Gad Archives - Steps to Life

August 4, 2013 – August 10, 2013

Key Text

“Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.” Genesis 49:19.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 3, 273–275; Our High Calling, 125.

Introduction

“Approach the most obstinate in a spirit of kindness and affection. Dip your words into the oil of grace, and let them flow forth from your lips in love.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1086.

1 GAD

How did Leah respond to Rachel’s idea to obtain children by her maid? Genesis 30:9. What principle must Christians always keep in mind? II Corinthians 10:12.

Note: “Everyone should realize how cruel is the spirit of envy, rivalry, distrust, faultfinding, and dissension.

“We call God our Father; we claim to be children of one family, and when there is a disposition to lessen the respect and influence of another to build up ourselves, we please the enemy and grieve Him whom we profess to follow. The tenderness and mercy that Jesus has revealed in His own precious life should be an example to us of the manner in which we should treat our fellow beings and especially those who are our brethren in Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 222.

What was declared concerning Gad? Genesis 30:10, 11; Deuteronomy 33:20. How are church workers especially warned against fostering a competitive spirit?

Note: “Those who are true to their calling as messengers for God will not seek honor for themselves. Love for self will be swallowed up in love for Christ. No rivalry will mar the precious cause of the gospel.” The Desire of Ages, 179.

2 ASHER

What is written about Jacob and Zilpah’s second son? Genesis 30:12, 13; 49:20.
Describe one hallmark of this type of personality in its natural, unconverted state. Psalm 55:21.

Note: “Do not receive flattery, even in your religious life. Flattery is an art by which Satan lieth in wait to deceive and to puff up the human agent with high thoughts of himself.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 304.

“Give children but little notice. Let them learn to amuse themselves. Do not put them on exhibition before visitors as prodigies of wit or wisdom, but leave them as far as possible to the simplicity of their childhood. One great reason why so many children are forward, bold, and impertinent is they are noticed and praised too much, and their smart, sharp sayings repeated in their hearing. Endeavor not to censure unduly, nor to overwhelm with praise and flattery. Satan will all too soon sow evil seed in their young hearts, and you should not aid him in his work.” Child Guidance, 37, 38.

“We need to shun everything that would encourage pride and self-sufficiency; therefore we should beware of giving or receiving flattery or praise. It is Satan’s work to flatter. He deals in flattery as well as in accusing and condemnation. Thus he seeks to work the ruin of the soul. Those who give praise to men are used by Satan as his agents. Let the workers for Christ direct every word of praise away from themselves. Let self be put out of sight. Christ alone is to be exalted. ‘Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood’ (Revelation 1:5), let every eye be directed, and praise from every heart ascend.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 161, 162.

What is written about the deportment of the two sons of Zilpah? Genesis 37:2, last part.

Note: “The restless spirit naturally inclines to mischief; the active mind, if left unoccupied with better things, will give heed to that which Satan may suggest.” Child Guidance, 33.

3 THE TRIBE OF GAD

How were the people of Gad described? I Chronicles 12:8, 14, 15.
What happened to the territory of Gad? Jeremiah 49:1.
How was the land of Gad (part of the Gilead region) recovered? Judges 11:1, 6, 32, 33; Hebrews 11:32.

Note: “Oh, the long-suffering mercy of our God! When His people put away the sins that had shut out His presence, He heard their prayers and at once began to work for them.

“A deliverer was raised up in the person of Jephthah, a Gileadite, who made war upon the Ammonites and effectually destroyed their power.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 558.

Which other member of the tribe of Gad was distinguished for his steadfast faithfulness? I Kings 17:1; II Kings 2:11.

Note: “Elijah, amid the general apostasy, did not seek to hide the fact that he served the God of heaven. Baal’s prophets numbered four hundred and fifty, his priests, four hundred, and his worshipers were thousands; yet Elijah did not try to make it appear that he was on the popular side. He grandly stood alone. The mountain was covered with people full of eager expectation. The king came in great pomp, and the idolaters, confident of triumph, shouted his welcome. But God had been greatly dishonored. One man, and only one man, appeared to vindicate the honor of God. With clear, trumpetlike tones Elijah addressed the vast multitude: ‘How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him’ (1 Kings 18:21). The result was that the Lord God, who ruleth in the heavens, was vindicated, and the Baal worshipers were slain. Where are the Elijahs of today?” Testimonies, vol. 5, 526, 527.

4 THE TRIBE OF ASHER

What lessons can we learn from Moses’ blessing upon Asher? Deuteronomy 33:24. How can these blessings be extended to us? How can we forfeit them?

Note: “Ask God to give you much of the oil of His grace. Carefully consider every word, whether it be written or spoken.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 104.

“What harm is wrought in the family circle by the utterance of impatient words; for the impatient utterance of one leads another to retort in the same spirit and manner. Then come words of retaliation, words of self-justification, and it is by such words that a heavy, galling yoke is manufactured for your neck; for all these bitter words will come back in a baleful harvest to your soul.

“Those who indulge in such language will experience shame, loss of self-respect, loss of self-confidence, and will have bitter remorse and regret that they allowed themselves to lose self-control and speak in this way. How much better would it be if words of this character were never spoken. How much better to have the oil of grace in the heart, to be able to pass by all provocation, and bear all things with Christlike meekness and forbearance.” Messages to Young People, 327.

What can we learn from one member of the tribe of Asher, who was a prophetess of God? Luke 2:36–38.

Note: “Anna … came in and confirmed Simeon’s testimony concerning Christ. As Simeon spoke, her face lighted up with the glory of God, and she poured out her heartfelt thanks that she had been permitted to behold Christ the Lord.” The Desire of Ages, 55.

“The cross of Calvary is to be a constant reminder of the future, nobler world, the mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare for all who love Him. We are to be enthusiasts. And as we by faith view the glories within the temple of God, we shall seek to awaken enthusiasm in others, a desire to behold things unseen. Our work is to attract minds away from earth to heaven; to take others with us as companions, to walk the path that is cast up for the ransomed of the Lord. The children of the heavenly King are to move among men, not as citizens of the world, but as citizens of the kingdom above. We are pilgrims and strangers in this world, seeking a better country, even a heavenly.” The Signs of the Times, August 17, 1891.

5 KEY TO SUCCESS

What illustrates the secret of success for the tribe of Gad, long beset by a “troop” of temptations? Genesis 49:19; I Chronicles 5:18, 20. What promise is made to spiritual Gadite overcomers? Revelation 7:5, last part.

Note: “Your only hope is in confessing your backslidings. God has let light shine upon your pathway. Will you choose your own course of corruption? Will you cast the truth behind you because it will not sustain you in a course of iniquity? Oh, be entreated to ‘rend your heart, and not your garments’ (Joel 2:13). Make thorough work for eternity. God will be merciful to you. He will be entreated in your behalf. He will not despise a broken and contrite spirit. Will you turn? Will you live? Your soul is worth saving; it is precious.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 303.

Explain the secret of the tribe of Asher’s success. Deuteronomy 33:25; II Chronicles 30:11; James 4:10; Revelation 7:6, first part. What work is to be done for those who want to be numbered among the 144,000? Jeremiah 3:12–15.

Note: “The work of warning sinners, of weeping over them and pleading with them, has been neglected until many souls are past all cure. Some have died in their sins, and will in the judgment confront with reproaches of their guilt those who might have saved them, but who did not.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 506.

“All who will can be overcomers. Let us strive earnestly to reach the standard set before us. Christ knows our weakness, and to Him we can go daily for help. It is not necessary for us to gain strength a month ahead. We are to conquer from day to day.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 974.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What challenges did the sons of Zilpah face from birth?

2 Contrast the carnal Gadites with the converted ones.

3 Differentiate between the good and evil aspects of Asherites.

4 Consider practical ways to restore backsliders whom you may know.

5 Why do you think God promises sufficient strength for each and every day?