Bible Study Guides

Bible Study Guides – Temptations of Christ, Part 2

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April 25, 2010 – May 1, 2010

Key text

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15.

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 124–131.

Introduction

“Christ glorified not Himself in being made High Priest. God gave Him His appointment to the priesthood. He was to be an example to all the human family. He qualified Himself to be, not only the representative of the race, but their Advocate, so that every soul if he will may say, I have a Friend at court. He is a High Priest that can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 930.

1 How much was Jesus tempted? Hebrews 4:15.

Note: “The Elder Brother of our race is by the eternal throne. He looks upon every soul who is turning his face toward Him as the Saviour. He knows by experience what are the weaknesses of humanity, what are our wants, and where lies the strength of our temptations; for He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. He is watching over you, trembling child of God. Are you tempted? He will deliver. Are you weak? He will strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will enlighten. Are you wounded? He will heal. The Lord ‘telleth the number of the stars;’ and yet ‘He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.’ Psalm 147:4, 3. ‘Come unto Me’ [Matthew 11.28], is His invitation. Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. The way will be opened for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon the Burden Bearer. The rest that Christ offers depends upon conditions, but these conditions are plainly specified. They are those with which all can comply. He tells us just how His rest is to be found.” The Desire of Ages, 329.

2 What privilege is offered to us? Hebrews 4:15, 16; 6:19, 20.

Note: “True prayer takes hold upon Omnipotence and gives us the victory. Upon his knees the Christian obtains strength to resist temptation. … The silent, fervent prayer of the soul will rise like holy incense to the throne of grace and will be as acceptable to God as if offered in the sanctuary. To all who thus seek Him, Christ becomes a present help in time of need. They will be strong in the day of trial.” God’s Amazing Grace, 86.

3 How was this privilege obtained? I Peter 1:18–20.

Note: “Had silver and gold been sufficient to purchase the salvation of men, how easily might it have been accomplished by Him who says, ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine.’ Haggai 2:8. But only by the precious blood of the Son of God could the transgressor be redeemed. The plan of salvation was laid in sacrifice. The apostle Paul wrote, ‘Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.’ II Corinthians 8:9. Christ gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. And as the crowning blessing of salvation, ‘the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Romans 6:23.” The Acts of the Apostles, 519.

4 How did Satan try to prevent our salvation and how did Jesus respond? Matthew 4:2–4.

Note: “With Christ, as with the holy pair in Eden, appetite was the ground of the first great temptation. Just where the ruin began, the work of our redemption must begin. As by the indulgence of appetite Adam fell, so by the denial of appetite Christ must overcome. ‘And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God’ [Matthew 4:2–4].

“From the time of Adam to that of Christ, self-indulgence had increased the power of the appetites and passions, until they had almost unlimited control. Thus men had become debased and diseased, and of themselves it was impossible for them to overcome. In man’s behalf, Christ conquered by enduring the severest test. For our sake He exercised a self-control stronger than hunger or death. And in this first victory were involved other issues that enter into all our conflicts with the powers of darkness.” The Desire of Ages, 117.

5 What was the nature of Satan’s second temptation, and how did Jesus respond? Matthew 4:5–7.

Note: “Christ knew that God could indeed bear Him up if He had required Him to throw Himself from the Temple. But to do this unbidden, and to experiment upon His Father’s protecting care and love because dared by Satan to do so would not show His strength of faith. Satan was well aware that if Christ could be prevailed upon, unbidden by His Father, to fling Himself from the Temple to prove His claim to His heavenly Father’s protecting care, He would in the very act show the weakness of His human nature.” Confrontation, 49.

6 What was Satan appealing to in the third temptation and what was Jesus’ response? Matthew 4:8–10.

Note: “Satan knew that if Christ was indeed the Son of God, the world’s Redeemer, it was for no good to himself that the Lord had left the royal courts of heaven to come to a fallen world. He feared that his own power was thenceforth to be limited, and that his deceptive wiles would be discerned and exposed, and his influence over man would be weakened. He feared that his dominion and control of the kingdoms of the world were to be contested. He remembered the words which Jehovah addressed to him when he was summoned into His presence with Adam and Eve, whom he had ruined by his lying deceptions, ‘I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed. It shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel’ [Genesis 3:15]. This declaration contained the first gospel promise to man.” Confrontation, 18, 19.

7 What promise was left for us as we meet temptations? I Corinthians 10:13.

Note: “The prayer, ‘Bring us not into temptation’ (Matthew 6:13), is itself a promise. If we commit ourselves to God we have the assurance, He ‘will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.’ I Corinthians 10:13.

“The only safeguard against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. It is because selfishness exists in our hearts that temptation has power over us. But when we behold the great love of God, selfishness appears to us in its hideous and repulsive character, and we desire to have it expelled from the soul. As the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, our hearts are softened and subdued, the temptation loses its power, and the grace of Christ transforms the character.

“Christ will never abandon the soul for whom He has died. The soul may leave Him and be overwhelmed with temptation, but Christ can never turn from one for whom He has paid the ransom of His own life. Could our spiritual vision be quickened, we should see souls bowed under oppression and burdened with grief, pressed as a cart beneath sheaves and ready to die in discouragement. We should see angels flying swiftly to aid these tempted ones, who are standing as on the brink of a precipice. The angels from heaven force back the hosts of evil that encompass these souls, and guide them to plant their feet on the sure foundation. The battles waging between the two armies are as real as those fought by the armies of this world, and on the issue of the spiritual conflict eternal destinies depend.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 118, 119.

8 How complete is our victory to be? Matthew 5:48; I Peter 1:15.

Note: “Through constant watchfulness and prayer, we may grow in grace, and perfect Christian characters. But prayer will be no task to the soul that loves God; it will be a pleasure, a source of strength. Our hearts will be stayed on God, and we shall say by our daily life, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world’ [John 1:29]. In view of what Jesus has done to redeem us from the power of Satan, how can we allow evil traits of character to gain the ascendency, thus giving Satan occasion to rejoice and exult, and bringing grief to Him who died for us? How can we cherish malice toward our brethren, the purchase of Christ’s blood, or even one feeling of unkindness? Let us put away all suspicion and hatred, and all feelings of bitterness even toward our worst enemies, those who are seeking to do us harm. But, brethren, do not wait until your heart is in harmony with your brother before you come to Jesus; for it is his spirit and power working in you that will give you the victory in this particular.” The Review and Herald, May 13, 1884.

9 How do we gain this victory? II Peter 1:2–8; Philippians 4:13.

Note: “Christ came to our world to be man’s surety, to overcome in his behalf, to live for him a sinless life, that in His power they might obtain the victory over sin. He came, saying, ‘I will declare Thy name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee’ [Hebrews 2:12]. He placed Himself on a level with human beings, saying, I will stand at the head of the race, that through My humiliation, they may be accepted as members of the royal family. I will declare the name of God unto My brethren. I will put My trust in Him, just as I desire My disciples to do.” The Signs of the Times, August 26, 1903.

Additional Reading

“Christ came off victor in the second temptation. He manifested perfect confidence and trust in His Father during His severe conflict with the powerful foe. Our Redeemer, in the victory here gained, has left man a perfect pattern, showing him that his only safety is in firm trust and unwavering confidence in God in all trials and perils. He refused to presume upon the mercy of His Father by placing Himself in peril that would make it necessary for His heavenly Father to display His power to save Him from danger. This would be forcing providence on His own account, and He would not then leave for His people a perfect example of faith and firm trust in God.

“Satan’s object in tempting Christ was to lead Him to daring presumption, and to show human weakness that would not make Him a perfect pattern for His people. He thought that should Christ fail to bear the test of his temptations there could be no redemption for the race, and his power over them would be complete.” Confrontation, 49, 50.

This quarter’s lessons were prepared by Ruth Grosboll prior to her passing in January, 2010.

Bible Study Guides – The Reward of the Faithful

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June 20, 2010 – June 26, 2010

Key Text

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1–3.

Study Help: God’s Amazing Grace, 354, 355.

Introduction

“In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called a country. There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the widespreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God’s people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home.” The Adventist Home, 542.

1 What qualification is necessary in order to be accepted of God? Isaiah 57:15; Matthew 18:4; James 4:6, 10.

Note: “Jesus, our precious Saviour, could not see us exposed to the fatal snares of Satan and forbear making an infinite sacrifice on our behalf. He interposes Himself between Satan and the tempted soul and says, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan’ [Matthew 16:23]. Let me come close to this tempted soul.’ He pities and loves every humble, trembling suppliant.” That I May Know Him, 77.

2 What will those who enter the kingdom of heaven need to be like? Matthew 18:3–5.

Note: “It was not enough for the disciples of Jesus to be instructed as to the nature of His kingdom. What they needed was a change of heart that would bring them into harmony with its principles. Calling a little child to Him, Jesus set him in the midst of them; 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’ [Matthew 18:3]. 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.” The Desire of Ages, 437.

3 What promise was made to the disciples? Acts 1:10, 11.

Note: “The disciples were still looking earnestly toward heaven when, ‘behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.’ Acts 1:10, 11.

“The promise of Christ’s second coming was ever to be kept fresh in the minds of His disciples. The same Jesus whom they had seen ascending into heaven, would come again, to take to Himself those who here below give themselves to His service. The same voice that had said to them, ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end’ [Matthew 28:20], would bid them welcome to His presence in the heavenly kingdom.” The Acts of the Apostles, 33.

4 What is said about the future home of the faithful? I Corinthians 2:9; Isaiah 64:4; Isaiah 65:17, 18.

Note: “As your senses delight in the attractive loveliness of the earth, think of the world that is to come, that shall never know the blight of sin and death; where the face of nature will no more wear the shadow of the curse. Let your imagination picture the home of the saved, and remember that it will be more glorious than your brightest imagination can portray. In the varied gifts of God in nature we see but the faintest gleaming of his glory. It is written, ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.’ 1 Corinthians 2:9.” Christian Education, 55.

5 What is the reward of the faithful ones who have Christ’s righteousness? II Timothy 4:8; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 22:14.

Note: “In our life here, earthly, sin-restricted though it is, the greatest joy and the highest education are in service. And in the future state, untrammeled by the limitations of sinful humanity, it is in service that our greatest joy and our highest education will be found.

“ ‘If any man’s work abide … he shall receive a reward.’ I Corinthians 3:14. Glorious will be the reward bestowed when the faithful workers gather about the throne of God and of the Lamb. … They have been partakers with Christ in His sufferings, they have been workers together with Him in the plan of redemption, and they are partakers with Him in the joy of seeing souls saved in the kingdom of God, there to praise God through all eternity.” The Faith I Live By, 370.

6 What will living in the new earth be like? Isaiah 65:17–25; Isaiah 35:5–10.

Note: “A fear of making the future inheritance seem too material has led many to spiritualize away the very truths which lead us to look upon it as our home. Christ assured His disciples that He went to prepare mansions for them in the Father’s house. Those who accept the teachings of God’s word will not be wholly ignorant concerning the heavenly abode. … Human language is inadequate to describe the reward of the righteous. It will be known only to those who behold it. No finite mind can comprehend the glory of the Paradise of God.” The Adventist Home, 541, 542.

7 How did the apostle John describe the future home of the saved? Revelation 21:1–3, 4, 10–27.

Note: “We are homeward bound. He who loved us so much as to die for us hath builded for us a city. The New Jerusalem is our place of rest. There will be no sadness in the City of God. No wail of sorrow, no dirge of crushed hopes and buried affections, will evermore be heard. Soon the garments of heaviness will be changed for the wedding garment. Soon we shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer’s glory in the kingdom of God.

“Heaven is a good place. I long to be there and behold my lovely Jesus, who gave His life for me, and be changed into His glorious image. Oh, for language to express the glory of the bright world to come! I thirst for the living streams that make glad the city of our God.

“The Lord has given me a view of other worlds. Wings were given me, and an angel attended me from the city to a place that was bright and glorious. The grass of the place was living green, and the birds there warbled a sweet song. The inhabitants of the place were of all sizes; they were noble, majestic, and lovely.” The Adventist Home, 542, 543.

8 How does Isaiah describe the home of the saved? Isaiah 11:6–9.

Note: “ ‘The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. I, even I, am He that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; and forgettest the Lord thy Maker; … and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor? The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail. But I am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The Lord of hosts is His name. And I have put My words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of Mine hand.’ Isaiah 51:11–16.” The Great Controversy, 633.

9 How is Christ’s return to this earth described? Matthew 24:27; Acts 1:10, 11; Revelation 1:7; 19:11–21.

Note: “The voice of God is heard from heaven, declaring the day and hour of Jesus’ coming, and delivering the everlasting covenant to His people. Like peals of loudest thunder His words roll through the earth. The Israel of God stand listening, with their eyes fixed upward. Their countenances are lighted up with His glory, and shine as did the face of Moses when he came down from Sinai. The wicked cannot look upon them. And when the blessing is pronounced on those who have honored God by keeping His Sabbath holy, there is a mighty shout of victory.

“Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man’s hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign of the Son of man. In solemn silence they gaze upon it as it draws nearer the earth, becoming lighter and more glorious, until it is a great white cloud, its base a glory like consuming fire, and above it the rainbow of the covenant. Jesus rides forth as a mighty conqueror. … His countenance outshines the dazzling brightness of the noonday sun. ‘And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.’ Revelation 19:16.” The Great Controversy, 640, 641.

10 Who will occupy the eternal city? Revelation 21:22–27.

Note: “Before the ransomed throng is the Holy City. Jesus opens wide the pearly gates, and the nations that have kept the truth enter in. There they behold the Paradise of God, the home of Adam in his innocency. Then that voice, richer than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, is heard, saying: ‘Your conflict is ended.’ ‘Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’ [Matthew 25:34].” The Great Controversy, 646.

11 How many are in the special group? Revelation 7:4, 9; Revelation 14:3.

Note: “Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake. When God spoke the time, He poured upon us the Holy Ghost, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God, as Moses’ did when he came down from Mount Sinai.” Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 65.

Additional Reading

“There are homes for the pilgrims of earth. There are robes for the righteous, with crowns of glory and palms of victory. All that has perplexed us in the providences of God will in the world to come be made plain. The things hard to be understood will then find explanation. The mysteries of grace will unfold before us. Where our finite minds discovered only confusion and broken promises, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. We shall know that infinite love ordered the experiences that seemed most trying. As we realize the tender care of Him who makes all things work together for our good, we shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. …

“We are homeward bound. He who loved us so much as to die for us hath builded for us a city. The New Jerusalem is our place of rest. There will be no sadness in the city of God.” The Adventist Home, 542, 543.

“The 144,000 were all sealed, and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, ‘God, New Jerusalem,’ and a glorious star containing Jesus’ new name. At our happy, holy state the wicked were enraged, and would rush violently up to lay hands on us to thrust us into prison, when we would stretch forth the hand in the name of the Lord, and they would fall helpless to the ground. Then it was that the synagogue of Satan knew that God had loved us who could wash one another’s feet, and salute the brethren with a holy kiss, and they worshiped at our feet.” Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 65.

This quarter’s lessons were prepared by Ruth Grosboll prior to her passing in January, 2010.

Bible Study Guides – The Chosen and the Elect of God

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June 13, 2010 – June 19, 2010

Key text

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 311–319.

Introduction

“Truth, precious truth, is sanctifying in its influence. The sanctification of the soul by the operation of the Holy Spirit is the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity. It is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ revealed in character, and the grace of Christ brought into active exercise in good works. Thus the character is transformed more and more perfectly after the image of Christ in righteousness and true holiness. There are broad requirements in divine truth stretching out into one line after another of good works. The truths of the gospel are not unconnected; uniting they form one string of heavenly jewels, as in the personal work of Christ, and like threads of gold they run through the whole of Christian work and experience.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 198.

1 How is the Christian experience obtained? Isaiah 45:22; Matthew 11:28.

Note: “Thus it is with the Christian in his life. He catches the bright beams of light from Christ, and by trusting in him he becomes better acquainted with his Saviour. It is a difficult matter for human nature to have perfect confidence in divine power, but the Lord will strengthen our faith, and we may have a precious experience in the knowledge of Jesus. We do not have the simplicity we should have in coming to our heavenly Father. We are sinners, but Christ has died for us, and it is our privilege to place ourselves upon the platform of his promises. If we have the love of Jesus in our hearts, we shall express it in our actions toward others. We shall proclaim to those who are out of Christ the beauty of faith and religion. It is not our place to inquire whether we shall have trials if we walk in the path of obedience; we are to search for the truth as for hidden treasures, and to accept it whatever may be its cost.” The Signs of the Times, March 17, 1890.

2 Once you have started the Christian walk, what is necessary? Matthew 16:24.

Note: “Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.’ This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ.” Steps to Christ, 70.

3 How often do we need to be converted? Luke 9:23; I Corinthians 15:31.

Note: “The Christian life is constantly an onward march. Jesus sits as a refiner and purifier of His people; and when His image is perfectly reflected in them, they are perfect and holy, and prepared for translation. A great work is required of the Christian. We are exhorted to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Here we see where the great labor rests. There is a constant work for the Christian.

“None are living Christians unless they have a daily experience in the things of God and daily practice self-denial, cheerfully bearing the cross and following Christ. Every living Christian will advance daily in the divine life. As he advances toward perfection, he experiences a conversion to God every day; and this conversion is not completed until he attains to perfection of Christian character, a full preparation for the finishing touch of immortality.” God’s Amazing Grace, 291.

4 What qualification is necessary in order to be accepted of God? Isaiah 57:15; Matthew 18:4; James 4:6, 10.

Note: “We should cherish gratitude of heart all the days of our life because the Lord has put on record these words: ‘For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones’ [Isaiah 57:15]. The reconciliation of God to man, and man to God, is sure when certain conditions are met. The Lord says, ‘The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise’ [Psalm 51:17]. Again He says, ‘The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit’ [Psalm 34:18]. ‘Though the Lord be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly: but the proud He knoweth afar off’ [Psalm 138:6].” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 370, 371.

5 What activity is required of the Christian? John 20:21; Mark 16:15; Matthew 5:16.

Note: “God has given us the gift of speech that we may recite to others the dealing of God with us, that his love and compassion may touch their hearts, and that praise may also arise from their souls to him who hath called them out of darkness into his marvelous light. The Lord has said, ‘Ye are my witnesses’ [Isaiah 43:10]. But all who are called to be witnesses for Christ must learn of him, that they maybe efficient witnesses. As children of the heavenly King, you should educate yourselves to bear testimony in a clear, distinct voice, and in such a manner that no one may have the impression that you are reluctant to speak of the mercies of the Lord. In social meeting, prayer should be offered so that all may be edified, and those who take part in this exercise should follow the example given us in the Lord’s beautiful prayer for the world. The prayer of Jesus is simple, clear, comprehensive, and yet not long and spiritless as are the dry prayers that are often offered in public. These spiritless prayers better not be uttered; for they fail to bless or edify, and are a mere form without vital power.” Christian Education, 129.

6 What prominent characteristic will the Christian have? Ephesians 2:8; Matthew 17:20; Hebrews 11:6.

Note: “In this world there is neither comfort nor happiness without Jesus. Let us acknowledge Him as our Friend and Saviour. … In Him are matchless charms. O may we all so live during this brief period of probationary time that we shall reign with Him throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity! If Christ abides in the heart by faith … you will be happy, full of praise and joy.” My Life Today, 157, 158.

7 How may we reach the goal of being sanctified in Christ? 11 Peter 1:5–8; Philippians 4:8.

Note: “These words are full of instruction, and strike the keynote of victory. The apostle presents before the believers the ladder of Christian progress, every step of which represents advancement in the knowledge of God, and in the climbing of which there is to be no standstill. Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity are the rounds of the ladder. We are saved by climbing round after round, mounting step after step, to the height of Christ’s ideal for us. Thus He is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” The Acts of the Apostles, 530.

8 What garment must the Christian acquire? Matthew 22:11, 12; Revelation 7:9, 14.

Note: “By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless character which Christ’s true followers will possess. To the church it is given ‘that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white,’ ‘not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.’ Revelation 19:8; Ephesians 5:27. The fine linen, says the Scripture, ‘is the righteousness of saints.’ Revelation 19:8. It is the righteousness of Christ, His own unblemished character, that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him as their personal Saviour.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 310.

9 To what is our own righteousness compared? Isaiah 64:6. How did Jesus refer to man’s goodness? Matthew 19:17. What did the psalmist say? Psalm 14:3. What did Paul say? Romans 3:12.

Note: “We cannot provide a robe of righteousness for ourselves, for the prophet says, ‘All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags’ (Isaiah 64:6). There is nothing in us from which we can clothe the soul so that its nakedness shall not appear. We are to receive the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of heaven, even the spotless robe of Christ’s righteousness.

“God has made ample provision that we may stand perfect in His grace, wanting in nothing, waiting for the appearing of our Lord. Are you ready? Have you the wedding garment on? That garment will never cover deceit, impurity, corruption, or hypocrisy. The eye of God is upon you. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. We may conceal our sins from the eyes of men, but we can hide nothing from our Maker.” God’s Amazing Grace, 24.

10 Whose righteousness do we need? Philippians 3:9; Romans 1:17.

Note: “And what is it to believe? It is to fully accept that Jesus Christ died as our sacrifice; that He became the curse for us, took our sins upon Himself, and imputed unto us His own righteousness. Therefore we claim this righteousness of Christ, we believe it, and it is our righteousness. He is our Saviour. He saves us because He said He would. Are we going to go into all the explanations as to how He can save us? Do we have the goodness in ourselves that will make us better and cleanse us from the spots and stains of sin, enabling us then to come to God? We simply cannot do it.” Faith and Works, 70.

11 How long must the righteous be faithful? Matthew 24:13.

Note: “Heaven will be cheap enough, if we obtain it through suffering. We must deny self all along the way, die to self daily, let Jesus alone appear, and keep His glory continually in view.

“The work of salvation is not child’s play, to be taken hold of at will and let alone at pleasure. It is the steady purpose, the untiring effort, that will gain the victory at last. It is he who endureth to the end that shall be saved. It is they who patiently continue in well-doing that shall have eternal life and the immortal reward.” The Faith I Live By, 359.

Additional Reading

“Religion is not merely an emotion, a feeling. It is a principle which is interwoven with all the daily duties and transactions of life. … It is continuance in well-doing that will form characters for heaven.

“We must live for Christ minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day; then Christ will dwell in us, and when we meet together, His love will be in our hearts, welling up like a spring in the desert, refreshing all, and making those who are ready to perish, eager to drink of the waters of life.” God’s Amazing Grace, 291.

“What an honor He confers upon us, in urging us to be holy in our sphere, as the Father is holy in His sphere. And through His power we are able to do this; for He declares, ‘All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth’ (Matthew 28:18). This unlimited power it is your privilege and mine to claim.” Ibid., 268.

This quarter’s lessons were prepared by Ruth Grosboll prior to her passing in January, 2010.

Bible Study Guides – The Overcomer

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June 6, 2010 – June 12, 2010

Key Text

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Revelation 21:7.

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 589–602.

Introduction

“Jesus says, ‘To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne’ [Revelation 3:21]. Here is the beginning of our confidence which we must hold steadfast unto the end. If Jesus resisted Satan’s temptations, He will help us to resist. He came to bring divine power to combine with human effort.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 929.

1 When Jesus comes the second time, for whom is He coming? Hebrews 9:28.

Note: “As the inhabitants of the antediluvian world ‘knew not’ the time in which they were living, so the inhabitants of the world today know not, because they do not choose to know, that they are living in the last days. Christ has warned us to look for His second coming. He says, ‘Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. … Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season’ [Matthew 24:42, 45]? Everyone of us may well ask, ‘Does this scripture refer to me? Lord, is it I? Blessed is that servant,’ Christ says, ‘whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, my lord delayeth his coming, and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth’ [Matthew 24:45–51].” The Bible Training School, June 1, 1902.

2 What will the people be like for whom Jesus comes? John 3:1–3.

Note: “We have the promise that at Christ’s second coming, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; and he will take us home to himself, that where he is there we may be also. Then we shall enjoy with him all the glories of the world to come throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Why should those who look for this glorious hope be accounted foolish or insane? Is there not sanity and wisdom in entertaining this hope, the most satisfying of any brought to view in the word of God? Surely it is those who reject this hope, and scoff at the humble few that entertain it, who are insane and foolish; for they are devoting all their energies to the things of this short life, when there is offered them a life as enduring as the life of God.” The Signs of the Times, November 10, 1887.

3 What are we cautioned to do? Proverbs 23:23.

Note: “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. Proverbs 23:23.

“The truth is precious; it has wrought important changes upon the life and character, exerting a masterly influence over words, deportment, thoughts, and experience.

“The religion of Jesus Christ never degrades the receiver. If it finds men and women earthly, common, coarse, unkindly in words, harsh in speech, selfish and self-caring, truth received in the heart commences its purifying, refining process. In words, in dress, in all our habits, there is seen reformation and those things that please God. Then all the world may see its influence in the transforming process.” Our High Calling, 34.

4 What does eternal life cost? Matthew 13:44–46.

Note: “The mighty shaking has commenced, and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to take a hold and unyielding stand for the truth, and sacrifice for God and his cause. The angel said, ‘Think ye that any will be compelled to sacrifice? No. no. It must be a free-will offering. It will take all to buy the field’—I cried to God to spare his people, some of whom were fainting and dying.” The Present Truth, April 1, 1850.

5 If we continue in sin what happens? Ezekiel 18:20.

Note: “It has been shown me that every church among us needs the deep movings of the Spirit of God. O we would point men to the cross of Calvary. We would bid them look upon Him whom their sins have pierced. We would bid them to behold the Redeemer of the world suffering the penalty of their transgression of the law of God. The verdict is that ‘the soul that sinneth it shall die’ [Ezekiel 18:20]. But on the cross the sinner sees the only-begotten of the Father, dying in his stead, and giving the transgressor life. All the intelligences in earth and heaven are called upon to behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Every sinner may look and live.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 197, 198.

6 What does God say about the righteous? Ezekiel 18:20, 21.

Note: “Our Heavenly Father paid an infinite price that we might come to him; and if our past life has been full of sin, we can now repent and come to God. The promise is that all who repent and turn from their transgressions shall be forgiven. None need be discouraged because their past life has been marked with objectionable characters. Hear what the God of heaven says: ‘When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousness shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; if the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him’ [Ezekiel 33:13–16]. ‘Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool’ [Isaiah 1:18]. I am so grateful today that we have a living Saviour. There are many who go about as mournfully as though Christ were still in Joseph’s tomb with a great stone rolled before the door. Our hearts should be full of hope and joy, and we should be able to say with grateful tongues, Christ is risen, and is at the right hand of God to make intercession for us. He has carried his blood into the sanctuary, and will cleanse us from every sin.” The Signs of the Times, August 29, 1892.

7 If we come to Christ what will He do for us? Matthew 11:28; John 6:37; Revelation 3:20.

Note: “It is the work of the angels to come close to the tried, the suffering, the tempted. They labor untiringly in behalf of those for whom Christ died. When sinners are led to give themselves to the Saviour, angels bear the tidings heavenward, and there is great rejoicing among the heavenly host. ‘Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.’ Luke 15:7. A report is borne to heaven of every successful effort on our part to dispel the darkness and to spread abroad the knowledge of Christ. As the deed is recounted before the Father, joy thrills through all the heavenly host.” The Acts of the Apostles, 153, 154.

8 What are the righteous admonished to do? I John 1:7; Isaiah 2:5; John 12:35.

Note: “Love of self, pride and self-sufficiency lie at the foundation of the greatest trials and discords that have ever existed in the religious world. Again and again the angel has said to me, ‘Press together, press together, be of one mind, of one judgment.’ Christ is the Leader, and you are brethren; follow Him. Walk in the light as He is in the light. Those who walk in the footsteps of Christ shall not walk in darkness, but those who draw apart in unsanctified independence cannot have God’s presence and blessing in the work.” Christian Leadership, 11.

9 What should be the attitude of the righteous person? James 1:2–4; Philippians 4:4.

Note: “Spiritual prosperity is closely bound up with Christian liberality. The followers of Christ should rejoice in the privilege of revealing in their lives the beneficence of their Redeemer. As they give to the Lord they have the assurance that their treasure is going before them to the heavenly courts. Would men make their property secure? Let them place it in the hands that bear the marks of the crucifixion. Would they enjoy their substance? Let them use it to bless the needy and suffering. Would they increase their possessions? Let them heed the divine injunction, ‘Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.’ Proverbs 3:9, 10. Let them seek to retain their possessions for selfish purposes, and it will be to their eternal loss. But let their treasure be given to God, and from that moment it bears His inscription. It is sealed with His immutability.” The Acts of the Apostles, 344, 345.

10 What things should a righteous person think about? Philippians 4:8.

Note: “The chief requisite of language is that it be pure and kind and true—‘the outward expression of an inward grace.’ God says: ‘Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.’ Philippians 4:8. And if such are the thoughts, such will be the expression.” Education, 235.

Additional Reading

“The best school for this language study is the home; but since the work of the home is so often neglected, it devolves on the teacher to aid his pupils in forming right habits of speech.

“The teacher can do much to discourage that evil habit, the curse of the community, the neighborhood, and the home—the habit of backbiting, gossip, ungenerous criticism. In this no pains should be spared. Impress upon the students the fact that this habit reveals a lack of culture and refinement and of true goodness of heart; it unfits one both for the society of the truly cultured and refined in this world and for association with the holy ones of heaven.

“We think with horror of the cannibal who feasts on the still warm and trembling flesh of his victim; but are the results of even this practice more terrible than are the agony and ruin caused by misrepresenting motive, blackening reputation, dissecting character? Let the children, and the youth as well, learn what God says about these things:

“ ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue.’ Proverbs 18:21.” Education, 235.

“Gather up the rays of divine light that are shining upon your pathway. Walk in the light as Christ is in the light. As you take hold of the work of helping your children to serve God, the most provoking trials will come; but do not lose your hold; cling to Jesus. He says, ‘Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.’ Isaiah 27:5. Difficulties will arise; you will meet with obstacles; but look constantly to Jesus.” Child Guidance, 478.

This quarter’s lessons were prepared by Ruth Grosboll prior to her passing in January, 2010.

Bible Study Guides – The Foundation of our Faith

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May 30, 2010 – June 5, 2010

Key Text

“That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:21.

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 66–69.

Introduction

“The Lord Jesus is our strength and happiness, the great storehouse from which, on every occasion, men may draw strength. As we study Him, talk of Him, become more and more able to behold Him—as we avail ourselves of His grace and receive the blessings He proffers us, we have something with which to help others. Filled with gratitude, we communicate to others the blessings that have been freely given us. Thus receiving and imparting, we grow in grace; and a rich current of praise and gratitude constantly flows from our lips; the sweet spirit of Jesus kindles thanksgiving in our hearts, and our souls are uplifted with a sense of security. The unfailing, inexhaustible righteousness of Christ becomes our righteousness by faith.” My Life Today, 171.

1 Who has righteousness? II Peter 1:1; Matthew 19:17.

Note: “The Lord desires us to appreciate the great plan of redemption, to realize our high privilege as the children of God, and to walk before Him in obedience, with grateful thanksgiving. He desires us to serve Him in newness of life, with gladness every day. He longs to see gratitude welling up in our hearts because our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, because we may cast all our care upon Him who cares for us. He bids us rejoice because we are the heritage of the Lord, because the righteousness of Christ is the white robe of His saints, because we have the blessed hope of the soon coming of our Saviour.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 299.

2 How enduring is righteousness? Psalm 119:142; Isaiah 40:8; I Peter 4:11; 5:4, 10, 11.

Note: “Truths, precious, vital truths, are bound up with man’s eternal well-being both in this life and in the eternity which is opening before us. ‘Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth’ [John 17:17]. The word of God is to be practiced. The word of God liveth and endureth forever. While worldly ambition and worldly projects and the greatest plans and purposes of men shall fade like the grass, ‘they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever’ [Daniel 12:3].” Special Testimonies for Ministers and Workers, No. 9 (1897), 66.

3 What is the difference between righteousness and sin? I John 3:4, 7; Ezekiel 3:18, 21; Proverbs 12:3, 5; 11:8.

Note: “Having brought conviction of sin, and presented before the mind the standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit withdraws the affections from the things of this earth and fills the soul with a desire for holiness. ‘He will guide you into all truth’ (John 16:13), the Saviour declared. If men are willing to be molded, there will be brought about a sanctification of the whole being. The Spirit will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul. By His power the way of life will be made so plain that none need err therein.” The Acts of the Apostles, 52, 53.

4 Do any of us have righteousness? Isaiah 64:6.

Note: “This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us. ‘All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.’ Isaiah 64:6. Everything that we of ourselves can do is defiled by sin. But the Son of God ‘was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.’ Sin is defined to be ‘the transgression of the law.’ I John 3:5, 4. But Christ was obedient to every requirement of the law. He said of Himself, ‘I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart.’ Psalm 40:8. When on earth, He said to His disciples, ‘I have kept My Father’s commandments.’ John 15:10. By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every human being to obey God’s commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf garment, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, but His own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 311, 312.

5 If all our righteousness is as filthy rags, how are we going to meet Jesus without spot or wrinkle or any such thing? Ephesians 5:25; Psalms 24:5, 6; 71:2, 3; Isaiah 61:10, 11; Philippians 2:12, 13.

Note: “We cannot provide a robe of righteousness for ourselves, for the prophet says, ‘All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags’ (Isaiah 64:6). There is nothing in us from which we can clothe the soul so that its nakedness shall not appear. We are to receive the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of heaven, even the spotless robe of Christ’s righteousness.” God’s Amazing Grace, 24.

“The Lord Jesus Christ has infinite tenderness for those whom he has purchased at the cost of his own sufferings in the flesh, that they should not perish with the devil and his angels, but that he may claim them as his chosen ones. They are the claim of his love, of his own property; and he looks upon them with unutterable affection, and the fragrance of his own righteousness he gives to his loved ones who believe in him. It requires tact and wisdom and human love, and sanctified affection for the precious lambs of the flock, to lead them to see and appreciate their privilege in yielding themselves up to the tender guidance of the faithful shepherds. The children of God will exercise the gentleness of Jesus Christ.” Christian Education, 146.

6 What do we have to do to obtain righteousness? Philippians 3:13–16; Luke 13:24.

Note: “We are to strive to enter in at the strait gate. But this gate does not swing loosely on its hinges. It will not admit doubtful characters. We must now strive for eternal life with an intensity that is proportionate to the value of the prize before us. It is not money or lands or position, but the possession of a Christlike character, that will open to us the gates of Paradise. It is not dignity, it is not intellectual attainments, that will win for us the crown of immortality. Only the meek and lowly ones, who have made God their efficiency, will receive this gift.” Christian Service, 247.

“We can never be saved in indolence and inactivity. There is no such thing as a truly converted person living a helpless, useless life. It is not possible for us to drift into heaven. No sluggard can enter there. If we do not strive to gain an entrance into the kingdom, if we do not seek earnestly to learn what constitutes its laws, we are not fitted for a part in it. Those who refuse to co-operate with God on earth would not co-operate with Him in heaven. It would not be safe to take them to heaven.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 280.

7 On what is the throne of God established? Psalms 97:1, 2; Hebrews 1:8.

Note: “In the name of Christ I would address his professed followers: Abide in the faith which you have received from the beginning. ‘Shun profane and vain babblings’ [II Timothy 2:16]. Instead of putting your trust in witchcraft, have faith in the living God. Cursed is the path that leads to Endor or to Ekron. The feet will stumble and fall that venture upon this forbidden ground. There is a God in Israel, with whom is deliverance for all who are oppressed. Righteousness is the foundation of his throne.” Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 115.

8 What will the people be wearing when they stand before the throne of God? Revelation 7:9, 10.

Note: “By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless character which Christ’s true followers will possess. To the church it is given ‘that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white,’ ‘not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.’ Revelation 19:8; Ephesians 5:27. The fine linen, says the Scripture, ‘is the righteousness of saints.’ Revelation 19:8. It is the righteousness of Christ, His own unblemished character, that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him as their personal Saviour. … This covering, the robe of His own righteousness, Christ will put upon every repenting, believing soul.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 310, 311.

9 Where did these white robed people come from? Revelation 7:14.

Note: “A precious, affectionate John was an exile on the lonely Isle of Patmos, but here Jesus met with him and revealed to him events … stretching over the ages to the coming of Christ, and making known the counsel of the Lord for future ages. … He was permitted to look upon the throne of God and to behold the white-robed redeemed ones who had come out of great tribulation and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

“If you are called to go through the fiery furnace for His sake, Jesus will be by your side even as He was with the faithful three in Babylon. Those who love their Redeemer will rejoice at every opportunity of sharing with Him humiliation and reproach. The love they bear their Lord makes suffering for His sake sweet.” In Heavenly Places, 271.

Additional Reading

“All who are partakers of the wedding feast, the gospel feast, by this act say that they have accepted Christ as their personal Saviour. They wear His distinguishing dress. They have accepted the truth as it is in Jesus, which is the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Only those do honor to Christ who accept the invitation, ‘Come, for all things are now ready; come to the marriage supper of the Lamb’ [Luke 14:17]. These put on the white linen, the clean, pure character, showing that they no longer live their old citizen life that they lived in their ignorance. Their speech is changed. Their conversation is in altogether another line.” Upward Look, 304.

This quarter’s lessons were prepared by Ruth Grosboll prior to her passing in January, 2010.

 

Bible Study Guides – The Jewish Church in Christ’s day; a return to captivity

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July 25, 2010 – July 31, 2010

Key Text

“Each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their own time than for ours … their prophesying is in force for us … Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel … spoke of things that … reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 338, 419, 420.

Introduction

As a result of renewed apostasy, what did the professed church in Christ’s day look like? How was the situation of the church in Christ’s day comparable to the church during the time of the Babylonian captivity? What were the contrasts?

Here the story gets even more complicated. The Jewish leaders in Christ’s time seemed to understand, at least by way of terminology, that the purpose of God’s church was to bear children—and that’s exactly what they claimed to be, the children of the true church. This is what they claimed when they said, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone.” It may seem simple in hindsight to see that they missed the most obvious spiritual applications of the seed bearing church, but it was missed nonetheless. In reality, and contrary to the claims of its leaders, the professed church of the Jewish nation in Christ’s day had actually returned to a Babylonian type captivity—a captivity that contrasted physically and paralleled spiritually the ancient Babylonian captivity.

The Jewish church had become spiritually bankrupt—in aggregate an old wine bottle such as Jesus referred to in Luke 5:37–39. A new church arose alongside the decaying edifice of the Jewish church before anyone, either founders of the new or guardians of the old, fully understood what was happening! Let’s proceed to highlight a few of these details.

“The Pharisees opposed the teachings of Jesus with all their force, and Jesus turned from the recognized religious leaders to find in others new bottles for the new wine. In the untutored fisherman, in the publican at the market-place, in the woman of Samaria, in the common people who heard him gladly, he found his new bottles for the new wine. …

“God’s people must go on from light to a greater light, or they will become, as did the Pharisees, unwilling to receive additional light. They will find themselves in the condition represented by withered, dried-up bottles. In their religious faith they will be unmovable, inflexible, like the withered fig tree dried up by the roots. …

“The lessons which Jesus taught in the parables should be carefully studied; they contain instruction for his people in these last days … Christ, the consolation of Israel, had come unto his own, but his own received him not. He must find new bottles to contain his new wine.” The Signs of the Times, September 19, 1892.

1 What did the Jewish church look like in the time of Christ? How did the experience of the Jewish church in Christ’s day parallel the experience of the Babylonian captivity? In what ways was the experience in contrast to the Babylonian captivity?

Review and Discuss:

The captor nation now in question was Rome. (It is interesting to note in this context that Peter later was to refer to the capital, Rome, as “Babylon.” I Peter 5:13.)

The nation/church of Israel was in near complete captivity to Rome—its civil and spiritual leaders, vassals to Rome, as Zedechiah and his immediate predecessors had been to Nebuchadnezzar. Yet instead of reducing the church to rubble, the captors had helped to beautify and embellish the temple. (Despite outward beautification, the church, as in the time of Jeremiah, was desolate—destitute of the Spirit of Christ. Matthew 23:38.) The temple church had become a “den of thieves.”

Once again, God’s people were in complete denial about the fact that they were in bondage! Note the claim made by one faction of the leaders of the professed church to Christ: “They [the Pharisees] answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?” John 8:33.

There now seemed to be many pastors (priests), but yet there were no shepherds! “… Jesus … was moved with compassion for them [multitudes], because they were like sheep not having a shepherd.” Mark 6:34.

Unlike the previous Babylonian captivity, there were now schools for religious instruction associated with the churches—yet not in any of them was there found a place fit for proper instruction! “In the days of Christ the town or city that did not provide for the religious instruction of the young was regarded as under the curse of God. Yet … tradition had in a great degree supplanted the Scriptures. … The principles of the law were obscured.” The Desire of Ages, 69.

As in Jeremiah’s time, a false trust was placed in the professed church—in the ordinances and buildings that had been dedicated by and to God. The forms of religion continued despite the deep divisions of a conservative and liberal class.

The forms of this church carried on, largely uninterrupted clear past the zenith of the early Christian church. The Jewish temple-church soldiered on after the gospel had gone to every person in the world (Colossians 1:23)! It continued on after the key leaders of the early Christian church; Stephen, James, Peter and Paul all had been martyred for their faith.

2 Did Christ also profess to be the head of the church? Was it the same church described above? See Matthew 16:18; John 10:1–9, 11, 16; Matthew 23:32–39; John 15:1, 5, 7, 8; John 8: 34–36.

Note:

Christ also professed to be the leader of the true church. It consisted largely of outcasts, but anyone and all were invited to join: foreigner or Pharisee; fisherman or lawyer; man, woman, or child. Here are some of the claims of Christ regarding this: “on this rock [Christ] I will build my church” and “I am the door. … I am the Good Shepherd … other sheep I have … there will be one flock and one Shepherd … my sheep hear my voice.” Christ explained captivity and the church’s purpose of bearing fruit and bearing children in terms like these:

“I am the true vine … you are the branches … if you abide in Me, and my Words abide in you … you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples” and “you must be born again” and “whoever commits sin is a slave … a slave does not abide in the house forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

3 What did the prospects for this new church look like in Christ’s day? What was their experience?

Review and Discuss:

Christ’s own people reject Him (Luke 4:16–30).

The glory Christ brought to the temple was unrecognized.

“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while, I will once more shake the heavens, and the earth, the sea, and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty. … ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house.’ ” Haggai 2:6, 7, 9.

An apparent early victory by the Sea of Galilee is followed by a massive shaking among Christ’s followers! Nearly all forsake Him (John 6:60–68).

“Christ sifted His followers again and again, until at one time there remained only eleven and a few faithful women to lay the foundation of the Christian church. There are those who will stand back when burdens are to be borne; but when the church is all aglow, they catch the enthusiasm, sing and shout, and become rapturous; but watch them. When the fervor is gone, only a few faithful Calebs will come to the front and display unwavering principle. These are salt that retains the savor. It is when the work moves hard that the churches develop the true helpers. These will not be talking of self, vindicating self, but will lose their identity in Jesus Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 130.

Christ’s disciples are nearly completely confused about which church they belong to (Matthew 17:24–27; Matthew 16:6–12).

Christ, at the last left by all, treads the winepress of God’s wrath—alone (Isaiah 59:14–17)!

Peter, a key disciple, publically disavows connection with Christ and His church.

On the cross, seemingly a failed traitor of the church, Jesus cries out: “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46.

With unspeakable sorrow and bitterness, Christ’s disciples see an end to all they understood to be of Christ’s church (Luke 24:21).

4 Do the above descriptions of the Jewish church and Christ’s church complete the story?

Christ predicted the above situation, and the reversals that came, and so had the prophets before Him. Notice here again how Jesus is consistent with the Old Testament imagery of the purpose of God’s church when He tells His disciples, “A woman when she is in labor has sorrow, because her hour has come: but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for the joy. … Therefore you now have sorrow: but … your heart will rejoice.” John 16:21, 22.

5 Although unrecognized by nearly all, what was the true situation of the Jewish church?

Review and Discuss:

Unrecognized, Christ comes a last time, seeking fruit from Israel (Mark 11:11–22).

Unrecognized, probation closes on the Jewish nation-church (Matthew 23:32–39).

Unrecognized, spiritual bondage is at last followed by physical bondage and destruction.

Unrecognized, a new church of spiritual Jews was born to replace the old.

6 And what was the position of the Church that Christ was raising?

Review and Discuss:

Christ declared that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church (Matthew 16:18). The work of Christ prior to and on the cross of Calvary had indeed prepared the new church for victory in the midst of defeat! At the very close of Christ’s agony, Ellen White writes:

“Well, then, might the angels rejoice as they looked upon the Saviour’s cross; for though they did not then understand all, they knew that the destruction of sin and Satan was forever made certain, that the redemption of man was assured, and that the universe was made eternally secure. Christ Himself fully comprehended the results of the sacrifice made upon Calvary. To all these He looked forward when upon the cross He cried out, ‘It is finished’ [John 19:30].” The Desire of Ages, 764.

With Christ’s victory in Gethsemane, at trial, and on Calvary, the church was prepared to fulfill the purposes for which she was ordained:

Bearing the fruit of Spiritual rebirth, at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Bearing the fruit of offspring (converts) on the day of Pentecost.

Representing the name of God to the world (Christian).

The promised triumphs of the church by Old Testament prophets were indeed fulfilled. But no one, not even the disciples, recognized the omens of coming victory. In parallel, the promised decimation of the church by Old Testament prophets was also fulfilled, first spiritually and then physically. Very few of God’s originally called and professed people had any part of the triumph, while most experienced the fulfillment of prophecies of destruction! God’s new Christian church had triumphed, had been born, unrecognized as such by the Jewish nation, from a gathering of all nations. (Note: Even this triumph, though, could have been more complete, had Jewish nationalism among the disciples been seen for what it was earlier, and completely put away (Galatians 4:19–31; Ephesians 2:10–22; Acts 9, 10; Romans 9, 10, 11). Christ looked forward to this birth of a new church when:

In these strangers (the Greeks who came to the temple) He (Christ) saw the pledge of a great harvest, when the partition wall between Jew and Gentile should be broken down, and all nations, tongues, and peoples should hear the message of salvation. The anticipation of this, the consummation of His hopes, is expressed in the words, “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” John 12:23. The gathering in of the Gentiles was to follow His approaching death.

The new church was indeed formed by a combination of Jew and Gentile. Praise the Lord for the power of the gospel to make the true Christian church from: Jew (Paul) and Gentile (the Ethiopian eunuch); former Pharisees (Simon): former harlots (Mary), Roman centurions (Cornelius), and former zealots (Simon).

Reader, an understanding of what is really happening in the above parallel mingling of triumph-tragedy for the professed Jewish church and tragedy-triumph of the Christian church is critical to an understanding of Old Testament prophecy. The Old Testament prophecies themselves are, on a large scale, a grand-parallel mingling of stunning triumph in the face of disaster and monumental defeat in the face of misplaced confidence. This history of the church in Christ’s time gives us the tools to understand how these seemingly contradictory prophecies can be fulfilled simultaneously.

Studies prepared by John T. Grosboll PE. John T. is a mechanical engineer living near Vancouver, Washington. His secular employment includes several years of experience in primary metals and transportation-related industries. He, along with his wife Teresa, is actively involved in the work of the Historic Message Church in Portland, Oregon. He may be reached at grosbolls@yahoo.com.

Bible Study Guides – After the Captivity, A Church and a Wall to Rebuild

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July 18, 2010 – July 24, 2010

Key Text

“Each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their own time than for ours … their prophesying is in force for us … Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel … spoke of things that … reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 338, 419, 420.

Introduction

It might seem odd to introduce any Sabbath school lesson by asking what a monetary system, a hydro-electric dam, a jet engine, or fiber-optic network have in common. But they do in fact each carry a feature that is illustrative of a key requirement in God’s last day church. They are products of collective intelligence.

There are millions of very talented, intelligent and industrious people in our world, but no single person knows in full how to design and manage a major infrastructure project, build a jet plane or computer, or manage a monetary system. Nor can one person simply assign a specified amount of physical and mental energy to be expended by a group of people working separately and accomplish any of these projects. All of these projects require collective intelligence. It is collective intelligence and action of human agents that produces the large scale progress in the secular world.

But what of God’s church? If the world we live in were managed the same way that our gospel work has been, we would all be tool-poor, barterers, and hunter-gatherers the world over! The children of darkness are indeed wiser in their generation than the children of light on this point (Luke 16:8, 9). Are there functions that God has assigned to His church that require collective action? Are you taking collective action?

Our lesson today is about the rebuilding of the temple church and the city walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. We will see that collective action was one of the important requirements to the completion of these projects. This lesson covers the events covered by Prophets and Kings, chapters 45–58.

1 Once Babylon had fallen, and it was time to leave, who opened the way for the rebuilding? Isaiah 45:1–4; Daniel 10:13, 20, 21.

Note:

After a mighty spiritual struggle (recorded in Daniel 10), the civil government opened the way for the captive Jewish church to return to Jerusalem and rebuild. See Prophets and Kings, 572.

2 Was the call out successful, in terms of numbers? Ezra 2:64; 8:15.

Note:

“The king and his princes had done more than their part in opening the way for the return. They had provided abundant means, but where were the men? The sons of Levi failed at a time when the influence of a decision to accompany their brethren would have led others to follow their example. Their strange indifference is a sad revelation of the attitude of the Israelites in Babylon toward God’s purpose for His people.” Prophets and Kings, 614.

Apply It:

For the majority of Jews who, having integrated themselves so completely in Babylonian society, decided to remain; was the Babylonian captivity over after 70 years? While choosing to remain fully integrated with Babylonian (and then Persian) society, were they in a position to recognize their state?

3 What key decisions characterized successful rebuilding of the church?

Review and Discuss:

God’s people refuse union with foreigners (God’s enemies) in the building (Ezra 4:2, 3).

Working together “as one man”—working with collective intelligence (Ezra 3:1–8).

Listening to the prophets Haggai and Zechariah (Ezra 5:1, 2).

Fasting, prayer, and spiritual preparation (Ezra 7, 8).

4 Several years later, what key decisions characterized successful rebuilding of Jerusalem’s city wall?

Review and Discuss:

Working together “as one man”—working with collective intelligence (Nehemiah 3; 8:1).

Fasting, prayer, and spiritual preparation (Nehemiah 1:4).

God’s people refuse to again be deterred by foreigners (God’s enemies) in the building (Nehemiah 2:20; chapter 4; chapter 7).

5 What are characteristic features of collective intelligence and action?

Apply It:

More than one person is necessary, but not sufficient.

More than one group of people is necessary, but not sufficient.

Knowledgeable and strong people are necessary, but not sufficient.

Knowledgeable, strong people working on the same project are necessary, but not sufficient.

Knowledgeable, strong groups of people working together; and under the Divine leadership and human leadership is necessary, and with the Holy Spirit, is sufficient.

Note that we cannot work collectively on building God’s church, while we work exclusively from the waste places of the earth. We cannot effectively work together while all of us move to the mountainous regions. In Nehemiah’s time, ALL parts of the wall needed workers. God needs people today working together on different parts of the wall and from many places. God needs families, not satisfied simply to realize the dangers of raising a family in the city, but to devise plans for reaching other families in the cities. God needs builders on the wall to work in cities, in towns, and in the remote areas. He needs workers in the mountains, in the plains, and the coastal areas. See Testimonies, vol. 8, 119; vol. 7, 34–36; Evangelism, 384–428.

6 What decisions characterized near failure during rebuilding of the church?

Review and Discuss:

A failure to act quickly! See Prophets and Kings, 572.

Union with foreigners in marriage (Ezra 9; 10).

Complacency, personal property before God’s church (Haggai 1).

Failures of priests (pastors) (Ezra 3:12).

7 What decisions characterized near failure during, and after, rebuilding of the wall?

Review and Discuss:

Taking financial advantage of the poor (Nehemiah 5).

Union with foreigners in marriage (Nehemiah 13).

Putting personal property before God’s church (Nehemiah 13:4–9).

Failures of priests (pastors) (Nehemiah 13).

Failure to collect tithes and offerings for the ministers (Nehemiah 13).

Relaxing Sabbath standards (Nehemiah 13).

8 Was the spiritual construction of God’s temple and the city wall, the purpose of His church, ever completed by the Jewish nation?

NO—The nation did not give birth to the character of Christ, or to the offspring of converts! Christ Himself became the ultimate fulfillment of Birth to the church—He was literally given to them—and to us! (Revelation 12:5.)

9 What applications to church and wall rebuilding do we have today? Has the work of rebuilding the church been completed? Has the church completed rebuilding the wall?

Review and Discuss:

Church: Ephesians 2:19–22

Wall: Isaiah 58:12, 13

Apply It:

Review Haggai, chapter 1.

“The expression, ‘This people say,’ is significant. … Pleas for delay are a dishonor to God. … in a communication through his prophet, he [the Lord] referred to them not as ‘my people,’ but as ‘this people.’ ” The Review and Herald, December 5, 1907. Ellen White says that, “This history will be repeated.” [Emphasis supplied.]

How, in practice, might this same experience be repeated?

This is the message of the prophet Haggai: God’s people could have no success while the church was not complete, and they were not trying to do anything about it! God said that because of their slackness, they would continue to fail to receive rain and fail to produce fruit.

In Haggai’s time, God’s people had been called to return to re-build the temple. It was also their privilege to build their own homes, and cultivate their fields. But they had made their personal building and planting a greater priority than building the temple, and were severely rebuked for this. Their crops were cursed. We even find that God temporarily disowned them for this neglect. Today, I fear that many have placed the importance of preparing their property and gardens for the time of trouble ahead of plans to finish building the temple. This is not to say that this preparation is unimportant, but simply to say that we must understand the relative importance of these activities.

10 Is there a need for collective intelligence in God’s church today?

Apply It:

God has appointed both individual and collective will to humans, and both are important. As a starting point, you may compare and contrast collective and individual will to action within Joshua 24:15. You may see examples of the importance of individual action in Daniel 6; I Kings 22:9–14, and Isaiah 40:3. You may see examples of the importance of collective action in John 20:23; Acts 6:1–7, and I Corinthians 12:9–18. As Historic SDAs, we have long exercised our muscle of individual will and action, while our muscle of collective will, intelligence, and action has nigh atrophied. In Heaven, the collective will to action is critical to success in the Great Controversy! What about our collective action?

God, in His infinite wisdom, has given to His church collective tasks in evangelism and education that simply cannot be met exclusively by exercising our talents individually! There are parts of our individual characters that simply cannot be properly developed unless we are at least attempting to work collectively. Unfortunately, many of us have been assuming otherwise.

Let’s be straightforward: the need for true gospel workers, health workers and teachers is not being adequately supplied by any portion of the corporate entity of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. But among historic SDAs, the situation of supplying trained workers is even worse, and no one among us is in a position to exercise collective action with the General Conference, which has shown an eagerness to attempt to control through the court system.

However large this problem may seem, we must at minimum not ignore it, or pretend that because it takes the action of many, we are in no position to make an attempt to rectify it. You can see this is about much more than pooling our money. You will find out, as you continue in this lesson series, that God will use the heathen to fill this vacuum if nothing else is done.

Could it be time to consider more than theoretical future solutions; could it be time to consider pragmatic ones? This author believes that it is past time to ask some very difficult questions; questions such as: If someone felt called to the gospel ministry (the gospel ministry as laid out in Testimonies to Ministers, for example), what real employment options do they have? Would you want to be in their shoes? Are you in their shoes? (Remember, God will call 11th hour workers from secular employment to gospel employment.) What would it take to train and hire workers? Would the Historic SDA church nearest me need to be better organized? Could I help? Would it take more than one local church to get the job done? Would I be prepared to recognize and act collectively with 11th hour workers from other churches? Would it take things like an identity, plans, goals, boards, and bank accounts? Am I an amicable enough person so that others could get along with me well enough to prosecute a plan of action?

I know the preceding paragraph may read like heresy to some. But we’re halfway there, and that halfway position will not long be stable. There exist Historic SDA churches. There are groups of Historic SDA churches working together in various places in the world. There are Historic SDA teachers, and medical professionals. And all of these exist because people believe that the gospel message drives and defines the identity of the remnant, and not the other way around (Revelation 14:12)! Today we are either half wrong, and need to close shop on these activities, or we’re half right, and need to “Strengthen the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees.” Isaiah 35:3.

You may be tempted to say that the thought of working on a large scale is preposterous given our current situation and the shortness of time. You may ask, “Should we really expect to launch some large, potentially bureaucratic edifice for training and employing workers when God has said that He will complete His work through surprisingly simple means?” These are fair questions. Consider these questions: 1st, Are the dangers of bureaucracy paramount when there exists no organization? 2nd, Even though God has said He will finish His work in simple ways that will astound us, do you think that He will sanction our part in that work if we simply excuse ourselves from attempting to act collectively, because it’s messy, hard to do, and takes time?

11 Is there risk when you choose to engage in collective action?

Apply It:

The good news for us is that Christ has already guaranteed the outcome of the war; there is zero risk that He will lose the great controversy. But there is very real risk in each battle of the great controversy, risk that souls will be lost. When you undertake a project by yourself, you are individually to a large degree in control of the risk of failure. When you engage in collective intelligence and action, you as an individual are in a much smaller way in control of the risk of failure.

Collective action requires the individuals to give of themselves at the risk of each other’s good will. There is no way to make money through investment, without putting money at risk of loss—at least temporary loss. And when we invest our talents for Christ, we may indeed realize temporary loss and may not in this life realize the gain of our investment. But our risk in these endeavors pales to the very real risk that God made to save you and me, the risk of the loss of His own Son!

Studies prepared by John T. Grosboll PE. John T. is a mechanical engineer living near Vancouver, Washington. His secular employment includes several years of experience in primary metals and transportation-related industries. He, along with his wife Teresa, is actively involved in the work of the Historic Message Church in Portland, Oregon. He may be reached at grosbolls@yahoo.com.

Bible Study Guides – The Babylonian Captivity: An Outline of the Scope and Characteristics

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July 11, 2010 – July 17, 2010

Key Text

“Each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their own time than for ours … their prophesying is in force for us … Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel … spoke of things that … reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 338, 419, 420.

Introduction

At first consideration many Bible students of experience may well imagine a lesson on what constituted the Babylonian captivity to be a fairly straightforward exercise. But instead it turns out to be a rather complicated story involving a wide variety of differing experiences and perceptions. This lesson provides an outline summary of this involved story.

1 How does the Bible summarize the variety and the scope of the captivity? Jeremiah 15:1–10.

Apply It:

God, through the prophet Jeremiah, here reiterates the reasons for the captivity, and reveals the vast extent and sorrow of the captivity in all its forms. Everyone in God’s professed church was to experience the impact of the decimating Babylonian captivity in some way! Death, sword, starvation, and captivity!

2 Were God’s people warned of the coming captivity? II Chronicles 36:14–21.

3 What events constituted the Babylonian captivity for church members, prophets and pastors?

Review and Discuss:

100% of God’s people were directly affected (II Chronicles 36:17; II Kings 25:11).

God’s professed people were scattered (Jeremiah 10:21; 23:1, 2).

The shepherds (priests) were lost (Jeremiah 10:21; 23:1, 2; Lamentations 2:10).

The most sacred symbol, the Ark of the Testament, was removed (II Chronicles 36:18).

Many of God’s professed people put to the test in Babylon (II Chronicles 36:20).

The faithful persecuted by the state, united with and goaded by false religion (Daniel 3).

Various combinations of physical and spiritual bondage in different locales.

The Word of God (prophets) again became rare (Lamentations 2:20).

4 What events constituted the Babylonian captivity for the church infrastructure: schools, church, and church headquarters?

Review and Discuss:

The capital city of the church (Jerusalem) was destroyed (II Chronicles 36:19).

The schools that provided religious education were destroyed.

The real property of the church (temple) was destroyed (II Chronicles 36:19).

5 What was the scope of the Babylonian captivity experience for those taken to Babylon?

Review and Discuss:

A staged captivity; Babylon made three trips to Jerusalem.

Captives physically in Babylon, but spiritually free (examples: Ezekiel and Daniel).

Captives physically and spiritually in Babylon (example: Zedekiah; see II Kings 24:17–25:10).

A generation born in captivity becomes so integrated with Babylon that they do not recognize God’s plan in the repeated calls to leave Babylon and rebuild God’s church (examples: Mordecai’s ancestors and many of the priests; see Esther and Ezra 8:15).

A few born in captivity see God’s plan in the call to return (example: Zerubbabel; see Ezra 2:2).

6 What was the scope of the Babylonian captivity experience for the remnant who remained in Judea?

Review and Discuss:

A remnant in Judea, under the yoke of Babylon physically and spiritually (example: Ishmael; see Jeremiah 41:1–10).

A remnant in Judea, under Babylon physically only (example: the prophet Jeremiah; see Jeremiah 39:11, 12).

A remnant, unwilling to admit the yoke, trusting in temple and false messages (Jeremiah 42).

A remnant, unwilling to admit the yoke, seeking freedom in Egypt (Jeremiah 43, 44).

7 When did the Babylonian captivity start?

Apply It:

Note that the captivity and destruction of Jerusalem was not a single point in time. It came in stages over several years. So when did it start? Did God’s professed people recognize the doom of captivity when it commenced? Here’s an outline of the captivity and destruction of Jerusalem:

1st—605 B.C., King Jehoiakim (Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah taken prisoners).

2nd—597 B.C., King Jehoichin (the temple looted; Ezekiel taken prisoner).

3rd—586 B.C., King Zedekiah (city destroyed).

The captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, greatest of the neo-Babylonian kings, came in three stages over a 19-year period. The 70-year captivity started in 605 B.C. God never intended the captivity to be as severe as it became! Even though the captivity itself could not at this time be averted (it had been assured since the reigns of Hezekiah and Manasseh), Kings Jehoichin and Zedekiah had opportunity to avert the destruction of the temple and the city by obedience to the word of God through Jeremiah. But Zedechiah’s fear of the leadership in God’s professed church prompted his continued rebellion (see for example, Jeremiah 38:14–26).

8 Did Israel understand and acknowledge the state of their captivity?

This is an astounding question to consider! Why would it not be obvious? Who has ever been subject to captivity, not recognized it—and even argued with those who declared it to be so?

But amazingly the answer is an emphatic NO!

There was a very large argument (even extending internationally) about whether or not Judah (and the surrounding nations) were even in the captivity pronounced by Jeremiah! Imagine, being in captivity or on the cusp of it, and denying it! You may read this extended story in Jeremiah 24–29. There was a near complete denial and rebellion by God’s people against the facts, nature, and extent of the captivity. Due to this, it became much more extreme in nature than it need have been.

Subsequent to the latter stages of Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of Judah, the remnant left in Judea sought freedom from Babylon by fleeing back to Egypt. But Egypt, along with the other surrounding nations, had also—by God’s direction—been placed under the yoke of Babylon. It is as if one prisoner were to seek a break-out to freedom by entering another’s prison cell! The rebellion against, and denial of the captivity was indeed widespread—even to the point of kidnapping Jeremiah. In this we see that all of God’s professed people were partakers of the effects of captivity. See Jeremiah 40–44.

Apply It:

If modern Israel were to ignore prophecy and history; if they continued with the same sins by which ancient Israel secured their own destruction, would it be possible for them to pass as unrecognized the omens and commencement of their captivity?

9 How did Jeremiah summarize the dreadful situation of God’s professed people at this time? Lamentations, chapters 1 and 2.

“How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! How is she become as a widow! … Her children have gone into captivity … [Zion] has seen the nations enter her sanctuary, those whom you commanded not to enter … the Lord … has abandoned His sanctuary … the Law is no more … Your prophets have seen for you false … visions; they have not uncovered your iniquity, to bring back your captives … Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord.” See Lamentations 1. [Emphasis supplied.]

Apply It:

Note the loss of the church’s purpose of marriage and child rearing as revealed in these words of Jeremiah.

10 By way of comparison, note that in prophetic reference, Babylon itself, which claims to be married to Christ, will experience widowhood and the loss of children in one day! Isaiah 47:5–9; Revelation 18:7, 8.

11 Was there anyone to recognize the sorrow and join with Jeremiah in weeping? What will God’s true people be doing when they recognize a disastrous crisis is upon them? Lamentations 1:12; 2:11, 18, 19; Ezekiel 9:4–10.

Apply It:

If God’s modern day people were to fall into a state of disgrace, because of their sins, what should be the responsibility of those seeking to remain faithful? In the Ezekiel reference, what is the outcome for those who are not distraught over the rebellion among God’s professed people?

Studies prepared by John T. Grosboll PE. John T. is a mechanical engineer living near Vancouver, Washington. His secular employment includes several years of experience in primary metals and transportation-related industries. He, along with his wife Teresa, is actively involved in the work of the Historic Message Church in Portland, Oregon. He may be reached at grosbolls@yahoo.com.

 

Bible Study Guides – Why Did the Babylonian Captivity Happen to God’s Professed People?

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July 4, 2010 – July 10, 2010

Key Text

“Each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their own time than for ours … their prophesying is in force for us … Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel … spoke of things that … reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 338, 419, 420.

Introduction

“… because of their failure to fulfill his purpose, he permitted them to be humbled by an idolatrous nation.” The Youth’s Instructor, May 14, 1903.

In general it may be said that the Babylonian captivity of Judah came about because they did not as a nation-church fulfill the purposes of God as outlined in the first lesson. That means that they did not fulfill God’s purpose for them by bearing the fruit of transformed characters and becoming a refuge for converts. The short quote above illustrates this fact. With this one short phrase, the whole of the title question to this lesson may be answered—from start to finish! But the extensive history of the causes and nature of the captivity in both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy invite any serious student to a much more thorough examination.

Rather than simply leave us a general summary, God outlines in history very specific reasons why the captivity happened. He tells us in detail why God’s ancient church was not able to fulfill His purpose of fruit bearing. Several key specific reasons are outlined in the questions below. As we study these, we should keep this question at the forefront of our minds: If this history were to be repeated by God’s professed people today, would the results of captivity again be realized also?

Note:

The focus of this study is largely devoted to the reasons for the captivity of Judah. The near parallel reasons for the captivity and destruction of the northern tribes of Israel are starkly summarized in II Kings 17:13–23.

1 What were the foundational actions that led to the captivity? Ezra 9:14; Judges 2:2, 3.

Review and Discuss:

“In his study of the causes that led to the Babylonish captivity, Ezra had learned that the terrible apostasy of Israel was largely traceable to their mingling with the surrounding nations. Had they obeyed God’s command to keep separate from the heathen, they would have been spared many sad and humiliating experiences.” The Review and Herald, February 20, 1908. [Emphasis supplied.]

“Should we … join … with the people of these abominations? Would you not be angry until … there was no remnant or escaping?”

“And you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land … their gods shall be a snare unto you.”

Apply It:

Ezra sought through prayer and study to understand the reason why God’s work on earth had been so humbled through captivity and desolation. Should not modern Israel, if faced with humiliating circumstances, seek to understand the cause? As a counterpoint, note the striking words of Isaiah 22:9–14! Do you have something to be concerned about in God’s cause today?

2 What Lack was a precursor to captivity? Isaiah 5:13; Jeremiah 8:7; Hosea 4:6.

Review and Discuss:

“… my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge.”

“My people know not the judgment of the Lord.”

“My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge.”

3 This vacuum of knowledge was the result of what actions that further sealed the certainty of the captivity? II Chronicles 13:15, 16; Jeremiah 26:5, 6; Zechariah 7:12–14; Jeremiah 7:12–14; II Kings 17:13.

Review and Discuss:

“… the Lord … sent warnings to them by His messengers … because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers … despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy.”

“… refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord … sent through the former prophets … great wrath came … I scattered them … among all nations.”

“… heed … the prophets … (but you have not) … then I will make this house … a curse.”

Apply It:

The actions of God’s professed people in rejecting the true prophets were both active and passive in nature. But the results of each on the nation were the same. It is easy to see the active rejection in words like scoffed and mocked—and in the stories of the persecutions of Jeremiah, Micaiah, and others. But there is a clear emphasis in these verses on the passive rejection of the prophets. God’s professed people despised His words through refusing to hear the law and the words.

It is very important to understand this in application; to understand what the rejection of these prophets means, and what it does not mean. Note that it does NOT mean that God’s professed people physically destroyed the words of the prophets (although at times they tried). It does NOT mean that they ceased completely to publish the words of these prophets, or were (at least in the long-run) careless to retain the accuracy of the words of the prophets. Indeed, the Dead Sea scrolls are a strong testimony to the fact that there were, centuries later, Jews who were still very rigorous to preserve the text of the prophets with rigorous accuracy. The words of the prophets were passively rejected when they were ignored!

Have God’s professed people ignored and acted counter to any express commands given by God through a prophet? If so, state at least one explicit example.

4 What role did the leadership in the Jewish church play in the captivity? Jeremiah 23:1; 6:13–15; 8:8–11; Isaiah 56:9–12; Ezekiel 34:8; Jeremiah 10:21; 50:6.

Review and Discuss:

“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!”

“… the pen of the scribes is vain. The wise men are ashamed … they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them? … For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying Peace, peace; when there is no peace.”

“… beasts of the field, come to devour. … His watchmen are blind … they are shepherds who cannot understand: they all look to their own way. … They get drunk.”

“My people have been lost. … Their shepherds have led them astray.”

“… My flock became prey … because … shepherds … did not feed my flock.”

“The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the Lord; so … all their flock is scattered.”

Apply It:

Note the repetition in the references from Jeremiah chapter 6 and Jeremiah chapter 8! When the prophet repeats himself, we should be doubly assured of the importance and accuracy of the information (for example, Genesis 41:32). Can you identify modern shepherds who lead their flocks astray? Can you identify any modern scribes who pen messages of peace, while God’s professed remnant church dives more deeply into apostasy? By what standards do you make these judgments?

5 Generally, what actions by the nation as a whole led to the captivity? Lamentations 1:5.

Review and Discuss:

“… the Lord has afflicted her [Zion] because of the multitude of her transgressions: her children have gone into captivity.” Lamentations 1:5.

“If you do not obey the voice of the Lord … the Lord will cause you to be defeated before your enemies.” Deuteronomy 28:15, 25.

6 Were there specific sins that God identified as resulting in captivity and destruction for His professed people? Jeremiah 11:10–17; II Kings 22:17.

Review and Discuss:

“… they have gone after other gods … therefore … I will surely bring calamity. … For the Lord … has pronounced doom against you, for the evil … in offering incense to Baal.”

“Because they have … provoked me to anger by all the idols … my anger will burn against this place.”

7 Are there any other specific sins which resulted in the captivity of God’s people? Ezekiel 22:8–15; Jeremiah 17:27.

Review and Discuss:

“You have … profaned my Sabbaths. … I will scatter you among the nations.”

“If you will not … hallow the Sabbath. … fire … shall devour … Jerusalem.”

8 If today there existed anywhere in the world a church, any church—formally organized or not—who professed to be a part of God’s church and yet largely:

Mingled with the world

Were deficient in the knowledge of God’s Word

Ignored the gift of prophecy

Were guilty of idolatry

Lightly regarded the Sabbath

Had pastors, leaders, and authors leading as blind guides

Would it be reasonable to expect that this church today, in spite of this well-known past history, would escape the experience of captivity? Or would the captivity experience be even more certain because of this history?

Apply It:

“That which made them [the Israelites] denominational, was the observance of God’s commandments.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, 39.

“Should we again break thy commandments, and join … with the people of these abominations? Would you not be angry until … there was no remnant or escaping?” Ezra 9:14.

“But let God’s people remember that only as they believe and work out the principles of the gospel can He make them [fulfill His purpose]. … If those who profess to believe in Christ as their Saviour reach only the low standard of worldly measurement, the church fails to bear the rich harvest that God expects. ‘Found wanting’ [Daniel 5:27] is written upon her record.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 14.

This last question is not fully answered with this lesson. The conclusions should be more fully developed in the proceeding lessons.

Studies prepared by John T. Grosboll PE. John T. is a mechanical engineer living near Vancouver, Washington. His secular employment includes several years of experience in primary metals and transportation-related industries. He, along with his wife Teresa, is actively involved in the work of the Historic Message Church in Portland, Oregon. He may be reached at grosbolls@yahoo.com.

Bible Study Guides – God’s Purpose for His Church

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June 27, 2010 – July 3, 2010

Babylonian Captivity, Escape and Rebuilding God’s Church

A Study for Modern Israel

Ancient Israel’s Capture and Release—A Rebuilding and a Church

God’s Purpose for His Church

Key Text

“Each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their own time than for ours … their prophesying is in force for us … Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel … spoke of things that … reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 338, 419, 420.

Introduction

In an attempt to arrest our attention to the critical purpose of His church, God, through inspiration, uses many kinds of descriptive language, illustrations, and symbols to capture the subject. Scriptures are replete with language that should continually inspire us to search for a deeper understanding of the subject.

Because of this profuse variety of description, there is no one single proper way to illustrate the church’s mission. Yet, there are common themes of illustration that are carried from prophet to prophet. This lesson encapsulates one important set of related themes by which the mission of God’s church may be summarized—and explored in rich veins of study.

Whether or not you, the student, are already familiar with the purpose of God’s church, this study is pivotal to the whole series, because the terminology used will be employed by the Bible writers to subsequently explain an outline of church history—stretching to the present and near future situation of God’s people. As we study, we will see that the tapestry woven by the prophets combines the experiences of both God’s professed and true followers.

Let’s begin our study of the purposes of God’s church through the descriptions of name, refuge, fruit, and children:

1 What purpose of God’s church is outlined in the following verses? Deuteronomy 28:10; 1 Kings 9:3; II Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 14:9; 15:16.

Review and Discuss:

“… all peoples … shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord.”

“I have heard the prayer … consecrated this temple … putting my name there forever.”

“My people who are called by my name.”

“… we are called by your name.”

Apply It:

The above verses are illustrations of God’s purpose to give identity to the church. Whose name was to be associated with the church?

2 What purpose of God’s church is outlined in the following verses? Isaiah 56:3–8; II Chronicles 6:32, 33; Isaiah 4:6; Esther 8:17; Ruth 1:16.

Review and Discuss:

“Let no foreigner who has bound himself to the Lord say, ‘The Lord will surely exclude me from His people.’ … to them I will give within My temple … a name better than sons … an everlasting name. … And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord. … I will bring to My holy mountain. … My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. The Lord who gathers the outcasts of Israel declares, I will gather still others to them.” Isaiah 56:3–8.

“… the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel … when he comes and prays toward this temple; then hear from heaven … so that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name … and may know that this house I have built bears Your Name.” II Chronicles 6:32, 33.

“And there will be a tabernacle … for a place of refuge.” Isaiah 4:6.

“… many of the people of the land [Persians] became Jews.” Esther 8:17.

“… your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.” Ruth 1:16.

Apply It:

These verses are illustrations of God’s purpose to hold His church as a place for refuge for all who, in the midst of a revolted world, might seek asylum in God’s kingdom. Notice also that God’s Name is interwoven with the church’s mission as a refuge!

3 The 3rd related purpose for God’s church is both broad and deep. In describing it, Bible writers frequently resort to two sets of metaphors. The language of the metaphors should be examined very closely, because the Bible develops much information from them. The purpose of God’s church, stated without metaphor is:

To glorify God by producing spiritual returns on God’s investment.

This investment return relationship is described most prominently by two metaphorical descriptions. Identify them in the verses below:

a) Metaphor #1: Trees (or vines) 4 Psalm 1:1–3; Isaiah 5:1–7; Isaiah 27:6; 61:3; Jeremiah 17:7, 8; Mark 11:12–14; Romans 11:16–18.

God invests in _____ (or _____) expecting a yield of _____________

b) Metaphor #2: Marriage Isaiah 54:5, 6; Isaiah 66:7, 8; Jeremiah 3:14; Ezekiel 16:7–14.

God invests in _______expecting a yield of ________

Apply It:

(1) This last metaphor was made most striking by God’s direction to the prophet Hosea to actually live out the metaphor of God’s investment in marriage to the church by his (Hosea’s) marriage to Gomer. See Hosea, chapters 1:2, 3 and 3:1–5.

(2) Compare the living parable recorded there with what was written a few years later in Jeremiah 3:1–4, 7, 8, 14, and 20. Ellen White declares that Jeremiah 3 has a special application for those who claim to be modern Israel:

“Please read the third chapter [of Jeremiah]. This chapter is a lesson for modern Israel.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1154. [Emphasis supplied.]

(3) As an aid to further study and cross-referencing, note that children are also more generally referred to as descendants, fruit, or seed in other portions of Scriptures. See for example: Genesis 3:15; 17:7, 8; Romans 1:3; Hebrews 11:11; Revelation 12:17.

4 What do the trees or woman in the marriage relationship represent in these parallel metaphors?

a) Trees: Isaiah 61:3; Psalm 1:1–3; Jeremiah 17:7, 8.

Apply It:

(1) To see specific examples of trees as a representation of the nation-church in Christ’s day, study Matthew 3:10 and Mark 11:12–14—and associated Spirit of Prophecy comments in The Fruitless Fig Tree (Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, chapter 45).

(2) By viewing in detail the nature of the illustration of vines (or trees) in the Bible, we can also see that the proper relationship of the branches in the orchard or vineyard to the stock is also used to represent the relationship of Christ to the individual disciple. See John 15:1–5 and Romans 11:16–18 as prime examples. These lessons focus rather on the macroscopic biblical description of the collection of fruit bearing branches, the trees and vineyard, as God’s people—His church.

  1. b) Woman: Ezekiel 16:3, 8; Jeremiah 6:2; Ephesians 5:25–32; Ezekiel 23:1–4.

5 What do the fruit or children represent in these parallel metaphors?

There is more to this question than may immediately come to mind. One might say, for example, that fruit is clearly a representation of character, referring to Paul’s fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22, 23; and this would be correct. Another might say that the term children clearly represents converts to the faith, referencing for example the apostle John’s endearing address, “my little Children” (1 John 2:1); and this would also be correct.

But the symbols of bearing fruit and children (or giving birth) are even more interesting in that each of these symbols, considered alone, are the weaving together of these two products. The spiritual returns that the prophets illustrate as fruit or children can best be defined to be the intertwining products of character and converts.

Review and Discuss:

Fruit as Character: “Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, For they shall eat the fruit of their doings.” Isaiah 3:10. See also Matthew 7:20 and 12:33.

Fruit as Converts: “I will make you … fruitful … make nations of you … I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants.” Genesis 17:6, 7. (Note who Abraham’s descendants are: John 8:39; Galatians 3:7.)

Rebirth as Character: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will … cause you to walk in My statutes.” Ezekiel 36:26, 27. See also related Ellen G. White comments on this verse; The Desire of Ages, 174.

“… unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.

Children and Seed as Converts: “… when he [Jacob] sees his children, the work of My hands, in his midst, They will hallow My name … and fear the God of Israel. These also who erred in spirit will come to understanding, And … will learn doctrine.” Isaiah 29:22–24.

“The Gentiles shall come. … They gather together. … Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters are carried on the arm.” Isaiah 60:3, 4.

“… in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 4:15.

“Converts from heathenism to the faith of Israel were often compared to children just born.” The Desire of Ages, 171.

Apply It:

What other Bible examples can you find that describe children and fruit as character and/or converts?

6 In describing the purpose of the church, how does the apostle Paul succinctly cross-link these images of invested marriage and returned fruit bearing, character and converts, together in the following illustrations:

“… you [woman] … be married to [Jesus] … that we should bear fruit to God.” Romans 7:4. [Emphasis supplied.]

“My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.” Galatians 4:19. [Emphasis supplied.]

Apply It:

Also notice the Spirit of Prophecy describe the intertwining nature of fruit bearing as character and converts:

“… [Christ’s] great purpose” is “growth and fruit bearing … conforming His servants … to the image of Christ … to cause them to bear fruit abundantly … to become true … missionaries.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 186.

7 Can the purpose of Jesus to form His character in His people and to have them bring converts to His kingdom effectively be separated? Luke 8:38–40. Compare Luke 22:32 and Acts 4:20.

Apply It:

The counterexample is also interesting to note. In a general sense, it may be said that an absence of Christ-likeness bankrupts the ability of the church to win converts. The Bible student will find that the church’s growth in character (or lack thereof) is directly correlated with the growth in true converts. See Acts 2–13 for an example of growth in character and converts, and The Great Controversy, chapter 3, as an example of a decline in both.

8 Today, what does the overall health of God’s orchard (or marriage) look like to you? How is this personal to you? How do you view your spiritual health, as a tree in God’s church? Are you bearing fruit through both character and witness? Are you married to Christ? Colossians 1:27–29.

Read the first chapter in The Act of the Apostles, or the introduction to Prophets and Kings: The Vineyard of the Lord, and note how the subject of the purpose for God’s church is addressed. Below are ellipsed quotes from the reading in The Acts of the Apostles, 9-15, highlighting the terminology we have just studied:

Apply It:

“The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God’s plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency. … ‘Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.’ Isaiah 56:7. ‘And I will raise up for them a plant of renown. … Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are My people. …’ Ezekiel 34:26, 29–31. … The church is God’s fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world. … From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth. … From age to age, through successive generations, the pure doctrines of heaven have been unfolding within its borders. … It is the theater of His grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts. … Wonderful is the work which the Lord designs to accomplish through His church, that His name may be glorified. A picture of this work is given in Ezekiel’s vision of the river of healing: ‘These waters issue out … and by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose … it shall bring forth new fruit.’ Ezekiel 47:8–12. … From the beginning God has wrought through His people to bring blessing to the world. … God chose Israel to reveal His character to men. … Of Israel God declared: ‘I had planted thee a noble vine.’ Jeremiah 2:21.” [Emphasis supplied.]

Studies prepared by John T. Grosboll PE. John T. is a mechanical engineer living near Vancouver, Washington. His secular employment includes several years of experience in primary metals and transportation-related industries. He, along with his wife Teresa, is actively involved in the work of the Historic Message Church in Portland, Oregon. He may be reached at grosbolls@yahoo.com.