Faith

The Patience of Christ

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There are various reasons given for the apparent delay of the second return of Jesus.

Justifiably, most if not all reasons given may very well be correct. However, I would like to highlight one most important reason that could very well be the reason of all reasons why Jesus has not returned. So just to make us think a little I would ask, What is Jesus waiting for to return to this earth? Will He wait forever? Some Christians constantly say they need time to change or to give up sin. How does this attitude influence the return of Jesus or the individual’s salvation? This waiting attitude of Christ as a question forms the substance of this message!

In reference to Christianity in general and more specifically as a religion, Jesus Christ the founder has been looking for a revelation, a demonstration of something from its inception, and might I say for well over two thousand years. He has been waiting, expecting, anxiously looking for, but He has been grossly disappointed. What is He waiting and looking for with great longing?

The Nature of the Problem and the Problem

Jesus identifies the problem and spells out its nature in His address to the end time church—Laodicea. We read of this in the last book of the Holy Scriptures. “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:14–17.

He provides the solution as recorded: “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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Revelation 3:18–21.

The Laodicean message is for Seventh day Adventists—God’s servant in Manuscript 33, 1894, puts it this way, “The message to the Laodicean church is highly applicable to us as a people. It has been placed before us for a long time, but has not been heeded as it should have been. When the work of repentance is earnest and deep, the individual members of the church will buy the rich goods of heaven. Oh, how many behold things in a perverted light, in the light in which Satan would have them see.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 961.

“The message to the Laodicean church is applicable to our condition. How plainly is pictured the position of those who think they have all the truth, who take pride in their knowledge of the Word of God, while its sanctifying power has not been felt in their lives. The fervor of the love of God is wanting in their hearts, but it is this very fervor of love that makes God’s people the light of the world.” Faith and Works, 82, 83.

The Problem

God’s end time church is seriously affected by self-deception and being self-conceited. We do not understand ourselves. The faithful and true witness states, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:15–17.

Like the Ephesian Christians, the Laodiceans have experienced a great loss tantamount to spiritual death. They lost their first love—the love of Jesus. Her problem is that she is devoid of the character of Jesus which can easily be identified when an individual possesses faith and love, the righteousness of Christ and the spirit to discern between right and wrong, good and evil.

Often times Christians are caught up with the externals, which often reflect significantly that they are destitute inwardly. We may note this important quotation, “You may manifest great zeal in missionary effort, and yet because it is corrupted with selfishness, and tastes strongly of self, it is nought in the sight of God; for it is a tainted, corrupted offering. Unless the door of the heart is open to Jesus, unless He occupies the soul temple, unless the heart is imbued with His divine attributes, human actions when weighed in the heavenly balances, will be pronounced ‘Wanting [Daniel 5.27].’ The love of Christ would make you rich; but many do not realize the value of His love. Many do not realize that the spirit which they cherish is destitute of the meekness and lowliness of Christ, destitute of the love that would constitute them channels of light.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 961.

The Solution

We read the priceless advice given to the Laodiceans, “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.

Who is the faithful and true witness?

He is the vendor of priceless treasures. This thought is brought out clearly in the following statement: “The great Vendor of spiritual riches is inviting your recognition. The Saviour comes with jewels of truth of the richest value in distinction from all counterfeits, all that is spurious. He comes to every house, to every door; He is knocking, presenting His priceless treasure, urging, ‘Buy of me.’ ” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 964.

Jesus says, “Buy of me”—“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

“Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” Isaiah 55:1, 2.

What are the goods being sold?

Gold tried in the fire

White raiment

Eyesalve

What do these represent?

“Gold tried in the fire” represents love or faith that works by love which ultimately purifies the soul. This is the primary merchandise being offered to professing Christians!

“The gold tried in the fire is faith that works by love. Only this can bring us into harmony with God. We may be active, we may do much work; but without love, such love as dwelt in the heart of Christ, we can never be numbered with the family of heaven.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 158.

Spelled out even clearer, “The gold here recommended as having been tried in the fire is faith and love. It makes the heart rich; for it has been purged until it is pure, and the more it is tested the more brilliant is its luster.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 88.

Once again God’s messenger explains that this “gold tried in the fire,” is indeed the love of Jesus. The following is recorded, “The Lord knocks at the door of your heart, desiring to enter, that he may impart spiritual riches to your soul. He would anoint the blind eyes, that they may discover the holy character of God in his law, and understand the love of Christ, which is indeed gold tried in the fire.” The Review and Herald, February 25, 1890.

This gold tried in the fire has almost disappeared from the church of God. You see, this love is not superficial, spasmodic, earthly, or governed by circumstances. It is free from everything that savors of being human. It is pure and holy. It is of heavenly origin. It has diminished from the church because it cannot prosper where self reigns.

“Love of self excludes the love of Christ. Those who live for self are ranged under the head of the Laodicean church who are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. The ardor of the first love has lapsed into a selfish egotism. The love of Christ in the heart is expressed in the actions. If love for Christ is dull, the love for those for whom Christ has died will degenerate. There may be a wonderful appearance for zeal and ceremonies, but this is the substance of their self-inflated religion. Christ represents them as nauseating to His taste.” Our High Calling, 348.

Consequently, because self is so prominent in the church today, when trials come, which, in the providence of God, will come, many are affected and end up defecting.

Ellen White makes this very clear. She tells us, “I was pointed to the providence of God among His people and was shown that every trial made by the refining, purifying process upon professed Christians proves some to be dross. The fine gold does not always appear. In every religious crisis some fall under temptation. The shaking of God blows away multitudes like dry leaves. Prosperity multiplies a mass of professors. Adversity purges them out of the church. As a class, their spirits are not steadfast with God. They go out from us because they are not of us; for when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, many are offended.

“Let these look back a few months to the time when they were sitting on the cases of others who were in a condition similar to that which they now occupy. Let them carefully call to mind the exercise of their minds in regard to those tempted ones. Had anyone told them then that notwithstanding their zeal and labor to set others right, they would at length be found in a similar position of darkness, they would have said, as did Hazael to the prophet: ‘Is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing?’ II Kings 8:13.

“Self-deception is upon them. During the calm, what firmness they manifest! what courageous sailors they make! But when the furious tempests of trial and temptation come, lo! their souls are shipwrecked. Men may have excellent gifts, good ability, splendid qualifications; but one defect, one secret sin indulged, will prove to the character what the worm-eaten plank does to the ship—utter disaster and ruin!” Testimonies, vol. 4, 89, 90.

This “gold tried in the fire” is what plants a person in Christ. As the apostle Paul puts it, “rooted and grounded in Him.” Ephesians 3:17. This love is the stabilizing element that keeps the Christian permanently connected to Jesus.

A question that really requires our prayerful attention is, “Why is it that many who profess to have faith in Christ have no strength to stand against the temptations of the enemy?—It is because they are not strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. The apostle prays ‘that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.’ Ephesians 3:17–19. If we had this experience, we should know something of the cross of Calvary. We would know what it means to be partakers with Christ in His sufferings. The love of Christ would constrain us, and though we would not be able to explain how the love of Christ warmed our hearts, we would manifest His love in fervent devotion to His cause.” Our High Calling, 365.

Faith and love enables us to do something very important. What is it?

“Buy faith and love, the precious, beautiful attributes of our Redeemer, which will enable us to find our way into the hearts of those who do not know Him, who are cold and alienated from Him through unbelief and sin.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 964. [Emphasis supplied.]

The power of Christ’s love is revealed: “The love that was in the heart of Christ is to be in our hearts, that we may reveal it to those around us. We need to be daily strengthened by the deep love of God, and to let this love shine forth to those around us.” The Upward Look, 159.

Therefore, when Laodicea’s condition is critically analyzed, the verdict is that the church is devoid of the love of God, thus the heavenly merchant man who has been waiting and longing has declared, “You are neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm, and if you do not ‘buy of Me gold,’ I will spew you out of my mouth or I will reject you!” Revelation 3:15, 16.

The white raiment represents the righteousness of Jesus Christ. “Only the covering which Christ Himself has provided can make us meet to appear in God’s presence. This covering, the robe of His own righteousness, Christ will put upon every repenting, believing soul. ‘I counsel thee,’ He says, ‘to buy of Me … white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.’ Revelation 3:18.

“This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us. ‘All our righteousness are as filthy rags.’ Isaiah 64:6.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 311.

What does it mean to be clothed with Christ’s robe of righteousness?

“When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf garment, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, but His own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah.” Ibid., 312.

How do we receive Christ’s righteousness?

“By receiving His imputed righteousness, through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we become like Him. The image of Christ is cherished, and it captivates the whole being.” God’s Amazing Grace, 96.

It is evident that self must be surrendered to Christ, and the Holy Spirit be allowed to do the work of cleansing so that which is the soul’s need may be met.

What does the righteousness of Christ consist of?

“Righteousness of Christ imputed to men means holiness, uprightness, purity. Unless Christ’s righteousness was imputed to us we could not have acceptable repentance. The righteousness dwelling in us by faith consists of love, forbearance, meekness, and all the Christian virtues. Here the righteousness of Christ is laid hold of and becomes a part of our being. All who have this righteousness will work the works of God.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 134.

“The righteousness of Christ consists in right actions and good works from pure, unselfish motives. Outside righteousness, while the inward adorning is wanting, will be of no avail.” This Day With God, 182.

We can conclude on this point by agreeing that “the white raiment is purity of character, the righteousness of Christ imparted to the sinner. This is indeed a garment of heavenly texture, that can be bought only of Christ for a life of willing obedience.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 88.

“The eyesalve [represents, or] is that wisdom and grace which enables us to discern between the evil and the good, and to detect sin under any guise. God has given His church eyes which He requires them to anoint with wisdom, that they may see clearly; but many would put out the eyes of the church if they could; for they would not have their deeds come to the light, lest they should be reproved. The divine eyesalve will impart clearness to the understanding.” Ibid., 88, 89.

I must make this point clear to our understanding that according to the Faithful and True witness—Jesus Christ—the Laodicean Christians are not totally blind. “The Laodiceans,” Ellen White states, “were not entirely blind, else the eyesalve would have done nothing to restore their sight, and enable them to discern the true attributes of Christ. Says Christ, By renouncing your own self-sufficiency, giving up all things, however dear to you, you may buy the gold, the raiment, and the eyesalve that you may see.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 965.

Why anoint the eyes? “He would anoint the blind eyes, that they may discover the holy character of God in His law, and understand the love of Christ, which is indeed gold tried in the fire.” Ibid., 965.

This is important because while we are blessed with 20/20 vision to see about our self-interest and to glorify self, at the same time we are blind to see Christ and His wonderful love which we so desperately need. Because we are so focused on self we are totally destitute of the love of Jesus; therefore, when our love for God and our fellowman is tested, we utterly fail. We give up on Christ and we abandon our fellow human beings.

What we need to understand is that the more we promote self, the more we fail to realize how wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked and lukewarm we are.

But, let us not forget or be confused that there is love in the church, but Christ, the owner of the church still says to us, “Buy of me gold tried in the fire.” This conveys the fact that what the church calls love is not the genuine love. Jesus’ love holds up under all circumstances; it remains unchanged no matter how severely tried or unkindly treated! This is the gold tried in the fire.

The current love present in the church, which makes God nauseated, is a love that is destructive, which cultivates evil and only more evil, and which originates in the synagogue of Satan; it’s a love that cherishes hate, resentment, pride, jealousy, fault-finding, gossiping, envy, evil-surmising, strife, bitterness, an unforgiving spirit, deception, hypocrisy, unbelief and all manner of unchristlike attitudes and behavior! It’s a love that is pretentious. So Christ once again says, buy of me gold tried in the fire. Buy the genuine article, for this is the only one that will endure when all else fails. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” I Corinthians 13:13.

Ellen White reminds us, “It is difficult for us to understand ourselves, to have a correct knowledge of our own characters. The word of God is plain, but often there is an error in applying it to one’s self. There is liability to self-deception and to think its warnings and reproofs do not mean me. ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?’ Jeremiah 17:9. Self-flattery may be construed into Christian emotion and zeal. Self-love and confidence may give us assurance that we are right when we are far from meeting the requirements of God’s word.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 332.

So, having said all this, I would like to go back to my original question and provide the answer. What is it that Christ is waiting for and longing for before He returns to this earth? We read in the Gospel of Mark, “But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:29.

What fruit is Christ here referring to? The apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatian Christians identifies this fruit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love.” “This fruit can never perish, but will produce after its kind a harvest unto eternal life.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 68, 69.

“Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.

“It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Peter 3:12, margin). Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel.” Ibid.

Satan knows this; consequently, this is what he has been doing: “The enemy well knows that if we do not have love one for another, he can gain his object, and wound and weaken the church, by causing differences among brethren. He can lead them to surmise evil, to speak evil, to accuse, condemn, and hate one another. In this way the cause of God is brought into dishonor, the name of Christ is reproached, and untold harm is done to the souls of men.” This Day with God, 165.

So Jesus has been waiting, longing to see His love manifested in the lives of all His followers, and this in turn would hasten His coming. Will He wait forever? No!

In closing I leave these words with you: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” I John 3:1–3.

Jesus pleads to you and me, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20. Will you open to the heavenly merchant man? “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:15, 16.

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at: 718-822-3900.

Bible Study Guides – Many Called—but Few Chosen

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February 21, 2010 – February 27, 2010

Key Text

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” II Peter 1:10.

Study Help: Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 445–456, especially 450–456.

Introduction

“Man is elected to work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. He is elected to put on the armor, to fight the good fight of faith.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 454.

1 To what are we told to give diligence, daily diligence, and why? II Peter 1:10.

Note. “If we comply with the conditions the Lord has made, we shall secure our election to salvation. Perfect obedience to His commandments is the evidence that we love God, and are not hardened in sin.

“Christ has a church in every age. There are in the church those who are not made any better by their connection with it. They themselves break the terms of their election. Obedience to the commandments of God gives us a right to the privileges of His church.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1079.

2 Knowing that our salvation is an issue in making our election sure, what are we told to do? Philippians 2:12.

Note. “Every soul is elected who will work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. He is elected who will put on the armor and fight the good fight of faith. He is elected who will watch unto prayer, who will search the Scriptures, and flee from temptation. He is elected who will have faith continually, and who will be obedient to every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. The provisions of redemption are free to all; the results of redemption will be enjoyed by those who have complied with the conditions.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 208.

“Genuine faith always works by love. When you look to Calvary it is not to quiet your soul in the non-performance of duty, not to compose yourself to sleep, but to create faith in Jesus, faith that will work, purifying the soul from the slime of selfishness. When we lay hold of Christ by faith, our work has just begun. Every man has corrupt and sinful habits that must be overcome by vigorous warfare. Every soul is required to fight the fight of faith. If one is a follower of Christ, he cannot be sharp in deal, he cannot be hardhearted, devoid of sympathy. He cannot be coarse in his speech. He cannot be full of pomposity and self-esteem. He cannot be overbearing, nor can he use harsh words, and censure and condemn.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1111.

3 To lay hold on eternal life, to what kind of fight are we called? I Timothy 6:12.

Note. “When we lay hold of Christ by faith, our work has just begun. Every man has corrupt and sinful habits that must be overcome by vigorous warfare. Every soul is required to fight the fight of faith.” Ibid., 1111.

4 The testing or trial of our faith is more precious than what? How are we to be found when Jesus comes? I Peter 1:7.

Note. “Many poor souls are groping in darkness, looking for the feelings which others say they have had in their experience. They overlook the fact that the believer in Christ must work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. The convicted sinner has something to do. He must repent and show true faith.

“When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the whole being. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the world, and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new mind, new purposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?—A changed life. There is a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride.” Messages to Young People, 71, 72.

5 Since faith is based upon a moral conviction, how is it made perfect? James 2:22. Can faith be dead; if so, how? James 2:17.

Note. “While we must often impress the mind with the fact that the Christian life is a life of warfare, that we must watch and pray and toil, that there is peril to the soul in relaxing the spiritual vigilance for one moment, the completeness of the salvation proffered us from Jesus who loves us and gave Himself that we should not perish but have everlasting life, is to be the theme.

“Day by day we may walk with God, day by day following on to know the Lord, entering into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, laying hold on the hope set before us. If we reach heaven it must be by binding the soul to the Mediator, becoming partakers of the divine nature. Leaning on Christ, your life being hid with Christ in God and led by His Spirit, you have the genuine faith.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 182.

6 Name some works of the flesh. Galatians 5:19–21.

Note. “That which Satan plants in the heart—envy, jealousy, evil surmising, evil speaking, impatience, prejudice, selfishness, covetousness, and vanity—must be uprooted. If these evil things are allowed to remain in the soul, they will bear fruit by which many shall be defiled. Oh, how many cultivate the poisonous plants, that kill out the precious fruits of love and defile the soul!” My Life Today, 179.

7 To overcome corrupt and sinful habits by vigorous warfare is a battle. What does I Timothy 6:12 say?

Note. “Man, fallen man, may be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that he can ‘prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God’ [Romans 12:2]. How does he prove this? By the Holy Spirit taking possession of his mind, spirit, heart, and character. Where does the proving come in? ‘We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men’ [I Corinthians 4:9]. A real work is wrought by the Holy Spirit upon the human character, and its fruits are seen.

“Just as a good tree will bear good fruit, so will the tree that is actually planted in the Lord’s garden produce good fruit unto eternal life. Besetting sins are overcome; evil thoughts are not allowed in the mind; evil habits are purged from the soul temple. The tendencies which have been biased in a wrong direction are turned in a right direction. Wrong dispositions and feelings are changed, new principles of action supplied, and there is a new standard of character. Holy tempers and sanctified emotions are now the fruit borne upon the Christian tree. An entire transformation has taken place. This is the work to be wrought.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1080.

8 What is brought into the life of every true believer? I Corinthians 13:4–8.

Note. “Only the love that flows from the heart of Christ can heal. Only He in whom that love flows, even as the sap in the tree or the blood in the body, can restore the wounded soul.

“Love’s agencies have wonderful power, for they are divine. The soft answer that ‘turneth away wrath’ [Proverbs 15:1], the love that ‘suffereth long, and is kind’ [I Corinthians 13:4], the charity that ‘covereth a multitude of sins’ [I Peter 4:8]—would we learn the lesson, with what power for healing would our lives be gifted! How life would be transformed, and the earth become a very likeness and foretaste of heaven!” My Life Today, 179.

9 What character traits should no longer be found in the life of every true believer? Ephesians 4:31, 32.

Note. “We individually have a case pending in the court of heaven. Character is being weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, and it should be the earnest desire of all to walk humbly and carefully, lest, neglecting to let their light shine forth to the world, they fail of the grace of God and lose everything that is valuable. All dissension, all differences and faultfinding, should be put away, with all evil speaking and bitterness.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 279.

“I have this message for you from the Lord: Be kind in speech, gentle in action. Guard yourself carefully, for you are inclined to be severe and dictatorial, and to say rash things. The Lord speaks to you, saying, Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. Harsh expressions grieve the Lord; unwise words do harm. I am charged to say to you, Be gentle in your speech; watch well your words; let no harshness come into your utterances or into your gestures. Bring into all you do and say the fragrance of Christlikeness. Let not natural traits of character mar and spoil your work. You are to help and strengthen the tempted. Let not self appear in rash words. Christ has given His life for the flock, and for all for whom you labor. Let no word of yours balance souls in the wrong direction. In the minister of Christ there must be revealed Christlikeness of character.” Gospel Workers, 163.

10 What promise is given to him that overcomes? Revelation 3:21.

Note. “Here is the beginning of our confidence which we must hold steadfast unto the end. If Jesus resisted Satan’s temptations, He will help us to resist. He came to bring divine power to combine with human effort.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 929.

Additional Reading

“But those who are waiting to behold a magical change in their characters without determined effort on their part to overcome sin, will be disappointed. We have no reason to fear while looking to Jesus, no reason to doubt but that He is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto Him; but we may constantly fear lest our old nature will again obtain the supremacy, that the enemy shall devise some snare whereby we shall again become his captives. We are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. With our limited powers we are to be as holy in our sphere as God is holy in His sphere. To the extent of our ability, we are to make manifest the truth and love and excellence of the divine character. As wax takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to take the impression of the Spirit of God and retain the image of Christ.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 336, 337.

“There is an election of individuals and a people, the only election found in the word of God, where man is elected to be saved. Many have looked at the end, thinking they were surely elected to have heavenly bliss; but this is not the election the Bible reveals. Man is elected to work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. He is elected to put on the armor, to fight the good fight of faith. He is elected to use the means God has placed within his reach to war against every unholy lust, while Satan is playing the game of life for his soul. He is elected to watch unto prayer, to search the Scriptures, and to avoid entering into temptation. He is elected to have faith continually. He is elected to be obedient to every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, and that he may be, not a hearer only, but a doer of the word. This is Bible election.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 453, 454.

“God has appointed means, if we will use them diligently and prayerfully, that no vessel shall be shipwrecked, but outride the tempest and storm, and anchor in the haven of bliss at last. But if we despise and neglect these appointments and privileges, God will not work a miracle to save any of us, and we will be lost as were Judas and Satan.

“Do not think that God will work a miracle to save those weak souls who cherish evil, who practice sin; or that some supernatural element will be brought into their lives, lifting them out of self into a higher sphere, where it will be comparatively easy work, without any special effort, any special fighting, without any crucifixion of self; because all who dally on Satan’s ground for this to be done will perish with the evildoers. They will be suddenly destroyed, and that without remedy.” Ibid., 453.

Lesson Studies were prepared by Judy Hallingstad of the LandMarks staff. She can be contacted at judyhallingstad@stepstolife.org .

Bible Study Guides – Who is Your Master?

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March 7, 2010 – March 13, 2010

Key Text

“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:17, 18.

Study Help: The Faith I Live By, 135; Lift Him Up, 340; Reflecting Christ, 94.

Introduction

“A profession of Christianity without corresponding faith and works will avail nothing. No man can serve two masters.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 404.

1 How are we to consider ourselves in relation to sin? Romans 6:11.

Note. “The natural man must die, and the new man, Christ Jesus, take possession of the soul, so that the follower of Jesus may say in verity and truth: ‘I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me’ [Galatians 2:20].

“Self is difficult to conquer. Human depravity in every form is not easily brought into subjection to the Spirit of Christ. But all should be impressed with the fact that unless this victory is gained through Christ, there is no hope for them. The victory can be gained; for nothing is impossible with God. By His assisting grace, all evil temper, all human depravity, may be overcome. Every Christian must learn of Christ, ‘who, when He was reviled, reviled not again’ [I Peter 2:23].” Testimonies, vol. 4, 348, 349.

2 What is it that is corrupt, or degraded? What are we to do with it? Ephesians 4:22–24.

Note. “The refining influence of the grace of God changes the natural disposition of man. Heaven would not be desirable to the carnal-minded; their natural, unsanctified hearts would feel no attraction toward that pure and holy place, and if it were possible for them to enter, they would find there nothing congenial. The propensities that control the natural heart must be subdued by the grace of Christ before fallen man is fitted to enter heaven and enjoy the society of the pure, holy angels. When man dies to sin and is quickened to new life in Christ, divine love fills his heart; his understanding is sanctified; he drinks from an inexhaustible fountain of joy and knowledge, and the light of an eternal day shines upon his path, for with him continually is the Light of life.” The Acts of the Apostles, 273.

3 Who lives in us when we live by faith? Galatians 2:20.

Note. “The refining influence of the grace of God changes the natural disposition of man. Heaven would not be desirable to the carnal-minded; their natural, unsanctified hearts would feel no attraction toward that pure and holy place, and if it were possible for them to enter, they would find there nothing congenial. The propensities that control the natural heart must be subdued by the grace of Christ before fallen man is fitted to enter heaven and enjoy the society of the pure, holy angels. When man dies to sin and is quickened to new life in Christ, divine love fills his heart; his understanding is sanctified; he drinks from an inexhaustible fountain of joy and knowledge, and the light of an eternal day shines upon his path, for with him continually is the Light of life.” The Acts of the Apostles, 273.

4 In Christ we are a new creature. What has passed away? II Corinthians 5:17.

Note. “Those who have been truly converted have been buried with Christ in the likeness of His death, and raised from the watery grave in the likeness of His resurrection, to walk in newness of life. By faithful obedience to the truth they are to make their calling and election sure.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1115.

5 If raised with Christ, what are we to seek? Colossians 3:1–3.

Note. “When His words of instruction have been received, and have taken possession of us, Jesus is to us an abiding presence, controlling our thoughts and ideas and actions. We are imbued with the instruction of the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. A sense of human accountability and of human influence gives character to our views of life and of daily duties. Jesus Christ is everything to us—the first, the last, the best in everything. Jesus Christ, His Spirit, His character, colors everything; it is the warp and the woof, the very texture of our entire being. The words of Christ are spirit and life. We cannot, then, center our thoughts upon self; it is no more we that live, but Christ that liveth in us, and He is the hope of glory. Self is dead, but Christ is a living Saviour. Continuing to look unto Jesus, we reflect His image to all around us.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 389.

6 Whomever we yield ourselves to, we become servants to. What two choices for masters do we have? Romans 6:16; II Peter 2:19.

Note. “If one sin is cherished in the soul, or one wrong practice retained in the life, the whole being is contaminated. The man becomes an instrument of unrighteousness.” The Desire of Ages, 313.

“ ‘To whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey’ [Romans 6:16]. If we indulge anger, lust, covetousness, hatred, selfishness, or any other sin, we become servants of sin. ‘No man can serve two masters’ [Matthew 6:24]. If we serve sin, we cannot serve Christ. The Christian will feel the promptings of sin, for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit; but the Spirit striveth against the flesh, keeping up a constant warfare. Here is where Christ’s help is needed. Human weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims, ‘Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ’ [I Corinthinians 15:57]!

“If we would develop a character which God can accept, we must form correct habits in our religious life. Daily prayer is as essential to growth in grace, and even to spiritual life itself, as is temporal food to physical well-being. We should accustom ourselves to often lift the thoughts to God in prayer. If the mind wanders, we must bring it back; by persevering effort, habit will finally make it easy. We cannot for one moment separate ourselves from Christ with safety. We may have His presence to attend us at every step, but only by observing the conditions which He has Himself laid down.” Messages to Young People, 114, 115.

7 What are we not to yield our members to? Romans 6:13, 14.

Note. “I was referred to this scripture: ‘Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God’ [Romans 6:12, 13]. Professed Christians, if no further light is given you than that contained in this text, you will be without excuse if you suffer yourselves to be controlled by base passions.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 454.

“A profession of Christianity without corresponding faith and works will avail nothing. No man can serve two masters. The children of the wicked one are their own master’s servants; to whom they yield themselves servants to obey, his servants they are, and they cannot be the servants of God until they renounce the devil and all his works. It cannot be harmless for servants of the heavenly King to engage in the pleasures and amusements which Satan’s servants engage in, even though they often repeat that such amusements are harmless. God has revealed sacred and holy truths to separate His people from the ungodly and purify them unto Himself. Seventh-day Adventists should live out their faith.” Ibid., vol. 1, 404.

8 What must we do daily so Satan will not gain the victory? I Corinthians 15:31.

Note. “The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering. It is by unceasing endeavor that we maintain the victory over the temptations of Satan. Christian integrity must be sought with resistless energy and maintained with a resolute fixedness of purpose.” The Ministry of Healing, 453.

“The position you must come into is to value salvation dearer than earthly gain, to count everything but loss that you may win Christ. The consecration on your part must be entire. God will admit of no reserve, of no divided sacrifice; you can cherish no idol. You must die to self and to the world. Renew your consecration to God daily. Everlasting life is worth a lifelong, persevering, untiring effort.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 49.

9 What is the constraining power in our lives? II Corinthians 5:14, 15.

Note. “None are living Christians unless they have a daily experience in the things of God and daily practice self-denial, cheerfully bearing the cross and following Christ. Every living Christian will advance daily in the divine life. As he advances toward perfection, he experiences a conversion to God every day; and this conversion is not completed until he attains to perfection of Christian character, a full preparation for the finishing touch of immortality.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 505.

10 What are we to awake to and what knowledge are some lacking? Which master are you awaking to? I Corinthians 15:34.

Note. “The riches of this world will never advance us in the knowledge of God or in a Christian experience. The Saviour bids us seek for the true riches that are laid up in store for the righteous. To one who came to him saying, ‘I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest,’ Christ replied, ‘Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head’ [Luke 9:57, 58]. Christ owned nothing in this world, and yet the world was his. Let us study his holy, self-denying example.

“We have no time to spend on the vanities and follies of this world. There is a world to be saved, and we should carefully consider the example we give to those around us, conforming our lives to the life of him who became a child of humanity that he might give a perfect example to every human being. From a study of his life and labors and his struggles with temptation, we are to learn how to become partakers of the divine nature, and overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust. Nowhere shall we find anything that will help our spiritual life as will a study of the life of Christ. And as we seek to walk in his footsteps, there will come to us a supply of divine grace such as sustained him under every circumstance.” The Review and Herald, January 6, 1910.

Additional Reading

“Sanctification is a daily work. Let none deceive themselves with the belief that God will pardon and bless them while they are trampling upon one of His requirements. The willful commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit, and separates the soul from God. Whatever may be the ecstasies of religious feeling, Jesus cannot abide in the heart that disregards the divine law. God will honor those only who honor Him.

“ ‘To whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey.’ If we indulge anger, lust, covetousness, hatred, selfishness, or any other sin, we become servants of sin. ‘No man can serve two masters.’ If we serve sin, we cannot serve Christ. The Christian will feel the promptings of sin, for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit; but the Spirit striveth against the flesh, keeping up a constant warfare. Here is where Christ’s help is needed. Human weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims, ‘Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!’

“If we would develop a character which God can accept, we must form correct habits in our religious life. Daily prayer is as essential to growth in grace, and even to spiritual life itself, as is temporal food to physical well-being. We should accustom ourselves to often lift the thoughts to God in prayer. If the mind wanders, we must bring it back; by persevering effort, habit will finally make it easy. We cannot for one moment separate ourselves from Christ with safety. We may have His presence to attend us at every step, but only by observing the conditions which He has Himself laid down.” Messages to Young People, 114, 115.

Lesson Studies were prepared by Judy Hallingstad of the LandMarks staff. She can be contacted at judyhallingstad@stepstolife.org .

Keys to the Storehouse – Trial of Your Faith

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“Faith … is the great blessing—the eye that sees, the ear that hears, the feet that run, the hand that grasps. It is the means, not the end.” In Heavenly Places, 104.

If your faith is a conviction, you will not be swayed and all that you do will be Christlike. You will be living your life for the Lord. You can honestly say, “For to me to live is Christ.” Philippians 1:21.

If your faith is just a preference, a choice depending on the circumstances, you will be swayed and double minded. You will abandon your faith because it will not be convenient at all times and places to represent Christ.

It is a terrible thought that any of us would abandon our faith for any reason. We do not know what is in our hearts.

God wants you and me to be part of the heavenly family so He allows trials to alert us to the danger we are in. Without the testing we may be unaware of some shortcoming that may cause us to lose out on heaven.

He says in 1 Peter 1:7, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

I thank God for testing my character. I want Him to search me and to know my heart to prepare me for heavenly places. I so enjoy walking with Him that I would like to walk through the heavenly gates with Him.

The whole universe is watching us this moment. May God be praised in all that we say, hear and do under all circumstances. I pray that your spiritual muscle will increase.

“It is coming in contact with difficulties that will give you spiritual muscle and sinew. You will become strong in Christ if you endure the testing process and the proving of God. … Remember when trials come that you are a spectacle to angels and to men, and that every time you fail to bear the proving of the Lord you are lessening your spiritual strength. You should hold your peace from complaining, and take your burden to Jesus, and lay your whole soul open before Him. Do not carry it to a third person. … Say, ‘I will not gratify the enemy by murmuring. I will lay my care at the feet of Jesus. I will tell it to Him in faith.’ If you do this you will receive help from above; you will realize the fulfillment of the promise, ‘He is on my right hand that I should not be moved’ (Psalm 16:8). ” That I May Know Him, 282.

Heavenly Father, Try me so that I may know whether my faith is a conviction, or just a preference. I pray that I will never abandon my faith because of inconvenience. I choose to always have time for you in my life that I may have peace in the midst of everyday responsibilities and trials. Amen.

Pen of Inspiration – The Precious Promises

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“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” II Peter 1:4

If we escape the contaminating influences of this degenerate age, we have earnest work before us, and we must have a living connection with Christ. We must have a knowledge of his life and character, and a desire to be like him. Then we must seek earnestly to overcome the temptations that are around us, and have faith to believe that his promises will be verified unto us. “And besides this,” says the apostle, “giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue [I Peter 1:5].” The sinner who comes to Christ for pardon, hope, and salvation, must lay the foundation in a pure, virtuous character. Christ will not accept a polluted offering. The soul-temple must be cleansed from all defilement. Then the work of character building is begun aright. He that clings to cherished sins and continues to indulge sinful habits, cannot be a partaker of the divine nature; for he has not escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

The apostle continues, “And to virtue, knowledge [Verse 5].” The Lord is not pleased to have any of us remain in ignorance. He would have us put to the best use the talents of reason and intelligence that he has given us. We are not excusable if we allow things of minor consequence to so occupy our God-given time that the mind will not be stored with useful knowledge. The mental powers should be taxed to think, and thus we will gain strength to reach any height in knowledge. We must not be satisfied with reaching a low level. There are high and holy attainments for us to reach. But we shall never make that advancement that God would have us until we have an experimental knowledge of Christ and his work of redemption. We must not allow earthly, temporal interests to absorb our minds and steal our affections from our Creator. Although the world with its customs, maxims, and amusements intrudes itself upon the mind, Christians will show by their words and deportment that they have chosen Christ as their portion; they have chosen to be partakers with him of his self-denying, self-sacrificing life, that they may one day be partakers of his glory.

The great temptation of this age is the indulgence of pride, the love of praise, and the love of the world. Time is golden; and a day spent in selfish gratification is a day lost to all eternity. But time employed in searching the Scriptures with a desire to learn the truth, will bring everlasting riches. Angels come near to pour light and knowledge into the darkened understanding, and the light thus given, strengthens the intellect, and quickens the perception to discern the precious gems of truth. Knowledge thus gained is not left to perish with common, earthly things, but will be carried with us into the eternal world, and through the ceaseless ages of eternity the riches of God’s word will be continually unfolding. …

To “knowledge” we are commanded to add “temperance” [Verse 6, first part]. It is the duty of true Christians to practice temperance in eating, in drinking, and in dressing. The Lord wants us to be examples of piety to those who know not Jesus and his matchless love. My sisters, we need a better knowledge of ourselves, a better understanding of this wonderful house in which the Lord has placed us. We want to know how to keep it in a healthful condition, so that the human machinery may act harmoniously. The better health of body and mind we possess, the more acceptable service can we render to God. Great evils follow the indulgence of perverted appetite. The blood becomes feverish and diseased, and impatience is the sure result.

The apostle adds: “And to temperance, patience [Verse 6, last part].” Who ever saw an intemperate man or woman that exercised the grace of patience? How much unhappiness might be avoided if all would eat, and drink, and dress with an eye single to the glory of God! We cannot afford to make the world our criterion. We want to be right because it is right. It is the Bible standard that we are to reach. The Lord tells us to come out from the world and be separate, and his promise is, “I will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters [II Corinthinians 6:18].” What an exalted position is here offered us! The privilege of becoming members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. Some seem to think that it is demeaning to become a Christian. Not so. The religion of Christ never degrades. It refines, purifies, and ennobles the receiver, and fits him for the society of heavenly angels. The work of overcoming is a grand, a noble work. It is a hand to hand battle with the powers of darkness, and in this battle we must individually engage.

“And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity [II Peter 1:5-7].” Here Peter presents to us the ladder of true sanctification, the base of which rests upon the earth, while the topmost round reaches to the throne of the Infinite. We cannot with one effort reach the topmost round of this ladder. We must climb round after round. It is in this struggle that we are in danger of becoming dizzy, and fainting and falling, unless we keep our eyes upward, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. We see the heights to be reached, and become discouraged over future difficulties when it is present duties that demand all the power of our being. But we have the promise that divine aid will be combined with our human effort. We may be more than conquerors through Him that hath loved us and given his life a ransom for us.

Jesus has made an infinite sacrifice in behalf of the race. He stepped down from the eternal throne, laid aside his robes of royalty, clothed his divinity with humanity, and came to a world all seared and marred by the curse, that the lost race might one day be restored to their glorious Eden home. He has become the representative and surety for the race. He has brought the treasures of heaven within our reach, and it remains for us to say whether or not we will avail ourselves of them. It is only by the light reflected from the cross of Calvary that we can know the value of the human soul, or the depth of degradation from which man was rescued. It was to restore man to the perfection in which he was first created that this great sacrifice was made. With his human arm Jesus encircles the race, while with his divine arm he grasps the throne of the Infinite, thus uniting finite man with the infinite God and connecting earth with heaven. How can we neglect so great salvation? It is natural for man to cling to life. Some live through years of intense suffering, and still desire to have their lives prolonged. But when Jesus offers us life, immortal life in the mansions he has prepared for us, why do we turn from it and devote our time and energy to securing earthly treasures?

We all need Jesus to be our comfort and hope in affliction, suffering, and death. He has brightened the tomb for all who center their hopes in him. Through him life and immortality are brought to light. He is the Life-giver, and he it is who will break the fetters of the tomb when he shall come in power and great glory. Shall we, in view of the shortness of this life, neglect to secure that life which runs parallel with the life of God? Every day it is our privilege to live for Jesus. Commence the day with prayer; morning, noon, and night let your prayers ascend for wisdom and grace to overcome every device of Satan. Jesus is your only hope; upward to God be the soul’s adoration. Christians should be the happiest people upon the earth. In the eyes of the world, houses, lands, and money make men honored and respected. Not so in the sight of God. He measures them according to their moral worth. If they live for display, to receive the praise of men, they will receive no other reward. Their names will be written in the earth to perish with all things perishable. If they live to honor and glorify God, if true goodness, benevolence, and the love of God are seen in their connection with their fellow-men, their names will be immortalized among the heavenly host, and Jesus declares that he will not blot their names out of the book of life.

The apostle continues: “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” The Christian’s life is one of progression, not of backsliding. “For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall [Verse 10].” I once knew a man in the State of Maine whose religious life was very consistent, but who seemed greatly depressed at times, fearing that he might become a backslider, and that through his example others might fall. One day he came to the prayer-meeting, his face radiant with hope and joy, and said: “I have found the way; I need never fall and dishonor my Saviour. By constantly adding grace to grace we may go straight forward in the Christian course. The apostle says, ‘If ye do these things ye shall never fall.’ ” Let those trembling souls who constantly fear lest they shall fall, fear no longer. Let them live upon the plan of addition, and God will work for them upon the plan of multiplication. The apostle has presented the only true sanctification. There are many today who claim that they are holy and cannot sin. The only correct standard of sanctification is the law of God. By it is the knowledge of sin. Genuine sanctification is the work of a life-time. It is climbing the ladder round after round. …

Now is the time to wash our robes of character in the blood of the Lamb.

The Review and Herald, December 1, 1885.

Q&A – How Do I Receive Strength from God?

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There are many times in life when it seems that we are alone and there is no one who understands our own peculiar problems. They may be problems that we have initiated ourselves, or they may be problems coming from our workplace, or our associates, the government, the church, or school or from some other outside source. Whatever or wherever the problem exists, it is apparently something that you are unable to solve. Because of it, you may be losing sleep, you may even be losing weight, you may be losing friends or money, or you may be losing confidence in yourself and others may be losing confidence in you.

However terrible the situation always remember that God is still in control and He is still a God of love. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” I John 4:8. In His love He wants the best for you and we need to have confidence in His love. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28. Notice that this promise is to those who love God.

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) so putting these two texts together, things will work together for good if we love Him and then if we do love Him, we will be keeping His commandments. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” I John 5:3.

To receive strength from God, first we must ask. Jesus said, “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Luke 11:9, 10. Later on Jesus told His disciples, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13, 14.

We must ask in faith, for Jesus said to many of those whom He healed, “Thy faith hath made thee whole.” Matthew 9:22. This is mentioned also in other places in the Gospels. It says in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” It is necessary to believe that God will do what He says and that He loves us enough to do what is best for us even if it isn’t the very thing we think is best. A very comforting and assuring verse is Psalm 37:4: “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

In review, the way to receive help from God is to believe that He is and that He will do what He says; then ask for what we need, according to His will. In order for us to receive, we must love God and if we love Him we will keep His commandments. If we keep His commandments He will answer our prayers according to His will.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:37–39.

If you have a Bible question you wish to have answered, please write to Steps to Life or e-mail it to: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Bible Study Guides – The Foundation of our Faith

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May 30, 2010 – June 5, 2010

Key Text

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

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

Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Reading

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

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

 

The Essential Character Traits of the Saved

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The most important things for us to think about are practical things for our lives. There are many character traits that the Bible commends very highly that are important and necessary, but particularly one that I would call the essential character trait. It is singled out as a defining mark of the people of God throughout history and in the last days. What is this essential character trait?

All character traits can blend into one in the exemplification of our Savior’s life.

In Revelation 13:10 it says, “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” John has just described in symbolic terms the Dark Ages and the persecutions that were to take place during that era. He then described the closing of that era. He says, “The one that kills with the sword will be killed with the sword; the one that leads into captivity will be led into captivity.” Then he looks away from the persecution and the difficulties of the ages and he says, “Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”

The description of the people that give the Three Angels’ Messages and experience these messages in the last days is found in Revelation 14:12 which says, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

One essential character trait of the saved is faith. I have often wondered about the meaning of the verse in Philippians 4:5. Paul was a prisoner while he was writing this book; however, his theme for this book was to rejoice. Jails are not usually a place of rejoicing but Paul, as a prisoner, rejoiced. Paul says in Philippians 4:4, 5, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Paul insists on the importance of rejoicing. Then he says, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”

What does Paul mean? Elsewhere in the Bible the word moderation can be translated patience or gentleness. I believe this is the only place it is translated moderation. Here Paul is in prison and he says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice; and let your moderation be known unto all men.” Doesn’t it make a lot more sense for him to say, “Let your rejoicing, your moderation, your gentleness, your patience be made known unto all men in all things?”

Patience is the specifically singled out character trait necessary for the saved and Paul says it is to be known by all men.

Patience is a learned characteristic. In Romans 15:4, 5 it states, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.” God is a God of patience. Peter tells us in II Peter 3:15, “We account the patience of God to be salvation.” Without the patience of God there would be no salvation and this is something He wants His people to exhibit. The greatest call to patience that God has given was in the life of Jesus. We never find a time in which Jesus became impatient with those around Him. In circumstances to teach lessons, as in the driving out of the money changers, etc., He exhibited an attitude of authority, but not impatience. He desired God’s glory to be seen but He was not giving way to irritation.

Jesus had many opportunities to exhibit impatience in His life. He had at least four older brothers and two older sisters, and His brothers were constantly giving Him some trouble. There were opportunities to manifest impatience with the priests, the rulers and the leaders as they were tracking Him and trying to find fault. There would have been opportunity to manifest impatience with the dullness of His disciples and their incomprehension of what was going to take place, but Jesus’ patience was never ruffled.

Considering the word ruffled I think of a bird getting its feathers out of order or something like that. Jesus never allowed His feathers to get ruffled. Peter tells us how to learn patience in I Peter 2:20, 21. He says, “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” We are to follow Jesus’ direct example in patience. In verse 20 He says that if you are at fault and you suffer patiently for it, what is that? But if you do well, and you suffer for it patiently, that is acceptable to God because even Jesus gave us an example of this and we are to follow in His steps. Jesus is to be our example in everything, and as pointed out here, He is to be our example in patience.

How serious is impatience? “The man who yields to impatience is serving Satan.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 607. “Would that you could understand that all this impatience and irritability must be overcome, or your life will prove an utter failure, you will lose heaven, and it would have been better had you never been born.” Ibid., 84. That is a very strong statement!

We can manifest impatience by a raised voice or unkind words or by becoming irritated at something or someone by never opening the mouth. Often it is better to keep the mouth shut, but in some instances that still manifests impatience. In I Corinthians 13:5 it says that, “Love is patient” or “love is not easily irritated or provoked.” That is something worth contemplating. Patience is waiting without worrying, not being on pins and needles worrying about what may never happen. Sometimes rushing without waiting on God can be a manifestation of impatience.

Abraham, who had proved to be so faithful to God, became impatient. He and Sarah wanted a child; they had waited for maybe 50 years. Abraham was 86 and Sarah was 76, long past the age of child- bearing. God had promised that they would receive what they had been hoping and praying for, but their patience ran out and they decided to help God. Sarah came up with the plan that her handmaid could bear the promised child for her. Here we see an important principle. Whenever we decide to help God out it always causes problems. Abraham and Sarah did not wait on the Lord to fulfill His promise in His time and in His manner. As soon as Hagar conceived, her relationship with Sarah changed. No longer did she see herself as just the handmaid, and Sarah’s behavior also changed to one of irritation and impatience.

Waiting is never easy. Waiting for years is especially not easy. God asks us to wait on Him. This waiting is necessary to develop an experience in our lives to teach us patience. In Gethsemane Jesus said to His disciples, “Tarry ye here and pray” (Mark 14:34, 38). Before he ascended to heaven He said to “tarry in Jerusalem” (Luke 24:49). Jesus says to “go ye” (Mark 14:13), and He also says to wait. As Jesus was ascending into heaven He told the disciples to “go ye into all the world; but first tarry ye in Jerusalem.” Jesus wanted them to realize that no matter how big the task, there was a more essential task of waiting upon God for His power and blessing to make it take place. Throughout the Psalms, over and over again, it says to “wait on the Lord.”

We need to wait on God and to trust in the fulfillment of His promises. There is a time for action but we also need to learn to patiently wait with God.

To find out why there is so much impatience today, it would be beneficial to identify our own impatient triggers and guard against them. Some people are adversely affected by loud noises, or continual noises, or bumper to bumper traffic. There does not need to be anybody else in the car for you to get impatient. You can be silent and still be impatient. It could be others’ tardiness or maybe our will is crossed that triggers impatience.

Most of us are very good at justifying the reasons for our impatience e.g., that guy cut me off in a line of traffic! But that is not the real reason for the impatience; it was just the stimulus that led to it.

When we are impatient, what are we doing? Abraham and Sarah became impatient waiting for the promised heir because they took their eyes off God. Impatience is a form of discontent of the situation around us. We are impatient with someone because we are discontent with what they said or what they did. We are impatient with the bumper-to-bumper traffic because we are discontent with the situation we are in. We are impatient waiting on God’s promise because we want it now. Impatience is a manifestation of discontentment. So what is the root cause of impatience? In Isaiah 26:3 it says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Perfect peace is perfect contentment. Patience is having complete peace and trust in God at all times. Impatience is losing that contentment, peace and trust in God. When somebody says something and we want to respond with impatient words, it means that, in reality, somebody has done something or said something that we are discontent with. Impatience is a lack of complete trust in God.

We live in an impatient society. In the ’80s there was an interview with a president in which a reporter asked this former president, “Do you think this will have an effect on the state of affairs?” This former president said, “We as Americans have many virtues; patience is not one of them. The Russians think in terms of decades, the Chinese think in terms of centuries and we think in terms of months or maybe a year.” Statistics show that if people have to wait too long at a store, 50% of them will not go back to that store.

Sometimes we think that this is just the way I am, I was born this way; some are born patient and others impatient, and that is true to an extent. Some are born with more placid natures than others and some do have a tendency to be more impatient; but, can patience be learned? Not only can it be learned, but it must be learned. This is one of the characteristics of those who are waiting for the Lord to come. “Here is the patience of the saints.” Revelation 14:12.

There is another story in the Bible of a very impatient man who became very patient. While still living in Pharaoh’s palace, Moses was out riding one day and he saw an Egyptian beating one of his Israelite people. He was so angry that he murdered the Egyptian. Afterwards he said we have a job to do; we have to free the captive people of Israel, so let’s start it right now. We are told that Moses was naturally impatient before God took him to the university of patience where he graduated after 40 years working with sheep. This was to prepare him for the next 40 years leading the children of Israel through the wilderness. The Bible records that Moses was meek above every man upon the face of the earth. This is a real testimony to the power of God to bring forth meekness out of impatience.

Many have heard the statement or quip that says, “I want patience, and I want it now!” This statement is not totally wrong. Read the following statement: “Some of us have a nervous temperament, and are naturally as quick as a flash to think and to act; but let no one think that he cannot learn to become patient. Patience is a plant that will make rapid growth if carefully cultivated.” My Life Today, 97. If you want patience to rapidly grow in your life, then you need to carefully cultivate it. Ellen White continues: “By becoming thoroughly acquainted with ourselves, and then combining with the grace of God a firm determination on our part, we may be conquerors, and become perfect in all things, wanting in nothing.” Ibid.

How can we carefully cultivate the plant of patience that it may make that rapid growth in our lives? The patience chapters in the Bible are found in Hebrews 12 and James 5. “… let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1. “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11. Job is an example of patience. The two Bible characters named in the Bible as examples of patience are Abraham and Job.

There are seven points in the Bible on how to learn patience. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.” James 5:7. The Father has patience.

God’s original occupation for man was farming. God knew that mankind would have a problem with patience so He gave them something to help them. This does not mean that we all need to become farmers to become patient but there is strong evidence that gardening and other similar activities are beneficial for man. Could it be that God wants us to learn patience by working with the soil? You have to learn patience when planting a garden and be even more patient when planting an orchard, as there are never immediate results. God has given us this activity to help us to learn patience.

Most farmers today have to go into debt just to buy their seeds, and then their entire year’s livelihood as well as the repayment of their loan depends upon that crop. In any other occupation there are other ways to make income if something goes wrong but when you are farming and there is no rain, the only thing you can do about it is to learn to wait upon God. Job was involved in agriculture and livestock on a big scale with 500 yoke of oxen (equivalent to 250 tractors) that were plowing.

In II Peter 1:5, 6 it says: “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.” Temperance comes before patience. If you have ever experienced being hungry you will know that it is a little bit more difficult to be patient during those times. When you become very hungry it is very difficult to eat slowly, because you are even impatient to eat the good food. Also when you become very tired, it is easy to become impatient, something you often see with children. Adults are just grown up children and when we become tired, overworked and hungry or when we eat the wrong types of food, that affects our mental state, giving us a tendency to become impatient.

In Job’s experience, though he was not feasting himself, the Bible says that Job prayed and offered sacrifices for his children in case they cursed God while they were feasting. Job understood the principle of temperance in order to be patient. We do not know how long of a time period the story of Job spans, but we do know that when his friends arrived they sat silently for at least a week. Basically the whole book of Job is a test on patience. All of Job’s friends accused him of doing wickedly. Nobody wants to listen to their friends tell them how bad they are while suffering with sickness and in great pain, but notice what Job says in Job 16:1, “Then Job answered and said, I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.” That was an understatement. The point made here is that Job patiently listened even though he did not want to listen to them. One way we can learn patience is by listening even though we do not want to listen.

The second point necessary in learning patience is temperance.

The third point is listening.

The fourth point is found in Job 42:10: “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” The Lord turned Job’s captivity when he prayed for his miserable comforters, his friends. Would you feel like praying for somebody who had just spent days or weeks trying to convince you that you were a wicked person? Patience is learned as others who have wronged you are forgiven. The very crux of all of Job’s friends was: “We don’t know what you have done, but the very fact that you are suffering this entire calamity is proof positive that you have sinned.” He was wrongly accused again and again. Job had much opportunity to learn patience.

God has instructed us that gardening, temperance, listening even when we do not want to, forgiving when others wrong us or doing good and suffering for it or being wrongly accused teaches patience. Look in Job 19:25–27 to see why Job could endure here: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” Job saw his Redeemer by faith and hoped for what he did not see. We need to hope for what we do not see.

Job certainly went through some trials! When we think we have a bad day, consider Job and see that our day is not as bad as Job’s day was. Job 13:15 says, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” Trusting in God through trials will develop patience. No trials, no patience!

Moses endured with the children of Israel for 40 years. He had practice with the sheep for the first 40 years, but the sheep were easy in comparison with the people of Israel. The secret of Moses’ success was that every time he was wrongfully accused, He went into the tabernacle, fell on his face and sought counsel before the Lord. When accused of bringing the Israelites out into the desert to die, he does not say, “Look, I did not do this,” but he went and he fell on his face before the Lord. Before he responded to his accusers he made it a matter of prayer. Tragically, due to one manifestation of impatience and lack of faith toward the end of his life he was prohibited from leading his people into the Promised Land.

Impatience is serious. Moses realized he had done wrong striking the rock when told to talk to it and pled for forgiveness and that his sentence would be reversed but the Lord said, “Don’t ask me another time.” If Moses had not repented it would have cost him eternity. Once impatient words are spoken their damage is done and cannot be taken back.

There are disastrous consequences with impatience. Where Moses failed, Jesus overcame. Where Moses failed, the final generation who will be saved will, at last, overcome. The final generation will not get to the borders of the Promised Land and be guilty of impatience. They will have overcome. In Revelation 14:5, in speaking of that final generation, it says there shall be no guile in their mouths. God is going to have a patient people. When we come to the close of the third angel’s message, God says, “Here is the patience of the saints.” Revelation 14:12. Patience will be manifested under every circumstance by this group of people who will have been bombarded by the devil with every imaginable trial.

“Here is the patience of the saints.” In order to be among that group we have to allow God to develop patience in our characters now.

Lest we become discouraged, in Messages to Young People, 136, it says: “Under its [the Holy Spirit’s] influence the hasty temper is subdued, and the heart is filled with patience and gentleness.

“Hold firmly to the One who has all power in heaven and in earth. Though you so often fail to reveal patience and calmness, do not give up the struggle. Resolve again, this time more firmly, to be patient under every provocation. And never take your eyes off your divine Example.”

God wants to teach us patience. Though we fall ever so many times, let us never give up the struggle. Let us strive to demonstrate our patience and that it be known to all men that God may say of us, “Have you seen my servant Job?” In the final generation He can say, “Here is the patience of the saints.”

May the Lord grant to each of us a patient-building experience now so that we can be among the patient saints of the final generation.

Cody Francis is currently engaged in public evangelism for Mission Projects International. He also pastors the Remnant Church of Seventh-day Adventist Believers in Renton, Washington. He may be contacted by e-mail at: cody@missionpro.org.

Joseph and Jehovah-Jirah

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Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. The ancient elders were commended for this (Hebrews 11:1, 2).

Joseph, one of my favorite Bible characters, I believe is one of the most remarkable characters in the Bible. I hope this sketch impels you to study and contemplate his life story, as the applications and lessons from his life are innumerable. My goal is to illustrate from the life of Joseph what a firm belief and obedience to the God he knew, Jehovah-Jirah, ultimately did for him and what that same belief can and will do for all who choose to believe as did Joseph.

Let’s begin by looking at the dizzying heights to which he suddenly ascended following his rather routine childhood and the inexplicably terrifying and difficult years of youth and young adulthood.

Joseph became nothing less than the second greatest person on the face of the earth. Egypt was the premier nation at this time, excelling in the arts, culture, architecture, writing, etc. And Joseph was the head, the leader, the one in power as it says in Genesis 41:41, 44. We read, “So Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.’ … Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt.’ ” Now that is power. One person only, one human being had greater power than Joseph and that person was Pharaoh.

But what led up to this position of trust and power? Did Joseph have a smooth, gradual, typical rise? Did he have the usual grooming we would prescribe for one being prepared for this type of position? How did he come to possess the qualifications for the position that he came to occupy?

Let’s travel back in time about 18 years. The time is not given exactly, nor is Joseph’s age at this time precisely known. Jacob, Joseph’s father, had left his land of sojourn and had arrived back in Canaan along with his large family. Here Joseph meets for the first time his aged grandfather, Isaac, about whom he has undoubtedly heard so much. Without doubt Joseph is drawn to this patriarch and spends much time listening to the stories his grandfather has to relate. Remember, Joseph is the undisputed favorite of his father; the son of the only woman he truly loved who is now dead. Joseph has 10 older brothers to take care of the flocks and herds. Joseph has time on his hands, and I can imagine that Jacob would naturally encourage the attachment between his own aging and beloved father and this favored son. Let’s join as Joseph listens to these stories; imagine how he would relate to them and integrate them into his own life.

We read in Patriarchs and Prophets, 209 that Joseph was intelligent, kind, affectionate, thoughtful, and pure, with moral earnestness and firmness. He would have listened intently, engaging deeply in the stories of his illustrious ancestors and cherishing the lessons illustrated by them. There is one story in particular I would like to focus on that to me must have been a most powerful influence in Joseph’s coming years. But first some background.

The story begins with the first promise God made to Abram as he was called out of Ur. God said to Abram, “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you … .” Genesis 12:2. Then followed the long, the very long delay waiting for the birth of the promised heir. Joseph was told of the efforts of humans to help out God, with the utter chaos and pain that resulted. Then he was told of the miracle. Oh, the miracle of a tiny baby born to a woman of 90 and her husband of 100 years of age. We can’t truly comprehend the joy, the wonder, the awe they experienced, when after so long this yearning husband and wife, well beyond childbearing years, are granted this miracle.

Then there were many years of happiness, of training the child to worship, love, trust and fear the God who had the power to bring such a miracle to be. And Abraham had experiences to tell. And tell them he did. He was not too proud to admit his mistakes, to humbly share with this promised son what he had learned through such costly and painful lessons. And now is the story that grounded Joseph for his crucible, his trial, his time of preparation for the mighty role he was to play in the history of this world. Remember, the one relating the story is Isaac, the very Isaac involved in the story. As he relates the story, he relives it vividly, awestruck once again by the loving providences of the God he serves.

One night Abraham, now 120 years old, was peacefully sleeping, maybe dreaming of this promised son, and what a blessed young man God had given him. One night he was suddenly wakened by a voice. It was a voice he knew well. But the message was foreign, totally unexpected and totally shattered everything he knew of God. The voice said to him, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Genesis 22:2.

It was crystal clear. There was no doubt. God said who? “Your son, your only son, Isaac.” God said where? “The region of Moriah.” God said what to do? “Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering.” Abraham was filled with doubt and anguish, yet he knew the voice, and he must obey. Joseph, listening, was on the edge of his seat. He knew that human sacrifices were condemned by God and even at his tender age in his early to mid teens he understood something of the great test before Abraham.

Isaac continued, “My father and I often sacrificed together so that morning when he woke me early, it was nothing unusual. However, as we traveled, I noticed my father’s silence, his introspection, his unusual demeanor. It took us three days to reach the region where we were to sacrifice and he hardly said a word; just looked at me, studied me. It was not until that third day that I asked a question that had been baffling me, ‘The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’ Genesis 22:7. Do you know, Joseph, what my father said? He replied, ‘God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering.’ Verse 8.

“Joseph, God is Jehovah-jireh. Do you know what that name means? Jehovah-jireh, the Lord will provide. Joseph, God will see to it. My father understood and trusted.

“So we continued on, leaving the servants at the foot of the mountain. We built the altar, we arranged the wood, and then was the time. With intense emotion my father laid open to me the instruction God had given him. Remember, Joseph, my father was 120 years old. I was 20. I could have easily overcome him and prevented what God had told him to do. I knew and understood what he was saying, what he was proposing—death. I had seen it many times before. Sacrifices—I had participated in them for years. I knew what it meant to see the victim slain, had often seen it laying bleeding on the altar, the innocent suffering for the guilty.

“However, I saw the anguish of my father. I trusted my father. I trusted that this was God’s will and I trusted God, Jehovah-jirah. How I endeavored to lighten his grief and encourage him in what he must now do. Soon, I was tied and laid on the altar. The knife was raised. I was waiting for the lowering of the knife. Time hung in the balance. But the blow never came. An angel of God called Abraham and told him, ‘Do not lay a hand on the boy.’ Verse 12. And Joseph, God, Jehovah-jirah did provide. He did see to it. Caught in a thicket close by was a ram. God provided.”

As Joseph listened to this story related by the very one laid on the altar, the lesson sank deep into his soul and he knew without any doubt that God was Jehovah-jirah.

So, friends, when Joseph was thrown in the pit, he knew that God was Jehovah-jirah and would see to it. When he was sold as a slave he knew that God was Jehovah-jirah and He would see to it. When thrown in a dungeon for his stellar integrity he knew that God was Jehovah-jirah and He would see to it.

When you have experiences such as those that Joseph went through and face them with faith and courage, they change you. From the pen of inspiration: “God brings His people near Him by close, testing trials, by showing them their own weakness and inability, and by teaching them to lean upon Him as their only help and safeguard. Then His object is accomplished. They are prepared to be used in every emergency, to fill important positions of trust, and to accomplish the grand purposes for which their powers were given them.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 86. Would you not say that this was exemplified beautifully in the life of Joseph? I believe that those early stories played a significant role in preparing Joseph for facing and learning from his trials.

What is your pit, what is your trial in slavery or what is your dungeon? I would like to challenge you to put your trust in Jehovah-jirah, the God who will provide, the God who will see to it because He does and He will.

God is still Jehoveh-jireh, the God who will see to it. Remember it, know it, act on it. Jehoveh-jireh; God will provide!

Brenda Douay is a staff member at Steps to Life. She can be contacted by e-mail at: brendadouay@stepstolife.org.

Bible Study Guides – Beware!

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January 23, 2011 – January 29, 2011

Key Text

“Ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 3.

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 518–530; The Acts of the Apostles, 346–358.

Introduction

“I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body.” Early Writings, 258.

1 What prophecy is now being fulfilled as never before? Job 24:12, 13; Amos 2:12; II Chronicles 36:16. Why is Satan working so intensely to throw discredit on the Testimonies through unfaithful leaders? Proverbs 29:18.

Note: “Soon every possible effort will be made to discount and pervert the truth of the testimonies of God’s Spirit.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 41.

“The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. …

“There will be a hatred kindled against the testimonies which is satanic. The workings of Satan will be to unsettle the faith of the churches in them, for this reason: Satan cannot have so clear a track to bring in his deceptions and bind up souls in his delusions if the warnings and reproofs and counsels of the Spirit of God are heeded.” Ibid., 48.

2 On the other hand, what snare is Satan trying to lay for those who profess to believe in the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy? Jeremiah 14:14.

Note: “There will be those once united with us in the faith who will search for new, strange doctrines, for something odd and sensational to present to the people. They will bring in all conceivable fallacies, and will present them as coming from Mrs. White, that they may beguile souls.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 41.

3 How and through whom are many souls being led astray? Acts 20:28–30; Jude 11–13.

Note: “False theories will be mingled with every phase of experience, and advocated with satanic earnestness in order to captivate the mind of every soul who is not rooted and grounded in a full knowledge of the sacred principles of the Word. In the very midst of us will arise false teachers, giving heed to seducing spirits whose doctrines are of satanic origin. These teachers will draw away disciples after themselves.” The Review and Herald, January 7, 1904.

“Never, never was there a time when the truth will suffer more from being misrepresented, belittled, demerited through the perverse disputings of men than in these last days.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1064.

“There are those today who will present falsehoods as testing truths, even as the Jews presented the maxims of men as the bread of heaven. Sayings of no value are given to the people of God as their portion of meat, while souls are starving for the bread of life. Fables have been devised, and men are trying to weave these fables into the web. Those who do this will one day see their work as it is viewed by the heavenly intelligences. They choose to bring to the foundation wood, hay, and stubble, when they have at their command the word of God, with all its richness and power, from which they can gather precious treasures of truth.” The Review and Herald, June 18, 1901.

4 Who will contact some of these leaders personally, and what will be the result? II Corinthians 11:14.

Note: “Satan is watching his chance. He will come to men in human form, and will speak to them most entrancing words. He will bring against them the same temptations that he brought against Christ. Unless their minds and hearts are filled with the pure, unselfish, sanctified love that Christ revealed, they will fall under Satan’s power, and will do and say and write strange things, to deceive, if it were possible, the very elect.” The Review and Herald, June 30, 1910.

5 What attitude is being taken against the pillars of our faith, and why does it cause separation? Psalm 11:3.

Note: “The truth for this time is precious, but those whose hearts have not been broken by falling on the rock Christ Jesus, will not see and understand what is truth. They will accept that which pleases their ideas, and will begin to manufacture another foundation than that which is laid. They will flatter their own vanity and esteem, thinking that they are capable of removing the pillars of our faith, and replacing them with pillars they have devised.

“This will continue to be as long as time shall last. Anyone who has been a close student of the Bible will see and understand the solemn position of those who are living in the closing scenes of this earth’s history. They will feel their own inefficiency and weakness, and will make it their first business to have not merely a form of Godliness, but a vital connection with God. They will not dare to rest until Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. Self will die; pride will be expelled from the soul, and they will have the meekness and gentleness of Christ.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 389.

“After the truth has been proclaimed as a witness to all nations, every conceivable power of evil will be set in operation, and minds will be confused by many voices crying, ‘Lo, here is Christ; lo, He is there. This is the truth, I have the message from God, He has sent me with great light.’ Then there will be a removing of the landmarks, and an attempt to tear down the pillars of our faith.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 985.

6 How do God’s faithful few respond? Jude 3, last part.

Note: “God’s servants are not to be easily discouraged by difficulties or opposition. Those who proclaim the third angel’s message must stand bravely at their post, in the face of detraction and falsehood, fighting the good fight of faith, and resisting the enemy with the weapon that Christ used, ‘It is written.’ In the great crisis through which they are soon to pass, the servants of God will encounter the same hardness of heart, the same cruel determination, the same unyielding hatred, encountered by Christ and the apostles.” Gospel Workers, 264.

7 Name some of Satan’s favorite weapons. Jeremiah 23:21.

Note: “Formality, worldly wisdom, worldly caution, worldly policy, will appear to many to be the very power of God, but when accepted, it stands as an obstacle to prevent God’s light in warnings, reproof, and counsel from coming to the world. …

“If Satan sees that the Lord is blessing His people and preparing them to discern his delusions, he will work with his master power to bring in fanaticism on the one hand and cold formalism on the other, that he may gather in a harvest of souls.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 19.

8 What distinction are those led astray by fanatical movements unable to see? Leviticus 10:10; Ezekiel 22:26.

Note: “Some zealous ones who are aiming and straining every energy for originality have made a grave mistake in trying to get something startling, wonderful, entrancing, before the people, something that they think others do not comprehend; but often they do not themselves know what they are talking about. They speculate upon God’s Word, advancing ideas that are not a whit of help to themselves or to the churches. For the time being, they may excite the imagination; but there is a reaction, and these very ideas become a hindrance. Faith is confounded with fancy, and their views may bias the mind in the wrong direction. Let the plain, simple statements of the Word of God be food for the mind; this speculating upon ideas that are not clearly presented there, is dangerous business.

“The danger that threatens our churches is that new and strange things will be brought in, things that confuse the minds of the people, and give them no strength, at the very time when they most need strength in spiritual things. Clear discernment is needed that things new and strange shall not be laid alongside of truth as a part of the burden of the message to be given at this time. The very messages we have been giving to the world are to be made prominent.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 13, 14.

“There will always be false and fanatical movements made by persons in the church who claim to be led of God—those who will run before they are sent.” Ibid., 84.

9 What warning applies wherever there is open apostasy? Matthew 15:14.

Note: “Christ calls for unity. But He does not call for us to unify on wrong practices.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 175.

“Let the watchmen on the walls of Zion not join with those who are making of none effect the truth as it is in Christ.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1141.

“To yoke up with those who are unconsecrated, and yet be loyal to the truth, is simply impossible. We cannot unite with those who are serving themselves, who are working on worldly plans, and not lose our connection with the heavenly Counselor.” Ibid., vol. 5, 1086.

“Even if they [those who follow the Lord] have to walk as did Enoch—with God alone—his children must separate from those who do not obey Him.” Ibid., vol. 2, 1037.

10 Upon which platform are God’s people to unify? John 17:17–21; I John 1:7.

Note: “I urge our brethren to unify upon a true, scriptural basis.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 175.

“Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God.” Gospel Workers, 391.

“The present truth is not difficult to be understood, and the people whom God is leading will be united upon this broad, firm platform.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 326.

Review and Thought Questions

1 What attack has been made on the Spirit of Prophecy?

2 What are the fruits of heresy?

3 Describe the two conflicting standards that can be observed among believers in the third angel’s message.

4 What harm will befall God’s people from “those who will run before they are sent”?

5 What are the conditions for unity among believers?

©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.