Outline of the series:
The saving works of Christ
Creator ‘All things were made by Him’ September 25 – October 1
After man sinned ‘Where are thou?’ October 2-8
Destroyer ‘I will destroy man whom I have created’ October 9-15
Lawgiver ‘If ye love Me, keep My commandments’ October 16-22
Sustainer of His people. ‘His mercy endureth for ever’ October 23-29
The Spirit of prophecy ‘The Spirit of Christ which was in them’ October 30-November 5
The Incarnation ‘In all things like unto His brethren’ November 6-12
A sinless life ‘Yet without sin’ November 13-19
Suffering ‘Wounded for our transgressions’ November 20-26
Death ‘The blood of His cross’ November 27-December 3
Resurrection ‘The power of His resurrection’ December 4-10
High Priest ‘Our great High Priest’ December 11-17
Judge ‘The Lord the righteous Judge’ December 18-24
Coming King ‘Blessed be the King that cometh’ December 25-31

God speaks to us in His word. Here we have in clearer lines the revelation of His character, of His dealings with men, and the great work of redemption… Jesus said of the Old Testament Scriptures, and how much more is it true of the New, “They are they which testify of Me,” [John 5:39.] the Redeemer, Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centred. Yes, the whole Bible tells of Christ. From the first record of creation, “for without Him was not anything made that was made,” [John 1:3] to the closing promise, “Behold I come quickly,” we are reading of His works and listening to His voice. If you would become acquainted with the Saviour, study the Holy Scriptures.

Fill the whole heart with the words of God. They are the living water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from heaven. Jesus declares, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.” [John 6:53.] And He explains Himself by saying, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and as in the natural economy, so in the spiritual economy, it is what we meditate upon that will give tone and strength to our spiritual nature.

The theme of redemption is one that the angels desire to look into; it will be the science and the song of the redeemed throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of careful thought and study now? The infinite love and mercy of Jesus, the sacrifice made in our behalf, calls for the most serious and solemn reflection. We should dwell upon the character of our dear Redeemer and Intercessor. We should meditate upon the mission of Him who came to save His people from their sins. As we thus contemplate heavenly themes, our faith and love will grow stronger, and our prayers will be more and more acceptable to God, because they will be more and more mixed with faith and love. They will be intelligent and fervent. There will be more constant confidence in Jesus, and a daily, living experience in His power to save to the utmost all that come unto God by Him.
As we meditate upon the perfections of the Saviour, we shall desire to be wholly transformed, and renewed in the image of His purity. There will be a hungering and thirsting of soul to become like Him whom we adore. The more our thoughts are upon Christ, the more we shall speak of Him to others, and represent Him to the world.
Christian Education, pages 56-57.

Lesson 1: September 25 – October 1
‘ All things were made by Him’

MEMORY VERSE: ‘Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.’ Revelation 4:11.
STUDY HELP: Desire of Ages, pages 288-289.
LESSON AIM: To study how important is the truth that Christ is the Creator.

Introduction

‘How wide is the contrast between the divinity of Christ and the helpless infant in Bethlehem's manger! How can we span the distance between the mighty God and a helpless child? And yet the Creator of worlds, He in whom was the fullness of the Godhead bodily, was manifest in the helpless babe in the manger. Far higher than any of the angels, equal with the Father in dignity and glory, and yet wearing the garb of humanity! Divinity and humanity were mysteriously combined, and man and God became one.’ The Faith I Live By, page 48.

‘In the beginning’

With what vital statements does John begin his Gospel? John 1:1-3.
NOTE: ‘In the record John was charged by the Holy Spirit to present, he says of Christ, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” This is the most precious unfolding of definite truth, flashing its divine light and glory upon all who will receive it.’ Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 406.

How does John identify the Word? John 1:14.
NOTE: ‘Christ set up His tabernacle in the midst of our human encampment. He pitched His tent by the side of the tents of men, that He might dwell among us, and make us familiar with His divine character and life. “The Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us (and we beheld His glory, glory as of the Only Begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, R. V., margin. Since Jesus came to dwell with us, we know that God is acquainted with our trials, and sympathises with our griefs. Every son and daughter of Adam may understand that our Creator is the friend of sinners. For in every doctrine of grace, every promise of joy, every deed of love, every divine attraction presented in the Saviour's life on earth, we see “God with us.”’ Desire of Ages, pages 23-24.

‘By the word of His power’

How does the testimony of Paul that Christ was the Creator support that of John? Colossians 1:13-17. Compare Ephesians 3:9.
NOTE: ‘The apostle exalted Christ before his brethren as the One by whom God had created all things and by whom He had wrought out their redemption. He declared that the hand that sustains the worlds in space, and holds in their orderly arrangements and tireless activity all things throughout the universe of God, is the hand that was nailed to the cross for them. “By Him were all things created,” Paul wrote, “that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.”’ Acts of the Apostles, page 471.

How are we shown that Christ has not ceased His involvement with the world He created? Hebrews 1:2-3, first part.
NOTE: ‘In His life and lessons, Christ has given a perfect exemplification of the unselfish ministry which has its origin in God. God does not live for Himself. By creating the world, and by upholding all things, He is constantly ministering for others. “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45. This ideal of ministry God has committed to His Son. Jesus was given to stand at the head of humanity, that by His example He might teach what it means to minister. His whole life was under a law of service. He served all, ministered to all. Thus He lived the law of God, and by His example showed how we are to obey it.’ Desire of Ages, page 649.

‘And God said’

How did Christ accomplish this work of creation? Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24 & 26.
NOTE: ‘The creative energy that called the worlds into existence is in the word of God. This word imparts power; it begets life. Every command is a promise; accepted by the will, received into the soul, it brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It transforms the nature and re-creates the soul in the image of God. The life thus imparted is in like manner sustained. “By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) shall man live.’ Education, page 126.

How did the psalmist record this vital truth? Psalm 33:6 & 9.
NOTE: ‘The same creative energy that brought the world into existence is still exerted in upholding the universe and continuing the operations of nature. The hand of God guides the planets in their orderly march through the heavens. It is not because of inherent power that year by year the earth continues her motion round the sun and produces her bounties. The word of God controls the elements. He covers the heavens with clouds and prepares rain for the earth. He makes the valleys fruitful and “grass to grow upon the mountains;” Psalm 147:8. It is through His power that vegetation flourishes, that the leaves appear and the flowers bloom.’ Counsels to Parents, Teachers & Students, page 185.

‘The Lord made the heavens’

Why is the truth that Christ created us important? 1 Chronicles 16:26.
NOTE: ‘Those who have a true knowledge of God will not become so infatuated with the laws of matter or the operations of nature as to overlook, or refuse to acknowledge, the continual working of God in nature. Nature is not God, nor was it ever God. The voice of nature testifies of God, but nature is not God. As His created work, it simply bears a testimony to God’s power. Deity is the author of nature. The natural world has, in itself, no power but that which God supplies.’ Selected Messages, book 1, page 293.

What will be the fate of all other objects of human worship? Jeremiah 10:11.
NOTE: ‘The worshipers of idols were at last to learn the lesson that false gods are powerless to uplift and save. “The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.” Only in allegiance to the living God, the Creator of all and the Ruler over all, can man find rest and peace.’ Prophets & Kings, page 97.

‘The living God which made heaven and earth’

How is the true God identified by His people throughout all ages? 2 Kings 19:15, Isaiah 40:28. Jeremiah 32:17, Acts 4:24, Acts 14:15, Acts 17:24-25, Revelation 4:11.
NOTE: ‘The duty to worship God is based upon the fact that He is the Creator and that to Him all other beings owe their existence. And wherever, in the Bible, His claim to reverence and worship, above the gods of the heathen, is presented, there is cited the evidence of His creative power. “All the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.” Psalm 96:5. “To whom then will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things.” “Thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it: . . . I am the Lord; and there is none else.” Isaiah 40:25, 26; 45:18. Says the psalmist: “Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves.” “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Psalms 100:3; 95:6. And the holy beings who worship God in heaven state, as the reason why their homage is due to Him: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things.” Revelation 4:11.’ Great Controversy, page 436.

What warning is given from heaven to those who live in the time of God’s judgement? Revelation 14:6-7.
NOTE: ‘The messages of this chapter constitute a threefold warning which is to prepare the inhabitants of the earth for the Lord’s second coming. The announcement, “The hour of his judgment is come,” points to the closing work of Christ’s ministration for the salvation of men. It heralds a truth which must be proclaimed until the Saviour’s intercession shall cease and He shall return to the earth to take His people to Himself. The work of judgment which began in 1844 must continue until the cases of all are decided, both of the living and the dead; hence it will extend to the close of human probation. That men may be prepared to stand in the judgment, the message commands them to “fear God, and give glory to Him,” “and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” The result of an acceptance of these messages is given in the Word: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”’ Lift Him Up, page 342.

‘Their foolish heart was darkened’

What dreadful mistake has been made by sinful men and with what result? Romans 1:25-31.
NOTE: ‘Science, fundamentally, is a game. It is a game with one overriding and defining rule: Rule No. 1: Let us see how far and to what extent we can explain the behaviour of the physical and material universe in terms of pure physical and material causes, without invoking the supernatural.’ Richard Dickerson, in Perspectives on Science & Christian Faith, 44, pages 137-138, (1992). [Emphasis added]
‘ Cold, philosophical speculations and scientific research in which God is not acknowledged are a positive injury. And the evil is aggravated when, as is often the case, books placed in the hands of the young, accepted as authority and depended upon in their education, are from authors avowedly infidel. Through all the thoughts presented by these men their poisonous sentiments are interwoven. The study of such books is like handling black coals; a student cannot be undefiled in mind who thinks along the line of scepticism. The authors of these books, which have sown the seeds of doubt and infidelity broadcast over the world, have been under the training of the great enemy of God and man, the acknowledged head of principalities and powers, the ruler of the darkness of this world. The word that God has spoken concerning them is, “They . . . became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools;” “because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful.” Romans 1:21, 22. They rejected divine truth in its simplicity and purity for the wisdom of this world.’ Counsels to Parents, Teachers & Students, pages 423-424.

What enduring reminder of the creative work of Christ has been given to mankind? Exodus 20:8-11. Compare Genesis 2:1-3 & Isaiah 66:22-23.
NOTE: ‘“The importance of the Sabbath as the memorial of creation is that it keeps ever present the true reason why worship is due to God” because He is the Creator, and we are His creatures. “The Sabbath therefore lies at the very foundation of divine worship, for it teaches this great truth in the most impressive manner, and no other institution does this. The true ground of divine worship, not of that on the seventh day merely, but of all worship, is found in the distinction between the Creator and His creatures. This great fact can never become obsolete, and must never be forgotten.” J. N. Andrews, History of the Sabbath, chapter 27. It was to keep this truth ever before the minds of men that God instituted the Sabbath in Eden; and so long as the fact that He is our Creator continues to be a reason why we should worship Him, so long the Sabbath will continue as its sign and memorial. Had the Sabbath been universally kept, man’s thoughts and affections would have been led to the Creator as the object of reverence and worship, and there would never have been an idolater, an atheist, or an infidel. The keeping of the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to the true God, “Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” It follows that the message which commands men to worship God and keep His commandments will especially call upon them to keep the fourth commandment.’ Great Controversy, page 437.

Lesson 2: October 2-8
‘ Where are thou?’

MEMORY VERSE: ‘And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.’ Genesis 3:15.
STUDY HELP: Patriarchs & Prophets, pages 57-62.
LESSON AIM: To show how the Lord did not abandon Adam and Eve after their sin.

Introduction
‘ In the past [Adam and Eve] had been glad to see their Creator when He came to walk and talk with them. Now in their sinfulness they were afraid to meet Him. Hearing the voice of God in the garden, they “hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?”’ Sermons & Talks, volume 1, page 319.

‘They heard the voice of the Lord’

After Adam and Eve’s sin, how did God take the initiative in sorting out the problem? Genesis 3:8-9. Compare Luke 19:10.
NOTE: ‘The Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost. A lost sheep never finds its way back to the fold of itself. If it is not sought for and saved by the watchful shepherd, it wanders until it perishes. What a representation of the Saviour is this! Unless Jesus, the Good Shepherd, had come to seek and to save the wandering, we should have perished.’ Lift Him Up, page 212.

What was the reaction of Adam and Eve to the approach of the Lord? Genesis 3:10.
NOTE: ‘After he sinned, [Adam] feared that every sound was the footstep of God. He did not want to see God, and when he heard him coming, he did not hasten to meet him, but hid himself. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard Thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And He said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? This, then, was the reason. He had broken the command of God; and the light of righteousness that had encompassed him as a garment had disappeared, leaving him naked, and he was afraid to meet God. Sin is the only nakedness, the only degradation, the only dishonour, that we can know; it is the only thing that will make us afraid to meet God.’ Review & Herald, January 26, 1897.

‘Thou art cursed’

What sentence did the Lord pronounce upon the serpent? Genesis 3:14.
NOTE: ‘The Lord then passed sentence upon the serpent: Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life. Since it had been employed as Satan’s medium, the serpent was to share the visitation of divine judgment. From the most beautiful and admired of the creatures of the field, it was to become the most grovelling and detested of them all, feared and hated by both man and beast.’ Patriarchs & Prophets, page 58.

In His sentence upon the tempter, what promise of a future Redeemer was given? Genesis 3:15.
NOTE: ‘To man the first intimation of redemption was communicated in the sentence pronounced upon Satan in the garden. The Lord declared, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” This sentence, uttered in the hearing of our first parents, was to them a promise. While it foretold war between man and Satan, it declared that the power of the great adversary would finally be broken. Adam and his companion were assured that notwithstanding their great sin, they were not to be abandoned to the control of Satan. The Son of God had offered to atone, with His own life, for their transgression. A period of probation would be granted them, and through repentance, and faith in Christ, they might again become the children of God. The instant man accepted the temptations of Satan, and did the very things God had said he should not do, Christ, the Son of God, stood between the living and the dead, saying, Let the punishment fall on Me. I will stand in man’s place. He shall have another chance. As soon as there was sin, there was a Saviour.’ The Faith I Live By, page 75.

‘I will greatly multiply thy sorrow’

What words were addressed to Eve by the Lord? Genesis 3:16.
NOTE: ‘Eve had been perfectly happy by her husband’s side in her Eden home; but, like restless modern Eves, she was flattered with the hope of entering a higher sphere than that which God had assigned her. In attempting to rise above her original position, she fell far below it. A similar result will be reached by all who are unwilling to take up cheerfully their life duties in accordance with God’s plan. In their efforts to reach positions for which He has not fitted them, many are leaving vacant the place where they might be a blessing.’ Conflict & Courage, page 18.

What change did the Lord decree should take place in the relationship between Eve and Adam? Genesis 3:16, last part.
NOTE: ‘In the creation God had made her the equal of Adam. Had they remained obedient to God, in harmony with His great law of love, they would ever have been in harmony with each other; but sin had brought discord, and now their union could be maintained and harmony preserved only by submission on the part of the one or the other. Eve had been the first in transgression; and she had fallen into temptation by separating from her companion, contrary to the divine direction. It was by her solicitation that Adam sinned, and she was now placed in subjection to her husband.’ Conflict & Courage, page 18.

‘Dust thou art’

What sentence did the Lord pass upon Adam? Genesis 3:17-18.
NOTE: ‘When God made man, He made him ruler over the earth and all living creatures. So long as Adam remained loyal to Heaven, all nature was in subjection to him. But when he rebelled against the divine law, the inferior creatures were in rebellion against his rule. Thus the Lord, in His great mercy, would show men the sacredness of His law, and lead them, by their own experience, to see the danger of setting it aside, even in the slightest degree. And the life of toil and care which was henceforth to be man’s lot was appointed in love. It was a discipline rendered needful by his sin, to place a check upon the indulgence of appetite and passion, to develop habits of self-control. It was a part of God’s great plan for man’s recovery from the ruin and degradation of sin.’ Conflict & Courage, page 18.

How did the Lord explain the penalty and consequences of sin to Adam? Genesis 3:19.
NOTE: ‘God declared that as a penalty for his sin, man should return to the ground whence he was taken: “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Verse 19. The words of Satan, “Your eyes shall be opened,” proved to be true in this sense only: After Adam and Eve had disobeyed God, their eyes were opened to discern their folly; they did know evil, and they tasted the bitter fruit of transgression. In the midst of Eden grew the tree of life, whose fruit had the power of perpetuating life. Had Adam remained obedient to God, he would have continued to enjoy free access to this tree and would have lived forever. But when he sinned he was cut off from partaking of the tree of life, and he became subject to death. The divine sentence, “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return,” points to the utter extinction of life. Immortality, promised to man on condition of obedience, had been forfeited by transgression. Adam could not transmit to his posterity that which he did not possess.’ Great Controversy, pages 532-533.

‘Coats of skins’

What provision did the Lord make for Adam and Eve to cover their lost nakedness? Genesis 3:21. Compare Proverbs 28:13.
NOTE: Remember that these coats of skins could only be provided by the death of the creatures whose skins were used. Thus the Lord showed Adam and Eve what death is, the first deaths ever to take place. And through these innocent deaths, the Lord taught the lesson that the sinner can only be covered through the death of an innocent substitute.
‘ The Lord Jesus Christ has prepared a covering, the robe of His own righteousness, that He will put on every repenting, believing soul who by faith will receive it. Said John, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Sin is the transgression of the law. Christ died to make it possible for every man to have his sins taken away. A fig-leaf apron will never cover our nakedness. Sin must be taken away, and the garment of Christ’s righteousness must cover the transgressor of God’s law. Then when the Lord looks upon the believing sinner, He sees, not the fig leaves covering him, but Christ’s own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah. Man has hidden his nakedness, not under a covering of fig leaves, but under the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Christ has made a sacrifice to satisfy the demands of justice. What a price for Heaven to pay to ransom the transgressor of the law of Jehovah. Yet that holy law could not be maintained with any smaller price. In the place of the law being abolished to meet sinful man in his fallen condition, it has been maintained in all its sacred dignity. In His Son, God gave Himself to save from eternal ruin all who would believe in Him.’ The Upward Look, page 378.

Of whom were these innocent animals a symbol? John 1:29.
NOTE: ‘Nothing can man devise to supply the place of his lost robe of innocence. Only the covering which Christ Himself has provided can make us meet to appear in God’s presence. This covering, the robe of His own righteousness, Christ will put upon every repenting, believing soul. This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us. “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6. Everything that we of ourselves can do is defiled by sin. But the Son of God “was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.” 1 John 3:5. By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every human being to obey God’s commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf garment, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, but His own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah.’ Maranatha, page 78.

‘To keep the way of the Tree of Life’

What other sentence did the Lord pronounce on the guilty pair? Genesis 3:22-24.
NOTE: ‘Had man after his fall been allowed free access to that tree, he would have lived forever, and thus sin would have been immortalised. But a flaming sword was placed “to keep the way of the tree of life,” and not one of the family of Adam has been permitted to pass that barrier and partake of the life-giving fruit. Therefore there is not an immortal sinner. But after the fall, Satan bade his angels make a special effort to foster the belief in man’s natural immortality; and when they had induced the people to receive this error, they led them on to conclude that the sinner would live in eternal misery. Now the prince of darkness, working through his agents, represents God as a revengeful tyrant, declaring that He plunges into hell all those who do not please Him, and causes them ever to feel His wrath; and that while they suffer unutterable anguish, and writhe in the eternal flames, their Creator looks down upon them with satisfaction. Thus the arch-fiend clothes with his own attributes the Creator and Benefactor of mankind. Cruelty is Satanic. God is love.’ Spirit of Prophecy, volume 4, pages 353-354.

What promise are we given that the Tree of Life will be restored to mankind? Revelation 2:7, Revelation 22:2 & 14.
NOTE: ‘Restored to the tree of life in the long-lost Eden, the redeemed will “grow up” to the full stature of the race in its primeval glory. As the ransomed ones are welcomed to the City of God, there rings out upon the air an exultant cry of adoration. The two Adams are about to meet. The Son of God is standing with outstretched arms to receive the father of our race, the being whom He created, who sinned against his Maker, and for whose sin the marks of the crucifixion are borne upon the Saviour’s form. As Adam discerns the prints of the cruel nails, he does not fall upon the bosom of his Lord, but in humiliation casts himself at His feet, crying: “Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain!” Tenderly the Saviour lifts him up and bids him look once more upon the Eden home from which he has so long been exiled. This reunion is witnessed by the angels who wept at the fall of Adam and rejoiced when Jesus, after His resurrection, ascended to heaven, having opened the grave for all who should believe on His name. Now they behold the work of redemption accomplished, and they unite their voices in the song of praise.’ Conflict & Courage, page 23.

Lesson 3: October 9-15
‘ I will destroy man whom I have created’

MEMORY VERSE: ‘That be far from Thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from Thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?’ Genesis 18:25.
STUDY HELP: Reflecting Christ, page 321.
LESSON AIM: To understand how and why the Lord may destroy those whom He created.

Introduction

‘ In the days before the flood, the people were so engrossed in worldly things, and so corrupted by iniquity, that the Spirit of God ceased to strive with men. When God’s word loses its power upon the people, a Satanic infatuation leads them in direct opposition to His revealed will. Christians are absorbed in the questions, What shall we eat, and what shall we drink? and wherewithal shall we be clothed? When the energies are employed in buying and selling, planting and building, to the neglect of eternal interests; when the truth of God addressed to the ear ceases to impress the mind or affect the heart, the preaching is in vain; the hearing is in vain. Then indeed will the condition of the world become as it was in the days of Noah.’ Signs of the Times, May 26, 1881.

‘And God saw…’

When the Lord looked down on the world He had created, what did His see? Genesis 6:5.
NOTE: ‘If we were to cherish an habitual impression that God sees and hears all that we do and say and keeps a faithful record of our words and actions, and that we must meet it all, we would fear to sin.’ Conflict & Courage, page 75.
‘ Men boast of the wonderful progress and enlightenment of the age in which we are now living; but God sees the earth filled with iniquity and violence. Men declare that the law of God has been abrogated, that the Bible is not authentic; and as a result, a tide of evil, such as has not been seen since the days of Noah and of apostate Israel, is sweeping over the world. Nobility of soul, gentleness, piety, are battered away to gratify the lust for forbidden things. The black record of crime committed for the sake of gain is enough to chill the blood and fill the soul with horror. Our God is a God of mercy. With long-sufferance and tender compassion He deals with the transgressors of His law. And yet, in this our day, when men and women have so many opportunities for becoming familiar with the divine law as revealed in Holy Writ, the great Ruler of the universe cannot behold with any satisfaction the wicked cities, where reign violence and crime. The end of God’s forbearance with those who persist in disobedience is approaching rapidly.’ Prophets & Kings, page 275.

What did these evil thoughts lead to? Genesis 6:11-12.
NOTE: ‘To the long-lived, antediluvian race, only a step from paradise, God gave rich gifts, and they possessed a strength of body and mind of which men now have but a faint idea; but they used His bounties, and the strength and skill He gave them, for selfish purposes, to minister to unlawful appetites, and to gratify pride. They expelled God from their thoughts; they despised His law; trampled His standard of character in the dust. They revelled in sinful pleasure, corrupting their ways before God, and corrupting one another. Violence and crime filled the earth. Neither the marriage relation nor the rights of property were respected; and the cries of the oppressed entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. By beholding evil, men became changed into its image, until God could bear with their wickedness no longer, and they were swept away by the flood.’ Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 421.

‘It grieved Him at His heart’

What was the reaction of the Lord to what He saw? Genesis 6:6.
NOTE: ‘Few give thought to the suffering that sin has caused our Creator. All heaven suffered in Christ’s agony; but that suffering did not begin or end with His manifestation in humanity. The cross is a revelation to our dull senses of the pain that, from its very inception, sin has brought to the heart of God. Every departure from the right, every deed of cruelty, every failure of humanity to reach His ideal, brings grief to Him. When there came upon Israel the calamities that were the sure result of separation from God, subjugation by their enemies, cruelty, and death, it is said that “His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.” “In all their affliction He was afflicted: . . . and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old.” Judges 10:16; Isaiah 63:9.’ Education, page 263.

How does the Lord express His grief at man’s sin and its result? Ezekiel 33:11.
NOTE: ‘God does not desire the destruction of any. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” Ezekiel 33:11. Throughout the period of probationary time His Spirit is entreating men to accept the gift of life. It is only those who reject His pleading that will be left to perish. God has declared that sin must be destroyed as an evil ruinous to the universe. Those who cling to sin will perish in its destruction.’ Christ’s Object Lessons, page 123.

‘Yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years’

Though the Lord’s forbearance with sin is not limitless, how did He show His mercy? Genesis 6:3.
NOTE: ‘God may bear long with the sins of men, but in His own time He will vindicate His authority. Although the wicked may say, “My way is hid from the Lord,” yet when His interposition is needed, He will show that He beholds all the works of the children of men. In the days of Noah, the wickedness of man became so great that it was necessary for God to assert His authority and punish the transgressors of His law. A crisis had come, and the Lord declared the limits of His forbearance toward that guilty race. He sent His faithful servant with a message of warning, giving them one hundred and twenty years in which to turn from their sins. They rejected and despised God’s love, and when the measure of their iniquity was full; when the boundaries of divine mercy were passed, the Lord swept that wicked race from the earth by the waters of the flood.’ Signs of the Times, December 15, 1881.

How are we shown that God has not changed in this respect? 2 Peter 3:9-10.
NOTE: ‘God determined to purify the world by a flood; but in mercy and love He gave the antediluvians a probation of one hundred and twenty years. During this time, while the ark was building, the voices of Noah, Methuselah, and many others were heard in warning and entreaty, and every blow struck on the ark was a warning message. Today the past is repeating. God is sending men plain warnings. The recent earthquakes show how quickly the ungodly will perish when the judgments of God fall upon the earth. Already in flood and flame, His judgments are falling upon evil doers. All who refuse to repent will perish.’ Australasian Union Conference Record, September 15, 1902.

‘I will destroy them’

What was the Lord’s decision regarding those who were inveterate in their wickedness? Genesis 6:13.
NOTE: ‘In every age, transgression of God’s law has been followed by the same result. In the days of Noah, when every principle of right doing was violated, and iniquity became so deep and widespread that God could no longer bear with it, the decree went forth, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth.” Genesis 6:7. In Abraham’s day the people of Sodom openly defied God and His law; and there followed the same wickedness, the same corruption, the same unbridled indulgence, that had marked the antediluvian world. The inhabitants of Sodom passed the limits of divine forbearance, and there was kindled against them the fire of God’s vengeance.’ Prophets & Kings, page 297.

How are we shown the reluctance of God to destroy the wicked? Genesis 18:23-32.
NOTE: To our merciful God the act of punishment is a strange act. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” Ezekiel 33:11. Yet He will “by no means clear the guilty.” “The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.” Exodus 34:6, 7; Nahum 1:3. By terrible things in righteousness He will vindicate the authority of His downtrodden law. The severity of the retribution awaiting the transgressor may be judged by the Lord’s reluctance to execute justice. The nation with which He bears long, and which He will not smite until it has filled up the measure of its iniquity in God’s account, will finally drink the cup of wrath unmixed with mercy. After God has done all that could be done to save men, if they still show by their lives that they slight offered mercy, death will be their portion; and it will be a dreadful death, for they will have to feel the agony that Christ felt upon the cross. They will then realise what they have lost, eternal life and the immortal inheritance.’ The Faith I Live By, page 338.

‘But Noah found grace’

When the Lord saw Noah, how did the Lord regard him? Genesis 6:8.
NOTE: ‘The world is no more favourable today for the development of Christian character than in Noah’s day. Then wickedness was so widespread that God said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth Me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. . . . Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” Yes, amid the corruption of that degenerate age, Noah was a pleasure to his Creator. We are living in the last days of this earth’s history, in an age of sin and corruption, and like Noah we are to so live that we shall be a pleasure to God, showing forth the praises of Him “who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.” In the prayer which Christ offered to His Father just before His crucifixion, He said, “I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”’ Notebook Leaflets, volume 1, page 33.

How is Noah’s character described? Genesis 6:9. See Genesis 7:5.
NOTE: ‘Noah had faith in God. His position was a trying one; he had to fight the good fight of faith at every step. One hundred and twenty years of probation was granted to the inhabitants of the world, and Noah was to live through that generation. Everything around him was in confusion. On all sides was sin and wickedness, disregard of God and His holy law; but he was to live among men, and not be a partaker of their wicked works, but to be an example of righteousness, and faith, and entire obedience to God. Amid world-wide contempt of God, he was a faithful preacher of righteousness, exemplifying to the world what a man’s life could be by reposing confidence in the sure word of God, by rendering obedience to all His commandments.’ Signs of the Times, April 18, 1895.

‘As it was…’

How did the Lord compare the days of Noah with the last days? Luke 17:26-27.
NOTE: ‘As the time of their probation was closing, the antediluvians gave themselves up to exciting amusements and festivities. Those who possessed influence and power were bent on keeping the minds of the people engrossed with mirth and pleasure, lest any should be impressed by the last solemn warning. Before the Flood God sent Noah to warn the world, that the people might be led to repentance, and thus escape the threatened destruction. As the time of Christ’s second appearing draws near, the Lord sends His servants with a warning to the world to prepare for that great event. Multitudes have been living in transgression of God’s law, and now He in mercy calls them to obey its sacred precepts. All who will put away their sins by repentance toward God and faith in Christ are offered pardon.’ Conflict & Courage, page 41.

What lessons did Peter draw from the days of Noah? 2 Peter 3:3-11.
NOTE: ‘“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise.” 2 Peter 3:9. He does not forget or neglect His children; but He permits the wicked to reveal their true character, that none who desire to do His will may be deceived concerning them. Again, the righteous are placed in the furnace of affliction, that they themselves may be purified; that their example may convince others of the reality of faith and godliness; and also that their consistent course may condemn the ungodly and unbelieving. God permits the wicked to prosper and to reveal their enmity against Him, that when they shall have filled up the measure of their iniquity all may see His justice and mercy in their utter destruction. The day of His vengeance hastens, when all who have transgressed His law and oppressed His people will meet the just recompense of their deeds; when every act of cruelty or injustice toward God’s faithful ones will be punished as though done to Christ Himself.’ Great Controversy, page 48.

Lesson 4: October 16-22
‘ If ye love Me, keep My commandments’

MEMORY VERSE: ‘Thou camest down also upon Mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments.’ Nehemiah 9:13.
STUDY HELP: That I May Know Him, page 101.
LESSON AIM: To show that Christ the Creator is also the Lawgiver.

Introduction
‘ There was a present Saviour to the Israelites. He it was, who, enshrouded in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, led them in their travels; and He it was who gave direct words to Moses to be repeated to the people. Those who sneer at the old dispensation, and professedly accept Christ in the new, do not discern that this same Christ was the ancient leader of Israel, and that from His lips came all the commands, all the rules and regulations, to govern more than a million of people. He who was equal with the Father in the creation of man was Commander, Lawgiver, and Guide to His ancient people. The Christ typified in the former dispensation is the Christ revealed in the gospel dispensation.’ Review & Herald, March 2, 1886.

‘Thou gavest them true laws’

How did Nehemiah show that the One who created the world was also the One who spoke the Ten Commandments? Nehemiah 9:6-14.
NOTE: ‘All the communion between heaven and the fallen race has been through Christ. It was the Son of God that gave to our first parents the promise of redemption. It was He who revealed Himself to the patriarchs. It was He who gave the law to Israel. Amid the awful glory of Sinai, Christ declared in the hearing of all the people the ten precepts of His Fathers law. It was He who gave to Moses the law engraved upon the tables of stone.’ God’s Amazing Grace, page 43.

How did Christ explain the abiding nature of those commandments? Matthew 5:17-18.
NOTE: ‘The question is often asked. Why do you keep the commandments of God? Did not Jesus come to abolish the law? The Son of God gave the law, and was it given only to be abolished? Did Jesus leave the royal courts of heaven to die upon the cross of Calvary, in order that He might give the world license to break the law? Is there reason in this? Was the wonderful, costly process that the Father and His dear Son underwent, only to abolish the law, and give men perfect freedom to trample it in the dust? No, no. The Lord’s standard of righteousness remains as firm as His eternal throne. It is His holy law, and because not one precept of this law could be changed to meet man in his fallen condition, the Father consented to give His only begotten Son to die. To abolish the law? No; but to save the sinner. The cross of Calvary is the unanswerable argument as to the perpetuity of the law of Jehovah. When the great Teacher gave His sermon on the mount, showing the immutability of the law of God, He was expounding the law that He Himself gave.’ Review & Herald, March 21, 1893.

‘By the law is the knowledge of sin’

What was the purpose of the law of God? Romans 3:20.
NOTE: ‘To those who urged that “the preaching of the gospel answers all the ends of the law,” Wesley replied: “This we utterly deny. It does not answer the very first end of the law, namely, the convincing men of sin, the awakening those who are still asleep on the brink of hell. The apostle Paul declares that ‘by the law is the knowledge of sin;’ and not until man is convicted of sin, will he truly feel his need of the atoning blood of Christ. . . . ‘They that be whole,’ as our Lord Himself observes, ‘need not a physician, but they that are sick.’ It is absurd, therefore, to offer a physician to them that are whole, or that at least imagine themselves so to be. You are first to convince them that they are sick; otherwise they will not thank you for your labour. It is equally absurd to offer Christ to them whose heart is whole, having never yet been broken.” Wesley, Sermon 35. Thus while preaching the gospel of the grace of God, Wesley, like his Master, sought to “magnify the law, and make it honourable.”’ Great Controversy, page 264.

How did the commandments reveal to Paul the true nature of son? Romans 7:7.
NOTE: Coveting is not stealing, it is not committing adultery, it is not killing, but it is wanting to do these things. That was the insight that Paul received when he meditated on this commandment. As a Pharisee, he had been so obsessed with outward actions that it had not occurred to him that God’s law concerns itself also with thoughts, intentions, motives, desires. As David put it, ‘I have seen an end of all perfection: but Thy commandment is exceeding broad.’ Psalm 119:96. The 10th Commandment reminds us why we are told in Proverbs 4:23, ‘Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.’ The 10th Commandment reminds us that we are not so good as we think we are, or as we would like others to think we are. ‘For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.’ Ecclesiastes 12:14. So we must never be tempted to measure our goodness merely by what we do or do not do. The thoughts of a man’s heart may be utterly corrupt, even if he has not committed the things another person is condemned for. When Paul realised this truth, he cried out, ‘O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?’ Romans 7:24.
‘ While we are to be in harmony with God’s law, we are not saved by the works of the law, yet we cannot be saved without obedience. The law is the standard by which character is measured. But we cannot possibly keep the commandments of God without the regenerating grace of Christ. Jesus alone can cleanse us from all sin. He does not save us by law, neither will He save us in disobedience to law. Our love to Christ will be in proportion to the depth of our conviction of sin, and by the law is the knowledge of sin.’ Faith & Works, page 95.

‘For our good always’

What blessings does the Lord grant to those who are obedient to His commandments? Deuteronomy 4:40, Deuteronomy 5:33, Deuteronomy 6:24-25.
NOTE: ‘Who gave these commands? It was the Lord Jesus, enshrouded in the pillar of cloud. He presented to the people the only true standard of character, which is the law of God. “And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments which the Lord our God hath commanded you? then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt; and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.” The Lord commanded the parents to rehearse to the children His past dealings with them, for the mighty works of God were ever to be kept fresh in their minds. “And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God [not with a servile fear, but], for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He hath commanded us.”’ Signs of the Times, March 21, 1895.

How did Jesus reinforce this teaching in New Testament times? Luke 10:25-28.
NOTE: ‘The conditions of eternal life are made so plain in God’s Word that none need err, unless they choose error rather than truth because their unsanctified souls love the darkness rather than the light. The lawyer who came to Christ with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” thought to catch Christ, but Jesus laid the burden back upon the lawyer. “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Then said Christ, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:25-28). These words meet the individual cases of all. Are we willing to comply with the conditions? Will we obey God and keep His commandments? Will we be doers of the Word and not hearers only? God’s law is as immutable and unchangeable as His character. Whatever men may say or do to make it void does not change its claims or release them from their obligation to obey.’ Faith & Works, page 42.

‘By this shall all men know’

How did Christ accuse those who failed to obey the basic principles upon which God’s law is based? Matthew 23:23.
NOTE: ‘It is the desire and plan of Satan to bring in among us those who will go to great extremes, people of narrow minds, who are critical and sharp, and very tenacious in holding their own conceptions of what the truth means. They will be exacting, and will seek to enforce rigorous duties, and go to great lengths in matters of minor importance, while they neglect the weightier matters of the law, judgment and mercy and the love of God. Through the work of a few of this class of persons, the whole body of Sabbath-keepers will be designated as bigoted, Pharisaical, and fanatical. The work of the truth, because of these workers, will be thought to be unworthy of notice.’ Evangelism, page 212.

How did Jesus sum up the character that the true commandment-keeper will have? John 15:10-14.
NOTE: ‘The Lord requires of us the same treatment toward His followers that we receive of Him. We are to exercise patience, to be kind, even though they do not meet our expectations in every particular. The Lord expects us to be pitiful and loving, to have sympathetic hearts. The fruits of the grace of God will be shown in our deportment to one another. We should keep always before us that, while claiming to be commandment-keepers, we must not be found to be commandment-breakers. The last six commandments specify man’s duty to man. Christ did not say, You may tolerate your neighbour, but, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” This means a great deal more than professing Christians carry out in their daily life. While they claim to be doers of God’s word, they fail to make sure work by earnest practice.’ Review & Herald, November 16, 1886 .

‘This is the love of God’

How did John explain the motive for obedience to the commandments? 1 John 5:2-3.
NOTE: ‘In the new birth the heart is brought into harmony with God, as it is brought into accord with His law. When this mighty change has taken place in the sinner, he has passed from death unto life, from sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty. The old life of alienation from God has ended; the new life of reconciliation, of faith and love, has begun. Then “the righteousness of the law will be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:4. And the language of the soul will be: “O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” Psalm 119:97.’ Great Controversy, page 468.

Can a person truly know God without keeping His commandments? 1 John 2:3-4.
NOTE: ‘There are those who profess holiness, who declare that they are wholly the Lord’s, who claim a right to the promises of God, while refusing to render obedience to His commandments. These transgressors of the law claim everything that is promised to the children of God; but this is presumption on their part, for John tells us that true love for God will be revealed in obedience to all His commandments. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth, to make a profession of faith in Christ, to believe that Jesus is no impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments,” John wrote, “is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.” “He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him.” 1 John 2:4, 5; 3:24. John did not teach that salvation was to be earned by obedience; but that obedience was the fruit of faith and love.’ Acts of the Apostles, pages 562-563.

‘Cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience’

What awaits those who keep the Lord’s commandments? Revelation 22:14. Compare Revelation 14:12.
NOTE: ‘None who have had the light of truth will enter the city of God as commandment-breakers. His law lies at the foundation of His government in earth and in heaven. If they have knowingly trampled upon and despised His law on the earth, they will not be taken to heaven to do the same work there; there is no change of character when Christ comes. The character building is to go on during the hours of probation. Day by day their actions are registered in the books of heaven, and they will in the great day of God be rewarded as their works have been. It will then be seen who receives the blessing. Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (Revelation 22:14).’ Faith & Works, page 43.

What warning does Paul give to those who have been deceived into thinking that obedience to God is not important? Ephesians 5:6-7. Compare Revelation 16:1-21.
NOTE: ‘He who wilfully breaks one commandment, does not, in spirit and truth, keep any of them. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10. It is not the greatness of the act of disobedience that constitutes sin, but the fact of variance from God’s expressed will in the least particular; for this shows that there is yet communion between the soul and sin. The heart is divided in its service. There is a virtual denial of God, a rebellion against the laws of His government. Were men free to depart from the Lord’s requirements and to set up a standard of duty for themselves, there would be a variety of standards to suit different minds and the government would be taken out of the Lord’s hands. The will of man would be made supreme, and the high and holy will of God, His purpose of love toward His creatures, would be dishonoured, disrespected. Whenever men choose their own way, they place themselves in controversy with God. They will have no place in the kingdom of heaven, for they are at war with the very principles of heaven. In disregarding the will of God, they are placing themselves on the side of Satan, the enemy of God and man. Not by one word, not by many words, but by every word that God has spoken, shall man live. We cannot disregard one word, however trifling it may seem to us, and be safe. There is not a commandment of the law that is not for the good and happiness of man, both in this life and in the life to come. In obedience to God’s law, man is surrounded as with a hedge and kept from the evil. He who breaks down this divinely erected barrier at one point has destroyed its power to protect him; for he has opened a way by which the enemy can enter to waste and ruin.’ Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, page 51-52.

Lesson 5: October 23-29
‘ His mercy endureth for ever’

MEMORY VERSE: ‘But Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.’ Nehemiah 9:17, last part.
STUDY HELP: Patriarchs & Prophets, pages 406-407.
LESSON AIM: To show the loving providences of Christ towards His erring people.

Introduction

‘Christ was the leader of the children of Israel in their wilderness wanderings. Enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, He led and guided them. He preserved them from the perils of the wilderness, He brought them into the land of promise, and in the sight of all the nations that acknowledged not God He established Israel as His own chosen possession, the Lord’s vineyard.’ Christ’s Object Lessons, page 287.

‘He saved them for His name’s sake’

How did the Lord deliver His people from Egypt? Psalm 136:10-15. Read Exodus 14.
NOTE: ‘God in His providence brought the Hebrews into the mountain fastnesses before the sea, that He might manifest His power in their deliverance and signally humble the pride of their oppressors. He might have saved them in any other way, but He chose this method in order to test their faith and strengthen their trust in Him. The people were weary and terrified, yet if they had held back when Moses bade them advance, God would never have opened the path for them. It was “by faith” that “they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land” (Hebrews 11:29). In marching down to the very water, they showed that they believed the word of God as spoken by Moses. They did all that was in their power to do, and then the Mighty One of Israel divided the sea to make a path for their feet. The great lesson here taught is for all time. Often the Christian life is beset by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, “Go forward.” We should obey this command, even though our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, and we feel the cold waves about our feet. The obstacles that hinder our progress will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obedience till every shadow of uncertainty disappears and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey at all. Unbelief whispers, “Let us wait till the obstructions are removed, and we can see our way clearly:” but faith courageously urges an advance, hoping all things, believing all things.’ Conflict & Courage, page 92.

How did Israel behave during the time of their deliverance? Psalm 106:7-12. Compare Exodus 14:10-12.
NOTE: ‘Lacking discipline and self-control, they became violent and unreasonable. They expected speedily to fall into the hands of their oppressors, and their wailings and lamentations were loud and deep. The wonderful pillar of cloud had been followed as the signal of God to go forward; but now they questioned among themselves if it might not foreshadow some great calamity; for had it not led them on the wrong side of the mountain, into an impassable way? Thus the angel of God appeared to their deluded minds as the harbinger of disaster.’ Patriarchs & Prophets, page 284.

‘A table in the wilderness’

How did the Lord supply their food during the years of wandering in the wilderness? Psalm 78:24-25.
NOTE: ‘It was Christ Himself who had led the Hebrews through the wilderness, and had daily fed them with the bread from heaven. That food was a type of the real bread from heaven. The life-giving Spirit, flowing from the infinite fullness of God, is the true manna. Jesus said, “The bread of God is that which cometh down out of heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” John 6:33, R. V. Still thinking that it was temporal food to which Jesus referred, some of His hearers exclaimed, “Lord, evermore give us this bread.” Jesus then spoke plainly: “I am the bread of life.”’ Desire of Ages, pages 385-386.

How did the people of Israel respond to Christ’s provision for their needs and how did the Lord respond? Psalm 78:17-19, 27-31.
NOTE: ‘In this instance the Lord gave the people that which was not for their best good, because they would have it. They would not submit to receive from the Lord those things which would prove for their good. They gave themselves up to seditious murmurings against Moses, and against the Lord, because they did not receive those things which would prove an injury to them. Their depraved appetites controlled them, and God gave them flesh meats, as they desired, and He let them suffer the results of gratifying their lustful appetites. Burning fevers cut down very large numbers of the people. Those who had been most guilty in their murmurings were slain as soon as they tasted the meat for which they had lusted. If they had submitted to have the Lord select their food for them, and had been thankful and satisfied for food which they could eat freely of without injury, they would not have lost the favour of God, and then been punished for their rebellious murmurings by great numbers of them being slain.’ Counsels on Diet & Foods, page 377.

‘That Rock was Christ’

How did the Lord supply their need of water? Exodus 17:6, Psalm 78:15-16.
NOTE: ‘In their blindness and presumption the people came to Moses with the demand, “Give us water that we may drink.” But his patience failed not. “Why chide ye with me?” he said; “wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?” They cried in anger, “Wherefore is this, that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?” When they had been so abundantly supplied with food, they remembered with shame their unbelief and murmurings, and promised to trust the Lord in the future; but they soon forgot their promise, and failed at the first trial of their faith. The pillar of cloud that was leading them seemed to veil a fearful mystery. And Moses, who was he? they questioned, and what could be his object in bringing them from Egypt? Suspicion and distrust filled their hearts, and they boldly accused him of designing to kill them and their children by privations and hardships that he might enrich himself with their possessions. In the tumult of rage and indignation they were about to stone him. In distress Moses cried to the Lord, “What shall I do unto this people?” He was directed to take the elders of Israel and the rod wherewith he had wrought wonders in Egypt, and to go on before the people. And the Lord said unto him, “Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink.” He obeyed, and the waters burst forth in a living stream that abundantly supplied the encampment. Instead of commanding Moses to lift up his rod and call down some terrible plague, like those on Egypt, upon the leaders in this wicked murmuring, the Lord in His great mercy made the rod His instrument to work their deliverance.’ Patriarchs & Prophets, pages, 297-298.

How did Paul show that it was Christ who supplied water for them? 1 Corinthians 10:4.
NOTE: ‘It was Christ, by the power of His word, that caused the refreshing stream to flow for Israel. “They drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:4. He was the source of all temporal as well as spiritual blessings. Christ, the true Rock, was with them in all their wanderings. “They thirsted not when He led them through the deserts: He caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them; He clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.” “They ran in the dry places like a river.” Isaiah 48:21; Psalm 105:41. The smitten rock was a figure of Christ, and through this symbol the most precious spiritual truths are taught. As the life-giving waters flowed from the smitten rock, so from Christ, “smitten of God,” “wounded for our transgressions,” “bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:4, 5), the stream of salvation flows for a lost race. As the rock had been once smitten, so Christ was to be “once offered to bear the sins of many.” Hebrews 9:28. Our Saviour was not to be sacrificed a second time; and it is only necessary for those who seek the blessings of His grace to ask in the name of Jesus, pouring forth the heart’s desire in penitential prayer. Such prayer will bring before the Lord of hosts the wounds of Jesus, and then will flow forth afresh the life-giving blood, symbolized by the flowing of the living water for Israel.’
Patriarchs & Prophets, page 412.

‘Forty years long’

How did the Lord respond to their continual complaints and lack of faith? Psalm 95:9-11.
NOTE: ‘It was not His good pleasure that they should wander so long in the wilderness; He would have brought them immediately to the Promised Land had they submitted and loved to be led by Him; but because they so often grieved Him in the desert, He sware in His wrath that they should not enter into His rest, save two who wholly followed Him. God required His people to trust in Him alone.’ Testimonies, volume 1, page281.

What may we learn from their experience? Psalm 95:7-8. Compare Hebrews 4:1-2.
NOTE: ‘There are murmurers in the church, who easily lose their self-control. If everything does not move to please them, they become irritated, and provoke one another to evil. They have not the light and love of God in their souls; if their way is crossed, they give loose rein to an unsanctified, irritable spirit… The instruction given to the children of Israel is for us also. Happy will be the church when its members study the directions given to the Israelites during their journeyings in the wilderness. In this instruction are specified the virtues that the church in the wilderness must have in order to be approved of God. The church of today has far greater light than had the church in the wilderness. She should stand on vantage ground, cherishing the pure, holy principles that God declares men must cherish in their dealing with their fellow men, if they would grow in grace and wisdom, and be honoured as obedient subjects. Only by following these principles can we adorn the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Review & Herald, January 7, 1904.

‘Thou in Thy manifold mercies’

Despite the forty years of provocation, how did the Lord deal with His people? Nehemiah 9:19-21.
NOTE: ‘The continuance of the tabernacle service testified that God had not utterly forsaken His people. And His providence still supplied their wants. “The Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand,” said Moses, in rehearsing the history of their wanderings. “He knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness; these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.” And the Levites’ hymn, recorded by Nehemiah, vividly pictures God’s care for Israel, even during these years of rejection and banishment: “Thou in Thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way wherein they should go. Thou gavest also Thy good Spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not Thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. Yea, forty years didst Thou sustain them in the wilderness; . . . their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.” Nehemiah 9:19-21.’ Patriarchs & Prophets, page 406.

How did Moses remind the people of the Lord’s watchcare over them? Deuteronomy 8:2-5.
NOTE: ‘The Lord brings His people by ways which they know not, that He may test and try them. This world is our place of proving. Here we decide what our eternal destiny will be. God never exalts His people. He humbles them, that His will may be wrought in them. Thus God dealt with the children of Israel as He led them through the wilderness. He told them what their fate would have been had He not laid his restraining hand upon that which would have hurt them. He speaks to them. Hear what He says. It is a revelation of the ministration of angels. “Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that He might humble thee, and that He might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end.’ Kress Collection, page 149.
‘ God leads His people on, step by step. He brings them up to different points calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point, but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested and tried a little closer. If the professed people of God find their hearts opposed to this straight work, it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome. Some are willing to receive one point; but when God brings them to another testing point, they shrink from it and stand back, because they find that it strikes directly at some cherished idol. Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out Jesus. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared to receive Jesus. Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they will sacrifice their idols. Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation.’ Maranatha, page 43.

‘Of great kindness’

What did this experience teach the people of Israel about the Lord? Nehemiah 9:17, last part.
NOTE: ‘Christ is ready to pardon you, to take away your sins and make you free. He is ready to purify your heart and give you the sanctification of His Spirit. As you commit yourself to His service, He will be at your right hand to help you. Day by day you will be strengthened and ennobled. Looking to the Saviour for help, you will be a conqueror, yes, more than a conqueror, over the temptations that beset you. You will become more and more like Christ. The angels of heaven will rejoice to see you standing on the Lord’s side, in righteousness and true holiness.’ Counsels to Teachers, Parents & Students, page 490.

How did Isaiah describe the way the Lord watched over His people in the wilderness? Isaiah 63:7-9.
NOTE: ‘In this comforting message, the prophet refers to the promise of God given through Moses while the Israelites were encamped before Mount Sinai, when He declared: “I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the Lord their God.” Throughout the wilderness-wandering the Lord had revealed “great goodness toward the house of Israel,” which He “bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His loving-kindnesses. For He said, Surely they are My people, children that will not lie: so He was their Saviour. In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His presence saved them: in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old.”’ Review & Herald, December 12, 1907.

Lesson 6: October 30-November 5
‘ The Spirit of Christ which was in them’

MEMORY VERSE: ‘The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy.’ Revelation 19:10, last part.
STUDY HELP: Patriarchs & Prophets, pages 366-367.
LESSON AIM: To show the ministry of Christ through the prophets.

Introduction

‘The teaching of Christ in the gospel is in perfect harmony with the teaching of Christ through the prophets in the Old Testament. The prophets spoke through the messengers of Christ in the Old Testament as much as the apostles voiced His messages in the New Testament, and there is no contradiction between their teachings.’ Selected Messages, book 1, 345.

‘They that testify of Me’

How are we shown that it was Christ who inspired the prophets? 1 Peter 1:10-11.
NOTE: ‘It was the privilege of the Jewish people to understand these prophecies, and to recognise their fulfilment in the mission of Jesus. Christ urged upon His disciples the importance of prophetic study. Referring to the prophecy given to Daniel in regard to their time, He said, Whoso readeth, let him understand. Matthew 24:15. After His resurrection He explained to the disciples in “all the prophets” “the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27. The Saviour had spoken through all the prophets. “The Spirit of Christ which was in them” “testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” 1 Peter 1:11.’ Desire of Ages, page 234.

How are we shown that the prophets themselves did not fully understand the things revealed to them by the Spirit of Christ? 1 Peter 1:10-12.
NOTE: ‘While it was not given to the prophets to understand fully the things revealed to them, they earnestly sought to obtain all the light which God had been pleased to make manifest. They “inquired and searched diligently,” “searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify.” What a lesson to the people of God in the Christian age, for whose benefit these prophecies were given to His servants! “Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister.” Witness those holy men of God as they “inquired and searched diligently” concerning revelations given them for generations that were yet unborn. Contrast their holy zeal with the listless unconcern with which the favoured ones of later ages treat this gift of Heaven. What a rebuke to the ease-loving, world-loving indifference which is content to declare that the prophecies cannot be understood!’ Great Controversy, page 344.

‘Moses and all the prophets’

What is the central theme of the prophets’ message? 1 Peter 1:10-11. Compare John 5:39.
NOTE: ‘Jesus said of the Old Testament Scriptures, and how much more it is true of the New, “They are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). Yes, the whole Bible tells of Christ. From the first record of creation, for “without Him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3), to the closing promise, “Behold, I come quickly” (Revelation 22:12), we are reading of His works and listening to His voice. If you would become acquainted with the Saviour, study the Holy Scriptures.’ The Faith I Live By, page 12.

How did Paul demonstrate this truth in his preaching? Acts 17:2-3.
NOTE: ‘Christ had produced His evidence from the Old Testament. Stephen had pursued the same course. And Paul also in his ministry appealed to the scriptures foretelling the birth, sufferings, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. By the inspired testimony of Moses and the prophets he clearly proved the identity of Jesus of Nazareth with the Messiah and showed that from the days of Adam it was the voice of Christ which had been speaking through patriarchs and prophets.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 221.

‘The things concerning Himself’

How did Christ demonstrate this truth to His disciples? Luke 24:27.
NOTE: ‘After His resurrection Jesus appeared to His disciples on the way to Emmaus, and, “beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27. The hearts of the disciples were stirred. Faith was kindled. They were “begotten again into a lively hope” even before Jesus revealed Himself to them. It was His purpose to enlighten their understanding and to fasten their faith upon the “sure word of prophecy.” He wished the truth to take firm root in their minds, not merely because it was supported by His personal testimony, but because of the unquestionable evidence presented by the symbols and shadows of the typical law, and by the prophecies of the Old Testament. It was needful for the followers of Christ to have an intelligent faith, not only in their own behalf, but that they might carry the knowledge of Christ to the world. And as the very first step in imparting this knowledge, Jesus directed the disciples to “Moses and all the prophets.” Such was the testimony given by the risen Saviour to the value and importance of the Old Testament Scriptures.’ Great Controversy, page 349.

What was the effect on the disciples of this revelation from Christ? Luke 24:32.
NOTE: ‘To those who love Christ, the Bible is as the garden of God; whose promises are as grateful to the heart as the fragrance of flowers to the senses. Then take up your Bibles, and with fresh interest, begin to study the sacred records of the Old and New Testaments. Work the field of precious truth, until you have a deeper comprehension of the mercy and love of God, who gave His only-begotten Son to the world, that through Him we might have life.’ Pastoral Ministry, page 69.

‘Written for our learning’

For whom did Christ especially speak through the prophets? Romans 15:4. Compare 1 Peter 1:12.
NOTE: ‘The prophets to whom these great scenes were revealed longed to understand their import. They “inquired and searched diligently: . . . searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify. . . . Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you; . . . which things the angels desire to look into.” 1 Peter 1:10-12. To us who are standing on the very verge of their fulfilment, of what deep moment, what living interest, are these delineations of the things to come, events for which, since our first parents turned their steps from Eden, God’s children have watched and waited, longed and prayed!’ Education, page 183.

Why did Christ move the Old Testament writers to record the experiences of ancient Israel? 1 Corinthians 10:11. (Read verses 6-12.)
NOTE: ‘Never are we absent from the mind of God. God is our joy and our salvation. Each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their own time than for ours, so that their prophesying is in force for us. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). “Not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into” (1 Peter 1:12). The Bible has been your study-book. It is well thus, for it is the true counsel of God, and it is the conductor of all the holy influences that the world has contained since its creation. We have the encouraging record that Enoch walked with God. If Enoch walked with God, in that degenerate age just prior to the destruction of the world by a flood, we are to receive courage and be stimulated with his example that we need not be contaminated with the world but, amid all its corrupting influences and tendencies, we may walk with God. We may have the mind of Christ.’ Selected Messages, book 3, page 338.

‘The testimony of Jesus’

How are we shown that the message of Christ through His prophets will be the guiding light for His remnant people? Revelation 12:17.
NOTE: ‘It was Christ that spoke to His people through the prophets. The apostle Peter, writing to the Christian church, says that the prophets “prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow.” 1 Peter 1:10, 11. It is the voice of Christ that speaks to us through the Old Testament. “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10.’ Patriarchs & Prophets, page 366.

How did the angel explain to John the meaning of the testimony of Jesus? Revelation 19:10. Compare Revelation 22:8-9.
NOTE: ‘In clear terms the prophet John speaks of “the remnant,” or the last church, as those who “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17. In another passage the same writer gives a plain definition of what he means by the “testimony of Jesus.” When on one occasion John attempted to worship the angel who appeared to him in vision, the angel said: “See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God.” Revelation 19:10. Under similar circumstances the same angel said, as recorded in another place: “See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets.” Revelation 22:9. The thought expressed is the same in both these passages. In one, however, John’s “brethren” are said to have “the testimony of Jesus;” in the other these “brethren” are called “the prophets.” Therefore it is the prophets who have “the testimony of Jesus”… Comparing the Bible expression, “the testimony of Jesus,” with the statement of Revelation 12:17 concerning the “remnant… which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ,” we conclude that prior to Christ’s second coming His true church will be keeping His Commandments, and that they will have the Spirit of prophecy.’ Christian Experience & Teachings, pages 242-243.

‘My two witnesses’

By what two ways did the Lord seek to guide His people? 2 Kings 17:13, Matthew 11:13.
NOTE: ‘The law and the prophets are God’s appointed agencies for the salvation of men. Christ said, Let them give heed to these evidences. If they do not listen to the voice of God in His word, the testimony of a witness raised from the dead would not be heeded. Those who heed Moses and the prophets will require no greater light than God has given; but if men reject the light, and fail to appreciate the opportunities granted them, they would not hear if one from the dead should come to them with a message. They would not be convinced even by this evidence; for those who reject the law and the prophets so harden their hearts that they will reject all light.’ Christ’s Object Lessons, page 265.

How did the Lord’s ancient people respond to His two witnesses? Zechariah 7:12, Nehemiah 9:26.
NOTE: ‘Many who are wilfully trampling upon the law of Jehovah claim holiness of heart and sanctification of life. But they have not a saving knowledge of God or of His law. They are standing in the ranks of the great rebel. He is at war with the law of God, which is the foundation of the divine government in heaven and in the earth. These men are doing the same work as their master has done in seeking to make of none effect God’s holy law. No commandment-breaker can be permitted to enter heaven; for he who was once a pure and exalted covering cherub was thrust out for rebelling against the government of God.’ Faith & Works, page 29.
‘ The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18. Satan will work ingeniously, in different ways and through different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of God’s remnant people in the true testimony. He will bring in spurious visions, to mislead and mingle the false with the true, and so disgust people that they will regard everything that bears the name of visions, as a species of fanaticism; but honest souls, by contrasting false and true, will be enabled to distinguish between them. When the Testimonies, which were once believed, are doubted and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop at this; and he redoubles his efforts till he launches them into open rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in destruction.’ The Faith I Live By, page 296.

Lesson 7: November 6-12
‘ In all things like unto His brethren’

MEMORY VERSE: ‘Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.’ Hebrews 2:17.
STUDY HELP: Desire of Ages, pages 24-26.
LESSON AIM: To show why Christ had to become like those He came to save.

Introduction

‘What a sight was this for Heaven to look upon! Christ, who knew not the least taint of sin or defilement, took our nature in its deteriorated condition. This was humiliation greater than finite man can comprehend. God was manifest in the flesh. He humbled Himself. What a subject for thought, for deep, earnest contemplation! So infinitely great that He was the Majesty of heaven, and yet He stooped so low, without losing one atom of His dignity and glory! He stooped to poverty and to the deepest abasement among men. For our sake He became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich.’ God’s Amazing Grace, page 165.

‘A little lower than the angels’

What was man’s status when he was created? Hebrews 2:6-7. Compare Psalm 8:3-6.
NOTE: ‘Angels are in nature superior to men, for the psalmist says that man was made “a little lower than the angels.” Psalm 8:5.’ Great Controversy, page 511.

How are we shown that Christ took this same status when He became flesh? Hebrews 2:9.
NOTE: ‘Christ was the Majesty of heaven, the Redeemer of the world. He saw that the only way in which He could reach humanity was to be made a little lower than the angels.’ 1888 Materials, page 1161.
‘ What a contrast the second Adam presented as He entered the gloomy wilderness to cope with Satan single-handed. Since the fall, the race had been decreasing in size and physical strength, and sinking lower in the scale of moral worth, up to the period of Christ’s advent to the earth. In order to elevate fallen man, Christ must reach him where he was. He took human nature, and bore the infirmities and degeneracy of the race. He who knew no sin became sin for us. He humiliated Himself to the lowest depths of human woe, that He might be qualified to reach man, and bring him up from the degradation in which sin had plunged him.’ Redemption: or The Temptation of Christ, page 31.

‘He emptied Himself’

How did Paul describe the extent of Christ’s humiliation in becoming man? Philippians 2:6-8.
NOTE: The phrase ‘made Himself of no reputation’ literally means ‘emptied Himself.’
‘ Jesus came to the world not as an angel of light; we could not have endured His glory if He had come thus. One angel at the tomb of Christ was of such exceeding brightness that the Roman guard fell powerless to the ground. As the angel came from the heavens, he parted the darkness from his track, and the sentinels could not endure his glory; they fell as dead men to the earth. Suppose that Jesus had come in the glory of an angel, His brightness would have extinguished the feeble life of mortal men. For our sake Jesus emptied Himself of His glory; He clothed his divinity with humanity that He might touch humanity, that His personal presence might be among us, that we might know that He was acquainted with all our trials, and sympathised with our grief, that every son and daughter of Adam might understand that Jesus is the friend of sinners.’ Signs of the Times, April 18, 1892.

How are we shown that this ‘emptying’ enables Jesus to understand our struggle with sin? Hebrews 2:18. Compare Hebrews 4:15.
NOTE: ‘We have a precious loving Saviour. I wish I could present Him to you just as He is. Many have Jesus so exalted in their minds that He seems far off and they have no communion with Him. But Christ took upon Himself human nature and was called the Son of man, because He was to become acquainted with all the trials, with all the sorrows, and with all the sufferings of humanity, that He might know how to succour those who are tempted. To the weeping ones He says, I have wept. I know how to sympathise with you. He is a Saviour that is in sympathy with the woes of man, a Saviour that is by our side to help, and strengthen, and succour us. You may take all your trials, all your troubles, all your sorrows to Jesus in prayer; you may feel that He is at hand to help you in every emergency, and you can tell Him all about it and He will give you just the help you need. He wants us to have joy in Him, and in order to do this we must come in close connection with Him. We cannot dishonour Him more than to distrust Him. And we honour Him when we believe in Him and are obedient to all His commandments.’ Signs of the Times, September 15, 1887.

‘Yet learned He obedience’

How are we shown the learning process that Jesus went through during His earthly life? Hebrews 5:8.
NOTE: ‘It was a course of constant overcoming. He wrestled with temptations greater than any you will be called to meet; and He stood the test. He refused to yield to temptation. Though physical strength failed, His faith did not fail. It was not only on the cross that Christ gave Himself for humanity, not only in the wilderness of temptation and in Gethsemane that He overcame in our behalf. Every day’s experience was an outpouring of His life; every day He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And because the life of Jesus was a life of perfect trust His service for heaven and earth was without failure or faltering. He met and resisted all the temptations that man must meet because in His humanity He relied upon divine power.’ Columbia Union Visitor, October 2, 1912.

How may we have the same experience of victory over temptation? Philippians 2:5. Compare John 13:15.
NOTE: ‘Christ is our example. He gave His life as a sacrifice for us, and He asks us to give our lives as a sacrifice for others. Thus we may cast out the selfishness which Satan is constantly striving to implant in our hearts. This selfishness is death to all piety, and can be overcome only by manifesting love to God and to our fellow men. Christ will not permit one selfish person to enter the courts of heaven. No covetous person can pass through the pearly gates; for all covetousness is idolatry.’ Review & Herald, July 11, 1899.
‘ What Christ was on this earth, the Christian worker should strive to be. He is our example, not only in His spotless purity, but in His patience, gentleness, and winsomeness of disposition. His life is an illustration of true courtesy. He had ever a kind look and a word of comfort for the needy and the oppressed. His presence brought a purer atmosphere into the home. His life was as leaven working amid the elements of society. Pure and undefiled, He walked among the thoughtless, the rude, the discourteous; among unjust publicans, unrighteous Samaritans, heathen soldiers, rough peasants, and the mixed multitude. The religion of Jesus softens whatever is hard and rough in the temper, and smoothes whatever is rugged and sharp in the manners. It makes the words gentle and the demeanour winning. Let us learn from Christ how to combine a high sense of purity and integrity with sunniness of disposition. A kind, courteous Christian is the most powerful argument that can be produced in favour of Christianity.’ Colporteur Ministry, page 73.

‘His brethren’

Who are the ones that Christ calls His brethren? Hebrews 2:11.
NOTE: ‘“As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Those who consent to be led by the Spirit of God will be illuminated and sanctified. They will discern the hatefulness of sin and the beauty of holiness. They will esteem it a great honour to be called the sons of God, knowing that they are wholly unworthy to be associated with Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father. Christ took upon Him our nature, that He might associate us with Himself. He suffered in the flesh, suffered like a man, suffered with humanity, that He might be fully able to become the Captain of our salvation, being made a perfect Saviour through His sufferings, that He might bring many sons and daughters to God. “For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He that sanctifieth, and they that are sanctified, are all one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren.”’ Youth’s Instructor, December 8, 1892.

How completely did Christ in His incarnation become like His brethren? Hebrews 2:17.
NOTE: ‘Letters have been coming in to me, affirming that Christ could not have had the same nature as man, for if He had, He would have fallen under similar temptations. If He did not have man’s nature, He could not be our example. If He was not a partaker of our nature, He could not have been tempted as man has been. If it were not possible for Him to yield to temptation, He could not be our helper. It was a solemn reality that Christ came to fight the battles as man, in man’s behalf. His temptation and victory tell us that humanity must copy the Pattern; man must become a partaker of the divine nature.’ Selected Messages, book 1, page 408.

‘He also Himself likewise took part of the same’

How are we shown that Christ did not come to save man by taking the nature of the angels? Hebrews 2:16.
NOTE: ‘We need not place the obedience of Christ by itself, as something for which He was particularly adapted, by His particular divine nature, for He stood before God as man’s representative and was tempted as man’s substitute and surety. If Christ had a special power which it is not the privilege of man to have, Satan would have made capital of this matter. The work of Christ was to take from the claims of Satan his control of man, and He could do this only in the way that He came, a man, tempted as a man, rendering the obedience of a man.’ That I May Know Him, page 34.

How does Paul emphasise that Jesus took the nature of fallen man? Hebrews 2:14.
NOTE: Notice that Jesus took the same flesh and blood as ‘the children’. Since Adam and Eve are the only human beings that were never children, the flesh and blood that Jesus partook of cannot have been that of Adam before his fall.
‘ It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man’s nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life.’ Desire of Ages, page 48.

‘Able to succour them that are tempted’

Because Jesus was willing to become one with those whom He came to save, what blessings are made available to us? Hebrews 2:18.
NOTE: ‘Christ is the source of our strength. Let us study His teachings. In giving His only begotten Son to live in our world and to be subject to temptation that He might teach us how to overcome, the Father has made ample provision that we should not be taken captive by the enemy. Meeting the fallen foe, Christ overcame in behalf of humanity. He was tempted in all points like as we are, but He resisted in the strength of divinity, that He might be able to succour us when we are tempted. Becoming partakers of His divine nature, we are to learn to discern the temptations of Satan, and, in the strength of His grace, overcome the corruptions that are in the world through lust. He who was once a sinful human being may be refined and purified through the imparted merits of Christ, and stand before his fellow men as a labourer together with God. To the earnest seeker after God, the divine nature will surely be imparted, the compassion of Christ will certainly be vouchsafed. Satan is working with all his ingenuity to sidetrack souls. What shall we do? Let us believe that the Lord is willing to raise up and strengthen the weak.’ This Day With God, page 151.

What prayer expresses confidence in the power of Jesus when we are tempted? Jude vv.24-25.
NOTE: ‘Christ was obedient to every requirement of the law. By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every human being to obey God’s commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf garment, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, but His own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah. Through the plan of redemption, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong. The strongest temptation is no excuse for sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel any one to sin. The will must consent, the heart must yield, or passion cannot overbear reason, nor iniquity triumph over righteousness. If you will stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel, faithfully doing His service, you need never yield to temptation; for One stands by your side who is able to keep you from falling. We need not retain one sinful propensity. As we partake of the divine nature, hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong are cut away from the character, and we are made a living power for good. Ever learning of the divine Teacher, daily partaking of His nature, we co-operate with God in overcoming Satan’s temptations. God works, and man works, that man may be one with Christ as Christ is one with God. Then we sit together with Christ in heavenly places. The mind rests with peace and assurance in Jesus.’ Maranatha, page 225.

Lesson 8: November 13-19
‘ Yet without sin’

MEMORY VERSE: ‘For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.’ Hebrews 4:15.
STUDY HELP: The Faith I Live By, page 23.
LESSON AIM: To study the life of Christ and His secret of victory over temptation.

Introduction

‘Christ is the ladder that Jacob saw, the base resting on the earth, and the topmost round reaching to the gate of heaven, to the very threshold of glory. If that ladder had failed by a single step of reaching the earth, we should have been lost. But Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and overcame, that we through taking His nature might overcome. Made in the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3), He lived a sinless life. Now by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches us. He bids us by faith in Him attain to the glory of the character of God. Therefore are we to be perfect, even as our Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ Desire of Ages, 311.

‘Who did no sin’

What is the testimony of the apostles concerning the life of Christ? 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:22, 1 John 3:5.
NOTE: ‘From His earliest years His example was perfect. In both His physical and His spiritual nature He followed the divine order of growth illustrated by the plant, as He wishes all youth to do. Although He was the majesty of heaven, the King of glory, He became a babe in Bethlehem, and for a time represented the helpless infant in its mother’s care. In childhood He did the works of an obedient child. He spoke and acted with the wisdom of a child and not of a man, honouring His parents, and carrying out their wishes in helpful ways, according to the ability of a child. But at each stage of His development He was perfect, with the simple, natural grace of a sinless life.’ That I May Know Him, page 27.

How was this testimony confirmed even by those who condemned Him? Luke 23:4. Compare Mark 14:55.
NOTE: ‘At His mock trial, His accusers found nothing by which He could be proved guilty. Three times Pilate declared, I find no fault in Him at all. Nevertheless he ordered Him to be scourged, and then delivered Him up to suffer the most cruel death that could be devised.’ Lift Him Up, page 257.
‘ He was tried, but was not condemned, because there was nothing to condemn. After the trial Pilate said, I find no fault in him.’ Review & Herald, June 8, 1897.

‘I have kept My Father’s commandments’

What challenge did Jesus to Jews who were disputing with Him? John 8:46.
NOTE: ‘In His life on earth, Christ developed a perfect character; He rendered perfect obedience to His Father’s commandments. In coming to the world in human form, in becoming subject to the law, in revealing to men that He bore their sickness, their sorrow, their guilt, He did not become a sinner. Before the Pharisees He could say, Which of you convinceth me of sin? Not one stain of sin was found upon Him. He stood before the world the spotless Lamb of God.’ Selected Messages, book 3, page 133.

What claim did Christ make to those who knew Him best? John 15:10. last part. Compare John 14:30, last part.
NOTE: ‘Christ was obedient to every requirement of the law. He said of Himself, I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart. Ps. 40:8. When on earth, He said to His disciples, I have kept My Father’s commandments. John 15:10.’ Christ’s Object Lessons, page 312.
‘ Christ served as a true son, an obedient son. He declared, I have kept My Father’s commandments. We can be greatly honoured by being in co-partnership with Christ. Take My yoke upon you, He says, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. The obedience of which Christ has left us an example is perfect and complete. He lived the law in human nature, that human nature may receive Him by faith, and through the power given become the sons of God. God’s love is magnified in His law by restricting and binding about the impulse to work against the attributes of God, and His great love magnifies the law and makes it honourable. He came not to do His own will, but the will of Him that sent Him.’ Manuscript Releases, volume 20, page 61.

‘Tempted like as we are’

What was the extent of Christ’s temptations? Hebrews 4:15. Compare Luke 22:28.
NOTE: ‘Satan represents God’s law of love as a law of selfishness. He declares that it is impossible for us to obey its precepts. The fall of our first parents, with all the woe that has resulted, he charges upon the Creator, leading men to look upon God as the author of sin, and suffering, and death. Jesus was to unveil this deception. As one of us He was to give an example of obedience. For this He took upon Himself our nature, and passed through our experiences. In all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren. Hebrews 2:17. If we had to bear anything which Jesus did not endure, then upon this point Satan would represent the power of God as insufficient for us. Therefore Jesus was in all points tempted like as we are. Hebrews 4:15. He endured every trial to which we are subject. And He exercised in His own behalf no power that is not freely offered to us. As man, He met temptation, and overcame in the strength given Him from God.’ Desire of Ages, page 24.

What insight are we given into Christ’s struggle with temptation? Hebrews 5:7-8.
NOTE: ‘Heavenly beings ministered to Christ in His need, yet this did not make the Saviour’s life one of freedom from conflict and temptation. He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. If His people will follow this example, they will be imbued with His Spirit, and heavenly angels will minister to them. The temptations to which Christ was subjected were a terrible reality. As a free agent He was placed on probation, with liberty to yield to Satan’s temptations and work at cross-purposes with God. If this were not so, if it had not been possible for Him to fall, He could not have been tempted in all points as the human family is tempted. The temptations of Christ, and His sufferings under them, were proportionate to His exalted, sinless character. But in every time of distress, Christ turned to His Father. He resisted unto blood in that hour when the fear of moral failure was as the fear of death. As He bowed in Gethsemane, in His soul agony, drops of blood fell from His pores, and moistened the sods of the earth. He prayed with strong crying and tears, and He was heard in that He feared. God strengthened Him, as He will strengthen all who will humble themselves, and throw themselves, soul, body, and spirit, into the hands of a covenant-keeping God.’ Selected Messages, book 3, page 131.

‘The Son can do nothing of Himself’

How did Christ express His own powerlessness? John 5:30, first part. Compare John 5:19, John 8:28.
NOTE: ‘Jesus had taken upon Himself human nature, and was in the likeness of sinful flesh, and was tempted of Satan as all children are tempted. He was able to resist the temptation of Satan through His dependence upon the divine power of His heavenly Father, as He was subject to His will, and obedient to all His commands. He kept His Father’s statutes, precepts, and laws. He was continually seeking counsel of God, and was obedient to His will.’ Sons & Daughters of God, page 128.

What was the source of Christ’s power to overcome temptation? John 5:30, last part. Compare John 6:38.
NOTE: ‘The plan of God, devised for the salvation of man, provided that Christ should know hunger, and poverty, and every phase of man’s experience. He withstood the temptation, through the power that man may command. He laid hold on the throne of God, and there is not a man or woman who may not have access to the same help through faith in God. Man may become a partaker of the divine nature; not a soul lives who may not summon the aid of Heaven in temptation and trial. Christ came to reveal the source of His power, that man might never rely on his unaided human capabilities.’ Selected Messages, book 1, page 408.

‘Who knew no sin’

How successful was Christ’s struggle with temptation? Hebrews 4:15, last part.
NOTE: ‘In taking upon Himself man’s nature in its fallen condition, Christ did not in the least participate in its sin. He was subject to the infirmities and weaknesses by which man is encompassed. He was touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and was in all points tempted like as we are. And yet He knew no sin. He was the lamb without blemish and without spot. Could Satan in the least particular have tempted Christ to sin, he would have bruised the Saviour’s head. As it was, he could only touch His heel. Had the head of Christ been touched, the hope of the human race would have perished. Divine wrath would have come upon Christ as it came upon Adam. Christ and the church would have been without hope. Not even by a thought could Christ be brought to yield to the power of temptation. Christ declared of Himself, The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.’ The Faith I Live By, page 49.

What is the practical importance of this truth? Hebrews 4:16.
NOTE: ‘As Christ in His humanity sought strength from His Father, that He might be enabled to endure trial and temptation, so are we to do. We are to follow the example of the sinless Son of God. Daily we need help and grace and power from the Source of all power. We are to cast our helpless souls upon the One who is ready to help us in every time of need. Too often we forget the Lord. Self gives way to impulse, and we lose the victories that we should gain.’ God’s Amazing Grace, page 179.

‘Leaving us an example’

How are we shown that Christ’s life of victory is our example? 1 Peter 2:21-22.
NOTE: ‘The obedience of Christ to His Father was the same obedience that is required of man. Man cannot overcome Satan’s temptations without divine power to combine with his instrumentality. So with Jesus Christ; He could lay hold of divine power. He came not to our world to give the obedience of a lesser God to a greater, but as a man to obey God’s Holy Law, and in this way He is our example. The Lord Jesus came to our world, not to reveal what a God could do, but what a man could do, through faith in God’s power to help in every emergency. Man is, through faith, to be a partaker in the divine nature, and to overcome every temptation wherewith he is beset. The Lord now demands that every son and daughter of Adam, through faith in Jesus Christ, serve Him in human nature which we now have. The Lord Jesus has bridged the gulf that sin has made. He has connected earth with heaven, and finite man with the infinite God. Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, could only keep the commandments of God in the same way that humanity can keep them. We are not to serve God as if we were not human, but we are to serve Him in the nature we have, that has been redeemed by the Son of God; through the righteousness of Christ we shall stand before God pardoned, and as though we had never sinned. The humanity of the Son of God is everything to us. It is the golden chain that binds our souls to Christ, and through Christ to God.’ Our High Calling, page 48.

What promises are we given that He is able to preserve us in times of temptation? Jude vv 24-25, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Peter 2:9, first part.
NOTE: ‘The Lord encourages the trust of the most faulty and most perverse. He is able to restore His moral image to the soul, and is not slack concerning His promises. Christ went to the very depths of human extremities in order that He might meet men where they are and know how to befriend them in their need. He is our Friend, who has come to save us. Why are we not more diligent in learning of the great Teacher lessons of patience, kindness, forbearance? We may suppose that we have great provocation to feel injured, and to be angry with those with whom we associate, but we may be labourers together with God no matter what may be our circumstances. We may be sustained by faith, inspired by hope, that God in His goodness and mercy will deliver us from evil. Many know very little of God’s dealings with His people, but the most hopeless part of their experience is that they do not try to understand His dealings in these precious hours of probation. It is their privilege to know that His afflictions come for the object of purifying them from all evil. The Lord permits trials to come in order that we may look to Him as the source of our strength, and be cleansed from earthliness, from selfishness, from harshness, from sharp unchristlike traits of character. He suffers the deep waters of affliction to go over our souls in order that we may know Him and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent, in order that we may have deep heart-longings to be cleansed from defilement, and to come forth from the tri