Bible Study Guides

Bible Study Guides – The Earliest Evangelists

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March 29, 2015 – April 4, 2015

Key Text

“As by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Romans 5:19.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 63–70.

Introduction

“As soon as there was sin, there was a Saviour. Christ knew that He would have to suffer, yet He became man’s substitute. As soon as Adam sinned, the Son of God presented Himself as a surety for the human race.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1084.

1 ADAM, THE FIRST EVANGELIST

  • How was the message of the eternal gospel first preached to Adam and Eve? Genesis 3:15; (compare Galatians 3:16).

Note: “Although gloom and darkness hung, like the pall of death, over the future, yet in the promise of the Redeemer, the Star of hope lighted up the dark future. …

“What love! What amazing condescension! The King of glory proposed to humble Himself to fallen humanity! He would place His feet in Adam’s steps. He would take man’s fallen nature, and engage to cope with the strong foe who triumphed over Adam. He would overcome Satan, and in thus doing He would open the way for the redemption from the disgrace of Adam’s failure and fall, of all those who would believe on Him.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1084, 1085.

  • As the first bearer of the gospel message, how would Adam have shared this message with his children? Deuteronomy 6:6, 7.

Note: “He [Adam] had been commanded to instruct his posterity in the way of the Lord; and he carefully treasured what God had revealed to him, and repeated it to succeeding generations.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 82.

2 ABEL AND SETH

  • What kind of men did God have among Adam’s descendants?

Note: “Notwithstanding the prevailing iniquity, there was a line of holy men who, elevated and ennobled by communion with God, lived as in the companionship of heaven. They were men of massive intellect, of wonderful attainments. They had a great and holy mission—to develop a character of righteousness, to teach a lesson of godliness, not only to the men of their time, but for future generations.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 84.

  • In what way was Abel a faithful witness of the gospel message? Genesis 4:4, 10; I John 3:12; Hebrews 11:4.

Note: “Abel grasped the great principles of redemption. He saw himself a sinner, and he saw sin and its penalty, death, standing between his soul and communion with God. He brought the slain victim, the sacrificed life, thus acknowledging the claims of the law that had been transgressed. Through the shed blood he looked to the future sacrifice, Christ dying on the cross of Calvary; and trusting in the atonement that was there to be made, he had the witness that he was righteous, and his offering accepted.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 72.

  • What encouragement can we gain from the life of Seth? Genesis 4:25.

Note: “Seth was of more noble stature than Cain or Abel, and resembled Adam more closely than did his other sons. He was a worthy character, following in the steps of Abel. Yet he inherited no more natural goodness than did Cain. Concerning the creation of Adam it is said, ‘In the likeness of God made He him’ (Genesis 5:1); but man, after the Fall, ‘begat a son in his own likeness, after his image’ (verse 3). While Adam was created sinless, in the likeness of God, Seth, like Cain, inherited the fallen nature of his parents. But he received also the knowledge of the Redeemer and instruction in righteousness. By divine grace he served and honored God; and he labored, as Abel would have done, had he lived, to turn the minds of sinful men to revere and obey their Creator.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 80.

3 ENOCH

  • What prophetic truths were preached by Enoch? Jude 14, 15.

Note: “Enoch became a preacher of righteousness, making known to the people what God had revealed to him.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 86.

  • What was the foundation of Enoch’s faithfulness as an evangelist? Genesis 5:22. How do you understand the statement “Enoch walked with God”?

Note: “Enoch’s walk with God was not in a trance or vision, but in all the duties of his daily life. He did not become a hermit, shutting himself entirely from the world; for he had a work to do for God in the world. In the family and in his intercourse with men, as a husband and father, a friend, a citizen, he was the steadfast, unwavering servant of the Lord.

“His heart was in harmony with God’s will; for ‘can two walk together, except they be agreed’ (Amos 3:3)? …

“Distressed by the increasing wickedness of the ungodly, and fearing that their infidelity might lessen his reverence for God, Enoch avoided constant association with them, and spent much time in solitude, giving himself to meditation and prayer. Thus he waited before the Lord, seeking a clearer knowledge of His will, that he might perform it.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 85.

  • What parallel can be drawn between Enoch and the living righteous at the coming of Christ? Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5; I Thessalonians 4:17.

Note: “The godly character of this prophet [Enoch] represents the state of holiness which must be attained by those who shall be ‘redeemed from the earth’ (Revelation 14:3) at the time of Christ’s second advent. Then, as in the world before the Flood, iniquity will prevail. … But like Enoch, God’s people will seek for purity of heart and conformity to His will, until they shall reflect the likeness of Christ. Like Enoch, they will warn the world of the Lord’s second coming and of the judgments to be visited upon transgression, and by their holy conversation and example they will condemn the sins of the ungodly. As Enoch was translated to heaven before the destruction of the world by water, so the living righteous will be translated from the earth before its destruction by fire.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 88, 89.

4 NOAH, A TEACHER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

  • Who does the Bible refer to as the “sons of God,” and what should be their attitude? Romans 8:14; I John 3:1; II Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18.
  • After the death of Adam, what error of the “sons of God” shows that the distinction between the servants of the Lord and the servants of Satan was rapidly disappearing? Genesis 6:1, 2.

Note: “The children of Seth, attracted by the beauty of the daughters of Cain’s descendants, displeased the Lord by intermarrying with them. Many of the worshipers of God were beguiled into sin by the allurements that were now constantly before them, and they lost their peculiar, holy character. Mingling with the depraved, they became like them in spirit and in deeds; the restrictions of the seventh commandment were disregarded, ‘and they took them wives of all which they chose’ (Genesis 6:2). The children of Seth went ‘in the way of Cain’ (Jude 11); they fixed their minds upon worldly prosperity and enjoyment and neglected the commandments of the Lord.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 81, 82.

  • Due to the prevailing wickedness of humanity, whom did God call to preach a message of warning? Genesis 6:5–8; II Peter 2:5. How does this parallel with our days? Matthew 24:37–39; II Peter 3:3–6.

Note: “Before the Flood God sent Noah to warn the world, that the people might be led to repentance, and thus escape the threatened destruction. …

“For a hundred and twenty years the preacher of righteousness warned the world of the coming destruction, but his message was rejected and despised.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 102.

“The sins that called for vengeance upon the antediluvian world exist today. The fear of God is banished from the hearts of men, and His law is treated with indifference and contempt. The intense worldliness of that generation is equaled by that of the generation now living.” Ibid., 101.

5 NOAH, A SPOKESMAN FOR CHRIST

  • Who was speaking through Noah, and how? Hebrews 1:1; II Peter 1:21.

Note: “[I John 3:8 quoted.] Christ was engaged in this warfare in Noah’s day. It was His voice that spoke to the inhabitants of the old world in messages of warning, reproof, and invitation. He gave the people a probation of one hundred and twenty years, in which they might have repented. But they chose the deceptions of Satan, and perished in the waters of the Flood.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1089.

  • As Noah was moved by the Spirit to preach, how does the Bible describe his hearers? I Peter 3:18–20; 4:6; Isaiah 42:7.
  • What would the gospel message have done for Noah’s hearers, and what will it do for us if we accept it? Isaiah 61:1; Ephesians 2:1–5.

Note: “As God raised Christ from the dead, that He might bring life and immortality to light through the gospel, and thus save His people from their sins, so Christ has raised fallen human beings to spiritual life, quickening them with His life, filling their hearts with hope and joy.” The Review and Herald, March 31, 1904.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How did Adam’s descendants keep alive the story of creation and the fall of Adam and Eve?

2 How can we use Adam’s method of evangelism in our lives today?

3 What was Enoch’s message to his generation?

4 How did Christ, through Noah, warn the people who were chained in sin?

5 For how long did the Holy Spirit strive in Noah’s day with those who were “dead in trespasses and sins”?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Balaam

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May 24, 2015 – May 30, 2015

Key Text

“He [Balaam] was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.” 11 Peter 2:16.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 438–452.

Introduction

“One wrong step makes the next easier, and they [men and women] become more and more presumptuous. They will do and dare most terrible things when once they have given themselves to the control of avarice and a desire for power.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 440.

1 SOLICITING HELP FROM THE POWER OF DARKNESS

  • When the Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordan for the invasion of Canaan, who, besides the inhabitants of Jericho, were distressed by their presence? Numbers 22:1–4.

Note: “The Moabites … determined, as Pharaoh had done, to enlist the power of sorcery to counteract the work of God. They would bring a curse upon Israel.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 438.

  • Who did the leaders of the Moabites and Midianites try to enlist in their efforts to neutralize the expected attack, and what did they ask him to do? Numbers 22:5–7.

Note: “Balaam, an inhabitant of Mesopotamia, was reported to possess supernatural powers, and his fame had reached to the land of Moab. … Messengers … were sent to secure his divinations and enchantments against Israel.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 438.

2 AN APOSTATIZED PROPHET

  • When the messengers of Moab and Midian came to Balaam with the invitation of King Balak, what impression did Balaam try to give them? Numbers 22:8. In doing so, did Balaam purposely ignore the difference between right and wrong?

Note: “Balaam was once a good man and a prophet of God; but he had apostatized, and had given himself up to covetousness; yet he still professed to be a servant of the Most High. He was not ignorant of God’s work in behalf of Israel; and when the messengers announced their errand, he well knew that it was his duty to refuse the rewards of Balak and to dismiss the ambassadors. But he ventured to dally with temptation, and urged the messengers to tarry with him that night, declaring that he could give no decided answer till he had asked counsel of the Lord.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 439.

  • Although Balaam was a prophet in apostasy, what warning did God send him through an angel, and why did Balaam distort it when speaking with Balak’s messengers? Numbers 22:12, 13.

Note: “In the night season the angel of God came to Balaam with the message, ‘Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed’ (Numbers 22:12).

“In the morning Balaam reluctantly dismissed the messengers, but he did not tell them what the Lord had said. …

“Balaam ‘loved the wages of unrighteousness’ (11 Peter 2:15). The sin of covetousness, which God declares to be idolatry, had made him a timeserver, and through this one fault Satan gained entire control of him. It was this that caused his ruin.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 439, 440.

  • What are some of the scriptural principles whereby those who claim to be prophets and those who say they work miracles are to be tested? Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 7:20–23; John 8:31, 32.
  • What danger should God’s shepherds be able to detect especially in the time of the end? Matthew 24:23, 24. What is one of the differences between a true shepherd and a hireling? John 10:12, 13.

3 BALAAM SEVERELY TESTED

  • Since the information received by Balak was very much distorted, first by Balaam to the messengers, and then by the messengers to Balak (Numbers 22:14), what was Balak’s conclusion, and what did he do? Numbers 22:15–17.

Note: “When the messengers reported to Balak the prophet’s refusal to accompany them, they did not intimate that God had forbidden him. Supposing that Balaam’s delay was merely to secure a richer reward, the king sent princes more in number and more honorable than the first, with promises of higher honors, and with authority to concede to any terms that Balaam might demand.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 440.

  • When the messengers came to the apostate prophet the second time, how did Balaam respond? Numbers 22:18, 19.

Note: “A second time Balaam was tested. In response to the solicitations of the ambassadors he professed great conscientiousness and integrity, assuring them that no amount of gold and silver could induce him to go contrary to the will of God. But he longed to comply with the king’s request; and although the will of God had already been definitely made known to him, he urged the messengers to tarry, that he might further inquire of God; as though the Infinite One were a man, to be persuaded.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 440.

  • After failing the second test, on what condition was Balaam allowed to go with them? Numbers 22:20. Did they call him?

Note: “Balaam had received permission to go with the messengers from Moab if they came in the morning to call him.” Ibid., 441.

4 BALAAM ANGERS GOD

  • How did the Lord show His anger against Balaam for ignoring His instructions? Numbers 22:21–27.

Note: “They [Moab’s messengers] set out on their homeward journey without further consultation with him [Balaam]. Every excuse for complying with the request of Balak had now been removed. But Balaam was determined to secure the reward; and, taking the beast upon which he was accustomed to ride, he set out on the journey. He feared that even now the divine permission might be withdrawn, and he pressed eagerly forward, impatient lest he should by some means fail to gain the coveted reward.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 441.

“There are thousands at the present day who are pursuing a similar course. They would have no difficulty in understanding their duty if it were in harmony with their inclinations. It is plainly set before them in the Bible or is clearly indicated by circumstances and reason. But because these evidences are contrary to their desires and inclinations they frequently set them aside and presume to go to God to learn their duty. With great apparent conscientiousness they pray long and earnestly for light. But God will not be trifled with. He often permits such persons to follow their own desires and to suffer the result.” Ibid., 440, 441.

  • What happened when the eyes of Balaam were opened? Numbers 22:31. What did the angel of the Lord say to Balaam, and what was Balaam’s reaction? Numbers 22:32–34. What restriction did the prophet regret? Numbers 22:35–38.
  • As the apostatized prophet was prevented from pronouncing a curse upon Israel, what was he forced to pronounce? Numbers 23:20–24.
  • How did God use even an apostatized prophet to preach the gospel to the king and the rulers of Moab? Numbers 24:4–9, 14–17. Do sinners have a legitimate excuse before God if the gospel is preached to them by the wrong person? Philippians 1:15–18.

5 FAITH AND PRESUMPTION

  • Why is a minister much more responsible for his words and actions than a lay member? Malachi 2:7–9; I Timothy 4:16; I Corinthians 11:1.

Note: “According to the light which they [the Moabites] had received their guilt was not so great in the sight of Heaven as was that of Balaam. As he professed to be God’s prophet, however, all he should say would be supposed to be uttered by divine authority.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 441.

“When a crisis comes in the life of any soul, and you attempt to give counsel or admonition, your words will have only the weight of influence for good that your own example and spirit have gained for you. … You cannot exert an influence that will transform others until your own heart has been humbled and refined and made tender by the grace of Christ.” Evangelism, 458, 459.

  • Under what circumstances, and why does the Lord often allow His servants to go their own way and suffer the consequences? Psalm 81:11, 12; Ezekiel 14:4; Galatians 6:7.

Note: “When man exalts himself above the influence of the Spirit, he reaps a harvest of iniquity. Over such a man the Spirit has less and less influence to restrain him from sowing seeds of disobedience.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1112.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 When a professed servant of God turns to the powers of darkness, how does he often try to conceal his true character?

2 How did God provoke Balaam to reveal what was in his heart?

3 How may we be in danger of distorting the truth of God?

4 How did God use the now apostate Balaam to shed light upon the rulers of Moab?

5 Why does God often let us go our own way and suffer the consequences?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Lessons in Evangelism From the Border of Canaan

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May 17, 2015 – May 23, 2015

Key Text

“To day if ye will hear His voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness.” Hebrews 3:7, 8.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 387–394.

Introduction

“When men yield their hearts to unbelief, they place themselves under the control of Satan, and none can tell to what lengths he will lead them.” The Review and Herald, October 29, 1903.

1 FAITH SEVERELY TESTED

  • What report manifested a lack of faith by the children of Israel, and why? Deuteronomy 1:21; Numbers 13:1, 2, 17–20, 27–32.

Note: “The people did not wait to reflect; they did not reason that He who had brought them thus far would certainly give them the land; they did not call to mind how wonderfully God had delivered them from their oppressors, cutting a path through the sea and destroying the pursuing hosts of Pharaoh. They left God out of the question, and acted as though they must depend solely on the power of arms.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 388.

  • How did the Israelites show, by their unbelief, that they were unprepared to take the land? Deuteronomy 1:26; Numbers 14:1–4. How does unbelief interfere with evangelism today? Hebrews 3:16–19.

Note: “The false report of the unfaithful spies was accepted, and through it the whole congregation were deluded. … There were only two advocating the right, while ten were on the side of rebellion.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 390.

2 “WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING”

  • How did God test Moses’ love for Israel yet again? Numbers 14:11, 12, 19, 20. How will a true soul winner plead for sinners? Joel 2:17.
  • What was the reaction of the people when Moses communicated to them the decision of the Lord? Numbers 14:33–35, 39, 40.

Note: “The Lord had never commanded them to ‘go up and fight’ (Deuteronomy 1:41). It was not His purpose that they should gain the land by warfare, but by strict obedience to His commands.

“Though their hearts were unchanged, the people had been brought to confess the sinfulness and folly of their rebellion at the report of the spies. They now saw the value of the blessing which they had so rashly cast away. They confessed that it was their own unbelief which had shut them out from Canaan.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 392.

  • What happened when the Israelites tried to undertake the conquest of Canaan, and why? Numbers 14:41–45. How may we be tempted to repeat their mistake? John 15:5.

Note: “They [the Israelites] had distrusted the power of God to work with their efforts in gaining possession of Canaan; yet now they presumed upon their own strength to accomplish the work independent of divine aid. ‘We have sinned against the Lord,’ they cried; ‘we will go up and fight, according to all that the Lord our God commanded us’ (Deuteronomy 1:41). So terribly blinded had they become by transgression. The Lord had never commanded them to ‘go up and fight.’ It was not His purpose that they should gain the land by warfare, but by strict obedience to His commands.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 392.

3 FORTY YEARS LATER, EARLY EVANGELISM IN CANAAN

  • Forty years later, in preparing for the conquest of Jericho, what did Joshua do, and why? Joshua 2:1, first part.

Note: “A few miles beyond the [Jordan] river, just opposite the place where the Israelites were encamped, was the large and strongly fortified city of Jericho. This city was virtually the key to the whole country, and it would present a formidable obstacle to the success of Israel. Joshua therefore sent two young men as spies to visit this city and ascertain something as to its population, its resources, and the strength of its fortifications.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 482.

“As on the occasion of the taking of Jericho, not one of the armies of Israel could boast of exercising their finite strength to overthrow the walls of the city, but the Captain of the Lord’s host planned that battle in the greatest simplicity, that the Lord alone should receive the glory and man should not be exalted.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2. 995.

  • To what danger were the two spies exposed, and who sheltered them? Joshua 2:1, second part, 2.

Note: “The inhabitants of the city [of Jericho], terrified and suspicious, were constantly on the alert, and the messengers were in great danger.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 482, 483.

  • According to Rahab’s report, how did she and the people in general react when news about the power of God reached Jericho? Joshua 2:9–11.
  • What report did the spies bring, and with what result? Joshua 2:22–24.

Note: “Orders were now issued to make ready for an advance. The people were to prepare a three days’ supply of food, and the army was to be put in readiness for battle. All heartily acquiesced in the plans of their leader and assured him of their confidence and support.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 483.

4 SEEKING THE LOST, DOOR TO DOOR

  • What was God’s main purpose in directing the two spies to Rahab’s house? Joshua 2:12–16; Hebrews 11:31.

Note: “It was God’s purpose that by the revelation of His character through Israel men should be drawn unto Him. To all the world the gospel invitation was to be given. Through the teaching of the sacrificial service Christ was to be uplifted before the nations, and all who would look unto Him should live. All who, like Rahab the Canaanite, and Ruth the Moabitess, turned from idolatry to the worship of the true God, were to unite themselves with His chosen people.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 290.

  • How did the Spirit of God direct Peter to a Gentile home where precious souls were waiting to be “added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:24)? Acts 10:11–15, 19–28.

Note: “Come close to the people; get into the families when you can; do not wait for the people to hunt up the shepherd. Bear with you the confidence and assurance of faith which evidences that you are not trusting in idle tales but in a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ …

“There are numbers of families who will never be reached by the truth of God’s Word unless the stewards of the manifold grace of Christ enter their homes, and by earnest ministry, sanctified by the endorsement of the Holy Spirit, break down the barriers and enter the hearts of the people. As the people see that these workers are messengers of mercy, the ministers of grace, they are ready to listen to the words spoken by them. But the hearts of those who do this work must throb in unison with the heart of Christ. They must be wholly consecrated to the service of God, ready to do His bidding, to go wheresoever His providence leads them, and speak the words He gives them.” Evangelism, 158, 159.

  • What fact is revealed by a comparison between the days of Noah, the days of Lot in Sodom, and the last days of Jericho? Luke 13:23, 24; II Peter 2:5–9; Joshua 6:17.

5 “WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH …”

  • What did Christ mean in Matthew 21:28–31 when He rebuked the chief priests and elders of the people?

Note: “The Saviour never passed by one soul, however sunken in sin, who was willing to receive the precious truths of heaven. To publicans and harlots His words were the beginning of a new life.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 129.

  • How are we to follow His example in missionary lines? Mark 16:15.

Note: “We are to show to the world and to all the heavenly intelligences that we appreciate the wonderful love of God for fallen humanity and that we are expecting larger and yet larger blessings from His infinite fullness. Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience. …

“These exercises drive back the power of Satan. They expel the spirit of murmuring and complaint, and the tempter loses ground. They cultivate those attributes of character which will fit the dwellers on earth for the heavenly mansions.

“Such a testimony will have an influence upon others. No more effective means can be employed for winning souls to Christ.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 299, 300.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How did the Israelites react when they heard the report of the twelve spies?

2 How did Moses show that his love was still with the people?

3 Forty years later, why were only two spies sent?

4 Why were the two spies directed to the specific home of Rahab?

5 How is history often repeated today while our missionaries are looking for lost people who need salvation?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – God Teaches Israel to Stop Murmuring

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May 10, 2015 – May 16, 2015

Key Text

“And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.” Deuteronomy 8:2.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 428–432.

Introduction

“As the children of Israel cherished the spirit of murmuring and rebellion, they were disposed to find fault with even the blessing which God had graciously bestowed upon them.” The Signs of the Times, October 28, 1880.

1 COMPLAINING AGAIN

  • Toward the end of their pilgrimage through the desert, how did the people of Israel still complain against God and against Moses? Numbers 21:5.
  • How did Moses try to convince them that their complaints were unjustified? Deuteronomy 8:3, 4, 14–16.

Note: “Every day of their travels they [the Israelites] had been kept by a miracle of divine mercy. In all the way of God’s leading they had found water to refresh the thirsty, bread from heaven to satisfy their hunger, and peace and safety under the shadowy cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Angels had ministered to them as they climbed the rocky heights or threaded the rugged paths of the wilderness. Notwithstanding the hardships they had endured, there was not a feeble one in all their ranks. Their feet had not swollen in their long journeys, neither had their clothes grown old.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 429.

2 THE BRAZEN SERPENT

  • What answer did the Lord give to the complaints of the people? Numbers 21:6.

Note: “Because they [Israelites] they had been shielded by divine power they had not realized the countless dangers by which they were continually surrounded. In their ingratitude and unbelief they had anticipated death, and now the Lord permitted death to come upon them. The poisonous serpents that infested the wilderness were called fiery serpents, on account of the terrible effects produced by their sting, it causing violent inflammation and speedy death. As the protecting hand of God was removed from Israel, great numbers of the people were attacked by these venomous creatures.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 429.

  • What did the people do when they understood that, since they had been complaining without any good reason, God gave them something to complain about? Numbers 21:7. How is this a lesson for us?

Note: “Now there was terror and confusion throughout the encampment. In almost every tent were the dying or the dead. None were secure. … All were busy in ministering to the sufferers, or with agonizing care endeavoring to protect those who were not yet stricken. No murmuring now escaped their lips. When compared with the present suffering, their former difficulties and trials seemed unworthy of a thought.

“The people now humbled themselves before God. They came to Moses with their confessions and entreaties. ‘We have sinned,’ they said, ‘for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee’ (Numbers 21:7). Only a little before, they had accused him of being their worst enemy, the cause of all their distress and afflictions. But even when the words were upon their lips, they knew that the charge was false; and as soon as real trouble came they fled to him as the only one who could intercede with God for them.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 429, 430.

“When we see our sinfulness we should not despond and fear that we have no Saviour, or that He has no thoughts of mercy toward us. At this very time He is inviting us to come to Him in our helplessness and be saved.” Ibid., 431.

3 “LOOK AND LIVE”

  • What was Moses commanded to do to solve the problem with the serpents, and with what result? Numbers 21:8, 9.

Note: “Some would not believe that merely gazing upon the metallic image would heal them; these perished in their unbelief. Yet there were many who had faith in the provision which God had made. Fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters were anxiously engaged in helping their suffering, dying friends to fix their languid eyes upon the serpent. If these, though faint and dying, could only once look, they were perfectly restored.

“The people well knew that there was no power in the serpent of brass to cause such a change in those who looked upon it. The healing virtue was from God alone. In His wisdom He chose this way of displaying His power. By this simple means the people were made to realize that this affliction had been brought upon them by their sins. They were also assured that while obeying God they had no reason to fear, for He would preserve them.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 430.

  • What counsel should our ministers offer to habitual complainers today? Philippians 2:14; Isaiah 45:22; I Peter 5:6, 7.

Note: “The lifting up of the brazen serpent was to teach Israel an important lesson. They could not save themselves from the fatal effect of the poison in their wounds. God alone was able to heal them. Yet they were required to show their faith in the provision which He had made. They must look in order to live. It was their faith that was acceptable with God, and by looking upon the serpent their faith was shown. They knew that there was no virtue in the serpent itself, but it was a symbol of Christ; and the necessity of faith in His merits was thus presented to their minds. …

“While the sinner cannot save himself, he still has something to do to secure salvation. ‘Him that cometh to Me,’ says Christ, ‘I will in no wise cast out’ (John 6:37). But we must come to Him; and when we repent of our sins, we must believe that He accepts and pardons us. Faith is the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is ours. Faith is the hand by which the soul takes hold upon the divine offers of grace and mercy.” [Emphasis author’s.] Patriarchs and Prophets, 430, 431.

4 “THERE IS NO OTHER NAME”

  • What lesson in connection with the brazen serpent became very clear in the teaching of Jesus when He was among His disciples? John 3:14–17.

Note: “All who have ever lived upon the earth have felt the deadly sting of ‘that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan’ (Revelation 12:9). The fatal effects of sin can be removed only by the provision that God has made. The Israelites saved their lives by looking upon the uplifted serpent. That look implied faith. They lived because they believed God’s word, and trusted in the means provided for their recovery. So the sinner may look to Christ, and live. He receives pardon through faith in the atoning sacrifice. Unlike the inert and lifeless symbol, Christ has power and virtue in Himself to heal the repenting sinner.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 431.

  • Through whom, alone, can the blessings of the covenant of grace become ours? John 6:37; Acts 4:12.

Note: “Nothing but the righteousness of Christ can entitle us to one of the blessings of the covenant of grace. There are many who have long desired and tried to obtain these blessings, but have not received them, because they have cherished the idea that they could do something to make themselves worthy of them. They have not looked away from self, believing that Jesus is an all-sufficient Saviour. We must not think that our own merits will save us; Christ is our only hope of salvation. …

“When we trust God fully, when we rely upon the merits of Jesus as a sin-pardoning Saviour, we shall receive all the help that we can desire. Let none look to self, as though they had power to save themselves. Jesus died for us because we were helpless to do this. In Him is our hope, our justification, our righteousness. When we see our sinfulness we should not despond and fear that we have no Saviour, or that He has no thoughts of mercy toward us. At this very time He is inviting us to come to Him in our helplessness and be saved.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 431.

5 HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

  • Why and how were many Israelites hesitant to receive the help God had sent when they were attacked by the serpents? Hebrews 3:9, 17–19.

Note: “Many of the Israelites … continued to lament their wounds, their pains, their sure death, until their strength was gone, and their eyes were glazed, when they might have had instant healing.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 432.

  • How are we warned not to follow the example of the Israelites? Hebrews 3:7, 8, 12–14.

Note: “Many are unwilling to accept of Christ until the whole mystery of the plan of salvation shall be made plain to them. They refuse the look of faith, although they see that thousands have looked, and have felt the efficacy of looking, to the cross of Christ. Many wander in the mazes of philosophy, in search of reasons and evidence which they will never find, while they reject the evidence which God has been pleased to give. They refuse to walk in the light of the Sun of Righteousness, until the reason of its shining shall be explained. All who persist in this course will fail to come to a knowledge of the truth. God will never remove every occasion for doubt. He gives sufficient evidence on which to base faith, and if this is not accepted, the mind is left in darkness. If those who were bitten by the serpents had stopped to doubt and question before they would consent to look, they would have perished. It is our duty, first, to look; and the look of faith will give us life.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 432.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 When the Israelites still complained as they approached the border of Canaan, what lesson did the Lord teach them?

2 What counsel should be given to habitual murmurers?

3 How can repenting sinners be healed?

4 What happened to those who hesitated to receive God’s help for their snake bites?

5 How are many of us following today the example of the Israelites?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Preparing to Be Light Bearers (II)

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May 3, 2015 – May 9, 2015

Key Text

“Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries.” Psalm 81:13, 14.

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 187–190.

Introduction

“Those upon whom rests the burden of this work [of reform] will not hold their peace when wrong is done, neither will they cover evil with a cloak of false charity.” Prophets and Kings, 675.

1 FROM A LOWER TO A HIGHER STANDARD

  • In the plan of God to establish Israel in Canaan as the light of the world, how would they have been helped if they had welcomed His purpose to lead them back to Adam’s original diet? Psalms 78:23–25; 81:13, 14.

Note: “In order to modify the disposition, and bring the higher powers of the mind into active exercise, He [the Lord] removed from them the flesh of dead animals. He gave them angel’s food, manna from heaven.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1113.

  • Since meat eating was permitted temporarily after the Flood in Genesis 9:3; 18:7; 27:9, why were the children of Israel punished for demanding meat? Numbers 11:33; Psalms 78:27–32; 106:14, 15.

Note: “When one clearly sees a duty, let him not presume to go to God with the prayer that he may be excused from performing it. He should rather, with a humble, submissive spirit, ask for divine strength and wisdom to meet its claims.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 441.

2 LENIENCY TOWARDS HARDENED HEARTS

  • How did the Lord, in some respects, exercise patience and tolerance in the leading of His people when they were not prepared to take a higher standard? Psalm 81:11, 12; Ezekiel 14:4, 5.
  • Because of the “hardness of their hearts,” what did God finally permit the Israelites to eat? What restrictions did God put on that permission for health reasons? Leviticus 11:1–4, 9, 10; 3:17; 22:8.

Note: “Upon their settlement in Canaan, the Israelites were permitted the use of animal food, but under careful restrictions which tended to lessen the evil results.” The Ministry of Healing, 311, 312.

  • What kinds of statutes and judgments did God allow Moses to give them when they were not prepared to take a higher standard? Ezekiel 20:23–25. What advice should church leaders and evangelists always bear in mind? John 14:17; 16:13.

Note: “We must go no faster than we can take those with us whose consciences and intellects are convinced of the truths we advocate. We must meet the people where they are. Some of us have been many years in arriving at our present position in health reform. It is slow work to obtain a reform in diet. We have powerful appetites to meet; for the world is given to gluttony. If we should allow the people as much time as we have required to come up to the present advanced state in reform, we would be very patient with them, and allow them to advance step by step, as we have done, until their feet are firmly established upon the health reform platform. But we should be very cautious not to advance too fast, lest we be obliged to retrace our steps. In reforms we would better come one step short of the mark than to go one step beyond it. And if there is error at all, let it be on the side next to the people.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 20, 21.

3 BEFORE ENTERING CANAAN

  • Before the entrance of Israel into Canaan, which other important original institutions, besides the original diet, were to be restored among them, so that they would be qualified to be the light of the world?

1) God’s rest—the Sabbath. Genesis 2:2, 3; Exodus 16:29, 30; Hebrews 4:1–3, 9–11. Why were they not able to enter into God’s rest in a complete sense (both literally and spiritually)? Hebrews 3:18, 19.

2) The marriage institution. Though Moses desired a restoration of marriage, why were his efforts unsuccessful? Matthew 19:4, 7, 8. Ezekiel 20:25. What later efforts were made in this regard? Malachi 2:14–16.

  • Considering the hardness of heart of ancient Israel, how are we sometimes tempted to repeat their example?

Note: “The history of the wilderness life of Israel was chronicled for the benefit of the Israel of God to the close of time. The record of God’s dealings with the wanderers of the desert in all their marchings to and fro, in their exposure to hunger, thirst, and weariness, and in the striking manifestations of His power for their relief, is fraught with warning and instruction for His people in all ages. The varied experience of the Hebrews was a school of preparation for their promised home in Canaan. God would have His people in these days review with a humble heart and teachable spirit the trials through which ancient Israel passed, that they may be instructed in their preparation for the heavenly Canaan.

“Many look back to the Israelites, and marvel at their unbelief and murmuring, feeling that they themselves would not have been so ungrateful; but when their faith is tested, even by little trials, they manifest no more faith or patience than did ancient Israel. When brought into strait places, they murmur at the process by which God has chosen to purify them.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 293.

4 PREPARATION FOR THE NEW EARTH

  • In the time of the end, before our entrance into heavenly Canaan, are God’s original institutions to be completely restored? Matthew 17:11; Acts 3:20, 21. What are they?

1) God’s rest, the Sabbath. Isaiah 56:1, 6–8; 58:12–14.

2) The marriage institution. I Corinthians 7:1, 2, 10, 11, 24, 29, 39.

3) The meatless diet originally assigned to Adam and Eve. I Corinthians 10:5, 6, 11; Isaiah 22:12–14.

Note: “In the time of the end every divine institution is to be restored. The breach made in the law at the time the Sabbath was changed by man, is to be repaired. God’s remnant people, standing before the world as reformers, are to show that the law of God is the foundation of all enduring reform and that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is to stand as a memorial of creation, a constant reminder of the power of God. In clear, distinct lines they are to present the necessity of obedience to all the precepts of the Decalogue. Constrained by the love of Christ, they are to co-operate with Him in building up the waste places. They are to be repairers of the breach, restorers of paths to dwell in (Isaiah 58:12).” Prophets and Kings, 678.

  • Understanding that, in God’s plan, “every divine institution is to be restored,” how are those who give the last gospel message to the world described? Isaiah 58:12; 61:4.

Note: “The prophet [Isaiah] here describes a people who, in a time of general departure from truth and righteousness, are seeking to restore the principles that are the foundation of the kingdom of God. They are repairers of a breach that has been made in God’s law.” Prophets and Kings, 677, 678.

“In marked contrast with this multitude stands a little company who will not swerve from their allegiance to God. ‘Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus’ (Revelation 14:12). These are they of whom Isaiah speaks: ‘They that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach. The restorer of paths to dwell in’ (Isaiah 58:12).” The Signs of the Times, February 8, 1910.

5 “WE HAVE HEARD HIS VOICE”

  • Who was the Angel that came down on Mount Sinai with the oracles of God to be given to us? Acts 7:37–39; 3:22, 23; I Corinthians 10:1–4.
  • How do we know that Christ did not come into this world to introduce a new religion, but rather to restore that which had been lost through the works of Satan? Luke 19:10; I John 3:8; Matthew 5:17.

Note: “The great plan of redemption results in fully bringing back the world into God’s favor. All that was lost by sin is restored.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 342.

  • What is to be our experience and responsibility as laborers together with Christ? Compare John 16:13 with Amos 4:12.

Note: “We have a greater and more solemn truth than was ever before committed to mortals, and we are responsible for the way we treat that truth. Every one of us should be intent on saving souls. We should show the power of the truth upon our own hearts and characters, while doing all we can to win others to love it.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 307.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 When we see a clear duty before us, how should we respond?

2 What does God sometimes use, when leading His people, when they are not prepared to take a higher stand?

3 Name the three original institutions that God wanted to restore before leading His people to Canaan?

4 What is to be restored before our entrance to the heavenly Canaan?

5 Did Christ come to this world to introduce a new religion or restore what had been lost?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Preparing to Be Light Bearers (I)

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April 26, 2015 – May 2, 2015

Key Text

“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.” Exodus 19:5, 6.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 377–382.

Introduction

“He [the Lord] brought the Israelites out of Egypt and undertook their training, that they might be a people for His own possession. Through them He desired to bless and teach the world. He provided them with the food best adapted for this purpose, not flesh, but manna, ‘the bread of heaven’ (Psalm 105:40).” The Ministry of Healing, 311.

1 A DANGEROUS SITUATION

  • What action of the Israelites demonstrated that they were unprepared for God to use them as light bearers? Exodus 16:2, 3.

Note: “It was necessary for them [the children of Israel] to encounter difficulties and to endure privations. God was bringing them from a state of degradation and fitting them to occupy an honorable place among the nations and to receive important and sacred trusts. Had they possessed faith in Him, in view of all that He had wrought for them, they would cheerfully have borne inconvenience, privation, and even real suffering; but they were unwilling to trust the Lord any further than they could witness the continual evidences of His power.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 292, 293.

  • In answer to the murmurings of the multitude, what instruction did the Lord give to them, through Moses, in order to reeducate their perverted appetite? Exodus 16:4, 12–15, 31, 35.

2 THE PLAN OF GOD

  • To be the light of the world, what do we need to keep in mind at all times? I Corinthians 10:31. What was the original diet of Adam and Eve in Eden? Genesis 1:29.

Note: “Again and again I have been shown that God is bringing His people back to His original design, that is, not to subsist on the flesh of dead animals. He would have us teach people a better way. … If meat is discarded, if the taste is not educated in that direction, if a liking for fruits and grains is encouraged, it will soon be as God in the beginning designed it should be. No meat will be used by His people.” Child Guidance, 383.

  • What should Israel have always remembered as the nation chosen by God to bear light to the world? Deuteronomy 6:24; 7:6.

Note: “God brought the Israelites from Egypt, that He might establish them in the land of Canaan, a pure, holy, and happy people. In the accomplishment of this object He subjected them to a course of discipline, both for their own good and for the good of their posterity. Had they been willing to deny appetite, in obedience to His wise restrictions, feebleness and disease would have been unknown among them. … But their unwillingness to submit to the restrictions and the requirements of God, prevented them, to a great extent, from reaching the high standard which He desired them to attain, and from receiving the blessings which He was ready to bestow upon them.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 378.

  • Why did Satan harden the hearts of the Israelites and cause them “to lust after forbidden things” (I Corinthians 10:6)? Psalm 78:18.

Note: “Satan tempted them to regard this restriction as unjust and cruel. He caused them to lust after forbidden things, because he saw that the unrestrained indulgence of appetite would tend to produce sensuality, and by this means the people could be more easily brought under his control. The author of disease and misery will assail men where he can have the greatest success. Through temptations addressed to the appetite he has, to a large extent, led men into sin from the time when he induced Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 378.

3 OPEN REBELLION

  • Soon after their departure from Mount Sinai, what did the children of Israel do, and how did God respond? Numbers 11:1.
  • Why did God, this time, regard their murmurings as a sin of rebellion? Psalm 78:17, 18; Hebrews 10:26.

Note: “Murmuring and tumults had been frequent during the journey from the Red Sea to Sinai, but in pity for their ignorance and blindness God had not then visited the sin with judgments. But since that time He had revealed Himself to them at Horeb. They had received great light, as they had been witnesses to the majesty, the power, and the mercy of God; and their unbelief and discontent incurred the greater guilt. Furthermore, they had covenanted to accept Jehovah as their king and to obey His authority. Their murmuring was now rebellion, and as such it must receive prompt and signal punishment, if Israel was to be preserved from anarchy and ruin. ‘The fire of Jehovah burned among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp’ (Numbers 11:1). The most guilty of the complainers were slain by lightning from the cloud.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 379.

  • How did the survivors continue in their rebellion? Numbers 11:4–6.

Note: “But the evil was soon worse than before. Instead of leading the survivors to humiliation and repentance, this fearful judgment seemed only to increase their murmurings. In all directions the people were gathered at the door of their tents, weeping and lamenting. … Thus they manifested their discontent with the food provided for them by their Creator. Yet they had constant evidence that it was adapted to their wants; for notwithstanding the hardships they endured, there was not a feeble one in all their tribes.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 379.

“Every soul will be tried and tested. Let all be careful how they treat the warnings, reproofs, and entreaties of the Spirit of God. Those who reject light because it does not harmonize with their inclinations, will be left in darkness, to choose the things they love—the things that separate them from the favor of God.” The Review and Herald, October 16, 1883.

4 MOSES PLEADS FOR HELP

  • In his distress over this dangerous situation, what appeal did Moses make to the Lord? Numbers 11:11–15. What provision for Moses did God now make? Numbers 11:16.

Note: “The Lord permitted Moses to choose for himself the most faithful and efficient men to share the responsibility with him. Their influence would assist in holding in check the violence of the people, and quelling insurrection; yet serious evils would eventually result from their promotion. They would never have been chosen had Moses manifested faith corresponding to the evidences he had witnessed of God’s power and goodness.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 380.

  • What was Moses instructed to say to the people in answer to their complaints? Numbers 11:18–20.
  • How did the Lord rebuke the lack of faith and the discontentment of Moses? Numbers 11:21–23.
  • Though God now provided flesh food for the people in their lust, how were they punished for their rebellion? Numbers 11:31–33; Psalm 106:13–15.

Note: “God gave the people that which was not for their highest good, because they persisted in desiring it; they would not be satisfied with those things that would prove a benefit to them. Their rebellious desires were gratified, but they were left to suffer the result. They feasted without restraint, and their excesses were speedily punished. ‘The Lord smote the people with a very great plague’ (Numbers 11:33). Large numbers were cut down by burning fevers, while the most guilty among them were smitten as soon as they tasted the food for which they had lusted.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 382.

5 CHOOSING BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARKNESS

  • How does God treat those who have never seen the light, never known His will, or never understood His plan? Acts 17:30.

Note: “ ‘If light comes, and that light is set aside or rejected, then comes condemnation and the frown of God; but before the light comes, there is no sin, for there is no light for them to reject.’ ” Testimonies, vol. 1, 116.

  • However, those who refuse to obey God after His will has been revealed to them, how will they be treated? Luke 12:47, 48; James 4:17; I Samuel 15:23.

Note: “While they [many] refuse to believe and obey some requirement of the Lord, they persevere in offering up to God their formal services of religion. There is no response of the Spirit of God to such service. No matter how zealous men may be in their observance of religious ceremonies, the Lord cannot accept them if they persist in willful violation of one of His commands.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 634.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What was the response of Israel to God’s health reeducation plan?

2 Why did God regard this murmuring as rebellion?

3 How did God give them the food they desired?

4 How does God treat those who honestly ignore the truth?

5 How does God treat those who intentionally disobey His revealed will?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – A Holy Nation

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June 21, 2015 – June 27, 2015

Key Text

“Ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.” Exodus 19:6.

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 286–293; The Acts of the Apostles, 14–16.

Introduction

“God desired to make of His people Israel a praise and a glory. …

“Their obedience to the laws of God would make them marvels of prosperity before the nations of the world.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 221, 222.

1 A CHOSEN PEOPLE

  • When the people of Israel were told that they were chosen to be a special people, a holy nation, entrusted with a specific mission, what did they answer? Exodus 19:8.

Note: “God had promised to be their [Israel’s] God, to take them to Himself as a people, and to lead them to a large and good land; but they were ready to faint at every obstacle encountered in the way to that land. In a marvelous manner He had brought them out from their bondage in Egypt, that He might elevate and ennoble them and make them a praise in the earth.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 292.

  • After all the commandments of the holy Law of God were declared to the people, what did they say? Exodus 24:3, 7.

Note: “God had chosen Israel as His people, and they had chosen Him as their King.” Prophets and Kings, 293.

2 A LIGHT IN THE WORLD

  • Near the end of their pilgrimage, how were the conditions of the covenant repeated to the Israelites? Deuteronomy 4:1, 2.

Note: “Through Moses they [the Israelites] were warned against the temptations that would assail them in the future; and they were earnestly exhorted to remain separate from the surrounding nations and to worship God alone.” Prophets and Kings, 294.

  • It was the purpose of God to set up Israel as a light in the world. What was Moses instructed to say to them? Deuteronomy 4:5–8.

Note: “Through the Jewish nation it was God’s purpose to impart rich blessings to all peoples. … The nations of the world, through following corrupt practices, had lost the knowledge of God. Yet in His mercy God did not blot them out of existence. He purposed to give them opportunity for becoming acquainted with Him through His church. He designed that the principles revealed through His people should be the means of restoring the moral image of God in man.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 286.

  • On what condition would the Lord extend His merciful hand toward them? Deuteronomy 4:29–31.
  • What would happen to them were they to forget the covenant of the Lord and turn away from Him? Deuteronomy 4:23–27.

Note: “Moses traced the evils that would result from a departure from the statutes of Jehovah. Calling heaven and earth to witness, he declared that if, after having dwelt long in the Land of Promise, the people should introduce corrupt forms of worship and bow down to graven images and should refuse to return to the worship of the true God, the anger of the Lord would be aroused, and they would be carried away captive and scattered among the heathen.” Prophets and Kings, 295.

3 A DIVINE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION

  • That Israel might be the light of the world, they needed to be an educated people. What duty was entrusted to the parents in Israel? Deuteronomy 6:6–9.

Note: “God had commanded the Hebrews to teach their children His requirements and to make them acquainted with all His dealings with their fathers. This was one of the special duties of every parent—one that was not to be delegated to another. In the place of stranger lips the loving hearts of the father and mother were to give instruction to their children.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 592.

  • Is education necessary as a preparation for the gospel work? II Timothy 2:15.

Note: “Christ is the ‘Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world’ (John 1:9). As through Christ every human being has life, so also through Him every soul receives some ray of divine light. Not only intellectual but spiritual power, a perception of right, a desire for goodness, exists in every heart. But against these principles there is struggling an antagonistic power. The result of the eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil is manifest in every man’s experience. There is in his nature a bent to evil, a force which, unaided, he cannot resist. To withstand this force, to attain that ideal which in his inmost soul he accepts as alone worthy, he can find help in but one power. That power is Christ. Co-operation with that power is man’s greatest need.” Education, 29.

  • What knowledge do we need so that our light may shine brighter and brighter? Matthew 5:14–16.

Note: “The minister, the missionary, the teacher, will find their influence with the people greatly increased when it is manifest that they possess the knowledge and skill required for the practical duties of everyday life.” Education, 221.

4 THE GREATEST NEED OF THE WORLD

  • What is the greatest need of the world today? John 1:9–12.

Note: “The world today is in crying need of a revelation of Christ Jesus in the person of His saints. God desires that His people shall stand before the world a holy people. Why?—because there is a world to be saved by the light of gospel truth; and as the message of truth that is to call men out of darkness into God’s marvelous light is given by the church, the lives of its members, sanctified by the Spirit of truth, are to bear witness to the verity of the messages proclaimed.

“God desires His people to place themselves in right relation to Him, that they may understand what He requires of them above all things else. They are to reveal to every struggling soul in the world what it means ‘to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly’ with their God (Micah 6:8). Wherever they are, at home or abroad, they are to be His commandment-keeping people. They are to have the assurance that their sins are forgiven, and that they are accepted as children of the Most High.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 458, 459.

  • For what purpose has the present truth contained in the threefold message (Revelation 14:6–12) been entrusted to the Advent people? Isaiah 60:1, 2.

Note: “The Lord in compassion is seeking to enlighten the understanding of those who are now groping in the darkness of error. He is delaying His judgments upon an impenitent world, in order that His light bearers may seek and save that which is lost. He is now calling upon His church on the earth to awake from the lethargy that Satan has sought to bring upon them, and fulfill their heaven-appointed work of enlightening the world. His message to His church at this time is, ‘Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee’ (Isaiah 60:1). To meet the conditions existing at the time when darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people, the church of God has been commissioned to cooperate with God in shedding abroad the light of Bible truth.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 458.

5 THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL AND THE LAST MESSAGE

  • What responsibility has the Lord placed upon every believer in the threefold message? Philippians 2:15, 16.

Note: “The people of the world are worshiping false gods. They are to be turned from their false worship, not by hearing denunciation of their idols, but by beholding something better. God’s goodness is to be made known. ‘Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God’ (Isaiah 43:12). …

“We are to show to the world and to all the heavenly intelligences that we appreciate the wonderful love of God for fallen humanity. … Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 299.

  • What does God intend to accomplish through His people today? Matthew 24:14.

Note: “Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take possession of the whole church so that everyone shall be working for Him according to his ability. When the members of the church of God do their appointed work in the needy fields at home and abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel commission, the whole world will soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will return to this earth with power and great glory.” The Acts of the Apostles, 111.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How were the conditions of the covenant with the people repeated to them as they were approaching Canaan?

2 How did God use the principles revealed through Israel as a means of restoring His moral image in men and women?

3 What would happen to them were they to forget the covenant of the Lord and turn away from Him?

4 What emphasis was placed on education so that Israel might be the light of the world?

5 How are the people of the world to be turned from false worship?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Israel Defeated—Why?

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June 14, 2015 – June 20, 2015

Key Text

“Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant.” Joshua 7:11.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 493–498.

Introduction

“The history of Achan teaches the solemn lesson that for one man’s sin the displeasure of God will rest upon a people or a nation till the transgression is searched out and punished.” Conflict and Courage, 120.

1 “ISRAEL COMMITTED A TRESPASS”

  • What happened soon after the fall of Jericho? Joshua 7:2–5.

Note: “The great victory that God had gained for them [over the fall of Jericho] had made the Israelites self-confident. Because He had promised them the land of Canaan they felt secure, and failed to realize that divine help alone could give them success. Even Joshua laid his plans for the conquest of Ai without seeking counsel from God.

“The Israelites had begun to exalt their own strength and to look with contempt upon their foes. An easy victory was expected, and three thousand men were thought sufficient to take the place. These rushed to the attack without the assurance that God would be with them.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 493, 494.

  • Why were the Israelites defeated? Joshua 7:1, 12.

Note: “It was a time for prompt and decided action, and not for despair and lamentation. There was secret sin in the camp, and it must be searched out and put away before the presence and blessing of the Lord could be with His people. …

“God’s command had been disregarded by one of those appointed to execute His judgments. … Instruction was given to Joshua for the discovery and punishment of the criminal.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 494.

2 “THE NATION WAS HELD ACCOUNTABLE”

  • Was the command of God actually transgressed by the whole camp of Israel or by only one man? Joshua 7:18.

Note: “God was very particular in regard to Jericho, lest the people should be charmed with the things that the inhabitants had worshiped and their hearts be diverted from God. He guarded His people by most positive commands; yet notwithstanding the solemn injunction from God by the mouth of Joshua, Achan ventured to transgress. His covetousness led him to take of the treasures that God had forbidden him to touch because the curse of God was upon them. And because of this man’s sin the Israel of God were as weak as water before their enemies.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 264.

“The nation [of Israel] was held accountable for the guilt of the transgressor: ‘They have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also’ (Joshua 7:11).” [Emphasis author’s.] Patriarchs and Prophets, 494.

  • If only one individual sinned by acting consciously contrary to the divine prohibition, why did God put the responsibility on the whole nation? Joshua 7:11.

Note: “Achan’s sin brought disaster upon the whole nation. For one man’s sin the displeasure of God will rest upon His church till the transgression is searched out and put away. The influence most to be feared by the church is not that of open opposers, infidels, and blasphemers, but of inconsistent professors of Christ. These are the ones that keep back the blessing of the God of Israel and bring weakness upon His people.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 497.

“In His dealings with His people in the past the Lord shows the necessity of purifying the church from wrongs. One sinner may diffuse darkness that will exclude the light of God from the entire congregation. When the people realize that darkness is settling upon them, and they do not know the cause, they should seek God earnestly, in great humility and self-abasement, until the wrongs which grieve His Spirit are searched out and put away.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 265.

3 “GET THEE UP”

  • How did Joshua cry to the Lord, and what was he mostly concerned about? Joshua 7:6–9.

Note: “Joshua and the elders of Israel were in great affliction. They lay before the ark of God in most abject humility because the Lord was wroth with His people. They prayed and wept before God.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 264.

“You can see by the prayer of Joshua, if you have spiritual discernment, that that which was esteemed by Achan as a very little thing was the cause of great anguish and sorrow to the responsible men of Israel. … Achan, the guilty party, did not feel the burden. He took it very coolly.” Christ Triumphant, 137.

  • What was the first work that God instructed Joshua to do? Joshua 7:10, 13.

Note: “It was a time for prompt and decided action, and not for despair and lamentation. There was secret sin in the camp, and it must be searched out and put away before the presence and blessing of the Lord could be with His people.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 494.

“The Lord did not specify who was the guilty party; but He gave directions as to what was to be done.” The Youth’s Instructor, January 25, 1894.

  • How do some people react when a similar work must be done in the church today? Isaiah 30:9, 10.

Note: “The spirit of hatred which has existed with some because the wrongs among God’s people have been reproved has brought blindness and a fearful deception upon their own souls, making it impossible for them to discriminate between right and wrong. They have put out their own spiritual eyesight. They may witness wrongs, but they do not feel as did Joshua and humble themselves because the danger of souls is felt by them.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 266.

4 “TAKE AWAY THE ACCURSED THING”

  • Why didn’t the Lord point out the culprit directly? What is the difference between acceptable and unacceptable confessions? Psalm 32:5.

Note: “The sinner was not directly pointed out, the matter being left in doubt for a time, that the people might feel their responsibility for the sins existing among them, and thus be led to searching of heart and humiliation before God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 494, 495.

“Achan … had seen the armies of Israel return from Ai defeated and disheartened; yet he did not come forward and confess his sin. He had seen Joshua and the elders of Israel bowed to the earth in grief too great for words. Had he then made confession, he would have given some proof of true penitence; but he still kept silence. He had listened to the proclamation that a great crime had been committed, and had even heard its character definitely stated. But his lips were sealed. … There is a vast difference between admitting facts after they have been proved and confessing sins known only to ourselves and to God. Achan would not have confessed had he not hoped by so doing to avert the consequences of his crime. But his confession only served to show that his punishment was just. There was no genuine repentance for sin, no contrition, no change of purpose, no abhorrence of evil.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 497, 498.

  • Why did God involve the whole congregation in a diligent search? I Corinthians 12:25, 26.

Note: “God holds His people, as a body, responsible for the sins existing in individuals among them. If the leaders of the church neglect to diligently search out the sins which bring the displeasure of God upon the body, they become responsible for these sins.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 269.

  • When it comes to helping the erring, what kind of wisdom should attend the needed pastoral work? James 1:5; 3:17, 18; Jude 22, 23.

5 “INDEED I HAVE SINNED …”

  • When the lot fell upon Achan, what did he say? Joshua 7:20, 21.

Note: “To establish his guilt beyond all question, leaving no ground for the charge that he had been unjustly condemned, Joshua solemnly adjured Achan to acknowledge the truth. The wretched man made full confession of his crime.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 495.

“Confessions of sin made at the right time to relieve the people of God will be accepted of Him. But there are those among us who will make confessions, as did Achan, too late to save themselves.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 272.

  • What punishment, applied to Achan, served as a warning for the rest of the people? Joshua 7:24, 25. How is it a warning to us?

Note: “The deadly sin that led to Achan’s ruin had its root in covetousness, of all sins one of the most common and the most lightly regarded. While other offenses meet with detection and punishment, how rarely does the violation of the tenth commandment so much as call forth censure. The enormity of this sin, and its terrible results, are the lessons of Achan’s history.

“Covetousness is an evil of gradual development. Achan had cherished greed of gain until it became a habit, binding him in fetters well-nigh impossible to break. While fostering this evil, he would have been filled with horror at the thought of bringing disaster upon Israel; but his perceptions were deadened by sin, and when temptation came, he fell an easy prey.

“Are not similar sins still committed, in the face of warnings as solemn and explicit? We are as directly forbidden to indulge covetousness as was Achan to appropriate the spoils of Jericho. God has declared it to be idolatry.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 496.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Why were the Israelites defeated in the first encounter with the people of Ai?

2 What was the first work that God instructed Joshua to do?

3 Why did God involve the whole congregation in a diligent search for the culprit?

4 What kind of wisdom is needed to deal with erring church members?

5 Why was Achan’s confession unacceptable?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – The Conquest of Jericho

by

June 7, 2015 – June 13, 2015

Key Text

“The Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.” Joshua 6:2.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 487–493.

Introduction

“Jericho [was] a heathen stronghold, the center of the worship of Ashtoreth, vilest and most degrading of all Canaanitish forms of idolatry.” Prophets and Kings, 229.

1 THE CAPTAIN OF THE LORD’S HOST

  • When the Israelites were encamped on the eastern side of the Jordan River, Joshua was seeking the help of the Lord in view of the conquest of Jericho. Who did he see as he arose from prayer? Joshua 5:13–15.

Note: “It was Christ, the Exalted One, Who stood before the leader of Israel.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 488.

  • What instruction did He give him? Joshua 6:2–5. What previous assurances from Christ gave Joshua courage to carry out his mission? Joshua 1:5, 6, 9.

Note: “In obedience to the divine command Joshua marshaled the armies of Israel. … They were simply to make the circuit of the city, bearing the ark of God and blowing upon trumpets. … The ark of God, surrounded by a halo of divine glory, was borne by priests clad in the dress denoting their sacred office. The army of Israel followed, each tribe under its standard. Such was the procession that compassed the doomed city.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 488.

  • On what condition do we have the same comforting assurance today? Matthew 28:20; James 1:5.

2 GOD’S MERCY AND JUSTICE

  • What happened on the seventh day? Joshua 6:15, 16, 20, 21.

Note: “All the inhabitants of the city [of Jericho], with every living thing that it contained, ‘both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass’ (Joshua 6:21), were put to the sword. … The city itself was burned; its palaces and temples, its magnificent dwellings with all their luxurious appointments, the rich draperies and the costly garments, were given to the flames. That which could not be destroyed by fire, ‘the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron’ (verse 24), was to be devoted to the service of the tabernacle. The very site of the city was accursed; Jericho was never to be rebuilt as a stronghold; judgments were threatened upon anyone who should presume to restore the walls that divine power had cast down. …

“The utter destruction of the people of Jericho was but a fulfillment of the commands previously given through Moses concerning the inhabitants of Canaan.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 491, 492.

  • As the Lord had already demonstrated in the case of Sodom (Genesis 18:32), how did He show again that He does not destroy the righteous with the wicked? Joshua 6:22, 23.

Note: “Only faithful Rahab, with her household, was spared, in fulfillment of the promise of the spies.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 491.

  • What declaration of Jesus shows that there is hope for all sinners on condition of repentance? Matthew 21:28–31; Luke 13:1–5. What assurance does He give them? John 6:37.

Note: “Whatever the appearance may be, every life centered in self is squandered. Whoever attempts to live apart from God is wasting his substance. He is squandering the precious years, squandering the powers of mind and heart and soul, and working to make himself bankrupt for eternity. The man who separates from God that he may serve himself, is the slave of mammon.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 200, 201.

3 GOD’S MERCY AND JUSTICE (CONTINUED)

  • Why was the destruction of Jericho and its inhabitants necessary? Wouldn’t it have been better to try to evangelize them? Genesis 15:13–16; Deuteronomy 9:4; Isaiah 26:10.

Note: “[Deuteronomy 7:2; 20:16 quoted.] To many these commands seem to be contrary to the spirit of love and mercy enjoined in other portions of the Bible, but they were in truth the dictates of infinite wisdom and goodness. …

“The inhabitants of Canaan had been granted ample opportunity for repentance. Forty years before, the opening of the Red Sea and the judgments upon Egypt had testified to the supreme power of the God of Israel. … All these events were known to the inhabitants of Jericho.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 492.

  • How are evangelists warned about the opponents to the truth who are incurably dishonest? Matthew 7:6. How does the apostle Paul admonish us not to waste much time with such people? Titus 3:10, 11.

Note: “[Matthew 7:6 quoted.]

“Jesus here refers to a class who have no desire to escape from the slavery of sin. By indulgence in the corrupt and vile their natures have become so degraded that they cling to the evil and will not be separated from it. The servants of Christ should not allow themselves to be hindered by those who would make the gospel only a matter of contention and ridicule.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 129.

  • Why should we be always prepared to give others the benefit of choice? I Samuel 16:7, second part.

Note: “Many choose darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. But there are those who, if the truth could have been presented in a different manner, under different circumstances, giving them a fair chance to weigh the arguments for themselves and to compare scripture with scripture, would have been charmed by its clearness and would have taken hold upon it.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 426, 427.

4 GOD IS STILL WILLING TO DO GREAT THINGS

  • How was the faith of the people of Israel tested in connection with the miracle that the Lord wrought in Jericho? Hebrews 11:30.

Note: “The Captain of the Lord’s host communicated only with Joshua; He did not reveal Himself to all the congregation. … They might have reasoned: ‘What unmeaning movements are these, and how ridiculous the performance of marching daily around the walls of the city, blowing trumpets of rams’ horns. This can have no effect upon those towering fortifications.’ But the very plan of continuing this ceremony through so long a time prior to the final overthrow of the walls afforded opportunity for the development of faith among the Israelites. It was to be impressed upon their minds that their strength was not in the wisdom of man, nor in his might, but only in the God of their salvation. They were thus to become accustomed to relying wholly upon their divine Leader.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 493.

  • What lesson does this event teach us? John 14:12; I John 5:4.

Note: “As on the occasion of the taking of Jericho, not one of the armies of Israel could boast of exercising their finite strength to overthrow the walls of this city, but the Captain of the Lord’s host planned that battle in the greatest simplicity, that the Lord God alone should receive the glory and mortals should not be exalted. God has promised us all power.” Christ Triumphant, 136.

“God will do great things for those who trust in Him. The reason why His professed people have no greater strength is that they trust so much to their own wisdom, and do not give the Lord an opportunity to reveal His power in their behalf. He will help His believing children in every emergency if they will place their entire confidence in Him and faithfully obey Him.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 493.

“The greatest victories to the church of Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.” Ibid., 203.

  • What warning and promise of Jesus should we always keep in mind? John 15:5, 7.

Note: “Henceforward Christ’s followers were to look upon Satan as a conquered foe. Upon the cross, Jesus was to gain the victory for them; that victory He desired them to accept as their own. ‘Behold,’ He said, ‘I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you’ (Luke 10:19).

“The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power. The Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones. With Him there can be no such thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat; we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. When temptations and trials come, do not wait to adjust all the difficulties, but look to Jesus, your helper.” The Desire of Ages, 490–493.

“We can do nothing of ourselves. In all our helpless unworthiness we must trust in the merits of the crucified and risen Saviour. None will ever perish while they do this. The long, black catalogue of our delinquencies is before the eye of the Infinite. The register is complete; none of our offenses are forgotten. But He who listened to the cries of His servants of old, will hear the prayer of faith and pardon our transgressions. He has promised, and He will fulfill His word.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 203.

“Those who are unwilling to forsake every sin and to seek earnestly for God’s blessing, will not obtain it. But all who will lay hold of God’s promises … will succeed.” Ibid.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 When Christ revealed Himself to Joshua, what instruction did He give along with His own assurance?

2 How did the Lord demonstrate His mercy in the destruction of Jericho?

3 With what class of sinner are we warned not to waste much time?

4 How can we obtain our greatest victories as individuals and as a church?

5 What is the secret to overcoming sin in our life?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Disaster in Israel

by

May 31, 2015 – June 6, 2015

Key Text

“And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.” Numbers 25:3.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 453–461.

Introduction

“But agreeable as were their physical surroundings, the Israelites were here to encounter an evil more deadly than mighty hosts of armed men or the wild beasts of the wilderness.” The Signs of the Times, November 18, 1880.

1 AN UNEXPECTED DEFEAT

  • While Moses was preparing to cross the Jordan River with Israel’s armies for the occupation of Canaan, why was the anger of the Lord kindled against Israel? Numbers 25:1–3.
  • Who was the mastermind behind this great evil? Revelation 2:14; Numbers 31:15, 16.

Note: “At Balaam’s suggestion, a grand festival in honor of their [the Moabites’] gods was appointed by the king of Moab, and it was secretly arranged that Balaam should induce the Israelites to attend. … Great numbers of the people [of Israel] joined him in witnessing the festivities. They ventured upon the forbidden ground, and were entangled in the snare of Satan. Beguiled with music and dancing, and allured by the beauty of heathen vestals, they cast off their fealty to Jehovah. As they united in mirth and feasting, indulgence in wine beclouded their senses and broke down the barriers of self-control. Passion had full sway; and having defiled their consciences by lewdness, they were persuaded to bow down to idols. They offered sacrifice upon heathen altars and participated in the most degrading rites.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 454.

2 HOW WAS THE EVIL SUPPRESSED?

  • What were Moses and the judges of Israel commanded to do before God’s punishment would be removed? Numbers 25:4, 5.

Note: “Their [the Moabites and Midianites’] iniquitous practices did that for Israel which all the enchantments of Balaam could not do—they separated them from God. By swift-coming judgments the people were awakened to the enormity of their sin. A terrible pestilence broke out in the camp, to which tens of thousands speedily fell a prey. God commanded that the leaders in this apostasy be put to death by the magistrates. This order was promptly obeyed. The offenders were slain, then their bodies were hung up in sight of all Israel that the congregation, seeing the leaders so severely dealt with, might have a deep sense of God’s abhorrence of their sin and the terror of His wrath against them.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 455.

  • What happened while the people were weeping and confessing their sins? Numbers 25:6–8, 12, 13.

Note: “All felt that the punishment was just, and the people hastened to the tabernacle, and with tears and deep humiliation confessed their sin. While they were thus weeping before God, at the door of the tabernacle, while the plague was still doing its work of death, and the magistrates were executing their terrible commission, Zimri, one of the nobles of Israel, came boldly into the camp, accompanied by a Midianitish harlot, a princess ‘of a chief house in Midian’ (Numbers 25:15), whom he escorted to his tent. Never was vice bolder or more stubborn. Inflamed with wine, Zimri declared his ‘sin as Sodom’ (Isaiah 3:9), and gloried in his shame.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 455.

  • How many perished at the hand of God in the plague? Numbers 25:9. What did the census that was taken shortly afterwards further reveal? Numbers 26:1, 2, 63–65.

Note: “The judgments visited upon Israel for their sin at Shittim, destroyed the survivors of that vast company, who, nearly forty years before, had incurred the sentence, ‘They shall surely die in the wilderness’ (Numbers 26:65).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 456.

3 ADDITIONAL PROTECTING MEASURES

  • As the Midianites were among the most degraded enemies of God and among the most dangerous neighbors of Israel, what was Moses instructed to do? Numbers 31:1–3, 8.
  • What will God do to them that devise mischief against His people? Psalm 94:1, 2, 20–23.

Note: “He [God] Who slumbers not, Who is continually at work for the accomplishment of His designs, will carry forward His own work. He will thwart the purposes of wicked men, and will bring to confusion the counsels of those who plot mischief against His people. He who is the King, the Lord of hosts, sitteth between the cherubim, and amid the strife and tumult of nations He guards His children still.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 121.

  • On what condition has God promised to protect His people? Deuteronomy 28:1–7.

Note: “The church is God’s agency for the proclamation of truth, empowered by Him to do a special work; and if she is loyal to Him, obedient to all His commandments, there will dwell within her the excellency of divine grace. If she will be true to her allegiance, if she will honor the Lord God of Israel, there is no power that can stand against her. …

“If the church will put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance with the world, there is before her the dawn of a bright and glorious day. God’s promise to her will stand fast forever. He will make her an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. Truth, passing by those who despise and reject it, will triumph. Although at times apparently retarded, its progress has never been checked. When the message of God meets with opposition, He gives it additional force, that it may exert greater influence. Endowed with divine energy, it will cut its way through the strongest barriers and triumph over every obstacle.” The Acts of the Apostles, 600, 601.

4 FOR OUR ADMONITION

  • Why should we, and especially those who have been called to take part in the work of God, study the ups-and-downs in the history of Israel? Romans 15:4. Why does the apostasy that took place at the Jordan deserve special attention?

Note: “The Israelites, who could not be overcome by the arms or by the enchantments of Midian, fell a prey to her harlots. Such is the power that woman, enlisted in the service of Satan, has exerted to entrap and destroy souls. … It was thus that the children of Seth were seduced from their integrity, and the holy seed became corrupt. It was thus that Joseph was tempted. Thus Samson betrayed his strength, the defense of Israel, into the hands of the Philistines. Here David stumbled. And Solomon, the wisest of kings, who had thrice been called the beloved of his God, became a slave of passion, and sacrificed his integrity to the same bewitching power.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 457.

  • What warning is addressed to this last generation of Christians? I Corinthians 10:8, 11.

Note: “As we approach the close of time, as the people of God stand upon the borders of the heavenly Canaan, Satan will, as of old, redouble his efforts to prevent them from entering the goodly land. He lays his snares for every soul. It is not the ignorant and uncultured merely that need to be guarded; he will prepare his temptations for those in the highest positions, in the most holy office; if he can lead them to pollute their souls, he can through them destroy many. And he employs the same agents now as he employed three thousand years ago. By worldly friendships, by the charms of beauty, by pleasure seeking, mirth, feasting, or the wine cup, he tempts to the violation of the seventh commandment.

“Satan seduced Israel into licentiousness before leading them to idolatry. Those who will dishonor God’s image and defile His temple in their own persons will not scruple at any dishonor to God that will gratify the desire of their depraved hearts. Sensual indulgence weakens the mind and debases the soul.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 457, 458.

5 THE WAY WAS PREPARED FOR SINNING

  • What condition (or conditions) prepared the way for the people of Israel to fall prey to the sensual temptations of Satan when they came to the Jordan River? Ezekiel 16:49, 50.

Note: “It was when the Israelites were in a condition of outward ease and security that they were led into sin. They failed to keep God ever before them, they neglected prayer and cherished a spirit of self-confidence. Ease and self-indulgence left the citadel of the soul unguarded, and debasing thoughts found entrance. It was the traitors within the walls that overthrew the strongholds of principle and betrayed Israel into the power of Satan. It is thus that Satan still seeks to compass the ruin of the soul. A long preparatory process, unknown to the world, goes on in the heart before the Christian commits open sin. The mind does not come down at once from purity and holiness to depravity, corruption, and crime. It takes time to degrade those formed in the image of God to the brutal or the satanic. By beholding we become changed. By the indulgence of impure thoughts man can so educate his mind that sin which he once loathed will become pleasant to him.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 459.

  • What warning should we always bear in mind? I Corinthians 10:12; I Peter 5:8.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Who was the mastermind behind the great apostasy that took place in Israel shortly before crossing the river Jordan?

2 How was the way prepared for the Israelites to fall on that occasion?

3 How were the most guilty punished?

4 What lesson should we learn from the fact that the Midianites had to be destroyed without making efforts to evangelize them?

5 What will a true servant of God be able to say if he or she follows the example of Paul in Philippians 4:9?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.