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Bible Study Guides – Walking With Jesus

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December 21, 2014 – December 27, 2014

Key Text

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6, 7.

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 115–126.

Introduction

“The world needs today what it needed nineteen hundred years ago—a revelation of Christ. A great work of reform is demanded, and it is only through the grace of Christ that the work of restoration, physical, mental, and spiritual, can be accomplished.” The Ministry of Healing, 143.

1 GOD IS CALLING US

  • Describe God’s desire for us in His work of restoration. Luke 15:4.

Note: “It is God’s design that His name shall be honored before the heavenly universe. The whole earth is to show forth His infinite glory. He is gathering from this earth a people for Himself. His will is the law of the universe. He calls upon every human being to cooperate with Him. But He forces no one. He has placed man’s destiny in His own hands, telling him that his future welfare depends on his choice. To be saved, he must cooperate with God in His work of restoration.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 271.

“The strongest evidence of man’s fall from a higher state is the fact that it costs so much to return. The way of return can be gained only by hard fighting, inch by inch, every hour. By a momentary act of will, one may place himself in the power of evil; but it requires more than a momentary act of will to break these fetters and attain to a higher, holier life. The purpose may be formed, the work begun; but its accomplishment will require toil, time, and perseverance, patience and sacrifice.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 313.

2 A COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

  • What does the Lord invite His people to experience today? Job 22:21, 22; I Peter 1:21–25.

Note: “A knowledge of God is the foundation of all true education and of all true service. It is the only real safeguard against temptation. It is this alone that can make us like God in character.

“This is the knowledge needed by all who are working for the uplifting of their fellow men. Transformation of character, purity of life, efficiency in service, adherence to correct principles, all depend upon a right knowledge of God. This knowledge is the essential preparation both for this life and for the life to come.” The Ministry of Healing, 409.

“To practice the principles of love which Christ taught by precept and example, will make the experience of every one who follows Him like the experience of Christ.” The Review and Herald, January 15, 1895.

  • What should we learn from the disciples’ depth of commitment and determination in their desire to follow Christ? John 11:16; 13:37; I Thessalonians 5:23.

Note: “The soul that lives by faith on Christ desires no other nor greater good than to know and to do the will of God.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 644.

“Christians are bidden to present their bodies, ‘a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God’ (Romans 12:1). In order to do this, all their powers must be preserved in the best possible condition. Every practice that weakens physical or mental strength unfits man for the service of his Creator.” A New Life, 17.

“Hanging upon the cross Christ was the gospel. … This is our message, our argument, our doctrine, our warning to the impenitent, our encouragement for the sorrowing, the hope for every believer. If we can awaken an interest in men’s minds that will cause them to fix their eyes on Christ, we may step aside, and ask them only to continue to fix their eyes upon the Lamb of God. … He whose eyes are fixed on Jesus will leave all. He will die to selfishness. He will believe in all the Word of God, which is so gloriously and wonderfully exalted in Christ.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1113.

3 A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP

  • Describe the relationship the Lord wants to have with His children, even in life’s adversities and challenges. Luke 15:22–24; John 17:3, 16–20.

Note: “If you confess your sins, believe they are pardoned, because the promise is positive. ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9). Why, then, dishonor God by doubting His pardoning love? Having confessed your sins, believe that the word of God will not fail, but that He is faithful that hath promised. It is just as much your duty to believe that God will fulfill His word and forgive your sins as it is your duty to confess your sins. Your faith must be exercised in God as one who will do just as He has said He would do—pardon all your transgressions.” In Heavenly Places, 126.

“If we make an entire surrender to Him [Christ], leave our life of sin and passion and pride, and cling to Christ and His merits, He will fulfill to us all that He has promised. He says that He will give liberally to all who ask Him. Cannot we believe it? I have tested Him on this point, and know that He is faithful to fulfill all His promises.” The Signs of the Times, September 29, 1887.

  • What degree of influence will the cross of Calvary have in establishing our relationship with God? John 12:32.

Note: “The cross of Calvary challenges, and will finally vanquish every earthly and hellish power. In the cross all influence centers, and from it all influence goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on it Christ gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose of restoring man to his original perfection. Yea, more, it was offered to give him an entire transformation of character, making him more than a conqueror. …

“If the cross does not find an influence in its favor, it creates an influence. Through generation succeeding generation, the truth for this time is revealed as present truth. Christ on the cross was the medium whereby mercy and truth met together, and righteousness and peace kissed each other. This is the means that is to move the world.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1113.

4 TROUBLES AND TRIALS

  • When faced with trials and difficulties, and feeling that we are alone and in despair, what may we remember? Matthew 11:28; Psalm 36:9, 10.

Note: “Christ’s words, so comforting and cheering to those that listened to them, are for us today. As a faithful shepherd knows and cares for his sheep, so Christ cares for His children. He knows the trials and difficulties surrounding each one. ‘He shall feed his flock like a shepherd,’ declares Isaiah; ‘He shall gather the lambs with His arms, and carry them in His bosom’ (Isaiah 40:11). Christ knows His sheep intimately, and the suffering and helpless are objects of His special care. He gave His life for them, and He knows their wants as no one else can.” The Review and Herald, May 18, 1897.

“Jesus has not left you to be surprised and amazed at the trials and difficulties you meet. He has told you all about them, and He has also told you that you should not be cast down and oppressed when trials come. You are to look to Jesus, your Redeemer, and be cheerful and rejoice. … We have a living Saviour, who so loved us that He died for us, that through Him we might have hope, strength, and courage, and a seat with Him upon His throne.” The Upward Look, 211.

“Satan suggests that you are helpless and cannot bless yourself. It is true; you are helpless. But lift up Jesus before him: ‘I have a risen Saviour. In Him I trust, and He will never suffer me to be confounded. In His name I triumph. He is my righteousness and my crown of rejoicing.’ Let no one here feel that his case is hopeless, for it is not. You may see that you are sinful and undone, but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour.” Faith and Works, 37.

  • What is to characterize our experience? Psalm 16:11; Ephesians 5:18; Colossians 2:6, 7.

Note: “The seraphim around the throne [of Jehovah in the holy of holies] are so filled with reverential awe as they behold the glory of God, that they do not for an instant look upon themselves with admiration. … They are fully satisfied to glorify God; abiding in His presence, beneath His smile of approbation, they wish for nothing more.” God’s Amazing Grace, 72.

5 CHRIST-CENTERED SERVICE

  • How is a real Christian walk revealed? I John 2:6; 4:19.

Note: “Christ attaches a weight of importance to the obedience of His people to the commandments of God. They are to have an intelligent knowledge of them and bring them into their daily life. Man cannot keep the commandments of God, only as he is in Christ, and Christ in him. And it is not possible for him to be in Christ, having light on His commandments, while disregarding the least of them. By steadfast, willing obedience to His word, they evidence their love for the Sent of God. …

“In all their emergencies and perplexities they will have a helper in Jesus Christ.” This Day With God, 142.

  • Ultimately our life’s destiny is determined by each right or wrong decision we make. What appeals echo down to every one of us? Deuteronomy 30:19; I Peter 1:13–16; Ephesians 4:1. Why? Revelation 5:12.

Note: “There is one great central truth to be kept ever before the mind in the searching of the Scriptures—Christ and Him crucified. … It is only in the light of the cross that we can discern the exalted character of the law of God. The soul palsied by sin can be endowed with life only through the work wrought out upon the cross by the Author of our salvation.” That I May Know Him, 208.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What is God’s desire for His children?

2 Describe what it means to have a right relationship with God.

3 How committed is God to our restoration?

4 When we are faced with difficulties, what should we remember?

5 What great central truth can lead us to purity of heart and life?

Copyright © 2013 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Our Value in Christ

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December 7, 2014 – December 13, 2014

Key Text

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” II Corinthians 13:5.

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 93–104.

Introduction

“In the light of the cross alone can the true value of the human soul be estimated.” The Acts of the Apostles, 273.

1 REALIZING OUR DANGER

  • Against what must we be continually on guard to avoid falling from grace? Jeremiah 17:9, 10; Proverbs 16:18; I Corinthians 10:12.

Note: “Christ has provided means whereby our whole life may be an unbroken communion with Himself; but the sense of Christ’s abiding presence can come only through living faith. …

“Let all contemplate the completeness it is their privilege to have and ask themselves the question, Is my will submerged in Christ’s will? Is the fullness and richness of the Living Vine—His goodness, His mercy, His compassion and love—seen in my life and character?” In Heavenly Places, 56.

  • Give an example of a proper self-view and of submitting to the will of Jesus. I Corinthians 9:26, 27; 15:30, 31; Mark 7:14–23.

Note: “The essential work is to conform the tastes, the appetite, the passions, the motives, the desires, to the great moral standard of righteousness. The work must begin at the heart. That must be pure, wholly conformed to Christ’s will, else some master passion, or some habit or defect, will become a power to destroy. God will accept of nothing short of the whole heart.” Christian Education, 51.

2 DEVELOPING A PROPER PERSPECTIVE

  • What could likely be hindering our ability to serve God? Matthew 18:1–4.

Note: “Self-will in us must die; Christ’s will alone must be obeyed. The soldier in Christ’s army must learn to endure hardness, deny self, take up the cross, and follow where His Captain leads the way. There are many things to do which are trying to human nature, and painful to flesh and blood. This work of self-subduing requires determined, continuous effort. In fighting the good fight of faith, obtaining precious victories, we are laying hold of eternal life.” The Youth’s Instructor, December 22, 1886.

“Jesus gave His life for the life of the world, and He places an infinite value upon man. He desires that man shall appreciate himself, and consider his future well-being. … If the spiritual vision is clear, unseen realities will be looked upon in their true value.” Counsels on Stewardship, 136.

  • What needs to change that we may have a right relationship with God? Matthew 6:24; Proverbs 8:13.

Note: “Naturally we are self-centered and opinionated. But when we learn the lessons that Christ desires to teach us, we become partakers of His nature; henceforth we live His life. The wonderful example of Christ, the matchless tenderness with which He entered into the feelings of others, weeping with those who wept, rejoicing with those who rejoiced, must have a deep influence upon the character of all who follow Him in sincerity. By kindly words and acts they will try to make the path easy for weary feet.” The Ministry of Healing, 157, 158.

“There are some who think that in matters of practical Christianity, they have a superior intelligence. Whether or not this is so, will be demonstrated by the life-actions. Are they self-centered, or are they moved by the Holy Spirit of truth and righteousness? Religion is to become a living, active principle. The one all-absorbing motive of the true Christian is to give an expression of the goodness and love of Christ.” Loma Linda Messages, 318.

3 WE ARE SERVANTS WITHOUT MERIT

  • In seeking God, what should we keep in mind? James 4:6–10; Luke 17:10.

Note: “Jesus is officiating in the presence of God, offering up His shed blood, as it had been a lamb slain. Jesus presents the oblation offered for every offense and every shortcoming of the sinner.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 344.

“When Christ died upon the cross of Calvary, the new and living way was thrown open to Jew and Gentile alike.

“Angels rejoiced as the Saviour cried, ‘It is finished’ (John 19:30)! The great plan of redemption was to be carried out. Through a life of obedience, the sons of Adam might be exalted finally to the presence of God.” The Story of Jesus, 147.

“Perfection through our own good works we can never attain. The soul who sees Jesus by faith, repudiates his own righteousness. He sees himself as incomplete, his repentance insufficient, his strongest faith but feebleness, his most costly sacrifice as meager, and he sinks in humility at the foot of the cross. But a voice speaks to him from the oracles of God’s Word. In amazement he hears the message, ‘Ye are complete in Him’ (Colossians 2:10). Now all is at rest in his soul. No longer must he strive to find some worthiness in himself, some meritorious deed by which to gain the favor of God.” Faith and Works, 107.

  • What must we always remember about salvation? I Corinthians 1:27–31.

Note: “The science of salvation is to be the burden of every sermon, the theme of every song. Let it be poured forth in every supplication. Let nothing be brought into the preaching of the Word to supplement Christ, the Word and power of God. Let His name, the only name given under heaven whereby we may be saved, be exalted in every discourse, and from Sabbath to Sabbath let the trumpet of the watchmen give a certain sound. Christ is the science and eloquence of the gospel, and His ministers are to hold forth the Word of life, presenting hope to the penitent, peace to the troubled and desponding, and grace and completeness and strength to the believing.” The Voice in Speech and Song, 337.

4 GAINING DEEPER PERSPECTIVE

  • What are we commanded to do with regard to our own spiritual condition? Galatians 6:4; II Corinthians 13:5.

Note: “A great many are likely to be deceived in regard to their spiritual condition. In Christ we shall have the victory. In Him we have a perfect Model. While He hated sin with a perfect hatred, He could weep over the sinner. He possessed the divine nature, while He had the humility of a little child. He had in His character that which we must have in our characters, undeviating perseverance in the path of duty, from which no obstacles or dangers could divert Him, while His heart was so full of compassion that the woes of humanity touched His heart with tenderest compassion.” This Day With God, 279.

  • How does God see us in relation to His law with its demands of justice? Isaiah 63:5, 8, 9; I Peter 1:18, 19; Romans 5:8–10.

Note: “The law of God had been broken. The divine government had been dishonored, and justice demanded that the penalty of transgression be paid.

“To save the race from eternal death, the Son of God volunteered to bear the punishment of disobedience. Only by the humiliation of the Prince of heaven could the dishonor be removed, justice be satisfied, and man be restored to that which he had forfeited by disobedience. There was no other way. For an angel to come to this earth, to pass over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell, would not have sufficed. This could not have removed one stain of sin, or brought to man one hour of probation.

“Christ, equal with God, the brightness of the Father’s ‘glory, and the express image of his person’ (Hebrews 1:3), clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to this earth to suffer and die for sinners. The only-begotten Son of God humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. By bearing in His body the curse of sin, He placed happiness and immortality within the reach of all. …

“When we realize that His suffering was necessary in order to secure our eternal well-being, our hearts are touched and melted.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 308, 309.

5 PRIDE IN CONTRAST TO HUMILITY

  • What are the differences between pride, humility, and self-pity? Daniel 4:29–33; James 4:13–16; Genesis 27:34.

Note: “In self-love, self-exaltation, and pride, there is great weakness; but in humility there is great strength. … In our separation from God, in our pride and darkness, we are constantly seeking to elevate ourselves, forgetting that lowliness of mind is power.” The Signs of the Times, October 21, 1897.

  • Why did God’s people fail to obey His will in times past? Numbers 13:30–14:4; I Samuel 17:4–11, 24; I Kings 19:1–18. How should we behave instead?

Note: “Zeal and energy must be intensified; talents that are rusting from inaction must be pressed into service. The voice that would say, ‘Wait; do not allow yourself to have burdens imposed upon you,’ is the voice of the cowardly spies. We want Calebs now who will press to the front—chieftains in Israel who with courageous words will make a strong report in favor of immediate action. When the selfish, ease-loving, panic-stricken people, fearing tall giants and inaccessible walls, clamor for retreat, let the voice of the Calebs be heard, even though the cowardly ones stand with stones in their hands, ready to beat them down for their faithful testimony.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 383.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Of what must the Christian constantly beware?

2 How does one develop a proper perspective?

3 Are we deserving of salvation?

4 How do I stand in relation to the cross of Christ?

5 What do we too often forget about pride in opposition to humility?

Copyright © 2013 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Who, Self or Christ?

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The great challenge facing every Christian is to constantly choose either self or Christ as the master of his or her life when the basic philosophy that governs the world is self-recognition, self-exaltation and self-esteem.

This philosophy is promoted in various ways; for example, Frank Sinatra sang in the year 1969 “… I did it my way.” Elvis Presley sang, “I did it my way” as he borrowed Sinatra’s song in the quest to change the stream of thinking of Americans and the rest of the world! Nat Naiel sang, “Do what you wanna do, Be what you wanna be …”

Lynyrd Skynyrd, an American rock band sang, “Follow your heart and nothing else.” Shirley MacLaine in the film Out on a Limb was encouraged by her Buddist friend to say, “The kingdom of Heaven is within; I love myself; I am god.” She was reluctant to say it so her Buddist friend David said to her, “See how low you think of yourself; you can’t even say the words.” She then said, “I am god.”

Universalist Unitarianism – every man chooses what he wants to believe. Religious authority lies not in a book or creed or religion but in ourselves.

Secular Humanism is man-centered philosophy that excludes God. There is no belief in a Supreme Being and the primary belief is that everything revolves around man rather than God.

It is quite evident that this worldly philosophy (self-esteem) has slowly crept into the Christian church and has become the driving force behind most if not everything that many Christians do. Many of the spiritual maladies that the church has suffered and is now suffering are as a result of this deadly philosophy. The doctrine of “SELF-ESTEEM” is the core principle that propels the world.

Brief History of Self-esteem

  • The psychologist William James (1842–1910) was born in New York City and was the older brother of Henry James, the famous novelist. He was trained at Harvard as a physician (although he never practiced) and later taught physiology and eventually philosophy at Harvard. Dr. James is the one credited for crafting the phrase “self-esteem” and he is responsible for the upstart of the self-esteem movement.
  • Dr James’ original formula of self-esteem is:
  • Pretensions
  • Success
  • “The two elements, feeling good about ourselves (pretensions) and how well we actually do (success), are inextricably linked; we can feel better about ourselves by succeeding in the world but also by varying the levels of our hopes and expectations.” positivepsychology.org.uk
  • “William James (1890) defined self-esteem as the feeling of self-worth that derives from the ratio of our actual successes to our pretensions. By pretensions he meant our estimation of our potential successes and this is informed by our values, goals and aspirations. This definition of self-esteem highlights that it is a construct which addresses the way we evaluate ourselves and measure our own sense of self-worth by comparing how we are and how we aspire to be.” Positive Psychology, Alan Carr, p. 204.

Self-esteem Defined

Todd F. Heatherton and Carrie L. Wyland wrote an article entitled “Assessing Self-Esteem” in which they provided two basic but important definitions of self-esteem.

They state that, “Self-esteem is the evaluative aspect of the self-concept that corresponds to an overall view of the self as worthy or unworthy (Baumeister, 1998). This is embodied in Coopersmith’s (1967) classic definition of self-esteem: the evaluation which the individual makes and customarily maintains with regard to himself: it expresses an attitude of approval and indicates the extent to which an individual believes himself to be capable, significant, successful and worthy. In short, self-esteem is a personal judgment of the worthiness that is expressed in the attitudes the individual holds towards himself. Thus, self-esteem is an attitude about the self and is related to personal beliefs about skills, abilities, social relationships, and future outcomes.”

Note carefully that the emphasis in this self-esteem doctrine is “self.” Its all inclusive nature as well as philosophy centers in “me, myself and I.” Studies have revealed that self-esteem is positively associated with narcissism or self-love.

Dr. Larry Day, in his book By God’s Design and In God’s Image, pages 24, 25, 1994 edition wrote, “People talk about self-esteem in a lot of different ways. Words like ‘self-image,’ ‘self-concept,’ ‘self-identity,’ ‘self-worth,’ ‘self-respect,’ and ‘self-esteem’ have been used inter-changeably, yet each can carry a distinct meaning. When I use the word self-esteem, I think of a core-felt belief that is formed in our hearts about the worth of our personhood.

“To help us appreciate the richness of the word esteem let’s look at a list of synonyms:

To value Self

To prize Self

To hold dear Self

To honor Self

To respect Self

To think highly of Self

To love Self

To appreciate Self

To cherish Self

To treasure Self

To admire Self

To like Self

To be fond of Self

To care for someone or something Self

“The doctrine of ‘self-esteem’ is a teaching that is totally opposite to the teachings of Jesus Christ!”

Two Main Areas of Self-Esteem

High or Positive Self-Esteem – I love myself!

Low or Negative Self-Esteem – I always look down on myself.

Basic Characteristics of High Self-Esteem Individuals:

  1. People are considered to be psychologically happy and healthy.
  2. They feel good about themselves, they are able to cope effectively with challenges and negative feedback.
  3. They live in a social world in which they believe that people value and respect them.
  4. They dismiss negative feedback as unreliable or biased.
  5. They trivialize failures or attribute them to external causes.
  6. They take less personal responsibility for harmful actions and develop an inaccurate self-concept, hindering growth and change.
  7. They become angry and aggressive toward those who threaten their ego.
  8. They engage in downward social comparisons, a process that underlies prejudice and discrimination.
  9. The motivation to protect feelings of self-worth can also lead to a rigid, closed mind-set that cannot tolerate alternative viewpoints known as ‘‘need for cognitive closure.”
  10. They sometimes engage in dysfunctional behaviors.
  11. Their inflated ego is easily pricked and insatiable need for social approval often leads to relationship problems. (Source: kristin.neff@mail.utexas.edu)

Basic Characteristic of Low Self- Esteem Individuals

  1. Individuals believed to be psychologically distressed and perhaps even depressed.
  2. They see the world through a more negative viewpoint.
  3. Their general dislike for themselves colors their perceptions of everything around them.

Low Self-Esteem is as Diabolical as High Self-Esteem!

“In one sense, low self-esteem is the opposite of pride. In another sense, low-self-esteem is a form of pride. Some people have low self-esteem because they want people to feel sorry for them, to pay attention to them, to comfort them. Low self-esteem can be a declaration of “look at me” just as much as pride. It simply takes a different route to get to the same destination; that is, self-absorption, self-obsession, and selfishness.” (Source: www.gotquestions.org/self-esteem.html)

Self-Esteem and Self-Respect Contrasted

Self-Esteem has to do with the promoting of the “self” or the “person.” Its main focus is uplifting one’s self over and above everyone else. Self is the idol, self is always number one!

Webster defines self-esteem as the holding of a good opinion of one’s self; self-respect; also self-conceit.

Self-conceit according to Webster is an overwhelming opinion of one’s own powers, endowments, merits, or the likes; vanity.

Self-Respect – Proper respect for oneself or one’s own character. (The Chambers Dictionary, 11th ed.)

Self-Esteem – A good opinion of oneself; an overestimation of oneself. It is giving the “I” undue prominence in speech and action. (Synonyms: egoism, pride, self-conceit, self-confidence, self-assertion, self-exaltation.) Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary, International Edition.

Laurence Sterne (1713–1768) penned the following: “To have a respect for ourselves guides our morals; and to have a deference (respect) for others governs our manners.”

Ellen White says of self-respect: “The word of God forbids our attaching undue importance to our works, but it nowhere forbids self-respect. There is a conscious dignity of character which is not pride or self-esteem, but is the safeguard of youth. He is impressed that he has a reputation to sustain, a character to lose or to keep. In God’s inspired book you will have a faultless instructor, an unerring counsellor, an unfailing guide.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 259.

Maltbie D. Babcock (1858–1901) wrote the following: “Our business in life is not to get ahead of other people, but to get ahead of ourselves.”

The Holy Scriptures teach us: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3.

“The self-esteem movement has its most recent roots in clinical psychology, namely in the personality theories of such men as William James, Alfred Adler, Erich Fromm, Abraham Maslow, and Carl Rogers. It became further popularized by their many followers. Nevertheless, the roots of the self-esteem movement reach further back into … history.” (Source: www.psychoheresy-aware.org/selfestm.html)

The True Origin of Self-Esteem

Isaiah 14:12–14: “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.”

Ezekiel 28:14–15, 17: “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. … Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.”

Ellen White tells us how this evil was developed: “Little by little Lucifer came to indulge the desire for self-exaltation. The Scripture says, ‘Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness’ (Ezekiel 28:17). ‘Thou hast said in thine heart … I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. … I will be like the Most High’ (Isaiah 14:13, 14). Though all his glory was from God, this mighty angel came to regard it as pertaining to himself. Not content with his position, though honored above the heavenly host, he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings, it was his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself. And coveting the glory with which the infinite Father had invested His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power that was the prerogative of Christ alone.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 35.

Lucifer’s Real Problem That Caused the Rebellion in Heaven

“He left the immediate presence of the Father, dissatisfied, and filled with envy against Jesus Christ. Concealing his real purposes, he assembled the angelic host. He introduced his subject, which was himself. As one aggrieved, he related the preference God had given Jesus to the neglect of himself. He told them that henceforth all the sweet liberty the angels had enjoyed was at an end. For had not a ruler been appointed over them, to whom they from henceforth must yield servile honor? He stated to them that he had called them together to assure them that he no longer would submit to this invasion of his rights and theirs; that never would he again bow down to Christ; that he would take the honor upon himself which should have been conferred upon him, and would be the commander of all who would submit to follow him and obey his voice.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 18, 19.

Sincere and Loving Appeals Were Made to Lucifer!

“Angels that were loyal and true sought to reconcile this mighty, rebellious angel to the will of his Creator. … They anxiously sought to move Satan to renounce his wicked design and yield submission to their Creator; for all had heretofore been peace and harmony, and what could occasion this dissenting, rebellious voice?

“Satan refused to listen. And then he turned from the loyal and true angels, denouncing them as slaves. … Again the loyal angels warned Satan, and assured him what must be the consequence if he persisted; that He who could create the angels, could by his power overturn all their authority, and in some signal manner punish their audacity and terrible rebellion. …

“The mighty revolter then declared that he was acquainted with God’s law, and if he should submit to servile obedience, his honor would be taken from him.” Ibid., 19–21.

“All Heaven had rejoiced to reflect the Creator’s glory and to show forth His praise. And while God was thus honored, all had been peace and gladness. But a note of discord now marred the celestial harmonies. The service and exaltation of self, contrary to the Creator’s plan, awakened forebodings of evil in minds to whom God’s glory was supreme. The heavenly councils pleaded with Lucifer. The Son of God presented before him the greatness, the goodness, and the justice of the Creator, and the sacred, unchanging nature of His law. God Himself had established the order of Heaven; and in departing from it, Lucifer would dishonor his Maker, and bring ruin upon himself. But the warning, given in infinite love and mercy, only aroused a spirit of resistance. Lucifer allowed jealousy of Christ to prevail, and he became the more determined.

“Pride in his own glory nourished the desire for supremacy. The high honors conferred upon Lucifer were not appreciated as the gift of God, and called forth no gratitude to the Creator. He gloried in his brightness and exaltation, and aspired to be equal with God. He was beloved and reverenced by the heavenly host. Angels delighted to execute his commands, and he was clothed with wisdom and glory above them all. …

“He sought to create sympathy for himself, by representing that God had dealt unjustly with him in bestowing supreme honor upon Christ. He claimed that in aspiring to greater power and honor he was not aiming at self-exaltation, but was seeking to secure liberty for all the inhabitants of Heaven, that by this means they might attain to a higher state of existence.

“God, in his great mercy, bore long with Lucifer. He was not immediately degraded from his exalted station when he first indulged the spirit of discontent, nor even when he began to present his false claims before the loyal angels. Long was he retained in Heaven. Again and again he was offered pardon, on condition of repentance and submission. … But pride forbade him to submit. He persistently defended his own course, maintained that he had no need of repentance, and fully committed himself, in the great controversy, against his Maker.” The Great Controversy, (1888) 494–496.

The Seer of Patmos records the awful consequence of Lucifer’s self-esteem attitude. He wrote, “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12: 7–9.

Self-esteem causes human beings to set their will against the will of God, which ultimately allows us to be at war with our Maker.

Are you at war with your Maker Who also is your Saviour?

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at: 718-882-3900.

Keys to the Storehouse – Our Allotted task

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We should be ever thankful that the Lord has alerted us to the allotted task ahead of us. What is this task? It is to conquer self. In other words, we are to conquer our fallen nature. Just thinking about how cantankerous our characters are at times should give a little idea of the task ahead.

“So long as we are in the world, we shall meet with adverse influences. There will be provocations to test the temper; and it is by meeting these in a right spirit that the Christian graces are developed.” The Ministry of Healing, 487.

Have you been provoked lately? Are you staying on task, your allotted task? This task is impossible while attempting to tackle it alone and you will have a losing battle on your hands! The good news is, if we are willing to listen, “Christ dwells in us, [and] we shall be patient, kind, and forbearing, cheerful amid frets and irritations. Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self, and grow into a noble heroism.” Ibid.

You see, “0ur allotted task … cannot be accomplished without

  • help from Jesus,
  • resolute decision,
  • unwavering purpose,
  • continual watchfulness,
  • and unceasing prayer.

“Each one has a personal battle [with self] to fight. Not even God can make our characters noble or our lives useful, unless we become co-workers with Him. Those who decline the struggle lose the strength and joy of victory.” Ibid.

Are you ready to gain the joy of victory over self through Jesus Christ or will you join the multitude who decline the struggle and remain cantankerous? I would hope that each one of us will go forward to victory. If we lose this victory, we lose out on eternal life. The only thing that we can take to heaven is our character. We must accomplish our allotted task!

Father in heaven: I ask you to unite with me over the struggle with self because I do not wish to remain cantankerous. Save me from my self and in the name of Jesus I choose to be unwavering in my purpose to accomplish the allotted task You have given to me and to win the battle through a resolute decision and Your grace, which is truly sufficient. I resolutely choose to serve Thee. Amen.

Who Reigns Supreme?

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”When a comparison is made between the attitudes of those possessing high or low self-esteem and Lucifer’s attitude, which he displayed in Heaven that led to rebellion, it can be seen indeed that the principle of self-esteem originated with him and that it is anti-God in its nature. Lucifer imparted this devilish attribute to Adam’s fallen race. People possessing high or low self-esteem compare to Lucifer’s attitude.

Humans with High or Low Self-esteem …

  1. Live in a social world in which they believe that people value and respect them.
  2. Dismiss negative feedback as unreliable or biased. The motivation to protect feelings of self-worth leads to a rigid, closed mind-set that cannot tolerate alternative viewpoints known as ‘‘need for cognitive closure.’’
  3. Trivialize failures or attribute them to external causes.
  4. Take less personal responsibility for harmful actions and develop an inaccurate self concept, hindering growth and change.
  5. Become angry and aggressive toward those who threaten their ego.
  6. Want people to feel sorry for them, to pay attention to them, to comfort them.
  7. Engage in downward social comparisons, a process that underlies prejudice and discrimination.
  8. Sometimes engage in dysfunctional behaviors.
  9. See the world through a more negative viewpoint.

Lucifer’s Attitude that Caused Rebellion in Heaven:

  1. “He was beloved and reverenced by the heavenly host.” The Great Controversy (1888), 495.
  2. “Angels that were loyal and true sought to reconcile this mighty, rebellious angel to the will of his Creator.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 19.

“Satan refused to listen. And then he turned from the loyal and true angels, denouncing them as slaves.” Ibid., 20.

  1. “As one aggrieved, he related the preference God had given Jesus to the neglect of himself.” Ibid., 19.
  2. “But the warning, given in infinite love and mercy, only aroused a spirit of resistance.” The Great Controversy (1888), 494. “He persistently defended his own course, maintained that he had no need of repentance, and fully committed himself, in the great controversy, against his Maker.” Ibid., 496.
  3. “Lucifer allowed jealousy of Christ to prevail, and he became the more determined.” Ibid., 495. “… his heart was filled with envy and hatred. …

“He left the immediate presence of the Father, dissatisfied, and filled with envy against Jesus Christ.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 18.

  1. “He sought to create sympathy for himself, by representing that God had dealt unjustly with him in bestowing supreme honor upon Christ.” The Great Controversy (1888), 495.
  2. “He told them that henceforth all the sweet liberty the angels had enjoyed was at an end. For had not a ruler been appointed over them, to whom they from henceforth must yield servile honor?” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 19.
  3. “For all had heretofore been peace and harmony, and what could occasion this dissenting, rebellious voice?” Ibid., 20.
  4. “He claimed that in aspiring to greater power and honor he was not aiming at self-exaltation, but was seeking to secure liberty for all the inhabitants of Heaven, that by this means they might attain to a higher state of existence.” The Great Controversy (1888), 495. “He promised them a new and better government than they then had, in which all would be freedom.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 20.

Self-esteem!

The cardinal principle which governs Satan’s kingdom is self-esteem that says to all its subjects, “Look away from Christ and look to self!” It is self-centered. “For thou hast said in thine heart … I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:13, 14.

Self-denial!

The cardinal principle that governs Jesus’ kingdom is self-denial rooted in divine love which says, “Look away from self and look to Jesus!” It is Christ-centered. Luke 9:23 tells us, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Lucifer Educates the Angels

  • “He left the immediate presence of the Father, dissatisfied, and filled with envy against Jesus Christ. Concealing his real purposes, he assembled the angelic host. He introduced his subject, which was himself. As one aggrieved, he related the preference God had given Jesus to the neglect of himself. He told them that henceforth all the sweet liberty the angels had enjoyed was at an end. For had not a ruler been appointed over them, to whom they from henceforth must yield servile honor? He stated to them that he had called them together to assure them that he no longer would submit to this invasion of his rights and theirs; that never would he again bow down to Christ;
  • that he would take the honor upon himself which should have been conferred upon him, and would be the commander of all who would submit to follow him and obey his voice. There was contention among the angels. Satan and his sympathizers were striving to reform the government of God. They were discontented and unhappy because they could not look into His unsearchable wisdom and ascertain His purposes in exalting His Son Jesus, and endowing Him with such unlimited power and command. They rebelled against the authority of the Son.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 18, 19.

Lucifer’s aim in the re-education of the angels of heaven was to change their “world view” of the kingdom of God! To create a paradigm shift in their minds. This is the same principle he follows through the educational institutions of earth.

“World-view” has to do with the overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world, a comprehensive conception or image of the universe and of humanity’s relation to it.

American educational institutions were founded upon the word of God. Therefore their “world-view” was defined by the Holy Scriptures.

Harvard University was founded in the year 1636 in Massachusetts by Congregationalists to train ministers of the gospel. Its educational philosophy was defined in two mottoes:

  1. “For Christ and the Church.”
  2. “For the glory of Christ.”

Harvard’s Directive to Students: “Let every student be plainly instructed and … consider well that the main end of this life and study is to know God and Jesus, which is eternal life (John 17:3) and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning.

“Everyone shall so exercise himself in reading the Scriptures twice a day that he shall be ready to give such an account of his proficiency therein.” (Source: The American Heritage Collection by David Barton, Four Centuries of American Education.)

Yale University was founded in the year 1701 at New Haven, Connecticut, by the Congregationalists for training ministers of the gospel.

Yale Counseled Students: “Above all, have an eye to the great end of all your studies, which is to obtain the clearest conception of Divine things and to lead you to a saving knowledge of God in His son, Jesus Christ.”

Yale’s requirement of all students: “All the scholars are required to live a religious and blameless life according to the rules of God’s word, diligently reading the Holy Scriptures … and constantly attending all the duties of Religion.” Ibid.

Princeton University was started in the year 1746 at Elizabeth, New Jersey, by the Presbyterians to train ministers of the gospel.

Princeton’s requirement of all students: “Every student shall attend worship in the college hall morning and evening … [and] shall attend public worship on the Sabbath. … There shall be assigned to each class certain exercises for their religious instruction … and no student belonging to any class shall neglect them.” Ibid.

The American educational system was founded upon three main elements namely,

  1. Religion
  2. Morality
  3. Knowledge

Religion was first. It formed the basis for the other two. It had to do with the fear of the Lord. Morality cannot exist without religion and the knowledge contemplated was the inculcating and incorporating of the principles of the Bible in education.

In the eighteen hundreds, the State of Kansas’ Superintendent of public education said, “If the study of the Bible is to be excluded from all State schools, if the inculcation of the principles of Christianity is to have no place in the daily program, if the worship of God is to form no part of the general exercise of these public elementary schools, then the good of the State would be better served by restoring all schools to church control.” Ibid.

In 1890 a survey revealed that over 90% of all state universities had chapel services. In the year 1860, 262 out of 288 college and university presidents were ministers of the gospel.

Dr. Benjamin Rush (1745-1813) known as the father of American Public School, said, “Without religion I believe that learning does mischief to the morals and principles of mankind. If you take religion out of education, education becomes a negative force.” (The American Heritage Series, David Barton, DVD #8)

As time moved on, Satan did to the educational institutions what he did in heaven, a re-educating. He caused a paradigm shift and a change of “world-view” in the philosophical principles of the educational institutions so that they would become his agents to promulgate the doctrine of “SELF-ESTEEM.”

Satan Used the Supreme Court

  • In 1962 the United States Supreme Court ruled that voluntary school prayer was unconstitutional in America’s public Schools.
  • In 1963 the United States Supreme Court ruled that Bible reading in America’s schools was unconstitutional.
  • In 1985 the United States Supreme Court outlawed silent prayer in our nation’s public schools.

The educational shift focused on an ego-centric philosophy where the end justifies the means. “Students are trained to use their minds but we will not teach any right or wrong, that is up to their choice whatever the students think is right or wrong. There is no absolute right or wrong.

“Nothing matters in this world but me so I am going to take what I learn to get what I want. That means that if you get hurt, if I need to lie to get what I want that’s fine.” Ibid.

The Fruitage of the Paradigm Shift in the Educational Institutions

  • An ego-centric education
  • An ego-centric individual
  • An ego-centric home
  • An ego-centric country
  • An ego-centric society
  • An ego-centric church
  • An ego-centric world

An article entitled, “The Problem With Self-Esteem” by Paul C. Vitz, highlights this point. “Today, the largest and most familiar part of American Psychology is the popular psychology of self-esteem, now found throughout American society. Self-esteem and the obsession that so many have with it, is familiar to almost all of us these days. Self-esteem programs affect the lives of countless school children, because this idea, really an ideal, has been taken and applied primarily in education.”

It continued by stating, “Self-esteem seems to be the common denominator pervading the writings of such varied theorists as Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, ego-strength psychologists, and moral educators especially recently. In any case, the concern with self-esteem hovers everywhere in the US today. It is, however, most reliably found in the world of education—from professors of education, to principals, teachers, school boards, and the television programs that are concerned with education, particularly those programs concerned with preschool education like Sesame Street.”

According to this writer “self-esteem is a deeply secular concept, not one with which Christians should be particularly involved. Nor need they be. Christians should have a tremendous sense of self worth. God made us in His image, He loves us, He sent His Son to save each of us, our destiny is to be with God forever. Each of us is of such value that the angels rejoice over every repentant sinner. But on the other hand, we have nothing on our own to be proud of. We were given life along with all of our talents, and we are all poor sinners. There is certainly no theological reason to believe that the rich or the successful or the high in self-esteem are more favored by God and are more likely to reach heaven. Indeed, blessed are the humble, blessed are the meek.”

William James, who coined the phrase “self-esteem” was not a committed Christian. His religious persuasion was western philosophy. In his biography these words are recorded: “His interest is not in religious institutions, ritual, or, even for the most part, religious ideas, but in ‘the feelings, acts, and experiences of individual men in their solitude, so far as they apprehend themselves to stand in relation to whatever they may consider the divine.’ ” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

William James was a contemporary of Ellen White. Evidently this teaching of self-esteem was impacting the Adventist church as well as Christianity on the whole during that time. Accordingly Ellen White had to address it and expose it.

Ellen White Addresses the Evils of Self-Esteem

  1. The Spring of Self-Esteem – “The evils of self-esteem and an unsanctified independence, which most impair our usefulness, and which will prove our ruin if not overcome, spring from selfishness.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 92.
  2. The Results of Harboring Self-Esteem – “There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for self, to seek the highest place; and often this results in evil surmisings and bitterness of spirit.” The Desire of Ages, 650.
  3. Self-Esteem Leads Men Away From God – “It is self-esteem that leads men and women away from God and away from those who need their help and tender sympathy.” The Review and Herald, August 5, 1909.
  4. Those Who Cherish Self-Esteem are Ignorant of the Scriptures – “Men who turn away from the knowledge of God, have placed their minds under control of their master, Satan, and he trains them to be his servants. … Evil angels are ever on the alert that they may exalt before the minds of the youth that which will do them injury, and as books expressing infidel and pagan sentiments are read, these unseen agents of evil seek to impress those who study them with the spirit of questioning and unbelief. Those who drink from these polluted channels do not thirst for the waters of life; for they are satisfied with the broken cisterns of the world. They think they have the treasures of knowledge, when they are hoarding that which is but wood and hay and stubble, not worth gaining, not worth keeping. Their self-esteem, their idea that a superficial knowledge of things constitutes education, make them boastful and self-satisfied, when they are, as were the Pharisees, ignorant of the Scriptures and the power of God.” Fundamentals of Education, 168, 169.
  5. Self-Esteem a Poisonous Weed – “But when the garden of the heart is neglected, poisonous weeds of pride, self-esteem, self-sufficiency, obtain a rank growth. We individually must watch unto prayer.” Evangelism, 342.
  6. Self-Esteem Kills Spiritual Life – “Self-esteem and self-sufficiency are killing spiritual life. Self is lifted up; self is talked about. Oh, that self might die! ‘I die daily,’ said the apostle Paul. When this proud, boasting self-sufficiency and this complacent self-righteousness permeate the soul, there is no room for Jesus. He is given an inferior place, while self swells into importance and fills the whole temple of the soul.” Lift Him Up, 310.
  7. Harboring Self-Esteem, Christ is not in the Heart – “Let no one deceive his own soul in this matter. If you harbor pride, self-esteem, a love for the supremacy, vainglory, unholy ambition, murmuring, discontent, bitterness, evil-speaking, lying, deception, slandering, you have not Christ abiding in your heart. … You must have a Christian character that will stand.” Maranatha, 50.
  8. People Christ Does Not Countenance – “The one class that He would never countenance was those who stood apart in their self-esteem and looked down upon others.” The Ministry of Healing, 164.
  9. That Which Stands Between the Soul and God – “It is self-esteem that stands between the human agent and his God and impedes the vital current that flows from Christ to enrich every human being.” Our High Calling, 114.
  10. A True Christian Cannot Possess Self-Esteem – “If one is a follower of Christ, he cannot be sharp in deal, he cannot be hardhearted, devoid of sympathy. He cannot be coarse in his speech. He cannot be full of pomposity and self-esteem. He cannot be overbearing, nor can he use harsh words, and censure and condemn.” Ibid., 121.

How Can a Person Overcome Self-Esteem?

“As Christ the Pattern is constantly kept before the mind’s eye, new habits will be formed, powerful hereditary and cultivated tendencies will be subdued and overcome, self-esteem will be laid in the dust, old habits of thought will be constantly resisted, love for the supremacy will be seen in its real, despicable character, and will be overcome.” Ibid., 99.

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

John 15:5 – “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Luke 9:23 – “And He said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Self-Esteem and Self-Denial Contrasted

Isaiah 14:13, 14 – “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.”

Galatians 2:20 – “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.”

Man’s Perfect Example of Self-Forgetfulness!

“The religion of Christ uplifts the receiver to a higher plane of thought and action, while at the same time it presents the whole human race as alike the objects of the love of God, being purchased by the sacrifice of his Son. At the feet of Jesus, the rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, meet together, with no thought of cast or worldly pre-eminence.

“All earthly distinctions are forgotten as we look upon Him whom our sins have pierced. The self-denial, the condescension, the infinite compassion of Him Who was highly exalted in heaven, put to shame human pride, self-esteem, and social caste. Pure and undefiled religion manifests its heaven-born principles in bringing into oneness all who are sanctified through the truth.” Gospel Workers, 313.

Not I But Christ

Not I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted;
Not I, but Christ, be seen, be known, be heard;
Not I, but Christ, in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.
Not I, but Christ, to gently soothe in sorrow,
Not I, but Christ, to wipe the falling tears;
Not I, but Christ, to lift the weary burden,
Not I, but Christ, to hush away all fear.
Christ, only Christ! No idle words e’er falling,
Christ, only Christ; no needless bustling sound;
Christ, only Christ; no self-important bearing;
Christ, only Christ; no trace of I be found.
Not I, but Christ, my every need supplying,
Not I, but Christ, my strength and health to be;
Christ, only Christ, for body, soul, and spirit,
Christ, only Christ, here and eternity.

Fannie E. Bolton

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at: 718-882-3900.

You or Me?

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Dr. Sutherland in his book Living Fountains or Broken Cisterns, page 40 wrote concerning God’s spiritual paradigm for the development and happiness of humans. He states, “The God-given system, as found among the Hebrews, rested upon faith, and developed the spiritual side of man’s nature, making it possible in the highest sense for divinity to unite with humanity. The result of this union of the human and the divine – the Immanuel – is the highest creation of the universe. It in itself was a power before which men and demons bowed.”

God’s program of salvation demands self-abnegation for it is only then that man can be used by God. Ellen White wrote, “What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself. When men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ.” The Faith I Live By, 111.

Dr. Sutherland reveals the central theme in the religion of the pagans; he maintains, “As to paganism and its system of education, what was the religion of the pagan world? And what were the ideas it strove to propagate? First, it placed above God the study and worship of self.” Living Fountains or Broken Cisterns, 40.

On page 41 of the book he further states, “The thought which must be borne in mind is that man turns from God and worships himself. He can conceive of no power higher than his own mind, no form more lofty than his own. His first idol is the human form, male and female. He endows this with human passions, for he knows no heart but his own.”

The core of self-esteem is the worship and uplifting of self. It is totally devoid of the worship of God. Jesus made it very clear when He said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” Matthew 6:24.

Deny Self and Follow Christ

Fundamentally each of us worships either “Self” or “Christ” making us either pagans at heart or Christians at heart! One must ask who is the supreme authority in his or her life. The answer will reveal who he or she worships, who is his or her idol.

The self-esteem doctrine acknowledges and praises people with high self-esteem while it boosts people with low self-esteem. Thus the central thought is that we are good within ourselves, we are masters of our own destiny, we are gods!

This “you are god” philosophy was what Satan injected Eve with in the Garden of Eden: “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.” Genesis 3:4, 5.

Ellen White, the servant of the Lord, remarked concerning the forbidden tree: “It was called the tree of knowledge, because in partaking of that tree, of which God had said ‘Thou shalt not eat of it,’ they would have a knowledge of sin, an experience in disobedience.” The Review and Herald, February 24, 1874.

She also states, “The first great moral lesson given Adam was that of self-denial.” Ibid.

The experience of Adam and Eve opened the door to self-love, self-esteem, self-acceptance, self-justification, self-righteousness, self-actualization, self-denigration, self-pity and other forms of self-focus and self-centeredness.

The word of God presents a different picture of human beings; it tells us of our true condition. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9.

The psalmist David wrote, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Psalm 14:1–3.

The Prophet Isaiah depicts man’s true condition: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6.

And the prophet Jeremiah reminds us: “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23, 24.

The apostle Paul tells us our true state: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

There is nothing good in us that sets us apart as worthy of recognition and commendation. Jesus made this clear when He said to His disciples, “But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” Luke 17:7–10.

In our lost and hopeless condition where is the reason for self-exaltation, self-recognition, boasting and self-esteem? Remember, the message of the Bible is addressing a sinful, lost, and otherwise hopeless human race. Every individual is shown to be a desperate sinner, because of Adam’s sin and disobedience.

There is no hope in “self”; we cannot make ourselves good or righteous. Ellen White tells us, “Man needs power outside of, and beyond, himself to restore him to the likeness of God, and to enable him to do the work of God; but this does not make the human agency unessential. Humanity lays hold upon divine power. Christ dwells in the heart by faith; and, through co-operation with the divine, the power of man becomes efficient for good.” The Signs of the Times, April 6, 1904.

“It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. ‘Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.’ ‘The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.’ Job 14:4; Romans 8:7. Education, culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behavior, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness.” [Emphasis supplied.] Steps to Christ, 18.

The Futility of Self-esteem

A few years ago the California legislature passed a bill creating the California Task Force to Promote Self-Esteem and Personal and Social Responsibility. The legislature funded the bill with $245,000 a year for three years, for a total of $735,000. The twofold title of the task force was quite an assumption. No one has ever demonstrated that promoting self-esteem is in any way related to personal and social responsibility. Nor has anyone proved that all those who exhibit personal and social responsibility have high self-esteem. Self-esteem and social and personal responsibility actually appear to be negatively rather than positively related. The mission statement of the task force is as follows: Seek to determine whether self-esteem, and personal and social responsibility are the keys to unlocking the secrets of healthy human development so that we can get to the roots of and develop effective solutions for major social problems and to develop and provide for every Californian the latest knowledge and practices regarding the significance of self-esteem, and personal and social responsibility.

The task force believed that esteeming oneself and growing in self-esteem would reduce “dramatically the epidemic levels of social problems we currently face.”

Is There a Positive Relationship Between High or Low Self-Esteem and Personal and Social Responsibility?

In order to investigate this relationship the state task force hired eight professors from the University of California to look at the research on self-esteem as it relates to the six following areas:

  1. Crime, violence and recidivism
  2. Alcohol and drug abuse
  3. Welfare dependency
  4. Teenage pregnancy
  5. Child and spousal abuse
  6. Children failing to learn in school

The Result of the Research

Even though they searched for a connection between low self-esteem and problematic behavior, they could not find a cause and effect link. However, more recent studies indicate a definite relationship between violent behavior and high self-esteem. (See www.psychoheresy-aware.org/selfestm.html)

The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 14:7, 8, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”

Horatius Bonar the great preacher and hymn writer wrote concerning the importance of laying self aside. “The words ‘none of us’ show that the apostle is speaking of those who have been delivered from a present evil world. He is contrasting them with the men of earth. Once, our life, he means to say, was the same as theirs; now all is changed; and instead of resemblance, there is unlikeness in every feature. He does not count it pride to say, we are unselfish, they are selfish; we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness. …

“I do not mean annihilating self, as some speak. There is no such thing, except in the dreams of a vain philosophy, or a self-righteous mysticism. I speak of giving self its proper place—the place recognized by our Lord, when He said, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’ (Matthew 19:19 NASB). Lawful self-love is not selfishness; yet we may say that selfishness is diseased self-love; and, as such, is the master-sin, the master-curse of man. He lives for self; his estimate of everything is its bearing upon self; the gloss which he casts over everything is one derived from self. Self is the horizon which limits all his views.” [Emphasis author’s.]

Accordingly, Horatius Bonar continues, “The Christian is done with self, at least, in the way in which we have hitherto been connected with it. Self is displaced. It is brought down to its true position and level; it is set aside entirely as an end, or motive; and this, not in one thing—but in everything; … This displacement of self, then, is carried through man’s whole being, from one extremity to the other. From his life and from his death, as well as from all between, this self has been displaced.”

Ellen White also fully understood the importance of the setting aside of self; that is why she wrote, “Selfishness and self-esteem should be guarded against as your bitterest enemy. But how easily self finds opportunities to exhibit itself, and how Satan exults at the exhibitions, and how sorrowful and ashamed are the angels of God of man’s foolishness.” Upward Look, 250.

She also admonishes us: “… the more self-esteem we have, the more we are puffed up by the devil. May God help us to put away self and cling to Jesus; then we will spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, 104. “Ye cannot serve self and at the same time be servants of Christ.” The Review and Herald, August 10, 1886.

  1. E. Green in The Youth’s Instructor, January 18, 1894, page 158 wrote this beautiful poem:

“Strip Me of Self”

Strip me of self and make me mild –
Obedient as a little child;
For none but such can hope to win
a home the pearly gates within.
Strip me of self, and let me be, my
Blessed Saviour, just like Thee;
Strip me of self, and let me show to
others, Christ in all I do.
Self has in me too long held place, but
now I am a child of grace;
I long to be from sin set free and
serve, Dear Lord, not self, but thee.

Horatius Bonar explains further the necessity of setting self aside. “The first setting aside of self is in the matter of justification before God; for, previously, self was the main ingredient in man’s theory of justification. His object was to amend self, to improve self, or it might be, to mortify self, in order that thereby he might recommend himself to God. Thus self, in the matter of his justification before God, occupied the chief place. The first thing which the Holy Spirit does, when He convinces a man of sin, is to show that this cannot be; that self can contribute nothing towards his acceptance with God.”

Then he shows the comprehensive nature of this setting aside of self. “From that point it proceeds onwards throughout a man’s whole life. From life, in all its parts and movements, great and small, his inner life, his outer life, his domestic life, his social life, self is displaced. Life is no longer tinged or shaded, or discolored by self as it had once been. And then the close of his life, in like manner, exhibits the setting aside of self. On a sick-bed self is set aside; in dying, self is not allowed to come in.

“Nor in dying, are we to exhibit self or turn the eye either of ourselves or others to it; or to think merely of enjoyment, or comfort, or reputation among men, our good name, our fame after death—posthumous fame, as men vainly call it. In reference to all these points self is set aside—‘None of us lives to himself, and no man dies to himself.’ Others may live to themselves—but not we who have been ‘bought with a price’ 1 Corinthians 6:20. Others may die to themselves—but not we who have been ‘redeemed with the precious blood of Christ.’ ” Self or Christ; Which Is It?, Horatius Bonar, 1867.

The self-esteem doctrine is to promote self and as we have seen this is not of Christ. Significantly Ellen White wrote, “Let no one deceive his own soul in this matter. If you harbor pride, self-esteem, a love for the supremacy, vainglory, unholy ambition, murmuring, discontent, bitterness, evil speaking, lying, deception, slandering, you have not Christ abiding in your heart, and the evidence shows that you have the mind and character of Satan, not of Jesus Christ, who was meek and lowly of heart.”Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 441.

Mortifying Self Yet Valuing Self

How are we to value ourselves? “The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate upon themselves. He desires His chosen heritage to value themselves according to the price He has placed upon them. God wanted them, else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them.” The Desire of Ages, 668.

“The worth of a soul cannot be fully estimated by finite minds.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, 144.

“The worth of a human soul can be estimated only by the light reflected from the cross of Calvary. So terrible was the doom of the lost race, so great the glory to which the redeemed might be exalted, that the Father is satisfied with the infinite price which He pays for their redemption.” The Signs of the Times, February 24, 1887.

“We should better appreciate the worth of the soul; for every soul converted to God means a vessel dedicated to a holy use, a depositary for truth, a bearer of light to others.” The Review and Herald, November 24, 1891.

“The redemption of the soul is precious. Christ has paid an infinite price for our salvation, and no one who appreciates the value of this great sacrifice or the worth of the soul will despise God’s offered mercy because others choose to do so.” Conflict and Courage, 54.

The Church of Laodicea Has a Problem

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” [Emphasis supplied.] Revelation 3:17.

Ellen White wrote concerning what blinds our spiritual eyes: “The people of God should be firmly united in love, strengthening one another against temptations and trials; but how often Satan diverts the mind to selfish objects. He knows our wrong traits of character, and he takes advantage of every opportunity to arouse them to activity. He excites contention, and leads professed Christians to seek for the supremacy, while through pride and self-esteem he blinds their eyes to their own defects of character.” [Emphasis supplied.] The Signs of the Times, January 15, 1885.

Those Only Who Will Enter the Pearly Gates

“Everyone who enters the pearly gates of the city of God will enter there as a conqueror, and his greatest conquest will have been the conquest of self.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 183.

Yet there will be bitter disappointment for many. “Among those to whom bitter disappointment will come at the day of final reckoning will be some who have been outwardly religious, and who apparently have lived Christian lives. But self is woven into all they do. They pride themselves on their morality, their influence, their ability to stand in a higher position than others, [and] their knowledge of the truth, for they think that these will win for them the commendation of Christ.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 81, 82.

Our Perfect Example of Selflessness

Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28–30.

“My brother, the lesson of meekness and lowliness of heart you must learn more fully than you ever yet have done, or you will never see the kingdom of heaven. In your present condition you would even think in heaven that you could improve upon the management of Christ. In learning in Christ’s school, ambition, pride, self-esteem, will all be subdued, self will be hid in Christ, and you will find peace and rest to your soul. We are to look constantly upon the meek and holy Sufferer who in His own body bore our sins, who knew our griefs, who has carried our sorrows.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, 94.

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at: 718-882-3900.

Editorial – Testing Our Teachings

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Whatever our defects and short-comings, we should not be discouraged. “Our greatest sins which separate our souls from God are unbelief and hardness of heart. Why is it that we are so unbelieving and unimpressible? The reason for it is, we are filled with self-confidence. We feel self-sufficient. If we receive some token of God’s blessing, we take it as a guarantee that we are all right. …

“How the enemy has brought his own spirit into our work! We do not love one another, as Christ has enjoined upon us, because we do not love Christ. If your track is crossed in any way, if any one differs in opinion from you, then in place of feeling humility of mind, in place of carrying your burden to Christ, and asking Him for wisdom and light to know what is truth, you draw from Him, and are tempted to present your brother’s views in a false light, that they shall not have influence. We know that this manner of spirit is not of God, no matter by whom it is manifested. …

“We should feel the necessity of searching the Scriptures for ourselves. … for, says the prophet, ‘if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them’ (Isaiah 8:20). …

“The Lord sends light among us to prove of what manner of spirit we are. We are not to deceive ourselves. … If we only understood the evil of this spirit of intolerance, how we would shun it! We join ourselves to the enemy of God and man when we accuse our brethren, for Satan was an accuser of the brethren. We bear false witness when we add a little to our brother’s words, and give them a false coloring; and in the sight of God we are not doers, but transgressors of the law. We are not on the Lord’s side; we are on the side of him who hurts, destroys, and tears down the cause of truth. We should pray for one another, instead of drawing apart. …

“We are to follow the Example. A flood of light shines upon us, and all jealousy should be put away; for jealousy is cruel as the grave. Purge out the old leaven; for a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Let us love one another. … Let us remember how forbearing and patient He [Jesus] was with the erring children of men. We should be in a wretched state if the God of heaven were like one of us, and treated us as we are inclined to treat one another.” The Review and Herald, August 27, 1889.

Keys to the Storehouse – The Greatest Battle

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Each day when I arise, the battle begins and continues all day until I retire in the evening. It is the battle with self and it is one of the greatest battles we will ever fight. I must give praise to God because truly His grace is sufficient when I allow it to take charge.

“The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought.

  • The yielding of self,
  • surrendering all to the will of God,
  • and being clothed with humility,
  • possessing that love that is pure, peaceable, and easy to be entreated, full of gentleness and good fruits, is not an easy attainment. …” Gospel Workers (1892), 376.

Have you ever tried to be pure, peaceable and easy to get along with while under stress? Only through God’s grace is that possible!

“The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory to be gained is not won by human power. The field of conflict is the domain of the heart. The battle which we have to fight—the greatest battle that was ever fought by man—is

  • the surrender of self to the will of God,
  • the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love.

The old nature, born of blood and of the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 141.

In other words, we must give up self or we cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The devil loves it when you refuse to surrender self to Jesus because then he can manipulate you. When you surrender yourself to Jesus to walk in the spiritual kingdom, the devil is angry and you can expect the following:

“He who determines to enter the spiritual kingdom will find that

  • all the powers and passions of an unregenerate nature, backed by the forces of the kingdom of darkness, are arrayed against him.
  • Selfishness and pride will make a stand against anything that would show them to be sinful.

We cannot, of ourselves, conquer the evil desires and habits that strive for the mastery. We cannot overcome the mighty foe who holds us in his thrall. God alone can give us the victory. He desires us to have the mastery over ourselves, our own will and ways. But He cannot work in us without our consent and co-operation. The divine Spirit works through the faculties and powers given to man. Our energies are required to co-operate with God.

“The victory is not won without much earnest prayer, without the humbling of self at every step. Our will is not to be forced into co-operation with divine agencies, but it must be voluntarily submitted.” Ibid., 141, 142.

Are you ready to yoke up with Jesus in the greatest battle ever fought? Let us together enroll under the banner of Christ Emmanuel—I am ready and willing.

Father: I earnestly humble myself before Thee and surrender all. I choose to walk with Thee. Please give me the victory over my evil desires and ugly habits that will keep me out of heaven. Give me the mastery over self that I may stand at all times for the right so that I may be part of the heavenly kingdom. I choose to yoke up with Jesus, to die to self, and to cooperate with You in the battle against self. Amen.