The Church: Militant

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THE CHURCH
MILITANT
SENIOR DIVISION
SECOND QUARTER 1981

Lesson Titles for this Quarter
The Church Militant

1. Our Warfare
2. "After the Working of Satan"
3. Denominational Dangers
4. Before the Mirror
5. Beware!
6. The Influence of the Worid
7. Unbalanced Minds
8. Common Individual Dangers
9. Specific Deceptions
10. "A Little Leaven"
11. Character Revealed
12. Freedom of Choice
13. Victory
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, The Church Mililalll, for April-June, 1981, is published by the Seventh Day Adventist
Reform Movement General Conference Sabbath School Department. P.O. Box 312, Blackwood, NJ 08012, U.S.A.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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FOREWORD
As the end is drawing nearer, we read that Satan lays his snares especially for
those who endeavor to keep all the commandments of God and claim to be waiting for
the second coming of Christ. He is not worried about the popular churches, because
he has them well under his control. But here are those who know the truth for this
time and are preaching the last message of warning to the world (Rev. 14:6-12). If
Satan could deceive these also, God would apparently be left without representatives
on earth. Therefore, if there has ever been a time for watchfulness and prayer, it is
now.
One of the great problems among the believers in the threefold message is that
many "cannot distinguish between the work of God and that of man" (Testimonies to
Ministers, p. 476), between the right spirit and the wrong spirit, between profession of
the truth and sanctification through obedience to the truth. The servant of the Lord
warns:
"What greater delusion can deceive the human mind than that in which in-
dividuals 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 con-
trary to the expressed will of God? They work mechanically, like machinery; but
preparation of heart, the sanctification of the character, is wanting... ."-Ibid., p. 451.
The Faithful and True Witness is disappointed at the works of those who have
been called to give the threefold message to the world (Rev. 3:15). How far are we, as
Seventh Day Adventist reformers, involved in this problem? Let each individual ex-
amine himself as we go through the lessons prepared for this quarter.
We have heard that when we put our confidence entirely in the Lord, then He will
work powerfully for us and through us. But we should never overlook our part in
resisting the devil. "The expulsion of sin is the act of the soul itself. True, we have no
power to free ourselves from Satan's control; but when we desire to be set free from
sin, and in our great need cry out for a power out of and above ourselves, the powers
of the soul are imbued with the divine energy of the Holy Spirit, and they obey the
dictates of the will in fulfilling the will of God" (The Desire ofAges, p. 466). Therefore, let us
not come to the conclusion that God will do everything for us, and that there is
nothing left for us to do. Weare warned again and again:
"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?"- Tes-
timonies to Ministers, pp. 454, 455.
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
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Thirteenth Sabbath Offering
HEADQUARTERS AND CHAPEL IN

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY
The work in the Southern Union Conference of South America-

which comprises Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay-
is growing steadily. Success in soul winning has been achieved
especially in Bolivia and Chile. There has been lately a good interest
in the Reform message in the Paraguayan Field. For a long time, due
to the conditions mentioned in Ezekiel 16:49, people in Argentina and
Uruguay had not taken much interest in religion. But the unrest that
has disturbed the peace of these countries has brought a change of
late. Many souls are now turning to the Gospel in search of an answer
to their puzzling questions. Read Isaiah 26:9. Through these cir-
cumstances the Lord is opening a new door of opportunity before us,
and we must do our best and proclaim the Message while the oppor-
tunity lasts.
Some of the brethren in Uruguay have made special sacrifices for
the acquisition of a few properties and the erection of a small number
of chapels. A blind sister, for example, who was almost 90 when she
went to sleep in the Lord, had made extraordinary efforts towards the
building of a house of prayer in one of the smaller cities and the pur-
chase of a house with a big lot in Montevideo, the capital city. A
brother who can see that the end is very near, was impressed by the
Lord to dedicate the rest of his life to the work of God. He also sold his
properties to be able to help promote the interests of the Cause in that
country. It was mainly due to his contributions that the place in
Montevideo was obtained. And this property (see picture on page 48)
has been used on a temporary basis until now.
In line with the expansion of the work, however, they are now
making preparations to put up a new building-for the headquarters
and adjoining chapel-according to the new needs of the Field. The
Thirteenth Sabbath offering for this quarter has been allotted to that
project. Please add your generous contribution to their sacrifices (2
Corinthians 9:7).
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
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Lesson 1 Sabbath, April 4, 1981
OUR WARFARE
In these last days Satan is laying his snares especially for those who are looking
for the second advent of Christ and endeavoring to keep all the commandments
of God .
KEY TEXT: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might" (Ephesians 6:10).
Danger Ahead D Sunday

March 29
1. Why should we take a warning from the failures of ancient Israel? Romans
15:4.
"Satan's snares are laid for us as verily as they were laid for the children of Israel
just prior to their entrance into the land of Canaan. Weare repeating the history of
that people." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 160.
2. What should every believer be doing continually? Why? 1 Corinthians 10: 12;
Ephesians 6:10, 11.
"As we approach the close of time, as the people of God stand upon the borders
of the heavenly Canaan, Satan will, as of old, redouble his efforts to prevent them
from entering the goodly land. He lays his snares for every soul." -Patriarchs and Prophets,
p.457.
"His [Satan's] deceptions are many; his snares are carefully and cunningly
prepared to entangle the unwary and unsuspecting."- Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 489.
Satan's First Targets D Monday

March 30
3. 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 continually striving to wedge himself in be-
tween 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.
4. Who does Satan count as his very first target? Why? Isaiah 9:16.
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"Satan's chief work is at the headquarters of our faith. He spares no pains to cor-
rupt men in responsible positions and to persuade them to be unfaithful to their
several trusts."-Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 210, 211.
"It is not the ignorant and uncultured merely that need to be guarded; he [Satan]
will prepare his temptations for those in the highest positions, in the most holy office;
if he can lead them to pollute their souls, he can through them destroy many."-Patri-
archs and Prophets, pp. 457, 458.
Human Insufficiency o Tuesday

March 31
5. Why is human wisdom insufficient to distinguish truth from error? Matthew
11:25; 1 Corinthians 2:5.
" ... Satan's 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 message is truth, it will be mingled with men's 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... ."-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 229. .
6. How can you prove that honesty does not protect from deception? Revelation
3:17.
"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." - TestinlOnies, vol. 3, pp. 252, 253.
Right or Wrong Spirit? o Wednesday

April 1
7. Under what conditions will a person be able to discern the truth? Matthew
16:17; Philippians 3:15.
8. What is the unfortunate experience of many who think they are led by the
Spirit of God? Luke 9:55.
"Those of our brethren who had not obtained an experience for themselves in
present truth could not answer the arguments of Brother B, and although they could
not receive the views advocated by him, they were more or less affected by his talk
and reasoning. 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
he 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 earth's history. He may flatter himself that he
is being led of the Lord, but it is surely another spirit. ... "- Testinzonies, vol. 3, p. 440.
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Satan's Husbandry o Thursday
April 2
9. How and through whom is Satan engaged in scattering darkness and confu-
sion in the church? Romans 16:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:14.
"Brother B, with your present self-willed, stubborn spirit, you will go further and
further from the truth; and unless you are converted you will prove to be a great hin
drance to the cause of God in any place where you have any influence. You are persist-
ent to carry your points. Your self-sufficient spirit must be yielded before you can see
anything clearly... ."-Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 449.
" ... Satan, by his skillful and wicked strategy, led our first parents from the
Garden of Eden-from their innocence and purity into sin and unspeakable wretch-
edness. 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 [Brother B] as his agent to scatter darkness and confusion, and
. }:J.e 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 yourself as an additional load to prevent them from doing what they might
do in advancing in the right direction...." -Ibid., pp. 455, 456.
10. With what class of believers does Satan have considerable success? 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 world's Redeemer has
declared, 'Ye cannot serve God and mammon' (Matt. 6:24). By trying to serve two
masters, they are unstable in all their ways, and cannot be depended upon. To all ap-
pearances they are serving God, while at the same time in heart they are yielding to
the temptation of Satan and cherishing sin. They may speak words that are smoother
than oil, yet their hearts are full of deception and deceit in all their practices. Pro-
fessing to be righteous, yet they have a heart that is desperately wicked." - The SDA
Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 938.
Recapitulation o Friday
April 3
a. What will Satan do as we approach the close of time?
b. Where does Satan concentrate his main efforts?
c. Why should we be watching and praying now more than ever before?
d. What evidence shows that a person is being led by the wrong spirit?
e. What warning given to a self-willed, self-sufficient and stubborn brother is

for many of us today? _
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"AFTER THE WORKING OF SATAN"
As the ecumenical movement is gaining ground rapidly, along with spiritualism,

pentecostalism and the working of miracles, we can see that the end is very near.
Are we prepared to face these deceptions?
KEY TEXT: "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power
and signs and lying wonders" (2 Thessalonians 2:9).
Ecumenism D Sunday
April 5
1. What movement is gaining momentum in our days? What will be the conse-
quences of the threefold union? Revelation 16:13.
"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 creates 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 threefold union, this country
will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience."- The Great
Controversy, p. 588.
2. What warning has the Lord sent us concerning this confederacy? Isaiah
8:12; Revelation 18:4. What prophetic description of the 144,000 demands
complete separation from the fallen denominations? Revelation 14:4 (first
part). 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?
"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 revela-
tion, and human talent above the divine influence and the vital power of godliness."-
The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 4, pp. 1141, 1142.
"Let us not form unholy bonds of union with the friends of the world; for God has
pronounced His curse upon all such unions. Let the people of God take their stand
firmly for truth and for righteousness."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 277.
"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 decidetlly as did Nehemiah." -Prophets and Kings, p. 660.
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Spiritualism o Monday
April 6
3. What manifestation is gaining ground rapidly? 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 converted, after the modern
order of things. He will appear in the character of an angel of light. Through the agen-
cy of spiritualism, miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and many undeni-
able 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 COlltroversy, p. 588.
4. What lamentable example of spiritualism do we have in the Bible? 1 Samuel

28:11-14. What danger is before us?
"Many will be confronted by the spirits of devils personating beloved relatives or

friends and declaring the most dangerous heresies. These visitants 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 COlltroversy, p. 560.
Spiritualism (continued) o Tuesday

April 7
5. How do many fall prey to more pleasing forms of spiritualism? What history
is being repeated? 2 Kings 1:2.
"There are many who shrink with horror from the thought of consulting spirit
mediums, but who are attracted by more pleasing forms of spiritism, such as the Em-
manuel movement. 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 'sym-
pathetic 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 living God and the skill of well-qualified Christian physicians."-
Evallgelism, p. 606.
6. Why is it so dangerous to consult "faith healers"? 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
" ... 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
'magnetic 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 himself 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."
-Evallgelism, pp. 607, 608.
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Miracles o Wednesday
April 8
7. Wherein will Satan show his power through religionists in these last days?
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 command-
ments of God and giving heed to fables are fitting minds for these lying wonders of
Satan." -Messages to Young People, p. 61.
"The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his
marvelous works in our sight. 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.
"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, book 2, p. 53.
8. For what purpose did Satan work miracles in the days of Moses and Aaron?
In what danger are those whose faith is based on the working of miracles?
Exodus 7:10-13.
"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 miratles. It was this he hoped to make a test question with the Israelites at
the time of their deliverance from Egypt." -Selected Messages, book 2, p. 52.
9. What will be the climax in the great drama of deception? Matthew 24:23.
How can we bf on the safe side?
"Satan will not only appear as a human being, but he will personate 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.
"He [Satan] will come personating Jesus Christ, working mighty miracles; and
men will fall down and worship him as Jesus Christ. We shall be commanded to wor-
ship this being, whom the world will glorify as Christ. What shall we do?" -Ibid., vol. 6,
pp. 1105, 1106.
"The time is coming when Satan will work miracles right in your sight, claiming
that he is Christ; and if your feet are not firmly established upon the truth of God, then
you will be led away from your foundation. The only safety for you is to search for
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 Heavenly Father and say,
Enlighten me; teach me what is truth.... You should store the mind with the word of
God; for you may be separated, and placed where you will not have the privilege of
meeting with the children of God."-Ibid., p. 911.
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Charismatic Movement o Thursday
April 9
10. Before the latter rain is poured out, how will Satan introduce a counterfeit?
Matthew 7:22.
"I saw that 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 [the enemy of souls] can bring under his decep-
tive power he will make it appear that God's 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. Under
a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world."-
The Great Controversy, p. 464.
11. How shall we distinguish the work of God from the work of Satan? Matthew
7:20,21.
"Says Christ, 'By their fruits ye shall know them.' 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 SDA Bible Commen·
tary [E. G. White Commelltsf, vol. 7, p. 911.
12. What test will soon be brought upon the world? Revelation 13:13.
"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. Revela-
tion 13:13. Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to take their stand."-The
Great Controversy, p. 612.
April 10
a. What is the background of the threefold union that is under way?
b. Why is spiritualism gaining more and more power to deceive?
c. Name some of the modern forms of spiritualism.
d. How are minds being fitted for the lying wonders of Satan?
e. What is Satan's purpose in giving rise to the modern charismatic movement?
•
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DENOMINATIONAL DANGERS
The greatest problem with those in the Laodicean condition is that they are con-
tent to have the theory of the truth, but have not been converted by it
KEY TEXT: "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things
cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience" (Ephe-
sians 5:6).
Mere Assent to the Truth o Sunday

April 12
1. What was the greatest denominational deception in the days of Christ? Mat·
thew 23:1-3. How are many professed Christians caught in the same snare
today?
"The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day was that a mere as-
sent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical
knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It
does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness. A jealous regard for what is termed
theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in
life. . . ."- The Desire of Ages, p. 309.
"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." -Ibid., pp. 309, 310.
2. What is the great denominational deception in our days? Revelation 3: 14-17.
"The heavenly Teacher inquired: 'What stronger delusion can beguile the mind
than the pretense that you are building on the right foundation and that God accepts
your works, when in reality you are working out many things according to worldly
policy and are sinning against Jehovah? Oh, it is a great deception, a fascinating delu-
sion, that takes possession of minds when men who have once known the truth,
mistake the form of godliness for the spirit and power thereof; when they suppose
that they are rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, while in reality
they are in need of everything.' "-Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 249, 250.
Mere Assent to the Truth (continued) o Monday

April 13
3. In what danger are those who profess the present truth but are not sanctified
through obedience to it? Ezekiel 33:31.
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"If some who profess to believe present truth could understand their true posi-
tion, they would despair of the mercy of God. They have been exerting all their in-
fluence against the truth, against the voice of warning, against the people of God.
They have been doing the work of Satan."- Testimonies. vol. 5, p. 103.
"Instead of leading the world to render obedience to God's law, the church is
uniting more and more closely with the world in transgression. Daily the church is
becoming converted to the world." -Ibid.• vol. 8, p. 119.
" ... These transgressors of the law claim everything that is promised to the
children of God; but this is presumption on their part, for John tells us that true love
for God will be revealed in obedience to all His commandments. It is not enough to
believe the theory of truth, to make a profession of faith in Christ, to believe that
Jesus is no imposter, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised
fable.... "- The Acts 0/ the Apostles. p. 563.
4. How serious is our condition if our works do not correspond to the truth that
we profess? Matthew 11:23, 24.
"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 character and their
daily life." -Patriarchs and Prophets. p. 165.
Identification o Tuesday
April 14
5. Through what class of religious leaders can Satan work more efficiently?
Ephesians 5:6; Titus 1:16.
"In these days of delusion, every one who is established in the truth will have to
contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Every variety of error will be
brought out in the mysterious working of Satan, which would, if it were possible,
deceive the very elect, and turn them from the truth. There will be human wisdom to
meet-the wisdom of learned men, who, as were the Pharisees, are teachers of the
law of God, but do not obey the law themselves...." -Selected Messages. book 2, p. 98.
6. Whereby can they be identified in their true character? 1 John 2:3,4.
"If men do not feel the weight of the moral law; if they make light of God's
precepts; if they break one of the least of His commandments, 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
darkness, the enemy of God." - Thoughts From the Mount 0/ Blessing, p. 145.
"If they [men] belittle the law of God, if they pay no heed to His will as revealed
in the testimonies of His Spirit, they are deceivers." -Selected Messages, book 2. p. 98.
Wrong Attitude toward the Law of God o Wednesday

April 15
7. Give two examples showing how professed commandment keepers can be
commandment breakers. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27; 1 Timothy 2:9.
a. Health Reform
"Men and women cannot violate natural law by indulging depraved appetite and
lustful passions, and not violate the law of God." - Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 161.
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b. Dress Reform
"And when we see them [Christian sisters] using God's time and money in need-
less display of dress we cannot but warn them that they are breaking not only the first
four, but the last six commandments."-lbid., vol. 4, p. 632.
8. Give two more examples to this effect. Isaiah 8:9-12; Matthew 26:52.
c. Labor Unions
"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 members, 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, book 2, p. 143.
d. War and Bloodshed

"War and bloodshed are carried on by nations claiming to be Christian. A
disregard for the law of God has brought its sure result.":.... Th,e SDA Bible Commentary [E. G.
White Comments}, vol. 7, p. 974. Read Testimonies, vol. I, p. 361.
Consequences D Thursday
April 16
9. How is Satan trying to deceive the people of God with reference to God's law?
James 2:10.
"From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven it has been Satan's
purpose to overthrow the law of God. It was to accomplish this that he entered upon
his rebellion against the Creator, and though he was cast out of heaven he has con-
tinued the same warfare upon the earth. To deceive men, and thus lead them to trans-
gress God's law, is the object which he has steadfastly pursued. Whether this be ac-
complished 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.
10. How does God regard the unfaithfulness of the church? Hosea 2:2.
" ... Thus we acknowledge God and recognize His law, the foundation of His
government in heaven and throughout His earthly dominions. His 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 God's 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.
Recapitulation D Friday
April 17
a. What lamentable confusion do professed believers in the threefold message
make and why cannot God accept their work?
b. How can we become presumptuous in our knowledge of the truth?
c. 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?
d. In which fields of human behavior and activity is the law of God often
violated?
e. What object is Satan steadfastly pursuing? How? What are the conse-
quences? _
-14 -
BEFORE THE MIRROR
So wide is the comprehension of the law of God, that many professed believers
may be deceived into thinking that they are commandment keepers when they
are not, as shown by the examples below
KEY TEXT: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your
own selves" (James 1:22).
First Commandment D Sunday

April 19
1. How can the first commandment be broken by those who profess to keep the
law? Give examples. Matthew 19:22; 6:24; Philippians 3:19.
"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 mer-
chandise, 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 Satan's snares, set for un-
wary 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.
2. What warning is given to professed Christians who are worshiping false gods
today? 1 John 5:21. What will be the end of those who practice idolatry
under any form? Galatians 5:20, 21.
"No outward shrine may be visible; there may be no image for the eye to rest
upon; yet thousands are following after the gods of this world-after riches, fame,
pleasure, and the pleasing fables that permit man to follow the inclinations of the
unregenerate heart." -Prophets and Kings, p. 177.
"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.
"I am acquainted with persons who make a high profession, whose hearts are so
encased in self-love and selfishness that they cannot appreciate what I am writing.
They have all their lives thought and lived only for self.... Self is their idol."-
Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 26.
"Whatever we cherish that tends to lessen our love for God or to interfere with
the service due Him, of that do we make a god." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 305.
Fourth Commandment o Monday

April 20
3. What kind of obedience do the commandments of God require? Psalm 119:4;

James 1:22-25. How is partial Sabbathkeeping considered by the Lord?
-15 -
"You make the keeping of God's law a matter of convenience, obeying 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 Sab-
bathkeeper."- Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 248.
4. Besides actions, what else is covered by the fourth commandment? Isaiah

58:13.
"Those who discuss business 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 worldly character.
And the commandment includes all within our gates." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 307.
Sixth and Seventh Commandments D Tuesday

April 21
5. How is the sixth commandment often broken? 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 'whosoever 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 health-all these are, to a greater or
less degree, violations of the sixth commandment." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 308.
6. What light did Jesus shed on the seventh commandment? Luke 16:18; Mat-
thew 5:27,28. How are many caught in the snare?
"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 heartbreaking grief, the true nature of the evil which he has hidden in the
chambers of the soul. The season 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 Bless·
ing, p. 60.
Eighth Commandment D Wednesday

April 22
7. How far-reaching is the eighth commandment? What instruction did Paul

give in connection with this precept? Romans 13:8 (first part).
" ... 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 re-
quires 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.
-16 -
8. What else is covered by the eighth commandment? What does God say about
those who are not faithful in the fulfillment of their financial duties toward
His cause? Malachi 3:8-10.
"Covetousness is an evil of gradual development. ... " -Patn'archs and Prophets. p. 496.
"And 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."-Ibid., p. 497.
Ninth and Tenth Commandments o Thursday

April 23
9. What are the implications of the ninth commandment? Colossians 3:9.
"False speaking in any matter, every attempt or purpose to deceive our neighbor,
is here included. An intention to deceive is what constitutes falsehood. By a glance of
the eye, a motion of the hand, an expression of the countenance, a falsehood may be
told as effectually as by words. All intentional overstatement, every hint or insinua-
tion calculated to convey an erroneous or exaggerated impression, even the statement
of facts in such a manner as to mislead, is falsehood. This precept forbids every effort
to injure our neighbor's reputation by misrepresentation or evil surmising, by slander
or tale bearing. Even the intentional suppression of truth, by which injury may result
to others, is a violation of the ninth commandment." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 309.
10. What does the tenth commandment forbid and how easily can it be broken?
Exodus 20:17; James 1:13-15.
"The tenth commandment strikes at the very root of all sins, prohibiting the
selfish desire, from which springs the sinful act. He who in obedience to God's 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.
April 24
a. Give examples of idolatry among professed believers in the threefold

message.
b. How is the fourth commandment often violated according to Isaiah 58:13?
c. What implications of the sixth and seventh commandments are not easily
noticed by the surface readers?
d. What are the requirements of the eighth commandment?
e. How can a person tell a lie even without uttering a word? Give an example. _
-17 -
Lesson 5 Sabbath, May 2,1981
BEWAREI
To make sure that they would fall into the ditch completely unawares, the enemy
blinded the Jews-leadership and people-to the danger that was before them
(Matt. 15:14); and today he is using a similar device for the same purpose (Rev.
3:17)
KEY TEXT: " ... ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once
delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3, last part).
Wrong Stand toward the Spirit ofProphecy o Sunday

April 26
.
1. What prophecy is being fulfilled before our eyes? Job 24:13; Amos 2:12; 2
Chronicles 36: 16. For what specific purpose is Satan trying to throw
discredit on the testimonies through unfaithful leaders? Proverbs 29: 18.
"Soon every possible effort will be made to discount and pervert the truth of the
testimonies of God's Spirit." -Selected Messages, book 1, p. 4l.
"The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of
the Spirit of God." -Ibid., p. 48.
"There will be a hatred kindled against the testimonies which is satanic. The
workings of Satan will be to unsettle the faith of the churches in them, for this reason:
Satan cannot have so clear a track to bring in his deceptions and bind up souls in his
delusions if the warnings and reproofs and counsels of the Spirit of God are
heeded." -Ibid.
2. On the other hand, what snare is Satan trying to lay for those who profess to
believe in the writings of E. G. White? Jeremiah 14:14.
"There will be those once united with us in the faith who will search for new,
strange doctrines, for something odd and sensational to present to the people. They
will bring in all conceivable fallacies, and will present them as coming from Mrs.
White, that they may beguile souls." -Selected Messages, book 1, p. 41.
Heresies o Monday
April 27
3. How and through whom are many souls being led astray? Acts 20:28·30;
Jude 11-13.
"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 knowledge 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.
-18 -
"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. Men have brought themselves in with their heterogeneous mass of
heresies which they represent as oracles for the people." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G.
White Comments}, vol. 6. p. 1064.
"The food that is being prepared for the flock of God will cause spiritual con-
sumption, decline, and death." - The Review and Herald, June 18, 1901.
4. Who will contact some of the leaders personally? What will be the result?
2 Corinthians 11:14.
"From the light that God has given me, I know that one great danger of those
who claim to be followers of Christ, is in being self-deceived. 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, sanctified
love that Christ revealed, they will fall under Satan's power, and will do and say and
write strange things, to deceive, if it were possible, the very elect." - The Review and
Herald, June 30, 1910.
New Foundation D Tuesday

April 28
5. What attitude will finally be taken toward the pillars of our faith? 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 foun-
dation 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 replacing them with
pillars they have devised.
"This will continue to be as long as time shall last. ... " -Selected Messages, book 2, p.
389.
"After the truth has been proclaimed as a witness to all nations, every con-
ceivable power of evil will be set in operation, and minds will be confused by many
voices crying, 'Lo, here is Christ; 10, 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 land-
marks, and an attempt to tear down the pillars 'of our faith...." - The SDA Bible Commen-
tary [E. G. White Comments}, vol. 7, p. 985.
6. On the other hand, how will the faithful remnant act? Jude 3 (last part).
"I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to
those who would unsettle the established faith of the body." -Early Writings, p. 258.
Fanaticism and Formalism o Wednesday

April 29
7. Name two of Satan's favorite weapons. Jeremiah 23:21; 35:17 (second part).
"He [Satan] is working with all his insinuating, deceiving power, to lead men
away from the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with mighty power. If
-19 -
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 harvest of souls...." -Selected
Messages, book 2, p. 19.
8. Why are many people led astray by fanatical movements? What distinction
are they unable to see? Leviticus 10:10; Jeremiah 15:19; Ezekiel 22:26.
"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." -Selected Messages, book 2,
p. 14.
"There will always be false and fanatical movements made by persons in the
church who claim to be led of God-those who will run before they are sent...."-
Ibid., p. 84.
Deceptive Ideas of Unity o Thursday •

April 30
9. 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, book I, p. 175.
"To yoke up with those who are unconsecrated, and yet be loyal to the truth, is
simply impossible. We cannot unite with those who are serving themselves, who are
working on worldly plans, and not lose our connection with the heavenly Counselor."
" - The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1086.
"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." -Ibid., vol. 4, p. 1141.
"Even if they [who follow the Lord] have to walk as did Enoch,-with God
alone,-his children must separate from those who do not obey Him, .. ."-Ibid., vol. 2,
p. 1037.
10. On what platform does God call upon His people to unify? John 17:17-21;
1 John 1:7.
"I urge our brethren to unify upon a true, scriptural basis." -Selected Messages, book I,
p.175.
"Christs 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 people whom God is
leading will be united upon this broad, firm platform."- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 326.
May 1
a. What do you know about the two ways in which Satan is working against the
testimonies of the Spirit of Prophecy?
b. What kind of spiritual food is being given to the professed people of God?
What are the results?
c. Describe the two conflicting stands that can be observed among believers in
the third angel's message.
d. What harm will come through "those who will run before they are sent"?
e. Certain conditions make church unity possible and necessary on the one
hand or impossible on the other hand. Which are these conditions? _
-20 -
Lesson 6 Sabbath, May 9, 1981
THE INFLUENCE OF THE WORLD
As God warned Solomon in the past, He is warning us today "not to imperil our
souls by affinity with the world," because friendship with the world is enmity
with God
KEY TEXT: "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).
Seeking Support of Secular Power D Sunday

May 3
1. What snare was responsible for the apostasy of the church in the past?
Revelation 18:3; James 4:4.
"As the Christian religion secured the favor and support of secular rulers, it was
nominally accepted by multitudes; ... "- The Great Controversy, p. 385.
"Many of the Protestant churches are following Rome's example of iniquitous
connection with 'the kings of the earth'-the state churches, by their relation to
secular governments; and other denominations, by seeking the favor of the world."-
Ibid., p. 383.
2. What are the consequences of seeking forbidden support? 2 Chronicles 15:2

(last part); Hosea 4: 17.
"When the church begins to seek for the support of secular power, it is evident
that she is devoid of the power of Christ-the constraint of divine love." - Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing, p. 127.
Involvement in Politics D Monday

May 4
3. What call demands complete separation also from politics? 2 Corinthians
6:17.
"God calls to His people, saying, 'Come out from among them, and be ye
separate.' He asks that the love which He has shown for them may be reciprocated
and revealed by willing obedience to His commandments. His children are to separate
themselves from politics, from any alliance with unbelievers." -Fundamentals of Christian
Education, p. 483.
4. What will be the end of those who ignore this call? 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9.
- 21-
"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 sanctified 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 circumcised
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.
Worldly Policy o Tuesday

May 5
5. What warning came to the church re adopting worldly policy? Proverbs 4: 14,
15.
"The religion of Jesus is endangered. It is being mingled with worldliness. ,

Worldly policy is taking the place of 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?" -Counsels to Writers and Editors, pp. 95. 96. Ii
6. What does the Lord expect of His faithful servants? Ezekiel 3: 17. What are
the unfaithful church leaders doing with a view to securing success to the in-
stitutions? Proverbs 2:12-14.
"Men will employ every means to make less prominent the difference 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...." - Testimonies, vol. 6. p. 144.
"Already has the power of darkness placed its mold and superscription upon the
work that should stand forth untainted, unpolluted from Satan's cunning devices."-
Testimonies to Ministers, p. 277.
Human Reason above Divine Revelation o Wednesday

May 6
7. What tendency has been gaining ground in some areas? 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 Bi-
ble, 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.
8. What counsel is given for the faithful leaders? 1 Timothy 6:20. What decep-
tion is captivating many minds?
"There is a spirit of idolatrous exaltation of mere human reason above the revealed
wisdom of God." - Testimonies, vol. 5. 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
-22 -
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 sen-
sational minds stand ready to catch up suppositions and guesses and human theories
and false science as truth to be accepted and taught."-The SDA Bible Commenlary [E. G.
White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1157.
Rejection of the Lord's Message D Thursday

May 7
9. How does Satan boast of his ability to deceive leaders and 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 Lord's 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.... They will proclaim the word of the Lord; they
will lift up their voice like a trumpet. The truth will not be diminished or lose its
power in their hands. They will show the people their transgressions, and the house
of Jacob their sins."-Ibid., p. 411.
10. What must happen to the church if she rejects the Lord's message? Matthew
6:23.
"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 message 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.
May 8
a. What fact becomes evident when the church begins to seek for the support of
secular power? '
b. What difference should we understand and how does this apply to any in-
volvement in politics?
c. What happens where worldly policy is adopted?
d. How is human reason being exalted above divine revelation?
e. While Satan is working to prevent the professed people of God from receiv-
ing the needed help (Isaiah 58:1; Revelation 3:18), what is God doing
through a faithful remnant? _
- 23-
UNBALANCED MINDS
Unbalanced minds can easily be identified by the characteristics given in the

word of God, which warns us that we will always have to deal with such persons
KEY TEXT: "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).
Dreams and Visions o Sunday

May 10
1. What warning is for the people of God living in these last days? Matthew
24:4; Isaiah 8:20. Why is this warning needed especially at this 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 world's 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.
2. How and through whom did Satan try to deceive ancient Israel? Jeremiah
23:25-27. How and through whom is he trying to deceive modern Israel?
"Many times I have been sent to different places with the message, 'I have a
work for you to do in that place; I will be with you.' When the occasion came, the
Lord gave me a message for those who were having false dreams and visions, and in
the strength of Christ I bore my testimony at the Lord's bidding. "-Selected Messages, book
2, p. 75.
"As the end drew near, I was to see more of these [false dreams and visions]
manifestations." -Ibid., p. 76.
"There will be false dreams and false visions, which have some truth, but lead
away from the original faith." -Ibid., p. 98.
Dreams and Visions (continued) o Monday

May 11
3. What warning did the Lord send to His people? Jeremiah 29:8, 9. What pur-
pose is Satan trying to accomplish through false dreams and false visions?
"After a very solemn meeting with these deceived ones, 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.
-24-
"I was asked how this could be if the visions were all false. I told them that it was
Satan's purpose to mingle truth with error, that through these deceptive exercises he
might make of none effect the genuine work of God. From that time all their many vi-
sions ceased. What has become of those who had the visions, and those who en-
couraged 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, book 2, pp. 77, 78.
4. What do we know about the different categories of dreams mentioned 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 circum-
stances under which they are given, contain their own proofs of their genuine-
ness.' "- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 658.
Feelings, Impressions and Imaginations D Tuesday

May 12
5. What will some people hold to be revelations from God? Ezekiel 13:7, 8.
"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 have not the Spirit of God] are controlled by impulse and impres-
sions, 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. book 2. pp. 98, 99.
6. With what presumptuous claim will many try to justify their course of action
in these last days? Jeremiah 23:21. What is the consequence of their refusing
the counsel of their brethren?
"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." -Selected Messages, book 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.
I. They refuse the counsel of their brethren, and press on in their own way until they
become just what Satan would desire to have them-unbalanced in mind."- Testimonies
to Ministers, p. 56.
Boastful Claims o Wednesday

May 13
7. What contrast can be seen between the words of Paul and the claims of some
professed Christians today? Philippians 3:13, 14. What claim was never
made by the apostles?
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"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 com-
mit a wrong act, men whom God had honored with divine light and power, have con-
fessed 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 righteous-
ness of Christ. So will it be with all who behold Christ." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 160.
8. What should we know about anyone claiming to be sanctified above the

possibility of committing sin? 1 John 1:8-10.
"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.' '-The Acts oj the Apostles, pp.
561,562.
Strange Spirit D Thursday

May 14
9. How can we distinguish the Spirit of God from the spirit of Satan? 1 Kings
19:12, 13: 18:26,28; 1 Corinthians 14:40.
"The Lord desires to have in His service order and discipline, not excitement and
confusion." -Selected Messages, book 2, p. 35.
"Mere noise and shouting are no evidence of sanctification, or of the descent of
the Holy Spirit."-Ibid.
" ... The things you have described as taking place in Indiana, the Lord has
shown me would take place just before the close of probation. Every uncouth thing
will be demonstrated. There will be shouting, 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 ingenious methods for making of none ef-
fect the pure, sincere, elevating, ennobling, sanctifying truth for this time." -Ibid.• p. 36.
10. How can we distinguish between the true gift of tongues and the false gift of
tongues? Acts 2:6-8; 1 Corinthians 14:9: Isaiah 8:19.
"Some of these persons [Sabbathkeepers with a spirit of fanaticism] have exer-

cises which they call gifts and say that the Lord has placed them in the church."-
Testillwnies, vol. 1, p. 412.
May 15
a. On what rock are we to stand firm against all delusions of Satan?
b. False dreams and visions, as well as false messages, may contain some truth. •
For what purpose does Satan mingle truth with error?
c. What is claimed by many who are controlled by feelings, impressions or im-
aginations?
d. What boastful claims will be made by some of them?
e. If there is no order and discipline, but excitement and confusion, what does
this indicate? -
- 26-
COMMON INDIVIDUAL DANGERS
Many are asleep on the brink of eternal ruin; may at least some of them yield to
the influence of the Spirit of God and open their eyes to their growing dangers!
KEY TEXT: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1
Corinthians 10:12).
Worldly-mindedness D Sunday
May 17
1. What snare is Satan laying especially for the remnant people of God? Mat-
thew 13:22; 1 Timothy 6:10.
"I saw that Satan bade his angels lay their snares especially for those who were
looking for Christ's second appearing and keeping all the commandments of God.
Sat:l!n 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 working 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 Christ's kingdom or the spread of the truths we hate. Present
the world before them in the most attractive light, that they may love and idolize
it... .' "-Early Writi'lgs, p. 266.
" ... Christ bids them [men and women] seek first the kingdom of God, and His
righteousness; 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
multitudes are deceived... ." - The Desire of Ages, p. 130.
2. When a Christian finds it hard to meet his obligations, because his wife or
children stand in the way, what words of Jesus should come to his mind?
Matthew 10:37. Whereas Satan had no success with Christ, how does he ob-
tain success with man?
" ... 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? . ."-Tes-
timonies, vol. 1, p. 152.
"Satan deals with men more guardedly than he dealt with Christ in the
wilderness of temptation, for he is admonished that he there lost his case. He is a con-
quered foe. He does not come to man directly and demand homage by outward wor-
ship. He simply asks men to place their affections upon the good things of this world.
If he succeeds in engaging the minds and affections, the heavenly attractions are
- 27-
eclipsed. All he wants of man is for him to fall under the deceitful power of his temp-
tations, to love the world, to love rank and position, to love money, and to place his af-
fections upon earthly treasures. If he secures this, he gains all that he asked of
Christ."- Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 480.
Pride o Monday
May 18
3. What warning has been given concerning pride and love of the world? Isaiah
3:16; 1 John 2:15-17. What instruction has Satan given to his angels about
this snare?
"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.
"We can separate many from Christ by worldliness, lust, and pride."-Testimonies to
Ministers, p. 473.
4. What will be the end of the slaves of pride and lovers of the world? Malachi
4:1.
"I saw that God hates pride, and that all the proud and all that do wickedly shall
be stubble, and the day that cometh shall burn them up."- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 132.
Dissipation D Tuesday
May 19
5. How does Satan ensnare those who are inclined to shun duty and lead a life of
ease? Proverbs 5:22, 23.
"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 faithful." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 53.
6. How do many church-goers prove that they are deceived? Matthew 15:8.
What distinction is often overlooked?
''Those who love society frequently indulge this trait until it becomes an overrul-
ing passion. To dress, to visit places of amusement, to laugh and chat upon subjects
altogether lighter than vanity-this is the object of their lives. They cannot endure to
read the Bible and contemplate heavenly things. They are miserable unless there is
something to excite. They have not within them the power to be happy, but they de-
pend for happiness upon the company of other youth as thoughtless and reckless as
themselves. The powers which might be turned to noble purposes they give to folly
an mental dissipation."- 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 sanc-
tified." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 97.
Indifference and Carelessness D Wednesday
May 20
7. What attitude do many professed Christians take concerning their eternal

interests? Ezekiel 33:31, 32.
-28 -
"There are some who profess to be Christ's 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 a folly! what madness! ... "-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 407.
8. How are weak souls often prevented from receiving help? Luke 14:18-20.
" ... As he [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."- The Great Controversy, pp. 518, 519.
Presumption D Thursday
May 21
9. How does Satan succeed in holding a good number of believers in the snare of
presumption? Matthew 24:48-51.
"That evil servant who said in his heart, 'My Lord delayeth His coming,' professed
to be waiting for Christ. He was a 'servant,' outwardly devoted to the service of God
while at heart he had yielded to Satan. He does not, like the scoffer, openly deny the
truth, but reveals in his life the sentiment of the heart-that the Lord's coming is
delayed. Presumption renders him careless of eternal interests. He accepts the
world's maxims and conforms to its customs and practices. Selfishness, worldly
pride, and ambitions predominate. Fearing that his brethren may stand higher than
himself, he begins to disparage their efforts and impugn their motives. Thus he
smites his fellow servants...." - Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 101, 102.
10. What is the difference between faith and presumption? James 2:10-20.
" ... Faith claims God's promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presump-
tion also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression.
Faith would have led our first parents to trust the love of God, and to obey His com-
mands. Presumption led them to transgress His law, believing that His great love
would save them from the consequence of their sin...." - The Desire of Ages, p. 126.
May 22
a. How does Satan succeed in deceiving multitudes today?

b. What snare is a great hindrance to spirituality and growth in grace?
c. How does Satan control many young church-goers who find no pleasure in
reading the Bible and the testimonies, in studying the Sabbath school
lessons, and in meditating upon heavenly things?
d. What attitude is nothing but folly and madness?
e. Describe the spiritual attitude of the class represented by the evil servant. _
- 29-
Lesson 9 Sabbath, May 30,1981
SPECIFIC DECEPTIONS
We read that, as the end nears, Satan will use every kind of deception to hinder
the preparation of those who profess to be looking for the second coming of
Christ. What are we doing to shield our souls against these deceptions?
KEY TEXT: "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 everlasting"
(Galatians 6:8).
Dangerous Associations o Sunday

May 24
1. Against what specific snare does Paul warn in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18?
"The apostle Paul declares that it is impossible for the children of God to unite
with worldlings: 'Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.' 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.
2. What is written about believers who expose themselves to this snare? Pro-
verbs 13:20. Which is the only safe course in this matter? Psalm 1:1.
" ... All who are not decided followers of Christ are servants of Satan. In the
unregenerate heart there is love of sin and a disposition to cherish and excuse it. In
the renewed heart there is hatred of sin and determined resistance against it. When
Christians choose the society of the ungodly and unbelieving, they expose themselves
to temptation. Satan conceals himself from view and stealthily draws his deceptive
covering over their eyes. They cannot see that such company is calculated to do them
harm; and while all the time assimilating to the world in character, words, and ac-
tions, they are becoming more and more blinded." - The Great Controversy, p. 508.
"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
king's court, we may be sure that God will protect us; but if we place ourselves under
temptation we shall fall sooner or later." -Ibid., p. 509.
•
Frivolous Parties o Monday
May 25
3. What work is Satan promoting among our young people? What is his aim?
How can Christian mothers counteract Satan's work? Job 1:4, 5; 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
- 30-
the cradle, to control passion, to deny appetite, and to overcome selfishness. They
need line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little." -Fundamentals
0/ Christian Education, p. 141.
4. What should those know who participate in frivolous parties? Ephesians

2:1,2.
"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 Teachers, Parents, and Students, p. 367.
Music and Literature D Tuesday
May 26
5. In what art did king Solomon take much interest? Ecclesiastes 2:8 (second
part). How is music used as a snare in the hands of Satan?
" ... Music is the idol which many professed Sabbathkeeping Christians wor-
ship. 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 Satan's most attrac-
tive 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 terri-
ble curse. Young persons assemble to sing, and, although professed Christians, fre-
quently dishonor God and their faith by their frivolous conversation and their choice
of music. Sacred music is not congenial to their taste.... "- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 506.
"Those things which have been in the past will be in the future. Satan will make
music a snare by the way in which it is conducted." -Selected Messages, book 2, p. 38.
6. What distinction do many fail to make in the field of literature? Jeremiah
23:28 (last part). How are souls ensnared through literary trash?
" ... The many books which education is thought to embrace, are misleading, 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 literature which is of a cheap, superficial
order, but which fascinates the mind, and fastens it in a network of Satan's con-
trivance. 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 pres~nt 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. Love for Jesus and inclination to
righteousness are lost; for the mind is built up from that upon which it feeds. 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, and cares not to
study the character he must form in order to dwell with the redeemed host, and in-
habit the mansions which Christ has gone to prepare." -Fundamentals 0/ Christian Education,
pp. 451, 452.
Games, Theater, Movies and TV D Wednesday

May 27
7. What warning should always be borne in mind? 1 Corinthians 15:33. What is
the effect of games and theatrical performances?
- 31-
"Satan does not wish the people to have a knowledge of God; and if he can set in
operation games and theatrical 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, p. 402.
8. What warnings necessarily include most motion pictures and television?

Proverbs 4:23; Psalm 101:3 (first part); Isaiah 33:15, 16. .
"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.
"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." -Ibid.
Other Snares D Thursday

May 28
9. What does the Bible say about the spirit of criticism and railery? James 4: 11;
1 Corinthians 5:11. What instruction has Satan given to his angels?
. " 'We [Satan and his angels] must cause distraction and division. We must
destroy their anxiety for their own souls, and lead them to criticize, to judge, and to
accuse and condemn one another, and to cherish selfishness and enmity. For these
sins, God banished us from His presence; and all who follow our example will meet a
similar fate.' "-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 475.
10. What warning and appeal concerning fleshly lusts should be heeded especial-
ly today? Galatians 6:8; 1 Peter 2:11. Why is the indulgence of appetite so
dangerous?
"The apostle Peter understood the relation between the mind and the body, and
raised his voice in warning to his brethren: 'Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as
strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.' Many
regard this text as a warning against licentiousness only; but it has a broader mean-
ing. It forbids every injurious gratification of appetite or passion. Every perverted ap-
petite becomes a warring lust. Appetite was given us for a good purpose, not to
become the minister of death by being perverted, and thus degenerating into 'lusts
which war against the soul.' "-COlmsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 166, 167.
"Through appetite, Satan controls the mind and the whole being. Thousands
who might have lived, have passed into the grave, physical, mental, and moral
wrecks, because they sacrificed all their powers to the indulgence of appetite." -Ibid.,
p.167. •
May 29
a. What warning has been given about forbidden associations?
b. What does God consider as an oblation offered to Satan?
c. How can music and literature become a snare?
d. How and for what purpose is Satan trying to paralyze the senses of those that
yield to his influence?
e. What result is Satan trying to accomplish by leading church members to
criticize, judge, accuse and condemn one another? _
- 32-
Lesson 10 Sabbath, June 6, 1981
"A LITTLE LEAVEN"
Life is made up, not of great achievements, but of little things which develop our
characters and determine our future
KEY TEXT: "Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth
the whole lump" (1 Corinthians 5:6)?
Self-Destruction o Sunday
May 31
1. How did Pharaoh destroy himself? Exodus 4:21.
" ... There was no exercise of supernatural power to harden the heart of the
king. God gave to Pharaoh the most striking evidence of divine power, but the
monarch stubbornly refused to heed the light. Every display of infinite power rejected
by him, rendered him the more determined in his rebellion. The seeds of rebellion
that he sowed when he rejected the first miracle, produced their harvest. .. ."-Patri-
archs and Prophets. p. 268.
" ... By rejecting the first light and every following ray, Pharaoh went from one
degree of hardness of heart to another, until the cold, dead forms of the first-born only
checked his unbelief and obstinacy for a moment. And then, determined not to yield
to God's way, he continued his willful course until overwhelmed by the waters of the
Red Sea."- Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 119, 120.
2. How do sinners destroy themselves? Galatians 6:7.
" ... Just what took place in Pharaoh's heart will take place in every soul that
neglects to cherish the light and walk promptly in its rays. God destroys no one. The
sinner destroys himself by his own impenitence. When a person once neglects to heed
the invitations, reproofs, and warnings of the Spirit of God, his conscience becomes
seared, and the next time he is admonished, it will be more difficult to yield obedience
than before. And thus with every repetition. Conscience is the voice of God, heard
amid the conflict of human passions; when it is resisted, the Spirit of God is grieved."
- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 120.
"He who has once yielded to temptation will yield more readily the second time.
Every repetition of the sin lessens his power of resistance, blinds his eyes, and stifles
conviction. Every seed of indulgence sown will bear fruit. God works no miracle to
prevent the harvest." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 268.
- 33-
Gradual Process o Monday
June 1
3. Why is it so dangerous to resist the first impressions of the Holy Spirit?

Ephesians 4:30: 1 Corinthians 5:6.
"He [God] 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.
4. Why is the process of apostasy almost imperceptible to those who are

yielding 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." - Testimonies to Ministers, p. 450.
"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 imperceptible. Light comes to the soul through God's word, through His
servants, or by the direct agency of His Spirit; but when one ray of light is disregard-
ed, there is a partial benumbing of the spiritual perceptions, and the second revealing
of light is less clearly discerned. So the darkness increases, until it is night in the
soul. ... "- The Desire of Ages, p. 322.
Neglecting Little Things D Tuesday

June 2
5. Which is one of Satan's most successful devices to turn souls away from the
line of truth and duty? Luke 16:10.
" ... It is one of Satan's 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 transgression, are led to look upon sin in little matters as of trifling
consequence. 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 retrograde movement begins, no one can tell •
where it may end...." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 2, p. 1017.
6. Why is it dangerous to neglect the little things? Songs of Solomon 2:15.
"It is the little faxes that spoil the vines; the little neglects, the little deficiencies,
the little dishonesties, the little departures from principle, 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
- 34-
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 altogether. ..." - The Review and Herald, December 29, 1910.
Downward Road o Wednesday

June 3
7. Give an example showing how professed believers can play into the hands of
Satan in a moment of carelessness. 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 surmising, expressing that
which they do not really believe; but the expression reacts on the thoughts. They are
deceived by their words, and come to believe that true which was spoken at Satan's
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, dangerous to question and criticize
divine light....:'- The Desire of Ages, p. 323.
8. What fact is in many cases the beginning of apostasy? Luke 11:24-26. How
do men often neglect prayer and the reading of the Bible? Mark 4:19.
"It is not only by resistance but by neglect that the soul is destroyed."- The Desire
of Ages, p. 323.
"When secret prayer and reading of the Scriptures are neglected today, tomor-
row they can be omitted with less remonstrance of conscience. There will be a long
list of omissions, all for a single grain sown in the soil of the heart." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p.
120.
" ... But 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 heaven; but there is no time to turn aside
from the din of the world to listen to the majestic and authoritative utterances of the
Spirit of God....
"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...." -Christ Object Lessons, pp. 51, 52.
In the Ranks of Satan o Thursday

June 4
9. 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 decep-
tion 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
misstep, 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.
- 35-
10. 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 control 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 agencies the enemy is constantly working to steal
away the hearts of Christ's soldiers." -Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 94.
June 5
a. What will take place in every soul that neglects to walk in the light received?
b. How do men get their eyes blinded and their hearts hardened?
c. If the little digressions from the path of truth and righteousness continue,
what is the unavoidable result?
d. Name two seeds from which self-destruction is reaped.
e. What things mark the beginning of the road that ends in damnation? _
- 36-
CHARACTER REVEALED
Character is not inherited, but built by degrees, day by day. "It is by small things
that our characters are formed." And it is "the little incidents of everyday life"
that show in which direction we are heading
KEY TEXT: "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:20).
Loveless Christianity o Sunday

June 7
1. How do professed Christians 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. He who loves
God and his neighbor is filled with light and love. God is in him and all around him.
Christians love those around them as precious souls for whom Christ has died. There
is no such thing as a loveless Christian; . . ." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Com-
ments}. vol. 5. p. 1141.
2. 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 presence is not there. No busy activity or
Christless zeal can supply the lack. There may be a wonderful keeness 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 brother's 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. . . ." - Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing. p. 126.
Self-Inflated Religion o Monday

June 8
3. When the love of Christ is lacking in the heart, how does this become evi-
dent? 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 lukewarm, 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 ceremo-
nies, but this is the substance of their self-inflated religion.... "- The SDA Bible Commen-
tary [E. G. White Comments}. vol. 7, p. 962.
- 37-
4. 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 one's self. There is liability to self-deception and to think its warnings and reproofs
do not mean me. 'The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who
can know it?' 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 God's wOrd."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 332.
Things which God Abhors D Tuesday

June 9
5. Compare true missionary work with the objectionable "missionary work"
carried on by self-righteous Christians. Titus 3:2, 3; James 3:14-16.
"Those who make faultfinding their work, may appear to be constantly 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 sugges-
tions rankle in human hearts, and the seed springs up to bear an abundant harvest."-
The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 940.
"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."-
Ibid.
6. What is liable to destroy the peace of the church? Matthew 18: 1.
"By spiritual pride, a desire to dictate, an ambitious longing for honor or position,
a lack of self-control, by the indulgence of passion or prejudice, by instability or lack
of judgment, the church may be disturbed and her peace sacrificed."- Testimonies, vol. 5.
p. 241.
"Weare fellow pilgrims, seeking a better country, even a heavenly. 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." - The SDA Bible
Commentary [E. G. White Comments]. vol. 7, p. 940.
Workers of Iniquity D Wednesday

June 10
7. Describe the attitude taken and confusion caused by those who walk in the
sparks of their own kindling. Isaiah 50:11; 5:20.
" ...They [the class represented in Isa. 5:20] 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 com-
mon things. Avarice and selfishness are called by false names; they are called
prudence. Their rising up in independence and rebellion, their revenge and stub-
borness, 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
- 38-
they prefer their own reasoning to divine revelation, their own plans and human
wisdom to the admonitions and commands of God. The piety and conscientiousness
of others are called fanaticism, and those who practise 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 underlying these things are not
discerned by them; and they go on in wrong-doing, leaving the bars open for Satan to
find ready access to the soul." - The SDA Bible Commentary fE. G. White Comments}. vol. 4, p. 1138.
8. What will be the influence of capable but unconverted men? What end is
reserved for them? 2 Peter 2:1-3.
"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 fE. G. White Comments], vol. 4. p. 1138.
Profession of Christianity as a Cloak D Thursday

June 11
9. What attitude does Satan inspire in popular ministers and professed Chris-
tians today? How do they make him happy? 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
"A profession of religion has become popular with the world. Rulers, pOliticians,
lawyers, doctors, merchants, join the church as a means of securing the respect and
confidence of society, and advancing their own worldly interests. Thus they seek to
cover all their unrighteous transactions under a profession of Christianity. The
various religious bodies, re-enforced by the wealth and influence of these baptized
worldlings, make a still higher bid for popularity and patronage. Splendid churches,
embellished in the most extravagant manner, are erected on popular avenues. The
worshipers array themselves in costly and fashionable 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 made smooth and pleasing for fashionable ears. Thus fashionable
sinners are enrolled on the church records, and fashionable sins are concealed under a
pretense of godliness." - The Great Controversy, p. 386.
10. What warning is given least even professed believers in the threefold
message be entrapped? Matthew 23:25,27..
"Many who profess to be serving God are in the same position as Saul,-covering
over ambitious projects, pride of display, with a garment of pretended righteousness.
The Lord's cause is made a cloak to hide the deformity of injustice, but it makes the
sin of tenfold greater enormity."- The SDA Bible Commentary fE. G. White Comments}. vol. 2, p.
1017.
June 12
a. To what is Christian love an index?
b. What are the characteristics of self love?
c. How are seeds of bitterness scattered by self-righteous believers?
d. What evidence shows that some professed Christians are walking in the
sparks of thei~ own kindling?
e. What is often used as a cloak to hide injustice? _
- 39-
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Man is free to choose whom he will serve, and then he must take the conse-
quences; thus, all are by their own choice deciding their destiny
KEY TEXT: "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).
Individual Responsibility D Sunday

June 14
1. What freedom of choice has been given to every individual? What happens
when man misuses this freedom? Deuteronomy 30:19.
" ... God gives sufficient light and evidence to enable man to distinguish 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 evidence that is sufficient to guide his
judgment in the right direction, and chooses evil once, he will do this more readily the
second time. The third time he will still more eagerly withdraw himself from God and
choose to stand on the side of Satan. And in this course he will continue 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.
2. On what does the perception and appreciation of truth depend? John 7:17.
" ... The perception and appreciation of truth, He [Jesus] said, depends less
upon the mind than upon the heart. Truth must be received into the soul; it claims the
homage of the will. If truth could be submitted to the reason alone, pride would be no
hindrance in the way of its reception. But it is to be received through the work of
grace in the heart; and its reception depends upon the renunciation of every sin that
the Spirit of God reveals. Man's advantages for obtaining a knowledge of the truth,
however great these may be, will prove of no benefit to him unless the heart is open to
receive the truth, and there is a conscientious surrender of every habit and practice
that is opposed to its principles. To those who thus yield themselves to God, having
an honest desire to know and to do His will, the truth is revealed as the power of God
for their salvation. These will be able to distinguish between him who speaks for God,
and him who speaks merely from himself...." - The Desire of Ages, pp. 455, 456.
Loveo/Sin D Monday
June 15
3. 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 mouth~ of objectors so that
they can say nothing, and tomorrow they will go over the same ground again. Thus it
-40 -
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 concealed in
darkness; and as light comes, the life and character of men must change correspon-
dingly, 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.
4. Through whose influence does Satan secure sin-loving multitudes to himself?

Ezekiel 20:30; Matthew 10:37.
"Many are the ways by which Satan works through human influence to bind his
captives. He secures multitudes to himself by attaching 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 Great Controversy, p. 597.
Unacceptable Excuse o Tuesday

June 16
5. How can men rise from the lowest depths of ignorance and sin? Psalm
119:98, 105.
"By giving heed to the teachings of God's 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.
6. What will be no excuse for those who persist in error and sin? Hosea 4:6.
"Ignorance is no excuse for error or sin, when there is every opportunity to know
the will of God. A man is traveling and comes to a place where there are several roads
and a guideboard indicating where each one leads. If he disregards the guideboard,
and takes whichever road seems to him to be right, he may be ever so sincere, but will
in all probability find himself on the wrong road." -The Great Controversy, pp. 597, 598.
"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." -Ibid., p. 597.
Easily Entrapped o Wednesday

June 17
7. In the days of Christ and the disciples, how did Satan succeed in deceiving
the Jews through a false principle that had been instilled into their minds?
John 7:48. In our days, how are many deceived through the same wrong
principle?
"Many are deceived today in the same way as were the Jews. Religious teachers
read the Bible in the light of their own understanding 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
Desire of Ages, p. 459.
- 41-
"They [the many who are professors of religion] pass by the Saviour's 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 God's word that they are light bearers?"- The Great Controversy, pp. 596, 597.
8. How do people cooperate with Satan and how are they easily entrapped?
Isaiah 53:1; Acts 28:24.
"Those to whom the message of truth is spoken seldom ask, 'Is is 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 favorable to real godliness now than in the days of Christ. They are
just as intently seeking earthly good, to the neglect to 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 world's great men, or even by the religious leaders." -The Desire of
Ages, pp. 459, 460.
Eternal Ruin D Thursday

June 18
9. What class of people will remain blind to the truth? Why? 2 Corinthians
4:3,4.
"God does not propose to remove every objection which the carnal heart may
bring against His truth. To those who refuse the precious rays of light which would il-
luminate the darkness, the mysteries of God's 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.
10. How are individuals, families and churches, today, following the example of
the Jewish people? Hosea 13:9; Jeremiah 6:19.
"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.
Recapitulation DFriday
June 19
a. To whom does God reveal the truth?
b. When the light of truth comes to a person, what are the two alternative
possibilities?
c. Why is ignorance no excuse for error or sin?
d. Whereby do multitudes estimate the truth today, and what questions do

they ask in objection to it?
e. What help should a carnal heart never expect from God? •
-42 -
)
to build the chapel and mission

headquarters in Montevideo, Uruguay.
See details on pages 4, and 48.
VICTORY
The victory can be gained only by God's grace combined with earnest human ef-
forts, which include resolute purpose, earnest prayer, living faith, unswerving
obedience, unreserved surrender to God, and constant watchfulness
KEY TEXT: HI can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philip-
pians 4:13).
Key to Victory o Sunday

June 21
1. Describe Satan's perseverance, man's natural inclination and our possibil-

ities. 1 Peter 5:8; Romans 7:14, 15; John 15:5.
H •••Man is naturally inclined to follow Satan's suggestions, and he cannot suc-

cessfully 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 God's people understand this, that they may escape his snares...."-
Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 341.
2. Wherein is our only hope of victory? 1 Peter 5:9; Philippians 4:13; Romans
8:37.
- 43-
"The example of Christ shows us that our only hope of victory is in continual
resistance of Satan's attacks. He who triumphed over the adversary of souls in the
conflict of temptations understands Satan's 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 over-
come as He overcame. The Signs of the Times, March 4, 1880. ' '-Messages 10 YOlmg Peo-
ple, p. 50.
Mutual Commitment D Monday

June 22
3. What is our responsibility in the process 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." - The Desire of
Ages, p. 125.
4. Since we can do nothing on our own, how is God willing to help us if we sur·
render our hearts to Him? 1 Corinthians 10:13; Psalm 50:15; 2 Peter 1:3, 4.
" ... We cannot save ourselves from the tempter's 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.' Provo 18:10. Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who finds
refuge in that mighty name." - The Desire of Ages, p. 131.
Joint Operation D Tuesday

June 23
5. How is man to do his part in the work of overcoming? James 4:7,8; 2 Corin-
thians 7:1; 2 Peter 1:5-8.
" ... God cannot save man against his will from the power of Satan's 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 overcome as Christ over-
came. 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 co-worker with Christ in the labor of overcoming, and then he
will be partaker with Christ of His glory."- TeslimOtzies, vol. 4, pp. 32, 33.
6. How are we to work out our own salvation? Philippians 2:12 (second part);
1 John 1:7, 9.
- 44-
"The work of gaining salvation is one of copartnership, a joint operation. There
is to be co-operation 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 over-
come that which hinders 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... ."-TheActsoftheApostles,
p.482.
Faithful Obedience D Wednesday

June 24
7. How and for what purpose should we be continually searching the Scriptures
and our own hearts? John 5:39; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Peter 1:22.
" ... 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...." - Testimonies, yol. 5, p. 332.
8. What promise belongs to those who walk in the path of obedience? Numbers
23:21,23; 2 Timothy 2:19,22; John 14:23.
" ... If they [the people of God living in the last days] follow after righteousness
and true holiness, if they keep all the commandments of God, Satan and his agents
will not be permitted to overcoIl}e them. All the opposition of their bitterest foes will
prove powerless to destroy or uproot the vine of God's 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; ... "- Testimonies, yol. 5, p. 599.
"God will preserve all who walk in the path of obedience; but to depart from it is
to venture on Satan's ground." -The Desire of Ages, p. 126.
Anticipating the Final Victory D Thursday

June 25
9. What armor must we put on if we want to be conquerors? Explain the details.

Ephesians 6:10-18. Name one of the victors who testified to the efficacy of
this armor. 2 Timothy 4:7,8.
10. What are we told to do while the battle is going on? Mark 14:38; Luke 12:37,
38, 40, 42, 43.
- 45-
" .. -. Those who watch for the Lord's coming are not waiting in idle expectancy. The
expectation of Christ's 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 co-operate with the divine intelligences in working for the
salvation of souls. These are the faithful and wise servants who give to the Lord's
household 'their portion of meat in due season.' .. ." -The Desire 0/ Ages, p. 634.
June 26
a. What is man unable to do unless he is under the control of Christ?
b. Although Satan has conquered humanity, when is he forced to tremble?
c. In which way must we be co-workers with Christ if we want to be overcomers?
d. What must we do if we do not want to be deceived in regard to our true character?
e. What should make it evident that we are actually watching for the coming of the
~~ .
r<~",
the Thirteenth Sabbath offering for the
construction of a new chapel and head-
quarters in Montevideo, Uruguay.
See details on pages 4, and 48.
-46-
-NOTES-
-47-

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SECOND QUARTER 1981

The Church Militant

The General Conference Sabbath School Department

HEADQUARTERS AND CHAPEL IN

The work in the Southern Union Conference of South America-

The General Conference Sabbath School Department

Danger Ahead D Sunday

Satan's First Targets D Monday

Human Insufficiency o Tuesday

Right or Wrong Spirit? o Wednesday

b. Where does Satan concentrate his main efforts?

e. What warning given to a self-willed, self-sufficient and stubborn brother is

"AFTER THE WORKING OF SATAN"

As the ecumenical movement is gaining ground rapidly, along with spiritualism,

3. What manifestation is gaining ground rapidly? Isaiah 8:19; 28:15.

4. What lamentable example of spiritualism do we have in the Bible? 1 Samuel

"Many will be confronted by the spirits of devils personating beloved relatives or

Spiritualism (continued) o Tuesday

6. Why is it so dangerous to consult "faith healers"? 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

Mere Assent to the Truth o Sunday

2. What is the great denominational deception in our days? Revelation 3: 14-17.

Mere Assent to the Truth (continued) o Monday

6. Whereby can they be identified in their true character? 1 John 2:3,4.

Wrong Attitude toward the Law of God o Wednesday

d. War and Bloodshed

BEFORE THE MIRROR

First Commandment D Sunday

Fourth Commandment o Monday

3. What kind of obedience do the commandments of God require? Psalm 119:4;

4. Besides actions, what else is covered by the fourth commandment? Isaiah

Sixth and Seventh Commandments D Tuesday

5. How is the sixth commandment often broken? 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 1

Eighth Commandment D Wednesday

7. How far-reaching is the eighth commandment? What instruction did Paul

Ninth and Tenth Commandments o Thursday

9. What are the implications of the ninth commandment? Colossians 3:9.

a. Give examples of idolatry among professed believers in the threefold

Wrong Stand toward the Spirit ofProphecy o Sunday

New Foundation D Tuesday

Fanaticism and Formalism o Wednesday

Deceptive Ideas of Unity o Thursday •

THE INFLUENCE OF THE WORLD

Seeking Support of Secular Power D Sunday

2. What are the consequences of seeking forbidden support? 2 Chronicles 15:2

Involvement in Politics D Monday

Worldly Policy o Tuesday

"The religion of Jesus is endangered. It is being mingled with worldliness. ,

Human Reason above Divine Revelation o Wednesday

Rejection of the Lord's Message D Thursday

c. What happens where worldly policy is adopted?

d. How is human reason being exalted above divine revelation?

Unbalanced minds can easily be identified by the characteristics given in the

Dreams and Visions o Sunday

Dreams and Visions (continued) o Monday

4. What do we know about the different categories of dreams mentioned in the

Feelings, Impressions and Imaginations D Tuesday

Boastful Claims o Wednesday

8. What should we know about anyone claiming to be sanctified above the

Strange Spirit D Thursday

"Some of these persons [Sabbathkeepers with a spirit of fanaticism] have exer-

COMMON INDIVIDUAL DANGERS