOW THE RULE: MATTHEW 18o Wednesday

November 24

7. If the second step fails also, what is the third step to be taken? Matthew18:17; 1 Timothy 5:20. Who has authority to disfellowship one who is inerror and refuses to be corrected?

"Matters of grave import come up for settlement by the church. God's ministers,ordained by Him as guides of His people, after doing their part are to submit thewhole matter to the church, that there may be unity in the decision made."- Testimo­nies, vol. 7, pp. 263, 264.

"On the church has been conferred the power to act in Christ's stead. It is God'sinstrumentality for the preservation of order and discipline among His people. To itthe Lord has delegated the power to settle all questions respecting its prosperity,purity, and order."-lbid., p.263.

"If [the erring one] will not hear [the two or three who come to him privately],then, and not till then, the matter is to be brought before the whole body of believers.Let the members of the church, as the representatives of Christ, unite in prayer andloving entreaty that the offender may be restored.... He who rejects this unitedoverture has broken the tie that binds him to Christ, and thus has severed himselffrom the fellowship of the church."- The Desire of Ages, p. 441.

8. What decisions concerning church discipline will be ratified in heaven? Mat­thew 18:18.

"Whatever the church does that is in accordance with the directions given inGod's word will be ratified in heaven. "-Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 263.

SPECIAL EFFORTSIN BEHALF OF THE ERRING ONES

o ThursdayNovember 25

9. How should we deal with our erring brother after he has been separatedfrom the church? James 5:19, 20.

"And even if he does not repent, even if he stands outside the church, God's ser­vants still have a work to do for him. They are to seek earnestly to win him to repen­tance. And, however aggravated may have been his offense, if he yields to the striv­ing of the Holy Spirit and, by confessing and forsaking his sin, gives evidence ofrepentance, he is to be forgiven and welcomed to the fold again. His brethren are toencourage him in the right way, treating him as they would wish to be treated werethey in his place, considering themselves lest they also be tempted."-Testimonies. vol.7, p. 263.

"The restoring is to be done, not in a proud, officious, masterly manner, but inthe spirit of meekness. Do not cast your brother aside, saying, He has disappointedme, and I shall not try to help him."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments],vol. 6, p. 1112.

10. How careful should we be with our own example in view of the weak breth­ren who are ready to stumble? Hebrews 12:13. What work will be done bythe remnant people of God before the latter rain can be poured out?

(Continued on page 43)

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Lesson 10. Sabbath, December 4, 1993

HELPING THE ERRING SOULS

"As we partake of [Christ's] Spirit we shall regard all men as brethren, withsimilar temptations and trials.... Then we shall meet them in such a way asnot to discourage or repel them, but to awaken hope in their hearts." - TheMinistry of Healing, p. 165.

KEY TEXT: "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberestthat thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift beforethe altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and thencome and offer thy gift" (Matthew 5:23, 24).

IN THE RIGHT SPIRITD Sunday

November 28

1. If we have the Spirit of Christ, what will be our attitude toward our erringbrother? Leviticus 19:16-18.

"The spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit towardGod."- The Desire of Ages, p. 505.

"When the ice of selfishness is melted from your hearts, you will be in sympathywith God, and will share His joy in the saving of the lost."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 211.

2. What warning should we take from the mistaken attitude of the elder son inthe parable of the prodigal son? Luke 15:25-32.

"Self-righteousness not only leads men to misrepresent God, but makes themcoldhearted and critical toward their brethren. The elder son, in his selfishness andjealousy, stood ready to watch his brother, to criticize every action, and to accuse himfor the least deficiency. He would detect every mistake, and make the most of everywrong act. Thus he would seek to justify his own unforgiving spirit. Many today aredoing the same thing. While the soul is making its very first struggles against a floodof temptations, they stand by, stubborn, self-willed, complaining, accusing. Theymay claim to be children of God, but they are acting out the spirit of Satan."-Christ'sObject Lessons, p. 210.

"It is true that you claim to be a child of God; but if this claim be true, it is 'thybrother' that was 'dead, and is alive again; and was lost and is found.' He is bound toyou by the closest ties; for God recognizes him as a son. Deny your relationship tohim, and you show that you are but a hireling in the household, not a child in the fami­ly of God."-Ibid., p. 211.

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THE DUTY OF CONFESSIONo Monday

November 29

3. What promise belongs to those who confess their sins? Proverbs 28:13; 1John 1:9. Who is to take the first step in the work of confession? Ezra9:1-6; 10:1-5.

"Those who profess to be servants of the living God must be willing to be ser­vants of all, instead of being exalted above the brethren, and they must possess akind, courteous spirit. If they err, they should be ready to confess thoroughly. Hones­ty of intention cannot stand as an excuse for not confessing errors. Confession wouldnot lessen the confidence of the church in the messenger, and he would set a good ex­ample; a spirit of cohfession would be encouraged in the church, and sweet unionwould be the result."-Early Writings, pp. 102, 103.

4. What are we to do when our conscience tells us that we have offended ourbrother? Matthew 5:23, 24; James 5:16.

"How mistaken are those who imagine that confession of sin will detract fromtheir dignity, and lessen their influence among their fellowmen. Clinging to this er­roneous idea, though seeing their faults, many fail to confess them, but rather pass bythe wrongs they have done others, so embittering their own lives, and shadowing thelives of others. It will not hurt your dignity to confess your sins. Away with this falsedignity."-Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 326, 327.

"Our brother may have done us a greater wrong than we have done him, but thisdoes not lessen our responsibility. If when we come before God we remember that an­other has aught against us, we are to leave our gift of prayer, of thanksgiving, of free­will offering, and go to the brother with whom we are at variance, and in humility con­fess our own sin and ask to be forgiven." - Thoughts From the Mount ofBlessing, pp. 58, 59.

"If you have committed one wrong and they twenty, confess that one as thoughyou were the chief offender." - The Review and Herald, December 16, 1884.

D TuesdayTHE DUTY OF CONFESSION (continued) November 30

5. Why is it that some of the believers do not have the peace of God in theirhearts? Psalm 32:1-5.

"If we have not experienced that repentance which is not to be repented of, andhave not with true humiliation of soul and brokenness of spirit confessed our sins,abhorring our iniquity, we have never truly sought for the forgiveness of sin; and if wehave never sought, we have never found the peace of God. The only reason why we donot have remission of sins that are past is that we are not willing to humble our heartsand comply with the conditions of the word of truth. Explicit instruction is given con­cerning this matter. Confession of sin, whether public or private, should be heartfelt andfreely expressed. It is not to be urged from the sinner."-Steps to Christ, p. 38.

6. Give examples of spurious confessions. 1 Samuel 15:24; Matthew 27:4.Give examples of genuine confessions. Psalm 51:1-13; Luke 19:8,9.

"Confession will not be acceptable to God without sincere repentance and refor­mation. There must be decided changes in the life; everything offensive to God mustbe put away."-Steps to Christ, p. 39.

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THE DANGER OF SELF·JUSTIFICATIONo Wednesday

December 1

THE DUTY OF FORGIVENESS

7. Give an example of self-justification. Genesis 3:11-13. What attitude isoften the main obstacle to reconciliation between two parties?

"Some see their faults, but thinking confession will detract from their dignity,they excuse their wrong, and shield themselves from the discipline that confessionwould give to the soul. The thought of their manifest error will remain to embittertheir enjoyments and embarrass their movements; for in passing out of the path ofconfession, they fail to be faithful examples to the people. They see the errors ofothers; but how can they have courage to give the advice, 'Confess your faults one toanother, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed,' when they have failed tofollow this instruction in their own lives?"-Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 240.

8. How did king Saul try to justify himself? 1 Samuel 15:13-15. How did hisself-justification end up in self·destruction?

"All through his course of rebellion Saul had been flattered and deceived bySatan. It is the tempter's work to belittle sin, to make the path of transgression easyand inviting, to blind the mind to the warnings and threatenings of the Lord. Satan, byhis bewitching power, had led Saul to justify himself in defiance of Samuel's reproofsand warning. But now, in his extremity, he turned upon him, presenting the enormityof his sin and the hopelessness of pardon, that he might goad him to desperation.Nothing could have been better chosen to destroy his courage and confuse his judgment,or to drive him to despair and self-destruction."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 680, 681.

o ThursdayDecember 2

9. How ready should we be to forgive our erring brother? Matthew 18:21,22.

"We should not think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrongwe are justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, tohumble their hearts by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of com­passion toward those who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confesstheir faults. However sorely they may have wounded us, we are not to cherish ourgrievances and sympathize with ourselves over our injuries; but as we hope to be par­doned for our offenses against God we are to pardon all who have done evil tous. "-Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 113, 114.

10. How did Jesus teach the duty of forgiveness? .Luke 11:4.

"Jesus teaches that we can receive forgiveness from God only as we forgiveothers. It is the love Of God that draws us unto Him, and that love cannot touch ourhearts without creating love for our brethren.

. "After completing the Lord's Prayer, Jesus added: 'If ye forgive men theirtrespasses, your heavenly Father wili also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men theirtrespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.' He who is unforgivingcuts off the very channel through which alone he can receive mercy from God."­Thoughts Prom the Mount of Blessing, p. 113.

(Continued on page 47)

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Lesson 11 Sabbath, December 11, 1993

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

"Christians are to seek their light from the word of God and then in faith goforth to give that light to those who sit in darkness." - Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 64.

KEY TEXT: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannotbe hid"(Matthew 5:14).

THE SOURCE OF LIGHTo Sunday

December 5

1. Who is the source of all our spiritual light? 1 John 1:5; John 8:12.

"God has flashed light upon the pathway of all."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 437."Jesus, the Saviour, is the only light that can illuminate the darkness of a world

lying in sin."-Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 39.

2. Through what instrument does God reveal light to us? Psalm 119: 105, 130;2 Peter 1:19.

"[The Bible] does not leave men in uncertainty, without an object, but places be­fore them the highest of all aims-the winning of souls to Cnrist. It puts in the hand alamp that lights the way to.heaven."-Gospel Workers, p. 250.

GOD'S LIGHTBEARERSo MondayDecember 6

3. Upon whom does the Lord bestow a special measure of light? Psalm 97:11;Proverbs 4: 18; 2 Corinthians 4:6.

"Do you not know the time of night? Do you feel no burden to lift the dangersignal an give the warnings for this time? If you do not, come down from the walls ofZion, for God will not entrust you with the light He has to give. Light is only given tothose who will reflect that light upon others."-Evangelism, p. 144.

4: What are the true followers of Christ called? Matth~w 5: 14.

"Christ's followers are to be more than a light in the midst of men. Th~y are thelight of the world." - Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 40~ [Aut~or's emphasis,)

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GOD'S LIGHTBEARERS (continued)o TuesdayDecember 7

5. How do we become lightbearers? Matthew 5:15; Ephesians 5:8.

"It was by receiving of His life that His disciples could become lightbearers. Thelife of Christ in the soul, His love revealed in the character, would make them the lightof the world."- Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 39, 40.

"A consistent religious life, holy conversation, a godly example, true-heartedbenevolence, mark the representative of Christ. He will labor to pluck sinners asbrands from the burning; he will perform every duty faithfully. Thus he will become abeacon light."-The Review and Herald, May 19, 1910.

6. How are we to keep our spiritual lamps burning? Isaiah 2:5; John 12:35, 36(first part). What will happen if we neglect to walk in the light?

"Those followers of Christ who accept the light that God sends them must obeythe voice of God speaking to them when there are many other voices crying outagainst it. It requires discernment to distinguish the voice of God.

"Those who will not act when the Lord calls upon them, but who wait for morecertain evidence and more favorable opportunities, will walk in darkness, for the lightwill be withdrawn. The evidence given one day, if rejected, may never be repeated."- Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 258.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINEo Wednesday

December 8

7. How will the world be convinced that we have the light of heaven? Matthew5:16; Philippians 2:15, 16; Ephesians 5:11-16.

"What is light? It is piety, goodness, truth, mercy, love; it is the revealing of thetruth in the character and life. The gospel is dependent on the personal piety of itsbelievers for its aggressive power, and God has made provision through the death ofHis beloved Son, that every soul may be thoroughly furnished unto every good work.Every soul is to be a bright and shining light, showing forth the praises of Him whohas called us out of darkness into His marvelous light."-Christian Service, p. 21.

8. What is the situation of the world and what work is to be done by the peopleof God in these last days? Isaiah 60:1,2.

"It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world.Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and mis­interpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message il­luminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be madeknown. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light ofHis goodness, mercy, and truth."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 415.

WAITING, WATCHING, AND WORKINGo Thursday

December 9

9. While the professed people of God are spiritually asleep, what attitude is tocharacterize the faithful remnant? Compare Matthew 25:3-5 with Luke 21:36;1 Thessalonians 5:4-6; Revelation 16:15.

"Many were sleeping, stupefied with the cares of this life and allured by the de­ceitfulness of riches from their waiting, watching position."-Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 192.

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"Those not found waiting and watching are finally surprised in their unfaith­fulness. The Master comes, and instead of their being ready to open unto Him im­mediately, they are locked in worldly slumber, and are lost at last.

"A company was presented before me in contrast to the one described. Theywere waiting and watching. Their eyes were directed heavenward, and the words oftheir Master were upon their lips: 'What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.' "-Ibid.

"The attitude of watching is to designate the church as God's people indeed. Bythis sign the waiting ones are distinguished from the world and show that they arepilgrims and strangers upon the earth."-Ibid., p. 205.

10. How will the faithful remnant show that they are actually waiting andwatching? 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Luke 19:13.

"By waiting and watching, God's people are to manifest their peculiar character,their separation from the world. By our watching position we are to show that we aretruly strangers and pilgrims upon the earth. The difference between those who lovethe world and those who love Christ is so plain as to be unmistakable. While world­lings are all earnestness and ambition to secure earthly treasure, God's people are notconformed to the world, but show by their earnest, watching, waiting position thatthey are transformed; that their home is not in this world, but that they are seeking abetter country, even a heavenly."-Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 194.

"Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience tothe truth. With vigilant watching they combine earnest working. Because they knowthat the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to cooperate with the divine in­telligences in working for the salvation of souls."- The Desire of Ages, p. 634.

THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONSo Friday

December 10

a. What has God placed in our hands to light the way to heaven?

b. On what condition is God's light given to us?

c. How can I be a light in this world?

d. What special aspect of God's light is desperately needed today?

e. Describe the characteristics of those who are waiting and watching for theirLord's return. •

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Lesson 12 Sabbath, December 18, 1993

WATCHING, PRAYING, AND WORKING

"There are three watchwords in the Christian life, which must be heeded ifwe would not have Satan steal a march upon us; namely, Watch, pray,work:' - Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 283.

KEY TEXT: "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong" (1Corinthians 16:13).

NEGLECTING WATCHFULNESS AND PRAYERo Sunday

December 12

1. What danger confronts those who discontinue watching, praying, andworking? Revelation 3:3; Matthew 24:43; 1 Peter 5:8.

"Many have been altogether too long in a sleepy condition. While some haveworked intently, and have manifested unfailing energy, others have stood as spec­tators, and have been ready to make remarks of a critical character as to methods andresults. This they are ready to do, though they have never exercised their minds inoriginating any plans whereby precious souls might be saved for Christ. They standready to find fault with those who do something."-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 206.

2. What will be the fate of this class if they do not overcome their neglect ofwatchfulness and prayer? Luke 13:23-27; Matthew 24:48-51.

"The very beginning of the evil was a neglect of watchfulness and secret prayer,then came a neglect of other religious duties, and thus the way was opened for all thesins that followed. Every Christian will be assailed by the allurements of the world,the clamors of the carnal nature, and the direct temptations of Satan. No one is safe.No matter what our experience has been, no matter how high our station, we need towatch and pray continually. We must be daily controlled by the Spirit of God or weare controlled by Satan."- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 102.

LOSING THE SENSE OF DISCERNMENTo Monday

December 13

3. How easy is it to lose the sense of discernment between light and darkness?John 12:35.

"The associations chosen by the workers are determining their destiny for thisworld and the next. Some who were once conscientious and faithful have sadly changed;

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they have disconnected from God, and Satan has allured them to his side. They are nowirreligious and irreverent, and they have an influence upon others who are easily molded.Evil associations are deteriorating character; principle is being undermined....

"Warnings to these persons fall unheeded. They are headstrong, self-willed, de­fiant. They think the warning, counsel, or reproof does not apply to them. Theircourse gives them no concern. They are continually separating themselves from thelight and love of God. They lose all discernment of sacred and eternal things, andwhile they may keep up a dry form of Christian duties they have no heart in thesereligious exercises."- Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 589.

4. Once men have yielded to Satan, how do they allow their senses to becomeconfused? Isaiah 5:20.

"Men may possess capabilities given them in trust of God, but if they are nothumble men, daily converted men, as vessels of honor, they will do the greater harm be­cause of their capabilities. If they are not learners of Christ Jesus, if they do not prayand keep their natural hereditary and cultivated tendencies under control, traits ofcharacter that God abhors will pervert the judgment of those who associate with them."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1138.

EXCHANGING LIGHT FOR DARKNESSo Tuesday

December 14

5. When men lift up their souls in pride and self-sufficiency, what type ofreasoning do they employ? Isaiah 5:21; 50:11.

"[Isaiah 5:19-23 quoted.] The class here represented, in order to exalt their ownopinions, employ a reasoning which is not authorized by the Word of God. They walk inthe sparks of their own kindling. By their specious reasoning, they confuse the distinc­tion that God desires to have drawn between good and evil. The sacred is broughtdown on a level with common things. Avarice and selfishness are called by falsenames; they are called prudence. Their rising up in independence and rebellion, theirrevenge and stubbornness, in their eyes are proofs of dignity, evidences of a noblemind. They act as though ignorance of divine things were not dangerous and evenfatal to the soul; and they prefer their own reasoning to divine revelation, their ownplans and human wisdom to the admonitions and commands of God. The piety andconscientiousness of others are called fanaticism, and those who practise truth andholiness are watched and criticized. They deride those who teach and believe themystery of godliness, 'Christ in you, the hope of glory.' The principles underlyingthese things are not discerned by them; and they go on in wrong-doing, leaving thebars open for Satan to find ready access to the soul."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1138.

6. What will happen to us if our eyes are blinded by the love of self? Matthew6:22,23.

"If we do not choose to give ourselves fully to God then we are in darkness.When we make any reserve we are leaving open a door through which Satan canenter to lead us astray bY.his temptations. He knows that if he can obscure our vision,so that the eye of faith cannot see God, there will be no barrier against sin.

"The prevalence of a sinful desire shows the delusion of the soul. Every in­dulgence of that desire strengthens the soul's aversion to God. In following the path

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of Satan's choosing, we are encompassed by the shadows of evil, and every step leadsinto deeper darkness and increases the blindness of the heart.

"The same law obtains in the spiritual as in the natural world. He who abides indarkness will at last lose the power of vision. He is shut in by a deeper than midnightblackness; and to him the brightest noontide can bring no light."- Thoughts From theMount of Blessing, p. 92.

DOUBLE-MINDEDNESSo Wednesday

December 15

7. How do self-interest and self-justification lead men astray? John 3:19,20.

"Many who profess to be serving God are in the same position as Saul-coveringover ambitious projects, pride of display, with a garment of pretended righteousness.The Lord's cause is made a cloak to hide the deformity of injustice, but it makes thesin of tenfold greater enormity."- The SDA Bible Commentmy [E.G. White Comments], vol.2, p. 1017.

"Those whose deeds are evil, will not come to the light, lest their deeds shouldbe reproved and their real characters revealed. If they continue in the path of trans­gression, and sever themselves entirely from the Redeemer, stubbornness, and sul­lenness, and a spirit of revenge will take possession of them, and they will say to theirown souls, Peace, peace, when there is every reason that they should be alarmed, fortheir steps are directed toward destruction."-Ibid., pp. 1017, 1018.

8. What did Christ mean when He said that no man can serve two masters?Matthew 6:24.

"Those who begin their Christian life by being half and half, will at last be foundenlisted on the enemy's side, whatever may have been their first intentions. And to bean apostate, a traitor to the cause of God, is more serious than death; for it means theloss of eternal life.

"Double-minded men and women are Satan's best allies. Whatever favorableopinion they may have of themselves, they are dissemblers. All who are loyal to Godand the truth must stand firmly for the right because it is right. To yoke up with thosewho are unconsecrated, and yet be loyal to the truth, is simply impossible. We cannotunite with those who are serving themselves, who are working on worldly plans, andnot lose our connection with the heavenly Counselor."- The SDA Bible Commentary[E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1086.

SELF-EXAMINATIONo ThursdayDecember 16

9. In view of the dangers pointed out in this lesson, what duty should wealways keep in mind? 1 Corinthians 16: 13; 2 Corinthians 13:5.

"Those who have no time to give attention to their own souls, to examinethemselves daily whether they be in the love of God, and place themselves in thechannel of light, will have time to give to the suggestions of Satan, and the workingout of his plans."- The SDA Bible Commentmy [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1107.

10. What evidence will prove whether or not we are walking in the light? Mat­thew 7:20 (d. Galatians 5:19-23).

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"All whom God is leading will manifest a high regard for the Scriptures in which'His voice is heard, The Bible will be to them 'profitable for doctrine, for reproof, forcorrection, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect,throughly furnished unto all good words: 'Ye shall know them by their fruits: Weneed no other evidence in order to judge of men's sanctification; if they are fearful lestthey shall not obey the whole will of God, if they are listening diligently to His voice,trusting in His wisdom, and making His Word the man of their counsel, then, whilethey make no boasts of superior goodness, we may be sure that they are seeking to at­tain to perfection of Christian character.' ,- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com­ments], vol. 5, p. 1147.

THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONS

a. What do "sleepy churchgoers" tend to criticize?

D FridayDecember 17

b. What does God say about those who resist the warnings, counsels, andreproofs of their brethren?

c. Describe the bitter results of pride and self-sufficiency.

d. Why is double-mindedness so destructive to the church of Christ?

e. What serious danger lurks before those who fail to take time for daily self-examination? •

* * * * * * *(Continued from page 33)

"Self-denying efforts will be put forth to save the lost, and many who have strayedfrom the fold will come back to follow the great Shepherd. The people of God will drawtogether and present to the enemy a united front." - Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 401.

I

THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONSD Friday

November 26

a. What is necessary to ensure that God's frown will not rest upon us as a people?

b. What should be my attitude when I must rebuke others?

c. What is my first responsibility when I see a brother overtaken in a fault orsin? Should I tell anyone else about it yet?

d. If the erring person refuses to accept my reproof, what is my next step?Should I tell anyone else besides those accompanying me? What if he re­fuses again?

e. How should I treat one who has been disfellowshiped from the church? •

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Lesson 13 Sabbath, December 25, 1993

OUR GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

"God's people are to be so earnest and faithful in their work for Him that allselfishness will be separated from their lives. His workers will then see eyeto eye, and the arm of the Lord, the power of which was seen in the life ofChrist, will be revealed. Confidence will be restored, and there will be unityin the churches throughout our ranks." - Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 33.

KEY TEXT: "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: fornecessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gas­pe!!" (1 Corinthians 9:16).

THE GREAT COMMISSIONo Sunday

December 19

1. What worldwide missionary responsibility has Christ placed upon us? Mat­thew 28:19,20. To how many of us did He give this responsibility?

"It is not only upon those who preach the word that God has placed the responsibilityof seeking to save sinners. He has given this work to all."- Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 18.

"The Saviour's commission to the disciples included all the believers. It includesall believers in Christ to the end of time. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the workof saving souls depends alone on the ordained minister. All to whom the heavenly in­spiration has come are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the life of Christare ordained to work for the salvation of their fellowmen. For this work the churchwas established."-The Desire of Ages, p. 822.

2. Name one of the most important characteristics of the last remnant. Revela­tion 14:6-12.

"These truths [the law of God and the Sabbath], as presented in Revelation 14 inconnection with 'the everlasting gospel,' will distinguish the church of Christ at thetime of His appearing. For as the result of the threefold message it is announced:'Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.' And thismessage is the last to be given before the coming of the Lord." - The Great Controversy,pp. 453, 454.

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AN INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITYo Monday

December 20

3. What should be the first interest of every true Christian? Philippians 1:21;1 Corinthians 2:2; 9:16.

"Whatever one's calling in life, his first interest should be to win souls for Christ.He may not be able to speak to congregations, but he can work for individuals. To themhe can communicate the instruction received from his Lord. Ministry does not consistalone in preaching. Those minister who relieve the sick and suffering, helping theneedy, speaking words of comfort to the desponding and those of little faith. Nigh andafar off are souls weighed down by a sense of guilt. It is not hardship, toil, or povertythat degrades humanity. It is guilt, wrongdoing. This brings unrest and dissatisfaction.Christ would have His servants minister to sin-sick souls."- The Desire of Ages, p. 822.

4. Since those who are under the influence of the Holy Spirit are led into alltruth (John 16:13, first part), how will they relate to the church of God?Acts 2:47 (last part). Why? 1 Timothy 3: 15.

"All who believe are to be gathered into one church."-The Desil'e of Ages, p. 821."It is in the church that we are to grow and ripen for the garner of God."-Christ's

Object Lessons, p. 70.

A WORK OF RESTORATIONo Tuesday

December 21

A WORK OF RESTORATION (continued)

5. What work has been entrusted to us in these last days? Isaiah 58:12; Mat­thew 17:11; Acts 3:21. What distinction is made between the professedpeople of God and the true people of God?

"On every hand we see those who have had much light and knowledge deliber­ately choosing evil in the place of good. Making no attempt to reform, they are grow­ing worse and worse. But the people of God are not to walk in darkness. They are towalk in the light, for they are reformers."-Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 62.

6. Mention some of the main doctrinal points to be restored in our days. Isaiah56:1,2; 58:13; Revelation 12:17 (last part); 19:10.

"God's remnant people, standing before the world as reformers, are to show thatthe law of God is the foundation of all enduring reform and that the Sabbath of thefourth commandment is to stand as a memorial of creation, a constant reminder of thepower of God. In clear, distinct lines they are to present the necessity of obedience toall the precepts of the Decalogue."-Prophets and Kings, p. 678.

"The only safety now is to search for the truth as revealed in the word of God, asfor hid treasure. The subjects of the Sabbath, the nature of man, and the testimony ofJesus are the great and important truths to be understood; these will prove as an an­chor to hold God's people in these perilous times."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 300.

o WednesdayDecember 22

7. What will always be present with the true disciples of Christ? Isaiah 8:16.How can you prove that this prophecy refers to the Christian era? Isaiah8:14 (d. 1 Peter 2:8).

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"Those who belong to the Lord's kingdom must work earnestly for the saving ofsouls. They must do their part to bind up the law and seal it among the disciples."­Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 332.

"The seal of God's law is found in the fourth commandment. This only, of all theten, brings to view both the name and the title of the Lawgiver." - The Great Controver­sy, p. 452.

8. Describe the two classes of Adventists mentioned in Isaiah 58. What is ourresponsibility toward the professed people of God? Isaiah 58:1; Revelation3:18-20.

"Though they are called the people of God, the house of Jacob, though they pro­fess to be linked with God in obedience and fellowship, they are far from Him.Wonderful privileges and promises have been given to them, but they have betrayedtheir trust. With no words of flattery must the message be given them. 'Show my peo­ple their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.' Show them where they aremaking a mistake. Set their danger before them. Tell them of the sins they are commit­ting,while at the same time they pride themselves on their righteousness. Apparentlyseeking God, they are forgetting Him, forgetting that He is a God of love and compas­sion, long-suffering and goodness, dealing justly and loving mercy. Worldly policy hascome into their business and religious life. Their hearts are not purified through thetruth. God looks on their outward ceremonies of humility as a solemn mockery." - TheSDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1149. [Author's emphasis.]

"They are destitute of the Holy Spirit, destitute of the sweetness of the heavenlyinfluence. They manifest no repentance, nor faith that works by love and purifies thesoul. They are unjust and selfish in their dealings, mercilessly oppressing those whomthey regard as their inferiors."-lbid., p. 1150.

"Here [Isaiah 58:8-14] are given the characteristics of those who shall be re­formers, who will bear the banner of the third angel's message, those who avowthemselves God's commandment-keeping people, and who honor God, and are ear­nestly engaged, in the sight of all the universe, in building up the old waste places.Who is it that calls them, The repairers of the breach, The restorers of paths to dwellin? It is God. Their names are registered in heaven as reformers, restorers, as raisingthe foundations of many generations."-lbid., p. 1151.

THE FINISHING OF THE WORKo ThursdayDecember 23

9. What event will signalize the finishing of the work of God on earth? Habak­kuk 2:14; Revelation 18:1,4.

"The world can only be warned by seeing those who believe the truth sanctifiedthrough the truth, acting upon high and holy principles, showing in a high, elevatedsense, the line of demarcation between those who keep the commandments of Godand those who trample them under their feet. The sanctification of the Spirit sig­nalizes the difference between those who have the seal of God and those who keep aspurious rest day."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 980.

10. What will happen after the world has been enlightened with the final warn­ing? Matthew 24:14; Revelation 14:14, 15 (d. Matthew 13:39, last part).

"Many who think themselves Christians will at last be found wanting. Many willbe in heaven who their neighbors supposed would never enter there. Man judges

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from appearance, but God judges the heart. The tares and the wheat are to growtogether until the harvest; and the harvest is the end of probationary time."-Christ'sObject Lessons, p. 72.

THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONSD Friday

December 24

a. How do Christ's commission and the three angels' messages bring a respon­sibility upon me personally?

b. What can I, as one single believer, do for lost humanity?

c. For what special work does God have a remnant in these last days?

d. What duty rests upon God-fearing Christians regarding persons whosereligion seems to be merely a form?

e. Relate the final activities of God's children before the end of probationarytime. •

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THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONSo Friday

December 3

a. In what ways does the spirit of self-righteousness manifest itself?

b. Describe the beautiful fruits of confession.

c. What are the characteristics of true confession?

d. How is a failure to confess sin inevitably tied to self-justification?

e. What attitude must I have in order for God to forgive my sins?

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