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Sabbath Bible Lessons (USPS 005-118), Vol. 90, No. 1, January–March 2014. Pub lished quarterlyby the Seventh Day AdventistReform Move ment General Con -ference, Sabbath School Depart -ment. Copyright © 2014, printed,and distributed by Refor mationHerald Publish ing Asso ci ation,5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke,Virginia 24019–5048, U.S.A.Periodical postage paid at Roanoke,Virginia 24022–9993.

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1. Uplifting the Saviour ........................ 5

2. The Most Precious Message .............. 10

3. Laying Our Own Glory in the Dust ... 15

4. Love: The Essence of Righteousness 20

5. Our Need for God’s Law ................... 26

6. The Righteousness of Christ

Revealed in His Law.......................... 31

7. Character as a Sweet Fragrance........ 36

8. Accepting Jesus.................................. 41

9. Taking Hold of the Righteousness

of Christ............................................. 46

10. Securing the Pearl of Righteousness... 52

11. Our Value in Christ ........................... 57

12. Living for Jesus.................................. 62

13. Walking With Jesus........................... 67

Contents

ForewordWe live in the time of the end. Circumstances will test us deeply.

Our relationship with God will be tested. We have guidance anddirection to live circumspectly:

“In the time of the end the people of God will sigh and cry for theabominations done in the land. With tears they will warn the wickedof their danger in trampling upon the divine law, and with unutter-able sorrow they will humble themselves before the Lord in peni-tence. The wicked will mock their sorrow and ridicule their solemnappeals. But the anguish and humiliation of God’s people is unmis-takable evidence that they are regaining the strength and nobility ofcharacter lost in consequence of sin. It is because they are drawingnearer to Christ, because their eyes are fixed on His perfect purity,that they discern so clearly the exceeding sinfulness of sin. Meeknessand lowliness are the conditions of success and victory. A crown ofglory awaits those who bow at the foot of the cross.”—Prophets andKings, p. 590.

Learning to live in the presence of Jesus is the challenge for thepeople of God at the present time. There are so many things that keepthe mind busy and distracted, while things of eternal consequencesare marginalized and ignored. The Sabbath School Department hopesthat the heart of each may be occupied by the presence of Jesus Christand the Holy Spirit so that we will be cognizant of eternal realities.We have a deep desire that the people of God would respond to theMaster’s call: “My son, give me thine heart” (Proverbs 23:26).

“The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to Hispeople. . . . This message was to bring more prominently before theworld the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the wholeworld. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invitedthe people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made man-ifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lostsight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divineperson, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family.All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts untomen, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the help-less human agent. This is the message that God commanded to begiven to the world.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 91. [Emphasis supplied.]

“The third angel’s message calls for the presentation of theSabbath of the fourth commandment, and this truth must be broughtbefore the world; but the great center of attraction, Jesus Christ,must not be left out of the third angel’s message.”—Selected Messages,bk. 1, p. 383. [Emphasis supplied.]

The General Conference Sabbath School Department

Sabbath Bible Lessons, Vol. 90, No. 1 3

4 Sabbath Bible Lessons, January–March, 2014

SABBATH, OCTOBER 5, 2013

First Sabbath Offering for a chapel in Suriname

The Republic of Suriname, theold Dutch Guiana, is the smallestcountry in northern SouthAmerica. Its population (2010 cen-sus) was 524,636 inhabitants. Themain religions are: Hindu, Muslim,Roman Catholic, Dutch Reformed,Moravian, and several other Christiandenominations. There is full religiousfreedom here.

In 2007, two young couples, moved by missionary zeal, traveledto Suriname to work on a voluntary basis, without salary or travelexpenses. They started the work through canvassing and the sellingof natural products.

It was hard work searching for souls, but, in May 2011, the firstfruits of their labor came to fruition with the baptism of three souls.The Suriname Mission was recognized during the 2011 GeneralConference Delegation Session held in Porumbacu, Romania. Ourchurch is already registered and organized in Suriname. In August2011, an ordained minister with his family was transferred fromBrazil to Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname.

Recently a strategic piece of land was bought where the believersare planning to build a chapel and the headquarters. Our brethrenand sisters are full of encouragement to win souls for the Lord. Theyare using the entering wedge of the health message with success.

The local minister is also helping the work in the neighboringcountry of French Guiana. We praise the Lord because now wealready have members in the three former Guianas: British, Dutchand French.

“The home missionary work will be farther advanced in everyway when a more liberal, self-denying, self-sacrificing spirit is mani-fested for the prosperity of foreign missions; for the prosperity of thehome work depends largely, under God, upon the reflex influence ofthe evangelical work in countries afar off. It is in working actively tosupply the necessities of the cause of God that we bring our souls intouch with the Source of all power.”—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 27.

Please, be liberal with the First Sabbath Offering that will be col-lected for the advancement of the Suriname Mission!

—Your fellow believers from the Suriname Mission


FRENCHGUIANA

SURINAME

BRAZIL

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Paramaribo

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Lesson 1 Sabbath, October 5, 2013

Uplifting the Savior “Behold the man!” (John 19:5).

“The great center of attraction, Jesus Christ, must not be left outof the third angel’s message. By many who have been engaged in thework for this time, Christ has been made secondary, and theories andarguments have had first place.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 383.

Suggested Reading: Steps to Christ, pp. 9–15.

Sunday September 29

1. JESUS OUR SURETY

a. What act on God’s part demonstrated at the same time both Hislove for our world and the cost of transgression? John 3:16, 17; 2Corinthians 5:21.

“The scheme of redemption far exceeds the comprehension ofthe human mind. The great condescension on the part of God is amystery that is beyond our fathoming. The greatness of the plan can-not be fully comprehended, nor could infinite Wisdom devise a planthat would surpass it. . . .Through this plan the great, the dreadfulGod can be just, and yet be the justifier of all who believe in Jesus,and who receive Him as their personal Saviour.”—The SDA BibleCommentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1133.

b. What act of Jesus declared beyond doubt the infinite love that Hehas for each of us? John 15:13; Romans 5:6–8; Ephesians 2:13, 14.

“Oh, wonderful condescension! The Majesty of heaven, throughlove and pity for fallen man, proposed to become his substitute andsurety. He would bear man’s guilt. He would take the wrath of HisFather upon Himself, which otherwise would have fallen upon manbecause of his disobedience.”—The Review and Herald, February 24, 1874.

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Monday September 30

2. OUR FOCUS

a. What titles in scripture describe the beauty of Jesus’ character,and what effect will beholding this beauty have upon us? Song ofSolomon 2:1; 5:16; Haggai 2:7.

“With untold love our God has loved us, and our love awakenstoward Him as we comprehend something of the length and breadthand depth and height of this love that passeth knowledge. By the rev-elation of the attractive loveliness of Christ, by the knowledge of Hislove expressed to us while we were yet sinners, the stubborn heart ismelted and subdued.”—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 76.

b. Why is it essential for us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus?Compare Numbers 21:8 with John 3:14. Hebrews 7:25.

“Our faith must be an intelligent faith, looking unto Jesus in per-fect confidence, in full and entire faith in the atoning Sacrifice. Thisis essential that the soul may not be enshrouded in darkness.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 256.

“The intercession of Christ in our behalf is that of presenting Hisdivine merits in the offering of Himself to the Father as our substituteand surety; for He ascended up on high to make an atonement for ourtransgressions. . . .

“It is the righteousness of Christ that makes the penitent sinneracceptable to God and works his justification. However sinful hasbeen his life, if he believes in Jesus as his personal Saviour, he standsbefore God in the spotless robes of Christ’s imputed righteousness.

“The sinner so recently dead in trespasses and sins is quickened byfaith in Christ. He sees by faith that Jesus is his Saviour, and aliveforevermore, able to save unto ‘the uttermost [all] that come unto Godby Him’ (Hebrews 7:25). In the atonement made for him the believersees such breadth and length and height and depth of efficiency—seessuch completeness of salvation, purchased at such infinite cost, that hissoul is filled with praise and thanksgiving. He sees as in a glass the gloryof the Lord and is changed into the same image as by the Spirit of theLord. He sees the robe of Christ’s righteousness, woven in the loom ofheaven, wrought by His obedience, and imputed to the repenting soulthrough faith in His name.”—Faith and Works, pp. 105–107.

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Tuesday October 1

3. THE LIGHT OF OUR LIFE

a. What does it mean for us to have an eye single to God’s glory?Luke 11:34; John 8:12.

“What is it to have a single eye? It is to have a disposition to lookupon Christ for by beholding we become changed from glory to glory,from character to character.”—The Youth’s Instructor, September 14, 1893.

b. What specific knowledge does God use to bring light into ourlife? John 1:4, 9; 2 Corinthians 4:6.

c. How will beholding the light of God’s glory, as seen in the life ofJesus, help our growth in Him and our commitment to Him? 2Corinthians 3:18.

“If we gaze even a moment upon the sun in its meridian glory,when we turn away our eyes, the image of the sun will appear ineverything upon which we look. Thus it is when we behold Jesus;everything we look upon reflects His image, the Sun of Righteousness.We cannot see anything else, or talk of anything else. His image isimprinted upon the eye of the soul, and affects every portion of ourdaily life, softening and subduing our whole nature. By beholding, weare conformed to the divine similitude, even the likeness of Christ. Toall with whom we associate we reflect the bright and cheerful beamsof His righteousness. . . .

“Jesus Christ is everything to us—the first, the last, the best ineverything. Jesus Christ, His Spirit, His character, colors everything; itis the warp and the woof, the very texture of our entire being. Thewords of Christ are spirit and life. We cannot, then, center ourthoughts upon self; it is no more we that live, but Christ that livethin us, and He is the hope of glory. Self is dead, but Christ is a livingSaviour. Continuing to look unto Jesus, we reflect His image to allaround us. We cannot stop to consider our disappointments, or evento talk of them; for a more pleasant picture attracts our sight—theprecious love of Jesus. He dwells in us by the word of truth.”—Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 388–390.


Wednesday October 2

4. THE BENEVOLENCE OF JESUS

a. How did Jesus treat the great variety of human beings He encoun-tered on this earth? Acts 10:38; Matthew 14:14; 15:32.

“Never was there such an evangelist as Christ. He was the Majestyof heaven, but He humbled Himself to take our nature, that He mightmeet men where they were. To all people, rich and poor, free andbond, Christ, the Messenger of the covenant, brought the tidings ofsalvation. His fame as the Great Healer spread throughout Palestine.The sick came to the places through which He would pass, that theymight call on Him for help. Hither, too, came many anxious to hearHis words and to receive a touch of His hand. Thus He went from cityto city, from town to town, preaching the gospel and healing the sick -—the King of glory in the lowly garb of humanity.”—The Ministry ofHealing, p. 22.

b. Compare the way Jesus treated Judas and Peter? Matthew 16:23;John 13:27; 17:12.

c. What evidence do we have that He provided equal opportunitiesto both of these disciples—just as He does for each one of us?John 13:1, 5.

“Jesus connected John, Peter, and Judas with Him in His work,making them colaborers with Him; but at the same time they were tobe constantly learning lessons of Christ. They were to gather from Hisdivine teachings instructions which were to correct their wrong ideasand their erroneous views of what constitutes a Christian character.John and Peter were not perfect men, but they improved every oppor-tunity to learn. Peter did not learn to distrust himself, to be jealous ofhimself, until he was overcome by the temptations of the devil anddenied his Lord. Judas had the same opportunity that these discipleshad to learn the lessons taught by Christ, but he did not appreciatetheir value. He was a hearer only and not a doer. The result was seenin his betrayal of his Lord.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 557.

Thursday October 3

5. OUR PURPOSE: REFLECTING THE LOVE OF JESUS

a. Who are we as Christians to represent to the world, and how?Colossians 1:26, 27; 1 Peter 2:22, 23.

“It is through the word that Christ abides in His followers. This isthe same vital union that is represented by eating His flesh and drink-ing His blood. The words of Christ are spirit and life. Receiving them,you receive the life of the Vine. You live ‘by every word that pro-ceedeth out of the mouth of God’ (Matthew 4:4). The life of Christ inyou produces the same fruits as in Him. Living in Christ, adhering toChrist, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, youbear fruit after the similitude of Christ.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 677.

b. How is our Christian growth and maturity revealed in the waywe treat our fellow humans? 1 Peter 3:8, 9; 1 John 4:7, 8; Hebrews13:1–3.

“When the attention is fastened on the cross of Christ, the wholebeing is ennobled. The knowledge of the Saviour’s love subdues thesoul, and lifts the mind above the things of time and sense. Let uslearn to estimate all temporal things in the light that shines from thecross. . . .

“In all true disciples this love, like sacred fire, burns on the altarof the heart. It was on the earth that the love of God was revealedthrough Jesus. It is on the earth that His children are to let this loveshine out through blameless lives. Thus sinners will be led to thecross, to behold the Lamb of God.”—The Review and Herald, May 6, 1902.

Friday October 4

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What emphasis should be given to the gospel today? 2. What are some meaningful examples of Christ’s love to men and

women? 3. Why is the message of the love and life of Jesus important to me?4. What does it mean to be a Christian?5. How can I reflect Christ more fully to those around me?


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The Most Precious Message “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the

world” (John 1:29).

“As you empty the heart of self you must accept the righteousnessof Christ. Lay hold of it by faith; for you must have the mind andspirit of Christ, that you may work the works of Christ.”—The Reviewand Herald, February 23, 1892.


Sunday October 6

1. THE GOSPEL REPEATED IN OUR TIMES

a. What special truth was given over 100 years ago to prepare God’speople for holiness? Where did it originate? John 17:17; 2 Thes -salonians 5:23.

“The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to Hispeople. . . . This message was to bring more prominently before theworld the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the wholeworld. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invit-ed the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is mademanifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many hadlost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to Hisdivine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the humanfamily.”—Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 91, 92.

“The present message—justification by faith—is a message fromGod; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 359.

b. What truth is essential for our time—and what was required thatwe might have hope? John 1:29; Romans 5:10; 8:34.

Monday October 7

2. THE NEED OF JUSTIFICATION

a. What truth should each of us individually take to heart—and inwhat perspective, especially in these last days? Matthew 1:21.

“The third angel’s message calls for the presentation of the Sabbathof the fourth commandment, and this truth must be brought beforethe world; but the great center of attraction, Jesus Christ, must not beleft out of the third angel’s message.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 383.

“Messages bearing the divine credentials have been sent to God’speople; the glory, the majesty, the righteousness of Christ, full ofgoodness and truth, have been presented; the fullness of theGodhead in Jesus Christ has been set forth among us with beauty andloveliness, to charm all whose hearts were not closed with preju-dice.”—The Review and Herald, May 27, 1890.

“The sweetest melodies that come from God through humanlips—justification by faith, and the righteousness of Christ—do notcall forth from [many unrepentant church members] a response oflove and gratitude. Though the heavenly Merchantman displaysbefore them the richest jewels of faith and love, though He invitesthem to buy of Him ‘gold tried in the fire,’ and ‘white raiment’ thatthey may be clothed, and ‘eyesalve’ that they may see, they steel theirhearts against Him and fail to exchange their lukewarmness for loveand zeal. While making a profession, they deny the power of godli-ness. If they continue in this state, God will reject them. They areunfitting themselves to be members of His family.”—Testimonies, vol. 6,pp. 426, 427.

b. What does it mean to welcome Jesus into our heart as a heaven-ly Guest? Revelation 3:20. What happened when the message ofChrist’s righteousness was brought before church leaders in1888?

“Some who greatly need the precious truth that was presentedbefore them, we fear did not receive its benefit. They did not open thedoor of their hearts to welcome Jesus as a heavenly Guest, and theyhave suffered great loss. There is indeed a narrow way in which wemust walk; the cross is presented at every step.”—The Review and Herald,September 3, 1889.



Tuesday October 8

3. OUR INDIVIDUAL NEED OF THE GOSPEL

a. What evidence reveals that God will not allow me to depend onothers for my salvation? Ezekiel 14:20.

“Character is not transferable. No man can believe for another.No man can receive the Spirit for another. No man can impart toanother the character which is the fruit of the Spirit’s working.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 412.

“Let everyone who loves God consider that now while it is day isthe time to work. . . . Now is the time for the careless to arouse fromtheir slumber. Now is the time to entreat that souls shall not onlyhear the word of God, but without delay secure oil in their vesselswith their lamps. That oil is the righteousness of Christ. It representscharacter, and character is not transferable. No man can secure it foranother. Each must obtain for himself a character purified from everystain of sin.”—Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 233, 234.

“It is impossible for one Christian to impart character to anothersoul.”—That I May Know Him, p. 215.

b. How do we know that Jesus wants us to serve God with our ownindividuality? Can we drink the “water of life” for another?Matthew 22:37; John 7:37.

“No one can serve God by proxy. There are so many who seem tothink that there is someone in this world stronger than Christ, uponwhom they can lean. And instead of coming right to Christ, just asthey are, giving themselves unreservedly to Him, they reach out forhuman help. God wants us to have an individual experience. . . . Icannot work out a character for you, and you cannot work out a char-acter for me.”—Our High Calling, p. 90.

“The gospel deals with individuals. Every human being has a soulto save or to lose. Each has an individuality separate and distinct fromall others. Each must be convicted for himself, converted for himself.He must receive the truth, repent, believe, and obey for himself. Hemust exercise his will for himself. No one can do this work by proxy.No one can submerge his individuality in another’s. Each must sur-render to God by his own act and the mystery of godliness.”—Mind,Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p. 423.


Wednesday October 9

4. CLOSING THE DOOR TO JESUS EQUALS SUICIDE!

a. What deception were our people warned about in 1893 when themajority believed they were ready for heaven? How is this self-deception repeated today—and might we be affected? Isaiah58:2–8; Revelation 3:15.

“It is a solemn statement that I make to the church, that not onein twenty whose names are registered upon the church books are pre-pared to close their earthly history, and would be as verily without Godand without hope in the world as the common sinner. They are pro-fessedly serving God, but they are more earnestly serving mammon.This half-and-half work is a constant denying of Christ, rather than aconfessing of Christ. So many have brought into the church their ownunsubdued spirit, unrefined; their spiritual taste is perverted by theirown immoral, debasing corruptions, symbolizing the world in spirit, inheart, in purpose, confirming themselves in lustful practices, and arefull of deception through and through in their professed Christian life.Living as sinners, claiming to be Christians!”—Christian Service, p. 41.

b. What will happen to anyone who would spoil heaven by his orher character if he or her were ever allowed to enter there?Matthew 22:12–14.

“In this life many have not entered into fellowship with Christ;therefore they know not the language of heaven, they are strangers toits joy. . . .

“Saddest of all words that ever fell on mortal ear are those words ofdoom, ‘I know you not.’ The fellowship of the Spirit, which you haveslighted, could alone make you one with the joyous throng at the mar-riage feast. In that scene you cannot participate. Its light would fall onblinded eyes, its melody upon deaf ears. Its love and joy could awakeno chord of gladness in the world-benumbed heart. You are shut outfrom heaven by your own unfitness for its companionship.

“We cannot be ready to meet the Lord by waking when the cry isheard, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom!’ and then gathering up our emptylamps to have them replenished. We cannot keep Christ apart fromour lives here, and yet be fitted for His companionship in heaven.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 413, 414.

Thursday October 10

5. GOD’S FINAL MESSAGE TO THE WORLD

a. How will the knowledge of salvation enlighten the whole world?Revelation 18:1; 2 Peter 3:12.

“When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced inHis people, then He will come to claim them as His own.”—Christ’sObject Lessons, p. 69.

b. Name some good works that Jesus bids us to use in shining Hislight on our world. Matthew 5:16; 25:34–40.

“We are to give food to the hungry, clothing to the naked, andshelter to the homeless. And we are called to do more than this. Thewants of the soul, only the love of Christ can satisfy. If Christ is abid-ing in us, our hearts will be full of divine sympathy. The sealed foun-tains of earnest, Christlike love will be unsealed.

“God calls not only for our gifts for the needy, but for our cheer-ful countenance, our hopeful words, our kindly handclasp. . . . Thereare many from whom hope has departed. Bring back the sunshine tothem. Many have lost their courage. Speak to them words of cheer.Pray for them. There are those who need the bread of life. Read tothem from the word of God. Upon many is a soul sickness which noearthly balm can reach nor physician heal. Pray for these souls, bringthem to Jesus. Tell them that there is a balm in Gilead.”—Ibid., pp. 417,418.

Friday October 11


1. What vital message, given to God’s people over 100 years ago, wel-comes Jesus into our hearts as a heavenly Guest?

2. Why is this message crucial to the world at this time?3. Can we reach Heaven just because our parents or friends love Jesus?4. How may I be in danger of missing Heaven through self-deception?5. Will I ever enter Heaven if my character does not belong there?




Laying Our Own Glory inthe Dust

“We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses areas filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like thewind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6).

“What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying theglory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not inhis power to do for himself.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 456.


Sunday October 13

1. REALIZING HOW BAD SIN REALLY IS!

a. How does Scripture depict the misery of fallen human nature?Galatians 5:17; Romans 7:18–21.

“As through Christ every human being has life, so also throughHim every soul receives some ray of divine light. Not only intellectu-al but spiritual power, a perception of right, a desire for goodness,exists in every heart. But against these principles there is strugglingan antagonistic power. The result of the eating of the tree of knowl-edge of good and evil is manifest in every man’s experience. There isin his nature a bent to evil, a force which, unaided, he cannot resist.To withstand this force, to attain that ideal which in his inmost soulhe accepts as alone worthy, he can find help in but one power. Thatpower is Christ. Cooperation with that power is man’s greatestneed.”—Education, p. 29.

b. Of what value is the righteousness of any one of us—and whatare we powerless to do for ourselves? Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:12.


Monday October 14

2. OUR “BEST” IS VANITY APART FROM CHRIST

a. How does God see us even when we are in our “best” state? Psalm39:5, 11; Isaiah 40:17.

“Were it not for Christ’s atoning sacrifice, there would be nothingin us in which God could delight. All the natural goodness of man isworthless in God’s sight. He does not take pleasure in any man whoretains his old nature and is not so renewed in knowledge and gracethat he is a new man in Christ. Our education, our talents, our means,are gifts entrusted to us by God, that he may test us. If we use themfor self-glorification, God says, ‘I cannot delight in them; for Christhas died for them in vain.’ ”—The Review and Herald, August 24, 1897.

b. Do we have anything of merit that we can offer to God as a pricefor sin? Isaiah 1:11; Micah 6:7. What may be said of even our“best” performances? 1 Chronicles 29:14.

“The question is asked, ‘Will the Lord be pleased with thousandsof rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?’(Micah 6:7). No; no man can stand before God in his own merit.Those who are saved will be saved because Jesus has paid the full debt;and man can do nothing, absolutely nothing, to merit salvation.Christ says, ‘Without me, ye can do nothing’ (John 15:5). Then whoseis the merit?—It all belongs to our Redeemer. All the capabilities ofman come alone through Christ, and we may say of our best per-formances, ‘All things come of thee, and of thine own have we giventhee’ (1 Chronicles 29:14).”—The Signs of the Times, November 10, 1890.

c. What attitude should we cultivate in view of the above state-ments? Micah 6:8.

“ ‘Man at his best state is altogether vanity.’ Christ came with nooutward display. Finding Himself in fashion as a man, He humbledHimself, showing that fallen man must ever walk humbly beforeGod. Riches, worldly honor, human greatness, can never save a soulfrom death. ‘To this man will I look,’ declares the Lord, ‘even to himthat is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word’ (Isaiah66:2).”—The Youth Instructor, December 20, 1900.


Tuesday October 15

3. LEARNING TO DISTRUST OURSELVES

a. What experience did Elijah need to go through before God heardhis prayer for rain, and why? James 5:16–18; 1 Kings 18:43.

“The servant watched while Elijah prayed. Six times he returnedfrom the watch, saying, There is nothing, no cloud, no sign of rain.But the prophet did not give up in discouragement. He kept review-ing his life, to see where he had failed to honor God, he confessed hissins, and thus continued to afflict his soul before God, while watch-ing for a token that his prayer was answered. As he searched his heart,he seemed to be less and less, both in his own estimation and in thesight of God. It seemed to him that he was nothing, and that God waseverything; and when he reached the point of renouncing self, whilehe clung to the Saviour as his only strength and righteousness, theanswer came.”—The Review and Herald, May 26, 1891.

“We have a God whose ear is not closed to our petitions; and ifwe prove His word, He will honor our faith. He wants us to have allour interests interwoven with His interests, and then He can safelybless us; for we shall not then take glory to self when the blessing isours but shall render all the praise to God.”—Ibid., March 27, 1913.

b. What happens as we come closer to Jesus and depend on Him?Daniel 10:8; Luke 5:8; Revelation 1:12–17.

“The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear inyour own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfectionswill be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature. Thisis evidence that Satan’s delusions have lost their power; that the viv-ifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you.

“No deep-seated love for Jesus can dwell in the heart that doesnot realize its own sinfulness.”—Steps to Christ, pp. 64, 65.

c. What happens when we overestimate ourselves? Galatians 6:3.

“One word which exalts self causes the light of God’s counte-nance to be withdrawn.”—The Review and Herald, August 24, 1897.


Wednesday October 16

4. A CAUSE FOR SUPREME GRATITUDE

a. Despite our wretched condition, what hope is nonethelessextended to us? Romans 7:24–8:2.

“Though the world’s Redeemer sees the misery and wretchednessof the world on account of sin, yet He does not present before thefallen race a vivid delineation of their wretchedness, but teachesthem of something infinitely better than that which they have everheard before. He knows that their wretchedness is the result of sin,and His heart is moved with compassion towards fallen men. Therabbis did not condescend to preach to the common people, or topresent to the Gentiles any hope of salvation. But Christ had cometo present the plan of salvation before all classes of people; for allwere in need of His words. In those that gathered before Him He sawa possibility that they might be allied to an infinite power, becauseof the parental love of God toward all His children.”—Sabbath SchoolWorker, August 1, 1895.

b. What happens when we acknowledge that our sinful efforts haveno merit to save us? Zechariah 3:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 12:9.

“When men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to beclothed with the righteousness of Christ. When they begin to praiseand exalt God all the day long, then by beholding they are becomingchanged into the same image.”—Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, p. 117.

“Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible,than the soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly on the mer-its of the Saviour. God would send every angel in heaven to the aidof such a one, rather than allow him to be overcome.”—Sons andDaughters of God, p. 35.

“The less we see to esteem in ourselves, the more we shall see toesteem in the infinite purity and loveliness of our Saviour. A view ofour sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon; and when the soul,realizing its helplessness, reaches out after Christ, He will revealHimself in power. The more our sense of need drives us to Him and tothe word of God, the more exalted views we shall have of His charac-ter, and the more fully we shall reflect His image.”—Steps to Christ, p. 65.


Thursday October 17

5. CHRIST CAME ON A RESCUE MISSION

a. What basic point must we all realize about salvation? Luke 19:10;John 15:5; Psalms 44:6; 31:1.

“It is impossible for us to save ourselves. . . .“Christ longs to see His people resist the adversary of souls; but

only by looking away from self to Jesus can we do this.”—The Reviewand Herald, September 15, 1896.

“The moment you grasp God’s promises by faith, saying, I am thelost sheep Jesus came to save, a new life will take possession of you,and you will receive strength to resist the tempter. But faith to graspthe promises does not come by feeling. ‘Faith cometh by hearing, andhearing by the word of God’ (Romans 10:17).”—Ibid.

“Sinful man can find hope and righteousness only in God; andno human being is righteous any longer than he has faith in God andmaintains a vital connection with Him.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p.367.

b. What fundamental principle does God declare to all? Isaiah43:11; 45:21.

“Oh, what love! What amazing love! that brought the Son of Godto earth to be made sin for us, that we might be reconciled to God,and elevated to a life with Him in His mansions in glory. And oh!what is man, that such a price should be paid for his redemption?”—The Signs of the Times, August 28, 1879.

Friday October 18


1. What specifically can we not do for ourselves?2. Why is our “best” apart from Christ not good enough?3. Whom must we learn to distrust before we can trust Jesus complete-

ly? 4. What must we see prior to developing a deep-seated love for Christ?5. How much are you worth to God?



Love: The Essence ofRighteousness

“God is love” (1 John 4:16).

“Righteousness is love, and love is the light and the life of God.The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive right-eousness by receiving Him.”—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 18.


Sunday October 20

1. THE GREAT COMMANDMENT

a. In the Christian life, what vital significance does love have inrelation to the law of God? Matthew 22:36–40.

“Obedience is not a mere outward compliance, but the service oflove. The law of God is an expression of His very nature; it is anembodiment of the great principle of love, and hence is the founda-tion of His government in heaven and earth. If our hearts are renewedin the likeness of God, if the divine love is implanted in the soul, willnot the law of God be carried out in the life?”—Steps to Christ, p. 60.

b. How does the apostle John summarize God’s character—and howdoes His character relate to righteousness? 1 John 4:16; Psalm 11:7.

“Righteousness is holiness, likeness to God, and ‘God is love’ (1John 4:16). It is conformity to the law of God, for ‘all Thy command-ments are righteousness,’ and ‘love is the fulfilling of the law’ (Psalm119:172; Romans 13:10). Righteousness is love, and love is the lightand the life of God. The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ.We receive righteousness by receiving Him.”—Thoughts From the Mount ofBlessing, p. 18.

Monday October 21

2. OUTWARD COMPLIANCE OR HEARTFELT OBEDIENCE?

a. What kind of service does the Lord desire? Deuteronomy 6:5;Joshua 24:15.

“The exercise of force is contrary to the principles of God’s gov-ernment; He desires only the service of love; and love cannot be com-manded; it cannot be won by force or authority. Only by love is loveawakened. To know God is to love Him; His character must be mani-fested in contrast to the character of Satan. This work only one Beingin all the universe could do. Only He who knew the height and depthof the love of God could make it known. Upon the world’s dark nightthe Sun of Righteousness must rise, ‘with healing in His wings’(Malachi 4:2).”—The Desire of Ages, p. 22.

“It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlastingreward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They beholdthe Saviour’s matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage onearth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary’s cross, and the sightof Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in theheart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.”—Ibid., p. 480.

b. In contrast to a willing, joyful obedience from the heart, whatkind of obedience are some professed Christians rendering toGod? Deuteronomy 28:45–47; 1 John 5:3.

“Christ died on the cross to draw all to Him, and He would haveus joyful in that joy which He alone can give, the joy of obedience.”—Sermons and Talks, vol 1, p. 217.

“The man who attempts to keep the commandments of God froma sense of obligation merely—because he is required to do so—willnever enter into the joy of obedience. He does not obey. When therequirements of God are accounted a burden because they cut acrosshuman inclination, we may know that the life is not a Christian life.True obedience is the outworking of a principle within. It springsfrom the love of righteousness, the love of the law of God. Theessence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer. This will leadus to do right because it is right—because right doing is pleasing toGod.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 97, 98.


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Tuesday October 22

3. IDENTIFYING TRUE LOVE

a. What will be seen in the life of those who genuinely love God? 1 John 3:10; 4:20, 21.

“Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever the profession, no man haspure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his brother. But we cannever come into possession of this spirit by trying to love others. Whatis needed is the love of Christ in the heart. When self is merged inChrist, love springs forth spontaneously. The completeness of Christiancharacter is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springsconstantly from within—when the sunshine of heaven fills the heartand is revealed in the countenance.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 384.

b. Describe some of the characteristics manifested by true love. 1 Corin thians 13:4–7.

“True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. On the con-trary, it is calm and deep in its nature. It looks beyond mere externalsand is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating, andits devotion is real and abiding. God tests and proves us by the com-mon occurrences of life. It is the little things which reveal the chap-ters of the heart. It is the little attentions, the numerous small inci-dents and simple courtesies of life, that make up the sum of life’s hap-piness; and it is the neglect of kindly, encouraging, affectionatewords, and the little courtesies of life, which helps compose the sumof life’s wretchedness. It will be found at last that the denial of self forthe good and happiness of those around us constitutes a large shareof the life record in heaven. And the fact will also be revealed that thecare of self, irrespective of the good and happiness of others, is notbeneath the notice of our heavenly Father. . . .

“Love cannot live without action, and every act increases,strengthens, and extends it. Love will gain the victory when argumentand authority are powerless. Love works not for profit nor reward; yetGod has ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of everylabor of love. It is diffusive in its nature and quiet in its operation, yetstrong and mighty in its purpose to overcome great evils. It is meltingand transforming in its influence, and will take hold of the lives of thesinful and affect their hearts when every other means has provedunsuccessful.”—Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 133–135.

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4. LIVING THE LAW OF LOVE

a. In light of the self-sacrifice of Christ for us, what law or principlewill be at the heart of the Christian life? 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15;1 Corinthians 13:5.

“When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power,touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and posi-tion and power are seen to be worthless. ‘Imaginations, and everyhigh thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God’ are castdown; every thought is brought into captivity ‘to the obedience ofChrist’ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Then humility and self-sacrificing love,so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth.”—The Desireof Ages, p. 135.

“In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the lovewhich ‘seeketh not her own’ has its source in the heart of God; and thatin the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him whodwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.”—Ibid., p. 20.

b. In order to live a life of self-sacrificing love, what is required ofus on a daily basis? Luke 9:23.

“Every soul that accepts Jesus as his personal Saviour will pant forthe privilege of serving God and will eagerly seize the opportunity tosignalize his gratitude by devoting his abilities to God’s service. Hewill long to show his love for Jesus and for His purchased possession.He will covet toil, hardship, sacrifice. He will think it a privilege todeny self, lift the cross, and follow in Christ’s footsteps, thus showinghis loyalty and love.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 394.

“Self-denial and the cross are our portion. Will we accept it? Noneof us need expect that when the last great trials come upon us a self-sacrificing, patriotic spirit will be developed in a moment becauseneeded. No, indeed, this spirit must be blended with our daily expe-rience, and infused into the minds and hearts of our children, bothby precept and example. Mothers in Israel may not be warriors them-selves, but they may raise up warriors who shall gird on the wholearmor and fight manfully the battles of the Lord.”—Testimonies, vol. 5,p. 135.

Thursday October 24

5. THE SIGN OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

a. What is the sign of true discipleship? John 8:31; 14:15.

“Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true signof discipleship. . . . Instead of releasing man from obedience, it isfaith, and faith only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ,which enables us to render obedience.”—Steps to Christ, pp. 60, 61.

b. What does true obedience mean, and from where does it spring?Romans 5:5; 13:10.

“In the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the principle ofaction. It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls thepassions, subdues enmity, and ennobles the affections. This love,cherished in the soul, sweetens the life and sheds a refining influenceon all around.”—Ibid., p. 59.

“All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work withChrist. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with ourthoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity toHis will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our ownimpulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delightin doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege toknow Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through anappreciation of the character of Christ, through communion withGod, sin will become hateful to us.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 668.

Friday October 25


1. What key element in God’s law does Jesus present to us in Matthew 22?2. Explain the difference between outward compliance and true obedi-

ence. 3. When will the development of our Christian character be complete?4. Describe the attitude towards service in those who have accepted Christ.5. How closely will Christ be identified in the obedience of His followers?



SABBATH, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

First Sabbath Offering Literature for Mission Fields

In the 21st century, while theInternet, e-books, and other mediaare modern ways to spread thegospel, there is still a uniquely versa-tile method of presentation that noother type of media can replace: Theprinted page is one of the most effec-tive ways for the gospel to reach eventhe remotest places on earth—withoutelectricity. By this means the good news ispenetrating former communist, atheistic, and Islamiccountries and can be shared on a one-to-one basis. The servant of theLord has said: “Let the publications containing Bible truth be scatteredlike the leaves of autumn” (In Heavenly Places, p. 323). “Our publicationsshould go everywhere. Let them be issued in many languages. The thirdangel’s message is to be given through this medium and through the liv-ing teacher. You who believe the truth for this time, wake up. It is yourduty now to bring in all the means possible to help those who under-stand the truth to proclaim it” (Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 62).

“Publish ye, praise ye, and say, O Lord, save thy people, the remnantof Israel” (Jeremiah 31:7). God’s people, the remnant of Israel, are to pub-lish the good news of salvation. While we have an ample supply of Bibles,books, and pamphlets for evangelism in many countries, still there arevast multitudes around the world that do not have the same privilege. Itis our duty and honor to support the distribution of literature to variousregions of the world. The Bible has been translated into many languagesand dialects, yet essential books such as Steps to Christ, and The GreatControversy are not available to millions. How about if we share SabbathBible Lessons with those who are searching for the present truth today?

Consider the Pacific islands and the African countries where thereform message has not yet entered. Let us remember the promise inEcclesiastes 11:1, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find itafter many days.” We must spread the Word of God before it is too late.We may not see the results immediately, but it will not be long beforewe can witness the great harvest when the latter rain comes in fullness.Let us be wise stewards who store treasure in heaven—not on this world.

We are very thankful for all that our brethren, sisters, and friendseverywhere have done in the past—but the need is greater now thanever before. So let us be generous in this work!

—The General Conference Publishing Department


Lesson 5 Sabbath, November 2, 2013

Our Need for God’s Law“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ,

that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24).

“The glory of Christ is revealed in the law, which is a transcript ofHis character, and His transforming efficacy is felt upon the soul untilmen become changed to His likeness.”—The Review and Herald, April 22,1902.


Sunday October 27

1. THE KNOWLEDGE OF SIN

a. Who is the law of God made for, and for what purpose? Howmany have come under its condemnation? 1 Timothy 1:8–10;Romans 3:19, 23.

b. Why are our own efforts in keeping God’s law not enough to jus-tify us before God? How only can we keep the law? Romans 3:20;7:7; Philippians 4:13.

“He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping thelaw is attempting an impossibility. Man cannot be saved without obe-dience, but his works should not be of himself; Christ should work inhim to will and to do of His good pleasure. If a man could save himselfby his own works, he might have something in himself in which torejoice. The effort that man makes in his own strength to obtain salva-tion is represented by the offering of Cain. All that man can do withoutChrist is polluted with selfishness and sin; but that which is wroughtthrough faith is acceptable to God. When we seek to gain heaventhrough the merits of Christ, the soul makes progress. Looking untoJesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we may go on from strengthto strength, from victory to victory; for through Christ the grace of Godhas worked out our complete salvation.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 364.


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Monday October 28

2. THE LAW AS OUR SCHOOLMASTER

a. What is the schoolmaster referred to in Galatians? Galatians3:21–25.

“What law is the schoolmaster to bring us to Christ? I answer:Both the ceremonial and the moral code of ten commandments.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 233.

b. What work does the law as a schoolmaster do, and for what pur-pose? Romans 10:4. Compare the way the word “end” (Greek,telos, purpose, or goal, or end in view) is used in James 5:11 and1 Peter 1:9.

“As the sinner looks into the great moral looking glass, he sees hisdefects of character. He sees himself just as he is, spotted, defiled, andcondemned. But he knows that the law cannot in any way removethe guilt or pardon the transgressor. He must go farther than this. Thelaw is but the schoolmaster to bring him to Christ. He must look tohis sin-bearing Saviour.”—Ibid., p. 213.

c. What relationship exists between the “schoolmaster” and faithin Jesus? Romans 5:1; 3:31; 8:3, 4.

“The law reveals sin to us and causes us to feel our need of Christand to flee unto Him for pardon and peace by exercising repentancetoward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”—Ibid., p. 234.

“Only by faith in Christ can the sinner be cleansed from guilt andbe enabled to render obedience to the law of his Maker.”—The Acts ofthe Apostles, p. 425.

“The law and the gospel are in perfect harmony. Each upholds theother. In all its majesty the law confronts the conscience, causing thesinner to feel his need of Christ as the propitiation for sin. The gospelrecognizes the power and immutability of the law. ‘I had not knownsin, but by the law,’ Paul declares (Romans 7:7). The sense of sin,urged home by the law, drives the sinner to the Saviour. In his needman may present the mighty arguments furnished by the cross ofCalvary. He may claim the righteousness of Christ; for it is impartedto every repentant sinner.”—The Review and Herald, April 22, 1902.


Tuesday October 29

3. THE OLD AND THE NEW COVENANT

a. What was God’s purpose in giving His law to Israel at Sinai, andwhat is the condition for life under this law? Exodus 20:20;Leviticus 18:5; Romans 10:5.

“When the law was proclaimed from Sinai, God made known tomen the holiness of His character, that by contrast they might see thesinfulness of their own. The law was given to convict them of sin andreveal their need of a Saviour. It would do this as its principles wereapplied to the heart by the Holy Spirit. This work it is still to do. Inthe life of Christ the principles of the law are made plain; and as theHoly Spirit of God touches the heart, as the light of Christ reveals tomen their need of His cleansing blood and His justifying righteous-ness, the law is still an agent in bringing us to Christ, that we may bejustified by faith.”—The Signs of the Times, March 29, 1910.

b. Why did Israel fail to keep God’s law even though they professedgreat zeal for it? Romans 10:3.

“Israel had not perceived the spiritual nature of the law, and toooften their professed obedience was but an observance of forms andceremonies, rather than a surrender of the heart to the sovereignty oflove.”—Reflecting Christ, p. 67.

c. What are the “better promises” upon which the New Covenantwas established? Hebrews 8:6; Jeremiah 31:33, 34.

“The ‘new covenant’ was established upon ‘better promises’—thepromise of forgiveness of sins and of the grace of God to renew theheart and bring it into harmony with the principles of God’s law. . . .

“The same law that was engraved upon the tables of stone is writ-ten by the Holy Spirit upon the tables of the heart. Instead of goingabout to establish our own righteousness we accept the righteousnessof Christ. His blood atones for our sins. His obedience is accepted forus. Then the heart renewed by the Holy Spirit will bring forth ‘the fruitsof the Spirit.’ Through the grace of Christ we shall live in obedience tothe law of God written upon our hearts. Having the Spirit of Christ, weshall walk even as He walked.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 372.


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4. THE LAW—THE MEASUREMENT OF CHARACTER

a. What is the only genuine measurement of character? James 2:8–12.

“The law of God is the only genuine standard for the measure-ment of character. Christ displayed to the world by His life and teach-ing, by His divine character, what obedience to the law means. Hewas man’s example; but man cannot set up a standard for himself.Man is ignorant of the infinite purity of God, and without divineenlightenment he cannot appreciate the holy exactions of the law ofGod. While he is ignorant of the uncompromising character of God’slaw, he is unconcerned about his defective, sinful character. He fearsnothing, he has no disquietude, because he measures himself by afalse standard.”—The Review and Herald, November 18, 1890.

b. What will determine whether God’s character is revealed in ourthoughts and actions? Matthew 22:36–40; Romans 13:10.

“Only he whose heart is filled with compassion for fallen man,who loves to a purpose, revealing that love by the performance ofChristlike deeds, will be able to endure the seeing of Him who isinvisible. He who loves not those for whom the Father has done somuch knows not God. Theology is valueless unless it is saturated withthe love of Christ. True Christianity diffuses love through the wholebeing. It touches every vital part—the brain, the heart, the helpinghands, the feet—enabling men to stand firmly where God requiresthem to stand, lest the lame be turned out of the way. The burning,consuming love of Christ for perishing souls is the life of the wholesystem of Christianity.”—The Signs of the Times, May 10, 1910.

c. What will be seen in the life of those who have genuine faith inChrist? James 1:22–27.

“Faith works by love and purifies the soul. Faith buds and blos-soms and bears a harvest of precious fruit. Where faith is, good worksappear. The sick are visited, the poor are cared for, the fatherless andthe widows are not neglected, the naked are clothed, the destitute arefed.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 398.


Thursday October 31

5. JESUS CHRIST, THE LAW IN REAL LIFE

a. What attitude did Christ manifest towards the law of God?Matthew 5:17–20.

“Jesus was a living illustration of the fulfillment of the law, butHis fulfilling it did not mean its abolition and annihilation. In ful-filling the law, He carried out every specification of its claims.”—TheSigns of the Times, March 14, 1895.

“In His teachings, Christ showed how far-reaching are the princi-ples of the law spoken from Sinai. He made a living application ofthat law whose principles remain forever the great standard of right-eousness—the standard by which all shall be judged in that great daywhen the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened.”—God’sAmazing Grace, p. 141.

b. What shows that Christ was a living demonstration to humanityof the law of God? 1 Peter 2:21, 22; John 15:10; 1 John 2:6.

“The glory of Christ is His character, and His character is anexpression of the law of God. He fulfilled the law in its every specifi-cation, and gave to the world in His life a perfect pattern of what it ispossible for humanity to attain unto by cooperation with divinity. InHis humanity Christ was dependent upon the Father, even as human-ity is now dependent upon God for divine power in attaining untoperfection of character.”—The Signs of the Times, December 12, 1895.

Friday November 1


1. On whose promises was the Old Covenant founded?2. On whose promises was the New Covenant founded?3. Who is it that makes us obedient to God?4. Are we operating under the Old Covenant today if we depend on our

own promises rather than on God’s promises?5. What led the heroes of the Bible to see their need of Jesus?



The Righteousness of ChristRevealed in His Law

“Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle ofChrist ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit ofthe living God: not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of theheart” (2 Corinthians 3:3).

“The glory that shone on the face of Moses was a reflection of therighteousness of Christ in the law.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 237.


Sunday November 3

1. MAGNIFYING THE LAW OF GOD

a. What did Moses see in beholding God’s glory? Exodus 33:18, 19;34:5–7.

“God requires perfection of His children. His law is a transcript ofHis own character, and it is the standard of all character. This infinitestandard is presented to all that there may be no mistake in regard tothe kind of people whom God will have to compose His kingdom.The life of Christ on earth was a perfect expression of God’s law, andwhen those who claim to be children of God become Christlike incharacter, they will be obedient to God’s commandments. Then theLord can trust them to be of the number who shall compose the fam-ily of heaven.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 315.

b. What was the mission of Jesus as it related to the law of God?Psalm 40:8; Isaiah 42:21; 2 Corinthians 4:6.

“It was to manifest [God’s] glory that [Christ] came to our world.To this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God’s love—to be ‘God with us.’”—The Desire of Ages, p. 19.


Monday November 4

2. THE GLORY OF GOD’S CHARACTER

a. What happens when we come to understand that Christ is thelaw of God revealed in human flesh? 2 Corinthians 5:17.

“By beholding we become changed, morally assimilated to the Onewho is perfect in character. By receiving His imputed righteousness,through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we become like Him.The image of Christ is cherished, and it captivates the whole being.

“Beholding Christ for the purpose of becoming like Him, theseeker after truth sees the perfection of the principles of God's law,and he becomes dissatisfied with everything but perfection. Hidinghis life in the life of Christ, he sees that the holiness of the divine lawis revealed in the character of Christ, and more and more earnestly hestrives to be like Him. A warfare may be expected at any time, for thetempter sees that he is losing one of his subjects. A battle must befought with the attributes which Satan has been strengthening for hisown use. The human agent sees what he has to contend with—astrange power opposed to the idea of attaining the perfection thatChrist holds out. But with Christ there is saving power that will gainfor him victory in the conflict.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. WhiteComments], vol. 6, p. 1098.

“Could all see Christ before the throne, waiting for their prayers,waiting for them to surrender their will, to cease their rebellion andcome back to their allegiance to God, in deep penitence they wouldpray the Father to forgive their transgression of His law, and forgivethem for the influence they have exercised in causing others to dis-regard the law of Jehovah. The confederacies of the enemy’s army aretriumphing in their delay.”—Our Father Cares, p. 266.

b. How is our character changed? Hebrews 12:2. What action isrequired of us by comparing Numbers 21:8 with John 3:14, 15?John 6:37, 54–56.

“To Moses, the character of God was revealed as His glory. In likemanner, we behold the glory of Christ by beholding His character. . . .

“Why, then, is there manifested in the church so great a lack oflove, of true, elevated, sanctified, ennobling sympathy, of tender pityand loving forbearance? It is because Christ is not constantly broughtbefore the people. His attributes of character are not brought into thepractical life. Men and women are not eating of the Bread thatcometh down from heaven.”—Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, pp. 296, 297.


Tuesday November 5

3. TWO DIFFERENT MINISTRIES

a. What is the difference between the “ministration of condemna-tion” and the “ministration of righteousness”? 2 Corinthians3:1–3, 6–9.

“The fallen race of Adam can behold nothing else in the letter ofthis covenant [of God’s holy law] than the ministration of death; anddeath will be the reward of everyone who is seeking vainly to fashiona righteousness of his own that will fulfill the claims of the law.”—TheSigns of the Times, September 5, 1892.

“Not once has Christ stated that His coming destroyed the claimsof God’s law. On the contrary, in the very last message to His church,by way of Patmos, He pronounces a benediction upon those who keepHis Father’s law: ‘Blessed are they that do his commandments’(Revelation 22:14).”—Ibid., July 29, 1886.

b. How does Paul describe the veil of ignorance of the Jews whorejected Christ? Romans 9:31, 32; 10:3.

c. Describe how the veil can be taken away. 2 Corinthians 3:13–16.

“It was the light of the glory of the gospel of Christ, who was thefoundation of the sacrificial system, that shone in the face of Moses.[2 Corinthians 3:7, 8 quoted.] When the reality, the full blaze of mid-day light, should come, the dim glory which was but an earnest of thelatter, should be done away, swallowed up in the greater glory.”—Ibid.,August 25, 1887.

“The ritual service was of no value, unless connected with Christby living faith. Even the moral law fails of its purpose, unless it isunderstood in its relation to the Saviour. Christ had repeatedly shownthat His Father’s law contained something deeper than mere author-itative commands. In the law is embodied the same principle that isrevealed in the gospel. The law points out man’s duty and shows himhis guilt. To Christ he must look for pardon and for power to do whatthe law enjoins.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 608.


Wednesday November 6

4. FROM GLORY TO GREATER GLORY

a. How was the character of God as revealed in His law more com-pletely and perfectly manifested through the life of Christ? 2 Corinthians 3:9–11. What should this cause us to consider as weseek to abide by God’s law?

“As a people, we have preached the law until we are as dry as thehills of Gilboa that had neither dew nor rain. We must preach Christin the law, and there will be sap and nourishment in the preachingthat will be as food to the famishing flock of God. We must not trustin our own merits at all, but in the merits of Jesus of Nazareth. Oureyes must be anointed with eyesalve. We must draw nigh to God, andHe will draw nigh to us, if we come in His own appointed way.”—TheReview and Herald, March 11, 1890.

“The law itself would have no glory, only that in it Christ isembodied.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 237.

“Jesus was a living illustration of the fulfillment of the law, butHis fulfilling it did not mean its abolition and annihilation. In ful-filling the law, He carried out every specification of its claims.”—TheSigns of the Times, March 14, 1895.

b. How does the “epistle of Christ” become more glorious thanwhen God’s moral law was written in tables of stone only?Jeremiah 31:31–33; 2 Corinthians 3:3.

“Paul desires his brethren to see that the great glory of a sin-pardoning Saviour gave significance to the entire Jewish economy. Hedesired them to see also that when Christ came to the world, and diedas man's sacrifice, type met antitype.

“After Christ died on the cross as a sin offering, the ceremoniallaw could have no force. Yet it was connected with the moral law, andwas glorious. The whole bore the stamp of divinity, and expressed theholiness, justice, and righteousness of God. And if the ministration ofthe dispensation to be done away was glorious, how much more mustthe reality be glorious, when Christ was revealed, giving His life-giv-ing, sanctifying Spirit to all who believe?”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp.237, 238.


Thursday November 7

5. REFLECTING HIS GLORY

a. What happens when our attention is focused on the glory ofGod? 1 Corinthians 15:49; Romans 12:2.

“In representing Christ we represent God to our world. . . . Are wereflecting in the church and before the world the character of JesusChrist?”—Selected Messages, bk. 3, p. 170.

b. What happens when someone receives the righteousness of thelaw in Christ? Romans 8:4, 9–13. Describe the power that changesthe heart and the affections. Matthew 13:33.

“[Christ] uses leaven to illustrate the gospel of the kingdom. Withthis leaven, the word of God, true goodness, righteousness, and peaceare introduced. This brings the entire affections into conformity to themind and will of God. Wherever it goes, the leaven of truth makes achange in mind and heart. The entire character is transformed. Allwho will receive into the heart the truth as it is in Jesus will reveal itsleavening power. When the kingdom of heaven is established in theheart, the whole character is conformed to the character of Christ; forthe truth is a life-giving principle. The power of God is working, likethe leaven, to subdue the entire being. Even the thoughts are broughtinto captivity to the will of Christ. ‘If any man be in Christ, he is a newcreature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are becomenew’ (2 Corinthians 5:17).”—The Review and Herald, September 21, 1897.

Friday November 8


1. When you look into the law of God, what do you see?2. What was the mission of Christ in relation to the law of God?3. How is the greater glory of the work of God to affect us today? 4. What happens when we see Christ in the law of Ten Commandments?5. What takes place in your heart when you are focused on the glory of

God?



Character as a Sweet Fragrance

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumphin Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us inevery place” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

“Character is power. The silent witness of a true, unselfish, godlylife carries an almost irresistible influence. By revealing in our ownlife the character of Christ we cooperate with Him in the work of sav-ing souls.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 340.

Suggested Reading: Messages to Young People, pp. 417–424.

Sunday November 10

1. THE ATMOSPHERE OF GRACE

a. What attribute of God is the ground for our salvation, and howhas it been manifested? Ephesians 2:8, 9; Romans 5:20, 21.

“In the matchless gift of His Son, God has encircled the wholeworld with an atmosphere of grace as real as the air which circulatesaround the globe. All who choose to breathe this life-giving atmos-phere will live and grow up to the stature of men and women inChrist Jesus.”—Steps to Christ, p. 68.

b. What happens to those who respond to the drawing power ofGod’s grace? John 12:32; Ephesians 2:10.

“As the sinner, drawn by the power of Christ, approaches theuplifted cross, and prostrates himself before it, there is a new creation.A new heart is given him. He becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus.Holiness finds that it has nothing more to require.”—Christ’s ObjectLessons, p. 163.

Monday November 11

2. THE FRAGRANCE OF GOD’S KNOWLEDGE

a. When those living under the sacrificial laws offered a burnt sac-rifice, what made the aroma a “sweet savor,” or “sweet fragrance”unto God? Exodus 29:18; Ephesians 5:2.

“[Christ’s] offering is complete, and as our Intercessor He executesHis self-appointed work, holding before God the censer containing Hisown spotless merits and the prayers, confessions, and thanksgiving ofHis people. Perfumed with the fragrance of His righteousness, theseascend to God as a sweet savor. The offering is wholly acceptable, andpardon covers all transgression.”—The Signs of the Times, February 14, 1900.

b. What does God use to manifest the knowledge of Himself as asweet fragrance to those who are in ignorance of Christ? 2Corinthians 2:14.

“Every soul is surrounded by an atmosphere of its own—anatmosphere, it may be, charged with the life-giving power of faith,courage, and hope, and sweet with the fragrance of love. Or it may beheavy and chill with the gloom of discontent and selfishness, or poi-sonous with the deadly taint of cherished sin. By the atmosphere sur-rounding us, every person with whom we come in contact is con-sciously or unconsciously affected.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 339.

c. What is required of us that our life may be accepted as a “sweetsavor” unto God? Ezekiel 20:41; Romans 12:1, 2.

“God despises a dead offering; He requires a living sacrifice, withintellect, sensibilities, and will fully enlisted in His service. Every dis-tinctive faculty should be devoted to this work—our feet swift tomove at the call of duty, our hands ready to act when work is to bedone, our lips prepared to speak the truth in love, and show forth thepraise of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelouslight. We should continue this consecration, not taking anythingfrom the altar; for this is sacrilege. When His people thus consecratethemselves in sincerity and humility, they are accepted of God; andthey become to Him a sweet-smelling savor, diffusing a rich fragrancethroughout all the earth.”—The Review and Herald, February 5, 1884.



Tuesday November 12

3. A SAVOR OF LIFE OR OF DEATH?

a. Explain how our influence may be a “sweet fragrance” for life untosome while, at the same time, it may be an influence for deathunto others. 2 Corinthians 2:15, 16; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Peter 2:7.

“[The effect of our influence upon others] is a responsibility fromwhich we cannot free ourselves. Our words, our acts, our dress, ourdeportment, even the expression of the countenance, has an influ-ence. Upon the impression thus made there hang results for good orevil which no man can measure. Every impulse thus imparted is seedsown which will produce its harvest. It is a link in the long chain ofhuman events, extending we know not whither. If by our example weaid others in the development of good principles, we give thempower to do good. In their turn they exert the same influence uponothers, and they upon still others. Thus by our unconscious influencethousands may be blessed.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 339, 340.

b. How is it possible for the savor of our influence to become a stinkunto death to those around us? Ecclesiastes 10:1.

“But never should it be forgotten that influence is no less a powerfor evil. To lose one’s own soul is a terrible thing; but to cause the lossof other souls is still more terrible. That our influence should be asavor of death unto death is a fearful thought; yet this is possible.”—Ibid., p. 340.

c. How careful should we be in choosing our close companions?Why? 1 Corinthians 6:14, 15; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 5:6.

“There are mysterious links that bind souls together, so that theheart of one answers to the heart of another. One catches the ideas,the sentiments, the spirit, of another. This association may be a bless-ing or a curse. The youth may help and strengthen one another,improving in deportment, in disposition, in knowledge; or, by per-mitting themselves to become careless and unfaithful, they may exertan influence that is demoralizing.”—Messages to Young People, p. 411.



4. THE SALT OF THE EARTH

a. How did Christ illustrate the value of the saving influence thatGod’s people are to have upon the world? What warning did Hegive in doing so? Matthew 5:13. (Compare Matthew 8:12.)

“By these words of Christ [“ye are the salt of the earth”] we gainsome idea of what constitutes the value of human influence. It is towork with the influence of Christ, to lift where Christ lifts, to impartcorrect principles, and stay the progress of the world’s corruption. It isto diffuse the grace which Christ alone can impart. It is to uplift, tosweeten, the lives and characters of others by the power of a pure exam-ple united with earnest faith and love. God’s people are to exercise areforming, preserving power in the world. They are to counterwork thedestroying, corrupting influence of evil.”—In Heavenly Places, p. 239.

b. How only can we manifest a saving influence upon the world?Ephesians 5:2.

“The saving salt, the savor of the Christian, is the love of Jesus inthe heart, the righteousness of Christ pervading the soul. If the pro-fessor of religion would keep the saving efficacy of his faith, he mustever keep the righteousness of Christ before him, and have the gloryof God for his rearward. Then the power of Christ will be revealed inlife and character.”—The Bible Echo, February 15, 1892.

“There is nothing in us of ourselves by which we can influenceothers for good. If we realize our helplessness and our need of divinepower, we shall not trust to ourselves. We know not what results aday, an hour, or a moment may determine, and never should webegin the day without committing our ways to our heavenly Father.His angels are appointed to watch over us, and if we put ourselvesunder their guardianship, then in every time of danger they will be atour right hand. When unconsciously we are in danger of exerting awrong influence, the angels will be by our side, prompting us to a bet-ter course, choosing our words for us, and influencing our actions.Thus our influence may be a silent, unconscious, but mighty powerin drawing others to Christ and the heavenly world.”—Christ’s ObjectLessons, pp. 341, 342.

Thursday November 14

5. A POWER TO MOVE THE WORLD

a. What promised gift of Christ has enabled men and women in allages to be a faithful witness for Christ? Acts 1:8.

“From the Day of Pentecost to the present time, the Comforterhas been sent to all who have yielded themselves fully to the Lordand to His service. To all who have accepted Christ as a personalSaviour, the Holy Spirit has come as a counselor, sanctifier, guide, andwitness. The more closely believers have walked with God, the moreclearly and powerfully have they testified of their Redeemer’s loveand of His saving grace.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 49.

b. How will our influence be instrumental in finishing this work ofpreaching the “everlasting gospel” to the world? Matthew 25:4;Revelation 18:1.

“Character is power. The silent witness of a true, unselfish, godlylife carries an almost irresistible influence. By revealing in our ownlife the character of Christ we cooperate with Him in the work of sav-ing souls. It is only by revealing in our life His character that we cancooperate with Him. And the wider the sphere of our influence, themore good we may do. When those who profess to serve God followChrist’s example, practicing the principles of the law in their dailylife; when every act bears witness that they love God supremely andtheir neighbor as themselves, then will the church have power tomove the world.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 340.

Friday November 15


1. How may I breathe in the spiritual atmosphere that surrounds theearth?

2. Why is the spirit of sacrifice essential to imparting the knowledge ofGod?

3. Explain the difference between being a savor of life or a savor ofdeath.

4. What is required in my own heart to be a savor of life?5. What power will enable the church to move the world?




Accepting Jesus “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust

of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

“The law is an expression of God’s idea. When we receive it inChrist, it becomes our idea. It lifts us above the power of naturaldesires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin.”—SelectedMessages, bk. 1, p. 235.


Sunday November 17

1. CONQUERING OUR NATURAL CONDITION

a. What is the only way to effectively fight the enemy? James 4:7–10.

“It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service ofthe kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. Wehave only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light. Ifwe do not cooperate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will takepossession of the heart and will make it his abiding place. The onlydefense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart throughfaith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected withGod, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. We may leave off many badhabits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but withouta vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves toHim moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a per-sonal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, weare at the mercy of the enemy and shall do his bidding in theend.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 324.

b. How does Christ dwell in my heart? John 14:23.

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Monday November 18

2. REJECTING COMPLACENCY

a. What parable describes the danger of not inviting Christ to comeinto our heart and of not uniting with Him? Matthew 12:43–45.

“The parable of the man from whom an evil spirit had been castout, who did not fill the soul with the love of Christ, illustrates thenecessity of not only emptying the heart, but of supplying the vacu-um with a divine occupant. The demon desired to return to the heartfrom which he had been expelled. He came, and though it was sweptand garnished, he found it still empty, and entered in with seven otherspirits more evil than himself, so that the last state of the man wasworse than the first. The man in this parable refused to do the work ofSatan; but the trouble with him was that after the heart was swept andgarnished, he failed to invite the presence of the heavenly guests. It isnot enough to make the heart empty; we must have the vacuum filledwith the love of God. The soul must be furnished with the graces ofthe Spirit of God. We may leave off many bad habits, and yet not betruly sanctified, because we do not have a connection with God. Wemust unite with Christ.”—The Review and Herald, January 24, 1893.

b. What will Jesus do if we welcome Him into our heart? Jude 24;Revelation 3:20.

“We must be emptied of self. But this is not all that is required; forwhen we have renounced our idols, the vacuum must be supplied. . . .As you empty the heart of self, you must accept the righteousness ofChrist. Lay hold of it by faith; for you must have the mind and spiritof Christ, that you may work the works of Christ. If you open the doorof the heart, Jesus will supply the vacuum by the gift of His Spirit, andthen you can be a living preacher in your home, in the church, and inthe world. You can diffuse light, because the bright beams of the sunof righteousness are shining upon you. Your humble life, your holyconversation, your uprightness and integrity, will tell to all aroundthat you are a child of God, an heir of heaven, that you are not mak-ing the world your dwelling place, but that you are a pilgrim and astranger here, looking for a better country, even a heavenly, livingwith an eye single to the glory of God.”—Ibid., February 23, 1892.

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Tuesday November 19

3. ACCEPTANCE

a. How can we, sinful humans, become sons and daughters of God?John 1:12, 13.

“Divine sonship is not something that we gain of ourselves. Onlyto those who receive Christ as their Saviour is given the power tobecome sons and daughters of God. The sinner cannot, by any powerof his own, rid himself of sin. For the accomplishment of this result,he must look to a higher Power. John exclaimed, ‘Behold the Lamb ofGod, which taketh away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29). Christalone has power to cleanse the heart. He who is seeking for forgive-ness and acceptance can say only—

‘Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to Thy cross I cling.’ But the promise of sonship is made

to all who ‘believe on his name.’ Everyone who comes to Jesus infaith will receive pardon.”—Sons and Daughters of God, p. 12.

b. How can we receive righteousness from God? John 3:16; Mark9:24; Romans 1:16, 17.

“Not by painful struggles or wearisome toil, not by gift or sacri-fice, is righteousness obtained; but it is freely given to every soulwho hungers and thirsts to receive it.”—Thoughts From the Mount ofBlessing, p. 18.

“Christ has made a way of escape for us. He lived on earth amidtrials and temptations such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life.He died for us, and now He offers to take our sins and give us Hisrighteousness. If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as yourSaviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you areaccounted righteous. Christ’s character stands in place of your char-acter, and you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned.

“More than this, Christ changes the heart. He abides in yourheart by faith. You are to maintain this connection with Christ byfaith and the continual surrender of your will to Him; and so long asyou do this, He will work in you to will and to do according to Hisgood pleasure.”—Steps to Christ, pp. 62, 63.



4. MORE THAN FORGIVENESS

a. What does God promise to do for those who accept Christ as theirrighteousness? Ezekiel 11:19, 20; Matthew 5:8.

“The religion of Christ transforms the heart. It makes the world-ly-minded man heavenly-minded. Under its influence the selfishman becomes unselfish because this is the character of Christ. Thedishonest, scheming man becomes upright, so that it is second natureto him to do unto others as he would have others do unto him. Theprofligate is changed from impurity to purity. He forms correcthabits, for the gospel of Christ has become to him a savor of life untolife.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 345.

b. How do we know that the words of Jesus, “Go, and sin no more,”mean more than forgiveness? John 5:14; 1 John 1:9.

“The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of sin; itmeans taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with the gracesof the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God. Itmeans a heart emptied of self, and blessed with the abiding presenceof Christ. When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, freedomfrom sin. The glory, the fullness, the completeness of the gospel planis fulfilled in the life. The acceptance of the Saviour brings a glow ofperfect peace, perfect love, perfect assurance. The beauty and fra-grance of the character of Christ revealed in the life testifies that Godhas indeed sent His Son into the world to be its Saviour.”—Christ’sObject Lessons, p. 420.

c. What is the evidence of having my sins forgiven? Luke 7:47;Matthew 7:16–20; Galatians 5:22, 23.

“When the Lord speaks forgiveness to the repenting soul, he isfull of ardor, full of love to God, full of earnestness and energy, andthe life-giving Spirit which he has received cannot be repressed.Christ is in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”—The Review and Herald, May 5, 1896.

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5. ABIDING WITH JESUS

a. Why did the delivered demoniacs seek to remain with Jesus?Psalms 16:11; 51:11; Luke 8:35.

“[The restored demoniacs] desire the companionship of theirDeliverer. In His presence they feel secure from the demons that havetormented their lives and wasted their manhood.”—The Ministry ofHealing, p. 98.

“Whenever men reject the Saviour’s invitation, they are yieldingthemselves to Satan. Multitudes in every department in life, in thehome, in business, and even in the church, are doing this today. It isbecause of this that violence and crime have overspread the earth,and moral darkness, like the pall of death, enshrouds the habitationsof men. Through his specious temptations Satan leads men to worseand worse evils, till utter depravity and ruin are the result. The onlysafeguard against his power is found in the presence of Jesus. Beforemen and angels Satan has been revealed as man’s enemy and destroy-er; Christ, as man’s friend and deliverer. His Spirit will develop in manall that will ennoble the character and dignify the nature.”—The Desireof Ages, p. 341.

b. Why did Mary sit at Jesus’ feet? Luke 10:38, 39. What beauty inChrist’s character attracted her? Isaiah 40:11; 41:13; 42:3; Ezekiel34:11, 15, 16, 23, 30, 31.

“Jesus would teach His children that they must seize every oppor-tunity to gain that knowledge which will make them wise unto sal-vation.”—The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, p. 359.

Friday November 22


1. What can we do to fight evil in ourselves?2. What happens to anyone who does not actively accept Jesus?3. How do we accept Jesus?4. What are the certain results of being fully forgiven by God?5. Why is the beauty of Christ so attractive to the heart of the sinner?


Taking Hold of theRighteousness of Christ

“Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straightbefore thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be estab-lished. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy footfrom evil” (Proverbs 4:25–27).

“Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith means the contemplation ofChrist, beholding Christ, ever cherishing the dear Saviour as our verybest and honored Friend, so that we would not in any action grieve andoffend Him.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 387.


Sunday November 24

1. OUR GREAT NEED TODAY

a. What is desperately needed in our experience today? Matthew5:3–11; 2 Peter 1:5–11.

“There is need today of such a revival of true heart religion as wasexperienced by ancient Israel. Repentance is the first step that mustbe taken by all who would return to God. No one can do this workfor another. We must individually humble our souls before God andput away our idols. When we have done all that we can do, the Lordwill manifest to us His salvation.”—Conflict and Courage, p. 145.

b. How do we experience revival? Acts 3:19; Matthew 8:5–13.

“We must rely wholly upon Christ. It will do you no good mere-ly to talk of the righteousness of Christ; you must appropriate it byliving faith. You should cultivate faith until faith is the language ofyour soul. May God help us to walk in the light as he is in thelight.”—The Review and Herald, July 2, 1889.



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Monday November 25

2. FAITH IS ACTION

a. What does it mean to appropriate the righteousness of Christ? 2Corinthians 5:21.

“In order to meet the requirements of the law, our faith mustgrasp the righteousness of Christ, accepting it as our righteousness.Through union with Christ, through acceptance of His righteousnessby faith, we may be qualified to work the works of God, to be cola-borers with Christ.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 374.

“The only safeguard against evil is the indwelling of Christ in theheart through faith in His righteousness. It is because selfishnessexists in our hearts that temptation has power over us. But when webehold the great love of God, selfishness appears to us in its hideousand repulsive character, and we desire to have it expelled from thesoul. As the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, our hearts are softened andsubdued, the temptation loses its power, and the grace of Christtransforms the character.”—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 118.

b. How is appropriation different from presumption? James 2:19,20.

“Many concede that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world, butat the same time they hold themselves away from Him, and fail torepent of their sins, fail to accept of Jesus as their personal Saviour.Their faith is simply the assent of the mind and judgment to thetruth; but the truth is not brought into the heart, that it might sanc-tify the soul and transform the character.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp.389, 390.

“If you would stand through the time of trouble, you must knowChrist, and appropriate the gift of His righteousness, which He imputesto the repentant sinner.”—The Review and Herald, November 22, 1892.

“We must rely wholly upon Christ. It will do you no good mere-ly to talk of the righteousness of Christ; you must appropriate it byliving faith. You should cultivate faith until faith is the language ofyour soul.”—Ibid., July 2, 1889.

“Genuine faith appropriates the righteousness of Christ, and thesinner is made an overcomer with Christ; for he is made a partaker ofthe divine nature, and thus divinity and humanity are combined.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 363, 364.


Tuesday November 26

3. FAITH MUST GRASP THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST

a. How are changes produced in our life? 2 Corinthians 10:5.

“In order to be candidates for heaven we must meet the require-ment of the law: ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thymind; and thy neighbour as thyself’ (Luke 10:27). We can do thisonly as we grasp by faith the righteousness of Christ. By beholdingJesus we receive a living, expanding principle in the heart, and theHoly Spirit carries on the work, and the believer advances from graceto grace, from strength to strength, from character to character. Heconforms to the image of Christ, until in spiritual growth he attainsunto the measure of the full stature in Christ Jesus. Thus Christ makesan end of the curse of sin, and sets the believing soul free from itsaction and effect.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 395.

“By dwelling upon the love of God and our Saviour, by contem-plating the perfection of the divine character and claiming the right-eousness of Christ as ours by faith, we are to be transformed into thesame image.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 744.

“Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith means the contemplationof Christ, beholding Christ, ever cherishing the dear Saviour as ourvery best and honored Friend, so that we would not in any actiongrieve and offend Him.”—Testimonies for Ministers, p. 387.

b. What is genuine faith? Hebrews 11:1.

“The faith that is unto salvation is not a casual faith, it is not themere consent of the intellect, it is belief rooted in the heart, thatembraces Christ as a personal Saviour, assured that He can save untothe uttermost all that come unto God by Him. To believe that He willsave others but will not save you is not genuine faith; but when thesoul lays hold upon Christ as the only hope of salvation, then gen-uine faith is manifested. This faith leads its possessor to place all theaffections of the soul upon Christ; his understanding is under thecontrol of the Holy Spirit, and his character is molded after the divinelikeness.”—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 391.


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4. MEDITATING ON THE PERFECTION OF CHRIST

a. What relationship is the result of faith that works by love? John15:8. What actions result from faith? Hebrews 11:29–34; Proverbs4:25–27; 16:3.

“Can we conceive of a closer, more intimate relation to Christ thanis set forth in the words: ‘I am the Vine, ye are the branches’? (John15:5). The fibers of the branch are almost identical with those of thevine. The communication of life, strength, and fruitfulness from thetrunk to the branches is unobstructed and constant. The root sends itsnourishment through the branch. Such is the true believer’s relation toChrist. He abides in Christ and draws his nourishment from Him.

“This spiritual relation can be established only by the exercise ofpersonal faith. This faith must express on our part supreme prefer-ence, perfect reliance, entire consecration. Our will must be whollyyielded to the divine will, our feelings, desires, interests, and honoridentified with the prosperity of Christ’s kingdom and the honor ofHis cause, we constantly receiving grace from Him, and Christ accept-ing gratitude from us.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 229.

b. How are faith and love essential to one another? Galatians 5:6.

“The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Himas a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves.Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by whichthose who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation withGod. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, aconfiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 347.

“And what is it to believe? It is to fully accept that Jesus Christdied as our sacrifice; that He became the curse for us, took our sinsupon Himself, and imputed unto us His own righteousness. Thereforewe claim this righteousness of Christ, we believe it, and it is our right-eousness. He is our Saviour. He saves us because He said He would.Are we going to go into all the explanations as to how He can saveus? Do we have the goodness in ourselves that will make us better andcleanse us from the spots and stains of sin, enabling us then to cometo God? We simply cannot do it.”—Faith and Works, p. 70.



5. SAVING FAITH IS A TRANSACTION

a. Explain our part in the plan of salvation. Matthew 7:7; Mark9:24; Ephesians 2:8.

“The soul temple is to be sacred, holy, pure, and undefiled. Theremust be a copartnership in which all the power is of God and all theglory belongs to God. The responsibility rests with us. We mustreceive in thoughts and in feelings, to give in expression. The law ofthe human and the divine action makes the receiver a laborer togeth-er with God. It brings man where he can, united with divinity, workthe works of God. Humanity touches humanity. Divine power andthe human agency combined will be a complete success, for Christ’srighteousness accomplishes everything. . . .

“If we do God’s will, we may accept large blessings as God’s freegift, but not because of any merit in us; this is of no value. Do thework of Christ, and you will honor God and come off more than con-querors through Him that has loved us and given His life for us, thatwe should have life and salvation in Jesus Christ. ”—Faith and Works,pp. 27, 28.

b. Can we expect the approval of God if we do not trust Him? Hebrews11:6.

“Satan is ready to steal away the blessed assurances of God. Hedesires to take every glimmer of hope and every ray of light from thesoul; but you must not permit him to do this. Do not give ear to thetempter.”—Steps to Christ, p. 53.

Friday November 29


1. Where does a clear understanding of the penalty of transgression ofGod’s law bring the wayward soul?

2. How do we appropriate the righteousness of Christ?3. How is change produced in our life?4. Review the roles of faith and love in Christian growth and maturity.5. Describe how the process of faith works.


SABBATH, DECEMBER 7, 2013

First Sabbath Offering for Children and Youth Projects

Why do we go to SabbathSchool? The most important rea-son for attending Sabbath Schoolis to convert my own soul andthose of my children. We mayhave the best organized SabbathSchool, “but if the children andyouth are not brought to Christ, theschool is a failure” (Counsels on SabbathSchool Work, p. 62).

While the world is trying to feed our children with vain philoso-phies, how can we sit back and do nothing? We must feed our chil-dren and youth with solid Bible truths in an interesting manner! Inorder to do that, we need a good Sabbath School curriculum.

We want to thank the Lord that the Children’s Treasures (ages 5–7)Sabbath Bible lessons have been completed. We are working on thelast manuscript of the Junior Searcher (ages 8–12). We will continuewriting the Youth Explorer (ages 13–16). The fourth year curriculum ofthe Junior Searcher is based on the book The Great Controversy. It is aninspirational study of the heroes of the Reformation, the Adventistpioneers, and the final events.

The object of the Junior Searcher and Youth Explorer is to bring ourchildren and youth to Christ; to get to know Him as their bestFriend. The lessons are designed to awaken in them a love for theScriptures and a desire to study for themselves. Above all, we praythat they will obey these teachings out of their great love for Christ.Parents please study these lessons with your juniors. The time youspend in God’s Word will be blessed a thousand-fold.

“The Sabbath school affords to parents and children a preciousopportunity for the study of God’s word. But in order to gain thatbenefit . . . both parents and children should devote time to thestudy of the lessons.”—Ibid., p. 41.

We appeal to you to support this project with your prayers andyour finances. We are working earnestly and praying daily for ourchildren and youth around the world. Will you join us in working,in praying, and giving for our little flock? “God will hear yourprayers and will draw [your children] to Himself. Then, at the lastgreat day, you can bring them to God, saying, ‘Here am I, and thechildren whom Thou hast given me’ ” (The Adventist Home, p. 536).

The General Conference Sabbath School Department+

Lesson 10 Sabbath, December 7, 2013

Securing the Pearl ofRighteousness

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seekinggoodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, wentand sold all that he had, and bought it” (Matthew 13:45, 46).

“We cannot earn salvation, but we are to seek for it with as muchinterest and perseverance as though we would abandon everything inthe world for it.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 117.


Sunday December 1

1. THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

a. How are we to understand the Pearl of great price? Matthew 13:45,46.

“Christ Himself is the pearl of great price. . . . The righteousnessof Christ, as a pure, white pearl, has no defect, no stain. No work ofman can improve the great and precious gift of God. It is without aflaw.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 115.

b. How does one obtain the Pearl of great price? Isaiah 55:1–3. Whatmust be surrendered to get it? Zechariah 3:4; Ephesians 4:22–32.

“Salvation is a free gift, and yet it is to be bought and sold. . . .The poorest are as well able as the richest to purchase salvation; forno amount of worldly wealth can secure it. It is obtained by willingobedience, by giving ourselves to Christ as His own purchased pos-session.”—Ibid., p. 117.

“O that you would search the Scriptures with prayerful hearts, anda spirit of surrender to God! O that you would search your hearts as witha lighted candle, and discover and break the finest thread that binds youto worldly habits, which divert the mind from God!”—Maranatha, p. 48.


Monday December 2

2. THE PROCESS OF BUYING CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS

a. What does “buying” righteousness really mean? How is Christ’srighteousness “bought”? Revelation 3:18.

“The Saviour comes with jewels of truth of the richest value indistinction from all counterfeits, all that is spurious. He comes toevery house, to every door; He is knocking, presenting His pricelesstreasure, urging, ‘Buy of me.’ ”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. WhiteComments], vol. 7, p. 964.

“In the parable the pearl is not represented as a gift. The mer-chantman bought it at the price of all that he had. Many question themeaning of this, since Christ is represented in the Scriptures as a gift.He is a gift, but only to those who give themselves, soul, body, andspirit, to Him without reserve. We are to give ourselves to Christ, tolive a life of willing obedience to all His requirements. All that we are,all the talents and capabilities we possess, are the Lord’s, to be conse-crated to His service. When we thus give ourselves wholly to Him,Christ, with all the treasures of heaven, gives Himself to us. Weobtain the pearl of great price.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 116.

b. Why do we need to buy of Christ wholeheartedly? Jeremiah29:11–13.

“Jesus is going from door to door, standing in front of every soultemple, proclaiming, ‘I stand at the door, and knock’ (Revelation3:20). As a heavenly merchantman, He opens His treasures. . . . ‘Openyour doors,’ says the great Merchantman, the possessor of spiritualriches, ‘and transact your business with Me. It is I, your Redeemer,who counsels you to buy of Me.’”—The Review and Herald, August 7, 1894.

“To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul hungerand living faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ, whichaccepts Him merely as the Saviour of the world, can never bring heal-ing to the soul. The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intellec-tual assent to the truth. He who waits for entire knowledge before hewill exercise faith cannot receive blessing from God. It is not enoughto believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The only faith thatwill benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour;which appropriates His merits to ourselves.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 347.


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Tuesday December 3

3. PAYING FOR THE PRECIOUS PEARL

a. What do we all—rich, poor, those who have grown up in thechurch, and those who have grown up among worldly-mindedpersons—need to realize in seeking to pay for the Pearl of greatprice? Proverbs 22:2; Acts 10:34, 35.

“Abandon the idea that temporal or spiritual advantages will winfor you salvation. God calls for your willing obedience. He asks youto give up your sins. . . .

“There are some who seem to be always seeking for the heavenlypearl. But they do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits.They do not die to self that Christ may live in them. Therefore theydo not find the precious pearl. They have not overcome unholy ambi-tion and their love for worldly attractions. They do not take up thecross and follow Christ in the path of self-denial and sacrifice. AlmostChristians, yet not fully Christians, they seem near the kingdom ofheaven, but they cannot enter there. Almost but not wholly saved,means to be not almost but wholly lost.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp.117, 118.

b. What could cause us to miss this sale? Luke 9:24; 14:33; James4:10.

“How many, if now called to render up their accounts, would doit with grief, regret, and remorse that their God-given probationarytime was so fully employed in self-serving! The eternal interests of thesoul have been fearfully neglected for unimportant affairs. The mindis kept busy, just as Satan designs it shall be, with selfish interests andnothing of any consequence, and time may be passing into eternitywithout a fitting up for heaven at all.

“What can be compared with the loss of a human soul? It is aquestion which every soul must determine for himself—whether togain the treasures of eternal life or to lose all because of his neglect tomake God and His righteousness his first and only business. Jesus, theworld’s Redeemer, . . . looks with grief upon the large number of thosewho profess to be Christians who are not serving Him but them-selves.”—That I May Know Him, p. 321.

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Wednesday December 4

4. APPRECIATING THE VALUE OF THE PEARL

a. Why would anyone sell all to buy the Pearl of great price? Whatmakes it such a profitable business transaction? Job 28:12–23;Proverbs 2:1–5.

“The Gospel of Christ is a blessing which all may possess. It takesmen as they are, poor, wretched, miserable, blind, and naked. The onlycondition Christ presents to those who come to Him to be clothed withHis righteousness is obedience to His commandments. And by the obe-dient soul the law is found to be a law of perfect liberty, liberty to layhold by faith on the hope that is sure and steadfast. When we renderback to God His own, when we wash our robes of character, and makethem white in the blood of the Lamb, then we shall be entitled to acelestial crown.”—The Signs of the Times, December 15, 1898.

“What do we give up, when we give all? A sin-polluted heart, forJesus to purify, to cleanse by His own blood, and to save by Hismatchless love. And yet men think it hard to give up all! I amashamed to hear it spoken of, ashamed to write it.

“God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our bestinterest to retain. In all that He does, He has the well-being of Hischildren in view. Would that all who have not chosen Christ mightrealize that He has something vastly better to offer them than theyare seeking for themselves.”—Steps to Christ, p. 46.

b. What motivates the buyer to “sell” in order to “buy”? How doesduty become “a delight and sacrifice a pleasure”? Numbers 21:8,9; Matthew 13:44.

“A view of our sinfulness drives us to [our Saviour] who can pardon;and when the soul, realizing its helplessness, reaches out after Christ, Hewill reveal Himself in power. The more our sense of need drives us toHim and to the word of God, the more exalted views we shall have ofHis character, and the more fully we shall reflect His image.”—Ibid., p. 65.

“When once the gaze is fixed upon [Jesus], the life finds its center.The enthusiasm, the generous devotion, the passionate ardor, of theyouth find here their true object. Duty becomes a delight and sacrificea pleasure. To honor Christ, to become like Him, to work for Him, isthe life’s highest ambition and its greatest joy.”—Education, p. 297.

Thursday December 5

5. DISCERNING VALUE

a. What happens when we discern the value of the Pearl? Acts 2:37.

“As the apostles set forth the glory of the Only-Begotten of theFather, three thousand souls were convicted. They were made to seethemselves as they were, sinful and polluted, and Christ as theirfriend and Redeemer. Christ was lifted up, Christ was glorified,through the power of the Holy Spirit resting upon men. By faith thesebelievers saw Him as the One who had borne humiliation, suffering,and death that they might not perish but have everlasting life.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 120.

b. What happens when we understand the cost and value of thePearl—so much so that we decide to buy it? Isaiah 55:7;Philippians 3:7, 8.

“If we have forsaken all for Christ, our lives will be humble, ourconversation heavenly, our conduct blameless. The powerful, purify-ing influence of truth in the soul, and the character of Christ exem-plified in the life, are a confession of Him. Integrity, firmness, andperseverance are qualities that all should seek earnestly to cultivate;for they clothe the possessor with a power which is irresistible—apower which makes him strong to do good, strong to resist evil,strong to bear adversity. . . . Those who have placed themselves with-out reserve on the side of Christ will stand firmly by that which rea-son and conscience tell them is right.”—God’s Amazing Grace, p. 277.

Friday December 6


1. Who is the Pearl of great price?2. What process is involved in the purchase of the Pearl?3. What is the biblical purchasing method? Explain.4. Why would a person sell all for one pearl?5. What happens inside us when we truly appreciate the value of the

Pearl?



Our Value in Christ“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?” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

“In the light of the cross alone can the true value of the humansoul be estimated.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 273.


Sunday December 8

1. REALIZING OUR DANGER

a. Against what must we be continually on guard to avoid fallingfrom grace? Jeremiah 17:9, 10; Proverbs 16:18; 1 Corinthians 10:12.

“Christ has provided means whereby our whole life may be anunbroken communion with Himself; but the sense of Christ's abidingpresence can come only through living faith. . . .

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

b. Give an example of a proper self-view and of submitting to thewill of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 9:26, 27; 15:30, 31. Mark 7:14–23.

“The essential work is to conform the tastes, the appetite, the pas-sions, the motives, the desires, to the great moral standard of right-eousness. The work must begin at the heart. That must be pure, whol-ly conformed to Christ’s will, else some master passion, or some habitor defect, will become a power to destroy. God will accept of nothingshort of the whole heart.”—Christian Education, p. 51.



Monday December 9

2. DEVELOPING A PROPER PERSPECTIVE

a. What could likely be hindering our ability to serve God? Matthew18:1–4.

“Self-will in us must die; Christ’s will alone must be obeyed. Thesoldier in Christ’s army must learn to endure hardness, deny self, takeup the cross, and follow where His Captain leads the way. There aremany things to do which are trying to human nature, and painful toflesh and blood. This work of self-subduing requires determined, con-tinuous effort. In fighting the good fight of faith, obtaining preciousvictories, 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 infi-nite 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 onStewardship, p. 136.

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

“Naturally we are self-centered and opinionated. But when welearn the lessons that Christ desires to teach us, we become partak-ers of His nature; henceforth we live His life. The wonderful exam-ple of Christ, the matchless tenderness with which He entered intothe feelings of others, weeping with those who wept, rejoicing withthose who rejoiced, must have a deep influence upon the characterof all who follow Him in sincerity. By kindly words and acts they willtry to make the path easy for weary feet.”—The Ministry of Healing, pp.157, 158.

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


Tuesday December 10

3. WE ARE SERVANTS WITHOUT MERIT

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

“Jesus is officiating in the presence of God, offering up His shedblood, as it had been a lamb slain. Jesus presents the oblation offeredfor every offense and every shortcoming of the sinner.”—SelectedMessages, bk. 1, p. 344.

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

“Angels rejoiced as the Saviour cried, ‘It is finished!’ The greatplan 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, p. 147.

“Perfection through our own good works we can never attain. Thesoul who sees Jesus by faith, repudiates his own righteousness. He seeshimself as incomplete, his repentance insufficient, his strongest faithbut feebleness, his most costly sacrifice as meager, and he sinks inhumility at the foot of the cross. But a voice speaks to him from theoracles of God’s Word. In amazement he hears the message, ‘Ye arecomplete in Him’ (Colossians 2:10). Now all is at rest in his soul. Nolonger must he strive to find some worthiness in himself, some meri-torious deed by which to gain the favor of God.”—Faith and Works, p. 107.

b. What must we always remember about salvation? 1 Corinthians1:27–31.

“The science of salvation is to be the burden of every sermon, thetheme of every song. Let it be poured forth in every supplication. Letnothing be brought into the preaching of the Word to supplementChrist, the Word and power of God. Let His name, the only namegiven under heaven whereby we may be saved, be exalted in everydiscourse, and from Sabbath to Sabbath let the trumpet of the watch-men give a certain sound. Christ is the science and eloquence of thegospel, and His ministers are to hold forth the Word of life, present-ing hope to the penitent, peace to the troubled and desponding, andgrace and completeness and strength to the believing.”—The Voice inSpeech and Song, p. 337.



4. GAINING DEEPER PERSPECTIVE

a. What are we commanded to do with regard to our own spiritualcondition? Galatians 6:4; 2 Corinthians 13:5.

“A great many are likely to be deceived in regard to their spiritu-al condition. In Christ we shall have the victory. In Him we have aperfect Model. While He hated sin with a perfect hatred, He couldweep over the sinner. He possessed the divine nature, while He hadthe humility of a little child. He had in His character that which wemust have in our characters, undeviating perseverance in the path ofduty, from which no obstacles or dangers could divert Him, while Hisheart was so full of compassion that the woes of humanity touchedHis heart with tenderest compassion.”—This Day With God, p. 279.

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

“The law of God had been broken. The divine government hadbeen dishonored, and justice demanded that the penalty of trans-gression be paid.

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

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

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


Thursday December 12

5. PRIDE IN CONTRAST TO HUMILITY

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

“In self-love, self-exaltation, and pride, there is great weakness;but in humility there is great strength. . . . In our separation fromGod, in our pride and darkness, we are constantly seeking to elevateourselves, forgetting that lowliness of mind is power.”—The Signs of theTimes, October 21, 1897.

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

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

Friday December 13


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?


Living for Jesus “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom

of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adul-terers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, northieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but yeare washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name ofthe Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

“Devotion, piety, and sanctification of the entire man comethrough Jesus Christ our righteousness. The love of God needs to beconstantly cultivated. O how my heart cries out to the living God forthe mind of Jesus Christ! I want to lose sight of self.”—That I May KnowHim, p. 55.


Sunday December 15

1. TRANSFORMATION THROUGH CHRIST

a. What transformation takes place in our life as we accept JesusChrist? John 14:23; 1 John 2:3–6; 4:15–21.

“If we are Christ’s, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetestthoughts are of Him. All we have and are is consecrated to Him.”—Steps to Christ, p. 58.

“When Christ abides in the heart, the whole nature is transformed.Christ's Spirit, His love, softens the heart, subdues the soul, and raisesthe thoughts and desires toward God and heaven.”—Ibid., p. 73.

“Let this point be fully settled in every mind: If we accept Christas a Redeemer, we must accept Him as a Ruler. We cannot have theassurance and perfect confiding trust in Christ as our Saviour until weacknowledge Him as our King and are obedient to His command-ments. Thus we evidence our allegiance to God. We have then thegenuine ring in our faith, for it is a working faith. It works by love.”—Faith and Works, p. 16.


Monday December 16

2. THE ISSUE AT STAKE

a. Describe how the marvelous work of transformation throughChrist involves an ongoing battle. Ephesians 6:12, 13; 1 Peter5:6–10.

“In every soul two powers are struggling earnestly for the victory.Unbelief marshals its forces, led by Satan, to cut us off from theSource of our strength. Faith marshals its forces, led by Christ, theauthor and finisher of our faith. Hour by hour, in the sight of theheavenly universe, the conflict goes forward. This is a hand-to-handfight, and the great question is, Which shall obtain the mastery? Thisquestion each must decide for himself. In this warfare all must take apart, fighting on one side or the other. From the conflict there is norelease.”—Sons and Daughters of God, p. 328.

“"If our eyes could be opened to see the good and evil agencies atwork, there would be no trifling, no vanity, no jesting or joking. If allwould put on the whole armor of God and fight manfully the battlesof the Lord, victories would be gained that would cause the kingdomof darkness to tremble.”—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 41.

“The test comes to everyone. There are only two sides. On whichside are you?”—Ibid., vol. 8, p. 120.

b. What is the most expensive thing in the world—and how is itsmagnitude revealed? Romans 6:23 (first part); Hebrews 9:27.

“Can we not understand that the most costly thing in the worldis sin? It is at the expense of purity of conscience, at the cost of los-ing the favor of God and separating the soul from Him, and at lastlosing heaven. . . . What a scene will be presented when the judgmentshall sit and the books shall be opened to testify the salvation or theloss of all souls! It will require the unerring decision of One who haslived in humanity, loved humanity, given His life for humanity, tomake the final appropriation of the rewards to the loyal righteous,and the punishment of . . . the disloyal, and the unrighteous.

“The work of our salvation lies between God and our own souls.Though all nations are to pass in judgment before Him, yet He willexamine the case of each individual with as close and searching scruti-ny as if there were not another being on earth.”—In Heavenly Places, p. 360.



Tuesday December 17

3. ACTIVE FAITH

a. Describe the intensity of faith needed in salvation. Luke 10:27.

“Anything less than active, earnest service for the Master givesthe lie to our profession of faith. Only the Christianity that isrevealed by earnest, practical work will make an impression uponthose who are dead in trespasses and sins. Praying, humble, believingChristians, those who show by their actions that their greatest desireis to make known the saving truth which is to test all people, willgather a rich harvest of souls for the Master. . . .

“We are doing a work in the world, but we are not showing suffi-cient activity and zeal. If we were more in earnest, men would be con-vinced of the truth of our message. . . . We may perform all the out-ward acts of service and yet be as destitute of the quickening influenceof the Holy Spirit as the hills of Gilboa were destitute of dew and rain.We all need spiritual moisture, and we need also the bright beams ofthe Sun of Righteousness to soften and subdue our hearts. . . . Bibleprinciples are to be taught and then backed up by holy practice.”—Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 417, 418.

b. How does Jesus vividly illustrate the drastic change He wants tosee in us? John 3:5–7.

“The old ways, the hereditary tendencies, the former habits, mustbe given up; for grace is not inherited. The new birth consists in hav-ing new motives, new tastes, new tendencies. Those who are begottenunto a new life by the Holy Spirit have become partakers of the divinenature, and in all their habits and practices they will give evidence oftheir relationship to Christ.”—The Review and Herald, April 12, 1892.

“Let those who wish for something new seek for that newness oflife resulting from the new birth. Let them purify their souls by obey-ing the truth, and act in harmony with the instruction Christ gave tothe lawyer who asked what he must do in order to inherit eternal life:

“ ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and withall thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thyneighbour as thyself.’ ‘This do, and thou shalt live’ (Luke 10:27, 28).All who will conform their lives to the plain requirements of God’sword will inherit eternal life.”—Notebook Leaflets, vol. 2, p. 164.



4. ALL IS OF GOD

a. What thought should ever be kept in our mind? 1 Chronicles29:14.

“Every member of the human family is given wholly into thehands of Christ, and whatever we possess—whether it is the gift ofmoney, of houses, of lands, of reasoning powers, of physical strength,of intellectual talents—in this present life, and the blessings of thefuture life, are placed in our possession as God’s treasures to be faith-fully expended for the benefit of man. Every gift is stamped with thecross and bears the image and superscription of Jesus Christ. Allthings come of God. From the smallest benefits up to the largestblessing, all flow through the one Channel—a superhuman media-tion sprinkled with the blood that is of value beyond estimatebecause it was the life of God in His Son. . . .

“We possess nothing, can offer nothing in value, in work, infaith, which we have not first received of God and upon which Hecan lay His hand any time and say, They are Mine—gifts and bless-ings and endowments I entrusted to you, not to enrich yourself, butfor wise improvement to benefit the world.”—Faith and Works, p. 22.

b. How should this reality affect our attitudes? Romans 2:1–4; 1Corinthians 6:9–11.

“You cannot have a thought without Christ. You cannot have aninclination to come to Him unless He sets in motion influences andimpresses His Spirit upon the human mind. . . .

“Then don’t let us ever say that we can repent of ourselves, andthen Christ will pardon. No, indeed. It is the favor of God that par-dons. It is the favor of God that leads us by His power to repentance.Therefore, it is all of Jesus Christ, everything of Him, and you wantto just give back glory to God. Why don’t you respond more whenyou meet together in your meetings? Why don’t you have the quick-ening influence of the Spirit of God when the love of Jesus and Hissalvation are presented to you? It is because you do not see thatChrist is first and last and best, and the Alpha and the Omega, thebeginning and the end, the very Author and Finisher of our faith.”—Ibid., p. 73.


5. FOLLOWING IN OUR MASTER’S FOOTSTEPS

a. Explain the cross in our daily life. Ephesians 2:11–18; Matthew16:24, 25.

“Look not to a future, more convenient season, when the cross tobe lifted will be less heavy, when the inclinations of the carnal heartwill be subdued with less effort. ‘Today,’ saith the Spirit of God, ‘if yewill hear his voice, harden not your heart.’ Today go about the work,else you may be one day too late.”—The Review and Herald, November 2,1886.

b. We cannot earn salvation—it is attained only through the meritsof Christ—yet what are we nonetheless bidden? Philippians 2:12,13.

“It is not committed to us, weak, feeble mortals to work out ourown salvation in our own line. It is Christ that worketh in you. Andthis is the privilege of every son and daughter of Adam. But we are towork. We are not to be idle. We are put here in this world to work. Weare not put here to fold our arms.”—This Day With God, p. 72.

“You cannot enjoy [God’s] blessing without any action on yourpart. Salvation is a gift offered to you free; on no other condition canyou obtain it, than as a free gift. But cooperation on your part isessential for your salvation. . . . We are daily working out our destiny.We have a crown of eternal life to win, a hell to shun.”—The Review andHerald, August 25, 1891.

Friday December 20


1. Explain the change that comes when we accept Christ as Lord of ourlife.

2. What is the most costly thing in the world—and why?3. Describe the fruits of true repentance and conversion.4. Explain how far-reaching is the basic truth that God is all-in-all.5. What can or cannot we do toward our salvation?



Walking With Jesus“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 yehave been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians2:6, 7).

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


Sunday December 22

1. GOD IS CALLING US

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

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

“The strongest evidence of man’s fall from a higher state is thefact that it costs so much to return. The way of return can be gainedonly by hard fighting, inch by inch, every hour. By a momentary actof will, one may place himself in the power of evil; but it requiresmore than a momentary act of will to break these fetters and attainto 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, p. 313.


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Monday December 23

2. A COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

a. What does the Lord invite His people to experience today? Job22:21, 22; 1 Peter 1:21–25.

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

“This is the knowledge needed by all who are working for theuplifting of their fellow men. Transformation of character, purity oflife, efficiency in service, adherence to correct principles, all dependupon a right knowledge of God. This knowledge is the essentialpreparation both for this life and for the life to come.”—The Ministry ofHealing, p. 409.

“To practice the principles of love which Christ taught by preceptand example will make the experience of everyone who follows himlike the experience of Christ.”—The Review and Herald, January 15, 1895.

b. What should we learn from the disciples’ depth of commitmentand determination in their desire to follow Christ? John 11:16;13:37; 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

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

“Christians are bidden to present their bodies, ‘a living sacrifice,holy, acceptable unto God’ (Romans 12:1). In order to do this, alltheir powers must be preserved in the best possible condition. Everypractice that weakens physical or mental strength unfits man for theservice of his Creator.”—A New Life, p. 18.

“Hanging upon the cross Christ was the gospel. . . . This is ourmessage, our argument, our doctrine, our warning to the impenitent,our encouragement for the sorrowing, the hope for every believer. Ifwe can awaken an interest in men’s minds that will cause them to fixtheir eyes on Christ, we may step aside, and ask them only to con-tinue to fix their eyes upon the Lamb of God. . . . He whose eyes arefixed on Jesus will leave all. He will die to selfishness. He will believein all the Word of God, which is so gloriously and wonderfully exalt-ed in Christ.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 6,p. 1113.

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Tuesday December 24

3. A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP

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

“If you confess your sins, believe they are pardoned, because thepromise is positive. ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just toforgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ (1John 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 dutyto believe that God will fulfill His word and forgive your sins as it isyour duty to confess your sins. Your faith must be exercised in God asone who will do just as He has said He would do—pardon all yourtransgressions.”—In Heavenly Places, p. 126.

“If we make an entire surrender to [Christ], leave our life of sinand passion and pride, and cling to Christ and His merits, He will ful-fill to us all that He has promised. He says that He will give liberallyto all who ask Him. Cannot we believe it? I have tested Him on thispoint, and know that He is faithful to fulfill all His promises.”—TheSigns of the Times, September 29, 1887.

b. What degree of influence will the cross of Calvary have in estab-lishing our relationship with God? John 12:32.

“The cross of Calvary challenges and will finally vanquish everyearthly and hellish power. In the cross all influence centers, and fromit all influence goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on itChrist gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offeredfor the purpose of restoring man to his original perfection. Yea, more,it was offered to give him an entire transformation of character, mak-ing him more than a conqueror. . . .

“If the cross does not find an influence in its favor, it creates aninfluence. Through generation succeeding generation, the truth forthis time is revealed as present truth. Christ on the cross was the medi-um whereby mercy and truth met together, and righteousness andpeace kissed each other. This is the means that is to move theworld.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1113.



4. TROUBLES AND TRIALS

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

“Christ’s words, so comforting and cheering to those that listenedto them, are for us today. As a faithful shepherd knows and cares forhis sheep, so Christ cares for His children. He knows the trials and dif-ficulties surrounding each one. ‘He shall feed his flock like a shep-herd,’ declares Isaiah; ‘he shall gather the lambs with his arms, andcarry them in his bosom’ (40:11). Christ knows His sheep intimately,and the suffering and helpless are objects of His special care. He gaveHis life for them, and He knows their wants as no one else can.”—TheReview and Herald, May 18, 1897.

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

“Satan suggests that you are helpless and cannot bless yourself. Itis true; you are helpless. But lift up Jesus before him: ‘I have a risenSaviour. In Him I trust, and He will never suffer me to be confound-ed. In His name I triumph. He is my righteousness and my crown ofrejoicing.’ 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 thisaccount that you need a Saviour.”—Faith and Works, p. 37.

b. What is to characterize our experience? Psalm 16:11; Ephesians5:18; Colossians 2:6, 7.

“The seraphim around the throne [of Jehovah in the holy ofholies] are so filled with reverential awe as they behold the glory ofGod, that they do not for an instant look upon themselves withadmiration. . . . They are fully satisfied to glorify God; abiding in Hispresence, beneath His smile of approbation, they wish for nothingmore.”—God’s Amazing Grace, p. 72.

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5. CHRIST-CENTERED SERVICE

a. How is a real Christian walk revealed? 1 John 2:6; 4:19.

“Christ attaches a weight of importance to the obedience of Hispeople to the commandments of God. They are to have an intelligentknowledge of them and bring them into their daily life. Man cannotkeep the commandments of God, only as he is in Christ, and Christin him. And it is not possible for him to be in Christ, having light onHis commandments, while disregarding the least of them. By stead-fast, willing obedience to His word, they evidence their love for theSent of God. . . .

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

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

“There is one great central truth to be kept ever before the mindin the searching of the Scriptures—Christ and Him crucified. . . . It isonly in the light of the cross that we can discern the exalted charac-ter of the law of God. The soul palsied by sin can be endowed withlife only through the work wrought out upon the cross by the Authorof our salvation.”—That I May Know Him, p. 208.

Friday December 27


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?

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