Bible Study Guides

Bible Study Guides – John’s Message

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January 29, 2017 – February 4, 2017

Key Text

“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mark 1:4).

Study Help: The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 47–57.

Introduction

“His [John’s] work and ministry pointed back to the law and the prophets, while he, at the same time, pointed the people forward to Christ as the Saviour of the world. He called upon them to ‘behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29).” The Southern Watchman, March 21, 1905.

Sunday

1 CHRIST, THE CENTER

  • To whom did John direct his hearers? Matthew 3:11; Acts 19:4; John 1:29.
  • What was the source of John’s knowledge? Luke 3:2. How should our manner of study be similar to John’s? Hebrews 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Note: “John the Baptist in his desert life was taught of God. He studied the revelations of God in nature. Under the guiding of the divine Spirit, he studied the scrolls of the prophets. By day and by night, Christ was his study, his meditation, until mind and heart and soul were filled with the glorious vision.” Gospel Workers, 54.

“It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross.” The Desire of Ages, 83.

Monday

2 A CALL TO REPENTANCE

  • What was the content of John’s message? Luke 1:17; Matthew 3:1, 2, 8.

Note: “The preaching of John the Baptist created intense excitement. At the beginning of his ministry, religious interest was very low. Superstition, tradition, and fables had confused the minds of the people, and the right way was not understood. Zealous in securing worldly treasure and honor, men had forgotten God. John went forth to herald the Lord’s anointed and call men to repentance.” The Youth’s Instructor, May 17, 1900.

“John proclaimed the coming of the Messiah, and called the people to repentance. As a symbol of cleansing from sin, he baptized them in the waters of the Jordan. Thus by a significant object lesson he declared that those who claimed to be the chosen people of God were defiled by sin, and that without purification of heart and life they could have no part in the Messiah’s kingdom.” The Desire of Ages, 104.

  • What is the condition of people today? 2 Timothy 3:1–4. What message are we to give them? Acts 17:30; 26:19, 20.

Note: “We must persuade men everywhere to repent and flee from the wrath to come. They have souls to save or to lose. Let there be no indifference in this matter. The Lord calls for workers who are filled with an earnest, decided purpose. Tell the people to be instant in season and out of season. With the words of life upon your lips go forth to tell men and women that the end of all things is at hand.

“Let us keep our souls in the love of God. The note of warning must be given. The truth must not languish upon our lips. We must rouse people to immediate preparation, for we little know what is before us. My faith is as strong as ever that we are living in the last remnant of time. Let every teacher present an open door before all who will come to Jesus, repenting of their sins.” Evangelism, 217.

“Genuine repentance springs from a sense of the offensive character of sin. … There is a vast difference between admitting facts after they are proved, and confessing sins known only to ourselves and God.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 997.

Tuesday

3 THE TRUE CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM

  • What claim did the Jewish leaders make? How did John respond to this claim? Matthew 3:7–10.

Note: “John rebuked their [the Pharisees’ and Sadducees’] selfish pride and avarice. He warned them of their unbelief and condemned their hypocrisy. He told them that they had not fulfilled the conditions of the covenant on their part, which would entitle them to the promises God made to a faithful and obedient people. Their proud boasts of being children of Abraham did not make them really such. Their exhibitions of pride, their arrogance, jealousy, selfishness, and cruelty, stamped their characters as a generation of vipers, rather than the children of obedient and just Abraham. Their wicked works had disqualified them to claim the promises God made to the children of Abraham. John assured them that God would raise up children unto Abraham from the very stones, to whom He could fulfill His promise, rather than to depend on the natural children of Abraham who had neglected the light God had given them, and had become hardened by selfish ambition and wicked unbelief. He told them that if they were really the children of Abraham, they would do the works of their father Abraham. They would have Abraham’s faith, love, and obedience. But they did not bear this fruit. They had no claim to Abraham as their father, or the promises God made to the seed of Abraham.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 51.

  • How did Jesus later address this same claim made by the Jews? John 8:39, 40.
  • How can we be considered Abraham’s seed today? Galatians 3:26–29.

Note: “While they were professing to be God’s commandment-keeping people, their works denied their faith, and without true repentance for their sins they would have no part in the kingdom of Christ. Justice, benevolence, mercy, and the love of God would characterize the lives of His commandment-keeping people. Unless these fruits were seen in their daily life, all their profession was of no more value than chaff which would be devoted to the fire of destruction.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 51, 52.

Wednesday

4 TRUE GREATNESS

  • What is the strength and foundation of true greatness? Psalm 27:1; Exodus 15:2; Galatians 2:20.

Note: “The strength of nations and of individuals is not found in the opportunities and facilities that appear to make them invincible; it is not found in their boasted greatness. That alone which can make them great and strong is the power and purpose of God. They themselves, by their attitude toward His purpose, decide their own destiny.” Christ Triumphant, 180.

“True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed.” Prophets and Kings, 48.

“What you say in the world will be marked with special consequence if it corresponds with what you say in the church. Your attitude, your words, your spirit, are constantly making an impression upon those with whom you associate.” Christ Triumphant, 198.

  • What is more powerful than words in conveying a knowledge of God to others? Matthew 5:14–16; 2 Thessalonians 3:9, last part.

Note: “It is impossible for any of us to live in such a way that we shall not cast an influence in the world. No member of the family can enclose himself within himself, where other members of the family shall not feel his influence and spirit. The very expression of the countenance has an influence for good or evil. His spirit, his words, his actions, his attitude toward others, are unmistakable. If he is living in selfishness, he surrounds his soul with a malarious atmosphere; while if he is filled with the love of Christ, he will manifest courtesy, kindness, tender regard for the feelings of others and will communicate to his associates, by his acts of love, a tender, grateful, happy feeling. It will be made manifest that he is living for Jesus and daily learning lessons at His feet, receiving His light and His peace.” The Adventist Home, 33, 34.

“Let all seek to discover the excellencies rather than the defects. Often it is our own attitude, the atmosphere that surrounds ourselves, which determines what will be revealed to us in another.” Ibid., 105.

Thursday

5 THE REACTION OF THE PEOPLE

  • What drew such a large number of people to the wilderness? Mark 1:4; Luke 3:15.

Note: “Steadfast as a rock stood the prophet of God, faithful to rebuke sin and crime in all their forms, in kings and nobles, as readily as in the unhonored and unknown. He [John the Baptist] swerved not from duty. Loyal to his God, in noble dignity of moral character, he stood firm as a rock, faithful to principle.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 72.

“Multitudes accepted the preaching of John, and followed him from place to place. Many cherished in their hearts the hope that he was the Messiah. But as John saw the people turning to him, he sought to direct their minds to the coming One.” The Review and Herald, November 28, 1907.

  • What marked changes were taking place in people’s lives? Matthew 3:8; Acts 18:24, 25; 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Note: “Salvation … is a living union with Jesus Christ to be renewed in heart, doing the works of Christ in faith and labor of love, in patience, meekness, and hope. Every soul united to Christ will be a living missionary to all around him.” Evangelism, 319.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How should our daily study be like that of John the Baptist?

2 How is the message we are to give today similar to that of John?

3 How can we be considered children of Abraham today?

4 What are some ways in which we can exert a positive influence on others?

5 How were people changed by John’s message?

Copyright © 2016 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – The Call of the Church

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March 26, 2017 – April 1, 2017

Key Text

“Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people” (Isaiah 62:10).

Study Help: Evangelism, 217–221.

Introduction

“Let it be written upon the conscience as with a pen of iron upon the rock, that real success, whether for this life or for the life to come, can be secured only by faithful adherence to the eternal principles of right.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 164.

Sunday

1 A MESSAGE FOR US

  • Why is it important that we apply to ourselves the message of the True Witness to Laodicea? Revelation 3:14–17; I Corinthians 8:2; 10:12.

Note: “The message to the Laodicean church comes home to those who do not apply it to themselves.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 99.

  • What shows that the Laodicean condition is not hopeless? Revelation 3:18. What will we need to do to apply the remedy? I Peter 5:6; Psalm 147:11.

Note: “But the counsel of the true Witness does not represent those who are lukewarm as in a hopeless case. There is yet a chance to remedy their state, and the Laodicean message is full of encouragement; for the backslidden church may yet buy the gold of faith and love, may yet have the white robe of the righteousness of Christ, that the shame of their nakedness need not appear. Purity of heart, purity of motive, may yet characterize those who are halfhearted and who are striving to serve God and mammon. They may yet wash their robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 966.

Monday

2 A WAKE–UP CALL

  • What must we do so that we can have a part in carrying the final message to the world? I Corinthians 15:34; Romans 13:11.

Note: “We are living in the closing scenes of this earth’s history. Prophecy is fast fulfilling. The hours of probation are fast passing. We have no time—not a moment—to lose. Let us not be found sleeping on guard. Let no one say in his heart or by his works: ‘My Lord delayeth His coming’ (Matthew 24:48). Let the message of Christ’s soon return sound forth in earnest words of warning. Let us persuade men and women everywhere to repent and flee from the wrath to come. Let us arouse them to immediate preparation, for we little know what is before us. Let ministers and lay members go forth into the ripening fields to tell the unconcerned and indifferent to seek the Lord while He may be found. The workers will find their harvest wherever they proclaim the forgotten truths of the Bible. They will find those who will accept the truth and will devote their lives to winning souls to Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 252, 253.

  • What work is to be carried forward at this time? Nehemiah 2:18; Psalm 94:16.

Note: “The Lord desires His people to arise and do their appointed work. The responsibility of warning the world rests not upon the ministry alone. The lay members of the church are to share in the work of soul-saving. By means of missionary visits and by a wise distribution of our literature, many who have never been warned, may be reached. Let companies be organized to search for souls. Let the church members visit their neighbors and open to them the Scriptures. Some may be set to work in the hedges, and thus, by wise planning, the truth may be preached in all districts. With perseverance in this work, increasing aptitude for it will come, and many will see fruit of their labors in the salvation of souls. These converted ones will, in turn, teach others. Thus the seed will be sown in many places, and the truth be proclaimed to all.” The Review and Herald, January 25, 1912.

“We have warnings now which we may give, a work now which we may do, but soon it will be more difficult than we imagine.” Evangelism, 218.

Tuesday

3 REVIVING THE DRY BONES

  • In the vision given to Ezekiel about the valley of the dry bones, what did God promise to do with the dry bones? Ezekiel 37:5, 6. What was the source of power which gave life to the bones? Verses 13, 14.

Note: “What power must we have from God that icy hearts, having only a legal religion, should see the better things provided for them—Christ and His righteousness! A life-giving message was needed to give life to the dry bones.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 177.

“But not only does this simile of the dry bones apply to the world, but also to those who have been blessed with great light; for they also are like the skeletons of the valley. They have the form of men, the framework of the body; but they have not spiritual life. But the parable does not leave the dry bones merely knit together into the forms of men; for it is not enough that there is symmetry of limb and feature. The breath of life must vivify the bodies, that they may stand upright, and spring into activity. These bones represent the house of Israel, the church of God, and the hope of the church is the vivifying influence of the Holy Spirit. The Lord must breathe upon the dry bones, that they may live.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1165, 1166.

  • What does the work of revival involve? Revelation 3:19, 20; 2 Timothy 4:2.

Note: “The angels of God are going from church to church, doing their duty; and Jesus Christ is knocking at the doors of your hearts for entrance. But the means that God has devised to awaken the church to a sense of their spiritual destitution, have not been regarded. The voice of the True Witness has been heard in reproof, but has not been obeyed. Men have chosen to follow their own way, instead of God’s way, because self was not crucified in them. Thus the light has had but little effect upon hearts and minds. ‘Be zealous, and repent’ (Revelation 3:19).” The Review and Herald, December 18, 1888.

“Those who bear the message to the world should seek the Lord earnestly, that His Holy Spirit may be abundantly showered upon them. You have no time to lose. Pray for the power of God, that you may work with success for those nigh and afar off.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 92, 93.

Wednesday

4 LIFTING UP CHRIST

  • What is the one thing which absorbs the attention of God’s revived messengers? Psalm 17:15; John 17:3; I Corinthians 2:1, 2.

Note: “Deep, fervent piety at home, in the church, and in the neighborhood, will bring souls to behold wondrous things out of the law, and to see the glorious truth of Christ our righteousness. …

“Those who have the truth open before them for this time bear a solemn responsibility. They must proclaim repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. They must dwell upon the cross of Christ, and call the attention of every soul to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity, His holiness, Christ in His matchless love—this is the theme that needs to be brought out in every discourse. I have been shown that there must be a great awakening among the people of God. Many are unconverted whose names are on the church books. Let these words be repeated by men who are consecrated to the work: [John 3:16 quoted].” The Review and Herald, August 13, 1889.

“One interest will prevail, one subject will swallow up all others, Christ our Righteousness.” The Paulson Collection, 342.

  • How will the revived servant of the Lord react, despite opposition to the message of warning? Joel 2:17; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18.

Note: “God has always wrought for His people in their greatest extremity, when there seemed the least hope that ruin could be averted. The designs of wicked men, the enemies of the church, are subject to His power and overruling providence. He can move upon the hearts of statesmen; the wrath of the turbulent and disaffected, the haters of God, His truth, and His people can be turned aside, even as the rivers of water are turned, if He orders it thus. Prayer moves the arm of Omnipotence. He who marshals the stars in order in the heavens, whose Word controls the waves of the great deep, the same infinite Creator will work in behalf of His people if they call upon Him in faith. He will restrain the forces of darkness until the warning is given to the world and all who will heed it are prepared for the conflict.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 452, 453.

Thursday

5 LOOKING FOR THAT BLESSED HOPE

  • What great privilege do we have in preparation for Christ’s soon return? Luke 8:16; Isaiah 60:1.

Note: “It is the privilege of every soul to be a living channel through which God can communicate to the world the treasures of His grace, the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is nothing that Christ desires so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and character. There is nothing that the world needs so much as the manifestation through humanity of the Saviour’s love. All heaven is waiting for channels through which can be poured the holy oil to be a joy and blessing to human hearts.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 419.

  • In view of the soon coming of Christ, how should we be living today? 2 Peter 3:11, 12; Titus 2:11–13.

Note: “Christ has made every provision that His church shall be a transformed body, illumined with the Light of the world, possessing the glory of Emmanuel. It is His purpose that every Christian shall be surrounded with a spiritual atmosphere of light and peace. He desires that we shall reveal His own joy in our lives.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 419.

“The Lord is coming. Lift up your heads and rejoice. … This is the good, the joyful news which should electrify every soul, which should be repeated in our homes, and told to those whom we meet on the street. What more joyful news can be communicated!” Evangelism, 218.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How is the Laodicean message full of encouragement for us?

2 What are some practical ways that lay members can reach out to the souls around them?

3 How can the vision of the dry bones apply to those who have great light?

4 In what ways will God overrule the powers of darkness, as His people pray in faith?

5 In what way will God’s people spread the message of joy for this time?

Copyright © 2016 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – A Work of Restoration

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March 19, 2017 – March 25, 2017

Key Text

“They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities” (Isaiah 61:4).

Study Help: The Adventist Home, 326–339.

Introduction

“Christ came to adjust truths that had been misplaced and made to serve the cause of error. He recalled them, repeated them, placed them in their proper position in the framework of truth, and bade them stand fast forever. Thus it was with the law of God, with the Sabbath, and with the marriage institution.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 17, 21.

Sunday

1 THE SABBATH—THE BREACH IN GOD’S LAW

  • What significance is there in repairing the breach made in God’s Law? Isaiah 58:12; I Kings 18:30; Nehemiah 2:17.

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.” Prophets and Kings, 678.

“The Sabbath commandment is placed in the midst of the Decalogue, and it was instituted in Eden at the same time that God instituted the marriage relation. God gave the Sabbath as a memorial of His creative power and works. … He made its observance obligatory upon man, in order that he might contemplate the works of God, dwell upon His goodness, His mercy, and love, and through nature look up to nature’s God. If man had always observed the Sabbath, there would never have been an unbeliever, and infidel, or an atheist in the world.” The Signs of the Times, February 13, 1896.

Monday

2 MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY UNIT

  • What was the original design of God in regard to marriage? Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6.

Note: “When the Pharisees … questioned Him concerning the lawfulness of divorce, Jesus pointed His hearers back to the marriage institution as ordained at creation. ‘Because of the hardness of your hearts,’ He said, Moses ‘suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so’ (Matthew 19:8). He referred them to the blessed days of Eden when God pronounced all things ‘very good’ (Genesis 1:31). Then marriage and the Sabbath had their origin, twin institutions for the glory of God in the benefit of humanity. Then, as the Creator joined the hands of the holy pair in wedlock, saying, A man shall ‘leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one,’ He enunciated the law of marriage for all the children of Adam to the close of time (Genesis 2:24). That which the eternal Father Himself had pronounced good was the law of highest blessing and development for man.” The Adventist Home, 340, 341.

“Marriage was from the creation, constituted by God, a divine ordinance. The marriage institution was made in Eden. The Sabbath of the fourth commandment was instituted in Eden, when the foundations of the world were laid, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. Then let this, God’s institution of marriage, stand before you as firm as the Sabbath of the fourth commandment.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, 160, 161.

  • How will both the divine institution of marriage and the family relationship be restored in the last days? Malachi 4:5, 6; Matthew 17:11; Acts 3:20, 21.

Note: “There were two institutions founded in Eden that were not lost in the fall—the Sabbath and the marriage relation. These were carried by man beyond the gates of paradise. He who loves and observes the Sabbath, and maintains the purity of the marriage institution, thereby proves himself the friend of man and the friend of God. He who by precept or example lessens the obligation of these sacred institutions is the enemy of both God and man, and is using his influence and his God-given talents to bring in a state of confusion and moral corruption.” The Signs of the Times, February 28, 1884.

Tuesday

3 PRACTICING ABSTEMIOUSNESS IN DIET

  • What type of lifestyle should those preparing for Jesus’ soon return maintain? I Corinthians 9:25; 10:31; Luke 4:2–4.

Note: “John the Baptist went forth in the spirit and power of Elijah, to prepare the way of the Lord, and to turn the people to the wisdom of the just. He was a representative of those living in the last days, to whom God has intrusted sacred truths to present before the people, to prepare the way for the second appearing of Christ. And the same principles of temperance which John practiced should be observed by those who in our day are to warn the world of the coming of the Son of man.” Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 39.

“As our first parents lost Eden through the indulgence of appetite, our only hope of regaining Eden is through the firm denial of appetite and passion. Abstemiousness in diet and control of all the passions will preserve the intellect and give mental and moral vigor, enabling men to bring all their propensities under the control of the higher powers and to discern between right and wrong, the sacred and the common.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 491.

  • What kind of diet was originally given to Adam? Genesis 1:29; 3:18.

Note: “We must study God’s original plan for man’s diet. He who created man and who understands his needs appointed Adam his food. ‘Behold,’ He said, ‘I have given you every herb yielding seed, … and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food’ (Genesis 1:29, ARV). Upon leaving Eden to gain his livelihood by tilling the earth under the curse of sin, man received permission to eat also ‘the herb of the field’ (Genesis 3:18).

“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet.” The Ministry of Healing, 295, 296.

  • What attitude in regard to diet is detrimental to the spiritual experience? Isaiah 22:13, 14.

Wednesday

4 A CHANGE OF HEART

  • Before God can begin a work of restoration with each of us, what must first take place? Proverbs 28:13; Psalm 32:5; I John 1:9.

Note: “If we have sinned against the Lord, we shall never have peace and restoration to His favor without full confession and reformation in regard to the very things in which we have been remiss. Not until we have used every means in our power to repair the evil, can God approve and bless us. The path of confession is humiliating, but it is the only way by which we can receive strength to overcome. All the dropped stitches may never be picked up so that our work shall be as perfect and God-pleasing as it should have been; but every effort should be made to do this so far as it is possible to accomplish it.” The Review and Herald, May 22, 1888.

  • What has God promised to do with the hearts of those who desire to serve Him? Ezekiel 36:26.
  • How all-absorbing is the truth to the converted Christian? Romans 10:10; Mark 12:30. What will be the constant prayer? Psalm 139:23, 24.

Note: “Truth must become truth to the receiver, to all intents and purposes. It must be stamped on the heart. … The heart is the citadel of the being, and until that is wholly on the Lord’s side the enemy will gain constant victories over us through his subtle temptations.” In Heavenly Places, 140.

“God looks at the heart; ‘all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do’ (Hebrews 4:13). Will He be satisfied with anything but truth in the inward parts? Every truly converted soul will carry the unmistakable marks that the carnal mind is subdued.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 163.

Thursday

5 AN ENDURING MESSAGE

  • How do the righteous regard the message of truth in contrast to the wicked? Proverbs 4:19, 18; 2 Peter 3:18.

Note: “The sanctified soul will not be content to remain in ignorance, but will desire to walk in the light and to seek for greater light. As a miner digs for gold and silver, so the follower of Christ will seek for truth as for hidden treasures, and will press from light to a greater light, ever increasing in knowledge. He will continually grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Self must be overcome. Every defect of character must be discerned in God’s great mirror.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 317.

  • How long will truth endure? Psalms 100:5; 117:2; Proverbs 12:19. How long will the work of reformation continue?

Note: “The Reformation did not, as many suppose, end with Luther. It is to be continued to the close of this world’s history. Luther had a great work to do in reflecting to others the light which God had permitted to shine upon him; yet he did not receive all the light which was to be given to the world. From that time to this, new light has been continually shining upon the Scriptures, and new truths have been constantly unfolding.” The Story of Redemption, 353.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 When was the Sabbath given to humanity, and what was its purpose?

2 What happens in society when people disregard God’s Sabbath and His design for marriage?

3 How does temperance or the lack of temperance affect our choices?

4 What should we realize about the condition of our heart if we are constantly failing when tempted?

5 If we are truly sanctified, what will be our attitude toward light, or knowledge?

Copyright © 2016 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Our Message

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March 12, 2017 – March 18, 2017

Key Text

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 100–108.

Introduction

“God’s plan is not to send messengers who will please and flatter sinners; He delivers no message of peace to lull the unsanctified into carnal security. But he lays heavy burdens upon the conscience of the wrongdoer, and pierces his soul with sharp arrows of conviction.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 178.

Sunday

1 A WATERED-DOWN MESSAGE

  • How is it possible to weaken, or make of none effect, God’s message? I Corinthians 1:17; Mark 7:13.
  • Instead of a faithful message, what is often told to the people? Jeremiah 6:14, 15; Ezekiel 13:10.

Note: “People venture to commit sins that are grievous in the sight of God, and think that they are not to be called to task for them, because they say they are due to nervousness, to a peculiar temperament; but this is simply soothing the conscience, and crying, ‘Peace, peace, when there is no peace’ (Jeremiah 6:14). Sin is sin, and it is the delusion of Satan to look upon it in any other light than that it is grievous.” The Review and Herald, August 1, 1893.

  • How does God regard flattery? Psalms 5:9; 12:3. What does flattery achieve? Proverbs 26:28; 29:5.

Note: “Praise, flattery, and indulgence have done more toward leading precious souls into false paths, than any other art that Satan has devised.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 304.

Monday

2 OUR LIFESTYLE

  • What was John’s diet, and what was said of his character? Matthew 3:4; Luke 1:80. In what ways was his lifestyle a rebuke to the people of his time?

Note: “In the time of John the Baptist, greed for riches, and the love of luxury and display had become widespread. Sensuous pleasures, feasting and drinking, were causing physical disease and degeneracy, benumbing the spiritual perceptions, and lessening the sensibility to sin. John was to stand as a reformer. By his abstemious life and plain dress he was to rebuke the excesses of his time. Hence the directions given to the parents of John—a lesson of temperance by an angel from the throne of heaven.” The Desire of Ages, 100, 101.

“For years the Lord has been calling the attention of His people to health reform. This is one of the great branches of the work of preparation for the coming of the Son of man. John the Baptist went forth in the spirit and power of Elijah, to prepare the way of the Lord, and to turn the people to the wisdom of the just. He was a representative of those living in these last days, to whom God has entrusted sacred truths to present before the people, to prepare the way for the second appearing of Christ. John was a reformer. The angel Gabriel, direct from heaven, gave a discourse upon health reform to the father and mother of John. He said that he should not drink wine or strong drink, and that he should be filled with the Holy Ghost from his birth.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 70, 71.

  • Compare John’s dress with that of Elijah’s. Matthew 3:4; 2 Kings 1:8. What lesson does this have for us?

Note: “John’s singular appearance carried the minds of his hearers back to the ancient seers. In his manner and dress he resembled the prophet Elijah. With the spirit and power of Elijah he denounced the national corruption, and rebuked the prevailing sins. His words were plain, pointed, and convincing. Many believed him to be one of the prophets risen from the dead. The whole nation was stirred. Multitudes flocked to the wilderness.” The Desire of Ages, 104.

“Puritan plainness and simplicity should mark the dwellings and apparel of all who believe the solemn truths for this time.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 189.

Tuesday

3 PRIDE, VANITY, EXTRAVAGANCE HAVE NO PLACE

  • What should be our attitude toward worldly things? I John 2:15–17. What is the basic principle behind dress reform, and what is its purpose? I Timothy 2:9, 10; Numbers 15:38–40.

Note: “The children of Israel, after they were brought out of Egypt, were commanded to have a simple ribbon of blue in the border of their garments, to distinguish them from the nations around them, and to signify that they were God’s peculiar people. The people of God are not now required to have a special mark placed upon their garments. But in the New Testament we are often referred to ancient Israel as examples. If God gave such definite directions to His ancient people in regard to their dress, will not the dress of His people in this age come under His notice? Should there not be in their dress a distinction from that of the world? Should not the people of God, who are His peculiar treasure, seek even in their dress to glorify God? And should they not be examples in dress, and by their simple style rebuke the pride, vanity, and extravagance of worldly, pleasure-loving professors?—God requires this of His people. Pride is rebuked in His word.” The Review and Herald, January 23, 1900.

  • What is often the case when God’s people forsake Him, and what is our responsibility toward these brethren and sisters? Proverbs 28:4; Romans 1:32.

Note: “When those who are uniting with the world, yet claiming great purity, plead for union with those who have ever been the opposers of the cause of truth, we should fear and shun them as decidedly as did Nehemiah. Such counsel is prompted by the enemy of all good. It is the speech of timeservers, and should be resisted as resolutely today as then. Whatever influence would tend to unsettle the faith of God’s people in His guiding power, should be steadfastly withstood.” Prophets and Kings, 660.

“There are times when apostasy comes into the ranks, when piety is left out of the heart by those who should have kept step with their divine Leader. The people of God separate from the source of their strength, and pride, vanity, extravagance, and display follow. There are idols within and idols without; but God sends the Comforter as a reprover of sin, that His people may be warned of their apostasy and rebuked for their backsliding.” Christian Education, 95.

Wednesday

4 UPHOLDING THE STANDARD

  • How can we lift the standard of truth today? 2 Peter 1:10–12; 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 12:9.

Note: “All who join the church should reveal a transformation of character which shows their reverence for holy things. Their whole life should be molded after the refinement of Christ Jesus. Those who join the church are to be humble enough to receive instruction on the points wherein they are remiss, and wherein they can and must change. They must exert a Christian influence. Those who make no change in words or deportment, in their dress or in their homes, are living unto themselves and not unto Christ. They have not been created anew in Christ Jesus, unto the purifying of the heart and the outward surroundings.” Testimonies to Southern Africa, 87.

“I am charged to say that there is need of a reformation in every church, in every family. We have no time to devote to pleasure-loving, no means to invest in buying the pictures of human faces. Invest your means in the cause of God. Guard carefully your example. It is of the greatest consequence to every soul to love and fear God, to obey His commands. We all need to become better acquainted with the laws of God’s Kingdom, lest we lose our eternal life insurance policy (2 Peter 1:10–12) and fail to find entrance into the city of God.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, 409.

  • What are our standards to be based upon? Isaiah 59:19; 8:20; Ecclesiastes 12:13.

Note: “God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms. The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority—not one nor all of these should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord’ in its support.” The Great Controversy, 595.

Thursday

5 ADDING POWER TO THE MESSAGE

  • When can the Holy Spirit work to forward the final message of truth? Acts 2:1, 4; Revelation 2:26.

Note: “When the reproach of indolence and slothfulness shall have been wiped away from the church, the Spirit of the Lord will be graciously manifested. Divine power will be revealed. The church will see the providential working of the Lord of hosts. The light of truth will shine forth in clear, strong rays, and, as in the time of the apostles, many souls will turn from error to truth. The earth will be lighted with the glory of the Lord.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 46.

  • When can we expect the power of God to be manifested in a marveled manner to heal the sick? Matthew 17:19–21; I Corinthians 10:31; 9:27.

Note: “You may say, ‘Why not, then, take hold of the work, and heal the sick as Christ did?’ I answer, You are not ready. Some have believed; some have been healed; but there are many who make themselves sick by intemperate eating or by indulging in other wrong habits. When they get sick, shall we pray for them to be raised up, that they may carry on the very same work again? There must be a reformation throughout our ranks; the people must reach a higher standard before we can expect the power of God to be manifested in a marked manner for the healing of the sick.” Medical Ministry, 15, 16.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What is flattery, and why should Christians not use it?

2 How did John rebuke the intemperance prevalent in his time? What does this imply for us?

3 What has happened to those who exhibit pride, vanity, and extravagance?

4 How do we reveal that we have been created anew in Christ?

5 In order for the message to go forward with power, how must we live?

Copyright © 2016 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Reviving Primitive Godliness

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March 5, 2017 – March 11, 2017

Key Text

“According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3).

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 339–342; Colporteur Ministry, 72–75.

Introduction

“It is only as the law of God is restored to its rightful position that there can be a revival of primitive faith and godliness among His professed people.” The Great Controversy, 478.

Sunday

1 THE GREATEST NEED OF THE REMNANT CHURCH

  • What is the most vital and pressing of all the needs of the church? Hosea 6:1, 2; Isaiah 57:14, 15.

Note: “A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work.” The Review and Herald, March 22, 1887.

  • What power is it that enables a genuine revival? Zechariah 4:6; John 3:5, 6.

Note: “A revival and a reformation must take place, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend.” The Review and Herald, February 25, 1902.

Monday

2 A WORK OF RESTORATION

  • What is involved in our mission? Isaiah 58:12; Acts 3:20, 21.

Note: “Living power must attend the message of Christ’s second appearing. We must not rest until we see many souls converted to the blessed hope of the Lord’s return. In the days of the apostles the message that they bore wrought a real work, turning souls from idols to serve the living God. The work to be done today is just as real, and the truth is just as much truth; only we are to give the message with as much more earnestness as the coming of the Lord is nearer. The message for this time is positive, simple, and of the deepest importance. We must act like men and women who believe it. Waiting, watching, working, praying, warning the world—this is our work.” Evangelism, 219.

  • How did Nehemiah meet opposition when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the captivity? Nehemiah 6:3. What can we learn from this experience?

Note: “The work of restoration and reform carried on by the returned exiles, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, presents a picture of a work of spiritual restoration that is to be wrought in the closing days of this earth’s history. The remnant of Israel were a feeble people, exposed to the ravages of their enemies; but through them God purposed to preserve in the earth a knowledge of Himself and of His law. They were the guardians of the true worship, the keepers of the holy oracles. Varied were the experiences that came to them as they rebuilt the temple and the wall of Jerusalem; strong was the opposition that they had to meet. Heavy were the burdens borne by the leaders in this work; but these men moved forward in unwavering confidence, in humility of spirit, and in firm reliance upon God, believing that He would cause His truth to triumph. Like King Hezekiah, Nehemiah ‘clave to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments. … And the Lord was with him’ (2 Kings 18:6, 7).” Prophets and Kings, 677.

“God calls for men like Elijah, Nathan, and John the Baptist—men who will bear His message with faithfulness, regardless of the consequences; men who will speak the truth bravely, though it call for the sacrifice of all they have.” Ibid., 142.

Tuesday

3 SYMPATHIZING WITH SIN

  • How does the Bible define sin? 1 John 3:4. How does God regard unwise sympathy for sin? Titus 3:10, 11; Ephesians 5:11.

Note: “In the work of reform to be carried forward today, there is need of men who, like Ezra and Nehemiah, will not palliate or excuse sin, nor shrink from vindicating the honor of God. Those upon whom rests the burden of this work will not hold their peace when wrong is done, neither will they cover evil with a cloak of false charity. They will remember that God is no respecter of persons, and that severity to a few may prove mercy to many. They will remember also that in the one who rebukes evil the spirit of Christ should ever be revealed.” Prophets and Kings, 675.

“There is a sympathy for sin and sinners that is dangerous to the prosperity of the church at the present day. You must have charity is the cry. But that sentiment that would excuse wrong and shield the guilty, is not the charity of the Bible.” The Signs of the Times, January 6, 1881.

  • Should sin go unrebuked? Ephesians 5:11; 2 Timothy 4:2.

Note: “When will be heard once more in the church the voice of faithful rebuke, ‘Thou art the man’? (See 2 Samuel 12:7.) If these words were not so rare, we should see more of the power of God. The Lord’s messengers should not complain of their efforts’ being fruitless until they repent of their love of approbation, their desire to please men, which leads them to suppress the truth, and to cry, Peace, when God has not spoken peace.” Gospel Workers, 150.

“[John 20:23 quoted.] Christ here gives no liberty for any man to pass judgment upon others. In the sermon on the mount He forbade this. It is the prerogative of God. But on the church in its organized capacity He places a responsibility for the individual members. Toward those who fall into sin, the church has a duty, to warn, to instruct, and if possible to restore. …

“Deal faithfully with wrong-doing. Warn every soul that is in danger. Leave none to deceive themselves. Call sin by its right name. Declare what God has said in regard to lying, Sabbath-breaking, stealing, idolatry, and every other evil. ‘They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God’ (Galatians 5:21).” Ibid., 502.

Wednesday

4 EARNESTNESS TO DO RIGHT

  • How earnest will God’s messengers be for the right? Isaiah 58:1.

Note: “In this time of well-nigh universal apostasy, God calls upon His messengers to proclaim His law in the spirit and power of Elias. As John the Baptist, in preparing a people for Christ’s first advent, called their attention to the Ten Commandments, so we are to give, with no uncertain sound, the message: ‘Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come’ (Revelation 14:7). With the earnestness that characterized Elijah the prophet and John the Baptist, we are to strive to prepare the way for Christ’s second advent.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1184.

“Our message must be as direct as was the message of John. He rebuked kings for their iniquity. Notwithstanding that his life was imperiled, he did not hesitate to declare God’s word. And our work in this age must be done as faithfully.” Gospel Workers, 55.

  • How do we often react when called to engage in a work of reformation, and how does this affect others? Deuteronomy 20:8.
  • What can we remember at such times? Isaiah 35:4; Matthew 28:20, last part.

Note: “Elijah should not have fled from his post of duty. He should have met the threat of Jezebel with an appeal for protection to the One who had commissioned him to vindicate the honor of Jehovah. He should have told the messenger that the God in whom he trusted would protect him against the hatred of the queen. Only a few hours had passed since he had witnessed a wonderful manifestation of divine power, and this should have given him assurance that he would not now be forsaken. Had he remained where he was, had he made God his refuge and strength, standing steadfast for the truth, he would have been shielded from harm. The Lord would have given him another signal victory by sending His judgments on Jezebel; and the impression made on the king and the people would have wrought a great reformation.” Prophets and Kings, 160.

Thursday

5 THE POWER OF EXAMPLE

  • How effective and far-reaching is the power of example? I Timothy 4:12; Isaiah 62:10.

Note: “The people will seldom rise higher than their minister. A world-loving spirit in him has a tremendous influence upon others. The people make his deficiencies an excuse to cover their world-loving spirit. …

“Ministers should be examples to the flock. They should manifest an undying love for souls and the same devotion to the cause which they desire to see in the people.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 645, 646.

  • How can we all be self-deceived about our own condition? Matthew 23:25–28. What is the remedy? James 4:8.

Note: “Reformers are not destroyers. They will never seek to ruin those who do not harmonize with their plans and assimilate to them. Reformers must advance, not retreat. They must be decided, firm, resolute, unflinching; but firmness must not degenerate into a domineering spirit. God desires to have all who serve Him firm as a rock where principle is concerned, but meek and lowly of heart, as was Christ. Then, abiding in Christ, they can do the work He would do were He in their place.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 151.

“The religion of Jesus softens whatever is hard and rough in the temper, and smooths whatever is rugged and sharp in the manners. It makes the words gentle and the demeanor winning. Let us learn from Christ how to combine a high sense of purity and integrity with sunniness of disposition. A kind, courteous Christian is the most powerful argument that can be produced in favor of Christianity.” Colporteur Ministry, 73.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What is the greatest need of the church today?

2 How can we be involved in giving the message of Jesus’ soon return?

3 What is the church’s responsibility toward its members?

4 What should be our attitude as we undertake a work of reformation?

5 How can we follow Jesus’ example in our manner of dealing with others?

Copyright © 2016 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – The Message to Laodicea

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February 26, 2017 – March 4, 2017

Key Text

“I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see” (Revelation 3:18).

Study Help: “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 961–967.

Introduction

“Everyone needs now to seek the Lord. God’s people will not endure the test unless there is a revival and a reformation. The Lord will not admit into the mansions He is preparing for the righteous, one soul who is self-sufficient.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 285.

Sunday

1 THE LAODICEAN CONDITION

  • What attitude is prevalent in the professed Christian world today? Isaiah 4:1.
  • What is the dangerous condition of Christ’s church during the Laodicean period? Revelation 3:17.

Note: “There are many who are priding themselves upon their spiritual riches, their knowledge of the truth, and are living in guilty self-deception. When the members of the church humble themselves before God by zealous, not half-hearted, lifeless action, the Lord will receive them.” The Review and Herald, December 23, 1890.

“Christ cannot take up the names of those who are satisfied in their own self-sufficiency. He cannot importune in behalf of a people who feel no need of His help, who claim to know and possess everything.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 964.

Monday

2 THE STRAIGHT TESTIMONY TO LAODICEA

  • What startling denunciation does Christ give to His professed people? Revelation 3:15, 16.

Note: “The message to the church of the Laodiceans is a startling denunciation and is applicable to the people of God at the present time.” The Review and Herald, September 16, 1873.

  • What message designed to correct this condition was rejected at the 1888 General Conference held in Minneapolis? Revelation 3:18; 18:1.

Note: “The message given us by A. T. Jones, and E. J. Waggoner is the message of God to the Laodicean church, and woe be unto anyone who professes to believe the truth and yet does not reflect to others the God-given rays.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, 92.

“The message and the messengers have not been received but despised. I longed that those who have greatly needed the message of divine love would hear Christ’s knock at the door of the heart, and let the heavenly guest enter. But at the hearts of some Jesus has knocked in vain. In rejecting the message given at Minneapolis, men committed sin. They have committed far greater sin by retaining for years the same hatred against God’s messengers, by rejecting the truth that the Holy Spirit has been urging home.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 913.

“The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 363.

“An unwillingness to yield up preconceived opinions, and to accept this truth, lay at the foundation of a large share of the opposition manifested at Minneapolis against the Lord’s message through Brethren [E. J.] Waggoner and [A. T.] Jones. By exciting that opposition Satan succeeded in shutting away from our people, in a great measure, the special power of the Holy Spirit that God longed to impart to them. The enemy prevented them from obtaining that efficiency which might have been theirs in carrying the truth to the world, as the apostles proclaimed it after the day of Pentecost. The light that is to lighten the whole earth with its glory was resisted, and by the action of our own brethren has been in a great degree kept away from the world.” Ibid., 234, 235.

Tuesday

3 KEEPING THE CANDLESTICK BURNING

  • What warning is given to us today? Revelation 2:5; Job 18:5, 6; Jeremiah 25:10.

Note: “When we cease to fulfill our mission, when the candlestick refuses to reflect light, and the great truths committed to us individually in trust for the world, are not given to them, then the candlestick will be removed.” The Review and Herald, June 7, 1887.

“We have a message of warning to the church. God says to you, ‘Be zealous and repent.’ ‘I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent’ (Revelation 3:19; 2:5). Precious time has been squandered in which you might have won souls to Christ—souls that through your love of ease are now lost. Every member of the church should awake to duty now. May God help you to take on the burden. Let the church-members pray and fast and believe. Let the hearts of parents be turned to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents, ‘Lest I come,’ saith the Lord, ‘and smite the earth with a curse’ (Malachi 4:6).” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 286, 287.

“The living Christian is one who has not left his first love, and his candlestick is not removed out of its place.” The Review and Herald, November 1, 1892.

  • What should we do with the light that we have? Matthew 5:16; Luke 11:33. What do we need in order for our light to shine? Matthew 25:4.

Note: “We are to look to Jesus, to catch His Spirit, to live in the light of His goodness and love, and to reflect His glory upon others.” My Life Today, 200.

“Let the church arise and shine. Let every family practice self-denial, doing all they can to improve their own condition. Those who are truly on the Lord’s side will be self-denying and self-sacrificing. They will eat and drink to the glory of God, refusing to corrupt soul and body by intemperance. Then the condition of the church will testify that her light has not been removed. But if church members do not act the part God has assigned them, the movement of health reform will go on without them, and it will be seen that God has removed their candlestick out of its place. Those who refuse to receive and practice the light will be left in the background.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, 339.

Wednesday

4 OIL IN OUR VESSELS

  • What is the similarity between the Laodicean condition and the state of the church represented by the five foolish virgins? Revelation 3:15, 18; Matthew 25:3, 8–10.

Note: “In these sleeping disciples He [Jesus] sees a representation of a sleeping church. When they should be watching, they are asleep.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1104.

“The state of the Church represented by the foolish virgins, is also spoken of as the Laodicean state.” The Review and Herald, August 19, 1890.

“Though the professed followers of Christ are in a deplorable condition, they are not yet in so desperate a strait as were the foolish virgins whose lamps were going out, and there was no time in which to replenish their vessels with oil. When the bridegroom came, those that were ready went in with him to the wedding; but when the foolish virgins came, the door was shut, and they were too late to obtain an entrance. But the counsel of the True Witness does not represent those who are lukewarm as in a hopeless case. There is yet a chance to remedy their state, and the Laodicean message is full of encouragement; for the backslidden church may yet buy the gold of faith and love, may yet have the white robe of the righteousness of Christ, that the shame of their nakedness need not appear.” Ibid., August 28, 1894.

  • What is needed by the slumbering, lukewarm church? Matthew 25:4, 7; Leviticus 24:2.

Note: “God calls upon you to shine. With intense solicitude trim your lamps, take the oil of grace in your vessels, and keep your lamps trimmed and burning, that your light may shine bright and clear amid the moral darkness of this world. All who hold the truth should hold it in righteousness, and appreciate its value and sacredness. They should ask wisdom of God, that they may send its rays into all the highways and byways of life. If we are sanctified by the truth, our souls will be pervaded by a deep and abiding sense of its importance, and it will be our meat and drink to obey the truth, and pass along the precious light to others.” The Review and Herald, February 7, 1893.

Thursday

5 LIGHT BEARERS TO THE WORLD

  • What is our work during the judgment period of Laodicea? Revelation 3:19–21; 14:6.

Note: “We have precious light to present before the people, and we rejoice that we have a message for this time which is present truth. The tidings that Christ is our righteousness has brought relief to many, many souls, and God says to His people, ‘Go forward.’ ” The Review and Herald, July 23, 1889.

“It is the work of everyone to whom the message of warning has come, to lift up Jesus, to present Him to the world as revealed in types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelations of the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to His disciples and in the wonderful miracles wrought for the sons of men. Search the Scriptures; for they are they that testify of Him.

“If you would stand through the time of trouble, you must know Christ, and appropriate the gift of His righteousness, which He imputes to the repentant sinner.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 363.

  • What condition within Christ’s remnant church will be a witness to the world? John 17:20, 21; Hebrews 13:1; I Peter 3:8, 9.

Note: “It is the will of God that union and brotherly love should exist among His people. … While we are not to sacrifice one principle of truth, it should be our constant aim to reach this state of unity.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 520.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What is the sad condition of the church during the Laodicean period?

2 What prevented God’s people from receiving the special power of the Holy Spirit more than 100 years ago?

3 How can we let our light shine?

4 What hope can we have as we consider the difference between Laodicea and the five foolish virgins?

5 What is God’s desire for us at this time?

Copyright © 2016 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – The Temple

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April 23, 2017 – April 29, 2017

Key Text

“The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20).

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 154–166; Testimonies, vol. 5, 491–500.

Introduction

“The precincts of the church should be invested with a sacred reverence.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 494.

Sunday

1 THE TEMPLE DEFILED

  • What situation prevailed in the temple of Jerusalem at the beginning of Christ’s earthly ministry? John 2:13, 14.

Note: “The dealers demanded exorbitant prices for the animals sold, and they shared their profits with the priests and rulers, who thus enriched themselves at the expense of the people. The worshipers had been taught to believe that if they did not offer sacrifice, the blessing of God would not rest on their children or their lands. Thus a high price for the animals could be secured; for after coming so far, the people would not return to their homes without performing the act of devotion for which they had come.” The Desire of Ages, 155.

“In the defilement and cleansing of the temple we have a lesson for this time. The same spirit that existed among the Jews, leading them to substitute gain for godliness, and outward pomp for inward purity, curses the Christian world today. It spreads like a defiling leprosy among the professed worshipers of God. Sacred things are brought down to a level with the vain matters of the world. Vice is mistaken for virtue, and righteousness for crime. Temporal business is mingled with the worship of God. Extortion and wicked speculation are practiced by those who profess to be servants of the Most High.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 123.

  • What effect did the iniquitous trading have upon the temple services? Ezekiel 22:26, first part.

Monday

2 REVERENCE IN THE HOUSE OF GOD

  • How does God consider the place where He manifests His presence? Exodus 3:1–5.
  • How should we conduct ourselves in God’s house and in His divine presence? Habakkuk 2:20.
  • What command did the Lord give when He descended upon Mount Sinai? Exodus 19:12, 13.

Note: “When the Lord descended upon Mount Sinai, the place was consecrated by His presence. Moses was commanded to put bounds around the mount and sanctify it, and the word of the Lord was heard in warning: ‘Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: there shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live’ (Exodus 19:12, 13). Thus was taught the lesson that wherever God manifests His presence, the place is holy. The precincts of God’s temple should have been regarded as sacred.” The Desire of Ages, 155, 156.

“It is too true that reverence for the house of God has become almost extinct. Sacred things and places are not discerned; the holy and exalted are not appreciated. Is there not a cause for the want of fervent piety in our families? Is it not because the high standard of religion is left to trail in the dust? God gave rules of order, perfect and exact, to His ancient people. Has His character changed? Is He not the great and mighty God who rules in the heaven of heavens? Would it not be well for us often to read the directions given by God Himself to the Hebrews, that we who have the light of the glorious truth shining upon us may imitate their reverence for the house of God? We have abundant reason to maintain a fervent, devoted spirit in the worship of God. We have reason even to be more thoughtful and reverential in our worship than had the Jews. But an enemy has been at work to destroy our faith in the sacredness of Christian worship. …

“The moral taste of the worshipers in God’s holy sanctuary must be elevated, refined, sanctified.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 495, 496.

Tuesday

3 THE TEMPLE, AN OBJECT LESSON

  • What was the Lord’s purpose in establishing His sanctuary among His people? Exodus 25:8.

Note: “That temple, erected for the abode of the divine Presence, was designed to be an object lesson for Israel and for the world. From eternal ages it was God’s purpose that every created being, from the bright and holy seraph to man, should be a temple for the indwelling of the Creator.” The Desire of Ages, 161.

  • What does it mean that we are the temple of God? I Corinthians 3:16, 17; Isaiah 57:15.

Note: “Because of sin, humanity ceased to be a temple for God. Darkened and defiled by evil, the heart of man no longer revealed the glory of the Divine One. But by the incarnation of the Son of God, the purpose of Heaven is fulfilled. God dwells in humanity, and through saving grace the heart of man becomes again His temple.” The Desire of Ages, 161.

“By a most beautiful and impressive figure, God’s word shows the regard He places upon our physical organism and the responsibility resting on us to preserve it in the best condition: ‘Know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own.’ ‘If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are’ (I Corinthians 6:19, R.V., margin; 3:17).

“Let pupils be impressed with the thought that the body is a temple in which God desires to dwell, that it must be kept pure, the abiding place of high and noble thoughts. As in the study of physiology they see that they are indeed ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14), they will be inspired with reverence. Instead of marring God’s handiwork, they will have an ambition to make all that is possible of themselves, in order to fulfill the Creator’s glorious plan. Thus they will come to regard obedience to the laws of health, not as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, but as it really is, an inestimable privilege and blessing.” Education, 200, 201.

“It is a duty to know how to preserve the body in the very best condition of health, and it is a sacred duty to live up to the light which God has graciously given.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 70.

Wednesday

4 JESUS PURIFIES THE TEMPLE

  • What was Christ’s reaction towards the desecration of the temple? John 2:15, 16.

Note: “As Jesus came into the temple, He took in the whole scene. He saw the unfair transactions. He saw the distress of the poor, who thought that without shedding of blood there would be no forgiveness for their sins. He saw the outer court of His temple converted into a place of unholy traffic. The sacred enclosure had become one vast exchange. …

“Slowly descending the steps, and raising the scourge of cords gathered up on entering the enclosure, He bids the bargaining company depart from the precincts of the temple. With a zeal and severity He has never before manifested, He overthrows the tables of the money-changers. The coin falls, ringing sharply upon the marble pavement. None presume to question His authority. None dare stop to gather up their ill-gotten gain. Jesus does not smite them with the whip of cords, but in His hand that simple scourge seems terrible as a flaming sword. Officers of the temple, speculating priests, brokers and cattle traders, with their sheep and oxen, rush from the place, with the one thought of escaping from the condemnation of His presence.” The Desire of Ages, 157, 158.

  • What is the extent of Christ’s act in purifying the temple? Malachi 3:1–3.

Note: “In the cleansing of the temple, Jesus was announcing His mission as the Messiah, and entering upon His work. … God designed that the temple at Jerusalem should be a continual witness to the high destiny open to every soul. But the Jews had not understood the significance of the building they regarded with so much pride. They did not yield themselves as holy temples for the Divine Spirit. The courts of the temple at Jerusalem, filled with the tumult of unholy traffic, represented all too truly the temple of the heart, defiled by the presence of sensual passion and unholy thoughts. In cleansing the temple from the world’s buyers and sellers, Jesus announced His mission to cleanse the heart from the defilement of sin—from the earthly desires, the selfish lusts, the evil habits, that corrupt the soul.” The Desire of Ages, 161.

Thursday

5 PURIFYING THE LIVING TEMPLE

  • What is it that individuals cannot accomplish by their own efforts? Jeremiah 2:22; 13:22; Job 14:4.

Note: “No man can of himself cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of the heart.” The Desire of Ages, 161.

  • What does the Lord intend to do for and in us? Ezekiel 36:25–27; Zechariah 3:3–5.

Note: “Only Christ can cleanse the soul temple. But He will not force an entrance. He comes not into the heart as to the temple of old; but He says, ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him’ (Revelation 3:20). He will come, not for one day merely; for He says, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them; … and they shall be My people.’ ‘He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea’ (2 Corinthians 6:16; Micah 7:19). His presence will cleanse and sanctify the soul, so that it may be a holy temple unto the Lord, and ‘an habitation of God through the Spirit’ (Ephesians 2:21, 22).” The Desire of Ages, 161, 162.

“While Jesus ministers in the sanctuary above, He is still by His Spirit the minister of the church on earth.” Ibid., 166.

“I call upon everyone who claims to be a son of God never to forget this great truth, that we need the Spirit of God within us in order to reach heaven, and the work of Christ without us in order to give us a title to the immortal inheritance.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 442.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Who were the leaders of the iniquitous trade in the temple?

2 What should be the attitude of anyone who comes to God?

3 What spiritual significance did the temple at Jerusalem have?

4 What did Christ announce in cleansing the temple?

5 Who only can cleanse the human heart?

Copyright © 2016 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – The Marriage at Cana

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April 16, 2017 – April 22, 2017

Key Text

“His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it” (John 2:5).

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 144–153; Temperance, 97, 98.

Introduction

“Jesus began the work of reformation by coming into close sympathy with humanity.” The Desire of Ages, 150.

Sunday

1 THE BEGINNING OF CHRIST’S MINISTRY

  • Where did Jesus begin His ministry on the earth? John 2:1, 2.

Note: “Jesus did not begin His ministry by some great work before the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem. At a household gathering in a little Galilean village His power was put forth to add to the joy of a wedding feast. Thus He showed His sympathy with men, and His desire to minister to their happiness. In the wilderness of temptation He Himself had drunk the cup of woe. He came forth to give to men the cup of blessing, by His benediction to hallow the relations of human life.” The Desire of Ages, 144.

  • What happened long before the end of the wedding feast? John 2:3.

Note: “It was the custom of the times for marriage festivities to continue several days. On this occasion, before the feast ended it was found that the supply of wine had failed. This discovery caused much perplexity and regret. It was unusual to dispense with wine on festive occasions, and its absence would seem to indicate a want of hospitality.” The Desire of Ages, 145, 146.

Monday

2 CHRIST AND HIS MOTHER

  • What was the answer of Christ to His mother? John 2:4.

Note: “As a relative of the parties, Mary had assisted in the arrangements for the feast, and she now spoke to Jesus, saying, ‘They have no wine.’ These words were a suggestion that He might supply their need. But Jesus answered, ‘Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come’ (John 2:3, 4).

“This answer, abrupt as it seems to us, expressed no coldness or discourtesy. The Saviour’s form of address to His mother was in accordance with Oriental custom. It was used toward persons to whom it was desired to show respect. Every act of Christ’s earthly life was in harmony with the precept He Himself had given, ‘Honour thy father and thy mother’ (Exodus 20:12). On the cross, in His last act of tenderness toward His mother, Jesus again addressed her in the same way, as He committed her to the care of His best-loved disciple. Both at the marriage feast and upon the cross, the love expressed in tone and look and manner interpreted His words.” The Desire of Ages, 146.

  • What did Christ’s mother say to the servants and what is the application of these words today? John 2:5.

Note: “As the guests assemble, many seem to be preoccupied with some topic of absorbing interest. A suppressed excitement pervades the company. Little groups converse together in eager but quiet tones, and wondering glances are turned upon the Son of Mary. As Mary had heard the disciples’ testimony in regard to Jesus, she had been gladdened with the assurance that her long-cherished hopes were not in vain. Yet she would have been more than human if there had not mingled with this holy joy a trace of the fond mother’s natural pride. As she saw the many glances bent upon Jesus, she longed to have Him prove to the company that He was really the Honored of God. She hoped there might be opportunity for Him to work a miracle before them.” The Desire of Ages, 145.

“Christ’s dignity and officework are in imposing such conditions as He pleases. … God has provided divine assistance for all emergencies to which our human resources are unequal.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 414, 415.

Tuesday

3 THE FIRST MIRACLE

  • What did Jesus tell the servants at the wedding to do? John 2:6–8.

Note: “Beside the doorway stood six large stone water jars, and Jesus bade the servants fill these with water. It was done. Then as the wine was wanted for immediate use, He said, ‘Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast’ (John 2:8). Instead of the water with which the vessels had been filled, there flowed forth wine.” The Desire of Ages, 148.

  • What was the reaction of the governor of the feast? John 2:9, 10.

Note: “Neither the ruler of the feast nor the guests generally were aware that the supply of wine had failed. Upon tasting that which the servants brought, the ruler found it superior to any he had ever before drunk, and very different from that served at the beginning of the feast. Turning to the bridegroom, he said, ‘Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now’ (John 2:10).

“As men set forth the best wine first, then afterward that which is worse, so does the world with its gifts. That which it offers may please the eye and fascinate the senses, but it proves to be unsatisfying. The wine turns to bitterness, the gaiety to gloom. That which was begun with songs and mirth ends in weariness and disgust. But the gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. The feast that He provides for the soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord. He gives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply. If you abide in Him, the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow. The words of Jesus to Nathanael express the law of God’s dealing with the children of faith. With every fresh revelation of His love, He declares to the receptive heart, ‘Believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these’ (John 1:50).” The Desire of Ages, 148.

Wednesday

4 THE GOOD WINE

  • What type of wine did Christ provide? Isaiah 65:8.

Note: “The wine which Christ provided for the feast, and that which He gave to the disciples as a symbol of His own blood, was the pure juice of the grape. To this the prophet Isaiah refers when he speaks of the new wine ‘in the cluster,’ and says, ‘Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it’ (Isaiah 65:8).” The Desire of Ages, 149.

  • What did Christ say, through the wise man, regarding fermented wine? Proverbs 20:1; 23:29–32.

Note: “It was Christ who in the Old Testament gave the warning to Israel, ‘Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise’ (Proverbs 20:1). And He Himself provided no such beverage. Satan tempts men to indulgence that will becloud reason and benumb the spiritual perceptions, but Christ teaches us to bring the lower nature into subjection. His whole life was an example of self-denial. In order to break the power of appetite, He suffered in our behalf the severest test that humanity could endure. It was Christ who directed that John the Baptist should drink neither wine nor strong drink. It was He who enjoined similar abstinence upon the wife of Manoah. And He pronounced a curse upon the man who should put the bottle to his neighbor’s lips. Christ did not contradict His own teaching. The unfermented wine which He provided for the wedding guests was a wholesome and refreshing drink. Its effect was to bring the taste into harmony with a healthful appetite.” The Desire of Ages, 149.

“Let every soul remember that he is under sacred obligations to God to do his best for his fellow-creatures. How careful should everyone be not to create a desire for stimulants. … Many incidents have come to my attention in which through some simple advice, men and women have become the slaves of the drink habit. Physicians are responsible for making many drunkards. Knowing what drink will do for its lovers, they have taken upon themselves the responsibility of prescribing it for their patients. Did they reason from cause to effect, they would know that stimulants would have the same effect on every organ of the body as they have on the whole man. What excuse can doctors render for the influence they have exerted in making fathers and mothers drunkards?” The Review and Herald, May 29, 1894.

Thursday

5 CHRIST AT SOCIAL GATHERINGS

  • What objectives were achieved through Christ’s presence at the wedding feast at Cana? John 2:11.
  • What did Christ demonstrate through His ministry? Matthew 11:29.

Note: “The ministry of Christ was in marked contrast to that of the Jewish elders. Their regard for tradition and formalism had destroyed all real freedom of thought or action. They lived in continual dread of defilement. To avoid contact with the ‘unclean,’ they kept aloof, not only from the Gentiles, but from the majority of their own people, seeking neither to benefit them nor to win their friendship. By dwelling constantly on these matters, they had dwarfed their minds and narrowed the orbit of their lives. Their example encouraged egotism and intolerance among all classes of the people.

“Jesus began the work of reformation by coming into close sympathy with humanity. While He showed the greatest reverence for the law of God, He rebuked the pretentious piety of the Pharisees, and tried to free the people from the senseless rules that bound them. He was seeking to break down the barriers which separated the different classes of society, that He might bring men together as children of one family. His attendance at the marriage feast was designed to be a step toward effecting this. …

“A Jewish marriage was an impressive occasion, and its joy was not displeasing to the Son of man. By attending this feast, Jesus honored marriage as a divine institution.” The Desire of Ages, 150, 151.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What spiritual fruits did Christ’s miracle at Cana bear?

2 What is the significance of Christ’s words to His mother: “Woman, what have I to do with thee?”

3 Why did the governor of the feast show surprise?

4 What wine is appropriately a symbol of Christ’s blood?

5 What was Jesus’ purpose in being present at social gatherings?

Copyright © 2016 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – The Lamb of God

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April 9, 2017 – April 15, 2017

Key Text

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 32–143; The Faith I Live By, 17.

Introduction

“In order to enter into His joy—the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice—we must participate in His labors for their redemption.” The Desire of Ages, 142.

Sunday

1 THE TESTIMONY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

  • What did John the Baptist declare concerning Jesus? John 1:15–18.
  • How did John identify himself to the priests and Levites when they asked him who he was? John 1:19–23.
  • What prophecy did John fulfill? Isaiah 40:3–5.

Note: “In every stage of this earth’s history God has had His agencies to carry forward His work, which must be done in His appointed way. John the Baptist had a special work, for which he was born and to which he was appointed—the work of preparing the way of the Lord. … His wilderness ministry was a most striking, literal fulfillment of prophecy.” “Ellen G. White,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1115.

“The childhood, youth, and manhood, of John, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah to do a special work in preparing the way for the world’s Redeemer, was marked with firmness and moral power. Satan could not move him from his integrity.” The Review and Herald, March 3, 1874.

Monday

2 THE LAMB OF GOD

  • When Jesus came to John to be baptized, how did John identify Him in public? John 1:29.
  • What prophecy did John fulfill at the baptism of Jesus? Isaiah 61:1; John 1:34.

Note: “The word of God includes the Scriptures of the Old Testament as well as of the New. One is not complete without the other. Christ declared that the truths of the Old Testament are as valuable as those of the New. Christ was as much man’s Redeemer in the beginning of the world as He is today. Before He clothed His divinity with humanity and came to our world, the gospel message was given by Adam, Seth, Enoch, Methuselah, and Noah. Abraham in Canaan and Lot in Sodom bore the message, and from generation to generation faithful messengers proclaimed the Coming One. The rites of the Jewish economy were instituted by Christ Himself. He was the foundation of their system of sacrificial offerings, the great antitype of all their religious service. The blood shed as the sacrifices were offered pointed to the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. All the typical offerings were fulfilled in Him.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 126.

  • How did John introduce Jesus to his own disciples? John 1:35, 36.
  • What effect did the words of John have on his disciples? John 1:37.

Note: “On the following day, while two disciples were standing near, John again saw Jesus among the people. Again the face of the prophet was lighted up with glory from the Unseen, as he cried, ‘Behold the Lamb of God’ (John 1:29)! The words thrilled the hearts of the disciples. They did not fully understand them. What meant the name that John had given Him—‘the Lamb of God’? John himself had not explained it.” The Desire of Ages, 138.

“Those who are true to their calling as messengers of God, will not seek honor for themselves. Love for self will be swallowed up in love for Christ. They will recognize that it is their work to proclaim, as did John the Baptist, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29).” Gospel Workers, 56.

Tuesday

3 JESUS’ FIRST DISCIPLES

  • Who were some of Jesus’ first disciples? Matthew 4:18, 21; John 1:37, 40.

Note: “Leaving John, they [the two disciples] went to seek Jesus. One of the two was Andrew, the brother of Simon; the other was John the evangelist. These were Christ’s first disciples. Moved by an irresistible impulse, they followed Jesus—anxious to speak with Him, yet awed and silent, lost in the overwhelming significance of the thought, ‘Is this the Messiah?’

“Jesus knew that the disciples were following Him. They were the first fruits of His ministry, and there was joy in the heart of the divine Teacher as these souls responded to His grace. Yet turning, He asked only, ‘What seek ye?’ He would leave them free to turn back or to speak of their desire.

“Of one purpose only were they conscious. One presence filled their thought. They exclaimed, ‘Rabbi, … where dwellest Thou?’ (John 1:38). In a brief interview by the wayside they could not receive that for which they longed. They desired to be alone with Jesus, to sit at His feet, and hear His words.” The Desire of Ages, 138. [Emphasis author’s.]

  • What interest did the first disciples manifest, and how long did they stay with Him during their first meeting? John 1:38, 39.

Note: “They [Andrew and John] came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day.” The Desire of Ages, 139.

  • What did the first disciples do soon after meeting Jesus? John 1:41, 42.

Note: “Andrew sought to impart the joy that filled his heart. Going in search of his brother Simon, he cried, ‘We have found the Messias.’ Simon waited for no second bidding. He also had heard the preaching of John the Baptist, and he hastened to the Saviour. The eye of Christ rested upon him, reading his character and his life history. His impulsive nature, his loving, sympathetic heart, his ambition and self-confidence, the history of his fall, his repentance, his labors, and his martyr death—the Saviour read it all, and He said, ‘Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone’ (John 1:41, 42).” The Desire of Ages, 139.

Wednesday

4 MORE DISCIPLES

  • Whom did Jesus invite to follow Him? John 1:43, 44.
  • As soon as Phillip heard the call of Christ, what did he become?

Note: “Philip obeyed the command, and straightway he also became a worker for Christ.” The Desire of Ages, 139.

  • Whom did Phillip reach? John 1:45.
  • When Nathanael manifested prejudice towards Jesus, what other invitation did Phillip make? John 1:46–49.

Note: “The inhabitants of Nazareth were proverbial for their wickedness. The low estimate in which they were generally held is shown by Nathanael’s question … .” The Desire of Ages, 71.

“Philip called Nathanael. The latter had been among the throng when the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God. As Nathanael looked upon Jesus, he was disappointed. Could this man, who bore the marks of toil and poverty, be the Messiah? Yet Nathanael could not decide to reject Jesus, for the message of John had brought conviction to his heart. …

“Philip entered into no controversy. He said, ‘Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!’ In surprise Nathanael exclaimed, ‘Whence knowest Thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee’ (John 1:46–48).

“It was enough. The divine Spirit that had borne witness to Nathanael in his solitary prayer under the fig tree now spoke to him in the words of Jesus. Though in doubt, and yielding somewhat to prejudice, Nathanael had come to Christ with an honest desire for truth, and now his desire was met. His faith went beyond that of the one who had brought him to Jesus. He answered and said, ‘Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel’ (Verse 49).” Ibid., 139, 140.

Thursday

5 AN OPEN HEAVEN

  • What promise did Christ make to Nathanael? John 1:50, 51.
  • What is the significance of Christ’s promise?

Note: “[John 1:50, 51 quoted.]

“Here Christ virtually says, On the bank of the Jordan the heavens were opened, and the Spirit descended like a dove upon Me. That scene was but a token that I am the Son of God. If you believe on Me as such, your faith shall be quickened. You shall see that the heavens are opened, and are never to be closed. I have opened them to you. The angels of God are ascending, bearing the prayers of the needy and distressed to the Father above, and descending, bringing blessing and hope, courage, help, and life, to the children of men.” The Desire of Ages, 142, 143.

  • What is available to those who accept Jesus as their Saviour, and what becomes their burden? John 4:14, 15; Revelation 22:17.

Note: “When one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that others may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ. His testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character.” The Desire of Ages, 142.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 According to prophecy, what was the mission of John the Baptist?

2 How did prophecy predict the birth and mission of Jesus?

3 What commendable qualities did the first disciples reveal?

4 Describe the conversion of Nathanael.

5 What does the expression “hereafter ye shall see heaven open” mean?

Copyright © 2016 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – The Word Was God

by

April 2, 2017 – April 8, 2017

Key Text

“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 113, 114; The Faith I Live By, 46.

Introduction

“From all eternity Christ was united with the Father, and when He took upon Himself human nature, He was still one with God.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 228.

Sunday

1 JESUS, ONE WITH THE FATHER

  • What does the Word of God say about Jesus before His incarnation? John 1:1, 2.

Note: “From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was ‘the image of God,’ the image of His greatness and majesty, ‘the outshining of His glory.’ It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world.” The Desire of Ages, 19.

“In speaking of His pre-existence, Christ carries the mind back through dateless ages. He assures us that there never was a time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God.” The Signs of the Times, August 29,1900.

“Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father—one in nature, in character, in purpose—the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 34.

  • How is Jesus regarded by the Father and the angels? Psalm 45:6; Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 1:6–8.

Note: “Angels are God’s ministers, radiant with the light ever flowing from His presence and speeding on rapid wing to execute His will. But the Son, the anointed of God, the ‘express image of His person,’ ‘the brightness of His glory,’ ‘upholding all things by the word of His power,’ holds supremacy over them all (Hebrews 1:3).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 34.

Monday

2 JESUS, THE CREATOR

  • Who created all things? John 1:3, 10; Colossians 1:1–17.

Note: “In the beginning, God was revealed in all the works of creation. It was Christ that spread the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth. It was His hand that hung the worlds in space, and fashioned the flowers of the field. ‘His strength setteth fast the mountains.’ ‘The sea is His, and He made it’ (Psalms 65:6; 95:5). It was He that filled the earth with beauty, and the air with song. And upon all things in earth, and air, and sky, He wrote the message of the Father’s love.” The Desire of Ages, 20.

  • How were the worlds and the universe created? Psalms 33:6, 9; 104:1–6. What was our world like when it was created?

Note: “God spoke, and His words created His works in the natural world. God’s creation is but a reservoir of means made ready for Him to employ instantly to do His pleasure.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1081.

“ ‘By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.’ ‘For He spake, and it was;’ ‘He commanded, and it stood fast.’ He ‘laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever’ (Psalms 33:6, 9; 104:5).

“As the earth came forth from the hand of its Maker, it was exceedingly beautiful. Its surface was diversified with mountains, hills, and plains, interspersed with noble rivers and lovely lakes; but the hills and mountains were not abrupt and rugged, abounding in terrific steeps and frightful chasms, as they now do; the sharp, ragged edges of earth’s rocky framework were buried beneath the fruitful soil, which everywhere produced a luxuriant growth of verdure. There were no loathsome swamps or barren deserts. Graceful shrubs and delicate flowers greeted the eye at every turn. The heights were crowned with trees more majestic than any that now exist. The air, untainted by foul miasma, was clear and healthful. The entire landscape outvied in beauty the decorated grounds of the proudest palace. The angelic host viewed the scene with delight, and rejoiced at the wonderful works of God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 44.

Tuesday

3 THE LIGHT OF THE UNIVERSE

  • Who is the Author of all life and light? John 1:4–9; Acts 17:28.

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.” Education, 29.

“Through Christ had been communicated every ray of divine light that had ever reached our fallen world. It was He who had spoken through everyone that throughout the ages had declared God’s word to man. Of Him all the excellences manifest in the earth’s greatest and noblest souls were reflections. The purity and beneficence of Joseph, the faith and meekness and long-suffering of Moses, the steadfastness of Elisha, the noble integrity and firmness of Daniel, the ardor and self-sacrifice of Paul, the mental and spiritual power manifest in all these men, and in all others who had ever dwelt on the earth, were but gleams from the shining of His glory. In Him was found the perfect ideal.” Ibid., 73.

  • What does Jesus say concerning Himself and what does He promise us? John 10:28; 8:12; 12:46.

Note: “In the words, ‘I am the light of the world’ (John 8:12), Jesus declared Himself the Messiah. The aged Simeon, in the temple where Christ was now teaching, had spoken of Him as ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel’ (Luke 2:32). In these words he was applying to Him a prophecy familiar to all Israel.” The Desire of Ages, 465.

“Only through Christ can immortality be obtained. Said Jesus: ‘He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life’ (John 3:36). Every man may come into possession of this priceless blessing if he will comply with the conditions. All ‘who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality,’ will receive ‘eternal life’ (Romans 2:7).” The Great Controversy, 533.

“That which had been revealed in His words was revealed also in His character. He was the embodiment of the truths He taught.” The Desire of Ages, 465.

Wednesday

4 GOD WITH US

  • What did Isaiah prophesy about Christ’s name? Isaiah 7:14.
  • When was this prophecy fulfilled and what does it mean to us? Matthew 1:20–23.

Note: “Since Jesus came to dwell with us, we know that God is acquainted with our trials, and sympathizes with our griefs. Every son and daughter of Adam may understand that our Creator is the friend of sinners. For in every doctrine of grace, every promise of joy, every deed of love, every divine attraction presented in the Saviour’s life on earth, we see ‘God with us’ (Matthew 1:23).” The Desire of Ages, 24.

  • What did Jesus do to reach us in our fallen state? John 1:14; Philippians 2:5–8; Hebrews 2:14–18.

Note: “In Christ’s parable teaching the same principle is seen as in His own mission to the world. That we might become acquainted with His divine character and life, Christ took our nature and dwelt among us. Divinity was revealed in humanity; the invisible glory in the visible human form. Men could learn of the unknown through the known; heavenly things were revealed through the earthly; God was made manifest in the likeness of men. So it was in Christ’s teaching: the unknown was illustrated by the known; divine truths by earthly things with which the people were most familiar.

“The Scripture says, ‘All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; … that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world’ (Matthew 13:34, 35). Natural things were the medium for the spiritual; the things of nature and the life-experience of His hearers were connected with the truths of the written word. Leading thus from the natural to the spiritual kingdom, Christ’s parables are links in the chain of truth that unites man with God, and earth with heaven.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 17, 18.

Thursday

5 THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH

  • What did Jesus come to do for humanity? John 1:14; 3:16, 17; Luke 19:10.

Note: “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. ‘With His stripes we are healed’ (Isaiah 53:5).” The Desire of Ages, 25.

  • How is the sinner considered by the Father when he believes in Jesus, His only begotten Son? John 1:12, 13; I John 3:1, 2.
  • What relationship is restored between the sinner and the Father through Christ? Galatians 4:5–7; Hebrews 2:10.

Note: “Christ is the uniting link in the golden chain which binds believers together in God. There must be no separating in this great testing time. The people of God are, ‘fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord’ (Ephesians 2:19–21). The children of God constitute one united whole in Christ, who presents His cross as the center of attraction. All who believe are one in Him.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 21.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What nature has Jesus possessed since eternity?

2 Who spread the heavens, and laid the foundation of the earth?

3 From whom does all true life and light emanate?

4 What is Jesus called in Isaiah 7:14?

5 What did Jesus become upon assuming our human nature?

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