prayer

Bible Study Guides – Apart from God

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February 23, 2014 – March 1, 2014

Key Text

“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” Romans 7:24, 25.

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 200–202.

Introduction

“He saw the world in its wretchedness and sin, apart from God. All this misery was the result of man’s turning away from God to worship Satan.” The Story of Jesus, 47.

1 SEPARATION FROM GOD

  • What is it that the sinner does not want to retain in his mind and why? Romans 1:28. How does this compare with Luke 15:11–13?

Note: “Although surrounded with the blessings of His love, there is nothing that the sinner, bent on self-indulgence and sinful pleasure, desires so much as separation from God. Like the ungrateful son, he claims the good things of God as his by right. He takes them as a matter of course, and makes no return of gratitude, renders no service of love. As Cain went out from the presence of the Lord to seek his home; as the prodigal wandered into the ‘far country’ (Luke 15:13), so do sinners seek happiness in forgetfulness of God (Romans 1:28).” Christ’s Object Lessons, 200.

  • How do the professors of wisdom become fools? Romans 1:21, 22. What is the end result? Proverbs 5:22.

Note: “The Bible tells of men who ‘professing themselves to be wise’ ‘became fools’ (Romans 1:22); and this is the history of the young man of the parable. The wealth which he has selfishly claimed from his father he squanders upon harlots. The treasure of his young manhood is wasted. The precious years of life, the strength of intellect, the bright visions of youth, the spiritual aspirations—all are consumed in the fires of lust.

“A great famine arises, he begins to be in want, and he joins himself to a citizen of the country, who sends him into the field to feed swine. To a Jew this was the most menial and degrading of employments. The youth who has boasted of his liberty, now finds himself a slave. He is in the worst of bondage. … The glitter and tinsel that enticed him have disappeared, and he feels the burden of his chain. Sitting upon the ground in that desolate and famine-stricken land, with no companions but the swine, he is fain to fill himself with the husks on which the beasts are fed. Of the gay companions who flocked about him in his prosperous days and ate and drank at his expense, there is not one left to befriend him. Where now is his riotous joy? Stilling his conscience, benumbing his sensibilities, he thought himself happy; but now, with money spent, with hunger unsatisfied, with pride humbled, with his moral nature dwarfed, with his will weak and untrustworthy, with his finer feelings seemingly dead, he is the most wretched of mortals.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 199, 200.

2 SQUANDERED YEARS

  • What will eventually be the response of one who has lived without God and is alone in a far country? Romans 7:24. What happened to the son who wasted his substance? Luke 15:13–16.

Note: “Whatever the appearance may be, every life centered in self is squandered. Whoever attempts to live apart from God is wasting his substance. He is squandering the precious years, squandering the powers of mind and heart and soul, and working to make himself bankrupt for eternity. The man who separates from God that he may serve himself, is the slave of mammon. The mind that God created for the companionship of angels has become degraded to the service of that which is earthly and bestial. This is the end to which self-serving tends.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 200, 201.

  • What advice is given in Isaiah 55:2?

Note: “If you have chosen such a life, you know that you are spending money for that which is not bread, and labor for that which satisfieth not. There come to you hours when you realize your degradation. Alone in the far country you feel your misery, and in despair you cry, ‘O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death’ (Romans 7:24)?” Christ’s Object Lessons, 201.

“Multitudes are vainly seeking happiness in worldly amusements. They crave something which they do not have. They are spending their money for that which is not bread, and their labor for that which satisfieth not. The hungering, thirsting soul will continue to hunger and thirst as long as it partakes of these unsatisfying pleasures. O that every such one would listen to the voice of Jesus, ‘If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink’ (John 7:37). Those who drink of the living water will thirst no more for frivolous, exciting amusements. Christ, the wellspring of life, is the fountain of peace and happiness.” Evangelism, 266.

  • In what do sinners trust when not in God and what is the ultimate result? Jeremiah 17:5, 6.

Note: “It is the statement of a universal truth which is contained in the prophet’s words, ‘Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited’ (Jeremiah 17:5, 6).” Christ’s Object Lessons, 201.

3 GOD SHINES

  • Upon whom does the sun and rain fall? Matthew 5:45.

Note: “God ‘maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust’ (Matthew 5:45); but men have the power to shut themselves away from sunshine and shower. So while the Sun of Righteousness shines, and the showers of grace fall freely for all, we may by separating ourselves from God still ‘inhabit the parched places in the wilderness’ (Jeremiah 17:6).” Christ’s Object Lessons, 201, 202.

  • When realizing danger what is the cry of the soul? Romans 7:24.

Note: “If you have chosen such a life, you know that you are spending money for that which is not bread, and labor for that which satisfieth not. There come to you hours when you realize your degradation. Alone in the far country you feel your misery, and in despair you cry, ‘O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death’ (Romans 7:24)?” Christ’s Object Lessons, 201.

3 THE PRODIGAL SON

  • What is it that draws the sinner toward repentance? Romans 2:4; Jeremiah 31:3.

Note: “The love of God still yearns over the one who has chosen to separate from Him, and He sets in operation influences to bring him back to the Father’s house. The prodigal son in his wretchedness ‘came to himself.’ The deceptive power that Satan had exercised over him was broken. He saw that his suffering was the result of his own folly, and he said, ‘How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father’ (Luke 15:17, 18). Miserable as he was, the prodigal found hope in the conviction of his father’s love. It was that love which was drawing him toward home. So it is the assurance of God’s love that constrains the sinner to return to God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 202.

  • In John 5:6–8, what question did Jesus ask? What was his response and how should that affect all who live by faith in God’s word? Compare Romans 7:24?

Note: “By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. Many realize their helplessness; they are longing for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God, and are striving to obtain it. But in vain. In despair they cry, ‘O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death’ (Romans 7:24, margin)? Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, ‘Wilt thou be made whole’ (John 5:6)? He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe the Saviour’s word. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is ‘dead in trespasses’ (Ephesians 2:1). He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin.” The Ministry of Healing, 84.

4 THE CHRISTIAN’S PRIVILEGE

  • Paul prays for the believers. How do you understand the depth of meaning in his prayer requesting that they might be filled with the fullness of God? Ephesians 3:14–19.

Note: “Again he writes of his desire that the brethren at Ephesus might come to understand the height of the Christian’s privilege. He opens before them, in the most comprehensive language, the marvelous power and knowledge that they might possess as sons and daughters of the Most High. It was theirs ‘to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man,’ to be ‘rooted and grounded in love,’ to ‘comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.’ But the prayer of the apostle reaches the climax of privilege when he prays that ‘ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.’ Ephesians 3:16–19.

“Here are revealed the heights of attainment that we may reach through faith in the promises of our heavenly Father, when we fulfill His requirements. Through the merits of Christ we have access to the throne of Infinite Power.” The Great Controversy, 476, 477.

  • Why is there no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus? Romans 8:1, 2, 34.

5 CITIES OF REFUGE

  • Explain how Numbers 35:10–12 would parallel with Romans 8:1, 34.

Note: “The cities of refuge appointed for God’s ancient people were a symbol of the refuge provided in Christ. The same merciful Saviour who appointed those temporal cities of refuge has by the shedding of His own blood provided for the transgressors of God’s law a sure retreat, into which they may flee for safety from the second death. No power can take out of His hands the souls that go to Him for pardon.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 516.

  • Who is it that we should seek and why? Acts 17:27, 28, first part.

Note: “The sinner is exposed to eternal death, until he finds a hiding place in Christ; and as loitering and carelessness might rob the fugitive of his only chance for life, so delays and indifference may prove the ruin of the soul. Satan, the great adversary, is on the track of every transgressor of God’s holy law, and he who is not sensible of his danger, and does not earnestly seek shelter in the eternal refuge, will fall a prey to the destroyer.

“The prisoner who at any time went outside the city of refuge was abandoned to the avenger of blood. Thus the people were taught to adhere to the methods which infinite wisdom appointed for their security. Even so, it is not enough that the sinner believe in Christ for the pardon of sin; he must, by faith and obedience, abide in Him.” [Author’s italics.] Patriarchs and Prophets, 517.

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

The Privilege of Prayer

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“The idea that prayer is not essential is one of Satan’s most successful devices to ruin souls. Prayer is addressing the mind to God, the Fountain of wisdom, the Source of strength and peace and happiness. Prayer includes acknowledgment of the divine perfections, gratitude for mercies received, penitential confession of sins, and earnest entreaty for the blessing of God, both for ourselves and for others. Jesus prayed to the Father with strong crying and tears. Paul exhorts believers to ‘pray without ceasing’ (I Thessalonians 5:17). ‘In everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God’ (Philippians 4:6). ‘Pray one for another,’ says James. ‘The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much’ (James 5:16). God has a right to command our devotions; His authority is sacred and unquestionable. We are under obligation to pray because He requires it; and in obeying His requirements we shall receive a gracious and precious reward.” The Signs of the Times, August 7, 1884.

“Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!, That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne, Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempters snare, By thy return sweet hour of prayer.

“Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear,
To Him whose truth and faithfulness, Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face, Believe His word, and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer.

“Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! May I thy consolation share,
Till from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height, I view my home and take my flight.
In my immortal flesh I’ll rise, To seize the everlasting prize,
And shout while passing through the air, ‘Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!’ ”

William W. Walford, 1845

When we think of the meaning of the words to this beautiful hymn above, we may well say it is no wonder that the apostle Paul exhorted us to “Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17. “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.” Steps to Christ, 93.

Prayer is a vital part of our religious privilege and duty. It is a privilege to be able to go into the presence of the Creator, the mighty Ruler of the universe. Though we are sinful and fallen, He reaches out His arms and invites us to talk with Him, to learn of Him, to listen to His instruction, to commune with Him. Yet, it is also a duty. Gospel Workers, 254, 255, states it like this: “Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life.” Jesus said in John 4:14, “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” Prayer “strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties lose their vitality, the religious experience lacks health and vigor.” Ibid., 255.

When to Pray –

“Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17. “Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation.” Steps to Christ, 95.

First thing in the morning, before you do anything else, pray. “When you rise in the morning, kneel at your bedside, and ask God to give you strength to fulfill the duties of the day, and to meet its temptations. Ask Him to help you to bring into your work Christ’s sweetness of character. Ask Him to help you to speak words that will inspire those around you with hope and courage, and draw you nearer to the Saviour.” Sons and Daughters of God, 199.

“If we would develop a character which God can accept, we must form correct habits in our religious life. Daily prayer is as essential to growth in grace, and even to spiritual life itself, as is temporal food to physical well-being. We should accustom ourselves to lift the thoughts often to God in prayer. If the mind wanders, we must bring it back; by persevering effort, habit will finally make it easy. We cannot for one moment separate ourselves from Christ with safety. We may have His presence to attend us at every step, but only by observing the conditions which He Himself has laid down.” The Sanctified Life, 93.

“In the work of heart-keeping we must be instant in prayer, unwearied in petitioning the throne of grace for assistance. Those who take the name of Christian should come to God in earnestness and humility, pleading for help. The Saviour has told us to pray without ceasing. The Christian can not always be in the position of prayer, but his thoughts and desires can always be upward. Our self-confidence would vanish, did we talk less and pray more.” The Youth’s Instructor, March 5, 1903. As we attend to our daily activities we can be in an attitude of prayer.

How to Pray –

“Go to your closet, and there alone plead with God. … Be in earnest, be sincere. Fervent prayer availeth much. Jacoblike, wrestle in prayer. Agonize. Jesus, in the garden, sweat great drops of blood; you must make an effort. Do not leave your closet until you feel strong in God; then watch, and just as long as you watch and pray you can keep these evil besetments under, and the grace of God can and will appear in you.” God’s Amazing Grace, 318.

“God will be to us everything we will let Him be. Our languid, half-hearted prayers will not bring us returns from heaven. Oh, we need to press our petitions! Ask in faith, wait in faith, receive in faith, rejoice in hope, for everyone that seeketh findeth. Be in earnest in the matter. Seek God with all the heart. People put soul and earnestness into everything they undertake in temporal things, until their efforts are crowned with success. With intense earnestness learn the trade of seeking the rich blessings that God has promised, and with persevering, determined effort you shall have His light and His truth and His rich grace.” Our High Calling, 131. Make note of the words describing how we are to pray. We are to plead, to be earnest, be sincere, fervent. We are to wrestle in prayer, to agonize, and all this with patience. We are to ask in faith, to pray with all the heart, and with all the soul.

Where to Pray –

“We should pray in the family circle. …

“Pray in your closet.” Steps to Christ, 98. To pray with our families includes our church families, and we are to pray by ourselves. But the principle goes even further. Steps to Christ, 99, gives us this instruction: “There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we are. We should have the door of the heart open continually and our invitation going up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul.”

What to Pray –

Yes, we are even instructed what we are to pray for. As our Creator, and with His deep love for us, He has left out nothing from His words necessary to lead us to salvation. This includes our prayers. “The whole being must hunger and thirst after righteousness. The soul’s desire must be to be drawn to God, to be bent in perfect conformity to His will. Then the cold, hard heart will be melted by the grace and love of God, which will appear in power.” The Southern Review, December 5, 1899.

“If you feel in no danger, and if you offer no prayer for help and strength to resist temptations, you will be sure to go astray; your neglect of duty will be marked in the book of God in heaven, and you will be found wanting in the trying day.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 364. We must see our need, and then pray for assistance.

“When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ ‘gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father’ (Galatians 1:4). And ‘this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him’ (I John 5:14, 15). ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ (I John 1:9).

“No sooner does the child of God approach the mercy seat than he becomes the client of the great Advocate. At his first utterance of penitence and appeal for pardon Christ espouses his case and makes it His own, presenting the supplication before His Father as His own request.” Prayer, 238, 239. [Emphasis added.] Jesus is in the “true tabernacle” (Hebrews 8:2) of heaven, pleading for you, and we must approach Him there.

“Tell Jesus your wants in the sincerity of your soul. You are not required to hold a long controversy with, or preach a sermon to, God, but with a heart of sorrow for your sins, say, ‘Save me, Lord, or I perish.’ There is hope for such souls. They will seek, they will ask, they will knock, and they will find. When Jesus has taken away the burden of sin that is crushing the soul, you will experience the blessedness of the peace of Christ.

“As, seeing the sinfulness of sin, we fall helpless before the cross, asking forgiveness and strength, our prayer is heard and answered. Those who present their petitions to God in Christ’s name will never be turned away. The Lord says, ‘Him that cometh to Me I will in nowise cast out’ (John 6:37). ‘He will regard the prayer of the destitute’ (Psalm 102:17). Our help comes from Him who holds all things in His hands. The peace that He sends is the assurance of His love to us.” Ibid., 239.

“The Lord will recognize every effort you make to reach His ideal for you. When you make a failure, when you are betrayed into sin, do not feel that you cannot pray, that you are not worthy to come before the Lord. ‘My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous’ (I John 2:1). With outstretched arms He waits to welcome the prodigal. Go to Him, and tell Him about your mistakes and failures. Ask Him to strengthen you for fresh endeavor. He will never disappoint you, never abuse your confidence.” Messages to Young People, 97. So even if we sin, Jesus wants us to come to Him. It is only through Him that we can gain the power to overcome.

We gain that strength through the power of prayer. “If you offer no prayer for help and strength to resist temptations, you will be sure to go astray.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 364.

Talk with God about daily needs. He cares for us. He loves us. He is concerned about everything in our daily lives. “Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. ‘The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy’ (James 5:11). His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest. ‘He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds’ (Psalm 147:3). The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.

“Jesus said, ‘Ye shall ask in My name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you.’ ‘I have chosen you: … that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you’ (John 16:26, 27; 15:16). But to pray in the name of Jesus is something more than a mere mention of that name at the beginning and the ending of a prayer. It is to pray in the mind and spirit of Jesus, while we believe His promises, rely upon His grace, and work His works.” Steps to Christ, 100, 101.

To sum up this point, we are told to pray for help to resist temptation, for deliverance from sin, for pardon and forgiveness, and then we also have the privilege to pray about our daily, temporal lives. He invites us to tell Him our wants, joys, sorrows, cares, fears, our perplexities. And we have the promise, the divine, never-failing promise that He hears and will answer according to our best good. What a God of love.

Why Pray? –

There are too many reasons to cover them all, but first of all, we should give God thanks for all the things He has done for us, first and foremost of which is the great sacrifice made on our behalf. Is there anything that can compare with the plan of salvation? When we recognize where we would be without that, it should leave us in a position of heartfelt gratitude.

“If we keep the Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our prayers will take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Often there will come to us a sweet, joyful sense of the presence of Jesus. Often our hearts will burn within us as He draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. When this is in truth the experience of the Christian, there is seen in his life a simplicity, a humility, meekness, and lowliness of heart, that show to all with whom he associates that he has been with Jesus and learned of Him.” Conflict and Courage, 30.

“Shall not the people of God more frequently have holy convocations in which to thank God for His rich blessings? Shall we not find time in which to praise Christ for His rest, peace, and joy; and make manifest by daily thanksgiving that we appreciate the great sacrifice made in our behalf, that we may be partakers of the divine nature?” Australasian Union Conference Record, November 17, 1913.

Another important reason to pray is for protection from the great deceiver, Satan. Even Jesus in His model prayer taught His disciples to say, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). We are no match for the prince of darkness without Divine help.

“The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation.” Steps to Christ, 94, 95.

“Daily beset by temptation, constantly opposed by the leaders of the people, Christ knew that He must strengthen His humanity by prayer. In order to be a blessing to men, He must commune with God, pleading for energy, perseverance, and steadfastness. Thus He showed His disciples where His strength lay.” Counsels To Parents, Teachers, and Students, 323.

And the last “why” that we have is the need to pray for divine enlightenment to understand God’s word. Remember, Jesus said that spiritual things are spiritually discerned. “If men would but study the Book of God with earnest prayer that they might understand it, they would not be left in darkness to receive false doctrines. But as they reject the truth they fall a prey to deception.” The Great Controversy, 524.

Conditions of Answered Prayer –

“We give evidence of the sincerity of our prayers by the earnestness of our endeavors to answer them, to overcome the sins which strive for a place in the life. Our prayers will be ineffectual unless we continually strive to correct that which is wrong and unlovely in our lives. If we ask God to work for us, and then make no effort to conquer self, our prayers will rise no higher than our heads. God helps those who co-operate with him. We can obtain forgiveness only through the blood of Christ. His atoning sacrifice is all-powerful. But in the struggle for immortality we have a part to act. Christ will help those who pray and then watch unto prayer. He calls upon us to use every power He has given us in the warfare against sin. We can never be saved in inactivity and idleness. We might as well look for a harvest from seed which we have not sown, and for knowledge where we have not studied, as to expect salvation without making an effort. It is our part to wrestle against the evil tendencies of the natural heart.” The Youth’s Instructor, March 5, 1903. [Emphasis added.]

Alone, we are no match against evil and Satan. Recognizing our need we must pray for Divine help.

“There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. One of the first of these is that we feel our need of help from Him. He has promised, ‘I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground’ (Isaiah 44:3). Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, who long after God, may be sure that they will be filled. The heart must be open to the Spirit’s influence, or God’s blessing cannot be received.” Steps to Christ, 95.

“If we regard iniquity in our hearts, if we cling to any known sin, the Lord will not hear us; but the prayer of the penitent, contrite soul is always accepted. When all known wrongs are righted, we may believe that God will answer our petitions. Our own merit will never commend us to the favor of God; it is the worthiness of Jesus that will save us, His blood that will cleanse us; yet we have a work to do in complying with the conditions of acceptance.” Steps to Christ, 95, 96. [Emphasis added.] If we want our prayers answered, we must be certain that we have no sin standing between us and God. Make sure your record is clean before Him.

Pray with Faith –

“ ‘He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him’ (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus said to His disciples, ‘What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them’ (Mark 11:24). Do we take Him at His word?” Steps to Christ, 96.

Perseverance in Prayer –

“We must pray always if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be ‘instant in prayer,’ to ‘continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving’ (Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2). Peter exhorts believers to be ‘sober, and watch unto prayer’ (I Peter 4:7). Paul directs, ‘In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God’ (Philippians 4:6). ‘But ye, beloved,’ says Jude, ‘praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God’ (Jude 20, 21). Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God. …

Diligence in Prayer –

“Make every effort to keep open the communion between Jesus and your own soul. Seek every opportunity to go where prayer is wont to be made. Those who are really seeking for communion with God will be seen in the prayer meeting, faithful to do their duty and earnest and anxious to reap all the benefits they can gain. They will improve every opportunity of placing themselves where they can receive the rays of light from heaven.” Steps to Christ, 97, 98.

Always remember, “Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power.” Gospel Workers, 254.

Brenda Douay is a staff member at Steps to Life. She may be contacted by email at: brendadouay@stepstolife.org.

Children Story – A Hard Question

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Why do we always kneel when we pray?” asked Tommy as he was visiting the Reeds one evening.

“We kneel because the Bible tells us to. It says, ‘O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker’ (Psalm 95:6),” said Harold.

“That’s right,” said Mother. “You see, children, prayer is a form of worship. When we pray, we talk to the Creator of all the worlds in the universe. By kneeling we show that we appreciate His greatness and majesty. Do you remember what Daniel did when he prayed?”

“He prayed three times a day with his window open,” answered Linda.

“And the bad men put him into the den of lions,” Betty Lou volunteered.

“Did the lions eat him up?” asked Tommy.

“Oh, no! God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths so tight that they couldn’t hurt him.”

Then Mother asked, “Do you remember what the wise men did when they looked upon baby Jesus in His mother’s arms?”

“They gave Him precious gifts,” the children answered.

“That’s right, but they did something even better—they recognized Him as their King, and they worshiped Him.”

“Why don’t we always kneel when we pray?” Harold asked. “We didn’t kneel in the big tent at the camp meeting.”

Mother hesitated. When she was sure she had thought of the right answer, she said, “Sometimes the floor may not be very clean. The Bible tells us that the people stood during the dedication of the temple, while King Solomon knelt to pray.

“It makes a difference where we are and what we are doing,” continued Mother. “One day Nehemiah was standing before the king of Persia. The king asked, ‘Why are you sad, seeing you are not sick? What favor would you like to ask?’ Before saying a word, Nehemiah prayed that he might know how to answer the king. This story shows how quickly God can answer a prayer that is made in faith.”

Mother continued, “One day, while Jesus was standing with His friends at the grave of Lazarus, the Saviour lifted His eyes and thanked God aloud because God always heard Him when He prayed.

“Abraham’s servant prayed that God would help him find the right wife for Isaac. His prayer was answered quickly and he simply bowed his head and thanked the Lord right there where he stood. It is right for us to send up a silent prayer wherever we are, even when we are going about our work.”

“I can understand that,” Linda remarked. “Of course we can’t kneel down and pray while we are walking down the street or playing in the park; people would think us queer.”

“That’s right,” Mother answered. “But we can lift our hearts in silent prayer for God’s blessing. As we go to Sabbath school and church we should have a prayer in our heart that we may be reverent and remember that we are in a holy place.”

“How wonderful it is that morning and evening we can kneel here together and talk to God and call Him our Father!” continued Mother. “The first thing we can do each morning is to open our heart’s door to Jesus and ask Him to come in and stay with us. Talk to Jesus during the day. Tell Him how much you love Him, and how thankful you are that He loves you.”

Happy Home Stories, by Ella M. Robinson, (Teach Services, Inc.)

Inspiration – Watch and Pray

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“ Take ye heed, watch and pray ” (Mark 13:33), were the words of our Saviour spoken in reference to the time of the end, and His second coming to take His faithful children home.

First, you are to watch. Watch, lest you should speak hastily, fretfully and impatiently. Watch, lest pride should find a place in your heart. Watch, lest evil passions should overcome you, instead of your subduing them. Watch, lest a careless, indifferent spirit comes upon you, and you neglect your duty and become light and trifling, and your influence savor of death, rather than life.

Second, you are to pray. Jesus would not have enjoined this upon you, unless there was actual necessity for it. It is well known to Him that of yourself you cannot overcome the many temptations of the Enemy, and the many snares laid for your feet. He has not left you alone to do this; but has provided a way that you can obtain help. Therefore He has bid you to pray.

To pray aright, is to ask God in faith for the very things you need. Go to your chamber, or in some retired place, and ask your Father for Jesus’ sake to help you. There is power in that prayer that is sent up from a heart convinced of its own weakness, yet earnestly longing for that strength that comes from God. The earnest, fervent prayer will be heard and answered. Go to your God Who is strong, and Who loves to hear children pray, and, although you may feel very weak, and find yourself at times overcome by the Enemy, because you have neglected the first command of our Saviour, to watch, yet do not give up the struggle. Make stronger efforts yourself than before. Faint not. Cast yourself at the feet of Jesus, Who has been tempted, and knows how to help such as are tempted. Confess your faults, your weakness, and that you must have help to overcome, or you perish. And as you ask, you must believe that God hears you. Plead your case before God, through Jesus, until your soul can with confidence rely upon Him for strength, and you feel that you are not left to do the work of overcoming alone. God will help you. Angels will watch over you.

But before you can expect this help, you must do what you can on your part. Watch and pray. Let your prayers be fervent. Let this be the language of your heart, “I will not let Thee go unless Thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26). Have a set time, a special season for prayer at least three times a day. Morning, noon, and at night Daniel prayed to his God, notwithstanding the king’s decree, and the fearful den of lions. He was not ashamed, or afraid to pray, but with his windows opened he prayed three times a day. Did God forget his faithful servant when he was cast into the lion’s den? O, No. He was with him there all night. He closed the mouths of these hungry lions, and they could not hurt the praying man of God (see Daniel 6:3–28).

Children, you cannot live without food; you would soon feel the cravings of hunger, and your bodies would pine and die. You need spiritual food just as much, and often, as your body needs temporal food. Three times a day is none too often to draw strength from heaven, or sap and nourishment from Christ, the Living Vine. Read the words of our Saviour in Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.”

The Youth’s Instructor, October 1, 1855.

Bible Study Guides – King Asa

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September 6, 2015 – September 12, 2015

Key Text

“Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God.” II Chronicles 14:2.

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 109–113.

Introduction

“Although his [Asa’s] forces were fewer in number than the enemy, his faith in the One Whom he had made his trust did not weaken.” Conflict and Courage, 203.

1 ASA’S FAITH TESTED

  • What does the Bible say about Asa, the grandson of Solomon? II Chronicles 14:2–5.
  • How did Asa reveal his faith during the test when the Ethiopians invaded Judah? II Chronicles 14:9–11. How was his faith rewarded? II Chronicles 14:12.

Note: “[II Chronicles 14:9 quoted.] In this crisis Asa did not put his trust in the ‘fenced cities in Judah’ that he had built, with ‘walls, and towers, gates, and bars,’ nor in the ‘mighty men of valor’ in his carefully trained army (II Chronicles 14:6–8.) The king’s trust was in Jehovah of hosts, in whose name marvelous deliverances had been wrought in behalf of Israel of old. …

“The prayer of Asa is one that every Christian believer may fittingly offer. We fight in a warfare, not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, and against spiritual wickedness in high places. (See Ephesians 6:12.) In life’s conflict we must meet evil agencies that have arrayed themselves against the right. Our hope is not in man, but in the living God. With full assurance of faith we may expect that He will unite His omnipotence with the efforts of human instrumentalities, for the glory of His name. Clad with the armor of His righteousness, we may gain the victory over every foe.” Prophets and Kings, 110, 111.

2 THE ONLY WAY TO SUCCESS

  • How did Azariah the prophet remind Asa of the source of his victory? II Chronicles 15:1, 2, 7.
  • What did Asa do to meet the needs that were necessary to further the reformation already in progress? II Chronicles 15:8.

Note: “[II Chronicles 15:1, 2, 7 quoted.] Greatly encouraged by these words, Asa soon led out in a second reformation in Judah.” Ibid., 112.

  • Comparing the days of Asa with our days, of what need should we be aware, and what should we heartily support? Isaiah 48:16–18.

Note: “In this age of the world, when Satan is seeking, through manifold agencies, to blind the eyes of men and women to the binding claims of the law of God, there is need of men who can cause many to ‘tremble at the commandment of our God’ (Ezra 10:3). There is need of true reformers, who will point transgressors to the great Lawgiver and teach them that ‘the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul’ (Psalm 19:7). There is need of men mighty in the Scriptures, men whose every word and act exalts the statutes of Jehovah, men who seek to strengthen faith. Teachers are needed, oh, so much, who will inspire hearts with reverence and love for the Scriptures.

“The widespread iniquity prevalent today may in a great degree be attributed to a failure to study and obey the Scriptures, for when the word of God is set aside, its power to restrain the evil passions of the natural heart is rejected. Men sow to the flesh and of the flesh reap corruption.

“With the setting aside of the Bible has come a turning away from God’s law. The doctrine that men are released from obedience to the divine precepts has weakened the force of moral obligation and opened the floodgates of iniquity upon the world. Lawlessness, dissipation, and corruption are sweeping in like an overwhelming flood.” Prophets and Kings, 623, 624.

3 “THEY ENTERED INTO A COVENANT”

  • What did the people promise, in light of their previous experiences in apostasy, by a solemn oath made at a special gathering? II Chronicles 15:12–15.
  • In our efforts to win souls to Christ, how may the example which Asa set on this occasion be an encouragement to us today? II Chronicles 15:9.

Note: “Follow on to know the Lord. If you will do this, you will win souls to Christ. Not only will your own soul be saved; the power that converts your soul will enable you to set an example that will win others to Christ.” The Youth’s Instructor, June 9, 1914.

  • How will honest outsiders be convinced of the saving power of the truth—by listening to us or by watching us? Matthew 5:16; I Timothy 4:12, 16.

Note: “He who deservedly bears the name of Christian, which signifies Christlike, will be filled with piety and purity, with love and reverence for God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent; and his spirit, his words, his actions, will all bear the impress of Heaven. Others will see that he has been with Jesus and learned of Him, His prayers will be simple and fervent, and will ascend to God on the wings of faith. Learning in the school of Christ, he will have a humble opinion of himself; and though he may be poor in this world’s goods, he may be rich in the graces of God’s Spirit, and may bless and enrich others by his spirit and influence, because Christ is in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. He will shed about him an atmosphere of hope and courage and strength, and will put to shame those who are worldly, selfish, formal professors, who have a name to live and are dead.” Sons and Daughters of God, 85.

“The world can only be warned by seeing those who believe the truth sanctified through the truth, acting upon high and holy principles.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 980.

4 ASA’S MISTAKES

  • After having entered into a solemn covenant with the Lord, how was Asa’s faith tested, and how did he fail? II Chronicles 16:7–9.

Note: “Asa’s long record of faithful service was marred by some mistakes, made at times when he failed to put his trust fully in God. When, on one occasion, the king of Israel entered the kingdom of Judah and seized Ramah, a fortified city only five miles from Jerusalem, Asa sought deliverance by forming an alliance with Benhadad, king of Syria.” Prophets and Kings, 113.

  • When Asa’s failure to trust God in the time of need was rebuked by God’s prophet, how did he commit a second mistake? II Chronicles 16:10.
  • Why does the Bible narrate both the victories and the failures, the positive and negative traits of the character of the men and women that have been connected with the work of God? Proverbs 15:13.

Note: “The pen of inspiration, true to its task, tells us of the sins that overcame Noah, Lot, Moses, Abraham, David, and Solomon, and that even Elijah’s strong spirit sank under temptation during his fearful trial. Jonah’s disobedience and Israel’s idolatry are faithfully recorded. Peter’s denial of Christ, the sharp contention of Paul and Barnabas, the failings and infirmities of the prophets and apostles, are all laid bare by the Holy Ghost, who lifts the veil from the human heart. There before us lie the lives of the believers, with all their faults and follies, which are intended as a lesson to all the generations following them. If they had been without foible they would have been more than human, and our sinful natures would despair of ever reaching such a point of excellence. But seeing where they struggled and fell, where they took heart again and conquered through the grace of God, we are encouraged, and led to press over the obstacles that degenerate nature places in our way.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 12.

5 THE DANGER OF DESPISING REPROOF

  • What lesson can we learn from Asa’s second mistake? Proverbs 10:17; 15:10.

Note: “Instead of humbling himself before God because of his mistake, ‘Asa was wroth with the seer’ (II Chronicles 16:10, first part).” Prophets and Kings, 113.

“There will be men and women who despise reproof and whose feelings will ever rise up against it. It is not pleasant to be told of our wrongs. In almost every case where reproof is necessary, there will be some who entirely overlook the fact that the Spirit of the Lord has been grieved and His cause reproached. These will pity those who deserved reproof, because personal feelings have been hurt. All this unsanctified sympathy places the sympathizers where they are sharers in the guilt of the one reproved.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 359.

“Our Creator and our Commander, infinite in power, terrible in judgment, seeks by every means to bring men to see and repent of their sins. By the mouth of His servants He predicts the dangers of disobedience; He sounds the note of warning and faithfully reproves sin. His people are kept in prosperity only by His mercy, through the vigilant watchcare of chosen instrumentalities. He cannot uphold and guard a people who reject His counsel and despise His reproofs.” Prophets and Kings, 426.

“Let us thank the Lord for the warnings He has given to save us from our perverse ways.” Sons and Daughters of God, 260.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How did Asa reveal his faith in the Lord when the Ethiopian army attacked Judah?

2 After Asa had heard the message of the Lord, what further steps in the work of reform did he take?

3 Comparing the days of Asa with our days, of what need should we be aware, and what should we heartily support?

4 What is one thing that will convince honest souls of the saving power of the truth?

5 What lesson can we learn from Asa’s mistakes when his faith was again tested later?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

The Gospel in the Great Controversy

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There are many who say, “I have heard this message before;” but I ask, “Why has it not changed you? Where are you spiritually?” In The Great Controversy, the chapter called “The Snares of Satan,” Satan does not care whether you are praying, studying or attending church so long as you remain in an indifferent, careless state. While Jesus is in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary ministering on our behalf, we have the opportunity to repent and be cleansed of our sins. It is during this time that Satan wants us to remain careless and indifferent. The time is very short. Many are hearing message after message and are being convicted but not being changed. Many will say that the message was so powerful and I am so convicted; I see my sin and I am going to get it right. After a few days, however, they return to the same condition as before the conviction.

Martin Luther and John Wesley had similar experiences in which they began to study the Word and had a desire to surrender but did not know how. As a result, they failed many times until they had an understanding of righteousness by faith and came to a point where they had to make a choice and count the cost. This is the experience of many Christians today.

In John 6:25–29, it says, “And when they had found Him on the other side of the sea, they said unto Him, Rabbi, when camest Thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.”

He goes on to say, “And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” Verse 40. “No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” Verse 44. Jesus said, “I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us His flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This is that bread which came down from heaven.” Verses 48–58.

This group of disciples came to Christ after He had performed the miracle of the loaves and the people were filled. They came seeking another miracle and asked in verse 28, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” They were basically asking: “What can I do to secure my own salvation?” They wanted to know what work they could do to inherit heaven. Jesus was trying to tell them that there was nothing they could do. He said, “I am that bread that came down from heaven. Unless you eat of My flesh and drink of My blood you have no life in you. Those who eat of My flesh and drink of My blood, those are the ones that will be resurrected on the last day.”

To eat of the flesh and drink of the blood of Christ means to behold Him—to study the life of Jesus Christ and to live out that which you are reading. By beholding you become changed. Many of these individuals that heard what He said decided that it was too difficult to do these things and they left. Though they were called His disciples, they followed Him no more. Here was a crossroads. Jesus looked upon the few that remained and asked, “Are you going to leave as well?” They responded, “Lord where would we go?” (See John 6:67, 68.)

Each must make a decision. Each, as studying the word of God and seeing those things that are required of us, must sacrifice to drink of His blood. In the place of spending time with Him throughout the day, many would rather do a work or suffer punishment in a vain attempt to inherit eternal life.

Martin Luther

Martin Luther was a man that was very earnest and desired to know of God. As he began to read the Bible he became convicted.

“An earnest desire to be free from sin and to find peace with God led him at last to enter a cloister and devote himself to a monastic life. Here he was required to perform the lowest drudgery and to beg from house to house. He was at an age when respect and appreciation are most eagerly craved, and these menial offices were deeply mortifying to his natural feelings; but he patiently endured this humiliation, believing that it was necessary because of his sins.” The Great Controversy, 123.

He was trying to do a work in order to inherit salvation himself, but God was working with him.

“Every moment that could be spared from his daily duties he employed in study, robbing himself of sleep and grudging even the time spent at his scanty meals. Above everything else he delighted in the study of God’s word.” Ibid.

These things are examples for us. Everything that Luther experienced, we are going to experience. Luther’s experience needs to be ours. He delighted in the study of God’s word.

“He had found a Bible chained to the convent wall, and to this he often repaired. As his convictions of sin deepened, he sought by his own works to obtain pardon and peace. He led a most rigorous life, endeavoring by fasting, vigils, and scourgings to subdue the evils of his nature, from which the monastic life had brought no release. He shrank from no sacrifice by which he might attain to that purity of heart which would enable him to stand approved before God. ‘I was indeed a pious monk,’ he afterward said, ‘and followed the rules of my order more strictly than I can express. If ever monk could obtain heaven by his monkish works, I should certainly have been entitled to it. … If it had continued much longer, I should have carried my mortifications even to death.’ … As the result of this painful discipline he lost strength and suffered from fainting spasms, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. But with all his efforts his burdened soul found no relief. He was at last driven to the verge of despair.” Ibid.

Until Luther began to understand that it is by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ that one is fitted to accept the free gift of salvation, he did everything he could to secure his salvation. If he had stopped searching before that, he would have been lost, but he continued to search.

“When it appeared to Luther that all was lost, God raised up a friend and helper for him.” Ibid.

Pray for spiritual friends to walk with you! Do not be discouraged—whatever your situation. There are times God will allow things to happen in your life; you may experience discouragement, bitterness and trial so that you can see your need of Jesus Christ. Many do not see their need. If you are not searching and agonizing, what can He do for you?

God raised up a helper for Luther. “The pious Staupitz opened the word of God to Luther’s mind and bade him look away from himself, cease the contemplation of infinite punishment for the violation of God’s law, and look to Jesus, his sin-pardoning Saviour. ‘Instead of torturing yourself on account of your sins, throw yourself into the Redeemer’s arms. Trust in Him, in the righteousness of His life, in the atonement of His death. … Listen to the Son of God. He became man to give you the assurance of divine favor.’ ‘Love Him who first loved you.’ … Thus spoke this messenger of mercy. His words made a deep impression upon Luther’s mind. After many a struggle with long-cherished errors, he was enabled to grasp the truth, and peace came to his troubled soul.” Ibid., 123, 124.

Luther found the peace that God offers. Many are searching today but cannot find it because they are constantly looking at their sins and do not believe that Jesus pardons them personally. Focus on today and pray that God will give you His Holy Spirit and grace for today because you cannot do a work of a lifetime in one day. Do not focus on yourself. Look to Christ daily. Do not allow Satan to make you feel that you are not worthy. God came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.

“To a friend of the Reformation Luther wrote: ‘We cannot attain to the understanding of Scripture either by study or by the intellect. Your first duty is to begin by prayer. Entreat the Lord to grant you, of His great mercy, the true understanding of His word. There is no other interpreter of the word of God than the Author of this word, as He Himself has said, “They shall be all taught of God.” Hope for nothing from your own labors, from your own understanding: trust solely in God, and in the influence of His Spirit. Believe this on the word of a man who has had experience.’ ” The Great Controversy, 132.

We are not to trust in intellect or human wisdom but in God. You need to believe that He will guide you into all truth. Ezekiel 36:25–27 says, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.”

His judgments are His law. He wants to put in us His character. The Holy Spirit will cause us to walk in His statutes. God will write His law upon our hearts and that will cause us to walk in His ways. It was not until Luther had this understanding that he was truly converted.

“The Reformation did not, as many suppose, end with Luther. It is to be continued to the close of this world’s history. Luther had a great work to do in reflecting to others the light which God had permitted to shine upon him; yet he did not receive all the light which was to be given to the world. From that time to this, new light has been continually shining upon the Scriptures, and new truths have been constantly unfolding.” Ibid., 148, 149.

Luther did not have all the light—he had a small understanding. We have so much light with so many books yet many would rather read other literature. There is no excuse for those who have not read the Conflict Series or have not studied The Great Controversy. The messages they did not have then we have now. We need to be putting these principles into practice.

“From the secret place of prayer came the power that shook the world in the Great Reformation. There, with holy calmness, the servants of the Lord set their feet upon the rock of His promises. During the struggle at Augsburg, Luther ‘did not pass a day without devoting three hours at least to prayer, and they were hours selected from those the most favorable to study.’ In the privacy of his chamber he was heard to pour out his soul before God in words ‘full of adoration, fear, and hope, as when one speaks to a friend.’ ‘I know that Thou art our Father and our God,’ he said, ‘and that Thou wilt scatter the persecutors of Thy children; for Thou art Thyself endangered with us. All this matter is Thine, and it is only by Thy constraint that we have put our hands to it. Defend us, then, O Father!’ …” The Great Controversy, 210. [Emphasis added.]

There is no excuse for us to neglect prayer and study. We need to agonize over souls. The most polished instrument that Satan can use is an individual who is not converted, who does not pray, but appears to be a Christian. There are similar experiences like those disciples who left Christ after He said that the only way for salvation was to eat and to drink of Him. Those who stayed still struggled. They came to a full understanding when the Holy Spirit came and then they could teach others. In Acts 2:37 we see the response to their teaching: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” There it is again, “what shall we do?” Verses 38, 39: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

This is not just for them but for us. We need to fall on the Rock and be broken—we need to agonize even if we do not feel like it. Go to God and ask to be led to the Rock. If you have never experienced falling on the Rock and being broken, you will never experience repentance. You will never be converted and when Jesus comes, you will be lost.

John Wesley

Wesley had the same experience:

“Wesley and his associates were led to see that true religion is seated in the heart, and that God’s law extends to the thoughts as well as to the words and actions. Convinced of the necessity of holiness of heart, as well as correctness of outward deportment, they set out in earnest upon a new life. By the most diligent and prayerful efforts they endeavored to subdue the evils of the natural heart. They lived a life of self-denial, charity, and humiliation, observing with great rigor and exactness every measure which they thought could be helpful to them in obtaining what they most desired—that holiness which could secure the favor of God. But they did not obtain the object which they sought. In vain were their endeavors to free themselves from the condemnation of sin or to break its power. It was the same struggle which Luther had experienced in his cell at Erfurt. It was the same question which had tortured his soul—‘How should man be just before God?’ Job 9:2.” The Great Controversy, 254. [Emphasis added.]

This was the same experience that Luther had. Wesley had seen the righteousness of Christ and wanted to be holy.

“John and Charles Wesley, after being ordained to the ministry, were sent on a mission to America. On board the ship was a company of Moravians. Violent storms were encountered on the passage, and John Wesley, brought face to face with death, felt that he had not the assurance of peace with God. The Germans, on the contrary, manifested a calmness and trust to which he was a stranger. …

“In the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split the mainsail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between the decks as if the great deep had already swallowed us up. A terrible screaming began among the English. The Germans calmly sang on. I asked one of them afterwards, ‘Were you not afraid?’ He answered, ‘I thank God, no.’ I asked, ‘But were not your women and children afraid?’ He replied mildly, ‘No; our women and children are not afraid to die.’—Whitehead, Life of the Rev. John Wesley, page 10.” Ibid., 254, 255.

These were individuals believing they are about to die. Some were singing with the peace of God in their hearts while others were screaming. When you come face to face with death, at that time you will know that you are right with God or not. Life is short. Are you hid with Christ in God? John Wesley realized that he did not have the faith in God that he had witnessed among the Moravians.

“On his return to England, Wesley, under the instruction of a Moravian preacher, arrived at a clearer understanding of Bible faith. He was convinced that he must renounce all dependence upon his own works for salvation and must trust wholly to ‘the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29). At a meeting of the Moravian society in London a statement was read from Luther, describing the change which the Spirit of God works in the heart of the believer. As Wesley listened, faith was kindled in his soul. ‘I felt my heart strangely warmed,’ he says. ‘I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation: and an assurance was given me, that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.’ ” Ibid., 255, 256.

He finally began to understand Bible faith and to know what it means to “behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” He now understood that it was not by looking to yourself or anything you can do but it is by faith in Jesus. With that faith abiding in you, obedience will become the fruit. You will love others because this is the result of abiding in Christ and spending time with Him.

“Through long years of wearisome and comfortless striving—years of rigorous self-denial, of reproach and humiliation—Wesley had steadfastly adhered to his one purpose of seeking God. Now he had found Him; and he found that the grace which he had toiled to win by prayers and fasts, by almsdeeds and self-abnegation, was a gift, ‘without money and without price.’

“Once established in the faith of Christ, his whole soul burned with the desire to spread everywhere a knowledge of the glorious gospel of God’s free grace.” Ibid., 256.

Once Wesley had a personal experience with God, he had the desire to share, and that must be your desire. You must have a true burden for souls. Do you understand what it means to cry between the porch and the altar?

“He continued his strict and self-denying life, not now as the ground, but the result of faith; not the root, but the fruit of holiness. The grace of God in Christ is the foundation of the Christian’s hope, and that grace will be manifested in obedience. Wesley’s life was devoted to the preaching of the great truths which he had received—justification through faith in the atoning blood of Christ, and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit upon the heart, bringing forth fruit in a life conformed to the example of Christ.” Ibid., 256. [Emphasis added.]

Jesus prayed all night because He had a love and a burden for souls. Wesley’s whole life changed because it was now being led by the Holy Spirit to a similar burden. We must understand that Christianity includes that burden and that love. When we really begin to understand the work going on in the heavenly sanctuary, God will give us new motives, new thoughts, new feelings. When we are in Christ we have become new.

“Wesley declared the perfect harmony of the law and the gospel. ‘There is, therefore, the closest connection that can be conceived, between the law and the gospel. On the one hand, the law continually makes way for, and points us to, the gospel; on the other, the gospel continually leads us to a more exact fulfilling of the law. The law, for instance, requires us to love God, to love our neighbor, to be meek, humble, or holy. We feel that we are not sufficient for these things; yea, that “with man this is impossible” (Matthew 19:26); but we see a promise of God to give us that love, and to make us humble, meek, and holy: we lay hold of this gospel, of these glad tidings; it is done unto us according to our faith; and “the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us” (Romans 8:4), through faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ ” The Great Controversy, 263.

The law and the gospel are one. The law will show you your sins but it is not a remedy for your sins. It will convict but not convert. The law will point you to the gospel, which is Jesus Christ, and He will save you. His law will be fulfilled in us.

In many churches the law has been done away with—made void. When there is no law being upheld, no sin being shown, you cannot see Christ or the cross, or that the law cannot be fulfilled in us. Many want to feel good and not hear about sin. They want to be happy in their sinful condition, feeling that they are saved. The majority of Christianity believes that the law cannot be kept. This is a sad condition.

Many think that by going to church on Sabbath, wearing a long skirt, not eating meat, doing devotions, they are justified.

Galatians 2:16 says, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

“To those who urged that ‘the preaching of the gospel answers all the ends of the law,’ Wesley replied: ‘This we utterly deny. It does not answer the very first end of the law, namely, the convincing men of sin, the awakening those who are still asleep on the brink of hell.’ The apostle Paul declares that ‘by the law is the knowledge of sin’ (Romans 3:20); ‘and not until man is convicted of sin, will he truly feel his need of the atoning blood of Christ. … ‘They that be whole,’ as our Lord Himself observes, ‘need not a physician, but they that are sick’ (Matthew 9:12). It is absurd, therefore, to offer a physician to them that are whole, or that at least imagine themselves so to be. You are first to convince them that they are sick; otherwise they will not thank you for your labor. It is equally absurd to offer Christ to them whose heart is whole, having never yet been broken.” Ibid., 264.

You need to show people that they have a need and are not ready to meet Christ; otherwise they will not accept your message because they think that they are good and have no need of Jesus. In Isaiah 50:4 it says, “The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.”

“At the close of his long life of more than fourscore years—above half a century spent in itinerant ministry—his [Wesley’s] avowed adherents numbered more than half a million souls. But the multitude that through his labors had been lifted from the ruin and degradation of sin to a higher and a purer life, and the number who by his teaching had attained to a deeper and richer experience, will never be known till the whole family of the redeemed shall be gathered into the kingdom of God. His life presents a lesson of priceless worth to every Christian. Would that the faith and humility, the untiring zeal, self-sacrifice, and devotion of this servant of Christ might be reflected in the churches of today!” The Great Controversy, 264.

One man, through the power of the Holy Spirit, was able to win at least half a million souls to Jesus Christ!

We are at the last moment of earth’s history. Is it your experience right now that you are literally agonizing and praying for yourself and for others? The more we see what the condition of ourselves and God’s people are in, the more our time will be spent in prayer instead of looking for a fun church and fun things to do. Whatever you are doing you may incorporate God’s word, His Spirit of Prophecy, into your mind by listening to tapes or reading. Many get so caught up on social media and every other time-consuming habit that it cancels out the seed that God has placed within you and has no opportunity to germinate.

Ellen White said: “I had a dream once in which I saw a large company gathered together, and suddenly the heavens gathered blackness, the thunder rolled, the lightning flashed, and a voice louder than the heaviest peals of thunder, sounded through the heavens and the earth, saying, ‘It is done.’ Part of the company, with pallid faces, sprang forward with a wail of agony, crying out, ‘O, I am not ready.’ The question was asked, ‘Why are you not ready? Why have you not improved the opportunities I graciously gave you?’ I awoke with the cry ringing in my ears, ‘I am not ready; I am unsaved—lost! lost! eternally lost!’ ” The Youth’s Instructor, July 21, 1892.

Everyone will be speechless. There will be no excuses in that day. There were times when Ellen White said they were so burdened that they would pray for hours and hours until they felt in their soul that their burden was lifted and the peace of God came upon them. We need to know how to agonize as Jacob did. God is graciously allowing us this time. Probation is extended for you.

Luther and Wesley had to search until God showed them the way. Behold God, our loving Redeemer. Spend time with Him before time runs out.

Maria Cofer and her husband, John, have established a digital media company to create and promote video media teaching the unique message of Adventism using social media such as Facebook and YouTube. They are currently engaged in establishing training schools under the name, The Schools of the Prophets for the youth. She may be contacted via gospelofhealth.org.

Lessons from the Heart

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“I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind,

Even to give every man according to his ways,

According to the fruit of his doings.”

Jeremiah 17:10

Inspired writings have much to say about the heart of man. A study of the heart in both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy will yield a deeper understanding of the natural heart, the behaviors that the natural heart provokes, and how to overcome the temptations to which the natural heart is inclined to yield. The purpose of this article is to give a brief overview of the vast amount of information that Inspired writings provide concerning the natural heart to stimulate in seekers of truth a desire to study for themselves the workings of the heart and to know how God changes the natural cold stony heart into a heart of flesh that throbs with the love of Christ.

Two of the most common Scriptures that quickly come to mind when considering what the Bible says about the heart are Genesis 6:5, 6 and Jeremiah 17:9.

“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” Genesis 6:5, 6. (Emphasis added.)

Ponder how these two verses reveal the sharp contrast between the natural heart of man and the wise and omniscient heart of our Lord.

The second Scripture that commonly comes to mind is Jeremiah 17:9.

“The heart is deceitful above all things,

And desperately wicked;

Who can know it?”

Fortunately, Scripture not only shows us the evil and deceitfulness of the natural heart, but it also gives us precious texts that promise us a way out of this condition. One of the most powerful is in Ezekiel 36:26, 27. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”

Who, claiming this promise, can be disheartened?

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

Not only do Inspired writings give us hope for a new heart, they also provide examples of—and therefore warnings against—the actions of a deceitful heart.

In the book of Esther, we are given an example of the deceitfulness of the natural heart. It is a familiar story and one that the Jews even to this day take particular delight in reviewing each year during Purim. The climax of the story is in chapter 6.

“That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.

“Then the king said, ‘What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?’

“And the king’s servants who attended him said, ‘Nothing has been done for him.’

“So the king said, ‘Who is in the court?’

“Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace to suggest that the king hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. The king’s servants said to him, ‘Haman is there, standing in the court.’

“And the king said, ‘Let him come in.’

“So Haman came in, and the king asked him, ‘What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?’ Now Haman thought in his heart, ‘Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?’

“And Haman answered the king, ‘For the man whom the king delights to honor, let a royal robe be brought which the king has worn, and a horse on which the king has ridden, which has a royal crest placed on its head. Then let this robe and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that he may array the man whom the king delights to honor. Then parade him on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him: “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!” ’

“Then the king said to Haman, ‘Hurry, take the robe and the horse, as you have suggested, and do so for Mordecai the Jew who sits within the king’s gate! Leave nothing undone of all that you have spoken’ (Esther 6:1–10).”

Haman had convinced himself that he was worthy of royal honor, only to discover that he had been self-deceived.

Christ gave another example of the potential actions of a deceitful heart when He was invited to a meal at a Pharisee’s home one Sabbath and He saw how, as the guests arrived, each sought the best place to sit. He gave divine instruction to those who were invited. The story is in Luke 14:8–11.

“When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Christ was reminding the Pharisees of the words that the Holy Spirit had moved upon Solomon to write in Proverbs 25:6, 7.

“Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,

And do not stand in the place of the great;

For it is better that he say to you,

‘Come up here,’

Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,

Whom your eyes have seen.”

It is likely that Solomon had seen just this kind of behavior in his own court when he had invited guests to dine with him.

In addition to the example we read in Esther about Haman, there are other examples in Scripture of people “thinking” in their hearts. In common language today, we would say, “saying to himself” or “thinking to himself.”

One example is given in Genesis 24:45, when Abraham’s oldest servant went to Laban to find a wife for Isaac.

“But before I had finished speaking in my heart, there was Rebekah, coming out with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down to the well and drew water. And I said to her, ‘Please let me drink.’ ”

But perhaps the most familiar example of one thinking to himself is in Nehemiah 2:1-5, when Nehemiah stood despondently before King Artaxerxes.

“And it came to pass in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, that I took the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had never been sad in his presence before. Therefore the king said to me, ‘Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.’

“So I became dreadfully afraid, and said to the king, ‘May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire?’

“Then the king said to me, ‘What do you request?’ So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, ‘If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.’ ” (Emphasis added.)

Sister White refers to praying under these kinds of circumstances as darting a prayer to heaven. Probably each of us has more than one memory of having darted a prayer to heaven in times of trial. It is a wonderful comfort to know that we have an all-knowing, omnipresent God who hears and answers sincere prayers offered from a sincere heart.

Scripture also alludes to the heart as the condition of the human mind. Look for an example in Exodus 23:9: “Also you shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”

The principle that God is impressing upon Moses here is that we should be compassionate toward and understanding of others. Remember the trials and tribulations you have experienced and have compassion on others when they are in similar situations.

Another bit of light about the condition of a man’s heart is provided in 1 Samuel when the Lord had instructed Samuel to examine Jesse’s offspring to select a king to replace Saul, after Saul had proven himself unworthy of the office. When Samuel saw Eliab, whom he thought surely to be the Lord’s anointed, the Lord responded, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7.

What a lesson this incident provides for us. How often do we judge from outward appearance, only to realize when the fruit reveals the true condition of the heart that our initial assessment was incorrect.

The obvious question that arises from our study of the actions of the natural heart is, How can we overcome the natural tendencies and have that heart promised us in Ezekiel 36? Consider the request of Solomon:

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask! What shall I give you?’

“And Solomon said: ‘You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?’ ” I Kings 3:5–9.

James may have been reflecting on this story when he wrote in his epistle, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5.

Perhaps the most wonderful encouragement we are given, though, came from the lips of Christ Himself, on the night of His betrayal: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27.

Can we not conclude from this brief overview that through prayer, such as Nehemiah’s or Solomon’s, and by exercising faith, as Christ commanded to His disciples, that we can have that heart of flesh and persevere against the fiery darts of the enemy of souls under all circumstances? Such is my prayer daily. May it be yours as well.

NJKV unless otherwise noted.

John Pearson is the office manager and a board member of Steps to Life. After retiring as chief financial officer for the Grand Canyon Association, Grand Canyon, Arizona, he moved to Wichita, Kansas, to join the Steps to Life team. He may be contacted by email at: johnpearson@stepstolife.org.

Lord’s Prayer Series – Deliverance from Evil

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Proper guidance is vital to success in any endeavor. Many people are open to accepting guidance for their physical and mental lives, but, tragically, when it comes to their spiritual life, they depend on faulty, erring guidance systems.

In the gospel of Luke, as the Lord’s model prayer comes to a conclusion, we read these words of Jesus: “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Luke 11:4. The phrase, “lead us not into temptation …’’ is a prayer for divine leadership. Not only are we to ask for our daily bread and ask to be forgiven, but we also need daily guidance and leadership as we face life’s daily temptations.

A woman taken in the act of adultery was brought to Jesus with the accusation, ‘Now Moses said that a person taken in adultery like this should be stoned. But what do You say?’ They said this to lay a trap for Jesus, because if He said, ‘No, give mercy to her,’ then they would go to the people and say, ‘He doesn’t believe in the law of Moses.’ But if He said, ‘She should be stoned,’ then they would go to the Romans and say, ‘This man said that this woman should be stoned.’ ” The Jews did not have authority on their own to use capital punishment without the Roman’s permission. Either way that Jesus answered their question would get Him in trouble.

Scripture continues that Jesus stooped down and started to write on the ground the sins of the people who had brought this woman to Him, beginning with the oldest. As He wrote they became embarrassed. The Bible says, “… beginning with the eldest until the last and there was nobody left.” “When Jesus had raised himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.’ ” (See John 8:1–11.)

Notice the blessed assurance that Jesus provided the sinner. He assured her that “Neither do I condemn you.” Your sins are forgiven. It was immediately followed by the command to go, sin no more. The command to “go,” calls for progress and advancement, which always requires guidance. All moving things need to be directed. Unless directed in their proper course, they will come to a tragic end. That is true for airplanes, ships, cars, or any moving object. They must be directed. We are not left to travel alone, undirected, down the dark pathway of life. God has promised that if we ask Him, He will guide us, directing us with His eye.

The consciousness that human wisdom is faulty, causing us to make mistakes, leads us to request divine guidance for the future. The phrase, “lead us not into temptation” is considered by many Bible students to be the most difficult of all the petitions of the Lord’s prayer. In fact, some theologians believe that the early church, consisting of the early Christians in the first century, misunderstood it. As a result, the apostle James corrected their misunderstanding.

To impress the fact that it was not God Who was the source of our temptations, He said, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted of God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:12–17.

God is not tempted with evil and He does not tempt anyone. Part of the problem comes because of the faultiness of human language. An example of this is Genesis 22.1. Some versions of the Bible read, “It came to pass after these things that God tempted Abraham.” So people have been confused when in one place it says that God tempted Abraham and in the New Testament it says that God does not tempt anybody. Most modern translations say in Genesis 22 that God tested Abraham. There are many places in the Bible where God tests people. However, He does not tempt people or try to persuade or entice them to sin. That is the work of the devil and of the fallen human nature of man.

The main source of temptation is within us as we read in James 1. Therefore, a mere prayer for pardon is not sufficient; we need guidance or direction in our life. The original word for temptation used in the Lord’s Prayer literally means trial or test as it is translated in many other places in the Bible. For example, in James the 1:2–4 it says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

This is not a prayer that we will be kept from temptation, but that we will be divinely led during our temptation so that we will be kept from yielding to it. If we were to ask not to have temptation, we would be making a request that is impossible to be fulfilled in this world of sin. God never asks for us to do the impossible. Even Jesus Christ did not escape temptation. Notice what it says about His temptations in Hebrews 4:14–16, speaking of Jesus Christ: “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest Who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest Who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Notice that even Jesus had temptations. The Bible speaks of His being tempted by the devil. He was in all points tempted as we are (Hebrews 4:15). Temptation must not be confused with sin. “He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin …” Jesus did not yield to the temptation. There is no other way that you and I can develop the moral character that we need to enter the kingdom of heaven except through overcoming temptation.

As the gospel song says, “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin.” [Yield Not To Temptation, Horatio R. Palmer, 1868.] All people are tempted, but all people do not yield to the temptation. It is through this process of resisting temptation that we grow in grace (II Peter 3:18). In Revelation 2 and 3 to each one of the Christian churches the promise of eternal life is given on the basis of being an overcomer. Even right at the end of the Bible in Revelation 21:6, 7 it says, “He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.’ ” To turn away from sin and overcome is a principle that is repeated throughout the Bible.

In the Bible, sometimes the Lord is spoken of as doing something Himself that He just permits someone else to do. God does not originate or approve of all the things that He allows to happen in this world but He does permit trials and afflictions to come to both good and evil people. The reason for this is so that we might overcome the temptation and become partakers of His holiness (see Hebrews 12).

The tests, the trials, the afflictions that we have in this life sometimes turn out to be blessings in disguise. In fact, in Romans 8:28, there is a promise that is so wonderful that it is very hard to believe while going through the trial. It says, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Now, it doesn’t say that all things are good, but that He can work all things, even those most difficult for us, into something that ultimately results in good, according to His purpose.

God allows the trials to come so that we can discern the impurities of our character so that they, through His grace, can be removed. Often we do not recognize the divine leadership and purpose in our trials and temptations that God allows to come to us, but someday it will all be made plain. We read many stories in the Bible of people who experienced terrible trials and discouragements and could not understand why God allowed such things to happen to them. Jacob once lamented that, “All these things are against me” (Genesis 42:36). He had lost Joseph and now Benjamin was going to be taken away. He thought that he was going to lose the only children he had from the one woman that he really loved. Although he thought that all these were against him, in a few weeks he not only had Benjamin back, but Joseph as well.

The Lord worked out all things together for good, although Jacob thought for a time everything was against him and it would all work out terribly. The same thing happened with David. For approximately ten years, David fled for his life before an infuriated king who stirred up the people against him, forcing him to live in caves and haunts in many desolate places wondering how he would ever become the king of Israel, as the Lord had promised him. But in spite of all those things, God eventually worked it out.

Romans 8:28 says that if you love God, all things will work together. It is not our responsibility to work it all out. God will work it out so that all things, even the evil things that happen to us, will be pulled together to work it out for our good in the end. This is very difficult to believe while going through severe tests and trials, but that is the Bible promise. The prophets Malachi and Isaiah have said that all of God’s children have to go through the furnace of affliction or trial. Trust God, for He has a purpose in our trials. When they are over, something wonderful is going to happen.

In this world, with our limited human vision, we struggle to see through the confusion, broken promises, disappointment and thwarted plans, but the Bible promises that when we reach the end of the Christian journey, we will be able to see in all of it a grand and overruling purpose and divine harmony. Malachi prophesied what the Lord will do in the last days. “He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3.

The Bible clearly predicts that God’s remnant people, His children in the very last days of earth’s history, will go through a great tribulation, but it also promises that the Lord will bring them out of it.

Notice what John wrote in Revelation 7:9, 10: “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues [languages], standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God Who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ ”

Then it says in verses 13, 14 that one of the elders answered and asked the apostle John, who was having this vision, “Who are these?” “Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, ‘Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?’ And I said to him, ‘Sir, you know.’ So he said to me, ‘These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’ ”

You see, God is going to lead His children out of the great tribulation that is coming upon this world. The Bible says that the devil has come down to this world having great wrath. In Revelation 12:12, it says, “Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows he has a short time.”

The devil knows that his days are numbered and that he has a short time to work out his plans of wickedness. He does have control of the majority of human beings in this world but in an effort to have full control of the world, he puts forth his last effort to take out those who claim Christ. If you have read the rest of the story you know that he does not win, for there will be a multitude that nobody can number that have come out of the great tribulation and washed their robes of character and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. It may not appear that way at present, but Satan is a loser.

We are not left alone to fight our adversary. Jesus said, “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the earth.” Revelation 3:10. The promise here made is that during the refining and purifying process, there will be divine guidance that we will be kept from falling. Temptation is always inspired by the devil, but it was the Spirit of God that led Jesus Christ into the wilderness to meet the temptation and to conquer it.

The person who asks for pardon for past offenses against God will then make every effort to avoid future transgressions and seek for the blessing of holiness or sanctification. The Bible tells us what the devil uses to tempt people. Understanding the source of the temptations will help to know how to meet them. The Bible says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust [or craving] of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” I John 2:15–17.

Divine assistance is needed in meeting these trials or temptations, but the Bible pronounces a blessing on the person who endures. Notice this text again in James 1:12: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

If we expect God to keep us when we are in temptation, we need to see to it that we do not deliberately walk into temptation. It is an interesting thing that some people pray and say, “Lord, lead me not into temptation” then presume to be protected when they deliberately walk in temptation’s way.

In the Garden of Gethsemane on the night that Jesus was betrayed, He gave some advise to His disciples that they neglected at that time. He said, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41.

Notice, it is because we are in constant danger of entering into temptation that we should pray not to be led where we will be tempted to sin. If we are sincere in our prayer, we will avoid walking directly into the allurements of the flesh which so easily tempt us.

The Bible predicts that a multitude of people in the last days will lose eternal life because, instead of praying to be guided away from temptation, they deliberately walk into temptation and have pleasure in unrighteousness. Paul says to these people, “God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” II Thessalonians 2:11, 12.

How is it with you friend? Are you praying that the Lord will guide you and lead you so that you will not walk into the way of temptation, or do you seek pleasure in unrighteousness? The choice is ours; help is only a prayer away. All the resources of heaven have been commissioned to save lost man so put your trust in Jesus today. Reflect on the words of the gospel song:

So I thank God for the mountains,

And I thank Him for the valleys,

I thank Him for the storms He’s brought me through.

‘Cause if I never had a problem,

I wouldn’t know that He could solve them,

I wouldn’t know what faith in His Word could do.

Through it all, through it all,

I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,

I’ve learned to trust in God.

Through it all, through it all,

I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

Andrea Crouch

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church of Free Seventh-day Adventists in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

Lord’s Prayer Series – Be Sober, Be Vigilent

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Many people, when they have been overcome by temptation, have accused God of unfairness. They do not realize that God has provided special promises of deliverance and blessing to those undergoing temptation. However, for you to taste the victory, you must be willing to engage in the battle.

Many people consider the petition, “lead us not into temptation” to be the most difficult part of the Lord’s Prayer to understand. Some people have wondered why God tempts people. However, the Bible says that God does not tempt anybody. James wrote, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:12–17.

It is wrong to think that God tempts anyone. He is not tempted with evil and He does not tempt anyone. If He is not the source of our temptations, then where do temptations come from? One source is the devil. When Jesus was in the wilderness, He was tempted by the devil. In this world no one can avoid temptation. Notice what it says in Matthew 4 about Jesus’ temptation immediately after His baptism:

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 4:1. Clearly we can see that the devil is one of the sources of our temptations. But another source of our temptation is from within. James also talks about that. He said a man is tempted by his own desires, his own lusts and his own sinful or evil cravings. John recognized another source of our temptations when he said, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lusts of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” I John 2:15–17.

Temptations do not come from God. Rather they come from the world, the flesh; that is, from within us, and from the devil. So what does it mean when the Bible says in the Lord’s Prayer, “Do not lead us into temptation?” One way that it could be paraphrased would be like this: “O, Father, You know how weak I am of myself. Permit me not to be tempted above my ability to endure, but when the temptation comes, show me the way of escape from the snares of the evil one.”

We know that this is what this phrase means because of the way the apostle Paul explains the nature of and the deliverance from temptation. God has given wonderful promises to those who endure temptation. We just read one from James 1:12. Paul wrote this promise to the Corinthian church, especially for those who are being tempted: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” I Corinthians 10:13.

Notice that Paul first says that every temptation that comes to you is common to all mankind; none that you have are peculiar to you alone. But, God watches the tempted person and He promises that He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able; in other words, not beyond what you are able to endure, but He will ensure that with the temptation, He will make a way of escape so that you will be able to endure it.

This is a wonderful promise. Many stories could be told of Christians who have received the answer to this promise when they prayed during times of great trial and trouble. But this promise follows a warning. We are in danger of falling into temptations because of our weakness and also because of our lack of judgment. Paul says in the previous verse, I Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” We need to beware of overconfidence, and not just think, “Well, the Lord has promised that He will give me the victory,” therefore just go rashly on my way without thinking. That attitude has caused many Christians to fall. Overconfidence leads to defeat because the Bible says, “It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” Jeremiah 10:23.

The Lord provides a way of escape when people are in temptation and He leads us through it in order that we might escape. To escape we need divine guidance. We need to be led by the Lord Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Bible talks a great deal about the fact that God will give victory over temptation to His children. John said, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that overcomes the world—our faith.” I John 5:4.

Paul wrote about it, “But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:57, 58.

Christ is our victory. With Him there is no such thing as failure or defeat. So the cry, “Lead us not into temptation” is a cry that comes from a sense of our human weakness. Jesus understood the weaknesses that we have because He came into this world just as we do. He came to meet and endure temptation and then give us the power to do the same so that we can be what the Bible calls overcomers.

Jesus met temptation while He was on the earth. “Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2:17, 18.

The cry “lead us not into temptation” is a cry that comes from a person who senses his human weakness and who understands something of the power and cunning of the great deceiver. The Scriptures say a great deal about the power of Satan to deceive men. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians about the special working of the anti-Christ power in the very last days and how people in this world will be deceived. “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” II Thessalonians 2:9–11.

Jesus talked about it saying that after He left this world and before He would come back again there would arise false christs and false prophets and that they would show great signs and wonders. In other words, they would work miracles. Many times the Bible writers predicted that in the last days teachers working miracles would deceive almost the entire world. As a result of this deception they will lose their souls. This truth is so crucial to understand that Paul wrote about it. The apostle John mentions it numerous times in the book of Revelation, specifically in chapters 12, 13, 16, 18, 19 and 20.

Jesus said, “For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24. The prayer “lead us not into temptation” includes a request that we might be vigilant against our wily woe. The apostle Peter warned about it saying, “Be sober (do not be intoxicated), be vigilant (be watchful, be paying attention); because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8.

The people most likely to be overcome by temptation are those who either are not paying attention or are overconfident.

The night Jesus was betrayed to His crucifixion, He made the following prophecy or prediction to the apostle Peter. He said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:31, 32.

When Jesus said this, Peter was so self-confident that such a thing would never happen that he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” Verse 33. But Jesus knew better: “Then He said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.’ ” Verse 34.

Recording the same experience in Mark, it says, “Peter said to Him, ‘Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.’ ” Mark 14:29. Self confident Peter was so sure that even if the rest of the disciples were to deny Jesus and be unfaithful, he would remain faithful.

But, “Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.’ ” Verse 30. Peter was sure that Jesus was wrong and he was right; he knew he would never deny his Lord. The events of that night proved that Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew himself.

Jesus knows you also better than you know yourself. That night Jesus had said to His disciples, “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41 literal translation) but now Peter “spoke more vehemently, ‘If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!’ And they all said likewise.” Mark 14:31. All of the disciples said, We will be faithful, and yet just a few hours later, when Jesus was arrested, the Bible records in the gospels how all the disciples forsook Him and fled.

When we read the Bible, it is not wise to consider ourselves to be self-reliant and confident, thinking, “Well, I am OK, I can make it.” We need to distrust ourselves and appeal to the Lord. If Peter had prayed to Jesus and said, “Lord, please, I want a special miracle to be worked in my life so that what You said might not be” and had humbled himself, his fall could have been avoided, but he was self-confident. He did not comprehend his own weakness or the strength and cunning of his enemy, the devil.

The fact that we all possess certain tendencies toward evil is evidence of our need of help. Pray that God will help us to keep out of situations where we will be tempted and are apparently powerless to resist the temptation. We need to avoid what the Bible refers to as besetting sins. Notice what the apostle Paul wrote about that in the book of Hebrews: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1, 2.

Besetting or ensnaring sins are usually agreeable and fascinating to our human nature, and therefore must be avoided and shunned. We must not flirt with temptations that carry a special appeal to our carnal appetites and passions. In fact, Paul in this same passage in Hebrews 12, says that we are to shun these things and to resist to avoid becoming entangled. He said, “You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.” Verse 4.

Temptations are something to be resisted and overcome and not deliberately walked into presumptuously. Another dangerous situation is what might be called the devil’s surprise attack. Anyone who has studied military science knows that one of the major features of gaining victories in military wars is the use of surprise, attacking at an unexpected time.

The devil does this repeatedly in our spiritual life. There are many instances recorded in the Bible of such things. Sometimes people fell and at other times they resisted and overcame.

Joseph’s experience is recorded in the book of Genesis. Although he was a slave, he became an executive in his master Potiphar’s house. “And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, ‘Lie with me.’ But he refused and said to his master’s wife, ‘Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?’ So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her. But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house were inside, that she caught him by his garment, saying, ‘Lie with me.’ But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside.’ ” Genesis 39:7–12.

This Scripture records how Joseph was met with a sudden temptation that was unexpected at first. However, it was repeated over and over with increasing intensity, but he continually resisted this woman’s advances and never gave in. Unfortunately, that was not the case with others who faced the same temptation whose stories were recorded in the Bible. King David’s story had a completely different outcome.

In the Garden of Gethsemane before He was arrested, Jesus knew that His disciples would soon face the most awful and greatest temptation that they had ever had in their lives. In a matter of hours they would be tempted to deny their Lord and forsake Him.

He appealed to them to pray with Him for an hour. Instead, they went to sleep. They were oblivious of the fact that the event to take place in the following hours would decide the destiny of the world. “Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, ‘What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ ” Matthew 26:40, 41.

After He had gone away and prayed again a second time, “He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.” Verse 43. Finally, “He came to His disciples and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.’ ” Verse 45.

How many times Christians have wandered into sin and not resisted the temptation because they have neglected to take time to pray! How is your prayer life? Do you take time to pray? Do you ask with sincerity, “Lead us not into temptation?” Are you praying for victory over the things that tempt you? If you ask God not to lead you where you will be overcome by temptation, then you are planning to be faithful and true and not willingly walk into temptation’s way.

There are special blessings pronounced on those who do not yield to temptation. God will make a way of escape and make it possible for you to endure the temptation (I Corinthians 10:13) and James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man that endures temptation … he will receive the crown of life.”

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest Who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest Who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14.

O friend, are you being tempted? Do you need special help? Do you need special grace to deal with the temptations that you are facing day by day? The apostle says, Come boldly before the throne of grace so that you can obtain mercy and grace, the help that you need, to overcome the temptations with which you are dealing.

While living in this world it is impossible to avoid all temptation, but if you come to the throne of grace, Jesus can give you the victory.

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church of Free Seventh-day Adventists in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

Lord’s Prayer Series – No Pain, No Gain!

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Winston Churchill once said, “Difficulties mastered are opportunities won.” It would be beneficial to remember that saying when experiencing terrible loss and trouble. Though effectively disguised at the time, there may be a blessing to follow.

We can be assured that any temptation we may face, it is not God Who tempts us but the enemy of souls, Satan, who, disguised as an angel of light, even tried to tempt Jesus while He was in the wilderness after His baptism.

The devil lays snares for people to walk into. Most of the time they do not even realize that they are ensnared until it is too late. The apostle Paul mentions this in many different places in his writings. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles [something involving trickery] of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10–13.

Then Paul goes on in verses 14–18 about the necessity of prayer and study and an understanding of the truths of the Bible so that the snares or temptations of the devil will not deceive you. Writing to the Corinthian church he said, “… such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” II Corinthians 11:13–15.

Notice that the devil comes as an angel from heaven and deceives people into thinking that they are having a wonderful experience and gaining knowledge, as he did with Eve in the Garden of Eden. The devil told her that if she ate the fruit she had been commanded by God to leave alone, she would become like God and know good and evil. It was never God’s intention for the human family to know anything about evil. Unfortunately for the human race, our first parents did learn about evil through disobedience, and since then we have all seen the results of evil. It involves disappointment, pain, suffering, sickness, strife, war and eventually, death. The human race would never have known any of these things if we had always been obedient and never partaken of the forbidden fruit.

However, people criticize Adam and Eve and wonder why they disobeyed. Yet people today continue to do the same thing, to partake of the knowledge of good and evil, which is actually a mixture of good and evil. To partake of those things that God has forbidden can only get us in trouble. Jesus said that we should pray for protection that we would not be led and tempted to engage in any forbidden behavior. Too often in our prayer life we are tempted to pray in a selfish manner, just for our own needs or that of our own family, but the Lord’s Prayer is not a selfish prayer.

Jesus said, “… lead us not into temptation …” (Matthew 6:13). [Emphasis added.] This is a prayer from an unselfish heart that includes our fellow mortals who are also in need of divine assistance and guidance on their way to the heavenly kingdom. In the Bible we are told that we should do good to all men. Notice what it says in Galatians 6:10: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

In the letter written by the apostle James, he says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 literal translation. Our prayers are to include the needs of others.

Temptation affects the entire human family. None of us can escape it. Only those who seek help from God will escape the ruin of walking on dangerous ground, because there is no place where you can go in this world, no earthly shrine or fortress, where you will be free from temptation.

Satan regards not the sanctity of place. He enters the Garden of Eden and he stands on the pinnacle of the temple. He is not deterred by the influence of holy companionship. He tempts Achan in the camp of Israel, Judas among the disciples of Christ, Ananias and Sapphira among the first Christians in Jerusalem. He is not afraid to attack the most favored saints, David, the man after God’s own heart, Peter, the first of the apostles and the three disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. He tempted even Jesus, the Lord of glory. He is not moved to pity by the helplessness and innocence of childhood. He will not relinquish hope, even when the aged pilgrim is on his deathbed. Everywhere and always he tempts.

Temptation is all around us and we cannot avoid it, but while there is no place where we can go where we are exempt from it, there is a refuge where we are safe from its defeat. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10.

The “name” mentioned here is referring to God’s character. If Christ abides in us and we abide in Him, then we are safely enclosed by an impregnable fortress. We cannot be saved from being tempted, but we can be saved from yielding to its power. It is true that the devil is the conqueror of humanity, but it is also true that Jesus Christ, called in the Scriptures our elder brother, came to this world in human flesh and conquered the devil in His humanity.

The devil trembles and flees before the weakest saint who finds a refuge in the all-conquering name of Jesus, our strong tower that affords us safety when we run into it.

There is not a person alive who doesn’t want to be safe, and Christ is the fortress of His people. The person who has fully yielded himself to Jesus Christ is barricaded, protected, and surrounded with infinite power. Even in this world, the person who is thus possessed by the Captain of the Lord’s host is impregnable to the assaults of the evil one. In fact, the only way you can escape succumbing to temptation in this world is if you find the one safe and true Refuge.

Jesus is called a “Refuge from the storm” (Isaiah 25:4). The Bible records many instances of people who were terribly, terribly tried. One example is the patriarch Job, who is described as “blameless and upright” (Job 1:1). Yet notice the terrible experience that Job went through: “Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; and a messenger came to Job and said, ‘The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!’

“While he was still speaking, another also came and said, ‘The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!’ While he was still speaking, another also came and said, ‘The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!’ While he was still speaking, another also came and said, ‘Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!’

“Then Job arose and tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” Job 1:13–22.

Job was tempted to accuse God. He lost all of his property and then his ten children in what we would call today a hurricane or a tornado. His whole family was gone, yet he did not blame God for it or sin against Him because of his terrible losses. Losing his property and his children was just the first part of his trial.

We read that God allowed the devil to also touch his person but not take his life. “So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!’ And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.’ So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took for himself a potsherd with which to scrape himself while he sat in the midst of the ashes. Then his wife said to him, ‘Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!’ But he said to her, ‘You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” Job 2:4–10.

Job’s trial is recorded in the 42 chapters of the book of Job. These attacks of the enemy were designed to bring about his defeat and ruin, but what happened? Through his submission to God these attacks resulted in the devil being defeated to the glory of God.

Satan’s attempt to ruin Job resulted in revealing himself as the liar and evil intelligence that he is. The devil’s sole intent is to tempt the inhabitants of this world into sin, so that they will curse God, ignore Him, and blame Him for their troubles. The book of Job is an integral part of the Bible that enlightens the seeker after truth who it is, in fact, that is the source and manufacturer of all our trials and tribulations.

The very weapons that Satan designed to weaken Job and cause him to curse God were used by the Lord to reveal to Job his unknown weaknesses so that he could become strong where he had been weak. The apostle Paul had a very similar experience. Paul met the Lord on the Damascus road. The Bible says the light around the Lord shone brighter than the sun (Matthew 17:12). After that encounter, the apostle Paul had trouble with his eyesight, describing it this way: “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:7–10.

God has not promised that we will have freedom from trials and temptations in this world. But He has promised us something far better. He has promised that when in trouble we have a fortress (Psalm 91:2). His strength is made perfect in our weakness and His grace will be given and is sufficient for all of our needs (II Corinthians 12:9). In every age God’s people have met various trials, some even to be called to martyrdom; but as history has proven, God’s grace is always sufficient to meet any trial.

God uses the trials that come along to develop character in His people. God brings beauty out of ashes. Although God turns into blessings all of Satan’s attempt to destroy, we should do everything in our power not to walk rashly into temptation. We must be careful to keep off the enemy’s ground. One of the great temptations of youth is the temptation of sexual lust. In violation of the Ten Commandments, Satan tempts the youth to indulge in sexual activity before making a commitment in marriage. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, gave the following advice to young people: “My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge. For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of hell [the grave]. Lest you ponder her path of life—her ways are unstable; you do not know them.

“Therefore hear me now, my children, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. Remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house.” Proverbs 5:1–8.

Then Solomon goes on to explain why you should not deliberately walk into temptation: “Lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one.” Verse 9.

James also provides guidance on avoiding temptations. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.

The thirteenth chapter of Genesis tells what Lot did after he separated from Abraham. It says that, “Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent towards Sodom. But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.” Genesis 13:12, 13 literal translation. They were so wicked that eventually God sent fire from heaven and burned those wicked cities. Lot lost almost everybody in his family. In a sense, if you read the whole story, he did lose everybody for he beheld the wicked cities and his family got involved in sinful, sensual pleasure. It is dangerous to do what Lot did.

The Bible has a lot to say about avoiding even the appearance of evil. “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 5:21–23.

We have an obligation as free moral agents to not walk into temptation. In fact, we should flee from those situations where we would be tempted and might be overcome. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy about this very thing. He said, “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” II Timothy 2:22.

To the Corinthians Paul wrote, “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18. And again, “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry …” I Corinthians 10:14. And to Timothy, “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.” I Timothy 6:11, 12.

God has created us all as free moral agents. We are responsible for what we look at, listen to, what we practice, and what we engage in. No one else is responsible for our actions. This earth is part of a moral universe, and one day, on the Day of Judgment, all will give an account of the life that we have chosen to live. The prophets and the apostles in both the Old and New Testaments taught this. So, do not pray not to be led into temptation and then directly walk into temptation’s way contrary to what you have just prayed.

Like the Bible itself, the Lord’s Prayer ends where it began. It starts with God and His perfection and it brings us back again after our contact with sin and victory over evil. “Forever” is a proper ending for the Lord’s Prayer. This exultant ascription of praise and honor to the God of heaven is not found only at the end of the Lord’s Prayer, but this is something that is common in recorded prayers in both the Old and the New Testament.

Praise is part of effectual prayer. The Bible says that praise is comely or beautiful for the upright (Psalm 33:1.) God said, “Whoever offers praise glorifies Me.” Psalm 50:23.

Many of the Psalms end in praise, even those that represent deep repentance and heart-rending anguish of sin-burdened souls crying out for pardon and cleansing. Humble and contrite souls praise God for His love, His grace, and His mercy. Fifteen of the Psalms end with the expression, “Praise ye the Lord.”

The ending in the Lord’s Prayer is a closing plea that the seven petitions of the prayer be granted. It all presents an argument as to the reasons why the prayer was offered because the person has expectation for an answer from One Who is able to answer every single one of these petitions. In fact, He is able to answer more than we can ask.

In Ephesians 3:20 literal translation, Paul says, “Now to Him Who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.”

So, we expect an answer when we pray, not based on something that we have or can do, not based on something that we can do to gain merit. We expect an answer because of God’s character and power, and that He is able to answer every single petition in this prayer. So as you pray the words, “Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory” (Matthew 6:13), ask the Lord to fulfill each one of the petitions of the prayer of Jesus in your life so that you, one day, can be part of the kingdom of glory when it is set up.

May the Lord’s Prayer become a daily feature in each one’s life. It is one of request that the Lord will help us to live the way our Lord and Master lived, giving us an example and offering the power of the Holy Spirit to help us in our journey. He alone is able to keep us from falling (Jude 1:24).

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church of Free Seventh-day Adventists in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.