Sabbath School Lesson

QUARTERLY
Senior Division, Fourth Quarter, 1959

Life and Teachings

of Christ
(Concluded)

"But we sec Jesus, who WAS made a

little lower than the angels for the suffering of death,
crowned with glory and honor; that he by the
grace of God should taste death for
every man." Hebrews 2: 9.
 Foreworc:l
"The world needs to-day what it needed nineteen hundred years ago,-
a revelation of Christ. A great work of reform is demanded, and it is only
through the grace of Christ that the work of restoration, physical, mental,
and spiritual, can be accomplished," -Ministry of Healing p. 143.
How may God's people reveal Christ to the world?-by a thorough un-
derstanding of the life and teachings of the Master. This knowledge will
he found only by those who diligently search the Scriptures and fully
consecrate themselves to God. Throughout the coming quarter may the
'iabbath School members partake of the blessings that come to all who
will learn of Jesus.
"Let all seek to comprehend, to the full extent of their powers, the
meaning of the word of God. A mere superficial reading of the inspired
word will be of little advantage; for every statement Illade in the
sacred pages requires thoughtful contelnplation. It is true that some
passages do not require as do others; for their meaning is more evident.
But the student of the word of God should seek to understand the
bearing of one passage upon another until the chain of truth is revealed
{u his vision. As veins of precious ore are hidden beneath the surface
of the earth, so spiritual riches are concealed in the passage of Holy
Writ, as it requires mental effort and prayerful attention to discover
the hidden meaning of the word of God. Let every student who values
the heavenly treasure put to the stretch of his mental and spiritual powers,
and sink the shaft deep into the mine of truth, that he may obtain the
eelestial gold,-that wisdom which will make him wise unto salvation."
-FutIClamentals of Christian Education, pp. 169, 170.

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

.' .
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, ".Life and Teachings of Christ," for October to December,
1959, Is published by the Seventh Day Advllntist Reform Movement General Conference and
printed by the Reformation Herald Publishing Association (a corporation of the Seventh Day
Adventist Reform Movement I at Sacramento, California, United States of America. Mailing
Address: P. O. Box .5234 Oak Park, Sacramento 17, California.

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Lesson No. 1 _. Sabbath, October 3, 1959.

IN SEARCH OF SIGNS

KEY TEXT: "Then said Jesus mito him, Except ye see signs and wonders,
ye will not believe." John 4: 48.
Questions
1. What types of miracles did Christ perform? Matthew 8: 26; 14:
25.27; 15: 29-39.
NOTE: "Every mi1'8cle that Christ performed was a sign of His divinity.
He was doing the very WOl'k that had been fOl'etold of the Messiah; but
to the Pharisees these works of mercy wcre a positive offense. The Jewish
leaders looked with heartless indifference 6n human suffering. In many
cases their selfishness and oppression had caused the affliction that Christ
relieved. Thus His miracles were to them a reproach." -Desire of Ages,
p.406.
2. Despite the daily evidences of Christ's divinity, what request did
the Jewish leaders make? Mark 8: 11, 12.
NOTE: "Now the Pharisees and Sadducees came to Christ, asking for a
sign from heaven. When in the days of Joshua fS1'8el went out to battle
with the Canaanites at Bethheron, the sun had stood still at the leader's
command until victory was gained; and many similar wonders had heen
manifest in their history. Some such sign was demanded of Jesus. But
these signs were not what the Jews needed. No mere extel'l1al evidence
could benefit them. What they needed was not intellectual enlightenment,
but spiritual renovation." -Ihid.
3. Did Jesus fulfill their request? Matthew 16: 4.
4. Who felt that Jesus should comply with the demand of the Phari-
sees?
ANSWER: "The disciples were inclined to think that their Master should
have granted the demand for a sign in the heavens. They believed that
He was fully able to do this, and that such a sign would put his enemies
to silence. They did not discern the hyprocrisy of these cavilers," -Ibid.,
p.408.
5. Why did Christ refuse to perform' the miracles they demanded?
Matthew 12: 39·42; Luke 16: 31. .
6. Upon what condition only would the nobleman of Capernaum ac-
cept Christ as the Messiah? John 4: 46-48.
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NOTE: "... But already his sorrow was known to Jesus. Before the officer
had left his home, the Saviour had beheld his affliction.
"But He knew also that the father had, in his own mind, made con-
ditions concerning his belief in Jesus. Unless his petition should be granted
he would not receive Him as the Messiah. While the officer waited in
an agony of suspense, Jesus said, 'Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will
not believe.'
"Notwithstanding all the evidence that Jesus was the Christ, the peti-
tioner had determined to make his belief in Him conditional on the granting
of his own request. .." -Ibid. pp. 197, 198.
7. What people are specially mentioned as basing their acceptance of
Christ upon signs? I Corinthians 1:22.
8. Who proved to be more sincere than the professed children of God?
Matthew 8: 5-11; John 4: 39-42.
9. What is the attitude of many today when present tl'Uth is offered
them?
ANSWER: "When the message of truth is presented in Otll' day, these
are many who, like the Jews, cry, Show us a sign. Work us a miracle.
Christ wrought no miracle at the demand of the Pharisees. He wrought
no miracle in the wilderness in answer to Satan's insinuations. He does
not impart to us power to vindicate ourselves or to satisfy the demands
of unbelief and pride...." -Ibid., p. 407.
10. What is the greatest miracle the gospel ean offer? Ezekiel 36: 26;
John 3: 3.
NOTE: "... The change in human hearts, the transformation of human
characters, is a miracle that reveals an ever-living Saviour, working to res-
cue souls. A consistent life in Christ is a great miracle. In the preaching
of the word of God, the sign that should be manifest now and always is
the presence of the Holy Spirit, to make the word a regenerating power
to those that hear. This is God's witness before the world to the divine
mission of His Son." -Desire of Ages, p. 407.

11. What special warning did Jesus give to those living dul'ing the last
great crisis? Matthew 24: 4, 24, 25.
12. Who will fall an easy prey to the delusions of Satan? II Thessalonians
2: 10, 11.
NOTE: "One who sees beneath the surface, who reads the hearts of all
men, says of those who have had great light: 'They are not afflicted and
astonished because of their moral and spiritual conditions.' 'Yea, they have
chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them;

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because I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear; but
they did evil before Mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.'
'God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie,' 'be-
cause they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,'
'but had pleasure in unrighteousness.''' -Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 249.
This testimony applies to those who profess to believe in the truth, but
do not love it and practice it. They have great light but refuse to heed
it. May the Lord give us a true picture of our spiritual condition, that
we may be protected from the delusions of the evil one.
13. In the trying times soon to overtake the world. where only can Cod's
people find safety? Revelation 3: 10.
NOTE: "... God's people will not find their safety in working miracles;
for Satan will counterfeit the miracles that will be wrought. God's tried
and tested people will find their power in the sign spoken of in Ex. 31:12-18.
They are to take their stand on the living word, 'It is written.' This is
the only foundation upon which they can stand securely. Those who have
broken their covenant with God will in that day be without God and with-
out hope." -Ibid., vol. 9, p. 16.

Lesson No. 2 - Sabbath, October 10, 1959.

JOHN THE BAPTIST

KEY TEXT: "Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ,
he sent two of his disci}lles." Matthew 11: 2.
Questions
1. What Old Testament prophecy outlines the mISSion of John the
Baptist? Did he recognize his work as the fulfilling of Isaiah's pro-
phecy? Isaiah 40: 3, 4; John 1: 23.
2. What was Christ's testimony concerning John? Matthew 11: 11-14;
17: 11-13.
3. Why was John the Baptist considered great in Heaven's sight? John
1: 15, 16.
NOTE: "... In the estimation of Heaven, what is it that constitutes great-
ness? Not that which the world accounts greatness; not wealth, or rank,
or noble descent, or intellecutal gifts. in themselves cbnsidered. If intel-
lectual greatness, apart from any higher consideration, is worthy of honor,
then OUl; homage is due to Satan, whose intellectual power no man has
ever equaled. But when perverted to self-serving, the greater the gift, the
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greater curse it becomes. It is moral worth that God values. Love and
purity are the attributes He prizes most. John was great in the sight of
the Lord, when, before the messengers from the Sanhedrin, before the
people, and before his own disciples, he refrained from seeking honor for
himself, but pointed all to Jesus as the Promised One. His unselfish joy
in the ministry of Cluist presents the highest type of nobility ever revealed
in mall." -Desire of Ages, p. 219.
4. How did John point out the Saviour? Jchn 1: 29·34.
5. What plain testimony did he bellr to leaders and kings? How was
his faithfulness rewarded? Matthew :.1: 7·9; Luke 3: 18·20.
6. During his hour of trial, what temptation did Satan bring to John
the Baptist? Whom did he lise to convey this temptation? Who lire
often Satan's most effectual human instruments? Luke 7: 11, 18.
NOTE: "Th\;se qllestioll~ \\,\;re nflt WIthout effect. Doubts which other-
wise would never have an~en were snggested to John. Satan rejoiced to
hear the words of these disciples, nnd to see how the)' bl'llised the soul
of the Lord's messenger. Oh, how often those who think themselves the
friends of a good man, and who are eager to show their fidelity to him,
prove to be his most dangerous enemies! How often, instearl of strengthen-
ing his faith, their words depress and dishearten'" ·--lbid., p. 215.
7. How did John meet the doubt Satan had planted in his mind?
Matthew 11: 2, 3.
NOTE: "But the Baptist did not sunenrler hi, faith in Christ.. The memory
of the voice horn heaven and the dt!scenrhng dove, tIle spotless purity of
Jesus, the ·power. of the Holy Spirit' thilt had rested npon John as he came
into thl! 'SavioUl"Jl presence, and the lestllllon}' of the tllfl[>hetie scriptures,.-
all witnessed .that .jesus of Nazareth wa.' the Prornhed Olle." ..·lhf.d., p. 216.
8. Wiuit reply.' did"Christ give the di.leillle.1 uf John? As John listened
to Christ's' Ullswer, what decision did he lIIake.' Matthew 11: 4·6;
Luke 7: 20·23.
NOTE: "'I'he .$avlu\u\"words, 'Ble:sed bile, \\lIo",,(-I'.-.r "hall filld none
occasion of stl.1lnbling 'lii Me,' wert) a gentle reprouf ttl John. II was not
lost upon him. 'Understanding more dearly 1I0\\, tlll~ oatlJlt: of Christ'>
mission, he yielded himself to God fOl' life or for death, as ,lmulti best
serve the interests 'of the cause he 10\'er1." ..··l!:lid., p. 2]8.

9. How was the work of the great l'\'O(lhel ended I' Mark 6: L7·29.
10. Although he perished in a dJlngeon, whal c.llilllatton did Heaven
place upon him?
ANSWEH: "Cod never leads Hi> childwn (Jlherll'i~e d,an t.hey wOId..1 c!loose
to be led if they could see the end flTJm the beginning, and disl:elTl the
glory of the purpose which ther are fulfilliJlg as. coworkers with Bim.
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Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who asc:ended in
a chariot of fire, was greater OJ' more honored than John the Baptist, who
perished alone in the dungeon. 'Unto you it is given in the hehalf of
Christ ,not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake: Phil.
1: 29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship
with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest
honor." -Ibid., pp. 224, 225.

Lesson No. 3 - Sabbath, October 17, 1959.

TilE CALL OF' THE TWELVE

KEY TEXT: "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and
that he might send them forth to preach:' Mark 3: 14.
Questions
1. What incident mark d the beginning of the first Christian church?
Luke 6: 12, 13.
NOTE: "It lVas at the ordination of the twelve that the fiLit step was
taken in the organization of the church that after Christ's depart11l'e wa,
to carryon His work on the earth... ." -Act of Apostles, p. 18.
2. Whllt WIIS to be the work of the twelve? Why did Jesus dllIose ouly
twelve disciples? Mark 3: 14.
NOTE: "Jeslls had called His disciples that He might send them forth
as His witnesses, to declare to the world what they had seen and heard
of Him. Their office was the most important to which hlllllan beings had
ever been called, and was second only to that of Christ Himself, They
were to he workers together with God for the saviug of the world, As
in the Old Testament the twelve patriarchs stand as representatives of
Israel, so the twelve apostles were to stand as representatives of the gospel
church." --Dn"ire (If Ages, p, 291.
3. How was }esns able to ohoose them? John 15: 16; 2: 25.
4, Were the twelve free from human weaknesses lind faults? Who were
especially close to the Saviour? Luke 9: 46; Matthew 17: 1; Mark
14: 32·34.
NOTE: "The apostles differed widely in habits and disposition, There
were the pllblican, Levi-Matthew, and the fiery zealot Simon, the un-
compromising hater of the authority of Rome; the generous, impulsive
Peter, and the mean-spirited Judas; Thomas, truehearted, yet timid and
fearful, Philip, slow of heart, and inclined to doubt, and the ambitious,
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outspoken sons of Zebedee, with their brethren. These were brought to-
gether, with their different faults, all with inherited and cultivated 'ten-
dencies to evil; but in and through Christ they were to dwell in the family
of God, learning to become one in faith, in doctrine, in spirit... ," -Ibid.,
p.296.
"... Peter, James, and John stood in still nearer relationship to Him.
They were almost constantly with Him, witnessing His miracles, and hear-
ing His words. John pressed into still closer intimacy with Jesus, so that
he is distinguished as the one whom Jesus loved... ," -Ibid., p. 292.
5. What disciple entertained certain doubts? How did the outpouring
of the Holy Spirit change his nature? John 14: 8, 9; Acts 8: 35-37.
6. Before their conversion, what were the chief faults of James and
John? Luke 9: 31-55.
NOTE: "All the disciples had serious faults when Jesus called them to
His service. Even John, who came into closest association with the meek
and lowly One, was not himself naturally meek and yielding. He and his
brother were called 'the sons of thunder,' While they were with Jesus,
any slight shown to Him aroused their indignation and combativeness.
Evil temper, revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the beloved disci·
pie. He was proud, and ambitious to be first in the kingdom of God... ,"
-Ibid., p. 295.
7. Which of the disciples was not called by Christ? Why did the
disciples insist that he be received into their number? Matthew
8: 19, 20; I Samuel 16: 7 (last part).
NOTE: "The disciples were anxious that Judas should become one of their
number. He was of commanding appearance, a man of keen discernment
and executive ability, and they commended him to Jesus as one who would
greatly assist Him in His work. They were surprised that Jesus received
him so coolly," -Ibid., p. 294.
8. What lesson is there in the story of Judas?
ANSWER: "The disciples had been much disappointed that Jesus had not
tried to secure the cooperation of the leaders in Israel. They felt that it
was a mistake not to strengthen His cause by securing the 3upport of these
influential men. If He had repulsed Judas, they would, in their own minds,
have questioned the wisdom of their Master. The after history of Judas
would show them the danger of allowing any worldly consideration to have
weight in deciding the fitness of men for the work of God. The coopera-
ti(ln of such men as the disciples were anxious to secure would have
betrayed the work into the hands of its worst enemies," -Ibid.
9. How was the ordination of the twelve conducted?
ANSWER: "When Jesus had ended His instruction to the disciples, He
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gathered the little band close about Him, and kneeling in the midst of
them, and laying His hands upon their heads, He offered a prayer dedi-
cating them to His sacred work. Thus the Lord's disciples were ordained
to the gospel ministry." -Ibid., p. 296.
10. In our labor for souls who has promised to be our co·worker? Matthew
28: 18·20.

Lesson No. 4 - Sabbath, October 24, 1959.

THE BEATITUDES

KEY TEXT: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew
5: 16.
Questions
1. Where was the greatest sermon of the ages preached? Matthew 5: 1.
2. As Jesus began the sermon what class of people did He first bless?
Matthew 5: 3.
NOTE: "Christ's first words to the people on the mount were words of
blessing. Happy are they, He said, who recognize their spiritual poverty,
and feel their need of redemption. The gospel is to be preached to the
poor. Not to the spiritually proud, those who claim to be rich and in need
of nothing, is it revealed, but to those who are humble and contrite. One
fountain only has been opened for sin, a fountain for the poor in spirit."
"The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven
and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ. The Lord
can do nothing toward the recovery of man until, convinced of his own
weakness, and stripped of all self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the con-
trol of God. Then he can receive the gift that God is waiting to bestow.
From the soul that feels his need, nothing is withheld. He has unrestricted
access to Him in whom all fullness dwells... ." -Desire of Ages, pp. 299,
300.
3. What -assurance is given to those who mourn? Matthew 5: 4; James
4: 9, 10.
NOTE: "... By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look upon
Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that have brought
anguish upon Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin."
-Ibid.
4. Who will inherit the earth made new? Matthew 5: 5; Proverbs 16: 5.
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NOTE: "... If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above
the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed,
and they will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit. The highest evidence
of nobility in a Christian is self-control. .. ," -Ihid., p. 301.
5. What is promised to those who long to partake of Christ's righteous.
ness? Matthew 5: 6; Philippians 3: 9.
NOTE: "... All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall
be satisfied. The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking
unto Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto him.
If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until
the soul is conformed to His illlage... ," -Ibid., p. 302.
6. What attribute of God must we also possess? Exodus 34: 6; Matthew
5: 7.
7. Who only will see God? What is the effect of impure thoughts?
Matthew 5: 8; Mark 7: 21·23.
NOTE: "The merciful shall find mercy, and the pure in heart shall see
God. Every impure thought defiles the soul, impairs the moral sense, and
tends to obliterate the impressions of thp Holy Spirit. It dims the spiritual
vision, so that men cannot behold God. The Lord may and does forgive
the repenting sinner; but though forgiven, the soul is marred, All impurity
of speech or of thought must be shunned by him who would have clear
discernment of spiritual truth," -Ibid.
8. What is the reward of the peacemakers? How is true peace to be
found? Matthew 5: 9; Isaiah 48: 18; Psalm 119: 165.
9. How does Christ bless those who are persecuted? Matthew 5: 10.
10. Although severely persecuted why should we rejoice? Matthew 5:
11, 12; II Timothy 3: 12.
NOTE: "As men seek to come into harmony with God, they will find
that the offense of the cross has not ceased. Principalities and powers and
wicked spirits in high places are arrayed against all who yield obedience
to the law of heaven. Therefore, so £.ar from causing grief, persecution
should bring joy to the disciples of Chtist; for it is an evidence that they
are follOWing in the steps of their Master," -Mount of Blessings, p. 50.
11. Because of our peculiar position in this worId to what are we likened?
Matthew 5: 13·18. .
NOTE: "Salt must be mingled with the substance to which it is added;
it must penetrate and infuse in order to preserve. So it is through personal
contact and association that men are reached by the saving power of the
gospel. They are not saved in masses, but as individuals. Personal influ-
ence is a power. We must come close to those whom we desire to benefit,"
-Ibid., p. 59.
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 "As Christ is the channel for the revelation of the Father, so we are
to be the channel for the revelation of Christ. While our Saviour is the
great source of illumination, forget not, 0 Christian, that He is revealed
through humanity. God's blessings are bestowed through human instru-
mentality. Christ Himself carne to the world as the Son. of man. Hnmanit}'.
united to the divine nature, must touch humanity. The church of Christ,
every individual disciple of the Master, is heaven's appointed channel
for the revelation of God to men... ." -Ibid., p. 66.

Lesson No.5 - Sabbath, October 31, 1959.

SPIRITUALITY OF THE LAW

KEY TEXT: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as YOUI' Father which is in

heaven is perfect." Matthew 5: 48.
Questions
1. How did Christ relate Himself to the law? Matthew 5: 17.

2. Why did the Jewish leaders fail to understand Christ's interpretation

of the law?
ANSWER: "The Pharisees prided themselves on their obedience to the
law: yet they knew so little of its principles through everyday practice
that to them the Saviour's words sounded like heresy. As He swept away
the rubbish under which the truth had been buried they thought He was
sweeping away the truth itself. They whispered to one another that He
was making light of the law... ," -Desire of Ages, p. 307.
"The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day was that a
mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experif'llCe
a theoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to he insufficient for
the saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness.
A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth often accompanies
a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life...." -Ibid., p. 309.
3. What part does the law have in the work of redemption? Psalm 19: 7;
Romans 3: 20.
NOTE: "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 parti-
cular; 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." -Mount of Blessings,
p.82.
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 4. How enduring is the law? Can a person consider himself on safe
ground if he violates one precept of the law? Matthew 5: 18, 19;
James 2:10.
NOTE: "... Not by one word, not by many words, but by every word
that God has spoken, shall man live. We can not disregard one word, how-
ever 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...." -Ibid., p. 83.
5. What assuranc.e may we have if the law is written within our heart?
Isaiah 51:7; Jeremiah 31:33.
NOTE: "To a people in whose hearts His law is written, the favor of God
is assured." -Desire of Ages, p. 106.
6. In contrast to the teachings of the Pharisees, what did Christ declare
their rightousness to be? Matthew 5:20; Isaiah 64:6.
NOTE: "The rabbis counted their righteousness a passport to heaven, but
Jesus declared it to be insufficient and unworthy. External ceremonies
and a theoretical knowledge of truth constituted Pharisaical righteousness.
The rabbis claimed to be holy through their own efforts in keeping the
law; but their works had divorced righteousness from religion. While they
were punctilious in ritual observances, their lives were immoral and debased.
Their so-called righteousness could never enter the kingdom of heaven."
-Ihid., p. 309.
7. How did Christ show the comprehensive character of the law? Mat·
thew 5:21, 22, 27, 28, 43·45; 1 John 3: 15.
8. What are the steps of reconciliation between brethren? Matthew
5: 23, 24.
9. What is the goal of Chl'ist's followers? What promise is theirs? Mat·
thew 5:48.
NOTE: "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 t11res-
hold 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' (Rom. 8:3), He lived a
sinlesslife. 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.''' -Ibid., pp. 311 3,12.
10. Is it possible to have a divided heart? Matthew 6: 24.
NOTE: "'No man can serve two masters.' We cannot serve God with a
divided heart. Bible religion is not one influence among many others; its
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influence is to be supreme. pervading and control1ing every other. It is
not to be like a dash of color brushed here and there upon the canvas,
but it is to pervade the whole life, as if the canvas were dipped into the
color, until every thread of the fabric were dyed a deep, unfading hue."
-Ibid., p. 312.
n. What illustration closes this great sermon? Matthew 7: 24·27.

Lesson No.6, Sabbath, November 7, 1959.

THE UNPARDONABLE SIN

KEY TEXT: "Therefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy
shall be forgiven unto men; hut the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost
shal1 not be forgiven unto men," Matthew 12: 31.
Questions
1. What is sin and where did it originate? Because man sold himself to
Satan by sinning, what was Christ's work? I John 3: 4·8; Colossians
1: 12·14.
2. How may the sinner be pardoned'~ Proverbs 28: 13; I John 1: 9.
3. Through what means is the sinner brought to the realization of his
true condition? John 16: 8.
NOTE: "The office of the Holy Spirit is distinctly specified in the words
of Christ: <'Vhen He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of
righteousness, and of judgment: It is the Holy Spirit that convicts of .sin.
1£ the sinner responds to the quickening influence of the Spirit, he will
be brought to repentance, and aroused to the importance of obeying the
divine requirements," -Acts of Apostles, p. 52.
4. Where may we find safety from Satan's attacks? Psalm 91: 1·4;
John 14: 23.
NOTE: "... The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress,
which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall
be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly
agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. But unless we do yield our-
selves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one.
We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the other of the
two great powers that are contendillg for the supremacy of the world.
It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom
of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect
to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light, 1£ we do not co-operate with
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the heavenly agencies, Satan will take possession of the heart, and will
make it his abiding place. The only defense against evil is the indwelling of
Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness.... " -Desire of Ages.
p.324.
5. What wa1'lling is given to those who have not yielded themselves
to the leading of the Holy Spirit? Matthew 12: 43·45.
NOTE: "There were many in Christ's day, as there are today, over whom
the control of Satan for the time seemed broken; through the grace of God
they were set free from the evil spirits that had held dominion over the
soul. They rejoiced in the love of God; but, like the stony-ground hearers
of the parable, they did not abide in His love. They did not surrender
themselves to Cod daily, that Christ might dwell ill the heart; and when
the evil spitit ret U l'I1ed , with 'seven other spirits more wicked than him-
self: they were wholly dominated by the power of evil." -·Ibid" p, 323.
6. How mallY kinds of sin are there~ What is the first step in the
unpardonable sin? I Johll 5: 14·17; John 3: 19.
NOTE: ",., Light corries to the so1l1 through God's word, through His
servants, or by the direct agenc~' of lib SpIrit; hut when one ray of light
is disregarded ,there is a partial ben 11m bing of the spiritual preceptions, and
the second revealing of light is less clearly discerned, So the darknes. in-
l:reases, until.i1 is night in the soul. . , ." --Ihid., p. :l2.2,
", .. The most common mallifestation of sin against the Holy Spirit is in
persistently slighting Heaven's invitation to repent, Ever)' stelJ in the re-
a
jection of Christ is step toward the rejedion of salvatioll, and toward the
sin against the Holy Spirit." -lhid" p, 3:24,
7. What other chul'acteristics are stqls tuwanl thii> sinl' Hebrews :1: 7, 8.
NOTE: "", The sin that is mosl nearly hoppl(,.~, :wd JlII'IIl",J,]e is pride
of opinion, self-conceit. This .lands ill the wn)' of all groll'th, \'\!hen a man
has defeet~ of character, yet fails of lealizillg lhi>, when he is so imbued,
with self·~uffjcienc)' that he cannol see his faull, hoI\' ciln Iw be deansed?"
-l'estimollies, vol. 7, p. 200.
", . ,Having once exprei>Sed all opinIOn III dm;I'IIJll, the)' arc lIften tOll
proud to retraet it, and try to prom thelmr,lve, in th(~ light., 1II11il Ihey come
to helie"e that they are, It is dangerolls 10 lIUer a \\'nnl of dClilbl. dangerolls
to [jllestioll and critiei:le divine light. The habit of careless ami irrevelent
critidslll reacts upon the character, in fostenllg irreveHlIll:e and unbelief,
Many a man indulging this habit has gone on IInctmscious of danger,
until he was ready to critieiz,~ aud rejed the Il'llI'k 01: the lIuly Spirit. , . ,"
-Desire of Ages, p, 323.
8, Hllw important are words, especially of those who an! not led by
the Hilly SpiriH Matthew 12: :111, 37,
NOTE: Heild agoill note under qoestioll 'I,
 9. When did the Jewish nation commit the unpardonable sin? Are we
exempt from this same sin? Romans 2: 19-21.
NOTE: "In rejecting Christ the Jewish people committed the unpardun-
able sin; and by refusing the invitation of mercy, we may commit the same
error. We offer insult to the Prince of life, amI put Him to shame before
the synagogue of Satan and before the heavenly universe when we refuse
to listen to His delegated messengers, and instead listen to the agents of
Satan, who would draw the soul away from Christ. So long as one does
this, he can find no hope or pardon, and he will finally lose all desire to be
reconciled to God." -Ibid., pp. 324, 325.
10. What miracle of Christ is a warning to all who profess to believe
present truth? Matthew 21: 18·20.

Lesson No. 7 - Sabbath, November 14, 1959.

FEEDING THE MULTITUDE

KEY TEXT: "And he said, The things which are impossible with men
are possible with God." Luke 18: 27.
Questions
1. Why was it necessary for the disciples to rest? Mark 6: 30, 31.
2, Where did the Lord take them? Were they able to rest? Mark 6: 32,
33; Matthew J4: 13, 14.
3. What did the disciples finally suggest? Mark 6: 35, a6.
4, Was Jesus indifferent to the physical needs of the lIIultitude? How
did the disciples respond to the Savour's command~ Mark 6: 37.
NOTE. "He who taught the people the way to secure peace lind happiness
was Just as thuughtful of their temporal necessities as of their spiritual
need. The peuple were weary and faint. There were 1l10ther with babes
in their arms, and little children clinging to their skirts, Many had been
standing for homs. They had been so intensely interested ill Christ's words
that they had not once thought of sitting down, and the crowd was so
great that there was danger of their trampling on olle allother, Jesus would
give them a chance to rest, and He bade them sit down, There was much
grass ill the place, and all could rest in comfort," --Ibid" pp. 365, 366.
5, In comparison to t~e large multitude, how much food did they have?
Mark 6: 38, 44; Matthew 14: 17, 21.
6. Were tJle people satisfied? Matthew 14: 20.
--15 - .
 7. What lesson may we learn from Jesus' instruction regarding the un·
used portion of the food? John 6: 12, 13.
8. After this great miracle what did the people want to do? As Jesus
read their plan, what did He immediately do? Matthew 14: 22, 23;
John 6: 14, 15.
NOTE: "In their enthusiasm the people are ready at once to crown Him
king. They see that He makes no effort to attraet attention or secure honor
to Himself. In this He is essentially different from the priests and rulers,
and they fear that He will never urge His claim to David's throne. Con-
sulting together, they agree to take Him by force, and proclaim Him the
king of Israel. The disciples unite with the multitude in declaring the
throne of David the rightful inheritance of their Master. It is the modesty
of Christ, they say, that causes Him to refuse such honor. Let the people
exalt their Deliverer. Let the arrogant priests and rulers be forced to honor
Him who comes clothed with the authority of Gcd." -Ibid., p. 378.
9. What soon disturbed their peaceful joul'lley? Matthew 14: 24.
10. What did the disciples think as the Saviour walked toward them
on the water? Matthew 14: 25, 26.
11. In his enthusiasm, what did Peter desire to do? What was the result of
his doubt? Matthew 14: 27·:n.
12. What important truths should we learn from these experiences?
ANS\VER: "Those who fail to realize their constant dependence upon God
will be overcome by temptation. We may now suppose that our feet stand
secure, and that we shall never be moved. We Illay say with confidence,
I know in whom I have believed; nothing ean shake my faith in God and
in His word. But Satan is planning to take advantage of our hereditary
and cultivated traits of character, and to blind OUl' eyes to our own neces-
sities and defects. Only through realizing our own weakness and looking
steadfastly unto Jesus can we walk securely." -Ibid., p. 382,

l,esson No.8 - Sabbath, November 21, HJ5fJ.

A CRISIS
KEY TEXT: "And ye shall know the tl'Uth, and the tmth shall make you
free." John 8: 32.
Questions
1. Why did many follow Jesus? John 6: 26.
NOTE: ",., They did not seek Him from any worthy motive; but as they
---16-
had been fed with the loaves, they hoped still to receive temporal benefit
by attaching themselves to Him. The Saviour bade them, 'Labor not for
the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting
life: Seek not merely for material benefits, Let it not be the chief effort
to provide for the life that now is, but seek for the spiritual food, even
that wisdom which will endure unto everlasting life. This the Son of God
alone can give; 'For Him hath God the Father sealed:" -Desire of Ages,
pp. 384, 385.
2. What did Jesus offer them? John 6: 32·35.

3. In their disappointment what did many do? John 6: 36.

NOTE: "Praise and flattery would be pleasing to their ears; but the truth
is unwelcome; they cannot hear it. When crowds follow,' and the multi-
tudes are fed, and the shouts of triumph are heard, their voices are loud
in praise, but then the searching of God's Spirit reveals their sin, and
bids them leave it, they turn their backs upon the truth, and walk no
more with Jesus:' -Ibid., p. 392.
4. How did the mlers use Christ's lowly birth to discredit His work?
Mark 6: 2, 3.
NOTE: "... They tried to arouse prejudice by referring scornfully to the
lowly origin of Jesus. They contemptuously alluded to His life as a Galilean
laborer, and to His family as being poor and lowly. The claims of this
uneducated carpenter, they said, were unworthy of their attention. And on
account of His mysterious birth they insinuated that He was of doubtful
parentage, thus representing the human circumstances of His birth as a
blot upon His history" -Ibid., p. 387.
5. What must be the condition of the seeker for truth? Luke 8: 15;
Psalm 97: 11.
NOTE: "... The word of God is plain to all who study it with a prayerful
heart. Every truly honest soul will come to the light oB truth... :' -Great
Controversy, p. 521.
"The good.ground hearer receives the word, 'not as the word of men,
but as it is in tl'Uth, the word of God: Only he who receives the Scriptures
as the voice of God speaking to himself is a true learner. He trembles at
the word; for to him it is a living reality. He opens his understanding and
his heart to receive it. .. :' -Christ's Obiect Lessons, p. 59.

6. Why is it important that we sincerely desire to know the tl'Uth? John

7: 17; II Corinthians 4: 3, 4.
NOTE: "While God has given ample evidence for faith, He will never
remove all excuse for lUlbelief. All who look for hooks to hang their doubts
upon, will find them. And those who'refuse to accept and obey God's
word until ever)' objection has been removed, and there is no longer an
-17-
opportunity for doubt, will never come to the light." -Great Controversy,
p.527.
7. How may we fall into one of Satan's cunning deceptions? II Thessa·
lonians 2: 10·12.
NOTE: "Those who are unwilling to accept the plain, cutting truths of
the Bible, are continually seeking for pleasing fables that will quiet the
conscience. The less spiritual, self-denying, and humiliating the doctrines
presented, the greater the favor with which they are received. These per-
sons degrade the intellectual powers to serve their carnal desires. Too
wise in their own conceit to search the Scriptures with contrition of soul
and earnest prayer for divine guidance, they have 110 shield from delusion.
Satan is ready to supply the heart's desire, and he palms off his deceptions
in the place of truth. It was thus that the papacy gained its power over
the minds of men; and by rejection of the tl'llth because it involves a cross,
Protestants are following the same path. All who neglect the word of God
to study convenience and policy, that they lIIay not be at variance with
the world,will be left to receive damnable heresy for religious truth. Every
conceivable form of error will be accepted by those who willfully reject
the truth. He who looks with horror upon one deception will readily re··
ceive another...." -Great Controversy, p. 52~3.
8. Why will many be lost? John 3: 19·211.
NOTE: "'Ve want all to understand how the so1l1 is destroyed. It is not
that God sends out a decree that man shall not be saved. He does not
thmw a darkness before the eyes which canllot be penetrated. But man
at first resists a motion of the Spirit of God, lind, having once resisted,
it is less difficult to do .0 the second time, less the third, and far less the
fourth. Then comes the harvest to be reaped fmm the seed of unbelief
and resistance. Oh, what a harvest of sinflll indlllgence, is preparing for
the sicklel" -'l'estimcJIlies, voJ. 5, p. BO.
9. What is God's desire? H Pelel' 3: 9.

Lesson No. 9 - Sabbath, November 28, J95lJ.

THE BREAD OF LIFE

KEY TEXT: "But the fmit of the spirit is love, jo)', pcace, lougsuffel'ing,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, tenlllerance: against such there
is no law." Galatians 5: 22, 23.
Questions
1. What is the I'eward (If those who believe 011 Christ? 10hll Il: 47.
-111-
 2. Is this to be an immediate or future reward? I John 2: 25; Titus
3: 7; Hebrews 11: 13.
3. With what words did Christ reiterate this same truth? John 6: 44;
11: 25.
4. How will this change take place?· Romans 8: 11.
NOTE: "... Christ became one flesh with us, in order that we might be-
come one spirit with Him. It is by virtue of this union that we are to come
forth from the grave,-not merely as a mallifestation of the power of Christ,
but because, through faith, His life has become ours. Those who see Christ
in His 'true character, and receive Him into the heart, have everlasting life.
It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells in us; and the Spirit of God,
received into the heart by faith, is the heginning of the life eternal." -De-
sire of Ages, p. 388.
5. In the garden of Eden how did Adam and Eve daily receive etel'llal
life? Genesis 3: 22.
NOTE: "In order to possess an endless existence, man must continue to
partake of the tree of life, Deprived of this, his vitality would gradually
diminish lI11til life should become extinct. "." -Patl'iarchs and Pl'Ophets,
p, (j().

6. How may we become partakers of this same life? What does this
mean? John 6: 51, 54; 1: 12, 13,
NOTE: "To eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ is to receive Him
as H personal Saviollf, believing that He forgives our sins, and that we
are completf: in Him. It is hy beholding His love, by dwelling upon it,
by drillkiug it in, that we are to becorne partakers of His nature. What
fond IS to the hody, Christ must he tn the SOlil. Food cannot benefit us
unless we edl it, unless it becomes a part nf our being. So Christ is of
no vidue to I1S if we dn not know Him as a persOllal Saviour, A theOl'ctieal
knowledge will do us no good, \'\Ie Hlust feed upon HitlJ, receive Him into
the heart, so that His life becomes our life. His love,' His grace, mllst be
assllnilated." -De,lire of Age~, p, 389,
7. lu what WilY do we receive Christ aud feed upou His life? John 6: 63.
NOTE;: "The Iifu of Cllrbt that give~ life to the world is in His word, . , ."
"As our ph>'sical life IS slislailled by food, so nul' spiritual life is sustained
by the word nf God. And every soul is to receive life from God's word for
himself, As we must eat flJl' ourselves in order to receive nourishment, so
we JI1ust receive the word for ourselves, , . ." -Ibid" p. 390,
8. How shl1uld we study the diviue Word?
ANSWER; "", We should day by day shld}' the Bible diligeutly, weighing
every thought, and compal'illg scriptore with scripture. With divine help,
.- 19··-
we are to form our opinions for ourselves, as we are to .answer for ourselves
before God."
"We should exert all the powers of the mind in the study of the
Scriphlres, and should tax the understanding to comprehend, as far as
mortals can, the deep things of God: yet we must not forget that the
docility and submission of a child is the true spirit Of the learner... ." -Great
Controversy, pp. 598, 599.
9. When we are faithfully following God's Word, what will be our
experience? Galatians 2: 20.
10. What are the immediate and the final results of eating the Bread
from heaven? John 6: 50, 56·58; II Timothy 3: 15·17.
NOTE: "By looking constantly to Jesus with the eye of faith, we shall be
strengthened, God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering,
thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personal Saviour. As they
feed upon His word, they find that it is spirit and life... ." -Desire of
Ages, p. 391.

Lesson No. 10 - Sabbath, December 5, 1959.

A GREAT SEPARATION
KEY TEXT: "Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have
no life in you." John 5: 53.
Questions
1. What is vitally connected with discipleship? Matthew 16: 24.
NOTE: "... All who received Him would partake of His nature, and be
conformed to His character. This involved the relinquishment of their
cherished ambitions. It required the complete surrender of themselves to
Jesus. They were called to become self-sacrificing, meek and lowly in heart.
They must walk in the narrow path traveled by the Man of Calvary, if they
would share in the gift of life and the glory of heaven." -Desire of Ages,
p. 391.
2. When many saw that sacrifice was linked with discipleship what
did they do? John 6: 60, 66.
3. Did Jesus try to persuade them to stay? What did He say to the
twelve? John 6: 61, 64, 65, 67.
NOTE: "He wished them to understand that if they were not drawn to
Him it was because their hearts were not open to the Holy Spirit."
-20-
 "By the public rebuke of their unbelief these disciples were still further
alienated from Jesus." -Ibid., p. 392.
4. What would have happened had Jesus prevented this separation?
ANSWER: "When Jesus presented the testing truth that caused so many
of His disciples to turn back, He knew what would be the result of His
words; but He had a purpose of mercy to fulfill. He foresaw that in the
hour of temptation everyone of His beloved disciples would be severely
tested. His agony in Gethsemane, His betrayal and crucifixion, would be to
them a most trying ordeal. Had no previous test been given, many who were
actuated by merely selfish motives would have been connected with them.
When their Lord was condemned in the judgment hall; when the multi-
tude who had hailed Him as their king hissed at Him and reviled Him;
when the jerring crowd cried, 'Crucify Him!'-when their worldly ambitions
were disappointed, these self-seeking ones would, by renouncing their
allegiance to Jesus, have brought upon the disciples a bitter, heart-burden-
ing sorrow, in addition to their grief and disappointment in the ruin of
their fondest hopes. In that hour of darkness, the example of those who
turned from Him might have carried others with them. But Jesus brought
about this crisis while by His personal presence He could still strengthen
the faith of His true followers." -Ibid., p. 394.
5. Why is separation often a necessity?
ANSWER: "'God is sifting his people. He will have a clean and holy
church. We cannot read the heart of man, but the Lord has provided means
to keep the church pure. A corrupt people has· arisen who could not live
with the people of Gcd. They despised reproof, and would not be corrected.
They had an opportunity to know that theirs was an unrighteous warfare.
They had time to repent of their wrongs; but self was too dear to die. They
nourished it, and it grew strong, and they separated from the trusting
people of God, whom he is purifying unto himself. We all have reason to
thank God that a way has been opened to save the church; for the wrath
of God must have come upon us if these cormpt pretenders had remained
with us.''' -Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 99.
6. What causes separation? Matthew 3: 10-12.
NOTE: "'Whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His
floor, and gather His wheat into the garner!' Matthew 3: 12. This was
one of the times of purging. By the words of truth, the chaff was being
separated from the wheat. Because they were too vain and self-righteous
to receive reproof, too world-loving to accept a life of humility, many
turned away from Jesus. Many are still doing the same thing. Souls are
tested today as were those disciples in the synagogue of Capernaum. When
truth is brought home to the heart, they see that their lives are not in
accordance with the will of God. They see the need of an entire change in
themselves; but they are not willing to take up the self-denying work. There-
fore they are angry when their sins are discovered They go away offended,
-21-
even as the disciples left Jesus, murmuring, 'This is an hard saying; who
can hear it?' " -Desire of Ages, p. 392.
7. Will this prophecy be fulfilled in OUi' day?
ANSWER: "What can I say to you, my brethren, that shall arouse you
from your carnal security? I have been shown your perils. There are both
believers and unbelievers in the church."
"I am deeply solicitous that our people should preserve the living testi-
mony among them; and that the church should be kept pure from the
unbelieving element."
"The Spirit of God must do its work upon the heart. All who have
not experienced its regenerating power are chaff among the wheat. Our
Lord has his fan in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor ... ."
-Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 228, 229, 227.
"As we near the Judgment, all will manifest their true character; and
it will be made plain to what company they belong. The sieve is moving.
Let us not say, Stay thy hand, 0 God. The church must be purged, and
it will be. God reigns; let the people praise him." -Testimonies, vol. I,
p. 100.
8, How will the church of today be purified? I John 2: 19.
NOTE: "I was pointed to the providence of God among his people, and
was shown that every trial made by the refining, purifying process upon
professed Christians proves some to be dross. The fine gold does not
always appear. In every religious crisis some fall under temptation. The
shaking of God blows away multitudes like dry leaves. Prosperity multi-
plies a mass of professors. Adversity purges them out of the church. As
a class, their spirits are not steadfast with God. They go out from us
because they are not of us; for when tribulation or persecution arises be-
cause of the word, many are offended." -Ibid., vol. 4, p. 89.
9. Soon after forsaking Christ what did these former disciples do?
ANSWER: "As these disaffected disciples turned away from Christ, a
different spirit took ontrol of them. They could see nothing attractive in
Him whom they had once found so interesting. They sought out His enemies,
for they were in harmony with their spirit and work. They misinterpreted
His words, falsified His statements, and impugned His motives. They
sustained their course by gathering up every item that could be turned
against Him; and such indignation was stirred up by these false reports
that His life was in danger." -Desire of Ages, p. 392.
10. Who today cause the greatest harm to God's people? Acts 20: 29, 30;
Romans 16: 17, 18.
NOTE: " ... The -greatest harm to God's people comes through those
who go out from among them speaking perverse things. Through them
-22-
the way of truth is evil spoken of," -l'estimonies, vol. 5, p. 291.
"Non understood so well how to oppose the true Christian faith as
did those who had once been its defenders." -Great Controversy, p. 45.

Lesson No. 11 - Sabbath, December 12, 1959.

TRUTH OR TRADITION

KEY TEXT: "Making the word of God of none effect through your tra·
dition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."
Mark 7: 13.
Questions
1. Why were the Jews seeking to find fault in Christ? Luke 6: 7;
20: 20,
2. When the Rabbis failed in their attempt to accuse Jesus of Sabbath
breaking, what did they again do?
ANSWER: "... The spies they sent to Capernaum in the early part of
His ministry, who had tried to fix on Him the charge of Sabbathbreaking,
had been put to confusion; but the rabbis were bent on carrying out their
purpose. Now another deputation was sent to watch His movements,
and find some accusation against Him," -Desire of Ages, p. 395.
3, Now what accusation did they make? Matthew 15: 1, 2,
4. What Satanic principle prompted the question of the spies? At what
time do we need to be especially on our guard?
ANSWER: "Whenever the message of truth comes home to souls with
special power, Satan stirs up his agents to start a dispute over some minor
question. Thus he seeks to attract attention from the real issue. When-
ever a good work is begun, there are cavilers ready to enter into dispute
over forms or technicalities, to draw minds away from the living realities.
When it appears that God is about to work in a special manner for His
people, let them not be enticed into a controversy that will work only
ruin of souls. The questions that most concern us are, Do I believe with
saving faith on the Son of God? Is my life in harmony with the divine
law? 'He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that
believeth not the Son shall not see life.' 'And hereby we do know that
'we know Him, if we keep His commandments.' John 3: 36; I John 2: 3,"
-Ibid., p. 396.
5. Are we to enter into controversy with those who are enemies of
the truth? Titus 3: 9; I Timothy 6: 3·5.
-23-
NOTE: "VVe are not called upon to enter into controversy with those who
hold false theories. Controversy is unprofitable. Christ never entered
into it." -Life Sketches, p. 93.
6. Who is behind every controversy?
ANSvVER: "The special deceptive work of Satan has been to provoke
controversies, that there might be strivings about words to no profit. He
well knows that this will occupy the mind and the time. It raises ~he
combativeness, and quenches the spirit of conviction, in the minds of
many, drawing them into diversity of opinitllls, accusations, and prejudice,
which closes. the dool.' to the truth." -Evangelism, p. 155.
7. How did Christ answer the Pharisees? Matthew 15: 3·6.

8. How does God regard man.made rules? Matthew 15: 9.

9. What does the Lord value? Matthew 5: 19; 7: 21; Romans 2: 13.
10. Where does defilement begin? Matthew 15: 18·20.
NOTE: "Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge' Hi,
floor, and gather His wheat into the garner.' Matt. 3: 12. This was one
of the times of purging. By the words of truth, the chaff was being sep·
arated from the wheat. Because they were too vain and self-righteous ~o
receive reproof, too world-loving to accept a life of humility, many turned
away from Jesus... ." -Desire of Ages, p. 392.
n. What do the words and actions indicate? Luke 6: 45; Proverbs
4: 23.
NOTE: "I saw that the outside appearance is an index to the heart."
"Many are leaning upon a supposed hope, without a true foundation.
The fountain is not cleansed, therefore the streams proceeding from that
fountain are not pure. If the heart is right, your words, your dress, your
acts, will all be right." -Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 140, 158.
12. How are professed Christians today following the example of the
Jews? II Timothy 4: 3, 4.
NOTE: "The substitution of the precepts of men for the commandments
of God has not ceased. Even among Christians are found institutions and
usages that have no better foundation than the traditions of the fathers.
Such institutions, resting upon mere human authority, have supplanted
those of divine appointment. Men cling to their traditions, and revere
their customs, and cherish hatred against those who seek to show them
their error. In this day, when we are bidden to call attention to the com-
mandments of God and the faith of Jesus, we see the same enmity as
was manifested in the days of Christ. Of the remnant people of God it
is written, 'The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war
with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and
-24-
have the testimony of Jesus Christ: Rev. 12: 17:' -Desire of Ages, p. 398.

Lesson No. 12 - Sabbath, December 19, 1959.

SALVATION FOR ALL

~y TEXT: "For there is no respect of persons with God:' Romans 2: 11.

Questions
1. While Jesus was in Phoenicia, who came to Him seeking help? Mat·
thew 15: 21, 22.
2. Did Jesus answer her immediately? Matthew 15: 23.
3. Why did He treat her thus?
ANSWER: "Christ did not immediately reply to the woman's request.
He received this representative of a despised race as the Jews would have
done. In this He designed that His disciples should be impressed with
the cold and heartless manner in which the Jews would treat such a case,
as evinced by His reception of the woman, and the compassionate manner
in which He would have them deal with such distress, as manifested by
His subsequent granting of her petition:' -Desire of Ages, p. 400.
4. Is salvation restricted to any race or class of people? John 3: 16;
I John 2: 2; Titus 21 11.
5. If salvation knows no boundaries why did Christ answer as He
did?
ANSWER: "But although Jesus did not reply, the woman did not lose
faith. As He passed on, as if not hearing her, she followed Him, con-
tinuing her supplications. Annoyed by her importunities, the disciples asked
Jesus to send her away. They saw that their Master treated her with
indifference, and they therefore supposed that the prejudice of the Jews
against the Canaanites was pleasing to Him. But it was a pitying Saviour
to whom the woman made her plea, and in answer to the request of the
disciples, Jesus said, 'I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house
of Israel: Although this answer appeared to be in accordance with the
prejudice of the Jews, it was an implied rebuke to the disciples, which
they afterward understood as reminding them of what He had often told
them-that He came to the world to save all who would accept Him:'
-Ibid., p. 400.
6. Was the woman discouraged by Jesus' answer? Matthew 15: 24-27.
NOTE: "In faith the woman of Phoenicia flung herself against the bar-
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riers that had been piled up between Jew and Gentile. Against discourage.
ment, regardless of appearances that might have led to doubt, she trusted
the Saviour's love. It is thus that Christ desires us to trust in Him. The
blessings of salva,tion are for every sou!. Nothing but his own choice can
prevent any man from becoming a partaker of the promise in Christ by the
gaspe!." -Ibid p. 403.
7. After severely testing her faith how did the Lord honor her petition?
Matthew 15: 28.
8. 'Vhat was Jesus' purpose in going to the borders of Phoenicia?
ANSWER: "This was the only miracle that Jesus wrought while on this
journey. It was for the performance of this act that He went to the borders
of Tyre and Sidon. He wished to relieve the afflicted woman, and at the
same time to leave an example in His work of mercy toward one of a
despised people for the benefit of His rlisciples when He should no longer
be with them. He wished to lead them from their Jewish exclusiveness
to be interested in working for others besides their own people." --I kid.,
p.402.
9. When did Jesus again break thl'Ough the barriers of nationality
Matthew 8: 5·10.
10. What lessons were the disciples to leal'Jl from these experiences?
ANSWER: "Afterward, when the Jews turned still more persistently frolll
the disciples, because .they declared Jesus to he the Saviour of the world,
and when the partition wall between Jew and Gentile was broken down
by the death of Christ, this lesson, and similar ones which pointed to the
gospel work unrestricted by custom or nationality, had a powerful in-
fluence upon the representatives of Christ, in directing their labors," --Ibid.,
H. For what other reason did Jesas visit this (:ountry? John 20: :.11.
NOTE: "The Saviolll"s visit to Phoenicia and the rnir.lCle there performed
had a yet wider pmpose, Not alone for the alflided WOlllan, nor even for
His disciples and those who received their labors, was the work accom-
plished; but also 'that ye might believe thaI Jeslls is the Christ, the Son
of God; and that believing ye might have life throngh I1is name.''' -Ibid
p.403.
12. What similar work must we du tullar'?
ANSWER: ", .. The same agencies that barred men away from Christ
eighteen hundred years ago are at work today, The spirit which huilt
up the partition wall between Jew and Gentile is still active, Pride and
prejudice have built strong walls of separation between di fferent classes
of men. Christ and His mission have been misrepresented, and multitudes
feel that they are virtually shut away from the minist!')' of the gospel. But
let them Hot feel that they are shut away from Christ. There are no bar-
l'ier which Illan 01' Satan can erect but that faith can penetrate." --·Ibid,
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13. Does God ever recognize any differences between castes or nation-
alities? Galatians 3: 28; James 2: 1·9; Romans 10: 12; Acts 17: 26, 27.

Lesson No. 13 - Sabbath, December 26, 1959.

THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES

KEY TEXT: "Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither
with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread
of sincerity and truth." I Corinthians 5: 8.
Questions
1. As Christ saw the many deceptive teachings that the disciples would
meet, what special warning did He give? Matthew 16: 5, 6.
2. Did they understand the warning? Matthew 16: 7.

3. Why did the disciples often fail to comprehend Christ's parables

and teachin~s?
ANSWER: "Their lack of faittl and spiritual insight had often led them
to similar misconception of His words." -Desire of Ages p. 408.
4. How did the Saviour gently rebuke them? Matthew 16: 8·10.
&. What was the leaven of the Pharisees? Matthew 16: 11, 12. What
was its significance in the ceremonial system? Luke 12: I; Exodus
12: 9.
NOTE: "." the use of lInleavenell hread also was significaul. It was ex-
pressly enjoined in the law ()f the Passover, and as strictly observed by the
Jews in 'their practice, that no leaven should be found in their houses
during the feast. lu like manner the leaven of sin must he pul away from
all who would receive life and uUlIl'ishment from Christ., , ," -Patriarchs
/lIItl P,"phets p. "278,

fl, How lIIay the working of leaven in bread be compared with hypo·
crisy in the heart? I Corinthians 5: 6·8.
NOTE:: "The leaven placed in the meal works imperceptibly, changing
the whole mass to it. own natme. So if hypocrisy is allowed to exist in
the heart, it permeates the character and the life. A striking example (If
the hypocris)' of the Pharisees, Christ had alreadv rebuked ill denouncing
the practice of 'Corban,' by which a ueglect of filial duty was concealed
under a pretense of liberality to the temple. The scribes and Pharisees
were in'lI1uatillg deceptive principles. They concealed the real tendency
of their doctrines, and improved every occasion to instill them artfully into
the minds of their hearers. These false pl'inciples, when once accepted,
--·27 --.
worked like leaven in the meal, permeating and transforming the character.
It was this deceptive teaching that made it so hard for the people to
receive the words of Christ." -Desire of Ages, p. 408.
7. What is the source or cause of hypocrisy?
ANSWER: "The hyprocisy of the Pharisees was the product of self-seeking.
The glorification of themselves was the object cf their lives. It was this
that led them to pervert and misapply the Scriptures, and blinded them to
the purpose of Christ's mission.... As leaven, if left to complete its work,
will cause corruption and decay, so does the self-seeking spirit, cherished,
work the defilement and ruin of the soul." -Ibid., p. 409.
8. How does the "leaven of the Pharisees" have its influence today?
ANSWER: "The same influences are working today through those who
try to explain the law of God in such a way as to make it conform to their
practices. This class do not attack the law openly, but put forward specula-
tive theories that undermine its principles. They explain it so as to destroy
its force." -Ibid., p. 408.
"God's Spirit has illuminated every page of Holy Writ, but there are
those upon whom it makes little impression, because it is imperfectly under-
stood. When the shaking comes, by the introduction of false theories, these
surface readers, anchored nowhere, are like shifting sand. They slide into
any position to suit the tenor of their feelings of bitterness... ." ·-Testi-
monies to Ministers, p. 112.
9. How only may we prevent this spirit from entering our ranks? Philip-
pians 2: 3; Colossians 3: 23; I Peter 5: 2.
NOTE: "Among· the followers of our Lord today-as of old, how wide-
spread is this subtle, deceptive sin I How often our service for Christ, our
communion with one another, is marred by the secret desire to exalt self!
How ready the thought of self-gratulation, and the longing for the human
approvaJl It is the love of self, the desire for an easier way than God has
appointed that leads to the substitution of human theories and traditions
for the divine precepts. To His own disciples the warning words of Christ
are spoken, 'Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.''' -De-
sire of Ages, p. 409.
10. As the Holy Spirit works on the heart, what fruit will the life bear?
Acts 23: 1; James 3: 17.
NOTE: "The religion of Christ is sincerity itself. Zeal for God's glory is
the motive implanted by the Holy Spirit; and only the effectual working
of the Spirit can implant this motive. Only the power of God can banish
self-seeking and hypocrisy. This change is the sign of His working. When
the faith we accept destroys selfishness and pretense when it leads us to
seek God's glory and not our own, we may know that it is of the right
order... ." -·Ibid.
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