trials

Keys to the Storehouse – A Pill

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When we think of the word pill, we think of something that is annoying. Many times we forget that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28, 29.

The following quotations are taken from the book, Keeping the Heart, John Flavel, W. Baynes& Son, 1820, 35.

“Impatience makes the soul less fit to pray over its troubles, or receive the sense of that good which God intends by them.”

Our impatience tends to block the good that God intends.

“Affliction is a pill, which, being wrapped up in patience and quiet submission, may be easily swallowed. But discontent chews the pill, and so embitters the soul.”

I pray that each of you will not allow discontentment to embitter your souls and all patience and quiet submission make it easier to swallow.

“God throws away some comfort which He saw would hurt you, and you will throw away your peace after it.”

Could this be true for you? Have changes in your lifestyle caused you to throw away your “peace”?

The following true story demonstrates the love of God working to save a soul. He is also working to save your soul.

“Sister T loves this world. She is naturally selfish. She has suffered much with bodily infirmities. God permitted this affliction to come upon her, and yet would not permit Satan to take her life. God designed through the furnace of affliction to loosen her grasp upon earthly treasures. Through suffering alone could this be done. She is one of those whose systems have been poisoned by drugs. By taking these she has ignorantly made herself what she is; yet God did not suffer her life to be taken, but lengthened her years of probation and suffering that she might become sanctified through the truth, be purified, made white and tried, and, through the furnace of affliction, lose her dross, and become more precious than fine gold, even than the golden wedge of Ophir.” Testimonies to the Church, vol. 2, 184.

Has the love of the world become so deeply rooted in your hearts that it will require a severe trial to remove it? Are you ready to wrap up that “pill of affliction” in patience and quiet submission so that all the dross be removed and you can become more precious than fine gold? God loves you and He will do anything to get your attention and at last welcome you into His kingdom.

Father: Whatever the pill may be that I need, I know that Your grace is sufficient to help me through. Give me the patience needed to wrap around that pill of affliction and let quiet submission take over in my heart as You work a miracle of transformation in my life. I want to be part of Your kingdom now so that I may walk with You throughout eternity. Amen.

Question & Answer – Why did Jesus not visit John the Baptist in prison?

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It is very important to remember that whatever happens or does not happen the way we think it should, that all will work out for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). John was called according to His purpose.

“Jesus did not interpose to deliver His servant. He knew that John would bear the test. Gladly would the Saviour have come to John, to brighten the dungeon gloom with His own presence. But He was not to place Himself in the hands of enemies and imperil His own mission.

  • Gladly would He have delivered His faithful servant.
  • But for the sake of thousands who in after years must pass from prison to death, John was to drink the cup of martyrdom.
  • As the followers of Jesus should languish in lonely cells, or perish by the sword, the rack, or the fagot, apparently forsaken by God and man, what a stay to their hearts would be the thought that John the Baptist, to whose faithfulness Christ Himself had borne witness, had passed through a similar experience!” The Desire of Ages, 224.

One very important point to remember is that Satan failed:

“Satan was permitted to cut short the earthly life of God’s messenger; but that life which ‘is hid with Christ in God’ (Colossians 3:3), the destroyer could not reach. He exulted that he had brought sorrow upon Christ, but he had failed of conquering John.” Ibid.

Remember the promise:

“Though no miraculous deliverance was granted John, he was not forsaken. He had always the companionship of heavenly angels, who opened to him the prophecies concerning Christ, and the precious promises of Scripture. These were his stay, as they were to be the stay of God’s people through the coming ages. To John the Baptist, as to those that came after him, was given the assurance, ‘Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end’ (Matthew 28:20 RV, margin).” Ibid.

John the Baptist in prison would not have chosen to be led any other way:

“God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. ‘Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake’ (Philippians 1:29). And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.” Ibid., 224, 225.

Accustomed to Hardship

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I will begin by sharing with you a vision that Ellen White had, which is recorded in Testimonies, vol. 2, 594–597.

“While at Battle Creek in August, 1868, I dreamed of being with a large body of people. A portion of this assembly started out prepared to journey. We had heavily loaded wagons. As we journeyed, the road seemed to ascend. On one side of this road was a deep precipice; on the other was a high, smooth, white wall, like the hard finish upon plastered rooms.

“As we journeyed on, the road grew narrower and steeper. In some places it seemed so very narrow that we concluded that we could no longer travel with the loaded wagons. We then loosed them from the horses, took a portion of the luggage from the wagons and placed it upon the horses, and journeyed on horseback.

“As we progressed, the path still continued to grow narrow. We were obliged to press close to the wall, to save ourselves from falling off the narrow road down the steep precipice. As we did this, the luggage on the horses pressed against the wall and caused us to sway toward the precipice. We feared that we should fall and be dashed in pieces on the rocks. We then cut the luggage from the horses, and it fell over the precipice. We continued on horseback, greatly fearing, as we came to the narrower places in the road, that we should lose our balance and fall. At such times a hand seemed to take the bridle and guide us over the perilous way.

“As the path grew more narrow, we decided that we could no longer go with safety on horseback, and we left the horses and went on foot, in single file, one following in the footsteps of another. At this point, small cords were let down from the top of the pure white wall; these we eagerly grasped, to aid us in keeping our balance upon the path. As we traveled, the cord moved along with us. The path finally became so narrow that we concluded that we could travel more safely without our shoes, so we slipped them from out feet and went on some distance without them. Soon it was decided that we could travel more safely without our stockings; these were removed, and we journeyed on with bare feet.

“We then thought of those who had not accustomed themselves to privations and hardships. Where were such now? They were not in the company. At every change some were left behind, and those only remained who had accustomed themselves to endure hardships. The privations of the way only make these more eager to press on to the end.”

I want you to notice something. At every change some were left behind, and those only remained who had accustomed themselves to endure hardships. Where were those who had not accustomed themselves to hardship? They were not in the company. That is such an all-inclusive statement. No one is going to be in the company who has not accustomed themselves to hardship. Are you accustomed to hardship?

Paul gives two qualifying characteristics for brethren. “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity [love] of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer.” II Thessalonians 1:3–5.

Notice that the believers of Thessalonica had faith and love, but they had these character traits because they had patiently endured persecutions and tribulations. You see, there is a purpose for what happens to us in life. “Our heavenly Father does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. He has His purpose in the whirlwind and the storm, in the fire and in the flood. The Lord permits calamities to come to His people to save them from greater danger. . . . He works through natural causes to lead His people to remember that He has not forgotten them, but that He desires them to forsake the way which, if they were permitted to follow unchecked and unreproved, would lead them into great peril.

“Trials come to us all to lead us to investigate our hearts, to see if they are purified from all that defiles. Constantly the Lord is working for our present and eternal good. . . . If His Word is not followed in all humility and meekness, He brings to them experiences which, if rightly received, will help to prepare them for the work to be done in His name. God desires to reveal His power in a marked manner through the lives of His people.” The Upward Look, 65.

When the travelers left the horses, what happened to some who were on the path? They stayed right there. They said, “This is enough. We are not going any further.” This was not the first time that some had stayed behind. When they left the wagons, some stayed. Yet, some of those who withstood the first test turned back when they cut the luggage off. Even some of those who continued on when they got off of the horses stayed behind when the path became too narrow to continue with their shoes on. You see, there is more than one test in the Christian walk.

Why did the Lord not tell them at the beginning of the journey, “Do not worry with the horses and the wagons? You will not be able to take the luggage; and, in fact, you will not be able to wear your shoes and socks on the journey”? Why did He not do that? He knows the frailty of human nature, and He is merciful. He takes us with all of our baggage, if we have a heart to follow Him, and helps us to grow in our experience.

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.” II Corinthians 4:6–8. Commenting on this verse, Ellen White says, “Christ commissions us to shine as lights in the world, by reflecting the light of God as seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

“Who among us is doing this? Are our lives all aglow with this wondrous light? God expects every one of us to reflect His image to the world. We have been led on step by step to make advancement. We have walked and worked by faith, and we need to discipline ourselves to endure hardship as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.” This Day With God, 65.

Even though we are perplexed, friends, we are not even distressed or in despair, because we have a heavenly Father who has caused light to shine out of the darkness onto our pathway. As His light shines upon us, it fills our hearts with thankfulness for what He has done for us; and we are willing to do anything for Him. No matter how narrow the pathway is, we would not want to be anywhere else.

Did you notice that even among those who had begun the trip, there were some who at each narrowing of the path did not go on? Sometimes, friends, we are going to have to endure some trials; but we must continue to press up the path. “But this doing the duty of a soldier means work. It is not always just such work as we would choose. Outward inconveniences, difficulties, and trials have to be borne by the soldier of Jesus. There is a constant warfare to be maintained against the evils and inclinations of our own natural hearts.” Youth’s Instructor, December 22, 1886.

Are there things in your life that you have allowed to go on for years? Things that you know you should be changing? Friends, the Christian experience does not just happen accidentally. It takes work. Everything must be laid on the altar.

“We must not pick and choose the work most agreeable to us; for we are Christ’s soldiers, under His discipline, and we are not to study our own pleasure. We might fight the battles of the Lord manfully. We have enemies to conquer that would gain the control of all our powers. 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.” Ibid.

Our heavenly Father wants to do something with us. He wants to make a spectacle of us to the whole world. He knows how entangled we are with this world, so instead of revealing everything to us at once, in His great love, He leads us step by step. Are you willing to stay on the path no matter what the Lord asks you to do, even if it is to sacrifice life itself? He has something so mighty, so great, that He wants to accomplish in each of us, that as we look back on the path of this life, we would have it no other way than the way that He directed.

“Our danger of falling from the pathway increased. We pressed close to the white wall, yet could not place our feet fully upon the path, for it was too narrow. We then suspended nearly our whole weight upon the cords, exclaiming: ‘We have hold from above! We have hold from above!’ The same words were uttered by all the company in the narrow pathway. As we heard the sounds of mirth and revelry that seemed to come from the abyss below, we shuddered. We heard the profane oath, the vulgar jest, and low, vile songs.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 595.

The time is coming when there are going to be some steep places in the path that require work. In preparation for that time, I want to accustom myself to hardship.

“I noticed that the beautiful white wall was stained with blood. It caused a feeling of regret to see the wall thus stained. This feeling, however, lasted but for a moment, as I soon thought that it was all as it should be. Those who are following after will know that others have passed the narrow, difficult way before them, and will conclude that if others were able to pursue their onward course, they can do the same.” Ibid., 596.

There are those who have gone before, and we are to walk as they have walked. There is nothing that we are called upon to endure that has not been endured by those before us. “As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. ‘When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them.’ The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour’s footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne.

“Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world.” The Desire of Ages, 480.

And so, while our feet are aching and sore and bruised, His feet have gone before ours, smoothing the way and pressing down the cruel thorns, so the pathway is not as difficult for us. Is not that encouraging?

“At length we came to a large chasm, at which our path ended. There was nothing now to guide the feet, nothing upon which to rest them. Our whole reliance must be upon the cords, which had increased in size until they were as large as our bodies. Here we were for a time thrown into perplexity and distress. We inquired in fearful whispers: ‘To what is the cord attached?’ My husband was just before me. Large drops of sweat were falling from his brow, the veins in his neck and temples were increased to double their usual size, and suppressed, agonizing groans came from his lips. The sweat was dropping from my face, and I felt such anguish as I had never felt before. A fearful struggle was before us. Should we fail here, all the difficulties of our journey had been experienced for nought.

“Before us, on the other side of the chasm, was a beautiful field of green grass, about six inches high. I could not see the sun; but bright, soft beams of light, resembling fine gold and silver, were resting upon this field. Nothing I had seen upon earth could compare in beauty and glory with this field. But could we succeed in reaching it? was the anxious inquiry. Should the cord break, we must perish. Again, in whispered anguish, the words were breathed: ‘What holds the cord?’ For a moment we hesitated to venture. Then we exclaimed: ‘Our only hope is to trust wholly to the cord. It has been our dependence all the difficult way. It will not fail us now.’ Still we were hesitating and distressed. The words were then spoken: ‘God holds the cord. We need not fear.’ These words were then repeated by those behind us, accompanied with: ‘He will not fail us now. He has brought us thus far in safety.’

“My husband then swung himself over the fearful abyss into the beautiful field beyond. I immediately followed. And, oh, what a sense of relief and gratitude to God we felt! I heard voices raised in triumphant praise to God. I was happy, perfectly happy.” Ibid., 596, 597.
I am so glad that the prophet of the Lord does not leave us with the picture of them falling off of the path. In God’s Word we are assured, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13.

“The heirs of God have come from garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains, from deserts, from caves of the earth, from the caverns of the sea. On earth they were ‘destitute, afflicted, tormented.’ Millions went down to the grave loaded with infamy because they steadfastly refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human tribunals they were adjudged the vilest of criminals. But now “God is judge Himself.’ Psalm 50:6. Now the decisions of earth are reversed. ‘The rebuke of His people shall He take away.’ Isaiah 25:8. ‘They shall call them, The Holy people, The redeemed of the Lord.’ He hath appointed ‘to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.’ Isaiah 62:12; 61:3. They are no longer feeble, afflicted, scattered, and oppressed. Henceforth they are to ever be with the Lord. They stand before the throne clad in richer robes than the most honored of the earth have ever worn. They are crowned with diadems more glorious than were ever placed upon the brow of earthly monarchs. The days of pain and weeping are forever ended. The King of Glory has wiped the tears from all faces; every cause of grief has been removed. Amid the waving of palm branches they pour forth a song of praise, clear, sweet, and harmonious; every voice takes up the strain, until the anthem swells through the vaults of heaven: ‘Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.’” The Great Controversy, 650.

Amen.

Bible Study Guides – Single-Hearted Purpose

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January 19, 2014 – January 25, 2014

Key Text

“As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” I Peter 1:15, 16.

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 100–102.

Introduction

“As long as we continue to keep our eyes fixed upon the Author and Finisher of our faith we shall be safe. But our affections must be placed upon things above, not on things on the earth. By faith we must rise higher and still higher in the attainments of the graces of Christ. By daily contemplating His matchless charms, we must grow more and more into His glorious image. While we thus live in communion with Heaven, Satan will lay his nets for us in vain.” My Life Today, 105.

1 AUTHOR OF OUR FAITH

  • To Whom should we look upon and what should be laid aside as the race of life is run? Hebrews 12:1, 2.

Note: “In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed out the single-hearted purpose that should characterize the Christian’s race for eternal life: ‘Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith’ (Hebrews 12:1, 2).” The Acts of the Apostles, 312.

2 GREAT PRACTICAL NECESSITY

  • How is faith acquired? Romans 10:17; John 17:17.

Note: “If studied and obeyed, the word of God works in the heart, subduing every unholy attribute. The Holy Spirit comes to convict of sin, and the faith that springs up in the heart works by love to Christ, conforming us in body, soul, and spirit to His own image. Then God can use us to do His will. The power given us works from within outwardly, leading us to communicate to others the truth that has been communicated to us.

“The truths of the word of God meet man’s great practical necessity—the conversion of the soul through faith. These grand principles are not to be thought too pure and holy to be brought into the daily life. They are truths which reach to heaven and compass eternity, yet their vital influence is to be woven into human experience. They are to permeate all the great things and all the little things of life.

“Received into the heart, the leaven of truth will regulate the desires, purify the thoughts, and sweeten the disposition. It quickens the faculties of the mind and the energies of the soul. It enlarges the capacity for feeling, for loving.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 100, 101.

3 RECEIVE STRENGTH

  • What is the result when taking hold of God’s promises? (See Note.)

Note: “The moment you grasp God’s promises by faith and say, I am the lost sheep that Jesus came to save, a new life will take possession of you, and you will receive strength to resist the tempter. But faith to grasp the promises does not come by feeling.

“Take God’s word on trust, saying, He loves me: He gave His life for me; and He will save me.” In Heavenly Places, 116.

  • What does the Lord encourage and what is the result? Psalm 34:8; John 16:24.

Note: “God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His Word, the truth of His promises. … His promises will be fulfilled. They have never failed; they never can fail. …

“Our Saviour wants you to keep in close relation to Himself, that He may make you happy.” The Faith I Live By, 123.

  • How are we to participate in this race? Hebrews 12:1; I Corinthians 9:26, 27.

Note: “Have you ever watched a hawk in pursuit of a timid dove? Instinct has taught the dove that in order for the hawk to seize his prey, he must gain a loftier flight than his victim. So she rises higher and still higher into the blue dome of heaven, ever pursued by the hawk, which is seeking to obtain the advantage. But in vain. The dove is safe as long as she allows nothing to stop her in her flight, or draw her earthward; but let her once falter, and take a lower flight, and her watchful enemy will swoop down upon his victim. Again and again have we watched this scene with almost breathless interest, all our sympathies with the little dove. How sad we should have felt to see it fall a victim to the cruel hawk!

“We have before us a warfare—a lifelong conflict with Satan and his seductive temptations. The enemy will use every argument, every deception, to entangle the soul; and in order to win the crown of life, we must put forth earnest, persevering effort. We must not lay off the armor or leave the battlefield until we have gained the victory, and can triumph in our Redeemer.” My Life Today, 105.

“Paul knew that his warfare against evil would not end so long as life should last. Ever he realized the need of putting a strict guard upon himself, that earthly desires might not overcome spiritual zeal. With all his power he continued to strive against natural inclinations. Ever he kept before him the ideal to be attained, and this ideal he strove to reach by willing obedience to the law of God. His words, his practices, his passions—all were brought under the control of the Spirit of God.” God’s Amazing Grace, 273.

4 TRIALS OF OUR FAITH

  • What will be the ending result for the faithful? I Peter 1:7–9.

Note: “The most trying experiences in the Christian’s life may be the most blessed. The special providences of the dark hours may encourage the soul in future attacks of Satan, and equip the servant of God to stand in fiery trials. The trial of your faith is more precious than gold. You must have that abiding confidence in God that is not disturbed by the temptations and arguments of the deceiver. Take the Lord at His word. You must study the promises, and appropriate them as you have need.” Our High Calling, 324.

  • What should be the response to the trials of our faith? I Peter 4:12, 13.

Note: “In the full light of day, and in hearing of the music of other voices, the caged bird will not sing the song that his master seeks to teach him. He learns a snatch of this, a trill of that, but never a separate and entire melody. But the master covers the cage, and places it where the bird will listen to the one song he is to sing. In the dark, he tries and tries again to sing that song until it is learned, and he breaks forth in perfect melody. Then the bird is brought forth, and ever after he can sing that song in the light. Thus God deals with His children. He has a song to teach us, and when we have learned it amid the shadows of affliction we can sing it ever afterward.” The Ministry of Healing, 472.

“Trial is part of the education given in the school of Christ, to purify God’s children from the dross of earthliness. It is because God is leading His children that trying experiences come to them. Trials and obstacles are His chosen methods of discipline, and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their weaknesses better than they themselves can know them. He sees that some have qualifications which, if rightly directed, could be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these souls into different positions and varied circumstances, that they may discover the defects that are concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to overcome these defects and to fit themselves for service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to burn, that they may be purified.” The Acts of the Apostles, 524.

5 THE EXPECTATION

  • Who demonstrated more faith than all of those in Israel and what was Jesus’ response? Matthew 8:6–10.

Note: “The centurion’s servant had been stricken with palsy, and lay at the point of death. …

“Jesus immediately set out for the officer’s home … . The news of His coming preceded Him, and the centurion, in his self-distrust, sent Him the message, ‘Lord, trouble not Thyself: for I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof’ (Luke 7:6). But the Saviour kept on His way, and the centurion, venturing at last to approach Him, completed the message, saying, ‘Neither thought I myself worthy to come unto Thee; but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it’ (verses 7, 8). As I represent the power of Rome, and my soldiers recognize my authority as supreme, so dost Thou represent the power of the Infinite God, and all created things obey Thy word. Thou canst command the disease to depart, and it shall obey Thee. Thou canst summon Thy heavenly messengers, and they shall impart healing virtue. Speak but the word, and my servant shall be healed.” The Desire of Ages, 315, 316.

“ ‘When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned Him about, and said unto the people that followed Him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel’ (Luke 7:9). And to the centurion He said, ‘As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.’ And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour (Matthew 8:13).” The Desire of Ages, 316.

ADDITIONAL READING

“The truths of the word of God meet man’s great practical necessity—the conversion of the soul through faith. These grand principles are not to be thought too pure and holy to be brought into the daily life. They are truths which reach to heaven and compass eternity, yet their vital influence is to be woven into human experience. They are to permeate all the great things and all the little things of life.

“How far we come from representing the character of Christ! But we must lay hold of His merits by living faith, and claim Him as our Saviour. He died on Calvary to save us. Each should make it a personal work between God and his own soul, as though there were no one in the world but himself. When we exercise personal faith, our hearts will not be as cold as an iron wedge; we shall be able to realize what is meant by the psalmist when he says, ‘Blessed is he … whose sin is covered’ (Psalm 32:1).” The Faith I Live By, 123.

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

Bible Study Guides – Faith that Lives

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January 12, 2014 – January 18, 2014

Key Text

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17.

Study Help: Gospel Workers, 259–263; The Signs of the Times, May 19, 1898.

Introduction

“There is nothing in faith that makes it our saviour. Faith cannot remove our guilt. Christ is the power of God unto salvation to all them that believe. The justification comes through the merits of Jesus Christ. He has paid the price for the sinner’s redemption. Yet it is only through faith in His blood that Jesus can justify the believer.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1071.

1 TWO ARMS

  • In what frame of mind should God be approached? Hebrews 11:6.

Note: “The greatest victories gained for the cause of God are not the result of labored argument, ample facilities, wide influence, or abundance of means; they are gained in the audience chamber with God, when with earnest, agonizing faith men lay hold upon the mighty arm of power.” Gospel Workers, 259.

  • What is necessary to lay hold upon the power of Infinite Love? (See Note.)

Note: “True faith and true prayer—how strong they are! They are as two arms by which the human suppliant lays hold upon the power of Infinite Love. Faith is trusting in God—believing that He loves us, and knows what is for our best good. Thus, instead of our own way, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership, and accepts its blessings. Truth, uprightness, purity, are pointed out as secrets of life’s success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these. Every good impulse or aspiration is the gift of God; faith receives from God the life that alone can produce true growth and efficiency.” Gospel Workers, 259.

2 LOOK BEYOND THE PRESENT

  • What is the victory that overcomes the world? I John 5:4.

Note: “It is faith that enables us to look beyond the present, with its burdens and cares, to the great hereafter, where all that now perplexes us shall be made plain. Faith sees Jesus standing as our Mediator at the right hand of God. Faith beholds the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for those who love Him. Faith sees the robe and crown prepared for the overcomer, and hears the song of the redeemed.

“Perfect faith, the surrender of self to God, simple trust in His pledged word, should be a part of every minister’s experience. Only as a minister has this experience can he make the subject of faith plain to the doubting and distrustful.” Gospel Workers, 260.

  • If faith is not feeling, what is it? Hebrews 11:1.
  • Because faith is not allied to presumption, what should be our prayer? Psalm 19:13, 14.

Note: “Faith is not feeling. … True 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 consequences 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.” Gospel Workers, 260.

3 HEALING TO THE SOUL

  • Through what are we kept by the power of God? I Peter 1:3–5.

Note: “To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul-hunger and living faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts Him merely as the Saviour of the world, can never bring healing to the soul. The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intellectual assent to the truth. He who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercise faith, cannot receive blessing from God.” Gospel Workers, 260.

  • Do devils believe? James 2:19.

Note: “It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as an opinion. But saving faith is a transaction, by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power.” [Emphasis author’s.] Gospel Workers, 261.

  • From where does faith come? Romans 10:16, 17.

4 TRYING EXPERIENCES

  • How should we respond to trying experiences? I Peter 1:5–9.

Note: “Faith takes God at His word, not asking to understand the meaning of the trying experiences that come. But there are many who have little faith. They are always fearing and borrowing trouble. Every day they are surrounded by the tokens of God’s love, every day they enjoy the bounties of His providence; but they overlook these blessings. And the difficulties they encounter, instead of driving them to God, separate them from Him, by arousing unrest and repining.” Gospel Workers, 261.

  • What does God make available to those who ask? Ephesians 3:20, 16; 1:19.

Note: “Do they well to be thus unbelieving? Jesus is their friend. All heaven is interested in their welfare, and their fear and repining grieve the Holy Spirit. Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe. We are to trust His promises. When we come to Him in faith, we should believe that every petition enters into the heart of Christ. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have it. Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be sent when we need it most. When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are answered.” Gospel Workers, 261.

  • How did Jesus admonish Peter that this is also applicable to us today? Matthew 14:31.

Note: “Often the Christian life is beset with dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before, and bondage and death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, Go forward. Let us obey the command, even though our sight cannot penetrate the darkness. The obstacles that hinder our progress will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obedience till every uncertainty disappears, and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey. Faith looks beyond the difficulties, and lays hold of the unseen, even Omnipotence, therefore it cannot be baffled. Faith is the clasping of the hand of Christ in every emergency.

“The worker for God needs strong faith. Appearances may seem forbidding; but in the darkest hour there is light beyond. The strength of those who, in faith, love and serve God, will be renewed day by day. The understanding of the Infinite is placed at their service, that in carrying out His purposes they may not err. Let these workers hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end, remembering that the light of God’s truth is to shine amid the darkness that enshrouds our world.” Gospel Workers, 262.

5 ALL THE STRENGTH WE NEED

  • What advice is given by the wise man, Solomon? Proverbs 30:5.

Note: “There is to be no despondency in connection with God’s service. The faith of the consecrated worker is to stand every test brought upon it. God is able and willing to bestow upon His servants all the strength they need, and to give them the wisdom that their varied necessities demand. He will more than fulfil the highest expectations of those who put their trust in Him.” Gospel Workers, 262.

  • Who is the only way to the Father and what has He promised? John 14:6; Psalm 72:12.

Note: “Jesus does not call on us to follow Him, and then forsake us. If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us.” Gospel Workers, 263.

  • What has God promised to those who trust in Him? Isaiah 26:3.

Note: “The arm of Omnipotence is outstretched to lead us onward and still onward. Go forward, the Lord says; I will send you help. It is for My name’s glory that you ask; and you shall receive. Those who are watching for your failure shall yet see My word triumph gloriously. ‘All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive’ (Matthew 21:22).” Gospel Workers, 263.

  • Why was Paul not ashamed of the gospel of Christ? Romans 1:16, 17.

Note: “There is nothing in faith that makes it our saviour. Faith cannot remove our guilt. Christ is the power of God unto salvation to all them that believe. The justification comes through the merits of Jesus Christ. He has paid the price for the sinner’s redemption. Yet it is only through faith in His blood that Jesus can justify the believer.

“The sinner cannot depend upon his own good works as a means of justification. He must come to the point where he will renounce all his sin, and embrace one degree of light after another as it shines upon his pathway. He simply grasps by faith the free and ample provision made in the blood of Christ. He believes the promises of God, which through Christ are made unto him sanctification and righteousness and redemption. And if he follows Jesus, he will walk humbly in the light, rejoicing in the light and diffusing that light to others. Being justified by faith, he carries cheerfulness with him in his obedience in all his life. Peace with God is the result of what Christ is to him. The souls who are in subordination to God, who honor Him, and are doers of His Word, will receive divine enlightenment. In the precious Word of God there is purity and loftiness as well as beauty that, unless assisted by God, the highest powers of man cannot attain to.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1071.

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

Keys to the Storehouse – Conditions Chosen for You

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I am sure many of you remember this conversation in the Bible: “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.” John 1:45, 46.

To hear what Philip said about Nazareth, it must have been considered a rough and sinful city, well known for its crimes and vices. Even with its notorious reputation, something “good” did come out of Nazareth, Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Nazareth, with all of its depravity, was the city chosen by our heavenly Father for His only begotten Son to be raised.

“What were the conditions chosen by the infinite Father for His Son?

  • A secluded home in the Galilean hills;
  • a household sustained by honest, self-respecting labor;
  • a life of simplicity;
  • daily conflict with difficulty and hardship;
  • self-sacrifice, economy, and patient, gladsome service;
  • the hour of study at His mother’s side, with the open scroll of Scripture;
  • the quiet of dawn or twilight in the green valley;
  • the holy ministries of nature;
  • the study of creation and providence;
  • and the soul’s communion with God—these were the conditions and opportunities of the early life of Jesus.” Ministry of Healing, 365, 366.

We have no excuse for not following our Lord under all circumstances. God has chosen our surroundings for our growth. If it were not for challenges, we would not grow spiritually. Let us praise God for His choices for each of us, knowing that He has chosen such because He loves us.

Remember, “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.” Romans 8:28–30.

God has a plan for you and He has chosen the conditions surrounding your life for good reason. Are you being conformed to His image, or are you making excuses because you are not happy with the circumstances that the Lord has chosen for you? God’s only begotten Son followed His will with delight. Will You?

Father: Forgive me for complaining at times because of circumstances and challenges. Please put peace and happiness into my heart that I may give glory to Thee in all areas of my life. That under all conditions or circumstances, I will remember that it is Your will for my life, and I will praise Your name for Your mercy at that moment and not murmur or complain. Amen.

The Trials of the Christian

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True Christianity presupposes a total response to Jesus Christ and to His way of life. We must beware of lowering our moral and spiritual ideals. We need to behold again the glory of God’s character, the beauty of His moral law that stands far above the ways and codes of men. Insight into the narrow way and courage to take that road are required at a time when the world is distinguished by its departure from it. Jesus our wonderful Saviour talked about the Christian life in these words: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13, 14.

Traveling the Narrow Way

In commenting on these verses of Scripture, the servant of the Lord says, “Those who travel in the narrow way are talking of the joy and happiness they will have at the end of the journey. Their countenances are often sad, yet often beam with holy, sacred joy. They do not dress like the company in the broad road, nor talk like them, nor act like them. A pattern has been given them. A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief opened that road for them, and traveled it Himself.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 127. Why are their countenances often sad? Apart from other reasons, the Christian journey requires that every person enter through a gate that is strait or difficult, beset with distressing circumstances. Also the Christian must travel a pathway, which is narrow or one filled with trouble, trials and tribulation.

One of the greatest problems we face is that while we acknowledge that Christ has redeemed us, we live much of the time as if we own ourselves. We go off on our own to do “our own thing.” But there can be no separation from our Lord without Satan’s moving in to take over. Failure to let Christ own us completely is responsible for most spiritual problems and lapsing into sin. If Christ is not master at any point, He is not master at all. If He is not the master of our pleasures, He is not the master of us. If He is not the master of our money, He is not the master of our life. This is why the apostle Paul says, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” I Corinthians 9:27.

Why Trials?

There is something very significant in this text to which the apostle wishes every Christian to pay careful attention; listen to what he emphasizes, “… lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” I Corinthians 9:27. The Greek word that Paul used in this text, which means cast away, is taken from bad metal and properly denotes those which will not bear the test or not standing the test that is applied to them. A “castaway” is a metaphor derived from the testing of metals and the casting aside of those which are spurious. This word castaway also means rejected after testing or unapproved. This is what Paul wants every Christian to understand and bear in mind that trial management by the Christian demonstrates the sincerity or genuineness of his or her profession. II Corinthians 11:23–28.

The apostle Paul had subjected himself to trials. He had given himself to self-denial and toil; to persecution and want; to perils and cold, and nakedness, and hunger. He had done this, among other things, to give his religion a fair trial, to see whether it would bear all these tests; as metal is cast into the fire to see whether it is genuine, or it is base and worthless. In doing this he had endeavored to subdue his corrupt propensities, and bring everything into captivity to the Redeemer, that it might be found that he was a sincere, humble, and devoted Christian. The element of trial patiently borne in the Christian experience clearly reveals the real Christian from the counterfeit!

From the book Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 44, we read these words: “Trials patiently borne, blessings gratefully received, temptations manfully resisted, meekness, kindness, mercy, and love habitually revealed, are the lights that shine forth in the character in contrast with the darkness of the selfish heart, into which the light of life has never shone.” How well you and I manage trials and temptations as Christians will ultimately determine who we are, the impact we make on unbelievers and where we spend eternity. Paul understands that he is traveling a pathway that is beset by trials and temptations, which is designed to prove his worthiness to bear the Christian name and his fitness for the heavenly home. This is why he keeps under his body and brings it into subjection to Christ.

God’s Workmen to Develop Character

We are reminded by the servant of the Lord that, “The trials of life are God’s workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character. Their hewing, squaring, and chiseling, their burnishing and polishing, is a painful process; it is hard to be pressed down to the grinding wheel. But the stone is brought forth prepared to fill its place in the heavenly temple. Upon no useless material does the Master bestow such careful, thorough work. Only His precious stones are polished after the similitude of a palace.” Ibid., 10.

In another place she states, “All our sufferings and sorrows, all our temptations and trials, all our sadness and griefs, all our persecutions and privations, in short, all things work together for our good. All experiences and circumstances are God’s workmen whereby good is brought to us.” Help in Daily Living, 30. Also, “Afflictions, crosses, temptations, adversity, and our varied trials are God’s workmen to refine us, sanctify us, and fit us for the heavenly garner.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 115.

So then, understanding the significance of trials and temptations why then do we murmur and give way to the devil so easily? This was not Jesus’ attitude neither was it Paul’s attitude! Jesus declared, “… for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.” John 14:30. The narrative records, “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to Him, He said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” Matthew 4:1–10.

Trial Management

Paul elsewhere in Scriptures talks of the importance of trial management in the life of the Christian, because this is one outstanding way, which recommends Christ to the unbeliever. We read, “Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” II Timothy 2:10. To the young Timothy, Paul wrote, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Verse 3. “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us.” Verse 12.

So let me share with you a few reasons why God allows trials and tests to come to His followers. First, character must be tested to help us see our true selves. This is what the Lord revealed to His servant: “Tests are placed all along the way from earth to heaven. It is because of this that the road to heaven is called the narrow way. Character must be tested, else there would be many spurious Christians, who would keep up a fair semblance of religion until their inclinations, their desire to have their own way, their pride and ambition, were crossed. When, by the Lord’s permission, sharp trials come to them, their lack of genuine religion, of the meekness and lowliness of Christ, shows them to be in need of the work of the Holy Spirit. Christ’s command, ‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me’ (Matthew 16:24), is the touchstone that discovers the quality of the experience. When a man’s inclinations or ambitious hopes are crossed, he reveals the spirit that governs him.” The Review and Herald, October 23, 1900.

Finding Strength in Trials

Second, the spiritual life is strengthened, reading from the book Christ’s Object Lessons, 61, the following: “Through conflict the spiritual life is strengthened. Trials well borne will develop steadfastness of character and precious spiritual graces. The perfect fruit of faith, meekness, and love often matures best amid storm clouds and darkness.” Also from The Review and Herald, August 6, 1889, we read, “It is coming in contact with difficulties that will give you spiritual muscle and sinew. You will become strong in Christ if you endure the testing process, and the proving of God. But if you find fault with your situation, and with everybody around you, you will only grow weaker.”

Patience in Trials

Third, the Christian needs to develop patience under tribulation and trials. From Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, 345, we note, “Patience must have its perfect work or we cannot be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Troubles and afflictions are appointed unto us, and shall we bear them all patiently or shall we make everything bitter by our complaining? The gold is put into the furnace that the dross may be removed. Shall we, then, not be patient under the eye of the Refiner? We must refuse to sink into a sad and disconsolate state of mind, but show calm trust in God, counting it all joy when we are permitted to endure trials for Christ’s sake.”

Character Revealed

Fourth, through trials the glory or character of Christ is developed in His children. God’s servant points out that, “Through trials and persecution, the glory–character–of God is revealed in His chosen ones. The church of God, hated and persecuted by the world, are educated and disciplined in the school of Christ. They walk in narrow paths on earth; they are purified in the furnace of affliction. They follow Christ through sore conflicts; they endure self-denial and experience bitter disappointments; but their painful experience teaches them the guilt and woe of sin, and they look upon it with abhorrence. Being partakers of Christ’s sufferings, they are destined to be partakers of His glory.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 31.

Is it possible to be an effective preacher, pastor, evangelist, elder, church officer and church member and yet lose eternal life? It’s a serious question to ponder, but I am sure you know the answer! If your answer is yes, then let me ask you another question. Why is it possible? Paul gives the answer “… when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” I Corinthians 9:27. If we are unwilling to bring ourselves under the subjection of Jesus Christ, we will be unable to manage our own trials and tribulations and also fail the test.

The true Christian has the abundant life of Christ. We can be moving in a truth, in a religious body, and not really be of it. The church may enlist our services without our being a Christian. The outstanding quality of being converted to Jesus is enduring allegiance as a follower, a willingness to bring our whole lives permanently into line with Him and with His word. It involves unfailing love for God and man.

Never Give Up!

How are you coping under trials; are you failing often? Is your management of trials recommending your Saviour to a dying world? Have you given up because you are not able to endure, but just going through the rounds of Christianity? You don’t need to become discouraged, for Jesus says to you today, come unto Me. “I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed that thou might’st ransomed be and quickened from the dead.” Frances Ridley Havergal, 1858. Amen!

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.

The Meaning of Trials

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One of the quotes that is often repeated among the faithful goes something like this: “Life in this world is the non-Christian’s heaven and the Christian’s hell.”

The pen of inspiration states it this way in Life Sketches, pages 239, 240: “This life at best is but the Christian’s winter; and the bleak winds of winter—disappointments, losses, pain, and anguish—are our lot here; but our hopes are reaching forward to the Christian’s summer, when we shall change climate, leave all the wintry blasts and fierce tempests behind, and be taken to those mansions Jesus has gone to prepare for those that love Him.”

Indeed, this world is not the Christian’s heaven. Rather it is the place in which to fit up for heaven through successfully meeting the trials and temptations of life that God deems us capable of bearing. Life in this world is the scene of our life-battles, our conflicts, and our sorrows. If we are to be successful in our Christian walk, we must have a firm grasp on our hope for a better world, where we will find peace and ever-increasing bliss and joy when our warfare is ended.

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most miserable/pitiable.” I Corinthians 15:19.

What are some of the Bible texts that give us great hope?

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” I Corinthians 2:9.

“For 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.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:28–39.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6.

Who is it that has a right to hold this hope of victory before them? Scripture makes it “too plain to be misunderstood” that it is the righteous—and only the righteous—who will be given the crown of eternal life.

“The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.” Psalm 37:29.

“Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto Thy name: the upright shall dwell in Thy presence.” Psalm 140:13.

“For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.” Proverbs 2:21.

“Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; and I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.” Zechariah 8:7, 8.

“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.” II Peter 3:13.

Through all of our various and on-going trials, some of which have never been fully revealed to others—even to our spouses, for surely each of us has trials that we keep between ourselves and God only—we have had an unfailing Friend, who has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” Hebrews 13:5, and “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” I Peter 4:12, 13.

The International Standard Version translates I Peter 4:12 a little more clearly: “Dear friends, do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

We need to keep in mind always that while Jesus was here on earth, He became intimately familiar with human woe, and although He is now back in His homeland, His heart, which loved, pitied, and sympathized with men, still identifies with humanity. Sister White says that His heart remains a heart of “unchangeable tenderness.” Paul tells us in Hebrews 13:8 that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We do not have to worry about His forgetting the purchase of His blood, or even of something being acceptable with Him today and not acceptable tomorrow. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that, “We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are.”

“Jesus is acquainted with all our trials. He does not leave us to struggle alone with temptations, or to battle alone with sin, and to be finally crushed with burden and sorrow. Through His angels He whispers to us, ‘Fear not; for I am with thee’ (Genesis 26:24). ‘I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore’ (Revelation 1:18).” The Review and Herald, April 17, 1894.

As He pleads His blood for our salvation, standing before the altar in the heavenly sanctuary, He tells us, “I know your sorrows; I have endured them. I am acquainted with your struggles; I have experienced them. I know your temptations; I have encountered them. I have seen your tears; I also have wept. Your earthly hopes are crushed, but let the eye of faith be uplifted, and penetrate the veil, and there anchor your hopes. The everlasting assurance shall be yours that you have a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Ibid.

Why has God always tried his people in the furnace of affliction? The common response to children when they murmur about what they perceive to be some injustice they have incurred is that “it builds character.” It wasn’t until I became a Seventh-day Adventist and began studying the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy that I truly began to understand the truth to that statement.

Our trials, the temptations that we face, the experiences and providences of life are simply God’s way of developing within us the character we must have to be fit to accept by faith Christ’s robe of righteousness, to purge from us all impurity and unrighteousness. God’s work of pruning and purifying His people for heaven is a great work, and it cannot be accomplished without great suffering on the part of the servants of God, because it costs something to bring our wills into harmony with the will of Christ. We must go through the furnace till the fires have consumed the dross—the unchristlike impurities, and we are purified so that we reflect the divine image.

A common experiment among those taking advanced chemistry in college is a challenge to determine the percent of pure precious metal in a small amount of silver. To accomplish that task, a small piece of silver is heated to great heat in a crucible—a small ceramic pot that can withstand extremely high temperatures. After a while, the metal will melt. The impurities in it will form a dull film on top. Eventually, these impurities will boil off and only the precious metal will remain. The students are told that they will know when all of the impurities have been eliminated when they can see their reflections in the molten silver. Such is the case in our characters. God knows that all of the impurities in our characters have been purged when He can see a perfect reflection of Himself in us.

Most of us are not good judges of what God is doing. When trials and difficulties occur, we are often prone to murmur and complain. Too often, we see failure where there is indeed triumph, or a great loss, where there is actually gain. Like Jacob, we are ready to exclaim when trial comes upon us, “All these things are against me” (Genesis 42:36)! when the fact is that the very things of which we complain are working for our good.

There is a common expression in Christendom: “No cross, no crown.” That is simply a shortened version of Christ’s statement to His disciples in Luke 9:23, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” We know that only by following Christ can we be awarded the crown of life.

No one can be strong in the Lord without experiencing trials. To have physical strength, we must have physical exercise. To have spiritual strength, we must have spiritual exercise. To have strong faith we must be placed in circumstances that require the exercise of our faith to withstand those circumstances.

Just before his martyrdom, the apostle Paul said to Timothy: “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and self-discipline. Therefore, never be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, His prisoner. Instead, by God’s power, join me in suffering for the sake of the gospel.” II Timothy 1:7, 8 ISV.

When Luke wrote of Paul’s preaching in the areas visited on their very first journey, he reported in Acts 14:22, “It is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom of heaven.” Luke noted that this was the message preached in at least four cities of Asia Minor, and he preached it in his earliest efforts at spreading the gospel. Paul knew that the Christian walk is “a battle and a march,” and he was careful to warn the new converts of the trials that they were going to encounter.

“If Satan sees that he is in danger of losing one soul, he will exert himself to the utmost to keep that one. And when the individual is aroused to his danger, and, with distress and fervor, looks to Jesus for strength, Satan fears that he will lose a captive, and he calls a reinforcement of his angels to hedge in the poor soul, and form a wall of darkness around him, that heaven’s light may not reach him. But if the one in danger perseveres, and in his helplessness casts himself upon the merits of the blood of Christ, our Saviour listens to the earnest prayer of faith, and sends a reinforcement of those angels that excel in strength to deliver him.” Counsels for the Church, 319.

The Spirit of Prophecy makes this statement: “Our Saviour was tried in every possible way, and yet he triumphed in God continually.” God’s Amazing Grace, 90. This is one of those statements that on initial reading takes a good deal of faith to believe. While He may not have experienced the exact same trials as we have—for example, He was never married and never had teenagers He had to cope with—nevertheless, He encountered the same principles in His relationships with His family and His disciples.

It is our privilege under all circumstances to be strong in the strength of God and to glory in the cross of Christ. That is sometimes a very tough calling—much more easily said than done.

Every follower of Christ will have a cross to bear. This cross is different in different individuals. It may be food, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, passion, kleptomania, improper speech, family or personal relationships, or one (or more) of any number of snares that Satan will use to try to knock us from the path of truth and righteousness, but rest assured that every follower of Jesus has a cross, a burden, to bear—a “sin which doth so easily beset us” (Hebrews 12:1).

When we face it resolutely, determined to overcome, even though it may be in weakness and trembling, we will find that that which seemed so terrible to us in fact is a source of strength and blessing and courage. Remember that it is in our weakness that the strength of Christ is revealed.

If we do suffer, let us remember that our Lord and Master suffered before us. Jesus, our Redeemer, our representative and head, has already endured this testing process. He suffered more than we can be called upon to suffer. He bore our infirmities and was in all points tempted like as we are. He did not suffer for Himself, but He suffered because of my sins, that I, relying on the merits of my Overcomer, might be victorious in His name.

Christ was the exalted and glorious commander of heaven, before Whom the angelic hosts bowed in adoration, yet He condescended to give up his glory that He had with the Father, that He might save a fallen race; and shall we, in our turn, refuse to deny ourselves for His sake and the gospel’s?

Let the words of Paul be the language of our hearts: “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14.

Christ requires all from me. His sacrifice was too great, too costly, too dear, for me to give less than my all, and be accepted.

The Scripture says, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2. The way to heaven is a self-denying way. But when I am tempted to think that the way is too strait, and there is too much self-denial in the narrow path; when I want to say it’s too hard to give up everything in this world, I ask myself, “What did Christ give up for me?”

This question puts anything that I might call self-denial to the test. As I imagine Him in the Garden of Gethsemane and envision the great drops of blood that forced themselves from His pores while He bore the inexpressible agony of soul, and look upon Him in the judgment hall while He was derided, mocked, and insulted by the infuriated mob … as I behold Him clothed in that old purple robe, and hear the coarse jest and cruel mocking and see them place the crown of thorns on that noble brow, and smite Him with a reed, causing the thorns to penetrate His holy temples, so that the blood-drops trickle down His face and fall upon the ground, then hear the murderous throng eagerly crying for the blood of the Son of God while He is delivered into their hands—pale, weak, and fainting, being led away to the hill of crucifixion, then lie without resisting upon the cross as nails are driven through his hands and feet, as in my imagination I behold him hanging upon the cross through dreadful hours of agony until angels veil their faces from the scene, and the sun hides its light, refusing to shine upon the dreadful sight. Can I think of these things, and then ask, Is the way too strait?

We must realize that Jesus has something in store for us that is vastly better than that which we would choose for ourselves! Remember, eyes have not seen nor ear heard neither entered into the imagination of man the things that God has prepared for them that love Him (I Corinthians 2:9)!

How mightily and how often we should pray that we might come to understand the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the blessedness of righteousness!

The most trying experiences in the Christian life may be the most blessed. The special providences of the dark hours will strengthen and give courage to the soul in the future attacks of Satan, and equip the soul to stand most fiery trials.

The trial of our faith is more precious than gold. But in order to endure the test, we must have that faith, that abiding confidence in God, that will not be disturbed by the arguments and temptations of the deceiver. Let us learn to take the Lord at his word, while it is day. Let us study the promises, and appropriate them as we have need. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17. “Happy is the man, who, when tempted, finds his soul rich in the knowledge of the Scriptures, who finds shelter beneath the promises of God. ‘Thy word,’ said the psalmist, ‘have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee’ (Psalm 119:11).” The Faith I Live By, 8. We need that calm, steady faith, that undaunted moral courage, that none but Christ can give, in order that we may be braced for trial and strengthened for duty.

“While on earth there will be no escape from conflicts and temptations; but in every storm we have a sure refuge. Jesus has told us, ‘In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33). The forces of Satan are marshaled against us, and we have to meet a diligent foe; but if we take heed to the admonition of Christ, we shall be safe. ‘Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation’ (Matthew 26:41). There are foes to be resisted and overcome, but Jesus is by our side, ready to strengthen us for every attack. ‘This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith’ (I John 5:4).

“Faith sees Jesus standing as our Mediator at the right hand of God. Faith beholds the mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare for those who love Him. Faith sees the robe and the crown prepared for the overcomer. Faith hears the song of the redeemed, and brings eternal glories near. We must come close to Jesus in loving obedience if we would see the King in his beauty.

“There is peace in believing, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Believe! Believe! … Rest in God. He is able to keep that which you have committed to Him, and will bring you off more than conqueror through Him that has loved you (II Timothy 1:12; Romans 8:37).

“But remember that every one who shall be found with the wedding garment on will have come out of great tribulation. The mighty surges of temptation will beat upon all of us. But the long night of watching, of toil, of hardship, is nearly past. Christ is soon to come. Get ready! The angels of God are seeking to attract you from yourself and from earthly things. Let them not labor in vain. Faith, living faith, is what you need; the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Remember Calvary and the awful, the infinite sacrifice made there for man. Jesus now invites us to come to Him, just as you are, and make Him your strength and your everlasting Friend.” The Review and Herald, April 17, 1894.

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

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.

Inspiration – Our Present Position

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If we hope to wear the crown, we must expect to bear the cross. Our greatest trials will come from those who profess godliness. It was so with the world’s Redeemer; it will be so with His followers. I should doubt whether I were a child of God, if the world, or even all professed Christians, spoke well of me. Those who are in earnest to win the crown of eternal life need not be surprised or disheartened because at every step toward the heavenly Canaan they meet with obstacles and encounter trials. The opposition which Christ received came from His own nation, who would have been greatly blessed had they accepted Him. In like manner the remnant church receives opposition from those who profess to be their brethren.

But “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (Romans 8:28; II Timothy 3:12). It is good for me to tread a hard and humble path, to encounter difficulties, to experience disappointments, to suffer afflictions and bereavements. The Saviour knows what is best. Faith grows by conflict with doubt and difficulty and trial. Virtue gathers strength by resistance to temptation. The life of the faithful soldier is a battle and a march. No rest, fellow-pilgrim, this side the heavenly Canaan.

When our enemies try to place upon us the black robes of unrighteousness, let us not become exasperated at their injustice. When your efforts are falsified, when your motives and your works are painted in colors black as ink, remember those who were treated the same before you. How have the saints of God in ages past been maligned, traduced, and persecuted! For centuries their names were covered with infamy. All that the hosts of hell could do was done to heap reproach upon them as the vilest of men. But John in holy vision beholds the faithful souls that come up out of great tribulation, surrounding the throne of God, clad in white robes, and crowned with immortal glory (Revelation 7:14, 9). What though they have been counted the offscouring of the earth? In the investigative Judgment their lives and characters are brought in review before God, and that solemn tribunal reverses the decision of their enemies. Their faithfulness to God and to His word stands revealed, and Heaven’s high honors are awarded them as conquerors in the strife with sin and Satan.

Brethren, we can afford to wait. Let our enemies exult because they have represented us in a character to suit their malicious fancy. But Christ will judge righteously, and will reward every man according to his deeds. To the faithful, who have been clothed by their enemies in the black robes of falsehood, He will give the spotless garments of truth and purity.

It will do our proud hearts good to suffer reproach for Christ’s sake. “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” “Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you, falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you” (Matthew 5:10–12). …

Cultivate fortitude, firmness, patience, humility, and self-control. The God whom we serve will arm us with courage in every emergency; but we must abase self, and let God be all in all. It was true faith that gave Caleb courage to bear his decided testimony for God, even when fellow-workers stood ready to take his life. God wants brave men in His cause today—men who in His strength are not afraid to do and dare.

The time is short. How will our cases appear in the Judgment? What is now our standing before God? Are we closely examining our own hearts? Are we by repentance and confession sending our sins beforehand to Judgment, that they may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come? This is an individual work—a work which we cannot safely delay. We should take hold of it earnestly; our salvation depends upon our sincerity and zeal. Let the cry be awakened in every heart, “What must I do to be saved?”

The adversary of souls is constantly seeking to divert our minds by bringing in side-issues. Let us not be deceived. Let enemies handle your name and mine as they please. Let them distort, misrepresent our words and deeds. Let them fabricate falsehoods as best pleases them. We cannot afford to allow our minds to be diverted from Jesus and the preparation of soul which we must have in order to meet Him in peace.

… In Christ’s stead, I beseech you to pray as you never prayed before, to seek earnestly for faith and love, that seem to be almost banished from the earth. Live each day as in the sight of God. …

… We must now make Christ our refuge, or in the days before us our souls will be overwhelmed with darkness and despair. There is a point beyond which human help cannot avail. Every one must live by faith as he is forced into close and apparently deadly conflict with the powers of darkness. Each must stand or fall for himself. The arrows of the destroyer are about to be hurled against the faithful ones, and no earthly power can turn aside the shaft. But could our eyes be opened we could see angels of God encircling the righteous, that no harm may come upon them. We have only to trust in God, and go forward in the way of obedience, and we shall be victorious.

Excerpts from The Review and Herald, August 28, 1883.