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Bible Study Guides – “Cunningly Devised Fables?”

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July 10, 1999 – July 16, 1999

MEMORY VERSE: “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water.” 2 Peter 3:5.

STUDY HELP: Testimonies, vol. 8, 255–264.

Introduction

“All who possess reasoning powers can know for themselves what is truth. Those who pray and search for light, will receive light. The reason why so many are groping their way in the fog of error is, that they take the assertions of men, instead of searching the word of God for themselves. ‘To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.’ Worldlings and superficial Christians will accept nothing which interferes with their selfish love of pleasure; hence they are willingly ignorant of the truth which would save their souls. Satan works with all his deceptive art to present pleasing fables before the people, and he takes thousands in his snare.” Signs of the Times, June 21, 1883.

Who Has Taught the Lord?

  1. What challenge does the Lord give to those who doubt His existence? Isaiah 40:12–14.

NOTE: “Men of the greatest intellect cannot understand the mysteries of Jehovah as revealed in nature. Divine inspiration asks many questions which the most profound scholar cannot answer. These questions were not asked that we might answer them, but to call our attention to the deep mysteries of God and to teach us that our wisdom is limited; that in the surroundings of our daily life there are many things beyond the comprehension of finite minds; that the judgment and purposes of God are past finding out. His wisdom is unsearchable.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 261.

  1. How does the Lord identify Himself? Isaiah 42:5, Exodus 20:11.

NOTE: See Great Controversy, 53, 54.

  1. How is God contrasted with the other “gods” that men worship and with the wisdom of men? Jeremiah 10:10–15.

NOTE: See Great Controversy, 436.

“By the Word of the Lord”

  1. How were the heavens made? Psalm 33:6, Hebrews 11:3.

NOTE: “The theory that God did not create matter when He brought the world into existence is without foundation. In the formation of our world, God was not indebted to pre-existing matter. On the contrary, all things, material or spiritual, stood up before the Lord Jehovah at His voice and were created for His own purpose. The heavens and all the host of them, the earth and all things therein, are not only the work of His hand; they came into existence by the breath of His mouth.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 258.

  1. What is the source of our knowledge about God and His creation? Genesis 1:1–31, Romans 1:20.

NOTE: “The Author of nature is the Author of the Bible. Creation and Christianity have one God. God is revealed in nature, and God is revealed in His Word. In clear rays the light shines from the sacred page, showing us the living God, as represented in the laws of His government, in the creation of the world, in the heavens that He has garnished. His power is to be recognized as the only means of redeeming the world from the degrading superstitions that are so dishonoring to God and man.” Counsels to Teachers, Parents and Students, 395.

  1. How reliable a source of knowledge are the Scriptures? 2 Timothy 3:16.

NOTE: “The word of God is like a treasure house, containing everything that is essential to perfect the man of God. We do not appreciate the Bible as we should. We do not have a proper estimate of the richness of its stores, nor do we realize the great necessity of searching the Scriptures for ourselves. Men neglect the study of the word of God in order to pursue some worldly interest, or to engage in the pleasures of the time. Some trivial affair is made an excuse for ignorance of the Scriptures given by inspiration of God. But anything of an earthly character might better be put off, than this all-important study, that is to make us wise unto eternal life.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 123.

“The Days of Old”

  1. What counsel is given to those who seek wisdom concerning God’s works? Deuteronomy 32:7, Psalm 77:5, Psalm 143:5.

NOTE: “Those who doubt the reliability of the records of the Old and New Testaments, will be led to go a step farther, and doubt the existence of God; and then; having let go their anchor, they are left to beat about upon the rocks of infidelity. Moses wrote under the guidance of the Spirit of God, and a correct theory of geology will never claim discoveries that cannot be reconciled with his statements. The idea that many stumble over, that God did not create matter when He brought the world into existence, limits the power of the Holy One of Israel.” Signs of the Times, March 13, 1884.

  1. What question did God put to Job? Job 38:1–11.

NOTE: “There are men who think they have made wonderful discoveries in science. They quote the opinions of learned men as though they considered them infallible, and teach the deductions of science as truths that cannot be controverted. And the word of God, which is given as a lamp to the feet of the world-weary traveler, is judged by this standard, and pronounced wanting. The scientific research in which these men have indulged has proved a snare to them. It has clouded their minds, and they have drifted into skepticism. They have a consciousness of power; and instead of looking to the Source of all wisdom, they triumph in the smattering of knowledge they may have gained. They have exalted their human wisdom in opposition to the wisdom of the great and mighty God, and have dared to enter into controversy with Him. The word of inspiration pronounces these men ‘fools’. God has permitted a flood of light to be poured upon the world in discoveries in science and art; but when professedly scientific men lecture and write upon these subjects from a merely human stand-point, they will assuredly come to wrong conclusions. The greatest minds, if not guided by the word of God in their research, become bewildered . . . The Creator and His works are beyond their comprehension; and because they cannot explain these by natural laws, Bible history is considered unreliable.” Ibid.

“The Wisdom of the World”

  1. How does God propose to deal with the wisdom of this world? 1 Corinthians 1:19–20.

NOTE: “Let believers in the truth for this time, turn away from authors that teach infidelity. Let not the works of skeptics appear on your library shelves, where your children can have access to them. Let those who have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, no longer deem it an essential feature of a good education to have a knowledge of the writings of those who deny the existence of God, and pour contempt upon His holy Word.” Review and Herald, November 10, 1891.

  1. To whom should the searcher for wisdom first seek? Amos 5:8.

NOTE: “The Creator has given abundant evidence that His power is unlimited, that He can establish kingdoms, and overturn kingdoms. He upholds the world by the word of His power. He made the night, marshalling the shining stars in the firmament. He calls them all by name. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork, showing man that this little world is but a jot in God’s creation. Should every member of the human family refuse to acknowledge Him, saying, There is no God, He would not want for subjects to proclaim His power.” The Youth’s Instructor, April 4, 1905.

“Worship Him That Made Heaven and Earth”

  1. Since no man was present to witness God’s act of creation, how can we know how creation took place? Hebrews 11:3.

NOTE: “No amount of reasoning or explanation can tell the whys and wherefores of the creation of the world. It is to be understood by faith in the great creative power. By faith we must believe in the mighty creative power of God through Jesus Christ. ‘Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear’ (‘are now present to the eye’). This is a matter that can be stated, but mere reasoning will never convince one of the truth of the statement. Reasoning we must have. It is one of the masterly talents entrusted to the human agent, and is of great advantage at every step we advance from earth to heaven.” Southern Watchman, April 24, 1902.

  1. Who is the final generation of mankind called upon to worship? Revelation 14:7.

NOTE: “God’s Holy Word, which has been handed down to us at such a cost of suffering and blood, is but little valued. The Bible is within the reach of all, but there are few who really accept it as the guide of life. Infidelity prevails to an alarming extent, not in the world merely, but in the church. Many have come to deny doctrines which are the very pillars of the Christian faith. The great facts of creation as presented by the inspired writers, the fall of man, the atonement, and the perpetuity of the law of God, are practically rejected by a large share of the professedly Christian world. Thousands who pride themselves upon their wisdom and independence regard it an evidence of weakness to place implicit confidence in the Bible, and a proof of superior talent and learning to cavil at the Scriptures, and to spiritualize and explain away their most important truths. Many ministers are teaching their people, and many professors and teachers are instructing their students, that the law of God has been changed or abrogated; and they ridicule those who are so simple-minded as to acknowledge all its claims.” Signs of the Times, July 4, 1899.

Bible Study Guides – “God Who Created All Things By Jesus Christ”

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June 26, 1999 – July 2, 1999

MEMORY VERSE: “Thus saith God the LORD, He that created the heavens, and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; He that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.” Isaiah 42:5–6.

STUDY HELP: Testimonies, vol. 8, 258–264.

Introduction

“The Bible is the most comprehensive and the most instructive history which men possess. It came fresh from the fountain of eternal truth, and a divine hand has preserved its purity through all the ages. Its bright rays shine into the far distant past, where human research seeks vainly to penetrate. In God’s word alone we find an authentic account of creation. Here we behold the power that laid the foundation of the earth and that stretched out the heavens.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 25.

“All Things Were Made by Him”

  1. Who is revealed by the Bible to be the Creator of all things? John 1:1–3, Colossians 1:14–17.

NOTE: “All eyes should turn to our Redeemer, all characters should become like His. He is the model to copy, if we would have well-balanced minds and symmetrical characters. His life was as the garden of the Lord, in which grew every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. While embracing in His soul every lovely trait of character, His sensibility, courtesy, and love brought Him into close sympathy with humanity. He was the Creator of all things, sustaining worlds by His infinite power. Angels were ready to do Him homage and to obey His will. Yet He could listen to the prattle of the infant and accept its lisping praise. He took little children in His arms and pressed them to His great heart of love. They felt perfectly at home in His presence and reluctant to leave His arms. He did not look upon the disappointments and woes of the race as a mere trifle, but His heart was ever touched by the sufferings of those He came to save.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 421.

  1. How should the fact that Christ is our Creator affect our relationship to Him? Isaiah 42:5–6.

NOTE: “We are accepted in the Beloved. Christ has pledged Himself to keep us. Then commit the keeping of your souls to Him, as unto a faithful Creator. Repeat the words aloud, ‘I will commit the keeping of my soul to Him.’” General Conference Bulletin, April 4, 1901.

“The Lord Thy God is One Lord”

  1. How definitely does the Bible state that there is only one God? Deuteronomy 6:4, Exodus 20:1–3, Malachi 2:10 first part, Mark 12:29, 32.

NOTE: “It is our privilege to know God experimentally, and in true knowledge of God is life eternal. The only begotten Son of God was God’s gift to the world, in whose character was revealed the character of Him who gave the law to men and angels. He came to proclaim the fact, ‘The Lord our God is one Lord,’ and Him only shalt thou serve.” Review and Herald, March 9, 1897.

  1. How did Jesus re-emphasize the unity that exists between the Father and the Son? John 10:30–33.

NOTE: “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.

“Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed for evermore.” Review and Herald, April 5, 1906.

“The Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost”

  1. How does the Bible emphasize both the unity and the distinct-ness of the Godhead? Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter 1:2.

NOTE: “Let us remember that the coming of the Lord is nearer than when we first believed. What a wonderful thought it is that the great controversy is nearing its end. In the great closing work we shall meet with perplexities that we know not how to deal with, but let us not forget that the three great Powers of heaven are working, that a Divine Hand is on the wheel, and that God will bring His purposes to pass. He will gather from the world a people who will serve Him in righteousness.” Manuscript Releases vol. 21, 152.

“The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the three holy dignitaries of heaven, have declared that they will strengthen men to overcome the powers of darkness. All the facilities of heaven are pledged to those who by their baptismal vows have entered into a covenant with God.” (MS 92, 1901).

  1. How does the Bible reveal the involvement of the Three Great Powers of Heaven in the work of creation? Genesis 1:26, Hebrews 1:1–2, Genesis 1:2.

NOTE: “During a portion of the day, all should have an opportunity to be out of doors. How can children receive a more correct knowledge of God, and their minds be better impressed, than in spending a portion of their time out of doors, not in play, but in company with their parents? Let their young minds be associated with God in the beautiful scenery of nature, let their attention be called to the tokens of His love to man in His created works, and they will be attracted and interested. They will not be in danger of associating the character of God with everything that is stern and severe; but as they view the beautiful things which He has created for the happiness of man, they will be led to regard Him as a tender, loving Father.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 583.

  1. How are we shown that the Three Great Powers of Heaven contribute to our salvation? John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Romans 8:26, 34.

NOTE: “Keep yourselves where the three great Powers of heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, can be your efficiency. These powers work with the one who gives himself unreservedly to God. The strength of heaven is at the command of God’s believing ones. The man who makes God his trust is barricaded by an impregnable wall.” In Heavenly Places, 176.

“Alpha and Omega”

  1. Does the Bible show that Christ not only created the world but continues to sustain it? Hebrews 1:3.

NOTE: “As regards this world, God’s work of creation is completed. For ‘the works were finished from the foundation of the world.’[Hebrews 4:3.] But His energy is still exerted in upholding the objects of His creation. It is not because the mechanism that has once been set in motion continues to act by its own inherent energy, that the pulse beats, and breath follows breath; but every breath, every pulsation of the heart is an evidence of the all-pervading care of Him in whom ‘we live, and move, and have our being.’[Acts 17:28.] It is not because of inherent power that year by year the earth produces her bounties, and continues her motion around the sun. The hand of God guides the planets, and keeps them in position in their orderly march through the heavens. He ‘bringeth out their host by number; He calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.’ [Isaiah 40:26.] It is through His power that vegetation flourishes, that the leaves appear, and the flowers bloom. He ‘maketh grass to grow upon the mountains,’ and by Him the valleys are made fruitful. All the beasts of the field seek their meat from God, [Psalm 147:8; 104:20, 21.] and every living creature, from the smallest insect up to man, is daily dependent upon His providential care. In the beautiful words of the psalmist, ‘These wait all upon Thee. . . . That Thou givest them they gather; Thou openest Thine hand, they are filled with good.’ [Psalm 104:27, 28.] His word controls the elements; He covers the heavens with clouds, and prepares rain for the earth. ‘He giveth snow like wool; He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.’ ‘When He uttereth His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; He maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of His treasures.’ [Psalm 147:16; Jeremiah 10:13.]” Christian Education, 196.

  1. How does Paul further express the thought that everything owes its continued existence to Christ? Colossians 1:17.

NOTE: “To the death of Christ we owe even this earthly life. The bread we eat is the purchase of His broken body. The water we drink is bought by His spilled blood. Never one, saint or sinner, eats his daily food, but he is nourished by
the body and the blood of Christ. The cross of Calvary is stamped on every loaf. It is reflected in every water spring. All this Christ has taught in appointing the emblems of His great sacrifice. The light shining from that Communion service in the upper chamber makes sacred the provisions for our daily life. The family board becomes as the table of the Lord, and every meal a sacrament.” Desire of Ages, 660.

  1. How are we shown that God will one day perform another work of creation? Isaiah 65:17, 66:22–23.

NOTE: “There, immortal minds will contemplate with never-failing delight the wonders of creative power, the mysteries of redeeming love. There will be no cruel, deceiving foe to tempt to forgetfulness of God. Every faculty will be developed, every capacity increased. The acquirement of knowledge will not weary the mind or exhaust the energies. There the grandest enterprises may be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations reached, the highest ambitions realized; and still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of mind and soul and body.” Great Controversy, 676.

“By the Same Word”

  1. How does Peter link the creative power of God’s Word with the end of the world? 2 Peter 3:5–7.

NOTE: “In Noah’s day philosophers declared that it was impossible for the world to be destroyed by water; so now there are men of science who endeavour to show that the world cannot be destroyed by fire, that this would be inconsistent with the laws of nature. But the God of nature, the Maker and Controller of her laws, can use the works of His hands to serve His own purpose.

“When great and wise men had proved to their satisfaction that it was impossible for the world to be destroyed by water, when the fears of the people were quieted, when all regarded Noah’s prophecy as a delusion, and looked upon him as a fanatic, then it was that God’s time had come. ‘The fountains of the great deep’ were ‘broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened,’ and the scoffers were overwhelmed in the waters of the Flood. With all their boasted philosophy, men found too late that their wisdom was foolishness, that the Lawgiver is greater than the laws of nature, and that Omnipotence is at no loss for means to accomplish His purposes. ‘As it was in the days of Noah,’ ‘even thus shall it be in the days when the Son of man is revealed.’ Luke 17:26, 30.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 103.

  1. How did Paul show that in the last days even Christians will abandon the teachings of God’s Word? 2 Timothy 4:4–5.

NOTE: “But 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.’” Great Controversy, 595.

“Every warning for this time must be faithfully delivered; but ‘the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.’ We must cherish carefully the words of our God lest we be contaminated by the deceptive workings of those who have left the faith. We are to resist their spirit and influence with the same weapon our Master used when assailed by the prince of darkness, ‘It is written.’ We should learn to use the word of God skilfully. The exhortation is, ‘Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.’ There must be diligent work and earnest prayer and faith to meet the winding error of false teachers and seducers; for ‘in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.’ These words portray the character of the men the servants of God will have to meet. ‘False accusers,’ ‘despisers of those that are good,’ will attack those who are faithful to their God in this degenerate age. But the ambassador of Heaven must manifest the spirit that was displayed in the Master. In humility and love he must labour for the salvation of men.” Review and Herald, January 10, 1888.