Isaiah

Bible Study Guides – Insights from the Book of Isaiah (1) – Our Compassionate Father

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October 29 – November 4

Key Text

“Lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God” (Isaiah 40:9)!

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 150–163.

Introduction

“The prophet [Isaiah] exalted God as Creator of all. His message to the cities of Judah was, ‘Behold your God’ (Isaiah 40:9)!” Prophets and Kings, 315.

Sunday

1 PEACEFUL, UNDERLYING HOPE

  • What was Isaiah told to expect in the call he had accepted? Isaiah 6:9–12. What assurance was he to cherish nonetheless? Verse 13; 10:20, 21.

Note: “His [Isaiah’s] burden of soul in behalf of erring Judah was not to be borne in vain. His mission was not to be wholly fruitless. … Throughout his lifetime he must be a patient, courageous teacher—a prophet of hope as well as of doom. The divine purpose finally accomplished, the full fruitage of his efforts, and of the labors of all God’s faithful messengers, would appear. A remnant should be saved.” Prophets and Kings, 308, 309.

  • Name some key concepts the prophet emphasized—and why such uplifting themes can inspire us with hope. Isaiah 40:9, 13–15, 21–31.

Note: “The stars also have a message of good cheer for every human being. In those hours that come to all, when the heart is faint and temptation presses sore; when obstacles seem insurmountable, life’s aims impossible of achievement, its fair promises like apples of Sodom; where, then, can such courage and steadfastness be found as in that lesson which God has bidden us learn from the stars in their untroubled course?” Education, 115.

Monday

2  THE HEART BEHIND THE CLOUD

  • Throughout the history of the world, what misconception about God’s character has always needed to be clarified? Ezekiel 18:25; Isaiah 55:8, 9.

Note: “In Isaiah’s day the spiritual understanding of mankind was dark through misapprehension of God. Long had Satan sought to lead men to look upon their Creator as the author of sin and suffering and death. Those whom he had thus deceived, imagined that God was hard and exacting. They regarded Him as watching to denounce and condemn, unwilling to receive the sinner so long as there was a legal excuse for not helping him. The law of love by which heaven is ruled had been misrepresented by the archdeceiver as a restriction upon men’s happiness, a burdensome yoke from which they should be glad to escape. He declared that its precepts could not be obeyed and that the penalties of transgression were bestowed arbitrarily.

“In losing sight of the true character of Jehovah, the Israelites were without excuse. Often had God revealed Himself to them as one ‘full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth’ (Psalm 86:15).” Prophets and Kings, 311.

  • What genuine picture about God do we too often forget? Isaiah 49:13–16.

Note: “When we seem to doubt God’s love and distrust His promises we dishonor Him and grieve His Holy Spirit. How would a mother feel if her children were constantly complaining of her, just as though she did not mean them well, when her whole life’s effort had been to forward their interests and to give them comfort? Suppose they should doubt her love; it would break her heart. How would any parent feel to be thus treated by his children? And how can our heavenly Father regard us when we distrust His love, which has led Him to give His only-begotten Son that we might have life? [Romans 8:32 quoted.] And yet how many, by their actions, if not in word, are saying, ‘The Lord does not mean this for me. Perhaps He loves others, but He does not love me.’

“All this is harming your own soul; for every word of doubt you utter is inviting Satan’s temptations; it is strengthening in you the tendency to doubt, and it is grieving from you the ministering angels. When Satan tempts you, breathe not a word of doubt or darkness.” Steps to Christ, 118, 119.

Tuesday

3  A LOVING INVITATION

  • What did Isaiah reveal as God’s plan for His wayward people? Isaiah 41:14; 48:4, 8–11.

Note: “The heart of Infinite Love yearns after those who feel powerless to free themselves from the snares of Satan; and He graciously offers to strengthen them to live for Him. …

“The inhabitants of Judah were all undeserving, yet God would not give them up. By them His name was to be exalted among the heathen. Many who were wholly unacquainted with His attributes were yet to behold the glory of the divine character. It was for the purpose of making plain His merciful designs that He kept sending His servants the prophets with the message, ‘Turn ye again now everyone from his evil way’ (Jeremiah 25:5). …

“The call to repentance was sounded with unmistakable clearness, and all were invited to return.” Prophets and Kings, 316, 319.

  • What glorious assurances are given to each one of us if we would only accept them? Isaiah 55:6, 7; 44:21, 22.

Note: “Have you, reader, chosen your own way? Have you wandered far from God? Have you sought to feast upon the fruits of transgression, only to find them turn to ashes upon your lips? And now, your life plans thwarted and your hopes dead, do you sit alone and desolate? That voice which has long been speaking to your heart, but to which you would not listen, comes to you distinct and clear, ‘Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction’ (Micah 2:10). Return to your Father’s house. …

“Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better, until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of the Saviour, ‘Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out’ (John 6:37). Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin.” Prophets and Kings, 319, 320.

Wednesday

4  HUMBLE BEFORE GOD AND ONE ANOTHER

  • Explain the transition God wants His people to make from idola­try and pride, to become children of one heavenly Father. Isaiah 57:13–21.

Note: “Let not pride, or self-esteem, or self-righteousness keep any one from confessing his sins, that he may claim the promise: ‘He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy’ (Proverbs 28:13). Keep nothing back from God, and neglect not the confession of your faults to the brethren when they have a connection with them. …

“It is a lamentable fact that the erring heart is unwilling to be criticised [sic], or to subject itself to humiliation by the confession of sin. Some see their faults, but thinking confession will detract from their dignity, they excuse their wrong, and shield themselves from the discipline that confession would give to the soul. … They see the errors of others; but how can they have courage to give the advice, ‘Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed’ (James 5:16), when they have failed to follow this instruction in their own lives? How much will ministers or people learn of a truth which they thrust aside, and forget if possible, because it is not agreeable; because it does not flatter their pride, but reproves and pains? … They must hunger and thirst for the righteousness of Christ, the illumination of the Holy Spirit.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 239, 240.

  • How can we better cooperate with the Holy Spirit to be part of the Lord’s great plan? Isaiah 59:20, 21.

Note: “Sin must not be cherished. This is a time when the love of many is waxing cold, and any defection on your part may encourage others in a wrong course, and lead to many and grievous transgressions. Do not set an example of lukewarmness; do not turn away from testimonies of the Spirit of God. We are intrusted with a solemn message to give to the world, and there is much at stake. We cannot be safe amid the temptations that surround us in these times of peril, without constantly watching unto prayer. We must guard against accepting a low standard of our own instead of the high Bible standard of character.” Gospel Workers (1892), 462.

Thursday

5  LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS

  • What gracious invitation given to the inhabitants of Judah echoes down to us today? Isaiah 27:5.

Note: “It is Satan’s special device to lead man into sin, and then leave him, helpless and trembling, fearing to seek for pardon. But why should we fear. … Every provision has been made for our infirmities, every encouragement offered us to come to Christ. …

“Christ has pledged Himself to be our substitute and surety, and He neglects no one. He who could not see human beings exposed to eternal ruin without pouring out His soul unto death in their behalf, will look with pity and compassion upon every soul who realizes that he cannot save himself.

“He will look upon no trembling suppliant without raising him up. He who through His own atonement provided for man an infinite fund of moral power, will not fail to employ this power in our behalf. We may take our sins and sorrows to His feet; for He loves us.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 156, 157.

  • With what words does Isaiah describe the experience that is to be ours? Isaiah 12:1–6.

Note: “Oh, how many times has your heart been touched with the beauty of the Saviour’s countenance, charmed with the loveliness of His character, and subdued with the thought of His suffering. Now He wants you to lean your whole weight upon Him.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 232.

Friday

 PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

 1      Why was Isaiah able to minister to his people with hope?

2      How are we to avoid being duped by common misconceptions about God?

3      Why does God bother to call proud, stubborn people to repentance?

4      We may confess our sins to God, but how is James 5:16 often neglected?

5      Despite Satan’s claims, why did God want us to study this week’s lesson?

Bible Study Guides – Insights from the Book of Isaiah (1) — Reasoning For Righteousness

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October 22 – 28, 2017

 

Key Text

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 23–41.

 Introduction

“He [Jesus] is acquainted with the sins of men, He knows all their acts and reads their secret motives; yet He does not turn away from them in their iniquity. He pleads and reasons with the sinner, and in one sense—that of having Himself borne the weakness of humanity—He puts Himself on a level with him.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 294.

Sunday

1  WILLINGNESS OF HEART

  • Freshly purged after seeing the vision of the heavenly sanctuary, what was Isaiah’s response to the call of God? Isaiah 6:8–10.

Note: “The prophet [Isaiah] was nerved for the work before him. The memory of this vision [of the temple in heaven] was carried with him throughout his long and arduous mission.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 751.

  • How should we, too, respond to God’s appeal today? Hebrews 3:12–15.

Note: “Heavenly angels have long been waiting for human agents—the members of the church—to co-operate with them in the great work to be done. They are waiting for you.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 46, 47.

“There is something for everyone to do. Every soul that believes the truth is to stand in his lot and place, saying: ‘Here am I; send me.’ ” Ibid., vol. 6, 49.

Monday

2  INTELLIGENT REASONING

  • Explain how and why God makes an appeal to us logically. Isaiah 1:18.

Note: “The Lord requires His people to use their reason, and not lay it aside for impressions. His work will be intelligible to all His children. His teaching will be such as will commend itself to the understanding of intelligent minds. It is calculated to elevate the mind.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 230.

“Christ has bought our hearts. Christ has bought the human intelligence. Christ has bought the reasoning powers; and Christ has entrusted us with capabilities and with powers. He does not want that we should let these powers and capabilities be employed merely in the common things of earthly substance, and lose sight of the eternal.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, 251.

“A great name among men is as letters traced in sand, but a spotless character will endure to all eternity. God gives you intelligence and a reasoning mind, whereby you may grasp His promises; and Jesus is ready to help you in forming a strong, symmetrical character.” God’s Amazing Grace, 81.

  • How does the gospel bless us with greater mental clarity? 2 Timo­thy 1:7.
  • What is the relationship between the heart and the mind? Hebrews 10:16; Ezekiel 36:26.

Note: “What is the new heart? It is the new mind. What is the mind? It is the will. Where is your will? It is either on Satan’s side or Christ’s side. Now it is up to you. Will you put your will today on Christ’s side of the question? That is the new heart. It is the new will, a new mind.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, 210.

“The words, ‘A new heart also will I give you’ (Ezekiel 36:26), mean, A new mind will I give you. This change of heart is always attended by a clear conception of Christian duty, an understanding of truth.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 452.

Tuesday

3  SHARP WORDS, SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS

  • What simple choice was Isaiah bidden to explain, and what simi­lar choice is given to us? Isaiah 1:19, 20; Joshua 24:14, 15.

Note: “The will is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or choice. Every human being possessed of reason has power to choose the right. In every experience of life, God’s word to us is, ‘Choose you this day whom ye will serve’ (Joshua 24:15). Everyone may place his will on the side of the will of God, may choose to obey Him, and by thus linking himself with divine agencies, he may stand where nothing can force him to do evil. In every youth, every child, lies the power, by the help of God, to form a character of integrity and to live a life of usefulness.” Education, 289.

“We cannot overestimate the value of simple faith and unquestioning obedience. It is by following in the path of obedience in simple faith that the character obtains perfection.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1137.

  • What sins of God’s people were then mentioned by the prophet? Isaiah 1:21–23.

Note: “[A] grievous sin existing in our midst, is self-sufficiency—Pharisaism—feeling that we are righteous, and all our acts are meritorious, when we are far from cherishing the right spirit toward God or toward our brethren. … Self-esteem has been cherished, and you have had a spirit of criticism toward others because you were not first. Envy, jealousy, suspicion, fault-finding, and false witnessing have existed. There are unconsecrated hearts among you, who turn everything said or done, even under the special direction of God, in a wrong way. … They please the enemy … by making a man an offender for a word. In many of these cases that are criticised [sic] there is no actual sin; the suspicion is the result of the condition of the mind that entertains it. If one crosses their path, they have no unity or fellowship with him. They feel disgusted with all he may say or do. … yet those who are thus creating disaffection and disunion, and planting the seeds of jealousy, all the while claim to be firm believers in the truth. Such do not practice the spirit of the truth.” The Review and Herald, December 18, 1888.

Wednesday

4  A THOROUGH, INTELLIGENT WORK

  • What is necessary in order for us to have full repentance? Psalm 119:18.

Note: “[1 John 3:2, 3 quoted.]

“Here is a work for man to do. He must face the mirror, God’s law, discern the defects in his moral character, and put away his sins, washing his robe of character in the blood of the Lamb. …

“But the influence of a gospel hope will not lead the sinner to look upon the salvation of Christ as a matter of free grace, while he continues to live in transgression of the law of God. When the light of truth dawns upon his mind and he fully understands the requirements of God and realizes the extent of his transgressions, he will reform his ways, become loyal to God through the strength obtained from his Saviour, and lead a new and purer life.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 294, 295.

“In your study of the word, lay at the door of investigation your preconceived opinions and your hereditary and cultivated ideas. You will never reach the truth if you study the Scriptures to vindicate your own ideas. Leave these at the door, and with a contrite heart go in to hear what the Lord has to say to you. As the humble seeker for truth sits at Christ’s feet and learns of Him, the word gives him understanding. To those who are too wise in their own conceit to study the Bible, Christ says, You must become meek and lowly in heart if you desire to become wise unto salvation.

“Do not read the word in the light of former opinions; but, with a mind free from prejudice, search it carefully and prayerfully. If, as you read, conviction comes, and you see that your cherished opinions are not in harmony with the word, do not try to make the word fit these opinions. Make your opinions fit the word. Do not allow what you have believed or practiced in the past to control your understanding. Open the eyes of your mind to behold wondrous things out of the law. Find out what is written, and then plant your feet on the eternal Rock.” Messages to Young People, 260.

  • How should our determination to turn away from sin be reminis­cent of the great reformation in Nehemiah’s day? Nehemiah 4:6, last part.

Note: “Oh, may none put off the day of repentance and reformation! Now is the accepted time.” The Signs of the Times, July 30, 1894.

Thursday

4  A FORETASTE OF REAL HARMONY

  • Describe the level of earnest repentance Christ is looking to see in us, living as we are in this period of earth’s history. Revelation 3:19.

Note: “ ‘A great work must be done for the remnant. Many of them are dwelling upon little trials.’ Said the angel, ‘Legions of evil angels are around you, and are trying to press in their awful darkness, that ye may be ensnared and taken. Ye suffer your minds to be diverted too readily from the work of preparation and the all-important truths for these last days. And ye dwell upon little trials and go into minute particulars of little difficulties to explain them to the satisfaction of this one or that.’ Conversation has been protracted for hours between the parties concerned, and not only has their time been wasted, but the servants of God are held to listen to them, when the hearts of both parties are unsubdued by grace. If pride and selfishness were laid aside, five minutes would remove most difficulties.” Early Writings, 119.

“Christ is coming. I remember when we thought that the end was to come in 1844, and when we came together in our meetings the question would be asked by one and another, ‘Brethren, have you seen anything in me that is not right? I know that we cannot see our own faults, and if any of the brethren have seen anything wrong in me, I want them to tell me.’ Sometimes there would be wrongs confessed, and we would bow before God and ask His forgiveness. Then you would see brethren who had had some difficulty going away alone in some barn or orchard and pleading with God together. Then they would come arm in arm, loving one another, and at peace among themselves. We felt that we could not separate unless everything was in harmony. The sweet spirit of peace was in our midst, and the glory of God was around us. You could see faces shine.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, 24.

Friday

 PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

 1      Why can we be inspired by Isaiah’s eagerness to accept God’s call?

2      What does true Christian religion do for the human mind?

3      How will true repentance transform our relationships with one another?

4      Explain a vital key to how we can achieve real growth in our Bible study.

5      What experience from the early Advent believers would we do well to repeat?

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

Bible Study Guides – Insights from the Book of Isaiah (1) — Facing Reality

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October 15 – 21, 2017

Key Text

“Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5).

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 5, 217–235.

 Introduction

“Isaiah had denounced woes upon others for their apostasy and separation from God. He had been almost ready to yield to discouragement, so keenly did he realize that he dwelt among ‘a people of unclean lips;’ but now he sees himself in danger. He is himself ‘a man of unclean lips’ (Isaiah 6:5). He had no disposition to exalt himself. O how little he was in his own wisdom, how unworthy, how unfitted for sacred service.” The Bible Echo, September 9, 1895.

Sunday

1  SEEING OTHERS AS THE HOPELESS ONES

  • How have others expressed the types of feelings Isaiah would have had in beholding great wickedness in God’s professed people? Psalm 94:3, 4; Jeremiah 4:14.

Note: “It seemed as if God’s purpose for Israel were about to fail and that the rebellious nation was to suffer a fate similar to that of Sodom and Gomorrah.

“In the face of such conditions it is not surprising that when, during the last year of Uzziah’s reign, Isaiah was called to bear to Judah God’s messages of warning and reproof, he shrank from the responsibility. He well knew that he would encounter obstinate resistance. As he realized his own inability to meet the situation and thought of the stubbornness and unbelief of the people for whom he was to labor, his task seemed hopeless. Should he in despair relinquish his mission and leave Judah undisturbed to their idolatry? Were the gods of Nineveh to rule the earth in defiance of the God of heaven?

“Such thoughts as these were crowding through Isaiah’s mind as he stood under the portico of the temple.” Prophets and Kings, 306, 307.

Monday

2  A LIFE-CHANGING MOMENT

  • What did Isaiah see in vision as he stood before the temple? Isaiah 6:1–4.

Note: “Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the temple seemed to be uplifted or withdrawn, and he [Isaiah] was permitted to gaze within, upon the holy of holies, where even the prophet’s feet might not enter. There rose up before him a vision of Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, while the train of His glory filled the temple. On each side of the throne hovered the seraphim, their faces veiled in adoration, as they ministered before their Maker and united in the solemn invocation, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory’ until post and pillar and cedar gate seemed shaken with the sound, and the house was filled with their tribute of praise (Isaiah 6:3).” Prophets and Kings, 307.

“Did he [Isaiah] think himself unworthy before he had a view of God’s glory?—No; he imagined himself in a righteous state before God.” The Review and Herald, June 4, 1889.

  • Upon seeing this vision, what abruptly happened to Isaiah’s image of himself (keeping in mind that he had already delivered messages of rebuke to Israel)? Isaiah 6:5.

Note: “As Isaiah beheld this revelation of the glory and majesty of his Lord, he was overwhelmed with a sense of the purity and holiness of God. How sharp the contrast between the matchless perfection of his Creator, and the sinful course of those who, with himself, had long been numbered among the chosen people of Israel and Judah!” Prophets and Kings, 307.

“Isaiah had denounced the sin of others; but now he sees himself exposed to the same condemnation he had pronounced upon them. He had been satisfied with a cold, lifeless ceremony in his worship of God. He had not known this until the vision was given him of the Lord. How little now appeared his wisdom and talents as he looked upon the sacredness and majesty of the sanctuary. How unworthy he was! how unfitted for sacred service! His view of himself might be expressed in the language of the apostle Paul, ‘O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death’ (Romans 7:24)?” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1139.

Tuesday

3  THE CALL OF THE HOUR

  • What is needed today, just as much as it was in Isaiah’s time? Joel 2:12, 13.

Note: “Close heart searching is needed. With tears and heartbroken confession we need to draw nigh to God that He may draw nigh to us.” Evangelism, 510.

“There must be thorough repentance, faith in our Saviour Jesus Christ, vigilant watchfulness, unceasing prayer, and diligent searching of the Scriptures.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, 338.

“Pure and undefiled religion is to be brought into the sanctuary of the soul. Each has a work to do, and no friend or minister can do it for him; each must repent for himself, and confess his sins to God. Make thorough work of it. Believe for yourself; have the grace of God in your heart for yourself. God will have His true, faithful witnesses in every walk of life, testifying to the power of His grace. They may be humble, but they will be living in the sunshine of God’s countenance, with the Bible as their guide.

“See, O see, where your duties have been neglected, and where you have given an example to both believers and unbelievers which would lead them away from God, away from righteousness and the spirit of the truth. Jesus would have men come to Him, trust in Him, rely upon Him, and have their experience founded upon Him alone.” The Review and Herald, December 18, 1888.

  • What experience does God desire for those who follow Him? Proverbs 4:18.

Note: “The Lord bids you to come up higher, to reach a holier standard. You must have an experience much deeper than you have yet even thought of having. … Give to Jesus the heart’s best and holiest affections. Treasure every ray of light. Cherish every desire of the soul after God. Give yourselves the culture of spiritual thoughts and holy communings. You have seen but the first rays of the early dawn of His glory. As you follow on to know the Lord, you will know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. … Having repented of our sins, confessed them, and found pardon, we are to continue to learn of Christ until we come into the full noontide of a perfect gospel faith.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 317, 318.

Wednesday

4  OH, THAT OUR EYES MIGHT BE OPENED!

  • Explain the far-reaching extent of our need for repentance. Joel 2:15–17.

Note: “Let the many ministers of Christ sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, and seek God while He is to be found. Call upon Him while you are now lying at the foot of the cross of Calvary. Divest yourselves of all pride and as representative guardians of the churches, weep be­tween the porch and the altar. … Pray, oh, pray for the outpouring of the Spirit of God!” Selected Messages, Book 3, 189.

“Instead of lifting up their souls in self-sufficiency, ministers and people should be confessing their sins before God and one another.” Ibid., 390.

  •     What do we all need to understand in this solemn work? Romans 3:9–12.

Note: “There is too much comparing ourselves among ourselves, taking poor fallible mortals for a pattern when we have a sure, unerring Pattern. The people of God should not measure themselves by the world, nor by the opinions of men, nor by what they once were before embracing the truth. But their faith and position in the world, as they now are, must be compared with what they would have been if their course had been continually onward and upward since they professed to be followers of Christ. This is the only safe comparison that can be made. In every other, there will be self-deception. If the moral character and spiritual state of God’s people do not correspond with the blessings, privileges, and light which have been conferred upon them, they are weighed in the balance and found wanting. Angels make their report, Wanting!” The Review and Herald, August 31, 1886.

“We cannot afford to live on the husks of others’ faults or failings. Evilspeaking is a twofold curse, falling more heavily upon the speaker than upon the hearer. He who scatters the seeds of dissension and strife reaps in his own soul the deadly fruits. The very act of looking for evil in others develops evil in those who look. By dwelling upon the faults of others, we are changed into the same image. But by beholding Jesus, talking of His love and perfection of character, we become changed into His image.” The Ministry of Healing, 492.

Thursday

5  CONTRITION AND CLEANSING

  • Once Isaiah’s heart was humbled as never before, what did the God of heaven do for His servant? Isaiah 6:6, 7. What should we learn from this?

Note: “The vision given to Isaiah [in chapter 6] represents the condition of God’s people in the last days. They are privileged to see by faith the work that is going forward in the heavenly sanctuary. ‘And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament’ (Revelation 11:19). As they look by faith into the holy of holies, and see the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, they perceive that they are a people of unclean lips—a people whose lips have often spoken vanity, and whose talents have not been sanctified and employed to the glory of God. Well may they despair as they contrast their own weakness and unworthiness with the purity and loveliness of the glorious character of Christ. But if they, like Isaiah, will receive the impression the Lord designs shall be made upon the heart, if they will humble their souls before God, there is hope for them. The bow of promise is above the throne, and the work done for Isaiah will be performed in them. God will respond to the petitions coming from the contrite heart.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1139.

  • What should be our daily prayer? Psalm 51:2, 7.

Note: “Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better; until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then, you will never come.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 205, 206.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1      Before the temple vision, how did Isaiah feel about himself and others?

2      How did the vision of heavenly glory transform the prophet’s attitude?

3      Describe the work that needs to be done by all of us today.

4      Explain what happens when we become faultfinders.

5      What assurance given to Isaiah echoes down to every contrite soul?

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

Bible Study Guides – Insights from the Book of Isaiah (1) — Ripe for Reformation

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October 8 – 14, 2017

Key Text

“In that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach” (Isaiah 4:1).

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 1, 216–220; vol. 4, 628–648.

Introduction

“We are not to cling to our own ways, our own plans, our own ideas; we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).” The Upward Look, 218.

Sunday

1  SELFISH GREED

  • Describe Judah’s condition as Jotham, the son of Uzziah, began to take on more responsibilities prior to his father’s death. 2 Kings 15:34, 35; Hosea 10:13; 11:7.

Note: “By their apostasy and rebellion those who should have been standing as light bearers among the nations were inviting the judgments of God. Many of the evils which were hastening the swift destruction of the northern kingdom, and which had recently been denounced in unmistakable terms by Hosea and Amos, were fast corrupting the kingdom of Judah.” Prophets and Kings, 306.

  • How were the material goods—given by God—being managed? Isaiah 3:14, 15; 5:8; 10:1, 2.

Note: “The outlook was particularly discouraging as regards the social conditions of the people. In their desire for gain, men were adding house to house and field to field. See Isaiah 5:8. Justice was perverted, and no pity was shown the poor. … Even the magistrates, whose duty it was to protect the helpless, turned a deaf ear to the cries of the poor and needy, the widows and the fatherless.” Prophets and Kings, 306.

Monday

2 YOUTHFUL PRIDE

  • What did God declare would come as a result of the pride and love of display that accompanied oppression? Isaiah 2:11, 12; Proverbs 29:23.

Note: “Pride of heart is a fearful trait of character. ‘Pride goeth before destruction’ (Proverbs 16:18). This is true in the family, the church, and the nation.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 377.

“The moment we begin to feel self-sufficient and confident then we are in danger of a disgraceful failure.” This Day With God, 277.

  • What situation did Isaiah prophesy, and how would it impact the administration of justice? Isaiah 3:4–6, 12. How can we ensure that our children are properly trained in order to escape this de­structive trend today?

Note: “Parents generally have not taken a proper course with their children. They have not restrained them as they should, but have left them to indulge in pride and follow their own inclinations. Anciently, parental authority was regarded; children were then in subjection to their parents, and feared and reverenced them; but in these last days the order is reversed. Some parents are in subjection to their children. They fear to cross the will of their children, and therefore yield to them. But just as long as children are under the roof of the parents, dependent upon them, they should be subject to their control. Parents should move with decision, requiring that their views of right be followed out.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 216, 217.

“Parents, make home happy for your children. By this I do not mean that you are to indulge them. The more they are indulged, the harder they will be to manage, and the more difficult it will be for them to live true, noble lives when they go out into the world. If you allow them to do as they please, their purity and loveliness of character will quickly fade. Teach them to obey. Let them see that your word must be respected. This may seem to bring them a little unhappiness now but it will save them from much unhappiness in the future. Let the home government be just and tender, full of love and compassion, yet firm and true. Do not permit one disrespectful word or disobedient act.” The Signs of the Times, April 8, 1903.

“The mother should not allow her child to gain an advantage over her in a single instance.” Child Guidance, 283.

Tuesday

3  GLITZ AND GLAMOUR

  • List some of the objections the Lord had against the women of Zion in Isaiah’s day. (Use a Bible dictionary for more insight.) Isaiah 3:16–23.

Note: “The love of display produces extravagance, and in many young people kills the aspiration for a nobler life. Instead of seeking an education, they early engage in some occupation to earn money for indulging the passion for dress. And through this passion many a young girl is beguiled to ruin. …

“Even the day and the services of worship are not exempt from fashion’s domination. … The church is made a parade ground, and the fashions are studied more than the sermon.” Education, 247.

“The idolatry of dress is a moral disease.” Child Guidance, 432.

“Not a few of our people are backsliding. They are imitating the fashions of the world. Their spirituality is dying. Step by step they are approaching world-loving. Selfishness and pride are taking possession of them, and the love of God finds little room in their hearts. Some who were once zealous reformers are now indifferent. Sisters who were once plain in dress are now conforming to fashion.” The Review and Herald, November 17, 1904.

  • In contrast to wearing provocative clothing, how should Chris­tians dress? 1 Timothy 2:9; Romans 13:14.

Note: “You can choose life and salvation if you will, or you can choose to worship self and devote your precious hours of probation to making your person attractive to please the eye of the worldling and the sensualist, to receive flattery from lying lips, and at last reap that harvest which you have been sowing—corruption.” Daughters of God, 121.

“True Christians are elevated in their conversation; and while they believe it to be a sin to condescend to foolish flattery, they are courteous, kind, and benevolent. Their words are those of sincerity and truth. They are faithful in their dealings with their brethren and with the world. In their dress they avoid superfluity and display; but their clothing is modest and arranged upon the person with order and taste.” Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 87.

Wednesday

4  CHOOSE A HIGHER CALLING INSTEAD

  • What serious consequences to our spirituality will showy, provoc­ative habits of dressing have if they are not removed from the church? Isaiah 3:24–26; Matthew 5:27, 28.

Note: “The love of dress endangers the morals and makes woman the opposite of the Christian lady characterized by modesty and sobriety. Showy, extravagant dress too often encourages lust in the heart of the wearer and awakens base passions in the heart of the beholder.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 645.

“Fashion is deteriorating the intellect and eating out the spirituality of our people. Obedience to fashion is pervading our Seventh-day Adventist churches and is doing more than any other power to separate our people from God. I have been shown that our church rules are very deficient. All exhibitions of pride in dress, which is forbidden in the word of God, should be sufficient reason for church discipline. If there is a continuance, in face of warnings and appeals and entreaties, to still follow the perverse will, it may be regarded as proof that the heart is in no way assimilated to Christ. Self, and only self, is the object of adoration, and one such professed Christian will lead many away from God.

“There is a terrible sin upon us as a people, that we have permitted our church members to dress in a manner inconsistent with their faith. We must arise at once and close the door against the allurements of fashion. Unless we do this, our churches will become demoralized.” Ibid., 647, 648.

  • Describe the training to be given to our youth. Titus 2:3–6; 1 Peter 3:1–4.

Note: “Girls should be taught that the true charm of womanliness is not alone in beauty of form or feature, nor in the possession of accomplishments; but in a meek and quiet spirit, in patience, generosity, kindness, and a willingness to do and suffer for others. They should be taught to work, to study to some purpose, to live for some object, to trust in God and fear Him, and to respect their parents. Then as they advance in years, they will grow more pure-minded, self-reliant, and beloved. It will be impossible to degrade such a woman. She will escape the temptations and trials that have been the ruin of so many.” Child Guidance, 140.

Thursday

5  CALLED BY A NAME—OR CONVERTED BY A SAVIOUR?

  • What spiritual pitfall has plagued God’s people, both in Isaiah’s day and ours (keep in mind that, in Bible symbols, “seven” de­notes completeness and a “woman” often refers to a church—Jeremiah 6:2)? Isaiah 4:1. What is God’s response? Isaiah 55:8, 9.

Note: “We must come up to a higher standard, or we are unworthy of the Christian name.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 605.

“The Christian warfare is not a life of indulgence to eat and drink and dress as self-indulgent worldlings. The Lord Jesus came in human nature to our world to give His precious life as an example of what our life should be. He is the specimen, not of spiritual indulgence, but of a life constantly before us of self-denial, self-sacrifice. We have the correct view that Christ our Pattern came to give us. There is before us the Prince of heaven, the Son of God. He laid aside the royal crown and the princely robe and came to take His position in our world as a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. How few take it in!” The Upward Look, 217.

  • Explain a vital pillar of Christian faith. Luke 9:23–26.

Note: “We have a character to maintain, but it is the character of Christ. … May the Lord help us to die to self, and be born again, that Christ may live in us, a living, active principle, a power that will keep us holy.” My Life Today, 335.

“Let self die. Surrender your will and die to self now, just now, and leave God to make your way for you.” This Day With God, 323.

Friday

 PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

 1      Why is earthly prosperity often a curse and a snare to God’s people?

2      How can we as parents improve in guiding and nurturing our children?

3      Name some vain aspects of dress that show signs of spiritual weakness.

4      How can we lead our youth to develop holier tastes and purer minds?

5      In what ways am I being self-willed instead of surrendered to God?

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

Bible Study Guides – Insights from the Book of Isaiah (1) — The State of the Vineyard

by

October 1 – 7, 2017

Key Text

“What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes” (Isaiah 5:4)?

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 15–22, 303–305.

Introduction

“Yield up your self-will, the long idolized habits peculiar to yourself, that you may receive the principles of truth. Thus you become a branch of the True Vine, and you will not bear wild grapes or thorn-berries, but rich clusters of precious fruit.” The Review and Herald, April 12, 1892.

Sunday

1  THE CHERISHED VINEYARD

  • For what purposes did the Creator establish the Hebrew nation? Genesis 12:2; Deuteronomy 7:6–8; 26:17–19.
  • Why was this nation to be deeply grateful to God? Deuteronomy 32:9–12.
  • How did God plan for the Hebrew nation to bless other nations, and how does this apply to us today? Deuteronomy 4:5–8; Matthew 5:16.

Note: “The Lord has His eye upon every one of His people; He has His plans concerning each. It is His purpose that those who practice His holy precepts shall be a distinguished people. …

“Not to this world only but to the universe are we to make manifest the principles of His [God’s] kingdom.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 12, 13.

Monday

2  THE VINEYARD’S CONDITION TODAY

  • Why was God disappointed with the vineyard He loved? Isaiah 5:1–4.

Note: “They [the Jewish nation] desired to appropriate to themselves the fruits of the vineyard over which they had been made stewards. Their covetousness and greed caused them to be despised even by the heathen. Thus the Gentile world was given occasion to misinterpret the character of God and the laws of His kingdom.” Prophets and Kings, 20, 21.

  • When does the church not bear fruit from the true vine? John 15:4.

Note: “The Lord planted His church as a vine in a fruitful field. … But this vine of God’s planting has inclined to the earth and entwined its tendrils about human supports. Its branches are extended far and wide, but it bears the fruit of a degenerate vine. …

“The Lord has bestowed great blessings upon His church. Justice demands that she return these talents with usury. As the treasures of truth committed to her keeping have increased, her obligations have increased. But instead of improving upon these gifts and going forward unto perfection, she has fallen away from that which she had attained in her earlier experience. The change in her spiritual state has come gradually and almost imperceptibly. As she began to seek the praise and friendship of the world, her faith diminished, her zeal grew languid, her fervent devotion gave place to dead formality. Every advance step toward the world was a step away from God. As pride and worldly ambition have been cherished, the spirit of Christ has departed, and emulation, dissension, and strife have come in to distract and weaken the church.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 240, 241.

  • What kind of fruit is God longing to see us bear? Galatians 5:22, 23.

Note: “The fruit Christ claims, after the patient care bestowed upon His church, is faith, patience, love, forbearance, heavenly-mindedness, meekness. These are clusters of fruit which mature amid storm and cloud and darkness, as well as in the sunshine.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 117.

Tuesday

3  SHUNNING A SHALLOW EXPERIENCE

  • Describe the state of the Lord’s spiritual vineyard in the early reign of Uzziah, king of Judah? 2 Kings 15:1–3; 2 Chronicles 26:1–7, 15.

Note: “The long reign of Uzziah [also known as Azariah] in the land of Judah and Benjamin was characterized by a prosperity greater than that of any other ruler since the death of Solomon, nearly two centuries before. For many years the king ruled with discretion. Under the blessing of Heaven his armies regained some of the territory that had been lost in former years. Cities were rebuilt and fortified, and the position of the nation among the surrounding peoples was greatly strengthened. Commerce revived, and the riches of the nations flowed into Jerusalem.” Prophets and Kings, 303.

  • Name some spiritual blemishes that darkened the picture. 2 Kings 15:4.

Note: “This outward prosperity [under Uzziah] … was not accompanied by a corresponding revival of spiritual power. The temple services were continued as in former years, and multitudes assembled to worship the living God; but pride and formality gradually took the place of humility and sincerity.” Prophets and Kings, 303, 304.

  • How does a neglect to put away evil plague us? Song of Solomon 2:15.

Note: “Many pet and excuse the defects in their characters; but these must all be remedied. Every deviation from the right is sin, and sin must be put away. We cannot afford to walk carelessly before our brethren or before the world.

“Many confess their sins again and again, but do not put them away by genuine repentance. Unless we have a firm purpose and the aid of the grace of God, strong resolutions and vigilant watchfulness will be vain and powerless when temptations assail the soul.” The Signs of the Times, March 6, 1884.

“It is the little foxes that spoil the vines, the little neglects, the little deficiencies, the little dishonesties, the little departures from principle, that blind the soul and separate it from God.” In Heavenly Places, 226.

Wednesday

3  TARNISHED BY PRIDE

  • Why did disaster come upon Uzziah? 2 Chronicles 26:16–21; Numbers 15:30.

Note: “The sin that resulted so disastrously to Uzziah was one of presumption. In violation of a plain command of Jehovah, that none but the descendants of Aaron should officiate as priests, the king entered the sanctuary ‘to burn incense upon the altar.’ Azariah the high priest and his associates remonstrated, and pleaded with him to turn from his purpose. ‘Thou hast trespassed,’ they urged; ‘neither shall it be for thine honor’ (2 Chronicles 26:16, 18).

“Uzziah was filled with wrath that he, the king, should be thus rebuked. But he was not permitted to profane the sanctuary against the united protest of those in authority. While standing there, in wrathful rebellion, he was suddenly smitten with a divine judgment. Leprosy appeared on his forehead. In dismay he fled, never again to enter the temple courts. Unto the day of his death, some years later, Uzziah remained a leper—a living example of the folly of departing from a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ Neither his exalted position nor his long life of service could be pleaded as an excuse for the presumptuous sin by which he marred the closing years of his reign, and brought upon himself the judgment of Heaven.” Prophets and Kings, 304.

“The Lord has ordained men to certain positions in his church, and He would not have them step out of the places to which He has appointed them. When the Lord gives them a measure of success, they are not to become lifted up, and think themselves qualified to do a work for which they are not fitted, and to which God has not called them.” The Review and Herald, August 14, 1900.

  • How does God consider pride? Proverbs 6:16, 17; James 4:6.

Note: “He who falls into some of the grosser sins may feel a sense of his shame and poverty and his need of the grace of Christ; but pride feels no need, and so it closes the heart against Christ and the infinite blessings He came to give.” Steps to Christ, 30.

“Pride, self-confidence, love of the world, fault-finding, bitterness, envy, are the fruit borne by many who profess the religion of Christ. Their deportment is in sharp contrast to the character of Christ. … With such conversions Christ had no connection.” The Review and Herald, April 15, 1902.

Thursday

4  FACING CONSEQUENCES OR CHOOSING CONSECRATION?

  •  Describe the prevailing conditions in Israel and Judah at the time Isaiah was called to serve as a prophet. Isaiah 1:1–9, 21–23.

Note: “The reign of Uzziah was drawing to a close, and Jotham was already bearing many of the burdens of state, when Isaiah, of the royal line, was called, while yet a young man, to the prophetic mission. … The divine protection was being removed, and the Assyrian forces were about to overspread the land of Judah.

“But the dangers from without, overwhelming though they seemed, were not so serious as the dangers from within. It was the perversity of his people that brought to the Lord’s servant the greatest perplexity and the deepest depression.” Prophets and Kings, 305.

  • What summarizes the plight of the faithful, then and now? Psalm 11:3.

Note: “With oppression and wealth came pride and love of display, gross drunkenness, and a spirit of revelry. … Iniquitous practices had become so prevalent among all classes that the few who remained true to God were often tempted to lose heart and to give way to discouragement and despair.” Prophets and Kings, 306.

“While others are panting after earthly enjoyments, be ye panting after the unmistakable assurance of the love of God, earnestly, fervently crying: Who will show me how to make my calling and election sure?” Testimonies, vol. 2, 145.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

 1      What caused the faith of God’s church to decline?

2      Name one seemingly small oversight during Uzziah’s reign.

3      Why does God consider pride such a grievous sin? Do we?

4      How did Judah’s superficial prosperity eventually affect them as a nation?

5     In an age of degeneracy, what do God’s faithful few need to realize?

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