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Editorial – Explanations

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In Genesis 3, God asked Adam for an explanation as to why he was hiding. When asked if he had eaten from the forbidden tree, Adam made an explanation that the woman whom God had given him had given him to eat and he ate. In other words, the fault was with the woman whom God Himself had given him. The woman, in turn, blamed the serpent. All the sons and daughters of Adam have engaged in this same self-justification, which usually includes directly—or indirectly—blaming someone else.

Of this, Ellen White wrote: “The spirit of self-justification originated in the father of lies; it was indulged by our first parents as soon as they yielded to the influence of Satan, and has been exhibited by all the sons and daughters of Adam. Instead of humbly confessing their sins, they try to shield themselves by casting the blame upon others, upon circumstances, or upon God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 58.

The world and the church are full of explanations today, but the real question is, What are you and I going to do in the day of judgment when the real truth about each of us will be open to the whole universe? What explanation are you planning to give to God for your words and actions in this life? Paul declared: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to what he has done, whether [it be] good or bad.” II Corinthians 5:10.

Jesus said that there would be nothing covered that was not revealed and hid that would not be known. (Matthew 10:26.) God has a record of everything that has happened in our world and in each individual’s life. (See The Great Controversy, 486.)

As we ponder the future judgment, biblical prophets give solemn warnings for the present: “Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zephaniah 2:3. “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6, 7.

Now is the time to go to God with repentance and confession and to seek to have our sins not only covered but blotted out in the final judgment.

Self-Examination

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I know the heart of the true Christian longs to be in harmony with God. I also know that it is in these same hearts that the devil is so very hard at work. We are very fallible as people and require great attention to the blemishes of character to touch our goal, the character of Christ. This is why, to the dedicated Christian, self-examination is an integral part of spiritual life. It is a strict investigation into the integrity of our faith; a means by which to know our defects that we may overcome them. The Bible speaks on the necessity of attending to this duty in 11 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” The only remedy for self-deception is self-examination. This is how we are enabled to guard against a wrong judgment of our spiritual condition.

Men in every age have been able to deceive themselves in regard to their characters; to call good evil, and evil good. Now, one may be tempted to think that good and evil are so far separated, how could there be any confusion? It is through the nearly imperceptible wiles of the devil, coupled with our finite and sinful minds, that allows the perception that evil could be good and vice versa. How many people live and die in self-deception? It is not a condition restricted to the ungodly. Please understand this, for to think so is dangerous ground. Every era has found the majority of professed Christianity to be blinded as to their true character. The Laodicean church has been entrusted with important and sacred truths of the last message of mercy and yet has become shamefully deceived as to their spiritual state. They are described as them that say, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” Revelation 3:17. And yet they know not that they are, “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

God’s true people have chosen to improve since this message was seen to apply to them. They have been enabled to make the necessary improvements by way of self-examination. But the scriptures clearly state that many will continue down the path of willful blindness until the day of the Lord when they will say, “Lord, Lord,” claiming a right to His favor. Because they have chosen to remain blind to the truths they would otherwise have accepted, He returns saying, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22, 23. How heart wrenching it would be to hear this from our Lord, our Creator, and how wholly unnecessary. If we were but willing to take a look in the mirror and remove the imperfections, we would be saved from this. Self-deception cannot exist where the work of self-examination is correctly and faithfully undertaken.

If we were in a perfect state and had no defects in our character, the view in the mirror would be one easy to accept and even easier to alter. But as fallible human beings this is not an agreeable duty to perform. Strangely, it is uncomfortable for us to admit to our faults, even when they cause us so much harm. We would not knowingly leave cancer in our bodies because we know the great peril in which our lives would be put. And yet most of us put our lives in the same danger by ignoring our sinful faults. The difficulty arises from the pride and deceitfulness in our hearts and our tendency to look upon our characters with complacency and nonchalance. We tend to excuse ourselves of our wrongs. The adversary is hard at work to keep us from our duty to our characters through our tendency to focus on the faults of others, which are by far secondary to the attention our own characters desperately require. The Bible asks us why we would pay so much heed to the sliver in our neighbor’s eye when we have a whole tree in our own. (See Matthew 7:3.) It is considerably less labor intensive and painful to point the finger than to do the necessary work in ourselves. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that the greater portion of professed Christians choose not to remove their tree. So if we fail to examine ourselves, we cannot obtain a thorough and correct knowledge of our characters. Satan exults in our self-induced blindness as we cannot see the necessity of overcoming, and consequently fail to advance in sanctification. But if we become acquainted with our hearts and open ourselves to the ugliness of our sinful nature, we shall realize the necessity of overcoming and progressing in holiness.

The view in the spiritual looking glass will not be a pleasant one for most of us at first. We are so prone to sin and, without even realizing it, we frequently allow sin into our lives. The arch-deceiver did not earn this title for no reason. He knows where our weaknesses lie and will use them against us in such a way that we believe what we are letting in does not relate to sinfulness. The devil is slowly dimming the lights of our spiritual awareness. If we are not careful, eventually we will be unable to see. Our eyes adjust to the growing darkness, making it seem like we do not need additional lighting. But what happens when we go too long like this? We damage our eyesight. Satan has the same plan with our spiritual well-being. Notwithstanding the unpleasantness of the work and the great opposition that we experience from the devil, we must push forward in our endeavor to perfect our characters for the Lord. We want to be among those privileged to live with our beloved Father. Is this not worth any discomfort we may experience in looking at ourselves for what we truly are? But how do we turn the lights back on?

We are constantly presented ways for self-improvement. One common expression we have all heard as advice is to “follow your heart.” Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that, “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” This warning is so vital given that we live in a world that operates on the emotional level rather than the intellect. There is nothing to keep emotions in check except the mind. So then do we follow our mind, or more specifically, our conscience? We answer only to our own conscience, but every person’s conscience will say something different, so how do we know whose is correct? How do we know that our own conscience has not been significantly blunted by the effects of living in a sinful world? And as how we think of things affects how we feel, we cannot safely accept feelings as a guide.

Humans are simply too inconsistent and incompetent to look to for any aid. One blind man does not lead another with great success. We cannot determine the status of our character without the Word of God. We are judged by the Word and so must live by the Word. The Bible serves as a light that can illuminate our beings and allow us to see ourselves. Just as a person would become quickly discouraged looking for something in a room completely dark, so would we become frustrated in trying to change if we did not see what we were asked to become. We need to become so acquainted with the truth that we see it, not merely as a theory, but as a standard by which to live. Just as we have the Scriptures as a guide, we have the unerring life of Christ as an example. We are asked to walk as He walked. This sounds intimidating and impossible, but we are promised that the Holy Spirit will strengthen us. “Without this,” says Helffenstein, “we shall be liable either to the extreme of presumption or despondency. While some cry, Peace, where there is no peace, others, overlooking the exercise of a renewed heart, will be held in perpetual bondage to their doubts and fears. Great care should then be taken to ascertain what the scriptures insist on, as essential to Christian character. It is by these points, and not by such as is merely circumstantial, that we are to determine the genuineness of our piety.

“There are some who place great dependence upon the pungency of their convictions, the ecstasy of their joys, remarkable dreams, sudden impulses, the unexpected application of some Scriptural promise, or the fact that they can refer to the particular moment and place of their supposed conversion. None of these things, however, constitute the distinguishing marks of race. Instead, therefore, of directing our minds to those circumstances which may be as marked in the cases of the self-deceived as in the cases of true believers, our inquiries should relate to those traits of character which are the invariable fruits of the Spirit, and which are common to all the subjects of its saving influence.”1

In looking at the Scriptures as a guide we must implore the Holy Spirit to be in our hearts and minds and illuminate the truths contained in what we read. Jesus said to the Laodiceans, “Anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Revelation 3:18. It may be slow at first. Just as coming out of a dark room our eyes are pained if we take in the light too fast, God will only reveal the light to us as we can deal with it. We must constantly be undertaking the work of self-improvement. The devil never ceases his work against us, so we must constantly be working against him to keep his deceptions out of our lives.

Christians tend to think that, once converted, the work is finished. But true conversion is a process. What are we working to be converted to anyway? Is it not Christ? And who can say that they are Christ-like? It is the consistent worker who does not lax in their duty who will reap the rewards. Dr. Watts tells us, “it was a sacred rule among the Pythagoreans that they should, every evening, thrice run over the actions and affairs of the day, and examine what their conduct had been, what they had done, or what they had neglected; and they assured their pupils that by this method they would make a noble progress in the path of virtue.”2 And should we Christians fall behind these heathen philosophers in this important exercise? Dr. Watts gives us some lines we would do well to remember here:

Sometimes it seems quite overwhelming with all the cares of the day to have yet one more thing to attend to. There are two remedies to this. Firstly, ask yourself what your purpose is in life? Is it to make money and be successful in the eyes of the world, or is your purpose to gain a closer walk with God to ultimately walk one day by His side? Secondly, take baby steps. Children are taught the alphabet before they are taught to read. If a child was handed a book and expected to be able to read, he would soon become discouraged and give up.

It is easier for our minds to grasp things which are tangible, such as our actions. Is our conduct that of a Christian? Do our actions uphold the fundamental principles of the Ten Commandments? As our actions and words are originated from what our minds contain, upon what are we thinking? Our thoughts determine our feelings toward a given situation which also provokes our actions. This is a question that needs to be carefully thought through. Much of the time we believe ourselves to be pious and yet our motives for our actions are less than admirable. The devil has tricked the mind so often into thinking that if we are doing the right thing we are okay. But Satan can lead us into doing the right thing and have it meet his purpose because our motives were not pure.

We can attach far too much importance to the idea that we are practicing a form of godliness and to the fact that we have attached ourselves formally with God’s people. Both of these are very beneficial and perhaps even necessary as a Christian. The Jews were a people who strictly adhered to one form of godliness and yet missed the heart of true godliness by a mile. A form of godliness can exist without the power of godliness. And Christ found it necessary to separate from believers at times for the respite of quiet communion with the Father. So these are not things that can necessarily aid in examining whether the heart of our actions are in alignment with that of Christ.

It is so very difficult to look at ourselves without being partial. Preconceived ideas tend to be steadfast and opinions are most often formed to our own favor. Yet through prayer, the Holy Spirit will shed light where it is necessary as we are able to handle it. This is not a light matter as we are preparing our robes (characters) for the second coming of Christ. Every spot on our character is a spot on our robe and we are called to be without blemish upon the return of our King. “It is in this life that we are to put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness. This is our only opportunity to form characters for the home which Christ has made ready for those who obey His commandments.” Signs of the Times, November 22, 1905. I know that it is discouraging to look at something ugly and think of all the work it is going to take to restore beauty. God likens our bodies to temples for Him, and thus we should treat our spirits. To look at a home that is in desperate need of remodeling can be overwhelming. But the task becomes far less daunting when we have a concept of what we want the finished product to look like. Most of us are in this position spiritually. Our temple has been sorely neglected and looking at this is not pleasant, but Christ is our model so we have a clear idea of what we are to change.

People tend to look at personal trial as defeating and harmful. I would encourage us to look at hardship rather, as an inner mirror. Our response to hardship tells us most clearly where we stand intellectually, morally, and spiritually. It is a way for us to fine-tune what we lack, and also to acknowledge change where it has taken place. Is it not when we endure trials with an unruffled temper, without fretting or mumbling, that we can truly say that we are patient? Is it not when we are in a position to forgive a wrong that we see where we stand with grace?

Dear reader, Christ asks us to be prepared for His second coming by putting on the robe of righteousness. Our attendance at the marriage feast depends on this. I want to be there and I know that hearts that belong to God long to be there also. Take upon yourselves the work necessary to be presentable to Him, and do so with the knowledge that, though the work is daunting, the Holy Spirit will shed light unto your path and strengthen you in your efforts.

  1. Jacob Helffenstein, Self-Deception: Its Nature, Evils, and Remedy, Published by Albert Sims, Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada, 1887.
  2. Isaac Watts, Joseph Emerson, The Improvement of the Mind, Boston, Hickling, Swan & Brewer, Cleveland: Ingham & Bragg, 1858.

Let not soft slumber close your eyes

Before you’ve recollected thrice

The train of actions thro’ the day.

Where have my feet chose out the way?

What have I learned where’er I’ve been,

From all I’ve heard, from all I’ve seen?

What know I more, that’s worth the knowing?

What have I done that’s worth the doing?

What have I sought that I should shun?

What duty have I left undone,

Or into what new follies run?

These self-inquiries are the road

That leads to virtue and to God.

Commitment to a Lost World

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Week of Prayer for Sabbath

“Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us. And when His parting words are fulfilled, ‘Love one another, as I have loved you’ (John 15:12); when we love the world as He has love`d it, then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven; for we have heaven in our hearts.” The Desire of Ages, 641.

How did Christ love the world? “The work of the good Samaritan represents Christ’s mission to the world. Our Saviour came to reveal the character of God, to represent his love for man. He acted just as the Father would have done in all emergencies. Christ manifested for us a love that the love of man can never equal. He died to save those who were his enemies; he prayed for his murderers. When we were bruised and dying, he had pity upon us. He did not pass us by on the other side, and leave us, helpless, and hopeless, to perish. He did not remain in his holy, happy home, where he was honored by all the heavenly host, who loved to do his bidding. He beheld our sore need; he undertook our case, and identified his interests with humanity. He became ‘a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief . . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.’ [Isaiah 53:3, 5.]” The Home Missionary, October 1, 1897.

Naturally, our hearts are cold and hard and selfish. This is not just a problem in the world but in the church as well: “There are sins among us as a people. Love is not cherished as it should be. A cold, selfish, indifferent hard-heartedness is increasing, and this has separated us from our God. There are reasons why the Lord does not favor us with his presence and love; there is great need of sharp, pointed testimonies, for selfishness has eaten out the love of God from our hearts. Hear what the Lord says to his people: ‘If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother; but thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him naught; and he cry unto the Lord against thee, and it be sin unto thee. Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him; because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor and to thy needy, in thy land.’ [Deuteronomy 15:7–11.]” Review and Herald, March 11, 1884.

“Those who have the mind of Christ can not look with indifference upon human suffering. They can not be heartless, cold, and selfish. Those who are naturally inclined to tenderness and sympathy when unreservedly surrendered to God will cooperate with him in doing deeds of mercy, in relieving the distressed, tho it may call for the practice of self-denial. But those who do not cultivate gratitude to God for his mercy and love to them, who do not appreciate the great gift of Christ to our world, will not manifest sympathy for the suffering and needy, will not seek to comfort the bereaved, to minister to the fatherless and the widow. They may, like the Pharisees, make long prayers, and yet rob the widow and the fatherless, forgetting in their hardness of heart that the Lord will judge those who neglect the needy and the suffering as though they had neglected him in the person of his saints.” The Signs of the Times, January 23, 1896.

Disunity

The lack of love makes the gospel presentation nearly powerless, because what is preached from the pulpit is not matched up with what the unbeliever sees in the lives of the professed Christian believers. This is why the non-Christian world is not convinced of the superiority of the Christian religion. Non-Christians, who are called pagans and heathens by Christians, will say that they are more honest, truthful, pure, less covetous, or revengeful than some Christians they know. Christ is misrepresented in the lives of His professed followers, and the world is then deluded by the deceptions of Satan, which could not take effect if the lives of professed Christians reflected the life of Him whom they profess to be following as disciples.

At the same time, those who are in the valley of decision look at the professed followers of Christ and say that they certainly do not appear to be members of one family, since they are divided into almost countless schisms and divisions. Christian leaders for hundreds of years have known that the many divisions of Christians into various sects are a source of weakness to the Christian church. For many years, Christian leaders have been calling for Christian unity.

The papacy entered this challenge in a big way with the Vatican II Council held from 1962 to 1965, and today, the world is racing toward an ecumenical world church. One day soon, God’s remnant will have to face this ecumenical world church, headed by antichrist, which will include not just Catholicism and Protestantism but also the non-Christian world. In comparison with this colossus, God’s children will be a very small group.

Necessary Ingredient for Victory

We will never be able to successfully meet what is before us unless we have something to meet it with that our opponents do not have. What is this something with which we need to meet the future crisis and that the opposing side will not have but which will be powerful enough to win the victory over the whole world? The following quotations point out what the ingredient is that we must have in our hearts to meet the coming crisis.

“ ‘Behold,’ says the Scripture, ‘the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.’ Isaiah 60:2.

“It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy, and truth. . . .

“Those who wait for the Bride-groom’s coming are to say to the people, ‘Behold your God.’ The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them. . . .

“This is the work which the prophet Isaiah describes when he says, ‘Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.’ Isaiah 58:7, 8.

“Thus in the night of spiritual darkness God’s glory is to shine forth through His church in lifting up the bowed down and comforting those that mourn.

“All around us are heard the wails of a world’s sorrow. On every hand are the needy and distressed. It is ours to aid in relieving and softening life’s hardships and misery.

“Practical work will have far more effect than mere sermonizing. We are to give food to the hungry, clothing to the naked, and shelter to the homeless. And we are called to do more than this. The wants of the soul, only the love of Christ can satisfy. If Christ is abiding in us, our hearts will be full of divine sympathy. The sealed fountains of earnest, Christlike love will be unsealed.

“God calls not only for our gifts for the needy, but for our cheerful countenance, our hopeful words, our kindly handclasp. When Christ healed the sick, He laid His hands upon them. So should we come in close touch with those whom we seek to benefit.

“There are many from whom hope has departed. Bring back the sunshine to them. Many have lost their courage. Speak to them words of cheer. Pray for them. There are those who need the bread of life. Read to them from the word of God. Upon many is a soul sickness which no earthly balm can reach nor physician heal. Pray for these souls, bring them to Jesus. Tell them that there is a balm in Gilead and a Physician there. . . .

“The whole earth, wrapped as it is in the darkness of sin, and sorrow, and pain, is to be lighted with the knowledge of God’s love. From no sect, rank, or class of people is the light shining from heaven’s throne to be excluded.

“The message of hope and mercy is to be carried to the ends of the earth. Whosoever will, may reach forth and take hold of God’s strength and make peace with Him, and he shall make peace. No longer are the heathen to be wrapped in midnight darkness. The gloom is to disappear before the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The power of hell has been overcome.

“But no man can impart that which he himself has not received. In the work of God, humanity can originate nothing. No man can by his own effort make himself a light bearer for God. It was the golden oil emptied by the heavenly messengers into the golden tubes, to be conducted from the golden bowl into the lamps of the sanctuary, that produced a continuous bright and shining light. It is the love of God continually transferred to man that enables him to impart light. Into the hearts of all who are united to God by faith the golden oil of love flows freely, to shine out again in good works, in real, heartfelt service for God.

“In the great and measureless gift of the Holy Spirit are contained all of heaven’s resources. It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to men. If all were willing to receive, all would become filled with His Spirit.

“It is the privilege of every soul to be a living channel through which God can communicate to the world the treasures of His grace, the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is nothing that Christ desires so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and character. There is nothing that the world needs so much as the manifestation through humanity of the Saviour’s love. All heaven is waiting for channels through which can be poured the holy oil to be a joy and blessing to human hearts.

“Christ has made every provision that His church shall be a transformed body, illumined with the Light of the world, possessing the glory of Emmanuel. It is His purpose that every Christian shall be surrounded with a spiritual atmosphere of light and peace. He desires that we shall reveal His own joy in our lives.

“The indwelling of the Spirit will be shown by the outflowing of heavenly love. The divine fullness will flow through the consecrated human agent, to be given forth to others.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 415–419.

Love is Powerful

The love of God in our hearts will begin to impel us to do something for the salvation of our fellow men. Nobody can do everything, because God has not given all the talents to any one person, but everybody can do something. The question is, Are we doing what we can do? Jesus said, concerning Mary Magdalene, “She has done what she could.” Mark 14:8. In the day of judgment, will it be said, concerning you and me, “That person has done what he or she could?” When we have the love of God in our hearts, all of us can do a very great deal, because love is powerful. In fact, it is the most powerful force in the universe, as the following quotation shows.

“Love cannot live without action, and every act increases, strengthens, and extends it. Love will gain the victory when argument and authority are powerless. Love works not for profit nor reward; yet God has ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of every labor of love. It is diffusive in its nature and quiet in its operation, yet strong and mighty in its purpose to overcome great evils. It is melting and transforming in its influence, and will take hold of the lives of the sinful and affect their hearts when every other means has proved unsuccessful. Wherever the power of intellect, of authority, or of force is employed, and love is not manifestly present, the affections and will of those whom we seek to reach assume a defensive, repelling position, and their strength of resistance is increased. Jesus was the Prince of Peace. He came into the world to bring resistance and authority into subjection to Himself. Wisdom and strength He could command, but the means He employed with which to overcome evil were the wisdom and strength of love. Suffer nothing to divide your interest from your present work until God shall see fit to give you another piece of work in the same field. Seek not for happiness, for it is never to be found by seeking for it. Go about your duty. Let faithfulness mark all your doings, and be clothed with humility.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 135.

Strongest Human Impulse

When we have the love of God in our hearts so that we love the world the way Christ loved it, then Christ’s mission for us is complete, and we are ready to go to heaven! In fact, we have heaven already in our hearts! (The Desire of Ages, 641.)

This is no small order of change for us, because: “Selfishness is the strongest and most general of human impulses, the struggle of the soul between sympathy and covetousness is an unequal contest; for while selfishness is the strongest passion, love and benevolence are too often the weakest, and as a rule the evil gains the victory. Therefore in our labors and gifts for God’s cause, it is unsafe to be controlled by feeling or impulse.” Counsels on Stewardship, 25.

“A constant battle must be kept up with the selfishness and corruption of the human heart.” Manual for Canvassers, 60.

“Selfishness girds many about as with iron bands. It is ‘my farm,’ ‘my goods,’ ‘my trade,’ ‘my merchandise.’ Even the claims of common humanity are disregarded by them. Men and women professing to be waiting and loving the appearing of their Lord are shut up to self. The noble, the godlike, they have parted with. The love of the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life, have so fastened upon them that they are blinded. They are corrupted by the world and discern it not. They talk of love to God, but their fruits show not the love they express. They rob Him in tithes and offerings, and the withering curse of God is upon them. The truth has been illuminating their pathway on every side. God has wrought wonderfully in the salvation of souls in their own households, but where are their offerings, presented to Him in grateful thanks for all His tokens of mercy to them? Many of them are as unthankful as the brute creation. The sacrifice for man was infinite, beyond the comprehension of the strongest intellect, yet men who claim to be partakers of these heavenly benefits, which were brought to them at so great a cost, are too thoroughly selfish to make any real sacrifice for God. Their minds are upon the world, the world, the world.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 197, 198.

“Schism and division are not the fruits of righteousness; they are of the wicked one. The great hindrance to our advancement at this time is the selfishness that prevents believers from having true fellowship with one another. The last prayer that Christ offered for His disciples before His trial was that they might be one in Him. Satan is determined that this oneness shall not be, for it is the strongest witness that can be borne that God did indeed send His Son to reconcile the world to heaven.—Letter 41, February 24, 1903, to Dr. F. E. Braucht, a physician laboring in Chicago.” The Upward Look, 69.

Needed Change of Heart

How are we going to acquire the change in heart that we so desperately need so the devil may be forced to quit mocking Christ by the lives of His professed followers? This is what the devil is saying to the Lord about us now:

“Satan urges before God his accusations against them, declaring that they have by their sins forfeited the divine protection, and claiming the right to destroy them as transgressors. He pronounces them just as deserving as himself of exclusion from the favor of God. ‘Are these,’ he says, ‘the people who are to take my place in heaven and the place of the angels who united with me? While they profess to obey the law of God, have they kept its precepts? Have they not been lovers of self more than of God? Have they not placed their own interests above His service? Have they not loved the things of the world? Look at the sins which have marked their lives. Behold their selfishness, their malice, their hatred toward one another.’ ” Testimonies, vol. 5, 473, 474.

Counsel Given

Divine counsel is given for people in our condition:

  1. Because of our great need for a change of heart, we are counseled to pray every day to be delivered from selfishness: “Let our daily prayer go up to God that He will divest us of selfishness. . . .” Our High Calling, 242.
  2. Begin to practice self-denial for the good of others.

“What can I say to you, my brethren and sisters, that will arouse you to the importance of the times in which we live, and lead you to a faithful examination of heart and life? Are your lives in harmony with the life of sacrifice that Christ lived on the earth? In giving his Son to the human race, the Father gave to his church a wonderful example of self-forgetting love. Christ came that he might open to the comprehension of men and women the principles that underlie the great plan of redemption, that they might be led to cooperate with him in his work of sacrifice for the salvation of mankind. But the want of fervor, the lack of self-denial, on the part of many who bear Christ’s name, hinder the doing of the very work for which his church on earth was organized. The selfishness and indifference manifested by professing Christians soothes the consciences of many who would be aroused from their unbelief, had they before them in the lives of professing Christians, a living witness to the power of the gospel to transform the character.

“Self-sacrifice is the key-note of Christ’s teachings. Often this is enjoined upon believers in language that seems authoritative, because there is no other way to save men than to cut them away from their life of selfishness. Christ gave, in his life on earth, a true representation of the power of the gospel. He suffered the cruel death on the cross, that we might have a true conception of his love for us, and of the spirit of self-sacrifice that must take possession of every believer in him. He became poor that we through his poverty might be made rich. To every soul who will suffer with him in resistance of sin, in labor for his cause, in self-denial for the good of others, he promises a part in the eternal reward of the righteous. Through the exercise of the spirit that characterized his life-work, we are to become partakers of his nature. Partaking in this life of sacrifice for the sake of others, we shall share with him in the life to come the ‘far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.’ [11 Co-rinthians 4:17.]” Review and Herald, September 28, 1911.

  1. Do something active to help people who are suffering.

“There is a great work to be done in our world, and as we approach the close of earth’s history, it does not lessen in the least degree; but when the perfect love of God is in the heart, wonderful things will be done. Christ will be in the heart of the believer as a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. But those who manifest indifference to the suffering ones of humanity will be charged with indifference to Jesus Christ in the person of his suffering saints. Nothing saps spirituality from the soul more quickly than to inclose it in selfishness and self-caring. Those who indulge self and neglect to care for the souls and bodies of those for whom Christ has given his life, are not eating of the bread of life, nor drinking of the water of the well of salvation. They are dry and sapless, like a tree that bears no fruit. They are spiritual dwarfs, who consume their means of self; but ‘whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.’ [Galatians 6:7.]” Ibid., January 15, 1895.

  1. Practice economy, so you will have money to give to the Lord’s cause in the world and be faithful in returning to the Lord His own in tithes and offerings.

“God calls upon his people to awake to their responsibilities. A flood of light is shining from his Word, and there must be a meeting of neglected obligations. When these are met, by giving to the Lord his own in tithes and offerings, the way will be opened for the world to hear the message that the Lord designs it to hear. If our people had the love of God in the heart, if every church-member were imbued with the spirit of self-sacrifice, there would be no lack of funds for home and foreign missions; our resources would be multiplied; a thousand doors of usefulness would be opened; and we should be invited to enter. Had the purpose of God been carried out in giving the message of mercy to the world, Christ would have come, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God.

“If ever there was a time when sacrifices should be made, it is now. My brethren and sisters, practise economy in your homes. Put away the idols that you have placed before God. Give up your selfish pleasures. Do not, I beg of you, spend means in embellishing your houses; for your money belongs to God, and to him you must give an account for its use. Do not use the Lord’s money to gratify the fancies of your children. Teach them that God has a claim on all they possess, and that nothing can ever cancel this claim.

“Money is a needed treasure. Do not lavish it upon those who need it not. Some one needs your willing gifts. There are those in the world who are hungry, starving. You may say, I can not feed them all. But by practising Christ’s lessons of economy, you can feed one. ‘Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.’ [John 6:12.] These words were spoken by him whose power wrought a miracle to supply the needs of a hungry multitude.

“If you have extravagant habits, cut them away from your life at once. Unless you do this, you will be bankrupt for eternity. Habits of economy, industry, and sobriety, are a better portion for your children than a rich dowry.” Review and Herald, December 24, 1903.

“But ‘if thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; if thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that pondereth the heart consider it? and He that keepeth thy soul, doth not He know it? and shall not He render to every man according to his works?’ Proverbs 24:11, 12. In the great Judgment day, those who have not worked for Christ, who have drifted along thinking of themselves, caring for themselves, will be placed by the Judge of the whole earth with those who did evil. They receive the same condemnation.” The Desire of Ages, 641.

“To men he offers the kingdom of this world on condition that they will acknowledge his supremacy. He requires that they sacrifice integrity, disregard conscience, indulge selfishness. Christ bids them seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; but Satan walks by their side and says: Whatever may be true in regard to life eternal, in order to make a success in this world you must serve me. I hold your welfare in my hands. I can give you riches, pleasures, honor, and happiness. Hearken to my counsel. Do not allow yourselves to be carried away with whimsical notions of honesty or self-sacrifice. I will prepare the way before you. Thus multitudes are deceived. They consent to live for the service of self, and Satan is satisfied. While he allures them with the hope of worldly dominion, he gains dominion over the soul. But he offers that which is not his to bestow, and which is soon to be wrested from him. In return he beguiles them of their title to the inheritance of the sons of God.” Ibid., 130.

Our Influence

If we are not working for Christ by helping to save a lost world, if we are drifting along thinking about ourselves, caring for ourselves, serving ourselves, we are in as lost a condition as any evildoer. Many of us need to ask ourselves if we are not in a lost condition by our failure to be active in the cause of Christ.

We each have an influence. To every soul a trust is given. Someone is either going to be saved or lost because of our influence. What is our influence in our family? in our local church? in our workplace? among our social acquaintances? Someday, the Judge of all the earth is going to ask us to give an account of our influence. He is going to ask us where those people are whom He gave us to influence. “Of everyone the Chief Shepherd will demand, ‘Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?’ And ‘what wilt thou say when He shall punish thee?’ Jeremiah 13:20, 21.” Ibid., 641.

Pastor John Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas.

The Ten Commandments, Part V: Idol Worship is Bad News

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As we look at the various forms of idolatry which were practiced in Old Testament times by heathen worshippers, it seems almost inconceivable that the children of Israel could be caught up in something that was so obvious a departure from God. They knew who the true God was. They had revelations of the true God; they had prophets who told them about the true God, and yet it seemed almost too easy for them to get caught up in the worship of idols. The reason they got caught up in the worship of idols is, basically, the same reason why modern Israel gets caught up in idol worship today.

Ellen White wrote: “Through deceptive means and unseen channels, Satan is working to strengthen his authority and to place obstacles in the way of God’s people, that souls may not be freed from his power and gathered under the banner of Christ. By his deceptions he is seeking to allure souls from Christ, and those who are not established upon the truth will surely be taken in his snare.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 295.

The devil’s plan for each of us is to catch us in his snare. So the Lord, in an effort to prepare us to escape the snare of the devil, pleads with us to follow the counsels that He has given to us in His Word.

“Thou shalt not make thee [any] graven image, [or] any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters beneath the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me, And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.” Deuteronomy 5:8–10.

We read in these texts that God is a jealous God. In a previous article, we considered this concept of jealousy. The original Hebrew word for jealousy, qanna’, indicates the jealousy of a husband for the purity of his wife, whom he loves with an affection that will not tolerate any rival. We find that all through the Scriptures the relationship between God and His people is represented by a marriage, a pure relationship that excludes all other gods. There are to be no rivals.

God does not expect us to love only Him and ignore all of our fellow human beings, but He wants us to focus on Him as our Husband. We are His bride; He is our Husband. This is the kind of relationship, the kind of divine jealousy, which runs throughout the whole Bible. We need to understand this.

The Song of Solomon and Psalm 45, as well as other places in Scripture, allude to this marriage relationship that we are to have with God. An elaborate illustration is given in Ephesians 5 of the husband/wife relationship Christ uses to teach His people of the love He has for them.

Idolatry, then, in its final analysis, is really infidelity to the most sacred of vows—the divine marriage vow. When we are born again, when we accept Jesus as our personal Saviour, we are counted as the bride of Christ, and we are to be faithful to Him in all that we do. When we are counted as His bride, we take vows in this marriage covenant which, in reality, are the Ten Commandments. This is God’s will for us. This is what God expects us to follow. But many times we find ourselves, like many others today, having eyes that are casting about in other directions from where God would have us to look, and we become unfaithful to our marriage vow to God.

If we have the covenant relationship, the Ten Commandments, ever before us, we are going to be faithful to Him—not because we have to be, but because we love Him as God. I have never known anyone who really loved his or her spouse to be unfaithful to the marriage vow. If they really love their spouse, every other consideration dims, as they focus on that relationship, and then there is no temptation to commit adultery.

Gross and Refined Forms

The gross forms of idolatry practiced in heathen lands are practically unknown in the United States. But we do have what we would term “refined forms of idolatry.” These refined forms can be just as captivating to us as the gross forms are to the heathen.

In heathen lands, we see this gross idolatry being practiced in the forms of images, temples, shrines, and altars that are of a very imposing nature. People are captivated by the beauty of these things, and they are drawn to them. In the United States, it is slightly different. We have refined idolatry, which is probably more displeasing to God, and because we have such great light shed upon these kinds of things, we are going to be held more accountable.

In review, the second commandment tells us that we are to have no images or anything that is to be in the place of God. We have learned that idolatry is serving or worshipping the creature more than the Creator. To worship the creature does not necessarily mean to worship a living organism, but it is inclusive of everything that has been created. Whatever or whomever we love and serve more than God becomes an idol to us. We can love someone, but it is when we love him or her more than we love God that the problem occurs. I would hate to think what a husband/wife relationship would be if it was devoid of love and if it was believed, “I cannot love you, because I have to love God instead.” God tells us not to love them more, not to put them in the place of Him. Are we guilty of idolatry, as far as the divine definition is concerned?

When the apostle Paul visited the city of Athens, the Bible says that his spirit was stirred when he saw that the whole city was given over to idolatry. (Acts 17:16.) I wonder how Paul would feel if he were to walk the streets of the United States today, such as New York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles. Would he recognize the forms of idolatry that are there, or would he just be looking for those gross forms of idolatry? Would these different forms of idolatry deceive him to the extent that he could not recognize them?

Let us look at some of the things the apostle Paul might see today, if he were on tour. Paul said, of the idolaters of his day, that they “became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” Romans 1:21, 22.

How would Paul feel if he found himself in a sports arena where, as the teams ran out onto the field, the whole crowd stood to their feet screaming and yelling for them? Would he recognize this as a form of idolatry? Certainly it can become a form of idolatry.

How would he feel if he found himself at a rock concert? Many people today think nothing of a rock concert. When they started gaining popularity in the 1960s, people were appalled by what they saw. Now, when rock concerts are advertised, they just gather a protracted yawn from most people. Yet, when you consider what transpires at a rock concert, as far as the performers are concerned, is this, indeed, not a form of idolatry? Billions of dollars are spent annually to gather the music as a shrine, so it can be played over and over again.

What about movie stars? As they parade out on stage to receive their trophies at the annual awards shows, to the applause and cheering of the audience, would Paul recognize this as idolatry? Do we recognize some of these things as a violation of the commandment that says we should not bow down to these kinds of idols?

Those are some of the more obvious ones, but what about the marvelous discoveries of modern science that have increased the worship of the works of man? In this age of invention and discovery and scientific progress, we find that these categories can open up a violation of this commandment, when we see the exaltation and the deification of human achievements that present a god before which millions bow in reverence and admiration.

No longer do we need to depend upon God for life, health, or happiness. Are you growing old? Are you wearing out? Modern techniques of medicine can fix you up better than new. Do you need a new hipbone? Well, one can be put in that will last almost forever. What about a new lung? A new heart? Medical specialists can even give you a new heart, and we fall down and serve the creature rather than the Creator, in exalting medical technology.

But who is really responsible for all of the progress for which man takes credit? The Creator seems to stand humbly in the wings while the creature takes the bow on center stage.

Worship of Self

Although I have read 11 Timothy 3:1 many, many times, I present it now in an effort to bring this into a context in which we can understand the dangers that we face in light of this second commandment. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”

Often, people have the idea that these perilous times are referring to wars and rumors of wars. That is not what it is talking about. This is the thesis sentence of what is to follow, and Paul very specifically tells Timothy what those perilous times are all about: “For men shall be lovers of their own selves . . . .” In other words, there is going to be extreme selfishness. Self is all that is being considered.

“Men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous [desiring what belongs to someone else], boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” Verses 2–4. Do you suppose that is idolatry? “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” Verse 5.

This is a graphic description of idolatry. Every one of these words and phrases fall into a category of idolatry—worship of self. Probably one of the greatest problems we face today is coming into contact with people who are so selfish. I would much rather be in Iraq, feeling my way along through mine wires, than to be in a setting where all that is mentioned in these texts are present. You might be able to make it through the minefield, but you may not be able to make it through this minefield of idolatry.

Many marriages today fail, or are failing, because of the worship of self. Instead of the marriage relationship being that of total giving, it has become a total getting experience. “What can I get out of this relationship?” is usually the question being asked, rather than, “What can I give to this relationship?”

There is probably nothing more responsible for this than the modern media—music, films, and all the rest. What can I get out of this relationship? It is this concept that is pounded into the minds of young people today. It is a philosophy that comes directly from the headquarters of evil.

Christ is not able to find any corner to stand in or any chair to sit down on, in those whose hearts are filled with self, and unless Christ is the center of the marriage, it will become a “getting for self” experience rather than a “giving experience.” How wrong is this kind of philosophy!

Selfishness is a malicious ruler. It cannot be satisfied through simple appeasement. It clamors for more and still more, and the person who worships self is not even aware, many times, of the terrible dangers and eternal consequences that come through this kind of sin. If you look at the Law of God and make application of the second commandment, self dies, and Christ takes up residence.

We know that Jesus is the very embodiment of humility. On the opposite extreme, selfishness is the very spirit of the satanic. Indeed, I can say that perilous times have come upon our generation in the fulfillment of this Bible text.

Antidote for Selfishness

According to the Spirit of Prophecy, one of the greatest antidotes for the disease of selfishness is to work for the salvation of others. (See Review and Herald, August 16, 1881; December 10, 1901.) And, yet, this too can become a deception. If we think that we want to guard ourselves against selfishness by going out to work for others, we need to make sure that we have the right motive. If we do not have the right motive, it can turn into a system of works for self’s sake.

Fashion

Self can center its expression in fashion. Fashion, in its broadest sense, embraces idolatry. The word fashion means to conform to the prevailing modes, practices, and customs of the world.

We need to have more education with concern to fashion. I mean this in a loving way, but some Seventh-day Adventists and other Christians—and even historic Seventh-day Adventists—take the counsel relative to fashion and interpret it to mean that they have to go about looking like scarecrows! They think they have to dress like one in order to avoid being fashionable. We are made in His image, and God does not intend for us to look like scarecrows. We will scare everyone away to whom we are trying to witness if we look like that!

Fashion can become an idol when the thoughts and the intents are: How can I be like the world? How can I acclimate myself to all the customs and the traditions and the dress and the ornamentation of the world? This can, but does not need to, become an idol. You can look representative; you can look modest; you can have a pure deportment, but that does not mean that you are being fashionable. Let us make sure that we have a right understanding of what it means to be dressed as a Christian versus what it means to look like a scarecrow. We have to be able to know the difference, so we can rightly represent the Lord in all of this.

Worship of Others

Along with the worship of self comes the worship of others. For instance, there are many parents who make gods of their children. This is an area about which we must be very careful. Our children are never to become idols of worship to us, but there are many people who devote their lives, as parents, serving and obeying their children. In these homes, the children are indulged and pampered and defended until they become so self-centered and such bigots that they expect everybody to bow down to their every whim and to their every wish. You know them, and I know them. Where does it all start? It starts in the home where the children are made an idol of worship.

It is a travesty that children are allowed to control what happens in a home. The home is where the parents are to be in control and where the children are to be obedient to their parents. I have never read in the Bible or in the Spirit of Prophecy where parents are to be obedient to their children and are to honor them. It is the other way around. The children are to obey and honor their parents.

People can worship other people, and this is a form of idolatry. This is one of the reasons why the Lord Jesus stated, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37. This revolves around the second commandment concept.

Can we love father and mother? Yes, we can. Can we love son and daughter? Yes, we can, but this love must be kept in its proper perspective.

Lovers of Pleasure

Paul mentions, in his list, those who, in the last days, are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. What would he say today if he could see the advertising in the United States which seems entirely directed toward making us lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God? Professed Christians spend more time and money in the shrine of pleasure than they do in the house of God and at the altar of prayer. In this pleasure-mad age, thousands of people live only to satisfy their cravings for fun and frolic.

In the parable of the sower, the pleasures of this life are said to be thorns that cause the seed to become unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22.) Where, on any given day, do you suppose you would find most people if they had to choose between missionary work and play? What would most of them be doing? You would probably find most of them at play.

Is there anything wrong with taking time to play? No. It is not my intent to take away anyone’s playtime, but we need to make sure that we have things in their proper perspectives.

The kind of recreation, inspiration tells us, in which a Christian should participate is that which is of a quality that recreates the body and the mind. “There are modes of recreation which are highly beneficial to both mind and body. An enlightened, discriminating mind will find abundant means for entertainment and diversion, from sources not only innocent, but instructive. Recreation in the open air, the contemplation of the works of God in nature, will be of the highest benefit.” The Adventist Home, 496. “Recreation, when true to its name, re-creation, tends to strengthen and build up. Calling us aside from our ordinary cares and occupations, it affords refreshment for mind and body and thus enables us to return with new vigor to the earnest work of life.” Ibid., 512. This is what recreation or re-creation is all about. Unless it does this, it should not be labeled as recreation.

Perverted Appetite

One of the other plagues of idolatry can be found in perverted and uncontrolled appetite. Paul identifies this area, which is part of the refined idolatry of the day: “(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:18, 19.

The idolatry of appetite embraces, in its broadest application, all the appetites of the flesh. There are many people today—thousands, perhaps millions—who live to eat rather than eat to live. This is one of the reasons why many Americans experience such poor health. On every business street corner and even into suburbia, we find restaurants appealing to the appetites of the people.

There is nothing wrong with eating. I enjoy eating, but there are people who make eating the center of their lives. Many belong to supper clubs where the supposed finest cuisine is served—most of which should never be consumed.

Eating and drinking, as a means of health and strength, should be practiced by every Christian, but eating and drinking as an end in itself is a foolish, dangerous, and deadly practice. It is legitimate to satisfy a normal, temperate appetite, and doing so should be pleasurable.

The Lord has given us a tremendous amount of counsel concerning proper eating and drinking—not only from the standpoint of health but also from the standpoint that if this is a pleasure that has taken the place of God, then it is in violation of the second commandment.

Sensuality

Another idol that is worshipped today is the goddess of sensuality. There is no question in my mind that we have arrived at the anti-type of the days of Noah when the earth was destroyed with the flood—the time when the earth was so corrupt before God that every imagination, every thought, and every intent of the heart was only evil continually.

As we read, in the second commandment, the Lord will punish generation after generation after generation who hate Him and are not following His commandments. This does not mean that God is going to punish children for the sins of their parents. Ezekiel 18 is very, very clear about that. But what it does tell us is that there is a proliferation from one generation to another of the traits and the characteristics of the former generation. Just by virtue of beholding, we become changed into that which we behold.

We must make sure that we are always following the Lord and not following the dictates of the household, if they are different from what the Lord has instructed us. It is an unfailing rule of justice that the iniquities of parents are visited upon their children if they follow their footsteps.

Think about that for a moment. Parents’ ideas of religion are usually accepted by their children. This can be a sobering thought. We would wish that it would be wholly positive, but it can be just the opposite, if the parents’ ideas of religion are skewed.

The parents who say they will let their child decide what religion he or she wants to practice when he or she grows up, will usually find that their child will reflect their philosophy. Ultimately, no one is saved. The parents are lost, and the child is lost, because neither has a definite belief regarding the Saviour.

How do you worship God in your home? Is it consistent? Is it spiritual? Is sin rebuked, or is it condoned? Whatever attitude you are fostering is the attitude with which your children will grow up, whether you realize it or not.

The law that says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it,” proves true every time. Proverbs 22:6. But there is a contrast. Sin is visited unto the third and forth generations (Exodus 34:7), but the contrast is greater than the sin. “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Romans 5:20. Notice what the commandment says: “Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me, And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.” Deuteronomy 5:9, 10. In other words, sin is visited unto the third and fourth generations, but the reward of obedience reaches to a thousand generations. I like this positive aspect that, if we are serving the Lord, these effects can be felt right on down through generations to come. Sin will eventually run its course; it will become extinct, but virtue and loyalty and righteousness will never, ever die. Obedience to God’s Law, both moral and those that involve our well-being, brings a rich reward in character and happiness.

“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.” Deuteron-omy 7:9. There is a limit to God’s wrath that will be poured out upon the sins of the third and fourth generations, but a thousand generations beyond that will experience His love and His mercy. His mercy reaches far beyond His wrath.

What is Permissible

We could go on about the prohibitions of image worship or idolatry, but let us look at one image that it is permissible to worship. This image of worship is not only permitted, but it is actually commanded as the only means of salvation.

Because the Father knew that it would be difficult for man to worship an invisible God, He sent His Son into the world to become Emmanuel—God with us. The incarnation of Jesus, as the Son of God, was God manifest in the flesh. Christ was declared to be the very image of the invisible God. (Colos-sians 1:15.) His character is described, and it is that which is promised to be reproduced in us as we worship Him. By beholding Christ, we become changed into His image. (11 Corinthians 3:18.) We must learn of His attributes, His character, His love, His long-suffering, and incorporate these into ourselves by beholding His image. This is the only acceptable image worship, because it is all righteousness.

The chief ambition of every Christian should be to worship the only true image of the invisible God, Jesus Christ, and have His character likeness reproduced in his or her life. This form of worship is not idolatry. It is Christianity.

“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.” 1 Corin-thians 3:18. We have a tendency, as human beings, to think that our wisdom is okay if it centers upon the things of the world to the neglect of Christ. But we have become fools, if that is the case. We need to understand that there is a God in heaven Who has commanded us, Who expects us to respond to His command, and that by beholding Him, we can become changed into His likeness. That is where true wisdom is found. The rest is all foolishness. Solomon called it vanity: “Vanity of vanities; all [is] vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2.

The only responsibility of human beings is to “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13. May that be our vow to God, and may we be determined to serve Him to the end.

To be continued December 2005 . . .

A retired minister of the gospel, Pastor Mike Baugher may be contacted by e-mail at : landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Self Examination

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Self examination , with us, may be defined as follows: A strict investigation of our spiritual state, to know whether we are in the faith, to know our defects that we may overcome them, and the improvements that we make, that we may be encouraged thereby. The necessity of attending to this duty will be seen by considering the following points:

  1. This duty is enforced by a divine command. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith,” is the language of inspiration. 2 Corinthians 13:5. See also 1 Corinthians 11:28, Galatians 6:4.
  2. Since the heart is deceitful above all things, if we neglect to do self examination, we shall fail to obtain a thorough and correct knowledge of our own characters; and unless we know ourselves, without a knowledge of our imperfections, we cannot see the necessity of overcoming, and consequently shall fail to advance in sanctification. But if we become acquainted with our hearts by self examination, we shall realize the necessity of overcoming and progressing in holiness.
  3. By attending to self examination we shall be enabled to guard against self-deception, which consists in a wrong judgment of our spiritual condition. The grand remedy for self-deception, is self examination.

How liable men in every age have been to deceive themselves in regard to their characters, to call good evil, and evil good, and act accordingly. And how many forms of self-deception there are in the world. How many actually live and die self-deceived? And self-deception is not confined to the ungodly. In every age a great portion of the professed followers of God have been received as to their true characters. Only a few years have passed since the testimony of the faithful and true witness to the Laodiceans, Revelation 3:14–22, found the highly favored remnant church, even the people to whom the Lord had entrusted the sacred and important truths of the last message of mercy, deceived in regard to their spiritual state. This testimony described them as saying, “I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” While they knew not that they were “wretched and miserable, and poor and blind and naked.”

True, God’s people have improved since this cutting message was shown to apply to them. But how have they improved? We answer; One great means of their improvement has been self examination. But the Scriptures represent that many will pass along, deceiving themselves even till the day of the Lord, in which many will say, Lord, Lord, claiming a right to His favor; but He will profess unto them, “I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22, 23. Now self-deception cannot exist where the work of self examination is rightly engaged in, and faithfully and perseveringly carried on.

If we were in a perfect state and had no defects in our characters, it would be very easy and agreeable for us to examine ourselves. But in this imperfect state, self examination is not so easy and agreeable a duty to perform. The difficulty of this work is not owing to anything obscure in the evidences of holiness; for these evidences are so clear that any one who is endowed with sufficient intellectual capacities to comprehend the common affairs of life, can understand them. Whence then does this difficulty arise?

It arises chiefly from the pride and deceitfulness of our own hearts, their liability to induce us to look upon our characters with complacency and to excuse ourselves for our wrongs, the efforts and suggestions of the adversary and his agencies to deter us from this work, our proneness to suffer our minds to be engrossed with the cares of this life, the faults of others and other subjects of secondary importance when compared with this subject. And because of these and other obstacles, the hearts of men are generally averse to self examination; and self examination is shrunk from, and neglected by the great body of professing Christians.

But notwithstanding the hindrances in the way of this work, and the unpleasantness arising there from, we may, and should, know ourselves. If we can discover and criticize the faults of others, we can discover and criticize our own faults. That mind that is so reflective and discriminating in worldly things, can be so in spiritual things. Peter could say, “Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee.” John 21:17.

Hezekiah could appeal to the Lord that he had walked before Him in truth and with a perfect heart, and had done that which was good in his sight. Isaiah 38:3. “We know,” says John, “that we have passed form death unto life, because we love the brethren.” 1 John 3:14. And Paul asserts that “the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:16.

But in entering upon an investigation of our spiritual state, it is of the utmost importance that we place before us the proper standard with which to try ourselves. And what shall this standard be?

  1. The suggestions of our hearts cannot answer as the standard; for these are deceitful and lead us astray.
  2. Neither is it safe to adopt feeling as the standard; for, as we have already seen, feeling varies with circumstances, and is often bad when we are in the way of duty.
  3. Nor is it prudent to adopt conscience as the criterion; for the conscience of one man will tell him one thing, and the conscience of another man will tell him another thing. The conscience of one man will approve him for one course of conduct, and that of another man will reprove him for the same course of conduct; and conscience itself, as well as feeling and the suggestions of our hearts, needs a standard.
  4. Neither could the sentiments, lives and experiences of others serve as the standard; these are also varying and conflicting and are often in direct opposition to the will of God; and though they may in some instances serve as helps, yet if we should adopt them as our criterion, we would certainly follow a zigzag course. We also need a criterion to try these and all false standards by, and this criterion is,
  5. The unerring Word of God. This should be the test of piety and holiness as well as of truth, the man of our counsel and the guide of our life, our only rule of faith, experience and practice, to which all our feelings and actions should be referred and by which they should be tried. It is by this Word that we shall be judged and by it we should now judge ourselves, and prove the genuineness of our piety. If we should adopt a different standard, we might expect to fall into serious mistakes.

We cannot determine our state merely by looking at ourselves. We must also look at the truth. We must examine ourselves in the light of God’s Word. Our minds are naturally dark, and we should seek for light from without—from the Word of the Lord. It is with us in this work, as it would be with a person in a dark room desiring to find an article, or to see himself and the defects of his person and dress. He at once raises the curtains and opens the blinds to let in light, or takes a light with him; then he can attend to his business. So if we would be successful in searching our faults, we must take the Word of God with us, and let its blessed truths shine in our hearts and on our characters; we must look at ourselves in the glass of truth. A person who would look in a dark room for an article hard to find without the aid of light, might question the possibility of finding it; and we might despair of becoming acquainted with our characters without the light of truth.

In self examination we should search the truth not merely to become acquainted with it as a theory, and to be able to handle it fluently, but to apply it to our own individual cases. The truth will do us no good unless we thus apply it to ourselves. Men may speak and write ably and eloquently in defense of the truth, without knowing its sanctifying power. It is one thing to see the truth at a distance, and as it is brought to bear upon others, and it is another thing to bring the truth home, and make a practical application of it to our own hearts and lives.

As the Bible must be our standard, so our model must be the perfect example of Jesus. We are required to walk even as He walked. It is safe to follow the example of Jesus, and we can follow others only as far as they agree with this perfect example.

In this work it is not only necessary that we adopt the proper standard, but we must also get clear and correct views of the evidences of piety and true holiness, some of which have already been noticed.

“Without this,” says Helffenstein, “we shall be liable either to the extreme of presumption or despondency. While some will cry, Peace, when there is no peace, others, overlooking the exercises of a renewed heart, will be held in perpetual bondage to their doubts and fears. Great care should then be taken to ascertain what the Scriptures insist on, as essential to Christian character. It is by these points, and not by such as is merely circumstantial, that we are to determine the genuineness of our piety.

“There are some who place great dependence upon the pungency of their convictions, the ecstasy of their joys, remarkable dreams, sudden impulses, the unexpected application of some Scripture promise, or the fact that they can refer to the particular moment and place of their supposed conversion. None of these things, however, constitute the distinguishing marks of race. Instead, therefore, of directing our minds to those circumstances which may be as marked in the cases of the self-deceived as in the cases of true believers, our inquiries should relate to those traits of character which are the invariable fruits of the Spirit, and which are common to all the subjects of its saving influence.”

There may be a tendency in us to take remorse, or a sense of guilt, as evidence of true repentance. But thousands have been deeply convicted of their sins who have never truly repented, and brought forth fruits meet for repentance. The wicked in the last day will have an overwhelming sense of guilt when it will be too late to repent. True repentance is invariably connected with remorse; but remorse may be realized where there is no genuine repentance.

As for dreams, they may come from various sources, and God has even given genuine dreams to those who were not in a state of grace. There are false joys and rejoicings, as well as true ones, and those who have them may seem happy while experiencing them. And the fact that we were once genuinely converted does not prove that we are now in a good condition. We may have failed to walk in the light, to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, since our conversion, and as a consequence be in a backslidden state.

We can also attach too much importance to the idea that we have a form of godliness, and to the simple fact that we have formally connected ourselves with the people of God. We would not intimate that it is wrong to have a form of godliness, or to formally unite with God’s people. There is a form of godliness, as well as a form of the truth and a form of doctrine, Romans 3:20; 6:17; 2 Timothy 1:13, to which we should hold fast. The power of godliness does not exist without a certain form; but a form of godliness may, and does exist without the power. Hence Paul in enumerating the leading sins which were to make the last days perilous, notices the fact that men have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. 2 Timothy 3:1–5.

The Jews adhered strictly to a form of godliness even after God had rejected them, and this has been the case with many ever since; and who can say that there are not some even among us— some who have formally identified themselves with the remnant church—who will be separated from God’s people, spued out of the mouth of the Lord, and perish with the ungodly at last? We should therefore take heed that we attach not too much importance to these circumstances separately considered.

There is also a possibility of taking as evidences of piety, constitutional traits,—traits with which we may be favored by nature, such as humanity, a calm and even temper, or constitutional fortitude, etc. These traits are good as far as they go; but they are known to exist in some of the unregenerate, and therefore are not the unmistakable evidences of piety.

It will greatly tend to facilitate this work to commence with fundamental principles, with plain, everyday duties, which can be easily understood, and the performance of which constitutes what is often called every-day religion, and with those faults which we are most likely to commit. By noticing these points the mind will be gradually prepared to advance further and deeper in the work.

There is an alphabet to self examination as well as to the other branches of sanctification, and if we leave this alphabet, and try to plunge into the depths of the work at once, we shall become confused, make egregious blunders, get discouraged, and perhaps give up the work, concluding that it is impracticable. The course of some well-meaning Christians in this work, may be well represented by a person trying to learn to read without first learning his letters, or by a student commencing to study mathematics, who would leave the first four rules in arithmetic and try to solve a difficult problem in the rule of three. We need a knowledge of the alphabet—not only when we commence to learn, but ever afterward —as long as we need to read; and so with the first rules in arithmetic; and so with the fundamental principles, duties and errors in self examination. We are too apt to leave these plain commonsense principles, to go off in search of something great and mysterious.

As it is easier for the mind to look at those things which are without, and which are tangible, we might examine our outward conduct, our actions and words, and see how they agree with the fundamental principles of right-doing, as summed up in the ten commandments; and then proceed to the mind, from whence our words and actions flow, exploring its dark recesses, and trying its thoughts and motives by the same principles as explained by different Bible writers, and especially by the great Teacher. It is highly necessary that we try our motives; for it sometimes happens that apparently good words and actions can be traced to wrong motives; as in the case for instance, when we attend to the temporal or spiritual interests of others, merely to receive the praise of men.

But we must remember to implore the Spirit’s aid, that we may have its illuminating influence to shine upon the truth, and in our minds, that the eyes of our understanding may be enlightened to see the truth and its bearing upon our characters. In the language of Jesus to the Laodiceans, we should “anoint our eyes that we may see.” The Holy Spirit is more than willing to help us in searching the truth and our hearts, and if we have the holy unction, we shall see our faults as fast as it will be for our good.

It will also greatly help us to advance in self-knowledge to improve on the knowledge we have already. To live up to the truth brings our natures in harmony with it, and brings light to the soul. By neglecting to live up to the knowledge that we already have, and by the practice of sin, our natures become gradually, and sometimes imperceptibly, averse to the truth; we bring darkness to our minds, and cannot see the force of the truth and our true condition.

Self examination necessarily commences before conversion, and should continue through our whole experience in overcoming—as long as the Lord sees fit to add to our store of practical knowledge. And we must not refuse to come to the light, lest the following cutting reproof of Christ be found to apply to us: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” John 3:19, 20.

Self examination should be attended to deliberately, frequently, systematically, impartially and thoroughly. The importance of this work should induce us to engage in it cheerfully and without compulsion. We should attend to it frequently.

  1. Because our knowledge of self may be effaced from our minds by other and more recent impressions made on the mind, and as a consequence, we may lose a realizing sense of our condition.
  2. As we should advance in the knowledge of self, the oftener we learn a lesson of self-knowledge, the more rapid will be our progress. It would be proper at least to take a glance at ourselves at different intervals in the day, as we are called upon to perform our several duties, and to be systematic in calling ourselves to a strict account for all our conduct at the close of each day. It would also be beneficial to have a list of simple and pointed questions to address to ourselves on the occasion. System will help us here as well as elsewhere.

Says Dr. Watts, “It was a sacred rule among the Pythagoreans, that they should every evening, thrice run over the actions and affairs of the day, and examine what their conduct had been, what they had done, or what they had neglected; and they assured their pupils that by this method they would make a noble progress in the path of virtue.” And shall we be behind these heathen philosophers in this important exercise? Dr. Watts also furnishes the following lines, which we would do well to remember:

“Nor let soft slumber close your eyes,

Before you’ve recollected thrice

The train of actions thro’ the day.

Where have my feet chose out the way?

What have I learned where’er I’ve been,

From all I’ve heard, from all I’ve seen?

What know I more, that’s worth the knowing?

What have I done that’s worth the doing?

What have I sought that I should shun?

What duty have I left undone,

Or into what new follies run?

These self-inquiries are the road

That leads to virtue and to God.”

This work should be attended to thoroughly and impartially. In this respect it should be with us as with a judge sitting on a criminal case. It is a case of life or death, and justice and equity require that we be thorough in our investigations, and impartial in our decisions, and that we excuse not self because we are related to it. We are all in danger of excusing self for so-called little sins. Says the natural heart, It is but a small matter, a trifle. Why be so particular about such niceties? But is it a little God whose Word we have violated, and against whom we have sinned? Remember that it is the little foxes that spoil the vine, and that it takes but a small breakage in a ship to sink it. Awful consequences have followed seemingly insignificant deviations from right, as clearly appears from numerous cases recorded in the Scriptures.

Self examination is a character work, and accords with the nature of the third message. As a study, self examination requires quiet, and is not so much characterized by sudden impulses and flights of feeling, as by cool and calm thinking. Hence, those who are peculiarly fond of excitement and high raptures, and only skim at the surface of the subject, will not delight themselves in this work, until they place before them the proper standard, and cease to reach out after feeling, at the neglect of heart-work and right principles. Holiness is not spasmodic and periodical, and we are not to determine our state so much by what we are once a week, once a month, or once a year, as by what we are habitually.

As helps in acquiring self-knowledge, trials and afflictions cannot be too highly appreciated. The first object of trials is to make us inquire into our condition. It is when we are tried that we can easily ascertain the nature of our characters. It is then that we can readily see what dispositions enter into our characters, whether we are inclined to obey God or not, whether the Christian graces shine in us brightly or dimly. Take, for example, the graces of patience, faith and love. Is it not when we are tried that we can tell whether these graces are planted and growing in our hearts? Is it not when we endure trials with a calm and unruffled temper, without murmuring or fretting, that we can truly say that we are patient? But if we do not thus endure, are we not impatient? And is it not so with faith? Is it not when trials and obstructions are placed in its way, that we can tell how much confidence we have in God? And the same is true of love. We cannot really know how much of it we possess till we are proved. For instance, when the Lord requires us to do anything that is really crossing, we may know how much we love Him, by our willingness to obey Him. There is such a thing as loving God and our fellow men with selfish affections—merely because of favors, which we receive from them. But this is discoverable when these favors are withheld from us. And it is when we are deprived of temporal or spiritual blessings that we can tell whether we love them more than we ought, or with perverted affections. We might judge too favorably of our characters by measuring ourselves only by what we are in prosperity, and when everything seems to be in our favor.

Dear reader, if you have not already entered upon the work of self examination, be entreated to enter upon it at once. Be not intimidated by the vastness of the work. Commence by taking the first step, and by taking the first step you will be preparing for the second step, and so on, the way opening before you as you advance. If you have already commenced this work, be encouraged to continue it cheerfully and perseveringly, considering it as the leading branch of sanctification, yielding great advantages and a rich compensation to those who improve upon it.

 

Bible Study Guides – Look Away! Look Up!

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January 17, 2010 – January 23, 2010

Key Text

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” I Peter 1:6, 7.

Study Help: Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 29–35.

Introduction

“How often we feel that we have been dealt with unjustly, that things have been said concerning us that were untrue, and that we have been set in a false light before others. When we are thus tried, we shall need to keep strict guard over our spirit and our words. We shall need to have the love of Christ, that we may not cherish an unforgiving spirit.” Sons and Daughters of God, 144.

1 Knowing that “persecuted” means harassed or provoked to anger, troubled or annoyed, what blessing is promised to us when we are persecuted for righteousness’ sake? Matthew 5:10.

Note: “Consider the life of Moses. Meekness in the midst of murmuring, reproach, and provocation constituted the brightest trait in his character. Daniel was of a humble spirit. Although he was surrounded with distrust and suspicion, and his enemies laid a snare for his life, yet he never deviated from principle. He maintained a serene and cheerful trust in God. Above all, let the life of Christ teach you. When reviled, He reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not. This lesson you must learn, or you will never enter heaven. Christ must be made your strength. In His name you will be more than conqueror. No enchantment against Jacob, nor divination against Israel, will prevail. If your soul is riveted to the eternal Rock, you are safe. Come joy or come sorrow, nothing can sway you from the right.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 368.

“In all ages Satan has persecuted the people of God. He has tortured them and put them to death, but in dying they became conquerors. They bore witness to the power of One mightier than Satan. Wicked men may torture and kill the body, but they cannot touch the life that is hid with Christ in God. They can incarcerate men and women in prison walls, but they cannot bind the spirit.

“Through trial and persecution the glory—the character—of God is revealed in His chosen ones. The believers in Christ, hated and persecuted by the world, are educated and disciplined in the school of Christ. On earth they walk in narrow paths; they are purified in the furnace of affliction. They follow Christ through sore conflicts; they endure self-denial and experience bitter disappointments; but thus they learn the guilt and woe of sin, and they look upon it with abhorrence. Being partakers of Christ’s sufferings, they can look beyond the gloom to the glory, saying, ‘I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.’ Romans 8:18.” The Acts of the Apostles, 576, 577.

2 As a servant, Whom are we to follow? What also may we be called? Matthew 10:23–25.

Note: “The Saviour says, ‘The reproaches of them that reproached Thee are fallen upon Me.’ Psalm 69:9. In like manner they fall upon His disciples.

“There was never one who walked among men more cruelly slandered than the Son of man. He was derided and mocked because of His unswerving obedience to the principles of God’s holy law. They hated Him without a cause. Yet He stood calmly before His enemies, declaring that reproach is a part of the Christian’s legacy, counseling His followers how to meet the arrows of malice, bidding them not to faint under persecution.

“While slander may blacken the reputation, it cannot stain the character. That is in God’s keeping. So long as we do not consent to sin, there is no power, whether human or satanic, that can bring a stain upon the soul. A man whose heart is stayed upon God is just the same in the hour of his most afflicting trials and most discouraging surroundings as when he was in prosperity, when the light and favor of God seemed to be upon him. His words, his motives, his actions, may be misrepresented and falsified, but he does not mind it, because he has greater interests at stake. Like Moses, he endures as ‘seeing Him who is invisible’ (Hebrews 11:27); looking ‘not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen’ (II Corinthians 4:18).” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 31, 32.

3 How are we to respond when we are reviled, which means despised or verbally abused? I Peter 2:23; Proverbs 19:11.

Note: “How often we feel that we have been dealt with unjustly, that things have been said concerning us that were untrue, and that we have been set in a false light before others. When we are thus tried, we shall need to keep strict guard over our spirit and our words. We shall need to have the love of Christ, that we may not cherish an unforgiving spirit.” Sons and Daughters of God, 144.

4 What did Jesus teach us in His prayer about cherishing our grievances and sympathizing with ourselves? Why is that so important? Matthew 6:15–18.

Note: “However sorely they may have wounded us, we are not to cherish our grievances and sympathize with ourselves over our injuries, but as we hope to be pardoned for our offenses against God, so must we pardon those who have done evil to us … When we are reviled, how strong is the temptation to revile in return, but in doing this we show ourselves as bad as the reviler. When tempted to revile, send up a silent prayer that God will give you His grace, and keep the tongue in silence.” Sons and Daughters of God, 144.

5 What are the sufferings for this time not worthy to be compared with? How long do they last? Romans 8:18; II Corinthians 4:17.

Note: “The eye of faith alone can look beyond the things of time to estimate aright the worth of the eternal riches.” The Acts of the Apostles, 575, 576.

“I have been shown that in the future we shall see how closely all our trials were connected with our salvation, and how these light afflictions worked out for us ‘a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory’ [II Corinthians 4:17].” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1099.

6 Our minds are not to dwell upon what things and why? II Corinthians 4:18.

Note: “Our minds take the level of the things on which our thoughts dwell, and if we think upon earthly things, we shall fail to take the impress of that which is heavenly. We would be greatly benefited by contemplating the mercy, goodness, and love of God; but we sustain great loss by dwelling upon those things which are earthly and temporal. We allow sorrow and care and perplexity to attract our minds to earth, and we magnify a molehill into a mountain. …

“Temporal things are not to engage our whole attention, or engross our minds until our thoughts are entirely of the earth and the earthly. We are to train, discipline, and educate the mind so that we may think in a heavenly channel, that we may dwell on things unseen and eternal, which will be discerned by spiritual vision. It is by seeing Him who is invisible that we may obtain strength of mind and vigor of spirit.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1100.

7 What has our Lord promised us which is far better than being exempted from trials? Deuteronomy 33:25; II Corinthians 12:9.

Note: “While the Lord has not promised His people exemption from trials, He has promised that which is far better. He has said, ‘As thy days, so shall thy strength be.’ ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Deuteronomy 33:25; II Corinthians 12:9. If you are called to go through the fiery furnace for His sake, Jesus will be by your side even as He was with the faithful three in Babylon. Those who love their Redeemer will rejoice at every opportunity of sharing with Him humiliation and reproach. The love they bear their Lord makes suffering for His sake sweet.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 30.

8 When the apostles were persecuted, what was their response? Acts 5:41.

Note: “As priests and rulers combined against them, and they were brought before councils and thrust into prison, the followers of Christ rejoiced ‘that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.’ Acts 5:41. They rejoiced to prove, before men and angels, that they recognized the glory of Christ, and chose to follow Him at the loss of all things.

“It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle ‘against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.’ Ephesians 6:12, R. V. And now, as in Christ’s day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time.” The Desire of Ages, 508, 509.

9 If we are truly dead to self and risen with Christ, what effect does that have on us and those around us? Colossians 3:1–3, 12–14.

Note: “The soul that loves God, rises above the fog of doubt; he gains a bright, broad, deep, living experience, and becomes meek and Christlike. His soul is committed to God, hid with Christ in God. He will be able to stand the test of neglect, of abuse and contempt, because his Saviour has suffered all this. He will not become fretful and discouraged when difficulties press him, because Jesus did not fail or become discouraged. Every true Christian will be strong, not in the strength and merit of his good works, but in the righteousness of Christ, which through faith is imputed unto him. It is a great thing to be meek and lowly in heart, to be pure and undefiled, as was the Prince of heaven when He walked among men.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 907.

10 What shield are we to take above anything else and without which it is impossible to please God? Ephesians 6:16; Hebrews 11:6.

Note: “When self is hid in Jesus, we are shielded from the darts of the enemy.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 908.

Additional Reading

“Jesus does not present to His followers the hope of attaining earthly glory and riches, of living a life free from trial. Instead He calls upon them to follow Him in the path of self-denial and reproach. He who came to redeem the world was opposed by the united forces of evil. In an unpitying confederacy, evil men and evil angels arrayed themselves against the Prince of Peace. His every word and act revealed divine compassion, and His unlikeness to the world provoked the bitterest hostility.

“So it will be with all who will live godly in Christ Jesus. Persecution and reproach await all who are imbued with the Spirit of Christ. The character of the persecution changes with the times, but the principle—the spirit that underlies it—is the same that has slain the chosen of the Lord ever since the days of Abel.” The Acts of the Apostles, 576.

“There was never one who walked among men more cruelly slandered than the Son of man. He was derided and mocked because of His unswerving obedience to the principles of God’s holy law. They hated Him without a cause. Yet He stood calmly before His enemies, declaring that reproach is a part of the Christian’s legacy, counseling His followers how to meet the arrows of malice, bidding them not to faint under persecution.

“While slander may blacken the reputation, it cannot stain the character. That is in God’s keeping. So long as we do not consent to sin, there is no power, whether human or satanic, that can bring a stain upon the soul. A man whose heart is stayed upon God is just the same in the hour of his most afflicting trials and most discouraging surroundings as when he was in prosperity, when the light and favor of God seemed to be upon him. His words, his motives, his actions, may be misrepresented and falsified, but he does not mind it, because he has greater interests at stake. Like Moses, he endures as ‘seeing Him who is invisible’ (Hebrews 11:27); looking ‘not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen’ (II Corinthians 4:18).

“Christ is acquainted with all that is misunderstood and misrepresented by men. His children can afford to wait in calm patience and trust, no matter how much maligned and despised; for nothing is secret that shall not be made manifest, and those who honor God shall be honored by Him in the presence of men and angels.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 32.

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

Is Christ in You?

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The path on which each person walks is either heading for the kingdom of heaven or to destruction.

The night before Jesus was to be arrested, all, including the one who would betray him, were spending time together in communion. “And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.” Mark 14:27. Something was about to happen that would result in all of His disciples being offended.

Depending upon whether being accused of something of which you are guilty or innocent, the reaction of an offended person will differ. But, Jesus told them that they would all be offended because of something He would do that night.

“But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” Mark 14:29. This statement by Peter was filled with self-assurance and self-confidence, thinking that he knew better than his Lord. He really believed that though all of the others would be offended, he would not. How easy it is for us to fall for that same deception of self-reliance. “Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.” Verse 30. Here, Jesus prophesied what Peter would do before that next morning, yet Peter still neglected to admit his weakness and plead for the courage and strength that he would need to avoid denying his Lord.

How often we deceive ourselves because of our pride and selfishness and do not acknowledge our own weaknesses when struggling with trials. If we would simply humble our hearts and fall at the feet of Jesus, giving ourselves completely into His hands, all the power of heaven would be available to us to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12); to “resist the devil and he would flee from us” (James 4:7). The audacity of Peter’s confidence influenced the other disciples who then responded in the same manner. “But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.” Mark 14:31.

No one lives to himself, but all have either a positive or negative influence on those around them. Though it is not the ideal, the non-Christian judges God by the behavior of Christians who, by their very profession of faith, are His representatives here on the earth. Great wisdom and grace is required to live a righteous life to truly represent Jesus.

Peter’s confidence and arrogance was so great that he really thought he was capable of following Jesus and defending Him even to death.

Often we judge another’s reaction to certain situations believing that we would never do what they have done, but when in a similar situation we surprise ourselves. Remember that the way we act or react to trials affects those around us, whether in a work environment or at home just as Peter, by the way he responded, affected all of the other disciples. When Judas came and betrayed his Master, instead of them not being offended, they all ran away.

There is coming a day very soon, when each will give an account of his/her life. Situations or trials that arise are opportunities to allow others to witness the power of God in the life of the Christian.

The Bible is very clear that the great controversy is between Christ and Satan, good and evil, and this war will continue until Jesus comes. In the end, there will only be two groups, those who believe and have developed a relationship with Jesus and walk with Him, and those who reject the last message of mercy, refusing to follow in the steps of our Lord Jesus Christ and remain on the path to destruction.

The decisions that are crucial to eternal life must be made in accordance with the Word of God. Time is running out. The prophecies tell us that before Jesus comes again there will be many wonderful signs, including earthquakes and disasters. Already, we see these things happening.

Just as Peter was under the delusion that he was ready for the prophecy Jesus spoke concerning him that would take place that very night, we also can be deluded into thinking that, in our own strength, we are ready to go through a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation (Daniel 12:1).

In Mark 14:37 it says, “And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?” Not even one hour could Peter watch. This same Peter had earlier said that he would die for Jesus, but when Jesus said watch, he slept. “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” Verse 38.

All power is available but will do us no good unless we respond to the invitation to have that connection with God and reach out to Him and receive Him, acknowledging our weakness and drawing upon His strength to overcome.

Peter had already been told that he would deny his Saviour. If ever there was a time to “watch and pray” it was that night, but instead, Peter was found sleeping.

We know that the end of the world is coming. Do we take the warning seriously? Do we recognize all the signs? Are we watching and praying to be strengthened for the final battle so that we do not fall into temptation? Or are we sleeping as did Peter?

Later that night “Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: and when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, “And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. But he denied it saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto but he began to curse and to swear, saying I know not this man of whom ye speak. And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.” Verses 54–72.

Peter reacted to the accusation of being one of Christ’s followers by cursing. Jesus saw that Peter’s heart had not been renewed and in that moment of trial the thoughts of his heart were made manifest by denying Jesus. Paul said, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2.

Peter had been under the impression that since Jesus walked with him and the other disciples, taught them and ate with them, that he was connected with Him. In that court of the palace of the high priest, Peter’s eyes were opened and he saw that he did not have that relationship with Jesus that he thought he had. He saw that the Lord did not curse or do anything to shame His heavenly Father as he had done. Every time we find that we, in the least way, misbehave, it is a reminder that our connection with God is being lost. It is not Christ who directs our bad behavior. If we continue on that path, the more we misbehave, the farther we grow from the Lord. On the other hand, the closer we grow to the Lord, we will respond as Christ would, reflecting His character.

In all of his denials and cursing, it was evident that Peter still lacked self-control. At the moment Jesus looked over to him and their eyes met, Peter was converted as he saw no condemnation, but love directed toward him. It was then that Peter ran out and wept. Everything that Jesus had prophesied that night regarding him had taken place.

Everything that Jesus prophesied about the end of the world is going to take place exactly as He described it would. If we have the attitude that “it is not a big deal” or “we can do it,” we will surely fail as did Peter. We need to recognize our humanness and weakness and our need for dependency on Jesus. The carnal nature is selfish, disobedient and very hardheaded and stubborn, but God desires to re-create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit in us (Psalm 51:10) to prepare us for the things that are coming on the earth.

How would you react if you were told, as Peter was, that you would deny your Lord this very night? What would your response be if you were told that your soul would be required of you this very night (Luke 12:20)? Maybe it would be time to “watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation.” Matthew 26:41. We know that those who are not ready, those who have not been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb and covered with the garment of Christ’s righteousness, will not enter into heaven. It is not by watching government conspiracies or even watching what the papacy does that will prepare us for the final crisis. This is all about a personal heart preparation.

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Luke 21:34. The Bible tells us that it will happen. All of those things will come. If you are not ready, you will be overwhelmed by anxiety. You will be involved in doing the wrong things, because you are not physically, mentally and spiritually prepared for the crisis that is coming. Peter fell after he had been in the physical presence of Jesus for three whole years. We will fall also if we are not prepared.

“For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.” Verses 35, 36. It is coming upon all of us. What are we told to do? “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Verse 36. Here Jesus is talking about the end of time. We are to watch and pray that we may be accounted worthy. Peter fell because he was sleeping when he should have been watching and praying. Peter had been given warning and we are to learn from his neglect of that warning.

“Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4. In other words, he says that if you are friend of the world, you are my enemy, and if you are an enemy to the world, you are a friend to me. When Peter did not stand up for his master, he was not a friend. There is no middle ground. Either you are for Christ or against Him. “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.” Psalm 1:5. Peter found himself unable to stand up for Jesus; he followed his Master from a distance. He was afraid to be associated with Him; therefore, he came at a distance. We are told that if we walk with the Lord daily, we will have a closer walk with Him.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 11 Timothy 2:19. We have a tremendous responsibility to stand up for the Lord and if we do not have that living connection with Him, we will go through the same experience as did Peter.

“Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” Mark 13:33. Now is the time to be watching and praying. We are to be walking with the Lord right now and gaining strength to be able to stand. If we could put ourselves in the place of Peter right now, how would we stand? Only the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father in heaven know what tomorrow will bring. Our only hope is to have faith in Christ and have that confidence that we are in connection with God, living our life and doing those things that are pleasing in His sight today. Trusting in Jesus today guarantees that tomorrow the Lord will be our strength and He will take care of us. Those who watch and pray today will find a place by His side in His kingdom.

“Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.’ ” The Faith I Live By, 126.

Tell the Lord that even though you may become offended, you want to react to His glory. Ask Him to teach you what you need to do to give Him honor and glory so that you will never be guilty of denying Him.

Situations or crises may come upon us to show us where our hearts are. The Lord is watching with interest to see how each of us responds to these trials. He is especially watching the ones who profess themselves as Christians. Christians are to be followers, or imitators, of Christ. When Peter denied Christ, he recognized that his relationship was not one of the heart. Later, Peter did truly fall in love with Christ. Peter now understood why Jesus had asked him, “Do you love me?”

Three times Jesus had asked the same question and his response was the same. Peter now understood the purpose and mission of Jesus Christ. It was to select him and His followers to be ambassadors or representatives of His kingdom. At that point Jesus said unto Peter, “Peter, feed my sheep.” Once Peter was truly converted and had received the bread of life in his heart, he was able to give it to others. He was done with the old man. He now knew his Master and could honestly say to his Lord, “I do love you.”

When Peter died, it was in honor of his Lord. At first, he demonstrated that he was not willing to die or even to stand up and acknowledge that he knew Jesus of Nazareth or to be recognized as one of His followers. He now acknowledged his love for the Lord and he understood the responsibilities and consequences of following Jesus. He understood the consequences of preaching that message under opposition, oppression, and persecution but he could finally say, “Master, I love you.”

Do we know ourselves? Are we now, while not under the threat of opposition, persecution or oppression, claiming to love Jesus? Persecution will come. Will you stand? Now is the time that we must prepare our hearts and souls by allowing the Holy Spirit to convert us, and give us the faith that will be needed to stand and serve God unto death. “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6. We are to be calm and not in distress because God knows what is going to happen and we must trust in Him. We know that we have an economic crisis going on right now, but the Lord tells us not to be distressed. Let each of us watch and pray so that our connection with the Lord today is our surety that He will take care of us tomorrow.

In 1 Peter 4:7 it tells us, “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” Be alert and watch and pray. Never be afraid to pray. Scripture records that three times each day, as was his habit, Daniel was not ashamed to pray in his window for any to see, even when there was a decree prohibiting prayer to anyone except the king (Daniel 6). We are told not to fear men but we should fear God. Men can destroy this body but cannot destroy the soul.

“There are those who profess to serve God, while they rely upon their own efforts to obey His law, to form a right character, and secure salvation. Their hearts are not moved by any deep sense of the love of Christ, but they seek to perform the duties of the Christian life as that which God requires of them in order to gain heaven. Such religion is worth nothing. When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul will be so filled with His love, with the joy of communion with Him, that it will cleave to Him; and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Love to Christ will be the spring of action. Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer. With earnest desire they yield all and manifest an interest proportionate to the value of the object which they seek. A profession of Christ without this deep love is mere talk, dry formality, and heavy drudgery.” Steps to Christ, 44.

We know that those decrees are coming and many will deny Christ. Many today are too proud to acknowledge their weaknesses, but Satan knows them all too well. He has studied carefully each life and has become an expert at knowing what buttons to push to get the reaction he desires. Only the Lord can heal those weak spots and turn them into strengths that will resist the devil. We need to have a relationship with God. Today is the day to examine ourselves to see where we stand, for Jesus or against Him. When Peter came to Jesus that night, he assumed that he would follow the master, even to death, but he was mistaken. Peter walked on water, but as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus, he fell. As long as we preserve that relationship with God, we will go forward. If we take our eyes off Jesus, we will fall.

Today, make sure you can say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.

Pastor Domingo Nunez is Director of Outreach Ministry for Steps to Life. He is involved in the coordination of world mission projects and he travels extensively, encouraging the many home churches supported by Steps to Life. He can be contacted at: (316) 788-5559 or by email at: domingonunez@stepstolife.org.

It is Your Choice

by

The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought.” Steps to Christ, 43.

The further I have advanced in my Christian experience, the truer those words have become. We each have a battle to fight to gain the victory over self, and everything necessary to come off victorious has been provided through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Faith determines either victory or defeat in our Christian walk, whether we stumble or fall, succeed or fail. If our faith fails, then we are going to fail. “Every failure on the part of the children of God is due to their lack of faith.” Conflict and Courage, 166.

However, there is another deciding factor. “The will is the governing power in the nature of man, bringing all the other faculties under its sway. … It is the deciding power, which works in the children of men unto obedience to God, or unto disobedience.” Child Guidance, 209. The power of choice that God has given to everyone depends upon the right action of the will. Before the fall, man’s will was naturally in harmony with God’s will. Man was made upright with noble traits of character without any inclination towards evil. But everything changed after the fall when man’s will was given into the control of Satan who ever since has been working in man to do his good pleasure.

“In transgression Adam became a law to himself. By disobedience he was brought under bondage. Thus a discordant element, born of selfishness, entered man’s life. Man’s will and God’s will no longer harmonized. Adam had united with the disloyal forces, and self-will took the field.” The Signs of the Times, June 13, 1900.

What Adam forfeited by his disobedience, Christ reclaimed by His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. Now we have the freedom to choose on which side of the great controversy we are going to be, to continue in slavery to sin or day by day make decisions to walk in God’s ways. Though our soul, our body, and our spirit belong to Him who both created and redeemed us, we are given the privilege of freedom to choose one of the two forces contending for each one of us, one from above, or the other from beneath.

“Each human being is given the freedom of choice. It is his to decide whether he will stand under the black banner of rebellion or under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel.” In Heavenly Places, 361.

Choosing that blood-stained banner gives us the assurance that God hears and also responds to the cries of our heart when we cannot find the words to speak. “Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart’s unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded.” The Desire of Ages, 258.

As there are two opposing forces seeking supremacy, let us look at some things that influence our wills and our decisions. An internet article entitled, Touching the Prospect’s Emotions in Your Sales Letter by Joe Farinaccio, written to explain how to write a sales letter that will generate responses demonstrates this concept that certain things must already be in place to get the expected response. It says, “Your prospect has emotions and you must touch these emotions in your sales letter. Your copy has to excite, stir curiosity, generate fear and create deep desire. If it does not, your copy will fail.”www.businessknowhow.com/marketing/emotions.htm. October, 2010. The reason for this is very simple, because by and large it is emotion that moves us. Even a person who appears to be completely unmoved by anything but cold logic will not act until he is motivated to do so by his feelings.

One of the most powerful things that influences decisions is feelings—our emotions. People are primarily moved by emotions. As Christians, we are to be controlled by reason and to move from principle. The higher powers of the mind are to be in control of the lower powers, but this does not happen without a struggle. Naturally, in our sinful condition, our emotions have a powerful sway over us, causing a constant battle. Often, faith and emotions are completely contradictory to one another. Emotions can cause people to do tremendous feats of strength, acts of heroism and also cause people to do some barbaric things in violent rage that they would not otherwise do. We call these things crimes of passion. Emotion can cause someone to be totally unreasonable. Other emotions can cause thoughts of suicide. Never underestimate the power of emotion!

This same article continues: “You must inject emotions into your sales letter for him to want to become a buyer. You can do this by studying three things. (1) Your prospect. You need to determine what kind of person he/she is and what he/she really wants from your product. (2) You need to know all the benefits your product will provide them. And (3) you have to match those up, the most important want of the customer, or the person; whether it is a desire to have something or a problem to be corrected within your prospect determines a primary emotion your sales letter will target. Your goal is to link the product benefits to these emotions. Find out what the person wants and then give it to them.” Ibid.

That concept determines what makes people successful. They find out what people want and then make a product to fill that need. Satan understands these principles well, and he is a master marketer.

One of the most powerful emotions that marketers use today and which, incidentally, is also the one that caused Satan to fall in the beginning is the desire for gain. Isaiah 14:12–14 says, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”

Lucifer’s fall was caused by a desire for gain. He wanted to be like God. Lucifer was a high and exalted angel next in honor to Christ, but he was not content and wanted more. He wanted to be in the position of Christ. A special light beamed in his countenance and shone around him brighter and more beautiful than all the other angels. Yet Christ, God’s dear Son, had preeminence over the entire angelic host. He was one with the Father before the angels were created. Lucifer was envious of Christ and gradually assumed command, which devolved on Christ alone. Satan wanted more than he had and that caused his fall.

The first successful sale that Satan made is found in Genesis 3:1–6. Here we see how powerful this emotion really is. Adam and Eve were created holy and happy with no inclination to sin, yet Satan was successful even though he was limited in his access to the holy pair. “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”

It was the desire for gain that caused the fall of Eve. She desired the knowledge that the serpent dangled in front of her. When Satan tempts us, he never gives us the whole picture. A good salesman always picks out the most positive benefits of whatever he is trying to sell.

“Satan desired to make it appear that this knowledge of good mingled with evil would be a blessing, and that in forbidding them to take of the fruit of the tree, God was withholding great good. He urged that it was because of its wonderful properties for imparting wisdom and power that God had forbidden them to taste it, that He was thus seeking to prevent them from reaching a nobler development and finding greater happiness. He declared that he himself had eaten of the forbidden fruit, and as a result had acquired the power of speech; and that if they also would eat of it, they would attain to a more exalted sphere of existence and enter a broader field of knowledge. …

“She coveted what God had forbidden; she distrusted His wisdom. She cast away faith, the key of knowledge.” Education, 24.

The desire for gain is a powerful emotion, and it is no different today. These same tactics work even more effectively today than they did then.

In Philippians 4:11, 12, it says, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Paul learned this lesson. He said, “Whatsoever things I have, I am content.”

In I Timothy 6:6–9, it says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” Contentment is a gift God can give to us. It is not in us naturally to be content, but God can give us that contentment if we ask for it. Without that contentment we are an open target for Satan’s temptations.

Hebrews 13:5 says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness: and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” In Matthew 6:19–21 we read, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

We must continually examine ourselves to know where our hearts are, because Satan knows our every weakness and is always ready to attack at every opportunity.

Another powerful emotion that moves people is the fear of loss. That is the fear that caused Adam to fall. Adam understood that his companion had transgressed the command of God and could not bear the thought of being without her. “Adam understood that his companion had transgressed the command of God, disregarded the only prohibition laid upon them as a test of their fidelity and love. There was a terrible struggle in his mind. He mourned that he had permitted Eve to wander from his side. But now the deed was done; he must be separated from her whose society had been his joy. How could he have it thus? …

“He resolved to share her fate; if she must die, he would die with her. After all, he reasoned, might not the words of the wise serpent be true? Eve was before him, as beautiful and apparently as innocent as before this act of disobedience. She expressed greater love for him than before. No sign of death appeared in her, and he decided to brave the consequences. He seized the fruit and quickly ate.” Daughters of God, 24, 25.

Christ had to face these temptations in the wilderness—the desire for gain where Satan offered Him the whole world and in the garden of Gethsemane, the temptation of the fear of loss. The fear of loss was most powerful, because it involved eternal loss and eternal separation from His Father, making His struggle in Gethsemane almost unbearable. These tactics are still successful today. Satan has been studying human nature and perfecting his craft for 6,000 years. In The Great Controversy, 555, it says, “Satan studies every indication of the frailty of human nature, he marks the sins which each individual is inclined to commit, and then he takes care that opportunities shall not be wanting to gratify the tendency to evil.” Satan understands how it works.

Writing to the Philippians Paul said, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” Philippians 3:7, 8. Though Paul suffered the loss of all things, he gained Christ and found contentment. Matthew 19:29 says, “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” It may appear in this world that we lose; but, in reality we gain everything. As well as gaining eternal life, God has promised to repay a hundred fold whatever is lost for His sake. This is just amazing!

The use of stimulants also affects the decision-making will. “Opium, tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor are rapidly extinguishing the spark of vitality still left in the race. …

“When the appetite for spiritous liquor is indulged, the man voluntarily places to his lips the draught which debases below the level of the brute, him who was made in the image of God. Reason is paralyzed, the intellect is benumbed, the animal passions are excited, and then follows crime of the most debasing character. How can the user of rum or tobacco give to God an undivided heart? It is impossible. Neither can he love his neighbor as himself. The darling indulgence engrosses all his affections. To gratify his craving for strong drink, he sells reason and self-control.” Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 36, 37.

Today, there are many more things that stimulate the emotions, the imagination, weaken the mind, affect the nerves, weaken the body, cloud the judgment, and bring the person into bondage, weakening the power to resist. We live day by day on a battlefield.

“By indulgence, the reading of sensational or demoralizing literature becomes a habit, like the use of opium or other baleful drugs, and as a result, the minds of thousands are enfeebled, debased, and even crazed. Satan is doing more through the productions of the press to weaken the minds and corrupt the morals of the youth than by any other means.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 133, 134.

When I was a young man I used to read books containing mysteries and fiction. These have a similar affect on you as drugs, taking control of your imagination and becoming a way of escape from reality. They warp your mind until the fiction appears as truth and the Bible seems like fiction.

Lack of faith in God’s power has a tremendous affect on the mind and will. “Our entire life is God’s and must be used to His glory. His grace will consecrate and improve every faculty. Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character; for if you come to this decision, you will certainly fail to obtain everlasting life. The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you can not overcome. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of unsanctified hearts, and an unwillingness to submit to the control of God.” Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, 686. [Emphasis author’s.] If we do not believe that we can overcome and have victory, then we are not going to have it.

“Man does not build himself into a habitation for the Spirit, but unless there is a co-operation of man’s will with God’s will, the Lord can do nothing for him. The Lord is the great Master worker, and yet the human agent must co-operate with the divine worker, or the heavenly building cannot be completed. All the power is of God, and all the glory is to redound to God, and yet all the responsibility rests with the human agent; for God can do nothing without the co-operation of man.” The Review and Herald, October 25, 1892. Again, if we do not believe that we can do something, then we are not going to put forth an effort to do it. God can only operate when we cooperate with Him by submitting our will.

Overwork affects the ability to make good choices. “When the laborer has been under a pressure of work and care, and is overworked in mind and body, he should turn aside and rest awhile, not for selfish gratification, but that he may be better prepared for future duties. We have a vigilant foe, who is ever upon our track, to take advantage of every weakness that he may make his temptations effective for evil. When the mind is overstrained and the body enfeebled, he can take advantage, and press the soul with his fiercest temptations that he may cause the downfall of the child of God. Let the laborer for God carefully husband his strength, and when wearied with toil that must come upon him, let him turn aside and rest and commune with Jesus.” The Review and Herald, November 14, 1893.

We have an adversary. Satan is looking for every opportunity to ensnare us. He is ever upon our track and ready to take advantage of every weakness, of every opportunity that we give him, so we need to be diligent and make sure we do everything we can to not provide him with those opportunities. We must do everything we can to stand firm.

Intemperance weakens the faculties. “Satan has overcome his millions by tempting them to the indulgence of appetite. Through the gratification of the taste, the nervous system becomes excited and the brain power enfeebled, making it impossible to think calmly or rationally. The mind is unbalanced. Its higher, nobler faculties are perverted to serve animal lust, and the sacred, eternal interests are not regarded.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 151.

Though we have a tendency to categorize and put things in an order of importance and see some of these things as trivial, the Bible says that if we are faithful in that which is least we will be faithful in that which is much (Luke 16:10). How much time do we set aside for personal Bible study? “The reason why the youth, and even those of mature years, are so easily led into temptation and sin, is that they do not study the Word of God and meditate upon it as they should. The lack of firm, decided will-power, which is manifest in life and character, results from their neglect of the sacred instruction of God’s Word. They do not by earnest effort direct the mind to that which would inspire pure, holy thought and divert it from that which is impure and untrue.” The Signs of the Times, October 10, 1906.

Feelings of guilt have a deleterious affect on the will. “This feeling of guiltiness must be laid at the foot of the cross of Calvary. The sense of sinfulness has poisoned the springs of life and of true happiness. Now Jesus says, ‘Lay it all on Me. I will take your sins. I will give you peace. Banish no longer your self-respect, for I have bought you with the price of My own blood. You are mine. Your weakened will I will strengthen; your remorse for sin I will remove.’ ” Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, 305.

“Some things that look impossible to you now will certainly change in appearance when your heart is changed by the grace of God. Your heart has become sad at times as you know you are in an unsaved state and that you are grieving the Saviour by your wrong doings. When you come to yourself you are amazed at the distance you have placed between yourself and your Saviour. You have again and again resolved to reform, but you have as often failed because you made these resolutions in your own strength. Your moral power has become weak. Your will power is strong enough, but it is not strong on the Lord’s side. You are not able to fix your mind upon the Word of God. You have talked enough, but it has only sunk you lower. Your heart does not feel when you try to pray.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 66.

This is not an exhaustive list. Whatever we do that weakens the mind or the body affects our ability to exercise our will and it also creates an opening for Satan and temptation to enter in. God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us, but we have to do our part. We must do all to stand. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5.

“Many have an idea that they must do some part of the work alone. They have trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sin, but now they seek by their own efforts to live aright. But every such effort must fail. Jesus says, ‘Without me ye can do nothing.’ Our growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness—all depend upon our union with Christ.” God’s Amazing Grace, 293.

Without Christ, our willpower is nothing. It is a power of choice, but it has to be linked up with Christ and with His strength to give us the strength to overcome. Through Christ we have all power available to us, but we have to put our wills on the right side, trusting in Him, not in ourselves. We must choose whom we are going to obey. The choice is ours.

May the Lord help each one of us to make the right choices and strengthen those areas of vulnerability. If we pray and ask the Lord to show us those areas, He will do it and give us the grace needed to do it. “As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 333.

This is the true force of the will when we ally ourselves with Christ, exercising our will to be overcomers in harmony with the will of God. Only then can we accomplish the Divine plan He has for each of our lives.

Jim Stoeckert is a staff member of Steps to Life, working in Faith Haven Christian School. 

Bible Study Guides – Common Individual Dangers

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February 13, 2011 – February 19, 2011

Key Text

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” I Corinthians 10:12.

Study Help: Early Writings, 266–269; Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 72.

Introduction

“Faith claims God’s promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience.” The Desire of Ages, 126.

1 What does God’s Word declare concerning pride and love of the world? Isaiah 3:16; I John 2:15–17.

Note: “Pride and the love of the world are the snares which are so great a hindrance to spirituality and a growth in grace.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 187.

“In every gathering for pleasure where pride is fostered or appetite indulged, where one is led to forget God and lose sight of eternal interests, there Satan is binding his chains about the soul.” The Adventist Home, 515.

2 What directions has Satan given to his angels about pride?

Note: “[Says Satan,] ‘We must exert all our wisdom and subtlety to deceive and ensnare those who honor the true Sabbath. We can separate many from Christ by worldliness, lust, and pride. They may think themselves safe because they believe the truth, but indulgence of appetite or the lower passions, which will confuse judgment and destroy discrimination, will cause their fall.’” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 473.

3 What should we realize about the peril of being slaves of this world through pride? Malachi 4:1.

Note: “The third angel’s message must yet work like leaven upon many hearts that profess to believe it, and purge away their pride, selfishness, covetousness, and love of the world.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 132, 133.

4 What snare is Satan laying especially for the remnant people of God? Matthew 13:22; I Timothy 6:10.

Note: “Satan told his angels that the churches were asleep. He would increase his power and lying wonders, and he could hold them. ‘But,’ he said, ‘the sect of Sabbathkeepers we hate; they are continually working against us, and taking from us our subjects, to keep the hated law of God. Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares. If you can make them place their affections upon these things, we shall have them yet. They may profess what they please, only make them care more for money than for the success of Christ’s kingdom or the spread of the truths we hate. Present the world before them in the most attractive light, that they may love and idolize it.’ ” Early Writings, 266.

“Christ bids them seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; but Satan walks by their side and says: Whatever may be true in regard to life eternal, in order to make a success in this world you must serve me. I hold your welfare in my hands. I can give you riches, pleasures, honor, and happiness. Hearken to my counsel. Do not allow yourselves to be carried away with whimsical notions of honesty or self-sacrifice. I will prepare the way before you. Thus multitudes are deceived.” The Desire of Ages, 130.

5 What should we consider if tempted to excuse wrong acts or neglected duties through family pressure? Matthew 10:37.

Note: “Those who have possessions have been too willing to excuse themselves on account of wife and children. But I saw that God would not be trifled with. When He speaks, He must be obeyed. If wife or children stand in the way and hold back, they should say as Jesus said to Peter: ‘Get thee behind Me, Satan’ [Matthew 16:23]. Why tempt ye me to withhold from God what justly belongs to Him, and ruin my own soul?” Testimonies, vol. 1, 152.

6 Though he failed with Christ, how does Satan conquer man?

Note: “He [Satan] does not come to man directly and demand homage by outward worship. He simply asks men to place their affections upon the good things of this world.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 480.

7 How does Satan make men inclined to shun duty and live for ease? Proverbs 5:22, 23. What thought can deliver us?

Note: “The pains of duty and the pleasures of sin are the cords with which Satan binds men in his snares. Those who would rather die than perform a wrong act are the only ones who will be found faithful.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 53.

8 What distinction do we often overlook between true Christianity and simple church-going? Matthew 15:8.

Note: “Those who love society frequently indulge this trait until it becomes an overruling passion. To dress, to visit places of amusement, to laugh and chat upon subjects altogether lighter than vanity—this is the object of their lives. … They are miserable unless there is something to excite. They have not within them the power to be happy, but they depend for happiness upon the company of other youth as thoughtless and reckless as themselves.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 624.

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

9 How does dissipation (wasteful pleasure-seeking) too often afflict our youth—and perhaps us also? Ecclesiastes 11:9.

Note: “There are many things which are right in themselves, but which, perverted by Satan, prove a snare to the unwary.

“As ordinarily conducted, parties of pleasure … are a hindrance to real growth, either of mind or of character. Frivolous associations, habits of extravagance, of pleasure seeking, and too often of dissipation are formed that shape the whole life for evil. In place of such amusements parents and teachers can do much to supply diversions wholesome and life giving.” The Adventist Home, 514.

“Parents flock with their families to the cities because they fancy it easier to obtain a livelihood there than in the country. The children, having nothing to do when not in school, obtain a street education. From evil associates they acquire habits of vice and dissipation.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 232.

10 How does God describe the indifference that controls many professed Christians? Ezekiel 33:31, 32. How can we overcome?

Note: “There are some who profess to be Christ’s followers, yet put forth no effort in spiritual things. In any worldly enterprise they put forth effort, and manifest ambition to accomplish their object, and bring about the desired end; but in the enterprise of everlasting life, where all is at stake, and their eternal happiness depends upon their success, they act as indifferent as though they were not moral agents, as though another were playing the game of life for them, and they had nothing to do but wait the result. Oh, what folly! what madness! If all will only manifest that degree of ambition, zeal, and earnestness for everlasting life that they manifest in their worldly pursuits, they will be victorious overcomers.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 407.

11 How are weak souls often prevented from receiving strength and help from God? Luke 14:18–20; Ephesians 6:11, 12.

Note: “As he [Satan] sees the messenger of God searching the Scriptures, he takes note of the subject to be presented to the people. Then he employs all his cunning and shrewdness so to control circumstances that the message may not reach those whom he is deceiving on that very point. The one who most needs the warning will be urged into some business transaction which requires his presence, or will by some other means be prevented from hearing the words that might prove to him a savor of life unto life.

“Again, Satan sees the Lord’s servants burdened because of the spiritual darkness that enshrouds the people. He hears their earnest prayers for divine grace and power to break the spell of indifference, carelessness, and indolence. Then with renewed zeal he plies his arts. He tempts men to the indulgence of appetite or to some other form of self-gratification, and thus benumbs their sensibilities so that they fail to hear the very things which they most need to learn.

“Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and the searching of the Scriptures, will be overcome by his attacks. Therefore he invents every possible device to engross the mind.” The Great Controversy, 518, 519.

12 How does Satan succeed in holding a good number of believers in the snare of presumption? Matthew 24:48–51.

Note: “That evil servant who said in his heart, ‘My Lord delayeth His coming’ [Matthew 24:48], professed to be waiting for Christ. He was a ‘servant,’ outwardly devoted to the service of God while at heart he had yielded to Satan. He does not, like the scoffer, openly deny the truth, but reveals in his life the sentiment of the heart—that the Lord’s coming is delayed. Presumption renders him careless of eternal interests. He accepts the world’s maxims and conforms to its customs and practices. Selfishness, worldly pride, and ambitions predominate. Fearing that his brethren may stand higher than himself, he begins to disparage their efforts and impugn their motives. Thus he smites his fellow servants.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 101, 102.

13 What is the difference between faith and presumption? James 2:14–20.

Note: “Faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption. For presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith. Faith claims God’s promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression. Faith would have led our first parents to trust the love of God, and to obey His commands. Presumption led them to transgress His law, believing that His great love would save them from the consequence of their sin. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions on which mercy is to be granted. Genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.” The Desire of Ages, 126.

Review and Thought Questions:

1 How does Satan control many church-goers who find no pleasure in the Bible and meditation on heavenly things?

2 What class is represented by an evil servant, and why?

3 What will be the end of all who love this world?

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

Editor’s Letter – Five Minutes

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More can be done in five minutes than many people think.

“I saw that the remnant were not prepared for what is coming upon the earth. Stupidity, like lethargy, seemed to hang upon the minds of most of those who profess to believe that we are having the last message. My accompanying angel cried out with awful solemnity, ‘Get ready! get ready! get ready! for the fierce anger of the Lord is soon to come. … A great work must be done for the remnant. Many of them are dwelling upon little trials.’ Said the angel, ‘Legions of evil angels are around you … that ye may be ensnared and taken. Ye suffer your minds to be diverted too readily from the work of preparation and the all-important truths for these last days. And ye dwell upon little trials and go into minute particulars of little difficulties to explain them to the satisfaction of this one or that.’ Conversation has been protracted for hours between the parties concerned, and not only has their time been wasted, but the servants of God are held to listen to them, when the hearts of both parties are unsubdued by grace. If pride and selfishness were laid aside, five minutes would remove most difficulties. Angels have been grieved and God displeased by the hours which have been spent in justifying self. I saw that God will not bow down and listen to long justifications, and He does not want His servants to do so, and thus precious time be wasted that should be spent in showing transgressors the error of their ways and pulling souls out of the fire.” Early Writings, 119, 120.

However, not only great good, but great evil can be done in five minutes.

“In laboring with the erring, some of our brethren had been too rigid, too cutting in remarks. And when some were disposed to reject their counsel, and separate from them, they would say: ‘Well, if they want to go off, let them go.’ While such a lack of the compassion, and long-suffering, and tenderness of Jesus was manifested by His professed followers, these poor, erring, inexperienced souls, buffeted by Satan, were certain to make shipwreck of faith. However great may be the wrongs and sins of the erring, our brethren must learn to manifest not only the tenderness of the Great Shepherd, but also His undying care and love for the poor, straying sheep. Our ministers toil and lecture week after week, and rejoice that a few souls embrace the truth; and yet brethren of a prompt, decided turn of mind may, in five minutes, destroy their work by indulging the feelings which prompt words like these: ‘Well, if they want to leave us, let them go.’ ” Testimonies, vol. 2, 18, 19.

Restoration or destruction can take place in just five minutes. Some people leave a trail of destruction behind them while others are as instruments of God, healing and restoring that which has been broken. Where do you stand?