leaven

Sin in the Church

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Let Christ’s methods be followed in dealing with those who make mistakes.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 266.

Ellen White explains: “A sister for whom I had a testimony that she lacked discretion and caution, and did not fully control her words and actions, came in with her husband and manifested feelings of great unreconciliation and agitation.… Her pride was touched as I brought out her faults in so public a manner. Here was evidently the main difficulty. But why should she feel thus? The brethren and sisters knew these things were so, therefore I was not informing them of anything new.…Her husband seemed to feel unreconciled to my bringing out her faults before the church and stated that if Sister White had followed the directions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15–17 he should not have felt hurt: ‘Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone.…’ My husband then stated that he should understand that these words of our Lord had reference to cases of personal trespass, and could not be applied in the case of this sister. She had not trespassed against Sister White. But that which had been reproved publicly was public wrongs which threatened the prosperity of the church and the cause. Here, said my husband, is a text applicable to the case: 1 Timothy 5:20: ‘Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.’” Testimonies, vol. 2, 14, 15.

Are We to Openly Rebuke Sin?

“We must cry aloud and spare not, lest our silence be interpreted to mean consent. The time has come when each one must stand in his lot and place, prepared to call sin, sin, and righteousness, righteousness.” Loma Linda Messages, 48.

One, Glorying in Sin, Leavens the Whole Body of Believers

“Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” 1 Corinthians 5:6. “The history of Achan teaches.…Sin is corrupting in its nature.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 996. “Disobedience…tends to corrupt the faith of others. That which looked very wrong to them at first, gradually loses this appearance by being constantly before them.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 146.

Purpose of Open Rebuke — Teaches Others to Fear and Stops the Leaven

“Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” 1 Timothy 5:20. “Open rebuke is necessary, to prevent others from being ensnared.” Series B, 26. “Sin and sinners in the church must be promptly dealt with, that others may fear God.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 105.

“Put away the evil from among you. And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you.” Deuteronomy 19:19, 20 NKJV.

Open Rebuke is to be as Broad as the Injury Done

“If the wrongdoer only were concerned, and the work reached no farther than him, he alone should have the words of warning; but when his course of action is doing positive harm to the cause of truth, and souls are imperiled, God requires that the warning be as broad as the injury done.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 152.

Are Only Prophets and Leaders Called to Rebuke Sin?

“It is the duty of every faithful servant of God, to firmly and decidedly withstand these perverters of the faith, and to fearlessly expose their errors by the word of truth.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 192.

“It is the duty of both watchmen and laymen to give the trumpet a certain sound.” Home Missionary, February 1, 1890. “It is not enough to merely profess to believe the truth. All the soldiers of the cross of Christ virtually obligate themselves to enter the crusade against the adversary of souls, to condemn wrong and sustain righteousness.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 254. “The church members that are awake will rise to the emergency, manifesting greater diligence as iniquity abounds. The very manifestations of satanic power are to be presented in their true light before the people.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, 310. “No longer consent to listen without protest to the perversion of truth. Unmask the pretentious sophistries.…” Selected Messages, Book 1, 196.

Are Leaders to be Openly Rebuked?

“When he [a servant of God] begins to work against the truth, and make his disaffection public, declaring things untrue which are true, these things must be met. The people must not be left to believe a lie. They must be undeceived.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, 332. “When men stand out in defiance against the counsel of God, they are warring against God. Is it right for those connected with such ones to treat them as if they were in perfect harmony with them…? Though they be ministers or medical missionaries…Open rebuke is necessary, to prevent others from being ensnared.” Series B, 26.

God is No Respecter of Persons

“Men of courage and energy are needed to expose fashionable sins. Iniquity must not be palliated and excused. Those who lead the church to follow the customs and practices of the world, are not to be lauded and exalted. No regard for family or position will hinder the faithful servants of Christ from guarding the interests of His people. God is no respecter of persons.” Southern Watchman, July 12, 1904. “It is no time now to tolerate sleepy watchmen, and they never should have been tolerated.” Review and Herald, March 24, 1896. “In the work of reform to be carried forward today, there is need of men who, like Ezra and Nehemiah, will not palliate or excuse sin, nor shrink from vindicating the honor of God.…[Those who] will not hold their peace when wrong is done, neither will they cover evil with a cloak of false charity. They will remember that God is no respecter of persons.…” Conflict and Courage, 269.

Like John, Expose Plainly and Pointedly the Sins of Individual Leaders

“The message we bear must be as direct as was the message of John. He rebuked kings for their iniquity.…And our work in this age must be as faithfully done. Selected Messages, Book 2, 151. “The work of John was to expose the character of the works of the Pharisees, to set their traditions and heresies in their true light before the people.” Review and Herald, April 3, 1894. “Kings and rulers came to the wilderness to hear the prophet, and were interested, and deeply convicted as he fearlessly pointed out their particular sins.” Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 48. “God requires His people in this age of the world to stand for the right as unflinchingly as did John in opposition to soul-destroying errors.” The Acts of the Apostles, 555.

Should We Just Pray—For the Sins of the Church?

“Zimri, a prince of the chief housein the tribe of Simeon.…publicly appeared before the people leading a Midianitish harlot, one of high standing, a daughter of a chief house in Midian, in the sight of Moses and the congregation. He thus showed open contempt of God. He gloried in his shame; for wine had perverted his senses.…Moses and the people who had taken no part in this great departure from God’s law, were weeping and lamenting at the door of the tabernacle for the sins of the people, and the plague that had begun.…The priests were weeping between the porch and the altar, crying, ‘Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach.’ Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, and rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin, and went after the man of Israel into the tent, and killed them both. This staid the plague.…The point to be marked is, that Moses’ prayers were not heard, neither his weeping nor the sorrow and prayers of those who had maintained their integrity, until justice was executed upon that demoralized, God-defying prince. God says of Phinehas, He ‘hath turned away My wrath from the children of Israel.’ It was the greatest mercy that Phinehas could do to Israel, to deal promptly and decidedly with the guilty, and thus be instrumental in turning the wrath of God from the congregation of Israel. Something besides prayers and tears are needed in a time when reproach and peril are hanging over God’s people. The wicked works must be brought to an end.” Review and Herald, May 17, 1887.

“The sin of one man caused Israel to be beaten before the enemy. Something more than prayer was required. They were to get up and cleanse the camp of Israel.” Conflict and Courage, 120. “There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 143. “Many are longing to grow in grace; they pray over the matter, and are surprised that their prayers are not answered. The Master has given them a work to do whereby they shall grow. Of what value is it to pray when there is need of work?” Youth’s Instructor, February 3, 1898. “We entreat those who have a connection with God to pray earnestly and in faith, and not to stop here, but to work as well as pray, for the purification of the church.” Review and Herald, June 3, 1880.

Is it “Christlike”— to Show God’s People Their Sins?

“Jesus…never purchased peace by covering iniquity, or by anything like compromise.…He was never indulgent to their sins. He was too much their friend to remain silent while they were pursuing a course which would ruin their souls.…” The Upward Look, 220.

“Christ, at the very beginning of His ministry, openly rebuked the super-ficial morality and ostentatious piety of the Jews.” Redemption, vol. 4, 33.

“Then spake Jesus to the multi-tude,…saying,…Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!…Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers…” Matthew 23:1, 2, 13, 33. “Christ, who knew their hearts, held up their religious pretensions as God viewed them. He stripped from them their robe of apparent righteousness, laying bare their hypocrisy.” Signs of the Times, February 10, 1898. “The Lord did not permit the sins of His people to pass without rebuke.” Ibid., June 2, 1881. “Jesus did not let the matter drop without administering a rebuke to His enemies.” Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 197.

Is it Love—to Show God’s People Their Sins?

“‘You must have charity,’ is the cry heard everywhere…But true charity is too pure to cover an unconfessed sin.…The apostle teaches that while we should manifest Christian courtesy we are authorized to deal in plain terms with sin and sinners; that this is not inconsistent with true charity.” The Acts of the Apostles, 555, 556.

“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor.…” Leviticus 19:17.

“To practice the principle of love will not prevent us from dealing plainly with our brethren, in kindness pointing out wrongs and shortcomings when it is necessary to do so. Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, 156.

“The hearts of God’s servants will overflow with love and sympathy for the erring…but they will have no soft words for sin. They show the truest friendship who reprove error and sin without partiality and without hypocrisy.” Evangelism, 368. “True love is a love which seeks first the honor of God and the salvation of souls. Those who have this love will not evade the truth to save themselves from the unpleasant results of plain speaking.” Review and Herald, October 22, 1901.

“Those who have the true love of God in their hearts will not teach that sin should be handled with
gloved hands.” Signs of the Times, April 21, 1881.

Is it Critical or Negative—to Show God’s People Their Sins?

“The office of a messenger whom God has chosen to send with reproofs and warnings, is strangely misunderstood at the present time.” Review and Herald, July 25, 1893.

“Should a case like Achan’s be among us, there are many who would accuse those who might act the part of Joshua in searching out the wrong, of having a fault-finding, wicked spirit.” Ibid., June 8, 1886.

“Opposition has risen in the church to the plain testimony.…If the wrongs of individuals are touched, they complain of severity, and…are ready to…overlook the wrong which made it necessary for reproof and rebuke. When the church depart from God they despise the plain testimony, and complain of severity and harshness. It is a sad evidence of the lukewarm state of the church.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, 283, 284.

“Let none…charge the servants of God with being too zealous in endeavoring to cleanse the camp…” Prophets and Kings, 416.

“The salvation of sinners demands that every Christian shall act his part, and put forth a certain measure of positive power. ‘Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.’ The word must be spoken in season and out of season to those who are beguiled by Satan, and led to do evil things. Satan is working through his agents, and shall the soldiers of Christ exert no positive influence to save souls that are walking in the broad road to death?” Review and Herald, December 12, 1893.

Are We to Focus on the Sins of the Church?

“God requires His servants to walk in the light and not cover their eyes that they may not discern the working of Satan. They should be prepared to warn and reprove those who are in danger through his subtlety.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 196.

“If defiling sins are cherished…the displeasure of God rests upon the church,…until the members do all in their power to show their hatred for sin, and their determination to cast it out of the church.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Messages, 144 . “When the people realize that darkness is settling upon them, and they do not know the cause, they should seek God earnestly,…until the wrongs which grieve His Spirit are searched out and put away.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 265.

“It is a sin in any church not to search for the cause of their darkness…in the midst of them.” Ibid., vol. 3, 520.

Warn Sinners of Their Sins Continually

“Keep the warning message of truth before the people.…We are to cry aloud and spare not.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 174. “Ministers should be faithful watchmen, seeing the evil and warning the people. Their dangers must be set before them continually and pressed home upon them.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 515. “There is constant need of earnest, decided messages of warning.” Reflecting Christ, 32.

“The natural heart does not enjoy this constant reproving of sin and continual exalting of righteousness.” Signs of the Times, November 5, 1894. “Some…think the trouble is with the ones who…point out the sins of the people and correct their errors.…They think that the labors…would be acceptable if they were not continually condemning wrong and reproving sin.…These poor souls, I saw, were deceived by Satan.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 258, 259.

“Listen to hear them [Israelites] respond, ‘We do not wish to be continually reminded of our sins. Speak to us words of peace, encouragement, and hope, but do not keep ever before us . . . our backslidings.’” Signs of the Times, June 23, 1881.

“They were then decided…He [Moses] was not the right kind of man. He was too unyielding and kept their sins continually before them, warning, reproving, and threatening them with God’s displeasure.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 300.

Are We to Remain Neutral and Say Nothing?

“If God abhors one sin above another, of which His people are guilty, it is of doing nothing in a case of emergency. Indifference or neutrality in a religious crisis is regarded of God as a grievous crime; and equal to the very worst type of hostility against God.” Review and Herald, September 30, 1873.

“Arduous and unpleasant duties have to be performed. None are to place themselves where they will sanction wrong by silence. They aid and abet the schemes of the enemy by keeping their lips closed when they should speak decidedly.…” The Upward Look, 206.

“Those who, in an effort to be neutral,…may think that they are rendering a service to God, but such a thought is delusive.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 16, 10.

“Many have tried neutrality in a crisis, but they have failed in their purpose. No one can maintain a neutral ground. Those who endeavor to do this will fulfill Christ’s words, ‘No man can serve two masters’…[they] will at last be found enlisted on the enemy’s side.” This Day With God, 240.

Those Who Are Indifferent—Neutral Are Spewed Out

“‘If wrongs are apparent among His people, and if the servants of God pass on indifferent to them, they virtually sustain and justify the sinner, and are alike guilty and will just as surely receive the displeasure of God; for they will be made responsible for the sins of the guilty.’” Testimonies, vol. 5, 676.

“Those who by their carelessness or indifference permit God’s name to be dishonored by His professed people, are numbered with the transgressor,—registered in the record of Heaven as partakers in their evil deeds.” Signs of the Times, April 21, 1881. “Because thou art lukewarm,…I will spue thee out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:16.

Question & Answer – What is the Bible meaning of leaven and meal?

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“Another parable spake He unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened” (Matthew 13:33).

“When leaven is introduced into meal, it penetrates to every part, till an entire change takes place. So it is with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the human heart. The truth received and believed introduces new rules, new principles of action into the life. A new standard of character is set up—the life of Christ. Those who thus receive the truth depend on Christ, and they receive more and still more strength, and greater and still greater light. Daily they expel from their hearts vanity, selfishness, self-righteousness.

“As they receive the spirit of Christ, light shines from them in clear, distinct rays. They have a solemn sense of eternal realities. There is a renewal of the entire mind and heart. As the leaven introduced into the meal leavened the whole, so the leaven of truth, if introduced into the heart, will absorb to itself all the properties of soul, body, and spirit. …

“Transformation of heart means an entire change of the entire man. ‘Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God,’ Christ declared (John 3:3). This change of heart is unseen; for it is an inward work, and yet, it is seen, because it works outward from within.

“Has the leaven of truth been at work in your heart? Has it absorbed the whole heart, the whole affections by its sanctifying power? …

“Our first work is with our own hearts. The true principles of reform should be practiced. The heart must be converted and sanctified else we have no connection with Christ. While our hearts are divided, we shall never, never be fitted for usefulness in this life or for the future life. As intelligent beings, we need to sit down and think whether we are really seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The very best thing we can do is to think soberly and candidly whether we desire to put forth the effort necessary to obtain the Christian hope and secure the Christian’s heaven. If through the grace of Christ we decide that we do, the next question is: What is there that I must cut away from my life in order that I shall not stumble?” This Day With God, 48.

Bible Study Guide – Parables from the Master Teacher – The Leaven of Truth

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July 21, 2019 – July 27, 2019

Key Text

“Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened” (Matthew 13:33).

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 95–102.

Introduction

“The leaven hidden in the flour works invisibly to bring the whole mass under its leavening process; so the leaven of truth works secretly, silently, steadily, to transform the soul.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 98.

Sunday

LIKENED TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD

  • What were some of the Bible meanings of leaven? Luke 12:1; 1 Corinthians 5:8.

 Note: “Among the Jews leaven was sometimes used as an emblem of sin. At the time of the Passover the people were directed to remove all the leaven from their houses as they were to put away sin from their hearts.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 95, 96.

  • What, however, was the application made by Jesus to the leaven used in His parable? Luke 13:20, 21.

Note: “In the Saviour’s parable, leaven is used to represent the kingdom of heaven. It illustrates the quickening, assimilating power of the grace of God.

“None are so vile, none have fallen so low, as to be beyond the working of this power. In all who will submit themselves to the Holy Spirit a new principle of life is to be implanted; the lost image of God is to be restored in humanity.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 96.

Monday

CAPTIVATED BY CHRIST

  • How does God want to transform our life and for what purpose? Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:5.

Note: “All true reformation begins with soul-cleansing. It is by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the mind through the power of the Holy Spirit, that a change is wrought in the life. …

“If we would permit our minds to dwell more upon Christ and the heavenly world, we should find a powerful stimulus and support in fighting the battles of the Lord. Pride and love of the world will lose their power as we contemplate the glories of that better land so soon to be our home. Beside the loveliness of Christ, all earthly attractions will seem of little worth.” Sons and Daughters of God, 105.

“When we are united to Christ, we have the mind of Christ. Purity and love shine forth in the character, meekness and truth control the life. The very expression of the countenance is changed.

“Christ abiding in the soul exerts a transforming power, and the outward aspect bears witness to the peace and joy that reign within.” Reflecting Christ, 104.

  • How does God want to change our thoughts? 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 2:3, 4.

 Note: “By beholding Christ we become changed. If the mind dwells upon temporal things constantly, these things become all-absorbing, affecting the character, so that God’s glory is lost sight of and forgotten. The opportunities that are within reach for them to become conversant with heavenly things, are overlooked. Spiritual life dies.” Sons and Daughters of God, 105.

“By having a knowledge of Christ— His words, His habits, and His lessons of instruction—we borrow the virtues of the character we have so closely studied and become imbued with the spirit we have so much admired.” Ibid., 235.

“As we make Christ our daily companion we shall feel that the powers of an unseen world are all around us; and by looking unto Jesus we shall become assimilated to His image. By beholding we become changed. The character is softened, refined, and ennobled for the heavenly kingdom.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 85.

Tuesday

A HEART TRANSPLANT

  • When does the leaven of truth begin to work? Jeremiah 29:13. Where does God start? Jeremiah 24:7; Ezekiel 11:19.

Note: “As the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works from within outward, so it is by the renewing of the heart that the grace of God works to transform the life. No mere external change is sufficient to bring us into harmony with God. There are many who try to reform by correcting this or that bad habit, and they hope in this way to become Christians, but they are beginning in the wrong place. Our first work is with the heart.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 97.

“The whole heart must be yielded to God, or the change can never be wrought in us by which we are to be restored to His likeness.” Steps to Christ, 43.

“Put your whole being into the Lord’s hands—soul, body, and spirit—and resolve to be His loving, consecrated agency, moved by His will, controlled by His mind, infused by His Spirit.” Sons and Daughters of God, 105.

  • Describe the process by which the leaven works from within the heart. John 3:3–5.

Note: “When truth becomes an abiding principle in the life, the soul is ‘born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever’ (1 Peter 1:23). This new birth is the result of receiving Christ as the Word of God. When by the Holy Spirit divine truths are impressed upon the heart, new conceptions are awakened, and the energies hitherto dormant are aroused to co-operate with God.” The Acts of the Apostles, 520.

“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. …

“In humble, grateful dependence he who has been given a new heart relies upon the help of Christ. He reveals in his life the fruit of righteousness. He once loved himself. Worldly pleasure was his delight. Now his idol is dethroned, and God reigns supreme. The sins he once loved he now hates. Firmly and resolutely he follows in the path of holiness.” Messages to Young People, 72, 74.

Wednesday

AGENTS OF CHANGE

  • What is one of the means God uses to change the character? Romans 10:17; John 17:17.

Note: “The leaven of truth works a change in the whole man, making the coarse refined, the rough gentle, the selfish generous. By it the impure are cleansed, washed in the blood of the Lamb. Through its life-giving power it brings all there is of mind and soul and strength into harmony with the divine life. Man with his human nature becomes a partaker of divinity. Christ is honored in excellence and perfection of character. As these changes are effected, angels break forth in rapturous song, and God and Christ rejoice over souls fashioned after the divine similitude.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 102.

“If studied and obeyed, the word of God works in the heart, subduing every unholy attribute. The Holy Spirit comes to convict of sin, and the faith that springs up in the heart works by love to Christ, conforming us, body, soul, and spirit, to His will.” In Heavenly Places, 21.

  • How does the Holy Spirit work in the life to effect change? John 3:8. How does this compare with the work of the leaven in the flour?

Note: “The leaven hidden in the flour works invisibly to bring the whole mass under its leavening process; so the leaven of truth works secretly, silently, steadily, to transform the soul. The natural inclinations are softened and subdued. New thoughts, new feelings, new motives, are implanted. A new standard of character is set up—the life of Christ. The mind is changed; the faculties are roused to action in new lines. Man is not endowed with new faculties, but the faculties he has are sanctified. The conscience is awakened. We are endowed with traits of character that enable us to do service for God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 98, 99.

  • What will guide our decisions in our changed life? John 8:29.

Note: “The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer. This will lead us to do right because it is right—because right doing is pleasing to God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 97, 98.

Thursday

THE LEAVEN AT WORK IN THE LIFE

  • What is a basic attribute of God’s kingdom? 1 John 4:10; John 3:16.

 Note: “In the contemplation of Christ we linger on the shore of a love that is measureless. We endeavor to tell of this love, and language fails us. We consider His life on earth, His sacrifice for us, His work in heaven as our advocate, and the mansions He is preparing for those who love Him, and we can only exclaim, O the height and depth of the love of Christ!” The Acts of the Apostles, 333, 334.

  • How will this attribute be shown in our dealings with others? John 13:34; 1 John 4:11; Colossians 3:12.

 Note: “We should be self-forgetful, ever … watching for opportunities to cheer others and lighten and relieve their sorrows and burdens by acts of tender kindness and little deeds of love. These thoughtful courtesies, that, commencing in our families, extend outside the family circle, help make up the sum of life’s happiness.” My Life Today, 192.

“During every hour of Christ’s sojourn upon the earth, the love of God was flowing from Him in irrepressible streams. All who are imbued with His Spirit will love as He loved. The very principle that actuated Christ will actuate them in all their dealing one with another.” The Desire of Ages, 678.

“If Christ dwells in us, we shall reveal His unselfish love toward all with whom we have to do.” The Ministry of Healing, 162.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1     What power is shown by the leaven in the Saviour’s parable?

2    If we fill our thoughts with Christ and heaven, what effect will this change have upon our spiritual experience?

3    Why does a genuine life change work like the leaven, from within outward?

4    What are some ways the leaven of truth change us? What happens to our natural inclinations? What does this transformation mean?

5    How can we show the love of Christ to others?

 

©2018, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Bible Study Guides – A Little Leaven

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February 27, 2011 – March 5, 2011

Key Text

“Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” I Corinthians 5:6.

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 198–211; 272–283.

Introduction

“It is not only by resistance but by neglect that the soul is destroyed.” The Desire of Ages, 323.

1 How did Pharaoh destroy himself? Exodus 4:21.

Note: “There was no exercise of supernatural power to harden the heart of the king. God gave to Pharaoh the most striking evidence of divine power, but the monarch stubbornly refused to heed the light.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 268.

“It is not God that blinds the eyes of men or hardens their hearts. He sends them light to correct their errors, and to lead them in safe paths; it is by the rejection of this light that the eyes are blinded and the heart hardened.” The Desire of Ages, 322.

2 How do sinners destroy themselves? Galatians 6:7; Romans 2:5.

Note: “Just what took place in Pharaoh’s heart will take place in every soul that neglects to cherish the light and walk promptly in its rays. God destroys no one. The sinner destroys himself by his own impenitence. When a person once neglects to heed the invitations, reproofs, and warnings of the Spirit of God, his conscience becomes seared, and the next time he is admonished, it will be more difficult to yield obedience than before. And thus with every repetition. Conscience is the voice of God, heard amid the conflict of human passions; when it is resisted, the Spirit of God is grieved.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 120.

“He who has once yielded to temptation will yield more readily the second time.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 268.

3 Why is it so dangerous to resist the first impressions of the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 4:30; John 16:13.

Note: “We want all to understand how the soul is destroyed. It is not that God sends out a decree that man shall not be saved. He does not throw a darkness before the eyes which cannot be penetrated. But man at first resists a motion of the Spirit of God, and, having once resisted, it is less difficult to do so the second time, less the third, and far less the fourth. Then comes the harvest to be reaped from the seed of unbelief and resistance.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 120.

4 Why is the process of apostasy almost unnoticed to those yielding to the power of Satan? Isaiah 44:18; Jeremiah 5:21.

Note: “A knowledge of the state of the backslider from God seems to be hidden from him. Has the candlestick been removed out of its place? I call upon all who are resting unconcerned in their present state of spiritual deadness, to arouse and arise from the dead, and Christ will give them light. Many rest as content as though the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night were sheltering and guiding them. Many profess to know God, and yet deny Him in their works. They reckon themselves among God’s peculiar, chosen people, who have a special, solemn message entrusted to their keeping to sanctify their lives and to give to the world, and yet the power of the truth is scarcely felt or manifested in our midst in zealous work for God. How great is our darkness, and we know it not! The light has not diminished, but we walk not in its rays.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 451.

“It is not God that blinds the eyes of men or hardens their hearts. He sends them light to correct their errors, and to lead them in safe paths; it is by the rejection of this light that the eyes are blinded and the heart hardened. Often the process is gradual, and almost imperceptible. Light comes to the soul through God’s word, through His servants, or by the direct agency of His Spirit; but when one ray of light is disregarded, there is a partial benumbing of the spiritual perceptions, and the second revealing of light is less clearly discerned. So the darkness increases, until it is night in the soul.” The Desire of Ages, 322.

5 What is the relationship between little things and big things? Luke 16:10.

Note: “The children of God should cultivate a keen sensitiveness to sin. Here, as well as elsewhere, we should not despise the day of small things. It is one of Satan’s most successful devices, to lead men to the commission of little sins, to blind the mind to the danger of little indulgences, little digressions from the plainly stated requirements of God. Many who would shrink with horror from some great transgression, are led to look upon sin in little matters as of trifling consequence. But these little sins eat out the life of godliness in the soul. The feet which enter upon a path diverging from the right way are tending toward the broad road that ends in death. When once a retrograde movement begins, no one can tell where it may end.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 1017.

6 How does the neglect of little things affect our lives? The Song of Solomon 2:15.

Note: “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.

“It is the little things of life that develop the spirit and determine the character. Those who neglect the little things will not be prepared to endure severe tests when they are brought to bear upon them. Remember that the character building is not finished till life ends. Every day a good or a bad brick is placed in the structure. You are either building crookedly or with the exactness and correctness that will make a beautiful temple for God. Therefore, in looking for great things to do, neglect not the little opportunities that come to you day by day. He who neglects the little things, and yet flatters himself that he is ready to do wonderful things for the Master, is in danger of failing altogether. Life is made up, not of great sacrifices and wonderful achievements, but of little things.” The Review and Herald, December 29, 1910.

“They [the truths of the word of God] will brighten the common life, supplying motives for obedience and principles for the formation of a right character.” The Adventist Home, 189.

7 How may we be in danger of playing into the hands of Satan in a careless moment? Matthew 12:34, second part.

Note: “Men are influenced by their own words. Often under a momentary impulse, prompted by Satan, they give utterance to jealousy or evil surmising, expressing that which they do not really believe; but the expression reacts on the thoughts. They are deceived by their words, and come to believe that true which was spoken at Satan’s instigation. Having once expressed an opinion or decision, they are often too proud to retract it, and try to prove themselves in the right, until they come to believe that they are. It is dangerous to utter a word of doubt, dangerous to question and criticize divine light.” The Desire of Ages, 323.

8 What often triggers the downward spiral of apostasy? Luke 11:24–26. How does a neglect of prayer and Bible study hasten this? Mark 4:19.

Note: “It is not only by resistance but by neglect that the soul is destroyed.” The Desire of Ages, 323.

“Many become so absorbed in business that they have no time for prayer, no time for the study of the Bible, no time to seek and serve God. At times the longings of the soul go out for holiness and heaven; but there is no time to turn aside from the din of the world to listen to the majestic and authoritative utterances of the Spirit of God. The things of eternity are made subordinate, the things of the world supreme. It is impossible for the seed of the word to bring forth fruit; for the life of the soul is given to nourish the thorns of worldliness.

“And many who are working with a very different purpose, fall into a like error. They are working for others’ good; their duties are pressing, their responsibilities are many, and they allow their labor to crowd out devotion. Communion with God through prayer and a study of His word is neglected.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 51, 52.

“When secret prayer and reading of the Scriptures are neglected today, tomorrow they can be omitted with less remonstrance of conscience. There will be a long list of omissions, all for a single grain sown in the soil of the heart. On the other hand, every ray of light cherished will yield a harvest of light.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 120.

9 What shows that professed believers may unwittingly join the ranks of Satan without leaving the church? Matthew 7:22, 23.

Note: “One safeguard removed from conscience, the indulgence of one evil habit, a single neglect of the high claims of duty, may be the beginning of a course of deception that will pass you into the ranks of those who are serving Satan, while you are all the time professing to love God and His cause. A moment of thoughtlessness, a single misstep, may turn the whole current of your lives in the wrong direction. And you may never know what caused your ruin until the sentence is pronounced: ‘Depart from Me, ye that work iniquity’ [Matthew 7:23].” Testimonies, vol. 5, 398.

10 What happens when church members fail to make a complete surrender to Christ? Romans 6:16.

Note: “He who does not give himself wholly to God is under the control of another power, listening to another voice, whose suggestions are of an entirely different character. Half-and-half service places the human agent on the side of the enemy as a successful ally of the hosts of darkness. When men who claim to be soldiers of Christ engage with the confederacy of Satan, and help along his side, they prove themselves enemies of Christ. They betray sacred trusts. They form a link between Satan and the true soldiers, so that through these agencies the enemy is constantly working to steal away the hearts of Christ’s soldiers.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 94.

Review and Thought Questions:

1 What will take place in every soul who neglects to walk in the light received?

2 How do people get their eyes blinded and their hearts hardened?

3 If the little digressions from the path of truth and righteousness continue, what is the unavoidable result?

4 Name two seeds from which self-destruction is reaped.

5 What things mark the beginning of the road that ends in damnation?

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

The Leaven of Rebellion

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When Jesus walked among men, He gave a most wonderful discourse the day He ordained His twelve apostles to the work of the ministry. He had spent the night praying for wisdom to break the deceptive power that had come over the minds of men. Following this night of prayer, He gave His most famous sermon—the rule of life for all men: “The Sermon on the Mount.”

We are told in the book Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, 13, that the twelve beatitudes, are an “advancing line of Christian experience.” The first step is, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5:3. The very first step toward Christ is to realize our own poverty and to have a humble view of ourselves. We must not only have this experience when we first come to the Lord, but we must daily retake this initial step in the Christian walk. Paul has instructed us, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” Colossians 2:6

Sometimes a good way to understand the importance of humility is to think about the results of a life where it is lacking. In this article, we will look at the first beatitude by studying a story where pride was the ruling element instead of humility.

Rebellion in Heaven

A few thousand years ago there was a great rebellion in Heaven. Lucifer said in his heart, “I will ascend into Heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God . . . I will be like the Most High.” Isaiah 14:13, 14. This is no admission of humility. Lucifer was determined to be rich, and clothed with the same honor, authority and power as his Creator. Today we are living in a world that has been subtly sold on Lucifer’s deceptive philosophy.

“The same spirit that prompted rebellion in Heaven still inspires rebellion on earth. Satan has continued with men the same policy which he pursued with the angels.” Great Controversy, 500. What was this policy that Satan used to take a third of the angels in rebellion? How could he get angels out of a perfect Heaven where there was peace and joy, to accept strife, discord, and bitterness? And now, he has instilled his policy into the minds of men and deceived the world with it.

Lucifer, “was a high and exalted angel, next in honor to God’s dear Son. His countenance . . . was brighter and more beautiful” than all the other angels. Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 17. In his heart he became envious of Christ, and the very first manifestation of his envy was that he “gradually assumed command” over the angels, which devolved on Jesus alone, Ibid. Beware when someone starts assuming command, over others, that does not belong to them.

God knew the heart of Lucifer. Before anything else was apparent, except that one “little” manifestation, God called a meeting. Before the assembled angelic host, He conferred special honor upon His Son. He explained that His Son was equal with Himself and the angels were all under His mild and gentle rulership. When this was stated, Lucifer bowed down and worshipped with the other angels, but in his heart there was a strange conflict. Fighting in his heart against love, joy, and peace were envy, jealousy, and hatred. This time, when he left the presence of God, he determined that he was not ever again going to bow in acknowledgment to the authority of God’s Son. Thus began the mystery of iniquity.

Lucifer gloried in his loftiness. This is not the result of “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” It is the result of pride. He questioned why Christ should be honored before himself. He did not like being in second place, and if we cannot take being less than in first place, we have the same problem. Lucifer wanted to take the place of Christ and be above Him. However, Lucifer carefully concealed his real purposes. A second meeting of the angelic hosts was called by Lucifer himself. He introduced his subject, which was himself, and indicated that it was not right for Jesus to be preferred above him.

Proofing the Bread

When a baker prepares to make bread, one of the first things he does is “proof” the yeast to make sure it is active. This is done by putting the yeast in warm water with some flour and sweetener. If the yeast is active, the “proof” mixture quickly starts fomenting and bubbling. Then you know the yeast, even though unseen, has the strength to raise the bread. This leaven of rebellion started fomenting and working among the angels in Heaven, just as a little yeast does when it is “proofed.” Satan “stated to them that he had called them together to assure them that he no longer would submit to this invasion of his rights and theirs.” Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 18. He told them that they should not allow their rights to be invaded either.

The sure result of Satan’s leaven followed—”there was contention among the angels.” Ibid., 19. Whenever we see contention, there is some leaven working underneath that we cannot see. Contention is the “proof” that somewhere some of Satan’s leaven is at work. The angels were deceived by Satan’s leaven into thinking that they were only trying to make Heaven a better place. “They were discontented and unhappy because they could not look into God’s unsearchable wisdom and ascertain His purposes.” Ibid. “Oh”, they thought, “If only God would take us into His plans, how much better we could make things.”

“Taking advantage of the loving, loyal trust reposed in him by the holy beings under his command, he had so artfully instilled into their minds his own distrust and discontent that his agency was not discerned. Lucifer had presented the purposes of God in a false light, misconstruing and distorting them to excite dissent and dissatisfaction. He cunningly drew his hearers on to give utterance to their feelings; then these expressions were repeated by him when it would serve his purpose, as evidence that the angels were not in harmony with the government of God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 38. Beware when anyone tries to draw you into saying words of distrust. This is some of the leaven of rebellion at work.

Satan made claims that were not in actuality the real situation. “While claiming for himself perfect loyalty to God . . . he urged that changes in the order and laws of Heaven were necessary for the stability of the divine government.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 38. This was his leaven working silently and imperceptibly. In reality Satan was working “to excite opposition to the law of God and to instill his own discontent into the minds of the angels under him.” However, he claimed to be “seeking to remove dissatisfaction and to reconcile disaffected angels to the order of Heaven.” The dissatisfaction he implanted, he now claimed he was trying to remove. “While secretly fomenting discord and rebellion, he with consummate craft caused it to appear as his sole purpose to promote loyalty and to preserve harmony and peace.” Ibid. Beware when someone claims to be doing the opposite of what is really happening.

“While there was no open outbreak, division of feeling imperceptibly grew among the angels . . . they were now discontented and unhappy because they could not penetrate His unsearchable counsels; they were dissatisfied with His purpose in exalting Christ.” The disloyal angels now “stood ready to second Lucifer’s demand for equal authority with the Son of God.” Ibid.

What Does the Leaven Represent?

At the Lord’s Supper, we eat unleavened bread. There is a reason. The leaven represents this subtle reasoning of Satan. He told them that “henceforth all the sweet liberty the angels had enjoyed was at an end.” That is some of his leaven. Paul admonishes us, “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Corinthians 5:6-8

The leaven of rebellion once in the heart does a fearful work. One of its terrible deceptive manifestations is in complicating simple things by making them mysterious. “Everything simple Satan shrouded in mystery.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 41. The same thing is still happening today. Some of the simplest statements in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy have been made complicated and then conveniently dispensed of. Beware when anyone takes plain statements of inspiration and makes them of none effect by making them complicated.

Hearing of Satan’s demand for equal authority, the loyal angels hastened to inform Jesus of the situation and found Him in counsel with His Father. The Lord saw that the seed of rebellion had grown so strong that there was no turning back. The disloyal angels had lived in the full light of the love of God. But now, their hearts were fully set in them to do evil. “They had learned the lesson of genuine rebellion against the unchangeable law of God; and this is incurable.” Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 21

Loyal angels pled and reasoned with Lucifer, but he became angry and told them they were deluded slaves. A third meeting of the angels, vastly different from the first, was called by the Father. (Lucifer had, on his own, called the second meeting of the angels.) Instead of bowing low before His Creator, Lucifer “stood up proudly and urged that he should be equal with God and be taken into conference with the Father and understand His purposes.” Ibid., 22. The angels each displayed their hearts at that meeting; each case was decided. To make it plain to the angelic hosts what was in each heart, each angel had to join one army or the other. (There was no fence riding.) Then there was war in Heaven resulting in Satan and his angels being physically cast out of Heaven.

The disloyal angels were sorely disappointed at being cast out of Heaven. They “had become turbulent with disappointed hopes. Instead of greater good, they were experiencing the sad results of disobedience and disregard of law. Never more would these unhappy beings be swayed by the mild rule of Jesus Christ.” Ibid., 29

Forever too Late

After Satan was cast out of Heaven, he had time for reflection. A most interesting note is made about this by Ellen White. “Satan trembled . . . He was all alone in meditation upon the past, the present, and his future plans. His mighty frame shook as with a tempest. An angel from Heaven was passing. He called him, and entreated an interview with Christ.” This was granted him. As Satan and Jesus talked, Satan told Jesus “that he repented of his rebellion, and wished again the favor of God. He was willing to take the place God had previously assigned him, and be under his wise command. Christ wept at Satan’s woe, but told him, as the mind of God, that he could never be received into Heaven. Heaven must not be placed in jeopardy. All Heaven would be marred should he be received back; for sin and rebellion originated with him. The seeds of rebellion were still within him.” Ibid., 29

Satan was full of grief and anger when Jesus told him he would not be allowed back into Heaven. He went off alone in meditation to think about his wretched condition. “To be commander out of Heaven, was vastly different from being thus honored in Heaven. The loss he had sustained of all the privileges of Heaven seemed too much to be borne. He wished to regain these.” Ibid., 30. Satan determined to get back at God for not allowing him back into Heaven. He then talked to his angels and said, “We must overthrow Adam and Eve. That’s how we will get back at God. That’s what we’ll do.” He started right then to make his plans to get the leaven of sin into Adam and Eve. But even Satan “shuddered at the thought of plunging this holy, happy pair into the misery and remorse he was himself enduring.” Ibid., 32. Nevertheless, his rebellion was so great that he went right ahead with his plans for their fall.

The War

Are you fighting the good fight of faith against the leaven of rebellion in your own heart? The devil would like to trick people into thinking that they can stay on the fence and be safe, but there is no middle ground in this war. Before it is done, you are going to join an army and everyone is going to know which side you are on. The great issue is still the authority of the Creator, and His mark of creatorship is the seventh-day Sabbath. The initial fight in Heaven and the fight today have not changed. It is still over the authority of God.

The Lord says “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed.” Genesis 3:15. This is an enmity that we must have—to hate with a perfect hatred this rebellion against God and His law. If the seeds of rebellion are not cast out, the leaven grows, silently and imperceptibly until it takes over the heart.

Satan’s Special Tool

Today there are all kinds of theories floating around. People are surmising this and that about many elements of God and His government that have never been revealed to us in inspiration. I cannot help but think of Satan’s first trick. “This has been his special work with great success ever since his fall, to lead men to pry into the secrets of the Almighty.” Ibid., 36. What has been revealed to us belongs to us and to our children to obey. But what has not been revealed, we had better leave alone or we may enter into the fomenting rebellion of Satan. There are things that God “has been pleased to withhold from mortals. They are elated with their ideas of progression, and charmed with their own vain philosophy; but grope in midnight darkness relative to true knowledge. They are ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Ibid., 37

Do not think that Satan has forgotten this secret even in the ranks of Historic Adventists. He is working to instill this “irreverent curiosity,” to lead us to pry into things that God “has been pleased not to reveal to mortals.” Then he tempts men to disobey by leading them to believe that they are entering a wonderful “field of knowledge.” But all of this is a deception.

Satan uses very skillfully what God will not use—deceit. Deceit in the heart works like yeast does in the mixture when the baker “proofs” it—it foments and bubbles. Some of the elements of this fomenting and bubbling are seen in the following: evil curiosity about what somebody else is saying or doing, getting people to say things, then repeating it and using it as evidence against them, gossiping, backbiting, and flattering. You can see the results of this kind of leaven in the disunity and discontent that is sure to follow. Whenever you see contention, that is a sure sign that the leaven is at work.

A lesson that we would do well to ponder and copy is how God dealt with Satan’s rebellion. God could have easily destroyed Satan and his followers. But instead of using force, He chose to use love, kindness, and truth. He sent His Son who was the Truth to show the whole universe the evil of deceit. When Jesus came to deliver us from the deceptions of Satan, He emptied Himself and took one step after another in the path of humility. He showed us that He was not grasping for power. He walked among the lowly of this earth. He was despised and rejected of men. He took on our nature that He might expel the leaven of sin and rebellion from our hearts. It must be cast out of our heart or it will overtake us.

God has promised that with His stripes we will be healed. The prayer of David must become our own prayer. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalms 139:23, 24. God will bring us the victory. We must begin having the victory by casting down our pride and by realizing our spiritual poverty. We must work out in our own experience the great principle, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”

The End

Bible Study Guides – Sanctifying Power of Truth

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December 29, 2013 – January 4, 2014

The Gospel Potential

Key Text

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” Matthew 13:33.

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 95–102; The Review and Herald, July 25, 1899.

Introduction

“None are so vile, none have fallen so low, as to be beyond the working of this power. In all who will submit themselves to the Holy Spirit a new principle of life is to be implanted; the lost image of God is to be restored in humanity.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 96.

1 THE LEAVEN

  • To what did Jesus liken the kingdom of heaven? Matthew 13:33.
  • Leaven is used to symbolize what other things? Were there other meanings used or connected with leaven? Luke 12:1; I Corinthians 5:8.

Note: “Among the Jews leaven was sometimes used as an emblem of sin. At the time of the Passover the people were directed to remove all the leaven from their houses as they were to put away sin from their hearts. … But in the Saviour’s parable, leaven is used to represent the kingdom of heaven. It illustrates the quickening, assimilating power of the grace of God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 95.

  • What is the response of those who receive the truth? II John 1:4.

Note: “When leaven is introduced into meal, it penetrates to every part, till an entire change takes place. So it is with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the human heart. The truth received and believed introduces new rules, new principles of action into the life. A new standard of character is set up—the life of Christ. Those who thus receive the truth depend on Christ, and they receive more and still more strength, and greater and still greater light. Daily they expel from their hearts vanity, selfishness, self-righteousness.” This Day With God, 48.

2 RENEWAL OF MIND AND HEART

  • Once leaven is introduced, what happens? Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:21.
  • What happens when the leaven of truth is introduced into the heart?

Note: “As they receive the spirit of Christ, light shines from them in clear, distinct rays. They have a solemn sense of eternal realities. There is a renewal of the entire mind and heart. As the leaven introduced into the meal leavened the whole, so the leaven of truth, if introduced into the heart, will absorb to itself all the properties of soul, body, and spirit.” This Day With God, 48.

  • What must happen before anybody can see the kingdom of God? John 3:3.

Note: “Transformation of heart means an entire change of the entire man. … This change of heart is unseen; for it is an inward work, and yet, it is seen, because it works outward from within.

“Has the leaven of truth been at work in your heart? Has it absorbed the whole heart, the whole affections by its sanctifying power?

“When our minds are controlled by the Spirit of God, we shall understand the lesson taught by the parable of the leaven. Those who open their hearts to receive the truth will realize that the word of God is the great instrumentality in the transformation of character.

“As the leaven operates on the meal, so the Holy Spirit operates on the human heart, absorbing all its capabilities and powers, bringing soul, body, and spirit into conformity to Christ.” The Review and Herald, July 25, 1899.

3 LIGHT AND UNDERSTANDING

  • What is it that gives light and understanding? Psalm 119:130, 105.
  • To what is the Word compared? Hebrews 4:12; John 17:17.

Note: “Christ came to this world to declare the truth, that we might be sanctified by it.” The Review and Herald, July 25, 1899.

  • Why is it important to know Who the Word represents? John 1:9–14; John 17:3; John 3:16.

Note: “These words embody everything; and we can not, therefore, place too much importance on them. … Then shall we not awaken to our holy responsibilities, and strive to meet God’s standard of character? If we are one with Christ by faith, we are sons and daughters of God.” The Review and Herald, July 25, 1899.

  • What did Jesus say to Peter regarding his conversion? Luke 22:31, 32.

Note: “A profession of faith and the possession of truth in the soul are two different things. The mere knowledge of truth is not enough. We may possess this, but the tenor of our thoughts may not be changed. The heart must be converted and sanctified.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 97.

4 THE REIGN OF DEATH AND SIN

  • What counsel are we given in Romans 6:12–14?

Note: “ ‘What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet’ (Romans 7:7). The Holy Spirit presents the law to the sinner as God’s only standard of character. ‘For I was alive without the law once,’ Paul continues; ‘but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. … I delight in the law of God after the inward man’ (Romans 7:9–12, 22).” The Review and Herald, July 25, 1899.

  • Why did death reign? Romans 5:17.
  • What two things are received through Jesus Christ? Romans 5:19.

Note: “By the grace of Christ we are saved. But grace does not abolish the law of God. The law is the transcript of God’s character. It presents His righteousness in contrast with unrighteousness. By the law is the knowledge of sin. The law makes sin appear exceeding sinful. It condemns the transgressor, but it has no power to save and restore him. Its province is not to pardon. Pardon comes through Christ, who lived the law in humanity. Man’s only hope is in the substitute provided by God, who gave His Son, that He might reconcile the world to Himself. ‘He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him’ (II Corinthians 5:21).” The Review and Herald, July 25, 1899.

  • Who are those that received no condemnation? Romans 8:1–4.

5 FITTED FOR USEFULNESS

  • What are we to seek first? Matthew 6:33. Once received, how is this expanded? Philippians 2:12, 13.

Note: “Our first work is with our own hearts. The true principles of reform should be practiced. The heart must be converted and sanctified else we have no connection with Christ. While our hearts are divided, we shall never, never be fitted for usefulness in this life or for the future life. As intelligent beings, we need to sit down and think whether we are really seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The very best thing we can do is to think soberly and candidly whether we desire to put forth the effort necessary to obtain the Christian hope and secure the Christian’s heaven. If through the grace of Christ we decide that we do, the next question is: What is there that I must cut away from my life in order that I shall not stumble?” This Day With God, 48.

  • What does Jesus Christ become for us? I Corinthians 1:30.

Note: “Are you standing on the foundation laid by Christ? Have you faith in Him, who is made unto us ‘wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption’ (1 Corinthians 1:30)? His word is true, and it requires those who believe in Him to be sanctified, soul, body, and spirit. Sanctification is the measure of our completeness. The moment we surrender ourselves to God, believing in Him, we have His righteousness. We realize that we have been redeemed from sin, and we appreciate the sacrifice made to purchase our freedom.” The Review and Herald, July 25, 1899.

  • Why is our salvation complete when we accept Jesus Christ? Hebrews 10:10.

Note: “Our salvation is complete, because it is founded on the accomplishment of a plan laid before the foundation of the world. Before Christ came, a ceremonial holiness could be obtained by offering the blood of bulls and of goats; but these sacrifices could not cleanse the conscience. They were but a representation of Christ, the great sacrifice. The substance of all the sacrifices and offerings, He came to this world to do God’s will by offering Himself. He came as the world’s Redeemer, to stand at the head of humanity. The Holy Spirit comes to man through Christ. We are given a decided testimony regarding the value of Christ’s offering. God’s word declares, ‘By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all’ (Hebrews 10:10). It was a whole and entire sacrifice that was made for us.” The Review and Herald, July 25, 1899.

  • Why does Peter cou0nsel us to control our thoughts and how is this possible? I Peter 1:13, 18–23.

Note: “This sanctification we must all experience, else we can never gain eternal life. It is obtained by a union with Christ, a union which no power of Satan can break.

“Christ demands undivided heart-service—the entire use of mind, soul, heart, and strength. ‘What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s’ (11 Corinthians 6:19, 20). When we make this surrender, Christ sets our minds at rest, and consecrates our hearts and hands to His service. His wisdom gives us spiritual life, and enables us to manifest love to God and to one another. We reveal His grace in our characters; for we have His life. He presents us spotless before His Father; for we are sanctified through His blood. We are purged from dead works; for Jesus takes possession of the sanctified soul, to renew, sustain, and guide all its impulses, and give vitality to its purposes. Thus we become temples for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.” The Review and Herald, July 25, 1899.

Studies compiled by Judy Hallingstad. Judy is part of the LandMarks team and can be contacted by email at: judyhallingstad@stepstolife.org.