Sabbath Bible Les- Foreword
sons, a daily study pro-
gram, is based solely on
the Bible and Spirit of
Prophecy without addi-
tional comments. The
quotations are as brief
Contents as possible to provide
concise, direct thoughts.
Brackets [ ] are supplied
in some cases to ensure
clarity, proper context,
5 Our Warfare and smooth readability.
Further study in the
source materials is
10 Signs and Lying Wonders strongly recommended.
16 Denominational Dangers Cover illustration: Used
by permission of Joe Manis-
calco.
21 Before the Mirror Sabbath Bible Lessons
(USPS 005-118), Vol. 77, No. 1,
27 Beware! JanuaryMarch 2002. Published
quarterly by the Seventh Day
Adventist Reform Movement
32 The Influence of the World General Conference, Sabbath
School Department. Copyright
37 Unbalanced Minds 2001, printed and distrib-
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For the next three months, Sabbath school students around the
world will be studying The Church Militant. What does militant
mean? The Oxford American Dictionary defines it as being prepared
to take aggressive action in support of a cause or involved in war-
fare or fighting. But as followers of Christ, the Prince of peace, we
know that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (2 Corinthians
10:4); we do not bear arms or fight in the earthly sense. Are we not
rather engaged in an intense spiritual battle for eternal lifefor the
salvation of our own souls and the souls of others?
As the end of time draws near, snares are being laid by the enemy
of soulssnares designed especially for those who seek to keep all of
Gods Ten Commandments. Satan is not so worried about the popu-
lar churches, because through a worldly stupor he has totally blinded
most of them to the danger. But there is a people who are giving the
last message to the world (Revelation 14:612). If Satan could deceive
these also, God would apparently be left without representatives on
earth. So, if there has ever been a time for watchfulness and prayer, it
is now! The warning comes: What greater delusion can deceive the
human mind than that in which individuals flatter themselves that
they have the truth, that they are on the only sure foundation, and
that God accepts their works because they are actively engaged in
some work in the cause of God, when they are sinning against Him
by walking contrary to the expressed will of God? They work
mechanically, like machinery; but preparation of heart, the sanctifi-
cation of the character, is wanting.Testimonies to Ministers, p. 451.
The Faithful and True Witness is disappointed in those called to
give the threefold message to the world (Revelation 3:15). To what
extent are we, as Seventh Day Adventist Reformers, involved in this
problem? Let each individual examine himself. As we put our confi-
dence entirely in the Lord, He will work powerfully for us and through
us. But we cannot overlook our part in resisting the devil. Let us not
assume that God will do everything for us, and that there is nothing
left for us to do. We are warned: You, my brethren, fold your hands,
and drift into evil practices, and then wait for God to work a miracle
to change your characters and compel you to be pure and holy men.
Will you expose yourselves wantonly to temptation, expecting God to
force your mind and inclinations that you may not be corrupted? Will
you take the viper to your bosom, expecting God to put a spell upon
it so it will not poison you with its venomous sting? Will you drink
poison, expecting God to provide an antidote?Ibid, p. 455.
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 3
 SABBATH, JANUARY 5, 2002 Lesson 1 Sabbath, January 5, 2002

First Sabbath
Our Warfare
TA
NZ
AN
IA

Offering ZAIRE
Kasama

for Zambia ANGOLA

MALAWI
ZAMBIA
Lusaka Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of
The Republic of Zambia is a Mongu his might (Ephesians 6:10).
landlocked country in the south of
Africa. The country is mostly a While professing to be Christians, many have the mold of the
ZIMBABWE
plateau rising to 2,434 m (8,000 feet) BOTSWANA world upon them, and their affections are not set upon God.The
and is surrounded by Namibia, Angola, SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 938.
the Democratic Republic of Congo,
Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Suggested Readings: The Great Controversy, pp. 505510.
and Botswana. Early Writings, pp. 104107.
The work of Reformation came to south- VITAL STATISTICS
ern Africa as early as 1926. Shortly after the
1931 General Conference session the new
Area: 752,610 sq km Sunday December 30
(290,586 sq mi)
Reformers in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) Population:
and Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) 9,663,535 (1999 est.)
1. DANGER AHEAD
organized the Rhodesian Field, which later Capital: Lusaka (pop.
came to be called the Trans-Zambezi Con- 1,600,000) a. Why should we take a warning from the failures of ancient
ference. Literacy Rate: 73% Israel? Romans 15:4.
Languages: English
The work in this country has progressed
and local dialects
very rapidly. Today the members in the Religions: Christian
Zambia Field live across the country and have 50-75%; Islam and
established a headquarters for the field in the Hindu 24-49%; Satans snares are laid for us as verily as they were laid for the
central city of Ndola (population 376,311). remainder indigenous children of Israel just prior to their entrance into the land of Canaan.
Unfortunately the current economic situ- beliefs
We are repeating the history of that people. Lightness, vanity, love of
ation in this country has hampered the ease and pleasure, selfishness, and impurity are increasing among us.
ECONOMY
progress of the Lords work here. It has been There is need now of men who are firm and fearless in declaring the
difficult to build proper meeting facilities, or Monetary Unit: whole counsel of God; men who will not sleep as do others, but
even to print materials for distribution. Kwacha
watch and be sober.Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 160.
While the local brethren have sacrificed the GDP/PPP: $8.8 bil-
lion; $950 per capita
little they have, they still require your help. b. What should every believer be doing continually, and why? 1
(1997 est.)
The offering gathered today will be used Inflation: 43.9% Corinthians 10:12; Ephesians 6:10, 11.
by the field to complete ongoing mission (1997 est.)
projects, including the building of a new Major Trading
chapel and the printing of new pamphlets Partners: European
and tracts for missionary distribution. Union, Japan, South
Africa, USA, India As we approach the close of time, as the people of God stand
Your bretheren from the Zambia Field upon the borders of the heavenly Canaan, Satan will, as of old, redou-
PROJECT 01U
ble his efforts to prevent them from entering the goodly land. He lays
his snares for every soul.Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 457.

4 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 5
Monday December 31
2. SATANS FIRST TARGETS
a. Through whom does Satan introduce his most dangerous snares?
Acts 20:30.
Do not forget that the most dangerous snares which Satan has
prepared for the church will come through its own members who do
not love God supremely or their neighbor as themselves. Satan is con-
tinually striving to wedge himself in between brethren. He seeks to
gain control of those who claim to believe the truth, but who are
unconverted; and when he can influence these, through their own
carnal nature, to unite with him in trying to thwart the purposes of
God, then he is exultant.Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 477.
b. Who are Satans primary targets? Why? Isaiah 9:16.
Satans chief work is at the headquarters of our faith. He spares no
pains to corrupt men in responsible positions and to persuade them to
be unfaithful to their several trusts. He insinuates his suspicions and
jealousies into the minds of those whose business it is to do Gods
work faithfully. While God is testing and proving these helpers, and
fitting them for their posts, Satan is doing his utmost to deceive and
allure them, that they may not only be destroyed themselves, but may
influence others to do wrong and to injure the great work. He seeks by
all the means in his power to shake the confidence of Gods people in
the voice of warning and reproof through which God designs to puri-
fy the church and prosper His cause.Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 210, 211.
c. How does Satan attempt to affect the work of truth? Galatians 3:1.
It is Satans plan to weaken the faith of Gods people in the
Testimonies. Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our
faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures,
and then the downward march to perdition. 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.Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 211. [Authors italics.]
6 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Tuesday January 1
3. HUMAN INSUFFICIENCY
a. Why is human wisdom insufficient to distinguish truth from
error? Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians 2:5.
Every conceivable deception will be brought to bear upon those
who have not a daily, living connection with God. In our work no side
issues must be advanced until there has been a thorough examination
of the ideas entertained, that it may be ascertained from what source
they have originated. Satans angels are wise to do evil, and they will
create that which some will claim to be advanced light, will proclaim
as new and wonderful things; and yet while in some respects the mes-
sage is truth, it will be mingled with mens inventions and will teach
for doctrines the commandments of men. If there was ever a time
when we should watch and pray in real earnest, it is now. There may
be supposable things that appear as good things, and yet they need to
be carefully considered with much prayer, for they are specious
devices of the enemy to lead souls in a path which lies so close to the
path of truth that it will be scarcely distinguishable from the path
which leads to holiness and heaven. But the eye of faith may discern
that it is diverging from the right path, though almost imperceptibly.
At first it may be thought positively right, but after a while it is seen
to be widely divergent from the path of safety, from the path which
leads to holiness and heaven.Testimonies to Ministers, p. 229.
b. How can we prove that honesty does not protect from deception?
Revelation 3:17; 1 Corinthians 15:33.
The message to be borne to [Gods] people by ministers whom He
has called to warn the people is not a peace-and-safety message. It is
not merely theoretical, but practical in every particular. The people of
God are represented in the message to the Laodiceans as in a position
of carnal security. They are at ease, believing themselves to be in an
exalted condition of spiritual attainments. [Revelation 3:17 quoted.]
What greater deception can come upon human minds than a
confidence that they are right when they are all wrong! The message
of the True Witness finds the people of God in a sad deception, yet
honest in that deception. They know not that their condition is
deplorable in the sight of God.Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 252, 253.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 7
Wednesday January 2
4. RIGHT OR WRONG SPIRIT?
a. Under what conditions is a person able to discern the truth?
Matthew 16:17; John 7:17; Philippians 3:14, 15.
Christ places the salvation of man, not upon profession merely,
but upon faith that is made manifest in works of righteousness.
Doing, not saying merely, is expected of the followers of Christ. It is
through action that character is built. As many as are led by the Spirit
of God, they are the sons of God (Romans 8:14).Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing, pp. 149, 150. [Authors italics.]
b. What does Jesus declare of many who profess His name? Luke
9:55. Explain one way that this may be manifested.
Some have felt no spirit of freedom when they met for worship.
They were afraid upon the Sabbath to speak out their real feelings and
faith, expecting that [Brother B] would criticize what they would say.
There has been death in the meetings and but little freedom.
Brother B desires that others should look up to him as a man
who can explain the Scriptures, but I was shown that he is deceived
and does not understand them. He has started upon a wrong track in
seeking to get up a new faith, an original theory of faith. He would
uproot and misplace those waymarks which show us our correct bear-
ings, that we are near the close of this earths history. He may flatter
himself that he is being led of the Lord, but it is surely another spir-
it.Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 440.
c. Why must we constantly be watchful of the motives of our heart?
Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 3:7.
Man must cooperate with the heavenly agencies; he must use his
God-given abilities to their utmost in earnest endeavor to keep his
own soul from being degraded by sin; but he must not trust in his
own finite strength, for it will be as a broken staff, a bruised reed.
With his human endeavor he must mingle faith in a divine Deliverer,
and express his dependence upon God in prayer. . . .We are to unite
prayer with watchfulness, and thus lay hold upon His mighty power,
feeling our insufficiency to cope with self and the powers of dark-
ness.The Signs of the Times, May 15, 1893.
8 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Thursday January 3
5. SATANS HUSBANDRY
a. How and through whom may Satan scatter darkness and confu-
sion in the church? Romans 16:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:14.
Satan, by his skillful and wicked strategy, led our first parents
from the Garden of Edenfrom their innocence and purity into sin
and unspeakable wretchedness. He has not ceased to destroy; all the
forces which he can command are diligently employed by him in
these last days to compass the ruin of souls. He seizes every artifice
that he can use to deceive, perplex, and confuse the people of God.
He has used you as his agent to scatter darkness and confusion,
and he finds that you work admirably in his hands. You are the very
instrument that he can handle with good effect to hurt, discourage,
and tear down. You are not zealous to put your shoulder under the load
with the people of God; but when they would move, you throw your-
self as an additional load to prevent them from doing what they might
do in advancing in the right direction.Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 455, 456.
b. With what class of believers does Satan have considerable suc-
cess? James 1:8; Ephesians 4:14.
While professing to be Christians, many have the mold of the
world upon them, and their affections are not set upon God. They are
double minded, making an attempt to serve God and mammon at the
same time; but the worlds Redeemer has declared, Ye cannot serve
God and mammon (Matthew 6:24). By trying to serve two masters,
they are unstable in all their ways, and cannot be depended upon. To
all appearances they are serving God, while at the same time in heart
they are yielding to the temptation of Satan and cherishing sin.The
SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 938.
Friday January 4
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. What will Satan do as we approach the close of time?
2. Where does Satan concentrate his main efforts?
3. Why must we watch and pray now more than ever before?
4. What reveals that a person is led by the wrong spirit?
5. What attitude leaves us most open to deception?
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 9
Lesson 2 Sabbath, January 12, 2002
Signs and Lying Wonders
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all
power and signs and lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9).
Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing down fire
from heaven in the sight of men.The Great Controversy, p. 612.
Suggested Readings: The Great Controversy, pp. 461478.
Prophets and Kings, pp. 210212.
Sunday January 6
1. ECUMENISM
a. How is ecumenism described in prophecy? Revelation 16:13, 14.
What will be the consequences of this threefold union?
Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and
Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions.
While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter cre-
ates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the United
States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to
grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp
hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this three-
fold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling
on the rights of conscience.The Great Controversy, p. 588.
b. How has God warned of this confederacy? Revelation 18:4. What
prophetic description of the 144,000 demands complete separa-
tion from the fallen denominations? Revelation 14:4 (first part).
We are not to confederate with worldlings, lest we become imbued
with their spirit, lest our spiritual discernment become confused and we
view those who have the truth and bear the message of the Lord from
the standpoint of the professed Christian churches.Last Day Events, pp.
84, 85.
10 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Monday January 7
2. UNION WITH SPIRITUALISM
a. What warning should we heed when we see that those who profess
the truth are uniting with the world and getting involved in the
ecumenical movement? Isaiah 8:12, 13; Nehemiah 6:14, 10, 11.
Let the watchmen on the walls of Zion not join with those who
are making of none effect the truth as it is in Christ. Let them not join
the confederacy of infidelity, popery, and Protestantism in exalting
tradition above Scripture, reason above revelation, and human talent
above the divine influence and the vital power of godliness.The
Review and Herald, March 24, 1896.
When those who are uniting with the world, yet claiming great
purity, plead for union with those who have ever been the opposers
of the cause of truth, we should fear and shun them as decidedly as
did Nehemiah.Prophets and Kings, p. 660.
b. How will spiritualism affect the world? Isaiah 8:19; 28:15.
As spiritualism more closely imitates the nominal Christianity of
the day, it has greater power to deceive and ensnare. Satan himself is con-
verted, after the modern order of things. He will appear in the character
of an angel of light. Through the agency of spiritualism, miracles will be
wrought, the sick will be healed, and many undeniable wonders will be
performed. And as the spirits will profess faith in the Bible, and manifest
respect for the institutions of the church, their work will be accepted as
a manifestation of divine power.The Great Controversy, p. 588.
c. What lamentable example of spiritualism is given in the Bible? 1
Samuel 28:1114; 1 Chronicles 10:13, 14. How does this same
danger exist today?
Many will be confronted by the spirits of devils personating beloved
relatives or friends and declaring the most dangerous heresies. These vis-
itants will appeal to our tenderest sympathies and will work miracles to
sustain their pretensions. We must be prepared to withstand them with
the Bible truth that the dead know not anything and that they who thus
appear are the spirits of devils.The Great Controversy, p. 560.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 11
Tuesday January 8
3. SPIRITUALISM
a. What history is being repeated today? 2 Kings 1:2.
b. How do many fall prey to more pleasing forms of spiritualism?
There are many who shrink with horror from the thought of con-
sulting spirit mediums, but who are attracted by more pleasing forms of
spiritism. . . . Still others are led astray by the teachings of Christian
Science, and by the mysticism of theosophy and other Oriental religions.
The apostles of nearly all forms of spiritism claim to have the
power to cure the diseased. They attribute their power to electricity,
magnetism, the so-called sympathetic remedies, or to latent forces
within the mind of man. And there are not a few, even in this Christian
age, who go to these healers, instead of trusting in the power of the liv-
ing God and the skill of well-qualified Christian physicians.
Evangelism, p. 606.
c. Why is it so dangerous to consult faith healers? 2 Corinthians
11:1315. What tragic scenario often occurs?
Angels of God will preserve His people while they walk in the
path of duty; but there is no assurance of such protection for those
who deliberately venture upon Satans ground. An agent of the great
deceiver will say and do anything to gain his object. It matters little
whether he calls himself a spiritualist, an electric physician, or a mag-
netic healer. By specious pretenses he wins the confidence of the
unwary. He pretends to read the life-history and to understand all the
difficulties and afflictions of those who resort to him. Disguising him-
self as an angel of light, while the blackness of the pit is in his heart, he
manifests great interest in women who seek his counsel. He tells them
that all their troubles are due to an unhappy marriage. This may be too
true, but such a counselor does not better their condition. He tells them
that they need love and sympathy. Pretending great interest in their
welfare, he casts a spell over his unsuspecting victims, charming them
as the serpent charms the trembling bird. Soon they are completely in
his power, and sin, disgrace, and ruin are the terrible sequel.
Evangelism, pp. 607, 608.
12 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Wednesday January 9
4. MIRACLES
a. How will Satan show his power through modern religionists?
Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9. How are we to build up
immunity against this deception?
Miracles will be performed in our sight. Are we prepared for the
trial when the lying wonders of Satan shall be more fully exhibited?
Will not many souls be ensnared and taken? Forms of error, and
departure from the plain precepts and commandments of God and
giving heed to fables are fitting minds for these lying wonders of
Satan.Messages to Young People, p. 61.
Let not the days pass by and precious opportunities be lost of
seeking the Lord with all the heart and mind and soul. If we accept
not the truth in the love of it, we may be among the number who will
see the miracles wrought by Satan in these last days, and believe
them. Many strange things will appear as wonderful miracles, which
should be regarded as deceptions manufactured by the father of
lies.Selected Messages, bk 2, p. 53.
So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be
impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy
Scriptures.The Great Controversy, p. 593.
b. For what purpose did Satan work miracles in the days of Moses
and Aaron? Exodus 7:1013. In what danger are those whose
faith is based on the working of miracles?
The man who makes the working of miracles the test of his faith
will find that Satan can, through a species of deceptions, perform
wonders that will appear to be genuine miracles. It was this he hoped
to make a test question with the Israelites at the time of their deliv-
erance from Egypt.Selected Messages, bk 2, p. 52.
c. What will be the great climax in the drama of deception?
Matthew 24:23. How can we be on the safe side?
Satan will not only appear as a human being, but he will per-
sonate Jesus Christ; and the world that has rejected the truth will
receive him as the Lord of lords and King of kings.The SDA Bible
Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1106.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 13
Thursday January 10
5. THE CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT
a. Before the latter rain is poured out, how will Satan introduce a
counterfeit? Matthew 7:22.
God has honest children among the nominal Adventists and the
fallen churches, and before the plagues shall be poured out, ministers
and people will be called out from these churches and will gladly
receive the truth. Satan knows this; and before the loud cry of the
third angel is given, he raises an excitement in these religious bodies,
that those who have rejected the truth may think that God is with
them. He hopes to deceive the honest and lead them to think that
God is still working for the churches.Early Writings, p. 261.
In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power
[Satan] will make it appear that Gods special blessing is poured out;
there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest.
Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them,
when the work is that of another spirit.The Great Controversy, p. 464.
b. How can we distinguish the work of God from the work of Satan?
Matthew 7:20, 21.
If those through whom cures are performed are disposed, on
account of these manifestations, to excuse their neglect of the law of
God and continue in disobedience, though they have power to any
and every extent, it does not follow that they have the great power of
God. On the contrary, it is the miracle-working power of the great
deceiver.The Review and Herald, November 17, 1885.
c. What test will soon come upon the world? Revelation 13:13, 14.
Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with
holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the
message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the
warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be
healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also
works with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in
the sight of men (Revelation 13:13). Thus the inhabitants of the earth
will be brought to take their stand.The Great Controversy, p. 612.
14 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Friday January 11
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. What is the basis of the threefold union now underway?
2. Why is spiritualism gaining in power to deceive?
3. Name some of the modern forms of spiritualism.
4. How are minds being fitted for Satans lying wonders?
5. What is Satans goal in the charismatic movement?
The time is coming when Satan will work miracles right in
your sight, claiming that he is Christ; and if your feet are not firm-
ly established upon the truth of God, then you will be led away from
your foundation. The only safety for you is to search for the truth as
for hid treasures. Dig for the truth as you would for treasures in the
earth, and present the Word of God, the Bible, before your heaven-
ly Father, and say, Enlighten me; teach me what is truth.
And when His Holy Spirit shall come into your hearts, to
impress the truth into your souls, you will not let it go easily. You
have gained such an experience in searching the Scriptures that
every point is established. And it is important that you continual-
ly search the Scriptures.Faith and Works, p. 56.
Do not allow yourself to be led to think that you will live in
heaven while in this fallen world. Those who think this keep their
minds on the strain for some wonderful experience that will waft
their souls into a refined, spiritual atmosphere. But this is not the
true science of Christian experience. When they suppose they
have reached spiritual heights of refinement, Satan, in the garb of
an angel of light, presents to them indulgences in which he makes
it appear there is no sin.
I would warn you against these apparently refined doctrines,
which say that sin is not sin, and teach the possibility of living a
spiritualistic life above the grossness of sin. I write this because
there are minds entering into temptation in regard to this refined
science of spiritualistic attainments. You will meet this science,
and you will hardly know how to handle it.
We have reached the perils of the last days, when some, yes,
many, shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits
and doctrines of devils. Be cautious in regard to what you read and
how you hear. Take not a particle of interest in spiritualistic theo-
ries. Satan is waiting to steal a march upon everyone who allows
himself to be deceived by his hypnotism. He begins to exert his
power over them just as soon as they begin to investigate his the-
ories.Medical Ministry, pp. 101, 102.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 15
Lesson 3 Sabbath, January 19, 2002
Denominational Dangers
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these
things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience
(Ephesians 5:6).
If in defiance of Gods arrangements the world be allowed to
influence our decisions or our actions, the purpose of God is defeat-
ed.Testimonies to Ministers, p. 16, 17.
Suggested Readings: Early Writings, pp. 107110.
Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 117124.
Sunday January 13
1. A MERE ASSENT TO THE TRUTH
a. What was the greatest denominational deception in the days of
Christ? Matthew 23:13. How are many professed Christians
caught in the same snare today?
The greatest deception of the human mind in Christs day was that
a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human expe-
rience a theoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insuf-
ficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of right-
eousness. A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth often
accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life. . . .
The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are
Christians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets.
But they have not brought the truth into practical life. They have not
believed and loved it, therefore they have not received the power and
grace that come through sanctification of the truth. Men may profess
faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient,
forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through
their influence it is a curse to the world.The Desire of Ages, pp. 309, 310.
Oh, it is a great deception, a fascinating delusion, that takes pos-
session of minds when men who have once known the truth, mistake
the form of godliness for the spirit and power thereof.Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 249.
16 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Monday January 14
2. SANCTIFIED THROUGH OBEDIENCE
a. In what danger are those who profess the present truth but are
not sanctified by obeying it? Ezekiel 33:31.
Instead of leading the world to render obedience to Gods law,
the church is uniting more and more closely with the world in trans-
gression. Daily the church is becoming converted to the world.
Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 119.
If some who profess to believe present truth could understand
their true position, they would despair of the mercy of God. They
have been exerting all their influence against the truth, against the
voice of warning, against the people of God. They have been doing
the work of Satan.Ibid., vol. 5, p. 103.
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.The Acts of the Apostles, p. 563.
b. How serious is our condition if our works do not correspond to
the truth that we profess? Matthew 11:23, 24; 23:12.
The Redeemer of the world declares that there are greater sins
than that for which Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. Those
who hear the gospel invitation calling sinners to repentance, and
heed it not, are more guilty before God than were the dwellers in the
vale of Siddim. And still greater sin is theirs who profess to know God
and to keep His commandments, yet who deny Christ in their char-
acter and their daily life. In the light of the Saviours warning, the fate
of Sodom is a solemn admonition, not merely to those who are guilty
of outbreaking sin, but to all who are trifling with Heaven-sent light
and privileges.Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 165.
When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction
cometh upon them (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Not all, however, would be
ensnared by the enemys devices. As the end of all things earthly
should approach, there would be faithful ones able to discern the
signs of the times. While a large number of professing believers would
deny their faith by their works, there would be a remnant who would
endure to the end.The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 535, 536.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 17
Tuesday January 15
3. IDENTIFICATION
a. Through what types of religious leaders can Satan work most effi-
ciently? Ephesians 5:6; Titus 1:16.
Satan has many agents, and they are ready to present any and
every kind of theory to deceive soulsheresies prepared to suit the
varied tastes and capacities of those whom he would ruin. There are
cheap fallacies for those who are easily led into error, and who desire
something new, odd, or fanciful, which they cannot explain intelli-
gently, or even understand themselves. A mysterious, disconnected
set of ideas is more in accordance with their minds than the plain
truth, which has a Thus saith the Lord for its foundation. . . .
Those who belittle their profession of faith by conformity to the
world, show that they despise the riches of the grace of Christ. They
cry, The grace of Christ! we are not saved by works, but by Christ;
but they continue in sincontinue to transgress the law of God.
They act as though they considered it their privilege to live in sin that
grace may abound. But every indulgence in sin weakens the soul; it
welcomes Satan to come in and control the mind, making the indi-
vidual his effectual servant. . . .
Some profess Christianity year after year, and in some things
appear to serve God, and yet they are far from Him. They give loose
rein to appetite and passion, and follow their own unsanctified incli-
nations, loving pleasure and the applause of men more than God or
His truth. But God reads the secrets of the heart. Base thoughts lead
to base actions. Self-righteousness, pride, and licentiousness are far-
reaching, deep, and almost universal. These are the sins for which
God destroyed the inhabitants of the old world by a flood of water,
and they are corrupting the churches in these last days.The Signs of
the Times, March 27, 1884.
b. How can the true character of religious leaders be determined? 1
John 2:3, 4.
If men do not feel the weight of the moral law; if they make light
of Gods precepts; if they break one of the least of His command-
ments, and teach men so, they shall be of no esteem in the sight of
heaven. We may know that their claims are without foundation.
They are doing the very work that originated with the prince of dark-
ness, the enemy of God.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 145.
18 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Wednesday January 16
4. EXAMPLES
In many points some who profess to be commandment keepers are actu-
ally commandment breakers. Here are some examples. Please take time to
study each one in more detail:
a. Health Reform. 1 Corinthians 9:2527.
Men and women cannot violate natural law by indulging
depraved appetite and lustful passions, and not violate the law of God.
Therefore He has permitted the light of health reform to shine upon
us, that we may see our sin in violating the laws which He has estab-
lished in our being. All our enjoyment or suffering may be traced to
obedience or transgression of natural law.Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 161.
b. Dress Reform. 1 Timothy 2:9.
When we see [Christian sisters] using Gods time and money in
needless display of dress we cannot but warn them that they are break-
ing not only the first four, but the last six commandments.Testi-
monies, vol. 4, p. 632.
c. Labor Unions. Isaiah 8:912.
These [trade] unions are one of the signs of the last days. Men are
binding up in bundles ready to be burned. They may be church mem-
bers, but while they belong to these unions, they cannot possibly keep
the commandments of God; for to belong to these unions means to
disregard the entire Decalogue.Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 143.
d. War and Bloodshed. Matthew 26:52.
War and bloodshed are carried on by nations claiming to be
Christian. A disregard for the law of God has brought its sure
result.The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 974.
In the army [Gods people] cannot obey the truth and at the
same time obey the requirements of their officers. There would be a
continual violation of conscience. Worldly men are governed by
worldly principles. They can appreciate no other. Worldly policy and
public opinion comprise the principle of action that governs them
and leads them to practice the form of rightdoing. But Gods people
cannot be governed by these motives.Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 361.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 19
Thursday January 17
5. CONSEQUENCES
a. How does Satan try to keep us from obeying Gods law? James
2:10.
From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven it has
been Satans purpose to overthrow the law of God. It was to accom-
plish this that he entered upon his rebellion against the Creator, and
though he was cast out of heaven he has continued the same warfare
upon the earth. To deceive men, and thus lead them to transgress
Gods law, is the object which he has steadfastly pursued. Whether this
be accomplished by casting aside the law altogether, or by rejecting
one of its precepts, the result will be ultimately the same.The Great
Controversy, p. 582.
b. How does God see unfaithfulness in the church? Hosea 2:2.
[Gods] authority should be kept distinct and plain before the
world; and no laws are to be acknowledged that come in collision with
the laws of Jehovah. If in defiance of Gods arrangements the world be
allowed to influence our decisions or our actions, the purpose of God is
defeated. However specious the pretext, if the church waver here, there
is written against her in the books of heaven a betrayal of the most
sacred trusts, and treachery to the kingdom of Christ.Testimonies to
Ministers, pp. 16, 17.
Friday January 18
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. What lamentable confusion do professed believers in the threefold
message make? Why cannot God accept their work?
2. How can we become presumptuous in our knowledge of the truth?
3. What should we know of those who take a lax stand toward the law
of God and/or ignore the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy?
4. In which fields of human behavior and activity is the law of God
often violated?
5. What object is Satan steadfastly pursuing? How? What are the con-
sequences?
20 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Lesson 4 Sabbath, January 26, 2002
Before the Mirror
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving
your own selves (James 1:22).
The very principles of the law must be planted in the heart.
The Signs of the Times, October 29, 1896.
Suggested Readings: The Great Controversy, pp. 582592.
Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 303314.
Sunday January 20
1. FIRST COMMANDMENT
a. How may we be breaking the first commandment even while
professing to keep the law? Matthew 19:2022; 6:24; Philippians
3:18, 19.
Anything which tends to abate our love for God, or to interfere
with the service due Him, becomes thereby an idol. With some their
lands, their houses, their merchandise, are the idols.The SDA Bible
Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 2, pp. 1011, 1012.
Mammon is the idol of many. Its golden chain binds them to Satan.
Reputation and worldly honor are worshiped by another class. The life of
selfish ease and freedom from responsibility is the idol of others. These
are Satans snares, set for unwary feet.Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 83.
The sin of this age is gluttony in eating and drinking. Indulgence
of appetite is the god which many worship.Counsels on Diet and
Foods, p. 409.
b. What warning is given to professed believers who worship false
gods? 1 John 5:21. What will be the end of those who practice
idolatry in any form? Galatians 5:20, 21.
It is as easy to make an idol of false doctrines and theories as to
fashion an idol of wood or stone.The Great Controversy, p. 583.
Thousands are following after the gods of this worldafter rich-
es, fame, pleasure, and the pleasing fables that permit man to follow
the inclinations of the unregenerate heart.Prophets and Kings, p. 177.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 21
Monday January 21
2. FOURTH COMMANDMENT
a. What kind of obedience do Gods commandments require?
Psalms 40:8; 119:4; 19:7.
Obedience is not a mere outward compliance, but the service of
love. . . . Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith
only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us
to render obedience.Steps to Christ, pp. 60, 61.
b. How does God view partial Sabbathkeeping? James 1:2225.
You make the keeping of Gods law a matter of convenience, obey-
ing or disobeying as your business or inclination indicates. This is not
honoring the Sabbath as a sacred institution. You grieve the Spirit of
God and dishonor your Redeemer by pursuing this reckless course.
A partial observance of the Sabbath law is not accepted by the
Lord and has a worse effect upon the minds of sinners than if you made
no profession of being a Sabbathkeeper.Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 248.
c. Besides rest from secular activities, what else is covered by the
fourth commandment? Isaiah 58:13; Matthew 5:20; 12:12.
God has given men six days wherein to labor, and He requires that
their own work be done in the six working days. Acts of necessity and
mercy are permitted on the Sabbath, the sick and suffering are at all
times to be cared for; but unnecessary labor is to be strictly avoided.
Turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My
holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honor-
able; and . . . honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine
own pleasure (Isaiah 58:13). Nor does the prohibition end here. Nor
speaking thine own words, says the prophet. Those who discuss busi-
ness matters or lay plans on the Sabbath are regarded by God as though
engaged in the actual transaction of business. To keep the Sabbath holy,
we should not even allow our minds to dwell upon things of a world-
ly character. And the commandment includes all within our gates. The
inmates of the house are to lay aside their worldly business during the
sacred hours. All should unite to honor God by willing service upon
His holy day.Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 307, 308.
22 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Tuesday January 22
3. SIXTH AND SEVENTH COMMANDMENTS
a. What are ways by which the sixth commandment is often bro-
ken? 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 1 John 3:15.
All acts of injustice that tend to shorten life; the spirit of hatred
and revenge, or the indulgence of any passion that leads to injurious
acts toward others, or causes us even to wish them harm (for whoso-
ever hateth his brother is a murderer); a selfish neglect of caring for
the needy or suffering; all self-indulgence or unnecessary deprivation
or excessive labor that tends to injure healthall these are, to a greater
or less degree, violations of the sixth commandment.Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 308.
The spirit of hatred and revenge originated with Satan; and it led
him to put to death the Son of God. Whoever cherishes malice or
unkindness is cherishing the same spirit.Sons and Daughters of God, p. 61.
b. What light did Jesus shed on the seventh commandment? Luke
16:18; Matthew 5:27, 28. How are many ensnared?
[The seventh] commandment forbids not only acts of impurity,
but sensual thoughts and desires, or any practice that tends to excite
them. Purity is demanded not only in the outward life but in the
secret intents and emotions of the heart. Christ, who taught the far-
reaching obligation of the law of God, declared the evil thought or
look to be as truly sin as is the unlawful deed.Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 308.
He who finds pleasure in dwelling upon scenes of impurity, who
indulges the evil thought, the lustful look, may behold in the open
sin, with its burden of shame and heart-breaking grief, the true nature
of the evil which he has hidden in the chambers of the soul. The sea-
son of temptation, under which, it may be, one falls into grievous sin,
does not create the evil that is revealed, but only develops or makes
manifest that which was hidden and latent in the heart.Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing, p. 60.
If the body is serving lust, the mind cannot maintain consecra-
tion to God. To preserve a sanctified mind, the body must be preserved
in sanctification and honor. The mind will then serve the law of God,
and yield willing obedience to all its claims.The Review and Herald,
March 8, 1870.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 23
Wednesday January 23
4. EIGHTH COMMANDMENT
a. What instruction did Paul give in connection with this precept?
Romans 13:8 (first part).
b. How far-reaching is the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment condemns manstealing and slave
dealing, and forbids wars of conquest. It condemns theft and robbery.
It demands strict integrity in the minutest details of the affairs of life.
It forbids overreaching in trade, and requires the payment of just
debts or wages. It declares that every attempt to advantage oneself by
the ignorance, weakness, or misfortune of another is registered as
fraud in the books of heaven.Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 309.
c. How is our stewardship of the Lords goods related to the eighth
commandment? Malachi 3:810.
Covetousness is an evil of gradual development.Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 496.
This evil exists not in the world alone, but in the church. How
common even here to find selfishness, avarice, overreaching, neglect of
charities, and robbery of God in tithes and offerings. Among church
members in good and regular standing there are, alas! many Achans.
Many a man comes statedly to church, and sits at the table of the Lord,
while among his possessions are hidden unlawful gains, the things that
God has cursed. For a goodly Babylonish garment, multitudes sacrifice
the approval of conscience and their hope of heaven.Ibid., p. 497.
A tithe of all our increase is the Lords. He has reserved it to
Himself, to be employed for religious purposes. It is holy. Nothing
less than this has He accepted in any dispensation. A neglect or post-
ponement of this duty, will provoke the divine displeasure.Counsels
on Stewardship, p. 67.
The command to pay tithe is so plain that there is no semblance
of excuse for disregarding it.Evangelism, p. 250.
Let none feel at liberty to retain their tithe, to use according to
their own judgment. They are not to use it for themselves in an emer-
gency, nor to apply it as they see fit, even in what they may regard as
the Lords work.Gospel Workers, p. 225.
24 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Thursday January 24
5. NINTH AND TENTH COMMANDMENTS
a. What are the implications of the ninth commandment? Colos-
sians 3:9.
False speaking in any matter, every attempt or purpose to deceive
our neighbor, is here included. An intention to deceive is what consti-
tutes falsehood. By a glance of the eye, a motion of the hand, an expres-
sion of the countenance, a falsehood may be told as effectually as by
words. All intentional overstatement, every hint or insinuation calcu-
lated to convey an erroneous or exaggerated impression, even the state-
ment of facts in such a manner as to mislead, is falsehood. This precept
forbids every effort to injure our neighbors reputation by misrepresen-
tation or evil surmising, by slander or tale bearing. Even the intention-
al suppression of truth, by which injury may result to others, is a viola-
tion of the ninth commandment.Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 309.
b. What does the tenth commandment forbid and how easily can it
be broken? Exodus 20:17; James 1:1315.
Covetousness has taken its abode in the hearts of professing
Christians. Those who have all for which heart can wish, live for self-
gratification, while the poor lie at their gates, unnoticed and unhelped.
The Youths Instructor, April 17, 1902.
The tenth commandment strikes at the very root of all sins, pro-
hibiting the selfish desire, from which springs the sinful act. He who
in obedience to Gods law refrains from indulging even a sinful desire
for that which belongs to another will not be guilty of an act of
wrong toward his fellow creatures.Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 309.
Friday January 25
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. In what ways may professed believers be guilty of idolatry?
2. How is the fourth commandment often violated?
3. What implications of the sixth and seventh commandments are
sometimes unnoticed by mere surface readers?
4. What are the requirements of the eighth commandment?
5. How can a person tell a lie without uttering a word?
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 25
 SABBATH, FEBRUARY 2, 2002 Lesson 5 Sabbath, February 2, 2002

First Sabbath Beware!

Offering
for the World Disaster Relief Fund Ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once deliv-
ered unto the saints (Jude 3).
The
The recent
recent events
events which
which have have
been
been taking
taking place
place areare ones
ones of of great
great I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no
distress.
distress. The The earth
earth is is shaking
shaking in in countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the
upheaval
upheaval in in preparation
preparation for for the
the clos-
clos- body.Early Writings, p. 258.
ing
ing events
events of of this
this worlds
worlds history.
history. As As
these
these things occur around us
things occur around us (such
(such asas Suggested Readings: The Great Controversy, pp. 518530.
poverty, disease,floods,
poverty, disease, floods,earthquakes),
earthquakes), it nec-
it is is The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 346358.
necessary to use our means to
essary to use our means to help those in need. help those in need.
I
I have
have beenbeen instructed
instructed to to refer
refer our
our people
people to to the
the fifty-eighth
fifty-eighth chapter
chapter Sunday January 27
of
of Isaiah. Read this chapter carefully and understand the kind
Isaiah. Read this chapter carefully and understand the kind of of ministry
ministry
that
that will
will bring
bring life
life into
into the
the churches.
churches. The The work
work of of the
the gospel
gospel is is to
to be
be car-
car- 1. THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY
ried
ried by means of our liberality as well as by our labors. When you meet suf-
by means of our liberality as well as by our labors. When you meet suf-
fering
fering souls
souls who
who needneed help,
help, give
give it it to
to them.
them. When When you you find
find those
those whowho areare a. What prophecy is now being fulfilled as never before? Job 24:12,
hungry,
hungry, feed
feed them.
them. In In doing
doing thisthis you
you willwill bebe working
working in in lines
lines ofof Christ's
Christ's 13; Amos 2:12; 2 Chronicles 36:16. Why is Satan working so
ministry.
ministry. TheThe Master's
Master's holyholy work
work was was a a benevolent
benevolent work. work. LetLet our
our people
people intensely to throw discredit on the Testimonies through unfaith-
everywhere be encouraged to have a part in it.
everywhere be encouraged to have a part in it.Welfare Ministry, p. Welfare Ministry, 29..
p. 29 ful leaders? Proverbs 29:18.
The condition of things in the world shows
The condition of things in the world shows that troublous times that troublous times
are
are right
right upon
upon us. us. The
The daily
daily papers
papers are are full
full ofof indications
indications of of aa terrible
terrible
conflict in the near future. Bold robberies are
conflict in the near future. Bold robberies are of frequent occurrence. of frequent occurrence. Soon every possible effort will be made to discount and pervert the
Strikes
Strikes areare common.
common. Thefts Thefts and and murders
murders are are committed
committed on on every
every truth of the testimonies of Gods Spirit.Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 41.
hand. Testimonies, vol.
hand.Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 11. 9, p. 11. The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect
Poverty
Poverty and distress in
and distress in families
families will will come
come to to our
our knowledge,
knowledge, and and the testimony of the Spirit of God. . . .
afflicted
afflicted and suffering ones will have to be relieved. We know very lit-
and suffering ones will have to be relieved. We know very lit- There will be a hatred kindled against the testimonies which is
tle
tle of
of the
the human
human suffering
suffering thatthat exists
exists everywhere
everywhere about about us,us, but
but asas we
we satanic. The workings of Satan will be to unsettle the faith of the church-
have
have opportunity
opportunity we we should
should be be ready
ready to to render
render immediate
immediate assistance
assistance to to es in them, for this reason: Satan cannot have so clear a track to bring
those
those whowho areare under
under a a severe
severe pressure.
pressure.Welfare Ministry,, p.
Welfare Ministry p. 137.
137. in his deceptions and bind up souls in his delusions if the warnings and
Please
Please remember
remember this this important
important work work on on February
February 2. 3. Let
Let your
your gift
gift reproofs and counsels of the Spirit of God are heeded.Ibid., p. 48.
be
be the means by which suffering is alleviated and help is granted to
the means by which suffering is alleviated and help is granted to
those
those whowho feel
feel helpless.
helpless. The
The funds
funds herehere collected
collected will will be
be used
used to to aid
aid vic-
vic- b. On the other hand, what snare is Satan trying to lay for those
tims
tims around
around the the world.
world. who profess to believe in the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy?
The Jeremiah 14:14.
The poor are
poor are God's
God's heritage.
heritage. ChristChrist has has given
given HisHis life
life for
for them.
them. He He
calls
calls upon those whom He has appointed to act as His stewards, to
upon those whom He has appointed to act as His stewards, to give
give
liberally
liberally ofof the
the means
means entrusted
entrusted to to them
them to to relieve
relieve thethe poor
poor and and toto sup-
sup-
port There will be those once united with us in the faith who will
port His work in the earth. The Lord is rich in resources. He has
His work in the earth. The Lord is rich in resources. He has search for new, strange doctrines, for something odd and sensational
appointed
appointed men men to to act
act as
as His
His treasurers
treasurers in in this
this world.
world. That
That which
which He He has
has
given to present to the people. They will bring in all conceivable fallacies,
given them
them theythey areare to
to use
use inin His
His service.
service.Ibid., Ibid., p.
p. 272.
272.
and will present them as coming from Mrs. White, that they may
PROJECT 010 The
TheGeneral
GeneralConference
ConferenceWelfare
WelfareDepartment beguile souls.Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 41.

26 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 27
Monday January 28
2. HERESIES
a. How and through whom are many souls being led astray? Acts
20:2830; Jude 1113.
False theories will be mingled with every phase of experience,
and advocated with satanic earnestness in order to captivate the
mind of every soul who is not rooted and grounded in a full knowl-
edge of the sacred principles of the Word. In the very midst of us will
arise false teachers, giving heed to seducing spirits whose doctrines
are of satanic origin. These teachers will draw away disciples after
themselves.The Review and Herald, January 7, 1904.
Never, never was there a time when the truth will suffer more
from being misrepresented, belittled, demerited through the perverse
disputings of men than in these last days.The SDA Bible Commentary
[E. G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1064.
There are those today who will present falsehoods as testing
truths, even as the Jews presented the maxims of men as the bread of
heaven. Sayings of no value are given to the people of God as their
portion of meat, while souls are starving for the bread of life. Fables
have been devised, and men are trying to weave these fables into the
web. Those who do this will one day see their work as it is viewed by
the heavenly intelligences. They choose to bring to the foundation
wood, hay, and stubble, when they have at their command the word
of God, with all its richness and power, from which they can gather
precious treasures of truth.The Review and Herald, June 18, 1901.
b. Who will contact some of these leaders personally, and what will
be the result? 2 Corinthians 11:14.
Satan is watching his chance. He will come to men in human
form, and will speak to them most entrancing words. He will bring
against them the same temptations that he brought against Christ.
Unless their minds and hearts are filled with the pure, unselfish, sanc-
tified love that Christ revealed, they will fall under Satans power, and
will do and say and write strange things, to deceive, if it were possi-
ble, the very elect.The Review and Herald, June 30, 1910.
28 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Tuesday January 29
3. A NEW FOUNDATION
a. What attitude is being taken against the pillars of our faith, and
why does it cause separation? Psalm 11:3.
The truth for this time is precious, but those whose hearts have
not been broken by falling on the rock Christ Jesus, will not see and
understand what is truth. They will accept that which pleases their
ideas, and will begin to manufacture another foundation than that
which is laid. They will flatter their own vanity and esteem, thinking
that they are capable of removing the pillars of our faith, and replac-
ing them with pillars they have devised.
This will continue to be as long as time shall last. Anyone who
has been a close student of the Bible will see and understand the
solemn position of those who are living in the closing scenes of this
earths history. They will feel their own inefficiency and weakness,
and will make it their first business to have not merely a form of
Godliness, but a vital connection with God. They will not dare to rest
until Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. Self will die; pride
will be expelled from the soul, and they will have the meekness and
gentleness of Christ.Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 389.
After the truth has been proclaimed as a witness to all nations,
every conceivable power of evil will be set in operation, and minds
will be confused by many voices crying, Lo, here is Christ; lo, He is
there. This is the truth, I have the message from God, He has sent me
with great light. Then there will be a removing of the landmarks, and
an attempt to tear down the pillars of our faith.The SDA Bible
Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 985.
b. How do Gods faithful few respond? Jude 3 (last part).
Gods servants are not to be easily discouraged by difficulties or
opposition. Those who proclaim the third angels message must stand
bravely at their post, in the face of detraction and falsehood, fighting
the good fight of faith, and resisting the enemy with the weapon that
Christ used, It is written. In the great crisis through which they are
soon to pass, the servants of God will encounter the same hardness
of heart, the same cruel determination, the same unyielding hatred,
encountered by Christ and the apostles.Gospel Workers, p. 264.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 29
Wednesday January 30
4. FANATICISM AND FORMALISM
a. Name some of Satans favorite weapons. Jeremiah 23:21.
Formality, worldly wisdom, worldly caution, worldly policy, will
appear to many to be the very power of God, but when accepted, it
stands as an obstacle to prevent Gods light in warnings, reproof, and
counsel from coming to the world. . . . If Satan sees that the Lord is
blessing His people and preparing them to discern his delusions, he
will work with his master power to bring in fanaticism on the one
hand and cold formalism on the other, that he may gather in a har-
vest of souls.Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 19. to the truth, is simply impossible. We cannot unite with those who are
b. What distinction are those led astray by fanatical movements
unable to see? Leviticus 10:10; Ezekiel 22:26.
Some zealous ones who are aiming and straining every energy
for originality have made a grave mistake in trying to get something
startling, wonderful, entrancing, before the people, something that
they think others do not comprehend; but often they do not them-
selves know what they are talking about. They speculate upon Gods
Word, advancing ideas that are not a whit of help to themselves or to
the churches. For the time being, they may excite the imagination;
but there is a reaction, and these very ideas become a hindrance.
Faith is confounded with fancy, and their views may bias the mind in
the wrong direction. Let the plain, simple statements of the Word of
God be food for the mind; this speculating upon ideas that are not
clearly presented there, is dangerous business.
The danger that threatens our churches is that new and strange
things will be brought in, things that confuse the minds of the people,
and give them no strength, at the very time when they most need
strength in spiritual things. Clear discernment is needed that things
new and strange shall not be laid alongside of truth as a part of the bur-
den of the message to be given at this time. The very messages we have
been giving to the world are to be made prominent.Selected Messages, 2.
bk. 2, pp. 13, 14.
There will always be false and fanatical movements made by per-
sons in the church who claim to be led of Godthose who will run
before they are sent.Ibid., p. 84. 5.
30 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Thursday January 31
5. DECEPTIVE IDEAS OF UNITY
a. What warning applies wherever there is open apostasy? Matthew
15:14.
Christ calls for unity. But He does not call for us to unify on
wrong practices.Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 175.
Let the watchmen on the walls of Zion not join with those who
are making of none effect the truth as it is in Christ.The SDA Bible
Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1141.
To yoke up with those who are unconsecrated, and yet be loyal
serving themselves, who are working on worldly plans, and not lose
our connection with the heavenly Counselor.Ibid., vol. 5, p. 1086.
Even if [those who follow the Lord] have to walk as did Enoch
with God aloneHis children must separate from those who do not
obey Him.Ibid., vol. 2, p. 1037.
b. Upon which platform are Gods people to unify? John 17:1721;
1 John 1:7.
I urge our brethren to unify upon a true, scriptural basis.
Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 175.
Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure
gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God.
Gospel Workers, p. 391.
The present truth is not difficult to be understood, and the peo-
ple whom God is leading will be united upon this broad, firm plat-
form.Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 326.
Friday February 1
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. What attack has been made on the Spirit of Prophecy?
What are the fruits of heresy?
3. Describe the two conflicting standards that can be observed among
believers in the third angels message.
4. What harm will befall Gods people from those who will run before
they are sent?
What are the conditions for unity among believers?
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 31
Lesson 6 Sabbath, February 9, 2002
The Influence of the World
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship
of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a
friend of the world is the enemy of God (James 4:4).
Where the message of divine truth is spurned or slighted, there the
church will be enshrouded in darkness.The Great Controversy, p. 378.
Suggested Readings: Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 331342.
Gospel Workers, pp. 391396.
Sunday February 3
1. SEEKING SUPPORT FROM SECULAR POWERS
a. What led to past apostasy in the church, and how did it reveal
her condition? Revelation 18:3; James 4:4.
When the church begins to seek for the support of secular power,
it is evident that she is devoid of the power of Christthe constraint
of divine love.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 127.
As the Christian religion secured the favor and support of secular
rulers, it was nominally accepted by multitudes.The Great Controversy,
p. 385.
b. What are the consequences of seeking forbidden support? 2 Chron-
icles 15:2 (last part); Hosea 4:17.
The union of the church with the state, be the degree never so
slight, while it may appear to bring the world nearer to the church,
does in reality but bring the church nearer to the world.The Great
Controversy, p. 297.
This union is weakening all the power of the churches. This
investing the church with the power of the state will bring evil
results. Men have almost passed the point of Gods forbearance. They
have invested their strength in politics, and have united with the
papacy.Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, p. 51.
32 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Monday February 4
2. INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS
a. What should be our role with regard to the politics of the land in
which we live? 2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Timothy 5:22; Acts 5:29.
[Gods] children are to separate themselves from politics, from any
alliance with unbelievers. They are not to link their interests with the
interests of the world. Give proof of your allegiance to Me He says, by
standing as My chosen heritage, as a people zealous of good works. Do
not take part in political strife.Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 483.
b. What will be the end of those who ignore the call to separate
from worldly politics? 2 Thessalonians 1:79.
The Lord desires all who bear the message for these last days to
understand that there is a great difference between professors of religion
who are not doers of the word, and the children of God, who are sanc-
tified through the truth, who have that faith that works by love and
purifies the soul. The Lord speaks of those who claim to believe the truth
for this time, yet see nothing inconsistent in their taking part in politics,
mingling with the contending elements of these last days, as the cir-
cumcised who mingle with the uncircumcised, and He declares that He
will destroy both classes together without distinction. They are doing a
work that God has not set them to do. They dishonor God by their party
spirit and contention, and He will condemn both alike.Fundamentals
of Christian Education, p. 482.
What are we to do, then?Let political questions alone. [2
Corinthians 6:14 quoted.] And what concord hath Christ with Belial?
or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (2 Corinthians
6:15). What can there be in common between these parties? There can
be no fellowship, no communion. The word fellowship means partici-
pation, partnership. God employs the strongest figures to show that
there should be no union between worldly parties and those who are
seeking the righteousness of Christ. What communion can there be
between light and darkness, truth and unrighteousness?None what-
ever. Light represents righteousness; darkness, error, sin, unrighteous-
ness. Christians have come out of darkness into the light. They have
put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth and obedience. They
are governed by the elevated and holy principles which Christ
expressed in His life. But the world is governed by principles of dis-
honesty and injustice.Ibid., p. 476.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 33
Tuesday February 5
3. WORLDLY POLICY
a. What warning comes to the church with regard to the adopting
of worldly policies? Proverbs 4:14, 15.
The religion of Jesus is endangered. It is being mingled with
worldliness. Worldly policy is taking the place of the true piety and
wisdom that comes from above, and God will remove His prospering
hand from the conference. Shall the ark of the covenant be removed
from this people? Shall idols be smuggled in? Shall false principles and
false precepts be brought into the sanctuary? Shall antichrist be
respected? Shall the true doctrines and principles given us by God,
which have made us what we are, be ignored? Shall Gods instrumen-
tality, the publishing house, become a mere political, worldly institu-
tion? This is directly where the enemy, through blinded, unconsecrat-
ed men, is leading us.Counsels to Writers and Editors, pp. 95, 96.
b. What does the Lord expect of His faithful servants? Ezekiel 3:17.
c. How does a lowering of Gods standards by men affect their qual-
ifications to perform His work today? 1 Corinthians 14:8.
Men will employ every means to make less prominent the differ-
ence between Seventh-day Adventists and observers of the first day of
the week. A company was presented before me under the name of
Seventh-day Adventists, who were advising that the banner, or sign,
which makes us a distinct people should not be held out so strikingly;
for they claimed that this was not the best policy in order to secure
success to our institutions. But this is not a time to haul down our col-
ors, to be ashamed of our faith. This distinctive banner, described in
the words, Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep
the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, is to be borne
through the world to the close of probation. While efforts should be
increased to advance in different localities, there must be no cloaking
of our faith to secure patronage. Truth must come to souls ready to
perish; and if it is in any way hidden, God is dishonored, and the
blood of souls will be upon our garments.Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 144.
34 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Wednesday February 6
4. HUMAN REASON OR DIVINE REVELATION
a. What effect will modern worldly philosophies have if heeded?
Colossians 2:8.
There are men among us in responsible positions who hold that
the opinions of a few conceited philosophers, so called, are more to be
trusted than the truth of the Bible, or the testimonies of the Holy Spirit.
Such a faith as that of Paul, Peter, or John is considered old-fashioned
and insufferable at the present day. It is pronounced absurd, mystical,
and unworthy of an intelligent mind.Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 79.
b. What role does the ministry have in protecting the church from
ungodly philosophies? 1 Timothy 6:20; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2, 3.
There is a spirit of opposition to the plain word of God and to the
testimony of His Spirit. There is a spirit of idolatrous exaltation of mere
human reason above the revealed wisdom of God.Testimonies, p. 79.
There are those who know the truth but do not practice it. These
greatly long for some new, strange thing to present. In their great zeal
to become original some will bring in fanciful ideas which are but
chaff. Even now there is a descending from the sublime and living
issues for this time to the ridiculous and fanciful, and sensational
minds stand ready to catch up suppositions and guesses and human
theories and false science as truth to be accepted and taught.
These put the test of salvation on speculation without one plain,
Thus saith the Lord. They thus bring in a mass of rubbish, wood,
hay, and stubble, as precious material to be laid upon the foundation
stone. This will not stand the test of fire, but will be consumed, and
if the ones who have made themselves believe these theories are so
self-deceived and know not the truth yet are converted, their life is
saved as by fire through repentance and humiliation before God.
They have been dealing in common things in place of the sacred.
Many catch up ideas which are of no consequence and place them
before the flock of God as food, when they are only chaff which will
never benefit or strengthen the flock of God, but will keep them in
the lowlands, because they are feeding upon that which contains not
the least virtue or nourishment.The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G.
White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1157.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 35
Thursday February 7
5. REJECTION OF THE LORDS MESSAGE
a. How does Satan boast of his ability to deceive people concerning
the message of reformation? 1 Kings 22:21, 22.
I [Satan] will also have unbelieving ones present who will
express doubts in regard to the Lords messages of warning to His
church. Should the people read and believe these admonitions, we
could have little hope of overcoming them. But if we can divert their
attention from these warnings, they will remain ignorant of our
power and cunning, and we shall secure them in our ranks at last.
Testimonies to Ministers, p. 475.
Satan has laid every measure possible that nothing shall come
among us as a people to reprove and rebuke us, and exhort us to put
away our errors. But there is a people who will bear the ark of God.
Ibid., p. 411.
b. What will happen to a church that rejects the Lords message?
Matthew 6:23.
Let all who read these lines, take heed. Satan has made his boast
of what he can do. He thinks to dissolve the unity which Christ prayed
might exist in His church. He says, I will go forth and be a lying spirit
to deceive those that I can, to criticize, and condemn, and falsify. Let
the son of deceit and false witness be entertained by a church that has
had great light, great evidence, and that church will discard the mes-
sage the Lord has sent, and receive the most unreasonable assertions
and false suppositions and false theories.Testimonies to Ministers, p. 409.
Where the message of divine truth is spurned or slighted, there the
church will be enshrouded in darkness.The Great Controversy, p. 378.
Friday February 8
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. What results from a union between church and state?
2. What must the Christian realize about politics?
3. What is the result of lowered standards?
4. While Satan is working to prevent the spreading of the truth, what
should the little remnant be doing?
5. What is Satans plan to lead the church into apostasy?
36 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Lesson 7 Sabbath, February 16, 2002
Unbalanced Minds
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to
this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isaiah 8:20).
It was Satans purpose to mingle truth with error, that through
these deceptive exercises he might make of none effect the genuine
work of God.Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 77, 78.
Suggested Readings: The Great Controversy, pp. 511517.
The Desire of Ages, p. 631.
Sunday February 10
1. DREAMS AND VISIONS
a. Why are the warnings given in Matthew 24:4 and Isaiah 8:20 so
important for our time?
I would say to our dear brethren who have been so eager to
accept everything that came in the form of visions and dreams,
Beware that you be not ensnared. Read the warnings that have been
given by the worlds Redeemer to His disciples to be given again by
them to the world. The Word of God is solid rock, and we may plant
our feet securely upon it. Every soul must needs be tested, every faith
and doctrine must needs be tried by the law and the testimony. Take
heed that no man deceive you. The warnings of Christ on this matter
are needed at this time; for delusions and deceptions will come in
among us, and will multiply as we near the end.The SDA Bible
Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 952.
b. How were dreams and visions used to deceive Israel, and what
should we learn from this? Jeremiah 23:2527.
There will be false dreams and false visions, which have some
truth, but lead away from the original faith. The Lord has given men
a rule by which do detect them: [Isaiah 8:20 quoted]. If they belittle
the law of God, if they pay no heed to His will as revealed in the tes-
timonies of His Spirit, they are deceivers.Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 98.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 37
Monday February 11
2. DREAMS AND VISIONS (continued)
a. How has God warned His people about false dreams and visions,
and why does Satan use them? Jeremiah 29:8, 9.
After a very solemn meeting with these deceived ones [who
claimed to have from God messages of reproof to others], confessions
were made that they threw themselves into attitudes resembling
Sister White, as nearly as they could. It was all a farce, a deception.
Yet many things they told came to pass as they predicted.
I was asked how this could be if the visions were all false. I told
them that it was Satans purpose to mingle truth with error, that
through these deceptive exercises he might make of none effect the gen-
uine work of God. From that time all their many visions ceased. What
has become of those who had the visions, and those who encouraged
them? Several now living are skeptics, have no belief in the gifts of the
church, no faith in the truth, no religion at all. Such, I have been shown,
is the sure result of spurious visions.Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 77, 78.
b. What do we know about the different categories of dreams men-
tioned in the word of God? Ecclesiastes 5:3; Jeremiah 23:32; 1
Kings 3:5.
There are many dreams arising from the common things of life
with which the Spirit of God has nothing to do. There are also false
dreams, as well as false visions, which are inspired by the spirit of
Satan. But dreams from the Lord are classed in the word of God with
visions and are as truly the fruits of the spirit of prophecy as visions.
Such dreams, taking into the account the persons who have them,
and the circumstances under which they are given, contain their own
proofs of their genuineness.Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 658.
c. What were true prophets called in old times, and why? 1 Samuel
9:9; Numbers 12:6; 24:16, 17.
To Christ give all the prophets witness (Acts 10:43). From the
promise given to Adam, down through the patriarchal line and the
legal economy, heavens glorious light made plain the footsteps of the
Redeemer. Seers beheld the Star of Bethlehem, the Shiloh to come, as
future things swept before them in mysterious procession.The Desire
of Ages, pp. 211, 212.
38 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Tuesday February 12
3. FEELINGS AND IMPRESSIONS
a. What will some hold as revelations from God? Ezekiel 13:7, 8.
Let none cherish the idea that special providences or miraculous
manifestations are to be the proof of the genuineness of their work or
of the ideas they advocate. When persons will speak lightly of the
word of God, and set their impressions, feelings, and exercises above
the divine standard, we may know that they have no light in them.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 146.
They [who are deceivers that belittle the law of God] are con-
trolled by impulse and impressions, which they believe to be from the
Holy Spirit, and consider more reliable than the Inspired Word. They
claim that every thought and feeling is an impression of the Spirit; and
when they are reasoned with out of the Scriptures, they declare that
they have something more reliable. But while they think that they are
led by the Spirit of God, they are in reality following an imagination
wrought upon by Satan.Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 98, 99.
b. With what presumptuous claim will many try to justify their
course of action in the last days? Acts 8:9, 10.
c. What consequences result from the influence of those refusing to
accept the counsel of godly brethren? Isaiah 50:11.
I have been shown many who will claim to be especially taught
of God, and will attempt to lead others, and from mistaken ideas of
duty they will undertake a work that God has never laid upon them.
Confusion will be the result. Let everyone seek God most earnestly
for himself that he may individually understand His will.
There will be those who will claim to have visions. When God gives
you clear evidence that the vision is from Him, you may accept it, but do
not accept it on any other evidence.Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 72.
These teachers follow the sparks of their own kindling, move
according to their own independent judgment, and cumber the truth
with false notions and theories. They refuse the counsel of their brethren,
and press on in their own way until they become just what Satan would
desire to have themunbalanced in mind. . . . [Satan] is exulting today
that he has succeeded in deceiving souls, and in diverting their means
and ability into harmful channels.Testimonies to Ministers, p. 56.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 39
Wednesday February 13
4. BOASTFUL CLAIMS
a. What contrast can be seen between the words of Paul in Philip-
pians 3:1214 and some professed Christians today?
The apostle Paul had been caught up to the third heaven and
had seen and heard things that could not be uttered, and yet his
unassuming statement is: Not as though I had already attained,
either were already perfect: but I follow after (Philippians 3:12). Let
the angels of heaven write of Pauls victories in fighting the good
fight of faith. Let heaven rejoice in his steadfast tread heavenward,
and that, keeping the prize in view, he counts every other considera-
tion dross. Angels rejoice to tell his triumphs, but Paul makes no
boast of his attainments. The attitude of Paul is the attitude that
every follower of Christ should take as he urges his way onward in the
strife for the immortal crown.The Acts of the Apostles, p. 562.
None of the apostles or prophets ever claimed to be without sin.
Men who have lived nearest to God, men who would sacrifice life
itself rather than knowingly commit a wrong act, men whom God had
honored with divine light and power, have confessed the sinfulness of
their own nature. They have put no confidence in the flesh, have
claimed no righteousness of their own, but have trusted wholly in the
righteousness of Christ. So will it be with all who behold Christ.
Christs Object Lessons, p. 160.
b. What do we know about anyone who claims sanctification above
the possibility of committing sin? 1 John 1:810.
Let the recording angels write the history of the holy struggles
and conflicts of the people of God; let them record their prayers and
tears; but let not God be dishonored by the declaration from human
lips, I am sinless; I am holy. Sanctified lips will never give utterance
to such presumptuous words. . . .
Let those who feel inclined to make a high profession of holiness
look into the mirror of Gods law. As they see its far-reaching claims, and
understand its work as a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the
heart, they will not boast of sinlessness. If we, says John, not separat-
ing himself from his brethren, say that we have no sin, we deceive our-
selves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we
make Him a liar, and His word is not in us (1 John 1:8, 10).The Acts
of the Apostles, pp. 561, 562.
40 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Thursday February 14
5. STRANGE SPIRITS
a. Explain one major contrast to help us discern between the Spirit
of God and Satans counterfeit. 1 Kings 19:12, 13; 18:26, 28; 1
Corinthians 14:33, 40.
Mere noise and shouting are no evidence of sanctification, or of
the descent of the Holy Spirit. . . . The Lord desires to have in His serv-
ice order and discipline, not excitement and confusion.Selected
Messages, bk. 2, p. 35.
The things you have described as taking place in Indiana, the
Lord has shown me would take place just before the close of proba-
tion. Every uncouth thing will be demonstrated. There will be shout-
ing, with drums, music, and dancing. The senses of rational beings
will become so confused that they cannot be trusted to make right
decisions. And this is called the moving of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit never reveals itself in such methods, in such a
bedlam of noise. This is an invention of Satan to cover up his ingen-
ious methods for making of none effect the pure, sincere, elevating,
ennobling, sanctifying truth for this time.Ibid., p. 36.
b. How can we distinguish between the true gift of tongues and the
false one? Acts 2:68; 1 Corinthians 14:9; Isaiah 8:19.
[A certain class of Sabbathkeepers] have exercises which they call
gifts and say that the Lord has placed them in the church. They have
an unmeaning gibberish which they call the unknown tongue, which
is unknown not only by man but by the Lord and all heaven. Such
gifts are manufactured by men and women, aided by the great deceiv-
er. Fanaticism, false excitement, false talking in tongues, and noisy
exercises have been considered gifts which God has placed in the
church. Some have been deceived here.Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 412.
Friday February 15
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. How can we stand firm against all of Satans delusions?
2. For what purpose does Satan mingle truth with error?
3. What boastful claims are made by professed believers controlled by
feelings, impressions and imaginations?
4. If order and discipline in a meeting are replaced by excitement and
confusion, what spirit is leading?
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 41
Lesson 8 Sabbath, February 23, 2002
Common Individual
Dangers
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he
fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).
Faith claims Gods promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience.
The Desire of Ages, p. 126.
Suggested Readings: Early Writings, pp. 266269.
Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 72.
Sunday February 17
1. PRIDE
a. What does Gods word declare concerning pride and love of the
world? Isaiah 3:16; 1 John 2:1517.
Pride and the love of the world are the snares which are so great a
hindrance to spirituality and a growth in grace.Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 187.
In every gathering for pleasure where pride is fostered or
appetite indulged, where one is led to forget God and lose sight of
eternal interests, there Satan is binding his chains about the soul.
The Adventist Home, p. 515.
b. What directions has Satan given to his angels about pride?
[Says Satan,] We must exert all our wisdom and subtlety to deceive
and ensnare those who honor the true Sabbath. We can separate many
from Christ by worldliness, lust, and pride. They may think themselves
safe because they believe the truth, but indulgence of appetite or the
lower passions, which will confuse judgment and destroy discrimina-
tion, will cause their fall. Testimonies to Ministers, p. 473.
c. What should we realize about the peril of being slaves of this
world through pride? Malachi 4:1.
The third angels message must yet work like leaven upon many
hearts that profess to believe it, and purge away their pride, selfishness,
covetousness, and love of the world.Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 132, 133.
42 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Monday February 18
2. WORLDLY-MINDEDNESS
a. What snare is Satan laying especially for the remnant people of
God? Matthew 13:22; 1 Timothy 6:10.
Satan told his angels that the churches were asleep. He would
increase his power and lying wonders, and he could hold them. But,
he said, the sect of Sabbathkeepers we hate; they are continually work-
ing against us, and taking from us our subjects, to keep the hated law of
God. Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares. If
you can make them place their affections upon these things, we shall
have them yet. They may profess what they please, only make them care
more for money than for the success of Christs kingdom or the spread
of the truths we hate. Present the world before them in the most attrac-
tive light, that they may love and idolize it.Early Writings, p. 266.
Christ bids them seek first the kingdom of God, and His right-
eousness; but Satan walks by their side and says: Whatever may be
true in regard to life eternal, in order to make a success in this world
you must serve me. I hold your welfare in my hands. I can give you
riches, pleasures, honor, and happiness. Hearken to my counsel. Do
not allow yourselves to be carried away with whimsical notions of
honesty or self-sacrifice. I will prepare the way before you. Thus mul-
titudes are deceived.The Desire of Ages, p. 130.
b. What should we consider if tempted to excuse wrong acts or neg-
lected duties through family pressure? Matthew 10:37.
Those who have possessions have been too willing to excuse
themselves on account of wife and children. But I saw that God would
not be trifled with. When He speaks, He must be obeyed. If wife or
children stand in the way and hold back, they should say as Jesus said
to Peter: Get thee behind Me, Satan. Why tempt ye me to withhold
from God what justly belongs to Him, and ruin my own soul?
Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 152.
c. Though he failed with Christ, how does Satan conquer man?
[Satan] does not come to man directly and demand homage by
outward worship. He simply asks men to place their affections upon
the good things of this world.Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 480.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 43
Tuesday February 19
3. DISSIPATION
a. How does Satan make men inclined to shun duty and live for
ease? Proverbs 5:22, 23. What thought can deliver us?
The pains of duty and the pleasures of sin are the cords with
which Satan binds men in his snares. Those who would rather die
than perform a wrong act are the only ones who will be found faith-
ful.Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 53.
b. What distinction do we often overlook between true Christianity
and simple church-going? Matthew 15:8.
Those who love society frequently indulge this trait until it
becomes an overruling passion. To dress, to visit places of amusement,
to laugh and chat upon subjects altogether lighter than vanitythis is
the object of their lives. . . . They are miserable unless there is some-
thing to excite. They have not within them the power to be happy, but
they depend for happiness upon the company of other youth as
thoughtless and reckless as themselves.Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 624.
A profession of faith and the possession of truth in the soul are two
different things. The mere knowledge of truth is not enough. We may
possess this, but the tenor of our thoughts may not be changed. The
heart must be converted and sanctified.Christs Object Lessons, p. 97.
c. How does dissipation (wasteful pleasure-seeking) too often afflict
our youthand perhaps us also? Ecclesiastes 11:9.
There are many things which are right in themselves, but which,
perverted by Satan, prove a snare to the unwary.
As ordinarily conducted, parties of pleasure . . . are a hindrance
to real growth, either of mind or of character. Frivolous associations,
habits of extravagance, of pleasure seeking, and too often of dissipa-
tion are formed that shape the whole life for evil. In place of such
amusements parents and teachers can do much to supply diversions
wholesome and life giving.The Adventist Home, p. 514.
Parents flock with their families to the cities because they fancy
it easier to obtain a livelihood there than in the country. The chil-
dren, having nothing to do when not in school, obtain a street edu-
cation. From evil associates they acquire habits of vice and dissipa-
tion.Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 232.
44 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Wednesday February 20
4. INDIFFERENCE AND CARELESSNESS
a. How does God describe the indifference that controls many pro-
fessed Christians? Ezekiel 33:31, 32. How can we overcome?
There are some who profess to be Christs followers, yet put forth
no effort in spiritual things. In any worldly enterprise they put forth
effort, and manifest ambition to accomplish their object, and bring
about the desired end; but in the enterprise of everlasting life, where
all is at stake, and their eternal happiness depends upon their success,
they act as indifferent as though they were not moral agents, as
though another were playing the game of life for them, and they had
nothing to do but wait the result. Oh, what folly! what madness! If
all will only manifest that degree of ambition, zeal, and earnestness
for everlasting life that they manifest in their worldly pursuits, they
will be victorious overcomers.Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 407.
b. How are weak souls often prevented from receiving strength and
help from God? Luke 14:1820; Ephesians 6:11, 12.
As [Satan] sees the messenger of God searching the Scriptures, he
takes note of the subject to be presented to the people. Then he
employs all his cunning and shrewdness so to control circumstances
that the message may not reach those whom he is deceiving on that
very point. The one who most needs the warning will be urged into
some business transaction which requires his presence, or will by
some other means be prevented from hearing the words that might
prove to him a savor of life unto life.
Again, Satan sees the Lords servants burdened because of the
spiritual darkness that enshrouds the people. He hears their earnest
prayers for divine grace and power to break the spell of indifference,
carelessness, and indolence. Then with renewed zeal he plies his arts.
He tempts men to the indulgence of appetite or to some other form
of self-gratification, and thus benumbs their sensibilities so that they
fail to hear the very things which they most need to learn.
Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer
and the searching of the Scriptures, will be overcome by his attacks.
Therefore he invents every possible device to engross the mind.The
Great Controversy, pp. 518, 519.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 45
Thursday February 21 SABBATH, MARCH 2, 2002

5. PRESUMPTION First Sabbath ence

assau
at Island
Eleuthera

San Salvador

a. How does Satan succeed in holding a good number of believers Offering Long Island

Acklins
Atlantic Ocean
Mayaguana

in the snare of presumption? Matthew 24:4851. Island

Grand Turk
for Haiti Mission Great Inagua
CUBA

HAITI
This summer the General JAMAICA
DOM. REP.
San Juan
Port-au-Prince

That evil servant who said in his heart, My Lord delayeth His Conference Youth Department, in Kingston
Santo Domingo
Puerto Rico (U.S.)

coming, professed to be waiting for Christ. He was a servant, out- conjunction with the General
wardly devoted to the service of God while at heart he had yielded to Conference Sabbath School
C a r i b b e a n S e a
Satan. He does not, like the scoffer, openly deny the truth, but reveals Department, is sponsoring a youth
in his life the sentiment of the heartthat the Lords coming is building project in Haiti. The work in this
delayed. Presumption renders him careless of eternal interests. He Caribbean nation is still in its early stages
accepts the worlds maxims and conforms to its customs and prac- and there is a great need for chapels for the
new believers. Young people from many differ- VITAL STATISTICS
tices. Selfishness, worldly pride, and ambitions predominate. Fearing
that his brethren may stand higher than himself, he begins to dis- ent places have volunteered their time to go to Area: 27,750 sq km
this country and build a place of worship. (10,714 sq mi)
parage their efforts and impugn their motives. Thus he smites his fel-
Haiti occupies the western third of the Population:
low servants.Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 101, 102. 6,884,264 (1999 est.)
Island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the
Capital: Port-au-
b. What is the difference between faith and presumption? James Dominican Republic. Most of the terrain is Prince (pop.
2:1420. mountainous, with the rest of the land marked 1,500,000)
by great valleys, extensive plateaus, and small Literacy Rate: 53%
plains. Languages: Creole,
Faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true The message of Reformation came to this French
faith is secure against presumption. For presumption is Satans coun- small island in the last decade, and was greeted Religions: Roman
Catholic 80%;
terfeit of faith. Faith claims Gods promises, and brings forth fruit in with much joy by true believers in the Advent
Protestant 16%; other
obedience. Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as message. Today the new group of believers 4%
Satan did, to excuse transgression. Faith would have led our first par- which are spread across the country, work hard
ents to trust the love of God, and to obey His commands. Presumption to disseminate the three angels messages in ECONOMY
led them to transgress His law, believing that His great love would save this predominantly Roman Catholic republic.
them from the consequence of their sin. It is not faith that claims the Haiti is considered the poorest nation in Monetary Unit:
favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions on which the Western Hemisphere. The believers here Gourde
mercy is to be granted. Genuine faith has its foundation in the prom- have contributed all of their means towards GDP/PPP: $7.1 bil-
lion; $1,070 per capita
ises and provisions of the Scriptures.The Desire of Ages, p. 126. the purchasing of property for houses of wor- (1997 est.)
ship. Youth from different parts of the world Inflation: 17%
Friday February 22 are donating their time and their labor to Major Trading
complete this work. Now your help is needed. Partners: USA;
Construction supplies, materials and equip- European Union
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS ment are needed to finish this task in the
summer. Please remember the great needs in this part of the world as
1. How does Satan control many church-goers who find no pleasure in
you give to this special first Sabbath offering.
the Bible and meditation on heavenly things?
2. What class is represented by an evil servant, and why? Radu Ionita, GC Youth Department and
PROJECT 01C
3. What will be the end of all who love this world? David Zic, GC Sabbath School Department

46 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 47
Lesson 9 Sabbath, March 2, 2002
Specific Deceptions
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;
but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlast-
ing (Galatians 6:8).
Satan and his angels are busy creating a paralyzed condition of
the senses so that cautions, warnings, and reproofs shall not be
heard.The Adventist Home, p. 401.
Suggested Readings: The Adventist Home, pp. 407, 408.
Messages to Young People, pp. 273, 274.
Sunday February 24
1. DANGEROUS ASSOCIATIONS
a. Against what specific snare does Paul warn us in 2 Corinthians
6:1418?
The apostle Paul declares that it is impossible for the children of
God to unite with worldlings: [2 Corinthians 6:14 quoted]. This does
not refer to marriage alone; any intimate relation of confidence and
copartnership with those who have no love for God or the truth is a
snare.Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 13.
b. What is written about believers who expose themselves to this
snare? Proverbs 13:20. What is the only safe course in regard to
worldly associations? Psalm 1:1.
Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world;
it never converts the world to Christ. Familiarity with sin will inevitably
cause it to appear less repulsive. He who chooses to associate with the
servants of Satan will soon cease to fear their master. When in the way
of duty we are brought into trial, as was Daniel in the kings court, we
may be sure that God will protect us; but if we place ourselves under
temptation we shall fall sooner or later.The Great Controversy, p. 509.
48 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Monday February 25
2. FRIVOLOUS PARTIES AND MUSIC
a. What is the role of Christian mothers to protect their young from
Satans temptations? 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14, 15.
Satan is ready to do his work; he will not neglect to present
allurements which the children have no will or moral power to resist.
I saw that, through his temptations, he is instituting ever-changing
fashions, and attractive parties and amusements, that mothers may be
led to devote their time to frivolous matters, instead of to the educa-
tion and training of their children. Our youth need mothers who will
teach them from the cradle, to control passion, to deny appetite, and
to overcome selfishness.Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 141.
b. What should those know who participate in frivolous parties?
Ephesians 2:1, 2 (see also Job 1:4, 5); Ecclesiastes 11:9.
The low, common pleasure parties, gatherings for eating and
drinking, singing and playing on instruments of music, are inspired
by a spirit that is from beneath. They are an oblation unto Satan.
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 367.
c. While we have many beautiful examples of music (e.g. in the
book of Psalms), how does Satan use music?
Music is the idol which many professed Sabbathkeeping
Christians worship. Satan has no objection to music if he can make
that a channel through which to gain access to the minds of the youth.
Anything will suit his purpose that will divert the mind from God and
engage the time which should be devoted to His service. He works
through the means which will exert the strongest influence to hold the
largest numbers in a pleasing infatuation, while they are paralyzed by
his power. When turned to good account, music is a blessing; but it is
often made one of Satans most attractive agencies to ensnare souls.
When abused, it leads the unconsecrated to pride, vanity, and folly.
When allowed to take the place of devotion and prayer, it is a terrible
curse. Young persons assemble to sing, and, although professed
Christians, frequently dishonor God and their faith by their frivolous
conversation and their choice of music.Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 506.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 49
Tuesday February 26
3. SPIRITUALLY LETHAL LITERATURE
a. What distinction do many fail to make in their reading materi-
al? Jeremiah 23:28 (last part); Philippians 4:8.
The many books which education is thought to embrace, are mis-
leading, a deception and a delusion. What is the chaff to the wheat?
Satan is now stirring up the minds of men to furnish to the world lit-
erature which is of a cheap, superficial order, but which fascinates the
mind, and fastens it in a network of Satans contrivance. After reading
these books, the mind lives in an unreal world, and the life, so far as
usefulness is concerned, is as barren as a fruitless tree. The brain is
intoxicated, making it impossible for the eternal realities, which are
essential for the present and the future, to be pressed home. A mind
educated to feed upon trash is unable to see in the word of God the
beauty that is there. . . . By feeding the mind upon exciting stories of
fiction, man is bringing to the foundation wood, hay, stubble. He
loses all taste for the divine Guidebook.Fundamentals of Christian
Education, pp. 451, 452.
b. What did the Ephesian converts do with their worldly books
when they learned of the Saviour? Acts 19:18, 19.
When the Ephesians were converted, they changed their habits
and practices. Under the conviction of the Spirit of God, they acted with
promptness, and laid bare all the mysteries of their witchcraft. They
came and confessed, and showed their deeds, and their souls were filled
with holy indignation because they had given such devotion to magic,
and had so highly prized the books in which the rules of Satans devis-
ing had laid down the methods whereby they might practice witchcraft.
They were determined to turn from the service of the evil one, and they
brought their costly volumes and publicly burned them. . . .
What about the magical books? What have you been reading?
How have you been employing your time? Have you been seeking to
study the sacred oracles in order that you may hear the voice of God
speaking to you out of His word? The world is deluged with books
which sow the seeds of skepticism, infidelity, and atheism, and to a
larger or less degree you have been learning your lessons from these
books, and they are magical books. They put God out of the mind, and
separate the soul from the true Shepherd.Messages to Young People, pp.
275, 276.
50 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Wednesday February 27
4. MOVIES, TV, AND THE THEATER
a. Keeping in mind 1 Corinthians 15:33, what do we know of the
effect of theatrical performances?
Satans work is to lead men to ignore God, to so engross and
absorb the mind that God will not be in their thoughts. The educa-
tion they have received has been of a character to confuse the mind
and eclipse the true light. Satan does not wish the people to have a
knowledge of God; and if he can set in operation games and theatri-
cal performances that will so confuse the senses of the young that
human beings will perish in darkness while light shines all about
them, he is well pleased.The Adventist Home, pp. 401, 402.
b. What warnings include movies and television? Proverbs 4:23;
Psalm 101:3 (first part); Isaiah 33:1517.
All should guard the senses, lest Satan gain victory over them;
for these are the avenues of the soul.
You will have to become a faithful sentinel over your eyes, ears,
and all your senses if you would control your mind and prevent vain
and corrupt thoughts from staining your soul. The power of grace
alone can accomplish this most desirable work.
Satan and his angels are busy creating a paralyzed condition of
the senses so that cautions, warnings, and reproofs shall not be heard;
or, if heard, that they shall not take effect upon the heart and reform
the life.The Adventist Home, p. 401.
In Christian homes a bulwark should be built against tempta-
tion. Satan is using every means to make crime and degrading vice
popular. We cannot walk the streets of our cities without encounter-
ing flaring notices of crime presented in some novel or to be acted at
some theater. The mind is educated to familiarity with sin. The course
pursued by the base and vile is kept before the people in the periodi-
cals of the day, and everything that can arouse passion is brought
before them in exciting stories.Ibid., p. 406.
Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater.
Instead of being a school for morality and virtue, as is so often claimed,
it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities
are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments.Ibid., p. 516.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 51
Thursday February 28
Lesson 10 Sabbath, March 9, 2002

5. OTHER SNARES

a. What does the Bible say about the spirit of criticism? James 4:11; 1 A Little Leaven
Corinthians 5:11. How does Satan instruct his angels in this vice?

Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leav-
eneth the whole lump? (1 Corinthians 5:6).
[Says Satan,] We must cause distraction and division. We must
It is not only by resistance but by neglect that the soul is destroyed.
destroy their anxiety for their own souls, and lead them to criticize,
The Desire of Ages, p. 323.
to judge, and to accuse and condemn one another, and to cherish
selfishness and enmity. For these sins, God banished us from His pres-
Suggested Readings: Christs Object Lessons, pp. 198211.
ence; and all who follow our example will meet a similar fate.
Ibid., pp. 272283.
Testimonies to Ministers, p. 475.

b. Why is the indulgence of appetite so prevalent today? Galatians Sunday March 3

6:8; 1 Peter 2:11; Philippians 3:19.
1. SELF-DESTRUCTION

a. How did Pharaoh destroy himself? Exodus 4:21.

The apostle Peter understood the relation between the mind and
the body, and raised his voice in warning to his brethren: [1 Peter
2:11 quoted]. Many regard this text as a warning against licentious- There was no exercise of supernatural power to harden the heart
ness only; but it has a broader meaning. It forbids every injurious of the king. God gave to Pharaoh the most striking evidence of divine
gratification of appetite or passion. Every perverted appetite becomes power, but the monarch stubbornly refused to heed the light.
Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 268.
a warring lust. Appetite was given us for a good purpose, not to
It is not God that blinds the eyes of men or hardens their hearts.
become the minister of death by being perverted, and thus degener-
He sends them light to correct their errors, and to lead them in safe
ating into lusts which war against the soul. . . .
paths; it is by the rejection of this light that the eyes are blinded and
Through appetite, Satan controls the mind and the whole being.
Thousands who might have lived, have passed into the grave, physi- the heart hardened.The Desire of Ages, p. 322.
cal, mental, and moral wrecks, because they sacrificed all their powers
to the indulgence of appetite.Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 166, 167. b. How do sinners destroy themselves? Galatians 6:7; Romans 2:5.

Friday March 1
Just what took place in Pharaohs heart will take place in every
soul that neglects to cherish the light and walk promptly in its rays.
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS God destroys no one. The sinner destroys himself by his own impen-
1. Why should we shun worldly associations? itence. When a person once neglects to heed the invitations, reproofs,
2. What does God consider as an oblation offered to Satan? and warnings of the Spirit of God, his conscience becomes seared, and
3. How can music and literature become a snare? the next time he is admonished, it will be more difficult to yield obe-
4. What effect do movies, music, fiction and television have on the dience than before. And thus with every repetition. Conscience is the
moral senses? voice of God, heard amid the conflict of human passions; when it is
5. How can Satan control the whole mind and body? resisted, the Spirit of God is grieved.Testimonies, p. 120.
6. From where does the spirit of criticism, accusation and condemna- He who has once yielded to temptation will yield more readily
tion originate? the second time.Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 268.

52 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 53
Monday March 4
2. A GRADUAL PROCESS
a. Why is it so dangerous to resist the first impressions of the Holy
Spirit? Ephesians 4:30; John 16:13.
We want all to understand how the soul is destroyed. It is not
that God sends out a decree that man shall not be saved. He does not
throw a darkness before the eyes which cannot be penetrated. But
man at first resists a motion of the Spirit of God, and, having once
resisted, it is less difficult to do so the second time, less the third, and
far less the fourth. Then comes the harvest to be reaped from the seed
of unbelief and resistance.Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 120.
b. Why is the process of apostasy almost unnoticed to those yield-
ing to the power of Satan? Isaiah 44:18; Jeremiah 5:21.
A knowledge of the state of the backslider from God seems to be
hidden from him. Has the candlestick been removed out of its place?
I call upon all who are resting unconcerned in their present state of
spiritual deadness, to arouse and arise from the dead, and Christ will
give them light. Many rest as content as though the cloud by day and
the pillar of fire by night were sheltering and guiding them. Many
profess to know God, and yet deny Him in their works. They reckon
themselves among Gods peculiar, chosen people, who have a special,
solemn message entrusted to their keeping to sanctify their lives and
to give to the world, and yet the power of the truth is scarcely felt or
manifested in our midst in zealous work for God. How great is our
darkness, and we know it not! The light has not diminished, but we
walk not in its rays.Testimonies to Ministers, p. 451.
It is not God that blinds the eyes of men or hardens their hearts.
He sends them light to correct their errors, and to lead them in safe
paths; it is by the rejection of this light that the eyes are blinded and
the heart hardened. Often the process is gradual, and almost imper-
ceptible. Light comes to the soul through Gods word, through His ser-
vants, or by the direct agency of His Spirit; but when one ray of light is
disregarded, there is a partial benumbing of the spiritual perceptions,
and the second revealing of light is less clearly discerned. So the dark-
ness increases, until it is night in the soul.The Desire of Ages, p. 322.
54 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Tuesday March 5
3. NOTICING THE LITTLE THINGS
a. What is the relationship between little things and big things?
Luke 16:10.
The children of God should cultivate a keen sensitiveness to sin.
Here, as well as elsewhere, we should not despise the day of small
things. It is one of Satans most successful devices, to lead men to the
commission of little sins, to blind the mind to the danger of little
indulgences, little digressions from the plainly stated requirements of
God. Many who would shrink with horror from some great trans-
gression, are led to look upon sin in little matters as of trifling conse-
quence. But these little sins eat out the life of godliness in the soul.
The feet which enter upon a path diverging from the right way are
tending toward the broad road that ends in death. When once a ret-
rograde movement begins, no one can tell where it may end.The
SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 2, p. 1017.
b. How does the neglect of little things affect our lives? Songs of
Solomon 2:15.
It is the little foxes that spoil the vines; the little neglects, the lit-
tle deficiencies, the little dishonesties, the little departures from prin-
ciple, that blind the soul and separate it from God.
It is the little things of life that develop the spirit and determine
the character. Those who neglect the little things will not be prepared
to endure severe tests when they are brought to bear upon them.
Remember that the character building is not finished till life ends.
Every day a good or a bad brick is placed in the structure. You are either
building crookedly or with the exactness and correctness that will
make a beautiful temple for God. Therefore, in looking for great things
to do, neglect not the little opportunities that come to you day by day.
He who neglects the little things, and yet flatters himself that he is
ready to do wonderful things for the Master, is in danger of failing alto-
gether. Life is made up, not of great sacrifices and wonderful achieve-
ments, but of little things.The Review and Herald, December 29, 1910.
[The truths of the word of God] will brighten the common life,
supplying motives for obedience and principles for the formation of
a right character.The Adventist Home, p. 189.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 55
Wednesday March 6
4. A DOWNWARD ROAD
a. How may we be in danger of playing into the hands of Satan in
a careless moment? Matthew 12:34 (second part).
Men are influenced by their own words. Often under a momentary
impulse, prompted by Satan, they give utterance to jealousy or evil sur-
mising, expressing that which they do not really believe; but the expres-
sion reacts on the thoughts. They are deceived by their words, and come
to believe that true which was spoken at Satans instigation. Having
once expressed an opinion or decision, they are often too proud to
retract it, and try to prove themselves in the right, until they come to
believe that they are. It is dangerous to utter a word of doubt, danger-
ous to question and criticize divine light.The Desire of Ages, p. 323.
b. What often triggers the downward spiral of apostasy? Luke
11:2426. How does a neglect of prayer and Bible study hasten
this? Mark 4:19.
It is not only by resistance but by neglect that the soul is destroyed.
The Desire of Ages, p. 323.
Many become so absorbed in business that they have no time for
prayer, no time for the study of the Bible, no time to seek and serve
God. At times the longings of the soul go out for holiness and heav-
en; but there is no time to turn aside from the din of the world to lis-
ten to the majestic and authoritative utterances of the Spirit of God.
The things of eternity are made subordinate, the things of the world
supreme. It is impossible for the seed of the word to bring forth fruit;
for the life of the soul is given to nourish the thorns of worldliness.
And many who are working with a very different purpose, fall
into a like error. They are working for others good; their duties are
pressing, their responsibilities are many, and they allow their labor to
crowd out devotion. Communion with God through prayer and a
study of His word is neglected.Christs Object Lessons, pp. 51, 52.
When secret prayer and reading of the Scriptures are neglected
today, tomorrow they can be omitted with less remonstrance of con-
science. There will be a long list of omissions, all for a single grain
sown in the soil of the heart. On the other hand, every ray of light
cherished will yield a harvest of light.Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 120.
56 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Thursday March 7
5. IN THE RANKS OF SATAN
a. What shows that professed believers may unwittingly join the
ranks of Satan without leaving the church? Matthew 7:22, 23.
One safeguard removed from conscience, the indulgence of one
evil habit, a single neglect of the high claims of duty, may be the
beginning of a course of deception that will pass you into the ranks of
those who are serving Satan, while you are all the time professing to
love God and His cause. A moment of thoughtlessness, a single mis-
step, may turn the whole current of your lives in the wrong direction.
And you may never know what caused your ruin until the sentence is
pronounced: Depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 398.
b. What happens when church members fail to make a complete
surrender to Christ? Romans 6:16.
He who does not give himself wholly to God is under the con-
trol of another power, listening to another voice, whose suggestions
are of an entirely different character. Half-and-half service places the
human agent on the side of the enemy as a successful ally of the hosts
of darkness. When men who claim to be soldiers of Christ engage
with the confederacy of Satan, and help along his side, they prove
themselves enemies of Christ. They betray sacred trusts. They form a
link between Satan and the true soldiers, so that through these agen-
cies the enemy is constantly working to steal away the hearts of
Christs soldiers.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 94.
Friday March 8
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. What will take place in every soul that neglects to walk in the light
received?
2. How do people get their eyes blinded and their hearts hardened?
3. If the little digressions from the path of truth and righteousness con-
tinue, what is the unavoidable result?
4. Name two seeds from which self-destruction is reaped.
5. What things mark the beginning of the road that ends in damnation?
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 57
Lesson 11 Sabbath, March 16, 2002
Character Revealed
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them (Matthew 7:20).
A profession of religion has become popular with the world.
The Great Controversy, p. 386.
Suggested Readings: Christs Object Lessons, pp. 150163.
Steps to Christ, pp. 6776.
Sunday March 10
1. LOVELESS CHRISTIANITY
a. How do false Christians often deceive themselves? 1 John 4:20.
It is the greatest and most fatal deception to suppose that a man
can have faith unto life eternal, without possessing Christlike love for
his brethren.The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 5,
p. 1141.
b. How do loveless Christians reveal their character? Matthew 7:4, 5.
The sin that leads to the most unhappy results is the cold, critical,
unforgiving spirit that characterizes Pharisaism. When the religious
experience is devoid of love, Jesus is not there; the sunshine of His pres-
ence is not there. No busy activity or Christless zeal can supply the lack.
There may be a wonderful keenness of perception to discover the
defects of others; but to everyone who indulges this spirit, Jesus says,
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then
shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brothers eye. He
who is guilty of wrong is the first to suspect wrong. By condemning
another he is trying to conceal or excuse the evil of his own heart. It
was through sin that men gained the knowledge of evil; no sooner had
the first pair sinned than they began to accuse each other; and this is
what human nature will inevitably do when uncontrolled by the grace
of Christ.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 126.
58 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Monday March 11
2. SELF-INFLATED RELIGION
a. When the love of Christ is lacking in the heart, how does this
become evident? Revelation 3:17; Matthew 7:20.
Love of self excludes the love of Christ. Those who live for self
are ranged under the head of the Laodicean church who are luke-
warm, neither cold nor hot. The ardor of the first love has lapsed into
a selfish egotism. The love of Christ in the heart is expressed in the
actions. If love for Christ is dull, the love for those for whom Christ
has died will degenerate. There may be a wonderful appearance for
zeal and ceremonies, but this is the substance of their self-inflated
religion. Christ represents them as nauseating to His taste.The SDA
Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 962.
b. How do men deceive themselves through self-love and self-
confidence? Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:19.
It is difficult for us to understand ourselves, to have a correct
knowledge of our own characters. The word of God is plain, but often
there is an error in applying it to ones self. There is liability to self-
deception and to think its warnings and reproofs do not mean me.
[Jeremiah 17:9 quoted.] Self-flattery may be construed into Christian
emotion and zeal. Self-love and confidence may give us assurance
that we are right when we are far from meeting the requirements of
Gods word.Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 332.
Mans great danger is in being self-deceived, indulging self-
sufficiency, and thus separating from God, the source of his strength.
Our natural tendencies, unless corrected by the Holy Spirit of God,
have in them the seeds of moral death. Unless we become vitally
connected with God, we cannot resist the unhallowed effects of self-
indulgence, self-love, and temptation to sin.
In order to receive help from Christ, we must realize our need. We
must have a true knowledge of ourselves. It is only he who knows him-
self to be a sinner that Christ can save. Only as we see our utter help-
lessness and renounce all self-trust, shall we lay hold on divine power.
It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renun-
ciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to
be renewed.The Ministry of Healing, p. 455.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 59
Tuesday March 12
3. THINGS WHICH GOD ABHORS
a. How does a counterfeit type of missionary work contrast with
the genuine? Titus 3:2, 3; James 3:1416; Proverbs 6:18, 19.
God will never say to us, Well done, good and faithful servant,
at the end of our journey, if we now cherish a spirit which craves to
crowd out and supplant others. Malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and
evil speaking are things which God abhors, and no one who reveals
those fruits in his life will enter the kingdom of heaven. . . .
Those who make faultfinding their work, may appear to be con-
stantly anxious and interested in regard to the welfare of others. They
may seem to be actively engaged in good work. But their work does
harm, and by the Lord it is not regarded as of any value. They say,
is whispered here and there; by blind suggestions, other minds are
filled with suspicion and distrust; uneasiness is created. Those who
have listened to the They say, call to mind something they have
observed in their brethren, which might have been wrong, and much
is made of that which is worthy of but little notice. These apparently
innocent words strike long, fibrous roots into the minds of those that
hear them, and untold harm is done. Seeds of bitterness are planted;
evil suggestions rankle in human hearts, and the seed springs up to
bear an abundant harvest.
The enemy of all righteousness sets in operation objectionable
missionary work of this kind. One who is professedly working for
Christ is tempted by him to probe the minds of others, and ask their
opinions of words which have been spoken. In this way suspicion
and envy are planted in many breasts. If those who carry on this mis-
sionary work could see it as it is regarded by the Lord of heaven; if for
one day they could trace the course of their work, and see its baleful
results, they would repent.
To do good to all, to faithfully perform our home duties, to devote
our time to comparing our lives with the life of Christ, praying for a
humble, sanctified mindthis is the missionary work which the Lord
requires us to do.The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol.
7, p. 940.
b. What attitude too often destroys the peace of the church? Matthew
18:14.
60 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Wednesday March 13
4. WORKERS OF INIQUITY
a. Describe the attitude spread by those who boast in their own self-
suffiency over righteousness and truth. Isaiah 5:20; 65:5.
[Isaiah 5:1923 quoted.] The class here represented, in order to
exalt their own opinions, employ a reasoning which is not authorized
by the Word of God. They walk in the sparks of their own kindling.
By their specious reasoning, they confuse the distinction that God
desires to have drawn between good and evil. The sacred is brought
down on a level with common things. Avarice and selfishness are
called by false names; they are called prudence. Their rising up in
independence and rebellion, their revenge and stubbornness, in their
eyes are proofs of dignity, evidences of a noble mind. They act as
though ignorance of divine things were not dangerous and even fatal
to the soul; and they prefer their own reasoning to divine revelation,
their own plans and human wisdom to the admonitions and com-
mands of God. The piety and conscientiousness of others are called
fanaticism, and those who practice truth and holiness are watched
and criticized. They deride those who teach and believe the mystery
of godliness, Christ in you, the hope of glory. The principles under-
lying these things are not discerned by them; and they go on in
wrongdoing, leaving the bars open for Satan to find ready access to
the soul.The Review and Herald, December 22, 1896.
b. What will be the influence of capable but unconverted men, and
what will be their end? 2 Peter 2:13.
Men may possess capabilities given them in trust of God, but if
they are not humble men, daily converted men, as vessels of honor,
they will do the greater harm because of their capabilities. If they are
not learners of Christ Jesus, if they do not pray and keep their natural
hereditary and cultivated tendencies under control, traits of character
that God abhors will pervert the judgment of those who associate with
them.The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1138.
Men who repudiate the teachings of the Spirit of God are not the
proper persons to be placed in offices as leaders in the church. There is
danger that the teachings of men who are not soundly converted may
lead others into by and forbidden paths.Loma Linda Messages, p. 465.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 61
Thursday March 14
Lesson 12 Sabbath, March 23, 2002

5. PROFESSION OF CHRISTIANITY AS A CLOAK

a. How are todays popular ministries and professed Christians

Freedom of Choice
making Satan happy? 2 Timothy 3:15.
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have
set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose
life, that both thou and thy seed may live (Deuteronomy 30:19).
A profession of religion has become popular with the world. Rulers,
politicians, lawyers, doctors, merchants, join the church as a means of To those who refuse the precious rays of light which would illu-
securing the respect and confidence of society, and advancing their own minate the darkness, the mysteries of Gods word remain such forev-
worldly interests. Thus they seek to cover all their unrighteous transac- er.The Desire of Ages, p. 588.
tions under a profession of Christianity. The various religious bodies, re-
enforced by the wealth and influence of these baptized worldlings, Suggested Readings: The Great Controversy, pp. 479491.
make a still higher bid for popularity and patronage. Splendid church- Steps to Christ, pp. 105114.
es, embellished in the most extravagant manner, are erected on popular
avenues. The worshipers array themselves in costly and fashionable Sunday March 17
attire. A high salary is paid for a talented minister to entertain and
attract the people. His sermons must not touch popular sins, but be 1. INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY
made smooth and pleasing for fashionable ears. Thus fashionable sin-
ners are enrolled on the church records, and fashionable sins are con- a. What great privilege does God extend to erring man? Deuteronomy
cealed under a pretense of godliness.The Great Controversy, p. 386. 30:19. What happens if freedom of choice is misused?

b. What warning is given to us who profess to believe in the third

angels message? Matthew 23:25, 27.
God gives sufficient light and evidence to enable man to distin-
guish truth from error. But He does not force man to receive truth. He
leaves him free to choose the good or to choose the evil. If man resists
Many who profess to be serving God are in the same position as evidence that is sufficient to guide his judgment in the right direction,
Saulcovering over ambitious projects, pride of display, with a garment and chooses evil once, he will do this more readily the second time. The
of pretended righteousness. The Lords cause is made a cloak to hide the third time he will still more eagerly withdraw himself from God and
deformity of injustice, but it makes the sin of tenfold greater enormi- choose to stand on the side of Satan. And in this course he will contin-
ty.The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 2, p. 1017. ue until he is confirmed in evil, and believes the lie he has cherished as
truth.The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1112.
Friday March 15
b. How is truth genuinely accepted? John 7:17.
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS
The perception and appreciation of truth . . . depends less upon
1. To what is Christian love an index?
the mind than upon the heart. Truth must be received into the soul;
2. What are the characteristics of self-love?
it claims the homage of the will. If truth could be submitted to the
3. How are seeds of bitterness scattered by self-righteous believers? reason alone, pride would be no hindrance in the way of its recep-
4. What are often the far-reaching ill effects of walking in the sparks tion. But it is to be received through the work of grace in the heart;
of your own kindling? and its reception depends upon the renunciation of every sin that the
5. What is often used as a cloak to hide injustice? Spirit of God reveals.The Desire of Ages, p. 455.

62 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 63
Monday March 18
2. LOVE OF SIN
a. If the truth is self-evident, why do men choose darkness rather
than light? John 3:19, 20.
You may remove every prop today and close the mouths of objec-
tors so that they can say nothing, and tomorrow they will go over the
same ground again. Thus it will be, over and over, because they do not
love the light and will not come to the light, lest their darkness and
error should be removed from them.Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 37.
Light makes manifest and reproves the errors that were con-
cealed in darkness; and as light comes, the life and character of men
must change correspondingly, to be in harmony with it. Sins that
were once sins of ignorance, because of the blindness of the mind,
can no more be indulged in without incurring guilt. As increased
light is given, men must be reformed, elevated, and refined by it, or
they will be more perverse and stubborn than before the light
came.Gospel Workers, p. 162.
b. Through whose influence does Satan secure sin-loving multi-
tudes to himself? Ezekiel 20:30; Micah 7:5, 6.
Many are the ways by which Satan works through human influ-
ence to bind his captives. He secures multitudes to himself by attach-
ing them by the silken cords of affection to those who are enemies of
the cross of Christ. Whatever this attachment may be, parental, filial,
conjugal, or social, the effect is the same; the opposers of truth exert
their power to control the conscience, and the souls held under their
sway have not sufficient courage or independence to obey their own
convictions of duty.
The truth and the glory of God are inseparable; it is impossible for
us, with the Bible within our reach, to honor God by erroneous opin-
ions. Many claim that it matters not what one believes, if his life is only
right. But the life is molded by the faith. If light and truth is within our
reach, and we neglect to improve the privilege of hearing and seeing it,
we virtually reject it; we are choosing darkness rather than light.
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end there-
of are the ways of death (Proverbs 16:25). Ignorance is no excuse for
error or sin, when there is every opportunity to know the will of
God.The Great Controversy, pp. 597, 598.
64 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Tuesday March 19
3. AN UNACCEPTABLE EXCUSE
a. How can people rise from the lowest depths of ignorance and
sin? Psalm 119:98, 105.
By giving heed to the teachings of Gods word, men may rise from
the lowest depths of ignorance and degradation to become sons of God,
associates of sinless angels.Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 85.
b. What will be no excuse for those who persist in error and sin?
Hosea 4:6.
[Jesus] came in humility, in order that the humblest being upon
the face of the earth could have no excuse because of his poverty, or
ignorance, and say, Because of these things, I cannot obey the law of
Jehovah. Christ clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity
might touch humanity; that He might live with humanity and bear
all the trials and afflictions of man. He was tempted in all points like
as we are, yet without sin. In His humanity He understood all the
temptations that will come to man.The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G.
White Comments], vol. 7, p. 925.
Jesus is mighty to save His people from their sins. . . . Sin has
been revealed to us by the Word and the Spirit of truth, that we may
not be found transgressors of the divine precepts, and there is no
opportunity to plead the excuse of ignorance. The command is
Depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19).That I May Know Him, p. 255.
The times of ignorance God winked at, but now, with the blazing
light of truth shining all around us, with warnings, with reproofs, with
increasing light if we will but open our eyes to see it, there is no excuse
of any, even the weakest child of God, that they should not disperse
light to the world. The four angels are holding the four winds that a
special work may be accomplished: the saints of God are to be sealed
in their foreheads. Brethren, how long before you will be ready for the
seal of God? Every step you advance upon the path which God forbids,
toward your own pleasure and in sin, is a step nearer your destruction.
Every act of disobedience to the word of the Lord is exposing you to
irreparable loss. Every moment of ease, of self-indulgence, secured by
you in neglecting the divine admonitions and call to duty in earnest
work for the Master, is placing you under the power and control of the
prince of darkness.The Review and Herald, June 7, 1887.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 65
Wednesday March 20
4. EASILY ENTRAPPED
a. What falsehood did Satan use successfully to deceive the Jews of
Christs day? John 7:48.
b. How can we be deceived today in the same way?
Many are deceived today in the same way as were the Jews.
Religious teachers read the Bible in the light of their own understand-
ing and traditions; and the people do not search the Scriptures for
themselves, and judge for themselves as to what is truth; but they
yield up their judgment, and commit their souls to their leaders. The
preaching and teaching of His word is one of the means that God has
ordained for diffusing light; but we must bring every mans teaching
to the test of Scripture. Whoever will prayerfully study the Bible, desir-
ing to know the truth, that he may obey it, will receive divine enlight-
enment. He will understand the Scriptures.The Desire of Ages, p. 459.
Notwithstanding the Bible is full of warnings against false teach-
ers, many are ready thus to commit the keeping of their souls to the
clergy. There are today thousands of professors of religion who can
give no other reason for points of faith which they hold than that
they were so instructed by their religious leaders. They pass by the
Saviours teachings almost unnoticed, and place implicit confidence
in the words of the ministers. But are ministers infallible? How can
we trust our souls to their guidance unless we know from Gods word
that they are light bearers?The Great Controversy, pp. 596, 597.
c. How are people entrapped to cooperate with Satan? Isaiah 53:1;
Acts 28:24.
Those to whom the message of truth is spoken seldom ask, Is it
true? but, By whom is it advocated? Multitudes estimate it by the
numbers who accept it; and the question is still asked, Have any of
the learned men or religious leaders believed? Men are no more favor-
able to real godliness now than in the days of Christ. They are just as
intently seeking earthly good, to the neglect of eternal riches; and it is
not an argument against the truth, that large numbers are not ready
to accept it, or that it is not received by the worlds great men, or even
by the religious leaders.The Desire of Ages, pp. 459, 460.
66 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Thursday March 21
5. ETERNAL RUIN
a. Why will one class of people remain blind to the truth? 2 Corin-
thians 4:3, 4.
God does not propose to remove every objection which the car-
nal heart may bring against His truth. To those who refuse the pre-
cious rays of light which would illuminate the darkness, the myster-
ies of Gods word remain such forever. From them the truth is hidden.
They walk blindly, and know not the ruin before them.The Desire of
Ages, p. 588.
b. How might we (individuals, families and churches) be in danger
of following the example of the Jewish people? Hosea 13:9;
Jeremiah 6:19.
Christ overlooked the world and all ages from the height of
Olivet; and His words are applicable to every soul who slights the
pleadings of divine mercy. Scorner of His love, He addresses you
today. It is thou, even thou, who shouldest know the things that
belong to thy peace. Christ is shedding bitter tears for you, who have
no tears to shed for yourself. Already that fatal hardness of heart
which destroyed the Pharisees is manifest in you. And every evidence
of the grace of God, every ray of divine light, is either melting and
subduing the soul, or confirming it in hopeless impenitence.
Christ foresaw that Jerusalem would remain obdurate and
impenitent; yet all the guilt, all the consequences of rejected mercy,
lay at her own door. Thus it will be with every soul who is following
the same course.The Desire of Ages, p. 588.
Friday March 22
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. To whom does God reveal the truth?
2. When the light of truth comes to a person, what are the two alter-
native possibilities?
3. Why is ignorance no excuse for error or sin?
4. What help should a carnal heart never expect from God?
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 67
Lesson 13 Sabbath, March 30, 2002
Victory
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phi-
lippians 4:13).
God will preserve all who walk in the path of obedience.The
Desire of Ages, p. 126.
Suggested Readings: The Great Controversy, pp. 662678.
Early Writings, pp. 269273.
Sunday March 24
1. KEY TO VICTORY
a. How does the great controversy between Christ and Satan involve
us? 1 Peter 5:8; Romans 7:14, 15; John 15:5.
Man is naturally inclined to follow Satans suggestions, and he
cannot successfully resist so terrible a foe unless Christ, the mighty
Conqueror, dwells in him, guiding his desires, and giving him
strength. God alone can limit the power of Satan. He is going to and
fro in the earth, and walking up and down in it. He is not off his
watch for a single moment, through fear of losing an opportunity to
destroy souls. It is important that Gods people understand this, that
they may escape his snares.Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 341.
b. Wherein is our only hope of victory? 1 Corinthians 15:57; 1 Peter
5:9; Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:37.
The example of Christ shows us that our only hope of victory is in
continual resistance of Satans attacks. He who triumphed over the adver-
sary of souls in the conflict of temptations understands Satans power
over the race, and has conquered him in our behalf. As an overcomer, He
has given us the advantage of His victory, that in our efforts to resist the
temptations of Satan we may unite our weakness to His strength, our
worthlessness to His merits. And sustained by His enduring might under
the strength of temptation, we may resist in His all-powerful name, and
overcome as He overcame.Messages to Young People, p. 50.
68 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Monday March 25
2. MUTUAL COMMITMENT
a. Explain one duty we have in the plan of salvation. Ephesians
4:27.
The tempter can never compel us to do evil. He cannot control
minds unless they are yielded to his control. The will must consent,
faith must let go its hold upon Christ, before Satan can exercise his
power upon us. But every sinful desire we cherish affords him a
foothold. Every point in which we fail of meeting the divine standard is
an open door by which he can enter to tempt and destroy us. And every
failure or defeat on our part gives occasion for him to reproach Christ.
When Satan quoted the promise, He shall give His angels charge
over Thee, he omitted the words, to keep Thee in all Thy ways; that
is, in all the ways of Gods choosing. Jesus refused to go outside the
path of obedience. While manifesting perfect trust in His Father, He
would not place Himself, unbidden, in a position that would necessi-
tate the interposition of His Father to save Him from death.The
Desire of Ages, p. 125.
b. How is God willing to help us if we give our hearts to Him? 1
Corinthians 10:13; Psalm 50:15; 2 Peter 1:3, 4.
Jesus gained the victory through submission and faith in God, and
by the apostle He says to us, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist
the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw
nigh to you (James 4:7, 8). We cannot save ourselves from the tempters
power; he has conquered humanity, and when we try to stand in our
own strength, we shall become a prey to his devices; but the name of
the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe
(Proverbs 18:10). Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who
finds refuge in that mighty name.The Desire of Ages, pp. 130, 131.
What human wisdom cannot do the wisdom of God can do
through the surrender of the will, the mind, the soul, the strength,
the entire being, to God. His providence can unite hearts in bonds
that are of heavenly origin. But the result will not be a mere external
interchange of affection in soft and flattering words. There will be a
new experience; the loom of heaven weaves with warp and woof
finer, yet more firm, than those of earth.In Heavenly Places, p. 205.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 69
Tuesday March 26
3. A JOINT OPERATION
a. How are we to do our part in overcoming? James 4:7, 8; 2 Corin-
thians 7:1; 2 Peter 1:58.
Will man take hold of divine power, and with determination and
perseverance resist Satan, as Christ has given him example in His con-
flict with the foe in the wilderness of temptation? God cannot save
man against his will from the power of Satans artifices. Man must
work with his human power, aided by the divine power of Christ, to
resist and to conquer at any cost to himself. In short, man must over-
come as Christ overcame. And then, through the victory that it is his
privilege to gain by the all-powerful name of Jesus, he may become an
heir of God and joint heir with Jesus Christ. This could not be the case
if Christ alone did all the overcoming. Man must do his part; he must
be victor on his own account, through the strength and grace that
Christ gives him. Man must be a coworker with Christ in the labor of
overcoming, and then he will be partaker with Christ of His glory. . . .
It is a sacred duty that we owe to God to keep the spirit pure, as
a temple for the Holy Ghost. If the heart and mind are devoted to the
service of God, obeying all His commandments, loving Him with all
the heart, might, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves,
we shall be found loyal and true to the requirements of heaven.
Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 32, 33.
b. How are we to work out our own salvation? Philippians 2:12 (sec-
ond part), 13; 1 John 1:7, 9.
The work of gaining salvation is one of copartnership, a joint
operation. There is to be cooperation between God and the repentant
sinner. This is necessary for the formation of right principles in the
character. Man is to make earnest efforts to overcome that which hin-
ders him from attaining to perfection. But he is wholly dependent
upon God for success. Human effort of itself is not sufficient. Without
the aid of divine power it avails nothing. God works and man works.
Resistance of temptation must come from man, who must draw his
power from God. On the one side there is infinite wisdom, compas-
sion, and power; on the other, weakness, sinfulness, absolute help-
lessness.The Acts of the Apostles, p. 482.
70 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002
Wednesday March 27
4. FAITHFUL OBEDIENCE
a. How do John 5:39, 2 Corinthians 13:5, and 1 Peter 1:22 describe
what our relationship is to be with Gods word?
We must search the Scriptures with humble hearts, trembling at
the word of the Lord, if we would not be in any way deceived in regard
to our true character. There must be persevering effort to overcome
selfishness and self-confidence. Self-examination must be thorough,
that there be no danger of self-deception. A little catechizing of self on
special occasions is not sufficient. Daily examine the foundation of
your hope, and see whether you are indeed in the love of Christ. Deal
truly with your own hearts, for you cannot afford to run any risk here.
Count the cost of being a wholehearted Christian, and then gird on
the armor. Study the Pattern; look to Jesus, and be like Him. Your
peace of mind, your hope of eternal salvation, depend on faithfulness
in this work. As Christians we are less thorough in self-examination
than in anything else; it is no wonder, then, that we make such slow
advancement in understanding self.Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 332, 333.
b. What promise belongs to those who walk in the path of obedi-
ence? Number 23:21, 23; 2 Timothy 2:19, 22; John 14:23.
If [the people of God living in these last days] follow after right-
eousness and true holiness, if they keep all the commandments of God,
Satan and his agents will not be permitted to overcome them. All the
opposition of their bitterest foes will prove powerless to destroy or
uproot the vine of Gods own planting. Satan understands what Balaam
learned by sad experience, that there is no enchantment against Jacob,
neither divination against Israel, while iniquity is not cherished among
them; therefore his power and influence will ever be employed to mar
their unity and defile the purity of their characters.Testimonies, p. 599.
Often when Satan has failed of exciting distrust, he succeeds in
leading us to presumption. If he can cause us to place ourselves
unnecessarily in the way of temptation, he knows that the victory is
his. God will preserve all who walk in the path of obedience; but to
depart from it is to venture on Satans ground. There we are sure to
fall. The Saviour has bidden us, Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into
temptation (Mark 14:38).The Desire of Ages, p. 126.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 71
Thursday March 28
An Entirely Spiritual Battle
5. ANTICIPATING THE FINAL VICTORY

a. Explain the details of the Christians armor. Ephesians 6:1018. The Violent Take It by Force

b. Name one victor who testified to the success given to those who
wear this armor. 2 Timothy 4:7, 8.
c. What should we be doing while the great controversy is being
waged? Mark 14:38; Luke 12:37, 38, 40, 42, 43.
Those who watch for the Lords coming are not waiting in idle
expectancy. The expectation of Christs coming is to make men fear
the Lord, and fear His judgments upon transgression. It is to awaken
them to the great sin of rejecting His offers of mercy. Those who are
watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to the
truth. With vigilant watching they combine earnest working. Because
they know that the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to coop-
erate with the divine intelligences in working for the salvation of
souls. These are the faithful and wise servants who give to the Lords
household their portion of meat in due season (Luke 12:42).The
Desire of Ages, p. 634.
Friday March 29
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. What are people unable to do unless they are under the control of
Christ?
2. Although Satan has conquered humanity, when is he forced to trem-
ble?
3. How do we become coworkers with Christ?
4. What must we do if we do not want to be deceived in regard to our
own character?
5. How should we wait for the Lords appearing?
F
rom the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heav-
en suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force (Matthew
11:12).
The preaching of John the Baptist created intense excitement. At
the beginning of his ministry, religious interest was very low.
Superstition, tradition, and fables had confused the minds of the peo-
ple, and the right way was not understood. Zealous in securing world-
ly treasure and honor, men had forgotten God. John went forth to
herald the Lords anointed, and call men to repentance, saying:
Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that
was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying
in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make his paths
straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill
shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the
rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation
of God. . . . Now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: every
tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and
cast into the fire.
The teaching of John aroused in the hearts of many a great
desire to have a part in the blessings that Christ was to bring, and
they received the truth. These saw the need of reform. They must not
only seek to enter in at the strait gate; they must strive and agonize
in order to have the blessings of the gospel. Nothing save a vehement
desire, a determined will, a fixedness of purpose, could resist the
moral darkness that covered the earth as the pall of death. In order to
obtain the blessings that it was their privilege to have, they must
work earnestly, they must deny self.
The work of John the Baptist represents the work for these times.
His work, and the work of those who go forth in the spirit and power
of Elijah to arouse the people from their apathy, are the same in many
respects. Christ is to come the second time to judge the world in
righteousness. The messengers of God who bear the last message of
warning to be given to the world are to prepare the way for Christs
second advent as John prepared the way for his first advent. If the
kingdom of heaven suffered violence in the days of John, it suffers
violence now; today the blessings of the gospel must be secured in
the same way. If form and ceremony were of no avail then, a form of
godliness without the power can be of no avail now.

72 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 73
 Two powers are at work. On the one side Satan is working with Jacob was in fear and distress while he sought in his own
all his forces to counterwork the influence of the work of God; on the strength to obtain the victory. He mistook the divine visitor for an
other hand God is working through His servants to call men to repen- enemy, and contended with him while he had any strength left. But
tance. Which will prevail? Satan, knowing that his time is short, has when he cast himself upon the mercy of God, he found that instead
come down with great power, and is working with all deceivableness of being in the hands of an enemy, he was encircled in the arms of
of unrighteousness in them that perish. Every agent that he can infinite love. He saw God face to face, and his sins were pardoned.
employ he is using to prevent souls from coming to the light. The vic- The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take
tories we gain over self and sin are gained at the expense of the it by force. This violence takes in the whole heart. To be double-
enemy, and he will not let us enjoy the blessings of God without minded is to be unstable. Resolution, self-denial, and consecrated
making determined efforts to resist us. effort are required for the work of preparation. The understanding
There is need of earnest work, that we may have strength from and the conscience may be united; but if the will is not set to work,
God to resist the enemy when he shall come in like a flood. We must we shall make a failure. Every faculty and feeling must be engaged.
agonize in order to subdue self; for self-ease and self-indulgence are Ardor and earnest prayer must take the place of listlessness and indif-
the most deceptive of sins, stupefying the conscience and blinding ference. Only by earnest, determined effort and faith in the merits of
the understanding. Oh, that those who have heard the testing mes- Christ can we overcome, and gain the kingdom of heaven. Our time
sage would awake from their sleep, and no longer remain in careless for work is short. Christ is soon to come the second time. May God
indifference! We need the earnest desire of the importunate widow help those who have heard the warning message to remember that
and the Syrophenician womana determination that will not be the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by
repulsed. force.The Youths Instructor, May 17 and 24, 1900.
Many, very many, are making a fatal mistake by failing to heed
this lesson of Gods providence. Peace and rest can be secured only by
conflict. The powers of light and darkness are in array, and we must
individually take a part in the struggle. Jacob wrestled all night with
God before he gained the victory. As he pleaded with God in prayer,
he felt a strong hand laid upon him; and thinking it to be the hand
of an enemy, he put forth all his strength to resist him. He wrestled
for hours, but gained nothing over his opponent, and he dared not
relax his efforts for one moment, lest he should be overcome and lose
his life. Thus the contest went on until the dawn of day, and neither
had gained the victory. Then the stranger brought the conflict to a
close. He touched the thigh of Jacob, and the wrestlers strength was
The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no
paralyzed. It was not until then that Jacob learned who his opponent
more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and
really was; and, falling crippled and weeping on his neck, he pleaded
gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who creat-
for his life.
ed all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms
The angel could easily have released himself from the grasp of
of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest
Jacob, but he did not do this. Let me go, he pleaded, for the day
world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed
breaketh. But the answer came from the suffering but determined
beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.The Great
Jacob, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. The suppliants
Controversy, p. 678.
tears and prayers gained for him what he struggled in vain to obtain.
What is thy name? the angel asked. And he said, Jacob. And he said,
Thy name shall no more be called Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince
hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. . . . And
he blessed him there.

74 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 Sabbath Bible Lessons, JanuaryMarch 2002 75
 C HRISTS predictions of
the increase of calamities
prior to His second coming are fulfilling
before our eyes. We hear of disasters tak-
ing place in different parts of the earth. We
thank God for protecting the lives of our peo-
ple. Nevertheless, some of our brethren have
been adversely affected and are appeal-
ing to us for help! Your generous
contribution will prove a
great blessing to them
as well as to you.